bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Demand Factors in Utilization of Professional Care during Childbirth: Perspectives from Yemen
Authors: Kempe Annica , Noor-Aldin Alwazer Fatoom , Theorell Töres
Published: September 2011

Background. Utilization of professional care during childbirth by women in low-income countries is important for the progress towards MDG 5. In Yemen, home births have decreased minimally during the past decades. Objective. The study investigates the influence of socio-demographic, birth outcome and demand factors on women's future preference of a home or institutional childbirth. Method. We interviewed 220 women with childbirth experience in urban/rural Yemen. We performed bivariate chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. A multistage sampling process was used. Results. The issues of own choice, birth support and birth complications were the most important for women's preference of future location of childbirth. Women who had previously been able to follow their own individual choice regarding birth attendance and/or location of childbirth were six times more likely to plan a future childbirth in the same location and women who received birth support four times more likely. Birth complications were associated with a 2.5-fold decrease in likelihood. Conclusions. To offer women with institutional childbirth access to birth support is crucial in attracting women to professional care during childbirth. Yemeni women's low utilization of modern delivery care should be seen in the context of women's low autonomy and status.
Module Actions on Iterated Duals of Banach Algebras
Authors: Sahleh Abbas , Zivari-Kazempour Abbas
Published: September 2011

Let be a Banach algebra and its second dual equipped with the first Arens product. We consider three -bimodule structures on the fourth dual of . This paper discusses the situation that makes these structures coincide.
Does Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Affect Nose Function?
Authors: Pousti Seyed Behzad , Touisserkani Sam , Jalessi Maryam , Kamrava Seyed Kamran , Sadigh Nader , Heshmatzade Behzadi Ashkan , Arvin Arash
Published: September 2011

Objective. To evaluate the changes in nasal dimensions of healthy Iranian volunteered for cosmetic rhinoplasty after surgery using acoustic rhinometry.Methods. Pre- and postoperative nasal dimension of 36 cases undergoing cosmetic rhinoplasty were compared using acoustic rhinometry (AR), and the measured variables were distance to first and second constriction (d1, d2), first and second minimal cross-sectional area (MCA1, 2), and volume.Results. Mean age (SD) of cases were 24.63 (4.4) years. Septoplasty was performed in 12 cases (33.3%). After surgery, bilateral d1 and both MCA2 decreased significantly, while significant increase was observed in MCA1 postoperatively using decongestant. Cases with septoplasty experienced more increase in MCA1 and less constriction in MCA2 postoperatively. In cases with rhinoplasty alone, they received benefit from double osteotomy in MCA1. In either group of rhinoplasty with and without septoplasty, placing a strut was beneficial for patients.Discussion. The cross-sectional area of the nose is a major factor in the determination of airflow. Cosmetic rhinoplasty may generate a mix effect on nose function. Performing osteotomy may better help patients to save nasal patency, septoplasty is beneficial even in mildly deviated septums, and placing a strut may be beneficial in most of the cases.
Toxins and Antibiotic Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from a Major Hospital in Lebanon
Authors: Tokajian Sima , Haddad Dominik , Andraos Rana , Hashwa Fuad , Araj George
Published: September 2011

Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus is of both clinical and infection control importance. Virulence determinants using PCR and multiple drug resistance profiles were studied in 130 S. aureus isolates. PCR-RFLP analysis of the 16S–23S DNA spacer region was done to investigate the level of 16S–23S ITS (internal transcribed spacer) polymorphism. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which represented 72% of the studied isolates, showed multiple drug resistance with 18% being resistant to 10–18 of the drugs used compared to a maximum resistance to 9 antibiotics with the methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. Exfoliative toxin A (ETA) was more prevalent than B (ETB) with virulent determinants being additionally detected in multiple drug-resistant isolates. 16S–23S ITS PCR-RFLP combined with sequencing of the primary product was successful in generating molecular fingerprints of S. aureus and could be used for preliminary typing. This is the first study to demonstrate the incidence of virulent genes, ACME, and genetic diversity of S. aureus isolates in Lebanon. The data presented here epitomize a starting point defining the major genetic populations of both MRSA and MSSA in Lebanon and provide a basis for clinical epidemiological studies.
'Elaioplasts' identified as lipotubuloids in Althaea rosea, Funkia sieboldiana and Vanilla planifolia contain lipid bodies connected with microtubules
Authors: Kwiatkowska Maria , Stępiński Dariusz , Popłońska Katarzyna , Wojtczak Agnieszka , Polit Justyna Teresa
Published: September 2011

"Elaioplasts" observed in Vanilla planifolia, Funkia Sieboldiana and Althaea rosea exhibit all the features characteristic of lipotubuloids earlier described in Ornithogalum umbellatum. They are cytoplasmic domains containing aggregates of lipid bodies connected with microtubules. The immunogold technique confirmed the presence of tubulin in this domain. These structures do not have their own membranes but they are surrounded by a tonoplast at the side of a vacuole since they invaginate into it. In cytoplasm of this domain among lipid bodies there are numerous ribosomes, ER cisternae and vesicles as well as few mitochondria, Golgi structures and microbodies while at older developmental stages there are also autolytic vacuoles. The fact that they are so similar to O. umbellatum lipotubuloids suggest that "elaioplasts" of V. planifolia, F. Sieboldiana and A. rosea can also be named lipotubuloids.
A Simplified WHO Checklist Improves Compliance and Time Efficiency for Urological Surgery
Authors: Henderson John , Fung Timothy , Bhatt Jaimin , Bdesha Amarjit
Published: September 2011

Objective:

A surgical safety checklist has been introduced throughout the UK in response to evidence that its use decreases surgical morbidity and mortality. The adaptation of this has resulted in a lengthy checklist which may be used improperly. We audited the existing and a new simplified checklist with regards to compliance, time-efficiency and relevant safety outcomes.

