bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The “Double Panda” Sign in Leigh Disease
Authors: Sonam Kothari , Bindu P.S. , Gayathri Narayanappa , Khan Nahid Akhtar , Govindaraju C. , Arvinda Hanumanthapura R. , Nagappa Madhu , Sinha Sanjib , Thangaraj K. , Taly Arun B.
Published: April 2013

Although the “face of the giant panda” sign on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is traditionally considered to be characteristic of Wilson disease, it has also been reported in other metabolic disorders. This study describes the characteristic “giant panda” sign on MRI in a child with Leigh disease. The diagnosis was based on the history of neurological regression; examination findings of oculomotor abnormalities, hypotonia, and dystonia; raised serum lactate levels; and characteristic brain stem and basal ganglia signal changes on MRI. The midbrain and pontine tegmental signal changes were consistent with the “face of the giant panda and her cub” sign. In addition to Wilson disease, metabolic disorders such as Leigh disease should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of this rare imaging finding.
Badness, madness and the brain – the late 19th-century controversy on immoral persons and their malfunctioning brains
Authors: Schirmann Felix
Published: April 2013

In the second half of the 19th-century, a group of psychiatric experts discussed the relation between brain malfunction and moral misconduct. In the ensuing debates, scientific discourses on immorality merged with those on insanity and the brain. This yielded a specific definition of what it means to be immoral: immoral and insane due to a disordered brain. In this context, diverse neurobiological explanations for immoral mind and behavior existed at the time. This article elucidates these different brain-based explanations via five historical cases of immoral persons. In addition, the article analyses the associated controversies in the context of the period’s psychiatric thinking. The rendering of the immoral person as brain-disordered is scrutinized in terms of changes in moral agency. Furthermore, a present immoral person is discussed to highlight commonalities and differences in past and present reasoning.
Static load-carrying capacity and fatigue life of a double row pitch bearing with radial interference
Authors: Wang Yanshuang , Yuan Qianqian
Published: April 2013

A computational model taking into account the radial interference was first presented for determining the distribution of contact forces, static load-carrying capacity and fatigue life of a double row pitch bearing, which was subjected to the combined radial, axial and tilting moment loadings. The relation between the radial interference and the contact force distribution was analyzed. The static load-carrying capacity curves were established and the effect on the static load-carrying capacity by the change of the radial interference, coefficient of raceway groove curvature radius and initial contact angle was analyzed. The results show that with the increase in the radial interference, the maximum contact load decreases first then increases, and the basic rating fatigue life of the bearing increases first and then decreases. The radial interference value in the range of 0–0.05 mm has little effect on the static load-carrying capacity of the bearing. With the increase in the coefficient of raceway groove curvature radius and the decrease in the initial contact angle, the static load capacity of the bearing decreases.
Influence of chemical models on heat flux for EXPERT and Orion capsules
Authors: Morsa Luigi , Zuppardi Gennaro , Votta Raffaele , Schettino Antonio
Published: April 2013

The computation of heat flux on two current re-entry capsules, European eXPErimental Reentry Testbed (EXPERT) and Orion, has been carried out by a direct simulation Monte Carlo code (DS2V) and by a computational fluid dynamic code (H3NS) in transitional regime, considering both non-reactive and fully catalytic surface. These capsules have been chosen for this analysis because they have been characterized by completely different shapes and re-entry trajectories. DS2V and H3NS use the Gupta and the Park chemical models, respectively. The results showed that the heat flux predicted by DS2V is always higher than that predicted by H3NS. Therefore, a sensitivity analysis of the chemical models on the heat flux has been carried out for both capsules. More specifically, the Park model has been implemented in DS2V as well. The results showed that DS2V and H3NS compute a different chemical composition both in the flow field and on the surface, even when using the same chemical model (Park); therefore, the different results obtained from the two codes can be attributed mostly to the different methodology used in handling all chemical processes.
Back to the future: Temporality and gender security narratives in Serbia
Authors: McLeod Laura
Published: April 2013

Contemporary debates about security narratives highlight different forms of security: gender security, realist security or human security. The use of such terms often means that we do not recognize subtle variances within these narratives or the implications of these divergences. This article suggests and illustrates a way of achieving a deeper understanding of security narratives through investigating the temporal aspects of narrative content. A case study exploring three forms of gender security narratives among activists of feminist and women’s organizations in Serbia is used to demonstrate that similar perceptions of gender security exist. However, paying attention to the temporal discontinuities within the contents of these gender security narratives makes it possible to identify divergences connected to personal-political imaginations of conflict and post-conflict. These subtle variations in content are potentially product and productive of different policy prescriptions and outcomes. This article concludes by reflecting upon the presence of our past and future in the contents of our contemporary security narratives, suggesting that when we consider security, our analysis should aim to incorporate an understanding of the temporal nature of a security narrative.
Supervision in the helping professions: Making the case for support and supervision for career counsellors
Authors: Westergaard Jane
Published: April 2013

