bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Probability Models in Monitoring Environmental Pollution in Nigeria
Authors: Oguntunde P. E. , Odetunmibi O. A. , Adejumo A. O.
Published: May 2014

In Lagos State, Nigeria, pollutant emissions were monitored across the state to detect any significant change which may cause harm to human health and the environment at large. In this research, three theoretical distributions, Weibull, lognormal, and gamma distributions, were examined on the carbon monoxide observations to determine the best fit. The characteristics of the pollutant observation were established and the probabilities of exceeding the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) acceptable limits have been successfully predicted. Increase in the use of vehicles and increase in the establishment of industries have been found not to contribute significantly to the high level of carbon monoxide concentration in Lagos State for the period studied.
Assessing Function and Endurance in Adults with Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy: Validity of the Adult Myopathy Assessment Tool
Authors: Harris-Love Michael O. , Fernandez-Rhodes Lindsay , Joe Galen , Shrader Joseph A. , Kokkinis Angela , La Pean Kirschner Alison , Auh Sungyoung , Chen Cheunju , Li Li , Levy Ellen , Davenport Todd E. , Di Prospero Nicholas A. , Fischbeck Kenneth H.
Published: May 2014

Purpose. The adult myopathy assessment tool (AMAT) is a performance-based battery comprised of functional and endurance subscales that can be completed in approximately 30 minutes without the use of specialized equipment. The purpose of this study was to determine the construct validity and internal consistency of the AMAT with a sample of adults with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA).Methods. AMAT validity was assessed in 56-male participants with genetically confirmed SBMA (mean age, 53 ± 10 years). The participants completed the AMAT and assessments for disease status, strength, and functional status.Results. Lower AMAT scores were associated with longer disease duration (r=-0.29;P<0.03) and lower serum androgen levels (r=0.49–0.59;P<0.001). The AMAT was significantly correlated with strength and functional status (r=0.82–0.88;P<0.001). The domains of the AMAT exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach’sα = 0.77–0.89;P<0.001).Conclusions. The AMAT is a standardized, performance-based tool that may be used to assess functional limitations and muscle endurance. The AMAT has good internal consistency, and the construct validity of the AMAT is supported by its significant associations with hormonal, strength, and functional characteristics of adults with SBMA. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov identifierNCT00303446.
Hierarchical Ensemble Methods for Protein Function Prediction
Authors: Valentini Giorgio
Published: May 2014

Protein function prediction is a complex multiclass multilabel classification problem, characterized by multiple issues such as the incompleteness of the available annotations, the integration of multiple sources of high dimensional biomolecular data, the unbalance of several functional classes, and the difficulty of univocally determining negative examples. Moreover, the hierarchical relationships between functional classes that characterize both the Gene Ontology and FunCat taxonomies motivate the development of hierarchy-aware prediction methods that showed significantly better performances than hierarchical-unaware “flat” prediction methods. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of hierarchical methods for protein function prediction based on ensembles of learning machines. According to this general approach, a separate learning machine is trained to learn a specific functional term and then the resulting predictions are assembled in a “consensus” ensemble decision, taking into account the hierarchical relationships between classes. The main hierarchical ensemble methods proposed in the literature are discussed in the context of existing computational methods for protein function prediction, highlighting their characteristics, advantages, and limitations. Open problems of this exciting research area of computational biology are finally considered, outlining novel perspectives for future research.
Classification of Epidemic Community-Acquired Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusby Anatomical Site of Isolation
Authors: Roberts Jill C.
Published: May 2014

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureuscontributes significantly to cost, morbidity, and mortality due to infectious disease. We surveyed community-associated MRSA isolates to determine which strains were present within anatomical sites of interest. The most likely sources of MRSA among anatomic sites swabbed were wounds followed by the nasal cavity. The USA 300 MRSA strain was most commonly isolated among wound infections while nasal swabs largely yielded USA 100 MRSA. The frequency of isolation of USA 100 amongst community-associated strains is clinically significant as this strain is often correlated with invasive disease, exhibits broad antibiotic resistance, and has been considered to be hospital associated. The potential of USA 100 to cause serious disease and the frequency of its isolation suggest an important reservoir for opportunistic infection. These data demonstrate that MRSA epidemic clones are widespread among the community.
Synthesis of Ibuprofen Using Silica-Supported Preyssler Nanoparticles (H14[NaP5W30O110]/SiO2) as an Eco-Friendly, Inexpensive, and Efficient Catalyst
Authors: Gharib Ali , Noroozi Pesyan Nader , Vojdani Fard Leila , Roshani Mina
Published: May 2014

This paper describes an alternative and simple procedure for the synthesis of Ibuprofen using Silica-Supported Preyssler Nanoparticles (H14[NaP5W30O110]/SiO2) (SPNPs), as an eco-friendly, inexpensive, and efficient catalyst. High yields, simplicity of operation, and easy work-up procedure are some advantages of this protocol. Silica-Supported Preyssler Nanoparticles (H14[NaP5W30O110]/SiO2) (SPNPs) offer the advantages of a higher hydrolytic and thermal stability. The salient features of Preyssler’s anion are availability, nontoxicity and reusability. We believe this methodology can find usefulness in organic synthesis.
The Development of Dorsal Nasal Cyst Formation after Rhinoplasty and Its Reconstruction with Conchal Cartilage
Authors: Kumral Tolgar Lütfi , Uyar Yavuz , Yıldırım Güven , Berkiten Güler , Atar Yavuz , Ataç Enes
Published: May 2014