Materials and methods:

One hundred operations were observed. Fifty of these cases used the existing 14-question Briefing/Debriefing (BD) and 31-question Sign-in, Timeout and Sign-Out (STS) checklist. The subsequent 50 used a simplified 10-question BD and STS checklist. Percentage compliance, median time taken and relevant safety outcomes were recorded.

Results:

The median time for the BD questions decreased from 150 to 90s and the STS questions from 88 to 49s ( p<0.05). The compliance improved from 68% to 73% ( p= 0.49) for BD questions and 53% to 92% ( p< 0.05) for STS questions. A clearer phrasing of the antibiotic check question in the revised checklist resulted in no administration of incorrect antibiotics.

Conclusion:

The nuclear and airline industries have used checklists for many years and observed that long and exhaustive checklists were often used improperly or disregarded completely. We demonstrate that a redesigned, simplified checklist improves time-efficiency and compliance with improved safety outcomes.
Disease burden due to pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia and the Ethiopian health system's response
Authors: Gaym Asheber , Bailey Patricia , Pearson Luwei , Admasu Keseteberhan , Gebrehiwot Yirgu
Published: September 2011

Objective

To assess the maternal disease burden due to pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia in Ethiopia and the national health system's readiness to respond to the needs of women with pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia.

Methods

The national emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) assessment entailed collecting information from 112 hospitals and 685 health centers in Ethiopia, focusing on their infrastructure, the services they provided, human resources, equipment and supplies, case load, and mortality due to pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia.

Results

Pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia complicated 1.2% of all institutional deliveries. Given the low institutional delivery rate and an expected incidence of 2%–8% of all deliveries, this implies that only a small fraction (3.8%) of all women with pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia received care at health facilities. 11% of all maternal deaths and 16% of direct maternal deaths were due to this obstetric complication. The cause‐specific case fatality rate was high (3.6%). Availability of urine test strips, anticonvulsants, antihypertensives, and actual service provision to treat these diseases was limited, especially at health centers.

Conclusion

The salutary effects of the national EmONC assessment were immediate, as evidenced by how quickly the release of the Ethiopian report led to important national efforts to improve maternal and newborn health. Expansion of health services should be augmented with periodic assessments of logistics and quality‐related issues to assure functioning facilities for women accessing obstetric services.
Relationship between red cell distribution width and echocardiographic parameters in patients with diastolic heart failure
Authors: Celik Atac , Koc Fatih , Kadi Hasan , Ceyhan Koksal , Erkorkmaz Unal , Burucu Turgay , Karayakali Metin , Onalan Orhan
Published: September 2011

Red cell distribution width (RDW) was found to be a prognostic marker in heart failure patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between RDW and echocardiographic parameters in diastolic heart failure (DHF). Seventy‐one consecutive DHF patients (26 men) and 50 controls (21 men) were included in the study. All of the study population underwent echocardiographic evaluation, and blood samples were obtained. RDW and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) values were significantly higher, whereas there was an increasing trend for high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels in DHF patients than those in controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.064, respectively). All of the echocardiographic parameters evaluating diastolic function were more deteriorated in the DHF group. Patients who had an RDW value greater than the cutoff point also had higher NT‐proBNP levels, an elevated ratio of mitral peak velocity of early diastolic filling to early diastolic mitral annular velocity, and increased estimated pulmonary capillary wedge pressures by tissue Doppler parameters, but lower creatinine clearance (p < 0.05 for all). According to the cutoff values calculated using receiver operating characteristic analysis, RDW > 13.6% and NT‐proBNP > 125 pg/mL have high diagnostic accuracy for predicting DHF. RDW values were increased in the DHF population. Our results suggest that the high RDW levels in patients with DHF may be related to increased neurohormonal activity, impaired renal functions, and elevated filling pressure, but not to increased inflammation.
Late Pleistocene paleoecology of arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryii) caches and nests from Interior Alaska's mammoth steppe ecosystem, USA
Authors: Gaglioti Benjamin V. , Barnes Brian M. , Zazula Grant D. , Beaudoin Alwynne B. , Wooller Matthew J.
Published: September 2011

