bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthetic Aperture Technique Applied to Tissue Attenuation Imaging
Authors: Klimonda Ziemowit , Litniewski Jerzy , Nowicki Andrzej
Published: February 2012

The attenuating properties of biological tissue are of great importance in ultrasonic medical imaging. Investigations performedin vitroandin vivoshowed the correlation between pathological changes in the tissue and variation of the attenuation coefficient. In order to estimate the attenuation we have used the downshift of mean frequency (fm) of the interrogating ultrasonic pulse propagating in the medium. To determine thefmalong the propagation path we have applied thefmestimator (I/Q algorithm adopted from the Doppler mean frequency estimation technique). The mean-frequency shift trend was calculated using Single Spectrum Analysis. Next, the trends were converted into attenuation coefficient distributions and finally the parametric images were computed. The RF data were collected in simulations and experiments applying the synthetic aperture (SA) transmit-receiving scheme. In measurements the ultrasonic scanner enabling a full control of the transmission and reception was used. The resolution and accuracy of the method was verified using tissue mimicking phantom with uniform echogenicity but varying attenuation coefficient.
Partnership on digitalisation of industrial heritage: a case of telecommunications artifacts and historical materials in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Shang-Ching
Published: February 2012

This article introduces a case of across sectors partnerships related to the digitalisation of the industrial heritage in Taiwan. With common values and endeavors on the part of personnel, the National Science and Technology Museum and Chunghwa Telecom Company are cooperating to preserve and digitalise telecom artifacts and relevant historical materials. The results of this partnership are plentiful, and include: digitalisation and interpretation of the telecom heritage, establishment of a digital database, a variety of digital content applications, such as: websites, physical exhibitions, publications, cultural goods, etc. Key successful factors related to this partnership are also listed.
A unified content and service management model for digital museums
Authors: Hsu Tien-Yu
Published: February 2012

This paper presents a unified content and service digital museum (UCSDM) concept model to depict the issues of unifying global content, services and users and connecting numerous value-added applications in both virtual and physical spaces to meet the needs of individuals and target groups from a global and long-term perspective. A unified content and service management system framework, which comprises the unified content and processes, unified content and services structures, and a unified content and service management system to fulfil the UCSDM concept model is proposed. A practical implementation of a large-scale digital museum project that includes virtual and physical content, services, and users of a natural science museum has been successfully implemented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed framework.
An electronic records preservation mechanism for Taiwan's governmental agencies
Authors: Chang Wen-Hsi
Published: February 2012

This article introduces an electronic records preservation mechanism designed by the National Archives Administration (NAA) for use by Taiwan's governmental agencies. This mechanism is based on migration technologies using encapsulated XML files as the preservation units. NAA implemented a pilot programme in 2004 to test the feasibility of an electronic records preservation software system. Based on the results, NAA started in 2006 to draft management regulations for governmental agencies related to the preservation of electronic records.

In April 2011 NAA launched an Electronic Records Technical Service Center to provide consultation to record managers about preservation technologies. Under the service center, NAA also established an electronic records preservation laboratory, responsible for developing tools to enhance electronic records preservation capabilities for governmental agencies.
The establishment of an e-learning program for the master of library science degree at Southern Connecticut State University – case analysis
Authors: Sche Josephine Yu Chen
Published: February 2012

ALA-accredited programs for Master of Library and Information Studies, are offered only in 63 of the total 3000 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. The professional goals and objectives of the current 2008 Accreditation Standards are highlighted and applied to both traditional on-campus and the newly created eLearning courses for the MLS/MLIS programs. Factors for establishing the MLS eLearning program at SCSU and the methods for quality control and assessment of the MLS online courses are explained.
Building Climate Resilience in the Blue Nile/Abay Highlands: A Framework for Action
Authors: Simane Belay , Zaitchik Benjamin F. , Mesfin Desalegn
Published: February 2012

Ethiopia has become warmer over the past century and human induced climate change will bring further warming over the next century at unprecedented rates. On the average, climate models show a tendency for higher mean annual rainfall and for wetter conditions, in particular during October, November and December, but there is much uncertainty about the future amount, distribution, timing and intensity of rainfall. Ethiopia’s low level of economic development, combined with its heavy dependence on agriculture and high population growth rate make the country particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. Nearly 90% of Ethiopia’s population lives in the Highlands, which include the critical Blue Nile (Abay) Highlands—a region that holds special importance due to its role in domestic agricultural production and international water resources. A five year study of climate vulnerability and adaptation strategies in communities of Choke Mountain, located in the center of the Abay Highlands, has informed a proposed framework for enhancing climate resilience in communities across the region. The framework is motivated by the critical need to enhance capacity to cope with climate change and, subsequently, to advance a carbon neutral and climate resilient economy in Ethiopia. The implicit hypothesis in applying a research framework for this effort is that science-based information, generated through improved understanding of impacts and vulnerabilities of local communities, can contribute to enhanced resilience strategies. We view adaptation to climate change in a wider context of changes, including, among others, market conditions, the political-institutional framework, and population dynamics. From a livelihood perspective, culture, historical settings, the diversity of income generation strategies, knowledge, and education are important factors that contribute to adaptive capacities. This paper reviews key findings of the Choke Mountain study, describes the principles of the climate resilience framework, and proposes an implementation strategy for climate resilient development to be applied in the Abay Highlands, with potential expansion to agricultural communities across the region and beyond.
Correlation Coefficients Between Different Methods of Expressing Bacterial Quantification Using Real Time PCR
Authors: Navidshad Bahman , Liang Juan Boo , Jahromi Mohammad Faseleh
Published: February 2012

