bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes and Costs Associated With Hospitalist Comanagement of Medically Complex Children Undergoing Spinal Fusion Surgery
Authors: Rappaport David I. , Adelizzi-Delany Judy , Rogers Kenneth J. , Jones Chalanda E. , Petrini Maria E. , Chaplinski Kate , Ostasewski Peter , Sharif Iman , Pressel David M.
Published: September 2013

Objective:

The goal of this study was to assess outcomes and costs associated with hospitalist comanagement of medically complex children undergoing spinal fusion surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis.

Methods:

A hospitalist comanagement program was implemented at a children’s hospital. We conducted a retrospective case series study of patients during 2003–2008 to compare clinical and cost outcomes for 87 preimplementation patients, 40 patients during a partially implemented program, and 80 patients during a fully implemented program.

Results:

When compared with preimplementation patients, full implementation program patients did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in median length of stay on the medical/surgical unit after transfer from the PICU (median: 6 vs 8 days; P = .07). Patients in the full implementation group received fewer days of parenteral nutrition (median: 0 vs 6 days; P = .0006) and had fewer planned and unplanned laboratory studies on the inpatient unit. There was no statistically significant change in returns to the operating room (P = .08 between preimplementation and full implementation), other complications, or 30-day readmissions. Median hospital costs increased from preimplementation ($59 372) to partial implementation ($89 302) and remained elevated during full implementation ($81 651) compared with preimplementation (P = .004). Mean physician costs followed a similar trajectory from preimplementation ($18 425) to partial implementation ($24 101) to full implementation ($22 578; P = .0006 [versus preimplementation]).

Conclusions:

A hospitalist comanagement program can significantly affect the care of medically complex children undergoing spinal fusion surgery. Initial program costs may increase.
Pediatric Hospitalists Collaborate to Improve Timeliness of Discharge Communication
Authors: Shen Mark W. , Hershey Daniel , Bergert Lora , Mallory Leah , Fisher Erin Stucky , Cooperberg David
Published: September 2013

Objectives:

The transition of care from hospital to primary care provider (PCP) at discharge carries the potential for significant information loss. There is evidence that the timeliness and content of discharge communication are often unreliable during this handoff. Suboptimal transitions of care at discharge have been associated with adverse outcomes, and efficient solutions are required to transform the current state. Our specific aim was the achievement 90% documentation of hospitalist-PCP communication within 2 days of hospital discharge in <12 months.

Methods:

As part of a grassroots collaborative improvement organization, pediatric hospitalist groups engaged in parallel quality improvement projects to improve the timeliness and reliability of discharge communication at their local institutions. After an initial face-to-face meeting, e-mail and regular conference calls were used to promote shared effort and learning. The study period lasted 12 months, with >16 weeks of continuous data required for inclusion.

Results:

The mean rate of documentation of timely discharge communication across the collaborative increased from 57% to 85% over the study period. For the 7 hospitals that were able to collect >16 weeks of data before July 2010, the mean rate of communication was >90%. Participants reported that the context of the collaborative contributed to their success.

Conclusions:

Timely hospitalist-PCP communication was inconsistent at the beginning of the study. This low-resource quality improvement collaborative was able to achieve rapid improvement and resulted in improved perceptions of quality improvement knowledge among participants.
Clinical Profile of Children Requiring Early Unplanned Admission to the PICU
Authors: Krmpotic Kristina , Lobos Anna-Theresa
Published: September 2013

Objective:

The goal of this study was to describe the frequency, characteristics, and outcomes of children who require early unplanned admission to the PICU within 24 hours of hospitalization from the emergency department.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective audit of 24 months of prospectively collected medical emergency team records at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Canada. Our review identified 39 hospitalized children who had an activation that resulted in unplanned admission to the PICU within 24 hours of admission from the ED.

Results:

Forty-six percent of the study subjects were infants aged <1 year, and 64% were male. Respiratory complaints were the most common reason for hospitalization (59%). Preexisting medical conditions (51%), abnormal respiratory rates (46%), abnormal heart rates (33%), abnormal blood gas values (49%), high supplemental oxygen requirement (23%), and treatment with nebulized medications (46%), intravenous fluids (33%), and antibiotics (33%) were common. The median time to medical emergency team activation was 9.4 hours (interquartile range: 4.4–14.5). Nearly one-half (49%) of the patients required a significant intervention after admission to the PICU, with a mean length of stay of 3.4 days and a mortality rate of 5%.

Conclusions:

Male subjects, infants aged <1 year, and children with respiratory complaints accounted for a large proportion of children requiring early unplanned admission to the PICU within 24 hours of hospitalization from the ED. Further studies are required to determine which factors are associated with deterioration after hospitalization.
Phase II Study of Dasatinib (BMS-354825) in Patients With Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
Authors: Chee Cheng Ean , Krishnamurthi Smitha , Nock Charles J. , Meropol Neal J. , Gibbons Joseph , Fu PingFu , Bokar Joseph , Teston Lois , O'Brien Timothy , Gudena Vinay , Reese Amy , Bergman Mark , Saltzman Joel , Wright John J. , Dowlati Afshin , Brell Joanna
Published: September 2013

Background.

