bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OBRAZOVANJE U FUNKCIJI IZVRŠAVANJA KAZNE ZATVORA TE PRIPREME ZA ŽIVOT NA SLOBODI
Authors: Luketić Ivica
Published: June 2024

Obrazovanje zatvorenika ima svoju ulogu i u definiranju glavne svrha izvršavanja kazne zatvora, koja izmeĊu ostaloga govori o osposobljavanju zatvorenika za ţivot na slobodi u smislu što lakšeg funkcioniranja i ukljuĉivanja u ţivot nakon izdrţane kazne zatvora. Obrazovanje u penalnim institucijama je vaţno kako bi zatvorenici stjecali nova znanja i vještine, adekvatno i organizirano provodili vrijeme tijekom samog izdrţavanja kazne a potom i u smislu kvalitetnijeg poslijepenalnog organiziranja ţivota. Dobar zatvorski tretman bio bi u stalnom motiviranju i usmjeravanju zatvorenika za obrazovanjem, organiziranje i samo provoĊenje obrazovanja a sve u smislu reintegracije i doprinosa zajednici po izlasku zatvorenika na slobodu. U ovom radu autor otvara pitanje moţe li obrazovanje u penalnim institucijama rezultirati pozitivnim promjenama kod zatvorenika. U skladu sa tim, u radu se prikazuje stanje obrazovanja u Republici Hrvatskoj te pojedinim drţavama. Istraţivaĉki cilj ovog rada je pregledom i analizom dostupne literature utvrditi obrazovne mogućnosti te kapacitete pojedinih zemalja uz prikaz pojedinih istraţivanja vezanih za obrazovanje zatvorenika, uz primjenu deskriptivne metode obrade podataka te meta analizu. Kao zakljuĉak nameće se ĉinjenica da su obrazovni programi u penalnim institucijama u principu manjkavi i nedostatni, posebice u manje razvijenim zemljama. Potrebno je teţiti tome da se zatvorenici što više motiviraju za bilo koji oblik obrazovanja a s druge strane da se osiguraju adekvatni kapaciteti te financijski resursi za obrazovanjem u penalnim institucijama, a sve u cilju prilagodbe za trţište rada.
A new integrated rough multi-criteria decision-making model for enterprise resource planning software selection
Authors: Cao Bing , Jin Yongsheng , Ulutaş Alptekin , Topal Ayse , Stević Željko , Karabasevic Darjan , Sava Cipriana
Published: June 2024

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is widely used to boost the total market power of businesses. The wrong selection is one of the key reasons why ERP installations fail. Due to the complexity of the business environment and the range of ERP systems, choosing an ERP system is a complex and time-consuming procedure. ERP alternatives may be assessed using several criteria, so the ERP selection process may be considered a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. In this study, the rough best worst method (BWM) was used to determine criteria weights, while the newly developed rough integrated simple weighted sum product (WISP) was used to rank ERP alternatives. Results suggest that the SFT-4 coded software is regarded as the best option, followed by SFT-5, SFT-6, SFT-2, SFT-3, and SFT-1. Results of the newly developed rough WISP method are compared to those of existing rough techniques in the sensitivity analysis. The differences between them have been found to be negligible. The outcomes show how effectively developed rough BWM and WISP integrated method performs in terms of ERP selection with usability, accuracy, ease of use, and consistency. This study will help decision-makers in a context where ERP is implemented choose the best ERP software for different sectors.
Effect of UV-C Radiation Intensity on Post-harvest Quality of Two Eggplant Varieties (Solanum aetipicum anguivi L and Solanum macrocarpon L)
Authors: Joël Kouacou Kouadio , Patrick N'zi Kouadio , Victoria Bancal , Didier Mbéguié-A-Mbéguié , Kablan Tano
Published: June 2024

In Côte d’Ivoire, eggplant is one of the most cultivated and consumed vegetables. However, this vegetable is very perishable. This work was developed to evaluate the effect of different UV-C concentrations on the conservation of eggplants with a view to identifying which one would provide better conservation of eggplants grown in Côte d'Ivoire. In this study, two eggplant varieties Solanum aetiopicum anguivi L (Klongbo) and Solanum macrocarpon L (Gbokouman) were treated with three doses of UV-C (960 Kj m-2; 1920 Kj m-2 or 2880 Kj m-2) in order to determine the optimal dose: non-deleterious while preserving or enhancing the qualitative attributes of the vegetable. The proximate composition and the infection rate were determined according to standard and referenced methods. Treatment at 960 Kj m-2 had no significant effect on fruit quality attributes compared to untreated fruit, while treatment at 2880 Kj m-2 accelerated fruit color changes and loss fruit mass. The treatment at 1920 Kj m-2 allowed the fruits to better preserve their quality over time. During this treatment, the infection rate was reduced by 45 % for the “Gbokouman” variety and 40 % for the “Klongbo” variety. With this same dose of UVC, mass loss was reduced by 10.74% for the “Klongbo” variety and 33.48 % for the “Gbokouman” variety. An increase in the content of phenolic compounds as well as that of antioxidant activity was also observed. The dose of 1920 Kj m-2 is therefore the optimal dose which would allow the “Gbokouman” and “Klongbo” eggplant varieties to be preserved for a long period of marketing and conservation.
Assessment of Foliar Application of Biostimulants and Silicon on Yield and Yield Attributing Characters of Mango (Mangifera indica l.) CV. Kesar
Authors: Aal J. M. , Karetha K. M. , Bhuva S. K. , Parmar A. R. , Ganvit K. R.
Published: June 2024

