bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Unusual Presentation of Co-existence of Leprosy, Anetoderma and Abdominal Tuberculosis: A Case Report
Authors: Gupta Shreya Nirajkumar , Chandak Meenakshi , Singh Adarshlata , Madke Bhushan , Jawade Sugat
Published: June 2024

Leprosy and Tuberculosis (TB), both significant mycobacterial infections, often affect populations with lowered specific immunity. TB is a widespread and life-threatening mycobacterial infection. Co-infection of these diseases is uncommon in routine clinical practice, adding complexity to diagnosis and treatment planning. However, instances of co-existence suggest a potential crossimmunity theory. Leprosy, known for its varied presentations, can manifest as an asymptomatic secondary presentation of anetoderma, characterised by elastinolysis-induced loose sac-like appearances. This case report presents a middle-aged man in his late 30s undergoing Anti-Tubercular Treatment (AKT) for abdominal tuberculosis, who presented with signs of Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL) and small asymptomatic atrophied macules on his trunk and back in the Dermatology department. Through comprehensive history, clinical examination, slit skin smear, and biopsy, authors elucidated a rare case of co-infection of leprosy and atypical cutaneous manifestations as anetoderma, concomitant with abdominal tuberculosis.
Takayasu Arteritis Presenting with Gangrene: A Case Report
Authors: Inamdar Akash , Gharde Pankaj , Shinde Raju , Bhargava Abhilasha
Published: June 2024

Takayasu Arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting large blood vessels, particularly the aorta and its branches, making it a type of vasculitis. It is reported to be highly prevalent in Southeast Asian countries. Clinical presentations may vary, including headache, weight loss, malaise, fever, hypertension, visual disturbances, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Gangrene is a rare manifestation of TA, with relatively few cases reported globally. If gangrene is present, it is commonly noted in the lower limbs. Inflammation of the blood vessels caused by TA might lead to stenosis of the affected vessels. The underlying pathophysiology of gangrene development in TA is poorly understood but is mainly attributed to the occlusion of blood vessels. It is associated with inflammatory markers produced by lymphocytes and macrophages. Immunosuppressive drugs are recommended for symptomatic relief. Early diagnosis and intervention can be useful in managing TA, preventing adverse outcomes, and reducing its financial, social, and psychological consequences. This is a case report of a 32-year-old female, presented with gangrene and a history of rheumatoid arthritis. Further examination revealed a presentation of TA. The patient was managed by below-knee amputation for gangrene of the left leg and medical management for TA. Therefore, authors aim to draw attention to the diagnosis of TA and the rare associated morbidity, ‘gangrene,’ and the importance of timely intervention.
Demarcation of Potential Groundwater Recharge Zones Through REMOTE Sensing, GIS, and MCDA: A Case Study of the Aji River Basin in Saurashtra, Gujarat, India
Authors: Ghritesh Akansha , Vekariya P. B , Patel Abhishek , Bariya Sonalben , Waghaye Abhishek M.
Published: June 2024

Groundwater is an important and valuable natural resource. Due to extensive agricultural practices and industrial developments, groundwater resources have recently been overexploited and depleted. Therefore, there is a need to adopt sustainable water resource management practices to augment groundwater recharge. This study uses advanced geospatial technologies to identify potential groundwater recharge zones in the Aji River Basin in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. The primary objective was to enhance potential groundwater recharge zones in the Aji River basin region. Therefore, various parameters affecting groundwater availability, including lineament, geology, soil, density, slope, rainfall, land use/land cover, geomorphology, and drainage density, were considered for delineating potential groundwater recharge zones. The integrated approach, using remote sensing (RS), geographical information system (GIS), and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), was employed to achieve this. The influence factor was determined through Satty`s analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. The sub-parameters were ranked according to the AHP scale, and a weighted overlay analysis tool in ArcGIS software was utilized to map the potential groundwater recharge zones in the basin. The concluding map was categorized into five distinct zones based on potential groundwater recharge zones: ‘Excellent’ (50.50 km2, 2.36 %), ‘Good’ (1376.78 km2, 64.56 %), ‘Moderate’ (599.14 km2, 28.09 %), ‘Poor’ (90.67 km2, 4.25 %), and ‘Very Poor’ (15.32 km2,0.718 %). The SCS-Curve number method was employed to assess the potential for rainfall-induced runoff. The Aji River basin exhibited a weighted mean rainfall and runoff of 622.68 mm and 241.07 mm, respectively. The estimated weighted runoff for the Aji River basin was 514.07 million cubic meters (MCM), with a 75 % exceedance probability, resulting in a runoff of 152.97 MCM. This study concludes that integrating remote sensing, GIS, and MCDA techniques effectively identifies and delineates potential groundwater recharge zones, which is crucial for sustainable water resource management.
Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth Parameter and Yield Attribute of Wheat in Inceptisolof Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Kajal , Sharma P.K. , Singh Y.V. , Barnwal Prabhakar Prasad , Jaiswal Shubham
Published: June 2024

