bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition Assessment and Support in Children With End‐Stage Liver Disease
Authors: Young Sona , Kwarta Elizabeth , Azzam Ruba , Sentongo Timothy
Published: March 2013

Malnutrition is a treatable complication in children with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). Biliary atresia and other cholestatic disorders are the most frequent cause of ESLD in children. No single variable provides adequate information about nutrition status, yet effective nutrition support is the one intervention known to improve pre‐ and posttransplant outcomes. A proactive approach consisting of screening anthropometry interpreted using appropriate growth references, recognition of clinical manifestations associated with micronutrient deficiency, and timely aggressive nutrition support is of a paramount importance to maximize anabolism and optimize outcomes. This article presents the principles of nutrition assessment, intervention, and monitoring in children with ESLD.
The Koala Hold from Down Under
Authors: Thomson Shannon C.
Published: March 2013

While there are no set rules about breastfeeding positions, Australian lactation practice has traditionally recommended some established ones. One position that can provide an alternative is the “Koala Hold.” This hold mimics that of the koala such that the baby is straddled on the mother’s knee, skin to skin, in the upright position. This article describes the techniques of the Koala Hold and identifies the advantages and considerations for the use of this position.
The ill-treatment of employees with disabilities in British workplaces
Authors: Fevre Ralph , Robinson Amanda , Lewis Duncan , Jones Trevor
Published: March 2013

There are few quantitative studies that show the workplace is experienced in a different way by employees with disabilities. This article fills this gap using data from the British Workplace Behaviour Survey, which found that employees with disabilities and long-term illnesses were more likely to suffer ill-treatment in the workplace and experienced a broader range of ill-treatment. Different types of disability were associated with different types of ill-treatment. The survey also showed who employees with disabilities blamed for their ill-treatment and why they believed the ill-treatment had occurred. Drawing on the existing literature, four possible explanations for ill-treatment are considered: negative affect raises perceptions of ill-treatment; ill-treatment leads to health effects; ill-treatment results from stigma or discrimination; ill-treatment is a consequence of workplace social relations. Although some of these explanations are stronger than others, the discussion shows that more research is required in order to decide between them.
Controlling the uncontrollable: ‘Agile’ teams and illusions of autonomy in creative work
Authors: Hodgson Damian , Briand Louise
Published: March 2013

The creative industries have recently been hailed as presenting a liberating model for the future of work and a valuable terrain on which to examine purported new regimes of workplace control. This article, based on the empirical examination of a Canadian video game development studio, traces the modes of control which operate on and through project teams in creative settings. The impact of the adoption of an ‘emancipatory’, post-bureaucratic project management technology, ‘Agile’, is critically examined through interviews and non-participative observation of management, technical and artistic labour within one project team. The potential for autonomy in such ‘Agile’ teams is critically assessed within the managerial regime of creative production and the broader power relations implied by the financial, organizational and institutional context.
Reframing workplace relations? Conflict resolution and mediation in a primary care trust
Authors: Saundry Richard , McArdle Louise , Thomas Peter
Published: March 2013

In recent years, workplace conflict has become increasingly manifest in individual employment disputes as collective labour regulation has been eroded. Accordingly, attention has been focused on finding ways to facilitate the early resolution of such disputes. Policy-makers have placed a particular emphasis on workplace mediation. However, the broader impact of mediation on conventional grievance and disciplinary processes and on the workplace relations that underpin them has been largely ignored. This article reports on research into the introduction of an in-house mediation scheme within a primary care trust. It explores the implications of the scheme for: workplace relations within the organization; the dynamics of conflict management; and trade union influence. It argues that the introduction of mediation provided a conduit through which positive workplace relations were rebuilt which in turn facilitated informal processes of dispute resolution. Furthermore, it allowed trade unions within the organization to extend their influence into areas traditionally dominated by managerial prerogative.
Comparative wear tests of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and cross-linked polyethylene
Authors: Harsha A.P. , Joyce Tom J
Published: March 2013

Wear particle–induced osteolysis is a major concern in hip implant failure. Therefore, recent research work has focussed on wear-resistant materials, one of the most important of which is cross-linked polyethylene. In view of this, the objective of this study was to compare the in vitro wear performance of cross-linked polyethylene to traditional ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. In order to mimic appropriate in vivo conditions, a novel high-capacity wear tester called a circularly translating pin-on-disc was used. The results of this in vitro study demonstrated that the wear rate for cross-linked polyethylene was about 80% lower than that of conventional ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. This difference closely matches in vivo results reported in the literature for total hip replacements that use the two biopolymers. The in vitro results were also verified against ASTM F732-00 (standard test method for wear testing of polymeric materials for use in total joint prostheses). The 50-station circularly translating pin-on-disc proved to be a reliable device for in vitro wear studies of orthopaedic biopolymers.
Travel choice reframed: “deep distribution” and gender in urban transport
Authors: Levy Caren
Published: March 2013

