bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation of common skin diseases in pediatric age group a retrospective study conducted in a medical college of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha S , Jha AK , Thapa DP , Bhattarai CK
Published: May 2014

INTRODUCTION: Seasonal variation in disease frequency has been observed for centuries. The direct effects of climate on the skin play a small but significant role in determining the geographical and seasonal variation of many skin disorders also in pediatric age group. In our country Nepal where there is a wide range of climates and where pediatric population of 0 to 14 years constitutes 34.19% of the total population there is a need for studying the seasonal variation of pediatric dermatoses separately. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in the outpatient department of dermatology of Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital for a period of 1 year. The total patients were divided according to 4 seasons spring, summer, autumn and winter and analyzed with Chi square test. RESULTS: Out of total 2032 patients 52% was male and 48% was female. Majority of the visits was in the winter season, followed by summer, spring and autumn. The five most common dermatological problems in the pediatric age group were impetigo, lichen urticatus, scabies, seborrheic eczema and milaria. lichen urticatus, seborrheic eczema and milaria showed statistically very significant seasonal variation but impetigo and scabies did not. The age wise variation of these common dermatoses was also statistically highly significant. CONCLUSION: Many common dermatoses in the pediatric age group show seasonal variation and age wise variation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i1.10483 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol.2(1): 7-11
Lipid profile in psoriasis
Authors: Poudyal Y , Rajbhandari SL
Published: May 2014

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disorder. A predisposition to vascular occlusive disease and high prevalence of heart disease has been seen to be associated with psoriasis and it has been suggested that some of these patients have some disorders of lipid metabolism. Dyslipidemia has been suggested in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. METHODS: One hundred and six patients were selected for the study. Among them 53 (male=26, female=27) with psoriasis were taken as case and 53 with other dermatologic diseases, after matching for age and sex, were taken as control. The lipid profile that comprised four parameters: serum HDL, LDL-C, TC and TG were determined for both case and control and compared. RESULTS: It was found that serum TG, TC levels were significantly higher and serum HDL level was significantly lower in patients with psoriasis (P<0.05). When the risk factors like alcoholism and smoking were adjusted, only abnormal serum level of TG and TC were seen to be significantly associated with psoriasis. CONCLUSION: This study showed that abnormal TG and TC are associated with psoriasis. This fact may be responsible for the high prevalence of cardiovascular events in psoriasis. It may be useful to do early screening and treatment of dyslipidemia to prevent the adverse cardiovascular event. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i1.10485 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol.2(1): 16-19
Misplaced IUCD incidence, presentation and complications
Authors: Gupta N , Gupta T , Gupta S , Jain J , Wahi S
Published: May 2014

INTRODUCTION: Intra uterine contraceptive device is important part of family planning services in India. They can be inserted post menstrually, post abortal, post-delivery or in post puerperal period. Despite of numerous advantages, IUCD is still not easily accepted because of associated complications, like increased bleeding, pain, infection, expulsion, perforation of uterine wall and migration to adjacent organs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was a prospective observational cross sectional study carried out in the department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at ESIPGIMSR, Basaidarapur, New Delhi for period of 3 years. All patients referred or presented with lost string or misplaced IUCD were enrolled. RESULTS: In our series, device was found in cervical canal in seven (9.45%) patients while 66 patients had IUCD in uterine cavity. It was removed by curettage or retrieval hook in 54 (72.97%) patients while in 12 (16.21 % ) patients, it was removed by hysteroscope. In one (1.35%) patient, IUCD had migrated to abdominal cavity and required laparoscopy followed by laparotomy, as it was stuck to omentum. CONCLUSIONS: Misplaced IUCDs are a common problem. A regular follow up of IUCDs for visible threads would help in earlier detection of misplaced IUCD and prevent long term consequences. Hysteroscopy will aid both in diagnosing and removal of misplaced IUCD. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i1.10486   Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol.2(1): 20-23
Knowledge and practice among the caretakers of bedridden patients on prevention of urinary tract infection
Authors: Khanal N
Published: May 2014

