bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Residual Symptoms in Major Depression
Authors: Israel Joshua A.
Published: August 2010

The current definition of remission from major depressive disorder does not fully take into account all aspects of patient recovery. Residual symptoms of depression are very common in patients who are classified as being in remission. Patients with residual symptoms are at increased risk of functional and interpersonal impairments, and are at high risk for recurrence of depression. This article discusses the incidence of residual symptoms of depression, as well as the risks and consequences of these symptoms, and will review the state of current treatment.
Experimental Demonstration of Masking Phenomena between Competing Odorants via an Air Dilution Sensory Test
Authors: Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: August 2010

To simulate the occurrence of masking phenomena with the aid of an air dilution sensory (ADS) test, two types of odorant mixtures were prepared: (1) M2 with two individual odorants [H2S and acetaldehyde (AA)] and (2) M6 with six individual odorants (H2S and five aldehydes). The test results derived for samples containing single individual odorants at a wide range of concentrations are initially used to define the empirical relationship between the dilution-to-threshold (D/T) ratio and odor intensity (OI) scaling. Based on these relationships, the D/T ratios were estimated for each odorant with the same intensity as the synthetic mixture. The relative contribution of each odorant to such mixture is then assessed by comparing the estimated and measured D/T values. This stepwise test confirmed the dominance of certain compounds at a given OI rating. In the case of M2, H2S showed sensitive detection at high OI range, while AA did so at low end. The pattern of a competing relationship is also seen consistently from M6 between AA (low) and iso-valeraldehyde (IA: high OI range). The overall results thus suggest that the masking phenomena between strong odorants should proceed under competing relationships, if released at the same time.
Uptake of Water Disinfection By-Products Into Food
Authors: Raymer James , Michaels Larry
Published: August 2010

Humans are exposed to water disinfection by-products (DBPs) through direct ingestion of tap water and via inhalation and dermal absorption. Additional exposure from cooking foods in tap water containing DBPs has not been explored. We conducted controlled laboratory experiments to determine potential excess exposures to DBPs—haloacetonitriles and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Some HAAs and haloacetonitriles decomposed within 10 minutes in boiling water; other analytes remained. During cooking in or contact with water, foods—frozen carrots, frozen green beans, dried pinto beans, chicken, pasta (spaghetti), and lettuce—absorbed up to 60 percent of HAA DBPs. In general, chlorodibromoacetic and tribromoacetic acids were not detected in the food after cooking. Pasta rinsed in HAA-containing spiked reagent water was shown to absorb additional HAAs and elevate the excess dietary exposure above that from cooking alone. HAA-containing tap water used to boil foods during preparation can increase the potential for human exposure, the magnitude of which depends on the types of foods cooked, the cooking duration, the volume of water used to cook the food, and the quantity of the food consumed. Regulators should consider excess dietary exposures when defining the acceptable quantities of DBPs, at least for HAAs, in tap water.
Musculoskeletal Complications of Hereditary Hemochromatosis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: RICHETTE PASCAL , OTTAVIANI SÉBASTIEN , VICAUT ERIC , BARDIN THOMAS
Published: August 2010

Objective.

Arthropathy that mimics osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) is considered a classic complication of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) but has never been investigated in a cross-sectional study. We investigated whether HH is associated with increased prevalence of OA and OP and related factors.

Methods.

A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 306 patients with HH and 304 age and sex-matched unaffected controls.

Results.

The mean age of patients was 60.1 ± 11.3 years, and 47.4% were women. More patients with HH than controls had been given a diagnosis of OA: 50.5% vs 28.9% [adjusted OR (aOR) 2.5, 95% CI 1.8–3.6]. Compared with controls, patients with HH had a higher risk of knee (aOR 5.3, 95% CI 1.1–25.6) and hip replacement prosthesis (aOR 5.2, 95% CI 2.2–11.9). More patients than controls had been diagnosed with OP: 23.3% vs 4.6% (aOR 7.3, 95% CI 3.2–17.0). Patients with HH showed an increased prevalence, although not significant, of wrist (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 0.9–3.0) or vertebral fractures (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 0.8–3.8). The severity of iron overload, as defined by a ferritin level > 1000 μg/l at diagnosis, was associated with OA (p = 0.0005), OP (p = 0.01), presence of hip prosthesis (p = 0.04), wrist fractures (p = 0.002), and vertebral fractures (p = 0.02).

Conclusion.

