bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“It was like a little community”: An ethnographic study of online learning and its implications for MOOCs
Authors: WASSON CHRISTINA
Published: February 2014

In this time of social, technical, educational and industrial upheaval, time and space are being compressed and stretched as social actors develop new practices in response to shifts in their lived experience. In the American educational sector, these phenomena have crystalized in the meteoritic rise of MOOCs, massive open online courses. The story of their ascent weaves together neoliberal shifts in financing education, technology developments, and perceived business opportunities. MOOCs have captured the imagination of the business press, venture capitalists, and university leaders. However, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the perceptions of students who are taking online courses – in other words, the users. Drawing on an ethnographic study of a small online class, this paper describes the limitations of MOOC pedagogies by comparison with low‐enrollment online courses, and concludes by casting doubt on the effectiveness of MOOC learning experiences as well as MOOC business models.
The pop‐up ethnographer: Roles of the researcher in temporary spaces
Authors: MAXWELL DEBORAH , WOODS MEL , PRIOR SUZANNE
Published: February 2014

As our lived reality becomes ever more mobile and networked, society and business has adopted cultures and practices to embrace the creation of temporary interstitial ‘pop‐up’ environments. These spaces, which can take the form of work environments (e.g. the UK Innovation Charity Nesta's ‘Productive Coffee Breaks’), training (e.g. workshops), knowledge exchange (e.g. sandpits, culture hacks), and social environments (e.g. festivals), require us to examine the role of the temporal ethnographer. Our paper explores the changing and challenging roles that researchers must adopt and move between (from organizer, facilitator, participant, observer, and analyst) by examining four empirical case studies in a range of research contexts. Furthermore, we consider how short‐term studies in such temporary, ‘pop‐up’ environments can contribute to and be enriched by ethnographic practices.
What research enables: Ethnography by high‐school students catalyzing transformation of a post‐tsunami community
Authors: ICHIKAWA FUMIKO , TAMURA HIROSHI , AKAMA YOKO
Published: February 2014

We are beginning to witness a broadening of the contribution, positioning and purpose of ethnography in industry, catalysed by questioning what it can enable for communities and societies. By going beyond boundaries and disjuncture of corporate forms and viewing it within an entangled fields of economics, culture and society, this paper discuss how we become aware of what we do, and to enable others to make sense of the transformations that are occurring around them and within them, and how can we all participate in that process of being and becoming. In doing so, we question how to self‐reflexively explore how we, as ethnographers, can be empowered to embark on such endeavours.
Strategic ethnography and reinvigorating Tesco Plc: Leveraging inside/ out bicultural bridging in multicultural teams
Authors: Brannen Mary Yoko , Moore Fiona , Mughan Terry
Published: February 2014

This paper focuses on a study of Tesco Plc conducted in 2011, in which we trained a multicultural team of nine Asian managers to become in‐house ethnographers of Tesco UK for a 3‐month period studying 52 stores in the UK with dual objectives of helping Tesco (1) to understand and evaluate the core practices that comprised the essence of Tesco's home country advantage, and (2) to identify sources of learning from Tesco's foreign subsidiaries to aid in reinvigorating its core in light of increasing competition in its home market. We believe that the strategic and training dimensions of this project constitute a new contribution to the field of organisational ethnography, particularly with regard to the use of a multinational ethnographic team of non‐native speakers of English.
People and Energy: A design‐led approach to understanding everyday energy use behaviour
Authors: LOCKTON DAN , BOWDEN FLORA , GREENE CATHERINE , BRASS CLARE , GHEERAWO RAMA
Published: February 2014

Reducing home energy use is a major societal challenge, involving behaviour change alongside infrastructure improvements. However, many approaches lump ‘energy demand’ together as something homogeneous, addressable primarily through quantitative feedback, rather than basing interventions on an understanding of why people use energy as they do. Our contention is that people don't set out to ‘use energy’: its use is a side effect of solving everyday problems, meeting needs for comfort, light, cooking, cleaning, entertainment, and so on.

Design researchers at the Royal College of Art have been carrying out ethnographic research with a diverse range of householders, investigating nuances of daily interactions with heating and lighting, meters and appliances—alongside people's understanding of energy and how their actions affect its use. Insights, integrated with household monitoring data, will inform the co‐design of prototype products and services to help people reduce their energy use while meeting needs.
Real‐time PCR for identification of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura
Authors: Naaum A. M. , Foottit R. G. , Maw H. E. L. , Hanner R.
Published: February 2014

The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) is an economically significant pest in North America, causing extensive damage to soybean crops through direct feeding damage and disease transmission. If unchecked, this pest could cause billions of dollars of damage to soybean crops. Identification of the soybean aphid can be difficult due to its small size, complex life cycle and morphological plasticity. Generally, an expert is required to identify a specimen. Additionally, identification of some life stages, such as eggs, is impossible. DNA barcoding has been successfully used to differentiate aphid species, including A. glycines, based on sequencing of a standardized gene region. Although this method represents an important step towards accurate identification, samples must still be sent to specialized facilities for analysis. Using existing DNA barcode sequences in the publically accessible Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD; www.boldsystems.org), species‐specific differences were identified and used to develop a real‐time PCR assay to identify soybean aphids. This assay can be run on portable systems for rapid, accurate and simple identification in the field. The use of a non‐destructive DNA extraction protocol allows the original insect to be vouchered and therefore available for further study if necessary. This work represents an important step in soybean aphid management.
Oviposition, adult longevity and temperature effects on the eggs of Tetanocera elata (Fab.) (Diptera: Sciomyzidae): a potential biocontrol agent for slugs
Authors: Hynes T. , Mc Donnell R. J. , Gormally M. J.
Published: February 2014