Transport is a critical system in the city, which, through providing access to essential activities, enables diverse women and men, girls and boys to “appropriate” their right to the city and to realize a fully rounded and substantive urban citizenship. Yet, despite decades of work on gender in urban development and urban planning, mainstream transport planning still remains largely untouched by debates on diversity and difference in cities. The tendency to focus on the economic and now environmental aspects continues to dominate urban transport. In contrast, concerns for the identity of urban residents or “users” are addressed through, and ultimately marginalized to, “the social” and distributional aspects of urban transport planning. This paper argues that the distributional aspects of transport are cross cutting, and go beyond the disaggregation of transport users by social relations such as class, gender, age and ethnicity. The social identities of transport “users” are deeply embedded in social relations and urban practices, the latter ranging from the everyday lives of people to urban policies and planning. Furthermore, in transport, these social relations are played out in public space, with implications for how diverse women and men, girls and boys are able to exercise individual and collective “travel choice” and negotiate access to essential activities in the city. Recognition of these processes, as reflected in the “deep distribution” of the transport system, is essential to reframing the notion of “travel choice” and, ultimately, to urban transport and urban planning that is committed to social justice in cities.
Nurture Is Nature
Authors: Meyer Dixie , Wood Sara , Stanley Bethany
Published: March 2013

Addressing both biological processes (nature) and interpersonal processes (nurture) occurring within the infant/caregiver relationship, early human development is reviewed from three perspectives: neurobiology, systems theory, and attachment theory. Utilizing a case illustration to apply the reviewed theories, it is postulated that the integration of neurobiological development, systems theory, and attachment theory substantiates the proposition that nurture is nature.
The Experiences of Childfree and Childless Couples in a Pronatalistic Society
Authors: Gold Joshua M.
Published: March 2013

While childfree and childless couples appear similar in member composition, the issues that each classification of family faces are distinctly different. This article will present literature-based data on the demographics, unique strengths, and clinical needs of each family system, leading to implications for family counselors.
‘A Matter of Time and a Matter of Place’: Colonial Inquiries and the Politics of Testimony
Authors: Murdocca Carmela
Published: March 2013

Through an examination of the deaths of two young men in a detention center fire in Kashechewan, Ontario, this article examines links between legal testimony, temporality, competing forms of evidence (oral histories, visual recordings and corporeal forms of memory) and the consolidation of particular racial and historical logics through these discursive and visual fields. I argue that an analysis of testimony in colonial inquiries reveals that the relationship between everyday life and exceptional violence often restricts the development of narrative coherence between historical forms of injustice and contemporary instances of violence.
Power sharing, peace and democracy: Any obvious relationships?
Authors: Binningsbø Helga Malmin
Published: March 2013

Power sharing, mostly understood as including political opponents in a joint executive coalition government, is today a dominant approach to solving conflict. Almost as a panacea it has been introduced in numerous war-affected countries and is often recommended as a political solution to overcome deep divisions between groups. Researchers, mediators and policy-makers applaud such solutions as forward-looking, peace-strengthening and democratic. However, many have criticized power sharing and its failed ability to create peace and development in divided and conflict-ridden countries. The literature on power sharing can reach such divergent conclusions because there is no consensus on what power sharing is, what the aim of it is and how to study it. Apart from broad inclusion in joint government, the understanding of power sharing varies and recommendations to ‘share power’ give little guidance to policy-makers aiming to mitigate conflict. Therefore, this article reviews 40 years of research on power sharing by elaborating on four central aspects within the literature: (1) conceptualization; (2) domain; (3) causal mechanism; and (4) measurement. While there may be no ‘true’ power sharing or ‘truth’ about power sharing, the article concludes that it is crucial that researchers and policy-makers are clear about which type of power sharing they are discussing in specific situations. Given that power sharing is increasingly recommended and implemented in many fragile and post-conflict societies, it is important to understand what is meant by power sharing in these contexts.
The limits of nation-building in the Philippines
Authors: Kaufman Stuart J.
Published: March 2013

Efforts at building a homogeneous national identity in the Philippines over the centuries have resulted in an unusual pattern of successes and failures. Spanish missionaries successfully spread the Catholic religion in the northern and central portions of the Philippines in the sixteenth century, but failed among the Muslims in the south, introducing an enduring religious cleavage within the country. Enormous linguistic diversity remains despite efforts by three successive regimes to promote first Spanish, then English, then Tagalog as a vehicle for linguistic unity. Finally, despite aggressive elite promotion of a unifying historical narrative of resistance to imperialism (referring especially to the 1896–1902 revolutionary period), regional and ethnic identity have remained very strong relative to national identity, even while national pride has increased. One set of reasons for this relative weakness of Philippine nationalism includes the initial geographical and linguistic fragmentation of the country. Also important were patterns of state-building that enabled the governing elites to build support on the bases of personal, clan and patron–client ties instead of broader identities.
When do commitment problems not cause war? Turkey and Cyprus, 1964 versus 1974
Authors: Nome Martin Austvoll
Published: March 2013