The present investigation was carried out at Fruit Research Station, Sakkarbaug, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with Factorial concept consisting two factors with three replications. The treatment comprised with biostimulants viz., without biostimulant, humic acid (1.5 %), panchagavya (3 %), seaweed extract (0.2 %), novel organic liquid fertilizer (2 %) and silicon i.e., without silicon, potassium silicate (0.2 %) and orthosilicic acid (0.2 %). The results of the study indicated that among the different biostimulants application of humic acid 1.5 % and among the different silicon application of potassium silicate 0.2 % was recorded with minimum number of nubbins per 100 fruits at pea (20.42 and 22.52) and marble stage (10.67 and 12.80) and maximum fruits retention at harvesting (2.03 and 1.85 %), number of fruits per tree (213.71 and 195.52), fruit yield (50.78 and 45.14 kg/tree), fruit length (10.60 and 10.39 cm), fruit breadth (6.67 and 6.55 cm), fruit weight (234.58 and 226.24 g), pulp weight (175.87 and 168.79 g) and pulp: stone ratio (5.16 and 5.07) during pooled analysis, respectively. In the present investigation some of the interaction effects were also found significant. The combined application of humic acid 1.5 % with potassium silicate 0.2 % recorded maximum number of fruits per tree (235.57), fruit yield (60.42 kg/tree), fruit length (11.06 cm), fruit breadth (96.86 cm), fruit weight (254.71 g) and pulp weight (192.61 g) during pooled analysis. It can be concluded that for improved yield and yield attributing characters with foliar application of humic acid 1.5 % along with potassium silicate 0.2 % at initiation of flowering, pea and marble stage.
Evaluation of CERES –Rice Model for Simulating Rice Yield and Phenophases
Authors: V. Harithalekshmi , Das G.K. , Chandniha Surendra Kumar , Puranik H.V. , Chaudhary J.L.
Published: June 2024

In this study, the performance of the CERES-Rice model in simulating the growth and yield of the Rajeshwari variety in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh, India, was evaluated. Utilizing observed data from 2021 and 2022, the model was calibrated and validated using key parameters such as days to anthesis, physiological maturity, and yield. Calibration involved adjusting genetic coefficients to improve simulation accuracy, with validation ensuring the model's reliability beyond the calibration period. The comparison between observed and simulated data for crop performance parameters showed that the model performed reasonably well. For days to Anthesis, the RMSE was 4.32 with a d-stat of 0.59, and an error of 5.4%. For Days to Panicle initiation, the RMSE was 1.83, the d-stat was 0.82, and the error was -4.7%. For days to PM, the RMSE was 6.7, the d-stat was 0.65, and the error was 3.0%. Yield showed an RMSE of 472.4, a d-stat of 0.81, and an error of 7.7%. F The mean simulated values closely matched the observed means, indicating overall good model accuracy. In this study, fine tuning the genetic coefficients of CERES rice model for the variety Rjeshwari was done and can be used for further studies and applications.
Surgical Management of Oligometastatic Port Site Recurrence Following Robotic Assisted Gynaecological Cancer Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Homer Artem , Abdul-Aziz Salamatu , Babu Anupama Rajan
Published: June 2024

Aims: Port site recurrence is a rare complication of laparoscopic or robotic surgery for gynaecological cancer. The exact mechanism is not well understood and there are few cases detailing this phenomenon specifically after robotic assisted surgery for gynaecological cancer. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate how an oligometastatic port site recurrence can be managed following robotic surgery for cervical carcinoma.
Presentation of Case and Discussion: The authors present a case of oligometastatic port site metastasis in a 49-year-old woman with Stage 1B1 grade 2 endocervical adenocarcinoma following primary robotic radical hysterectomy with lymph node dissection. The recurrence was diagnosed 16 months post primary surgery in the anterior abdominal wall and the lung. Both were resected with clear margins and the patient continued follow up. A further second ipsilateral port site recurrence was diagnosed 81 months after the initial surgery, this was also excised and the abdominal wall reconstructed with mesh. The patient is asymptomatic and disease-free 7.5 years after her initial diagnosis.
Conclusion: Oligometastatic port site recurrence can be successfully managed by surgical excision in selected cases, however more research is required to develop better understanding of the mechanisms and risk factors for port site metastasis in different gynaecological cancers which would in turn help to improve clinical decision making.
Determinants of Hypertension in Outpatients: A Cross-Sectional Study at Kramat Jati Health Center, East Jakarta
Authors: Suling Frits Reinier Wantian , Justine Anastacia , Suryanegara Wiradi
Published: June 2024