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the major complications of immobility or bedridden condition. Between 46-59% of spinal cord injury patients develop urinary tract infection during the first year of trauma. UTI is a second most common type of infection, accounting for nearly 25% of all infections and a serious health problem affecting millions of people each year. The findings of the study might be helpful to the long term care health institution for the development the strategies to involve the caretakers to prevent urinary tract infection in bedridden patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to find out the level of knowledge and current practice of caretakers of bedridden patients on prevention of urinary tract infection. METHODS: The descriptive and cross-sectional study design was adopted in this study. A self-prepared structured interview questionnaire and observation checklist was used to collect data from 30 caretakers of hospitalized bedridden patients of Nepal Orthopedic Hospital and Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center Jorpati implying purposive & convenient sampling technique. RESULTS: Out of30 caretakers, no one had adequate (>80%) knowledge and 46.6% had moderate (50-80%) knowledge and 53.3% had low (<50%) knowledge on meaning, high risk group, contributing factors, signs & symptoms, consequences and preventive measures of UTI as a whole. Caretaker's preventive practices of UTI for their bedridden patients were not satisfactory except encourage the patient for drinking 2-3 liters water per day. CONCLUSION: Majorities (53.3%) of the caretakers of bedridden patients had low level knowledge on preventive measures of UTI. Similarly UTI preventive practices of caretakers were also not satisfactory. Therefore, awareness raising programme on preventive measures of UTI need to be organized specially for caretakers.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i1.10488 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol.2(1): 24-29
A hospital based study: is the prescription of Benzodiazepine consistent with the guidelines?
Authors: Thapa DK , Lammichhane N , Subedi S
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE: Benzodiazepines are one of the most frequently prescribed psychotropic drugs. They confer a therapeutic value in a wide range of conditions. They exert sedative/ hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and amnesic action. Nearly all of the disadvantages of benzodiazepines result from long term use leading to development of tolerance, dependence and withdrawal. This study was done to determine if the pattern of benzodiazepines prescription among the psychiatric patients is consistent with the guideline. METHODS: This was a descriptive, hospital based cross- sectional study done in the psychiatry department at Gandaki Medical College. The consecutive 50 patients who either had a past history of treatment with or were still regularly on prescription for any of the following medication; alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam,diazepam, and lorazepam were included in the study. The psychiatric diagnosis of the patients, duration and types of benzodiazepines dispensed to patients were worked up. The duration of study was 6 months (Jan- June 2013). RESULTS: The total numbers of subjects enrolled in the study was 50. Female constituted 28 (56%), majority were married 45 (90%) and most of the subjects 31 (62%), were from the local district of Kaski. The mean age of the subjects was 41.1 ± 15 .3 years. Among the types of benzodiazepines prescribed, clonazepam was the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepine. Dispensing of less than 30-days or 1 month supply of benzodiazepines, a practice typically recommended by practice guidelines, occurred in only 5 ( 10%) of the users. The study showed that there was a huge variation regarding the duration of benzodiazepines use, ranging from the period of less than of 1 month to the maximum duration of 192 months or 16 years. The mean duration of the benzodiazepine use was 34.8 ± 50 months i.e. near about 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Despite guideline cautions, long-term benzodiazepines use remains a common treatment pattern. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i1.10489   Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol.2(1): 30-34
Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (deep seated horiostomatous): a case report
Authors: Paudel D , Midha A , Samdurkar A , Kumar A
Published: May 2014

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) is a rare benign adenexal tumor that frequently shows apocrine differentiation. SCAP usually occurs in the head and neck region in the children. Here in we report a case of 22 years female with SCAP occurring in deeper portion of the neck. The clinical, histopathological features and differential diagnosis of SCAP are also described. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i1.10491   Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol.2(1): 38-40
The Sample Size
Authors: Kumar A
Published: May 2014

Finding an "appropriate sample size" has been the most basic and foremost problem; a research worker is always faced with, in all sampling based analytical researches. This is so, since a very large sized sample results to unnecessary wastage of resources, while a very small sized sample may affect adversely the accuracy of sample estimates and thus in turn losing the very efficacy of selected sampling plan. The present paper attempts to highlight the main determinant factors and the analytical approach towards estimation ofrequired sample size, along with a few illustrations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i1.10493   Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol.2(1): 45-47
Beverages: A Requirement for Life and an Opportunity to Impact the Way We Live It
Authors: Chambers IV Edgar
Published: May 2014

Imagine a product that is used everyday by everyone around the world. In fact, imagine a product that must be used multiple times a day by everyone. That product is a beverage. Without beverages we cannot live. Many health practitioners recommend that adults consume approximately 2 liters of liquid daily and most of that consumption comes from beverages. Those beverages range from water to alcoholic beverages, soft drinks to coffee, tea to juice, and milk to so-called energy drinks or functional beverages. This enormous variety and consumption of beverages provides an unlimited opportunity to study product development and manufacturing, human consumption behavior, physical health and happiness, sensory impacts, public policy and a host of other important topics.[...]
Challenges in Getting Building Performance Monitoring Tools for Everyday Use: User Experiences with A New Tool
Authors: Ihasalo Heikki , Karjalainen Sami
Published: May 2014

There is a need for building performance monitoring because it is common that buildings do not perform as intended. A number of advanced tools for the purpose have been developed within the last tens of years. However, these tools have not been widely adopted in real use. A new tool presented here utilizes building automation data and transforms the data into a set of performance metrics, and is capable of visualizing building performance from energy, indoor conditions, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system perspectives. The purpose of this paper is to study the users’ perceptions of the use of tool. The research method was semi-structured interviews. Although the users were satisfied with the solution in general, it was not taken into operative use. The main challenges with the use of the solution were related to accessibility, trust, and management practices. The interviewees were struggling to manage with numerous information systems and therefore had problems in finding the solution and authenticating to it. All the interviewees did not fully trust the solution, since they did not entirely understand what the performance metrics meant or because the solution had limitations in assessing building performance. Management practices are needed to support the performance measurement philosophy.
Tsallis Wavelet Entropy and Its Application in Power Signal Analysis
Authors: Chen Jikai , Li Guoqing
Published: May 2014

