bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When birth comes early: Effects on nephrogenesis
Authors: Black Mary Jane , Sutherland Megan R , Gubhaju Lina , Kent Alison L , Dahlstrom Jane E , Moore Lynette
Published: December 2012

Preterm birth (birth prior to 37 completed weeks of gestation) may occur at a time when the infant kidney is very immature and nephrogenesis is often ongoing. In autopsied preterm human kidneys and in a baboon model of preterm birth it has been shown that nephrogenesis continues after preterm birth, with a significant increase in the number of glomerular generations and number of nephrons formed within the kidney after birth. Of concern, however, morphologically abnormal glomeruli (with a cystic Bowman's space) are often observed; the abnormal glomeruli are only located in the outer renal cortex, suggesting that it is the recently formed glomeruli (perhaps those formed in the extra‐uterine environment) that are affected. The proportion of abnormal glomeruli within the renal cortex differs between infants with some kidneys appearing normal whereas others are severely affected. This suggests that it may be haemodynamic factors and/or factors in the neonatal care of the infant that lead to the glomerular abnormalities. Indeed, the haemodynamic transition at birth where there is a marked increase in systemic blood pressure and renal blood flow are likely to lead to injury of glomerular capillaries, although further studies are required to elucidate this. In order to optimize renal health at the beginning of life in the preterm infant, it is imperative in future studies to gain an understanding of the causes of the glomerular abnormalities in the preterm neonate.
Metabolic engineering and profiling of rice with increased lysine
Authors: Long Xiaohang , Liu Qiaoquan , Chan Manling , Wang Qing , Sun Samuel S. M.
Published: December 2012

Lysine (Lys) is the first limiting essential amino acid in rice, a stable food for half of the world population. Efforts, including genetic engineering, have not achieved a desirable level of Lys in rice. Here, we genetically engineered rice to increase Lys levels by expressing bacterial lysine feedback‐insensitive aspartate kinase (AK) and dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHPS) to enhance Lys biosynthesis; through RNA interference of rice lysine ketoglutaric acid reductase/saccharopine dehydropine dehydrogenase (LKR/SDH) to down‐regulate its catabolism; and by combined expression of AK and DHPS and interference of LKR/SDH to achieve both metabolic effects. In these transgenic plants, free Lys levels increased up to ~12‐fold in leaves and ~60‐fold in seeds, substantially greater than the 2.5‐fold increase in transgenic rice seeds reported by the only previous related study. To better understand the metabolic regulation of Lys accumulation in rice, metabolomic methods were employed to analyse the changes in metabolites of the Lys biosynthesis and catabolism pathways in leaves and seeds at different stages. Free Lys accumulation was mainly regulated by its biosynthesis in leaves and to a greater extent by catabolism in seeds. The transgenic plants did not show observable changes in plant growth and seed germination nor large changes in levels of asparagine (Asn) and glutamine (Gln) in leaves, which are the major amino acids transported into seeds. Although Lys was highly accumulated in leaves of certain transgenic lines, a corresponding higher Lys accumulation was not observed in seeds, suggesting that free Lys transport from leaves into seeds did not occur.
Differential expression of specific sulphate transporters underlies seasonal and spatial patterns of sulphate allocation in trees
Authors: MALCHESKA F. , HONSEL A. , WILDHAGEN H. , DÜRR J. , LARISCH C. , RENNENBERG H. , HERSCHBACH C.
Published: December 2012

In the manuscript entitled “Differential expression of specific sulphate transporters underlies seasonal and spatial patterns of sulphate allocation in trees” we examined the importance of sulphate transporter for seasonal sulphate storage and mobilisation in the wood of poplar. For this purpose we related seasonal gene expression patterns of specific sulphate transporter genes to sulphate contents in xylem sap and wood. Together with the previously published model for seasonal sulphate circulation between bark and leaf tissues of poplar (Dürr et al., 2010) these results provide information for future mechanistic modelling of whole tree sulphate fluxes.
Pediatric Follicular Mucinosis: Presentation, Histopathology, Molecular Genetics, Treatment, and Outcomes over an 11‐Year Period at the Mayo Clinic
Authors: Alikhan Ali , Griffin John , Nguyen Nicholas , Davis Dawn Marie R. , Gibson Lawrence E.
Published: December 2012

Follicular mucinosis (FM) and folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (MF) are rare in children, and data regarding long‐term outcomes are limited. We sought to describe clinical and histopathologic findings of children with FM with and without MF, as well as treatments administered and clinical outcomes. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients younger than 22 years (at time of diagnosis) with a biopsy demonstrating FM who were seen in the Dermatology Department at the Mayo Clinic from September 1, 1999, to September 1, 2010. Eleven patients (six male, five female) ages 11 to 19 years at the time of diagnosis met the inclusion criteria. Follow‐up data were available for 10 patients, with a mean duration of 4.9 years. The head, neck, and extremities were the most common sites of involvement, and lesions were follicular‐based papules (18%), scaly alopecic patches and plaques (45%), or a combination of the two (36%). Overall, three patients were confirmed to have MF. T‐cell receptor gene rearrangement demonstrated clonality in two cases and was equivocal in one case. Treatments included topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids, oral minocycline, and, in patients with MF, ultraviolet light and topical bexarotene. Lesions resolved completely in seven patients, partially in one, and not at all in two (no follow‐up data on one patient). Of the three patients with MF, two had complete resolution, and one has intermittent flares. To our knowledge, no patients developed other lymphoproliferative disorders. FM in children is rare. A histopathologic diagnosis of FM does not equate to folliculotropic MF in all cases. Most patients responded to treatment with topical steroids, topical retinoids, or phototherapy. In our series of patients, the disease ran a benign course.
A 65‐Year‐Old Woman Diagnosed With PHACE Syndrome
Authors: Burch Ezra A. , Garzon Maria C. , Parikh Anuraag , Meyers Philip M.
Published: December 2012