The applications of conventional culture-dependent assays to quantify bacteria populations are limited by their dependence on the inconsistent success of the different culture-steps involved. In addition, some bacteria can be pathogenic or a source of endotoxins and pose a health risk to the researchers. Bacterial quantification based on the real-time PCR method can overcome the above-mentioned problems. However, the quantification of bacteria using this approach is commonly expressed as absolute quantities even though the composition of samples (like those of digesta) can vary widely; thus, the final results may be affected if the samples are not properly homogenized, especially when multiple samples are to be pooled together before DNA extraction. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation coefficients between four different methods of expressing the output data of real-time PCR-based bacterial quantification. The four methods were: (i) the common absolute method expressed as the cell number of specific bacteria per gram of digesta; (ii) the Livak and Schmittgen, ΔΔCt method; (iii) the Pfaffl equation; and (iv) a simple relative method based on the ratio of cell number of specific bacteria to the total bacterial cells. Because of the effect on total bacteria population in the results obtained using ΔCt-based methods (ΔΔCt and Pfaffl), these methods lack the acceptable consistency to be used as valid and reliable methods in real-time PCR-based bacterial quantification studies. On the other hand, because of the variable compositions of digesta samples, a simple ratio of cell number of specific bacteria to the corresponding total bacterial cells of the same sample can be a more accurate method to quantify the population.
If Physics Is an Information Science, What Is an Observer?
Authors: Fields Chris
Published: February 2012

Interpretations of quantum theory have traditionally assumed a “Galilean” observer, a bare “point of view” implemented physically by a quantum system. This paper investigates the consequences of replacing such an informationally-impoverished observer with an observer that satisfies the requirements of classical automata theory, i.e., an observer that encodes sufficient prior information to identify the system being observed and recognize its acceptable states. It shows that with reasonable assumptions about the physical dynamics of information channels, the observations recorded by such an observer will display the typical characteristics predicted by quantum theory, without requiring any specific assumptions about the observer’s physical implementation.
Respiratory Physiology and the Impact of Different Modes of Ventilation on the Photoplethysmographic Waveform
Authors: Alian Aymen A. , Shelley Kirk H.
Published: February 2012

The photoplethysmographic waveform sits at the core of the most used, and arguably the most important, clinical monitor, the pulse oximeter. Interestingly, the pulse oximeter was discovered while examining an artifact during the development of a noninvasive cardiac output monitor. This article will explore the response of the pulse oximeter waveform to various modes of ventilation. Modern digital signal processing is allowing for a re-examination of this ubiquitous signal. The effect of ventilation on the photoplethysmographic waveform has long been thought of as a source of artifact. The primary goal of this article is to improve the understanding of the underlying physiology responsible for the observed phenomena, thereby encouraging the utilization of this understanding to develop new methods of patient monitoring. The reader will be presented with a review of respiratory physiology followed by numerous examples of the impact of ventilation on the photoplethysmographic waveform.
In Vivo Peripheral Blood Proinflammatory T Cells in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: LIMÓN-CAMACHO LEONARDO , VARGAS-ROJAS MARÍA INÉS , VÁZQUEZ-MELLADO JANITZIA , CASASOLA-VARGAS JULIO , MOCTEZUMA JOSÉ F. , BURGOS-VARGAS RUBÉN , LLORENTE LUIS
Published: February 2012

Objective.

Previous reports have shown an increase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells’ (PBMC) Th17 cell subpopulation and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion after in vitro stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 or phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of our study was to determine whether there is a Th17 polarization not subjected to in vitro stimulation in patients with AS.

Methods.

Nonstimulated PBMC were analyzed from 46 patients with AS, including 7 (15.2%) receiving tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors, 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 25 healthy controls. The surface phenotype of freshly isolated PBMC was determined by flow cytometry. Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg subsets were defined as CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+, CD3+CD4+IL-4+, CD3+CD4+IL-17A+, and CD3+CD4+FoxP3+, respectively. Serum cytokines and interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels were quantified by Luminex technology.

Results.

The percentages of Th17 and Th1 cells in AS were higher than in healthy controls (7.4% ± 1.8% vs 0.7% ± 0.2% and 4.0% ± 1.3% vs 1.1% ± 0.3%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Th17 and Th1 cell subsets in patients taking TNF-α inhibitors were lower than in those naive to such therapeutics and similar to healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, and IL-8 were significantly higher in patients with AS compared to controls.

Conclusion.

