bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial science – Looking outward
Authors: Brunsdon Chris
Published: March 2014

When reviewing quantitative content in the geography curriculum, amongst other things it is important to review developments in data analysis outside of the discipline of geography. In this response to the paper by Johnston et al. (2014), a number of such developments are considered. In particular, the issues of big data, data journalism, reproducibility and statistical inference are discussed. In conclusion, it is argued that all of these would make some kind of positive contribution to the geography curriculum, providing in the words of Johnston et al. (2014) ‘an important role in the formation of an informed citizenry in data-driven, evidence-based-policy societies’.
Emerging international standards for measurement and evaluation of public relations: A critical analysis
Authors: Macnamara Jim
Published: March 2014

After 30 years of modest progress in measurement and evaluation of public relations since Jim Grunig uttered his cri de coeur about lack of evaluation, a flurry of activity has occurred in the past few years. A new momentum started with the Barcelona Declaration of Measurement Principles in 2010. In 2011, a Coalition for Public Relations Research Standards was formed by three leading international PR and research organizations. In 2012, the group expanded to 11 professional associations which worked in collaboration with advertising and media organizations and companies representing employer perspectives to publish a number of definitions and standards for measurement and evaluation in 2012 and 2013. Concurrently, there have been renewed debates about measurement concepts such as Return on Investment (ROI). As the industry reaches the 20th anniversary of the International Public Relations Association ‘Gold Paper on Evaluation’ published in 1994, it appears that progress is at last being made. This paper welcomes and commends initiatives taken, but presents a critical analysis that reveals continuing gaps and problematic issues to address in the latest efforts to measure the value of PR and a substantial gap between theory and practice.
Ethical Dilemma
Authors: Shankar Venkat , Costello John P. , Peer Syed M. , Klugman Darren , Nath Dilip S.
Published: March 2014

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in terminally ill pediatric patients who are not candidates for long-term mechanical circulatory support or heart transplantation requires careful deliberation. We present the case of a 16-year-old female with a relapse of acute lymphoid leukemia and acute-on-chronic cardiomyopathy who received short-term ECMO therapy. In addition, we highlight several ethical considerations that were crucial to this patient’s family-centered care and demonstrate that this therapy can be accomplished in a manner that respects patient autonomy and family wishes.
A Rare Congenital Cardiac Anomaly in Adulthood
Authors: Saygi Murat , Haydin Sertac , Guzeltas Alper , Odemis Ender , Yeniterzi Mehmet
Published: March 2014

In approximately 3% to 6% of the patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), the pulmonary valve leaflets are absent or only a rudimentary ridge of tissue is present. Some infants with the severe form of this syndrome die early during the newborn period due to severe respiratory distress, feeding intolerance, or cardiovascular compromise. Survival to adulthood of this combination is extremely unusual. In this article, we presented a case who was diagnosed in adult age with TOF having absent pulmonary valve syndrome. The patient with these findings underwent surgery, and complete repair was performed. Clinical symptoms resolved after surgery.
Avoiding Coronary Injury in Congenital Heart Surgery by Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Dye Imaging
Authors: Pourmoghadam Kamal K. , Bunnell Avianne P. Mills , O'Brien Michael C. , DeCampli William M.
Published: March 2014

Many patients with congenital heart disease require a staged surgical approach to achieve optimum circulation. During repeat operations, coronary anatomy can be difficult to ascertain because of epicardial scarring or underlying anomalous coronary anatomy. Uncertainty about coronary artery location increases the risk of reoperation. Having real-time data of coronary anatomy improves intraoperative decision making and enhances patient safety. We describe four patients undergoing reoperation with the aid of laser-assisted indocyanine green dye imaging to provide real-time data about coronary artery anatomy intraoperatively, thus helping the surgeon to prevent coronary artery injury.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome With Dextrocardia and Situs Solitus
Authors: Szczechowicz Marcin , Januszewska Katarzyna , Jux Christian , Malec Edward
Published: March 2014

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome with dextrocardia and situs solitus is a very rare condition. We describe a 3.5-year-old male child with this constellation who underwent multistage repair and a successful extracardiac Fontan operation in our hospital.
Tachyarrhythmia Following Norwood Operation
Authors: Gist Katja M. , Schuchardt Eleanor L. , Moroze Meghan K. , Kaufman Jonathan , Cruz Eduardo da , Campbell David N. , Mitchell Max B. , Jaggers James , Collins Kathryn K. , McCanta Anthony C.
Published: March 2014

Background:

The purpose of this study was to characterize tachyarrhythmias in children following the Norwood procedure.

Methods:

This is a single-center retrospective study including all children who underwent stage I Norwood procedure (n = 98; January 2003-September 2011). The primary outcome measure is the development of tachyarrhythmia during hospitalization after the Norwood procedure. Secondary aims include quantification of mortality in patients with tachyarrhythmias and evaluation of potential risk factors for the development of tachyarrhythmia.