War is often attributed to the fact that parties are unable to commit to an agreement, or have incentives to renege on it. This cause of war is known as “commitment problems”. Yet commitment problems are not in themselves sufficient for war. Parties to a conflict can experience commitment problems and not go to war. Although current theories suggest conditions under which commitment problems should be more or less likely to cause war, these conditions are rarely empirically specified. The paper rectifies this important omission by empirically evaluating hypothesized scope conditions of commitment problems-driven war. Specifically, I analyze the effects of the extent to which power was redistributed prior to war; the speed with which power was redistributed; and the current and anticipated future relative capabilities of the parties. I compare a positive and a negative case of homeland military intervention in support of co-ethnics abroad, using evidence on homeland leaders’ perceptions, reasoning and behavior. The evidence supports the hypotheses. Commitment problems cause military intervention when leaders anticipate shifts in the distribution of power that are large and rapid, and when their current military capabilities favor intervention. Commitment problems do not cause intervention when leaders anticipate shifts in the distribution of power that are small and incremental, and when their current military capabilities are poor.
The tactics of foreign policy agenda-setting: Issue choice and the president’s weekly radio address
Authors: Meernik James , Ault Michael
Published: March 2013

The American president’s foreign policy agenda represents a complex mix of policy preferences driven both by necessity and choice. It would seem that, given the ability of other actors to substantially influence the nature of the president’s foreign policy agenda, and given the president’s own limited time, attention and expertise, the president’s ability to put issues on his foreign policy agenda would be fairly circumscribed. However, is this necessarily the case? In fact, we argue and show that presidents are able to manipulate the foreign policy agenda and make tactical choices regarding when to emphasize foreign policy issues in order to advance their policy preferences. We argue that presidents’ weekly radio addresses to the nation represent one such expression of presidential agenda-setting that scholars have largely neglected. It is our contention that presidents use these speeches to direct or redirect domestic attention away from some issues and toward others. We model the president’s foreign policy agenda, as expressed in the choice of issues selected for the weekly radio addresses, as a function of the president’s policy preferences regarding the US domestic political environment and the international environment and other key factors.
Genetic diversity and population structure assessed by SSR and SNP markers in a large germplasm collection of grape
Authors: Emanuelli Francesco , Lorenzi Silvia , Grzeskowiak Lukasz , Catalano Valentina , Stefanini Marco , Troggio Michela , Myles Sean , Martinez-Zapater José M , Zyprian Eva , Moreira Flavia M , Grando M Stella
Published: March 2013

Background

The economic importance of grapevine has driven significant efforts in genomics to accelerate the exploitation ofVitisresources for development of new cultivars. However, although a large number of clonally propagated accessions are maintained in grape germplasm collections worldwide, their use for crop improvement is limited by the scarcity of information on genetic diversity, population structure and proper phenotypic assessment. The identification of representative and manageable subset of accessions would facilitate access to the diversity available in large collections. A genome-wide germplasm characterization using molecular markers can offer reliable tools for adjusting the quality and representativeness of such core samples.

Results

We investigated patterns of molecular diversity at 22 common microsatellite loci and 384 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 2273 accessions of domesticated grapevineV. viniferassp.sativa, its wild relativeV. viniferassp.sylvestris, interspecific hybrid cultivars and rootstocks. Despite the large number of putative duplicates and extensive clonal relationships among the accessions, we observed high level of genetic variation. In the total germplasm collection the average genetic diversity, as quantified by the expected heterozygosity, was higher for SSR loci (0.81) than for SNPs (0.34). The analysis of the genetic structure in the grape germplasm collection revealed several levels of stratification. The primary division was between accessions ofV. viniferaand non-vinifera, followed by the distinction between wild and domesticated grapevine. Intra-specific subgroups were detected within cultivated grapevine representing different eco-geographic groups. The comparison of a phenological core collection and genetic core collections showed that the latter retained more genetic diversity, while maintaining a similar phenotypic variability.

Conclusions

The comprehensive molecular characterization of our grape germplasm collection contributes to the knowledge about levels and distribution of genetic diversity in the existing resources ofVitisand provides insights into genetic subdivision within the European germplasm. Genotypic and phenotypic information compared in this study may efficiently guide further exploration of this diversity for facilitating its practical use.
Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility profile of Aspergillus flavus isolates recovered from clinical specimens in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Wathiqi Faten , Ahmad Suhail , Khan Ziauddin
Published: March 2013

Background

Within the genus Aspergillus, A. flavus is the second most important species of clinical significance. It is predominantly associated with infections involving sinuses, eye and skin, mostly in geographic regions with hot and arid climate, including the Middle East. Recent reports on emergence of resistance to triazoles among Aspergillus spp. is a cause of concern for treatment of patients with invasive aspergillosis. In this study we present data on genetic characterization and antifungal susceptibility profile of clinical and environmental isolates of A. flavus.

Methods

Ninety-nine Aspergillus section Flavi isolates, originating from clinical (n=92) and environmental (n=7) sources, initially identified by morphological characteristics, were analyzed by partial sequencing of β-tubulin and calmodulin gene fragments and their susceptibilities to six antifungal agents was determined by Etest on RPMI1640 and Muller-Hinton agar media. Etest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B and voriconazole were also compared with zone of inhibition diameters obtained by disc diffusion test on RPMI agar medium.