PHACE syndrome is characterized by the association between infantile hemangioma and varied but characteristic systemic manifestations, including cerebrovascular and cardiac abnormalities. The disorder has primarily been diagnosed in children, with little information available regarding long‐term outcomes in affected individuals. We report the oldest known individual with PHACE syndrome in the medical literature, a 65‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed after a transient ischemic attack.
Refractory Childhood Pemphigoid Successfully Treated with Rituximab
Authors: Fuertes Irene , Luelmo Jesús , Leal Lorena , Romaní Jorge , Sánchez Silvia , Mascaró José M.
Published: December 2012

Bullous pemphigoid is an acquired autoimmune blistering disorder affecting mostly elderly people that is rare in children. There have been fewer than 100 cases of childhood bullous pemphigoid reported. Childhood bullous pemphigoid (CBP) generally has a good prognosis. Remission is usually achieved within several weeks to a few months, and relapses are rare, although refractory cases can occur, and the disease may be life threatening, particularly when lesions generalize. Herein we describe the case of an infant with severe CBP refractory to multiple treatments. In our case, therapy with azathioprine and intravenous immunoglobulin resulted in a slight clinical response, but only combined with high doses of prednisolone. Administration of rituximab led to a complete clinical response and allowed almost complete steroid tapering. There are no current guidelines indicating what doses and frequency of rituximab are safest or most effective in children with blistering diseases.
A case of sterile transient neonatal pustulosis presenting with large flaccid pustules
Authors: Fujisawa Yasuhiro , Miyazono Yayoi , Kawachi Yasuhiro , Otsuka Fujio
Published: December 2012

We describe a female neonate with large flaccid pustules on her trunk and extremities. Cultures were negative, and a Wright‐stained smear of pustule contents showed numerous eosinophils (>90%). The pustules resolved without leaving pigmentation after 2 weeks. We diagnosed this case as sterile transient neonatal pustulosis.
Infantile Acne Treated with Oral Isotretinoin
Authors: Miller Iben Marie , Echeverría Begoña , Torrelo Antonio , Jemec Gregor Borut Ernst
Published: December 2012

In contrast to adolescent acne, infantile acne (IA) is a rare condition with only a limited body of available literature. In this descriptive, retrospective study, we reviewed six cases from 2002 to 2010 treated with oral isotretinoin. The average age of onset was 6.16 months (range 0–21 mos). Consistent with the previous, limited literature, we found predominantly boys are affected, a predilection for the cheeks, and a polymorphic inflammatory morphology. Two patients had a family history of acne. All cases were successfully and safely treated with oral isotretinoin. The suggested treatment of childhood acne is similar to that of adolescents (graded according to the severity of the skin disease and risk of scarring). Oral isotretinoin appears to be an effective and safe treatment for severe IA.
Vesicular Eruption of Vacuum‐Assisted Delivery
Authors: Chadwick Preston W. , Heymann Warren R.
Published: December 2012

Vacuum‐assisted delivery has been associated with several complications, including rare vesicular eruptions. Herpes simplex virus has been cultured in a substantial portion of these cases. A case of vesicular eruption from vacuum‐assisted delivery is presented in a 1‐day‐old neonate. The patient was placed on empiric acyclovir until viral cultures and polymerase chain reaction for herpes simplex virus were found to be negative. The lesions resolved without sequelae. The vesicular eruption of vacuum‐assisted delivery is probably secondary to mechanical trauma. Clinicians should be aware of the possible risk of herpes simplex virus infection, instituting antiviral therapy until this is excluded.
Segmental Ulcerated Perineal Hemangioma of Infancy: A Complex Case of PELVIS Syndrome Successfully Treated Using a Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Kaushik Shivani B. , Kwatra Shawn G. , McLean Thomas W. , Powers Alexander , Atala Anthony J. , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: December 2012

We report a case of PELVIS (perineal hemangioma, external genital malformations, lipomyelomeningocele, vesicorenal abnormalities, imperforate anus and skin tag) syndrome in which hemangioma in the perineal area was misdiagnosed at birth as diaper rash. Investigations revealed associated vesicorenal and spinal abnormalities. We emphasize careful diagnosis of suspicious lesions at birth and confirm the successful use of propranolol in treating ulcerated segmental hemangiomas.
De novo therapy with everolimus and reduced‐exposure cyclosporine following pediatric kidney transplantation: A prospective, multicenter, 12‐month study
Authors: Grushkin Carl , Mahan John D. , Mange Kevin C. , Hexham J.Mark , Ettenger Robert
Published: December 2012