The percentages of Th17 and Th1 cells in PBMC without in vitro stimulation, as well as cytokine and IL-8 levels, were significantly increased in patients with AS compared with healthy controls. These T cell subsets and cytokine profiles of patients with AS taking TNF-α inhibitors were similar to those of healthy controls.
Characterization of Patients with Arthritis Referred for Gold Therapy in the Era of Biologics
Authors: CHEUNG JESSICA M. , SCARSBROOK DEBRA , KLINKHOFF ALICE V.
Published: February 2012

Objective.

To describe the clinical characteristics of patients referred for gold therapy and determine the reason for referral.

Methods.

We conducted a chart review of patients referred for gold at the Mary Pack Arthritis Program, Vancouver, Canada, from July 2007 to July 2009.

Results.

The sample included 69 female and 12 male patients. Diagnosis was rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 71/81, psoriatic arthritis in 5, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in 2, Sjögren syndrome in 1, undifferentiated polyarthritis in 1, and spondyloarthritis in 1. Twenty of 81 patients had received gold before: 15 were referred for a second course, 4 a third course, and 1 a fourth course. Ten of 81 patients were referred for gold as their first disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Seventy-one had received prior DMARD: 1 prior DMARD in 22 patients, 2 in 24 patients, 3 in 15 patients, and > 3 in 6 patients. Four patients had received prior biologic therapy plus 2 to 4 prior DMARD. Twelve of 71 received gold monotherapy, 56/71 received gold/DMARD combinations, and 3 received gold/biologic/DMARD combinations. Reasons for referral included failure of other DMARD in 54 patients, limited DMARD options in 50 (chronic liver disease in 34, sulfa allergy in 7, high alcohol consumption in 5, and planning pregnancy in 4), physician choice in 12, previous benefit from gold in 10, benefit of clinic support in 10, inappropriate for biologics in 7, patient choice in 4, and failure of biologics in 3.

Conclusion.

The most common reasons for referral to gold clinic in 2007 to 2009 are failure of other DMARD and limited DMARD options due to underlying liver disease.
Maximal Adjuvant Activity of Nasally Delivered IL-1α Requires Adjuvant-Responsive CD11c+ Cells and Does Not Correlate with Adjuvant-Induced In Vivo Cytokine Production
Authors: Thompson Afton L. , Johnson Brandi T. , Sempowski Gregory D. , Gunn Michael D. , Hou Baidong , DeFranco Anthony L. , Staats Herman F.
Published: February 2012

IL-1 has been shown to have strong mucosal adjuvant activities, but little is known about its mechanism of action. We vaccinated IL-1R1 bone marrow (BM) chimeric mice to determine whether IL-1R1 expression on stromal cells or hematopoietic cells was sufficient for the maximal adjuvant activity of nasally delivered IL-1α as determined by the acute induction of cytokine responses and induction of Bacillus anthracis lethal factor (LF)-specific adaptive immunity. Cytokine and chemokine responses induced by vaccination with IL-1α were predominantly derived from the stromal cell compartment and included G-CSF, IL-6, IL-13, MCP-1, and keratinocyte chemoattractant. Nasal vaccination of Il1r1−/− (knock-out [KO]) mice given wild-type (WT) BM (WT→KO) and WT→WT mice with LF + IL-1α induced maximal adaptive immune responses, whereas vaccination of WT mice given Il1r1−/− BM (KO→WT) resulted in significantly decreased production of LF-specific serum IgG, IgG subclasses, lethal toxin-neutralizing Abs, and mucosal IgA compared with WT→KO and WT→WT mice (p < 0.05). IL-1α adjuvant activity was not dependent on mast cells. However, the ability of IL-1α to induce serum LF-specific IgG2c and lethal toxin-neutralizing Abs was significantly impaired in CD11c-Myd88−/− mice when compared with WT mice (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that CD11c+ cells must be directly activated by nasally administered IL-1α for maximal adjuvant activity and that, although stromal cells are required for maximal adjuvant-induced cytokine production, the adjuvant-induced stromal cell cytokine responses are not required for effective induction of adaptive immunity.
Human Cytomegalovirus UL40 Signal Peptide Regulates Cell Surface Expression of the NK Cell Ligands HLA-E and gpUL18
Authors: Prod’homme Virginie , Tomasec Peter , Cunningham Charles , Lemberg Marius K. , Stanton Richard J. , McSharry Brian P. , Wang Eddie C. Y. , Cuff Simone , Martoglio Bruno , Davison Andrew J. , Braud Véronique M. , Wilkinson Gavin W. G.
Published: February 2012