The dorsal nasal cyst formation is a rare and late complication of rhinoplasty. It has been rarely reported in the literature and it is usually mucous cysts. Migration and planting to the subcutaneous space during the surgical procedure has been recognized as the formation mechanism. This case report has presented 42-year-old male patient with a destructing dorsal nasal mucous cyst that developed 10 years after the rhinoplasty operation. There was no complication in the primary rhinoplasty and the patient was satisfied with his appearance. There was a swelling of the nasal dorsum over the past year and surgical excision of the cyst was performed. During the surgery, the defect was reconstructed with conchal cartilage. There was no recurrence during follow-up.
Hürthle Cell Neoplasms Diagnosed by Fine Needle Aspiration Are Not Associated with an Increased Risk of Malignancy
Authors: McKee Susan , Wu Howard , Wang Xiaoyan , Cramer Harvey , Lin Jingmei , Chen Shaoxiong
Published: May 2014

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the risk of neoplasm and malignancy in thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosed as atypia of undetermined significance with Hürthle cell change (AUS-H) or Hürthle cell neoplasm (HCN). Study Design: A computerized search of our laboratory information system was performed to identify all thyroid FNA and correlating surgical pathology diagnoses including Hürthle cell or oncocyte in the diagnostic nomenclature. The risks of neoplasm and malignancy were calculated for AUS-H and HCN categories separately. Results: For the 29 AUS-H cases, the follow-up histology demonstrated 15 benign lesions, 4 follicular adenomas, 7 Hürthle cell adenomas, 1 papillary microcarcinoma (PMC), 1 follicular carcinoma and 1 Hürthle cell carcinoma. For the 93 HCN cases, the follow-up histology demonstrated 28 benign lesions, 9 follicular adenomas, 32 Hürthle cell adenomas, 2 PMCs, 2 papillary thyroid carcinomas, 6 follicular carcinomas and 14 Hürthle cell carcinomas. Conclusions: The risks of neoplasm and malignancy were 62 and 7% for the AUS-H category and 73 and 24% for the HCN category, respectively. The risk of malignancy for the AUS-H patients is within the 5- to 15-percent range suggested by the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology and within the 15- to 30-percent range suggested for follicular neoplasms.
Association between Glycosylated Haemoglobin Level and Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Akyuz Sukru , Kemaloglu Oz Tugba , Altay Servet , Karaca Mehmet , Yaylak Baris , Gungor Baris , Yazici Selcuk , Erdogan Guney , Nurkalem Zekeriya , Kasikcioglu Hulya
Published: May 2014

Background: There are several reports suggesting that admission hyperglycaemia increases the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). However, it is not clear whether there has been an association between long-standing poor glycaemic control and the incidence of CI-AKI. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of poor glycaemic control or elevated glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) on the incidence of CI-AKI in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: The present study prospectively enrolled 133 patients with T2DM undergoing elective coronary angiography (CAG) and/or intervention. All patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Patients were divided into two groups: those with an optimal HbA1c (<7%) and those with an elevated HbA1c (≥7%). All had similar baseline characteristics and were hydrated appropriately. The outcome was assessed by the incidence of CI-AKI. Results: CI-AKI occurred in 2 of 41 patients (4.9%) with optimal HbA1c levels and 5 of 92 patients (5.4%) with elevated HbA1c levels (p = 0.89). The cutoff point of HbA1c was set at 6.5%, but no statistically significant difference between the two groups was observed [1 of 24 patients (4.1%) vs. 6 of 109 patients (5.5%), p = 0.79]. However, despite a high variability in the incidence of CI-AKI, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups when varying CI-AKI definitions were considered. Conclusion: An elevated HbA1c level is not associated with a higher incidence of CI-AKI compared to optimal HbA1c levels in patients with T2DM (patients with an eGFR of ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2) undergoing CAG and/or intervention.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Is a Critical Determinant of Angiotensin II–Induced Loss of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Adverse Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Patel Vaibhav B. , Zhong Jiu-Chang , Fan Dong , Basu Ratnadeep , Morton Jude S. , Parajuli Nirmal , McMurtry Michael Sean , Davidge Sandra T. , Kassiri Zamaneh , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: May 2014