Botanical analyses of fossil and modern arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryii) caches and nests have been used to reconstruct the past vegetation from some parts of Beringia, but such archives are understudied in Alaska. Five modern and four fossil samples from arctic ground squirrel caches and nests provide information on late Pleistocene vegetation in Eastern Beringia. Modern arctic ground squirrel caches from Alaska's arctic tundra were dominated by willow and grass leaves and grass seeds and bearberries, which were widespread in the local vegetation as confirmed by vegetation surveys. Late Pleistocene caches from Interior Alaska were primarily composed of steppe and dry tundra graminoid and herb seeds. Graminoid cuticle analysis of fossil leaves identifiedCalamagrostis canadensis,Koeleriasp. andCarex albonigraas being common in the fossil samples. Stable carbon isotopes analysis of these graminoid specimens indicated that plants using the C3photosynthetic pathways were present and functioning with medium to high water-use efficiency. Fossil plant taxa and environments from ground squirrel caches in Alaska are similar to other macrofossil assemblages from the Yukon Territory, which supports the existence of a widespread mammoth steppe ecosystem type in Eastern Beringia that persisted throughout much of the late Pleistocene.
Rustam‐i Dastan
Authors: Davis Dick
Published: September 2011

Rustam's Origins are Certainly Complex, Multilayered, and it Would seem only partly Iranian. His legend itself indicates this; his mother is a foreigner living in Kabul and descended from Zahhak, so that both Sudabah and Isfandiyar are able to refer to him as demon-born, (dīv-zād). Mehrdad Bahar has concluded that much of his legend is Saka, or Scythian, and that it also has strong parallels and probable connections with that of Indra, the Vedic god of war. His integration into Iranian national history as its defender and savior betrays some strains: he is Iran's greatest champion but he enjoys very uneasy relations with some of Iran's kings (notably Kavus and Gushtasp), his sons Suhrab and Faramarz each launch independent attacks against the Iranian court, and his own last battle is against the crown prince of Iran whom he kills. Half foreigner, with a partially demonic ancestry, a man who kills the nation's heir apparent and whose sons declare war on two different Iranian royal families—these are troubling attributes for an ethnic hero, and point to some ambiguity in the evolution of his legend.
Whose Best Tricks? Makr‐i Zan as a Topos in Persian Oral Literature
Authors: Mills Margaret
Published: September 2011

After the Recent Work of Merguerian and Najmabadi, Najmabadi, and Milani (in this volume), it can be little surprise that the topic of women's tricks (makr-i zan) is explicit and pervasive in traditional oral narrative in Persian-speaking communities. In afsānah or fictional folktales, makr-i zan serves as a generic title for a large, but shifting, corpus of individual tales which are perceived by their tellers as primarily concerned with the topos (though the tales may be otherwise identified or characterized by other sources, including literary ones). Indeed, from the general perspective of a strongly patriarchal popular ideology which promotes male authority over female action, any and all female-initiated action (“female agency”) may be construed, explicitly or implicitly, as subversive of the ideal order of patriarchy. While the female actor and female agency are marked as “other” (than ideal) by the topos (or stereotype), women as well as men perform tales about makr-i zan. This paper begins the task of sorting out perspectives on this “otherness” and agency as reflected in the repertoires of various male and female traditional storytellers, in individual oral performances in which makr-i zan are central.
Propaganda and Remembrance: Gender, Education, and “The Women's Awakening” of 1936
Authors: Amin Camron Michael
Published: September 2011

In The Spring Of 1997, I Attended a Memorial Dinner for My Aunt, Dr. Na‘imeh Amin. There, one of her friends from medical school, Dr. Maryam Tusi, shared pictures of herself and my aunt from their medical school days. In 1946, they had been among the first women students admitted to the University of Tehran Medical School directly from Iranian high schools. I was fascinated by what I thought I saw in three of the pictures. One showed ten young women on the steps of the medical school, looking eager and confident. Another showed men and women marching together in a street demonstration. The third was of men and women on a country outing, huddled together to fit into the picture and seemingly unconcerned about traditional anxieties regarding mixed-gender socializing. These images of women's progress and activism could have been produced by the propaganda of the Pahlavi state during its Women's Awakening project, 1936-41. In fact, the picture of the demonstration went beyond Women's Awakening propaganda and implied a new demand for gender equality that appeared in the Iranian press in the wake of the Women's Awakening.
OBSERVABLE QUANTITIES IN WEYL GRAVITY
Authors: TANHAYI MOHAMMAD REZA , FATHI MOHSEN , TAKOOK MOHAMMAD VAHID
Published: September 2011

In this paper, the cosmological "constant" and the Hubble parameter are considered in the Weyl theory of gravity, by taking them as functions of r and t, respectively. Based on this theory and in the linear approximation, we obtain the values of H0 and Λ0 which are in good agreement with the known values of the parameters for the current state of the universe.
Effects of Fruit and Vegetable Low Molecular Mass Fractions on Gene Expression in Gingival Cells Challenged with Prevotella intermedia and Actinomyces naeslundii
Authors: Canesi Laura , Borghi Cristina , Stauder Monica , Lingström Peter , Papetti Adele , Pratten Jonathan , Signoretto Caterina , Spratt David A. , Wilson Mike , Zaura Egija , Pruzzo Carla
Published: September 2011