This case-control study strongly suggests a significant association among HH, OA, and OP. Joint involvement can be severe, especially in patients with substantially elevated ferritin levels.
Competitive Advantage of Knowledge Management
Authors: Cepeda-Carrion Gabriel
Published: August 2010

Knowledge management has been proposed as a fundamental strategic process and the only sustainable competitive advantage for firms (Grant, 1996; Davenport, 1998). A key to understanding the success and failure of knowledge management efforts within organizations is the ability to identify the relevant knowledge to manage and to extract value out of this knowledge. In the last decade past research has focused heavily on defining what knowledge is and on using different typologies (e.g., tacit vs. explicit knowledge, individual vs. collective) to characterize the different types of knowledge available to firms (e.g., Polanyi, 1967; Spender, 1996). In addition, researchers have described the processes through which knowledge is created, developed, retained, and transferred in firms (e.g., Argote, 1999; Nonaka & Takeuchi, 1995), and the role played by leadership (Bryant, 2003; Vera & Crossan, 2004) and decision-making styles (Kalling, 2003) in influencing these processes. Unfortunately, despite the growing interest in knowledge management, little specific has been said about the mechanisms firms use to identify key knowledge areas and to gain competitive advantage out of knowledge management investments. The recognition of the important knowledge resources for a firm is critical, because the effectiveness of knowledge and learning can only be assessed on the basis of its utility in guiding behavior relative to the firm’s relevant domain (Crossan, Lane, & White, 1999; Cepeda, Galán, & Leal, 2004; Zack, 1999). Knowledge for the sake of knowledge is not useful to firms.
Integration of Knowledge Management and E-Learning
Authors: Xu Dongming , Wang Huaiqing
Published: August 2010

Knowledge management (KM) and e-learning are two concepts that address the requirements of lifelong learning. Over the past several years, there has been an increasing focus on the integration of knowledge management and e-learning systems. By 2003, 70% of organizations implementing knowledge management were linking it with e-learning technically and organizationally (Gartner, 2000). The integration of knowledge management and e-learning enables the creation of great synergies in organizations and business applications. In this article, these two concepts will be presented and their integration will be discussed in detail.
Intellectual Capital
Authors: Hsu H
Published: August 2010

Today’s economy is characterized by a rapid rate of change, globalization, and knowledge-intensive products. This makes knowledge management (KM) vital to organizations. The resource-based view of the firm postulates that a firm’s profitability is not only a function of its market and competitive position but also a function of its internal capabilities and know-how in combining its resources to deliver products and services and to enhance organizational performance (Alavi, 2000).
Knowledge Intermediation
Authors: Scarso Enrico , Bolisani Ettore
Published: August 2010

Since knowledge is increasingly regarded as the central source of competitive advantage, a “cognitive” interpretation of business activities becomes vital. With regard to this, the flourishing field of knowledge management (KM) provides useful insights into approaches to a systematic and explicit management of knowledge. Furthermore, the development of Internet technologies raises expectations of new opportunities to acquire, process, and distribute knowledge. Little research has, however, been done on the new businesses that may originate from a combination of KM practices and the use of new technologies. In particular, since the activities of knowledge creation and sharing are not bound to the single organisation, there is room for the development of innovative services that enable a “knowledge-based use” of network technologies such as the Internet. In fact, an increasing number of examples of innovative “knowledge-intensive” firms based on the Web can be found, but there is the need for better understanding of the contents and issues associated with such emerging ventures.
Measuring Knowledge Management Capabilities
Authors: Kulkarni Uday , Freeze Ronald
Published: August 2010

As business professionals know, creating awareness of a problem and its impact is a critical first step toward the resolution of the problem. That which does not get measured, does not get managed (Redman, 1998). In fact, measurement is a precursor to improvement. This is true for knowledge management (KM) capabilities of an organization. “In today’s knowledge-based economy,” Alan Greenspan recently said, “70% of organizational assets are knowledge assets.” Knowledge assets are intangible capabilities, and there is a recognized need to “make a greater effort to quantify the value of such intangible assets” (Teece, 1998b). How does one measure the worth of an organization’s knowledge assets? What does one mean by knowledge assets anyway?
Duties and Ethics of Information Scientists
Authors: Igberaese Dorcas Ejemeh , Obinyan Gabriel Aine
Published: August 2010

This chapter discusses the duties of information scientists, their roles in various settings and the professional ethics that guide the conduct of the professionals. The need for Information scientists to know and understand their core duties and professional ethics was also emphasized. The significance of information ethics to 21st century information scientists was x-rayed along with how information ethics can be applied to the ethical dilemmas faced by information scientists. It contains recommendation on courses on information ethics that should be included in the curriculum of Information Science in order to make provisions for clear understanding of how to apply ethical theories to resolve practical cases. Such endeavors will make unambiguous the connections between information ethics and the mission of the information scientist.
ICT Security Policy
Authors: Mohammed Lawan A.
Published: August 2010

Computer crime is now becoming a major international problem, with continual increases in incidents of cracking, hacking, viruses, worms, bacteria and the like having been reported in recent years. As a result of this massive vulnerabilities and new intrusion techniques, the rate of computer crime has accelerated beyond imagination. It is therefore vital to find policy of reducing and controlling the risk associated with such activities. However, unless the security challenges and countermeasures are well understood, the policy may not yield any fruitful results. This chapter discusses different categories of computer crime for the benefit of individuals and organizations concern with combating the problem. The chapter also discuses some security policies as means of limiting some of the vulnerabilities mentioned.
Information Security Policies
Authors: Ikoja-Odongo J.R
Published: August 2010

