bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of tryptophan hydroxylase abolishes fatigue induced by central tryptophan in exercising rats
Authors: Cordeiro L. M. S. , Guimarães J. B. , Wanner S. P. , La Guardia R. B. , Miranda R. M. , Marubayashi U. , Soares D. D.
Published: April 2012

Fatigue during prolonged exercise is related to brain monoamines concentrations, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been fully elucidated. We investigated the effects of increased central tryptophan (TRP) availability on physical performance and thermoregulation in running rats that were pretreated with parachlorophenylalanine (p‐CPA), an inhibitor of the conversion of TRP to serotonin. On the 3 days before the experiment, adult male Wistar rats were treated with intraperitoneal (ip) injections of saline or p‐CPA. On the day of the experiment, animals received intracerebroventricular (icv) injections of either saline or TRP (20.3 μM) and underwent a submaximal exercise test until fatigue. Icv TRP‐treated rats that received ip saline presented higher heat storage rate and a 69% reduction in time to fatigue compared with the control animals. Pretreatment with ip p‐CPA blocked the effects of TRP on thermoregulation and performance. Moreover, ip p‐CPA administration accelerated cutaneous heat dissipation when compared with saline‐pretreated rats. We conclude that an elevated availability of central TRP interferes with fatigue mechanisms of exercising rats. This response is modulated by serotonergic pathways, because TRP effects were blocked in the presence of p‐CPA. Our data also support that a depletion of brain serotonin facilitates heat loss mechanisms during exercise.
Indicators for root caries in Danish persons with recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ellefsen Birita S. , Morse Douglas E. , Waldemar Gunhild , Holm‐Pedersen Poul
Published: April 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00560.x
 
Indicators for root caries in Danish persons with recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease

Objective:  To identify indicators of root caries among persons with newly diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Background:  Few studies have investigated dental caries in older adults with AD. Previously we found that persons with AD had significantly more root caries compared to persons with dementia other than AD.

Methods:  Participants were recruited from two university hospital clinics in Copenhagen, Denmark. A team of neurologists/geriatricians carried out the diagnostic screening. The study included an interview, oral examination and medical records.

Results:  We evaluated potential indicators of root decay across subjects with 3+ decayed surfaces vs. <3 decayed surfaces. Variables associated with increased odds of root caries were age over 80 years, 2+ decayed coronal surfaces and 5+ filled root surfaces. Among the social variables, living with someone was associated with a nearly 70% reduction in the odds of having 3+ surfaces of untreated caries.

Discussion:  Root caries is highly prevalent among individuals with new AD and there is still a strong need for active assessment of and attention to oral problems in persons with AD. Our findings document that recently diagnosed AD cases with multiple coronal caries lesions are at elevated risk of having more root caries. Also persons 81+ years and those with multiple root fillings are more likely to have numerous untreated root lesions.
Pilot testing of an HIV medication adherence intervention in a public clinic in the Deep South
Authors: Konkle‐Parker Deborah J. , Erlen Judith A. , Dubbert Patricia M. , May Warran
Published: April 2012

Purpose: Strict adherence to HIV medications is critical to ensure long‐term disease control, and adherence interventions that are possible in a clinic setting with limited resources are needed.

Data sources: This randomized controlled pilot study tested an adherence intervention guided by the Information‐Motivation‐Behavioral Skills (IMB) model. The intervention included HIV education, a peer video, motivational interviewing, and attention to behavioral skills including communication with providers and adherence‐enhancing devices. Dependent variables included 3‐4 week adherence recall, medication refill rate, changes in IMB subscale scores, appointment attendance, and HIV‐associated laboratory findings. Seventy‐three individuals starting or restarting antiretroviral therapy were enrolled and 56 were randomized.

Conclusions: Improvements were seen in most outcomes, with small to moderate effect sizes, but the study was not powered to show statistical significance. Threats to power included a 51% attrition rate, resulting mostly from loss to clinical care or prolonged gaps in care.

Implications for practice: A telephone‐based intervention to improve HIV medication adherence shows promise. Further study is needed with greater attention to retention in care.
Reference‐free transcriptome assembly in non‐model animals from next‐generation sequencing data
Authors: CAHAIS V. , GAYRAL P. , TSAGKOGEORGA G. , MELO‐FERREIRA J. , BALLENGHIEN M. , WEINERT L. , CHIARI Y. , BELKHIR K. , RANWEZ V. , GALTIER N.
Published: April 2012