The insufficient availability and escalating expenses of fertilizers present significant constraints to crop production, exacerbating the growing disparity between nutrient demand and supply. The overreliance on agrochemicals like synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides not only endangers human health but also degrades soil quality and environmental integrity. This study examined the impact of applying recommended doses of fertilisers (RDF) in conjunction with organic amendments in a pot experiment carried out throughout the 2020–2021 wheat growing season. Significant improvements were found for the following wheat plant attributes: straw and grain yields; height; greenness index; spike count; spike length; and weight of 1000 seeds. The treatment utilizing 50% RDF and 50% poultry manure (T5) demonstrated the most pronounced improvements across these parameters. These findings highlight integrated nutrient management's crucial importance as a modern agricultural requirement.
Vision-Based Displacement Measurement of Pedestrian Suspension Bridges
Authors: Jeon Geonyeol , Kim Gayoung , Yoon Hyungchul
Published: June 2024

The number of pedestrian suspension bridges in South Korea increased from 188 to 208 between 2020 and 2021, with a corresponding increase in the number of visitors. However, these bridges are susceptible to structural issues due to natural factors and their continual usage, necessitating structural health monitoring (SHM) to prevent accidents. SHM requires data on the structure's vibration, deflection, and deformation. This study proposes a system utilizing targets for vision-based dynamic behavior measurement of pedestrian suspension bridges through image processing and applying these data to SHM. The proposed method demonstrated a deviation of only 1.3150 mm when compared to the direct measurement of the bridge's dynamic behavior and yielded almost identical mode shape results. The proposed approach can be effectively employed to inspect and maintain pedestrian suspension bridges.
A Study on Improving the Construction of Tunnel Steel Ribs Using High-Tensile Long Bolts
Authors: Yoo Jeongyeol
Published: June 2024

Steel ribs installed to enhance tunnel stability have consistently been criticized owing to their structural vulnerabilities and on-site construction inconvenience. Therefore, this study aims to address these issues and contribute to safer tunnel construction. To address the structural weaknesses resulting from the reduced steel section at the upper and lower junction parts of the tunnel steel ribs as well as the keystone junction parts, reinforcement was achieved by using long high-tensile bolts and steel bars. Test results on the bending strength of the junction revealed that the upper and lower junction parts exhibited a bending strength 1.38 times higher than those of the general sections of steel ribs, and the keystone junction parts showed a bending strength of 1.70 times higher, meeting or surpassing the equivalent strength criteria. Moreover, by utilizing high-tensile long bolts with adjustable heights, the constructability and construction speed were both enhanced. Consequently, it was determined that construction costs could be reduced by 2.42% and that the construction speed could be improved by approximately 333 h/km.
Flow-based Seismic-resilience Estimation of Urban-bridge Transportation Networks
Authors: Yoon Sungsik
Published: June 2024

The Gyeongju earthquake (magnitude 5.8) and Pohang earthquake (magnitude 5.4), which occurred recently in South Korea, induced profound social confusion. In particular, severe damage to critical infrastructures, such as bridges, water, and power-supply facilities, not only directly damages the structures but also indirectly affects the local residents and community. In this study, a comprehensive methodology was proposed to evaluate the seismic resilience of urban-bridge transportation networks based on flow analysis. To demonstrate the proposed methodology, an actual bridge transportation network in Gyeongju, South Korea was adopted, and a network map was reconstructed based on a geographic information system. Numerical analysis show that the area of the seismic-resilience curve of the bridge transportation network increases with the earthquake magnitude. Moreover, the required travel time decreases as the bridge structure is restored.
Estimating Return Flow Rate from Water Demand Using Optimization Approach
Authors: Kim Wonjin , Choi Sijung , Kang Seonggyu , Noh Huiseong , Choi Cheonkyu
Published: June 2024

Water budget analysis involves assessing available water resources and demand in specific regions or watersheds in order to efficiently manage the already-limited water resources, ensure supply stability, and formulate relevant plans. In this analysis, the quantity of return flow is as crucial as supply and demand, necessitating diverse approaches for accurate estimation. Hence, this study employed a gradient descent-based optimization approach to determine a reliable return flow rate. Unlike traditional unidimensional rates, this approach considers scenarios with varied analysis points and periods within the target watershed. The research findings indicated that the optimized return flow rate varied with the analysis location and period, underscoring the potential of this optimization approach to enhance the accuracy of water budget analysis compared to conventional rates in runoff simulations using water supply networks. Integrating the optimization approach proposed in this study with water budget analysis is expected to significantly contribute to the development of effective water resource management plans.
Characterization of Drought Propagation in the Han River Basin Based on Chaos Theory and Nonlinear Dynamic System
Authors: Kim Seok-Woo , Park Gyeong-Woon , Cho Bong-Yeon , Yoo Jiyoung , Kim Tae-Woong
Published: June 2024