This chapter presents issues, trends, controversies and problems motivating organizations to establish information security policies or deter them from doing so. Its main thrust is to propose that organizations must take the issue of information security very seriously and provide solutions in their organizations. Information resources are a huge investment and the role information plays in any organization is no longer doubted. Increasing awareness of vulnerabilities to information resources is reason for information security policies. Policies provide opportunities to recognize the importance of procedures and mechanisms to enhance information security. Simultaneously avenues by which information may be compromised have increased many-fold. To counter the threats and risks and assure confidentiality, availability, accessibility, integrity, and authenticity of information, organizations draw up and set up information security policies.
Semantic Services for Business Documents Reconciliation
Authors: Missikoff Michele , Smith Fabrizio , Taglino Francesco
Published: August 2010

This chapter intends to report about the ongoing activities in the COIN European project concerning semantic reconciliation of business documents for supporting interoperability of software applications in e-government and e-business scenarios. The approach is based on a reference ontology against which business documents are mapped through semantic annotation and building of reconciliation rules. The work starts from the semantic reconciliation suite developed in the ATHENA1 European project and intends to improve the suite by providing an automatic support to the definition of mappings. In order to do that, three automatic services have been developed: (1) semantic annotation of business documents; (2) definition of transformation rules; (3) rules optimization and fusion. A running example concerning the exchange of a legal verification document in a scenario of cross border cooperation between European chambers of commerce will guide through the description of the services.
Music Onset Detection
Authors: Zhou Ruohua , Reiss Josh D
Published: August 2010

Music onset detection plays an essential role in music signal processing and has a wide range of applications. This chapter provides a step by step introduction to the design of music onset detection algorithms. The general scheme and commonly-used time-frequency analysis for onset detection are introduced. Many methods are reviewed, and some typical energy-based, phase-based, pitch-based and supervised learning methods are described in detail. The commonly used performance measures, onset annotation software, public database and evaluation methods are introduced. The performance difference between energy-based and pitch-based method is discussed. The future research directions for music onset detection are also described.
A Privacy Protection Model for Patient Data With Multiple Sensitive Attributes
Authors: Gal Tamas S. , Chen Zhiyuan , Gangopadhyay Aryya
Published: August 2010

The identity of patients must be protected when patient data is shared. The two most commonly used models to protect identity of patients are L-diversity and K-anonymity. However, existing work mainly considers data sets with a single sensitive attribute, while patient data often contain multiple sensitive attributes (e.g., diagnosis and treatment). This chapter shows that although the K-anonymity model can be trivially extended to multiple sensitive attributes, L-diversity model cannot. The reason is that achieving L-diversity for each individual sensitive attribute does not guarantee L-diversity over all sensitive attributes. The authors propose a new model that extends L-diversity and K-anonymity to multiple sensitive attributes and propose a practical method to implement this model. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Intelligent Tutoring System Architecture Rebuilt
Authors: Martens Alke , Harrer Andreas
Published: August 2010

In this chapter, an approach to support the development of ITS based on patterns and pattern catalogues is described. Patterns are means to facilitate inter-project communication. As such, they provide for a clear terminology in an application domain. They support the development process itself by encapsulating information at different levels (e.g. using underlying concepts and tools, adding and integrating new concepts and tools, and fundamentally changing the structure of an existing piece of software). The approach described in this chapter shows two examples of how a catalogue of patterns collected from existing ITS architectures can be used and re-used in different settings. Those settings span the field of plugin frameworks for ITS (i.e. JaBInT), a concrete “proof of concept” ITS (i.e. ChemNom and CoChemEx) using a collaboration script approach.
The Application of Virtual Organization Technology for eHealth
Authors: Kldiashvili Ekaterine
Published: August 2010

Several years ago any talk related to the Internet would have to be proceeded by an explanation of what it is and how it works. At present information and communication technologies became the essential part of our life and practical activity. eHealth can be designated as a special form of information and communication technologies. It is obvious that eHealth has a great potentiality; however today there are unfortunately only a few examples of its large services. Efficient, effective and reliable systems for remote consultations and distance education are the top requirements for eHealth. Grid technologies have emerged as an important new field, distinguished from conventional distributed computing by its focus on large-scale sharing, innovative applications, and, in some cases, high-performance orientation. “Grid technology” we are going to define as flexible, secure, coordinated resource sharing among dynamic collections of individuals, institutions, and resources – what can be described as “virtual organizations”. The present chapter will discuss the application of Virtual Organization technology for eHealth purposes. Over the past five years, research and development efforts within the mentioned technology have produced protocols, services, and tools. Virtual Organization technology will offer the opportunity for improving healthcare services and for making healthcare expertise available to underserved locations.
A Secure Teleradiology Grid
Authors: Rudowski Robert , Dzierzak Michal , Kaczynski Bartosz
Published: August 2010