Pestiferous slugs in organic and conventional farming systems damage crops, reduce yield and quality, and reduce profits; however, no biological control agent that is both efficacious and inexpensive has yet been developed. One potential biological control agent is the slug‐feeding Tetanocera elata (Fab.), for which scant scientific data are currently available regarding optimum growing conditions. This study examined the effect of constant temperatures (14, 17, 20, 23 and 26°C) and ambient outdoor and laboratory temperatures on the duration of the egg stage of T. elata. In general, mean and median duration of incubation decreased as temperatures increased, with the highest (52%) and lowest (20%) hatch rates occurring at 14 and 26°C, respectively. Longevity and oviposition rates for T. elata are discussed in the context of mass biocontrol production systems, and possible reasons for low hatch rates for eggs stored at 2–3°C are discussed in the context of the phenology of the species.
Sleep disorders in cirrhotics; How can we detect ?
Authors: Gencdal Genco , Gunsar Fulya , Meral Cenk E. , Salman Esin , Gürsel Berna , Oruç Nevin , Karasu Zeki , Ersöz Galip , Akarca Ulus Salih
Published: February 2014

Background & Aims

Sleep disorders (SDs) are common in cirrhotics and are often associated with hepatic encephalopathy. SDs negatively affect patients' daily activities and work efficiency. For this reason, early diagnosis is important. The methods used for diagnosis of SDs are not practical and need longer periods of application and evaluation. In this study, we aimed to investigate sleep disorders and related clinical parameters in cirrhosis and also wanted to investigate the using of Sleep Timing and Sleep Quality Screening questionnaire (STSQS), a simple form with a short application time, for diagnosis of SDs and its correlation with Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) form.

Methods

Cirrhotic patients and age‐matched healthy volunteers were enrolled. Patients were excluded from this study if they had neuropsychiatric disease or used excessive alcohol or drugs known to affect sleep. Both groups completed validated Turkish form of PSQI and STSQS. SD was defined as PSQI score (0–21) of >5 or STSQS ≥5.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐one cirrhotic patients and 18 healthy volunteers were enrolled. SDs in cirrhotics and control group were detected 56.5% and 27.8% by PSQI, 49.6% and 16.7% by STSQS respectively. SDs are the most frequent in the Child C patients, and the least frequent in the Child A patients (P > 0.05). No correlation was found between the MELD score and SDs. SDs were more common in cirrhotic patients with hypoalbuminaemia and low haemoglobin levels. In addition, the patients with decompensated cirrhosis had more frequently SDs than the patients with compensated cirrhosis. In the patient group, sleep latency and total sleep time, sleep parameters were correlated with SDs. STSQS had statistical significant correlation with PSQI for diagnosis of SDs.

Conclusion

SDs are common in cirrhotics and STSQS could be an appropriate and practical method for diagnosis of SDS in these patients. We can use it in cirrhotic patients at outpatient clinics.
Trans‐arterial chemo‐embolization is safe and effective for elderly advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients: results from an international database
Authors: Cohen Matan J. , Levy Izhar , Barak Orly , Bloom Allan I. , Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , Di Maio Massimo , Perrone Francesco , Poon Ronnie T. , Shouval Daniel , Yau Thomas , Shibolet Oren
Published: February 2014

Objective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence among elderly patients is increasing. Trans‐arterial chemo‐embolization (TACE) prolongs survival in selected HCC patients. The safety and efficacy of TACE in elderly patients has not been extensively studied. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of TACE in elderly patients (older than 75) with HCC.

Design

Combined HCC registries (Spain, Italy, China and Israel) and cohort design analysis of patients who underwent TACE for HCC.

Results

Five hundred and forty‐eight patients diagnosed and treated between 1988 and 2010 were included in the analysis (China 197, Italy 155, Israel 102 and Spain 94,). There were 120 patients (22%) older than 75 years and 47 patients (8.6%) older than 80. Median (95% CI) survival estimates were 23 (17–28), 21 (17–26) and 19 (15–23) months (P = 0.14) among patients aged younger than 65, 65–75 and older than 75 respectively. An age above 75 years at diagnosis was not associated with worse prognosis, hazard ratio of 1.05 (95% CI 0.75–1.5), controlling for disease stage, sex, diagnosis year, HBV status and stratifying per database. No differences in complication rates were found between the age groups.

