bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poetry Recitation for Business Students
Authors: Hoger Beth
Published: July 2012

Poetry recitation removes the distractions of creating and organizing original material so that business students can focus on presentation skills of delivery, confidence, and memory. Delivery includes articulation, emphasis, nonverbals, and presence. Confidence and memory development are complementary. Confidence comes from trusting the memory and memory adds confidence. Memory is treated as a larger skill for business, not as a crutch for presenting. Rationale, resources, implementation and evaluation for this assignment are all detailed.
Methodology for exciting dynamic shear and moment failure in composite sandwich beams
Authors: Whisler Daniel , Chen Antony , Kim Hyonny , Huson Peter , Asaro Robert
Published: July 2012

The increasing use of composites in high performance structural applications subjected to dynamic loading drives the need for understanding basic material failure properties and structural response as a function of loading rate. Balsa core sandwich beams having woven carbon/vinylester composite facesheets were investigated in both shear and bending failure at quasi-static and dynamic loading speeds producing strain rates ranging from 10−5 to 100 s−1. Short sandwich beam tests show weak rate dependency, with a slight decreasing trend in the balsa core shear failure strain for increased strain rate. Wide scatter in core shear failure strain was observed due to the highly variable nature of the balsa material, as well as its heterogeneous tiled construction within the sandwich panel. Excitation of facesheet compressive failure in sandwich beams with weak core of 50.8 mm thickness required the use of 2.43 m long sandwich beams subject to high speed loading (10 m/s) in order to achieve 100 s−1 strain rate. Facesheet compressive failure strain in the long beam specimens under dynamic loading was measured to be 10% higher than for quasi-static loading. Comparison of long sandwich beam bending results to shorter solid laminate bending strength measurements show a different trend in rate dependency, and thus it is recommended that full-depth sandwich beams (and panels) be used to characterize the failure of these types of sandwich structures.
The task is not enough: Processing approaches to task-based performance
Authors: Skehan Peter , Xiaoyue Bei , Qian Li , Wang Zhan
Published: July 2012

This article reports on three research studies, all of which concern second language task performance. The first focuses on planning, and compares on-line and strategic planning as well as task repetition. The second study examines the role of familiarity on task performance, and compares this with conventional strategic planning. The third study examines the effect on task performance of different types of post-task transcription. The three studies are also examined in relation to one another for the broader generalizations that they permit. These suggest that repetition can be stronger in its effects than on-line or strategic planning, but that planning is more potent in its effects than simply familiarity with the material being spoken about. In addition, what is termed supported on-line planning and post-task transcription are associated with less error in performance. The three studies are discussed in terms of the wider second language performance processes of complexifying, rehearsing and monitoring. These processes are linked to the Levelt model of speaking, and applied to the need to analyse tasks in a manner consistent with pedagogic goals.
Class and SLA: Making connections
Authors: Block David
Published: July 2012

This article explores how class might be brought to the fore as an identity inscription in studies of second language learning, alongside other identity inscriptions such as gender, ethnicity and national identity, which have been the focus of rather more research. It begins by clarifying what is meant by class through a brief discussion of the work of Karl Marx, Max Weber and Pierre Bourdieu as contributors to thinking about class among social scientists. It then examines how the construct of class has been neglected in research on second language learning as well as in the related area of research on bilingualism. The article goes on to suggest how class might be central to understandings of second language identities in migrant contexts. The starting point is a conversation involving an adult migrant in London, which is then linked with the individual’s life trajectory and the micro-level intricacies of accent and discourse patterns. These and other factors contribute to an analysis of the individual’s lack of development in English in terms of his and others’ class positioning.
Quasi-linear sensitivity-based structural model updating using experimental transfer functions
Authors: Sanayei Masoud , Esfandiari Akbar , Rahai Alireza , Bakhtiari-Nejad Firooz
Published: July 2012

Experimental validation of a new model updating method is presented for structural mass and stiffness estimation using vibration data. The method uses transfer functions for finite element model updating via a quasi-linear sensitivity equation of the structural response. Excitation frequencies are selected in the most sensitive ranges of transfer functions for robust updating of the structural parameters. In addition, noisy regions are omitted from measured transfer functions. A least squares algorithm with appropriate normalization is used for solving the overdetermined system of equations. The method is verified using experimental data from a one-bay, one-story aluminum frame. Fast and accurate prediction of stiffness and mass parameters using a subset of measured transfer functions in selected frequency ranges illustrated the success and robustness of the method in the presence of measurement and modeling errors.
Effectiveness of 3-Week Intervention of Shi Quan Da Bu Tang for Alleviating Hematotoxicity Among Patients With Breast Carcinoma Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Huang Sheng-Miauh , Chien Li-Yin , Tai Cheng-Jeng , Chiou Jeng-Fong , Chen Ching-Shyang , Tai Chen-Jei
Published: July 2012