Human CMV (HCMV)-encoded NK cell-evasion functions include an MHC class I homolog (UL18) with high affinity for the leukocyte inhibitory receptor-1 (CD85j, ILT2, or LILRB1) and a signal peptide (SPUL40) that acts by upregulating cell surface expression of HLA-E. Detailed characterization of SPUL40 revealed that the N-terminal 14 aa residues bestowed TAP-independent upregulation of HLA-E, whereas C region sequences delayed processing of SPUL40 by a signal peptide peptidase-type intramembrane protease. Most significantly, the consensus HLA-E–binding epitope within SPUL40 was shown to promote cell surface expression of both HLA-E and gpUL18. UL40 was found to possess two transcription start sites, with utilization of the downstream site resulting in translation being initiated within the HLA-E–binding epitope (P2). Remarkably, this truncated SPUL40 was functional and retained the capacity to upregulate gpUL18 but not HLA-E. Thus, our findings identify an elegant mechanism by which an HCMV signal peptide differentially regulates two distinct NK cell-evasion pathways. Moreover, we describe a natural SPUL40 mutant that provides a clear example of an HCMV clinical virus with a defect in an NK cell-evasion function and exemplifies issues that confront the virus when adapting to immunogenetic diversity in the host.
β3-Adrenoceptor Antagonist SR59230A Attenuates the Imbalance of Systemic and Myocardial Oxygen Transport Induced by Dopamine in Newborn Lambs
Authors: Gill Richdeep S. , Cheun Po-Yin , Yu Xiaoyang , Aklabi Mohammed Al , Nagendran Jeevan , Quinonez Luis G. , Li Ying Qian , Miller John , Ross David B. , Rebeyka Ivan M. , Li Jia
Published: February 2012

Background

In neonates, the increase in O2-delivery (DO2) by dopamine is offset by a greater increase in O2-consumption (VO2). This has been attributed to β3-adrenergic receptors in neonatal brown fat tissue. β3 receptors in the heart have negative inotropic properties. We evaluated the effects of SR59230A, a β3-antagonist, on the balance of systemic and myocardial O2-transport in newborn lambs treated with dopamine.

Methods

Lambs (2-5 days old, n = 12) were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. Heart rate (HR) and rectal temperature were monitored. VO2 was measured by respiratory mass spectrometry and cardiac output (CO) by a pulmonary artery transonic flowmeter. Arterial, jugular bulb venous and coronary sinus blood gases and lactate were measured to calculate DO2, O2 extraction ratio (ERO2), myocardial O2 and lactate extraction ratios (mERO2, mERlac). After baseline measurements, lambs were randomized to receive SR59230A at 5 mg/kg iv (SRG) or placebo. Both groups received incremental doses of a dopamine infusion (0-5-10-15-20 mcg/kg/min) every 15 min. Measurements were repeated at the end of each dose.

Results

After SR59230A infusion, CO and HR trended to decrease ( P = 0.06), but no significant changes occurred in other parameters. Over the incremental doses of dopamine, temperature increased in both groups ( P < 0.0001) but to a lesser degree in SRG ( P = 0.004). CO and HR increased ( P = 0.005 and 0.04) and similarly in both groups ( P > 0.1). DO2 trended to a small increase ( P = 0.08). VO2 increased in both groups ( P < 0.0001) but to a lesser degree in SRG ( P < 0.0001). As a result, ERO2 increased in both groups ( P < 0.0001), but to a lesser degree in SRG ( P < 0.0001). mERO2 was lower in SRG ( P = 0.01) with a faster increase ( P < 0.0001). mERlac was higher in SRG ( P = 0.06) with a faster decrease ( P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Although SR59230A tends to induce an initial drop in CO, it significantly attenuates the rise in VO2 and hence the imbalance of systemic and myocardial O2 transport induced by dopamine at higher doses. Studies are warranted to examine the effect of SR59230A in cases of cardiac dysfunction and increased VO2, observed after cardiac surgery.
Impact of lightning-NO on eastern United States photochemistry during the summer of 2006 as determined using the CMAQ model
Authors: Allen D. J. , Pickering K. E. , Pinder R. W. , Henderson B. H. , Appel K. W. , Prados A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. A lightning-nitrogen oxide (NO) algorithm is implemented in the Community Multiscale Air Quality Model (CMAQ) and used to evaluate the impact of lightning-NO emissions (LNOx) on tropospheric photochemistry over the United States during the summer of 2006. For a 500 mole per flash lightning-NO source, the mean summertime tropospheric NO2 column agrees with satellite-retrieved columns to within −5 to +13%. Temporal fluctuations in the column are moderately well simulated; however, the addition of LNOx does not lead to a better simulation of day-to-day variability. The contribution of lightning-NO to the model column ranges from ∼10% in the northern US to >45% in the south-central and southeastern US. Lightning-NO adds up to 20 ppbv to upper tropospheric model ozone and 1.5–4.5 ppbv to 8-h maximum surface layer ozone, although, on average, the contribution of LNOx to model surface ozone is 1–2 ppbv less on poor air quality days. LNOx increases wet deposition of oxidized nitrogen by 43% and total deposition of nitrogen by 10%. This additional deposition reduces the mean magnitude of the CMAQ low-bias in nitrate wet deposition with respect to National Atmospheric Deposition monitors to near zero. Differences in urban/rural biases between model and satellite-retrieved NO2 columns were examined to identify possible problems in model chemistry and/or transport. CMAQ columns were too large over urban areas. Biases at other locations were minor after accounting for the impacts of lightning-NO emissions and the averaging kernel on model columns. In order to obtain an upper bound on the contribution of uncertainties in NOy chemistry to upper tropospheric NOx low biases, sensitivity calculations with updated chemistry were run for the time period of the Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment (INTEX-A) field campaign (summer 2004). After adjusting for possible interferences in NO2 measurements and averaging over the entire campaign, these updates reduced 7–9 km biases from 32 to 17% and 9–12 km biases from 57 to 46%. While these changes lead to better agreement, a considerable unexplained NO2 low-bias remains in the uppermost troposphere.
A generic method for hydrological drought identification across different climate regions
Authors: van Huijgevoort M. H. J. , Hazenberg P. , van Lanen H. A. J. , Uijlenhoet R.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The identification of hydrological drought at global scale has received considerable attention during the last decade. However, climate-induced variation in runoff across the world makes such analyses rather complicated. This especially holds for the drier regions of the world (both cold and warm), where for a considerable period of time, zero runoff can be observed. In the current paper, we present a method that enables to identify drought at global scale across climate regimes in a consistent manner. The method combines the characteristics of the classical variable threshold level method that is best applicable in regions with non zero runoff most of the time, and the consecutive dry days (period) method that is better suited for areas where zero runoff occurs. The newly presented method allows a drought in periods with runoff to continue in the following period without runoff. The method was demonstrated by identifying droughts from discharge observations of four rivers situated within different climate regimes, as well as from simulated runoff data at global scale obtained from an ensemble of five different land surface models. The identified drought events obtained by the new approach were compared to those resulting from application of the variable threshold level method or the consecutive dry period method separately. Results show that, in general, for drier regions, the threshold level method overestimates drought duration, because zero runoff periods were included in a drought, according to the definition used within this method. The consecutive dry period method underestimates drought occurrence, since it cannot identify droughts for periods with runoff. The developed method especially shows its relevance in transitional areas, because in wetter regions, results were identical to the classical threshold level method. By combining both methods, the new method is able to identify single drought events that occur during positive and zero runoff periods, leading to a more realistic global drought characterization, especially within drier environments.
Clinical application of an in-house ELISPOT assay in patients with suspicious tuberculous uveitis and no signs of active tuberculosis
Authors: Modorati Giulio , Berchicci Luigi , Miserocchi Elisabetta , Scarpellini Paolo , Mantegani Paola , Bandello Francesco , Fortis Claudio
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in uveitis patients using an ELISPOT-IFN-γ (ELISPOT-MTP) assay and a tuberculin skin test (TST).