Aims: This research aims to determine the factors that most cause the incidence of hypertension in outpatients at the Kramat Jati District Health Center, East Jakarta in 2024.
Study design:  Cross-Sectional Design
Place and Duration of Study: This research was carried out at the Non-Communicable Diseases Polyclinic or Hypertension Polyclinic, Kramat Jati District Health Center, East Jakarta. Data collection took place for 2 weeks in February 2024.
Methodology: The selected population is outpatients who have hypertension and are active as controls and non-hypertensive outpatients who visit the Kramat Jati District Health Center, East Jakarta. The selected samples were outpatients, specifically hypertensive patients at the Kramat Jati District Health Center, East Jakarta. Samples were collected using non-random accidental sampling technique and 101 research samples were obtained. Data Processing and Analysis using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) 29th version was used to view research results using univariate and bivariate analysis.
Results: The results obtained showed that 81 respondents (80.2%) experienced hypertension. The dominant characteristics of hypertensive patients were found to be women (65.3%), aged 56-65 years (28.7%), patients who had a family history of hypertension (52.5%), patients who consumed ≥ 5 grams of sodium (70 .3%), patients who did physical activity (76.2%), and patients who did smoke (31.7%). The factors of age (p-value = 0.0001), history of hypertension (p-value = 0.046), sodium diet (p-value = 0.0001), and smoking (p-value = 0.039) are significantly related and most dominantly influence the incidence. Hypertension. The factors of gender (p-value = 0.410) and physical activity (p-value = 0.454) were not significantly related to increasing blood pressure.
Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between factors that unmodified factors, namely age and family history of hypertension, with the incidence of hypertension at the Kramat Jati District Health Center, East Jakarta, and there is also a significant relationship between factors that can be changed, namely dietary sodium patterns and smoking activities, and the incidence of hypertension in Kramat Jati District Health Center, East Jakarta.
Direct current electrical characterization of plasma polymerized pyrrole‐N,N,3,5 tetramethylaniline bilayer thin films
Authors: Kamal M. M. , Bhuiyan A. H.
Published: December 2011

The direct current conduction mechanism in plasma polymerized pyrrole‐N,N,3,5 tetramethylaniline (PPPy‐PPTMA) bilayer thin films has been discussed in this article. A parallel plate capacitively coupled glow discharge reactor was used to deposit PPPy, PPTMA, and PPPy‐PPTMA thin films at room temperature onto glass substrates. The Fourier Transform Infrared analyses showed that the PPPy‐PPTMA bilayer thin films contained the structural characteristics of both the PPPy and PPTMA. The current density‐voltage characteristics of PPPy‐PPTMA bilayer thin films of different deposition time‐ratios indicated an increase in electrical conductivity as the proportion of PPTMA was increased in the bilayer films. It is also observed that the conductivity of the bilayer thin film is reduced compared with its component thin films. It is seen that in the low voltage region the current conduction obeys Ohm's law, while the charge transport phenomenon appears to be the space charge limited conduction in the higher voltage region. The mobility of the charges, the free charge carrier density, and the permittivity of the PPPy, PPTMA and PPPy‐PPTMA bilayer thin films have been calculated. The permittivity for PPPy, PPTMA and PPPy‐PPTMA bilayer thin films were found to be 1.07 × 10−10, 2.2 × 10−11, and 1.26 × 10−10 C2 N−1 m−2, respectively; the free charge carrier density were (3.56 ± 0.01) × 1022, 2 × 1021 and (5.19 ± 0.02) × 1022 m−3 respectively; and the mobility of the charges were found to be (4.4 ± 0.01) × 10−19, 1.3 × 10−13 and (2.1 ± 0.01) × 10−19 m2 V−1 s−1 respectively. PACS: 72.80.Le, 73.21.Ac, 73.40.Rw, 73.50.Gr, 73.61.Ph. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Study on morphology and microstructure development of PA6/LDPE/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Khoshkava Vahid , Dini Maryam , Nazockdast Hossein
Published: December 2011

The aim of this work was to study the morphology and microstructure development of the polymer blend nanocomposite samples. The samples were prepared by melt compounding, consisting of the melt intercalation and melt blending processes, in an internal mixer at temperature of 250°C. The XRD characteristic peaks of the organoclay were almost disappeared in the polyamide (PA6)/Organoclay and PA6/low density polyethylene (LDPE)/organoclay samples. The TEM results revealed a partially exfoliated type microstructure in which the tactoids and/or platelets were finely dispersed in PA6 matrix. The results of the melt linear viscoelastic measurements showed that most of the organoclay in PA6/LDPE/Organoclay were preferentially dispersed in PA6 matrix. The scanning electron microscopy results showed nonterminal low frequency behavior in storage modulus indicating much smaller LDPE particle size in the PA6/PE (85/15) nanocomposite samples compared to that in the simple blend. This could mainly be attributed to the hindrance induced reduction of the coalesance, the interfacial enhancement, and thermodynamic compatibility all caused by high aspect ratio organoclay platelets. The PA6/LDPE/organoclay samples exhibited a pronounced viscosity upturn and nonterminal storage modulus (G') with even greater extent than those observed for PA6/organoclay samples. These results were considered as indications that the presence of LDPE dispersed phase can have an enhancing effect on development of three‐dimensional network structure in the polymer blend nanocomposite samples. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis of S‐alkyl thiobenzoates from alkyl halides mediated by poly(4‐vinylpyridine) supported sodium thiobenzoate at room temperature under heterogeneous conditions
Authors: Karimi Zarchi Mohammad Ali , Nejabat Mojgan
Published: December 2011

We describe the use of readily available crosslinked poly(4‐vinylpyridine) supported sodium thiobenzoate, [P4VP]SCOPh, in the suspended solution phase synthesis of S‐alkyl thiobenzoate at room temperature in high yields. The spent polymeric reagent can be removed quantitatively by filtration and pure products can be obtained by evaporation of the solvent. The spent polymeric reagent can be regenerated and reused for several times. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of nonlinear optical side‐chain polyimides containing the thiadiazole chromophores
Authors: Tambe Subhashchandra M. , Tasaganva Raghavendra G. , Inamdar Sanjeev R. , Kariduraganavar Mahadevappa Y.
Published: December 2011

