bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photodynamically Crosslinked and Chitosan-incorporated Dentin Collagen
Authors: Shrestha A. , Friedman S. , Kishen A.
Published: September 2011

A lingering concern with restored root-filled teeth is the loss of structural integrity of the dentin and dentin-sealer interface over time. We hypothesized that crosslinking of dentin collagen with simultaneous incorporation of a biopolymer into collagen matrix would improve its structural stability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining chemical/photodynamic crosslinking of dentin collagen with the incorporation of carboxymethyl-chitosan (CMCS) on the resistance to enzymatic degradation and mechanical properties of dentin collagen. Ninety-six demineralized dentin collagen specimens (human, n = 72; and bovine, n = 24) were prepared and crosslinked chemically/ photodynamically, with/without CMCS. Glutaraldehyde and carbodiimides were used for chemical crosslinking, while rose Bengal activated with a non-coherent light (540 nm) at 20 J/cm2 was applied for photodynamic crosslinking. The crosslinked human dentin collagen was subjected to chemical characterization, 7 days enzymatic degradation, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while the bovine dentin collagen was used for tensile-testing. Crosslinked collagen showed significantly higher resistance to enzymatic degradation ( p < 0.01), stable ultrastructure, and increased tensile strength ( p < 0.05). Crosslinking CMCS with collagen matrix as observed in the TEM further improved the mechanical properties of dentin collagen ( p < 0.01). This study highlighted the possibility of improving the resistance and toughness of dentin collagen by chemically/photodynamically crosslinking collagen matrix with CMCS.
Re-assessing the Results of the London Congestion Charging Scheme
Authors: Givoni Moshe
Published: September 2011

The London congestion charging scheme was introduced in 2003 alongside a series of other changes to the transport system, most notably improved bus services. Research on the effects of the scheme usually attributes (often implicitly) all the changes that took place in central London since 2003 to the congestion charging, while the effects of other factors, as well as the effects of trends over time, are not usually (explicitly) considered. This paper revisits the results of the London scheme to examine to what degree observed effects (related to congestion and traffic levels, changes in travel behaviour and air pollution) can be fully or partly attributed to congestion charging. Attention is also given to the amount of revenues the scheme generated. While there is no dispute over the theoretical rationale for introducing congestion charging, the London scheme reveals that questions can be raised with regard to its practical effectiveness.
Evaluation of calibration of moisture meter for Indian wheat by microwave oven drying technique and commercial moisture meter
Authors: Bansod Babankumar S , Thakur Ritula , Singla ML
Published: September 2011

Moisture plays an important role in storage and processing of food grains, cereals and other agricultural products. It is the single most important characteristics of most agricultural products with respect to quality maintenance. This paper describes how to prepare samples for moisture determination, and calibrate a moisture meter for a particular grain. Calibration of a laboratory-developed moisture meter (LDMM) with a a commercial moisture meter (CMM) is also presented in this paper, in order to evaluate its performance. It shows that the values estimated by the LDMM were in good agreement with the moisture content values that are obtained by CMM, and the developed meter has a less than ± 1% error. It also describes the studies carried out for calibration of the LDMM using a microwave oven drying technique. An evaluation of the calibration performance of LDMM with two different techniques has also been reported. The microwave oven method and dry oven method have been compared for moisture determination of Indian wheat. It has been observed that the microwave method took 10–20 min compared with 18–20 h by the standard dry oven method for moisture determination of Indian wheat. The results obtained by the microwave oven method were compared with those obtained by the dry oven method. No statistical difference was observed between the percentage moisture values of Indian wheat samples by microwave drying and dry oven drying. The accuracy of the developed meter has also been tested by taking different numbers of calibration samples. It was observed that the accuracy increased considerably with an increase in the number of calibration samples.
Analysis and implementation of MIMO FULMS algorithm for active vibration control
Authors: Zhu Xiaojin , Gao Zhiyuan , Huang Quanzhen , Gao Shouwei , Jiang Enyu
Published: September 2011

This correspondence focuses on the analysis and implementation of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) filtered-u least mean square (FULMS) algorithm for active vibration suppression of a cantilever smart beam with surface bonded lead zirconate titanate patches. By analysing a single-input single-output FULMS algorithm, the MIMO FULMS controller structure is given. Then an active vibration control experimental platform is established, with optimal placement of the actuators and sensors based on the maximal modal force rule. Simulation contrast analysis of FULMS algorithm and the most famous filtered-x least mean square (FXLMS) algorithm is performed while the reference signal is extracted from the exciter as well as directly from the controlled structure. Simulation results show that if the feedback information reflects the reference signal collected by the reference transducers, the FXLMS controller could hardly suppress the vibration while the FULMS controller is still effective. Then the actual control experiment is performed, and the result confirms the simulation results. The designed MIMO FULMS vibration controller has a good control performance, suppressing the vibration significantly with rapid convergence.
Conventional and Piecewise Growth Modeling Techniques
Authors: Hindman Annemarie H. , Cromley Jennifer G. , Skibbe Lori E. , Miller Alison L.
Published: September 2011