Prospective data regarding the de novo use of everolimus following kidney transplantation in children are sparse. In a prospective, 12‐month, single‐arm, open‐label study, pediatric kidney transplant patients received everolimus (target trough concentration ≥3 ng/mL) with reduced‐exposure CsA and corticosteroids, with or without basiliximab induction. Sixteen of the 18 patients completed the study on‐treatment. Age range was 2–16 yr (mean 10.9 yr); eight patients received a living donor graft. Mean (s.d.) everolimus level was 7.4 (3.1) ng/mL during the first 12 months post‐transplant. There were no cases of BPAR, graft loss, or death during the study. Protocol biopsies were performed at month 12 in seven patients, with subclinical (untreated) acute rejection diagnosed in one case. Mean (s.d.) estimated GFR (Schwartz formula) was 98 (34) mL/min/1.73 m2 at month 12. Three patients experienced one or more serious adverse events with a suspected relation to study medication. One patient discontinued study medication due to post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (5.6%). Everolimus with reduced‐dose CsA and corticosteroids achieved good efficacy and renal function and was well tolerated in this small cohort of pediatric kidney transplant patients. Controlled trials are required to answer remaining questions about the optimal use of everolimus in this setting.
Incidentally detected cholangiocarcinoma in an explanted liver with biliary atresia after Kasai operation
Authors: Fukuda Akinari , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kanazawa Hiroyuki , Shigeta Takanobu , Karaki Chiaki , Hamano Ikumi , Uchida Hajime , Kitagawa Hiroaki , Okuse Chiaki , Miyazaki Osamu , Nosaka Shunsuke , Nakazawa Atsuko , Kasahara Mureo
Published: December 2012

This report presents the case of a 30‐yr‐old woman with BA who developed incidental cholangiocarcinoma following the Kasai operation. She showed progressive liver dysfunction and cirrhosis at the age of 30 yr and underwent LDLT. A 4‐cm‐diameter liver tumor in the anastomotic site of portoenterostomy was incidentally found as a result of a pathological examination of the explanted native liver. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed to be intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Although cholangiocarcinoma in patients with BA has been previously reported in only three cases, it should be nevertheless always considered in the differential diagnosis of hepatic tumors during a long follow‐up course in patients with BA.
Using Personal Car Register for Measuring Economic Inequality in Countries with a Large Share of Shadow Economy: Evidence forLatvia
Authors: Siliverstovs Boriss , Kholodilin Konstantin A. , Dombrovsky Vyacheslav
Published: December 2012

We suggest using information from the state register of personal cars as an alternative indicator of economic inequality in countries with a large share of shadow economy. We illustrate our approach using theLatvian pool of personal cars. Our main finding is that the extent of household economic inequality inLatvia is much larger than officially assumed. According toEurostat, the officially published estimate of theGini coefficient forLatvia is 0.374 for 2009, which is much higher than theGini coefficient value reported for all the 27EUmember countries (0.304), but significantly lower than 0.48 according to our results.
Validity and reliability of electroencephalographic frontal alpha asymmetry and frontal midline theta as biomarkers for depression
Authors: GOLD CHRISTIAN , FACHNER JÖRG , ERKKILÄ JAAKKO
Published: December 2012

Electroencephalographic (EEG) frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) and frontal midline (FM) theta have been suggested as biomarkers for depression and anxiety, but have mostly been assessed in small and non‐clinical studies. In a clinical sample of 79 adults with depression (ICD‐10: F32), resting EEG and scales of depression (MADRS) and anxiety (HADS‐A) were measured at intake and after 3 months. FAA and FM theta values were referenced to a normative population database. Internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, and correlations with psychiatric tests were examined. Reliability was sufficient. However, FAA and FM theta values were close to the general population, and correlations with psychiatric tests were mostly small and non‐significant, with the exception of FAA on F7–F8 z‐scores and HADS‐A. We conclude that the validity of FAA and FM theta and therefore their potential as biomarkers for depression and anxiety remain unclear.
Women with Gynecologic Malignancies Have a Greater Incidence of Suicide than Women with Other Cancer Types
Authors: Ward Kristy K. , Roncancio Angelica M. , Plaxe Steven C.
Published: December 2012

To evaluate risk of suicide of women with invasive gynecologic malignancies, the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (1973–2007) was queried. Suicide per 100,000 women with gynecologic malignancies was compared with that of women with other malignancies; suicide was 30% more likely in those with gynecologic malignancies. Most suicides occurred within 4 years of diagnosis. Better understanding of the descriptive epidemiology of suicide among women with gynecologic malignancies could lead to improved risk assessment, screening, and prevention of this potentially avoidable cause of death.
Insomnia Symptoms, Nightmares, and Suicide Risk: Duration of Sleep Disturbance Matters
Authors: R. Nadorff Michael , Nazem Sarra , Fiske Amy
Published: December 2012