As a novel data mining approach, a wavelet entropy algorithm is used to perform entropy statistics on wavelet coefficients (or reconstructed signals) at various wavelet scales on the basis of wavelet decomposition and entropy statistic theory. Shannon wavelet energy entropy, one kind of wavelet entropy algorithm, has been taken into consideration and utilized in many areas since it came into being. However, as there is wavelet aliasing after the wavelet decomposition, and the information set of different-scale wavelet decomposition coefficients (or reconstructed signals) is non-additive to a certain extent, Shannon entropy, which is more adaptable to extensive systems, couldn’t do accurate uncertainty statistics on the wavelet decomposition results. Therefore, the transient signal features are extracted incorrectly by using Shannon wavelet energy entropy. From the two aspects, the theoretical limitations and negative effects of wavelet aliasing on extraction accuracy, the problems which exist in the feature extraction process of transient signals by Shannon wavelet energy entropy, are discussed in depth. Considering the defects of Shannon wavelet energy entropy, a novel wavelet entropy named Tsallis wavelet energy entropy is proposed by using Tsallis entropy instead of Shannon entropy, and it is applied to the feature extraction of transient signals in power systems. Theoretical derivation and experimental result prove that compared with Shannon wavelet energy entropy, Tsallis wavelet energy entropy could reduce the negative effects of wavelet aliasing on accuracy of feature extraction and extract transient signal feature of power system accurately.
Review and Comparison of Power Management Approaches for Hybrid Vehicles with Focus on Hydraulic Drives
Authors: Karbaschian Mohammad Ali , Söffker Dirk
Published: May 2014

The main advantage of hybrid powertrains is based on the efficient transfer of power and torque from power sources to the powertrain as well as recapturing of reversible energies without effecting the vehicle performance. The benefits of hybrid hydraulic powertrains can be better utilized with an appropriate power management. In this paper, different types of power management algorithms like off-line and on-line methods are briefly reviewed and classified. Finally, the algorithms are evaluated and compared. Therefore, different related criteria are evaluated and applied.
Tweet My Street: A Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration for the Analysis of Local Twitter Data
Authors: Mearns Graeme , Simmonds Rebecca , Richardson Ranald , Turner Mark , Watson Paul , Missier Paolo
Published: May 2014

Tweet My Street is a cross-disciplinary project exploring the extent to which data derived from Twitter can reveal more about spatial and temporal behaviours and the meanings attached to these locally. This is done with a longer-term view to supporting the coproduction and delivery of local services, complaint mechanisms and horizontal community support networks. The project has involved the development of a web-based software application capable of retrieving, storing and visualising geo-located “tweets” (and associated digital content) from Twitter’s Firehose. This has been piloted in Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) and has proven a scalable tool that can aid the analysis of social media data geographically. Beyond explaining efforts to analyse pilot data via this software, this paper elucidates three methodological challenges encountered during early collaboration. These include issues relating to “proximity” with subjects, ethics and critical questions about scholars’ digital responsibilities during the neogeographic turn.
Expression of Human Endogenous Retrovirus env Genes in the Blood of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Rhyu Dong-Won , Kang Yun-Jeong , Ock Mee-Sun , Eo Jung-Woo , Choi Yung-Hyun , Kim Wun-Jae , Leem Sun-Hee , Yi Joo-Mi , Kim Heui-Soo , Cha Hee-Jae
Published: May 2014

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) env proteins have been recently reported to be significantly up-regulated in certain cancers. Specifically, mRNA and protein levels of HERV-K (HML-2) are up-regulated in the blood plasma or serum of breast cancer patients. Here, we collected blood samples of 49 breast cancer patients and analyzed mRNA expressions of various HERVs env genes including HERV-R, HERV-H, HERV-K, and HERV-P by real-time PCR. The expression of env genes were significantly increased in the blood of primary breast cancer patients but were decreased in patients undergoing chemotherapy to a similar level with benign patients. When we compared the group currently undergoing chemotherapy and those patients undergoing chemotherapy simultaneously with radiotherapy, HERVs env genes were reduced more in the chemotherapy only group, suggesting that chemotherapy is more effective in reducing HERV env gene expression than is radiotherapy. Among chemotherapy groups, HERV env gene expression was the lowest in the taxotere- or taxol-treated group, suggesting that taxotere and taxol can reduce HERVs env expression. These data suggest the potential to use HERVs env genes as a diagnosis marker for primary breast cancer, and further studies are needed to identify the mechanism and physiological significance of the reduction of HERV env gene expression during chemotherapy.
Rare Variants in Genes Encoding MuRF1 and MuRF2 Are Modifiers of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Su Ming , Wang Jizheng , Kang Lianming , Wang Yilu , Zou Yubao , Feng Xinxing , Wang Dong , Ahmad Ferhaan , Zhou Xianliang , Hui Rutai , Song Lei
Published: May 2014

