bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α‐Adrenoceptor and opioid receptor modulation of clonidine‐induced antinociception
Authors: Sierralta F. , Naquira D. , Pinardi G. , Miranda H.F.
Published: July 2012

The antinociceptive action of clonidine (Clon) and the interactions with α1, α2 adrenoceptor and opioid receptor antagonists was evaluated in mice by use of chemical algesiometric test (acetic acid writhing test).

Clon produced a dose‐dependent antinociceptive action and the ED50 for intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) was lower than for intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration (1 ng kg−1 vs 300 ng kg−1). The parallelism of the dose‐response curves indicates activation of a common receptor subtype.

Systemic administration of prazosin and terazosin displayed antinociceptive activity. Pretreatment with prazosin produced a dual action: i.c.v. Clon effect did not change, and i.p. Clon effect was enhanced. Yohimbine i.c.v. or i.p. did not induce antinonciception, but antagonized Clon‐induced activity. These results suggest that α1‐ and α2‐adrenoceptors, either located at the pre‐ and/or postsynaptic level, are involved in the control of spinal antinociception.

Naloxone (NX) and naltrexone (NTX) induced antinociceptive effects at low doses (μg kg−1 range) and a lower antinociceptive effect at higher doses (mg kg−1 range). Low doses of NX or NTX antagonized Clon antinociception, possibly in relation to a preferential μ opioid receptor antagonism. In contrast, high doses of NX or NTX increased the antinociceptive activity of Clon, which could be due to an enhanced inhibition of the release of substance P.

The results obtained in the present work suggest the involvement of α1‐, α2‐adrenoceptor and opioid receptors in the modulation of the antinociceptive activity of clonidine, which seems to be exerted either at spinal and/or supraspinal level.
Interaction of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and their D‐enantiomers with rat neutrophil luminol dependent chemiluminescence response
Authors: Dikshit M. , Chari S.S. , Seth P. , Kumari R.
Published: July 2012

Formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (FMLP) or arachidonic acid (AA) induced luminol dependent chemiluminescence (LCL) response of rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) was found to be inhibited by nitric oxide synthease inhibitors and their D‐enantiomers.

Rat PMNLs LCL response was inhibited by NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), D‐NAME, NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA) or D‐NMMA, in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner.

It was observed that both L‐ and D‐enantiomers of the arginine analogues (1000 μm) did not inhibit AA induced lucigenin‐dependent chemiluminescence (LUCDCL) response and cytochrome c reduction, used for estimating the NADPH‐oxidase activity in the cells and in the cell free system, respectively.

None of the L‐ and D‐enantiomers had any effect on either rat basal PMNLs or AA‐induced oxygen consumption.

In addition, neither the L nor D‐enantiomers of NAME altered either AA‐induced release or the activity of myeloperoxidase from rat PMNLs azurophilic granules.

The results obtained indicate that the attenuation of the LCL response by L‐ and D‐enantiomers of arginine analogues, is a non‐specific effect as there was no inhibition of NADPH‐oxidase and MPO activity, MPO release or oxygen consumption. Therefore, the data obtained indicate that these agents should be used with caution to analyse the role of nitric oxide in rat PMNLs LCL response.
Ligand‐gated ion channels opened by 5‐HT in molluscan neurones
Authors: Green K.A. , Lambert J.J. , Cottrell G.A.
Published: July 2012

5‐Hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) activated a fast (70 ms to half maximum) and desensitizing inward current through non‐selective channels conducting predominantly monovalent cations in neurones of Helix aspersa.

α‐Methyl‐5‐HT was equipotent with 5‐HT in activating this current, but the known selective agonists at vertebrate 5‐HT3 receptors, 2‐methyl‐5‐HT and arylbiguanides were ineffective (> 100 μm). 5‐Methoxytryptamine which is inactive on vertebrate 5‐HT3 receptors was a very weak agonist.

The responses were antagonized by the specific vertebrate 5‐HT3 receptor blocker MDL‐72222 (IC50 = 1 μm), but were only weakly affected by ondansetron (10 μm). The 5‐HT2‐type antagonist, ketanserin (> 5 μm), had no effect. The responses were also antagonized by the non‐specific antagonists (+)‐tubocurarine and strychnine.

Unitary currents through channels non‐selective for monovalent cations, and with a conductance of 2pS, could be activated repeatedly by 5‐HT or α‐methyl‐5‐HT in outside‐out patches from neurones exhibiting the fast 5‐HT‐activated current (I[5‐HT]fast), even in the presence of 500 μm GDP‐[βS] in the recording pipette. This strongly supports direct‐gating of these channels by 5‐HT. The properties of these unitary currents resembled those of I[5‐HT]fast.

The pharmacological properties of this molluscan 5‐HT‐operated, ligand‐gated channel differed sufficiently from known vertebrate 5‐HT3‐type receptors to suggest that it represents a new class of 5‐HT receptor.
The identification of DL‐threo dihydrosphingosine and sphingosine as novel inhibitors of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signalling in airway smooth muscle
Authors: Tolan Deborah , Conway Ann‐Marie , Steele Leslie , Pyne Susan , Pyne Nigel J.
Published: July 2012

We present entirely novel evidence that DL‐threo dihydrosphingosine and sphingosine are inhibitors of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signalling cassette in mammalian cells. We show that DL‐threo dihydrosphingosine is effective against both growth factor‐ and G‐protein‐dependent activation of ERK. We conclude that DL‐threo dihydrosphingosine may represent an important pharmacological cell‐permeable agent that may be usefully employed to block smooth muscle cell proliferation.
Inhibition of Ca2+‐sensitive K+ currents in NG 108‐15 cells by substance P and related tachykinins
Authors: Phenna S. , Carpenter E. , Peers C. , Maudsley S. , Gent J.P.
Published: July 2012

The whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique was used to investigate the actions of substance P and other agonists at neurokinin (NK) receptors on voltage‐gated K+ and Ca+ channel currents in undifferentiated mouse neuroblastoma x rat glioma NG 108‐15 cells.