The case for supervision for career counsellors has been made strongly. However, there is still a distinct lack of formal support and supervision for career practitioners in the UK and elsewhere. This paper begins by defining support and supervision in the helping professions. It goes on to report the findings of a research project undertaken with a group of supervisors working in the context of ‘youth support’ and considers how the results might be applied to the career counselling profession. The hope is that the debate concerning the need for supervision for career practitioners is reignited.
A probabilistic approach for damage identification and crack mode classification in reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Farhidzadeh Alireza , Salamone Salvatore , Singla Puneet
Published: April 2013

Reinforced concrete is subjected to deterioration due to aging, increased load, and natural hazards. To minimize the maintenance costs and to increase the operation lifetime, researchers and practitioners are increasingly interested in improving current nondestructive evaluation technologies or building advanced structural health monitoring strategies. Acoustic emission methods offer an attractive solution for nondestructive evaluation/structural health monitoring of reinforced concrete structures. In particular, monitoring the development of cracks is of large interest because their properties reflect not only the condition of concrete as material but also the condition of the entire system at structural level. This article presents a new probabilistic approach based on Gaussian mixture modeling of acoustic emission to classify crack modes in reinforced concrete structures. Experimental results obtained in a full-scale reinforced concrete shear wall subjected to reversed cyclic loading are used to demonstrate and validate the proposed approach.
On the Trail of a White Whale
Authors: Shubik Martin
Published: April 2013

I offer a lengthy rationalization and an apologia pro vita sua for dreaming up, playing, experimenting with, and theorizing about games in various applications.
Identifying Mechanisms Through Which Preschool Problem Behavior Influences Academic Outcomes
Authors: Bulotsky-Shearer Rebecca J. , Bell Elizabeth R. , Romero Sandy L. , Carter Tracy M.
Published: April 2013

Given theoretical and empirical support for the importance of peer play within the preschool classroom to early learning, the present study tested the hypothesis that associations between teacher-reported problem behavior and academic skills were mediated by difficulties in peer play (disruptive and disconnected play), for a representative sample ( N = 507 children across 46 classrooms) enrolled in a large urban Head Start program. The study also tested whether mediation was moderated by child sex (e.g., whether the mechanism through which problem behavior was associated with learning differed for boys and girls) controlling for the multilevel nature of these data. Findings from structural equation models provided evidence for partial mediation, whereby associations between internalizing behavior and academic skills were partially explained through their effects on disconnected play; however, mediation was present for girls only. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed as they support low-income children’s social and academic development through the context of peer play.
Dissecting Visual Awareness with fMRI
Authors: Hesselmann Guido
Published: April 2013

In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the scientific study of perceptual awareness, or synonymously, the contents of consciousness. By many standards, the field of consciousness research is in a phase of unprecedented productivity and progress, with high-impact publications, popular science books, specialized journals, dedicated academic societies, scientific conferences, and, above all, competing cognitive and neurobiological theories of consciousness . In the present review, I highlight a selection of recent fMRI and related behavioral studies that examine the neuronal underpinnings of awareness in higher order and early visual cortex. After the introduction, I also provide a brief overview of the crucial problem of measurement, that is, the fact that any exploration of consciousness depends on some kind of report, which pertains to all studies summarized in this review.
Finite energy solutions in thermoelasticity of porous materials
Authors: Marin M , Stan G
Published: April 2013

Using the procedure suggested by Dafermos, we are expanding the classical and known Visik's result and prove the existence and uniqueness of a finite energy solution, in the context of the thermoelasticity of porous materials. Also, some additional smoothness assumptions required for the controllability of this solution are investigated.
Interaction due to a mechanical source in transversely isotropic micropolar media
Authors: Abbas Ibrahim A , Kumar Rajneesh
Published: April 2013

The present investigation is concerned with interaction due to a mechanical source in transversely isotropic micropolar elastic media, determined using the finite element method. A particular type of normal force has been taken to illustrate the utility of the approach. The components of displacement, stress and microrotation are obtained and depicted graphically for a specific model. A special case of interest is also deduced from the present investigation.
Injection Site-Associated Sarcoma in the Cat
Authors: Ladlow Jane
Published: April 2013

Practical relevance:

Feline injection site-associated sarcomas (FISSs) have been the cause of much controversy and concern since they were first reported in the early 1990s. While not solely associated with vaccination, there are implications for vaccination sites and schedules and, while guidance has been published, this appears to be permeating only slowly through to general practice.

Clinical challenges:

Up to one-quarter of cats with this difficult condition have metastatic lung involvement. The mainstay of treatment is aggressive surgery, but even in cases where full excision with clean margins is achieved, tumour recurrence is anticipated in about one-third of cases. The role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as adjuvant treatments has yet to be clearly defined.

Patient group:

FISSs are often seen in younger cats, with a peak presentation at 6–7 years and a second peak at 10–11 years.