Conclusions

TACE is safe for patients older than 75 years. Results were similar over different eras and geographical locations. Though selection bias is inherent, the results suggest overall adequate selection of patients, given the similar outcomes among the different age groups.
An adequate Fe nutritional status of maize suppresses infection and biotrophic growth of Colletotrichum graminicola
Authors: Ye Fanghua , Albarouki Emad , Lingam Brahmasivasenkar , Deising Holger B. , von Wirén Nicolaus
Published: February 2014

Iron (Fe) is an essential element for plant pathogens as well as for their host plants. As Fe plays a central role in pathogen virulence, most plants have evolved Fe‐withholding strategies to reduce Fe availability to pathogens. On the other hand, plants need Fe for an oxidative burst in their basal defense response against pathogens. To investigate how the plant Fe nutritional status affects plant tolerance to a hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen, we employed the maize–Colletotrichum graminicola pathosystem. Fungal infection progressed rapidly via biotrophic to necrotrophic growth in Fe‐deficient leaves, while an adequate Fe nutritional status suppressed the formation of infection structures of C. graminicola already during the early biotrophic growth phase. As indicated by Prussian blue and 3,3'‐diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining, the retarding effect of an adequate Fe nutritional status on fungal development coincided temporally and spatially with the recruitment of Fe to infection sites and a local production of H2O2. A similar coincidence between local Fe and H2O2 accumulation was found in a parallel approach employing C. graminicola mutants affected in Fe acquisition and differing in virulence. These results indicate that an adequate Fe nutritional status delays and partially suppresses the fungal infection process and the biotrophic growth phase of C. graminicola, most likely via the recruitment of free Fe to the fungal infection site for a timely oxidative burst.
Pumping Ca2+ up H+ gradients: a Ca2+–H+ exchanger without a membrane
Authors: Swietach Pawel , Leem Chae‐Hun , Spitzer Kenneth W. , Vaughan‐Jones Richard D.
Published: February 2014

Cellular processes are exquisitely sensitive to H+ and Ca2+ ions because of powerful ionic interactions with proteins. By regulating the spatial and temporal distribution of intracellular [Ca2+] and [H+], cells such as cardiac myocytes can exercise control over their biological function. A well‐established paradigm in cellular physiology is that ion concentrations are regulated by specialized, membrane‐embedded transporter proteins. Many of these couple the movement of two or more ionic species per transport cycle, thereby linking ion concentrations among neighbouring compartments. Here, we compare and contrast canonical membrane transport with a novel type of Ca2+–H+ coupling within cytoplasm, which produces uphill Ca2+ transport energized by spatial H+ ion gradients, and can result in the cytoplasmic compartmentalization of Ca2+ without requiring a partitioning membrane. The mechanism, demonstrated in mammalian myocytes, relies on diffusible cytoplasmic buffers, such as carnosine, homocarnosine and ATP, to which Ca2+ and H+ ions bind in an apparently competitive manner. These buffer molecules can actively recruit Ca2+ to acidic microdomains, in exchange for the movement of H+ ions. The resulting Ca2+ microdomains thus have the potential to regulate function locally. Spatial cytoplasmic Ca2+–H+ exchange (cCHX) acts like a ‘pump’ without a membrane and may be operational in many cell types.
Development of diamond cathode materials for enhancing the electron field emission and plasma characteristics using two-step microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process
Authors: Lou Shiu-Cheng , Chen Chulung , Kunuku Srinivasu , Leou Keh-Chyang , Lee Chi-Young , Chen Huang-Chin , Lin I-Nan
Published: February 2014

The enhancement on the plasma illumination characteristics of a cylindrical microplasma device due to the utilization of hybrid-diamond (HiD) films as cathode was systematically investigated. The improved plasma illumination behavior was closely related to the enhanced electron field emission (EFE) properties of the diamond films. The HiD films, which possessed better EFE properties, including lower turn-on field for inducing the EFE process [(E0)efe = 2.7 V/μm] and higher EFE current density [(Je)efe = 2.8 mA/cm2, at 10.6 V/μm], resulted in superior illumination performance for the microplasma devices. The plasma can be triggered at a low threshold field of (Eth)pl. = 0.166 V/μm, attaining a large plasma current density of (Je)pl. = 9.6 mA/cm2 at an applied field of 0.266 V/μm (plasma density of ne = 1.70 × 1015 cm−3). The better EFE for the HiD films is ascribed to the unique granular structure of the films. Transmission electron microscopic studies revealed that the HiD films contained large diamond aggregates evenly distributed among the ultrasmall grain matrix. There presents a-few-layer graphite, surrounding the large aggregates that formed electron transport networks and improved the EFE properties for the HiD films. The superior EFE properties for the HiD cathode materials are the prime factor for improving plasma illumination characteristics for the cylindrical microplasma devices.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 11 February 2014
Authors: Danen Erik H. J. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: February 2014

Inhibiting signaling through β
1
integrin reduces tumor growth but promotes metastasis in a type of breast cancer.
The IP
3
Receptor as a Hub for Bcl-2 Family Proteins in Cell Death Control and Beyond
Authors: Parys Jan B.
Published: February 2014

Bcl-2 family proteins regulate calcium signaling.
The Message in the Medium
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: February 2014

The etiquette of yeast cells that secrete signals that influence themselves and their neighbors is explored.
The Switch That Doesn't
Authors: Hines Pamela J.
Published: February 2014

Maternal administration of bumetanide before delivery reduces the autistic phenotype in rodent models of autism.
From Channel to Sensor
Authors: Stern Peter R.
Published: February 2014

The mossy fiber to the CA3 synapse operates via loose calcium microdomains established by local calcium buffering.
A Notch Closer to Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: February 2014

