bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial Antituberculous Regimen with Better Drug Penetration into Cerebrospinal Fluid Reduces Mortality in HIV Infected Patients with Tuberculous Meningitis: Data from an HIV Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Alvarez-Uria Gerardo , Midde Manoranjan , Pakam Raghavakalyan , Naik Praveen Kumar
Published: August 2013

Tuberculous meningitis (TM) is the deadliest form of tuberculosis. Nearly two-thirds of HIV infected patients with TM die, and most deaths occur within one month. Current treatment of TM involves the use of drugs with poor penetration into the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF). In this study, we present the mortality before and after implementing a new antituberculous regimen (ATR) with a higher drug penetration in CSF than the standard ATR during the initial treatment of TM in an HIV cohort study. The new ATR included levofloxacin, ethionamide, pyrazinamide, and a double dose of rifampicin and isoniazid and was given for a median of 7 days (interquartile range 6–9). The new ATR was associated with an absolute 21.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 7.3–35.7) reduction in mortality at 12 months. In multivariable analysis, independent factors associated with mortality were the use of the standard ATR versus the new ATR (hazard ratio 2.05; 95% CI, 1.2–3.5), not being on antiretroviral therapy, low CD4 lymphocyte counts, and low serum albumin levels. Our findings suggest that an intensified initial ATR, which likely results in higher concentrations of active drugs in CSF, has a beneficial effect on the survival of HIV-related TM.
Up against the System: A Case Study of Young Adult Perspectives Transitioning from Pediatric Palliative Care
Authors: Cook Karen , Siden Harold , Jack Susan , Thabane Lehana , Browne Gina
Published: August 2013

Advances in pediatric care have not provided the interdisciplinary support services required by those young adults with pediatric life-threatening conditions (pedLTCs) who live beyond childhood but have limited expectations to live past early adulthood. These young adults, the first generation to live into adulthood, face multiple challenges transitioning from a plethora of pediatric palliative services to scant adult health services. In a case study, using an innovative bulletin board focus group, we describe the complex interplay of the health, education, and social service sectors in this transition. Our descriptions include system deficits and strengths and the young adults’ resilience and coping strategies to overcome those deficits and move forward with their lives. Young adults with pedLTC need knowledgeable providers, coordinated and accessible services, being respected and valued, and services and supports that promote independence. We recommend implementation of multidisciplinary solutions that are focused on young adult priorities to ensure seamless access to resources to support these young adults’ health, educational, vocational, and social goals. The input and voice of young adults in the development of these services are imperative to ensure that multisystem services support their needs and life goals.
Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy, 660 nm, in Experimental Septic Arthritis
Authors: Araujo Bruna Formentão , Silva Lígia Inez , Meireles Anamaria , Rosa Camila Thieimi , Gioppo Nereida Mello da Rosa , Jorge Alex Sandro , Kunz Regina Inês , Ribeiro Lucinéia de Fátima Chasko , Brancalhão Rose Meire Costa , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor
Published: August 2013

The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the presence of an infectious process has not been well elucidated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of LLLT in an experimental model of septic arthritis.Methods. Twenty-one Wistar rats were divided as follows: control group, no bacteria; placebo group, bacteria were inoculated; Treated group, bacteria were injected and treatment with LLLTwas performed. To assess nociception, a von Frey digital analgesimeter was applied. Synovial fluid was streaked to analyze bacterial growth. The standard strain ofS. aureuswas inoculated in the right knee. LLLT was performed with 660 nm, 2 J/cm2, over 10 days. After treatment, the knees were fixed and processed for morphological analysis by light microscopy.Results. It was found that nociception increases in the right knee. There was a lack of results for the seeding of the synovial fluid. The morphological analysis showed slight recovery areas in the articular cartilage and synovia; however, there was the maintenance of the inflammatory infiltrate.Conclusion. The parameters used were not effective in the nociception reduction, even with the slight tissue recovery due to the maintenance of inflammatory infiltrate, but produced no change in the natural history of resolution of the infectious process.
A Model of the Effect of Environmental Variables on the Presence of Otters along the Coastline of the Isle of Skye
Authors: Yoxon Paul
Published: August 2013

A survey of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) along the Skye coastline revealed a variation in distribution on different coastal types. Factors like geology, width of the intertidal zone, intertidal makeup, slope of coastline, inland vegetation, and number of freshwater pools could influence otter distribution. A quantitative method based on a logistic regression model is applied to take into account three scalable and four categorical environmental variables which may or may not affect otter distribution. Otter presence or absence in 500 m coastal sections was compared with binary dependent variables and a set of independent variables on 622 coastal sites. Analysis shows that this method can be used to characterise combinations of factors to predict if otters are likely to occur on a particular coastline. Geology, height 25 m above High Water Mark (indicating slope of coastline), and number of freshwater pools all affect otter utilisation of the coastal zone. Coastlines with Torridonian and Mesozoic rocks and the Landslip area show a positive effect on otters, while all other coastlines have a negative effect. Although primarily of theoretical importance, the model could be used as a tool to locate coastlines elsewhere which are of potential conservation importance for otters.
Automated Segmentation and Object Classification of CT Images: Application toIn VivoMolecular Imaging of Avian Embryos
Authors: Heidrich Alexander , Schmidt Jana , Zimmermann Johannes , Saluz Hans Peter
Published: August 2013