Modifier genes contribute to the diverse clinical manifestations of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but are still largely unknown. Muscle ring finger (MuRF) proteins are a class of muscle-specific ubiquitin E3-ligases that appear to modulate cardiac mass and function by regulating the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In this study we screened all the three members of the MuRF family, MuRF1, MuRF2 and MuRF3, in 594 unrelated HCM patients and 307 healthy controls by targeted resequencing. Identified rare variants were confirmed by capillary Sanger sequencing. The prevalence of rare variants in both MuRF1 and MuRF2 in HCM patients was higher than that in control subjects (MuRF1 13/594 (2.2%) vs. 1/307 (0.3%), p = 0.04; MuRF2 22/594 (3.7%) vs. 2/307 (0.7%); p = 0.007). Patients with rare variants in MuRF1 or MuRF2 were younger (p = 0.04) and had greater maximum left ventricular wall thickness (p = 0.006) than those without such variants. Mutations in genes encoding sarcomere proteins were present in 19 (55.9%) of the 34 HCM patients with rare variants in MuRF1 and MuRF2. These data strongly supported that rare variants in MuRF1 and MuRF2 are associated with higher penetrance and more severe clinical manifestations of HCM. The findings suggest that dysregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system contributes to the pathogenesis of HCM.
The Transcriptomes of the Crucian Carp Complex (Carassius auratus) Provide Insights into the Distinction between Unisexual Triploids and Sexual Diploids
Authors: Li Chun-Yan , Li Jiong-Tang , Kuang You-Yi , Xu Ru , Zhao Zi-Xia , Hou Guang-Yuan , Liang Hong-Wei , Sun Xiao-Wen
Published: May 2014

Both sexual reproduction and unisexual reproduction are adaptive strategies for species survival and evolution. Unisexual animals have originated largely by hybridization, which tends to elevate their heterozygosity. However, the extent of genetic diversity resulting from hybridization and the genomic differences that determine the type of reproduction are poorly understood. In Carassius auratus, sexual diploids and unisexual triploids coexist. These two forms are similar morphologically but differ markedly in their modes of reproduction. Investigation of their genomic differences will be useful to study genome diversity and the development of reproductive mode. We generated transcriptomes for the unisexual and sexual populations. Genes were identified using homology searches and an ab initio method. Estimation of the synonymous substitution rate in the orthologous pairs indicated that the hybridization of gibel carp occurred 2.2 million years ago. Microsatellite genotyping in each individual from the gibel carp population indicated that most gibel carp genes were not tri-allelic. Molecular function and pathway comparisons suggested few gene expansions between them, except for the progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation pathway, which is enriched in gibel carp. Differential expression analysis identified highly expressed genes in gibel carp. The transcriptomes provide information on genetic diversity and genomic differences, which should assist future studies in functional genomics.
Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities: An Emerging Strategy
Authors: Larson David
Published: May 2014

Persons with disabilities often find themselves marginalized by society and by our justice systems. We can improve access to justice by training better advocates. Advocates not only must be knowledgeable concerning relevant laws and regulations, but also must be able to interact effectively on a personal, professional level with persons who have disabilities. We also want to make certain that persons with disabilities have the opportunity to learn to advocate for themselves and for other persons with disabilities. Technologies are available that can help us accomplish these goals. This article provides a brief survey of legal protections (and gaps in such protection) for persons with disabilities. Successful advocate training programs from around the world are identified and described. The article provides examples of how technology is being used to support these efforts and provides suggestions regarding additional ways in which technology could be employed. Law schools around the world have begun to embrace the goal of better advocacy, but improving access will require well-prepared advocates to answer the call. Training advocates to provide services to a population that may have significantly different needs even within that population may be a more efficient and effective way to improve access to justice than by attempting to draft laws and regulations that somehow address all possible circumstances.
Biocompatibility and Surface Properties of TiO2 Thin Films Deposited by DC Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: López-Huerta Francisco , Cervantes Blanca , González Octavio , Hernández-Torres Julián , García-González Leandro , Vega Rosario , Herrera-May Agustín , Soto Enrique
Published: May 2014

We present the study of the biocompatibility and surface properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films deposited by direct current magnetron sputtering. These films are deposited on a quartz substrate at room temperature and annealed with different temperatures (100, 300, 500, 800 and 1100 °C). The biocompatibility of the TiO2 thin films is analyzed using primary cultures of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of Wistar rats, whose neurons are incubated on the TiO2 thin films and on a control substrate during 18 to 24 h. These neurons are activated by electrical stimuli and its ionic currents and action potential activity recorded. Through X-ray diffraction (XRD), the surface of TiO2 thin films showed a good quality, homogeneity and roughness. The XRD results showed the anatase to rutile phase transition in TiO2 thin films at temperatures between 500 and 1100 °C. This phase had a grain size from 15 to 38 nm, which allowed a suitable structural and crystal phase stability of the TiO2 thin films for low and high temperature. The biocompatibility experiments of these films indicated that they were appropriated for culture of living neurons which displayed normal electrical behavior.
New Lyotropic Mixtures with Non-Chiral N-Acylamino Acid Surfactants Presenting the Biaxial Nematic Phase Investigated by Laser Conoscopy, Polarized Optical Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Akpinar Erol , Reis Dennys , Yildirim Muhammet , Neto Antônio
Published: May 2014