Src, EphA2, and platelet-derived growth factor receptors α and β are dysregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Dasatinib is an oral multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets BCR-ABL, c-Src, c-KIT, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β, and EphA2. We conducted a phase II, single-arm study of dasatinib as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic PDAC.

Methods.

Dasatinib (100 mg twice a day, later reduced to 70 mg twice a day because of toxicities) was orally administered continuously on a 28-day cycle. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Response was measured using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were also collected.

Results.

Fifty-one patients enrolled in this study. The median OS was 4.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.8–6.9 months). Median progression-free survival was 2.1 months (95% CI: 1.6–3.2 months). In 34 evaluable patients, the best response achieved was stable disease in 10 patients (29.4%). One patient had stable disease while on treatment for 20 months. The most common nonhematologic toxicities were fatigue and nausea. Edema and pleural effusions occurred in 29% and 6% of patients, respectively. The number of CTCs did not correlate with survival.

Conclusion.

Single-agent dasatinib does not have clinical activity in metastatic PDAC.
Development and Characterization of Seashore Paspalum SSR Markers
Authors: Harris‐Shultz Karen , Raymer Paul , Scheffler Brian E. , Arias Renée S.
Published: September 2013

The increasing use of secondary water sources for irrigation, which is highly linked to salinization, creates a demand for salt tolerant turf. Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) is a warm‐season turfgrass that survives in sand dunes along coastal sites, brackish ponds, and in estuaries. Some seashore paspalum accessions and cultivars are far more salt tolerant than others. To identify genetic regions that are associated with salt tolerance, molecular tools must be developed. In this study, genomic libraries, enriched for microsatellites, were generated using the salt tolerant accession HI33. High throughput sequencing and subsequent assembling of these libraries resulted in 18,967 contigs and 158,595 singletons. The number of simple sequence repeats (SSR) detected in contigs and in singletons was 3511 and 31,949, respectively, and the number of primer sets designed within each group was 937 and 1667. A total of 80 SSR markers, including five markers previously developed, were used to assess genetic relationships among 18 Paspalum accessions. Two major clusters were identified from the seashore paspalum accessions. Accessions that are likely polyploids, all with coarse leaves, grouped together whereas accessions with fine‐to mid‐fine leaves formed a second group. Furthermore, 33 seashore paspalum SSR markers cross‐amplified in bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) and these markers can be a useful tool in this species.
Improved Statistical Inference for Graphical Description and Interpretation of Genotype × Environment Interaction
Authors: Hu Zhiqiu , Yang Rong‐Cai
Published: September 2013

Nonparametric resampling bootstrapping approach to constructing confidence regions (CR) for genotypic and environmental principal component (PC) scores recently has been used to statistically assess the biplot analysis of genotype × environment interaction (GE). However, it is possible to generate “greater‐than‐expected” CR due to nonunique singular value decomposition (SVD) of two‐way GE data from bootstrap samples. The objective of this study is to improve the current bootstrapping procedure to correct for the “systematic bias” due to the nonuniqueness of SVD through the use of Procrustes rotation. The Procrustes rotation is to compare the genotypic and environmental PC scores from bootstrap samples and original (target) data, with the comparison being done by rotating and then stretching and/or shrinking the PC scores from bootstrap samples such that the sum of squared distances between the corresponding elements of bootstrap and target scores is minimized. The bootstrapping and Procrustes rotation are implemented in an R package, bbplot/R. The analysis of two data sets from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar trials shows that the CR for rotated genotypic and environmental scores are up to 10 times smaller than the CR for the corresponding unrotated scores. The shrunk CR constructed using the rotated scores for the biplot analysis reveal more definite delineations of mega‐environments than the assessment based on mere visual inspection of biplots. Thus, the improved bootstrapping approach will construct the more precise CR for the genotypic and environmental PC scores, thereby facilitating the correct use of biplot analysis for critical decisions on genotype selection or mega‐environment delineation.
Weed Control, Environmental Impact and Profitability of Two-Pass Weed Management Strategies in Glyphosate-Resistant Corn
Authors: Soltani N. , Nurse R.E. , Gillard C. L. , Sikkema P.H.
Published: September 2013

Twelve field trials were conducted over a three-year period (2010, 2011, 2012) at different locations in southwestern Ontario, Canada to compare various two-pass weed management strategies in glyphosate-resistant corn for crop injury, weed control, environmental impact, corn yield and profit margin. No visible injury resulted from the herbicide treatments evaluated. One early postemergence (EPOST) application of glyphosate provided good full season control of pigweed species and lady's thumb and fair control of velvetleaf, common ragweed, lamb's-quarters, barnyard grass and green foxtail. One late postemergence (LPOST) application of glyphosate provided excellent control of all weed species evaluated but corn yield was reduced due to early weed interference. The sequential application of glyphosate (EPOST fb LPOST) provided excellent control of all weed species evaluated with no adverse effect on corn yield. The sequential application of a preemergence residual herbicide followed by an application of glyphosate LPOST provided excellent full season control of all weed species evaluated and corn yield was equal to the weed free control. Among the sequential herbicide programs the lowest environmental impact was glyphosate EPOST fb LPOST and saflufenacil/dimethenamid-p, isoxaflutole + atrazine or rimsulfuron + s-metolachlor + dicamba applied PRE fb glyphosate LPOST. Based on this study, the most efficacious and profitable weed management programs in glyphosate-resistant corn are a sequential application of glyphosate or a two-pass program of a preemergence residual herbicide followed by glyphosate LPOST. The two-pass programs have glyphosate stewardship benefits.
Evolutionary ontology — A somewhat sociological analysis
Authors: Binka Bohuslav
Published: September 2013