A modern secure teleradiology grid consists of several important parts. The first part is to ensure the highest security of storing the medical data. At present time the old fashioned storage solutions are replaced by Grid Storage and Content Addressable Storage (CAS) infrastructure of archiving medical records in a flexible and secure way. The second part of secure teleradiology grid is related to applying appropriate data transmission security protocols and digital signatures in the various nodes of grid. Also human and law aspects of security need to be taken into account because of international nature of teleradiology development. The law should be consistent in different nodes of teleradiology grid.
Evaluating the Quality Attributes of E-Government Websites
Authors: Markaki Ourania I. , Charilas Dimitris E. , Askounis Dimitris
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this chapter is to address the issue of e-government website evaluation in terms of providing a decision making framework. Built around the concepts of website evaluation and e-government, the proposed framework deploys Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) methods and Fuzzy Sets Theory to overcome the subjectivity and inaccuracy that characterizes the conventional models for e-government website quality assessment. The framework offers also the possibility of performing comparisons with regard to the overall quality of different implementations either at national or international level. The chapter presents a holistic and scalable approach to e-government website evaluation and it is anticipated to be of great interest to both researchers and practitioners requiring an understanding of the factors influencing the quality of e-government websites or allocating resources to the relevant implementations respectively.
Mild to Moderate Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation: Retrospective Comparison of Surgical and Conservative Treatment
Authors: Šmíd Michal , Čech Jakub , Rokyta Richard , Roučka Patrik , Hájek Tomáš
Published: August 2010

Background. Unoperated severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) leads to the right ventricle (RV) failure. We wanted to determine if there was near-term postoperative progression of noncorrected mild to moderate functional TR in patients who underwent mitral valve surgery for chronic significant mitral regurgitation (MR) and if RV size and function were affected.Methods and Results. We compared two groups of patients retrospectively. In the first group (TVA+, ), tricuspid valve annuloplasty (TVA) had been performed in conjunction with either mitral valve replacement (MVR) or mitral valve repair (MVP). The second group (TVA−, ) underwent MVP or MVR without TVA. TVA+ group revealed a significant decrease in TR and right ventricle diameter. In the TVA− group, 7 patients (32%) showed a significant progression, by one or more grades, of noncorrected TR together with dilatation and decreased ejection fraction of the right ventricle.Conclusions. Tricuspid annuloplasty performed concurrently with MVP or MVR can prevent subsequent progression of tricuspid regurgitation along with right ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction in the near-term postoperative period.
Pseudomonasdiarrhea in a child suffering from acute lymphatic leukemia
Authors: De A , Mathurkar H , Baveja S , Manglani M V
Published: August 2010

A female child admitted to hospital, diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia - CALLA positive, developed loose motions. Her stool culture and blood culture grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Although the diarrhea subsided after five days, the stool culture repeatedly grew P. aeruginosa for more than one month, in spite of treatment. Even though diarrhea due to Pseudomonas is rare, it can yet be seen in immunocompromised patients and is also associated with neutropenic enterocolitis. Stool specimens of all leukemia patients on chemotherapy and suffering from diarrhea, should be sent routinely for culture, so as to find out the exact cause of the diarrhea. Proper reporting will enable the clinicians to start appropriate antibiotics, thereby, reducing the morbidity and mortality of the leukemia patients.
Cancer lung: An unusual presentation
Authors: Jakhar Shankar L , Dana Rohitashwa , Punia D P
Published: August 2010

Phalanx bone metastasis as the initial manifestation of lung cancer is a rare presentation. A 70-year-old man presented with swelling and pain in his right ring finger. He had no other complaints or abnormal findings on clinical examination. A right hand radiograph showed an osteolytic lesion in the first phalanx of the ring finger. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the swelling suggested a metastatic adenocarcinoma. A skeletal survey, hematological, biochemical, and other radiological tests were found to be normal, except for an opacity seen in the right lung midzone. A bronchoscopic biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma of the lung.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in AIDS-related non-hodgkin′s lymphoma
Authors: Phatak Uday A
Published: August 2010

Immune Reconstitution syndrome following antiretroviral therapy is common in HIV/AIDS patients due to boosting of immunity. A case is reported here wherein AIDS-related Non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma patient received CHOP regimen and antiretroviral therapy. Patient developed tubercular lymphadenopathy paradoxically as a manifestation of IRIS.
Lefschetz Numbers for C*-Algebras
Authors: Emerson Heath
Published: August 2010

Using Poincaré duality, we obtain a formula of Lefschetz type that computes the Lefschetz number of an endomorphism of a separable nuclear C*-algebra satisfying Poincaré duality and the Kunneth theorem. (The Lefschetz number of an endomorphism is the graded trace of the induced map on K-theory tensored with ℂ, as in the classical case.) We then examine endomorphisms of Cuntz–Krieger algebras OA. An endomorphism has an invariant, which is a permutation of an infinite set, and the contracting and expanding behavior of this permutation describes the Lefschetz number of the endomorphism. Using this description, we derive a closed polynomial formula for the Lefschetz number depending on the matrix A and the presentation of the endomorphism.
Severe Multifocal Form of Buruli Ulcer after Streptomycin and Rifampin Treatment: Comments on Possible Dissemination Mechanisms
Authors: Sopoh Ghislain Emmanuel , Dossou Ange Dodji , Brun Luc Valère , Barogui Yves Thierry , Houézo Jean Gabin , Affolabi Dissou , Anagonou Séverin Y. , Johnson Roch Christian , Kestens Luc , Portaels Françoise
Published: August 2010