Background. Although chick embryogenesis has been studied extensively, there has been growing interest in the investigation of skeletogenesis. In addition to improved poultry health and minimized economic loss, a greater understanding of skeletal abnormalities can also have implications for human medicine. Truein vivostudies require noninvasive imaging techniques such as high-resolution microCT. However, the manual analysis of acquired images is both time consuming and subjective.Methods. We have developed a system for automated image segmentation that entails object-based image analysis followed by the classification of the extracted image objects. For image segmentation, a rule set was developed using Definiens image analysis software. The classification engine was implemented using the WEKA machine learning tool.Results. Our system reduces analysis time and observer bias while maintaining high accuracy. Applying the system to the quantification of long bone growth has allowed us to present the first truein ovodata for bone length growth recorded in the same chick embryos.Conclusions. The procedures developed represent an innovative approach for the automated segmentation, classification, quantification, and visualization of microCT images. MicroCT offers the possibility of performing longitudinal studies and thereby provides unique insights into the morpho- and embryogenesis of live chick embryos.
High Mortality Rate due to False Gid in a Sheep Herd
Authors: Mozaffari Ali Asghar , Shojaeepour Saeedeh , Ghahremani Ghareh Cheshmeh Shahin
Published: August 2013

The sheep nasal bot, Oestrus ovis (Diptera: Oestridae), is a cosmopolitan parasite commonly found in sheep and occasionally goats. Rarely a bot will migrate into the sheep brain (false gid). Following the complaint of an animal husbandman about high mortality rate in a sheep herd, the herd was clinically, hematologically, and pathologically examined exactly. Clinical, hematological, and pathological findings were described in the text. Necropsy findings showed heavy infestation with Oestrus ovis larvae. The herd was treated with Ivermectin. After treatment all patients without nervous sings were recovered. Patients with nervous signs did not respond to treatment, but new cases of disease did not occur and the mortality stopped. In the present report, a high mortality rate due to false gid in a sheep herd was described. The prevention and control of the disease are important because of economic losses and the possibility of transmission to the human.
Hydrogen Sorption onto Hypercrosslinked Polymer Decorated with Metal-Organic Framework
Authors: Gonte Renuka R. , Deb P. C. , Balasubramanian K.
Published: August 2013

Metal-organic framework decorated styrene-maleic acid (SMA) co-polymer beads were synthesized by slow diffusion of TEA. The obtained materials were characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The different dicarboxylic acid linkers influenced the crystal morphologies and hydrogen-storage behavior of the polymer beads. Hydrogen-storage measurements revealed slow micropore opening mechanism involved in adsorption of hydrogen.
Strong Attractor of Beam Equation with Structural Damping and Nonlinear Damping
Authors: Wang Danxia , Zhang Jianwen , Wang Yinzhu
Published: August 2013

This paper is mainly concerned with the existence of a global strong attractor for the nonlinear extensible beam equation with structural damping and nonlinear external damping. This kind of problem arises from the model of an extensible vibration beam. By the asymptotic compactness of the related continuous semigroup, we prove the existence of a strong global attractor which is connected with phase spaceD(Δ2)×H01(Ω)∩H2(Ω).
Computational Solution of a Fractional Integro-Differential Equation
Authors: Kurulay Muhammet , Akinlar Mehmet Ali , Ibragimov Ranis
Published: August 2013

Although differential transform method (DTM) is a highly efficient technique in the approximate analytical solutions of fractional differential equations, applicability of this method to the system of fractional integro-differential equations in higher dimensions has not been studied in detail in the literature. The major goal of this paper is to investigate the applicability of this method to the system of two-dimensional fractional integral equations, in particular to the two-dimensional fractional integro-Volterra equations. We deal with two different types of systems of fractional integral equations having some initial conditions. Computational results indicate that the results obtained by DTM are quite close to the exact solutions, which proves the power of DTM in the solutions of these sorts of systems of fractional integral equations.
On Rough Hyperideals in Hyperlattices
Authors: He Pengfei , Xin Xiaolong , Zhan Jianming
Published: August 2013

We introduce and study rough hyperideals in hyperlattices. First, we give some interesting examples of hyperlattices and introduce hyperideals of hyperlattices. Then, applying the notion of rough sets to hyperlattices, we introduce rough hyperideals in hyperlattices, which are extended notions of hyperideals of hyperlattices. In addition, we consider rough hyperideals in Cartesian products and quotients of hyperlattices. Finally, we investigate some properties about homomorphic images of rough hyperideals in hyperlattices.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Coupled Kuramoto-Sivashinsky- and Ginzburg-Landau-Type Model
Authors: Shi Lei
Published: August 2013