Duration of insomnia symptoms or nightmares was investigated to see if it was related to suicide risk independent of current insomnia symptoms, nightmares, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and posttraumatic symptoms. The cross‐sectional study involved analyses of survey responses from undergraduate students who endorsed either insomnia symptoms (n = 660) or nightmares (n = 312). Both insomnia symptom and nightmare duration were significantly associated with suicide risk independent of current insomnia symptoms or nightmares, respectively. Relations were also significant after controlling for anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and posttraumatic symptoms. Results suggest that duration of sleep disturbance is relevant when assessing suicide risk.
Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS®) removal of piperacillin/tazobactam in a patient with acetaminophen‐induced acute liver failure
Authors: Ruggero M.A. , Argento A.C. , Heavner M.S. , Topal J.E.
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study was to illustrate the pharmacokinetic removal of piperacillin/tazobactam in an anuric patient on Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS®). The patient was a 32‐year‐old woman who presented to a medical intensive care unit with acute liver failure secondary to an acetaminophen overdose. While awaiting transplant, she was started on MARS therapy as a bridge to liver transplant and empirically started on piperacillin/tazobactam therapy. MARS is an extracorporeal hemofiltration device, which incorporates a continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVHD) machine linked to an albumin‐enriched dialysate filter to normalize excess electrolytes, metabolic waste, and protein‐bound toxins. In addition to protein‐bound waste, MARS removes water‐soluble, low molecular‐weight molecules. The patient received piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g infused intravenously over 3 h. A steep decline in serum levels occurred between hours 4 and 6 while MARS continued and no antibiotic was infused. The elimination rate constant (ke) for the removal of piperacillin in this patent was 0.453 h−1 and the half‐life (λ) was 1.53 h. The ke was 2.9‐fold higher than with CVVHD alone and the λ was 3.7‐fold shorter. Low levels of piperacillin are achieved during MARS therapy, but in the treatment of more resistant organisms, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, these low levels may not be adequate to achieve bactericidal activity. Drug levels following a standard infusion of 30 min would likely be even lower. Formalized pharmacokinetic studies of piperacillin/tazobactam removal in patients on MARS therapy are necessary to make clear dosing recommendations.
Urbanization and Non‐communicable disease mortality in Thailand: an ecological correlation study
Authors: Angkurawaranon Chaisiri , Wattanatchariya Nisit , Doyle Pat , Nitsch Dorothea
Published: December 2012

This study provides strong evidence from an LMIC that urbanization is associated with mortality from three lifestyle‐associated diseases at an ecological level. Furthermore, our data suggest that both average household income and number of doctors per population are important factors to consider in ecological analyses of mortality.
Assessing the burden of human cysticercosis in Vietnam
Authors: Trung Dung Do , Praet Nicolas , Cam Thach Dang Thi , Lam Binh Vu Thi , Manh Hung Nguyen , Gabriël Sarah , Dorny Pierre
Published: December 2012

Objectives

To describe the occurrence of cysticercosis in patients living in rural areas of Northern Vietnam presenting clinical signs of neurocysticercosis.

Methods

Serological antigen detection, reflecting current infection with viable larval stages of Taenia solium, was used to estimate the prevalence of active cysticercosis in this patient population.

Results

The seroprevalence in epileptic patient population was <10%. However, antigen detection cannot detect dead cysticerci, which may also cause clinical signs. Therefore, the seroprevalence figures shown here may underestimate the role of neurocysticercosis as a causal agent of epilepsy and headaches in this population.

Conclusions

Human and porcine cysticercosis remain public and veterinary public health problems in Northern Vietnam and probably in other parts of the country.
Hygiene intervention reduces contamination of weaning food in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mohammad Sirajul , Mahmud Zahid Hayat , Gope Partha Sarathi , Zaman Rokon Uz , Hossain Zakir , Islam Mohammad Shafiqul , Mondal Dinesh , Sharker Mohammad Abu Yushuf , Islam Khairul , Jahan Hasin , Bhuiya Abbas , Endtz Hubert P. , Cravioto Alejandro , Curtis Valerie , Touré Ousmane , Cairncross Sandy
Published: December 2012

Objective

This study was conducted to measure the impact of a hygiene intervention on the contamination of weaning food in Bangladesh.

Methods

Sixty households were selected: 30 study and 30 control households. Samples of weaning food were collected from all the 60 households at baseline and examined for faecal coliforms (FC), faecal streptococci (FS) and Clostridium perfringens (CP) following standard procedures. After cooking, food samples were collected on three occasions before feeding. Following Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures, critical control points were determined. The mothers in the 30 study households were then trained for 4 weeks in how to attain the control point conditions. Then, again the food samples were collected and analysed.

Results

At baseline, weaning foods from study and control households were heavily contaminated with FC and FS. The FC and FS counts were 1.84 log10 and 1.92 log10 colony‐forming unit (cfu)/g, respectively, in the study households, and 0.86 log10 and 1.33 log10 cfu/g, respectively, in the control households in the first feeding. After the intervention, the FC and FS counts in study households had dropped to 0.10 log10 and 0.09 log10 cfu/g, respectively, a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.001). Monitoring the sustainability of the behaviour change after 3 months showed that the mothers were maintaining food hygiene.

