bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium And Zinc Deficiency In Preeclamptic Women
Authors: Akhtar Selina , Begum Shelina , Ferdousi Sultana
Published: February 2012

Background: Pre-eclampsia is the most common medical complication of pregnancy associated with increased maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Reduced serum calcium and zinc levels are found associated with elevated blood pressure in preeclampsia. Objective: To observe serum calcium and zinc levels in preeclamptic women. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka between July 2009 to June 2010. In this study, 60 pregnant women of preeclampsia, aged 18-39 years with gestational period more than 20th weeks were included as the study (group B). For comparison age and gestational period matched 30 normotensive pregnant women control (group A) were also studied. All the subjects were selected from Obstetric and Gynae In and Out patient Department of BSMMU and Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Serum calcium was measured by Colorimetric method and serum zinc was measured by Spectrophotometric method. Data were analysed by independent sample t test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. Results: Mean serum calcium and zinc levels were significantly (p<0.001) lower in study group than those of control group. Again, serum calcium and zinc showed significant negative correlation with SBP and DBP in preeclamptic women. Conclusion: This study concludes that serum calcium and zinc deficiency may be one of the risk factor of preeclampsia. Therefore, early detection and supplementation to treat this deficiency may reduce the incidence of preeclampsia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i2.9758 JBSP 2011 6(2): 94-99
Parasympathetic Nerve Function Status During Different Phases Of Menstrual Cycle In Healthy Young Women
Authors: Choudhury Rama , Jahan Nasim , Sultana Nayma , Akter Rezina , Khanum Ayesha Akhter
Published: February 2012

Background: Autonomic nerve function status may be changed during follicular and late luteal phases of menstrual cycle due to fluctuations of serum estrogen and progesterone levels. This alteration in autonomic nerve functions may affect cardiovagal control and usually associated with decreased parasympathetic activity in late luteal phase. Objective: To observe the parasympathetic nerve function status during follicular and late luteal phases of menstrual cycle and also their relationships with serum estrogen and progesterone levels in healthy young women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka from 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2009. A total number of thirty (30) apparently healthy unmarried women age ranged from 20-25 years were studied in both follicular (phase A, control) and late luteal (phase B, study) phases of menstrual cycle. Simple autonomic nerve function tests like heart rate (HR) response to valsalva maneuver (valsalva ratio), HR response to deep breathing, HR response to standing (30th:15th ratio) were done to assess parasympathetic activity and serum estrogen and progesterone levels were also measured by AxSYM method. All these tests were performed in both follicular and late luteal phases of menstrual cycle of the same subject. Data were analysed by paired student’s ‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test as applicable. Results: Mean values of both HR response to valsalva ratio and HR response to standing (30th:15 th ) were non-significantly decreased but HR response to deep breathing was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in late luteal phase than those of follicular phase. Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that parasympathetic activity is decreased in late luteal phase of menstrual cycle. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i2.9759 JBSP 2011 6(2): 100-107
Lipid Profile Status In Surgical Menopause
Authors: Kabir Farhana , Jahan Nasim , Sultana Nayma , Akter Rezina
Published: February 2012