We study the bifurcation and stability of trivial stationary solution(0,0)of coupled Kuramoto-Sivashinsky- and Ginzburg-Landau-type equations (KS-GL) on a bounded domain(0,L)with Neumann's boundary conditions. The asymptotic behavior of the trivial solution of the equations is considered. With the lengthLof the domain regarded as bifurcation parameter, branches of nontrivial solutions are shown by using the perturbation method. Moreover, local behavior of these branches is studied, and the stability of the bifurcated solutions is analyzed as well.
Model Test of Anchoring Effect on Zonal Disintegration in Deep Surrounding Rock Masses
Authors: Chen Xu-Guang , Zhang Qiang-Yong , Wang Yuan , Liu De-Jun , Zhang Ning
Published: August 2013

The deep rock masses show a different mechanical behavior compared with the shallow rock masses. They are classified into alternating fractured and intact zones during the excavation, which is known as zonal disintegration. Such phenomenon is a great disaster and will induce the different excavation and anchoring methodology. In this study, a 3D geomechanics model test was conducted to research the anchoring effect of zonal disintegration. The model was constructed with anchoring in a half and nonanchoring in the other half, to compare with each other. The optical extensometer and optical sensor were adopted to measure the displacement and strain changing law in the model test. The displacement laws of the deep surrounding rocks were obtained and found to be nonmonotonic versus the distance to the periphery. Zonal disintegration occurs in the area without anchoring and did not occur in the model under anchoring condition. By contrasting the phenomenon, the anchor effect of restraining zonal disintegration was revealed. And the formation condition of zonal disintegration was decided. In the procedure of tunnel excavation, the anchor strain was found to be alternation in tension and compression. It indicates that anchor will show the nonmonotonic law during suppressing the zonal disintegration.
Chemical and Physical Methods to Analyze a Multicomponent Traditional Chinese Herbal Prescription Using LC-MS/MS, Electron Microscope, and Congo Red Staining
Authors: Lu Chia-Ming , Hou Mei-Ling , Lin Lie-Chwen , Tsai Tung-Hu
Published: August 2013

This study develops several chemical and physical methods to evaluate the quality of a traditional Chinese formulation, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) coupled with electrospray ionization was used to measure the herbal biomarkers of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, ferulic acid, and paeoniflorin from this herbal formula. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscopy photographs with Congo red staining were used to identify the cellulose fibers if raw herbal powder had been added to the herbal pharmaceutical product. Moreover, water solubility and crude fiber content examination were used to inspect for potential herbal additives to the herbal pharmaceutical products. The results demonstrate that the contents of the herbal ingredients of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, ferulic acid, and paeoniflorin were around 0.351 ± 0.017, 0.136 ± 0.010, 0.140 ± 0.005, and 2.281 ± 0.406 mg/g, respectively, for this herbal pharmaceutical product. The physical examination data demonstrate that the raw herbal powder had rough, irregular, lumpy, filamentous, and elongated shapes, as well as strong Congo red staining. In addition, water solubility and crude fiber content were not consistent in the herbal pharmaceutical products.
Developmental Language Disorders: Challenges and Implications of Cross-Group Comparisons
Authors: Ellis Weismer Susan
Published: August 2013

Historically, specific language impairment (SLI) and language deficits associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been viewed as distinct developmental language disorders. However, over the last decade or so, a considerable amount of research has explored general similarities or specific areas of overlap between children with SLI and ASD based on language and cognitive profiles, neuroimaging findings, and genetic research. The clinical classification schemes that are used to identify the children necessarily influence the extent to which SLI and ASD are viewed as overlapping or distinct conditions. Yet, the criteria used to diagnose these two populations vary across countries and even across investigators within a given country. This necessarily impacts the findings from comparative investigations of these groups. With these challenges in mind, clinical implications of evidence for similarities and distinctions between children with SLI and ASD will be discussed with respect to differential diagnosis and treatment.
Myocardial Fibrosis as a Key Determinant of Left Ventricular Remodeling in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Masci Pier Giorgio , Schuurman Robert , Andrea Barison , Ripoli Andrea , Coceani Michele , Chiappino Sara , Todiere Giancarlo , Srebot Vera , Passino Claudio , Aquaro Giovanni Donato , Emdin Michele , Lombardi Massimo
Published: August 2013

Background—

In idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, there are scarce data on the influence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance on left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

Methods and Results—

Fifty-eight consecutive patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy underwent baseline clinical, biohumoral, and instrumental workup. Medical therapy was optimized after study enrollment. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was used to assess ventricular volumes, function, and LGE extent at baseline and 24-month follow-up. LV reverse remodeling (RR) was defined as an increase in LV ejection fraction ≥10 U, combined with a decrease in LV end-diastolic volume ≥10% at follow-up. ΔLGE extent was the difference in LGE extent between follow-up and baseline. LV-RR was observed in 22 patients (38%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the absence of LGE at baseline cardiovascular magnetic resonance was a strong predictor of LV-RR (odds ratio, 10.857 [95% confidence interval, 1.844–63.911];
P
=0.008) after correction for age, heart rate, New York Heart Association class, LV volumes, and LV and right ventricular ejection fractions. All patients with baseline LGE (n=26; 45%) demonstrated LGE at follow-up, and no patient without baseline LGE developed LGE at follow-up. In LGE-positive patients, there was an increase in LGE extent over time (
P
=0.034), which was inversely related to LV ejection fraction variation (Spearman ρ, −0.440;
P
=0.041). Five patients showed an increase in LGE extent >75th percentile of ΔLGE extent, and among these none experienced LV-RR and 4 had a decrease in LV ejection fraction ≥10 U at follow-up.