Purpose. Although Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (SQDBT) has been used to treat cancer patients clinically, very few studies evaluating the effectiveness of SQDBT using objective indicators have been published. The study objectives were to examine the effectiveness of SQDBT for alleviating hematotoxicity, as indicated by white blood cell (WBC) counts and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, among patients with breast carcinoma receiving chemotherapy. Methods. The authors identified patients with breast carcinoma who received chemotherapy in a teaching hospital in Taipei in 2008 through a chart review process. Only patients with initial WBC counts of <4000/µL were included. The case group was composed of 47 chemotherapy courses treated with SQDBT, whereas the comparison group included 257 courses without SQDBT. The complete blood count test was done before start of a chemotherapy course and 1 week after chemotherapeutic drugs were given. Results. Age, cancer stage, cancer status, use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and chemotherapy drugs were controlled in the model. Patients who took SQDBT had significantly increased WBC counts, especially neutrophils, and Hb after chemotherapy (adjusted β = 1202.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 440.45-1964.57 for WBC; β = 834.83, 95% CI = 197.35-1472.31 for neutrophils; β = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.05-0.63 for Hb). There were no significant differences in tumor markers CEA and CA153 between patients given SQDBT or not after chemotherapy. Conclusion. SQDBT is effective in alleviating hematotoxicity among patients with breast carcinoma receiving chemotherapy, without affecting the presentation of tumor markers in the short term. More study is needed to determine long-term outcomes such as recurrence and survival.
The Illness Density Index (IDI): A longitudinal measure of treatment efficacy
Authors: Kelley Mary E , Franco Alexandre R , Mayberg Helen S , Holtzheimer Paul E
Published: July 2012

Background

A reliable and meaningful quantitative index of success is paramount in the trial of any new treatment. However, existing methods for defining response and remission for treatments tested for psychiatric disorders are limited in that they often minimize the variance in change over time among individual patients and generally use arbitrarily chosen levels of functioning at specified times during treatment.

Purpose

To suggest and determine the properties of an alternative measure of treatment success, the Illness Density Index (IDI), that may be more sensitive to fluctuations in symptoms over the course of treatment compared to existing measures.

Methods

We examined data from 64 depressed patients with multiple assessments of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) over 12 weeks of randomized treatment in order to compare and contrast varying numerical definitions of response and remission, including percent change and linear slope over time.

Results

Examination of the indices comparing the within-sample rank of individual patients revealed that these indices agree in cases where patients have little or no response as well as clear and sustained response, while they differ in patients who have a slow (or late) response as well as relapse during the treatment course.

Limitations

The measure may not be useful for all types of studies, especially short-term treatment trials.

Conclusions

The IDI is highly correlated with both categorical (e.g., remission) and continuous (e.g., percent change) definitions of treatment success. Furthermore, it differentiates certain trajectories of change that current definitions do not. Thus, the proposed index may be a valuable addition to current measures of efficacy, especially when trying to identify biological substrates of illness or predictors of long-term outcome.
Transforming the global film industries
Authors: Jin Dal Yong
Published: July 2012

This article examines the historical development of the global film industries primarily through horizontal integration between the late 20th and the early 21st century. It presents an empirical analysis of the structural change and dynamics of the film industries. It explores the role of US film corporations – considered the key players in the global film market through Hollywood movies – to determine whether the US has achieved a pivotal role in the global M&A market. This leads to the fundamental question of whether film corporations in non-western countries have expanded their influence in the global market so that they can reduce the asymmetrical power balance between the West and the East.
A case study of the Foxconn suicides
Authors: Guo Lei , Hsu Shih-Hsien , Holton Avery , Jeong Sun Ho
Published: July 2012

This study used an international perspective to analyze how newspapers in the United States and China framed a specific global sweatshop issue: a continuous spate of suicides at the Foxconn Technology Group, a major supplier to Apple, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard. Through a quantitative and qualitative analysis of 92 newspaper articles appearing in US and Chinese newspapers, this study found Chinese newspapers framed the suicides mainly as the psychological problems of a young generation rather than a sweatshop issue. Newspapers in the US used a traditional human rights abuser frame to portray the suicides. Foxconn was the main social actor cited in most news coverage. Both the US and Chinese newspapers framed the case as a China-specific problem, ignoring global social justice and world economy aspects. This study contributes more broadly to framing research by developing an approach that is distinctly used for cross-cultural framing studies about a global issue.
Comparison of urine dipstick, sulfosalicylic acid, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and a feline-specific immunoassay for detection of albuminuria in cats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hanzlicek Andrew S , Roof Clinton J , Sanderson Michael W , Grauer Gregory F
Published: July 2012

The performance of the urine dipstick, sulfosalicylic acid (SSA), and urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) tests for the detection of albuminuria was assessed in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Two hundred and thirty-nine urine samples from 37 cats with CKD were used. Test results were dichotomized as either positive or negative, compared with those for the feline-specific rapid urine albumin immunoassay and test performance variables calculated for each test. A positive urine dipstick (≥trace) and positive SSA (≥5 mg/dl), positive SSA alone or ≥2+ urine dipstick alone were indicative of albuminuria. In these cases, protein quantification would be warranted if proteinuria/albuminuria is persistent. In the case of a negative urine dipstick result the addition of the SSA added little diagnostic value. Of the tests investigated, the single best test for the detection of albuminuria was the UP/C (≥0.2) in which either a negative or positive test result provided useful information.
Marginal zone lymphoma: old, new, targeted, and epigenetic therapies
Authors: Joshi Monika , Sheikh Hassan , Abbi Kamal , Long Sarah , Sharma Kamal , Tulchinsky Mark , Epner Elliot
Published: July 2012