Methods

Fifty-three patients with suspicious tuberculous uveitis, seen at the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy, were compared with 233 healthy control subjects. All uveitis patients, together with healthy control subjects, underwent in-house ELISPOT-MTP assay and then the TST.

Results

None of the patients had signs of active tuberculosis. A total of 75.5% of uveitis patients showed positive TST reaction while 58.5% responded positively to ELISPOT-MTP. In healthy individuals, these responses were 30.5% and 25.3%, respectively (p<0.0001). In a different diagnosis subset, TST and ELISPOT positivity were, respectively, 80% and 50% in anterior uveitis; 75% and 50% in intermediate uveitis; 100% and 87.5% in serpiginous-like choroiditis; 90% and 80% in posterior uveitis; and 57.1% and 42.9% in panuveitis. Serpiginous-like choroiditis and posterior uveitis patients had a higher number of ELISPOT-MTP positive results and a higher grade of intensity of ELISPOT-MTP responses compared to healthy control subjects (p=0.0098).

Conclusions

Our uveitis patients had higher M tuberculosis infection rate and grade of intensity response than healthy control subjects detected by ELISPOT-MTP. This response is statistically significant and higher in patients with serpiginous-like choroiditis and posterior uveitis.
Is the Stryker Revolution Mixing System Fit for Purpose? Reliability and a Micro-Ct Assessment of Cement Porosity
Authors: Mackenzie Samuel P. , Dall Graham F. , Duke Georgina C. , van t'Hoff Rob , Breusch Steffen J.
Published: February 2012

The Stryker Revolution™is a new mixing system that employs a high vacuum and a motorised mixing spatula in an effort to reduce cement porosity. We have compared Revolution™with Depuy Cemvac®, in terms of system reliability and cement porosity. Standardised Simplex P® and SmartSet® HV cement samples were produced using both mixing systems and analysed using a micro-CT scanner. The overall porosity, number and volume of voids were measured. Void analysis was subdivided into macro-pores (>0.5 mm3) and micro-pores (0.0005–0.5 mm3). Both systems were easy to use and no breakages were encountered. There was no significant difference in overall porosity between Revolution™ and Cemvac®. Revolution™ produced over a five-fold decrease in average macro-pore size with medium viscosity cement (p=0.02), but produced a greater number of micro-pores (p<0.01). SmartSet® HV specimens had a higher porosity compared to Simplex P®. This study demonstrated that the Revolution™ system was reliable and reduced porosity at least as effectively as the established Cemvac® system. The Revolution™ produced a greater number of smaller pores and further testing is required to establish if this results in a significant mechanical benefit.
Systems of Sticky Particles Governed by Burgers' Equation
Authors: Moutsinga Octave
Published: February 2012