This study characterized drought propagation in the Han River basin based on chaos theory and nonlinear dynamic systems. The nonlinear complexity of drought propagation, specifically between meteorological and hydrological droughts, was identified using convergent cross-mapping and phase-space reconstruction techniques. The analysis results on the causality of drought propagation between meteorological and hydrological droughts revealed that among the 24 middle-sized watersheds of the Han River basin, 11 watersheds had bidirectional causality, and the other 13 watersheds had one-directional causality. This study also confirmed that there were large correlations between the two drought types when 12 of the 13 watersheds with one-directional causality had a lag time of 4 months and the remaining watershed had a delay time of 7 months. The complexity of the interaction between different droughts was confirmed through adjustments of key parameters, such as the embedding dimension, time delay, correlation dimension, and Lyapunov exponent. The approach proposed in this study made it possible to analyze the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of drought propagation, which have not been analyzed in previous studies.
Finite Element Analysis of Urban L-Type Sidewalk Drainage Steel Grating
Authors: Kim Hoyeol , Jang Ilyoung
Published: June 2024

In this study, structural analysis and calculations were conducted on the downward and vehicle loads to reduce vehicle accidents caused by the failure of steel gratings, and the results were compared and analyzed. To replicate the severe circumstances found in the steel grating, a vehicle load was applied at T20 and T14. Finite elements and geometric nonlinearity were applied to the material and contact in the structural analysis. As a result of the analysis, plastic sagging of the steel grating owing to the downward load and vehicle load did not occur. However, local plastic deformations occurred in the welded parts of the I-bar and crossbar. The analysis results confirm the need for strength improvements in vulnerable areas.
Quantitative Evaluation of Evacuation Efficiency during Disasters according to the Operation of Human Resources in Medical Facilities
Authors: Kim Junghyeon , Kim Moonsik , Kim Yongjoo , Rie Dongho
Published: June 2024

Intensive care patients are among those most vulnerable during disasters, as they are unable to evacuate independently and often rank lowest in evacuation priority due to their low survival rates. Consequently, evacuation protocols in medical facilities prioritize patients with better survival prospects. However, quantitative research on whether such evacuation methods improve efficiency remains insufficient. This study utilized Flexsim Healthcare to calculate the Required Safe Evacuation Time for medical facilities accommodating patients with various evacuation needs, including those who are walkable, in a wheelchair, and bedridden. The findings indicate that the deployment of over 40% of resident nurses as per legal standards is necessary to significantly enhance the evacuation efficiency for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the study found that the highest evacuation efficiency is achieved when 75% of all evacuation assistants are assigned to bedridden patients and 25% to those in wheelchairs.
Foaming of Aluminum Alloys Derived From Scrap
Authors: Kumar G. S. Vinod , Heim Korbinian , Garcia‐Moreno Francisco , Banhart John , Kennedy Andrew R.
Published: September 2012

Aluminum alloys made from machining chips that have been heat treated and re‐melted, have been successfully foamed (after the addition of TiH2) using processes analogous to both the “Alporas” and “Formgrip” methods. The high oxygen contents associated with the swarf (0.11 wt% for the as‐received material, increasing to >0.5 wt% after conditioning) results in large fractions of both clustered and dispersed oxide films in the melt. It is these films that enhance the “foamability” of this material. Through additional alloying with Mg and holding in the liquid state to allow reaction to take place, fragmentation and wetting of the oxides occurs and foams with low densities (<0.3 g cm−3), good pore structures, and good stability were obtained. The use of scrap material, without costly or embrittling additives, offers a low cost route to the manufacture of high quality foams.
Solution‐Processible Carbazole Dendrimers as Host Materials for Highly Efficient Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Jiuyan , Zhang Ting , Liang Yunjing , Yang Ruixia
Published: September 2012

A group of dendrimers with oligo‐carbazole dendrons appended at 4,4′‐ positions of biphenyl core are synthesized for use as host materials for solution‐processible phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PHOLEDs). In comparison with the traditional small molecular host 4,4′‐N,N′‐dicarbazolebiphenyl (CBP), the dendritic conformation affords these materials extra merits including amorphous nature with extremely high glass transition temperatures (ca. 376 °C) and solution‐processibility, but inherent the identical triplet energies (2.60–2.62 eV). In comparison with the widely‐used polymeric host polyvinylcarbazole (PVK), these dendrimers possess much higher HOMO levels (–5.61 to –5.42 eV) that facilitate efficient hole injection and are favorable for high power efficiency in OLEDs. The agreeable properties and the solution‐processibility of these dendrimers makes it possible to fabricate highly efficient PHOLEDs by spin coating with the dendimers as phosphorescent hosts. The green PHOLED containing Ir(ppy)3 (Hppy = 2‐phenyl‐pyridine) dopant exhibits high peak efficiencies of 38.71 cd A−1 and 15.69 lm W−1, which far exceed those of the control device with the PVK host (27.70 cd A−1 and 9.6 lm W−1) and are among the best results for solution‐processed green PHOLEDs ever reported. The versatility of these dendrimer hosts can be spread to orange PHOLEDs and high efficiencies of 32.22 cd A−1 and 20.23 lm W−1 are obtained, among the best ever reported for solution‐processed orange PHOLEDs.
Interstitial 3p25.3–p26.1 deletion in a patient with intellectual disability
Authors: Riess Angelika , Grasshoff Ute , Schäferhoff Karin , Bonin Michael , Riess Olaf , Horber Veronka , Tzschach Andreas
Published: September 2012