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is an indolent B-cell lymphoma arising from marginal zone B-cells present in lymph nodes and extranodal tissues. MZL comprises 5–17% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in adults. The World Health Organization categorizes MZL into three distinct types based on their site of impact: (1) splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL); (2) nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL); (3) extranodal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, which can be subdivided into gastric and nongastric. The subgroups of MZL share some common features but are different in their biology and behavior. Owing to the rarity of MZL there are few randomized trials available comparing various treatment options and therefore treatment is controversial, lacking standard guidelines. Treatment should be patient tailored and can range from a ‘watchful waiting’ approach for asymptomatic patients without cytopenias to surgery or localized radiation therapy. Rituximab in combination with chemotherapy has resulted in longer failure-free survival than chemotherapy alone in patients with SMZL. Helicobacter pylori positive gastric MALT shows a good response rate to triple antibiotic therapy. Newer therapies such as bendamustine, everolimus, lenalidomide, vorinostat and phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors are in clinical trials for patients with relapsed or refractory MZL and have shown promising results. We are presently conducting clinical trials testing the efficacy of the epigenetic activity of cladribine as a hypomethylating agent in combination with the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) vorinostat and rituximab in patients with MZL. Further studies with the newer agents should be done both in newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory MZL to streamline the care and to avoid the use of toxic chemotherapies as initial treatment.
RNA-seq liver transcriptome analysis reveals an activated MHC-I pathway and an inhibited MHC-II pathway at the early stage of vaccine immunization in zebrafish
Authors: Yang Dahai , Liu Qin , Yang Minjun , Wu Haizhen , Wang Qiyao , Xiao Jingfan , Zhang Yuanxing
Published: July 2012

Background

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a prominent vertebrate model of human development and pathogenic disease and has recently been utilized to study teleost immune responses to infectious agents threatening the aquaculture industry. In this work, to clarify the host immune mechanisms underlying the protective effects of a putative vaccine and improve its immunogenicity in the future efforts, high-throughput RNA sequencing technology was used to investigate the immunization-related gene expression patterns of zebrafish immunized with Edwardsiella tarda live attenuated vaccine.

Results

Average reads of 18.13 million and 14.27 million were obtained from livers of zebrafish immunized with phosphate buffered saline (mock) and E. tarda vaccine (WED), respectively. The reads were annotated with the Ensembl zebrafish database before differential expressed genes sequencing (DESeq) comparative analysis, which identified 4565 significantly differentially expressed genes (2186 up-regulated and 2379 down-regulated in WED; p<0.05). Among those, functional classifications were found in the Gene Ontology database for 3891 and in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database for 3467. Several pathways involved in acute phase response, complement activation, immune/defense response, and antigen processing and presentation were remarkably affected at the early stage of WED immunization. Further qPCR analysis confirmed that the genes encoding the factors involved in major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I processing pathway were up-regulated, while those involved in MHC-II pathway were down-regulated.

Conclusion

These data provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying zebrafish immune response to WED immunization and might aid future studies to develop a highly immunogenic vaccine against gram-negative bacteria in teleosts.
Chlamydophila Psittaci Eradication With Doxycycline As First-Line Targeted Therapy for Ocular Adnexae Lymphoma: Final Results of an International Phase II Trial
Authors: Ferreri Andrés J.M. , Govi Silvia , Pasini Elisa , Mappa Silvia , Bertoni Francesco , Zaja Francesco , Montalbán Carlos , Stelitano Caterina , Cabrera Maria Elena , Giordano Resti Antonio , Politi Letterio Salvatore , Doglioni Claudio , Cavalli Franco , Zucca Emanuele , Ponzoni Maurilio , Dolcetti Riccardo
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The pathogenic association between Chlamydophila psittaci (Cp) and ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma (OAMZL) and the efficacy of doxycycline monotherapy have been investigated in retrospective series with variations in stage, management, and follow-up duration. To our knowledge, this is the first international phase II trial aimed at clarifying Cp prevalence and activity of first-line doxycycline in a homogeneous series of consecutive patients with newly diagnosed stage I OAMZL.

Patients and Methods

Forty-seven patients were registered. Tumor tissue, conjunctival swabs, and peripheral blood from 44 patients were assessed for seven Chlamydiaceae infections by three polymerase chain reaction protocols. Thirty-four patients with measurable or parametrable disease were treated with doxycycline and assessed for chlamydial eradication and lymphoma response (primary end point).