Both substance P (0.3–30 μm) and the NK1 receptor selective agonist GR73632 (10 nM‐10 μm) caused concentration‐dependent inhibition of K+ currents. GR64349 and senktide (agonists at NK2 and NK3 receptors respectively) also inhibited K+ currents, but only at concentrations which were several orders of magnitude greater than GR73632, suggesting that current inhibition was mediated via NK1 receptors.

Substance P and GR73632 were without effect on residual K+ currents recorded in the presence of extracellular Co2+ (4 mM) to abolish the Ca2+‐sensitive component (IKCa) of the K+ current. Ca2+ channel currents, recorded with either Ba2+ or Ca2+ as charge carrier, were unaffected by NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptor ligands.

Iontophoretic application of GR73632 produced a current‐dependent reduction of K+ currents. In the presence of the non‐peptide NK1 antagonists, CP‐99,994 and RP67580, and the peptide antagonist, GR82334, the current‐response relationship was reversibly shifted to the right. This indicates that the response is mediated by NK1 receptors.

Our results indicate that activation of NK1 receptors leads to the selective inhibition of IKCa in undifferentiated NG 108‐15 cells.
The functional investigation of a human adenocarcinoma cell line, stably transfected with the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor
Authors: Holliday Nicholas D. , Cox Helen M.
Published: July 2012

The human adenocarcinoma cell line, HT‐29, has been stably transfected with the cDNA sequence for the rat neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor, and three Y1 clones (Y1‐4, Y1‐7 and Y1‐16) have been isolated which express high levels of specific [125I]‐PYY binding. We have studied the functional responses or lack of responses to peptide YY (PYY) and its analogues in the three transfected clones and HT‐29 wild type (wt) cells.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) produced long‐lasting increases in short‐circuit current (SCC) in both HT‐29 wt cells and the Y1 clones. VIP EC50 values were 8.4–11.7 nM in all four cases. The elevation in SCC after a maximal concentration of VIP (30 nM) was significantly greater in Y1‐7 cells than in either HT‐29 wt epithelia or the other Y1 cell lines.

PYY (100 nM) and human pancreatic polypeptide (hPP; 1 μm) were ineffective in HT‐29 wt cells under either basal or stimulated conditions. In contrast, basolateral additions of PYY reduced both basal and VIP‐stimulated SCC in all three Y1 clones. After VIP, the PYY EC50 values (in nM) were 18.6 in Y1‐4, 8.0 in Y1‐7 and 52.5 in Y1‐16. hPP (1 μm) produced only small and transient responses in each transfected cell type.

The Y1 receptor agonist, [Leu31, Pro34] NPY (1 μm) was also effective in the three Y1 cell lines. In the Y1‐7 clone the EC50 value for the effect of this peptide was 149 nM, 18.6 fold less potent than PYY.

PYY and the Y1‐selective non‐peptide antagonist, BIBP 3226 displaced [125I]‐PYY binding from Y1‐7 cell membranes with Ki values of 2.0 and 3.1 nM respectively. In the Y1‐7 clone, BIBP 3226 fully inhibited the reductions in VIP‐stimulated SCC induced by 30 nM PYY, with an IC50 of 27.2 nM and 30 nM BIBP 3226 caused a parallel rightward shift on the PYY concentration‐response curve, with an approximate pKB of 8.0.

HT‐29 clones stably expressing the Y1 receptor therefore show responses to PYY and its analogues that are characteristic of that subtype, and the Y1‐7 clone in particular will be useful in the assessment of novel Y1‐specific drugs. This approach will also allow the functional study of NPY Y1 receptors with selected mutations.
Antioxidant protection of NO‐induced relaxations of the mouse anococcygeus against inhibition by superoxide anions, hydroquinone and carboxy‐PTIO
Authors: Lilley Elliot , Gibson Alan
Published: July 2012

The potential protective effect of several antioxidants [Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD), ascorbate, reduced glutathione (GSH), and α‐tocopherol (α‐TOC)] on relaxations of the mouse anococcygeus muscle to nitric oxide (NO; 15 μm) and, where appropriate, nitrergic field stimulation (10 Hz; 10 s trains) was investigated.

The superoxide anion generating drug duroquinone (100 μm) reduced relaxations to exogenous NO by 54 ± 6%; this inhibition was partially reversed by Cu/Zn SOD (250 u ml−1), and by ascorbate (500 μm). Following inhibition of endogenous Cu/Zn SOD activity with diethyldithiocarbamate (DETCA), duroquinone (50 μm) also reduced relaxations to nitrergic field stimulation (by 53 ± 6%) and this effect was again reversed by Cu/Zn SOD and by ascorbate. Neither GSH (500 μm) nor α‐TOC (400 μm) afforded any protection against duroquinone.