Results:

Tachyarrhythmia occurred in 33 (34%) of 98 patients. The median time to onset of tachyarrhythmia was ten days (0-47 days). Tachyarrhythmia conferred no increase in overall mortality ( P = .45), including operative mortality ( P = .37) or interstage mortality ( P = 1.00). There was no significant difference in the incidence of arrhythmia based on demographic, anatomic, or surgical variables, including shunt type ( P = .23) except that patients with tachyarrhythmias were slightly larger (median weight 3.2 kg) at the time of stage I than those without tachyarrhythmia (median weight 2.93 kg; P = .02]. The odds of arrhythmia in males were 8.7 times higher than that in females (95% confidence interval 2.9-31.3; P < .0001).

Conclusions:

Postoperative tachyarrhythmia is common, occurring in 34% of patients after the Norwood operation. Onset of tachyarrhythmia occurred later after the Norwood operation than reported previously, and male gender is a risk factor. Further studies to elucidate the etiology and the timing of tachyarrhythmias after the Norwood procedure are necessary.
Influenza virus H1N1 activates platelets through FcγRIIA signaling and thrombin generation
Authors: Boilard Eric , Paré Guillaume , Rousseau Matthieu , Cloutier Nathalie , Dubuc Isabelle , Lévesque Tania , Borgeat Pierre , Flamand Louis
Published: March 2014

Key Points

In influenza-immune subjects, H1N1 influenza virus–containing immune complexes can activate platelets through FcγRIIA. H1N1 can also activate platelets through thrombin, independently of FcγRIIA, pointing to a role of coagulation in influenza infection.
Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of microcytic anemias due to genetic disorders of iron metabolism or heme synthesis
Authors: Donker Albertine E. , Raymakers Reinier A. P. , Vlasveld L. Thom , van Barneveld Teus , Terink Rieneke , Dors Natasja , Brons Paul P. T. , Knoers Nine V. A. M. , Swinkels Dorine W.
Published: March 2014

During recent years, our understanding of the pathogenesis of inherited microcytic anemias has gained from the identification of several genes and proteins involved in systemic and cellular iron metabolism and heme syntheses. Numerous case reports illustrate that the implementation of these novel molecular discoveries in clinical practice has increased our understanding of the presentation, diagnosis, and management of these diseases. Integration of these insights into daily clinical practice will reduce delays in establishing a proper diagnosis, invasive and/or costly diagnostic tests, and unnecessary or even detrimental treatments. To assist the clinician, we developed evidence-based multidisciplinary guidelines on the management of rare microcytic anemias due to genetic disorders of iron metabolism and heme synthesis. These genetic disorders may present at all ages, and therefore these guidelines are relevant for pediatricians as well as clinicians who treat adults. This article summarizes these clinical practice guidelines and includes background on pathogenesis, conclusions, and recommendations and a diagnostic flowchart to facilitate using these guidelines in the clinical setting.
Bioinformatics analysis of transcriptional regulation of circadian genes in rat liver
Authors: Nguyen Tung T , Mattick John SA , Yang Qian , Orman Mehmet A , Ierapetritou Marianthi G , Berthiaume Francois , Androulakis Ioannis P
Published: March 2014

Background

The circadian clock is a critical regulator of biological functions controlling behavioral, physiological and biochemical processes. Because the liver is the primary regulator of metabolites within the mammalian body and the disruption of circadian rhythms in liver is associated with severe illness, circadian regulators would play a strong role in maintaining liver function. However, the regulatory structure that governs circadian dynamics within the liver at a transcriptional level remains unknown. To explore this aspect, we analyzed hepatic transcriptional dynamics in Sprague-Dawley rats over a period of 24 hours to assess the genome-wide responses.

Results

Using an unsupervised consensus clustering method, we identified four major gene expression clusters, corresponding to central carbon and nitrogen metabolism, membrane integrity, immune function, and DNA repair, all of which have dynamics which suggest regulation in a circadian manner. With the assumption that transcription factors (TFs) that are differentially expressed and contain CLOCK:BMAL1 binding sites on their proximal promoters are likely to be clock-controlled TFs, we were able to use promoter analysis to putatively identify additional clock-controlled TFs besides PARF and RORA families. These TFs are both functionally and temporally related to the clusters they regulate. Furthermore, we also identified significant sets of clock TFs that are potentially transcriptional regulators of gene clusters.

Conclusions

All together, we were able to propose a regulatory structure for circadian regulation which represents alternative paths for circadian control of different functions within the liver. Our prediction has been affirmed by functional and temporal analyses which are able to extend for similar studies.
High level of molecular and phenotypic biodiversity in Jatropha curcasfrom Central America compared to Africa, Asia and South America
Authors: Montes Osorio Luis Rodolfo , Torres Salvador Andres Fransisco , Jongschaap Raymond Elmar Etienne , Azurdia Perez Cesar Augusto , Berduo Sandoval Julio Ernesto , Trindade Luisa Miguel , Visser Richard Gerardus Franciscus , van Loo Eibertus Nicolaas
Published: March 2014

Background

The main bottleneck to elevate jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) from a wild species to a profitable biodiesel crop is the low genetic and phenotypic variation found in different regions of the world, hampering efficient plant breeding for productivity traits. In this study, 182 accessions from Asia (91), Africa (35), South America (9) and Central America (47) were evaluated at genetic and phenotypic level to find genetic variation and important traits for oilseed production.