Thermally stable second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) polyimides were synthesized using a standard condensation polymerization technique. The polyimides were prepared from 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) with two aromatic azo‐ and diazo‐diamine derivatives as the NLO chromophores. The resulting polyimides were characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, UV‐vis spectroscopies, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and gel permeation chromatography. The weight‐average molecular weights of polyimides determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were in the range of 32,100 to 39,300 (Mw/Mn = 1.58–1.74). All the polyimides exhibited an excellent solubility in many of the aprotic polar organic solvents, manifesting that these polyimides offer good processability. The glass transition temperature for the resulting polyimides was in the range of 152 to 194°C and most of them showed high thermal stability. Particularly, the polyimides containing diazo group and PMDA backbone showed an enhanced thermal stability and glass transition temperature. The second harmonic generation (SHG) coefficients (d33) of the poled polyimide films range from 43.71 to 80.49 pm/V at 532 nm. Further, it is noticed that there was no SHG decay below 180°C because of the partial main‐chain character of the polyimide structure, which is acceptable for nonlinear optical device applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Anticlotting membrane based on polypropylene grafted by biocompatible monomers under UV irradiation
Authors: Zhao Hongbo , Wang Jiliang , Cao Zheng , Lei Jingxin
Published: December 2011

Biocompatible membranes were successfully prepared by biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) cografted with hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and vinyltriethoxysilicane (VES), in which nonvapor and nonliquid photo‐grafting technology was used under the irradiation of UV lamp. HEA and VES cografted BOPP (HV‐g‐PP) was then used to fabricate anticlotting membrane by immobilizing heparin on it. The grafting degree of BOPP host and the chemical structure of grafting layer were studied by grafting degree test, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), atomic force microscope (AFM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements, respectively. Anticoagulation capability of the heparin immobilized HV‐g‐PP membrane (HHV‐g‐PP) was also investigated by hemolytic test. The results show that HEA and VES can be effectively grafted onto BOPP substrates via nonvapor and nonliquid photo‐grafting method, and that the grafting degree reaches 144.8 wt % when the reaction time approaches 20 min. The heparin content of HHV‐g‐PP membrane increases from 0 to 4 wt % as the reaction time alters from 0 to 20 min. The hemolytic degree rapidly reduces from 5.1 wt % to 2.7 wt % with increasing the grafting degree from 0 to 144.8 wt %, implying a significant anticoagulation improvement of the HHV‐g‐PP membrane. Such functional membranes have large potential applications in blood‐related packaging areas. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synergetic effect of polyamide 1212 and diisocyanate on performance improving of thermoplastic polyurethane via melt compounding
Authors: Li Wanli , Liu Jinli , Zhang Xiuqin , Zhao Ying , Wang Dujin
Published: December 2011

To improve the heat resistance of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), in the melt blending process polyamide 1212 (PA1212) and trace amount of 4, 4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) were used as modifier and reactive solubilizer, respectively. Compared with pure TPU, the combinatorial addition of PA1212 and MDI resulted in remarkable improvement of mechanical, thermal, environmental, and aging properties of the TPU matrix. The reactive MDI contributes to the better interfacial adhesion between TPU and PA1212, and the dispersed PA1212 particles act as fillers as well as crosslinking points in the TPU/PA1212/MDI ternary blend. It was revealed that the synergetic effect of PA1212 and MDI is responsible for the enhanced performance of modified TPU. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
On the statistical physics modeling of dye adsorption onto anionized nylon: Consequent new interpretations
Authors: Khalfaoui M. , Nakhli A. , Knani S. , Baouab H. V. , Ben Lamine A.
Published: December 2011

Experimental adsorption isotherm of two basic dyes: Basic Blue 3 and Basic Red 24 from aqueous solution onto modified nylon 6,6 were analyzed by using a double layer adsorption model with two energy levels. Such model is based on statistical physics treatment. The parameters involved in the analytical expression of this model such as the fraction or the number of adsorbed dye molecule(s) per site, n, the receptor sites density, NM, and the energetic parameters, c1 and c2, were determined by fitting the experimental adsorption isotherms at four temperatures between 293 and 353 K with different degrees of grafting between 20 and 80%. The evolution of these parameters versus temperature and the grafting percent allows us to interpret and better understand this adsorption process at molecular level. Two different behaviors of the two dye molecules were highlighted according to their localized and non localized charges. The configurational entropy at various temperatures has also been studied. This parameter allowed to deduce some results related to the evolution of the disorder at the adsorption surface. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of polylactic acid in the presence of a crystal nucleating agent
Authors: Tang Zhaobin , Zhang Chuanzhi , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhu Jin
Published: December 2011