Interstitial deletions of the short arm of chromosome 3 are rare. We report on a 3‐year‐old girl with intellectual disability, muscular hypotonia, strabismus, and facial anomalies in whom an interstitial 1.24 Mb deletion in 3p25.3–p26.1 was detected by SNP array analysis. The deleted region harbors 11 RefSeq genes including CAV3 and SRGAP3/MEGAP, which had been associated with muscle disorders and intellectual disability, respectively. The deletion overlaps with a slightly larger deletion in a girl with a more complex phenotype including congenital heart defect and epilepsy, which indicates that haploinsufficiency of one or several of the genes in the deleted interval causes intellectual deficits, but not heart defects or epilepsy. Thus, the patient broadens our knowledge of the phenotypic consequences of deletions in 3p25.3–p26.1 and facilitates genotype‐phenotype correlations for chromosome aberrations of this region. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Congenital heart disease in Cornelia de Lange syndrome: Phenotype and genotype analysis
Authors: Chatfield Kathryn C. , Schrier Samantha A. , Li Jennifer , Clark Dinah , Kaur Maninder , Kline Antonie D. , Deardorff Matthew A. , Jackson Laird S. , Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Krantz Ian D.
Published: September 2012

Congenital heart disease (CHD) has been reported to occur in 14–70% of individuals with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS, OMIM 122470) and accounts for significant morbidity and mortality when present. Charts from a cohort of 479 patients with CdLS were reviewed for cardiac evaluations, gene testing and information to determine phenotypic severity. Two hundred fifty‐nine individuals had either documented structural defects or minor cardiac findings. The presence of CHD was then quantified as a function of mutation status and severity of CdLS: mild, moderate, or severe. Different types of CHD were also evaluated by mutation status to assess for any genotype–phenotype correlation. NIPBL, SMC1A, and SMC3 mutation‐positive patients were equally likely to have CHD, although the number of SMC1A and SMC3 mutation‐positive patients were small in comparison. Structural CHDs were more likely to be present in individuals with moderate and severe CdLS than in the mild phenotype. This study evaluates the trends of CHD seen in the CdLS population and correlates these findings with genotype. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical expression in Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 and 3: Surveillance in Japan
Authors: Koga Hiroshi , Suga Naohiro , Nakamoto Takato , Tanaka Koichi , Takahashi Noboru
Published: September 2012

Pfeiffer syndrome (PS) is a classic type of craniosynostosis syndrome. Severe cases usually require emergency care at birth. However, early diagnosis is often precluded by the rarity and consequent low awareness of this disease. This study aimed to clarify phenotypic expressions useful for the diagnosis of PS. We reviewed all cases of PS type 2 or 3 according to Cohen's classification that were reported between 1980 and 2011 in Japan. Clinical and genetic information were extracted from the patients' medical records. A total of 23 patients with PS type 2 or 3 were identified. All 23 patients presented with craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia, proptosis, broad thumbs, and wide great toes. FGFR2 mutations were confirmed in all 8 patients in whom genetic analyses were performed. In addition to classic symptoms, elbow ankylosis and sacrococcygeal defects were present in 70% and 30% of the patients, respectively. During an average follow‐up of 22 months, 22% of patients died before 1 year of age. Elbow ankylosis and sacrococcygeal defects were the phenotypic features recognizable at a glance. These defects strongly suggest the presence of PS in newborns with craniosynostosis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of a Field Technique and Characterization of Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Analysis in Wild Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: MURRAY CARSON M. , HEINTZ MATTHEW R. , LONSDORF ELIZABETH V. , PARR LISA A. , SANTYMIRE RACHEL M.
Published: September 2012

Monitoring adrenocortical activity in wild primate populations is critical, given the well‐documented relationship between stress, health, and reproduction. Although many primate studies have quantified fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations, it is imperative that researchers validate their method for each species. Here, we describe and validate a technique for field extraction and storage of FGMs in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Our method circumvents many of the logistical challenges associated with field studies while yielding similar results to a commonly used laboratory method. We further validate that our method accurately reflects stress physiology using an adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge in a captive chimpanzee and an FGM peak at parturition in a wild subject. Finally, we quantify circadian patterns for FGMs for the first time in this species. Understanding these patterns may allow researchers to directly link specific events with the stress response. Am. J. Primatol. 75:57‐64, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rebuilding Hope on Josina Machel Island: Towards a Culturally Mediated Model of Psychotherapeutic Intervention
Authors: Efraime Boia , Errante Antoinette
Published: September 2012