Inhibiting endothelin signaling decreases Notch activation and enables oligodendrocyte maturation in MS-like lesions.
Kibdelomycin Is a Potent and Selective Agent against Toxigenic Clostridium difficile
Authors: Miesel Lynn , Hecht David W. , Osmolski James R. , Gerding Dale , Flattery Amy , Li Fangbiao , Lan Jing , Lipari Philip , Polishook Jon D. , Liang Lianzhu , Liu Jenny , Olsen David B. , Singh Sheo B.
Published: February 2014

Clostridium difficile
is the causative agent of
C. difficile
-associated diarrhea (CDAD), with increased risk in elderly populations. Kibdelomycin, a novel natural-product inhibitor of type II topoisomerase enzymes, was evaluated for activity against
C. difficile
and gastrointestinal anaerobic organisms. Toxigenic
C. difficile
isolates (
n
= 168) from U.S. hospitals and anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms (
n
= 598) from Chicago-area hospitals were tested. Kibdelomycin showed potent activity against toxigenic
C. difficile
(MIC
90
= 0.25 μg/ml) and most Gram-positive aerobic organisms but had little activity against
Bacteroides
species (MIC
50
> 32 μg/ml;
n
= 270). Potent anti-
C. difficile
activity was also observed in the hamster model of
C. difficile
colitis. Dosing at 1.6 mg/kg (twice-daily oral dose) resulted in protection from a lethal infection and a 2-log reduction in
C. difficile
cecal counts. A 6.25-mg/kg twice-daily oral dose completely eliminated detectable
C. difficile
counts in cecal contents. A single 6.25-mg/kg oral dose showed that cecal contents were exposed to the drug at >2 μM (eightfold higher than the MIC), with no significant plasma exposure. These findings support further exploration of kibdelomycin for development of an anti-
C. difficile
agent.
Co-Trimoxazole Prophylaxis Is Associated with Reduced Risk of Incident Tuberculosis in Participants in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Hasse Barbara , Walker A. Sarah , Fehr Jan , Furrer Hansjakob , Hoffmann Matthias , Battegay Manuel , Calmy Alexandra , Fellay Jacques , Di Benedetto Caroline , Weber Rainer , Ledergerber Bruno
Published: February 2014

Co-trimoxazole reduces mortality in HIV-infected adults with tuberculosis (TB), and
in vitro
data suggest potential antimycobacterial activity of co-trimoxazole. We aimed to evaluate whether prophylaxis with co-trimoxazole is associated with a decreased risk of incident TB in Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) participants. We determined the incidence of TB per 1,000 person-years from January 1992 to December 2012. Rates were analyzed separately in participants with current or no previous antiretroviral treatment (ART) using Poisson regression adjusted for CD4 cell count, sex, region of origin, injection drug use, and age. A total of 13,431 cohort participants contributed 107,549 person-years of follow-up: 182 patients had incident TB—132 (73%) before and 50 (27%) after ART initiation. The multivariable incidence rate ratios for cumulative co-trimoxazole exposure per year for persons with no previous ART and current ART were 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 0.89) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.74 to 1.0), respectively. Co-trimoxazole may prevent the development of TB among HIV-positive persons, especially among those with no previous ART.
Antimicrobial Activity of Ceftaroline Tested against Drug-Resistant Subsets of Streptococcus pneumoniae from U.S. Medical Centers
Authors: Flamm Robert K. , Sader Helio S. , Farrell David J. , Jones Ronald N.
Published: February 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates (6,958) were collected from patients at 163 U.S. medical centers during 2009 through 2012. Isolates were evaluated for multidrug resistance (MDR) to penicillin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and levofloxacin. Ceftaroline was 16-fold more potent than ceftriaxone (MIC
50
/MIC
90
, ≤0.25/2 μg/ml) against all isolates. For MDR isolates (35.2% of tested strains), ceftaroline (MIC
50
/MIC
90
, 0.06/0.25 μg/ml; 100.0% susceptible) was the most active agent tested, being 8-fold more potent than ceftriaxone (MIC
50
/MIC
90
, 0.5/2 μg/ml) and 16-fold more potent than penicillin (MIC
50
/MIC
90
, 1/4 μg/ml).
Azithromycin Resistance Is Coevolving with Reduced Susceptibility to Cephalosporins in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Allen Vanessa G. , Seah Christine , Martin Irene , Melano Roberto G.
Published: February 2014

Azithromycin (AZM) is routinely recommended as a component of dual therapy for gonorrhea in combination with third-generation cephalosporins (3GC). In this study, we examined the prevalence of AZM-resistant (AZM
r
)
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
from July 2010 to February 2013, assessed the rate of concurrent cephalosporin resistance under the current treatment recommendations, and analyzed the clonal distribution of AZM
r
isolates in Ontario, Canada. Nineteen AZM
r
clinical isolates (one per patient; MIC, ≥2 μg/ml) were included in the study. Susceptibility profiles of these isolates to 11 antibiotics, molecular typing, characterization of macrolide resistance mechanisms, and penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP2) patterns were determined for all the isolates. Two groups were defined based on AZM
r
level; group A isolates displayed high-level resistance (MIC, ≥2,048 μg/ml) due to mutations (A2143G) in the four copies of the 23S rRNA
rrl
gene, and group B isolates had moderate resistance to AZM (MICs, 2 to 8 μg/ml, C2599T mutation in the
rrl
gene), with a subgroup belonging to sequence type 3158 (ST3158) (
n
= 8), which also showed reduced susceptibility to 3GC (MICs, 0.12 to 0.25 μg/ml, PBP2 pattern XXXIV). This AZM
r
phenotype was not observed in previous provincial surveillance in 2008 (the ST3158 clone was found, with AZM MICs of 0.25 to 0.5 μg/ml associated with
mtrR
mutations). We hypothesized that the AZM mutant prevention concentration (MPC) in the ST3158 subpopulation we found in 2008 was higher than the MPC in wild-type isolates (AZM MIC, ≤0.031 μg/ml), increasing the chances of additional selection of AZM
r
mutations. Full AZM resistance is now emerging in this clone together with reduced susceptibility to 3GC, threatening the future efficacy of these antibiotics as therapeutic options for treatment of gonorrhea.
Exposure to Ceftobiprole Is Associated with Microbiological Eradication and Clinical Cure in Patients with Nosocomial Pneumonia
Authors: Muller A. E. , Punt N. , Mouton J. W.
Published: February 2014