Results

Genetic variation was assessed with SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat), TRAP (Target Region Amplification Polymorphism) and AFLP (Amplified fragment length polymorphism) techniques. Phenotypic variation included seed morphological characteristics, seed oil content and fatty acid composition and early growth traits. Jaccard’s similarity and cluster analysis by UPGM (Unweighted Paired Group Method) with arithmetic mean and PCA (Principle Component Analysis) indicated higher variability in Central American accessions compared to Asian, African and South American accessions. Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values ranged from 0 to 0.65. In the set of Central American accessions. PIC values were higher than in other regions. Accessions from the Central American population contain alleles that were not found in the accessions from other populations. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA; P < 0.0001) indicated high genetic variation within regions (81.7%) and low variation across regions (18.3%). A high level of genetic variation was found on early growth traits and on components of the relative growth rate (specific leaf area, leaf weight, leaf weight ratio and net assimilation rate) as indicated by significant differences between accessions and by the high heritability values (50–88%). The fatty acid composition of jatropha oil significantly differed (P < 0.05) between regions.

Conclusions

The pool of Central American accessions showed very large genetic variation as assessed by DNA-marker variation compared to accessions from other regions. Central American accessions also showed the highest phenotypic variation and should be considered as the most important source for plant breeding. Some variation in early growth traits was found within a group of accessions from Asia and Africa, while these accessions did not differ in a single DNA-marker, possibly indicating epigenetic variation.
Predictors of mortality among bacteremic patients with septic shock receiving appropriate antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Leedahl David D , Personett Heather A , Gajic Ognjen , Kashyap Rahul , Schramm Garrett E
Published: March 2014

Background

Factors capable of impacting hospital mortality in patients with septic shock remain uncertain. Our objective was to identify predictors of hospital mortality among patients who received appropriate antimicrobial therapy for bacteremic septic shock after accounting for severity of illness, resuscitation status, and processes of care.

Methods

We conducted a secondary subgroup analysis of a prospective severe sepsis cohort study. Patients with septic shock and positive blood cultures who received appropriate antimicrobial therapy were included. Univariable analyses were used to identify differences between hospital survivors and non-survivors, and a multivariable logistic regression model revealed independent determinants of hospital mortality.

Results

From January 2008 to December 2010, 58 of 224 included patients died in the hospital. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated 2 independent predictors of hospital mortality. These included continuous renal replacement therapy utilization within 48 hours of septic shock recognition (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.94-16.34) and intra-abdominal infection (adjusted OR, 3.92; 95% CI, 1.47-10.79). Escherichia coli was independently associated with a lower risk of hospital mortality (adjusted OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.11-0.90).

Conclusion

Intra-abdominal infection and continuous renal replacement therapy were associated with increased hospital mortality in patients with septic shock who received appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Our findings may be explained by suboptimal intra-abdominal infection management or inadequate antimicrobial concentration in these patients.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in active and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter clinical study
Authors: Wang Dandan , Li Jing , Zhang Yu , Zhang Miaojia , Chen Jinyun , Li Xia , Hu Xiang , Jiang Shu , Shi Songtao , Sun Lingyun
Published: March 2014

Introduction

In our present single-center pilot study, umbilical cord (UC)–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) had a good safety profile and therapeutic effect in severe and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present multicenter clinical trial was undertaken to assess the safety and efficacy of allogeneic UC MSC transplantation (MSCT) in patients with active and refractory SLE.

Methods

Forty patients with active SLE were recruited from four clinical centers in China. Allogeneic UC MSCs were infused intravenously on days 0 and 7. The primary endpoints were safety profiles. The secondary endpoints included major clinical response (MCR), partial clinical response (PCR) and relapse. Clinical indices, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) score and renal functional indices, were also taken into account.

Results

The overall survival rate was 92.5% (37 of 40 patients). UC-MSCT was well tolerated, and no transplantation-related adverse events were observed. Thirteen and eleven patients achieved MCR (13 of 40, 32.5%) and PCR (11 of 40, 27.5%), respectively, during 12 months of follow up. Three and four patients experienced disease relapse at 9 months (12.5%) and 12 months (16.7%) of follow-up, respectively, after a prior clinical response. SLEDAI scores significantly decreased at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months follow-up. Total BILAG scores markedly decreased at 3 months and continued to decrease at subsequent follow-up visits. BILAG scores for renal, hematopoietic and cutaneous systems significantly improved. Among those patients with lupus nephritis, 24-hour proteinuria declined after transplantation, with statistically differences at 9 and 12 months. Serum creatinine and urea nitrogen decreased to the lowest level at 6 months, but these values slightly increased at 9 and 12 months in seven relapse cases. In addition, serum levels of albumin and complement 3 increased after MSCT, peaked at 6 months and then slightly declined by the 9- and 12-month follow-up examinations. Serum antinuclear antibody and anti-double-stranded DNA antibody decreased after MSCT, with statistically significant differences at 3-month follow-up examinations.

Conclusion

UC-MSCT results in satisfactory clinical response in SLE patients. However, in our present study, several patients experienced disease relapse after 6 months, indicating the necessity to repeat MSCT after 6 months.