Results

Cp DNA was detected in biopsies of 39 patients (89%); no other Chlamydiaceae were detected. Twenty-nine patients had Cp DNA in baseline swabs and/or blood samples and were evaluable for chlamydial eradication, which was achieved in 14 patients (48%). Lymphoma regression was complete in six patients and partial in 16 (overall response rate, 65%; 95% CI, 49% to 81%); 11 had stable disease, and one had progressive disease. At a median follow-up of 37 months (range, 15 to 62 months), 20 patients remained relapse free (5-year progression-free survival [PFS] ± standard deviation, 55% ± 9%). Cp eradication was associated with improved response rate (86% v 47%; P = .02) and 5-year PFS (68% v 47%; P = .11).

Conclusion

Upfront doxycycline is a rational and active treatment for patients with stage I Cp-positive OAMZL. Lymphoma regression is consequent to Cp eradication, which can easily be monitored on conjunctival and blood samples. Prospective trials aimed at identifying more effective administration schedules for doxycycline are warranted.
Deficiency of PTP1B in Leptin Receptor-Expressing Neurons Leads to Decreased Body Weight and Adiposity in Mice
Authors: Tsou Ryan C. , Zimmer Derek J. , De Jonghe Bart C. , Bence Kendra K.
Published: July 2012

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a ubiquitously expressed tyrosine phosphatase implicated in the negative regulation of leptin and insulin receptor signaling. PTP1B−/− mice possess a lean metabolic phenotype attributed at least partially to improved hypothalamic leptin sensitivity. Interestingly, mice lacking both leptin and PTP1B (ob/ob:PTP1B−/−) have reduced body weight compared with mice lacking leptin only, suggesting that PTP1B may have important leptin-independent metabolic effects. We generated mice with PTP1B deficiency specifically in leptin receptor (LepRb)-expressing neurons (LepRb-PTP1B−/−) and compared them with LepRb-Cre-only wild-type (WT) controls and global PTP1B−/− mice. Consistent with PTP1B's role as a negative regulator of leptin signaling, our results show that LepRb-PTP1B−/− mice are leptin hypersensitive and have significantly reduced body weight when maintained on chow or high-fat diet (HFD) compared with WT controls. LepRb-PTP1B−/− mice have a significant decrease in adiposity on HFD compared with controls. Notably, the extent of attenuated body weight gain on HFD, as well as the extent of leptin hypersensitivity, is similar between LepRb-PTP1B−/− mice and global PTP1B−/− mice. Overall, these results demonstrate that PTP1B deficiency in LepRb-expressing neurons results in reduced body weight and adiposity compared with WT controls and likely underlies the improved metabolic phenotype of global and brain-specific PTP1B-deficient models. Subtle phenotypic differences between LepRb-PTP1B−/− and global PTP1B−/− mice, however, suggest that PTP1B independent of leptin signaling may also contribute to energy balance in mice.
MRE11 facilitates the removal of human topoisomerase II complexes from genomic DNA
Authors: Lee Ka Cheong , Padget Kay , Curtis Hannah , Cowell Ian G. , Moiani Davide , Sondka Zbyslaw , Morris Nicholas J. , Jackson Graham H. , Cockell Simon J. , Tainer John A. , Austin Caroline A.
Published: July 2012

Topoisomerase II creates a double-strand break intermediate with topoisomerase covalently coupled to the DNA via a 5′-phosphotyrosyl bond. These intermediate complexes can become cytotoxic protein-DNA adducts and DSB repair at these lesions requires removal of topoisomerase II. To analyse removal of topoisomerase II from genomic DNA we adapted the trapped in agarose DNA immunostaining assay. Recombinant MRE11 from 2 sources removed topoisomerase IIα from genomic DNA in vitro, as did MRE11 immunoprecipitates isolated from A-TLD or K562 cells. Basal topoisomerase II complex levels were very high in A-TLD cells lacking full-length wild type MRE11, suggesting that MRE11 facilitates the processing of topoisomerase complexes that arise as part of normal cellular metabolism. In K562 cells inhibition of MRE11, PARP or replication increased topoisomerase IIα and β complex levels formed in the absence of an anti-topoisomerase II drug.
Low expression of prolyl hydroxylase 2 is associated with tumor grade and poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Xie Ganfeng , Zheng Lei , Ou Juanjuan , Huang Haihui , He Jinxia , Li Jianjun , Pan Feng , Liang Houjie
Published: July 2012

Previous studies have indicated that prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) function as tumor suppressors in human colorectal cancer (CRC), but their clinical and prognostic significance is uncertain. Expressions of PHD1, PHD2, PHD3 and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 α were detected using immunohistochemistry in an independent CRC cohort of 93 specimens represented on a tissue microarray (TMA). PHD expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological features, patient survival and presumed corresponding HIF-1 α expression. Pearson χ2 test was used to compare clinicopathological features with protein expressions. Survival was estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Cox regression analysis was performed for multivariate analysis of prognostic factors. Of the TMA, 47, 68 and 51 from 93 specimens had low expressions of PHD1, PHD2 and PHD3, respectively. HIF-1 α was positively expressed in 75 specimens. Low expression of PHD2 correlated with the high-grade group and a terrible overall survival ( P = 0.017 and P = 0.032). Patients who had early stage CRC with low PHD2 expression had a poorer survival ( P = 0.015), whereas patients with advanced-stage disease did not demonstrate such a difference ( P = 0.691). Besides, PHD2 was uncorrelated with HIF-1 α expression. The present study indicated that low expression of PHD2 in CRC predicts poor survival independent of HIF-1 α, specifically for patients who have early stage tumors.
Sweet's syndrome in a patient with haemophilia, HIV and hepatitis C infection
Authors: Deasy A M , Walker B , Layton A M , Lacey C J N
Published: July 2012