Conclusions

A hygiene intervention following the HACCP approach reduced the weaning food contamination significantly. Awareness building among mothers about weaning food hygiene could be an important intervention for preventing weaning food–related diarrhoea in Bangladesh.
Rapid diagnosis of sulfonylurea‐resistant Schoenoplectus juncoides [Roxb.] Palla using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism and isogene‐specific direct sequencing
Authors: Sada Yoshinao , Ikeda Hajime , Kizawa Satoru
Published: December 2012

Rapid diagnostic methods to detect known mutations in acetolactate synthase (ALS) genes that confer sulfonylurea (SU) resistance to Schoenoplectus juncoides were developed in this study. By using 11 SU‐resistant accessions (nine accessions with a Pro197 substitution in ALS1 or ALS2, one accession with an Asp376Glu substitution in ALS2 and one accession with a Trp574Leu substitution in ALS2), polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) analysis for DNA fragments that were amplified simultaneously from genomic ALS1 and ALS2 and PCR–RFLP analysis for DNA fragments that were amplified from either of the genomic ALS1 or ALS2 were carried out. In each of the two PCR–RFLP analyses, a common PCR product was digested separately with the restriction enzymes, BspLI, MboI and MunI, in order to detect Pro197 substitutions, an Asp376Glu substitution and a Trp574Leu substitution, respectively. In each of the lanes where the detection of SU‐resistant substitutions was aimed, a specific band to suggest the existence of the said substitutions was observed in theoretically assumable ways. Separately, a direct sequencing method also was established, which was able to selectively sequence ALS1 or ALS2 from common templates containing both ALS1 and ALS2 by the isogene‐selective primers that were designed to anneal either of the ALS genes. It is expected that these methods could be used for the genetic analysis of SU‐resistant S. juncoides by providing rapid and accurate diagnosis.
Observed changes in soyabean growth and seed yield from Abutilon theophrasti competition as a function of carbon dioxide concentration
Authors: Ziska L
Published: December 2012

Soyabean (Glycine max) was grown at ambient and projected levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (+250 μmol mol−1 above ambient) over two field seasons with and without the presence of a weed, Abutilon theophrasti, to quantify the potential effect of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration on weed–crop interactions and potential yield loss in soyabean. Under weed‐free conditions, elevated CO2 resulted in stimulations in soyabean seed yield and associated components, including pod number. At an approximate density of 6 plants m−2, A. theophrasti competition resulted in a significant reduction (−40%) in soyabean seed yield. Although differences in seed yield reduction by A. theophrasti were observed as a function of year, the relative decrease in seed yield with A. theophrasti biomass did not differ in response to CO2. Although careful weed management will be necessary if CO2‐induced increases in seed yield for soyabean are to be achieved, these data suggest that soyabean seed yield may be more resilient in competition with A. theophrasti as a function of rising atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide.
Factors Associated with Dog Rabies Vaccination in Bhol, Philippines: Results of a Cross‐Sectional Cluster Survey Conducted Following the Island‐Wide Rabies Elimination Campaign
Authors: Davlin S. , Lapiz S. M. , Miranda M. E. , Murray K.
Published: December 2012

The Philippines has a long history of rabies control efforts in their dog populations; however, long‐term success of such programmes and the goal of rabies elimination have not yet been realized. The Bohol Rabies Prevention and Elimination Program was developed as an innovative approach to canine rabies control in 2007. The objective of this study was to assess canine rabies vaccination coverage in the owned‐dog population in Bohol and to describe factors associated with rabies vaccination 2 years after implementation of the programme. We utilized a cross‐sectional cluster survey based on the World Health Organization’s Expanded Programme on Immunization coverage survey technique. We sampled 460 households and collected data on 539 dogs residing within these households. Seventy‐seven per cent of surveyed households reported owning at least one dog. The human‐to‐dog ratio was approximately 4 : 1, and the mean number of dogs owned per household was 1.6. Based on this ratio, we calculated an owned‐dog population of almost 300 000. Overall, 71% of dogs were reported as having been vaccinated for rabies at some time in their lives; however, only 64% of dogs were reported as having been recently vaccinated. Dogs in our study were young (median age = 24 months). The odds of vaccination increased with increasing age. Dogs aged 12–23 months had 4.6 times the odds of vaccination compared to dogs aged 3–11 months (95% CI 1.8–12.0; P = 0.002). Confinement of the dog both day and night was also associated with increased odds of vaccination (OR = 2.1; 95% CI 0.9–4.9; P = 0.07), and this result approached statistical significance. While the programme is on track to meet its goal of 80% vaccination coverage, educational efforts should focus on the need to confine dogs and vaccinate young dogs.
A Survey of Canadian Public Health Personnel Regarding Knowledge, Practice and Education of Zoonotic Diseases
Authors: Snedeker K. G. , Anderson M. E. C. , Sargeant J. M. , Weese J. S.
Published: December 2012