Results

The identity of all clinical and environmental isolates was confirmed as A. flavus species by combined analysis of β-tubulin and calmodulin genes. The mean MIC90 (μg/ml) values on RPMI medium for amphotericin B, voriconazole, posaconazole, anidulafungin, micafungin and caspofungin were 3, 0.25, 0.25, 0.002, 0.002 and 0.032, respectively. No environmental isolate exhibited MIC value of >2 μg/ml for amphotericin B. For clinical isolates, the zone of inhibition diameters for amphotericin B and voriconazole ranged from 7–16 mm and 24–34 mm, respectively. Linear regression analysis between Etest MIC values and disk diffusion diameters revealed a significant inverse correlation with amphotericin B (p <0.001) and voriconazole (p<0.003).

Conclusions

The β-tubulin and calmodulin gene sequences confirmed that all 92 clinical isolates identified phenotypically belonged to A. flavus taxon, thus suggesting that the other species within Aspergillus section Flavi are of little clinical significance. Triazoles and echinocandins showed very good in vitro activity against the A. flavus, however, 10% clinical isolates showed MICs of >2 μg/ml for amphotericin B.
Association of Mediterranean diet, dietary supplements and alcohol consumption with breast density among women in South Germany: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Voevodina Olga , Billich Christian , Arand Birke , Nagel Gabriele
Published: March 2013

Background

Effects of dietary factors, such as adherence to Mediterranean diet, multivitamin-multimineral supplements use and alcohol consumption on mammographic breast density, an important biomarker of breast cancer risk, are not sufficiently consistent to elaborate preventive recommendations. This study aims to investigate the association between current diet and mammographic density.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study in 424 pre- and post-menopausal women aged 21 to 84 years. Current Mediterranean dietary pattern, multivitamin-multimineral supplements use, alcohol consumption and potential confounders were assessed with a self-administered questionnaire in the University Hospital Ulm (2007–2008). Radiologists evaluated mammographic density according to the American College of Radiology (ACR) classification, which was summarized in low = ACR1/2 and high = ACR3/4 mammographic density. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between current diet and mammographic density.

Results

Adherance to Mediterranean dietary pattern was inversely associated with mammographic density in the models adjusted for age and BMI (per 1 unit increase of score OR 0.95; 95%CI 0.90–0.997). Current use of multivitamin-multimineral supplements was also inversely associated with mammographic density (OR 0.53; 95%CI 0.34–0.83). Further adjustment revealed similar point estimates but the associations were no longer statistically significant. Compared to non-drinkers, excessive alcohol consumption (<10 g/d) was positively associated with mammographic density (OR 1.47; 95%CI 0.82-2.63).

Conclusions

Our results show that dietary factors are associated with mammographic density. Adherence to Mediterranean diet and current use of multivitamin-multimineral supplements could be inversely associated with mammographic density and may suggest a protective effect against breast cancer, whereas high alcohol consumption was associated with increased mammographic density.
Heterogeneity in health status and the influence of patient characteristics across patients seeking musculoskeletal orthopaedic care – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Perruccio Anthony V , Gandhi Rajiv , Rampersaud Y Raja
Published: March 2013

Background

Health status is an important predictor of patient outcomes. Consequently, identifying patient predictors of health status is essential. In musculoskeletal orthopaedic care, the majority of work examining the association between patient characteristics and health status has been undertaken among hip/knee cohorts. We investigate these associations comparing findings across four musculoskeletal cohorts (hip/knee; foot/ankle; neck/back; elbow/shoulder).

Methods

Patients seeking elective musculoskeletal orthopaedic care were recruited prior to consultation. Questionnaires captured health domain status (bodily pain, physical functioning, and mental and general health) and covariates: demographics; socioeconomic characteristics; and comorbidity. Scores were compared across cohorts. Two path regression analyses were undertaken. First, domain scores were simultaneously examined as dependent variables in the overall sample. Subsequently, the model was assessed stratified by cohort.

Results

1,948 patients: 454 neck/back, 767 hip/knee, 378 shoulder/elbow, 349 foot/ankle. From stratified analyses, significant variability in covariate effects was observed. Worse bodily pain scores were associated with increasing age and female sex among hip/knee, low income among foot/ankle, and overweight/obese for foot/ankle and hip/knee. Worse mental health scores were associated with low income across cohorts except elbow/shoulder, low education within neck/back, and compared to Whites, Blacks had significantly worse scores among foot/ankle, better scores among hip/knee. Worse general health scores were observed for Asians among hip/knee, Blacks among foot/ankle, and South-Asians among elbow/shoulder and neck/back.