Conclusions—

In patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, the absence of LGE at baseline is a strong independent predictor of LV-RR at 2-year follow-up, irrespective of the initial clinical status and the severity of ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. The increase in LGE extent during follow-up was associated with progressive LV dysfunction.
In Varietate Harmonia?: Intergroup Contact, Group Threat and Ethnic Tolerance in Scandinavian Regions
Authors: Jakobsen Tor Georg , Isaksen Joachim Vogt , Skavhaug Gunn Kari Osestad , Strabac Zan
Published: August 2013

The issue of immigration is becoming increasingly salient, and has emerged as a prominent political matter in the Scandinavian countries. Using multilevel modelling employing data from the statistical bureaus of Denmark, Norway and Sweden in combination with the latest round of the European Social Survey, the link between the percentage of immigrants in a region and individual’s level of ethnic tolerance is examined. Most previous comparative studies of attitudes toward immigration have used European countries as level-2 units. We apply a new approach, investigating immigration at the regional level in these three fairly similar societies. Our findings show that regional diversity is associated with higher tolerance which is in accordance with intergroup contact theory. The relatively small size of immigrant populations together with the presence of post-materialistic values due to a relatively high standard of living makes the Scandinavian countries less receptive to mechanisms associated with group threat theory.
Struggling Insecurity: Ahmadiyya Community in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Ashrafuzzaman , Samadder Mrinmoy
Published: August 2013

Human security is a fundamental approach, which focuses on ensuring security for the individual in respect of socio-economic status, creed and ethnic background. Religious difference serves as a source of potential conflict in every heterogeneous society that violates human security and human rights. The study examined how religious identity jeopardised human security and human rights in relation to the Ahmadiyya community in Bangladesh. A qualitative method was applied to collect data using in-depth interviews, case studies, informal group discussions and participant observations. The study revealed that Ahmadiyya could hardly escape from vicious attacks and harassments because of their religious identity. The study also found that the prevailing state of insecurity violated the human rights of the community with regard to different social aspects. Under harsh circumstances, many Ahmadiyya left their residences to save their lives from aggressive persecutions from anti-Ahmadiyya sections. Thus, the violent experiences of the Ahmadiyya discouraged them from contributing to socio-economic growth of the nation.
The ‘Church’ of Bourguiba: Nationalizing Islam in Tunisia
Authors: Webb Edward
Published: August 2013

An inquiry in historical sociology using textual interpretation of educational curricular documents to analyze the role assigned to Islam in the official ideology of Tunisia under its first post-independence president, Habib Bourguiba. Adapting a typology of religions in politics proposed by Bruce Lincoln, the article argues that the rationalized, controlled version of Islam promoted in Tunisia’s schools as part of a top-down revolution has its genealogy in similar efforts in Turkey and earlier in revolutionary and Third Republic France, and should be labeled ‘Jacobin.’ It concludes that the present polarization of Tunisian politics may be attributed in part to the partial success of Bourguiba’s project of republican identity formation, promoting different relationships to Islam among different classes of citizens.
New taxa and new records of oribatid mites of the family Galumnidae (Acari: Oribatida) from Ecuador
Authors: ERMILOV SERGEY G. , STARÝ JOSEF , SANDMANN DOROTHEE , MARIAN FRANCA , MARAUN MARK
Published: August 2013

The new genus Neoctenogalumna gen. nov. with Ctenogalumna moresonensis Engelbrecht, 1972 as a type species and the new subgenus Neoctenogalumna (Paractenogalumna) subgen. nov. with Neoctenogalumna (Paractenogalumna) longiciliata sp. nov. as a type species are proposed. Four new species Allogalumna ampla sp. nov., Galumna miniporosa sp. nov., Pergalumna ornamenta sp. nov. and Neoctenogalumna (Paractenogalumna) longiciliata sp. nov. are described from Ecuadorian soils. Neoctenogalumna moresonensis (Engelbrecht, 1972) comb. nov. and N. congoensis (Starý, 2005) comb. nov. are transferred in the genus Neoctenogalumna gen. nov. from Ctenogalumna. An identification key to known species of Neoctenogalumna gen. nov. is provided. An annotated checklist of identified Ecuadorian Galumnidae is presented. Four species Allogalumna borhidii Balogh & Mahunka, 1979, A. cubana Balogh & Mahunka, 1979, Pergalumna australis Pérez-Íñigo & Baggio, 1980, Galumna laselvae Balogh, 1997—are recorded for the first time from Ecuador. One genus and one species Trichogalumna Balogh, 1960 and Trichogalumna nipponica (Aoki, 1966) are recorded for the first time from the Neotropical region.
Three new species of scale mites (Acari: Pterygosomatidae)
parasitizing Agama sankaranica (Sauria: Agamidae)
Authors: FAJFER MONIKA
Published: August 2013