The main aims of this paper are to establish the position of evolutionary ontology within the Czech environmental debate, to identify why its untapped potential may be an inspiration in other social science disciplines and, finally, to suggest that evolutionary ontology be reconfigured in a particular way so that it can capitalize on its potential. A brief introduction outlines the context and the main ideas of evolutionary ontology and is followed by a discussion of its weaknesses: an emphasis on a confrontational style in addressing other social science disciplines and ignoring the specific nature of the disciplines which represent the main target group of this theory. Consequently, I suggested three main changes as to how evolutionary ontology should be presented.
Reconsidering philosophical questions and neuroscientific answers: Two pillars of inquiry
Authors: Tschaepe Mark
Published: September 2013

I propose the next steps in the neuropragmatic approach to philosophy that has been advocated by Solymosi and Shook (2013). My focus is the initial process of inquiry implicit in addressing philosophical questions of cognition and mind by utilizing the tools of neuroscientific research. I combine John Dewey’s pattern of inquiry with Charles Peirce’s three forms of inference in order to outline a methodological schema for neuropragmatic inquiry. My goal is to establish ignorance and guessing as well-defined pillars of methodology upon which to build a neuropragmatic approach to inquiry. First, I outline Dewey’s pattern of inquiry, highlighting the initial problematic phase in which recognized ignorance provides the basis upon which to frame a philosophical problem and initiate the trajectory by which philosophical questions may be addressed with the assistance of neuroscientific evidence. Second, I provide an outline of Peirce’s three forms of inference, focusing upon the first phase of abduction: guessing. Third, I explain the transition between ignorance and guessing, urging the benefit of attending to these two aspects of inquiry. Finally, I provide an initial sketch indicating the next steps concerning a pragmatic reconstruction of neurophilosophy, pointing towards the need for a more thorough examination of scientific methodology within and following analyses of philosophical problems and neuroscientific evidence.
Inquiry, vision and objects: Foraging for coherence within neuroscience
Authors: Schulkin Jay
Published: September 2013

We come prepared to track events and objects, building our knowledge base while foraging for coherence. Classical pragmatism recognizes that the acquisition of knowledge is in part a contact sport (e.g. Peirce, Dewey). One of the aims of neuroscience is to capture human experience. One route to perhaps achieve this may be through the study of the visual system and its expansion in our evolutionary history. Embodied cephalic systems, as Dewey knew well, are tied to self-corrective inquiry. A philosophy of neuroscience needs to capture how such events are tracked, tested through experience, and subsequently modified in the brain to comprise a knowledge base.
Constructive realism: In defense of the objective reality of perspectives
Authors: Madzia Roman
Published: September 2013

The paper proposes an outline of a reconciliatory approach to the perennial controversy between epistemological realism and anti-realism (constructionism). My main conceptual source in explaining this view is the philosophy of pragmatism, more specifically, the epistemological theories of George H. Mead, John Dewey, and also William James’ radical empiricism. First, the paper analyzes the pragmatic treatment of the goal-directedness of action, especially with regard to Mead’s notion of attitudes, and relates it to certain contemporary epistemological theories provided by the cognitive sciences (Maturana, Rizzolatti, Clark). Against this background, the paper presents a philosophical as well as empirical justification of why we should interpret the environment and its objects in terms of possibilities for action. In Mead’s view, the objects and events of our world emerge within stable patterns of organism-environment interactions, which he called “perspectives”. According to pragmatism as well as the aforementioned cognitive scientists, perception and other cognitive processes include not only neural processes in our heads but also the world itself. Elaborating on Mead’s concept of perspectives, the paper argues in favor of the epistemological position called “constructive realism.”
Philosophical counselling based on dialogical critical thinking
Authors: Šulavíková Blanka
Published: September 2013

Various approaches and methods are used in philosophical counselling. Two main trends can be observed: the first is the use of contemplative methods and the second constitutes approaches based on dialogical critical thinking. The author defends the idea that developing philosophical counselling on the basis of critical thinking presupposes that it is possible for counsellor and client to hold a philosophical dialogue where the relationship is one of expert/lay person. J. Šulavík has described this relationship in greater detail. In the Socratic model, the philosopher and the lay person hold a dialogue whereby they ascertain opinions via inductive comparison and by defining things, creating a shared concept. While the Platonic and Enlightenment models were grounded in the authority of the expert philosopher, in the Socratic and postmodern models, the expert philosopher loses the power to manipulate those who know “less”. Lay people are not passive consumers of a particular “optimal” philosophy but through their own “philosophising” create philosophy and tailor it for themselves. While philosophising, therefore, the philosopher does not take on the role of “producer” of philosophy but of “adviser” (consultant). It is therefore supposed that people have a general need for philosophy and that ultimately they should create and reflect upon their own philosophy.
Substitute nesting by Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca) in Slovakia
Authors: Danko Štefan , Mihók Jozef , Chavko Jozef , Prešinský Leoš
Published: September 2013