Conclusion

The substantial heterogeneity across musculoskeletal cohorts suggests that patient- and cohort-specific approaches to patient counsel and care may be more effective for achieving optimal health and outcomes.
Synthesis and performances of bio-sourced nanostructured carbon membranes elaborated by hydrothermal conversion of beer industry wastes
Authors: El Korhani Oula , Zaouk Doumit , Cerneaux Sophie , Khoury Randa , Khoury Antonio , Cornu David
Published: March 2013

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process of beer wastes (Almaza Brewery) yields a biochar and homogeneous carbon-based nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs have been used to prepare carbon membrane on commercial alumina support. Water filtration experiments evidenced the quasi-dense behavior of the membrane with no measurable water flux below an applied nitrogen pressure of 6 bar. Gas permeation tests were conducted and gave remarkable results, namely (1) the existence of a limit temperature of utilization of the membrane, which was below 100°C in our experimental conditions, (2) an evolution of the microstructure of the carbon membrane with the operating temperature that yielded to improved performances in gas separation, (3) the temperature-dependent gas permeance should follow a Knudsen diffusion mechanism, and (4) He permeance was increasing with the applied pressure, whereas N2 and CO2 permeances remained stable in the same conditions. These results yielded an enhancement of both the He/N2 and He/CO2 permselectivities with the applied pressure. These promising results made biomass-sourced HTC-processed carbon membranes encouraging candidates as ultralow-cost and sustainable membranes for gas separation applications.
Organic materials in the wall paintings in Pompei: a case study of Insuladel Centenario
Authors: Casoli Antonella , Santoro Sara
Published: March 2013

Background

The present research concerns the Roman wall paintings preserved at Insula del Centenario (IX, 8), the important Pompeian block situated in the Regio IX, along Via di Nola.

Results

The aims of this research are two: to verify the presence of lipidic and proteinaceous material to spread the pigments, and to identify organic matter in painting materials owing to previous restoration works. The samples collected from the wall paintings of different rooms have been investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).

Conclusions

The analytical results show that these Roman wall paintings were realized without the use of lipidic and proteinaceous materials, supposedly in fresco technique. Moreover, it was detected that wax, egg, and animal glue were used in previous restoration works for protective purpose and to restore the wall paintings to their original brilliant colours.
Abundance, behavior and entomological inoculation rates of anthropophilic anophelines from a primary Colombian malaria endemic area
Authors: Naranjo-Diaz Nelson , Rosero Doris A , Rua-Uribe Guillermo , Luckhart Shirley , Correa Margarita M
Published: March 2013

Background

In Colombia for several years, the Urabá-Bajo Cauca and Alto Sinú region has registered the highest numbers of malaria cases in the country. Malaria vector incrimination and the characterization of entomological parameters will allow for a better understanding of malaria transmission dynamics and the design of effective vector control strategies for this region.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal survey between November 2008 and June 2010 to quantify entomological (abundance and biting activity) and transmission parameters, including infection rate (IR) and entomological inoculation rate (EIR), to incriminate potential anopheline vectors in three localities of a major Colombian malaria endemic region, the Urabá-Bajo Cauca and Alto Sinú: La Capilla, Juan Jose and El Loro.

Results

A total of 5,316 anopheline mosquitoes corresponding to seven species were collected. Anopheles nuneztovari (69.5%) and Anopheles darlingi (22.2%) were the most abundant species, followed by Anopheles pseudopunctipennis (4.5%), Anopheles albitarsis s.l. (2%), Anopheles triannulatus lineage Northwest (1.8%), Anopheles punctimacula and Anopheles argyritarsis (at < 1%, each). Three species were naturally infected with Plasmodium vivax, An. nuneztovari, An. darlingi (IRs < 1%) and An. triannulatus (IR = 1.5%). Annual EIRs for these species ranged from 3.5 to 4.8 infective bites per year.

Conclusions

These results indicate that An. nuneztovari and An. darlingi continue to be the most important malaria vectors in this region. Anopheles triannulatus, a species of local importance in other South American countries was found naturally infected with Plasmodium vivax VK247; therefore, further work should be directed to understand if this species has a role in malaria transmission in this region.
Diversified pattern of the human colorectal cancer microbiome
Authors: Geng Jiawei , Fan Hong , Tang Xiaodan , Zhai Huiqin , Zhang Zhigang
Published: March 2013

Background

The aim of this study is to expand existing knowledge about the CRC-associated microbiome among Han Chinese, and to further discover the variation pattern of the human CRC microbiome across all population.

Findings

Using pyrosequencing-based molecular monitoring of bacterial 16S rRNA gene from eight tumor/normal tissue pairs of eight Chinese CRC patients, we analyzed and characterized the basic features of the CRC-associated microbiome. Firstly, we discovered an increasing diversity among tumor-associated bacterial communities. Secondly, in 50% of Chinese CRC patients, we found a significant increase of Roseburia (P = 0.017), and a concurrent decrease of both Microbacterium (P = 0.009) and Anoxybacillus (P = 0.009) in tumor tissue.

Conclusions

We discovered a novel CRC microbiome pattern in Chinese. Both the over-represented Roseburia bacteria at tumor sites and the over-represented Microbacterium and Anoxybacillus bacteria away from tumor sites were both closely related in Chinese CRC patients. Across several populations reported in this study and previously, we observed both common and distinctive patterns of human CRC microbiome’s association with a high-risk of CRC.
Immediate non-traumatic postmortem computed tomographic demonstration of myocardial intravascular gas of the left ventricle: effects from cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Okuda Takahisa , Shiotani Seiji , Kobayashi Tomoya , Kohno Mototsugu , Hayakawa Hideyuki , Kikuchi Kazunori , Suwa Kunio
Published: March 2013