Low molecular mass (LMM) fractions obtained from extracts of raspberry, red chicory, and Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to be an useful source of specific antibacterial, antiadhesion/coaggregation, and antibiofilm agent(s) that might be used for protection towards caries and gingivitis. In this paper, the effects of such LMM fractions on human gingival KB cells exposed to the periodontal pathogens Prevotella intermedia and Actinomyces naeslundii were evaluated. Expression of cytokeratin 18 (CK18) and β4 integrin (β4INT) genes, that are involved in cell proliferation/differentiation and adhesion, and of the antimicrobial peptide β2 defensin (HβD2) in KB cells was increased upon exposure to either live or heat‐killed bacteria. All LMM fractions tested prevented or reduced the induction of gene expression by P. intermedia and A. naeslundii depending on the experimental conditions. Overall, the results suggested that LMM fractions could modulate the effects of bacteria associated with periodontal disease in gingival cells.
An Explicit Numerical Method for the Fractional Cable Equation
Authors: Quintana-Murillo J. , Yuste S. B.
Published: September 2011

An explicit numerical method to solve a fractional cable equation which involves two temporal Riemann‐Liouville derivatives is studied. The numerical difference scheme is obtained by approximating the first‐order derivative by a forward difference formula, the Riemann‐Liouville derivatives by the Grünwald‐Letnikov formula, and the spatial derivative by a three‐point centered formula. The accuracy, stability, and convergence of the method are considered. The stability analysis is carried out by means of a kind of von Neumann method adapted to fractional equations. The convergence analysis is accomplished with a similar procedure. The von‐Neumann stability analysis predicted very accurately the conditions under which the present explicit method is stable. This was thoroughly checked by means of extensive numerical integrations.
Coupled Numerical Methods to Analyze Interacting Acoustic‐Dynamic Models by Multidomain Decomposition Techniques
Authors: Soares Delfim
Published: September 2011

In this work, coupled numerical analysis of interacting acoustic and dynamic models is focused. In this context, several numerical methods, such as the finite difference method, the finite element method, the boundary element method, meshless methods, and so forth, are considered to model each subdomain of the coupled model, and multidomain decomposition techniques are applied to deal with the coupling relations. Two basic coupling algorithms are discussed here, namely the explicit direct coupling approach and the implicit iterative coupling approach, which are formulated based on explicit/implicit time‐marching techniques. Completely independent spatial and temporal discretizations among the interacting subdomains are permitted, allowing optimal discretization for each sub‐domain of the model to be considered. At the end of the paper, numerical results are presented, illustrating the performance and potentialities of the discussed methodologies.
Geometric Information and Rational Parametrization of Nonsingular Cubic Blending Surfaces
Authors: Guo Minghao , Wu Tieru , Zhang Shugong
Published: September 2011

The techniques for parametrizing nonsingular cubic surfaces have shown to
be of great interest in recent years. This paper is devoted to the rational parametrization of nonsingular cubic blending surfaces. We claim that these nonsingular cubic blending surfaces can be parametrized using the symbolic computation due to their excellent geometric properties. Especially for the specific forms of these surfaces, we conclude that they must be F3, F4, or
F5 surfaces, and a criterion is given for deciding their surface types. Besides, using the algorithm proposed by Berry and Patterson in 2001, we obtain the uniform rational parametric representation of these specific forms. It should be emphasized that our results in this paper are invariant under any nonsingular real projective transform. Two explicit examples are presented at the end of this paper.
Using D-Dimer to Diagnose Painless Acute Aortic Dissection: A Case Report
Authors: Barniol Caroline , Vallé Baptiste , Dehours Emilie , Charpentier Sandrine , Bounes Vincent , Lauque Dominique
Published: September 2011

Introduction. Aortic dissection is a cardiovascular emergency; the most frequent symptom is chest pain, but clinical presentation can be varied and atypical.Case Presentation. We report the case of a 66-year-old Caucasian male who presented a syncope immediately followed by a left-arm weakness while driving his car. Clinical examination was normal, but bilateral jugular vein distension was noted. Electrocardiogram and chest radiography were unremarkable. Among blood tests performed, troponin I test result was negative, and D-dimer test concentration was >4000 ng/mL. Since D-dimer test result was positive, chest computer tomography angiogram was performed and found a thoracic aortic dissection.Conclusion. Our case report shows that acute aortic dissection diagnosis is difficult and must be associated with the interpretation of various clinical signs and D-dimer measurement. It could be helpful for the emergency physician to have a pretest probability D-dimer like in pulmonary embolism diagnosis.
Infectious Endocarditis Presenting as Intracranial Hemorrhage in a Patient Admitted for Lumbar Radiculopathy
Authors: Kahn David Ethan , O'Phelan Kristine , Bullock Ross
Published: September 2011