Three new species of pterygosomatid mites Pterygosoma engai sp. nov. P. indare sp. nov. and P. olape sp. nov. (Acari: Pterygosomatidae) are described from the agamid lizard Agama sankaranica (Sauria: Agamidae) from Kenya. P. engai sp. nov. is similar to P. annectans circularis Jack, 1962 but in the new species, the anterior paddle–shaped setae with spicules on the apical margin of the idiosomal dorsum and three pairs of the postero-lateral setae are present, setae dm1 are paddle-shaped, peripheral setae and setae dGIV are absent, the pseudoanal setal series is represented by three pairs of setae ps. P. indare sp. nov. is most closely related to P. agamae agamae Peters, 1849 but differs by the absence of eyes and setae dGI, the presence of the flattened hypostomal apex and 12–14 pairs of the peripheral setae and some of them are tapered. P. olape sp. nov. is similar to P. engai sp. nov. but differs by the presence of the hypostome with a smooth rounded apex and 16 pairs of the peripheral setae inserted ventrally, the genital series is represented by one pair of setae g situated ventrally and four pairs of setae ps situated ventrally and terminally.
Crisis decision-making in Canadian foreign policy: Diplomatic representation in the Levant, 1984–1986
Authors: Bell Michael , Molloy Michael J
Published: August 2013

In 1985 the Canadian government closed its embassy in Lebanon and opened a mission in Syria. This realignment occurred amid charges from Lebanon and the Lebanese diaspora in Canada that the government was abandoning Lebanon at the moment of its greatest need and rewarding the malevolent Ba’ath regime in Damascus. The Canadian Department of External Affairs, under the leadership of Secretary of State Joe Clark, risked political fallout from this controversy—such as outrage from Lebanese and Israeli diaspora communities in Canada, injured relations with Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, and partial responsibility for the deteriorating human security situation in Lebanon—in favour of protecting the Canadian embassy staff from escalating violence in Beirut and seizing the opportunity to open a long overdue diplomatic presence in Damascus, Syria, from which the hard-line Ba'ath party dominated much of the region's politics.
Estrogen Aggravates Iodoacetate-induced Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang X.D. , Kou X.X. , Meng Z. , Bi R.Y. , Liu Y. , Zhang J.N. , Zhou Y.H. , Gan Y.H.
Published: August 2013

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is clinically characterized by female preponderance, with a female-to-male ratio of more than 2:1; however, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. We examined the effects of estrogen on TMJOA induced by monosodium iodoacetate. Female rats were randomly and equally divided into 5 groups: control, sham-ovariectomized, and ovariectomized rats treated, respectively, with 17β-estradiol (E2) at doses of 0 µg, 20 µg, and 80 µg/day until the end of the experiment. After induction of TMJOA, TMJs were evaluated by histopathology and microCT, and the expression of Fas, FasL, caspase 3, and caspase 8 was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain-reaction or immunohistochemistry. Another 5 groups of female rats were used to evaluate the effect of estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182780 on E2 effects on TMJOA, when injected intraperitoneally into the control, sham-ovariectomized, and 80-µg-E2-treated groups. We found that E2 potentiated cartilage degradation and subchondral bone erosion in iodoacetate-induced TMJOA. E2 also potentiated mRNA expression of Fas, FasL, caspase 3, and caspase 8 in the condylar cartilage. Moreover, the estrogen receptor antagonist partially blocked E2 effects on TMJOA. These findings suggest that E2 could aggravate TMJOA, which may be an important mechanism underlying the sexual dimorphism of TMJOA.
Technological parameters optimization by orthogonal array designs for steeping silk slices on small reels
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Fu Yaqin , Liu Chengxia , Dai Dongdong , Jiang Wenbin
Published: August 2013

A new steeping method is put forward in this paper, in which steeping assistant is added into the solution during the vacuum permeation for the treatment of silk slices on small reels. With this new method, the traditional process of steeping raw silk and drying can be omitted. Orthogonal array L16 (43) is used to study the new method. The result shows that the optimal technological parameters are 2 h, 1.25% and five times for balance drying time, assistant concentration and vacuum number, respectively. The test indicates that the properties of silk slices show no significant difference between steeping on small reels and conventional steeping, and the new process of steeping silk slices on small reels can mostly meet the technological requirements of steeping. It is also found that the properties of knitted fabric produced by the new steeping method and conventional steeping method are quite similar to each other. However, some special properties of the former, such as abrasion resistance, bursting strength and draping, are better than the latter. Compared with the conventional steeping of raw silk, the new steeping method has lower cost and higher efficiency.
Influence of Age and Type of Underlying Disease on Complications Related to Home Enteral Nutrition
Authors: Barone Michele , Viggiani Maria Teresa , Amoruso Annabianca , Licinio Raffaele , Iannone Andrea , Montenegro Lucia , Scavo Maria Principia , Addante Irene , Di Leo Alfredo
Published: August 2013