Xanthine (20 mu ml−1):xanthine oxidase (100 μm) inhibited NO‐induced relaxations by 73 ± 14%, but had no effect on those to nitrergic field stimulation, even after DETCA treatment. The inhibition of exogenous NO was reduced by Cu/Zn SOD (250 u ml−1) and ascorbate (400 μm), but was unaffected by GSH or α‐TOC (both 400 μm).

Hydroquinone (100 μm) also inhibited relaxations to NO (by 52 ± 10%), but not nitrergic stimulation. In this case, however, the inhibition was reversed by GSH (5–100 μm) and ascorbate (100–400 μm), although Cu/Zn SOD and α‐TOC were ineffective.

2‐(4‐Carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5,‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide (carboxy‐PTIO, 50 μm) inhibited NO‐induced relaxations by 50 ± 4%, but had no effect on nitrergic responses; the inhibition was reduced by ascorbate (2–200 μm) and α‐TOC (10–200 μm), but not by Cu/Zn SOD or GSH.

Hydroxocobalamin (5–1000 μm) inhibited, equally, relaxations to both NO (‐logIC40 3.14 ± 0.33) and nitrergic stimulation (‐logIC40 3.17 ± 0.22).

Thus, a number of physiological antioxidants protected NO from superoxide anions, and from direct NO‐scavengers. The possibility that the presence of these antioxidants within nitrergically‐innervated tissues might explain the lack of effect of the NO inhibitors on nerve‐induced relaxation, without the need to invoke a transmitter other than free radical NO, is discussed.
Inward transport of [3H]‐1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium in rat isolated hepatocytes: putative involvement of a P‐glycoprotein transporter
Authors: Martel F. , Martins M.J. , Hipólito‐Reis C. , Azevedo I.
Published: July 2012

The liver has an important role in the detoxification of organic cations from the circulation. [3H]‐1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium ([3H]‐MPP+), a low molecular weight organic cation, is efficiently taken up and accumulated by rat hepatocytes through mechanisms partially unknown.

The aim of the present work was to characterize further the uptake of MPP+ by rat isolated hepatocytes. The putative interactions of a wide range of drugs, including inhibitors/substrates of P‐glycoprotein, were studied.

The uptake of MPP+ was investigated in rat freshly isolated hepatocytes (incubated in Krebs‐Henseleit medium with 200 nM [3H]‐MPP+ for 5 min) and in the rat liver in situ (perfused with Krebs‐Henseleit/BSA medium with 200 nM [3H]‐MPP+ for 30 min). [3H]‐MPP+ accumulation in the cells and in tissue was determined by liquid scintillation counting.

Verapamil (100 μm), quinidine (100 μm), amiloride (1 mM), (+)‐tubocurarine (100 μm), vecuronium (45 μm), bilirubin (200 μm), progesterone (200 μm), daunomycin (100 μm), vinblastine (100 μm), cyclosporin A (100 μm) and cimetidine (100 μm) had a significant inhibitory effect on the accumulation of [3H]‐MPP+ in isolated hepatocytes. Tetraethylammonium (100 μm) had no effect.

In the rat perfused liver, both cyclosporin A (100 μm) and verapamil (100 μm) had much less marked inhibitory effects as compared to their effects on isolated hepatocytes (0% against 35% and 45% against 96% of inhibition, respectively).

Inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity by increasing or decreasing the pH of the incubation medium or by the presence of vanadate (1 mM) or homoarginine (500 μm) led to a significant increase in the accumulation of [3H]‐MPP+ in isolated hepatocytes.

It was concluded that, in addition to the type I organic cation hepatic transporter, [3H]‐MPP+ is taken up by rat isolated hepatocytes through P‐glycoprotein, a canalicular transport system that usually excretes endobiotics and xenobiotics. We proposed that the reversal of transport through P‐glycoprotein may be related to the loss of efficiency of alkaline phosphatase in isolated hepatocytes.
Alterations of cyclo‐oxygenase products and NO in responses to angiotensin II of resistance arteries from the spontaneously hypertensive rat
Authors: Côrtes Steyner de F. , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson , Stoclet Jean Claude
Published: July 2012

The involvement of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) products and nitric oxide (NO) in contractile responses of resistance arteries to angiotensin II (AII) were investigated in small mesenteric arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats.

In endothelium intact vessels, AII induced concentration‐dependent responses without any significant difference between the two strains. However, removal of functional endothelium resulted in enhanced sensitivity to AII, the pD2 value increasing from 8.4 ± 0.2 to 8.9 ± 0.2 (P < 0.05) in WKY and from 8.2 ± 0.1 to 8.6 ± 0.1 (P < 0.05) in SHR (not significantly different between strains, n = 9–12). In addition, endothelium removal enhanced maximal contractions elicited by AII in SHR (1.4 ± 0.1 to 2.1 ± 0.2 mN mm−1, n = 5; P < 0.01) but not in WKY (1.0 ± 0.1 to 1.2 ± 0.1 mN mm−1, n = 5) vessels.

In the absence of functional endothelium, the COX inhibitor indomethacin (10−5 m) reduced contractile responses elicited by AII in SHR arteries, resulting in 33 ± 5% (n = 5) decrease in maximal contraction. However, it produced minimal if any, effect on responses of WKY vessels. In both strains, the TP receptor antagonist GR32191 B (3 × 10−6 m) did not modify contractions elicited by AII in these conditions.

In the presence of functional endothelium, indomethacin (10−5 m) almost abolished the responses to AII in both strains. GR32191 B (3 × 10−6 m) reduced the sensitivity of WKY arteries to AII (pD2 = 8.1 ± 0.1, P < 0.01) without any effect on maximal contraction. In SHR arteries, it markedly reduced maximal contraction (47 ± 3.5%).