The crystallization behavior of polylactic acid (PLA) was studied in the presence of a crystal nucleating agent, ethylenebishydroxystearamide (EBH). The crystallization rate and crystallinity were significantly increased with addition of EBH. The isothermal crystallization half‐time at 105°C was decreased from 18.8 minutes for neat PLA to 2.8 minutes for PLA with 1.0 wt % of EBH. The crystallinity of PLA with 1.0 wt % EBH was about 35% after 5‐minute annealing at 105°C. Like neat PLA, the double melting peaks were also observed for nucleated PLA. The changes of the double melt peaks were investigated with various crystallization temperatures, heating rates, and annealing times. The heat deflection temperature (HDT) of nucleated PLA was up to 93°C after annealing. The correlation between crystallinity and HDT was demonstrated. A percolation threshold of crystallinity was found corresponding to HDT. The crystal size of nucleated PLA was significantly decreased with addition of EBH. The mechanical properties of annealed PLA blends simultaneously; showed improved modulus and impact strength. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Aminolytic depolymerization of poly (ethylene terephthalate) bottle waste by conventional and microwave irradiation heating
Authors: Parab Yogesh S. , Pingale Navnath D. , Shukla Sanjeev R.
Published: December 2011

Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is the most popular thermoplastic polymer. The ever‐growing production and utilization of PET has led to postconsumer waste disposal problems because of its nonbiodegradability. The chemical depolymerization of PET waste is a possible remedy, as it results in some recyclable products. The aminolytic depolymerization of PET bottle waste with hydrazine monohydrate by conventional and nonconventional (with microwave irradiation) heating was carried out with simple chemicals as catalysts, such as sodium acetate and sodium sulfate. The yield of the product was optimized through variations in the time of aminolysis, the catalyst concentration, and the PET:hydrazine monohydrate ratio. The pure product obtained in good yield (86%) was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry and was identified as terephthalic dihydrazide. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
CO metabolism, sensing, and signaling
Authors: Gullotta Francesca , di Masi Alessandra , Coletta Massimo , Ascenzi Paolo
Published: December 2011

CO is a colorless and odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, both of natural and anthropogenic origin. Several microorganisms, including aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and anaerobic archaea, use exogenous CO as a source of carbon and energy for growth. On the other hand, eukaryotic organisms use endogenous CO, produced during heme degradation, as a neurotransmitter and as a signal molecule. CO sensors act as signal transducers by coupling a “regulatory” heme‐binding domain to a “functional” signal transmitter. Although high CO concentrations inhibit generally heme‐protein actions, low CO levels can influence several signaling pathways, including those regulated by soluble guanylate cyclase and/or mitogen‐activated protein kinases. This review summarizes recent insights into CO metabolism, sensing, and signaling.
Transvenous Extraction of Pacemaker Leads in Infective Endocarditis With Vegetations ≥20 mm: Our Experience
Authors: Pérez Baztarrica Gabriel , Gariglio Luis , Salvaggio Flavio , Reolón Estela , Blanco Norberto , Mazzetti Hector , Villecco Sebastián , Botbol Alejandro , Porcile Rafael
Published: December 2011

Background:

According to published evidence, treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) associated with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) should include complete removal of the system. Several publications have shown that transvenous removal is an effective and safe nonthoracotomy approach in patients with large vegetations, but experiences with vegetations larger than 20 mm have rarely been reported.

Hypothesis:

Our aim was to describe our experience in percutaneous removal of CIEDs in patients with IE with large vegetations.

Methods:

The data were collected retrospectively and analyzed prospectively. We evaluated in‐hospital morbidity and mortality related to percutaneous removal of vegetations ≥20 mm. This included 8 cases with a follow‐up period of 20 months. We removed 100% of leads in the study population.

Results:

Two patients experienced minor complications. No patient experienced subclavian vein laceration, hemothorax and lead fracture, or severe tricuspid regurgitation. After the removal procedure, 2 patients had symptoms compatible with pulmonary embolism. Both in‐hospital mortality and mortality at follow‐up were zero.

Conclusions:

Transvenous extraction of pacing leads with larger vegetations is a feasible technique. There was a tendency toward symptomatic pulmonary embolism in patients with vegetations larger than 20 mm; however, morbidity and mortality were not influenced. We agree with the consensus that this procedure is highly useful and that the selection of the removal techniques will depend not only on the size of vegetation but also on prior cardiopulmonary conditions, concomitant cardiac surgery, atrial septal defect with risk of paradoxical embolism, center experience, and the possibility of complete removal of the device. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Influence of earthworm activity on microbial communities related with the degradation of persistent pollutants
Authors: Natal-da-Luz Tiago , Lee Iwa , Verweij Rudo A. , Morais Paula V. , Van Velzen Martin J.M. , Sousa José Paulo , Van Gestel Cornelis A.M.
Published: December 2011

Earthworms may promote the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil, but the mechanism through which they exert such influence is still unknown. To determine if the stimulation of PAH degradation by earthworms is related to changes in microbial communities, a microcosm experiment was conducted consisting of columns with natural uncontaminated soil covered with PAH-contaminated dredge sediment. Columns without and with low and high Eisenia andrei densities were prepared. Organic matter and PAH content, microbial biomass, and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) were measured in soil and sediment over time. Biolog Ecoplate™ and polymerase chain reaction using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis were used to evaluate changes in metabolic and structural diversity of the microbial community, respectively. Earthworm activity promoted PAH degradation in soil, which was significant for biphenyl, benzo[a]pyrene, and benzo[e]pyrene. Microbial biomass and DHA activity generally did not change over the experiment. Earthworm activity did change microbial community structure, but this did not affect its functioning in terms of carbon substrate consumption. Results suggest no relationship between changes in the microbial community by earthworm activity and increased PAH disappearance. The role of shifts in soil microbial community structure induced by earthworms in PAH removal needs further investigation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:794–803. © 2011 SETAC
Comparative toxicity of four chemically dispersed and undispersed crude oils to rainbow trout embryos
Authors: Wu Dongmei , Wang Zhendi , Hollebone Bruce , McIntosh Stephen , King Tom , Hodson Peter V.
Published: December 2011