Background: No data about the influence of age and underlying diseases on home enteral nutrition (HEN)–related complications are reported in the literature. Herein, we retrospectively investigated this issue by analyzing HEN‐related complications in a cohort of consecutive patients grouped according to the underlying disease and age. Material and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 101 patients referring to our team in 2007–2010 to obtain patients’ demographic data, age, nutrition status, duration of HEN treatment, and type of HEN‐related complications. They were divided in cancer and neurologic patients and subgrouped on the basis of their age. HEN‐related complications were expressed as complication rates. Results: Patients with neurological diseases suffered a significantly higher number of complications as compared with cancer patients (P = .04). Age did not significantly influence complication rates. The mechanical complications were the most frequent. The majority of HEN‐related complications were resolved at home. Conclusion: Our data strongly suggest that HEN‐related complications are influenced by underlying diseases and not by age. In neurologic patients, dementia, loss of autonomy, and the different therapies administered by PEG probably play an important role in increasing the number of HEN‐related complications as compared with cancer patients. The most frequent complications can be managed at home, reducing the costs of hospitalizations and discomfort for the patient.
Plasma protein denaturation with graded heat exposure
Authors: Vazquez R , Larson DF
Published: August 2013

During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), perfusion at tepid temperatures (33-35°C) is recommended to avoid high temperature cerebral hyperthermia during and after the operation. However, the ideal temperature for uncomplicated adult cardiac surgery is an unsettled question. Typically, the heat exchanger maximum temperature is monitored between 40-42°C to prevent denaturation of plasma proteins, but studies have not been performed to make these conclusions. Therefore, our hypothesis was to determine the temperature in which blood plasma protein degradation occurs after 2 hours of heat exposure. As a result, blood plasma proteins were exposed to heat in the 37-50°C range for 2 hours. Plasma protein samples were loaded onto an 8-12% gradient gel for SDS-PAGE and low molecular weight plasma protein degradation was detected with graded heat exposure. Protein degradation was first detected between 43-45°C of heat exposure. This study supports the practice of monitoring the heat exchanger between 40-42°C to prevent denaturation of plasma proteins.
One-shot scleroembolization: a new technique for the treatment of varicose veins disease of lower extremities. Preliminary results
Authors: Viani Marco P , Viani Giacomo M , Sergenti Jessica
Published: August 2013

Objective

The aim of this article is to present a new technique for minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins disease of lower extremities.

Methods

One-shot scleroembolization is a new technique designed for the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities, which associates a mechanical interruption of the sapheno-femoral junction to classic sclerotherapy with no need for surgery or anesthesia. This is achieved with the combined use of a coil positioned in the terminal portion of the great saphenous vein and a foamed sclerosant drug.

Results

At three months’ follow-up no complications have been observed. The great saphenous vein was still occluded in all patients (nine out of nine).

Conclusions

One-shot scleroembolization seems to be an effective technique for the treatment of varicose veins disease in outpatients, with the advantage of causing little distress to the patient.
A Markov multistate analysis of the relationship between performance status and death among an ambulatory population of cancer patients
Authors: Sutradhar Rinku , Barbera Lisa
Published: August 2013

Background:

The relationship between performance status and death among cancer patients has been of increasing interest over the past years. However, few studies have implemented statistical models that adequately capture the longitudinal nature of performance status assessments collected under intermittent observation.

Aim:

The main research aims were to examine the association between performance status and death and to determine the probability of deterioration in performance status over time.

Design:

This was a population-based longitudinal study among adult outpatients diagnosed with cancer. Throughout their observation period, all patients were repeatedly assessed for performance status using an 11-point scale with a score of 100 being the best, 10 being the worst and 0 representing death. A Markov multistate model accounting for intermittent observation was implemented in which each score represented a distinct state in the model.

Results:

The cohort consisted of 27,739 patients with over 157,000 assessments. The rate of transition to death increases with a quadratic trend as performance status declines. The 1-month and 3-month probability of deterioration also increases with a quadratic trend as performance status declines. The relative rate of transition to death decreases as we compare lower scores (relative rate = 2.20 for comparing scores 90 vs 100 and relative rate = 1.23 for comparing scores 10 vs 20).

Conclusion:

There is a significant relationship between performance status and rate of transition to death. The Markov multistate model provides a comprehensive understanding of the shape of this relationship, which facilitates the interpretation of performance status and provides strength in its use as a prognostic tool in a clinical setting.
Effects of CD40 ligation combined with chemotherapy drugs on human breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Wang Zhi-Qing , Wang Jun , Ling Wei-Hua , Zhang Xue-Guang , Shi Qin
Published: August 2013

Objective

To investigate the influence of recombinant human CD40 ligand (rhCD40L) on the biological behaviour of breast cancer cells.