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies offer the opportunity for population genomic study of non‐model organisms sampled in the wild. The transcriptome is a convenient and popular target for such purposes. However, designing genetic markers from NGS transcriptome data requires assembling gene‐coding sequences out of short reads. This is a complex task owing to gene duplications, genetic polymorphism, alternative splicing and transcription noise. Typical assembling programmes return thousands of predicted contigs, whose connection to the species true gene content is unclear, and from which SNP definition is uneasy. Here, the transcriptomes of five diverse non‐model animal species (hare, turtle, ant, oyster and tunicate) were assembled from newly generated 454 and Illumina sequence reads. In two species for which a reference genome is available, a new procedure was introduced to annotate each predicted contig as either a full‐length cDNA, fragment, chimera, allele, paralogue, genomic sequence or other, based on the number of, and overlap between, blast hits to the appropriate reference. Analyses showed that (i) the highest quality assemblies are obtained when 454 and Illumina data are combined, (ii) typical de novo assemblies include a majority of irrelevant cDNA predictions and (iii) assemblies can be appropriately cleaned by filtering contigs based on length and coverage. We conclude that robust, reference‐free assembly of thousands of genes from transcriptomic NGS data is possible, opening promising perspectives for transcriptome‐based population genomics in animals. A Galaxy pipeline implementing our best‐performing assembling strategy is provided.
Validation of the scleroderma health assessment questionnaire and quality of life in English and Chinese‐speaking patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Ng Xinyi , Thumboo Julian , Low Andrea H. L.
Published: April 2012

Aims

To perform cross‐cultural adaptation and validation of the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (S‐HAQ) and Systemic Sclerosis Quality of Life scale (SSc‐QoL) in English and Chinese‐speaking patients with SSc.

Methods

In this Institutional Review Board approved study, patients seen at the rheumatology outpatient clinics were consecutively recruited over a 10‐month period. We evaluated: (i) test–retest reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC); (ii) known‐groups construct validity by stratifying patients according to organ involvement and symptom severity; and (iii) convergent validity using Spearman's correlation with Short Form 36 version 2 (SF36v2).

Results

Forty‐nine SSc patients completed the questionnaires: 26 Chinese, 23 English; 30 self‐administered, 19 interviewer‐administered, of which 35 responded to the retest. The SSc‐QoL, HAQ Disability Index, intestinal Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), breathing VAS and overall disease severity VAS demonstrated high reliability (ICCs 0.71–0.93). The intestinal, finger ulcer and breathing S‐HAQ VASs were able to differentiate patients according to their respective organ involvement. As hypothesized, the S‐HAQ correlated better with the Physical Summary Component (PCS) than the Mental Summary Component (MCS) scores of the SF36v2. The SSc‐QoL also demonstrated good convergent validity with the SF36v2 scales.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, we provided preliminary evidence to demonstrate the good test–retest reliability and reasonable construct validity of S‐HAQ and SSc‐QoL for use in English and Chinese‐speaking SSc patients. This forms the basis for future studies to assess more extensively their psychometric properties.
A New Catheter for Tumor Targeting With Radioactive Microspheres in Representative Hepatic Artery Systems. Part I: Impact of Catheter Presence on Local Blood Flow and Microsphere Delivery
Authors: Kleinstreuer C. , Basciano C. A. , Childress E. M. , Kennedy A. S.
Published: April 2012

Building on previous studies in which the transport and targeting of 90Y microspheres for liver tumor treatment were numerically analyzed based on medical data sets, this two-part paper discusses the influence of an anchored, radially adjustable catheter on local blood flow and microsphere delivery in an idealized hepatic artery system (Part I). In Part II a patient-inspired case study with necessary conditions for optimal targeting of radioactive microspheres (i.e., yttrium 90) onto liver tumors is presented. A new concept of optimal catheter positioning is introduced for selective targeting of two daughter-vessel exits potentially connected to liver tumors. Assuming laminar flow in rigid blood vessels with an anchored catheter in three controlled positions, the transient three-dimensional (3D) transport phenomena were simulated employing user-enhanced engineering software. The catheter position as well as injection speed and delivery function may influence fluid flow and particle transport. Although the local influences of the catheter may not be negligible, unique cross-sectional particle release zones exist, with which selectively the new controlled targeting methodology would allow optimal microsphere delivery. The insight gained from this analysis paves the way for improved design and testing of a smart microcatheter (SMC) system as well as new investigations leading to even more successful treatment with 90Y microspheres or combined internal radiation and chemotherapy.
Development and testing of an improved dosimetry system using a backscatter shielded electronic portal imaging device
Authors: King Brian W. , Morf Daniel , Greer Peter. B.
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

To investigate the properties of a modified backscatter shielded electronic portal imaging device (BSS‐EPID) and to develop a dose model to convert BSS‐EPID images to dose in water as part of an improved system for dosimetry using EPIDs.

Methods:

The effectiveness of the shielding of the BSS‐EPID was studied by comparing images measured with the BSS‐EPID mounted on the support arm to images measured with the BSS‐EPID removed from the support arm. A dose model was developed and optimized to reconstruct dose in water at different depths from measured BSS‐EPID images. The accuracy of the dose model was studied using BSS‐EPID images of 28 IMRT fields to reconstruct dose in water at depths of 2, 5, 10, and 20 cm and comparing to measured dose in water from a two‐dimensional diode array at the same depths. The ability of the BSS‐EPID system to operate independently of detector position was demonstrated by comparing the dose reconstruction of a 10 × 10 cm2 field using different detector offsets to that measured by a two‐dimensional diode array.