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is a key negative regulator of the renin–angiotensin system and metabolizes angiotensin II (Ang II) into Ang 1 to 7. Ang II is a vasoactive peptide, which plays an important role in vascular disease. The objective of the present study was to define the role of ACE2 in pathological vascular remodeling. We found upregulation of ACE2 in dilated human aorta with bicuspid aortic valve and in murine aorta in response to Ang II. Ex vivo pressure myography showed increased vascular stiffness in ACE2 knockout (KO) mesenteric arteries in response to Ang II (1.5 mg/kg per day) and with aging. Histological analyses revealed reduced media-to-lumen ratio in ACE2KO mesenteric arteries with loss of vascular smooth muscle cells. Aortic vascular smooth muscle cells from ACE2KO mice showed markedly increased reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in response to Ang II along with increased cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-8 levels in the ACE2KO aorta. Ang II type 1 receptor blockade and Ang 1 to 7 supplementation prevented the increase in Ang II–induced reactive oxygen species and apoptotic cell death. In the aorta, Ang II resulted in thoracic and abdominal aortic dilation with loss of vascular smooth muscle cell density in ACE2KO aorta as revealed by α-smooth muscle actin, calponin staining, and electron microscopy with increased promatrix metalloproteinase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels. ACE2 is upregulated in vascular diseases, and ACE2 deficiency exacerbates Ang II–mediated vascular remodeling driven by increased reactive oxygen species and vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis. In conclusion, the key counter-regulatory role of ACE2 against an activated renin–angiotensin system provides novel insights into the role of ACE2 in vascular diseases.
Enhanced Alpha-oscillations in Visual Cortex during Anticipation of Self-generated Visual Stimulation
Authors: Stenner Max-Philipp , Bauer Markus , Haggard Patrick , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Dolan Ray
Published: May 2014

The perceived intensity of sensory stimuli is reduced when these stimuli are caused by the observer's actions. This phenomenon is traditionally explained by forward models of sensory action–outcome, which arise from motor processing. Although these forward models critically predict anticipatory modulation of sensory neural processing, neurophysiological evidence for anticipatory modulation is sparse and has not been linked to perceptual data showing sensory attenuation. By combining a psychophysical task involving contrast discrimination with source-level time–frequency analysis of MEG data, we demonstrate that the amplitude of alpha-oscillations in visual cortex is enhanced before the onset of a visual stimulus when the identity and onset of the stimulus are controlled by participants' motor actions. Critically, this prestimulus enhancement of alpha-amplitude is paralleled by psychophysical judgments of a reduced contrast for this stimulus. We suggest that alpha-oscillations in visual cortex preceding self-generated visual stimulation are a likely neurophysiological signature of motor-induced sensory anticipation and mediate sensory attenuation. We discuss our results in relation to proposals that attribute generic inhibitory functions to alpha-oscillations in prioritizing and gating sensory information via top–down control.
Functional Reorganization of the Visual Dorsal Stream as Probed by 3-D Visual Coherence in Williams Syndrome
Authors: Bernardino Inês , Rebola José , Farivar Reza , Silva Eduardo , Castelo-Branco Miguel
Published: May 2014

Object and depth perception from motion cues involves the recruitment of visual dorsal stream brain areas. In 3-D structure-from-motion (SFM) perception, motion and depth information are first extracted in this visual stream to allow object categorization, which is in turn mediated by the ventral visual stream. Such interplay justifies the use of SFM paradigms to understand dorsal–ventral integration of visual information. The nature of such processing is particularly interesting to be investigated in a neurological model of cognitive dissociation between dorsal (impaired) and ventral stream (relatively preserved) processing, Williams syndrome (WS). In the current fMRI study, we assessed dorsal versus ventral stream processing by using a performance-matched 3-D SFM object categorization task. We found evidence for substantial reorganization of the dorsal stream in WS as assessed by whole-brain ANOVA random effects analysis, with subtle differences in ventral activation. Dorsal reorganization was expressed by larger medial recruitment in WS (cuneus, precuneus, and retrosplenial cortex) in contrast with controls, which showed the expected dorsolateral pattern (caudal intraparietal sulcus and lateral occipital cortex). In summary, we found a substantial reorganization of dorsal stream regions in WS in response to simple visual categories and 3-D SFM perception, with less affected ventral stream. Our results corroborate the existence of a medial dorsal pathway that provides the substrate for information rerouting and reorganization in the presence of lateral dorsal stream vulnerability. This interpretation is consistent with recent findings suggesting parallel routing of information in medial and lateral parts of dorsal stream.
New synonyms for South American/Brazilian Pottiaceae (Bryophyta)
Authors: DA COSTA DENISE PINHEIRO
Published: May 2014

During a taxonomic review of Pottiaceae in Brazil, five new synonyms were discovered for species in the genera Hyophila, Pseudosymblepharis, and Weissia.
A new species of the genus Vandellia (Linderniaceae) from Thailand
Authors: SUTTHISAKSOPON PHANOM , CHANTARANOTHAI PRANOM , SIMPSON DAVID A.
Published: May 2014

Vandellia yamazakii, a new species of Linderniaceae from western Thailand, is described and illustrated.
Editorial Essay: Why Do We Still Have Journals?
Authors: Davis Gerald F.
Published: May 2014