Methods

MDA-MB-23l and MDA-MB-435 treated with rhCD40L were observed for changes in the cell cycle, in membrane proteins, and in mRNA levels of B cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xl), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). Effects of rhCD40L on cell proliferation in the presence or absence of interferon (IFN)-γ (500 IU/ml) and/or doxorubicin (20 ng/ml) were also determined.

Results

rhCD40L dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation. Combination of rhCD40L with IFN-γ or doxorubicin potentiated the inhibitory activity. After treatment, an increase in cells entering the G1 phase of the cell cycle was observed, with a significant decrease in the number entering the S phase. Levels of several membrane proteins including CD95L and CD120a were also increased. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction revealed an increase in the Bax/Bcl-xl mRNA ratio and an increase in RANTES.

Conclusion

rhCD40L treatment of breast cancer cells mediates a variety of anti-tumour effects, not only by direct cytotoxic activity but also by upregulation of adhesion molecules, co-stimulators and cytokines to rectify T cell immunity.
Finite element analysis of combined static loadings on offshore pipe riser repaired with fibre-reinforced composite laminates
Authors: Chan PH , Tshai KY , Johnson M , Li S
Published: August 2013

The stress–strain response of an offshore pipe riser subjected to combined internal pressure, tension and bending is studied. Finite element analysis was used to study three conditions of pipe riser – uncorroded, corroded and corroded and repaired with designated laminate orientation of carbon/epoxy or E-glass/epoxy fibre-reinforced composite. The behaviour of the pipe riser (grade API 5L X60 steel) was studied using Ramberg–Osgood model. Two composites laminate systems, a pre-cured prepreg (grade AS4 3501-6 carbon/epoxy) and a wet-layup filament-wounded composite (grade Gevetex LY556/HT917/DY063 E-glass/epoxy), were characterised. Design conditions were determined via a limit analysis known as the double-elastic slope method. The results showed that under combined hoop, tensile and bending loads, the riser tends to approach failure at a much lower strain compared with each of these loads being applied individually. The limiting design factor of the composite repair system was due to excessive tensile strain experienced in a bent riser while the compressive stress caused by reversing the bending load occurred well within the linear-elastic region. With respect to the types of composite repair system, carbon fibre displayed a much better strength rehabilitation over glass fibre. In the aspect of laminate orientation, off-axis plies [90°/ ± 30°]s and [90°/ ± 45°/0°]s laminates were found capable of restoring the strength of the corroded riser and provide superior reinforcement in both hoop and axial directions.
Fault tolerant control scheme design for the formation control system of unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Qian Moshu , Jiang Bin , Xu Dezhi
Published: August 2013

In this article, a fault tolerant control approach is proposed for the formation control system of unmanned aerial vehicles with bounded external disturbance and unknown fault using both adaptive sliding mode control and [Formula: see text] control techniques. First, a linearized formation model of unmanned aerial vehicles is established under a straight and level formation flight condition. A reference model is introduced for the aim of the fault tolerant control problem. Then a sliding mode surface is designed for the deduced error dynamics, an virtual adaptive sliding mode controller and an adaptive fault estimation algorithm are proposed, which can drive the error dynamics onto the predefined sliding mode surface, and guarantee the property of asymptotical stability with a given disturbance attenuation level. On the basis of the normal proportional plus integral formation controller and the estimated fault information, a compensated control–based fault tolerant formation control scheme is proposed to ensure that the formation geometry is maintained in fault case. Finally, simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the result obtained in this study.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. A comparative study
Authors: Abid N , Khan A Sattar , Otaibi F Huzam Al
Published: August 2013

This retrospective study aimed to collect data related to the clinical manifestations and laboratory investigations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, in one of the tertiary-care centers, King Fahd Hospital Al-Hasa, and to compare it with other regions of Saudi Arabia. Forty-six patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology 1997 criteria (ACR) were collected over a period from January 2004 to December 2008.

The results showed an average age of onset of 26.17 ( ±9.17). The most common clinical features were nonspecific constitutional symptoms (fever, fatigue and malaise) seen in 44 patients (95.7%). Musculoskeletal features seen were mostly arthralgias (91.3%) and arthritis (76.1%). Nephritis was seen in 58.7% and hypertension in 52.2%. Mucocutaneous involvement included oral ulcers (71.7%), hair loss (65.2%), butterfly rashes (67.4%), photosensitivity (47.8%) and discoid lupus (13%). Neurologic manifestations showed psychosis in 17.4%, depression in 15.2% and headache in 28.3%. The most common hematologic presentation was leukopenia (58.7%) followed by hemolytic anemia and anemia of chronic disease (47.8%). Antinuclear antibodies were positive in 44 (95.7%), anti-dsDNA in 38 (42.6%), anti-Ro SSA and La SSB in 38 (82.6%). Anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant were positive in eight (17.4%). Low complement levels (C3 and C4) were seen in 41 (89.1%) of the patients with active disease. The drugs used in treatment were NSAIDs (100%), antimalarials (97.8%), steroids (100%), intermittent cyclophosphamide and other immunosuppressive drugs (71.7%).