This article reviews the mechanics of conventional and piecewise growth models to demonstrate the unique affordances of each technique for examining the nature and predictors of children’s early literacy learning during the transition from preschool through first grade. Using the nationally representative Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) data set, 1997 cohort, the authors show how piecewise models revealed discrete contributions of child, family, and classroom experiences to children’s literacy skills within particular years, whereas conventional models, which considered the whole 3-year trajectory of change as a single outcome, revealed fewer of these nuanced contributions.
Permanent Neurological Sequelae Following Accidental Podophyllin Ingestion
Authors: Kumar Manish , Shanmugham Arumugasamy , Prabha Sivaprakasam , Adhisivam Bethou , Narayanan Parameswaran , Biswal Niranjan
Published: September 2011

Accidental podophyllin poisoning is rare, but it can be associated with high morbidity and mortality. The authors describe severe encephalopathy and cerebral atrophy caused by accidental podophyllin ingestion in a 3-year-old boy. This case illustrates the permanent neurological damage in a developmentally normal child from a preventable cause.
The capacity to co-ordinate – Whitehall, governance and the challenge of climate change
Authors: Matthews Felicity
Published: September 2011

The issue of government capacity is at the heart of the governance narrative, and the emergence of an increasingly fragmented policy arena has been seen to result in a process of ‘hollowing-out’. Yet, despite nearly two decades of scholarship, the disjuncture between the increasing intricacy of the policy landscape and effectiveness of governments’ institutional responses suggests that the focus upon complexity and fragmentation within governance discourse risks neglecting the institutional continuity that continues to characterise the structures of government. This article addresses this lacuna by eschewing a focus upon exogenous factors to instead highlight the relationship between intra-government capacity and the resultant capacity of governments to steer the broader policy terrain through a case study of the Labour government's response to climate change. Climate change cuts across traditional bureaucratic lines and challenges established ways of working, and embodies many of the challenges associated with the governance narrative. However, this article presents a range of evidence to suggest that the government's intra-government approach to climate change has been incoherent, with tools being mapped onto existing governing structures with seemingly little consideration for institutional fit, which reflects the prevailing influence of traditional governing norms. This article therefore argues that an ‘intra-governance cycle’ has emerged, as the unwillingness of the government to fundamentally appraise the extent that its institutional structures are fit-for-purpose vis-à-vis the challenges of modern governance has rendered these challenges without adequate resolution, and with the potential for governance failure.
Effects of the roller feed ratio on wrinkling failure in conventional spinning of a cylindrical cup
Authors: Wang L , Long H , Ashley D , Roberts M , White P
Published: September 2011

In this study, wrinkling failure in conventional spinning of a cylindrical cup has been investigated by using both finite element (FE) analysis and experimental methods. FE simulation models of a spinning experiment have been developed using the explicit finite element solution method provided by the software Abaqus. The severity of wrinkles is quantified by calculating the standard deviation of the radial coordinates of element nodes on the edge of the workpiece obtained from the FE models. The results show that the severity of wrinkles tends to increase when increasing the roller feed ratio. A forming limit study for wrinkling has been carried out and shows that there is a feed ratio limit beyond which the wrinkling failure will take place. Provided that the feed ratio is kept below this limit, the wrinkling failure can be prevented. It is believed that high compressive tangential stresses in the local forming zone are the causes of the wrinkling failure. Furthermore, the computational performance of the solid and shell elements in simulating the spinning process are examined and the tool forces obtained from wrinkling and wrinkle-free models are compared. Finally, the effects of the feed ratio on variations of the wall thickness of the spun cylindrical cup are investigated.
Experimental study on flow forming process of AISI 321 steel tube using the Taguchi method
Authors: Razani N A , Jalali Aghchai A , Mollaei Dariani B
Published: September 2011

Flow forming is an effective process for the manufacturing of thin-walled seamless tubes. It has been found that a number of parameters affect the quality and dimensional precision of flow-formed tubes. In this study, the required flow forming tools are manufactured. The out-of-roundness of an annealed and flow-formed AISI 321 steel tubular pre-form is investigated for various levels of effective process parameters experimentally. Taguchi’s method is employed to design of experiments (DOE). The parameters considered are the feed rate, the depth of cut and the roller attack angle. The effects and contributions weight and interaction effects of these parameters on the out of roundness as response function are analysed. It is found that the depth of cut is the most important process parameter affecting out of roundness. The out-of-roundness decreases with increase in the depth of cut and it increases with increase in the feed rate and roller attack angle.
Temperature investigation of coated workpieces in intermittent grinding with a cup wheel
Authors: Xu K-Z , Wei C-J , Hu D-J , Xu L-M , Xu M-M
Published: September 2011