An 87-year-old man was found in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest. Despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for over 1 hour by emergency technicians and physicians, the patient died. Immediate postmortem computed tomography showed cardiovascular gas in the right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle. Cardiovascular gas in the left ventricle was located in the myocardium and appeared as linear or branch-shaped suggesting the presence of myocardial intravascular gas. This is the first report describing the appearance and significance of myocardial intravascular gas of the left ventricle as a CPR-related change.
Functional neuronal network activity differs with cognitive dysfunction in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: DiFrancesco Mark W , Gitelman Darren R , Klein-Gitelman Marisa S , Sagcal-Gironella Anna Carmela P , Zelko Frank , Beebe Dean , Parrish Todd , Hummel Jessica , Ying Jun , Brunner Hermine I
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Neuropsychiatric manifestations are common in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) and often include neurocognitive dysfunction (NCD). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can measure brain activation during tasks that invoke domains of cognitive function impaired by cSLE. This study investigates specific changes in brain function attributable to NCD in cSLE that have potential to serve as imaging biomarkers.

Methods

Formal neuropsychological testing was done to measure cognitive ability and to identify NCD. Participants performed fMRI tasks probing three cognitive domains impacted by cSLE: visuoconstructional ability (VCA), working memory, and attention. Imaging data, collected on 3-Tesla scanners, included a high-resolution T1-weighted anatomic reference image followed by a T2*-weighted whole-brain echo planar image series for each fMRI task. Brain activation using blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast was compared between cSLE patients with NCD (NCD-group, n = 7) vs. without NCD (noNCD-group, n = 14) using voxel-wise and region of interest-based analyses. The relationship of brain activation during fMRI tasks and performance in formal neuropsychological testing was assessed.

Results

Greater brain activation was observed in the noNCD-group vs. NCD-group during VCA and working memory fMRI tasks. Conversely, compared to the noNCD-group, the NCD-group showed more brain activation during the attention fMRI task. In region of interest analysis, brain activity during VCA and working memory fMRI tasks was positively associated with the participants' neuropsychological test performance. In contrast, brain activation during the attention fMRI task was negatively correlated with neuropsychological test performance. While the NCD group performed worse than the noNCD group during VCA and working memory tasks, the attention task was performed equally well by both groups.

Conclusions

NCD in patients with cSLE is characterized by differential activation of functional neuronal networks during fMRI tasks probing working memory, VCA, and attention. Results suggest a compensatory mechanism allows maintenance of attentional performance under NCD. This mechanism appears to break down for the VCA and working memory challenges presented in this study. The observation that neuronal network activation is related to the formal neuropsychological testing performance makes fMRI a candidate imaging biomarker for cSLE-associated NCD.
Electric potential source localization reveals a borehole leak during hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Haas A. K. , Revil A. , Karaoulis M. , Frash L. , Hampton J. , Gutierrez M. , Mooney M.
Published: March 2013

A laboratory experiment was performed to see if passively recorded electric signals can be inverted to retrieve the position of fluid leakages along a well during an attempt to hydraulically fracture a porous block in the laboratory. The cubic block was instrumented with 32 nonpolarizing sintered Ag/AgCl electrodes. During the test, several events were detected corresponding to fluid leakoff along the seal of the well. Each event showed a quick burst in the electric field followed by an exponential-type relaxation of the potential distribution over time. The occurrence of these “electric” events was always correlated with a burst in the acoustic emissions and a change in the fluid pressure. These self-potential data were inverted in two steps: (1) using a deterministic least-square algorithm with focusing to retrieve the position of the source current density in the block for a given snapshot in the electric potential distribution and (2) using a genetic algorithm to refine the position of the source current density on a denser grid. The results of the inversion were found to be in excellent agreement with the position of the well where the hydraulic test was performed and with the localization of the acoustic emissions in the vicinity of this well. This experiment indicates that passively recorded electric signals can be used to monitor fluid flow along the well during leakages, and perhaps monitor fluid flow for numerous applications involving hydromechanical disturbances.
Free-Standing PEDOT:PSS/PLA Bilayer Nanosheets with Ink-Jet Patterned Microelectrodes: Towards the Development of Ultra-Thin, Conformable, Floating Circuits and Smart Biointerfaces.
Authors: Zucca Alessandra , Greco Francesco , Mazzolai Barbara , Mattoli Virgilio
Published: March 2013

Novel solutions and applications in the biomedical field could come from exploiting the electroactive properties of conducting polymers towards the development of responsive smart biointerfaces and of flexible, conformable, biocompatible systems. In this sense it is mandatory to control material’s conductivityin situand this requires the development of suitable patterning processes and the fabrication of individually addressable microelectrodes. Based on the recent introduction by our group of free-standing nanofilms of conductive polymers, the aim of this work was to describe a method for the fabrication of patterned ultra-thin free-standing PEDOT:PSS/Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) bilayer nanosheets. The proposed method involves an ink-jet patterning technique, based on localized overoxidation of PEDOT:PSS by means of a sodium hypochlorite solution. Here we described the fabrication method and characterized the realized nanosheets in terms of their thickness, contact angle, conductivity. The overall process permitted to realize patterned free-standing nanosheets that, despite their low thickness, are very robust and conformable on tissues or on soft and rigid substrates, while allowing for an electrical control of their surface properties. Possible applications are foreseen in the field of conformable electronics, e.g. as electrodes on the brain or smart conductive substrates for cell culturing and stimulation.
Roll-to-Roll Apparatus for Residue-Free Direct Stamping of Functional Nano-Inks
Authors: Kim Jiseok , Hsieh Ting , Kim Woo Soo
Published: March 2013