We found that the age of onset and sex distributions were different from other areas of Saudi Arabia, while clinical manifestations were the same as in other areas. The prognosis of lupus was good overall despite the multi-organ involvement. However, further studies based on larger number of patients are needed.
The Frontline Clinical Manager Identifying Direct Reports’ Level of Practice
Authors: Longo M. Anne , Roussel Linda , Pennington Sandra L. , Hoying Cheryl
Published: August 2013

Patricia Benner applied the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition to describe and interpret skill acquisition and clinical judgment in nursing practice. Operational definitions for the 5 levels of her original Novice to Expert Theory were used by the study participants in a large Midwestern pediatric hospital to self-identify their level of practice. The frontline clinical managers of these direct care registered nurses (RNs) used the same tool to rate their direct reports. The aim of this portion of a larger study was to determine if the clinical manager’s perception of their direct reports was the same as that of the RNs. The results of this study are being used by one study unit’s clinical managers as the basis for implementing the Hersey and Blanchard Situational Leadership Model. The clinical managers work with their direct reports depending on the level of practice and the details of the task to be performed. One example is creating therapeutic relationships with each other and with families to ensure a safe environment for all.
Barriers to the Effective Use of Medico-Legal Findings in Sexual Assault Cases Worldwide
Authors: Mont Janice Du , White Deborah
Published: August 2013

Despite the increasing implementation of standardized rape kits across jurisdictions, the medico-legal findings generated by these tools are often not related to positive criminal justice outcomes. Given that there has been no global investigation of the factors that might impede their successful use in cases of sexual assault, we conducted a review of relevant scholarly and “grey” literature from industrialized and less-developed regions. One key theme to emerge from the analysis concerned certain problematic practices and behaviors of professional groups involved in the various stages of the post-sexual assault process. We found that a lack of competence in handling sexual assault cases, contempt for women who have been victimized, and corruption among some forensic examiners, police, scientists, and legal personnel often have shaped the collection, processing, analysis, and use of medico-legal evidence. We discuss recent initiatives and future directions for research that might serve to address these issues.
Sinusoidal acceleration harmonic estimation using the extended Kalman filter for an electro-hydraulic servo shaking table
Authors: Yao Jianjun , Yan Han , Xiao Rui , Di Duotao , Jiang Guilin , Gao Shuang , Yu Han
Published: August 2013

Shaking tables play a vital role in mechanical environmental simulation. Sinusoidal shaking tests are usually applied to specimens for simulating periodic motions. Due to the nonlinearities in the electro-hydraulic servo shaking table, its sinusoidal acceleration response contains higher harmonics, which lower the system control performance. To cancel those harmonics, the harmonic information should be firstly known. The paper proposes an acceleration harmonic identification scheme by using the extended Kalman filter. A nonlinear state space model of the acceleration response is then built for the extended Kalman filter. The harmonic information, including the amplitude and phase of each harmonic, is directly derived from the estimated states. The features of the algorithm are that the state transition equation is linear and the measurement equation is nonlinear. It also inherits the advantages of the traditional linear Kalman filter. Both simulation and experimentation are carried out to validate its efficiency and accuracy. The online estimated harmonic information can provide a basis for the further harmonic cancellation.
Friending Participants: Managing the Researcher–Participant Relationship on Social Network Sites
Authors: Robards Brady
Published: August 2013

Research into youth engagement with social network sites such as MySpace and Facebook highlights a complex set of ethical dimensions, which do not always translate easily from similar concerns in traditional offline research. On social network sites, it is clear that many young people are managing their online presences in strategic ways, often involving conventions around determining access to these spaces. If these sites are framed by their young users as at least ‘partially private’, how should the researcher seek access to these spaces and how should the researcher operate in these spaces if access is permitted? This article reflects on qualitative research undertaken by the author from 2007 to 2010, which involved ‘friending’ participants on MySpace and Facebook. Based on this reflection, and contextualized by an engagement with literature concerning both Internet research and youth research, this article argues that social network sites blur the public/private dichotomy. Thus, research engaging with participants on these sites requires ongoing ethical reflection around assumptions about public and private information, and researchers, institutional ethics committees and review boards must develop and make use of suitably informed expertise to both conduct and review future scholarship in this area.
Analysis of power losses in an industrial planetary speed reducer: Measurements and computational fluid dynamics calculations
Authors: Concli Franco , Conrado Edoardo , Gorla Carlo
Published: August 2013

In this work, experimental and theoretical analyses of the power losses in an industrial planetary speed reducer were performed in order to define the weight of the different types of power losses in the global efficiency as well as to understand the appropriateness and the effectiveness of the models and tools available in the literature for the prediction of these power losses. From this investigation, it has emerged that even if for all the kinds of power losses improvements are in principle possible, those for which, at the same time, more improvements seem possible and effective models are lacking are the load-independent power losses. For this reason, a computational fluid dynamics methodology able to evaluate load-independent gear power losses in planetary gearboxes is proposed. The other types of power losses were determined by means of analytical models available in the literature and, together with the calculated load-independent gear power losses, compared with the experimentally determined power losses showing the effectiveness of the adopted calculation models.