The effective width of the moving heat source is presented and the shape of the grinding block is simplified in order to use the traditional heat source model in modelling flat grinding with a cup wheel. Both triangular and rectangular heat source models are presented and compared with experimental results. The heat transfer process, the end-face temperature of a single wear particle, and the one-dimensional heat transfer model are integrated to study the heat flux into the workpiece. The energy partition ratio is obtained under conditions of different grinding parameters in order to make the temperature model precise. The feasibility of the temperature model is validated by experimental results, and the influence of grinding parameters on the grinding temperature is also analysed.
Recommendations for the estimation of the strength of the railway wheel set press fit joint
Authors: Stamenković D , Milošević M , Mijajlović M , Banić M
Published: September 2011

Although press fit joints are very important in railway engineering, few authors have investigated the strength of press fit joints in terms of their application in railway vehicles. This study analyses the tribological parameters that influence the strength of press fit joints, especially the contact pressure and the static friction coefficient. This research was targeted towards the control of the friction coefficient value to obtain the required strength of a press fit joint in conditions close to the minimum contact pressure that results in less prestressed press fit joints. To estimate press fit joint strength, this study examines the use of minimum and maximum values of the friction coefficient as recommended in the literature considering wide tribological conditions, as well as the experimentally determined friction coefficient values for specific tribological conditions. The study also points out the discrepancy between current railway standards and engineering practice considering the inspection of wheel set press fit joint strength.
Vibration reduction for a high-speed railway bridge in South Korea
Authors: Kwark J W , Chin W J , Cho J R , Lee J W , Kim B S , Lee K C
Published: September 2011

The Gyeongbu high-speed railway (KTX) in Korea has been open to the public since 2004. Since one third of the railway is lying on bridges, a two-span continuous pre-stressed concrete one-cell box girder with 40 m span length was chosen as typical bridge. However, field measurement showed that the chosen bridge type does not satisfy the required design acceleration response of 0.35g under certain circumstances owing to various factors such as rail irregularity, impact owing to discontinuous ballast–sleeper contact, train condition including wheel and interaction between bridge and moving train. This paper intends to find out a measure to control the vibration by changing the structural properties of the originally chosen bridge type. First, a damper system was proposed. Numerical analysis showed that a damper at mid-span could reduce the response by 20 per cent. Accordingly, various types of dampers were installed and compared, but this solution was discarded owing to maintenance cost. Second, added mass solution was proposed. Numerical analysis and scaled-down model indicated that the additional mass could reduce the response by 20 to 40 per cent. Consequently, sand bags of 31.2 tons were dumped at the centre of each span and enabled the vertical acceleration response of the bridge to be successfully controlled in compliance with the design requirements.
Reliability-based conversion of a structural design code for railway prestressed concrete sleepers
Authors: Remennikov A M , Murray M H , Kaewunruen S
Published: September 2011

Ballasted railway track is very suitable for heavy-rail networks because of its many superior advantages in design, construction, short- and long-term maintenance, sustainability, and life cycle cost. An important part of the railway track system, which distributes the wheel load to the formation, is the railway sleeper. Improved knowledge has raised concerns about design techniques for prestressed concrete (PC) sleepers. Most current design codes for these rely on allowable stresses and material strength reductions. However, premature cracking of PC sleepers has been found in railway tracks. The major cause of cracking is the infrequent but high-magnitude wheel loads produced by the small percentage of irregular wheels or rail-head surface defects; both these are crudely accounted for in the allowable stress design method by a single load factor. The current design philosophy, outlined in Australian Standard AS1085.14, is based on the assessment of permissible stresses resulting from quasi-static wheel loads and essentially the static response of PC sleepers. To shift the conventional methodology to a more rational design method that involves a more realistic dynamic response of PC sleepers and performance-based design methodology, comprehensive studies of the loading conditions, the dynamic response, and the dynamic resistance of PC sleepers have been conducted. This collaborative research between several Australian universities has addressed such important issues as the spectrum and the amplitudes of dynamic forces applied to the railway track, evaluation of the reserve capacity of typical PC sleepers designed to AS 1085.14, and the development of a new limit states design concept. This article presents the results of the extensive analytical and experimental investigations aimed at predicting wheel impact loads at different return periods (based on field data from impact detectors), together with an experimental investigation of the ultimate impact resistance of PC sleepers required by the limit states design approach. It highlights the reliability approach and rationales associated with the development of limit states and presents guidelines pertaining to conversion of AS 1085.14 to a limit states design format. The reliability concept provides design flexibility and broadens the design principle, so that any operational condition could be catered for optimally in the design.
Modeling of a Nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli Flexible Beam Actuated by Two Active Shape Memory Alloy Actuators
Authors: Zakerzadeh M.R. , Salehi H. , Sayyaadi H.
Published: September 2011

There are two different ways of using shape memory alloy (SMA) wire as an actuator for shape control of flexible structures: it can be either embedded within the composite laminate or externally attached to the structure. As the actuator can be placed at different offset distances from the beam, external actuators produce more bending moment and, consequently, considerabnle shape changes with the same magnitude of actuation force compared with the embedded type. Such a configuration also provides faster heat transfer rate owing to convection, which is very important in shape control applications that require a highfrequency response of SMA actuators.