The percentage of the dosing interval that the non-protein-bound plasma concentration is above the MIC (%
f
T>MIC) for cephalosporins has been shown to correlate with microbiological outcomes in preclinical studies. However, clinical data are scarce. Using data from a randomized double-blind phase 3 clinical trial, we explored the relationship of ceftobiprole exposure with microbiological and clinical outcomes in patients with nosocomial pneumonia. The individual ceftobiprole exposure was determined for different pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) indices using individual pharmacokinetic data and a previously published population model. The MICs used in the analysis were the highest MICs for any bacterium cultured at baseline or the end of treatment (EOT). Outcomes were microbiological cure at EOT and clinical cure at test of cure (TOC). Multiple logistic regression (MLR) and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses were applied to determine the relationships among exposure, patient characteristics, and outcomes. MLR indicated that the %
f
T>MIC of ceftobiprole was the best predictor for both microbiological eradication and clinical cure. CART analysis showed a breakpoint value of 51.1% (
n
= 159;
P
= 0.0024) for clinical cure, whereas it was 62.2% (
n
= 251;
P
< 0.0001) for microbiological eradication. Other factors also contributed, particularly to clinical outcome. These included the difference between VAP and non-VAP patients, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), creatinine clearance, the use of anti-
Pseudomonas
combination therapy, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score. There is a strong correlation between microbiological eradication and clinical cure with exposure to ceftobiprole. The %
f
T>MIC required to result in a favorable clinical outcome is >51% of the dosing interval, which is in line with the values found for microbiological eradication, the comparator ceftazidime, and preclinical models.
Susceptibility Breakpoints for Amphotericin B and Aspergillus Species in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model Simulating Free-Drug Concentrations in Human Serum
Authors: Elefanti A. , Mouton J. W. , Verweij P. E. , Zerva L. , Meletiadis J.
Published: February 2014

Although conventional amphotericin B was for many years the drug of choice and remains an important agent against invasive aspergillosis, reliable susceptibility breakpoints are lacking. Three clinical
Aspergillus
isolates (
Aspergillus fumigatus
,
Aspergillus flavus
, and
Aspergillus terreus
) were tested in an
in vitro
pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model simulating the biphasic 24-h time-concentration profile of free amphotericin B concentrations in human serum with free peak concentrations (
fC
max
) of 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 mg/liter administered once daily. Drug concentrations were measured with a bioassay, and fungal growth was monitored for 72 h with galactomannan production. The
fC
max
/MIC corresponding to half-maximal activity (
P
50
) was determined for each species, and the percentage of target attainment was calculated for different MICs for the standard (1 mg/kg of body weight) and a lower (0.6-mg/kg) dose of amphotericin B with Monte Carlo simulation analysis. The
fC
max
/MICs (95% confidence intervals) corresponding to
P
50
were 0.145 (0.133 to 0.158), 0.371 (0.283 to 0.486), and 0.41 (0.292 to 0.522) for
A. fumigatus
,
A. flavus
, and
A. terreus
, respectively. The median percentages of
P
50
attainment were ≥88%, 47%, and 0% for
A. fumigatus
isolates with MICs of ≤0.5, 1, and ≥2 mg/liter, respectively, and ≥81%, 24%, and 0% and ≥75%, 15%, and 0% for
A. flavus
and
A. terreus
isolates with MICs of ≤0.25, 0.5, and ≥1 mg/liter, respectively. The lower dose of 0.6 mg/kg would retain efficacy for
A. fumigatus
,
A. flavus
, and
A. terreus
isolates with MICs of ≤0.25, ≤0.125, and ≤0.125 mg/liter, respectively. The susceptibility, intermediate susceptibility, and resistance breakpoints of ≤0.5, 1, and ≥2 mg/liter for
A. fumigatus
and ≤0.25, 0.5, and ≥1 mg/liter for
A. flavus
and
A. terreus
were determined for conventional amphotericin B with a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model simulating free-drug serum concentrations.
Identification of Cell Surface-Exposed Proteins Involved in the Fimbria-Mediated Adherence of Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli to Intestinal Cells
Authors: Izquierdo Mariana , Navarro-Garcia Fernando , Nava-Acosta Raul , Nataro James P. , Ruiz-Perez Fernando , Farfan Mauricio J.
Published: February 2014