Results:

The shielding of the BSS‐EPID was found to be effective, with more than 99% of pixels showing less than 0.5% change due to the presence of the support arm and at most a 0.2% effect on the central axis for 2 × 2 cm2 fields to fully open 30 × 40 cm2 images. The dose model was shown to accurately reconstruct measurements of dose in water using BSS‐EPID images with average γ pass rates (2%, 2 mm criteria) of 92.5%, 98.7%, 97.4%, and 97.2% at depths of 2, 5, 10, and 20 cm, respectively, when compared to two‐dimensional diode array measurements. When using 3%, 3 mm γ criteria, the average pass rate was greater than 97% at all depths. Reconstructed dose in water for a 10 × 10 cm2 field measured with detector offsets as large as 10 cm agreed with each other and two‐dimensional diode array measurements within 0.9%.

Conclusions:

The modified BSS‐EPID and associated dose model provide an improved system for dosimetry measurements using EPIDs. Several important limitations of the current hardware and software are addressed by this system.
Traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord impairment in New Zealand: incidence and characteristics of people admitted to spinal units
Authors: Derrett Sarah , Beaver Carolyn , Sullivan Martin J , Herbison G Peter , Acland Rick , Paul Charlotte
Published: April 2012

This paper estimates the incidence (all ages) of spinal cord neurological impairment (SCI; traumatic and non-traumatic) in New Zealand and describes pre-SCI characteristics and early post-SCI outcomes for participants (16–64 years) in this longitudinal study. Demographic and clinical data on all people admitted to New Zealand's two spinal units (mid-2007 to mid-2009) were included for the estimate of incidence. Participants in this longitudinal study were asked at first interview about pre-SCI socio-demographic, health and behavioural characteristics, and about post-SCI symptoms, general health status (EQ-5D) and disability (WHODAS 12-item). Age-adjusted incidence rates (95% CI) for European, Māori, Pacific and ‘Other’ ethnicities were 29 (24–34), 46 (30–64), 70 (40–100) and 16 (9–22) per million, respectively. Interviews with 118 (73%) participants (16–64 years), occurred 6.5 months post-SCI. Most reported bother with symptoms, and problems with health status and disability. Compared with Europeans, the incidence of SCI is high among Māori and particularly high among Pacific people. Six months after SCI, proximate to discharge from the spinal units, considerable symptomatic, general health and disability burden was borne by people with SCI.
Prevention of tetanus during the First World War
Authors: Wever Peter Cornelis , van Bergen Leo
Published: April 2012

The emergence of tetanus in wounded soldiers during the first months of the First World War (WWI) resulted from combat on richly manured fields in Belgium and Northern France, the use of modern explosives that produced deep tissue wounds and the intimate contact between the soldier and the soil upon which he fought. In response, routine prophylactic injections with anti-tetanus serum were given to wounded soldiers removed from the firing line. Subsequently, a steep fall in the incidence of tetanus was observed on both sides of the conflict. Because of fatal serum anaphylaxis associated with administration of serum at a time when purification methods still needed to be improved, it must be presumed that tens to hundreds of men might have died as a result of the routine administration of anti-tetanus serum during WWI. Yet anti-tetanus serum undoubtedly prevented life threatening tetanus among several hundred thousands of wounded men, making it one of the most successful preventive interventions in wartime medicine. After the abrupt fall in tetanus incidence in 1914 due to introduction of anti-tetanus serum, the incidence of the disease tended to become even lower as the war went on. This was probably due to earlier and more thorough surgical treatment, consisting of opening, cleaning, excision and drainage of wounds as early as possible. In this overview, recent battlefield findings from the Meuse-Argonne offensive in 1918 are used to illustrate common practices employed in the prevention of tetanus during WWI.
Genetics and epigenetics of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Alagiakrishnan Kannayiram , Gill Sudeep S , Fagarasanu Andrei
Published: April 2012

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly prevalent condition that predominantly affects older adults. AD is a complex multifactorial disorder with a number of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors which ultimately lead to premature neuronal death. Predictive and susceptibility genes play a role in AD. Early-onset familial AD is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. Genome-wide association studies have identified many potential susceptibility genes for late-onset AD, but the clinical relevance of many of these susceptibility genes is unclear. The genetic variation by susceptibility genes plays a crucial role in determining the risk of late-onset AD, as well as the onset of the disease, the course of the AD and the therapeutic response of patients to conventional drugs for AD. The newer understanding of the epigenetics in AD has also been highlighted. Recent advances in genetics, epigenetics and pharmacogenetics of AD pose new challenges to the future management of AD.
Constitutive modelling approach for evaluating the triggering of flow slides
Authors: Buscarnera Giuseppe , Whittle Andrew J.
Published: April 2012