Although combination and physics-based modeling of externally attached SMA actuator wires and strips have been considered by many researchers, these studies have some drawbacks, which, if neglected, result in a number of errors in the theoretical results compared with experimental results. These shortcomings are considering the linear Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, not deriving the actuation force of the SMA from the constitutive equations, and taking into account the effect of only one SMA wire actuation force on, for example, the structure. These assumptions may lead to erroneous theoretical modeling results compared with experimental results.

In this study, the aforementioned difficulties of attaching SMA actuators to the smart structures have been addressed. In other words, instead of linear beam theory, nonlinear beam theory is used in system modeling and, therefore, the proposed method and results are valid in large deflection and rotation behavior of beam. Also, in comparison to many other analyses that the effect of only one SMA wire is investigated, in the present research the effect of all active and inactive SMA wires is considered. Accordingly, the result of this paper can easily be generalized to the structure with several SMA wire actuations. Moreover, with the purpose of having practical applications in modeling and control, the heat transfer equations of all SMA wires are considered in the analysis and, as a result, the control inputs of the presented model are SMA wire electric currents rather than SMA temperatures.

First, a flexible beam actuated by two active SMA actuators is modeled. Then, the Brinson constitutive equations and thermoelectric equations for SMA materials are coupled with the nonlinear beam behavior, and the coupled system of equations is numerically solved for some particular practical cases. Finally, the numerical results of the model simulation are verified against the experimental results using a test setup to validate the proposed model prediction. The implemented method used in this paper can be easily extended to the more complex smart structure with numerous externally attached SMA wires.
A semi-analytical element-free galerkin method for the 3D free vibration analysis of multilayered FGM circular hollow cylinders
Authors: Wu Chih-Ping , Yang Shih-Wei
Published: September 2011

A semi-analytical element-free Galerkin (EFG) method in conjunction with an earlier proposed differential reproducing kernel (DRK) interpolation is developed for the three-dimensional (3D) free vibration analysis of simply supported, multilayered composite and functionally graded material (FGM) circular hollow cylinders. Based on the Reissner’s mixed variational theorem (RMVT), the weak formulation of this 3D dynamic problem is derived, in which the material properties of each individual FGM layer are assumed to obey the power-law distributions of the volume fractions of the constituents through the thickness coordinate of the layer. A parametric study of the influence of some geometric and material parameters, such as the radius-to-thickness and length-to-radius ratios, thickness ratio for each layer, and material-property gradient index, on the natural frequency parameters of multilayered FGM circular hollow cylinders is undertaken.
Nonlinear Dynamic Response and Active Control of Piezoelastic Laminated Shallow Spherical Shells with Damage
Authors: Yiqi Mao , Yiming Fu , Yanping Tian
Published: September 2011

Based on Talreja’s damage model with tensor valued internal state variables and geometric nonlinear theory, the constitutive relations for a moderately thick shallow spherical shell with damage are derived. The distribution of electric potential along the thickness direction in the piezoelectric layer is simulated by a sinusoidal function, and accordingly the dynamic analytical model for the cross-ply laminated moderately thick piezoelectric shallow spherical shell is established. Using the negative velocity feedback control algorithm, an analytical model for active vibration control of the piezoelectric laminated moderately thick piezoelectric shallow spherical shell is built when the damage effect is considered. And the solutions to the whole problem are obtained with synthetical utilization of the orthogonal collocation point method and the Newark method. In numerical examples, the effects of damage, piezoelectric effect, and the structure’s geometrical parameters on the dynamic response and vibration control of the piezoelastic laminated shallow spherical shells with damage are investigated.
G-CSF-Producing Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Oka Kuniyuki , Sarashina Gen , Yonekawa Nobuo , Watanabe Osamu , Miyao Yoshiko , Hashimoto Toshio , Yatabe Yasushi
Published: September 2011