The chronic toxicity of crude oil to fish embryos depends on the chemical constituents of the test oil and on factors that control the exposure of embryos to those constituents. The partitioning of chemicals from oil to water depends on the surface area of oil exposed to water and thus on the susceptibility of oil to be dispersed into droplets. The chronic toxicity of four different crude oils to embryos of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was measured by exposure to the water-accommodated fraction (WAF; no droplet formation) and to the chemically enhanced WAF (CEWAF) of each oil. When effects were compared with the amount of WAF or CEWAF added to test solutions, chemical dispersion increased toxicity dramatically, by >35 to >300-fold, with the smallest difference measured for the lightest and least viscous oil. When effects were compared with measured concentrations of oil in test solutions, there were no differences in toxicity between WAF and CEWAF treatments, indicating that chemical dispersion promoted droplet formation and the partitioning of hydrocarbons from oil to water. On a dilution basis, the differences in toxicity among the four oils were correlated with the concentrations in oil of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), particularly those with three to five rings, and with their viscosity, an index of dispersibility. However, when PAH concentrations were measured in solution, toxicity did not vary substantially among the four oils, suggesting that the PAH of each oil had equivalent toxicities and that differences in toxicity represented differences in dispersability. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:754–765. © 2011 SETAC
Association of serum bilirubin and promoter variations in HMOX1 and UGT1A1 genes with sporadic colorectal cancer
Authors: Jirásková Alena , Novotný Jan , Novotný Ladislav , Vodic̆ka Pavel , Pardini Barbara , Naccarati Alessio , Schwertner Harvey A. , Hubác̆ek Jaroslav A. , Punc̆ochár̆ová Lucie , Šmerhovský Zdenek , Vítek Libor
Published: December 2011

Heme oxygenase‐1 (HMOX1) and bilirubin UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1) enzymes, both involved in bilirubin homeostasis, play an important role in the oxidative stress defense. The objective of our study was to assess the effect of promoter variations of HMOX1 and UGT1A1 genes and of serum bilirubin on the risk of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). This exploratory case‐control study was based on 777 CRC patients and 986 controls from the Czech Republic. The (GT)n and (TA)n dinucleotide variations in HMOX1 and UGT1A1 gene promoters, respectively, were determined by fragment analysis. In addition, the A(‐413)T variant in HMOX1 promoter was also analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. Serum bilirubin levels were compared in a subset of 174 cases and 247 controls, for whom biochemical data were available. After adjustment for age, a significant association between CRC risk and UGT1A1*28 allele carrier status was detected [odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) = 0.80 (0.60–0.97), p = 0.022]. No association between CRC risk and individual HMOX1 gene variants was observed, although a diplotype analysis revealed an increased risk for a specific HMOX1 genotype combination. These effects were more pronounced in males. Substantially lower serum bilirubin levels were detected in CRC patients compared to the controls (p < 0.001); each 1 μmol/L decrease in serum bilirubin was associated with a 7% increase of CRC risk (p < 0.001). In conclusion, UGT1A1*28 allele carrier status might be a protective factor against the development of CRC in the male population, whereas low serum bilirubin levels are associated with an increased risk of CRC in both genders.
Red meat consumption and cancer: Reasons to suspect involvement of bovine infectious factors in colorectal cancer
Authors: zur Hausen Harald
Published: December 2011

An increased risk for colorectal cancer has been consistently reported for long‐time consumption of cooked and processed red meat. This has frequently been attributed to chemical carcinogens arising during the cooking process of meat. Long‐time fish or poultry consumption apparently does not increase the risk, although similar or higher concentrations of chemical carcinogens were recorded in their preparation for consumption. The geographic epidemiology of colorectal cancer seems to correspond to regions with a high rate of beef consumption. Countries with a virtual absence of beef in the diet (India) or where preferably lamb or goat meat is consumed (several Arabic countries) reveal low rates of colorectal cancer. In China, pork consumption has a long tradition, with an intermediate colorectal cancer rate. In Japan and Korea, large scale beef and pork imports started after World War II or after the Korean War. A steep rise in colorectal cancer incidence was noted after 1970 in Japan and 1990 in Korea. The consumption of undercooked beef (e.g., shabu‐shabu, Korean yukhoe and Japanese yukke) became very popular in both countries. The available data are compatible with the interpretation that a specific beef factor, suspected to be one or more thermoresistant potentially oncogenic bovine viruses (e.g., polyoma‐, papilloma‐ or possibly single‐stranded DNA viruses) may contaminate beef preparations and lead to latent infections in the colorectal tract. Preceding, concomitant or subsequent exposure to chemical carcinogens arising during cooking procedures should result in increased risk for colorectal cancer synergistic with these infections.
Weight change and prostate cancer incidence and mortality
Authors: Bassett Julie K. , Severi Gianluca , Baglietto Laura , MacInnis Robert J. , Hoang Hoa N. , Hopper John L. , English Dallas R. , Giles Graham G.
Published: December 2011