Fimbria-mediated adherence to the intestinal epithelia is a key step in enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
(EAEC) pathogenesis. To date, four fimbriae have been described for EAEC; aggregative adherence fimbria II (AAF/II) is the most important adherence factor for EAEC prototype strain 042. Previously, we described results showing that extracellular matrix (ECM) components might be involved in the recognition of AAF/II fimbriae by intestinal cells. In this study, we sought to identify novel potential receptors on intestinal epithelial cells recognized by the AAF/II fimbriae. Purified AafA-
dsc
protein, the major subunit of AAF/II fimbriae, was incubated with a monolayer of T84 cells, cross-linked to the surface-exposed T84 cell proteins, and immunoprecipitated by using anti-AafA antibodies. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of cellular proteins bound to AafA-
dsc
protein identified laminin (previously recognized as a potential receptor for AAF/II) and cytokeratin 8 (CK8). Involvement of the major subunit of AAF/II fimbriae (AafA protein) in the binding to recombinant CK8 was confirmed by adherence assays with purified AAF/II fimbriae, AafA-
dsc
protein, and strain 042. Moreover, HEp-2 cells transfected with CK8 small interfering RNA (siRNA) showed reduced 042 adherence compared with cells transfected with scrambled siRNA as a control. Adherence of 042 to HEp-2 cells preincubated with antibodies against ECM proteins or CK8 was substantially reduced. Altogether, our results supported the idea of a role of CK8 as a potential receptor for EAEC.
Whitmore's disease: an uncommon urological presentation
Authors: Naganathan Karthickeyan , Pillai Sunil Bhaskara , Kumar Praveen , Hegde Padmaraj
Published: February 2014

The incidence of prostatic abscesses has much decreased in the antibiotic era. We present an uncommon cause of prostatic abscess secondary to melioidosis, also known as Whitmore's disease or pseudoglanders. The disease is endemic in South East Asia and Australia. Although India is considered endemic forBurkholderia pseudomallei, the causative organism of melioidosis, not many cases have been reported. Most of the reported cases from India are from the South-West coastal regions of Kerala and Karnataka, Vellore, West Bengal and Bihar. Our index patient was successfully treated with parenteral antibiotics and endoscopic deroofing of the abscess.
Refractory status epilepticus complicated by drug-induced involuntary movements
Authors: Nair Pradeep Pankajakshan , Wadwekar Vaibhav , Murgai Aditya , Narayan Sunil K
Published: February 2014

New onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is a neurological emergency and difficult to treat condition. We report a case of involuntary movements resulting from thiopentone sodium infusion during the management of refractory status epilepticus. A young woman was admitted with fever and NORSE in the neurology intensive care unit. In addition to supportive measures, she was treated with intravenous lorazepam, phenytoin sodium, sodium valproate, midazolam and thiopentone sodium. While on thiopentone sodium, she developed involuntary twitches involving her upper limbs and face with EEG showing no evidence of ongoing status epilepticus. Because of the temporal relationship with thiopentone infusion, we tapered the dose of thiopentone sodium, which resulted in the disappearance of the movements. The patient recovered well with no recurrence of the seizures during the hospital stay.
Adenosine-induced coronary vasospasm following drug-eluting stent implantation
Authors: Matsumoto Naoya , Nagao Ken , Hirayama Atsushi , Kasama Shu
Published: February 2014

We present the case of coronary vasospasm during adenosine stress in a patient with a prior drug-eluting stent implantation. The patient had a stent implantation in the left anterior descending coronary artery 3 years ago. Recently, he developed a chest pain and underwent adenosine stress myocardial perfusion single photon emission CT (SPECT). During the adenosine stress, he felt severe chest pain and ST elevation on electrocardiogram. An invasive coronary angiography showed no in-stent restenosis. This phenomenon deemed to be adenosine-induced coronary vasospasm after stent implantation.
Centrifuge experiments on the settlement of circular foundations on clay
Authors: McMahon B.T. , Bolton M.D.
Published: February 2014

Centrifuge experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanisms governing the settlement of shallow circular foundations on clay. Model tests were performed on both soft and firm beds of overconsolidated kaolin clay. Foundation loads were applied as dead-weight and also through pneumatic loading. A Perspex window in the centrifuge package allowed digital images to be captured of a vertical cross section during and after the application of loading. Soil displacements deduced by particle image velocimetry (PIV) allow deformation mechanisms to be presented for undrained penetration, creep, and consolidation caused by transient flow. A technique is presented for discriminating consolidation settlements from the varying rates of short- and long-term creep. The mobilizable strength design (MSD) method is shown to make useful predictions of the undrained penetration using an estimated stress–strain behaviour of the clay with allowances made for anisotropy and rate effects. Subsequent creep and consolidation settlements were then determined using established correlations.
MULTIVARIATE TOBIT SYSTEM ESTIMATION OF EDUCATION EXPENDITURE IN URBAN CHINA
Authors: DENG QUHENG , XUE JINJUN
Published: February 2014

Using the 2007 education survey data in urban China, this paper measures the inequality of education expenditures, an indicator of education inequality, and analyzes the effect of household income on the components of education expenditures. Since the components of education expenditure are censored and inter-related, this paper runs a multivariate Tobit system regression of five categories of education expenditures. Our results imply that household income per capita positively affects expenditure on boarding, private tutoring and costs for selecting schools but does not affect expenditure on textbooks. In return, the inequality of education expenditures contribute to income inequality in urban China.
CONSTRUCTING LOW-TEMPERATURE SUB-ARRAYS ON RECONFIGURABLE VLSI ARRAYS
Authors: WU JIGANG , ZHU YUANBO , NIU ZHIPENG , SRIKANTHAN THAMBIPILLAI
Published: February 2014