Evidence base:

This review summarises the diagnosis and management of FISS with reference to the latest published treatment results. It focuses on surgical excision but also covers adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and gives median survival times for the different treatment approaches.
Cats and Chemotherapy
Authors: Kent Michael Sean
Published: April 2013

Practical relevance:

To safely and effectively treat cats with cancer it is important to understand the drugs being used and some species-specific concerns in relation to chemotherapy.

Clinical challenges:

While many of the same principles in treating cats with chemotherapy and targeted agents hold true as for other species, including dogs, cats display altered metabolism of drugs and species-specific toxicities that can present particular challenges for veterinarians.

Audience:

This article is aimed at practitioners who treat feline cancer or who help manage cats undergoing cancer therapy.

Evidence base:

The article reviews the known literature regarding species differences between dogs and cats relating to the use of chemotherapy and targeted therapies. For many of the drugs mentioned there are limited studies and caution must be exercised when using drugs that have a low therapeutic index.
DIY John Curtin: Uncertain futures for heritage and citizenship in the era of digital friends and foes
Authors: Hartley John , Lucy Niall , Briggs Robert
Published: April 2013

This article introduces some of the problems confronting the popularization of national, civic and cultural heritage in the era of complex digital systems and social networks. Taking contemporary knowledge of John Curtin (Australia’s wartime PM) as its point of departure, the discussion explores some of the broader transformations of the conditions of citizenship, communication, heritage and knowledge production, and considers their implications for civic education and the uses of archives. In a novel thought experiment, the article explores some ways in which the figure of ‘John Curtin’ may be repurposed and reinvented for a new kind of DIY civic education based on user-led innovation.
Urban civility or urban community? A false opposition in Richard Sennett’s conception of public ethos
Authors: van Leeuwen Bart
Published: April 2013

Richard Sennett can be interpreted as one of the more robust representatives of a current critique with regard to ethnic communities in urban areas, namely, that such ethnic enclaves are a proof of urban disintegration and failing citizenship. Firstly, I take issue with Sennett’s assumption that there is an inherent tension between in-group solidarity and the ability to deal with members of perceived out-groups. Secondly, instead of simply cutting citizens off from the wider public sphere and leaving them politically ineffective, as Sennett argues, urban communities can be instrumental in a struggle for emancipation and equal rights. Thirdly, a sense of belonging is a basic aspect of human well-being. Urban villages or ethnic clusters are able to provide this. Therefore, as long as a local identity is not exclusive or the effect of involuntary segregation, ethno-cultural concentrations in the city are acceptable from the moral-political point of view.
A review of anterior cruciate ligament injuries and reconstructive techniques. Part 1: Basic science
Authors: Nandra R , Najran P , Matharu GS , Porter K , Ashraf T , Greaves I
Published: April 2013

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is a common soft tissue knee injury, often affecting young athletic individuals keen to return to pre-injury levels of function. Increasing sporting activity is reflected by an increasing incidence of anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Although treatment has advanced considerably over the years, there are still a number of contentious issues that are considered in this review. The anterior cruciate ligament is a dense band of connective tissue, comprising an anteromedial and posterolateral bundle based on tibial insertion sites. It is important to appreciate the position and orientation of these bundles at the time of reconstructive surgery. The bundles, with their load sharing behaviour through knee flexion, affect antero-posterior and rotational stability of the knee. In the first part of this review, we consider the clinical presentation of anterior cruciate ligament injury and relevant anatomy, knee kinematics, mechanism of injury and incidence of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.
Authoritarianism and citizen attitudes towards European integration
Authors: Tillman Erik R
Published: April 2013

Recent scholarship has emphasized the importance of concepts rooted in social identity for understanding citizen attitudes towards the European Union (EU). This article builds upon prior research by developing an argument that authoritarians are more likely to oppose the EU and to hold exclusionary social identity attitudes. Authoritarians, who have a predisposition towards order and conformity, are likely to oppose the EU as it threatens the established social and political order of the sovereign state and the dominant national culture. In addition, authoritarians are more likely to express exclusionary social identities. Analysis of survey data finds support for these claims and demonstrates that authoritarianism decreases support for the EU directly and indirectly through various indicators of social identity attitudes.
The burgers’ paradox: Migration and the transnationalization of social inequality in southern Ghana
Authors: Nieswand Boris
Published: April 2013

Based on an ethnographic case study conducted in the Dormaa District, this article describes a group which has emerged in southern Ghana in the last decades and is called Burgers. Burgers are transnational migrants who have materially achieved a middle-class status in their country of origin by doing blue-collar jobs in Western Europe or North America. Their emergence as a class highlights the links between transnational migration, global inequalities and national imaginaries of social status. Since their relative wealth lacks conventional legitimations, these migrants are a cause of irritation to existing imaginaries of social status in Ghana. In this context, redistribution of resources and collaborative silences are central to understanding how Burgers negotiate their status and convert money into symbolic capital.
Caregiving stress and coping: A thematic analysis of Chinese family caregivers of persons with dementia
Authors: Sun Fei
Published: April 2013

Purpose:

This study aims to identify caregiving stressors and coping strategies in a sample of family caregivers of persons with dementia living in Shanghai, China.