A tabletop prototype of a roll-to-roll (R2R) direct stamping apparatus has been developed. The prototype is about 100 cm long, 30 cm wide and 40 cm high and is operational up to the web speed of 1 m/min. While upper rolls carry a web with a patterned stamp on it clockwise, a sprayer on top of the R2R apparatus dispenses the nano-ink to fill in the stamp. Two other rolls with adhesive films completely remove the residual layer on the stamp. Final products remain on the substrate after de-stamping in which the web rolls up and the substrate moves to the further right. This roll-to-roll direct stamping apparatus demonstrates high throughput and material efficiency for fabrication of flexible micro- and nano-electronic devices.
Ab-Initio Pseudopotential Calculations of Phosphorus Diffusion in Silicon
Authors: Liu Xiang-Yang , Windl Wolfgang , Masquelier Michael P.
Published: March 2013

In traditional models of P diffusion in Si, vacancy assisted diffusion mechanism has been assumed. More recently, experiments have determined that for intrinsic P diffusion in Si, the interstitial assisted diffusion mechanism dominates. We have performed ab-initio pseudopotential calculations to study P diffusion in Si. Special care is taken with regard to structure minimization, charge state effects and corrections. We calculated the defect formation energies and migration barriers for the various competing P-interstitial complex diffusion mechanisms for low concentration P region, as well as the energetics of different charge states P-vacancy complex diffusion. For interstitial mediated diffusion of P-Sii pair in Si, we find the overall diffusion activation energies calculated are 3.1 eV for neutral case, and 3.4 eV for +1 charge case. This is in agreement with experimental observation that the interstitial mechanism dominates for intrinsic P diffusion in Si. For vacancy mediated diffusion, our calculations are in agreement with previous calculations result in the neutral case. We obtained the lower bounds for diffusion activation energy of 3.8 eV for (PV)0 and 3.4 eV for (PV). A further evaluation of the numbers would require a proper treatment of the energy states in the band-gap due to Jahn-Teller relaxations.
Criptorquidismo em jaguatirica de vida livre capturada no Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, Brasil
Authors: Araujo G.R. , Paula T.A.R. , Deco-Souza T. , Garay R.M. , Bergo L.C.F. , Silva L.C. , Csermak Júnior A.C. , Ferrer J.B.S. , Barros J.B.G.
Published: March 2013

O presente trabalho consiste no primeiro relato de criptorquidismo em uma jaguatirica, adulta, de vida livre. Para a captura foram empregadas armadilhas com desarme de guilhotina, usando como isca vísceras de bovino. O animal foi contido quimicamente por meio de dardos anestésicos e mantido sob anestesia, utilizando a associação de cloridrato de quetamina e cloridrato de xilazina. Durante o exame andrológico, observou-se que o testículo esquerdo localizava-se subcutâneo, próximo à região inguinal, caracterizando-se criptorquidismo unilateral. Esse testículo apresentava-se flácido, com volume de 2,57mL, enquanto o testículo contralateral apresentava consistência firme e volume de 11,50mL. A área ocupada pelas espículas penianas mostrou-se compatível com a de animais reprodutores. O criptorquidismo é uma condição hereditária ligada à baixa variabilidade genética, já relatada em felinos silvestres consanguíneos. Nesse sentido, devido ao crescente isolamento populacional em fragmentos florestais, este achado torna-se preocupante, uma vez que pode ser indicativo de endogamia em populações de jaguatiricas de vida livre.
Adição de plasma seminal ao sêmen descongelado e taxa de prenhez de ovelhas inseminadas em tempo fixo
Authors: Prado O.R. , Bastos G.M. , Monteiro A.L.G. , Saab B.B. , Gilaverte S. , Pierobom C.C. , Hentz F. , Martins L.H.S. , Silva C.J.A. , Dranca G.S. , Stivari T.S.S. , Cerqueira G.
Published: March 2013