The paper presents a methodology to evaluate flow slide susceptibility in potentially liquefiable sandy slopes. The proposed approach accounts for both contractive and dilative volumetric behaviour during shearing using the MIT-S1 constitutive model. As a result, it is possible to distinguish among different types of undrained response induced by a rapid shear perturbation. The first part of the paper describes the general methodology for infinite slopes, providing an index of stability for incipient static liquefaction in shallow deposits. The methodology accounts for the anisotropy due to the initial stress state and uses simple shear simulations to assess instability conditions as a function of slope angle, stress state, and density of the soil. The resulting stability charts define the margin of safety against static liquefaction and the depths likely to be affected by the propagation of an instability. The second part of the paper applies the methodology to the well-known series of flow failures in a berm at the Nerlerk site. The MIT-S1 model is calibrated using published data on Nerlerk sands and in situ cone penetration test (CPT) data. The analyses show that in situ slope angles α = 10°–13° are less than the critical slope angle needed for incipient instability. Liquefaction and flow failures were therefore promoted by small perturbations in shear stresses that could be generated by rapid deposition of hydraulic fill.
Prediction and follow-up of failure and fallouts in footwall drifts in the Kiirunavaara mine
Authors: Edelbro C. , Sjöberg J. , Malmgren L. , Dahnér-Lindqvist C.
Published: April 2012

A likely result of changes in rock stresses due to progressing mining is an increased number of compressive stress–induced failures. This paper presents the results from numerical analysis and observations of stress-induced fallouts in footwall drifts in the Kiirunavaara underground mine. A brittle-plastic “cohesion-softening friction-hardening” (CSFH) material model was used for simulating brittle fallouts. To account for mining-induced stress changes, the local model stress boundary conditions were extracted from a global model. The rock mass properties were based on field observations in the footwall drifts as well as on results from laboratory testing. A multi-stage analysis was carried out to gradually change the stresses to simulate mining progress. A parametric study was conducted in which strength properties, location, and shape of the footwall drift were varied. Yielded elements and maximum shear strain were used as damage and fallout indicators. The modelling results were sensitive to the shape of the drift. The location of the predicted fallouts was in good agreement with the location of observed fallouts for the case in which the drift roof was simulated flatter than the theoretical cross section. The results indicate that the true shape of the drift is different from the planned one.
Modeling parameters of structured clays as a multivariate normal distribution
Authors: Ching Jianye , Phoon Kok-Kwang
Published: April 2012

This study explores the possibility of modeling liquidity index, undrained shear strength, remolded undrained shear strength, preconsolidation stress, and vertical effective stress of structured clays (sensitive or quick clays) as a multivariate normal distribution. The literature is replete with correlation equations between two soil parameters. Consistent synthesis of more than two soil parameters through construction of a multivariate probability distribution function is rare, despite obvious practical usefulness of such an approach. This study compiles a large database of structured clays to construct the multivariate probability distribution among the aforementioned five soil parameters. This multivariate distribution is then used to simulate the correlations between soil parameters of interest and to derive useful equations for Bayesian inference. This constructed multivariate distribution and equations are further validated by another independent database of structured clays as well as by empirical equations proposed in the literature.
AN IMPROVED CLUSTER DYNAMICS MODEL FOR HYDROGEN RETENTION IN TUNGSTEN
Authors: NING R. H. , LI Y. G. , ZHOU W. H. , ZENG Z. , JU X.
Published: April 2012

An improved cluster dynamics model has been developed for studying the behaviors of hydrogen retention in tungsten under hydrogen ions irradiation. In addition to different types of objects, adopting up-to-date parameters and complex reaction processes, we newly introduce ion-induced and natural defects into our model. This improved model programmed in IRadMat2 could describe very well the depth distributions and the amounts of hydrogen retained in tungsten under different radiation conditions. The calculated results agree with the experimental ones much better than the previous model, especially for the depth-distribution of D retained in W, which imply that this model is applicable to the evolution of defects especially for low energy high flux ions irradiated on plasma-facing materials.
ON ⋆-COLON-MULTIPLICATION DOMAINS
Authors: HEUBO-KWEGNA OLIVIER A.
Published: April 2012

Let ⋆ be a star operation on an integral domain R. An ideal A is a ⋆-colon-multiplication ideal if A⋆ = (B(A : B))⋆ for all fractional ideal B of R. We prove that every maximal ideal of R is a ⋆-colon-multiplication ideal if and only if R is a ⋆-CICD or R is a local ⋆-MTP domain. It is also shown that every ideal of R is ⋆-colon-multiplication if and only if R is a ⋆-CICD.
SELECTIVE ASYMMETRIC CAPITAL FINANCING BEHAVIOR: PREFERENCE TOWARDS EQUITY FINANCING
Authors: LIEN DONALD , LO MELODY , NI JINLAN
Published: April 2012

Using data from 1,217 publicly traded Chinese companies from 1994–2006, we show that the capital financing behavior of Chinese firms deviates substantially from the pecking order theory in that equity issues are always the preferred financing source for funding requirements. We further document the existence of a stylized asymmetric financing pattern — equity issues are used much more heavily over debt issues under the condition of a fund flow surplus versus a fund flow deficit, which is the result of Chinese firms selecting the degree of inherent equity-issue preference feasible to pursue given their fund flow condition.
Comparison of Biomarkers in Blood and Saliva in Healthy Adults
Authors: Williamson Sarah , Munro Cindy , Pickler Rita , Grap Mary Jo , Elswick R. K.
Published: April 2012