We show the existence of two sticky particles models with the same
velocity function ut(x) which is the entropy solution of the inviscid
Burgers' equation. One of them is governed by the set of discontinuity
points of u0. Thus, the trajectories t↦Xt coincide; however one has different mass distributions ∂xut=du0∘Xt-1 and λ∘Xt-1. Here, λ denotes the Lebesgue measure.
Tabagismo: a percepção dos fumantes em um grupo de educação em saúde
Authors: Veloso Noely Soares , Rodrigues Carlos Alberto Quintão , Leite Maísa Tavares de Souza , Ottoni Julimary Larissa Mendes , Veloso Geane Christie do Carmo , Rodrigues Rosiane Mendes , Bandeira Gabriela Alencar
Published: February 2012

Estudo qualitativo, que objetivou compreender o significado dos grupos antitabagismo desenvolvidos em uma unidade de Saúde da Família do município de Montes Claros, em Minas Gerais. Utilizou-se como referencial teórico-metodológico a pesquisa-ação. Os sujeitos foram usuários tabagistas que vivenciaram as sessões do grupo de educação em saúde. Os instrumentos para coleta de dados foram: observação não-participante, observação participante e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os dados foram submetidos à técnica da análise do discurso com identificação de duas categorias: o significado do tabagismo e o significado dos grupos de apoio antitabagismo na percepção dos sujeitos participantes do grupo. Emergiram as ideias e os sentimentos dos fumantes, bem como a representatividade do cigarro para os sujeitos. O estudo demonstrou a relevância dos grupos de apoio, durante o processo de cessação do tabagismo, e a necessidade de melhor capacitação profissional e estruturação dos serviços para o enfrentamento do problema. Este estudo também se constituiu numa forma de divulgação do tratamento do tabagismo na rede pública de saúde e do seu impacto na população beneficiada, servindo de parâmetro e estímulo a outros cenários.
Gigantomastia gestacional: relato de caso e revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Santos Mário Rogério da Silva , Reis Alessandra Santos dos , Gonçalves-Filho José Aroldo Lima
Published: February 2012

A gigantomastia é uma condição clínica rara, pouco descrita na literatura. Apesar da etiologia desconhecida, tem sido associada às respostas aos hormônios gestacionais, com maior incidência em mulheres multíparas e caucasianas. Apresenta altas taxas de recorrência em gestações futuras. O quadro frequentemente está associado à dor incapacitante, a alterações posturais, a úlceras e à necrose cutânea, favorecendo o aparecimento de infecções. Os autores relatam um caso clínico ocorrido em quinta gestação, expondo a conduta da Equipe de Saúde da Família durante o acompanhamento pré-natal e a inibição da lactação com bromocriptina imediatamente após o parto e o preparo para mamoplastia redutora em segundo tempo.
Thin SnO2 Nanowires with Uniform Diameter as Excellent Field Emitters: A Stability of More Than 2400 Minutes
Authors: Fang Xiaosheng , Yan Jian , Hu Linfeng , Liu Hui , Lee Pooi See
Published: February 2012

The stability of a field‐emission event, i.e., the stability of the emission current over a long period of time, against thermal effects, etc., is one of the key factors for its application in real devices. Although nanostructures have the advantages of high aspect ratios and faster device turn‐on times, the small masses and large surface areas make them vulnerable to both chemical and physical damages and they have a lower melting point compared to bulk materials of same compositions. SnO2, one of the most attractive oxide semiconductors, which has with a relatively low work function of 4.7 eV, has been a perspective candidate for field emitters. A highly stable field emitter based on thin and quasi‐aligned SnO2 nanowire ensembles with uniform diameter is shown. Field‐emission measurements of these SnO2 nanowire ensembles show low turn‐on and threshold voltages of 3.5 V μm−1 and 4.63 V μm−1, respectively, at an anode–sample distance of 200 μm and very long term scale stability of more than 2400 min, acquired at the electric field of 4.65 V μm−1. Such values are not only better than those of the recently developed SnO2 nanostructures with different morphologies and of randomly oriented SnO2 nanowire ensembles with a similar diameter distribution, but also comparable with the most widely studied field‐emission materials, such as carbon nanotubes and ZnO nanostructures. The potential for using these thin SnO2 nanowire ensembles with uniform diameter in field emitters is shown, with particular promise in those operated for long‐term real device applications.
Understanding Chemical Expansion in Non‐Stoichiometric Oxides: Ceria and Zirconia Case Studies
Authors: Marrocchelli Dario , Bishop Sean R. , Tuller Harry L. , Yildiz Bilge
Published: February 2012

Atomic scale computer simulations, validated with experimental data, are used to uncover the factors responsible for defect‐induced chemical expansion observed in non‐stoichiometric oxides, exemplified by CeO2 and ZrO2. It is found that chemical expansion is the result of two competing processes: the formation of a vacancy (leading to a lattice contraction primarily due to electrostatic interactions) and the cation radius change (leading to a lattice expansion primarily due to steric effects). The chemical expansion coefficient is modeled as the summation of two terms that are proportional to the cation and oxygen radius change. This model introduces an empirical parameter, the vacancy radius, which can be reliably predicted from computer simulations, as well as from experimental data. This model is used to predict material compositions that minimize chemical expansion in fluorite structured solid oxide fuel cell electrolyte materials under typical operating conditions.
Rapid Characterization of Ultrathin Layers of Chalcogenides on SiO2/Si Substrates
Authors: Late Dattatray J. , Liu Bin , Matte H. S. S. Ramakrishna , Rao C. N. R. , Dravid Vinayak P.
Published: February 2012