The Web has greatly reduced the barriers to entry for new journals and other platforms for communicating scientific output, and the number of journals continues to multiply. This leaves readers and authors with the daunting cognitive challenge of navigating the literature and discerning contributions that are both relevant and significant. Meanwhile, measures of journal impact that might guide the use of the literature have become more visible and consequential, leading to “impact gamesmanship” that renders the measures increasingly suspect. The incentive system created by our journals is broken. In this essay, I argue that the core technology of journals is not their distribution but their review process. The organization of the review process reflects assumptions about what a contribution is and how it should be evaluated. Through their review processes, journals can certify contributions, convene scholarly communities, and curate works that are worth reading. Different review processes thereby create incentives for different kinds of work. It’s time for a broader dialogue about how we connect the aims of the social science enterprise to our system of journals.
Importance Analysis of Power Plant Safety Systems
Authors: Kamenický Jan , Zajíček Jaroslav
Published: May 2014

The operator of a power block must prove its safety to the state authority. This article deals with the modeling of safety systems using the fault tree analysis method, powered by RiskSpectrum software. Based on real data, the importance analysis of several safety functions is shown. As a result of a quantitative analysis, the influence of several safety system components on the total availability of the protection system is described. The statistics of a number of components that influence 90% of the unavailability of the safety system and the component with the greatest importance measure from each safety function is also shown.
Numerical Modelling of Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Dip Gauge
Authors: Ahmed Ismaila Idowu , Abdulkarim Kazim Olawale , Taiwo Yahaya , Aremu Ishaq Na Allah , Alabii Abdulganiyu GF
Published: May 2014

This work describes numerical modelling of underground hydrocarbon storage tank dip gauge. The work was carried out at the request of a petroleum company faced with predicament, whereby three underground tanks, for the storage of hydrocarbon products, namely, Petroleum Motor Spirits, Automotive Gas Oil, and Dual Purpose Kerosene, were fully installed and buried in the earth without provision for the fluid measuring gauge. The objective was to design and fabricate a dip gauge with the design capacity of measuring up to 30,000 L of hydrocarbon from the underground storage tank. To achieve the objective of designing an accurate and reliable gauge, mathematical analysis of the available data of tanks was carried out using Newton–Raphson iteration method. A model dip gauge was designed and calibrated with the results of mathematical analysis. The dip gauge was designed with measurement capability between the range of 200–15,886 L and 400–31,765 L of hydrocarbon in the smaller and bigger tanks, respectively. Aluminium alloy 6063-T6 was used for fabrication of the gauge on account of its excellent strength and good corrosion resistance in relevant hydrocarbon environment.
Functional Significance of MMP3 and TIMP2 Polymorphisms in Cleft Lip/Palate
Authors: Letra A. , Zhao M. , Silva R.M. , Vieira A.R. , Hecht J.T.
Published: May 2014

Evidence from biological and human studies strongly supports a role for MMP and TIMP genes as candidate genes for non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P). We previously showed the association of promoter polymorphisms in MMP3 (rs3025058 and rs522616) and TIMP2 (rs8179096) with NSCL/P. In this study, we examined the functional significance of these polymorphisms. A specific DNA-protein complex for MMP3 rs522616 A was detected, and this allele by itself showed greater promoter activity than the G allele. However, the effect of rs522616 was ultimately regulated by the rs3025058 allele on the background. For TIMP2 rs8179096, the T allele showed a 2.5-fold increase in promoter activity when compared with allele C, whereas both C and T alleles were found to bind to nuclear factor kappa B. Our results provide new evidence that promoter polymorphisms in MMP3 and TIMP2 are functional and may affect gene transcription with possible effects on craniofacial development leading to NSCL/P.
Driving an Unfamiliar Vehicle in an Unfamiliar Country
Authors: Wu Mao-Ying
Published: May 2014

Chinese outbound tourists are pivotal global players in current international tourism. Their anticipated role in taking up new activities in the future warrants attention. This study focused on one emerging activity—drive tourism—as a model of the ways to manage the growth of new specialist interests. In detail, it examined Chinese recreational vehicle (RV) tourists’ self-reported safety concerns during their Australian RV trips. The study identified the successful coping mechanisms that Chinese tourists employ across the preparation, initial familiarity, and driving stages of their travels. A holistic safety and coping framework outlining 18 coping techniques was identified. The study revealed the symbiosis between tourists, tourism businesses, and associated organizations that can lead to positive behaviors to enhance safe and enjoyable experiences as new markets adopt novel activities in unfamiliar countries.
The Exploratory Social-Mediatized Gaze
Authors: Shakeela Aishath , Weaver David
Published: May 2014

Social media are revolutionizing the way that destinations are being portrayed and perceived, yet remain underresearched in tourism. Netnographic analysis of 7,187 international comments on a YouTube video depicting an antitourist incident in the Maldives revealed two opposing social representations of the social-mediatized gaze. The first is hegemonic and tolerant, and indicative of resolution-based dialectics. The second is polemical and intolerant, and indicative of conflict-based dialectics, replete with anti-Islamic rhetoric. Social media, because of the interplay of proximity to and distance from the relevant inflammatory visual stimuli, attracts and amplifies the latter social representation and suppresses the former. However, because of viewer attention ephemerality, associated projections of power in the comments may not have a lasting negative impact on the destination.
Recruiting Community-Based Dementia Patients and Caregivers in a Nonpharmacologic Randomized Trial
Authors: Morrison Karen , Winter Laraine , Gitlin Laura N.
Published: May 2014