Increasing temperatures of the processing elements (PEs) on VLSI may threaten the reliability and performance of a hard real-time system. This paper presents a temperature-aware algorithm to reconfigure two-dimensional VLSI arrays in the presence of faulty PEs. Based on dynamic programming, the proposed algorithm constructs each logical column with the lowest temperature for a cool target array on a given processor array. In addition, the lower bound of the temperatures of the cool target array has been established. Simulation results show that the temperatures of target array are reduced without loss of harvest in comparison to the state-of-the-art. Moreover, the produced peak temperature of cool target array is pretty close to the lower bound.
A MULTI-STAGE FAULT-TOLERANT MULTIPLIER WITH TRIPLE MODULE REDUNDANCY (TMR) TECHNIQUE
Authors: CHEN YUAN-HO , LU CHIH-WEN , SHYU SHIAN-SHING , LEE CHUNG-LIN , OU TING-CHIA
Published: February 2014

In this study, a multistage fault-tolerant (MSFT) scheme for two fixed-width array multipliers is proposed. To tolerate the fault that occurs in an integrated circuit, an architecture by using three redundant triple module redundancy (TMR) processing elements (PEs) (TMR-PE) is proposed. The proposed Type-I MSFT multipliers divide the array multiplier into multiple stages, and implement a single PE by considering multiple computation cycles to achieve a low area design. Thus, the MSFT multiplier employs the TMR-PEs to achieve a low-cost fault-tolerant design. The TMR-PEs were designed using compressors with multiple operands, such as 4-2 compressors or other compressors with additional operands, to reduce the number of computation cycles and expedite the execution process. To improve the fault-correction capability, Type-II MSFT multipliers that follow the multistage structure, which was designed as a TMR technique, were proposed. Because of implementation using a 0.18-μm CMOS process, the long word-length MSFT multiplier saves a substantial amount of the circuit area. The proposed 64 × 64 Type-I MSFT multiplier has only 13% of the circuit area and 3% of the delay overhead of the original multiplier. Based on the measurements of the area-delay product (AT) metric, the value of the 64 × 64 Type-I MSFT multiplier is only 0.21-fold of the value of the original multiplier. Regarding the fault-correction capability, the 64 × 64 Type-II MSFT multiplier achieves an area-delay-fault efficiency (ATF) that is 11-fold of the value of the original TMR multiplier.
The Relationship Between Competition and the Fraction of Firms Using Stock-Based Compensation in an Industry
Authors: Huang Hsing-Hua , Lin Chia-Fan
Published: February 2014

This paper theoretically and empirically investigates the relationship between the intensity of product market competition and the fraction of firms that use stock-based compensation in an industry. By employing the relationship between a firm's risk-taking behavior and the use of stock-based compensation, we theoretically show that when the fraction of firms using stock-based compensation is less (more) than one-half, there is a positive (negative) relationship between the fraction and the intensity of product market competition and further provide some supportive empirical evidence. Our results imply that there is more heterogeneity in firms' stock-based compensation policies in the more competitive industry.
A cohomological formula for the Atiyah–Patodi–Singer index on manifolds with boundary
Authors: Rouse P. Carrillo , Lescure J. M. , Monthubert B.
Published: February 2014

The main result of this paper is a new Atiyah–Singer type cohomological formula for the index of Fredholm pseudodifferential operators on a manifold with boundary. The nonlocality of the chosen boundary condition prevents us to apply directly the methods used by Atiyah and Singer in [4, 5]. However, by using the K-theory of C*-algebras associated to some groupoids, which generalizes the classical K-theory of spaces, we are able to understand the computation of the APS index using classic algebraic topology methods (K-theory and cohomology). As in the classic case of Atiyah–Singer ([4, 5]), we use an embedding into a Euclidean space to express the index as the integral of a true form on a true space, the integral being over a C∞-manifold called the singular normal bundle associated to the embedding. Our formula is based on a K-theoretical Atiyah–Patodi–Singer theorem for manifolds with boundary that is inspired by Connes' tangent groupoid approach, it is not a groupoid interpretation of the famous Atiyah–Patodi–Singer index theorem.
Memory recall based video search
Authors: Yuan Jin , Zhao Yi-Liang , Luan Huanbo , Wang Meng , Chua Tat-Seng
Published: February 2014