This study reports a 54-year-old man who was a carpenter by occupation. He suffered from left chest and back pain and left pleural effusion. Peripheral blood showed granulocytosis and high serum titers of granulocyte–colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and CYFRA. He died 20 months later. At autopsy, a pleural tumor located around the left lung and thickening of the pericardium, diaphragm, and esophagus by tumor infiltration was seen. The tumor proliferated in papillary and solid alveolar patterns by neoplastic cells. They were positive for calretinin, D2-40, CK5/6, HBME-1, G-CSF, CK19, and E-cadherin. He was diagnosed with G-CSF-producing epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Increased Numbers of IgG4-Positive Plasma Cells May Rarely Be Seen in Lymph Nodes of Patients Without IgG4-Related Sclerosing Disease
Authors: Rollins-Raval Marian A. , Felgar Raymond E. , Krasinskas Alyssa M. , Roth Christine G.
Published: September 2011

IgG4-related sclerosing disease (IRSD) is a steroid-responsive fibroinflammatory disorder characterized by increased IgG4+ cells. Nodal involvement usually lacks the dense sclerosis seen in extranodal sites, with histologic patterns overlapping with other reactive processes. Twenty-six lymph nodes showing IRSD-related histologic patterns were evaluated for IgG and IgG4 positive cells by immunohistochemistry and correlated with the clinical features. Cases included 7 Castleman disease–like cases (type I pattern), 10 follicular hyperplasia (type II), and 9 plasmacytosis (type III). The mean numbers of IgG4+ cells per high-power field (HPF) were 4.8 (I), 8.4 (II), and 26.6(III), and the mean IgG4/IgG ratios were 0.05 (I), 0.04 (II), and 0.08 (III). Using >50 IgG4+cells/HPF and IgG4/IgG ratio of >0.4 for absolute and relative increases, only 1 case fulfilled both criteria for increased IgG4+ cells, a patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis without clinical evidence of IRSD. The results suggest that increased IgG4+ cells may rarely be seen in non-IRSD lymph nodes.
Review: Production and functionality of active peptides from milk
Authors: Muro Urista C. , Álvarez Fernández R. , Riera Rodriguez F. , Arana Cuenca A. , Téllez Jurado A.
Published: September 2011

In recent years, research on the production of active peptides obtained from milk and their potential functionality has grown, to a great extent. Bioactive peptides have been defined as specific protein fragments that have a positive impact on body functions or conditions, and they may ultimately have an influence on health. Individual proteins of casein or milk-derived products such as cheese and yogurt have been used as a protein source to study the isolation and activity of peptides with several applications. Currently, the milk whey waste obtained in the production of cheese also represents a protein source from which active peptides could be isolated with potential industrial applications. The active properties of milk peptides and the results found with regard to their physiological effects have led to the classification of peptides as belonging to the group of ingredients of protein nature, appropriate for use in functional foods or pharmaceutical formulations. In this study, the main peptides obtained from milk protein and the past research studies about its production and biological activities will be explained. Second, an analysis will be made on the methods to determinate the biological activities, the separation of bioactive peptides and its structure identification. All of these form the base required to obtain synthetic peptides. Finally, we explain the experimental animal and human trials done in the past years. Nevertheless, more research is required on the design and implementation of equipment for the industrial production and separation of peptides. In addition, different authors suggest that more emphasis should therefore be given to preclinical studies, proving that results are consistent and that effects are demonstrated repeatedly by several research human groups.
A comparison of autonomous regulation and negative self-evaluative emotions as predictors of smoking behavior change among college students
Authors: Lee Hyoung S. , Catley Delwyn , Harris Kari Jo
Published: September 2011

This study compared autonomous self-regulation and negative self-evaluative emotions as predictors of smoking behavior change in college student smokers ( N = 303) in a smoking cessation intervention study. Although the two constructs were moderately correlated, latent growth curve modeling revealed that only autonomous regulation, but not negative self-evaluative emotions, was negatively related to the number of days smoked. Results suggest that the two variables tap different aspects of motivation to change smoking behaviors, and that autonomous regulation predicts smoking behavior change better than negative self-evaluative emotions.
The Variation of the Glare Source Luminance According to the Average Luminance of Visual Field
Authors: Kim Wonwoo , Kim Jeong Tai
Published: September 2011

This study was conducted to propose a method of identifying glare sources from windows. Discomfort glare from windows of a classroom was evaluated in the experiments involving subjects, and the features that made the subjects recognize the glare sources in the windows were explored. The results of the evaluation led to the realization that the subjects regarded the patches that were causing discomfort glare as the glare sources on windows. It means that the patches having low luminance were not the causes of discomfort glare and were excluded from glare sources for the discomfort glare evaluation. There was a linear relationship between the average luminance of the visual field and the average luminance of the glare patches. The linear relationship has been expressed by a formula. The proposed formula has made it easier to identify the glare patches from windows. The approach as suggested in this study is distinctive to the others by the fact that the glare source was determined based on the average luminance of the visual field.
Gender differences and factors affecting publication productivity among Australian university academics
Authors: Bentley Peter
Published: September 2011