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and cost of three recruitment strategies—direct mail, newspaper advertisements, and community outreach—for identifying and enrolling dementia caregivers into a randomized trial testing a nonpharmacologic approach to enhancing quality of life of patients and caregivers (dyads). Method: Enrollment occurred between 2006 and 2008. The number of recruitment inquiries, number and race of enrollees, and costs for each recruitment strategy were recorded. Results: Of 284 inquiries, 237 (83%) dyads enrolled. Total cost for recruitment across methodologies was US$154 per dyad. Direct mailings resulted in the most enrollees ( n = 135, 57%) and was the least costly method (US$63 per dyad) compared with newspaper ads (US$224 per dyad) and community outreach (US$350 per dyad). Although enrollees were predominately White, mailings yielded the highest number of non-Whites ( n = 37). Discussion: Direct mailings was the most effective and least costly method for enrolling dyads in a nonpharmacologic dementia trial.
Lumbar Puncture Opening Pressure Is Not a Reliable Measure of Intracranial Pressure in Children
Authors: Cartwright Cathy , Igbaseimokumo Usiakimi
Published: May 2014

There is very little data correlating lumbar puncture pressures to formal intracranial pressure monitoring despite the widespread use of both procedures. The hypothesis was that lumbar puncture is a single-point measurement and hence it may not be a reliable evaluation of intracranial pressure. The study was therefore carried out to compare lumbar puncture opening pressures with the Camino® bolt intracranial pressure monitor in children. Twelve children with a mean age of 8.5 years who had both lumbar puncture and intracranial pressure monitoring were analyzed. The mean lumbar puncture opening pressure was 22.4 mm Hg versus a mean Camino bolt intracranial pressure of 7.8 mm Hg ( P < .0001). Lumbar puncture therefore significantly overestimates the intracranial pressure in children. There were no complications from the intracranial pressure monitoring, and the procedure changed the treatment of all 12 children avoiding invasive operative procedures in most of the patients.
A Perceptually Completed Whole Is Less Than the Sum of Its Parts
Authors: Gold Jason M.
Published: May 2014

How efficiently do people integrate the disconnected image fragments that fall on their eyes when they view partly occluded objects? In the present study, I used a psychophysical summation-at-threshold technique to address this question by measuring discrimination performance with both isolated and combined features of physically fragmented but perceptually complete objects. If visual completion promotes superior integration efficiency, performance with a visually completed object should exceed what would be expected from performance with the individual object parts shown in isolation. Contrary to this prediction, results showed that discrimination performance with both static and moving versions of physically fragmented but perceptually complete objects was significantly worse than would be expected from performance with their constituent parts. These results present a challenge for future theories of visual completion.
The assessment of the effect of binary homogeneous nucleation on wet steam energy loss in a low pressure steam turbine
Authors: Petr Vaclav , Kolovratnik Michal
Published: May 2014

The objective of the paper was to recognize the possible effect of a low concentration of chemical impurity (NaCl) present in the inlet steam (2.27 ppb) in the assessment of the wet steam energy loss occurring in a 1000 MW nuclear low pressure steam turbine. The presented analysis suggests that the used binary nucleation model, accounting for the electrolytic nature of the droplets, predicts a reduced wet steam energy loss of order –9 %, in comparison with the unary pure steam droplet nucleation model. This minor difference, considering the uncertainties of the existing measurements and the incomplete knowledge of the real droplet nucleation conditions in the steam of the turbine (primarily in relation to the necessary input data of chemical impurities), suggests that unary pure steam droplet nucleation (Becker–Döring) is an acceptable approximation at the current state of knowledge.
Guided waves in general anisotropic layered rectangular rods: An extended orthogonal polynomial approach
Authors: Yu JG , Lefebvre JE , Zhang Ch
Published: May 2014

The orthogonal polynomial approach has been used to solve the guided wave propagation in structures for about 20 years, but was limited until now to one-dimensional structures, that is, structures with a finite dimension in only one direction, such as horizontally infinite flat plates and axially infinite hollow cylinders. This paper extends the orthogonal polynomial approach to two-dimensional structures, that is, structures with finite dimensions in two directions, with illustration on the multilayered rectangular rod. Through numerical comparison with the available results, the validity of the extended polynomial approach is illustrated. The dispersion curves and displacement distributions of various layered rectangular rods are obtained to show their guided wave characteristics.
Effects of Cl− on spectroscopy properties of methyl orange containing silver nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yue-hui , Xiong Na-na , Hui Xie
Published: May 2014