Buruli ulcer (BU), a disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, leads to the destruction of skin and sometimes bone. Here, we report a case of severe multifocal BU with osteomyelitis in a 6-year-old human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative boy. Such disseminated forms are poorly documented and generally occur in patients with HIV co-infection. The advent of antibiotic treatment with streptomycin (S) and rifampin (R) raised hope that these multifocal BU cases could be reduced. The present case raises two relevant points about multifocal BU: the mechanism of dissemination that leads to the development of multiple foci and the difficulties of treatment of multifocal forms of BU. Biochemical (hypoproteinemia), hematological (anemia), clinical (traditional treatment), and genetic factors are discussed as possible risk factors for dissemination.
Temporal Fluctuation of Infection with Different Trypanosoma cruzi Genotypes in the Wild Rodent Octodon degus
Authors: Campos Ricardo , Botto-Mahan Carezza , Ortiz Sylvia , Coronado Ximena , Solari Aldo
Published: August 2010

We identified and followed-up for two years Octodon degus rodents infected with Trypanosoma cruzi genotypes by using xenodiagnosis with two vector species (Mepraia spinolai and Triatoma infestans), polymerase chain reaction DNA-based detection of insect dejections, Southern blot analysis, and minicircle hybridization with genotype-specific probes. Results show temporal fluctuations of infection with four parasite lineages (TCI, TCII, TCV, and TCVI) in one co-infected O. degus. Results are discussed in the context of parasitemia level and infection control in mammal hosts.
Severe Rhabdomyolysis Caused by Plasmodium vivax Malaria in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Siqueira André M. , Alexandre Márcia A. A. , Mourão Maria P. G. , Santos Valquir S. , Nagahashi-Marie Suely K. , Alecrim Maria G. C. , Lacerda Marcus V. G.
Published: August 2010

Severe rhabdomyolysis (creatine phosphokinase = 29,400U/L) developed in a 16-year-old boy from Manaus, Brazil, after he started treatment with chloroquine for infection with Plasmodium vivax. Treatment led to myoglobinuria and acute renal failure. After hemodialysis, the patient improved and a muscle biopsy specimen showed no myophosphorylase or deaminase deficiency. This case of rhabdomyolysis associated with P. vivax infection showed no comorbidities. The pathogenesis is still unclear.

Although rhabdomyolysis is generally reported as a complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, leading to metabolic and renal complications,1 it has been reported in a patient with P. vivax infection with myoadenylate deaminase deficiency.2 We report a case in a patient without typical muscle enzyme deficiencies in which severe rhabdomyolysis developed while the patients was being treated with chloroquine for a confirmed P. vivax infection.
West Nile Virus Emergence and Persistence in Los Angeles, California, 2003–2008
Authors: Kwan Jennifer L. , Kluh Susanne , Madon Minoo B. , Reisen William K.
Published: August 2010

West Nile virus (WNV) invaded Los Angeles in September 2003, and during the subsequent five-year period followed a pattern of amplification, subsidence, and resurgence. Enzootic transmission was tracked by abundance and infection incidence in Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus and Cx. tarsalis and by seroprevalence in peridomestic passerine birds, infection in dead birds, and seroconversions in sentinel chickens. Culex p. quinquefasciatus served as the primary vector of WNV, with gravid traps serving as the best sampling method and the most consistent indicator of viral activity. Spatial scan statistics applied to mosquito infection and positive dead bird data delimited three major clusters of WNV transmission, with introduction occurring in the Los Angeles Basin, and amplification and dispersal events carrying transmission to the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. Los Angeles experienced major epidemics in 2004 and 2008, providing a unique opportunity to investigate specific patterns of enzootic amplification preceding epidemics.
Development of a Multiplexed Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) Assay to Identify Common Members of the Subgenera Culex (Culex) and Culex (Phenacomyia) in Guatemala
Authors: Kent Rebekah J. , Deus Stephen , Williams Martin , Savage Harry M.
Published: August 2010

Morphological differentiation of mosquitoes in the subgenera Culex (Culex) and Culex (Phenacomyia) in Guatemala is difficult, with reliable identification ensured only through examination of larval skins from individually reared specimens and associated male genitalia. We developed a multiplexed polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay to identify common Cx. (Cux.) and Cx. (Phc.). Culex (Cux.) chidesteri, Cx. (Cux.) coronator, Cx. (Cux.) interrogator, Cx. (Cux.) quinquefasciatus, Cx. (Cux.) nigripalpus/Cx. (Cux.) thriambus, and Cx. (Phc.) lactator were identified directly with a multiplexed primer cocktail comprising a conserved forward primer and specific reverse primers targeting ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Culex nigripalpus and Cx. thriambus were differentiated by restriction digest of homologous amplicons. The assay was developed and optimized using well-characterized specimens from Guatemala and the United States and field tested with unknown material from Guatemala. This assay will be a valuable tool for mosquito identification in entomological and arbovirus ecology studies in Guatemala.
Community Participation and Domiciliary Occurrence of Infected Meccus longipennis in Two Mexican Villages in Jalisco State
Authors: Brenière Simone Frédérique , Bosseno Marie-France , Gastélum Ezequiel Magallón , Soto Gutiérrez María Margarita , de Jesús Kasten Monges Marina , Barraza Salas José Horacio , Romero Paredes José Justo , de Jesús Lozano Kasten Felipe
Published: August 2010