Trial registry

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01741857. Registered 26 September 2012.
Stochastic Orderings and Ageing Properties of Residual Life Lengths of Live Components in (n-k+1)-Out-Of-n Systems
Authors: Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy , Barmalzan Ghobad , Haidari Abedin
Published: March 2014

Suppose that a system consists of n independent and identically distributed components and that the life lengths of the n components are Xi, i = 1, …, n. For k ∈ {1, …, n - 1}, let X(k)1, …, X(k)n-k be the residual life lengths of the live components following the kth failure in the system. In this paper we extend various stochastic ordering results presented in Bairamov and Arnold (2008) on the residual life lengths of the live components in an (n - k + 1)-out-of-n system, and also present a new result concerning the multivariate stochastic ordering of live components in the two-sample situation. Finally, we also characterize exponential distributions under a weaker condition than those introduced in Bairamov and Arnold (2008) and show that some special ageing properties of the original residual life lengths get preserved by residual life lengths.
A New Look at Urban Water Storage in a Series of Connected Dams
Authors: Howlett Phil , Pearce Charles , Piantadosi Julia
Published: March 2014

We propose a discrete state-space model for storage of urban stormwater in two connected dams using an optimal pump-to-fill policy to transfer water from the capture dam to the holding dam. We assume stochastic supply to the capture dam and independent stochastic demand from the holding dam. We find new analytic formulae to calculate steady-state probabilities for the contents of each dam and thereby enable operators to better understand system behaviour. We illustrate our methods by considering some particular examples and discuss extension of our analysis to a series of three connected dams.
Species Dynamics in the Two-Parameter Poisson-Dirichlet Diffusion Model
Authors: Ruggiero Matteo
Published: March 2014

The recently introduced two-parameter infinitely-many-neutral-alleles model extends the celebrated one-parameter version (which is related to Kingman's distribution) to diffusive two-parameter Poisson-Dirichlet frequencies. In this paper we investigate the dynamics driving the species heterogeneity underlying the two-parameter model. First we show that a suitable normalization of the number of species is driven by a critical continuous-state branching process with immigration. Secondly, we provide a finite-dimensional construction of the two-parameter model, obtained by means of a sequence of Feller diffusions of Wright-Fisher flavor which feature finitely many types and inhomogeneous mutation rates. Both results provide insight into the mathematical properties and biological interpretation of the two-parameter model, showing that it is structurally different from the one-parameter case in that the frequency dynamics are driven by state-dependent rather than constant quantities.
Asymptotic Behaviour of Extinction Probability of Interacting Branching Collision Processes
Authors: Chen Anyue , Li Junping , Chen Yiqing , Zhou Dingxuan
Published: March 2014

Although the exact expressions for the extinction probabilities of the Interacting Branching Collision Processes (IBCP) were very recently given by Chen et al. [4], some of these expressions are very complicated; hence, useful information regarding asymptotic behaviour, for example, is harder to obtain. Also, these exact expressions take very different forms for different cases and thus seem lacking in homogeneity. In this paper, we show that the asymptotic behaviour of these extremely complicated and tangled expressions for extinction probabilities of IBCP follows an elegant and homogenous power law which takes a very simple form. In fact, we are able to show that if the extinction is not certain then the extinction probabilities {an} follow an harmonious and simple asymptotic law of an ∼ kn-αρcn
as n → ∞, where k and α are two constants, ρc is the unique positive zero of the C(s), and C(s) is the generating function of the infinitesimal collision rates. Moreover, the interesting and important quantity α takes a very simple and uniform form which could be interpreted as the ‘spectrum’, ranging from -∞ to +∞, of the interaction between the two components of branching and collision of the IBCP.
Percolation of Hard Disks
Authors: Aristoff D.
Published: March 2014

Random arrangements of points in the plane, interacting only through a simple hard-core exclusion, are considered. An intensity parameter controls the average density of arrangements, in analogy with the Poisson point process. It is proved that, at high intensity, an infinite connected cluster of excluded volume appears almost surely.
Synthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles on Citrate-functionalized Graphene Oxide with High Catalytic Activity for 4-Nitrophenol Reduction
Authors: Su Bingyuan , Jia Yuzhu , Zhang Shuqiong , Chen Xiaomei , Oyama Munetaka
Published: March 2014

Ultrafine Pd nanoparticles homogeneously deposited on citrate-functionalized graphene oxide (PdNPs/Cit-GO) were synthesized by a simple method with the reduction of ascorbic acid. The average size of these PdNPs was 4.67 nm, and they dispersed on the GO surface with high density. Significantly, the as-prepared PdNPs/Cit-GO expresses a high catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The synergistic effect of the PdNPs/Cit-GO in the catalysis reaction was also demonstrated.
Oxidative Protonolysis of the Expanded Central C–C Bond in a Di(spiroacridan)-type Hexaphenylethane Derivative Accompanied by UV–vis, FL, and CD Spectral Changes
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Kuroda Yusuke , Wada Kazuhisa , Sakano Yuto , Katoono Ryo , Fujiwara Kenshu , Kakiuchi Fumitoshi , Fukushima Takanori
Published: March 2014