Avaliou-se o efeito da adição de plasma seminal ovino ao sêmen descongelado sobre a taxa de prenhez de ovelhas em rebanho comercial. Cento e setenta e quatro ovelhas cruza Texel foram distribuídas em quatro tratamentos: T1) inseminação artificial cervical (IAC) com sêmen descongelado (SD) diluído em solução tampão fosfato salino (PBS); T2) IAC com SD e adição de plasma seminal ovino; T3) grupo-controle I: IAC com sêmen fresco diluído em PBS; T4) grupo-controle II: inseminação artificial por laparoscopia com SD diluído em PBS. Para indução de cio, utilizaram-se esponjas impregnadas com acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP) por 12 dias, com aplicação intramuscular de 400 UI de eCG (Novormon®) e de 37,5µg de cloprostenol sódico (Sincrocio®), no dia da retirada das esponjas. O aparecimento de cio foi monitorado com rufiões vasectomizados a partir da retirada das esponjas até a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo - 54 a 60 horas. A taxa de prenhez do tratamento com adição de plasma seminal ao sêmen descongelado (7,0%) não diferiu (P>0,05) do tratamento sem adição de plasma (4,3%), entretanto foi menor (P<0,05) se comparada à taxa de prenhez dos grupos-controle I inseminação via cervical superficial com sêmen fresco diluído (50,0%) e II inseminação via laparoscopia com sêmen descongelado (39,4%). A inseminação artificial por via cervical superficial com adição de plasma seminal ao sêmen descongelado não elevou o percentual de prenhez em valores que justifiquem a indicação desta biotecnologia em rebanhos comerciais de ovinos.
Efeito do enxerto ósseo corticoesponjoso na osteogênese em falha cortical ulnar de galinhas domésticas (Gallus domesticus)
Authors: Balthazar D.A. , Silva M.F.A. , Castro D.S. , Suzano S.M.C. , Cruz R.A. , Scherer P.O.
Published: March 2013

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito do enxerto ósseo corticoesponjoso na osteogênese em falha cortical ulnar de galinhas domésticas. Foram utilizadas 18 galinhas, com aproximadamente 70 semanas de idade e peso corpóreo médio de 2,5kg. Criou-se uma falha óssea na porção diafisária média da ulna em ambas as asas, sendo a direita utilizada como grupo-controle (grupo I) e a esquerda como grupo-tratado (grupo II). As aves foram subdivididas aleatoriamente em quatro subgrupos de acordo com o período de observação (14, 35, 60 e 90 dias). No grupo II, dois fragmentos ósseos da carena do esterno foram retirados, seccionados e implantados na falha óssea. Ao término do período de observação de cada subgrupo, as aves foram abatidas com tiopental sódico para realização dos exames histopatológico e radiográfico post-mortem, com classificação dos resultados em escala semiquantitativa (escore). O grupo II demonstrou osteogênese mais evidente aos 35 e 90 dias de pós-cirúrgico (P<0,05). Ao comparar os grupos I e II, sem levar-se em consideração o tempo de observação, foi possível observar que houve diferença estatística significativa (P<0,05). Conclui-se que o enxerto ósseo corticoesponjoso demonstra potencial osteogênico satisfatório na espécie estudada, entretanto retarda o tempo de remodelação óssea quando aplicado sobre falhas estáveis pequenas.
Comparison of three laboratorial tests for diagnosis of canine parvovirus infection
Authors: Silva M.M.O. , Castro T.X. , Costa E.M. , Trancoso T.A.L. , Mendes-de-Almeida F. , Labarthe N.V. , Cubel Garcia R.C.N.
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rapid tests currently used for canine parvovirus (CPV) diagnosis: hemagglutination test (HA), enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 112 fecal samples collected from diarrheic puppies up to one year of age were tested. The EIA was able to detect CPV antigen in 44 samples. By HA, 32 samples tested highly positive with titers >128, eight tested weakly positive (titers 32 and 64) and 72 were negative (titers <16). Using PCR, 57 samples were found positive including 13 EIA-negative and 19 HA-negative samples. The best correlation was observed between EIA and PCR (88.4%). These tests were able to detect all types of CPV, including CPV-2c. Considering that 23%-33% of dogs presenting enteritis did not show infection by EIA nor HA, negative results from the antigen detection tests should be confirmed through molecular methods.
Confiabilidade e pontuação mínima relacionada à intervenção analgésica de uma escala multidimensional para avaliação de dor pós-operatória em gatos
Authors: Brondani J.T. , Luna S.P.L. , Minto B.W. , Santos B.P.R. , Beier S.L. , Matsubara L.M. , Padovani C.R.
Published: March 2013

Avaliou-se a confiabilidade e determinou-se a pontuação mínima relacionada à necessidade de intervenção analgésica de uma escala multidimensional para avaliação de dor pós-operatória em gatas submetidas à ovário-histerectomia. Trinta gatas foram filmadas em quatro momentos predeterminados: pré-operatório, pós-operatório antes e depois da analgesia de resgate e às 24 horas após a cirurgia. Quatro observadores, não cientes dos momentos de avaliação, e um observador, considerado padrão-ouro - pesquisador que desenvolveu a escala - , avaliaram os vídeos em ordem aleatória, a partir da aplicação da escala, e determinaram a suficiência ou não de analgesia, baseando-se na experiência clínica. Os vídeos foram reavaliados dois meses após a primeira análise. O grau de concordância entre as avaliações dos diferentes observadores e das avaliações feitas pelo mesmo observador em diferentes ocasiões foi verificado pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, que variou entre bom e muito bom para todos os itens da escala, exceto atividade, atitude e miscelânea de comportamentos que apresentaram confiabilidade moderada. O ponto de corte ótimo (> 7) foi selecionado pela análise descritiva e da curva Receiver Operating Characteristic. Os resultados suportam a confiabilidade em termos de reprodutibilidade e estabilidade e indicam que a terapia analgésica deve ser considerada em pontuações >8.