The entomological features of Chagas disease in two western Mexican villages were analyzed through triatomines collection by the inhabitants and active research in the peridomicile. The inhabitant collections have the following comparable characteristics: 1) Meccus longipennis was the dominant species (> 91%), 2) around 43% of the insects were collected indoors, 3) about 70% of triatomines were adults, 4) cumulated rates of infestation of the dwellings reached 40–50%, 5) the triatomine infection rate by Trypanosoma cruzi was > 50%, and 6) the indoor triatomines frequently feed on humans (range 38.5–56.2%). However, the collection was twice as abundant in the first village and the peridomicile infestation, evaluated by the active collection, reached up to 60% and only 4.9% in the other village. Furthermore, females predominated in the first village, whereas males in the other. The current results allow discussing the course of action to prevent Chagas disease in this region.
Combined Intravenous Treatment with Artesunate and Quinine for Severe Malaria in Italy
Authors: Bartoloni Alessandro , Tomasoni Lina , Bartalesi Filippo , Galli Luisa , Sani Spartaco , Veloci Sara , Zammarchi Lorenzo , Pini Alessandro , Castelli Francesco
Published: August 2010

Severe imported malaria is an important problem in European countries, where approximately 8,000 cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria are reported each year. Although the World Health Organization recommends intravenous artesunate (IVA) as the treatment of choice for severe malaria in areas of low transmission, it is rarely used in Europe, because it is not yet available as a drug manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices. We report a series of eight imported severe falciparum malaria cases treated with IVA combined with intravenous quinine (IVQ). This combined therapy was found to be efficacious, safe, and well-tolerated. The only observed death occurred in a young man who presented 10 days after the onset of symptoms. IVA plus IVQ treatment seems to be an acceptable approach, because the legal risks in using an unlicensed drug for treating a severe malaria case denies the patient the possibility of being treated with the most effective regimen.
Zoonotic Anatrichosomiasis in an Illinois Resident
Authors: Eberhard Mark L. , Mathison Blaine , Bishop Henry , Handoo Nidhi Q. , Hellstein John W.
Published: August 2010

We describe a case of zoonotic anatrichosomiasis in a patient from Illinois. A 44-year-old immigrant from Mexico originally presented with a history of multiple oral ulcers and two submucosal nodules on the dorsal surface of the tongue. An incisional biopsy was taken to assist with diagnosis. Examination of stained sections revealed the presence of a coiled nematode. The histologic examination displayed trichuroid features. Anatomic structures that aided in the identification included esophagus embedded in a prominent stichosome in the anterior end, paired bacillary bands, and small size. The location of the worm within the oral mucosal epithelium also facilitated the diagnosis.
Effectiveness and Safety of Liposomal Amphotericin B for Visceral Leishmaniasis under Routine Program Conditions in Bihar, India
Authors: Sinha Prabhat K. , Roddy Paul , Palma Pedro Pablo , Kociejowski Alice , Lima María Angeles , Rabi Das Vidya Nand , Gupta Jitendra , Kumar Nawin , Mitra Gaurab , Saint-Sauveur Jean-François , Seena Siju , Balasegaram Manica , Parreño Fernando , Pandey Krishna
Published: August 2010

We evaluated, through the prospective monitoring of 251 patients at Sadar Hospital in Bihar, India, the effectiveness and safety of 20 mg/kg body weight of liposomal amphotericin B for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. The treatment success rates for the intention-to-treat, per protocol, and intention-to-treat worse-case scenario analyses were 98.8%, 99.6%, and 81.3%, respectively. Nearly one-half of patients experienced mild adverse events, but only 1% developed serious but non–life-threatening lips swelling. The lost to follow-up rate was 17.5%. Our findings indicate that the 20 mg/kg body weight treatment dosage is effective and safe under routine program conditions. Given that the exorbitant cost of liposomal amphotericin B is a barrier to its widespread use, we recommend further study to monitor and evaluate a lowered dosage and a shorter treatment course.
Description of the smallest critical region for Dandy–Walker malformation in chromosome 13 in a girl with a cryptic deletion related to t(6;13)(q23;q32)
Authors: Mademont‐Soler Irene , Morales Carme , Armengol Lluís , Soler Anna , Sánchez Aurora
Published: August 2010