Amino acid-based surfactants were used as the main surfactants to prepare new lyotropic mixtures presenting three nematic phases. One of them is biaxial (NB), and the two others are uniaxial, discotic (ND) and calamitic (NC). These surfactants were the non-chiral molecules, potassium N-dodecanoyl-DL-alaninate (DL-KDDA), potassium N-dodecanoyl-DL-serinate (DL-KDDS), disodium N-dodecanoyl-DL-aspartate (DL-NaDDAs) and potassium N-dodecanoyl-glycinate (KDDGly). Measurements of the optical birefringences and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to characterize the nematic phases and phase transitions. Mixtures with DL-KDDS exhibited the largest biaxial phase domain (~9 °C) with respect to the other mixtures in this study. The results obtained with the KDDGly mixture showed that the existence of hydrogen bonding between the head groups of the surfactant molecules seems to hinder the orientation of the micelles under the action of an external magnetic field.
Marine and Semi-Synthetic Hydroxysteroids as New Scaffolds for Pregnane X Receptor Modulation
Authors: Sepe Valentina , Di Leva Francesco , D'Amore Claudio , Festa Carmen , De Marino Simona , Renga Barbara , D'Auria Maria , Novellino Ettore , Limongelli Vittorio , D'Souza Lisette , Majik Mahesh , Zampella Angela , Fiorucci Stefano
Published: May 2014

In recent years many sterols with unusual structures and promising biological profiles have been identified from marine sources. Here we report the isolation of a series of 24-alkylated-hydroxysteroids from the soft coral Sinularia kavarattiensis, acting as pregnane X receptor (PXR) modulators. Starting from this scaffold a number of derivatives were prepared and evaluated for their ability to activate the PXR by assessing transactivation and quantifying gene expression. Our study reveals that ergost-5-en-3β-ol (4) induces PXR transactivation in HepG2 cells and stimulates the expression of the PXR target gene CYP3A4. To shed light on the molecular basis of the interaction between these ligands and PXR, we investigated, through docking simulations, the binding mechanism of the most potent compound of the series, 4, to the PXR. Our findings provide useful functional and structural information to guide further investigations and drug design.
Nine New and Five Known Polyketides Derived from a Deep Sea-Sourced Aspergillus sp. 16-02-1
Authors: Chen Xiu-Wen , Li Chang-Wei , Cui Cheng-Bin , Hua Wei , Zhu Tian-Jiao , Gu Qian-Qun
Published: May 2014

Nine new C9 polyketides, named aspiketolactonol (1), aspilactonols A–F (2–7), aspyronol (9) and epiaspinonediol (11), were isolated together with five known polyketides, (S)-2-(2′-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-γ-butyrolactone (8), dihydroaspyrone (10), aspinotriol A (12), aspinotriol B (13) and chaetoquadrin F (14), from the secondary metabolites of an Aspergillus sp. 16-02-1 that was isolated from a deep-sea sediment sample. Structures of the new compounds, including their absolute configurations, were determined by spectroscopic methods, especially the 2D NMR, circular dichroism (CD), Mo2-induced CD and Mosher’s 1H NMR analyses. Compound 8 was isolated from natural sources for the first time, and the possible biosynthetic pathways for 1–14 were also proposed and discussed. Compounds 1–14 inhibited human cancer cell lines, K562, HL-60, HeLa and BGC-823, to varying extents.
Evidence for the Multi-Stage Petrogenetic History of the Oka Carbonatite Complex (Québec, Canada) as Recorded by Perovskite and Apatite
Authors: Chen Wei , Simonetti Antonio
Published: May 2014

The Oka complex is amongst the youngest carbonatite occurrences in North America and is associated with the Monteregian Igneous Province (MIP; Québec, Canada). The complex consists of both carbonatite and undersaturated silicate rocks (e.g., ijolite, alnöite), and their relative emplacement history is uncertain. The aim of this study is to decipher the petrogenetic history of Oka via the compositional, isotopic and geochronological investigation of accessory minerals, perovskite and apatite, using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The new compositional data for individual perovskite and apatite grains from both carbonatite and associated alkaline silicate rocks are highly variable and indicative of open system behavior. In situ Sr and Nd isotopic compositions for these two minerals are also variable and support the involvement of several mantle sources. U-Pb ages for both perovskite and apatite define a bimodal distribution, and range between 113 and 135 Ma, which overlaps the range of ages reported previously for Oka and the entire MIP. The overall distribution of ages indicates that alnöite was intruded first, followed by okaite and carbonatite, whereas ijolite defines a bimodal emplacement history. The combined chemical, isotopic, and geochronological data is best explained by invoking the periodic generation of small volume, partial melts generated from heterogeneous mantle.
Drug-Eluting Nasal Implants: Formulation, Characterization, Clinical Applications and Challenges
Authors: Parikh Ankit , Anand Utkarshini , Ugwu Malachy , Feridooni Tiam , Massoud Emad , Agu Remigius
Published: May 2014