Infectious endocarditis is frequently found in the neurologic intensive care unit and may rarely be the cause of intracranial hemorrhage. In such instances, further diagnostic imaging to search for an underlying structural lesion is prudent. Well-known causes of these hemorrhages include cardioembolism with hemorrhagic transformation, septic emboli, and mycotic aneurysms. We present a case of a patient who was admitted for routine evaluation and pain management of lumbar radiculopathy, who developed a large intraparenchymal hemorrhage and was found to have bacterial endocarditis. This was diagnosed retrospectively from positive hematoma cultures and a vegetation on transesophageal echocardiogram. Further evaluation revealed a mycotic aneurysm.
Monotone and Concave Positive Solutions to a Boundary Value Problem for Higher‐Order Fractional Differential Equation
Authors: Wang Jinhua , Xiang Hongjun , Zhao Yuling
Published: September 2011

We consider boundary value problem for nonlinear fractional differential equation , where denotes the Caputo fractional derivative. By using fixed point theorem, we obtain some new results for the existence and multiplicity of solutions to a higher‐order fractional boundary value problem. The interesting point lies in the fact that the solutions here are positive, monotone, and concave.
Lie Symmetry Analysis of Kudryashov‐Sinelshchikov Equation
Authors: Nadjafikhah Mehdi , Shirvani-Sh Vahid
Published: September 2011

The Lie symmetry method is performed for the fifth‐order nonlinear evolution Kudryashov‐Sinelshchikov equation. We will find ones and two‐dimensional optimal systems of Lie subalgebras. Furthermore, preliminary classification of its group‐invariant solutions is investigated.
Phenotype and Function of CD25-Expressing B Lymphocytes Isolated from Human Umbilical Cord Blood
Authors: Amu Sylvie , Brisslert Mikael
Published: September 2011

Background. We have shown that approximately 30% of human peripheral blood B-cells express CD25. B cells expressing CD25 display a mature phenotype belonging to the memory B-cell population and have a better proliferative and antigen-presenting capacity. The aim of the present study was to characterize the CD25-expressing subset of B cells in human cord blood.Material and Methods. Mononuclear cell fraction from human cord blood (n=34) and peripheral adult blood (n=22) was sorted into CD20+CD25+and CD20+CD25-B-cell populations. Phenotype and function of these B-cell populations were compared using flow cytometry, proliferation, cytokine production, and immunoglobulin secretion.Results. CD25-expressing B cells are a limited population of cord blood mononuclear cells representing 5% of the CD20+B cells. They are characterised by high expression of CD5 in cord blood and CD27 in adult blood. CD25-expressing B cells express a functional IL-2 receptor and high levels of CC-chemokine receptors and spontaneously produce antibodies of IgG and IgM subclass.Conclusions. CD25 expression is a common denominator of a specific immunomodulatory B-cell subset ready to proliferate upon IL-2 stimulation, possibly ready to migrate and home into the peripheral tissue for further differentiation/action.
Factors Influencing Depression and Anxiety among Black Sexual Minority Men
Authors: Graham Louis F. , Aronson Robert E. , Nichols Tracy , Stephens Charles F. , Rhodes Scott D.
Published: September 2011

The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationships between depression and anxiety, and ethnic and sexual identity development, and discrimination and harassment (DH) among Black sexual minority men. Additional aims were to determine whether an interaction effect existed between ethnic and sexual identity and whether coping skills level moderated these relationships. Using an observational cross-sectional design, 54 participants recruited through snowball sampling completed self-administered online surveys. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used. Sixty-four percent of the variance in depression scores and 53% of the variance in anxiety scores were explained by DH and internalized homonegativity together. Thirty percent of the sample had scale scores indicating likelihood of depression and anxiety. Experience of DH and internalized homonegativity explained a large portion of the variability in depression and anxiety among Black sexual minority men. The study showed high prevalence of mental distress among this sample.
Angiogenesis-Related Cytokines, RANKL, and Osteoprotegerin in Multiple Myeloma Patients in relation to Clinical Features and Response to Treatment
Authors: Sfiridaki K. , Pappa C. A. , Tsirakis G. , Kanellou P. , Kaparou M. , Stratinaki M. , Sakellaris G. , Kontakis G. , Alexandrakis M. G.
Published: September 2011

An essential cytokine system for the osteoclast biology in multiple myeloma (MM) consists of the receptor of activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), its receptor (RANK), and the soluble decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG). Myeloma cells cause imbalance in OPG/RANKL interactions. We measured serum levels of OPG, soluble (s) RANKL, sRANKL/OPG ratio, markers of disease activity [LDH, CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6),β2-microglobulin (B2M)], and angiogenic factors [hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], in 54 newly diagnosed MM patients and in 25 of them in plateau phase. All the above values were higher in MM patients compared to controls and decreased in plateau phase. sRANKL and RANKL/OPG were higher with advancing disease stage and skeletal grade. Significant correlations were found among RANKL and RANKL/OPG with HGF, LDH, VEGF, IL-6, and B2M. In conclusion, RANKL and OPG play significant roles in MM pathophysiology, as regulators of bone turnover and mediators of angiogenesis.
Internalization ofStaphylococcus aureusin Lymphocytes Induces Oxidative Stress and DNA Fragmentation: Possible Ameliorative Role of Nanoconjugated Vancomycin
Authors: Chakraborty Subhankari Prasad , Kar Mahapatra Santanu , Sahu Sumanta Kumar , Das Sabyasachi , Tripathy Satyajit , Dash Sandeep , Pramanik Panchanan , Roy Somenath
Published: September 2011