Background: Dyslipidaemia in both surgical and natural menopausal women is a common health hazard all over the world. Moreover, the surgical menopausal women may have greater chance of this disorder than those of natural menopausal women. Objective: To observe lipid profile level in surgical menopausal women in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2010. A total number of 90 female subjects were included in this study. They were divided into control and study groups. Among them 6o women were taken as control (30 premenopausal women- group A and 30 natural menopausal women -group B) and 30 were taken as study (surgical menopausal-group C).However, age range of premanopausal women were from 30-35 years, natural menopausal women from 50-60 years and surgical menopausal women from 45-55 years. All the menopausal women were selected from Out Patient Department (OPD) of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital. Premenopausal women were selected by personal contact. Serum lipid profile and serum estrogen levels of all participants were estimated by enzymatic method and by AxSYM method respectively. The statistical analysis was done by using appropriate method as applicable. Results: In this study, mean serum triglyceride (TG) level was significantly (p<0.05) higher and serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was significantly (p<0.001) lower in surgical menopausal women than those of natural menopausal women. . Again, mean serum estrogen level was significantly (p<0.001) lower in surgical menopausal women than that of natural menopausal women. Conclusion: The present study revealed that surgical menopausal women have greater chance of dyslipidaemia than those of natural menopausal women. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i2.9763 JBSP 2011 6(2): 127-133
Central Research Labs In Medical Colleges
Authors: John Nitin Ashok
Published: February 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i2.9765 JBSP 2011 6(2): 140
Ecological Rehabilitation And Public Participation: General Considerations And Empirical Evidence From A Creek Rehabilitation Scheme Near Cologne, Germany
Authors: Braun Boris , Shoeb AZM
Published: February 2012

Ecological rehabilitation of rivers and streams has become a common practice in environmental planning and water management throughout Europe. With regard to rehabilitation projects public participation and bottom-up planning processes are favoured by state and local regulations alike. However, there are mixed experiences about public support of rehabilitation schemes. Whereas people support environmental improvements on a general level, acceptance is dwindling when conflicts of use arise or access to certain areas is going to be restricted. This study focuses on the assessment of public attitudes to rehabilitation and on improving the understanding of people’s preferences. The results of a representative questionnaire survey conducted in three villages along a rehabilitated creek in a densely populated suburban area near Cologne show that local support for rehabilitation is generally high. More than two thirds of all residents support the rehabilitation scheme even when considering the costs involved. This support, however, varies between different age groups, with young adults being more sceptical than older people. The reasons for the fact that the younger generation is less supportive with regard to rehabilitation schemes might be related to their lesser interest in local affairs in general as well as their involvement in leisure activities that cannot be performed in rehabilitation sites along a small creek. Moreover, the findings reveal that many people want to have unlimited access to rehabilitated areas for recreational activities. This reflects a trend towards the perception of nature as an individual consumer good and has to be considered by environmental managers – not only in Europe, but in other parts of the world as well.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v6i0.9714 JLES 2011 6: 1-11
Leachability Of Arsenic From Wastes Of Arsenic Removal Units Using Modified Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure
Authors: Islam Md Shafiqul , Al Mamun Md Abdullah , Islam Md Nazmul
Published: February 2012

The present study evaluated the leaching of arsenic from sludge/waste of seven SONO filters that were operated in Rajarampur of Chapai Nawabganj district. For this, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test was performed. To understand actual leaching of arsenic, a Simulated Natural Column (SNC) that is comparable to natural mature landfill was devised. Total arsenic concentration (AsT) was measured by HG-AAS. The studied arsenic waste/sludge, having 7.0-9.2% solid content, were alkaline in nature (pH values of 7.9-8.7) and had arsenic and iron concentrations of 4.54-5.50 and 480-1039 mg kg-1 respectively. The TCLP test reveals that 6.4-19.4% (average 14%) of arsenic was leached from the waste (average leachate AsT before and after TCLP were 5.04 and 0.71 mg kg-1 respectively). After 102 days of continuous operation in SNC, AsT in the leachate was found to be 0.223 mg L-1, although initial AsT was 0.350 mg L-1. It was observed that AsT in SNC leachate increased up to 54 days (corresponding to 1.741 mg L-1) and then decreased in reciprocal quadratic pattern. Comparison shows that TCLP underpredicts 14.2% of arsenic leaching than that of SNC. Since leachate AsT in both methods did not exceed the USEPA regulated level of 5 mg L-1, the studied waste/sludge was not hazardous. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v6i0.9716 JLES 2011 6: 19-26
Effect Of Rhizobium Inoculant On Nodulation, Yield And Yield Traits Of Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) In Four Different Soils Of Greater Rajshahi
Authors: Zaman Shahriar , Mazid M Abdul , Kabir Golam
Published: February 2012