The relationship between obesity and prostate cancer risk has been studied extensively but with inconsistent findings, particularly for tumor aggressiveness. Few studies have investigated weight change and prostate cancer incidence or mortality. Using the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, which recruited 17,045 men aged between 40 and 69 years at study entry, we investigated associations between reported weight and body mass index (BMI) at age 18 and measured at study entry, height, weight change between age 18 and study entry and prostate cancer incidence and mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox regression. During follow‐up (mean = 15 years) of 16,514 men, we ascertained 1,374 incident prostate cancers of which 410 were classified as aggressive, and 139 deaths from prostate cancer. The incidence of all prostate cancer was not associated with body size or weight change. Weight and BMI at study entry were positively associated with aggressive prostate cancer risk (HR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00–1.13 per 5 kg; HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.08–1.49 per 5 kg/m2) and prostate cancer mortality (HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01–1.23 per 5 kg; HR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.11–2.00 per 5 kg/m2). Weight gain was positively associated with prostate cancer mortality (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02–1.26 per 5 kg increment); the HR for ≥20 kg weight gain between age 18 and study entry compared to <5 kg gain over this period was 1.84, 95% CI: 1.09–3.09. Higher adult weight and BMI increases the risk of aggressive prostate cancer and mortality from prostate cancer. Weight gain during adult life is associated with increased prostate cancer mortality.
Recurrent deletions of the TNFSF7 and TNFSF9 genes in 19p13.3 in diffuse large B‐cell and Burkitt lymphomas
Authors: Scholtysik René , Nagel Inga , Kreuz Markus , Vater Inga , Giefing Maciej , Schwaenen Carsten , Wessendorf Swen , Trümper Lorenz , Loeffler Markus , Siebert Reiner , Küppers Ralf
Published: December 2011

A single nucleotide polymorphism‐chip analysis of 98 cases of aggressive B‐cell lymphomas revealed a recurrent deletion at 19p13 in nine of the cases. Six further cases with deletions encompassing this region were found in array‐comparative genomic hybridization data of 295 aggressive B‐cell lymphomas from a previous study. Three cases even showed a homozygous deletion, suggesting a tumor suppressor gene in the deleted region. Two genes encoding members of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) were located in the minimally deleted region, that is, TNFSF7 and TNFSF9. As no mutations were found within the coding exons of the remaining alleles in the lymphomas with heterozygous deletions, we speculate that the deletions may mostly function through a haploinsufficiency mechanism. The cases with deletions encompassed both diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas and Burkitt lymphomas, and a deletion was also found in a Hodgkin lymphoma cell line. Thus, TNFSF7 and TNFSF9 deletions are recurrent genetic lesions in multiple types of human lymphomas.
Low risk of type‐specific carcinogenic HPV re‐appearance with subsequent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3
Authors: Rodríguez Ana Cecilia , Schiffman Mark , Herrero Rolando , Hildesheim Allan , Bratti Concepción , Sherman Mark E. , Solomon Diane , Guillén Diego , Alfaro Mario , Morales Jorge , Hutchinson Martha , Cheung Li , Wacholder Sholom , Burk Robert D.
Published: December 2011

Carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are very common after sexual debut and nearly all become undetectable (“clear”) within a few years. Following clearance, the long‐term risks of type‐specific HPV re‐appearance and subsequent risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) are not well defined. In the 7‐year, population‐based cohort study in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, we studied how often type‐specific carcinogenic HPV infections re‐appeared after clearance and how often re‐appearance led to CIN2+. We considered 1,740 carcinogenic HPV infections detected by MY09/11 PCR among 2,805 women (18–91 years old, median 34) who were actively followed at 6‐ or 12‐month intervals. We identified women with one or more type‐specific HPV infections that cleared and re‐appeared and further defined a subgroup of “definite clearance and re‐appearance” (≥2 intervening negative results over a period of ≥1 year). We determined the absolute risk of CIN2+ among the different groups. p values are two‐sided. Only 7.7% (81/1,052) of HPV‐infected women had intervening negative results. Very few (3.7%, 39/1,052) had “definite clearance and re‐appearance”, of which 5.1% (2/39) subsequently persisted to a diagnosis of CIN2. There were zero CIN3+ lesions. Extremely few women (2/2,805 of women in our cohort) had a type‐specific carcinogenic HPV infection clear, re‐appear and lead to CIN2+. If confirmed, this argues against vaccination to avoid re‐appearance that leads to precursor lesions and against the need of frequent HPV screening after initial negative results.
Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro biological studies of some novel pyran fused pyrimidone derivatives
Authors: Mistry Prashant T. , Kamdar Nimesh R. , Haveliwala Dhaval D. , Patel Saurabh K.
Published: January 2012

A variety of pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐5‐one derivatives 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j have been synthesized from 6‐amino‐4‐(substituted phenyl)‐5‐cyano‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1,4‐dihydropyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazole derivatives 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j via cyclization using formic acid and acetic acid. All the newly synthesized compounds have been characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. All the synthesized compounds have been screened for antibacterial, antifungal and antitubercular activity. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Reaction of 2‐Alkoxy‐4,5‐diphenyl‐1,3‐oxazin‐6‐one with different alcohols and elucidation of the products
Authors: Assadieskandar Amir , Amini Mohsen , Haukka Matti , Shafiee Abbas
Published: January 2012