Sweet's syndrome is a rare skin condition associated with both drug treatment and a number of different disease processes including haematological malignancies, inflammatory conditions and HIV infection. In this case report, we present a patient with HIV, haemophilia and hepatitis C who presented to our team with significant thrombocytopaenia and Sweet's syndrome. We discuss the difficulties with diagnosis and management in the context of multiple co-morbidities and suggest that both hepatitis C and HIV may have been aetiologically involved by suppressing platelet production and also causing bone marrow-driven neutrophilic disease.
Thinking outside the box: meeting the sexual health needs of women presenting for emergency contraception
Authors: Garley J , MacNamara V , Moses S , Oloto E
Published: July 2012

This was a retrospective audit of sexual health screening and advice for long-term contraception in 174 and 993 women attending genitourinary (GU) medicine and contraceptive services (CS), respectively, for emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) over a 21-month period (April 2007–September 2008). Assessment and screening for sexually transmitted infection (including HIV) were more comprehensive at GU medicine (78% offered screening at GU medicine versus 17% at CS) while contraceptive management was more complete at CS (ongoing contraception discussed in 99% at CS versus 78% at GU medicine). Follow-up was seldom recommended or attended. Local HIV prevalence necessitates a more pro-active approach to HIV testing. Women requesting EHC present to a variety of clinical settings, each with their own areas of expertise. In an age of integrated sexual and reproductive health, these women deserve a holistic approach to care.
Nevirapine- and efavirenz-associated hepatotoxicity under programmatic conditions in Kenya and Mozambique
Authors: Chu K M , Manzi M , Zuniga I , Biot M , Ford N P , Rasschaert F , Zachariah R
Published: July 2012

To describe the frequency, risk factors, and clinical signs and symptoms associated with hepatotoxicity (HT) in patients on nevirapine- or efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients attending the ART clinic in Kibera, Kenya, from April 2003 to December 2006 and in Mavalane, Mozambique, from December 2002 to March 2007. Data were collected on 5832 HIV-positive individuals who had initiated nevirapine- or efavirenz-based ART. Median baseline CD4+ count was 125 cells/μL (interquartile range [IQR] 55–196). Over a median follow-up time of 426 (IQR 147–693) days, 124 (2.4%) patients developed HT. Forty-one (54.7%) of 75 patients with grade 3 HT compared with 21 (80.8%) of 26 with grade 4 had associated clinical signs or symptoms ( P = 0.018). Four (5.7%) of 124 patients with HT died in the first six months compared with 271 (5.3%) of 5159 patients who did not develop HT ( P = 0.315). The proportion of patients developing HT was low and HT was not associated with increased mortality. Clinical signs and symptoms identified 50% of grade 3 HT and most cases of grade 4 HT. This suggests that in settings where alanine aminotransferase measurement is not feasible, nevirapine- and efavirenz-based ART may be given safely without laboratory monitoring.
Nocardia farcinica brain abscesses in an HIV-positive patient
Authors: Goodall L , Faggian F
Published: July 2012

We present a case of Nocardia farcinica brain abscesses in an HIV-positive patient, initially misdiagnosed as cerebral toxoplasmosis. The correct diagnosis was eventually confirmed by brain biopsy. It is debatable as to whether surgical intervention is necessary for diagnosis and treatment of Nocardia abscesses. This case highlights the importance of early neurosurgical input and biopsy to aid correct and timely diagnosis.
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare presenting as an endobronchial tumour due to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Gulati A , Singh S , Moussa R , Promnitz D A
Published: July 2012

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) infection in an HIV-positive patient can present shortly after starting antiretroviral therapy, as a result of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). We report a case of a 33-year-old woman where MAI presented as an endobronchial tumour due to IRIS. She responded well to standard anti-MAI treatment (rifamycins, macrolide and ethambutol).
Depression associated with antiretroviral drug therapy in HIV: case report and overview
Authors: Kaestner F , Anneken K , Mostert C , Reichelt D , Rothermundt M , Evers S , Husstedt I W
Published: July 2012