Methods:

A sample of 18 family caregivers participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Information regarding caregiver appraisal of caregiving situations, difficulties with care provision, and ways of dealing with stressors were obtained. Thematic analysis was used to assess the interview data.

Results:

In addition to stressors directly related to caregiving demands (i.e., burden due to care recipient limitations in physical, cognitive, or behavioral functions), other salient stressors that emerged were role strains, family conflicts, and pressure from the social environment. Yet, caregivers demonstrated resilience by drawing on their coping resources from a variety of sources, including personal experience, family, technology and information, religion, and governmental support.

Implications:

Specific attention needs to be given to help family caregivers alleviate stress due to family conflicts and pressure from the social environment. Policy formulation and program design needs to build on caregiver strengths to support and empower Chinese families caring for relatives with dementia patients.
Signature pedagogy/powerful pedagogy: The Oxford tutorial system in the humanities
Authors: Horn Julia
Published: April 2013

Lee Shulman’s concept of signature pedagogies in the professions has captured the imagination of many researchers and educators. In higher education, the concept has been extended to teaching in particular disciplines, and it is here argued that the concept of signature pedagogy can be usefully extended to an influential teaching system in the humanities: the Oxford tutorial. Some of the specific aspects of the tutorial system, and the habits of teaching and learning that tutors and students develop are described; and some of the limitations of the term ‘signature pedagogy’ for this case are also identified. The term ‘powerful pedagogy’ is proposed as a useful extension of ‘signature pedagogy’, to identify ambivalent features of influential teaching systems.
What is the optimal neo-adjuvant treatment for liver metastasis?
Authors: Haraldsdottir Sigurdis , Wu Christina , Bloomston Mark , Goldberg Richard M.
Published: April 2013

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the Western population and has a 5-year overall survival of 5–10% when metastatic. Approximately 30% of the patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have limited disease apparently isolated to the liver and, if this can be resected, the 5-year overall survival is improved to 30–60%. Therefore, it is important to identify patients who have both resectable disease and those with initially unresectable tumors who can potentially be downsized with chemotherapy to allow resection. First-line doublet chemotherapy regimens lead to response rates of 50–60%, triplet chemotherapy regimens may result in a response rate of up to 70%, and biological agents may add to responses or induce morphologic changes that facilitate disease resection. Surgical advances in recent years have also increased resectability rates and have challenged prior rules of resectability. Local therapies including ablation and radiation, often performed in conjunction with resection, may further aid in control of disease. The aim of this article is to focus on the role of neoadjuvant therapy in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases.
Formation of nitrided layers on duplex steel – influence of multiphase substrate
Authors: Bielawski J. , Baranowska J.
Published: April 2013

The present paper reports the results of gas nitriding of duplex stainless steel and study of the effect of substrate structure on the nitrided layers. The differences in the growth of the layers on austenitic and ferritic substrate were studied. The microstructure and phase composition of the layers were investigated using light microscopy analysis), X-ray diffraction (XRD and grazing angle XRD – GXRD) and electron microprobe spectrometry. Moreover, the microhardness of the layers was studied. A particular role of steel substrate in layer formation was observed at a low temperature (below 500°C) nitriding. The layers were mostly composed of the S phase and expanded martensite formed on austenite and ferrite grains respectively. The substrate influence was of minor importance at treatment temperature higher than 500°C.
Tribological behaviour of plasma based low energy nitrogen ion implanted AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel against same stainless steel counterface
Authors: Lei M. K. , Zhou Q. , Ou Y. X. , Song T. K. , Guo Y.
Published: April 2013

Tribological properties of a single high nitrogen face centred cubic phase γN layer formed on the plasma based low energy nitrogen ion implanted AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel were investigated on a ball on disc tribometer against the same stainless steel counterface under a normal load of 2 N with a sliding speed from 0·16 to 0·39 m s−1. The microhardness of the γN phase layer with a thickness of ∼13 μm and a nitrogen peak concentration of ∼35 at-% was measured to be ∼22 GPa. During the sliding for 1 h, the faint wear tracks of the γN phase layer against the same stainless steel ball were observed with all the sliding speeds. The friction coefficient of the γN phase layer changed in the range from 0·85 to 0·70 with increasing sliding speed. Formation of the γN phase layer on the stainless steel significantly improved the wear resistance of the stainless steel against the same stainless steel. An oxidative wear mechanism of the γN phase was found instead of an adhesive wear mechanism of the original stainless steel because the γN phase was prone to tribochemical oxidation on the worn surface due to the nitrogen supersaturation in austenite matrix.
Creep damage modelling of P92 pipe weld at 675°C
Authors: Tanner D. W. J. , Puliyaneth M. , Sun W. , Hyde T. H.
Published: April 2013

Creep data from ferritic steel P92 parent material, weld metal, cross-weld and heat affected zone specimens tested at 675°C are used to establish material behaviour models necessary for describing the creep behaviour of a P92 pipe with a circumferential weld. The method for determining the material properties for the heat affected zone of a P92 weld, in a single state variable creep damage constitutive model, using the data from cross-weld and impression creep tests, is described. The material properties for the parent material and weld metal regions have been already been published.