Staphylococcus aureusis the most frequently isolated pathogen causing bloodstream infections, skin and soft tissue infections and pneumonia. Lymphocyte is an important immune cell. The aim of the present paper was to test the ameliorative role of nanoconjugated vancomycin against Vancomycin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureus(VSSA) and vancomycin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(VRSA) infection-induced oxidative stress in lymphocytes. VSSA and VRSA infections were developed in Swiss mice by intraperitoneal injection of  CFU/mL bacterial solutions. Nanoconjugated vancomycin was adminstrated to VSSA- and VRSA-infected mice at its effective dose for 10 days. Vancomycin was adminstrated to VSSA- and VRSA-infected mice at a similar dose, respectively, for 10 days. Vancomycin and nanoconjugated vancomycin were adminstrated to normal mice at their effective doses for 10 days. The result of this study reveals that in vivo VSSA and VRSA infection significantly increases the level of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, oxidized glutathione level, nitrite generation, nitrite release, and DNA damage and decreases the level of reduced glutathione, antioxidant enzyme status, and glutathione-dependent enzymes as compared to control group, which were increased or decreased significantly near to normal in nanoconjugated vancomycin-treated group. These findings suggest the potential use and beneficial role of nanoconjugated vancomycin against VSSA and VRSA infection-induced oxidative stress in lymphocytes.
A Preliminary Test of Measurement of Joint Angles and Stride Length with Wireless Inertial Sensors for Wearable Gait Evaluation System
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Saito Hiroki , Koike Eri , Nitta Kazuki
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study is to develop wearable sensor system for gait evaluation using gyroscopes and accelerometers for application to rehabilitation, healthcare and so on. In this paper, simultaneous measurement of joint angles of lower limbs and stride length was tested with a prototype of wearable sensor system. The system measured the joint angles using the Kalman filter. Signals from the sensor attached on the foot were used in the stride length estimation detecting foot movement automatically. Joint angles of the lower limbs were measured with stable and reasonable accuracy compared to those values measured with optical motion measurement system with healthy subjects. It was expected that the stride length measurement with the wearable sensor system would be practical by realizing more stable measurement accuracy. Sensor attachment position was suggested not to affect significantly measurement of slow and normal speed movements in a test with the rigid body model. Joint angle patterns measured in 10 m walking with a healthy subject were similar to common patterns. High correlation between joint angles at some characteristic points and stride velocity were also found adequately. These results suggested that the wireless wearable inertial sensor system could detect characteristics of gait.
Electrocatalytic Properties of BDD Anodes: Its Loosely Adsorbed Hydroxyl Radicals
Authors: Vatistas Nicolaos
Published: September 2011

The high oxidative action of boron doped diamond (BDD) anodes on the biorefractory organic compounds has been attributed to the low adsorption of the generated hydroxyl radicals on the BDD surface in respect to other anodic materials. In a previous paper, the effect of low adsorption of BBD has been studied by proposing a continuum approach to represent the adsorption layer. The oxidative action of the hydroxyl radicals is attributed to the values of their diffusivity into the adsorption and adjacent reactive layer as well as to the value of kinetic constant in both layers. In this paper, more details on both layers are reported in order to justify the proposed continuum approach as well as the assumptions concerning diffusivity and kinetic constant in both adsorption and reactive layers, where the oxidative action of hydroxyl radicals occurs.
Subterranean Pitfall Traps: Is It Worth Including Them in Your Ant Sampling Protocol?
Authors: Pacheco Renata , Vasconcelos Heraldo L.
Published: September 2011

The use of subterranean traps is a relatively novel method to sample ants, and few studies have evaluated its performance relative to other methods. We collected ants in forests, savannas, and crops in central Brazil using subterranean pitfall traps and conventional pitfall traps placed on the soil surface. Sampling duration, soil depth, and sprinkling vegetal oil around traps all tended to affect the number of species found in subterranean traps. Sixteen percent of the species collected in subterranean traps were unique, and most of these had cryptobiotic morphology (i.e., were truly hypogaeic species). Surprisingly, however, subterranean and conventional traps were similarly efficient at capturing cryptobiotic species. Furthermore, subterranean traps captured far fewer species in total than conventional traps (75 versus 220 species), and this was true in all three habitats sampled. Sampling completeness increased very little using a combination of conventional and subterranean traps than using just conventional traps.
CYP2C19 genotype predicts steady state escitalopram concentration in GENDEP
Authors: Huezo-Diaz Patricia , Perroud Nader , Spencer Edgar P , Smith Rebecca , Sim Sarah , Virding Susanne , Uher Rudolf , Gunasinghe Cerisse , Gray Jo , Campbell Desmond , Hauser Joanna , Maier Wolfgang , Marusic Andrej , Rietschel Marcella , Perez Jorge , Giovannini Caterina , Mors Ole , Mendlewicz Julien , McGuffin Peter , Farmer Anne E , Ingelman-Sundberg Magnus , Craig Ian W , Aitchison Katherine J
Published: September 2011