Depression is the main psychiatric symptom in patients living with HIV. Genetic predisposition, stress from disease as well as the antiretroviral therapy itself are discussed as pathogenic factors. We report a 35-year-old HIV-positive man suffering from bipolar disorder who developed major depression shortly after commercing combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) on three occasions. The first two times the patient ceased therapy autonomously, and the depression disappeared completely. The close connection between cART and major depression in the present case supports the depression-inducing potential of cART. Additionally, we present an overview of literature.
A randomized controlled trial of a protocol of interviews designed to improve adherence to antiretroviral medications in southern Brazil
Authors: Zubaran C , Michelim L , Medeiros G , May W , Foresti K , Madi J M ,   the UCS-UNESCO Research Group
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Portuguese version of the Medication Adherence Training Instrument (MATI) for improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in southern Brazil. Two different follow-up modalities were compared in this 225 days randomized controlled study: one based on the MATI protocol and a conventional (non-MATI) clinical follow-up. There were no differences between the groups with the exception of socioeconomic class ( P < 0.005). The mean length of continuance in treatment was 111.4 (SD = 13.9) and 137.6 (SD = 17.3) days in the MATI and non-MATI groups, respectively. A Mantel–Cox log-rank test revealed no significant difference between the two interventions ( P = 0.34). Despite the sample size limitation, the results from this study indicate that the Portuguese version of the MATI was not more efficacious than the regular follow-up intervention for improving adherence of outpatients to ART.
High prevalence of hepatitis B and syphilis co-infections among HIV patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in the north-west region of Cameroon
Authors: Zoufaly A , Onyoh E F , Tih P M , Awasom C N , Feldt T
Published: July 2012

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and syphilis co-infections contribute significantly to HIV-associated morbidity and mortality, but the burden of these diseases is not fully appreciated in sub-Saharan Africa, as prevalence data are scarce. Both infections often remain undiagnosed in resource-limited settings because routine testing is not a part of most of the national guidelines. Epidemiological studies provide important information on prevalence and risk factors for such co-infections and can provide guidance for clinical management and for the development of test strategies. We analysed data on baseline characteristics, CD4 cell counts, HBV and syphilis co-infection rates of 690 patients enrolling for antiretroviral therapy in rural Cameroon. The prevalence of both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, 12.6%, 95% CI 10.1–15.1) and treponemal antibodies (11.4%, 95% CI 8.9–13.7) was high, with significantly higher prevalences for both infections in men; detection of treponemal antibodies increased with age. Although liver enzyme elevations were common, they were not useful to identify HBsAg-positive patients. In this setting, routine serological screening for HBV and syphilis co-infection should be considered to avoid complications and ongoing transmission.
Treatment outcomes of patients co-infected with tuberculosis and HIV at Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand
Authors: Limmahakhun S , Chaiwarith R , Nuntachit N , Sirisanthana T , Supparatpinyo K
Published: July 2012

Thailand has been greatly affected by the tuberculosis (TB) and HIV syndemic. This study aimed to determine treatment outcomes among HIV/TB co-infected patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Chiang Mai University Hospital from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2009. Of 171 patients, 100 patients were male (58.5%) and the mean age was 36.8 ± 8.0 years. Seventy-two patients (42.1%) had pulmonary tuberculosis. Median CD4+ count before TB treatment was 69 cells/mm3 (interquartile range [IQR] 33, 151). The overall mortality was 3.5% (6 patients). Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) occurred in eight patients (6.0%). Disseminated TB infections increased risk of death (odds ratio [OR] = 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25, 5.18) and IRIS (OR = 9.16, 95% CI 1.67, 50.07). Initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) within two months after TB treatment increased risk of IRIS (OR = 6.57, 95% CI 1.61–26.86) and physicians caring for HIV/TB co-infected patients should be aware of this condition.
The Joy of Looking: What Blake's Pictures Want
Authors: Goode Mike
Published: July 2012

This essay argues that the behavior of Blake's pictures over time points the historicist critic to a new understanding of the potential radicalism of Blake's composite verbal-visual artworks at the time of their production. In so doing, the essay proposes a new kind of historicist reception study, which it also tries to put into practice. Ascribing the formal and cultural disintegration of Blake's visual-verbal texts over time in part to their beauties, the essay argues for the potential radicalism of Blake's art for its own age—and for other times and places—precisely on the grounds that the regulatory force of its aesthetics looks to exploit the disintegrated, heterogeneous regulatory wants of whatever world receives it.
“Comment a nom”: Humanism and Literary Knowledge in Auerbach and Rabelais
Authors: Hampton Timothy
Published: July 2012

This essay studies the relationship between Erich Auerbach's account of the beginnings of literary modernity, in his well-known work on Rabelais, and the Renaissance humanism that informs both his scholarly enterprise and Rabelais's fictions. Through a study of Rabelais's depictions of the female body it shows that Rabelais's text both breaks with earlier modes of understanding bodies and narratives and questions its own authority to do so. In a process at once ethical and rhetorical Rabelais provides both the grounding and the object of Auerbach's philology.
A Writer's Things: Edward Bulwer Lytton and the Archaeological Gaze; or, What's in a Skull?
Authors: Goldhill Simon
Published: July 2012