During consistent monitoring of nesting pairs of Imperial Eagles primarily in Eastern Slovakia it was found that if for some reason the first clutch of eggs was destroyed at the very beginning of nesting, i.e. in late March or the first half of April, the eagles proceeded with substitute nesting. They built a replacement nest, so far always in a different place, in which a new clutch was laid. If the nesting was successful, then as a rule they raised one, and in two cases two offspring.
The Impact of Using a Veterinary Medicine Activity Book in the Classroom on Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Students' Depictions of Veterinarians
Authors: San Miguel Sandra F. , Burgess Wilella , Cipriani Davis Kauline S. , Reed Dorothy , Adedokun Omolola
Published: September 2013

Efforts to develop a diverse, future veterinary workforce must start as early as elementary school, when children begin to form perceptions about careers. The objective of the current project was to determine the impact of the Veterinary Medicine Activity Book: Grade 5 on fifth- and sixth-grade students' depictions of veterinarians. The book was delivered as part of the curriculum in four classrooms. Students were asked to draw a veterinarian and describe the veterinarian's activities before and after being exposed to the book. Drawings were evaluated for the gender and race/ethnicity of the illustrated veterinarian, the description of the veterinarian's activity, and animals portrayed. Significant differences were detected within three of four classrooms. In one class, after exposure to the activity book, more students drew male veterinarians and veterinarians performing an activity specifically mentioned in the book. In a second class, more students drew large animals after exposure to the activity book. In a third class, after exposure to the activity book, more students drew large animals and veterinarians performing an activity specifically mentioned in the book. Results provide preliminary evidence that children's depictions of veterinarians can be altered through use of educational materials delivered in classrooms through teacher-led discussion or formal lesson plans.
Role of Gamma Knife surgery for intracranial atypical (WHO Grade II) meningiomas
Authors: Hanakita Shunya , Koga Tomoyuki , Igaki Hiroshi , Murakami Naoya , Oya Soichi , Shin Masahiro , Saito Nobuhito
Published: September 2013

Object

Atypical meningioma often recurs even after resection. As a salvage modality, radiotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is attempted for this aggressive tumor. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of SRS that involved Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for atypical meningioma.

Methods

The authors reviewed records from 22 patients with histologically proven atypical meningioma who underwent GKS for 28 lesions at the authors' institute. The median patient age was 70 years (range 24–91 years), and the median tumor volume for each procedure was 6.0 cm3 (range 1.6–38.7 cm3). The margin dose ranged from 14 to 20 Gy (median 18 Gy). Follow-up periods ranged from 3 months to 98 months (median 23.5 months).

Results

In total, 39 GKS procedures were performed for 28 lesions. The local control rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 74%, 39%, and 16%, respectively. Volume less than 6 cm3 (p = 0.01), a margin dose higher than 18 Gy (p = 0.02), and a Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score of 90 or more (p = 0.02) were factors associated with a longer duration of tumor control in the univariate analysis.

Conclusions

Atypical meningioma could be more successfully controlled when a higher margin dose was used to treat patients with a good performance (KPS score of ≥ 90) status and smaller tumor volumes. It would be desired if patients are treated with a relatively higher margin dose, ideally as high as the dose applied for malignant tumor. A boost SRS after fractionated radiotherapy may be effective to achieve better local control.
Tumor shrinkage after transsphenoidal surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma
Authors: Berkmann Sven , Schlaffer Sven , Buchfelder Michael
Published: September 2013

Object

Volume reduction of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas has been described, for example, after radiotherapy and pituitary tumor apoplexy. Even when considerable remnants remain after surgery, spontaneous shrinkage and relief of mass lesion symptoms can sometimes occur. The aim of this study was to assess shrinkage of tumor residues after transsphenoidal surgery and to identify predictors of tumor shrinkage.

Methods

A total of 140 patients with postoperative remnants of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas treated at the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany, were included in this study. All patients underwent transsphenoidal procedures with guidance by 1.5-T intraoperative MRI. The intraoperative images of remnants were compared with images taken at 3 months and at 1 year after surgery. The possible predictors analyzed were age; sex; preoperative and intraoperative tumor dimensions; tumor growth pattern; endocrinological, ophthalmological, and histological characteristics; and history of previous pituitary surgery. For statistical analyses, the Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and multivariate regression table analysis were used.