In both strains, the NO synthase inhibitor NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methy lester (L‐NAME; 10−4 m) had no effect in the absence of functional endothelium but it markedly reduced the inhibitory influence of endothelium on contractile responses to AII Furthermore, in arteries with endothelium, it reduced the effect of both indomethacin and GR32191 B to the same level as observed in vessels without functional endothelium.

The results suggest that enhanced contraction caused by COX products was counteracted by enhanced relaxation caused by endothelium‐derived NO in resistance mesenteric arteries of the SHR exposed to AII, compared to WKY arteries. The COX products involved in alterations of SHR responses comprised an endothelium‐derived prostaglandin activating TP receptors and another non‐endothelial unidentified vasoconstrictor compound which did not activate these receptors.
Glucose transporter type I deficiency syndrome: Epilepsy phenotypes and outcomes
Authors: Pong Amanda W. , Geary Brianna R. , Engelstad Kris M. , Natarajan Ashwini , Yang Hong , De Vivo Darryl C.
Published: July 2012

Purpose:  Glut 1 deficiency syndrome (DS) is defined by hypoglycorrhachia with normoglycemia, acquired microcephaly, episodic movements, and epilepsy refractory to standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Gold standard treatment is the ketogenic diet (KD), which provides ketones to treat neuroglycopenia. Our purpose is (1) to describe epilepsy phenotypes in a large Glut 1 DS cohort, to facilitate diagnosis; and (2) to describe cases in which non‐KD agents achieved seizure freedom (SF), highlighting potential adjunctive treatments.

Methods:  Retrospective review of 87 patients with Glut 1 DS (45% female, age range 3 months–35 years, average diagnosis 6.5 years) at Columbia University, from 1989 to 2010.

Key Findings:  Seventy‐eight (90%) of 87 patients had epilepsy, with average onset at 8 months. Seizures were mixed in 68% (53/78): generalized tonic–clonic (53%), absence (49%), complex partial (37%), myoclonic (27%), drop (26%), tonic (12%), simple partial (3%), and spasms (3%). We describe the first two cases of spasms in Glut 1 DS. Electrophysiologic abnormalities were highly variable over time; only 13 (17%) of 75 had exclusively normal findings. KD was used in 82% (64/78); 67% (41/61) were seizure‐free and 68% of seizure‐free patients (28/41) resolved in <1 week and 76% (31/41) in <1 month. Seven patients achieved SF with broad agents only.

Significance:  Glut 1 DS is a genetic metabolic encephalopathy with variable focal and multifocal seizure types and electroencephalographic findings. Infants with seizures, spasms, or paroxysmal events should be tested for Glut 1 DS. Evidence is insufficient to recommend specific AEDs as alternatives to KD. Early diagnosis and initiation of KD and prevention of unnecessary AED trials in Glut 1 DS are important goals for the treatment of children with epilepsy.
Primary afterdischarge in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures: Effects of standard antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Albus Klaus , Wahab Abdul , Heinemann Uwe
Published: July 2012

Purpose:  In the hippocampus intense high frequency electrical stimulation induces a long‐lasting rhythmic synchronization (primary afterdischarge). In order to examine the suitability of primary afterdischarges (PADs) in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) as an in vitro model of evoked seizures, we have worked out in detail the sensitivity of PADs to standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and compared the necessary concentrations to those that were effective in animal models of partial and generalized tonic–clonic seizures.

Methods:  OHSCs were prepared according to the interface culture method from 8 to 11‐day‐old Wistar rats. A PAD in CA1 was elicited by stimulating the stratum radiatum with an intensity of two times that required to elicit a maximal population spike. The effects of carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproic acid, phenobarbital, diazepam, and ethosuximide on the duration and on frequency properties of PADs and the tonic‐like and clonic‐like subdivisions of PADs were determined, and as a measure of the AEDs potency half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values were calculated from concentration–response curves.

Key Finding:  Carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproic acid, phenobarbital, and diazepam reduced the durations of PADs and tonic‐like and clonic‐like subdivisions of PADs. The effects were concentration dependent and reversible. Ethosuximide was ineffective. The effects on subdivisions of PADs differed between AEDs. Carbamazepine and phenytoin shortened the tonic‐like and clonic‐like subdivisions at similar proportions, whereas phenobarbital, diazepam, and valproic acid preferentially shortened the clonic‐like subdivision. Diazepam at low concentrations increased the duration of tonic‐like subdivisions, an effect not seen with the other AEDs. The suppressive effects of AEDs on frequency properties of tonic‐like and clonic‐like subdivisions were variable and observed only at higher concentrations.