Upon electrochemical oxidation of configurationally stable (M)-4,5-dimethyl-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene attached with two spiroacridan units at the C9 and C10 positions [(M)-1c], a three-way-output response by UV–vis, FL, and CD spectra was realized via clean conversion to the corresponding bond-dissociated dication (Rax)-2c2+. Similar gradual changes were induced upon standing of an aerated MeCN solution of (M)-1c after the addition of CF3CO2H because the elongated C9–C10 bond was also cleaved by oxidative protonolysis to give (Rax)-2c2+.
Persuasive Puffery
Authors: Chakraborty Archishman , Harbaugh Rick
Published: March 2014

Sellers often make claims about product strengths without providing evidence. Even though such claims are mere puffery, we show that they can be credible because talking up any one strength comes at the implicit trade-off of not talking up another potential strength. Puffery pulls in some buyers who value product attributes that are talked up or emphasized while pushing away other buyers who infer that the attributes they value are relative weaknesses. When the initial probability of making a sale is low, there are more potential buyers to pull in than to push away, so puffery is persuasive overall. This persuasiveness requires that buyers have some privacy about their preferences so that the seller does not completely pander to them. More generally, the results show how comparative cheap talk by an expert to a decision maker can be credible and persuasive in standard discrete choice models used throughout marketing, economics, and other disciplines.
Competitive Poaching in Sponsored Search Advertising and Its Strategic Impact on Traditional Advertising
Authors: Sayedi Amin , Jerath Kinshuk , Srinivasan Kannan
Published: March 2014

Traditional advertising, such as TV and print advertising, primarily builds awareness of a firm's product among consumers, whereas sponsored search advertising on a search engine can target consumers closer to making a purchase because they reveal their interest by searching for a relevant keyword. Increased consumer targetability in sponsored search advertising induces a firm to “poach” a competing firm's consumers by directly advertising on the competing firm's keywords; in other words, the poaching firm tries to obtain more than its “fair share” of sales through sponsored search advertising by free riding on the market created by the firm being poached. Using a game theory model with firms of different advertising budgets, we study the phenomenon of poaching, its impact on how firms allocate their advertising budgets to traditional and sponsored search advertising, and the search engine's policy on poaching. We find that, as budget asymmetry increases, the smaller-budget firm poaches more on the keywords of the larger-budget firm. This may induce the larger-budget firm to allocate more of its budget to traditional advertising, which, in turn, hurts the search engine's advertising revenues. Therefore, paradoxically, even though poaching increases competition in sponsored search advertising, the search engine can benefit from limiting the extent of poaching. This explains why major search engines use “ad relevance” measures to handicap poaching on trademarked keywords.
Modeling Risk Factors and Disease Conditions to Study Associated Lifetime Medical Costs
Authors: Paul Jomon Aliyas , MacDonald Leo , Hariharan Govind
Published: March 2014

We develop a mathematical model that captures the complex interactions within the health service system featuring chronic diseases and provides valuable lessons that could assist in controlling escalating healthcare costs. We utilize a Monte Carlo simulation framework to simulate the evolution of a population subject to deaths, births, and disease conditions. The model estimates the lifetime health expenditures of individuals based on demographics including race, age, and gender, as well as risk factors that contribute to the development of specific disease conditions. We further incorporate interactions between multiple disease conditions and the effect of risk factors in chronic disease incidence as well as the corresponding medical expenditures over the remaining life years within a single framework. The comprehensive nature of the model allows for the ability to project changes in medical costs as demographic changes occur and to evaluate the impact of changes in behavioral risk factors on medical costs. We demonstrate model applications through various illustrative examples, including cost analysis of targeted interventions for various risk behaviors.
Quantification of Integrated HIV DNA by Repetitive-Sampling Alu-HIV PCR on the Basis of Poisson Statistics
Authors: De Spiegelaere Ward , Malatinkova Eva , Lynch Lindsay , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Messiaen Peter , O'Doherty Una , Vandekerckhove Linos
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Quantification of integrated proviral HIV DNA by repetitive-sampling Alu-HIV PCR is a candidate virological tool to monitor the HIV reservoir in patients. However, the experimental procedures and data analysis of the assay are complex and hinder its widespread use. Here, we provide an improved and simplified data analysis method by adopting binomial and Poisson statistics.

METHODS

A modified analysis method on the basis of Poisson statistics was used to analyze the binomial data of positive and negative reactions from a 42-replicate Alu-HIV PCR by use of dilutions of an integration standard and on samples of 57 HIV-infected patients. Results were compared with the quantitative output of the previously described Alu-HIV PCR method.