Chronic inflammation and infection of the nasal sinuses, also referred to as Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS), severely affects patients’ quality of life. Adhesions, ostial stenosis, infection and inflammation relapses complicate chronic sinusitis treatment strategies. Drug-eluting stents, packings or implants have been suggested as reasonable alternatives for addressing these concerns. This article reviewed potential drug candidates for nasal implants, formulation methods/optimization and characterization methods. Clinical applications and important considerations were also addressed. Clinically-approved implants (Propel™ implant, the Relieva stratus™ MicroFlow spacer, and the Sinu-Foam™ spacer) for CRS treatment was an important focus. The advantages and limitations, as well as future considerations, challenges and the need for additional research in the field of nasal drug implant development, were discussed.
New Biosorbent Materials: Selectivity and Bioengineering Insights
Authors: Kyzas George , Fu Jie , Matis Kostas
Published: May 2014

Many researchers have studied the biosorption of different pollutants. However, a quite limited number of works focus on selectivity, which may be characterized as specific property for each biosorbent. Two main criteria need to be adopted for the selection and synthesis of modern biosorbents, such as their rebinding capacity and selectivity for only one target, molecule, ion, etc. Selective biosorption could be achieved using in synthesis an innovative technique termed molecular imprinting; the idea applied through specific polymers (Molecular Imprinted Polymers (MIPs)) was used in many fields, mainly analytical. In the present work, also isotherm and kinetic models were reviewed highlighting some crucial parameters, which possibly affect selectivity. A critical analysis of the biosorption insights for biosorbents, mostly selective, describes their characteristics, advantages and limitations, and discusses various bioengineering mechanisms involved.
Improving Estimates of Grassland Fractional Vegetation Cover Based on a Pixel Dichotomy Model: A Case Study in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Li Fei , Chen Wei , Zeng Yuan , Zhao Qianjun , Wu Bingfang
Published: May 2014

Linear spectral mixture analysis (SMA) is commonly used to infer fractional vegetation cover (FVC), especially for pixel dichotomy models. However, several sources of uncertainty including normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) saturation and selection of endmembers inhibit the effectiveness of SMA for the estimation of FVC. In this study, Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Landsat 8/Operational Land Imager (OLI) remote sensing data for the early growing season and in situ measurement of spectral reflectance are used to determine the value of endmembers including VIsoil and VIveg, with equally weighted RVI and NDVI measures used in combination to minimize the inherent biases in pure NDVI-based FVC. Their ability to improve estimates of grassland FVC is analyzed at different resolutions. These are shown to improve FVC estimates over NDVI-based SMA models using fixed values for the endmembers. Grassland FVC changes for Inner Mongolia, China from 2000 to 2013 are then monitored using the MODIS data. The results show that changes in most grassland areas are not significant, but in parts of Hulunbeier, south Tongliao, middle Xilin Gol and Erdos, grassland FVC has increased significantly.
Investigating the Performance of Four Empirical Cross-Calibration Methods for the Proposed SWOT Mission
Authors: Dibarboure Gerald , Ubelmann Clement
Published: May 2014

The proposed surface water and ocean topography (SWOT) mission aims at observing short scale ocean topography with an unprecedented resolution and accuracy. Its main proposed sensor is a radar interferometer, so a major source of topography error is the roll angle: the relative positions of SWOT’s antennas must be known within a few micrometers. Because reaching SWOT’s stringent requirements with onboard roll values is challenging, we carried out simulations as a contingency strategy (i.e., to be ready if roll is larger than anticipated) that could be used with ground-based data. We revisit the empirical calibration algorithms with additional solving methods (e.g., based on orbit sub-cycle) and more sophisticated performance assessments with spectral decompositions. We also explore the link between the performance of four calibration methods and the attributes of their respective calibration zones: size and geometry (e.g., crossover diamonds), temporal variability (e.g., how many days between overlapping SWOT images). In general, the so-called direct method (using a single SWOT image) yields better coverage and smaller calibrated roll residuals because the full extent of the swath can be used for calibration, but this method makes an extensive use of the external nadir constellation to separate roll from oceanic variability, and it is more prone to leakages from oceanic variability on roll (i.e., true topography signal is more likely to be corrupted if it is misinterpreted as roll) and inaccurate modeling of the true topography spectrum. For SWOT’s baseline orbit (21 days repeat and 10.9 days sub-cycle), three other methods are found to be complementary with the direct method: swath crossovers, external nadir crossovers, and sub-cycle overlaps are shown to provide an additional calibration capability, albeit with complex latitude-varying coverage and performance. The main asset of using three or four methods concurrently is to minimize systematic leakages from oceanic variability or measurement errors, by maximizing overlap zones and by minimizing the temporal variability with one-day to three-day image differences. To that extent, SWOT’s proposed “contingency orbit” is an attractive risk reduction asset: the one-day sub-cycle overlaps of adjoining swaths would provide a good, continuous, and self-sufficient (no need for external nadirs) calibration scheme. The benefit is however essentially located at mid to high-latitudes and it is substantial only for wavelengths longer than 100 km.
Frequency Function in Atomic Force Microscopy Applied to a Liquid Environment
Authors: Shih Po-Jen
Published: May 2014