Aided by the growing interest in the cultural dimensions of psychology, the experiences of psychologists working with communities under wartime duress and in the immediate post‐war context have forced us to re‐think our understanding of trauma and psychotherapeutic intervention. Recognizing the role of culture has allowed us to rethink trauma‐in‐context, how people and communities understand trauma, and how to explore the most effective psychotherapeutic treatments in these post‐war cultural contexts. Dawes and Honwana (Children, culture and mental health: Interventions in Conditions of War. In B. Efraime Jr, P. Riedesser, J. Walter, H. Adam, & P. Steudtner (Eds), Children, war and persecution – rebuilding hope. Maputo: Rebuilding Hope, 1998) suggest a holistic view of the individual‐in‐context in order to fully understand the meaning an individual brings and gives to a stressful experience. This perspective allows also for an understanding of the healing resources within a community available to the individual, and the psychologist, dealing with a traumatic event.

By exploring both the universal and specific cultural dimensions of trauma, while working with former child soldiers on Josina Machel Island, Mozambique, the authors seek to illuminate how these cultural dimensions, and wealth of healing resources, shaped their understanding of culture in the treatment process and the creation of treatment teams. A comprehensive cultural understanding also allowed the author to use and integrate important cultural dimensions of understanding in to the treatment process to aid in the elaboration of traumatic events associated with being a child soldier. These treatment methods are described via a case example, which represents much of the work carried out with the community of Josina Machel. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Web data as academic and business quality estimates: A comparison of three data sources
Authors: Vaughan Liwen , Yang Rongbin
Published: September 2012

Earlier studies found that web hyperlink data contain various types of information, ranging from academic to political, that can be used to analyze a variety of social phenomena. Specifically, the numbers of inlinks to academic websites are associated with academic performance, while the counts of inlinks to company websites correlate with business variables. However, the scarcity of sources from which to collect inlink data in recent years has required us to seek new data sources. The recent demise of the inlink search function of Yahoo! made this need more pressing. Different alternative variables or data sources have been proposed. This study compared three types of web data to determine which are better as academic and business quality estimates, and what are the relationships among the three data sources. The study found that Alexa inlink and Google URL citation data can replace Yahoo! inlink data and that the former is better than the latter. Alexa is even better than Yahoo!, which has been the main data source in recent years. The unique nature of Alexa data could explain its relative advantages over other data sources.
Document recommendations based on knowledge flows: A hybrid of personalized and group‐based approaches
Authors: Liu Duen‐Ren , Lai Chin‐Hui , Chen Ya‐Ting
Published: September 2012

Recommender systems can mitigate the information overload problem and help workers retrieve knowledge based on their preferences. In a knowledge‐intensive environment, knowledge workers need to access task‐related codified knowledge (documents) to perform tasks. A worker's document referencing behavior can be modeled as a knowledge flow (KF) to represent the evolution of his or her information needs over time. Document recommendation methods can proactively support knowledge workers in the performance of tasks by recommending appropriate documents to meet their information needs. However, most traditional recommendation methods do not consider workers’ KFs or the information needs of the majority of a group of workers with similar KFs. A group's needs may partially reflect the needs of an individual worker that cannot be inferred from his or her past referencing behavior. In other words, the group's knowledge complements that of the individual worker. Thus, we leverage the group perspective to complement the personal perspective by using hybrid approaches, which combine the KF‐based group recommendation method (KFGR) with traditional personalized‐recommendation methods. The proposed hybrid methods achieve a trade‐off between the group‐based and personalized methods by exploiting the strengths of both. The results of our experiment show that the proposed methods can enhance the quality of recommendations made by traditional methods.
Stepwise genetic fuzzy logic signal control under mixed traffic conditions
Authors: Chiou Yu‐Chiun , Huang Yen‐Fei
Published: September 2012

This paper proposes a stepwise genetic fuzzy logic controller (SGFLC) by considering traffic flows and queue lengths of cars and motorcycles as state variables and extension of green time as control variable, towards the minimization of total vehicle delays. For the learning efficiency of SGFLC and the capability in capturing traffic behaviors of Asian urban streets, where mixed traffic of cars and motorcycles are prevailing, the mixed traffic cell transmission model (MCTM) is introduced to replicate traffic behaviors. To investigate the control performance of the proposed SGFLC model, comparisons with two pre‐timed timing plans and three adaptive signal timing models are conducted at an isolated intersection. Results show our proposed SGFLC model performs best. Moreover, as traffic flows vary more noticeably, the SGFLC model performs even better. In the experimental and field cases of three‐intersection arterial under four coordinated signal systems, namely simultaneous, progressive, alternate and independent, both cases consistently show that the proposed SGFLC model perform best, suggesting that the proposed SGFLC signal control model is efficient and robust. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate‐hydroxyapatite) a Novel Composite for the Removal of Lead(II) from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Akkaya Recep
Published: September 2012