Zoonoses, diseases that can spread under natural conditions between humans and other animals, are become a major public health concern in many countries including Canada. In Canada, investigations of zoonotic disease incidents are often conducted by public health inspectors (PHIs). However, little is known about PHIs' knowledge of transmission of zoonotic pathogens, their perceptions of zoonotic disease importance or their education regarding zoonotic diseases. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the knowledge, perceptions and education of Canadian PHIs regarding zoonotic diseases. Data were collected from December 2008–January 2009 using an internet‐based survey distributed to members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors national listserv. Responses were received from 229 PHIs in four provinces, with a response rate of approximately 20%. The majority of respondents reported at least 10 years of experience in the public health sector, 80% (181/225) were in frontline positions, and 62% (137/222) were routinely involved in investigations of infectious diseases. Two‐thirds believed that the importance of zoonotic diseases with regards to public health would increase in the next 5 years. Whilst most respondents were able to correctly identify animals capable of directly transmitting common zoonotic pathogens, there were gaps in knowledge, particularly with regard to rabies and transmission of gastrointestinal pathogens by companion animals. PHIs tended to feel that their training on zoonotic diseases prior to working as PHIs was deficient in some areas, or left some room for improvement. Their responses also suggested that there is a need for improvement in both the quantity and the quality of continuing education on zoonotic diseases. In particular, less than one‐third of PHIs received ongoing continuing education regarding zoonotic diseases, and of those that did, nearly two‐thirds rated the quantity and quality as only fair.
Heat Transfer Due to Natural Convection in a Periodically Heated Slot
Authors: Hossain M. Z. , Floryan J. M.
Published: December 2012

Heat transfer resulting from the natural convection in a fluid layer contained in an infinite horizontal slot bounded by solid walls and subject to a spatially periodic heating at the lower wall has been investigated. The heating produces sinusoidal temperature variations along one horizontal direction characterized by the wave number α with the amplitude expressed in terms of a suitably defined Rayleigh number Rap. The maximum heat transfer takes place for the heating with the wave numbers α = 0(1) as this leads to the most intense convection. The intensity of convection decreases proportionally to α when α→0, resulting in the temperature field being dominated by periodic conduction with the average Nusselt number decreasing proportionally to α2. When α→∞, the convection is confined to a thin layer adjacent to the lower wall with its intensity decreasing proportionally to α−3. The temperature field above the convection layer looses dependence on the horizontal direction. The bulk of the fluid sees the thin convective layer as a “hot wall.” The heat transfer between the walls becomes dominated by conduction driven by a uniform vertical temperature gradient which decreases proportionally to the intensity of convection resulting in the average Nusselt number decreasing as α−3. It is shown that processes described above occur for Prandtl numbers 0.001 < Pr < 10 considered in this study.
Charging Station of a Planar Miniature Heat Pipe Thermal Ground Plane
Authors: Ababneh Mohammed T. , Chauhan Shakti , Gerner Frank M. , Hurd Doug , de Bock Peter , Deng Tao
Published: December 2012

Thermal ground planes (TGPs) are planar, thin (thickness of 3 mm or less) heat pipes which use two-phase heat transfer. The objective is to utilize TGPs as thermal spreaders in several microelectronic cooling applications. TGPs are innovative high-performance, integrated systems able to operate at a high power density with a reduced weight and temperature gradient. Moreover, being able to dissipate large amounts of heat, they have very high effective axial thermal conductivities and can operate in high adverse gravitational fields due to nanoporous wicks. A key factor in the design of the TGP is evacuation prior to filling and introduction of the proper amount of working fluid (water) into the device. The major challenge of this work is to fill heat pipes with a total liquid volume of less than 1 ml, without being able to see into the device. The current filling station is an improvement over the current state of the art as it allows for accurate filling of microliter sized volumes. Tests were performed to validate performance of the system and to verify that little to no noncondensable gasses were introduced to the system. Careful calibration of the amount of liquid introduced is important. Therefore, calibration of the burettes utilized for a liquid fill range of 0.01 ml to 100 ml was important. The magnitude of the pressure inside the TGP device is also an important factor. Charging station validation demonstrated the capability of charging TGPs with accuracy of ±1.64 μl. Calibration curves for the burettes and error characterization curves for a range of liquid charging volumes will be presented and discussed in this paper.
Risk of HIV or second syphilis infection in Danish men with newly acquired syphilis in the period 2000–2010
Authors: Salado-Rasmussen Kirsten , Katzenstein Terese Lea , Gerstoft Jan , Cowan Susan Alice , Knudsen Troels Bygum , Mathiesen Lars , Hoffmann Steen , Obel Niels
Published: December 2012

Objectives

Risk of subsequent diagnosis of HIV in persons diagnosed with newly acquired syphilis, and syphilis in HIV-infected persons, are of interest as these infections are markers of unsafe sex.

Methods

From a nationwide register, all Danish men aged >16 years diagnosed with syphilis in the period 2000–2010 (n=1217) were identified, and subsequently data on HIV status was extracted from the Danish HIV Cohort Study. We used Kaplan–Meier analysis to estimate the 5-year risk of HIV and second syphilis infection, and Cox regression to determine incidence rate ratios (IRR).

Results

The 5-year risk of HIV diagnosis was 9.8% (95% CI 7.0% to 12.6%). Those with a second diagnosis of syphilis had a higher risk of being diagnosed with HIV (IRR=3.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 8.0). The 5-year risk for a second diagnosis of syphilis was 14.8% (95% CI 12.1% to 17.4%) and HIV-infected persons had a higher risk of a second syphilis diagnosis (IRR=4.0, 95% CI 2.8 to 5.9). Sixty-five percent of the persons were men having sex with men (MSM). Thirty-four percent of the HIV-infected persons had viral load >1000 copies/ml at time of syphilis diagnosis.