Results

Follow-up imaging 3 months after surgery showed tumor remnant shrinkage of 0.5 ± 0.6 cm3 for 70 (50%) patients. This reduction was 89% ± 20% of the residual volume depicted by intraoperative MRI. In 45 (64%) patients, the remnants disappeared completely. Age, sex, and preoperative tumor volume did not significantly differ between the shrinkage and no-shrinkage groups. Positive predictors for postoperative shrinkage were cystic tumor growth (p = 0.02), additional resection of tumor remnants guided by intraoperative MRI (p = 0.04), smaller tumor volume (p = 0.04), and smaller craniocaudal tumor diameter of remnants (p = 0.0014). Negative predictors were growth into the cavernous sinus (p = 0.009), history of previous pituitary surgery (p = 0.0006) and tumor recurrence (p = 0.04), and preoperative panhypopituitarism (p = 0.04). Multivariate regression analysis indicated a positive correlation between tumor shrinkage and smaller tumor remnants (p < 0.0001) and no history of previous pituitary surgery (p = 0.003). No spontaneous change in tumor remnant volume was detected between 3 months and 1 year postoperatively. During a mean follow-up time of 2.7 years, 1 (2%) patient with postoperative tumor shrinkage had to undergo another operation because of tumor progression.

Conclusions

Spontaneous volume reduction of nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma remnants can occur within 3 months after surgery. Predictors of shrinkage are smaller tumor remnant volume and no history of previous pituitary surgery.
Cavitation-based third ventriculostomy using MRI-guided focused ultrasound
Authors: Alkins Ryan , Huang Yuexi , Pajek Dan , Hynynen Kullervo
Published: September 2013

Object

Transcranial focused ultrasound is increasingly being investigated as a minimally invasive treatment for a range of intracranial pathologies. At higher peak rarefaction pressures than those used for thermal ablation, focused ultrasound can initiate inertial cavitation and create holes in the brain by fractionation of the tissue elements. The authors investigated the technical feasibility of using MRI-guided focused ultrasound to perform a third ventriculostomy as a possible noninvasive alternative to endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus.

Methods

A craniectomy was performed in male pigs weighing 13–19 kg to expose the supratentorial brain, leaving the dura mater intact. Seven pigs were treated through the craniectomy, while 2 pigs were treated through ex vivo human skulls placed in the beam path. Registration and targeting was done using T2-weighted MRI sequences. For transcranial treatments a CT scan was used to correct the beam from aberrations due to the skull and maintain a small, high-intensity focus. Sonications were performed at both 650 kHz and 230 kHz at a range of intensities, and the in situ pressures were estimated both from simulations and experimental data to establish a threshold for tissue fractionation in the brain.

Results

In craniectomized animals at 650 kHz, a peak pressure ≥ 22.7 MPa for 1 second was needed to reliably create a ventriculostomy. Transcranially at this frequency the ExAblate 4000 was unable to generate the required intensity to fractionate tissue, although cavitation was initiated. At 230 kHz, ventriculostomy was successful through the skull with a peak pressure of 8.8 MPa.

Conclusions

This is the first study to suggest that it is possible to perform a completely noninvasive third ventriculostomy using ultrasound. This may pave the way for future studies and eventually provide an alternative means for the creation of CSF communications in the brain, including perforation of the septum pellucidum or intraventricular membranes.
Cervical myelopathy caused by invagination of anomalous lamina of the axis
Authors: Sakaura Hironobu , Yasui Yukihiko , Miwa Toshitada , Yamashita Tomoya , Ohzono Kenji , Ohwada Tetsuo
Published: September 2013

The authors report a case of cervical myelopathy caused by invagination of the bilaterally separated lamina of the axis. They also present a literature review.

The patient was a previously healthy 68-year-old man with a 1-year history of slowly progressive gait disturbance, right-hand clumsiness, and right dominant sensory disturbance in his trunk and extremities. Both MRI and CT showed that the spinal cord was markedly compressed at the C2–3 level, on the right side, by a deeply invaginated anomalous lamina of the axis. A bilaterally separated lamina was also visible. The patient underwent removal of the anomalous invaginated fragment of the separated lamina and the spinous process of the axis. One year after surgery, his myelopathic symptoms had almost completely resolved.

Here, the authors present the case of a patient with an extremely rare anomaly of the lamina of the axis. The underlying pathogenesis of this anomaly could be the failure of the 2 chondrification centers on either side to fuse into a single ossification center. Surgical removal of the anomalous invaginated lamina produced a satisfactory outcome.
Fractional Heat Conduction in an Infinite Medium with a Spherical Inclusion
Authors: Povstenko Yuriy
Published: September 2013

The problem of fractional heat conduction in a composite medium consisting of a spherical inclusion (0< r < R) and a matrix (R < r < ∞) being in perfect thermal contact at r = R is considered. The heat conduction in each region is described by the time-fractional heat conduction equation with the Caputo derivative of fractional order 0 < a ≤ 2 and 0 < β ≤ 2, respectively. The Laplace transform with respect to time is used. The approximate solution valid for small values of time is obtained in terms of the Mittag-Leffler, Wright, and Mainardi functions.
Learning Entropy: Multiscale Measure for Incremental Learning
Authors: Bukovsky Ivo
Published: September 2013