Researchers measure biomarkers as a reflection of patient health status or intervention outcomes. While blood is generally regarded as the best body fluid for evaluation of systemic processes, substitution of saliva samples for blood would be less invasive and more convenient. The concentration of specific biomarkers may differ between blood and saliva. The objective of this study was to compare multiple biomarkers (27 cytokines) in plasma samples, passive drool saliva samples, and filter paper saliva samples in 50 healthy adults. Demographic data and three samples were obtained from each subject: saliva collected on filter paper over 1 minute, saliva collected by passive drool over 30 seconds, and venous blood (3 mL) collected by venipuncture. Cytokines were assayed using Bio-Rad multiplex suspension array technology. Descriptive statistics and pairwise correlations were used for data analysis. The sample was 52% male and 74% white. Mean age was 26 (range = 19–63 years, sd = 9.7). The most consistent and highest correlations were between the passive drool and filter paper saliva samples, although relationships were dependent on the specific biomarker. Correlations were not robust enough to support substitution of one collection method for another. There was little correlation between the plasma and passive drool saliva samples. Caution should be used in substituting saliva for blood, and relationships differ by biomarker.
Approximation of Homomorphisms and Derivations on non‐ArchimedeanLie C∗‐Algebras via Fixed Point Method
Authors: Cho Yeol Je , Saadati Reza , Vahidi Javad
Published: April 2012

Using fixed point methods, we prove the generalized Hyers‐Ulam stability
of homomorphisms in C∗‐algebras and Lie C∗‐algebras and of derivations on non‐Archimedean C∗‐algebras and Non‐Archimedean Lie C∗‐algebras for an m‐variable additive functional equation.
Lipid Bodies: Inflammatory Organelles Implicated in Host-Trypanosoma cruziInterplay during Innate Immune Responses
Authors: D'Avila Heloisa , Toledo Daniel A. M. , Melo Rossana C. N.
Published: April 2012

The flagellated protozoaTrypanosoma cruziis the causal agent of Chagas' disease, a significant public health issue and still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Latin America. Acute Chagas' disease elicits a strong inflammatory response. In order to control the parasite multiplication, cells of the monocytic lineage are highly mobilized. Monocyte differentiation leads to the formation of phagocytosing macrophages, which are strongly activated and direct host defense. A distinguishing feature of Chagas' disease-triggered macrophages is the presence of increased numbers of distinct cytoplasmic organelles termed lipid bodies or lipid droplets. These organelles are actively formed in response to the parasite and are sites for synthesis and storage of inflammatory mediators. This review covers current knowledge on lipid bodies elicited by the acute Chagas' disease within inflammatory macrophages and discusses the role of these organelles in inflammation. The increased knowledge of lipid bodies in pathogenic mechanisms of infections may not only contribute to the understanding of pathogen-host interactions but may also identify new targets for intervention.
Plasticity and mTOR: Towards Restoration of Impaired Synaptic Plasticity in mTOR-Related Neurogenetic Disorders
Authors: Gipson Tanjala T. , Johnston Michael V.
Published: April 2012

Objective. To review the recent literature on the clinical features, genetic mutations, neurobiology associated with dysregulation of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), and clinical trials for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) and fragile X syndrome (FXS), and phosphatase and tensin homolog hamartoma syndromes (PTHS), which are neurogenetic disorders associated with abnormalities in synaptic plasticity and mTOR signaling.Methods. Pubmed and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched using specific search strategies.Results/Conclusions. Although traditionally thought of as irreversible disorders, significant scientific progress has been made in both humans and preclinical models to understand how pathologic features of these neurogenetic disorders can be reduced or reversed. This paper revealed significant similarities among the conditions. Not only do they share features of impaired synaptic plasticity and dysregulation of mTOR, but they also share clinical features—autism, intellectual disability, cutaneous lesions, and tumors. Although scientific advances towards discovery of effective treatment in some disorders have outpaced others, progress in understanding the signaling pathways that connect the entire group indicates that the lesser known disorders will become treatable as well.
Patterns of Pathomorphological Changes in Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Authors: Kovalska I. , Dronov O. , Zemskov S. , Deneka E. , Zemskova M.
Published: April 2012