There are on display at Knebworth House two skulls excavated from Pompeii that are labeled with names of characters from Edward Bulwer Lytton's novel The Last Days of Pompeii. This article shows how the exhibition of these objects goes to the heart of changing Victorian discourses about the display of objects, especially skulls, the self-representation of authors, and the history of archaeology. It locates Bulwer's display between Scott at the beginning of the century and Freud at the end to show how notions of science, nationalism, and history provide the frames necessary to understanding this changing style of exhibition in the writer's workplace.
Cardiovascular findings and management in Turner syndrome: insights from a French cohort
Authors: Donadille Bruno , Rousseau Alexandra , Zenaty Delphine , Cabrol Sylvie , Courtillot Carine , Samara-Boustani Dinane , Salenave Sylvie , Monnier-Cholley Laurence , Meuleman Catherine , Jondeau Guillaume , Iserin Laurence , Duranteau Lise , Cabanes Laure , Bourcigaux Nathalie , Bonnet Damien , Bouchard Philippe , Chanson Philippe , Polak Michel , Touraine Philippe , Lebouc Yves , Carel Jean-Claude , Léger Juliane , Christin-Maitre Sophie
Published: July 2012

Objective

Congenital cardiovascular malformations and aortic dilatation are frequent in patients with Turner syndrome (TS). The objective of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular findings and management in a large cohort of patients, including children and adults.

Design/methods

We recruited 336 patients with TS from a network of tertiary centers. We reviewed their files, checking for cardiovascular events, cardiac valve abnormalities, and aortic diameters indexed to body surface area (BSA) from magnetic resonance imaging (n=110) or echocardiography (n=300).

Results

Informative cardiovascular data were available for only 233 patients. Vascular surgery was reported in 7.4% of the cohort. The first cause of surgery was aortic coarctation, detected in 6.9% at a median age of 9.5 (range: 0–60) years. Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) was detected in 21% at a median age of 20 years (25th–75th percentiles: 15–30). At least one aortic diameter exceeded 32 mm in 12% of the cohort. This was detected at a median age of 19 (7–30) years. When indexed to BSA, at least one aortic diameter exceeded 20 mm/m2 in 39% of the cohort.

Conclusion

Our study shows that cardiovascular monitoring for TS patients is currently insufficient in France. BAV is present at birth, but often remains undiagnosed until later in life. Therefore, improved management in cardiovascular monitoring is required and a more systematic approach should be taken.
Health behavior of medical students. Introduction of mental hygienic skills in the medical education in Hungary
Authors: Rosta Eszter , Almási Zsuzsanna , Karácsony István , Konkolÿ Thege Barna , Hegedűs Katalin
Published: July 2012

HuMania Training Programme is a voluntary peer training course. Aim: to measure the efficiency of HuMania Training Programme and to analyse social relations of medical students. Methods: WHO Well-being Index, Bergen Social Relationship Scale, Lazarus’s Ways of Coping Questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory for undergraduate students were used. The results of HuMania Training Programme established in 2009 were compared with those obtained from controls and HuMania Training Programme of the forthcoming year. Results: At the beginning, participants of the HuMania Training Programme had fewer well-being scores (p = 0.01), whereas their social anxiety (p = 0.01) and emotion-based coping (p = 0.05) were greater as compared to controls. After the HuMania Training Programme course, well-being showed an increasing tendency (p = 0.072), and burnout-level decreased (p = 0.040). Fifty percent of medical students had a minimum of three stressors, and 57% of them said that there was a person in their environment, who needed help, but they cannot provide it. Conclusions: Medical students display poor mental hygienic state. and HuMania Training Programme tries to fight this situation. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1153–1157.
Real-Time Integrated Petrophysics: Geosteering in Challenging Geology & Fluid Systems
Authors: Kanfar Majed F.
Published: July 2012

Since the advent of horizontal wells, the oil and gas industry has come a long way to ensure optimal drilling and well placement practices. The proper placement of these wells has meant that Measurement and Logging While Drilling, MWD and LWD, have come to play a primary role in geosteering, placement and evaluation of highly deviated or horizontal wells.

This paper presents a case study from a complex carbonate reservoir that has low permeability zone in the middle of the reservoir and rimmed by a tar mat, which complicate the optimal placement of the horizontal producers and injectors. Conventional triple-combo logs lack the critical data to geosteer in this multifactorial environment. A comprehensive logging program was developed to integrate additional petrophysical data such as Formation Pressure While Drilling (FPWD), cuttings analysis, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance While Drilling (NMR-WD), and neural-network processing.

Formation pressure while drilling is used in real-time to detect penetrated low mobililty/low permeability zones. Pressure build-up and drawdown measurements along with fluid mobility are used to modify the well trajectory. NMR while drilling is applied for placement of power-water injection wells to detect zones bearing heavy immobile oil where the ability to inject is unlikely. Algorithms were developed to estimate the in-situ oil viscosity. Moreover, neural-network models that incorporate legacy well log and core data were used to predict litho-facies and rock permeability in real-time.