In the present study, a novel adsorbent, poly (2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate‐hydroxyapatite) [P(HEMA‐Hap)], was prepared and characterized. The synthesis was achieved by means of free‐radical polymerization and a number of structural characterization methods, including FT‐IR, XRD, TGA, SEM, BET‐porosity, and swelling tests. Pb2+ adsorption was performed using a series of pH, time, and temperature ranges. The reusability of the composite was also tested. The results obtained indicated that the novel adsorbent is able to bind Pb2+ ions with strong chemical affinity. The adsorption results were fitted to the classic Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) sorption models. Thermodynamic parameters obtained demonstrated that the sorption process was spontaneous (ΔG < 0), endothermic (ΔH > 0), as expected. The process was also consistent with the pseudo‐second‐order model, and chemical adsorption was determined to be the rate‐controlling step. It was also shown that the composite could be used for five consecutive adsorption processes.
Population‐based case‐control study of recreational drug use and testis cancer risk confirms an association between marijuana use and nonseminoma risk
Authors: Lacson John Charles A. , Carroll Joshua D. , Tuazon Ellenie , Castelao Esteban J. , Bernstein Leslie , Cortessis Victoria K.
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND:

Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) incidence increased steadily in recent decades, but causes remain elusive. Germ cell function may be influenced by cannabinoids, and 2 prior epidemiologic studies reported that the use of marijuana may be associated with nonseminomatous TGCT. Here, the authors evaluate the relation between TGCTs and exposure to marijuana and other recreational drugs using a population‐based case‐control study.

METHODS:

In total, 163 patients who were diagnosed with TGCT in Los Angeles County from December 1986 to April 1991 were enrolled, and 292 controls were matched on age, race/ethnicity, and neighborhood. Participants were asked about drug use by a structured, in‐person interview. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression analysis adjusted for history of cryptorchidism; education; religiosity; and reported use of marijuana, cocaine, and amyl nitrite.

RESULTS:

Compared with never use, ever use of marijuana had a 2‐fold increased risk (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.02‐3.68), whereas ever use of cocaine had a negative association with TGCT (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32‐0.91). Stratification on tumor histology revealed a specific association of marijuana use with nonseminoma and mixed histology tumors (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.08‐5.42).

CONCLUSIONS:

A specific association was observed between marijuana use and the risk of nonseminoma and mixed tumors. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a negative association between cocaine use and TGCT risk. The current results warrant mechanistic studies of marijuana's effect on the endocannabinoid system and TGCT risk and caution that recreational and therapeutic use of cannabinoids by young men may confer malignant potential to testicular germ cells. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Characterization of the hypothalamus of Xenopus laevis during development. I. The alar regions
Authors: Domínguez Laura , Morona Ruth , González Agustín , Moreno Nerea
Published: September 2012

The patterns of expression of a set of conserved developmental regulatory transcription factors and neuronal markers were analyzed in the alar hypothalamus of Xenopus laevis throughout development. Combined immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques were used for the identification of subdivisions and their boundaries. The alar hypothalamus was located rostral to the diencephalon in the secondary prosencephalon and represents the rostral continuation of the alar territories of the diencephalon and brainstem, according to the prosomeric model. It is composed of the supraoptoparaventricular (dorsal) and the suprachiasmatic (ventral) regions, and limits dorsally with the preoptic region, caudally with the prethalamic eminence and the prethalamus, and ventrally with the basal hypothalamus. The supraoptoparaventricular area is defined by the orthopedia (Otp) expression and is subdivided into rostral and caudal portions, on the basis of the Nkx2.2 expression only in the rostral portion. This region is the source of many neuroendocrine cells, primarily located in the rostral subdivision. The suprachiasmatic region is characterized by Dll4/Isl1 expression, and was also subdivided into rostral and caudal portions, based on the expression of Nkx2.1/Nkx2.2 and Lhx1/7 exclusively in the rostral portion. Both alar regions are mainly connected with subpallial areas strongly implicated in the limbic system and show robust intrahypothalamic connections. Caudally, both regions project to brainstem centers and spinal cord. All these data support that in terms of topology, molecular specification, and connectivity the subdivisions of the anuran alar hypothalamus possess many features shared with their counterparts in amniotes, likely controlling similar reflexes, responses, and behaviors. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:725–759, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment Response in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Major Depression
Authors: Gois C. , Dias V. V , Carmo I. , Duarte R. , Ferro A. , Santos A. L. , Sousa F. , Barbosa A.
Published: September 2012

Aims

Major depression is more prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than in general population. Comparing psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatment responses could help to inform the choice between available treatment options.

Method

Thirty‐four patients with T2DM and major depression detected by using the Hospital Anxiety‐Depression Scale (HADS), the Montgomery‐Äsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and a structured interview (Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview) were randomized to undergo Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) or treatment with sertraline in a 3‐month acute intervention course in addition to a 3‐month continuation format. Provided that the initial MADRS score was not reduced ≥25% at week 6, these early non‐responding patients continued treatment in a sequential add‐on combined format. Psychological adjustment to diabetes, attachment style, diabetes self‐efficacy, quality of life and HbA1c were also evaluated along intervention.