First, this paper recalls a recently introduced method of adaptive monitoring of dynamical systems and presents the most recent extension with a multiscale-enhanced approach. Then, it is shown that this concept of real-time data monitoring establishes a novel non-Shannon and non-probabilistic concept of novelty quantification, i.e., Entropy of Learning, or in short the Learning Entropy. This novel cognitive measure can be used for evaluation of each newly measured sample of data, or even of whole intervals. The Learning Entropy is quantified in respect to the inconsistency of data to the temporary governing law of system behavior that is incrementally learned by adaptive models such as linear or polynomial adaptive filters or neural networks. The paper presents this novel concept on the example of gradient descent learning technique with normalized learning rate.
Accidental Continuous Releases from Coal Processing in Semi-Confined Environment
Authors: Palazzi Emilio , Currò Fabio , Fabiano Bruno
Published: September 2013

Notwithstanding the enforcement of ATEX EU Directives (94/9/EC of 23 March 1994) and safety management system application, explosions in the coal sector still claim lives and cause huge economic losses. Even a consolidated activity like coke dry distillation allows the opportunity of preventing explosion risk connected to fugitive emissions of coke oven gas. Considering accidental releases under semi-confined conditions, a simplified mathematical approach to the maximum allowed gaseous build-up is developed on the basis of the intrinsic hazards of the released compound. The results will help identifying and assessing low rate release consequences therefore to set-up appropriate prevention and control measures. The developed methodology was tested at the real-scale and validated by numerical computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations showing the effectiveness of the methodology to evaluate and mitigate the risk connected to confined hazardous releases.
Participatory Research Revealing the Work and Occupational Health Hazards of Cooperative Recyclers in Brazil
Authors: Gutberlet Jutta , Baeder Angela , Pontuschka Nídia , Felipone Sonia , Dos Santos Tereza
Published: September 2013

Although informal waste collectors are sometimes organized in cooperatives, their working conditions remain extremely precarious and unsafe. The paper discusses the findings of action oriented, participatory qualitative research with several recycling groups in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. During workshops with the recyclers mapping, acting, and drawing methods helped reveal health hazards from collection, separation and transportation of recyclable materials. Major health problems relate to chemical and biological hazards, musculoskeletal damage, mechanical trauma and poor emotional wellbeing. The recent federal legislation on solid waste management opens new avenues for the inclusion of recycling cooperatives in selective waste collection. Nevertheless, we express the need to consider the distinctive characteristics and vulnerabilities of recycling groups, when developing safer work environments in these social businesses. We also suggest that the workspace be ergonomically organized and that public awareness campaigns about selective waste collection are conducted regularly to increase the quality of source separation. The introduction of electric hand pushed carts can further reduce health strains. This research has produced a better understanding of the work of the recyclers and related health risks. The interactive qualitative research methodology has allowed for the co-creation and mobilization of specific knowledge on health and safety in recycling cooperatives.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibition Downregulates Collagen 3A1 in Fibrotic Lung Fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Liu Hui , Hock Thomas , Thannickal Victor , Sanders Yan
Published: September 2013

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a deadly disease characterized by chronic inflammation and excessive collagen accumulation in the lung. Myofibroblasts are the primary collagen-producing cells in pulmonary fibrosis. Histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) can affect gene expression, and some, such as suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), are US FDA approved for cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated SAHA’s effects on the expression of collagen III alpha 1 (COL3A1) in primary human IPF fibroblasts and in a murine model of pulmonary fibrosis. We observed that increased COL3A1 expression in IPF fibroblasts can be substantially reduced by SAHA treatment at the level of transcription as detected by RT-PCR; collagen III protein level was also reduced, as detected by Western blots and immunofluorescence. The deacetylation inhibitor effect of SAHA was verified by observing higher acetylation levels of both histone H3 and H4 in treated IPF cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments demonstrated that the reduced expression of COL3A1 by SAHA is with increased association of the repressive chromatin marker, H3K27Me3, and decreased association of the active chromatin marker, H3K9Ac. In our murine model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, the SAHA treated group demonstrated significantly less collagen III, as detected by immunohistochemistry. Our data indicate that the HDACi SAHA alters the chromatin associated with COL3A1, resulting in its decreased expression.
BTG1 Expression Correlates with the Pathogenesis and Progression of Ovarian Carcinomas
Authors: Zhao Yang , Gou Wen-Feng , Chen Shuo , Takano Yasuo , Xiu Yin-Ling , Zheng Hua-Chuan
Published: September 2013