This article examines gender differences in publication productivity and factors correlated with high productivity in Australian universities, during the periods 1991–3 and 2005–7. Measured as a weighted sum of books and journal articles, females reported significantly fewer publications than men during both periods. Gender differences appear to have reduced over time, with female publishing increasing from 57 percent of the male average in 1991–3 to 76 percent in 2005–7. Statistical analyses reveal that women published at similar levels to men of equal rank during both periods, except among Level A staff in 1991–3 where males published significantly more. Academic rank, doctorate qualifications, research time and international research collaboration were the strongest factors positively associated with publication productivity, but women typically reported significantly lower levels on each of these factors. Institutional and family characteristics were comparably poor predictors.
Ways of dying: AIDS care and agency in contemporary urban South Africa
Authors: deGelder Mieke
Published: September 2011

In the HIV/AIDS literature, the tendency has been to avoid the agentive concept in favour of an emphasis on structure and subjectivity. Based on research with an HIV/AIDS project in Pretoria, South Africa, this article posits that examining how agency is locally conceptualized forms one route via which the notion may be plausibly inserted into the study of the pandemic. I evoke the figure of the ‘ideal agent’: the imagined AIDS sufferer against whose model actions those of actual AIDS sufferers are measured. Three stages emerge, the first characterized by victimhood, the second by moral transformation, and the third by the choice to ‘go home to one’s relatives’. In view of patients’ impending deaths, local knowledge regarding proper burial and ancestorship, and the limited resources of the project, the ideal agent suggests how AIDS sufferers’ agency is circumscribed and helps to clarify the volatility of the moral rebirth experience.
Converting to a Closed Enteral Feeding System in a Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Gunnell Sarah , Nordgren Mollie , Stewart Charisse , Willahan Jennifer
Published: September 2011

Research supports the use of closed enteral feeding systems, and recently more pediatric formulas have become available in the closed system. Transitioning to a closed feeding system in a pediatric hospital required a multidisciplinary approach. Clinical trials and training of nurses and dietitians were essential in the conversion process. Perceived barriers were identified and strategies developed to resolve concerns of cost, waste, and fluid needs. Unexpected barriers included medication administration practice changes, technical challenges with specific formulas, and the unavailability of specific components of formula in the closed system when compared with the open system. Implementation of the closed system in the pediatric setting has been successful, and evaluation is continuing.
Identification of outcome-correlated cytokine clusters in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Yan Xiao-Jie , Dozmorov Igor , Li Wentian , Yancopoulos Sophia , Sison Cristina , Centola Michael , Jain Preetesh , Allen Steven L. , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Rai Kanti R. , Chiorazzi Nicholas , Sherry Barbara
Published: September 2011

Individual cytokines and groups of cytokines that might represent networks in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were analyzed and their prognostic values determined. Serum levels of 23 cytokines were measured in 84 patients and 49 age-matched controls; 17 levels were significantly elevated in patients. Unsupervised hierarchical bicluster analysis identified 3 clusters (CLs) of highly correlated but differentially expressed cytokines: CL1 (CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL3, CCL4, CCL19, IL-5, IL-12, and IFNγ), CL2 (TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF), and CL3 (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-15, IL-17, and IFNα). Combination scores integrating expression of CL1/CL2 or CL1/CL3 strongly correlated (P < .005) with time-tofirst-treatment and overall survival (OS), respectively. Patients with the worst course had high CL1 and low CL2 or CL3 levels. Multivariate analysis revealed that CL1/CL2 combination score and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region mutation status were independent prognostic indicators for time-to-first-treatment, whereas CL1/CL3 combination score and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region mutation status were independent markers for OS. Thus, we identified groups of cytokines differentially expressed in CLL that are independent prognostic indicators of aggressive disease and OS. These findings indicate the value of multicytokine analyses for prognosis and suggest therapeutic strategies in CLL aimed at reducing CL1 and increasing CL2/CL3 cytokines.
Characterizing genetic interactions in human disease association studies using statistical epistasis networks
Authors: Hu Ting , Sinnott-Armstrong Nicholas A , Kiralis Jeff W , Andrew Angeline S , Karagas Margaret R , Moore Jason H
Published: September 2011

Background

Epistasis is recognized ubiquitous in the genetic architecture of complex traits such as disease susceptibility. Experimental studies in model organisms have revealed extensive evidence of biological interactions among genes. Meanwhile, statistical and computational studies in human populations have suggested non-additive effects of genetic variation on complex traits. Although these studies form a baseline for understanding the genetic architecture of complex traits, to date they have only considered interactions among a small number of genetic variants. Our goal here is to use network science to determine the extent to which non-additive interactions exist beyond small subsets of genetic variants. We infer statistical epistasis networks to characterize the global space of pairwise interactions among approximately 1500 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning nearly 500 cancer susceptibility genes in a large population-based study of bladder cancer.