Results

Out of 22 early‐responding patients (11 for each treatment type), 16 had clinically significant improvements (<50% initial MADRS score) at endpoint with 11 reaching remission (MADRS scores ≤8), and with no significant differences between IPT and sertraline. Within sequential add‐on treatment, out of eight patients, only three of them achieved a clinically significant improvement and only one reached remission.

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggested that IPT may be an option to treat major depression in T2DM against medical care with sertraline. Early non‐responding patients likely need alternative or longer treatment interventions. Limitations of this study relate to small sample and absence of a control group, which was difficult to implement due to ethical restrictions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Findings suggest that Interpersonal Psychotherapy is a useful tool to treat major depression in type 2 diabetes patients.

A significant number of type 2 diabetes patients with major depression do not achieve depression remission irrespective of the type of treatment.

Further clinical research should focus on addictive effects of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology in the treatment of depressed patients with chronic somatic diseases.
STEP Wastewater Treatment: A Solar Thermal Electrochemical Process for Pollutant Oxidation
Authors: Wang Baohui , Wu Hongjun , Zhang Guoxue , Licht Stuart
Published: September 2012

A solar thermal electrochemical production (STEP) pathway was established to utilize solar energy to drive useful chemical processes. In this paper, we use experimental chemistry for efficient STEP wastewater treatment, and suggest a theory based on the decreasing stability of organic pollutants (hydrocarbon oxidation potentials) with increasing temperature. Exemplified by the solar thermal electrochemical oxidation of phenol, the fundamental model and experimental system components of this process outline a general method for the oxidation of environmentally stable organic pollutants into carbon dioxide, which is easily removed. Using thermodynamic calculations we show a sharply decreasing phenol oxidation potential with increasing temperature. The experimental results demonstrate that this increased temperature can be supplied by solar thermal heating. In combination this drives electrochemical phenol removal with enhanced oxidation efficiency through (i) a thermodynamically driven decrease in the energy needed to fuel the process and (ii) improved kinetics to sustain high rates of phenol oxidation at low electrochemical overpotential. The STEP wastewater treatment process is synergistic in that it is performed with higher efficiency than either electrochemical or photovoltaic conversion process acting alone. STEP is a green, efficient, safe, and sustainable process for organic wastewater treatment driven solely by solar energy.
A surfactant‐based, regularly arrayed nanostructure gel matrix for migration of small molecules
Authors: Kato Masaru , Suwanai Yusuke , Shimojima Atsushi , Santa Tomofumi
Published: September 2012

The preparation of nanometer‐scale pores, or nanopores, has become easy because of the progress in nanotechnology. Surfactants are promising materials for the preparation of nanostructures containing nanopores, because surfactants form many different phase structures, including cubic, micellar, and lamellar structures. We prepared a gel matrix with a cubic structure from a commercially available surfactant, polyoxyethylene(50) lauryl ether (C12EO50, Adekatol LA‐50). This gel matrix had regularly arrayed nanopores between the packed spherical micelles. We used the gel to separate biomolecules by means of slab gel electrophoresis. The gel was applicable to migration of amino acids and peptides; however, larger molecules, such as proteins and single‐walled carbon nanotubes, did not migrate through the gel. We concluded that the pore size was too small for the penetration of large molecules, and that only small molecules could penetrate the gel matrix. The migration mechanism of small molecules was similar to that observed in conventional gel electrophoresis. We concluded that the gel matrix prepared from surfactant is a promising matrix for migration and purification of small molecules. We also expect that the gel can be used as a nanoscale filter to trap large molecules, allowing only small molecules to pass.
“Thou shalt make thee an image”
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: September 2012

Millions of snapshots are floating through the Internet — computer graphics experts are now using them to compute three‐dimensional views of buildings and places.
Genes and Fossils
Authors: Müller Johannes , Bickelmann Constanze
Published: September 2012

Even though they have many things in common, palaeontologists and molecular biologists traditionally went separate ways. Palaeobiology, which combines the methods of both fields, is now producing new insight, as shown by studies on egg‐laying terrestrial vertebrates.
Syntheses and Characterization of Organotin(IV) Complexes Derived from 2‐Mercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole
Authors: Wang Qingfeng , Ma Chunlin , He Guofang , Li Yanfei
Published: September 2012

Four organotin complexes of the types [(Ph3Sn)(C2HN2S2)] (1), [(CH3)3Sn(C2HN2S2)]n (2), [(Bu2Sn)(C2HN2S2)2] (3), and [(Me2Sn)4(C2HN2S2)2(µ 3‐O)2(C2H5O)2] (4) have been obtained by 2‐mercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole and triorganotin chloride or diorganotin dichloride. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analyses, which revealed that complexes 1 and 3 are mononuclear structures, complex 1 can further form a one‐dimensional (1D) helical chain, and complex 3 can further form a 22‐membered macrocycle through the intermolecular C–H·N hydrogen bond; complex 2 is a 1D infinite chain linked by intermolecular N→Sn and S→Sn bonding interactions; complex 4 is a typical ladder structure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 00:1–8, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21046
Regulation of protease‐activated receptor‐1 expression in human buccal fibroblasts stimulated with arecoline
Authors: Tsai Chung‐Hung , Lee Shiuan‐Shinn , Huang Fu‐Mei , Chang Yu‐Chao
Published: September 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the major thrombin receptor protease‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR‐1) expression in normal human buccal mucosa and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) specimens and further explore the potential mechanisms that may lead to induce PAR‐1 expression.