Significance:  Carbamazepine and phenytoin were more effective in the PAD test in OHSCs than in the maximal electroshock and kindled seizures tests. The effectiveness of phenobarbital, diazepam, and valproic acid in the PAD test matched their effectiveness in the MES test and—with the exception of valproic acid and diazepam—in kindled seizures tests. Valproic acid was less effective in OHSCs than in the kindled seizure tests, and diazepam was more (generalized seizures) or less (focal seizures and afterdischarge durations) effective in this animal model than in OHSCs. We conclude that the PAD test in OHSCs is a suitable in vitro model of evoked seizures. The model could serve as an initial screen to identify the most promising leads for further evaluation and characterization in in vivo models of efficacy and toxicity.
Predicting Multivariate Insurance Loss Payments Under the Bayesian Copula Framework
Authors: Zhang Yanwei , Dukic Vanja
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

The literature of predicting the outstanding liability for insurance companies has undergone rapid and profound changes in the past three decades, most recently focusing on Bayesian stochastic modeling and multivariate insurance loss payments. In this article, we introduce a novel Bayesian multivariate model based on the use of parametric copula to account for dependencies between various lines of insurance claims. We derive a full Bayesian stochastic simulation algorithm that can estimate parameters in this class of models. We provide an extensive discussion of this modeling framework and give examples that deal with a wide range of topics encountered in the multivariate loss prediction settings.
Did Subjectivity Play a Role in CDO Credit Ratings?
Authors: GRIFFIN JOHN M. , TANG DRAGON YONGJUN
Published: July 2012

Analyzing 916 collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), we find that a top credit rating agency frequently made positive adjustments beyond its main model that amounted to increasingly larger AAA tranche sizes. These adjustments are difficult to explain by likely determinants, but exhibit a clear pattern: CDOs with smaller model‐implied AAA sizes receive larger adjustments. CDOs with larger adjustments experience more severe subsequent downgrading. Additionally, prior to April 2007, 91.2% of AAA‐rated CDOs only comply with the credit rating agency's own AA default rate standard. Accounting for adjustments and the criterion deviation indicates that on average AAA tranches were structured to BBB support levels.
Modified anthropometry in prepubertal Israeli children while excluding the head’s weight and height
Authors: Makhoul IR , Abulhija H , Smolkin T , Shehadeh N , Hochberg Z
Published: July 2012

Aim:  A methodological inadequacy in anthropometric measurements of children exists because of an age‐dependent decelerating contribution of the head to body weight (Wt) and height (Ht). Hence, we aimed to assess the contribution of head measurements to anthropometry (Ht, Wt and BMI) in healthy prepubertal children.

Methods:  This prospective study was conducted in 300 2‐ to 9‐year‐old typically growing children. Head‐excluded (HE) Ht was determined by a stadiometer that measured the distance from the foot plate to the lower margin of protuberance occipitalis externa. Head’s weight was calculated from the head volume using three different measurements of the head circumference.

Results:  In the typically growing children, the HE/standard (STD) ratios for Wt and Ht increased significantly with age (p < 0.001 for both), but the HE/STD ratio for BMI did not increase with age.

Conclusion:  Measurement of body Wt and Ht while excluding the head’s Wt and Ht provides a new dimension to standard anthropometry by eliminating the age‐dependent head bias with its unique pattern of growth and minimal adipose tissue.
Toward a 21st Century Social Contract
Authors: Ferenbach Carl , Pinney Chris
Published: July 2012

This article makes the case for a new contract between business and government that will help us address the critical challenge of our time: the globalization of commerce, and its disruptive effects on labor, local communities, and the environment. The authors begin by showing how globalization has created a new playing field for government and business in which our current governance models and a social contract that proved remarkably effective during the 20th century can no longer ensure economic stability and social progress. While the private sector has for the most part demonstrated its ability to adapt and flourish in a global economy, governments have struggled, thanks in large part to complex decision‐making processes and centralized bureaucracies that were created in response to 20th‐century realities. The result has been ever more indebted nations and governments that have been unable to maintain the core foundation and social investments on which their economic competitiveness and the social well‐being of their citizens depend.

Our challenge now is to create a new social contract between business and government that is equal to the challenges of a global economy. The authors identify a number of key issues that must be addressed in creating this new framework, and explore recent and emerging business leadership initiatives that are working to address them. These range from initiatives that encourage greater self‐regulation by business of its impact on society and the environment to those that explore ways for the private sector to help governments deliver services more cost effectively.

As part of the fallout from the recent financial crisis, business, broadly speaking, no longer enjoys the level of public trust it once did, which has added significantly to the challenges it now faces in taking on greater social responsibility. To direct its considerable resources to the greater public good while continuing to produce a competitive return to shareholders will require a degree of innovation and leadership that many companies will find difficult. But without this increased participation of business and its leaders, it is hard to see how we will prosper in the increasingly uncertain future we now face.
Sustainability at Dow Chemical
Authors: Perkins Kathleen M. , Eccles Robert G. , Weick Mark
Published: July 2012

Dow Chemical Company, which was founded in 1894, is now the second‐largest chemical company in the world. From the outset, the company has been committed to high‐technology research and commercial innovation in chemistry, advanced materials, and agro‐sciences. But if Dow's long history of innovation is impressive, the greatest change in the past few years has been the company's use of innovation to reinforce its commitment to sustainability. In 1996, the company produced its first set of 10‐year sustainability‐related goals. In an effort to meet such goals, the company invested a total of $1 billion in environmentally beneficial products such as new seeds and traits in Dow's AgroSciences business, solar shingles, and advanced battery technologies. Along with the social benefit of higher crop yields and reduced carbon emissions, the company's return on this investment has been estimated at $5 billion.