Conclusions

The substantial risks of syphilis and HIV infection in men diagnosed with one of these sexually transmitted diseases indicate a high frequency of unsafe sex in the Danish MSM population. As one-third of the HIV-infected persons diagnosed with syphilis had high viral loads, our data support initiation of antiretroviral therapy in all HIV-infected MSM to reduce HIV transmission.
Coverage, context and targeted prevention: optimising our impact
Authors: Aral Sevgi O , Cates Willard
Published: December 2012

Development of efficacious interventions is only the first step in achieving population level impact. Efficacious interventions impact infection levels in the population only if they are implemented at the right scale. Coverage must be prioritised across subpopulations based on the diversity and clustering of infections and risk in society, and expanded rapidly without delay. It is important to prioritise those who are most likely to transmit infection first.
COMMUNICATION BALANCING IN THE PARALLEL GÖTTFERT ALGORITHM
Authors: ABU SALEM FATIMA K. , TAMIM LAMA B.
Published: December 2012

Parallel implementations in computer algebra often require careful designs tailored towards irregular data structures and patterns of computation that are largely unpredictable. In this context, we re-visit the BSP Göttfert algorithm of [1] whose communication patterns suffer from greatly varying degrees within the intermediary univariate polynomial outputs, leading to unpredictable communication load imbalance. We show that this problem can be rectified through the use of two-phase broadcast. We demonstrate the effects of our improvement using analysis within the BSP model. We conduct a series of experimental comparative runs for factoring input polynomials with degrees ranging from 8000 to 400000, over a number of processors reaching up to 16. Our communication balancing results in an improvement in most of the test cases, more so whenever stark deviation in intermediary polynomial degrees is observed.
A CLASS OF DATA-CENTER NETWORK MODELS OFFERING SYMMETRY, SCALABILITY, AND RELIABILITY
Authors: XIAO WENJUN , LIANG HUOMIN , PARHAMI BEHROOZ
Published: December 2012

We propose a symmetrical scheme, by drawing results from group theory, and use it to build a new class of data center network models. The results are superior to current network models with respect to a number of performance criteria. Greater symmetry in networks is important, as it leads to simpler structure and more efficient communication algorithms. It also tends to produce better scalability and greater fault tolerance. Our models are general and are expected to find many applications, but they are particularly suitable for large-scale data-center networks.
COMPUTING NASH EQUILIBRIA FOR TWO-PLAYER RESTRICTED NETWORK CONGESTION GAMES IS $\mathcal{PLS}$-COMPLETE
Authors: DUMRAUF DOMINIC , MONIEN BURKHARD
Published: December 2012

We determine the complexity of computing pure Nash equilibria in restricted network congestion games. Restricted network congestion games are network congestion games, where for each player there exits a set of edges which he is not allowed to use. Rosenthal's potential function guarantees the existence of a Nash Equilibrium. We show that computing a Nash equilibrium in a restricted network congestion game with two players is [Formula: see text]-complete, using a tight reduction from MAXCUT. The result holds for directed networks and for undirected networks.
A RANDOMIZED SCHEDULING ALGORITHM FOR MULTIPROCESSOR ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: MISHRA PRAMOD KUMAR , MISHRA KAMAL SHEEL , MISHRA ABHISHEK , TRIPATHI ANIL KUMAR
Published: December 2012

In this paper, we propose a randomized scheduling algorithm on a fully connected homogeneous multiprocessor environment. This is a randomized version of our earlier algorithm in which we used priority of modules that was dependent on the computation and the communication times associated with the modules. First we propose a generalization of our earlier scheduling algorithm with restricted number of clusters to reduce the time complexity. Then we apply randomization to the generalized algorithm and demonstrate its superiority over our previous work. We show the complexity of our proposed algorithm as O(ab |V| (|V|+|E|) log (|V|+|E|)). Here a is the number of randomization steps, and b is a limit on the number of clusters formed. If we use a and b as constants, then this gives a better complexity in comparison with the complexity of our previous algorithm that was O(|V|2(|V|+|E|) log (|V|+|E|)). In comparison with our previous work we get a performance improvement of up to 6.63% and a performance improvement of up to 12.56% when compared with Sarkar's Edge Zeroing algorithm.
RESONANT MAGNETOELECTRIC EFFECTS IN Ni/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3/FeCo TRILAYERED SEMICIRCULAR COMPOSITES
Authors: HONG H. , WANG Y. G. , BI K. , CHEN F. G.
Published: December 2012

Magnetoelectric (ME) effect has been studied in semicircular composites with a negative magnetostrictive/piezoelectric/positive magnetostrictive Ni/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3/FeCo trilayered structure. The ME behavior of the Ni/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3/FeCo is different from those in previous studies and zero-bias ME effects and four remarkable resonant peaks have been observed in the dependence of the ME voltage coefficient on the magnetic field frequency in the 1–150 kHz range. The effective excitation of the acoustical oscillations provided by the positive and negative magnetostrictive layers is responsible for the multifrequency ME effects. The results open up a suitable way to make multifunctional devices with multi-resonant-frequencies and/or zero-bias operations.
NUMERICAL STUDIES OF AN AXIAL FLOW BLOOD PUMP WITH DIFFERENT DIFFUSER DESIGNS
Authors: SU BOYANG , CHUA LEOK POH , ZHONG LIANG
Published: December 2012