Scanning specimens in liquids using commercial atomic force microscopy (AFM) is very time-consuming due to the necessary try-and-error iteration for determining appropriate triggering frequencies and probes. In addition, the iteration easily contaminates the AFM tip and damages the samples, which consumes probes. One reason for this could be inaccuracy in the resonant frequency in the feedback system setup. This paper proposes a frequency function which varies with the tip-sample separation, and it helps to improve the frequency shift in the current feedback system of commercial AFMs. The frequency function is a closed-form equation, which allows for easy calculation, as confirmed by experimental data. It comprises three physical effects: the quasi-static equilibrium condition, the atomic forces gradient effect, and hydrodynamic load effect. While each of these has previously been developed in separate studies, this is the first time their combination has been used to represent the complete frequency phenomenon. To avoid “jump to contact” issues, experiments often use probes with relatively stiffer cantilevers, which inevitably reduce the force sensitivity in sensing low atomic forces. The proposed frequency function can also predict jump to contact behavior and, thus, the probe sensitivity could be increased and soft probes could be widely used. Additionally, various tip height behaviors coupling with the atomic forces gradient and hydrodynamic effects are discussed in the context of carbon nanotube probes.
Calculation of Target-Specific Point Distribution for 2D Mobile Laser Scanners
Authors: Cahalane Conor , McElhinney Conor , Lewis Paul , McCarthy Tim
Published: May 2014

The current generation of Mobile Mapping Systems (MMSs) capture high density spatial data in a short time-frame. The quantity of data is difficult to predict as there is no concrete understanding of the point density that different scanner configurations and hardware settings will exhibit for objects at specific distances. Obtaining the required point density impacts survey time, processing time, data storage and is also the underlying limit of automated algorithms. This paper details a novel method for calculating point and profile information for terrestrial MMSs which are required for any point density calculation. Through application of algorithms utilising 3D surface normals and 2D geometric formulae, the theoretically optimal profile spacing and point spacing are calculated on targets. Both of these elements are a major factor in calculating point density on arbitrary objects, such as road signs, poles or buildings-all important features in asset management surveys.
Understanding the Geographies of Transport and Cultural Heritage: Comparing Two Urban Development Programs in Oslo
Authors: Tønnesen Anders , Larsen Kari , Skrede Joar , Nenseth Vibeke
Published: May 2014

This paper elaborates on how policies and strategies for sustainable urban development can be understood and shows how development programs can be strategically important and flexible tools in the creation of the modern city. We examine two typical contemporary cases for urban development, inner city/waterfront and modernistic suburbs, using the two areas of transport and cultural heritage as prisms to explore divergences or convergences between the two programs, and ask: How come two urban development programs within the same city turn out so differently? By comparing these programs, urban development trends relating to entrepreneurialism are highlighted. There are clear differences between the two programs under study, and the paper tries to grasp their internal logic in order to shed light on their strengths and weaknesses. While the city center program has much to do with realizing the commercial potential of the area and strengthening sustainable transport through large-scale changes in infrastructure, such means seem to be outside the scope of the suburban program. Meanwhile, cultural heritage is interwoven with entrepreneurial projection-strategies in the city center, whereas heritage sites and projects are used more as a means for social cohesion in the suburb. The paper concludes that the programs vary in the two policy fields in accordance with the institutionalized and anticipated potential of the urban areas in question.
Environmental Orientation of Small Enterprises: Can Microcredit-Assisted Microenterprises be “Green”?
Authors: Shahidullah A. , Haque C.
Published: May 2014

The objective of this research was to explore, both theoretically and empirically, the ecological impacts of small-scale entrepreneurial ventures in developing countries. To this end, six microenterprises in rural southwestern Bangladesh established using green-microcredit strategies were evaluated in terms of goals, operational procedures, economic viability, social contributions, and impact on local ecological sustainability. This research revealed that the majority of such enterprises are not only sustainable and comply with current ecological standards, but also contribute a considerable number of vital ecosystem services while simultaneously maintaining suitably high profit margins to promise long-term economic viability. These findings indicate that microenterprises given environmental guidance by developmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—especially NGOs microfinance institutions, NGO-MFIs—have the potential to make significant ecological contributions and address the issue of climate change from the bottom of the social ladder upwards.
Type I Interferons as Regulators of Human Antigen Presenting Cell Functions
Authors: Gessani Sandra , Conti Lucia , Del Cornò Manuela , Belardelli Filippo
Published: May 2014

Type I interferons (IFNs) are pleiotropic cytokines, initially described for their antiviral activity. These cytokines exhibit a long record of clinical use in patients with some types of cancer, viral infections and chronic inflammatory diseases. It is now well established that IFN action mostly relies on their ability to modulate host innate and adaptive immune responses. Work in recent years has begun to elucidate the mechanisms by which type I IFNs modify the immune response, and this is now recognized to be due to effects on multiple cell types, including monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), NK cells, T and B lymphocytes. An ensemble of results from both animal models and in vitro studies emphasized the key role of type I IFNs in the development and function of DCs, suggesting the existence of a natural alliance between these cytokines and DCs in linking innate to adaptive immunity. The identification of IFN signatures in DCs and their dysregulation under pathological conditions will therefore be pivotal to decipher the complexity of this DC-IFN interaction and to better exploit the therapeutic potential of these cells.
« Truth within a fable » : vérités théologiques et plaisir du texte dans les allégories de John Bunyan
Authors: Millet Baudoin
Published: May 2014