The workflow developed for this study demonstrates the necessity of additional petrophysical data and vigilance for real-time solutions to geosteer extended reach horizontal wells in heterogeneous geological systems.
To Develop the Optimum Field Development Plan for Condensate Wells using Integrated Production Modeling (IPM)
Authors: Memon Shoaib , Zameer Asif
Published: July 2012

Now a days integrated production modeling is been regarded as a vital part of the oil industry and its very important to manage our reservoir properly as many important decisions regarding the field development depend on it. It is an approach for modeling an entire asset from reservoir to the final delivery point. It facilitates complete integration, and hence full interaction, of different key components of an asset including reservoir, wellbore and surface facilities. It gives the holistic understanding of the entire asset necessary to know how one end of the delivery chain affects the other like separator pressure effect on reservoir pressure, etc. It defines design and operating criteria for a given field, not just for today, but also for the future. In short, it provides the economic optimization of oil and gas recovery.

In this paper, the concept of IPM has been utilized for a newly developed condensate field to come up with the optimum field development strategy using the real field data necessary to evaluate different economic ways of producing the wells. This work presents a methodology which uses compositional modeling, nodal analysis, material balance, reservoir modeling and pressure transient analysis to determine original fluid in place (OFIP), reservoir deliverability and size, number of wells require for developing the field and the optimum producing strategy for the wells. Petroleum Expert's software "Integrated production modeling (IPM) suite 7.5" has been used to carry out this work.

PVT, well test, well logs and production history Data was fed as input to modeling software; PVTP, Prosper and MBAL. A compositional model was prepared in PVTP and was regretted by using laboratory data to minimize error. The results showed very limited production options due to the lower liquid drop-out (less than 12%) and lower volumes of OGIP in the upper bed of the reservoir. Gas recycling option at assumed rate of 30% increases the life of the well upto 5 years and condensate recovery upto 57.5%. After going through all available options, the only option available having economic priorities was to select an optimum wellhead pressure as suggested by the sensitivity analysis to optimize the production was recommended.
Generation of the vorticity mode by sound in a vibrationally relaxing gas
Authors: Perelomova Anna , Wojda Pawel
Published: July 2012

The procedure of derivation of a new dynamical equation governing the vorticity mode that is generated by sound, is discussed in detail. It includes instantaneous quantities and does not require averaging over sound period. The resulting equation applies to both periodic and aperiodic sound as the origin of the vorticity mode. Under certain conditions, the direction of streamlines of the vorticity mode may be inverted as compared with that in a fluid with standard attenuation. This reflects an anomalous absorption of sound, when transfer of momentum of the vorticity mode into momentum of sound occurs. The theory is illustrated by a representative example of the generation of vorticity in a vibrationally relaxing gas in the field of periodic weakly diffracting acoustic beam.
A Review of Mathematical Models for the Atmospheric Dispersion of Heavy Gases. Part I. A Classification of Models
Authors: Markiewicz Maria
Published: July 2012

A Review of Mathematical Models for the Atmospheric Dispersion of Heavy Gases. Part I. A Classification of Models

In this two part article in its first part models of heavy gas dispersion in the atmosphere are classified and the distinguished groups of models are characterised. In the second part the procedures for the model quality evaluation are described and the main results of model evaluation projects are summarised. Substances released to the atmosphere which have a density greater than the density of the atmospheric air are called heavy gases or dense gases. The dispersion of heavy gases is different from that encountered in the case of neutrally or positively buoyant gases. Specific models have been developed to describe it. The heavy gas dispersion models differ in the complexity and mathematical description. Based on these criteria four main groups of models are distinguished: simple/empirical models, intermediate/integral and shallow layer models, advanced/Lagrangian particle trajectory and Lagrangian puff dispersion models and sophisticated/Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. This classification is an extension of the classification proposed earlier in the literature.
Study of the Biodegrability of Degradable/Biodegradable Plastic Material in a Controlled Composting Environment
Authors: Vaverková Magdalena , Toman František , Adamcová Dana , Kotovicová Jana
Published: July 2012

Study of the Biodegrability of Degradable/Biodegradable Plastic Material in a Controlled Composting Environment

The objective of this study was to determine the degrability/biodegradability of disposable plastic bags available on the market that are labeled as degradable/biodegradable and those certified as compost. The investigated materials were obtained from chain stores in the Czech Republic and Poland. Seven kinds of bags (commercially available) were used in this study. One of them was a disposable bag made of HDPE and mixed with totally degradable plastic additive (TDPA additive). Another was a disposable made of polyethylene with the addition of pro-oxidant additive (d2w additive). One was labeled as 100% degradable within various periods of time, from three months up to three years, and four were certified as compostable. The test was carried out in a controlled composting environment. The biodisintegration degree of the obtained pieces was evaluated following a modified version of ČSN EN 14806 Norm "Packaging - Preliminary evaluation of the disintegration of the packaging materials under simulated composting conditions in a laboratory scale test" and a modified version of ČSN EN ISO 20200 "Plastics - Determination of the degree of disintegration of plastic materials under simulated composting conditions in laboratory-scale test" (ISO 20200:2004). The emphasis was put on determination whether the bags are degradable/biodegradable or not.