In this article, the authors studied the effect of Cl− on the fluorescence of methyl orange solution containing silver nanoparticles by UV–visible absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that there is little change in the UV–visible absorption spectra of methyl orange after adding Cl− into the mixed solutions of the methyl orange and silver colloid. With the increase in Cl− content, the fluorescence of S1→S0 decreases first and then increases, and the fluorescence of S2→S0 increases, which almost has nothing to do with the pH value of methyl orange solution. The fluorescence enhancement ratio of S1→S0 in the solution of pH = 6.1 was higher than that in the solution of pH = 2.1. The authors discussed the mechanism of the effect of Cl− on the fluorescence of methyl orange solution containing silver nanoparticles in terms of interaction and energy transfer. The results indicated that the effect of Cl− on the fluorescence of methyl orange solution containing silver nanoparticles depends on the bridge role and the competitive adsorption between nanoparticles and methyl orange molecules, molecular adsorption mode, and so on.
A review of the use of tadalafil in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with and without erectile dysfunction
Authors: Hatzimouratidis Konstantinos
Published: May 2014

Epidemiological data link erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), two highly prevalent conditions in aging men, assuming common pathophysiological pathways. Tadalafil 5 mg once daily has been approved for the treatment of men with LUTS with or without comorbid ED. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of current knowledge on the epidemiological and pathophysiological links between ED and LUTS and to focus on tadalafil as a new treatment option in men with BPH-associated LUTS.

A Medline search was completed using the Medical Subject Headings (MESH® keywords) ‘prostatic hyperplasia’ and ‘phosphodiesterase inhibitors’. This search revealed 125 relevant references (entire Medline database up to 11 March 2014). The efficacy of tadalafil 5 mg once daily for the treatment of LUTS has been reported by several well-designed studies. Tadalafil improves significantly the total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the voiding and storage subscores, the IPSS Quality of Life (QoL) and the BPH Impact Index (BII). Its efficacy is irrelevant to the erectile function status of the patients. However, in the majority of these studies tadalafil is not associated with improvement in maximum urine flow or post-void residual volume (PVR). Its safety profile is well established and no new or unexpected adverse events other than those reported in ED studies have been recorded. Tadalafil is today a new treatment alternative to other established drugs for LUTS such as the α-adrenergic antagonists or 5α-reductase inhibitors. However, it is not just an alternative, since sexual adverse events associated with these drugs are avoided and tadalafil is the only drug that can treat both ED and LUTS at the same time.
Selectively Myopic? Self-Esteem and Attentional Bias in Response to Potential Relationship Threats
Authors: Lamarche Veronica M. , Murray Sandra L.
Published: May 2014

Two experiments examined how low and high self-esteem people regulate attention in the face of uncertainty about their partner’s caring. We primed risk regulation processes by leading experimental participants to believe their partner’s caring and responsiveness was in question. We then assessed directed attention to the partner’s positive and negative qualities using a dot-probe paradigm. High, but not low, automatically directed attention away from their partner’s negative traits in response to uncertainty.
A transgenic mouse model demonstrating the oncogenic role of mutations in the polycomb-group gene EZH2 in lymphomagenesis
Authors: Berg Tobias , Thoene Silvia , Yap Damian , Wee Tracee , Schoeler Nathalie , Rosten Patty , Lim Emilia , Bilenky Misha , Mungall Andrew J. , Oellerich Thomas , Lee Sherry , Lai Courteney K. , Umlandt Patricia , Salmi Anisa , Chang Harry , Yue Lisa , Lai David , Cheng S.-W. Grace , Morin Ryan D. , Hirst Martin , Serve Hubert , Marra Marco A. , Morin Gregg B. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Aparicio Samuel A. , Humphries R. Keith
Published: May 2014

Key Points

A functional demonstration of the oncogenic role of mutated EZH2 in a mouse model is presented. The global effects of mutated EZH2 on expression and epigenome have been characterized.
Implementing tobacco dependence treatment during clinical consultations: a qualitative study of clinicians’ experiences, perceptions and behaviours in a South African primary health care setting
Authors: Omole Olufemi B , Ayo-Yusuf Olalekan A , Ngobale Kabilabe NW
Published: May 2014

Background

Evidence suggests that healthcare providers (HCPs) in South Africa do not consistently offer tobacco dependence treatment (TDT) during clinical consultations. In order to understand and explain this behaviour in a South African context, we conducted a qualitative exploration of HCPs’ experiences, perceptions and behaviours regarding TDT.

Methods

Individual qualitative interviews were conducted with physicians and nurses who were purposively selected. Themes were identified from interview transcripts using content analysis. Findings were triangulated and peer-reviewed, and were also verified by the participants.

Results

Fifteen physicians and four nurses were interviewed, none of whom used tobacco. These participants perceived TDT as an important task, but could not consistently implement it during clinical consultations due to health systems constraints (time-constraints because of patient-overload, the unavailability of cessation medications and a lack of support for referrals), misperceptions and misconceptions (negative outcome expectations about the effectiveness and feasibility of TDT), socio-cultural barriers (counselling older persons was perceived as challenging) and personal limitations (perceived low self-efficacy, poor knowledge and skills on implementing any evidence-based TDT framework). Patients are therefore selectively screened based on clinical relevance and offered only prescriptive brief advice. Participants recommended several systems changes, including academic detailing of tobacco status, training HCPs and incorporating tobacco cessation medications in the Essential Drug List.