RESULTS

Poisson-based quantification of the Alu-HIV PCR was linearly correlated with the standard dilution series, indicating that absolute quantification with the Poisson method is a valid alternative for data analysis of repetitive-sampling Alu-HIV PCR data. Quantitative outputs of patient samples assessed by the Poisson method correlated with the previously described Alu-HIV PCR analysis, indicating that this method is a valid alternative for quantifying integrated HIV DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Poisson-based analysis of the Alu-HIV PCR data enables absolute quantification without the need of a standard dilution curve. Implementation of the CI estimation permits improved qualitative analysis of the data and provides a statistical basis for the required minimal number of technical replicates.
‘Live fast, die young and leave a good-looking conspiracy’: Celebrity death conspiracies
Authors: Ballinger Dean
Published: March 2014

Conspiracy theories surrounding the death of celebrities have become an integral facet of the millennial western culturescape, particularly in relation to iconic celebrity figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Princess Diana Spencer. This article delineates these ‘celebrity death conspiracies’ as distinct forms of conspiracy theory that function to assert and develop processes of spectacle and attention integral to the concept of celebrity and the operations of celebrity culture. Such conspiracy theories also serve as a means for publicizing normally marginalized conspiracist world-views within the contexts of popular culture. The article concludes by discussing two contemporary trends associated with celebrity death conspiracies: the deliberate elaboration of such theories by celebrities for publicity purposes, and the rise of ‘New Age Illuminism’ as a conspiracist world-view in which celebrity plays a major role, as illustrated by the celebrity death conspiracies that have developed around the late singer Michael Jackson.
The Fannish Parergon: Aca–Fandom and the Decentred Canon
Authors: Brennan Joseph
Published: March 2014

Aca–fandom, as popularized by Jenkins, forefronts reciprocity and dialogue between researcher and subject and has become the method of choice for many fan studies scholars. This article critiques the centrality of canon in the aca–fan tradition, using Derrida’s work on the parergon. I raise various issues for consideration, such as aca–fandom’s emphasis on identity, and the potential implications of a researcher presuming commonalities with fan communities. These issues are discussed with regard to my own practice-led research approach. I examine the aca–fan position in relation to ‘reflexive’ and ‘native anthropology’, the latter of which highlights advocacy dimensions of the position. I also make a case for the importance of managing responsibilities to academy and community (public or fannish) and distinctions between autonomous and public or political intellectualism. My discussion of the various implications of the aca–fan position leads to my central argument, which is that the aca–fan researcher in the textual tradition would do well to avoid the temptation to fixate on canon at the expense of the fan works themselves.
Drive-By Programming Niche Marketing to the Channel Surfer on TNT, MTV, and CNN
Authors: Malin Brent
Published: March 2014

This article explores a fairly recent trend in cable programming: “drive-by programming.” In response to the proliferation of channels and the potential for channel surfing that has accompanied the narrowcasting of contemporary cable television, some networks have regularly employed a programming scheme that directly targets the roving viewer. Looking at MTV, TNT, and CNN, this article examines the ways in which this new programming scheme has impacted both programming choices and program content, including MTV’s movement to reality television and the repetitive story-telling practices of both TNT and CNN. These case studies demonstrate the consequences of drive-by programming for the contemporary media environment, illustrating the particularly detrimental effects of CNN’s drive-by practices on the kinds of news stories the network tells.
Panoplias pintadas: estudio anticuario de las armas pintadas en una tumba de Paestum recuperada en 1854
Authors: Graells i Fabregat Raimon
Published: March 2014

En el marco de un estudio sobre la circulación de las corazas anatómicas metálicas y la comprensión de su distribución se ha revisado el catálogo de sus evidencias iconográficas. Entre los numerosos documentos nos ha llamado la atención la noticia sobre el hallazgo acontecido en 1854, prácticamente olvidado, de una fenomenal tumba en la necrópolis Spinazzo de Paestum. Se trata del único documento conocido en el que se representan hasta tres panoplias metálicas dominadas por corazas anatómicas largas. La excepcionalidad de las representaciones, con escenas tomadas del imaginario griego y ápulo, el detalle de los elementos representados, particularmente las armas, y la interpretación y lectura histórica que el análisis anticuario de los elementos pintados suscita, nos anima a presentar el conjunto. Para ello, el estudio se ha basado en un análisis de la descripción y dibujo de cada elemento pintado, una valoración de las escenas y modelos iconográficos utilizados y, finalmente, un estudio de los elementos de panoplia representados en las pinturas. El resultado es doble: por un lado, la datación de la tumba durante el primer cuarto del s. III a.C.; por otro, una aproximación histórica según la que la representación seleccionó detalladamente todos los elementos y motivos iconográficos para representar una gens lucano-pestana en la agitada Italia meridional durante la expansión romana.
Nuevo león hispanorromano procedente de Alhambra (Ciudad Real)
Authors: Noguera Celdrán José Miguel , García Bueno Carmen
Published: March 2014

En el año 2000 fue hallado casualmente en las inmediaciones de la necrópolis íbero-romana del Camino del Matadero, en la vertiente Sur del cerro donde se ubica la actual localidad de Alhambra (Ciudad Real, Hispania citerior, Conventus Carthaginiensis) un fragmento de escultura de león funerario de época romana (siglos II-I a.C.) que sustenta entre sus garras una cabeza masculina cortada. En el presente trabajo se estudian sus aspectos iconográfico, tipológico y cronológico. El león, que pudo ser parte de un desconocido monumento sepulcral de tipología ítaloromana, es un nuevo hito para el análisis de los procesos de recepción y difusión de prácticas y tradiciones itálicas entre las poblaciones autóctonas de la Meseta en vías de romanización.
Material constructivo latericio procedente del campamento de la Legio VII Gemina en León. La intervención arqueológica de Puerta Obispo
Authors: Morillo Cerdán Ángel , Salido Domínguez Javier
Published: March 2014