Most axial flow blood pumps basically consist of a straightener, an impeller, and a diffuser. The diffuser plays a very important role in the performance of the pump to provide an adequate pressure head and to increase the hydraulic efficiency. During the development of an axial flow blood pump, irregular flow field near the diffuser hub is not desirable as it may induce thrombosis. In order to avoid this phenomenon, two approaches were adopted. In the first approach, the number of the diffuser blades was increased from three (B3, baseline model) to five (B5 model). It was observed that the flow field was improved, but the irregular flow patterns were not completely eliminated. In the second approach, we detached the blades from the diffuser hub (B3C2 model), which was integrated and rotated with the impeller hub. It was found that the rotary diffuser hub significantly improved the flow field, especially near the diffuser hub. Besides the detailed flow fields, the hydraulic and hematologic performances at various flow conditions were also estimated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Although each design has its own advantages and disadvantages, the B5 model was superior based on a comparative overview.
INFLUENCE OF GEOMETRY AND DESIGN PARAMETERS ON FLEXURAL BEHAVIOR OF DYNAMIC COMPRESSION PLATES (DCP): EXPERIMENT AND FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: BAHARNEZHAD SADREDDIN , FARHANGI HASSAN , ALLAHYARI ALI AMMARI
Published: December 2012

This work aimed to study the effect of various geometric parameters on bending behavior in orthopedic dynamic compression plates (DCPs) in order to achieve suitable criteria in an optimum design of these plates. Modeling, simulation, and analysis were performed through the finite element software of ABAQUS. In order to verify the model, four-point bending tests on several actual plates were conducted. In addition, the classical beam theory was applied for the theoretical estimation of the maximum tensile stress in the outer fiber and the longitudinal stresses of plates. Finite element analysis (FEA) results indicated relatively good conformity with the empirical results and those of beam theory. Based on the results, the distance of the holes from the plate edge was observed to be the most effective parameters on flexural behavior. It was also found that the flexural properties are maximized at a unique distance between the outside edge of the hole and the edge of the plate.
DOMAIN BOUNDARIES IN FERROELECTRICS
Authors: SIDORKIN A. S.
Published: December 2012

Present paper is a brief review of the information and existing approaches in the study of domain walls in ferroelectric materials. In the framework of the continuum approach the structure of 180° and 90° domain walls was considered. The results of calculation of width and energy of domain walls were compared with those obtained from ab initio calculations and experimental data. Factors conducive to the broadening of domain boundaries are discussed such as profile temperature fluctuation, capture to nearby defects and surface impact. The structure of charged domain walls was considered under the conditions of screening by free carriers. The structure and characteristics of the moving domain wall are discussed: the local effective mass, the top speed and the mobility. The lateral motion of domain walls in the lattice potential relief in the general case creeping mode is investigated. The factors that control the macroscopic movement of domain walls are studied: an effective quasi-elasticity coefficient and nonlocal effective mass associated with involvement in the movement of the elastic medium surrounding wall. Natural frequency of translational oscillations of domain boundaries and the influence of the size effect were estimated. The interaction of domain walls with different types of defects and their effect on the deformation profile and features of the motion of domain walls are considered.
COMPUTATIONAL OPTIMIZATION OF TiO2 FILLED A384 ALLOY COMPOSITES IN EROSIVE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: GANGWAR SWATI , KUKSHAL VIKAS , PATNAIK AMAR , SINGH TEJ
Published: December 2012

In this article, micro and nano titania ( TiO2 ) filled A384 alloy composites are fabricated by stir casting technique with varying filler content from 0–8 wt.% respectively and then we study their physical, mechanical, thermal and erosive wear characteristics respectively. Effect of impact velocity (25–70 m/sec) and impingement angle (30°–90°) on erosion wear behavior of micro and nano TiO2 filled A384 alloy has also been studied. Finally, an optimization technique was implemented in order to develop a correlation between the physical, mechanical and erosion rate of TiO2 filled A384 alloy composites by using technique order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS).
Reproducible uniform equibiaxial stretch of precision-cut lung slices
Authors: Davidovich N. , Huang J. , Margulies S. S.
Published: December 2012

Simulating ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) in the laboratory requires stretching of lung alveolar tissue. Whereas precision-cut lung slices (PCLSs) are widely used for studying paracrine signaling pathways in the lungs, their use in stretch studies is very limited because of the technical challenge of fixing them to a stretchable substrate, stretching them uniformly, or holding them in a stretch device without causing rupture. We describe a novel method for attaching PCLSs to silicone membranes by stitching them together in a star-shaped pattern. Using a device that was previously designed in our laboratory for stretching primary alveolar epithelial cell monolayers, we demonstrate that in the central region of the PCLSs stretch is uniform, equibiaxial, and, after a short preconditioning period, also reproducible. The stitched and stretched PCLSs showed equal or better viability outcomes after 60 min of cyclic stretch at different magnitudes of physiological stretch compared with primary pulmonary alveolar epithelial cell monolayers. Preparing and stitching the PCLSs before stretch is relatively easy to perform, yields repeatable outcomes, and can be used with tissue from any species. Together with the ensuring uniform and equibiaxial stretch, the proposed methods provide an optimal model for VILI studies with PCLSs.