There has been emerging interest in exploring single‐sheet 2D layered structures other than graphene to explore potentially interesting properties and phenomena. The preparation, isolation and rapid unambiguous characterization of large size ultrathin layers of MoS2, GaS, and GaSe deposited onto SiO2/Si substrates is reported. Optical color contrast is identified using reflection optical microscopy for layers with various thicknesses. The optical contrast of these thin layers is correlated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy to determine the exact thickness and to calculate number of the atomic layers present in the thin flakes and sheets. Collectively, optical microscopy, AFM, and Raman spectroscopy combined with Raman imaging data are analyzed to determine the thickness (and thus, the number of unit layers) of the MoS2, GaS, and GaSe ultrathin flakes in a fast, non‐destructive, and unambiguous manner. These findings may enable experimental access to and unambiguous determination of layered chalcogenides for scientific exploration and potential technological applications.
A Strategy in The Design of Micellar Shape for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chen Tao , Guo Xing , Liu Xian , Shi Shuai , Wang Jie , Shi Chunli , Qian Zhiyong , Zhou Shaobing
Published: February 2012

For cancer therapy, optimization of carrier features is necessary to effectively deliver the targeting agents to tumor sites. Biodegradable poly(ether‐anhydrides) micelles with filamentous, rod‐like, and spherical shapes are fabricated. Their size and morphology are characterized by AFM and TEM. The encapsulation of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) into the micelles does not impact their shape. The effect of micellar shape on the drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency, as well as in vitro drug release, is investigated. The cellular uptakes are evaluated using fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry on co‐cultures of human hepatoblastoma cell line (HepG2), lung epithelial cancer cell line (A549), and human nasopharyngeal epidermoid carcinoma cells (KB) and fibroblast normal cells mixed with the different shapes of DOX‐loaded micelles. The results show that the spherical DOX‐loaded micelles are more readily taken up by all types of cells. The impact of micellar shape on in vivo antitumor function is also assessed from changes of tumor volume, body weight loss, and survival rate of 4T1‐bearing mice and the immunostaining of tumor sections for analysis of tumor cell proliferation. The results reveal that the filamentous DOX‐loaded micelles possess the highest safety to body and the best therapeutic effects to artificial solid tumors. Therefore, the filamentous shape is deemed the most suitable morphology for design and engineering of drug vehicles for cancer therapy.
Increased percentage of mast cells within sinonasal mucosa of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp patients independent of atopy
Authors: Shaw Joanne L. , Ashoori Faramarz , Fakhri Samer , Citardi Martin J. , Luong Amber
Published: February 2012

Background:

Initial attention on the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has focused on eosinophils. Other immune cells such as mast cells (MCs) have been identified and appear to be elevated in CRS with nasal polyp (NP) patients. MCs are commonly linked to immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated inflammatory changes characterized by elevated T helper 2 cytokines. Although atopy is a common comorbid condition with CRS, the objective of this study was to determine if elevated MCs are linked primarily to atopic status in CRS patients and to understand the significance of MCs in the pathophysiology of CRS.

Methods:

Ethmoid sinonasal mucosa from patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery was harvested from 3 groups: healthy control (HC), CRS without NP (CRSsNP), and CRS with NP (CRSwNP) and analyzed by flow cytometry to quantify CD117+/CD203c+ MCs and CRTH2+ CD4+ T cells. Relative expression of prostaglandin D2 synthase in ethmoid mucosa was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:

MCs were significantly elevated in CRSwNP patients as compared to CRSsNP patients and HCs. This elevation was not solely dependent on the presence of IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity. Relative expression of prostaglandin D2 synthase was also increased in CRSwNP patients along with an associated presence of a CRTH2+ memory CD4+ T cell population.

Conclusion:

Elevated percentages of MCs are found in the sinonasal mucosa of CRSwNP patients, regardless of atopic status. Secreted by MCs, elevated prostaglandin D2 may play a role in the recruitment of CRTH2+ cells to the inflamed mucosa of CRSwNP patients © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Effect of lumbar drain placement on recurrence of cerebrospinal rhinorrhea after endoscopic repair
Authors: Caballero Nadieska , Bhalla Vidur , Stankiewicz James A. , Welch Kevin C.
Published: February 2012

Background:

Lumbar drain (LD) use in the management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea remains controversial. We analyzed the relationship between LD placement and CSF leak recurrence after endoscopic repair.

Methods:

A retrospective case series was conducted. Patients who underwent CSF leak repair from 1999 to 2010 were identified. Data collected included demographics, body mass index (BMI), history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), associated meningoencephalocele, etiology and site of leak, LD placement, fluorescein and antibiotic use, recurrence, and site of recurrence. Correlation between LD placement and leak recurrence was analyzed.