Creep continuum damage finite element analyses are subsequently performed for a P92 pipe containing a circumferential weld, subjected to internal pressure and end loading, in order to assess the high temperature integrity and failure behaviour of a typical power plant component, from which the lifetime and potential failure modes can be predicted.
Spirometer-controlled cine magnetic resonance imaging used to diagnose tracheobronchomalacia in paediatric patients
Authors: Ciet Pierluigi , Wielopolski Piotr , Manniesing Rashindra , Lever Sandra , de Bruijne Marleen , Morana Giovanni , Muzzio Pier Carlo , Lequin Maarten H. , Tiddens Harm A.W.M.
Published: April 2013

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is defined as an excessive collapse of the intrathoracic trachea. Bronchoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing TBM; however it has major disadvantages, such as general anaesthesia. Cine computed tomography (CT) is a noninvasive alternative used to diagnose TBM, but its use in children is restricted by ionising radiation. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of spirometer-controlled cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an alternative to cine-CT in a retrospective study.

12 children with a mean age (range) of 12 years (7–17 years), suspected of having TBM, underwent cine-MRI. Static scans were acquired at end-inspiration and expiration covering the thorax using a three-dimensional spoiled gradient echo sequence. Three-dimensional dynamic scans were performed covering only the central airways. TBM was defined as a decrease of the trachea or bronchi diameter >50% at end-expiration in the static and dynamic scans.

The success rate of the cine-MRI protocol was 92%. Cine-MRI was compared with bronchoscopy or chest CT in seven subjects. TBM was diagnosed by cine-MRI in seven (58%) out of 12 children and was confirmed by bronchoscopy or CT. In four patients, cine-MRI demonstrated tracheal narrowing that was not present in the static scans.

Spirometer controlled cine-MRI is a promising technique to assess TBM in children and has the potential to replace bronchoscopy.
Prior cardiovascular disease increases long-term mortality in COPD patients with pneumonia
Authors: Sibila Oriol , Mortensen Eric M. , Anzueto Antonio , Laserna Elena , Restrepo Marcos I.
Published: April 2013

There is controversy regarding the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in clinical outcomes in elderly patients with pneumonia. Comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease have been reported to play an important role in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD. However, limited data are available regarding the impact of cardiovascular disease in elderly COPD patients who require hospitalisation for pneumonia.

We examined a cohort of subjects with pneumonia and pre-existing COPD. Prior cardiovascular disease was defined as history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, unstable angina or stroke. Outcomes examined included 30-day, 90-day, 6-month and 1-year mortality.

We included 17 140 elderly COPD patients who were hospitalised for pneumonia. Prior cardiovascular disease was present in 10 240 (59.7%) patients. Prior cardiovascular disease was independently associated with 90-day mortality (21.3%versus19.4%; hazard ratio (HR) 1.29, 95% CI 1.02–1.17), 6-month mortality (29.0%versus26.1%; HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.50) and 12-month mortality (39.2%versus34.5%; HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15–1.54) when compared to no prior cardiovascular disease. The temporal differential effect between groups increases from 1.0% at 30 days to 4.7% at 1 year.

Prior cardiovascular disease is associated with increased long-term mortality in elderly COPD patients with pneumonia. Differences in mortality rates increased over time.
Sleep apnoea, sleepiness, inflammation and insulin resistance in middle-aged males and females
Authors: Kritikou Ilia , Basta Maria , Vgontzas Alexandros N. , Pejovic Slobodanka , Liao Duanping , Tsaoussoglou Marina , Bixler Edward O. , Stefanakis Zacharias , Chrousos George P.
Published: April 2013

In obese males obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with inflammation and insulin resistance; however, findings are confounded by adipose tissue, a hormone- and cytokine-secreting organ. Our goal was to examine whether in a relatively nonobese population, OSA is associated with sleepiness and inflammation/insulin resistance, and to assess the effects of a 2-month placebo-controlled continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use.

77 subjects, 38 middle-aged males and post-menopausal females with OSA and 39 male and female controls, were studied in the sleep laboratory for 4 nights. Measures of sleepiness (objective and subjective), performance, serial 24-h blood samples for interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-1, leptin and adiponectin, and single samples for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fasting glucose and insulin levels were obtained.