Las intervenciones arqueológicas realizadas en el sector de Puerta Obispo de la ciudad de León durante 1996 proporcionaron un interesante conjunto latericio procedente del sector oriental del campamento altoimperial de la legio VII gemina. Una buena parte del material aparecido (ladrillos bessales, pedales, elementos para concamerationes) procede sin duda de las vecinas termas legionarias, que se encuentran bajo la actual catedral. Por el contrario, en los sectores correspondientes a la via sagularis y al cuerpo de guardia de la torre septentrional de la antigua porta principalis sinistra del campamento aparecen numerosas tegulae e imbrices en estado fragmentario, que deben responder a reformas acometidas en la puerta romana a finales del siglo III. En este estudio presentamos además un análisis del material sellado, que constituye la inmensa mayoría del conjunto, lo que constituye un rasgo característico de las marcas de producción, numerales e improntas de calzado y huellas animales, que nos informan sobre aspectos productivos y de la vida cotidiana en el campamento legionario.
Les monedes de la vil·la romana de Casa Ferrer I als fons del MUSA (Museu de la ciutat d’Alacant)
Authors: Garrigós i Albert Immaculada
Published: March 2014

En l’estudi següent es presenta el repertori monetari aparegut durant les excavacions arqueològiques a la vil·la romana de Casa Ferrer I (Alacant). Es fa una catalogació de les troballes monetàries que contenen un marc temporal comprès entre els segles II aC-VI dC, i es fan consideracions sobre la circulació monetària en aquest enclavament, i en general, a les comarques meridionals del País Valencià.
Las estaciones reales durante el periodo aqueménida
Authors: Velázquez Muñoz Joaquín
Published: March 2014

Sabemos muy poco sobre las instalaciones que los monarcas aqueménidas establecieron a lo largo de los caminos que recorrían el vasto territorio que gobernaban, donde los viajeros, funcionarios y mensajeros podían abastecerse, descansar y cambiar de montura para proseguir con su viaje. A partir de las informaciones que nos transmiten las fuentes antiguas y las investigaciones arqueológicas podemos hacernos una idea de la distancia que separaba unas de otras, de la diversidad de actividades que tenían lugar y la existencia de estructuras más lujosas destinadas exclusivamente a la familia real y a los altos dignatarios de la corte.
Validation of CE/SE Scheme in Low Mach Number Direct Aeroacoustic Simulation
Authors: Lam Garret C. Y. , Leung Randolph C. K. , Seid K. H. , Tang S. K.
Published: March 2014

The space-time conservation element and solution element (CE/SE) scheme has caught many attention in aeroacoustic research community as an alternative numerical strategy for direct aeroacoustic simulation (DAS). As a result of its strict conversation of flow flux in both space and time, the low-order CE/SE scheme possesses excellent non-dissipative characteristics, expedient in calculating low Mach number DAS which requires uniform numerical accuracy to resolve the widely disparate flow and acoustic scales of the problem. In this paper, an attempt of validating a simplified Courant Number Insensitive CE/SE scheme using carefully selected aeroacoustic benchmark problems is reported. Excellent agreement with the benchmark results obtained firmly establishes that CE/SE scheme is a viable scheme for resolving the nonlinear physics of low Mach number aeroacoustic problems.
“I just wanted to give a partly answer”: capturing and exploring word class variation in ELF data
Authors: Osimk-Teasdale Ruth
Published: March 2014

English as a lingua franca is generally viewed as a user language in which the formal characteristics are adapted to meet the communicative needs of its speakers, inherently resulting in linguistic innovation and variation. In the part-of-speech (POS) tagging of the Vienna-Oxford International Corpus of English (VOICE), many cases were encountered whereby ELF users go beyond the commonly assumed boundaries of word class categories in Standard English by the process defined as word class change. Word class change is understood as a change of word class category, or syntagmatic function, without alternation of the morphological form. In this paper, it is demonstrated how forms which were used in a non-codified function were dealt with in the tagging procedure. Reviewing concepts commonly used to explain word class change, namely conversion and multifunctionality, it is argued that a number of presumptions inherent in these concepts cause difficulties when applied to ELF data. In a case study, the most frequent types of word class shifts or variation (terms which are considered more suitable for ELF data) in VOICE are exemplified, analysed, and discussed with regard to the forms which are shifted, the directionality of these shifts, as well as the environment in which the shifts occur. It is shown that word class shifts in ELF interactions follow clear tendencies and thus a reconceptualization of the concepts of conversion and multifunctionality with regard to ELF is proposed. Finally, it is argued that if tagging practices attempt to display, rather than disguise, initial “problems” arising in the tagging process, this can help to gain useful insights into the nature of the data.
Dialogue between ELF and the field of language policy and planning
Authors: Lo Bianco Joseph
Published: March 2014