The company was even more ambitious when setting its next set of 10‐year goals in 2006. In this statement, Dow's leadership aimed to create a culture that saw sustainability as a business opportunity from the perspective of a “triple bottom line”—a performance evaluation scheme focused on “people, planet, and profit” that construes success in terms of social benefits, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity. Dow is now starting the process of developing its third set of 10‐year goals, with the aim of producing a plan that will ensure the viability of the company 50 years from now. With this end in mind, Dow's leaders understand their obligation to continue investing in the health and well‐being of their employees, their communities, and the environment while still creating value for their shareholders.
SEC ESG Noncompliance: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Authors: Lowson Linda M.
Published: July 2012

This article begins by discussing the findings of a recent study that suggests widespread corporate SEC noncompliance in the reporting of ESG issues. Second, it discusses the SEC rules on internal control systems and argues that full compliance with these SEC rules can significantly limit the SEC ESG noncompliance problem. Third, it highlights certain SEC noncompliance liabilities for corporate management, audit committees, and independent auditors arising from SEC ESG noncompliance. Fourth, the author discusses problems with enterprise software systems as a cause of the SEC ESG noncompliance problem. Fifth and last, the article highlights recent regulatory and market developments that may encourage compliance, and concludes with comments about the relationship of the SEC internal control system rules to Integrated Reporting.
Biosystematics and evolutionary studies in Indian Drimia species
Authors: DESAI Neetin , KAWALKAR Hemant , DIXIT Ghansham
Published: July 2012

Abstract  The taxonomic position and genetic relationship within Indian Drimia species is controversial due to their morphological similarities and genomic complexities. The present work gives an insight on the genetic relationship between Indian Drimia species on the basis of their karyotype, pollen morphology, flower opening characteristics, hybridization behavior, and by use of DNA sequence of two molecular markers (internal transcribed spacers [ITS] and maturase K [matK]). The karyotypic studies of Indian Drimia species revealed various polyploid forms making their identification and delimitation more difficult. The five species of Indian Drimia are grouped into two complexes, indica complex and wightii complex on the basis of their pollen morphology, karyotype, and hybridization behavior. These two groups were found to be evolving separately. The cytomorphological studies of wightii complex revealed that it is evolving through polyploid and chromosome repatterning, while indica complex have adapted polyploid as well as hybridization for evolution. Phylogeny obtained from DNA sequences of molecular markers (ITS and matK) confirmed that the indica complex and wightii complex are evolving parallely, by grouping them in two clusters. Thus, a combination of conventional and molecular methods proved to be of great use for delimiting a small but complex group of Indian Drimia species.
Factors associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Lankhorst Nienke E , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M A , van Middelkoop Marienke
Published: July 2012

This review systematically summarises factors associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). A systematic literature search was conducted. Studies including ≥20 patients with PFPS that examined ≥1 possible factor associated with PFPS were included. A meta-analysis was performed, clinical heterogeneous data were analysed descriptively. The 47 included studies examined 523 variables, eight were pooled. Pooled data showed a larger Q-angle, sulcus angle and patellar tilt angle (weighted mean differences (WMD) 2.08; 95% CI 0.64, 3.63 and 1.66; 95% CI 0.44, 2.77 and 4.34; 95% CI 1.16 to 7.52, respectively), less hip abduction strength, lower knee extension peak torque and less hip external rotation strength (WMD –3.30; 95% CI –5.60, –1.00 and –37.47; 95% CI –71.75, –3.20 and –1.43; 95% CI –2.71 to –0.16, respectively) in PFPS patients compared to controls. Foot arch height index and congruence angle were not associated with PFPS. Six out of eight pooled variables are associated with PFPS, other factors associated with PFPS were based on single studies. Further research is required.
Antiemetic treatment for acute gastroenteritis in children: an updated Cochrane systematic review with meta-analysis and mixed treatment comparison in a Bayesian framework
Authors: Carter Ben , Fedorowicz Zbys
Published: July 2012

Objective

To assess the evidence for the safety and effectiveness of antiemetics on gastroenteritis-induced vomiting in children and adolescents.

Design

Systematic review.

Data Sources

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and EMBASE searched from 1980 to March 2012.

Methods

Methods included comprehensive searches, data synthesis, meta-analysis and mixed treatment comparisons (MTC).

Review methods

Reference lists were checked, and missing or inconsistent data were sought from trial investigators. Randomised controlled trials comparing antiemetics in participants younger than 18 years and who were vomiting due to acute gastroenteritis. Four meta-analyses and three MTC were carried out.

Results

10 trials (1479 participants) and five treatments were included: dexamethasone, dimenhydrinate, granisetron, metoclopramide and ondansetron. There was clear evidence that ondansetron (oral or intravenous) compared with placebo increased the proportion of patients with cessation of vomiting (orally administered) (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.61), reduced the immediate hospital admission rate (orally administered) (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.83) and the need for intravenous rehydration therapy (orally administered) (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.59). No significant difference was noted in the revisit rates, but ondansetron was associated with an increase in episodes of diarrhoea. There was no evidence for the use of dexamethasone or metoclopramide and limited evidence that dimenhydrinate or granisetron increased the cessation of vomiting. The MTC analysis suggested that ondansetron was the most likely treatment to stop the child vomiting. Nine studies were carried out in secondary care and one in primary care.