Apnoeic males were significantly sleepier and had significantly higher hsCRP, IL-6, leptin and insulin resistance than controls. Apnoeic females had significantly higher hsCRP; however, objective sleepiness, IL-6, TNFR-1, insulin resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment index), leptin and adiponectin were similar to controls. CPAP improved subjective sleepiness, but no changes were observed in any of the biomarkers.

In conclusion, OSA is associated with sleepiness, inflammation and insulin resistance, even in nonobese males, and this association is stronger in males than in females. Short-term CPAP does not improve the inflammatory/metabolic aberrations in OSA.
Factors associated with FEV1decline in cystic fibrosis: analysis of the ECFS Patient Registry
Authors: Kerem Eitan , Viviani Laura , Zolin Anna , MacNeill Stephanie , Hatziagorou Elpis , Ellemunter Helmut , Drevinek Pavel , Gulmans Vincent , Krivec Uros , Olesen Hanne
Published: April 2013

Pulmonary insufficiency is the main cause of death in cystic fibrosis (CF). We analysed forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) data of 14 732 patients registered in the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Patient Registry (ECFSPR) database in 2007. We used linear and logistic regressions to investigate associations between FEV1% predicted and clinical outcomes.

Body mass index (BMI), chronic infection byPseudomonas aeruginosa, pancreatic status and CF-related diabetes (CFRD) showed a statistically significant (all p<0.0001) and clinically relevant effect on FEV1% pred after adjusting for age. Patients with a lower BMI experience a six-fold increased odds ratio (95% CI 5.0–7.3) of having severe lung disease (FEV1<40% pred) compared to patients with normal BMI. Being chronically infected withP. aeruginosaincreases the odds ratio of severe lung disease by 2.4 (95% CI 2.0–2.7), and patients with pancreatic insufficiency experience a 2.0-fold increased odds ratio (95% CI 1.6–2.5) of severe lung disease compared to pancreatic sufficient patients. Patients with CFRD have a 1.8-fold increased odds ratio (95% CI 1.6–2.2) compared to patients not affected.

These potential risk factors for pulmonary disease in patients with CF are to some degree preventable or treatable. We emphasise the importance of their early identification through frequent routine tests, the implementation of infection control measures, and a timely initiation of relevant therapies.
Effectiveness of an intensive E-mail based intervention in smoking cessation (TABATIC study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Díaz-Gete Laura , Puigdomènech Elisa , Briones Elena Mercedes , Fàbregas-Escurriola Mireia , Fernandez Soraya , del Val Jose Luis , Ballvé Jose Luis , Casajuana Marc , Sánchez-Fondevila Jessica , Clemente Lourdes , Castaño Carmen , Martín-Cantera Carlos ,   Grupo estudio TABATIC
Published: April 2013

Background

Intensive interventions on smoking cessation increase abstinence rates. However, few electronic mail (E-mail) based intensive interventions have been tested in smokers and none in primary care (PC) setting. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive E-mail based intervention in smokers attending PC services.

Methods/design

Randomized Controlled Multicentric Trial.Study population: 1060 smokers aged between 18–70 years from Catalonia, Salamanca and Aragón (Spain) who have and check regularly an E-mail account. Patients will be randomly assigned to control or intervention group.Intervention: Six phase intensive intervention with two face to face interviews and four automatically created and personal E-mail patients tracking, if needed other E-mail contacts will be made. Control group will receive a brief advice on smoking cessation.Outcome measures: Will be measured at 6 and 12 months after intervention: self reported continuous abstinence (confirmed by cooximetry), point prevalence abstinence, tobacco consumption, evolution of stage according to Prochaska and DiClemente's Stages of Change Model, length of visit, costs for the patient to access Primary Care Center.Statistical analysis: Descriptive and logistic and Poisson regression analysis under the intention to treat basis using SPSS v.17.

Discussion

The proposed intervention is an E-mail based intensive intervention in smokers attending primary care. Positive results could be useful to demonstrate a higher percentage of short and long-term abstinence among smokers attended in PC in Spain who regularly use E-mail. Furthermore, this intervention could be helpful in all health services to help smokers to quit.

Trial Registration

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier:NCT01494246.
Early parasitological response following artemisinin-containing regimens: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Das Debashish , Price Ric N , Bethell Delia , Guerin Philippe J , Stepniewska Kasia
Published: April 2013

Background

Parasitaemia on Day 3 has been proposed as a useful alert of potential artemisinin resistance, however, the normal variation of parasite clearance observed in artemisinin-based combination therapy clinical trials is poorly documented.

Methods

The trends in early parasitological response following treatment with an artemisinin anti-malarial regimen were reviewed. A PubMed literature search identified all studies using an artemisinin regimen for uncomplicated falciparum malaria published between January 2000 and December 2011. Data from clinical studies were extracted for analysis using a standardized questionnaire.