Results:

A total of 105 patients underwent CSF leak repair. A total of 68 patients had an LD. Of these 68 patients, 15 (22%) had a recurrent leak. Of the 105 patients, 37 did not have an LD, and 5 of the 37 (14%) recurred. Recurrence rates with and without LD were not significantly different (p = 0.15). Of the 105 patients, 40 (38%) had a spontaneous leak, 15 (14%) had a traumatic leak, and 50 (48%) had an iatrogenic leak. In the spontaneous group, 30 of 40 patients had an LD and 10 of 40 did not. Recurrence was not significant between these subgroups (p = 1.0). LD was used in 11 of 15 patients with traumatic leaks. Of these 15 patients, 4 did not have a drain. Recurrence was not significant between these subgroups (p = 1.0). In 27 of 50 patients with an iatrogenic leak, an LD was placed. Of 50 patients, 23 did not have an LD. There was no statistical significance when the recurrence rates for these subgroups were compared (p = 0.26).

Conclusion:

In our study, there was no association identified between LD placement and recurrence rates after endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea. © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
On using a quantum physics formalism for multidocument summarization
Authors: Piwowarski B. , Amini M.R. , Lalmas M.
Published: February 2012

Multidocument summarization (MDS) aims for each given query to extract compressed and relevant information with respect to the different query‐related themes present in a set of documents. Many approaches operate in two steps. Themes are first identified from the set, and then a summary is formed by extracting salient sentences within the different documents of each of the identified themes. Among these approaches, latent semantic analysis (LSA) based approaches rely on spectral decomposition techniques to identify the themes. In this article, we propose a major extension of these techniques that relies on the quantum information access (QIA) framework. The latter is a framework developed for modeling information access based on the probabilistic formalism of quantum physics. The QIA framework not only points out the limitations of the current LSA‐based approaches, but motivates a new principled criterium to tackle multidocument summarization that addresses these limitations. As a byproduct, it also provides a way to enhance the LSA‐based approaches. Extensive experiments on the DUC 2005, 2006 and 2007 datasets show that the proposed approach consistently improves over both the LSA‐based approaches and the systems that competed in the yearly DUC competitions. This demonstrates the potential impact of quantum‐inspired approaches to information access in general, and of the QIA framework in particular.
Robust Gyro‐free Attitude Estimation for a Small Fixed‐wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Kallapur Abhijit G. , Petersen Ian R. , Anavatti Sreenatha G.
Published: February 2012

This paper proposes a backup attitude estimation scheme for small fixed‐wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the event of gyroscopic failure. The attitude is propagated in terms of 3 degrees‐of‐freedom (DoF) aircraft dynamics. The errors in attitude propagation are updated using indirect attitude information obtained from accelerations as sensed by onboard accelerometers and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. In the event of gyroscopic failure, large uncertainties are introduced into the attitude propagation model. Such uncertainties in states and parameters are modeled as norm‐bound uncertainties and a discrete‐time robust extended Kalman filter (REKF) is implemented to estimate the attitude of the UAV.
Effect of temperature on the photoproperties of luminescent terbium sensors for homogeneous bioassays
Authors: Dong Zhi‐Ning , Wu Ying‐Song , Wang Zheng , He An , Li Ming , Chen Meijun , Du Hongyan , Ma Qiang , Liu Tiancai
Published: February 2012

We developed a luminescent terbium sensor (LTS) based on energy resonance transfer for homogeneous bioassays. The effect of temperature on photoluminescence and time‐resolved fluorescence of the LTS was investigated. When the temperature was increased from 277 K to 369 K, the photoluminescence quantum yield decreased by up to 25 %, time‐resolved fluorescence decreased by up to 54 %, and the lifetime shortened dramatically. Studies showed that both photoluminescence and time‐resolved fluorescence quantum yields were largely recovered after samples were heated from 298 to 310, 333 or 369 K and subsequently cooled to 298 K. These results indicate that the homogeneous bioassay with LTS is sensitive to temperature and should be conducted at a constant temperature to ensure the temperature effect does not influence data and to increase the accuracy of the results. The results of this study are important for LTS applications in homogeneous bioassays. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validated LC‐MS/MS assay for the quantitative determination of clematichinenoside AR in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Wang Dawei , Li Feng , Li Pei , Zhang Ji , Liu Li , Xu Ping , Zhou Lei , Liu Xiaodong
Published: February 2012

This study aimed to develop and validate a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for measuring clematichinenoside AR in rat plasma. Clematichinenoside AR was extracted by solid‐phase extraction and chromatographed on an XTerra MS C8 column. Pulchinenoside B4 was used as the internal standard. Elution was achieved using an isocratic mobile phase of acetonitrile with 0.1% acetic acid (21:79, v/v) at a flow‐rate of 0.2 mL/min. The detection was performed by multiple reaction monitoring mode via a negative electrospray ionization interface. Standard curves were linear, ranging from 2.5 to 500 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision values were <14.0% and the accuracy was within ±13%. Extraction recovery ranged from 93.2 to 93.9%. This proposed method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study on clematichinenoside AR in rats after oral administration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.