Acinar necrosis is the basic microscopic sign of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). Microcirculation disorder is one of the major factors in the pathogenesis and morphogenesis of ANP besides free radicals and damage of enzymatic origin. This study is dedicated to the description of microscopic changes in the pancreatic stroma in ANP, which leads to destruction of the exocrine pancreas with a putative mechanism of endocrine function preservation. This study has been carried out on histological samples of pancreas from 224 patients with ANP. Histological staining was performed with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Masson, Gomori methods, and PAS. Microscopy was performed with magnifications of 40×, 100×, and 400×. Vascular endothelial desquamation, stasis, and sludge are typical changes in microcirculation observed in early stages of ANP. Initially, parietal circular intravascular microthrombosis accompanied by endothelial desquamation as early as stromal swelling occurs with no detectable necrosis. Residual stroma appears between areas of necrosis and intact pancreatic tissue. Mucoid swelling is first seen in the perivascular spaces extending to the parenchyma and changing into fibrinoid imbibition causing further necrosis. Reticulin argyrophilic backbone surrounding the pancreatic acini and small ducts decompose. Pancreatic structures, which may be preserved in necrotic tissue, include nerves, major ducts, and Langerhans islets.
Dual‐EKF‐Based Real‐Time Celestial Navigation for Lunar Rover
Authors: Xie Li , Yang Peng , Yang Thomas , Li Ming
Published: April 2012

A key requirement of lunar rover autonomous navigation is to acquire state information accurately in real‐time during its motion and set up a gradual parameter‐based nonlinear kinematics model for the rover. In this paper, we propose a dual‐extended‐Kalman‐filter‐ (dual‐EKF‐) based real‐time celestial navigation (RCN) method. The proposed method considers the rover position and velocity on the lunar surface as the system parameters and establishes a constant velocity (CV) model. In addition, the attitude quaternion is considered as the system state, and the quaternion differential equation is established as the state equation, which incorporates the output of angular rate gyroscope. Therefore, the measurement equation can be established with sun direction vector from the sun sensor and speed observation from the speedometer. The gyro continuous output ensures the algorithm real‐time operation. Finally, we use the dual‐EKF method to solve the system equations. Simulation results show that the proposed method can acquire the rover position and heading information in real time and greatly improve the navigation accuracy. Our method overcomes the disadvantage of the cumulative error in inertial navigation.
Existence of at Least Two Periodic Solutions for a Competition System of Plankton Allelopathy on Time Scales
Authors: Fang Hui
Published: April 2012

We study a competition system of the growth of two species of
plankton with competitive and allelopathic effects on each other on time scales.
With the help of Mawhin’s continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory, a set
of easily verifiable criteria is obtained for the existence of at least two periodic
solutions for this model. Some new existence results are obtained. An example and
numerical simulation are given to illustrate the validity of our results.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Education for Medical Profession: Systematic Review
Authors: Quartey Nana K. , Ma Polly H. X. , Chung Vincent C. H. , Griffiths Sian M.
Published: April 2012

Purpose. To help integrate traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) into health systems, efforts are being made to educate biomedical doctors (BMD) and medical students on TCAM. We systematically evaluated the effect of TCAM education on BMD and medical students' attitude, knowledge, and behavior towards TCAM utilization and integration with biomedical medicine.Methods. Evaluative studies were identified from four databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI). Study outcomes were classified using Kirkpatrick's hierarchy.Results. 3122 studies were identified and 12 studies of mediocre quality met inclusion criteria. Qualitative synthesis showed usage of diverse approaches including didactic, experiential learning, varying length, teacher background and intensity of exposure. More positive attitudes and improved knowledge after intervention were noted especially when teachers were BM trained. However, few studies assessed behavior change objectively. Finally, longer-term objective outcomes such as impact on patient care were not assessed.Conclusions. Lack of use of objective and reliable instruments preclude firm conclusion on the effect of TCAM education on study participants. However, positive changes, although mostly subjectively reported, were noted in most studies. Future evaluation should use validated or objective outcome assessments, and the value of using dual trained instructors.
Positive Mild Solutions of Periodic Boundary Value Problems for Fractional Evolution Equations
Authors: Mu Jia , Fan Hongxia
Published: April 2012

The periodic boundary value problem is discussed for a class of fractional
evolution equations. The existence and uniqueness results of mild solutions for the associated
linear fractional evolution equations are established, and the spectral radius of resolvent operator
is accurately estimated. With the aid of the estimation, the existence and uniqueness results of
positive mild solutions are obtained by using the monotone iterative technique. As an application
that illustrates the abstract results, an example is given.
Influence of Compatibilizer and Processing Conditions on Morphology, Mechanical Properties, and Deformation Mechanism of PP/Clay Nanocomposite
Authors: Akbari B. , Bagheri R.
Published: April 2012

Polypropylene/montmorillonite nanocomposite was prepared by melt intercalation method using a twin‐screw extruder with starve feeding system in this paper. The effects of compatibilizer, extruder rotor speed and feeding rate on properties of nanocomposite were investigated. Structure, tensile, and impact properties and deformation mechanism of the compounds were studied. For investigation of structure and deformation mechanisms, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission optical microscopy (TOM) techniques were utilized, respectively. The results illustrate that introduction of the compatibilizer and also variation of the processing conditions affect structure and mechanical properties of nanocomposite.
On the Hyers‐Ulam Stability of a General Mixed Additive and Cubic Functional Equation in n‐Banach Spaces
Authors: Xu Tian Zhou , Rassias John Michael
Published: April 2012