Conclusion

The reported selective screening and limited TDT interventions offered by HCPs are related to interactions between health systems constraints, personal limitations, and misperceptions and misconceptions about the effectiveness and feasibility of TDT during clinical consultation. Implementing the recommended systems changes has the potential to improve the implementation of TDT in South African primary health care (PHC).
Fabrication of nanochannels with ladder nanostructure at the bottom using AFM nanoscratching method
Authors: Yan Yongda , Geng Yanquan , Hu Zhenjiang , Zhao Xuesen , Yu Bowen , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2014

This letter presents a novel atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanomanufacturing method combining the tip scanning with the high-precision stage movement to fabricate nanochannels with ladder nanostructure at the bottom by continuous scanning with a fixed scan size. Different structures can be obtained according to the matching relation of the tip feeding velocity and the precision stage moving velocity. This relationship was first studied in detail to achieve nanochannels with different ladder nanostructures at the bottom. Machining experiments were then performed to fabricate nanochannels on an aluminum alloy surface to demonstrate the capability of this AFM-based fabrication method presented in this study. Results show that the feed value and the tip orientation in the removing action play important roles in this method which has a significant effect on the machined surfaces. Finally, the capacity of this method to fabricate a large-scale nanochannel was also demonstrated. This method has the potential to advance the existing AFM tip-based nanomanufacturing technique of the formation these complex structures by increasing the removal speed, simplifying the processing procedure and achieving the large-scale nanofabrication.
Coupled best proximity points in ordered metric spaces
Authors: Kumam P , Pragadeeswarar V , Marudai M , Sitthithakerngkiet K
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we prove the existence and uniqueness of a coupled best proximity point for mappings satisfying the proximally coupled contraction condition in a complete ordered metric space. Further, our result provides an extension of a result due to Luong and Thuan (Comput. Math. Appl. 62(11):4238-4248, 2011; Nonlinear Anal. 74:983-992, 2011).

MSC:41A65, 90C30, 47H10.
Existence of solutions of a second-order impulsive differential equation
Authors: Luo Zhiguo , Xie Jingli , Chen Guoping
Published: May 2014

This paper is concerned with the existence of solutions of a second-order impulsive differential equation with mixed boundary condition. We obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of a unique solution, at least one solution, at least two solutions and infinitely many solutions, respectively, by using critical point theorems. The main results are also demonstrated with examples.

MSC:34B15, 34B18, 34B37, 58E30.
Exact finite-difference scheme and nonstandard finite-difference scheme for coupled Burgers equation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Lisha , Ding Xiaohua
Published: May 2014

This work develops exact finite-difference schemes for the two-dimensional nonlinear coupled viscous Burgers equation using the analytic solution. We extend the explicit nonstandard finite-difference schemes on the basis of the exact finite-difference schemes to solve the coupled Burgers equation. Numerical examples are presented to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the methods.

MSC:39A10, 65L12, 74H15.
Large time behavior of solutions for the porous medium equation with a nonlinear gradient source
Authors: Li Nan , Zheng Pan , Mu Chunlai , Ahmed Iftikhar
Published: May 2014

This paper deals with the large time behavior of non-negative solutions for the porous medium equation with a nonlinear gradient source

u
t

=
Δ

u
m

+

|
∇

u
l

|

q

,

(
x
,
t
)
∈
Ω
×
(
0
,
∞
)

, where

l
≥
m
>
1

and

1
≤
q
<
2

. When

l
q
=
m

, we prove that the global solution converges to the separate variable solution

t

−

1

m
−
1

f
(
x
)

. While

m
<
l
q
≤
m
+
1

, we note that the global solution converges to the separate variable solution

t

−

1

m
−
1

f
0

(
x
)

. Moreover, when

l
q
>
m
+
1

, we show that the global solution also converges to the separate variable solution

t

−

1

m
−
1

f
0

(
x
)

for the small initial data

u
0

(
x
)

, and we find that the solution

u
(
x
,
t
)

blows up in finite time for the large initial data

u
0

(
x
)

.

MSC:35K55, 35K65, 35B40.
UK medical tourists in Thailand: they are not who you think they are
Authors: Noree Thinakorn , Hanefeld Johanna , Smith Richard
Published: May 2014

Background

Travel for medical treatment is an aspect of globalization and health that is comparatively less understood. Little is known about volume, characteristic and motivation of medical tourists, limiting understanding of effects on health systems and patients. Thailand is amongst a handful of countries that have positioned themselves as medical tourism destination. This paper examines in unprecedented detail volume and characteristics of medical tourists who travel from the UK to Thailand for treatment.

Methods

As part of a wider medical tourism study, authors gained access to over 4000 patient records from the five largest private hospitals in Thailand. These included information on country of origin, gender, age, arrival month, hospitalization, diagnosis, procedures, length of stay, medical expenditure and type of payment. Patient records were analysed to understand who travels and findings were triangulated with data from the UK International Passenger Survey (IPS).