Reaction of 2‐methoxy‐4,5‐diphenyl‐1,3‐oxazin‐6‐one 1a with methanol was studied, and the product of the reaction was determined by spectroscopic data and X‐ray analysis. In addition, a series of (Z)‐alkyl 3‐(alkoxycarbonylamino)‐2,3‐diphenylacrylate 4 was synthesized and characterized. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Synthesis of new thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidines, thieno[3,2‐e]pyridines, and thieno[2,3‐d][1,3]oxazines
Authors: Kanawade Shrikant B. , Patil Shivaraj P. , Nikam Prashant S. , Gangurde Sachin A. , Jachak Madhukar N. , Toche Raghunath B.
Published: January 2012

o‐Aminothiophene dicarbonitrile 1 on neat reaction with cyclic ketones in anhydrous ZnCl2 yielded mixture of fused aminopyridine 3 and iminospirooxazine 4 derivatives. Similarly, pyrimidine derivatives 5 and 8 were obtained by the reaction of this intermediate 1 with formic acid and DMF‐DMA followed by hydrazine hydrate, respectively. The reaction of o‐amino‐thiophene dicarboxamide 2 at ambient temperature with cyclic ketones yielded spiropyrimidine 10 as a sole product in quantitative yield. The regioselective anellated pyrimidine 9, 11, and dihydropyrimidine 12 derivatives were also obtained by the reaction with aromatic aldehydes in presence of piperidine and iodine respectively. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Improved synthesis of 2‐methoxyphenothiazine
Authors: Ruan Jian‐Cheng , Zhang Tao , Wang Shuai , Liu Jin‐Qiang , Qian Chao , Chen Xin‐Zhi
Published: January 2012

A procedure for synthesis of 2‐methoxyphenothiazine (1) has been developed, starting from resorcinol and aniline by condensation, following methylation and cyclization. p‐Toluenesulfonic acid and polysubstituted aromatics were employed as the catalyst of condensation and the solvent of cyclization, respectively, to improve the yield. The use of parallel experiments, statistical experimental design, and multivariate modeling made the total yield of the procedure as high as 74.2%. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Convenient syntheses of bulky group containing imidazolium ionic liquids
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Jain Rahul
Published: January 2012

We report syntheses of bulky group containing imidazolium based ionic liquids. The bulky groups were introduced at N‐1, C‐2, and N‐3 positions of the imidazole ring using convenient methodologies. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Tandem synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones on grinding under solvent‐free conditions
Authors: Ding Quan‐Sheng , Zhang Ji‐Lei , Chen Jiu‐Xi , Liu Miao‐Chang , Ding Jin‐Chang , Wu Hua‐Yue
Published: January 2012

Citric acid promoted synthesis of a mini‐library 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones with good to excellent yields is achieved by tandem reaction of anthranilamides (or anthranilhydrazides) with aldehydes on grinding at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions. This method has notable advantages in terms of simple workup, short reaction time, cost‐effective, and environmentally benign. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Synthetic studies with 3‐Oxo‐N‐[4‐(3‐oxo‐ 3‐phenylpropionylamino)‐phenyl]‐3‐phenylpropionamide
Authors: Abdelrazek Fathy M. , Sobhy Nehal A. , Metz Peter , Bazbouz Akram A.
Published: January 2012

3‐Oxo‐N‐[4‐(3‐oxo‐3‐phenylpropionylamino)‐phenyl]‐3‐phenylpropionamide 1 and its derivative 2‐benzoyl‐N‐[4‐(2‐benzoyl‐3‐(dimethylamino‐acryloylamino)‐phenyl]‐3‐dimethylaminoacrylamide 12 are used for the synthesis of the hitherto not known bis‐heterocyclic amine and bis‐heterocyclic carboxamide derivatives. Plausible mechanisms are discussed for the formation of the new compounds. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Locoregional MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma
Authors: Morales La Madrid Andres , Volchenboum Samuel , Gastier‐Foster Julie M. , Pyatt Robert , Liu Don , Pytel Peter , Lavarino Cinzia , Rodriguez Eva , Cohn Susan L.
Published: January 2012

MYCN‐amplification is strongly associated with other high‐risk prognostic factors and poor outcome in neuroblastoma. Infrequently, amplification of MYCN has been identified in localized tumors with favorable biologic features. Outcome for these children is difficult to predict and optimal treatment strategies remain unclear. We report a 5‐month‐old who presented with an MYCN‐amplified INSS stage 3, pelvic neuroblastoma. The tumor had favorable histology, hyperdiploidy, and lacked 1p36 and 11q23 aberrations. Although the patient met the criteria for high‐risk neuroblastoma, because of the discordant prognostic markers we elected to treat her according to an intermediate‐risk protocol. She remains event‐free more than 18 months. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:736–738. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acoustic emission testing of aboveground petroleum storage tanks: Risk assessment and lessons learned
Authors: Sánchez Martín , Cardenas Nicolas , Dominguez Veronica A.
Published: December 2011

This article discusses the in‐service inspection experience of aboveground storage tanks (AST) with the acoustic emission method (AE). The risk assessment is made according to the American Petroleum Institute (API) Publication 353. Weighting factors were developed to modify the risk of each AST after the AE floor inspection and conventional inspection for the shell and roof.

Specific procedures are presented through the analysis of elastic waves generated in the tanks by external load. We have considered different noise sources with emphasis in sources caused by leakage of the product to comply with the Argentinian National Regulations in Leak Control. To validate the methodology, we have compared the proposed in‐service inspection and its weighting factors with the traditional inspection (e.g., with magnetic flux leakage).

Finally, we have studied the signal interference which is cause from the cathodic protection system. This can lead to an incorrect analysis in the postprocessing. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012