Results

In total 65,078 patients were enrolled into 213 clinical trials with 413 treatment arms containing either an artemisinin derivative alone (n=26) or in combination with a partner drug (n=387). The proportion of patients remaining parasitaemic at 24, 48 and 72 hours was documented in 115 (28%), 167 (40%) and 153 (37%) treatment arms, respectively. Excluding resistance studies in Cambodia, the median proportion of patients still parasitaemic was 53.8% [range 3–95, IQR=30.5-69.2] on Day 1, 6% [range 0–65.9, IQR=2-11.5] on Day 2 and 0 [range 0–12.6, IQR=0-2] on Day 3. Comparing studies from 2000 to 2005 and 2006 to 2011, the median proportion of patients reported to remain parasitaemic at 72 hours decreased in Africa (1.2% vs 0%, p=0.007), but increased in Asia (0.4% vs 3.9%, p=0.076). In 95% of studies the proportion of patients with peripheral parasitaemia was less than 6% at 72 hours.

Conclusions

These results highlight the normal distribution of early parasitological responses following ACT, and the influence that heterogeneity in study design, host and parasite factors have in confounding a surveillance system based on Day 3 parasite positivity. Greater understanding of factors influencing parasite clearance is crucial, but will require analysis of pooled data from individual patient records.
Osteosarcoma of the spine: surgical treatment and outcomes
Authors: Feng Dapeng , Yang Xinghai , Liu Tielong , Xiao Jianru , Wu Zhipeng , Huang Quan , Ma Junming , Huang Wending , Zheng Wei , Cui Zhiming , Xu Huazi , Teng Yong
Published: April 2013

Background

The goal of this study was to determine whether there are correlations between various options of surgical treatment and long-term outcome for spinal osteosarcoma.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 16 patients with spinal osteosarcoma, who underwent surgical treatment from 1999 to 2010. Seven patients were given totalen blocspondylectomy (TES), while nine received piecemeal resection (there were seven cases of total piecemeal spondylectomy, one of sagittal resection, and one of vertebrectomy). The outcome and prognosis of the patients were evaluated, grouped by surgical treatment.

Results

All 16 cases were followed for an average of 42.4 months. At follow-up, all patients noted that pain had eased or had gradually disappeared. Three months after surgery, eight patients (50.0%) had improved 1 to 2 grades in their neurological status, based on Frankel scoring. Six (37.5%) patients experienced local recurrence of the tumor, nine (56.3%) had metastases, and five (31.3%) died of the disease. Of the six patients who received a wide or marginalen blocresection, none developed local recurrence or died from the disease. Conversely, of the ten patients who received intralesional or contaminated resections, six (60%) relapsed and five (50%) died from the disease.

Conclusions

TES, with a wide margin, should be planned for patients with osteosarcoma of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine, whenever possible. When the patients are not candidates foren blocresection, total piecemeal spondylectomy is an appropriate choice for osteosarcoma in the mobile spine.
Surgical decompression improves recovery from neurological deficit and may provide a survival benefit in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma-associated spinal cord compression: a case-series study
Authors: Chang Ching-Ming , Chen Hung-Chieh , Yang Youngsen , Wang Ren-Ching , Hwang Wen-Li , Teng Chieh-Lin Jerry
Published: April 2013

Background

Malignancy-associated spinal cord compression is generally treated by surgical decompression, radiotherapy or a combination of both. Since diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is highly sensitive to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the role of surgical decompression in the treatment of DLBCL-associated spinal cord compression remains unclear. We therefore conducted a retrospective review to investigate the impact of surgical decompression on recovery from neurological deficit caused by DLBCL-associated spinal cord compression and patients’ overall survival.

Methods

Between March 2001 and September 2011, 497 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients were reviewed, and 11 cases had DLBCL-associated spinal cord compression. Six cases were treated surgically and five cases nonsurgically.

Results

The rates of complete recovery from neurological deficit were 100% (6/6) and 20% (1/5) for patients in the surgical and nonsurgical groups, respectively (P = 0.015), while the median survival for patients in the surgical and nonsurgical groups was 48.6 months and 17.8 months, respectively (P = 0.177).

Conclusions

We conclude that surgical decompression can improve recovery from neurological deficit in patients with DLBCL-associated spinal cord compression, possibly providing these patients a survival benefit.
Efficient biocatalyst by encapsulating lipase into nanoporous gold
Authors: Du Xiaoyu , Liu Xueying , Li Yufei , Wu Chao , Wang Xia , Xu Ping
Published: April 2013