Conclusions

This systematic review used a method novel to this clinical area and found clear evidence that ondansetron was the most likely treatment to allow oral rehydration therapy to commence. Given the significance of these results, the authors urge healthcare policy makers to consider the wider use of ondansetron in secondary care. Furthermore, randomised controlled trials are needed to investigate the effectiveness of antiemetic treatment in primary care (including ambulatory care interventions).
Current issues in diagnostic breast pathology
Authors: Walker Rosemary A , Hanby Andy , Pinder Sarah E , Thomas Jeremy , Ellis Ian O ,   National Coordinating Committee for Breast Pathology Research Subgroup, On behalf of members of the National Coordinating Committee for Breast Pathology
Published: July 2012

On behalf of the NHS Breast Screening Programme Pathology Coordinating Group we present recommendations for terminology and diagnostic criteria for a number of key areas of practice in breast pathology where terminology can be confusing and where accurate communication will ensure appropriate clinical management. These recommendations cover columnar cell lesions and the spectrum of changes that can be seen in these epithelial proliferations, lobular neoplasia, micrometastases and isolated tumour cells in axillary lymph nodes, the use of basal/myoepithelial markers in diagnostic practice and oestrogen receptor testing in ductal carcinoma in situ.
Use of chemical kinetics for the description of metal porphyrin reactivity
Authors: Lomova Tatyana N. , Klyueva Mariya E. , Tyulyaeva Elena Yu. , Bichan Nataliya G.
Published: July 2012

The results of use of chemical kinetics receptions, approaches and methods for the study of porphyrins and their metal complexes reactivity are discussed on an example of oxidation, acid-basic, and catalytic reactions of rhodium, palladium, and rhenium complexes of porphyrin in liquid solutions. The peculiarity of the porphyrin reaction rates is analyzed in a brief context of general provisions of the chemical kinetics. The opportunity to use the quasistationarity principle at the definition of the kinetic equation of the reactions with participation of metal porphyrins is shown. The transition from the process kinetic description to consideration of its mechanism is explored.
Accurate Viscosity Measurement of Ethanol Solution for Determination of Ultrasonic Relaxation Parameters
Authors: Hosoda Maiko , Hirano Taichi , Sakai Keiji
Published: July 2012

We demonstrate the performance of a newly developed viscosity measurement system, especially designed for liquid samples with low viscosities. The electromagnetically spinning (EMS) viscometer operated with a floating disk rotor enables the determination of viscosity with 1% accuracy for dilute aqueous solutions of various materials. In the article, we report the concentration dependence of the viscosity of a water/ethanol mixture. Accuracy required for a viscometer from the viewpoint of ultrasonic spectroscopy is also discussed.
Perfectly Matched Layer for the Wave Equation Finite Difference Time Domain Method
Authors: Miyazaki Yutaka , Tsuchiya Takao
Published: July 2012

The perfectly matched layer (PML) is introduced into the wave equation finite difference time domain (WE-FDTD) method. The WE-FDTD method is a finite difference method in which the wave equation is directly discretized on the basis of the central differences. The required memory of the WE-FDTD method is less than that of the standard FDTD method because no particle velocity is stored in the memory. In this study, the WE-FDTD method is first combined with the standard FDTD method. Then, Berenger's PML is combined with the WE-FDTD method. Some numerical demonstrations are given for the two- and three-dimensional sound fields.
Effect of Focused Ultrasound on Residual Particle Size Distribution in Water
Authors: Kim Jungsoon , Kim Moojoon , Jo Misun , Chu Mincheol
Published: July 2012

The residual particle distribution in pure water could be a problem in the nanoscience fields because nanoparticles are usually suspended in pure water such as deionized or distilled water. The effect of ultrasound on the residual particle distribution in pure water should be analyzed because the nano particles used in nanoscience are usually dispersed using ultrasound power. In this study, using a cylindrical piezoelectric vibrator, a noncontact-type focusing ultrasound system was fabricated to keep the purity of the water. The residual particle distribution in pure water was investigated. The number of residual particles increased as the ultrasound exposure time increased.
Ultrasound Open Channel Flow-Speed Measurement Based on the Lateral Directional Echo Observations
Authors: Nishimura Ichiro , Ishigamori Mitsuhide , Yamada Akira
Published: July 2012

Conventional ultrasonic flowmeters have a problem in measuring the small open channel fluid flow. To solve this problem, a lateral observation technique using a single transmitter/receiver transducer attached at the bottom of the pipe was proposed. Pulse echo signals scattered from the particles in the medium were repetitively recorded with a constant time interval. From the slope of the correlation peak amplitude with the variation in pulse echo excitation time, the flow speed of the medium was estimated. The method has an advantage in that the variation in flow speed in the vertical depth direction is directly measured with a minimum measurement space. Moreover, the fluctuations caused by the turbulent water can be avoided compared with the case of a conventional method based on the time estimation method. Bubbles were generated by an aspirator and flour powder was mixed with water as scatterers in the imitated drainage water. The flow speed of water was measured with respect to the inflowing fluid volume. Moreover, vertical flow speed profiles were measured and compared with fluid flow simulation results. The results showed that the precision of the measured flow speed was satisfactory and tolerant against the turbulence of the water flow medium.
Nondestructive Inspection for Steel Billet Using Phase-Modulated Signal by Gold Sequence for Improving Measurement Speed
Authors: Norose Yoko , Mizutani Koichi , Wakatsuki Naoto
Published: July 2012

We have proposed an ultrasonic computerized tomography method using the time-of-flight (TOF) of a longitudinal wave as a defect detection method for a steel billet. However, it took a long time to measure the TOFs because the transmissions were made one by one from the requirement of independent signal transmission. In this study, to speed up the TOF measurement, we proposed a simultaneous measurement method of TOFs using the phase-modulated signals by Gold sequences, and evaluated the ability of simultaneous measurement by an experiment. The reflected wave from the billet surface had a very adverse effect on the measurement of TOF, so a short signal was required as the transmitted signal. To make the transmitted signal short, a half-sine pulse phase-modulated by a Gold sequence was employed. As a result, five simultaneous transmissions were possible to be used for the inspection of the billet. When five simultaneous transmissions are made, the total measurement time can be decreased to 1/5 of the previous one.
Band-Pass-Type Tunable Filter Using Surface Acoustic Wave Resonator Composed of Grooved Cu Electrodes on LiNbO3
Authors: Kadota Michio , Ida Yasuyuki , Kimura Tetsuya
Published: July 2012