Results

The statistical epistasis network was built by linking pairs of SNPs if their pairwise interactions were stronger than a systematically derived threshold. Its topology clearly differentiated this real-data network from networks obtained from permutations of the same data under the null hypothesis that no association exists between genotype and phenotype. The network had a significantly higher number of hub SNPs and, interestingly, these hub SNPs were not necessarily with high main effects. The network had a largest connected component of 39 SNPs that was absent in any other permuted-data networks. In addition, the vertex degrees of this network were distinctively found following an approximate power-law distribution and its topology appeared scale-free.

Conclusions

In contrast to many existing techniques focusing on high main-effect SNPs or models of several interacting SNPs, our network approach characterized a global picture of gene-gene interactions in a population-based genetic data. The network was built using pairwise interactions, and its distinctive network topology and large connected components indicated joint effects in a large set of SNPs. Our observations suggested that this particular statistical epistasis network captured important features of the genetic architecture of bladder cancer that have not been described previously.
The hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis of 2584 cases and 3234 controls
Authors: Zhang Hongtuan , Xu Yong , Zhang Zhihong , Li Liang
Published: September 2011

Background

Genetic polymorphism of human 8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) Ser326Cys (rs1052133) has been implicated to alter the risk of prostate cancer, but the results are controversial.

Methods

Two investigators independently searched the Medline, and Cochrane Library up to June 7, 2011. Summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for Ser326Cys polymorphism and prostate cancer were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with the software program Review Manage, version 5.0 and Stata 10.0.

Results

A total of 8 independent studies, including 2584 cases and 3234 controls, were identified. Our analysis suggested that Ser326Cys was not associated with prostate cancer risk in overall population. In the subgroup analysis, we detected the significant association between Ser326Cys polymorphism and decreased prostate risk in mixed population under additive model (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.50-0.90, P = 0.007), recessive model (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.51-0.91, P = 0.008), and Cys allele versus Ser allele (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.78-0.98, P = 0.02). Subanalysis on Caucasian subjects demonstrated that Ser326Cys was not associated with prostate cancer risk.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed the evidence that hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer development in mixed populations.
A prospective study of mental health care for comorbid depressed mood in older adults with painful osteoarthritis
Authors: Gleicher Yehoshua , Croxford Ruth , Hochman Jacqueline , Hawker Gillian
Published: September 2011

Background

Comorbid depression is common among adults with painful osteoarthritis (OA). We evaluated the relationship between depressed mood and receipt of mental health (MH) care services.

Methods

In a cohort with OA, annual interviews assessed comorbidity, arthritis severity, and MH (SF-36 mental health score). Surveys were linked to administrative health databases to identify mental health-related visits to physicians in the two years following the baseline interview (1996-98). Prescriptions for anti-depressants were ascertained for participants aged 65+ years (eligible for drug benefits). The relationship between MH scores and MH-related physician visits was assessed using zero-inflated negative binomial regression, adjusting for confounders. For those aged 65+ years, logistic regression examined the probability of receiving any MH-related care (physician visit or anti-depressant prescription).

Results

Analyses were based on 2,005 (90.1%) individuals (mean age 70.8 years). Of 576 (28.7%) with probable depression (MH score < 60/100), 42.5% experienced one or more MH-related physician visits during follow-up. The likelihood of a physician visit was associated with sex (adjusted OR women vs. men = 5.87, p = 0.005) and MH score (adjusted OR per 10-point decrease in MH score = 1.63, p = 0.003). Among those aged 65+, 56.7% with probable depression received any MH care. The likelihood of receiving any MH care exhibited a significant interaction between MH score and self-reported health status (p = 0.0009); with good general health, worsening MH was associated with increased likelihood of MH care; as general health declined, this effect was attenuated.

Conclusions

Among older adults with painful OA, more than one-quarter had depressed mood, but almost half received no mental health care, suggesting a care gap.
Enhancing the stress responses of probiotics for a lifestyle from gut to product and back again
Authors: Mills Susan , Stanton Catherine , Fitzgerald Gerald F , Ross RPaul
Published: August 2011