The objective of the present paper is to determine the generalized Hyers‐Ulam stability of the mixed additive‐cubic functional equation in n‐Banach spaces by the direct method. In addition, we show under some suitable conditions that an approximately mixed additive‐cubic function can be approximated by a mixed additive and cubic mapping.
Alteredp16INK4and RB1 Expressions Are Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhao Weiqiang , Huang Cheng C. , Otterson Gregory A. , Leon Marino E. , Tang Yan , Shilo Konstantin , Villalona Miguel A.
Published: April 2012

p16INK4and RB1 are two potent cell cycle regulators to control the G1/S transition by interacting with CDK4/6, E2F, and D-type cyclins, respectively. Depending on the tumour type, genetic alterations resulting in the functional inactivation have frequently been reported in both genes. By contrast, much less is known regarding the overexpression of these proteins in the tumor cells. In this study, expressions of p16INK4RB1, andCDKN2Acopy number variances (CNV) in the tumor cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), respectively, in 73 nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with known 5-year survivals. The histologic type (P=0.01), p16INK4(P=0.004), and RB1 (P<0.001) were predictive of survivals. TheCDKN2ACNV (P<0.05) was also significant when compared to those cases without CNV. Therefore, among the molecular genetic prognostic factors, expressions of RB1 and p16INK4in the tumor cells were the most strongly predictive of adverse outcomes in stage I and II nonsquamous NSCLC.
The Current Practice of Screening, Prevention, and Treatment of Androgen-Deprivation-Therapy Induced Osteoporosis in Patients with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Al-Shamsi Humaid O. , Lau Arthur N. , Malik Kartika , Alamri Abdulaziz , Ioannidis George , Corbett Tom , Adachi J. D. , Papaioannou Alexandra
Published: April 2012

Introduction. ADT is used in the management of locally advanced and metastatic disease. The detrimental effect of ADT on bone density is well documented. This study assesses care gaps in screening, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis among prostate cancer patients.Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study for patients diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer on ADT. Charts from a tertiary oncology center were assessed for utilization of DXA scan, prescription of calcium, vitamin D, calcitonin and bisphosphonates.Bivariate analysis was used to determine the effect of patient characteristics and likelihood for osteoporosis screening.Results. 149 charts were reviewed, with 3-year mean follow-up. 58.8% of men received a baseline DXA, of which 20.3% had a repeat DXA within their follow-up periods.In all, 28% were appropriately screened and managed for osteoporosis (received repeat DXA, bisphosphonate). In bivariate analysis, the number of ADT injections which correlate with the duration of androgen suppression was significantly associated with the number of DXA scans.Conclusions. Our study found a care gap in the screening, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis in this population. Patients receiving the most ADT injections were more likely to be screened. Our results suggest healthcare providers treating prostate cancer are insufficiently screening and treating this susceptible population. We suggest baseline measurement of BMD at the initiation of ADT with periodic reassessment during therapy.
Life, Transferable: Questioning the Commodity-Based Approach to Transplantation Ethics
Authors: Dillard-Wright David B.
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Some bioethicists have proposed a legalized market in human organs as a solution to transplant waiting lists and global poverty. Solutions to organ procurement problems that are solely market-based would unfairly shift the burdens of medical procedures onto developing nations. Market advocates base their claims on the understanding of organs as property, a position that should be problematized. Instrumentalizing people in this way is part of the broader commodification of animals and the environment. Combating the market mentality requires a return to the holistic view of bioethics that led to the founding of the field.
Animal Cultures, Subjectivity, and Knowledge: Symmetrical Reflections beyond the Great Divide
Authors: Nimmo Richie
Published: April 2012

Abstract

This article reflects upon the implications for sociology of the steady accumulation of evidence in the sciences of animal behavior pointing to the existence of culture among nonhuman animals. With a particular focus on primatology, it explores how these developments challenge the notions of “culture” that continue to inform the study of human social life. The article argues that this growing challenge to the assumption of human uniqueness that has historically provided the core rationale for sociology cannot be ignored. The paper thus contributes to the overdue work of articulating a constructive response by tracing the issues involved in the encounter between these knowledges. Theoretical currents from science studies and actor-network theory are drawn upon in order to propose a reflexive and symmetrical realignment of this encounter, with significant implications for our understandings of human and animal being and subjectivity.
Welfare Effect of Productivity Shocks and Policy Implications in a Small Open Economy
Authors: Ericson Richard E. , Liu Xuan
Published: April 2012

Abstract

We examine the welfare effect and policy implications of productivity shocks in a small open economy. With real business cycle models, productivity shocks are generally welfare improving. However, once we assign a big role to financial frictions, productivity shocks may become welfare deteriorating. These results are robust. Moreover, the policy implication hinges on preferences, policy specifications, and financial frictions.
The Traumatic Subjectivity of Ṣunʿ Allāh Ibrāhīm’s Dhāt*
Authors: Di-Capua Yoav
Published: April 2012