The authors reported band-pass (BP)-type tunable filters composed of ultrawide band (17%) surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators composed of grooved Cu electrodes on 4°YX-LiNbO3 and interdigital capacitors (IDCs) on the same LiNbO3 substrate. However, the frequency of the tunable filter did not shift continuously because the capacitance of the IDCs was fixed. This time, the tunable filter with the frequency tunable range of 6.1% shifting continuously was obtained for the first time by applying voltage to the variable capacitance diode. The authors discuss the mechanical quality factor (Q) of variable capacitors and characteristics of the tunable filters.
Transverse-Mode Spurious Suppression Technique for Surface Acoustic Wave Resonator with Zero Temperature Coefficient of Frequency on a SiO2/Al/LiNbO3 Structure
Authors: Nakanishi Hidekazu , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Tsurunari Tetsuya , Fujiwara Joji , Hamaoka Yosuke , Hashimoto Ken-ya
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we describe a suppression technique of transverse-mode spurious responses for a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator with a near zero temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) on a SiO2/Al/LiNbO3 structure. We investigated the thinning of SiO2 on the dummy electrode region and studied how the transverse-mode responses change with remaining SiO2 thickness h on the dummy electrode region. As the results, we clarified that the remaining SiO2 thickness h on the dummy electrode region has an optimum value and could suppress the transverse-mode spurious responses completely when H and h are set at 0.35 λ and 0.20 λ, respectively. It was demonstrated that the selective SiO2 removal technique is effective to suppress transverse-mode spurious responses for SAW resonators employing the SiO2/Al/LiNbO3 structure for a wide range of SiO2 thicknesses, provided that the SiO2 thickness at the dummy electrode region is adjusted properly.
Methanol Sensor Using Shear Horizontal Surface Acoustic Wave Device for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Endo Saburo , Kondoh Jun , Sato Katsuhiko , Sawada Naomi
Published: July 2012

A liquid-phase sensor is realized that uses a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) device. The advantage of using an SH-SAW sensor is the simultaneous detection of liquid properties, such as density, viscosity, permittivity, and conductivity. In this study, the SH-SAW sensor is applied as a methanol (MeOH) sensor for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). As the generation efficiency of the DMFC depends on the methanol concentration, the monitoring of MeOH concentration is needed. The SH-SAW sensor is applied to the MeOH sensor to measure the electrical properties. The efficiency of the DMFC is also influenced by materials contained in the fluid. If a component of the SH-SAW sensor is eluted into the fuel, the SH-SAW sensor cannot be used in the DMFC. The SH-SAW sensor was dipped into the fuel at 80 °C and it was found that the concentration of eluted components from the SH-SAW sensor was low and that the efficiency was not influenced by such components. Then, the temperature characteristics of the SH-SAW sensor with various MeOH solutions were measured. The maximum operating temperature of the DMFC is 80 °C and the minimum temperature depends on the place of installation. In this work, the minimum temperature is assumed to be -5 °C. Thus, the SH-SAW sensor must measure the MeOH concentration from -5 to 80 °C without malfunction. The results indicate that the MeOH concentration can be measured when the temperature is lower than 60 °C. If the temperature is higher than 60 °C, bubbles are generated on the sensor surface and the sensor is influenced by them. A liquid flow system was demonstrated to reduce the influence of bubbles.
Experimental Investigation of Acoustically Enhanced Dewaterability of Unconsolidated Soils
Authors: Kim Young-Uk , Hoang Tien Trung , Chun Young Woo , Ming Zhang Guang
Published: July 2012

The acceleration of water content reduction by vibrational energy was investigated with a series of laboratory tests. Vibration was generated with a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) film as a flexible transducer at various frequencies. Test conditions included the power and duration of sonic energy, and the soil type. Test results showed a significant increase in dewaterability when ultrasound was applied. The time required for the outflow of the same amount of water was shorter for the sonicated conditions. The degree of enhancement varied with the test conditions. Using the test results, we discuss the potential development of a new method that can reduce the dewatering period.
Fundamental Study for the Solution of Thermoacoustic Phenomenon Using Numerical Calculation: Relationship between the Stack Installation Position and Heat Flow
Authors: Kuroda Kentaro , Sakamoto Shin-ichi , Shibata Kenji , Nakano Yosuke , Tsuchiya Takao , Watanabe Yoshiaki
Published: July 2012

Thermoacoustic systems have several advantages owing to their simple structure driven by heat energy such as waste heat and solar heat. However, because their energy conversion efficiency is low, they have not been developed for practical use. Therefore, to improve energy conversion efficiency, a method of system design development is examined in this report using numerical calculations. First, calculation results obtained using the transfer-matrix methods are compared with experimentally obtained results, which confirms their good agreement. Secondly, calculated results of each heat flow element in the stack show that heat flow proportional to the temperature gradient Q
D, which decreases the performance of the system, is dominant. Finally, the installation position of the stack is changed to reduce the ratio that Q
D occupies in the heat flow. Results show a decrease in the ratio obtained by moving the stack installation position closer to the center of the tube. Energy conversion efficiency was increased eight times.