Methods

Thirty OSF and 10 normal buccal mucosa specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry. Buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs) were challenged with arecoline by using Western blot analysis. N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC), LY294002, herbimycin A, NS‐398, and PD98059 were added to find the possible regulatory mechanisms.

Results

PAR‐1 expression was significantly higher in OSF specimens (p < .05). Arecoline was found to elevate PAR‐1 expression in a dose‐dependent and time‐dependent manner (p < .05). The addition of NAC, LY294002, herbimycin A, NS398, and PD98059 markedly inhibited the arecoline‐induced PAR‐1 expression (p < .05).

Conclusion

PAR‐1 expression is significantly upregulated in areca quid chewing‐associated OSF. Arecoline‐induced PAR‐1 expression was downregulated by NAC, LY294002, herbimycin A, NS398, and PD98059. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
DNA and protein adducts in human tissues resulting from exposure to tobacco smoke
Authors: Phillips David H. , Venitt Stan
Published: September 2012

Tobacco smoke contains a variety of genotoxic carcinogens that form adducts with DNA and protein in the tissues of smokers. Not only are these biochemical events relevant to the carcinogenic process, but the detection of adducts provides a means of monitoring exposure to tobacco smoke. Characterization of smoking‐related adducts has shed light on the mechanisms of smoking‐related diseases and many different types of smoking‐derived DNA and protein adducts have been identified. Such approaches also reveal the potential harm of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) to nonsmokers, infants and children. Because the majority of tobacco‐smoke carcinogens are not exclusive to this source of exposure, studies comparing smokers and nonsmokers may be confounded by other environmental sources. Nevertheless, certain DNA and protein adducts have been validated as biomarkers of exposure to tobacco smoke, with continuing applications in the study of ETS exposures, cancer prevention and tobacco product legislation. Our article is a review of the literature on smoking‐related adducts in human tissues published since 2002.
Counseling in Switzerland: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Thomas Roslyn , Henning Stacy
Published: September 2012

The authors review counseling in Switzerland and compare it with counseling in the United States. They evaluate the role of professional associations and programs and argue that the evolution of counseling is situated within the history and economic, social, and political systems of Switzerland. Findings suggest that Swiss counselors are ready to reach out, evolve, and learn from mental health professionals around the world and to adopt best practices so as to work with those in need.
Physical and emotional stresses of technology on employees in the workplace
Authors: Soylu Ali , Campbell Stefanie Snider
Published: September 2012

This article presents how today's technology permeates the planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling functions of human resources management. Certain industries or occupations are more reliant on technology and thus impose more physical and emotional stressors on employees. The effects of physical stressors and the physical manifestations of emotional stressors can expose employers to additional liability. The authors make 8 propositions in this study and provide supporting research with additional information. How employers can be proactive by encouraging task‐focused coping with stress is also discussed.
Print‐Based Texts
Authors: Blasingame James
Published: September 2012

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult literature and provides a valuable resource for literature selection in‐ and outside the classroom.
Pro‐apoptotic properties of morphine in neuroblastoma × glioma NG108‐15 hybrid cells: modulation by yohimbine
Authors: Polanco María José , Alguacil Luis Fernando , González‐Martín Carmen
Published: September 2012

Short‐term incubation with pharmacologically relevant concentrations of morphine has been shown to transiently affect the metabolism and redox status of NG108‐15 cells through δ‐opioid receptor stimulation, but apparently did not provoke cell death. The present work tries to determine if incubation with morphine at longer time intervals (24 h) provokes apoptosis and/or necrosis, as it has been described in other cell lines. We have also checked the potential modulatory role of yohimbine on these effects, on the basis of the previously described interactions between this drug and opioid receptor ligands. Incubation with morphine 0.1 and 10 μM provoked the appearance of images compatible with apoptosis (bebbling, pyknotic cells with cytoplasmic and nuclear condensation) and necrosis (cells swollen with vacuolated cytoplasm lacking cell processes) that could be observed directly and/or after staining with methylene blue, crystal violet and propidium iodide/4',6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (IP/DAPI). Quantification of apoptosis by activation of caspases 3 and 7 and DNA fragmentation with the Tunel assay revealed a modest but significant increase after incubation with the two concentrations of morphine used. Co‐incubation with 10 μM yohimbine prevented all these effects of the opioid. The results extend previous findings of a yohimbine‐sensitive, neurotoxic effect of morphine on NG108‐15 cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.