In vitro work shows CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 contribute to the metabolism of escitalopram to its primary metabolite, N-desmethylescitalopram. We report the effect of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genotypes on steady state morning concentrations of escitalopram and N-desmethylescitalopram and the ratio of this metabolite to the parent drug in 196 adult patients with depression in GENDEP, a clinical pharmacogenomic trial. Subjects who had one CYP2D6 allele associated with intermediate metabolizer phenotype and one associated with poor metabolizer (i.e. IM/PM genotypic category) had a higher mean logarithm escitalopram concentration than CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs) ( p = 0.004). Older age was also associated with higher concentrations of escitalopram. Covarying for CYP2D6 and age, we found those homozygous for the CYP2C19*17 allele associated with ultrarapid metabolizer (UM) phenotype had a significantly lower mean escitalopram concentration (2-fold, p = 0.0001) and a higher mean metabolic ratio ( p = 0.0003) than EMs, while those homozygous for alleles conferring the PM phenotype had a higher mean escitalopram concentration than EMs (1.55-fold, p = 0.008). There was a significant overall association between CYP2C19 genotypic category and escitalopram concentration ( p = 0.0003; p = 0.0012 Bonferroni corrected). In conclusion, we have demonstrated an association between CYP2C19 genotype, including the CYP2C19*17 allele, and steady state escitalopram concentration.
Popular intoxicants: what lessons can be learned from the last 40 years of alcohol and cannabis regulation?
Authors: Weissenborn Ruth , Nutt David J
Published: September 2011

In this paper we discuss the relative physical, psychological and social harms of the two most frequently used intoxicant drugs in the UK, namely cannabis and alcohol. Over the past 40 years, the use of both drugs has risen significantly with differential consequences. It is argued that increased policing of cannabis use under the current drug classification system will lead to increased criminalization of young people, but is unlikely to significantly reduce the rates of schizophrenia and psychosis. In comparison, increases in alcohol drinking are related to significant increases in liver cirrhosis hospital admissions and mortality, at a time when mortality rates from other major causes are on the decline. A recent expert-led comparison of the health and social harms to the user and to others caused by the most commonly used drugs in the UK showed alcohol to be more than twice as harmful as cannabis to users, and five times as harmful as cannabis to others. The findings underline the need for a coherent, evidence-based drugs policy that enables individuals to make informed decisions about the consequences of their drug use.
Central noradrenergic responsiveness to a clonidine challenge in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography study
Authors: Kalk NJ , Melichar J , Holmes RB , Taylor LG , Daglish MRC , Hood S , Edwards T , Lennox-Smith A , Lingford-Hughes AR , Nutt DJ
Published: September 2011

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) may involve hypo-responsiveness of noradrenaline a2 receptors. To test this hypothesis, we used 99mTc-hexa-methyl-propylene-amine-oxime (HMPAO) Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography to measure regional cerebral perfusion in patients with untreated GAD, venlafaxine-treated patients and healthy controls during word generation before and after clonidine. Concurrent psychological and physiological measures supported noradrenergic hypofunction in GAD in some cases. A single-day split-dose technique was used. Images were processed using SPM5 (Institute of Neurology). Factorial analysis revealed no significant results. Exploratory analyses were done. Regional perfusion during verbal fluency differed by group pre-clonidine. Compared with healthy controls, patients with untreated GAD displayed increased perfusion in the left Broca’s area and left occipitotemporal region. Treated GAD patients displayed increased cerebellar perfusion bilaterally. Clonidine was associated with different changes in cerebral perfusion in each group. Increases were seen in the right supra-marginal gyrus in healthy subjects, in the left pre-central gyrus in treated GAD patients and in the right cerebellum and middle frontal gyrus in untreated GAD patients. Despite these differences, the findings were not consistent with a noradrenergic hypo-responsiveness hypothesis, as the treated group showed a different pattern of response rather than a normalization of response.
Job Training in America
Authors: Osterman Paul
Published: September 2011

Training has long been of considerable interest to both policy makers and to researchers. This collection addresses future skill and competency demands and then takes up specific topics regarding program strategies and target groups. Each chapter is well done but the book invites larger questions about the nature of the American employment and training system. In answering this question, we need to go beyond the topics emphasized in the book because important issues, such as immigration or the role of community colleges, are given inadequate attention. In addition, although a major theme running throughout the book is the need for a more coherent and comprehensive system, the fact is that this complaint is very long-standing yet very little has happened in response. Why the U.S. system has its particular characteristics is a key question requiring deeper analysis.
Longer Term Effects of a Tier 2 Kindergarten Vocabulary Intervention for English Learners
Authors: Vadasy Patricia F. , Nelson J. Ron , Sanders Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2011