Results

104,830 medical tourists visited these hospitals in Thailand in 2010. While patients originate all over the world, UK medical tourists represent the largest group amongst Europeans. The majority UK medical tourists (60%) have comparatively small, elective procedures, costing less than USD 500. A significant minority of patients travel for more serious orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures. Data of individual patient records from Thailand shows a higher number of UK patients traveled to Thailand than indicated by the IPS.

Conclusions

Thailand is attracting a large number of medical tourists including larger numbers of UK patients than previously estimated. However, as many patients travel for comparatively minor procedures treatment may not be their primary motivation for travel. The small but significant proportion of older UK residents traveling for complex procedures may point to challenges within the NHS.
Salmonella enterica serovar Virchow meningitis in a young man in Italy: a case report
Authors: Lombardi Daniela , Malaspina Silvana , Strippoli Angela , Lucarelli Claudia , Luzzi Ida , Ripabelli Giancarlo
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Salmonella enterica is a leading cause of foodborne infections worldwide and includes more than 2500 different serovars, causing primarily gastroenteritis. However, the infection may occur elsewhere and produce characteristic clinical syndromes. Meningitis is a rare complication that occurs in less than 1% of clinical salmonellosis.

Case presentation

We describe a case of Salmonella Virchow meningitis in a 36-year-old Caucasian man presenting with headache in the occipital region, associated fever, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea and ambulatory difficulty. The cerebrospinal fluid culture showed growth of Salmonella, later confirmed to be Salmonella enterica serovar Virchow.

Conclusions

Salmonella Virchow infection is rare and this report highlights the risk of meningitis as a presentation of salmonellosis. To the best of our knowledge this is the first Italian case of meningitis due to Salmonella Virchow in a young adult. The probable route of transmission remains unclear and a long carriage state after a previous episode of gastroenteritis should be considered.
The Bangla clubfoot tool: a repeatability study
Authors: Evans Angela Margaret , Perveen Roksana , Ford‐Powell Vikki A , Barker Simon
Published: May 2014

Background

‘Walk for Life’ (WFL) is the sustainable clubfoot program in Bangladesh, where there are many challenges in implementing the Ponseti technique in a poor and highly populated country. The relapsing tendency of congenital clubfoot deformity means that initial results may well differ from those of the medium and longer term. Over 10000 children with16668 clubfeet have been treated by WFL since its inception in 2009. Such a large project provides both the need to evaluate each individual child's case, and also the opportunity to evaluate the wider WFL program results. Such systematic review requires a measure that is sufficiently robust, yet contextually practical, hence the aim of this work was to develop a tool for this purpose, and to report the examiner reliability.

Methods

The Bangla clubfoot tool was largely developed from components of existing validated clubfoot assessment measures, and adapted for local use. Three areas of examination are included: parent satisfaction, gait, clinical examination of the clubfoot. A same‐subject repeated measures study design was used to assess the intra‐rater reliability of a local WFL physiotherapist, and a visiting WFL volunteer. The inter‐rater reliability was also assessed, which is relevant for other examiners and other clubfoot projects undertaking evaluation of medium and longer term results.

Results

The reliability study was conducted in 37 children who had commenced treatment for congenital clubfoot deformity using Ponseti method within the previous two years. The mean age of the children was 2.6 years, with gender 28 male: 9 female. The intra‐rater reliability results [ICCs (95% CI)] were: 0.87 (0.76 – 0.93) for the local WFL examiner, and 0.82 (0.64 – 0.91) for the visiting examiner. Inter‐rater reliability results [ICCs (95% CI)] were: 0.92 (0.88 – 0.96). Hence the tool showed very good intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability, rendering it suitable for use.

Conclusions

The Bangla clubfoot tool has been developed to suit the context of the large WFL clubfoot program in Bangladesh, and shown to be a very reliable evaluation instrument.
Sequestration of CO2 by halotolerant algae
Authors: Ramkrishnan Udhaya , Bruno Benedict , Swaminathan Sandhya
Published: May 2014

The potential of halotolerant algae isolated from natural resources was used to study CO2 fixation and algal lipid production. Biological fixation of CO2 in photobioreactor in presence of salinity is exploited. The CO2 concentration 1060 ppm gave the highest biomass yield (700 mg dry wt/l), the highest total lipid content (10.33%) with 80% of CO2 removal.
President's Page
Authors: Miller Edith
Published: May 2014

A fortune cookie recently informed me, “You will become  more passionate and determined about your vision.” While this can easily be discarded as vague prediction or a remark about my eyesight, it doesn't hurt to pause and ponder. For instance, it assumes I have a vision, or “the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be.” Anticipating is the key word here.
Special Lecturer Series reaches more than 1000 geophysicists in China
Authors: Ma Amelie
Published: May 2014

SEG Director at Large Alfred Liaw completed his last stop of the SEG Board of Directors Special Lecturer Series at the CNOOC Beijing Research Center on 24 October 2013. From 10 October to 24 October, the lecture was given at six SEG student chapters, including Northeast Petroleum University, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Chengdu University of Technology, Southwest Petroleum University, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), and Yangtze University as well as the Sinopec Nanjing Geophysical Research Institute SEG South Section in Nanjing and the CNOOC Beijing Research Center.