Abstract

In contrast with previous readings of Ṣunʿ Allāh Ibrāhīm’s Dhāt, this article argues that the novel’s conceptual center is not simply a socio-political critique of materialism, but rather a case of psychological trauma, of which materialism is just a symptom. By examining narrative structure and temporality, this article theorizes the affects of trauma towards explaining how an entire Egyptian generation came to experience the past, or history, as a depressing process of displacement that ultimately leads to alienation from environment and self. Exploring the meaning of trauma and its ethical and psychological side effects, this article also elaborates on how gossip transforms trauma into a socially contagious disease. Reading the novel back into the standard genealogy of Arabic literature, it could be viewed as a concluding note of the 1960s generation and a precursor of the 1990s generation, and of the so-called novel of the “closed horizon.”
Studying Religious Change Through Replication: Some Methodological Issues
Authors: Bruce Steve
Published: April 2012

Abstract

In the post-war period, British social science produced a number of high quality community studies, many of which describe the religious life of some place in considerable detail. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using such studies as base-lines against which to assess change.
The Social Construction of “Religion” and Its Limits: A Critical Reading of Timothy Fitzgerald
Authors: Schilbrack Kevin
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Several theorists argue that the concept of “religion” is not a cultural universal but rather emerged under particular historical and political conditions in the modern post-Reformation west. “Religion,” they say, is a social construction. What are the implications of this view of the ontology of religion? My aim in this paper is to critically engage the arguments of Timothy Fitzgerald—a social constructionist about religion who combines, in my judgment, insight and confusion on the issue—in order to trace out the values and the limits of this approach.
What is Wrong with Pagan Studies?
Authors: Davidsen Markus Altena
Published: April 2012

Abstract

This review essay takes a critical look at the new field of “pagan studies” by examining theHandbook of Contemporary Paganism. It demonstrates that pagan studies is dominated by the methodological principles of essentialism, exclusivism, loyalism and supernaturalism, and shows how these principles promote normative constructions of ‘pure’ paganism, insider interpretations of the data, and theological speculations about gods, powers, and a special “magical consciousness.” It seems thus that the methodological discussions inMTSRhave little effect on pagan scholars. In the concluding discussion, I raise the questions why this is so, and how we might do better in promoting a naturalist and theoretically oriented approach to studying religion.
Learning to Prosper by Wrestling and by Negotiation: Jacob and Esau in Contemporary African Pentecostal Hermeneutics
Authors: Asamoah-Gyadu J. Kwabena
Published: April 2012

Pentecostalism in Africa has evolved as different streams characterized by particular modes of articulating the Christian message. The older independent churches were known for their emphasis on healing and prophecy and the classical Pentecostals talked much about speaking in tongues and holiness. Although these themes are present in contemporary Pentecostal discourse the new churches are best known for their messages of empowerment and prosperity that are meant to address the aspirations of Africa’s upwardly mobile youth. Using the writings of two of the movements most influential leaders from Ghana, this article discusses the ways in which the story of the Patriarchs, especially Jacob, has been reinterpreted to fit into the message of upward mobility and the principles that are meant to lead up to it. It is argued here that although the authors did not intend to misapply Scripture, by reinterpreting the schemes of Jacob in terms of the principles of success, they fail to take account of the element of ‘grace’ which is able to turn the worst of sinners into saints. Jacob did not succeed because he applied the principles of success but because God touched him with his grace during the time of wrestling with the angel.
What’s Love Got to Do with It? The Sociology of Godly Love and the Renewal of Modern Pentecostalism
Authors: Yong Amos
Published: April 2012

This article uses the recent work of sociologist Margaret M. Poloma to argue that developments in the sociology of Pentecostalism have the potential to revitalize a classical Pentecostal movement that can be otherwise understood as languishing. In particular, the social scientific study of benevolent service in various segments of the Pentecostal movement provides the springboard for the argument. After locating the interdisciplinary work of Poloma and her colleagues on godly love within the broader context of social science research in the last half century, this paper will explore its implications for the future and renewal of especially the classical Pentecostal movement, for Pentecostal theology and self-understanding, and for scholarship on Pentecostalism.
Perceptual Entitlement, Reliabilism, and Scepticism
Authors: Barel Frank
Published: April 2012

This paper explores the bearing of Tyler Burge’s notion of perceptual entitlement on the problem of scepticism. Perceptual entitlement is an external form of warrant, connected with his perceptual anti-individualism. According to his view, an individual can be entitled to a perceptual belief without having reasons warranting the belief. On the face of it, this suggests that the view may have anti-sceptical resources. In short, the question is whether Burge’s notion of perceptual entitlement allows us to outright deny that we in our philosophical theory need a reason to reject the sceptical scenario. The answer to this question is ‘no’. However, as I go on to show, Burge’s position includes further resources that allow for an anti-sceptical argument.
Reply to Amini and Caldwell, “Boghossian’s Refutation of Relativism”
Authors: Boghossian Paul
Published: April 2012

Majid Amini and Christopher Caldwell charge that I misconstrue the relation between relativism and constructivism, on the one hand, and between relativism and skepticism, on the other. In this brief response, I rebut their charges.