This study examines the longer term effectiveness of a standard protocol, Tier 2 supplemental vocabulary intervention for kindergarten English learners, designed to develop root word vocabulary knowledge and reinforce beginning word reading skills. Participating students in the original study ( n = 93 treatment, 92 control) received 20 weeks of small group instruction from paraeducator tutors during kindergarten. After attrition, students ( n = 74 treatment, 66 control) were followed up midyear Grade 1 on English measures of proximal and distal vocabulary as well as word reading. At 6 months postintervention, the treatment benefits were maintained on all three outcomes, and furthermore, there was no evidence to suggest that early receptive vocabulary knowledge moderated longer term treatment effects. Results also showed kindergarten intervention year gains in proximal (i.e., root word) vocabulary uniquely predicted midyear Grade 1 distal vocabulary above and beyond kindergarten gains in distal vocabulary. Implications for English learner early intervention are discussed.
No Longer Pregnant, Not Yet a Mother
Authors: Baum Nehami , Weidberg Zilla , Osher Yael , Kohelet David
Published: September 2011

In this article we present the findings of a qualitative examination of 30 mothers of very-low-birth-weight babies. Interviews conducted with the mothers when the babies were still in neonatal hospitalization show that virtually all the mothers described their delivery both as a traumatic event, and as a nonevent in which they felt that they barely participated. Most of them blamed themselves for not carrying full term, some blamed others, and some believed the premature delivery saved their baby’s life. Following their truncated pregnancies, their “nonparticipation” in the delivery, and their separation from their newborn immediately after the delivery, virtually all the women reported difficulty grasping that they were mothers. Many reported a sense of loss, emptiness, and frustration that the baby was no longer inside. The women took a variety of measures, including magical means and parenting behaviors, to safeguard their vulnerable babies and to become mothers within the constraints of the neonatal unit.
Rewiring the Brain
Authors: Kantak Shailesh S. , Stinear James W. , Buch Ethan R. , Cohen Leonardo G.
Published: September 2011

The brain is a plastic organ with a capability to reorganize in response to behavior and/or injury. Following injury to the motor cortex or emergent corticospinal pathways, recovery of function depends on the capacity of surviving anatomical resources to recover and repair in response to task-specific training. One such area implicated in poststroke reorganization to promote recovery of upper extremity recovery is the premotor cortex (PMC). This study reviews the role of distinct subdivisions of PMC: dorsal (PMd) and ventral (PMv) premotor cortices as critical anatomical and physiological nodes within the neural networks for the control and learning of goal-oriented reach and grasp actions in healthy individuals and individuals with stroke. Based on evidence emerging from studies of intrinsic and extrinsic connectivity, transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional neuroimaging, and experimental studies in animals and humans, the authors propose 2 distinct patterns of reorganization that differentially engage ipsilesional and contralesional PMC. Research directions that may offer further insights into the role of PMC in motor control, learning, and poststroke recovery are also proposed. This research may facilitate neuroplasticity for maximal recovery of function following brain injury.
Modeling and Control of Cutter Vibration in the Presence of Random Distribution of Microhardness of Workpiece and Nonlinear Cutting Forces in Lathe Process
Authors: El-Sinawi A. H.
Published: September 2011

This work presents a comprehensive approach to the control of tool's position, in the presence of machine tool structure vibration, nonlinear cutting force, and random tool vibration due to random distribution of microhardness of workpiece material. The controller is combination of Proportional and linear quadratic gaussian- (P-LQG-) type constructed from an augmented model of both tool-actuator dynamics and a nonlinear dynamic model relating tool displacement to cutting forces. The latter model is obtained using black-box system identification of experimental orthogonal cutting data in which tool displacement is the input and cutting force is the output. The controller is evaluated and its performance is demonstrated.
Pollen morphology of Polish native species of the Rosa genus (Rosaceae) and its relation to systematics
Authors: Wrońska-Pilarek Dorota
Published: September 2011

The morphology of pollen grains of 16 species from the Rosa L. genus were studied (i.e. R. agrestis, R. canina, R. dumalis, R. gallica, R. inodora, R. jundzillii, R. kostrakiewiczii, R. majalis, R. micrantha, R. mollis, R. pendulina, R. rubiginosa, R. sherardii, R. tomentosa, R. villosa, and R. zalana). The material came from 16 native localities of those species in Poland. The measurements are based on at least 30-50 randomly selected, fully developed pollen grains per specimen. In total, 500 pollen grains were examined. They were analysed for 13 quantitative features of pollen grains and exine sculpturing and the following qualitative traits: outline, shape, "operculum" structure. The diagnostic features of pollen grains of studied species were: length of polar and equatorial axes and length of ectocolpi. The above-mentioned pollen grain morphological features make isolation of one species possible: R. gallica. R. gallica is distinguished for its highest values of the length of polar and equatorial axes, and the length of ectocolpi. The obtained analytical results of operculum and exine sculpture features, considered as diagnostic, corroborated only slightly their priority significance for the isolation of the examined species and sections. The collected data failed to confirm fully the current taxonomical division of the Rosa genus into sections (only section Gallicanae from R. gallica is isolated) as well as consanguinity relationships between the examined species from the Caninae section. On the dendrogram, both species closely related with each other as well as those from other developmental lines were found in the same group. These equivocal results are by no means surprising because the Caninae section is the most polymorphic group in the Rosa genus, and contemporary Caninae are of the nature of a swarm of R. canina hybrids as a link combining all taxons of the section.