BTG (B-cell translocation gene) can inhibit cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis and regulate cell cycle progression and differentiation in a variety of cell types. We aimed to clarify the role of BTG1 in ovarian carcinogenesis and progression. A BTG1-expressing plasmid was transfected into ovarian carcinoma cells and their phenotypes and related proteins were examined. BTG1 mRNA expression was detected in ovarian normal tissue (n = 17), ovarian benign tumors (n = 12), and ovarian carcinoma (n = 64) using real-time RT-PCR. Ectopic BTG1 expression resulted in lower growth rate, high cisplatin sensitivity, G1 arrest, apoptosis, and decreased migration and invasion. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase, protein kinase B, Bcl-xL, survivin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 mRNA and protein expression was reduced in transfectants as compared to control cells. There was higher expression of BTG1 mRNA in normal tissue than in carcinoma tissue (p = 0.001) and in benign tumors than in carcinoma tissue (p = 0.027). BTG1 mRNA expression in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I/II ovarian carcinomas was higher than that in FIGO stage III/IV ovarian carcinomas (p = 0.038). Altered BTG1 expression might play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of ovarian carcinoma by modulating proliferation, migration, invasion, the cell cycle, and apoptosis.
Numerical Simulation of Particle Distribution in Capillary Membrane during Backwash
Authors: Mansour Hussam , Keller Anik , Gimbel Rolf , Kowalczyk Wojciech
Published: September 2013

The membrane filtration with inside-out dead-end driven UF-/MF- capillary membranes is an effective process for particle removal in water treatment. Its industrial application increased in the last decade exponentially. To date, the research activities in this field were aimed first of all at the analysis of filtration phenomena disregarding the influence of backwash on the operation parameters of filtration plants. However, following the main hypothesis of this paper, backwash has great potential to increase the efficiency of filtration. In this paper, a numerical approach for a detailed study of fluid dynamic processes in capillary membranes during backwash is presented. The effect of particle size and inlet flux on the backwash process are investigated. The evaluation of these data concentrates on the analysis of particle behavior in the cross sectional plane and the appearance of eventually formed particle plugs inside the membrane capillary. Simulations are conducted in dead-end filtration mode and with two configurations. The first configuration includes a particle concentration of 10% homogeneously distributed within the capillary and the second configuration demonstrates a cake layer on the membrane surface with a packing density of 0:6. Analyzing the hydrodynamic forces acting on the particles shows that the lift force plays the main role in defining the particle enrichment areas. The operation parameters contribute in enhancing the lift force and the heterogeneity to anticipate the clogging of the membrane.
Conductance Studies on Complex Formation between c-Methylcalix[4]resorcinarene and Titanium (III) in Acetonitrile-H2O Binary Solutions
Authors: Rezayi Majid , Alias Yatimah , Abdi Mahnaz , Saeedfar Kasra , Saadati Naghmeh
Published: September 2013

Calixresorcinarenes have proved to be unique molecules for molecular recognition via hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and ionic interactions with suitable substrates such as cations. The study of the interactions involved in the complexation of different cations with calixresorcinarenes in solvent mixtures is important for a better understanding of the mechanism of biological transport, molecular recognition, and other analytical applications. This article summarizes different aspects of the complexes of the Ti3+ metal cation with c-methylcalix[4]resorcinarene (CMCR) as studied by conductometry in acetonitrile (AN)–water (H2O) binary mixtures at different temperatures. Conductance data show that the metal cation/ligand (ML) stoichiometry of the complexes in solution is 1:1 in all cases. Non-linear behaviour was observed for the variation of logKf of the complexes vs. the composition of the binary solvent mixtures. Selectivity of CMCR for the Ti3+ cation is sensitive to solvent composition; in some cases and at certain compositions of the mixed solvent systems, the selectivity order is changed. Values of thermodynamic parameters (,) for formation of the CMCR–Ti3+ complexes in AN–H2O binary systems were obtained from the temperature dependence of stability constants, and the results show that the thermodynamics of complexation reactions are affected by the nature and composition of the mixed solvents.
The Role of Vitamin D Level and Related Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Carvalho Andre , Bishop Karen , Han Dug , Ellett Stephanie , Jesuthasan Amalini , Lam Wen , Ferguson Lynnette
Published: September 2013

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of Crohn’s Disease (CD) in the world, and there is much speculation as to why this might be. A high risk of CD has been associated with deficient or insufficient levels of Vitamin D (Vit D), lifestyle as well as various genetic polymorphisms. In this study we sought to analyse the relevance of serum Vit D levels, lifestyle and genotype to CD status. Serum samples were analysed for 25-OH-Vitamin D levels. DNA was isolated from blood and cheek-swabs, and Sequenom and ImmunoChip techniques were used for genotyping. Serum Vit D levels were significantly lower in CD patients (mean = 49.5 mg/L) than those found in controls (mean = 58.9 mg/L, p = 4.74 × 10−6). A total of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms were examined for effects on serum Vit D levels, with adjustment for confounding variables. Two variants: rs731236[A] (VDR) and rs732594[A] (SCUBE3) showed a significant association with serum Vit D levels in CD patients. Four variants: rs7975232[A] (VDR), rs732594[A] (SCUBE3), and rs2980[T] and rs2981[A] (PHF-11) showed a significant association with serum Vit D levels in the control group. This study demonstrates a significant interaction between Vit D levels and CD susceptibility, as well as a significant association between Vit D levels and genotype.
Active Angular Alignment of Gauge Blocks in Double-Ended Interferometers
Authors: Buchta Zdeněk , Řeřucha Šimon , Hucl Václav , Čížek Martin , Šarbort Martin , Lazar Josef , Číp Ondřej
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a method implemented in a system for automatic contactless calibration of gauge blocks designed at ISI ASCR. The system combines low-coherence interferometry and laser interferometry, where the first identifies the gauge block sides position and the second one measures the gauge block length itself. A crucial part of the system is the algorithm for gauge block alignment to the measuring beam which is able to compensate the gauge block lateral and longitudinal tilt up to 0.141 mrad. The algorithm is also important for the gauge block position monitoring during its length measurement.
Exploratory Data Analysis of Acceleration Signals to Select Light-Weight and Accurate Features for Real-Time Activity Recognition on Smartphones
Authors: Khan Adil , Siddiqi Muhammad , Lee Seok-Won
Published: September 2013