Before a probiotic bacterium can even begin to fulfill its biological role, it must survive a battery of environmental stresses imposed during food processing and passage through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Food processing stresses include extremes in temperature, as well as osmotic, oxidative and food matrix stresses. Passage through the GIT is a hazardous journey for any bacteria with deleterious lows in pH encountered in the stomach to the detergent-like properties of bile in the duodenum. However, bacteria are equipped with an array of defense mechanisms to counteract intracellular damage or to enhance the robustness of the cell to withstand lethal external environments. Understanding these mechanisms in probiotic bacteria and indeed other bacterial groups has resulted in the development of a molecular toolbox to augment the technological and gastrointestinal performance of probiotics. This has been greatly aided by studies which examine the global cellular responses to stress highlighting distinct regulatory networks and which also identify novel mechanisms used by cells to cope with hazardous environments. This review highlights the latest studies which have exploited the bacterial stress response with a view to producing next-generation probiotic cultures and highlights the significance of studies which view the global bacterial stress response from an integrative systems biology perspective.
Influence of environmental factors on the abundance of Anopheles farauti larvae in large brackish water streams in Northern Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Authors: Bugoro Hugo , Hii Jeffery , Russell Tanya L , Cooper Robert D , Chan Benny KK , Iro'ofa Charles , Butafa Charles , Apairamo Allen , Bobogare Albino , Chen Cheng-Chen
Published: September 2011

Background

The main vector of malaria in Solomon Islands isAnopheles farauti, which has a mainly coastal distribution. In Northern Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, high densities ofAn. farautiare supported by large brackish streams, which in the dry season are dammed by localized sand migration. The factors controlling the high larval productivity of these breeding sites have not been identified. Accordingly the influence of environmental factors on the presence and density ofAn. farautilarvae was assessed in three large naturally dammed streams.

Methods

Larval sites were mapped and anopheline larvae were collected monthly for 12 months (July 2007 to June 2008) from three streams using standard dippers. Larval collections were made from 10 locations spaced at 50 m intervals along the edge of each stream starting from the coast. At each collection point, floating filamentous algae, aquatic emergent plants, sun exposure, and salinity were measured. These environmental parameters along with rainfall were correlated with larval presence and density.

Results

The presence and abundance ofAn. farautilarvae varied between streams and was influenced by the month of collection, and distance from the ocean (p <0.001). Larvae were more frequently present and more abundant within 50 m of the ocean during the dry season when the streams were dammed. The presence and density of larvae were positively associated with aquatic emergent plants (presence: p = 0.049; density: p = 0.001). Although filamentous algae did not influence the presence of larvae, this factor did significantly influence the density of larvae (p < 0.001). Rainfall for the month prior to sampling was negatively associated with both larval presence and abundance (p < 0.001), as high rainfall flushed larvae from the streams. Salinity significantly influenced both the presence (p = 0.002) and density (p = 0.014) of larvae, with larvae being most present and abundant in brackish water at < 10‰ seawater.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that the presence and abundanceAn. farautilarvae are influenced by environmental factors within the large streams. Understanding these parameters will allow for targeted cost effective implementation of source reduction and larviciding to support the frontline malaria control measures i.e. indoor residual spraying (IRS) and distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).
Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of Swedish snus for smoking reduction and cessation
Authors: Joksić Gordana , Spasojević-Tišma Vera , Antić Ruza , Nilsson Robert , Rutqvist Lars E
Published: September 2011

Background

Epidemiological studies suggest that smokeless tobacco in the form of Swedish snus has been used by many smokers in Scandinavia to quit smoking, but the efficacy of snus has so far not been evaluated in controlled clinical trials.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial aimed at assessing the efficacy of snus to help adult cigarette smokers in Serbia to substantially reduce, and, eventually, completely stop smoking. The study enrolled 319 healthy smokers aged 20-65 years at two occupational health centers in Belgrade, Serbia. Most of them (81%) expressed an interest to quit rather than just reduce their smoking. Study products were used ad libitum throughout the 48-week study period. The main study objective during the first 24 weeks was smoking reduction. The primary end-point was defined as a biologically verified reduction of ≥ 50% in the average number of smoked cigarettes per day during week 21-24 compared to baseline. During week 25-48 participants were actively instructed to stop smoking completely. Outcome measures of biologically verified, complete smoking cessation included 1-week point prevalence rates at clinical visits after 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks, as well as 4-, 12- and 24-week continued cessation rates at the week 36 and 48 visits.

Results

At the week 24 visit, the proportion of participants who achieved the protocol definition of a ≥ 50% smoking reduction was similar in the two treatment groups. However, the proportion that reported more extreme reductions (≥ 75%) was statistically significantly higher in the snus group than in the placebo group (p < 0.01). The results for biologically verified complete cessation suggested that participants in the snus group were more likely to quit smoking completely than the controls; the odds ratio (snus versus placebo) for the protocol estimates of cessation varied between 1.9 to 3.4, but these ratios were of borderline significance with p-values ranging from 0.04-0.10. Snus was well tolerated and only 2/158 (1.3%) participants in the snus group discontinued treatment due to an adverse event (in both cases unrelated to snus).

Conclusions

Swedish snus could promote smoking cessation among smokers in Serbia, that is, in a cultural setting without traditional use of oral, smokeless tobacco.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT00601042