Même si ses trois allégories en prose diffèrent nettement dans l’intention, la portée et la technique, John Bunyan analyse la façon dont elles mettent en jeu les usages théologiques de la vérité, susceptibles d’édifier un large lectorat. Les spécialistes actuels de Bunyan insistent sur la portée théologique de ces récits, qui offrent des considérations sur le mal, le libre arbitre ou la justification. Cependant, ces notions théologiques sont avant tout déployées dans des récits, dont le statut fictionnel a pour effet de brouiller la signification que l’on pourrait être tenté d’y rechercher. Les oeuvres allégoriques de Bunyan, influencées par les romans qu’il confesse avoir lus dans sa jeunesse, proposent un traitement original de problèmes énonciatifs qui en font tout l’intérêt aujourd’hui et les inscrivent dans la tradition des romans qui jouent avec les conventions narratives.
La quête de la vérité en politique chez Thomas Hobbes : lecture du Léviathan
Authors: Ducrocq Myriam-Isabelle
Published: May 2014

Contre les opinions reçues, contre les dogmes véhiculés par l’Université de son temps, contre la «vaine philosophie » des Anciens, dénoncés tout particulièrement dans la quatrième partie du Léviathan «Of the KINGDOME of DARKNESSE » , Thomas Hobbes clame sa volonté de partir à la recherche de la vérité en matière de gouvernement civil et ecclésiastique. Afin de dessiller le regard de ses contemporains, il fait appel à leur raison. Puisque ces fausses théories sont diffusées à partir des universités, le philosophe se fait pédagogue en démontrant dans ses livres «New and well proved Truth » que ses lecteurs seront en mesure de substituer aux erreurs du passé.
Les premières « Boyle Lectures » et les vérités au-dessus de la raison
Authors: Thomson Ann
Published: May 2014

Le chimiste Robert Boyle finança dans son testament une série annuelle de prêches consacrés à la défense des doctrines chrétiennes contre les «incroyants » et les Juifs. Ils sont souvent perçus comme l’expression de la physico-théologie de l’Église latitudinarienne, fondée sur la science newtonienne. Cet article, consacré aux sermons de la fin du XVIIe siècle, les analyse dans le contexte de la situation politique qui présidait à leur fondation. On voit qu’il s’agissait de défendre une théologie rationnelle face à l’enthousiasme des fanatiques et à ceux qui voulaient opposer la raison et la science à la religion, tout en répondant à un rationalisme qui viderait la religion de toute substance en voulant tout soumettre à la raison : de réconcilier les vérités de la religion avec la science tout en soulignant le secours de la révélation pour se convaincre de certaines vérités au-dessus de la raison.
The Family History as a Screening Tool
Authors: Stroop Jennifer B
Published: May 2014

Because of the significant impact [that] genetic susceptibility information may have on disease management and prevention, it is vitally important that the public, health professionals and administrators become educated regarding the importance of the family history as a tool for assessing genetic susceptibilities for chronic disease.1
A 2 Year-Old Boy With Fever and a Limp
Authors: Listernick Robert
Published: May 2014

Daily fever, a persistent limp, normal blood count, no point tenderness or swelling of any joint or extremity.
A 2-year-old Girl With a Several-Day History of Vomiting and Lethargy
Authors: Listernick Robert
Published: May 2014

When vomiting occurs for longer than 24 hours without diarrhea, gastroenteritis can be ruled out and more serious diagnoses must be considered.
Guidelines Direct Treatment Choices for Group B Streptococcus
Authors: Scott Karen
Published: May 2014

Questions often arise when a newborn does not fit specific criteria for sepsis treatment exactly. CDC and AAP guidelines may have the answers.
The Spectrum of Autistic Disorders
Authors: Shulman Stanford T
Published: May 2014

Clinicians must not only develop treatments for children with autism but also reassure parents that research has shown immunizations are not a cause of this family of disorders.
Managing Overweight in Older Children and Adolescents
Authors: Schwimmer Jeffrey B
Published: May 2014

Lifestyle Modifications Can Be Accomplished through the Primary Care Setting
Wicked Children - A New Perspective for Pediatricians
Authors: Shulman Stanford T
Published: May 2014

Pediatricians should be aware of physiologic correlates of misconduct in childhood and newer treatments for aggression.
Sedating Patients for Radiologic Studies
Authors: Boswinkel Jan P , Litman Ronald S
Published: May 2014

Some procedures call for medication to reduce movement, anxiety, or pain.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Fortenberry J Dennis
Published: May 2014

Screening and diagnosis guidelines for primary care pediatricians.
The Adolescent With a Chronic Illness
Authors: Burns James S , Sadof Matthew , Kamat Depak
Published: May 2014

How to manage treatment issues and provide specialized services in this population