Smartphone-based activity recognition (SP-AR) recognizes users’ activities using the embedded accelerometer sensor. Only a small number of previous works can be classified as online systems, i.e., the whole process (pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification) is performed on the device. Most of these online systems use either a high sampling rate (SR) or long data-window (DW) to achieve high accuracy, resulting in short battery life or delayed system response, respectively. This paper introduces a real-time/online SP-AR system that solves this problem. Exploratory data analysis was performed on acceleration signals of 6 activities, collected from 30 subjects, to show that these signals are generated by an autoregressive (AR) process, and an accurate AR-model in this case can be built using a low SR (20 Hz) and a small DW (3 s). The high within class variance resulting from placing the phone at different positions was reduced using kernel discriminant analysis to achieve position-independent recognition. Neural networks were used as classifiers. Unlike previous works, true subject-independent evaluation was performed, where 10 new subjects evaluated the system at their homes for 1 week. The results show that our features outperformed three commonly used features by 40% in terms of accuracy for the given SR and DW.
Taking Advantage of Selective Change Driven Processing for 3D Scanning
Authors: Vegara Francisco , Zuccarello Pedro , Boluda Jose , Pardo Fernando
Published: September 2013

This article deals with the application of the principles of SCD (Selective Change Driven) vision to 3D laser scanning. Two experimental sets have been implemented: one with a classical CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and the other one with a recently developed CMOS SCD sensor for comparative purposes, both using the technique known as Active Triangulation. An SCD sensor only delivers the pixels that have changed most, ordered by the magnitude of their change since their last readout. The 3D scanning method is based on the systematic search through the entire image to detect pixels that exceed a certain threshold, showing the SCD approach to be ideal for this application. Several experiments for both capturing strategies have been performed to try to find the limitations in high speed acquisition/processing. The classical approach is limited by the sequential array acquisition, as predicted by the Nyquist - Shannon sampling theorem, and this has been experimentally demonstrated in the case of a rotating helix. These limitations are overcome by the SCD 3D scanning prototype achieving a significantly higher performance. The aim of this article is to compare both capturing strategies in terms of performance in the time and frequency domains, so they share all the static characteristics including resolution, 3D scanning method, etc., thus yielding the same 3D reconstruction in static scenes.
Les politiques d’aides aux familles dans seize pays européens [Une comparaison par la méthode des cas types]
Authors: Math Antoine
Published: September 2013

Le niveau et les modalités de soutien des familles sont très variables en Europe. De multiples mesures – prestations familiales, aides au logement, allègements fiscaux, services en nature – prennent en compte la présence d’enfant(s). Une nouvelle base de données de cas types permet d’actualiser la comparaison des politiques familiales dans seize pays d’Europe occidentale, en particulier sur leur effet redistributif en fonction du nombre d’enfants, du niveau de revenu et de la présence d’un enfant en bas âge.
L’influence des conditions d’emploi sur le recours à l’APE [Une analyse économique du comportement d’activité des femmes]
Authors: Marc Céline
Published: September 2013

L’analyse économique traditionnelle des choix en matière d’activité repose généralement sur une comparaison des gains financiers entre emploi et non-emploi. Dans ce cadre, l’effet d’une mesure de politique familiale telle que l’allocation parentale d’éducation (APE) de rang 2 apparaît comme une incitation financière de court terme au retrait d’activité, notamment pour les femmes en couple. Les travaux qui se sont multipliés sur l’APE présentent, parmi leurs limites, l’inconvénient de ne pas tenir compte des conditions d’emploi des femmes sur leur décision de recourir – ou non – à l’APE. L’exploitation des enquêtes Emploi de l’INSEE et l’utilisation de méthodes économétriques permettent cependant d’affiner l’analyse du comportement d’activité des femmes en couple face au choix de l’APE. Cet article propose une nouvelle approche des facteurs explicatifs du retrait d’activité pour les femmes éligibles à l’APE. Si, comme attendu, le revenu d’activité des femmes et, dans une moindre mesure, celui de leur conjoint jouent effectivement un rôle, les conditions d’emploi des femmes ont une influence propre et déterminante sur le recours effectif à l’APE. Ainsi, à ne pas les prendre en compte, on amplifie les appréciations en termes d’incitations financières sur le retrait d’activité des femmes éligibles à la prestation.