We often remember images and videos that we have seen or recorded before but cannot quite recall the exact venues or details of the contents. We typically have vague memories of the contents, which can often be expressed as a textual description and/or rough visual descriptions of the scenes. Using these vague memories, we then want to search for the corresponding videos of interest. We call this “Memory Recall based Video Search” (MRVS). To tackle this problem, we propose a video search system that permits a user to input his/her vague and incomplete query as a combination of text query, a sequence of visual queries, and/or concept queries. Here, a visual query is often in the form of a visual sketch depicting the outline of scenes within the desired video, while each corresponding concept query depicts a list of visual concepts that appears in that scene. As the query specified by users is generally approximate or incomplete, we need to develop techniques to handle this inexact and incomplete specification by also leveraging on user feedback to refine the specification. We utilize several innovative approaches to enhance the automatic search. First, we employ a visual query suggestion model to automatically suggest potential visual features to users as better queries. Second, we utilize a color similarity matrix to help compensate for inexact color specification in visual queries. Third, we leverage on the ordering of visual queries and/or concept queries to rerank the results by using a greedy algorithm. Moreover, as the query is inexact and there is likely to be only one or few possible answers, we incorporate an interactive feedback loop to permit the users to label related samples which are visually similar or semantically close to the relevant sample. Based on the labeled samples, we then propose optimization algorithms to update visual queries and concept weights to refine the search results. We conduct experiments on two large-scale video datasets: TRECVID 2010 and YouTube. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed system is effective for MRVS tasks.
An interview with David Alderson
Authors: Denning Peter
Published: February 2014

There has been an explosion of interest in mathematical models of large networks, leading to numerous research papers and books. The National Research Council carried out a study evaluating the emergence of a new area called "network science," which could provide the mathematics and experimental methods for characterizing, predicting, and designing networks. David Alderson has become a leading advocate for formulating the foundations of network science so that its predictions can be applied to real networks.
A dynamic programming approach to dependent task clustering
Authors: Sharp Robert M.
Published: February 2014

In Complex Data Management Systems, the program generator must consider segmentation of the data processing program resulting from the generation. There are well-defined breaking points where the only dependency between program segments is the use of external data files. If program segments sharing data files were to be grouped together in the same processing unit, a record constructed for, or read from, a shared file could be routed to each segment using that file, eliminating redundant reading of the file.

This paper considers the optimization of clustering program segments into processing units. It is a dynamic or selective trial and error approach which considers constraints of execution order, both implicit and explicit.
A descriptive model of information systems in the context of the organization
Authors: Lucas Henry C.
Published: February 2014

In the past fifteen years numerous information systems have been developed to support decisions in different organizations. A variety of researchers have explored topics in the field, though most of the existing literature on information systems is concerned with technical as opposed to human problems. Information systems, however, exist within the context of the organization and their success depends on solutions to organizational behavior problems in systems design, implementation, and operation. Many of these problems are quite severe, and success in solving them will determine whether computer - based information systems achieve their full potential for improving decision making in the organization.
Barriers to progress in information system design
Authors: Sprague Christopher R.
Published: February 2014

The Gorry-Morton framework (Gorry and Morton, 1971) has helped clear up much fuzzy thinking about management decisions and decision support systems. Formerly, there was a tendency to equate Simon's (Simon, 1961) notion of Programmability with Anthony's (Anthony, 1965) analysis of decision making level, the not-so-tacit assumption being that decisions at the Strategic Planning level are almost completely Non-Programmable, while those at the Operations Control level are more Programmable. (See Anthony himself.) Counter-examples abound: the vice presidents who engage in annual budgeting and long-range planning find these activities just as routine and tedious (for which read "Programmable") as the foreman's shop loading tasks; the dispatcher faced with the after-math of a fire has a problem as Unprogrammable as a president faced with Ralph Nader.
An integrated approach to automated computer maintenance
Authors: Hackl F. J. , Shirk R. W.
Published: February 2014

This paper describes a method for applying automatic fault locating techniques to a computer system. Although the techniques described here are generally applicable, they have been specifically applied to IBM System/360 Model 50. Hardcore considerations are stressed and levels of hardcore are defined. Implementation objectives include both minimization of hardcore and minimization of additional circuitry. The design philosophy is to alter existing hardware where possible, keeping hardcore restrictions in mind. Hardware is added only where function does not exist or where hardcore restrictions are violated.

A bootstrap approach is used whereby subsystems are tested before being used for checkout of other subsystems. A special program load is used to bypass CPU and channel circuitry to enter tests into storage. With tests in storage, a mode of operation is defined to permit use of main storage as both a data and control storage. In this mode, tests are performed on the read-only storage controls. The read-only storage, once checked, is used to control test execution on the remainder of the CPU. The entire CPU is then used as a test vehicle for channel checkout purposes.

Finally, the same techniques and circuitry are shown to be applicable to other maintenance functions, including logging of errors and checking of certain storage subsystems.
A Technique of Predicting Radiographic Joint Line and Posterior Femoral Condylar Offset of the Knee
Authors: Clement Nicholas D. , Hamilton David F. , Burnett Richard
Published: February 2014

Purpose. To describe a reliable method of predicting native joint line and posterior condylar offset (PCO) using true lateral digital radiographs of the distal femur.Methods. PCO was measured relative to a line drawn parallel to the posterior cortex of the distal femur and the joint line was measured from the posterior condylar flare to the articular surface. A ratio was then calculated for these measurements relative to the width of the femur at the level of the flare. Two independent observers measured PCO and joint line ratio for 105 radiographs of the different knees and one repeated these measurements after one week.Results. There was a significant correlation between the width of the femoral diaphysis at the level of the posterior condylar flare with joint line (P=0.008) and PCO (P=0.003). Joint line and PCO could be predicted within 4 mm and 2 mm, respectively, using the identified ratio between the width of the femoral diaphysis at the level of the posterior condylar flare with measured joint line and PCO. The inter- (P<0.001) and intra- (P<0.001) observer reliability for these ratios were high.Conclusion. These ratios could be used to predict the native joint line and PCO.