We report on a girl with mild dysmorphic facial features, Dandy–Walker malformation (DWM), iris coloboma, profound hearing loss, and hyperlaxity of skin and joints, whose karyotype is 46,XX,t(6;13)(q23;q32)dn and who has a cryptic imbalance at the 13q32 translocation breakpoint assessed by array‐CGH. Our patient has many clinical manifestations in common with those of the previously reported cases of 13q32 deletions, which suggests that at least part of the abnormal phenotype is probably due to the imbalance. The recurrent finding of DWM among patients with 13q deletions has led to the suggestions that candidate gene/s for its development are on chromosome 13. We describe the smallest 13q deletion associated to DWM, which allows further narrowing of the previously established critical region for this brain malformation to 13q32.2‐32.3. Among the few genes of the deleted region, ZIC2 and ZIC5 seem the most plausible candidates, which is in keeping with some previous reports. This work also illustrates the usefulness of array‐CGH platforms in the identification of cryptic imbalances in carriers of apparently balanced rearrangements with abnormal phenotypes. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autosomal dominant syndrome of camptodactyly, clinodactyly, syndactyly, and bifid toes
Authors: Malik Sajid , Afzal Muhammad , Gul Sumera , Wahab Abdul , Ahmad Mahmud
Published: August 2010

We report on a 25‐year follow‐up of a Pakistani kindred with a unique combination of camptodactyly and clinodactyly of 5th fingers, mesoaxial camptodactyly of toes, and ulnar deviation of 3rd fingers. The less common anomalies in the affected subjects include syndactyly involving all digits, and bifid toes. This condition is grossly bilateral, symmetrical, and affects upper and lower limbs of the 26 affected subjects in the kindred. The comparable number of affected male and female subjects (χ2 = 0.154, P < 0.1), disease allele transmission by mother and father, and the malformation segregation in four consecutive generations are strongly suggestive of autosomal dominant inheritance. Differential diagnosis considered syndactyly types II, III, and V. Only type II syndactyly manifests noticeable phenotypic overlap with the clinical presentation in this family; however, the typical type II syndactyly changes are absent. To the best of our knowledge, this autosomal dominant limb phenotype has not been reported previously. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cranio‐meta‐diaphyseal dysplasia: 25 year follow‐up and review of literature
Authors: Dhar Shweta U. , Taylor Terry , Trinh Charles , Sutton Vernon R.
Published: August 2010

We report here on a 25‐year follow‐up of cranio‐meta‐diaphyseal dysplasia in a 31‐year‐old Caucasian male, who was reported in the literature at the age of 8 years [Langer et al. (1991); Skeletal Radiol 20:37–41]. He has hyperostotic craniofacial features with protruding lower jaw and midface hypoplasia. He has the typical radiographic features of wide long tubular bones without normal metaphyseal flaring and wide short tubular bones without normal diaphyseal constriction. We describe here his clinical and radiological findings and compare his case with those published in the literature. He is the oldest reported patient with this disorder giving some insight into the natural history of this rare skeletal dysplasia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A prenatally recognizable malformation syndrome associated with a recurrent post‐zygotic chromosome rearrangement der(Y)t(Y;1)(q12:q21)
Authors: Li Chumei
Published: August 2010

Several cases of mos 46,X,der(Y)t(Y;1)(q12;q21)/46,XY with multiple anomalies have been reported. I report on an additional case of a male fetus with a mosaic male karyotype mos 46,X,der(Y)t(Y;1)(q12;q21)[31]/46,XY[21] and multiple anomalies that included “teardrop”‐shaped head with a triangular face, a short‐nasal bridge with upturned nose, microretrognathia, microtia, kyphoscoliosis, oligodactyly, syndactyly, joint contractures, CNS malformation, omphalocele, diaphragmatic hernia, cardiac anomaly, and urogenital malformation. The findings together suggest a recurrent and recognizable syndrome and argue for using tissues such as skin or cartilage or amniotic fluid, instead of cord blood, for postmortem karyotyping in order to avoid missing mosaicism as a potential cause of multiple congenital anomalies. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paracentric inversion of chromosome 2 associated with cryptic duplication of 2q14 and deletion of 2q37 in a patient with autism
Authors: Devillard Françoise , Guinchat Vincent , Moreno‐De‐Luca Daniel , Tabet Anne‐Claude , Gruchy Nicolas , Guillem Pascale , Nguyen Morel Marie‐Ange , Leporrier Nathalie , Leboyer Marion , Jouk Pierre‐Simon , Lespinasse James , Betancur Catalina
Published: August 2010

We describe a patient with autism and a paracentric inversion of chromosome 2q14.2q37.3, with a concurrent duplication of the proximal breakpoint at 2q14.1q14.2 and a deletion of the distal breakpoint at 2q37.3. The abnormality was derived from his mother with a balanced paracentric inversion. The inversion in the child appeared to be cytogenetically balanced but subtelomere FISH revealed a cryptic deletion at the 2q37.3 breakpoint. High‐resolution single nucleotide polymorphism array confirmed the presence of a 3.5 Mb deletion that extended to the telomere, and showed a 4.2 Mb duplication at 2q14.1q14.2. FISH studies using a 2q14.2 probe showed that the duplicated segment was located at the telomeric end of chromosome 2q. This recombinant probably resulted from breakage of a dicentric chromosome. The child had autism, mental retardation, speech and language delay, hyperactivity, growth retardation with growth hormone deficiency, insulin‐dependent diabetes, and mild facial dysmorphism. Most of these features have been previously described in individuals with simple terminal deletion of 2q37. Pure duplications of the proximal chromosome 2q are rare and no specific syndrome has been defined yet, so the contribution of the 2q14.1q14.2 duplication to the phenotype of the patient is unknown. These findings underscore the need to explore apparently balanced chromosomal rearrangements inherited from a phenotypically normal parent in subjects with autism and/or developmental delay. In addition, they provide further evidence indicating that chromosome 2q terminal deletions are among the most frequently reported cytogenetic abnormalities in individuals with autism. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A New Method for Measurement Error Covariance Estimation
Authors: Zhao Yuhong , Gu Zhongwen , Zhou Chunhui
Published: August 2010