Lipases are one of the most important biocatalysts for biotechnological applications. Immobilization is an efficient method to increase the stability and reusability of lipases. In this study, nanoporous gold (NPG), a new kind of nanoporous material with tunable porosity and excellent biocompatibility, was employed as an effective support for lipase immobilization. The pore size of NPG and adsorption time played key roles in the construction of lipase-NPG biocomposites. The morphology and composition of NPG before and after lipase loading are verified using a scanning electron microscope, equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The resulting lipase-NPG biocomposites exhibited excellent catalytic activity and remarkable reusability. The catalytic activity of the lipase-NPG biocomposite with a pore size of 35 nm had no decrease after ten recycles. Besides, the lipase-NPG biocomposite exhibited high catalytic activity in a broader pH range and higher temperature than that of free lipase. In addition, the leaching of lipase from NPG could be prevented by matching the protein’s diameter and pore size. Thus, the encapsulation of enzymes within NPG is quite useful for establishing new functions and will have wide applications for different chemical processes.
Routing strategy in disconnected mobile ad hoc networks with group mobility
Authors: Xie Ling Fu , Chong Peter Han Joo , Guan Yong Liang
Published: April 2013

Most of the current proposed routing protocols in delay-tolerant network (DTN) are designed based on the entity mobility. In this article, we consider the routing in DTN with group mobility, which is useful in modeling those cooperative activities. The new proposed routing scheme is called group-epidemic routing (G-ER). G-ER is designed on the basis of one DTN protocol called epidemic routing (ER). In G-ER, two strategies related to the unique characteristics of the group mobility have been proposed to greatly improve ER. The first is to treat each group as a single node and exchange packets between groups instead of individual nodes. Thus, the resource-consuming problem of ER could be much alleviated. In the meantime, exchanging packets between two groups could speed up the packet delivery. The second is the buffer sharing inside a group, which is supported by the cooperative nature in group mobility. Moreover, we specifically propose a group dynamic model for group mobility to realize group splitting and merging. The performance of G-ER is studied by extensive simulations and compared with ER and dynamic source routing (DSR). Results show that G-ER outperforms ER and DSR in different network scenarios even with group dynamics.
New identities involving Bernoulli, Euler and Genocchi numbers
Authors: Hu Su , Kim Daeyeoul , Kim Min-Soo
Published: April 2013

Using p-adic integral, many new convolution identities involving Bernoulli, Euler and Genocchi numbers are given.

MSC:11B68, 11S80.
On the Volterra property of a boundary problem with integral gluing condition for a mixed parabolic-hyperbolic equation
Authors: Berdyshev Abdumauvlen S , Cabada Alberto , Karimov Erkinjon T , Akhtaeva Nazgul S
Published: April 2013

In the present work, we consider a boundary value problem with gluing conditions of an integral form for the parabolic-hyperbolic type equation. We prove that the considered problem has the Volterra property. The main tools used in the work are related to the method of the integral equations and functional analysis.
High-density linkage mapping in a pine tree reveals a genomic region associated with inbreeding depression and provides clues to the extent and distribution of meiotic recombination
Authors: Chancerel Emilie , Lamy Jean-Baptiste , Lesur Isabelle , Noirot Céline , Klopp Christophe , Ehrenmann François , Boury Christophe , Provost Grégoire Le , Label Philippe , Lalanne Céline , Léger Valérie , Salin Franck , Gion Jean-Marc , Plomion Christophe
Published: April 2013

Background

The availability of a large expressed sequence tags (EST) resource and recent advances in high-throughput genotyping technology have made it possible to develop highly multiplexed SNP arrays for multi-objective genetic applications, including the construction of meiotic maps. Such approaches are particularly useful in species with a large genome size, precluding the use of whole-genome shotgun assembly with current technologies.

Results

In this study, a 12 k-SNP genotyping array was developed for maritime pine from an extensive EST resource assembled into a unigene set. The offspring of three-generation outbred and inbred mapping pedigrees were then genotyped. The inbred pedigree consisted of a classical F2 population resulting from the selfing of a single inter-provenance (Landes x Corsica) hybrid tree, whereas the outbred pedigree (G2) resulted from a controlled cross of two intra-provenance (Landes x Landes) hybrid trees. This resulted in the generation of three linkage maps based on SNP markers: one from the parental genotype of the F2 population (1,131 markers in 1,708 centimorgan (cM)), and one for each parent of the G2 population (1,015 and 1,110 markers in 1,447 and 1,425 cM for the female and male parents, respectively). A comparison of segregation patterns in the progeny obtained from the two types of mating (inbreeding and outbreeding) led to the identification of a chromosomal region carrying an embryo viability locus with a semi-lethal allele. Following selfing and segregation, zygote mortality resulted in a deficit of Corsican homozygous genotypes in the F2 population. This dataset was also used to study the extent and distribution of meiotic recombination along the length of the chromosomes and the effect of sex and/or genetic background on recombination. The genetic background of trees in which meiotic recombination occurred was found to have a significant effect on the frequency of recombination. Furthermore, only a small proportion of the recombination hot- and cold-spots were common to all three genotypes, suggesting that the spatial pattern of recombination was genetically variable.

Conclusion

This study led to the development of classical genomic tools for this ecologically and economically important species. It also identified a chromosomal region bearing a semi-lethal recessive allele and demonstrated the genetic variability of recombination rate over the genome.