This paper explores the relevance of concepts and methods of language planning and policy for ELF researchers and teachers. As the global communication environment consolidates through globalisation of systems, such as publishing and education credentialing, the topics chosen for research and even some practices in teaching can be seen as forms of intervention which influence form, usage, and status of languages and language varieties. The escalating role of English in the public life of more and more countries raises questions of the overall language ecology (how English interacts with other languages in existing and future communication environments). By fostering dialogue with the conceptual categories and methods of language planning, ELF scholars and practitioners can sharpen their focus on how institutional and publishing gatekeepers operate and foster an expanded sense of what English as an international language can mean, in the interests of encouraging a more democratised global communication order.
First-trimester fetal growth discordance and development of preeclampsia in dichorionic twin pregnancies
Authors: Maric Tanya , Singh Natasha , Duncan Keith , Thorpe-Beeston Guy J. , Savvidou Makrina D.
Published: March 2014

Objective: To investigate the relation between first-trimester fetal growth discrepancy, as assessed by crown-rump length (CRL) at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of gestation, and subsequent development of preeclampsia (PE) in dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies. The association between inter-twin CRL and birth weight (BW) discrepancy was also investigated.

Methods: This was a retrospective, case-control study of DCDA twin pregnancies. Inter-twin CRL discrepancy was calculated as 100×(larger CRL–smaller CRL)/larger CRL. BW discordance was calculated as 100×(larger BW–smaller BW)/larger BW.

Results: The study included 299 DCDA pregnancies that remained normotensive and 35 that subsequently developed PE. There was no significant difference in the inter-twin CRL discrepancy between pregnancies complicated by PE and those that were not [3.2%, interquartile range (IQR): 0.5–4.5% vs. 3.3%, IQR: 1.4–5.5%; P=0.17]. There was a positive correlation between inter-twin CRL and BW discrepancy but only in pregnancies that remained normotensive (P<0.001). In women that subsequently developed PE, there was no association between inter-twin CRL and BW discordance (P=0.54).

Conclusions: In unselected DCDA twins, first-trimester CRL discrepancy is not different between pregnancies that subsequently develop PE and those that remain normotensive. Furthermore, in pregnancies that are complicated by PE, the association between inter-twin CRL and BW discrepancy appears to be lost.
The IgG avidity value for the prediction of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ebina Yasuhiko , Minematsu Toshio , Sonoyama Ayako , Morioka Ichiro , Inoue Naoki , Tairaku Shinya , Nagamata Satoshi , Tanimura Kenji , Morizane Mayumi , Deguchi Masashi , Yamada Hideto
Published: March 2014

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes congenital infection with high mortality and morbidity rates in affected neonates.

Objectives: To evaluate the maternal IgG avidity value for the prediction of congenital CMV infection.

Study design: The serum IgG avidity in all mothers was measured, and the urine of their neonates was assessed for CMV DNA in a prospective cohort study.

Results: Of 759 women with a positive test for CMV IgG, 14 had congenital CMV infection. CMV IgG avidity indices in the congenital infection group (median 35.1%) were significantly lower than those in the non-congenital infection group (70.4%). A cutoff value of <40% IgG avidity index with 96.1% specificity and 64.3% sensitivity for congenital infection was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. The highest sensitivity (88.9%), 96.2% specificity, 27.6% positive predictive value, 99.8% negative predictive value, and 96.1% accuracy were found when IgG avidity was measured in <28 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion: The IgG avidity measurement with a cutoff value of <40% IgG avidity index might be helpful in predicting congenital CMV infection, especially in <28 weeks of gestation.
Radiolytic stability of di-2-ethylhexyl-dioctyl diglycolamide
Authors: Ravi Jammu , Selvan B. Robert , Venkatesan K. A. , Antony M. P. , Srinivasan T. G. , Vasudeva Rao P. R.
Published: March 2014

The radiation stability of an unsymmetrical diglycolamide, di-2-ethylhexyl-di-octyl diglycolamide (DEHDODGA) has been evaluated under
various process conditions. The influence of diluent (n-dodecane), phase modifier (N,N-dihexyl octanamide, DHOA), and nitric acid
on the radiolysis of DEHDODGA was investigated. The distribution ratio (D) of Am(III), Eu(III), and Sr(II) in the irradiated solvent
was determined as a function of absorbed dose of γ-radiation. The distribution ratios decreased with increase of absorbed dose,
indicating the radiolytic degradation of DEHDODGA with increase of absorbed dose. The stripping behavior of Am(III) from the degraded
organic phase was studied. Quantitative back extraction of trivalent metal ions from the irradiated organic phase was achieved in
a single contact using the stripping formulation composed of dilute nitric acid and citric acid. Our studies indicated the robust
nature of DEHDODGA with respect to radiolysis, and innocuous nature of degradation products.
Reflections from the Chief Justice
Authors: Obradovic Noah , Ainsworth Nussen
Published: March 2014

DICTUM Editors, Noah Obradovic and Nussen Ainsworth, put the Hon Cheif Justice Robert French AC, High Court of Australia, under the spotlight.
Reforming Civil Procedure in Victoria
Authors: Bailey David
Published: March 2014

It is just a few months since the Civil Procedure Act 2010 came into force on 1 January 2011. It is the only Act of Parliament in Victoria devoted entirely to civil procedure. Its opening section makes a bold clarion call seeking to reform and modernise procedures and processes relating to the resolution of civil proceedings.
Foreword
Authors: Clarke Andrew
Published: March 2014

Foreword to Volume 3, Issue 1.