A new robust indirect algorithm for measurement error covariance estimation is proposed in this paper. The residual covariance matrix is estimated using Hampel's three‐part redescending M‐estimators. Then measurement error covariance can be obtained from the residual covariance. Unlike the conventional indirect estimations of measurement error covariance, which are very sensitive to gross errors, credible results can be achieved either with or without the presence of external causes. Implementation results show the robustness of the proposed method.
Multivariate Statistical Process Monitoring Using Kernel Density Estimation
Authors: Liang J.
Published: August 2010

In this paper, a general kernel density estimator has been introduced and discussed for multivariate processes in order to provide enhanced real‐time performance monitoring. The proposed approach is based upon the concept of kernel density function, which is more appropriate to the underlying probability distribution of industrial process data in the development of a real‐time monitoring scheme, to overcome the limitations of the conventional approach of defining the normal operating region based upon the assumption of normality. An optimal bandwidth selection rule is given based on the so‐called mean integrated squared error index, and that is the normal operating region of process calculated using the optimal kernel density estimator before new process data are projected onto the normal operating region. The results of a case study of an industrial reheating furnace clearly demonstrates the power and advantages (e.g. decreasing the number of false alarms, identifying abnormal behaviour earlier, and reducing data sparsity) of the kernel density estimator‐based approach over the conventional approach under the assumption of normality, which is still widely used.
The Oedipus Rex of Sophocles and psychoanalysis
Authors: Mahony Patrick
Published: August 2010

Sophocles' universal classic, ever relevant to psychoanalysis in its continual development, dramatizes a gamut of psychodynamic factors, ranging from the pre‐Oedipal to the Oedipal and post‐Oedipal. Shedding light on those psychodynamics, the present analysis of Oedipus Rex stands apart in three interlocking ways. First, it focuses nearly exclusively on the play's text and not on the broader Oedipal myth in classical times. Secondly, based on a close examination of the original Greek text, including all‐important signifiers, it uncovers such elements as the previously neglected extensiveness of Sophocles' erotically charged language and the suggestiveness of his apparent, though conflict‐laden tautologies. Thirdly, the study at hand deepens as well as harmonizes a psychoanalytic approach to Oedipus Rex with the orientation of classicists who are wont to emphasize the very role of the divinity that is usually downplayed by psychoanalysts. A hermeneutic integration of the classicists' outlook on grandiose hubris involves an appreciation of the role of the ideal ego, especially at the play's ending, which classicists have attended to only in the comparatively recent past and which has been nearly totally disregarded in psychoanalytic literature. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
State variable approach to the analysis of neural control of long term blood pressure dynamics
Authors: Shahin M. , Maka S.
Published: August 2010

The causal role of abnormal arterial blood pressure regulation in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases is well established. The aim of this work is to investigate whether, and to what extent, the complex interactions between autonomic nervous control and cardiovascular systems contribute to the dynamics of long term blood pressure regulation. This paper demonstrates how a simple state variable model can be used to provide guidance concerning the mechanisms involved, which is useful for the study of parametric changes in hypertensive situations. Thus, a third‐order linear state space representation has been developed for the analysis of system properties, such as Eigenvalues, stability, and dynamic behaviour of the cardiovascular‐renal system. The closed‐loop poles of the system under normal and pathological conditions have been evaluated through the root locus technique, which presents applications for sensitivity study and anticipated responses. The simulation results show that the magnitudes and shapes of the variables for the developed model are in good agreement with those of the actual nonlinear model under specific pathophysiological conditions. Therefore, we suggest that the system theory techniques facilitate new insights into the mechanisms involved in the functional status of cardiovascular regulation, leading to useful predictions and clinical applications.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
A convex optimization design of robust iterative learning control for linear systems with iteration‐varying parametric uncertainties
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Hoa , Banjerdpongchai David
Published: August 2010

In this paper, a new robust iterative learning control (ILC) algorithm has been proposed for linear systems in the presence of iteration‐varying parametric uncertainties. The robust ILC design is formulated as a min‐max problem using a quadratic performance criterion subject to constraints of the control input update. An upper bound of the maximization problem is derived, then, the solution of the min‐max problem is achieved by solving a minimization problem. Applying Lagrangian duality to this minimization problem results in a dual problem which can be reformulated as a convex optimization problem over linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Next, we present an LMI‐based algorithm for the robust ILC design and prove the convergence of the control input and the error. Finally, the proposed algorithm is applied to a distillation column to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society