This study shows that enhancement of soil fertility along with the yield of chickpea due to nodulation by the Rhizobium is possible to some extent. Data on plant height (cm) at maturity, primary branches/plant, days to flower, pods/plant, pod dry weight/plant (g), seeds/pod, seed dry weight/pod (g), 50 seeds weight (g), nodules/plant, fresh weight of nodules/plant and dry weight of nodules/plant were considered to assess the effect of nodulation in chickpea. Soils treated with Rhizobium always showed higher values than control regarding total nitrogen and organic matter (%). Campus soil showed the highest value for organic matter (%) and N content but Cholonbil soil exhibited the highest value for number of seeds per pod. All the parameters for growth analysis yielded greater values for treated soils compared to that of the control. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v6i0.9720 JLES 2011 6: 45-50
The Effect of C-Terminal Helix on the Stability of FF Domain Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Zhao Liling , Cao Zanxia , Wang Jihua
Published: February 2012

To investigate the effect of C-terminal helix on the stability of the FF domain, we studied the native domain FF3-71 from human HYPA/FBP11 and the truncated version FF3-60 with C-terminal helix being deleted by molecular dynamics simulations with GROMACS package and GROMOS 43A1 force field. The results indicated that the structures of truncated version FF3-60 were evident different from those of native partner FF3-71. Compared with FF3-71, the FF3-60 lost some native contacts and exhibited some similar structural characters to those of intermediate state. The C-terminal helix played a major role in stabilizing the FF3-71 domain. To a certain degree, the FF domain had a tendency to form an intermediate state without the C-terminal helix. In our knowledge, this was the first study to examine the role of C-terminal helix of FF domain in detail by molecular dynamics simulations, which was useful to understand the three-state folding mechanism of the small FF domain.
Anthocyanins and Their Variation in Red Wines I. Monomeric Anthocyanins and Their Color Expression
Authors: He Fei , Liang Na-Na , Mu Lin , Pan Qiu-Hong , Wang Jun , Reeves Malcolm J. , Duan Chang-Qing
Published: February 2012

Originating in the grapes, monomeric anthocyanins in young red wines contribute the majority of color and the supposed beneficial health effects related to their consumption, and as such they are recognized as one of the most important groups of phenolic metabolites in red wines. In recent years, our increasing knowledge of the chemical complexity of the monomeric anthocyanins, their stability, together with the phenomena such as self-association and copigmentation that can stabilize and enhance their color has helped to explain their color representation in red wine making and aging. A series of new enological practices were developed to improve the anthocyanin extraction, as well as their color expression and maintenance. This paper summarizes the most recent advances in the studies of the monomeric anthocyanins in red wines, emphasizing their origin, occurrence, color enhancing effects, their degradation and the effect of various enological practices on them.
Phloxine B as a Probe for Entrapment in Microcrystalline Cellulose
Authors: Duarte Paulo , Ferreira Diana P. , Ferreira Machado Isabel , Vieira Ferreira Luís Filipe , Rodríguez Hernan B. , San Román Enrique
Published: February 2012

The photophysical behaviour of phloxine B adsorbed onto microcrystalline cellulose was evaluated by reflectance spectroscopy and laser induced time-resolved luminescence in the picosecond-nanosecond and microsecond-millisecond ranges. Analysis of the absorption spectral changes with concentration points to a small tendency of the dye to aggregate in the range of concentrations under study. Prompt fluorescence, phosphorescence and delayed fluorescence spectral decays were measured at room temperature and 77 K, without the need of sample degassing because cellulose protects triplet states from oxygen quenching. In all cases, spectral changes with time and lifetime distribution analysis were consistent with the dye coexisting in two different environments: dyes tightly entrapped between polymer chains in crystalline regions of cellulose showed longer fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetimes and more energetic triplet states, while dyes adsorbed in more amorphous regions of the support showed shorter lifetimes and less energetic triplet states. This behaviour is discussed in terms of the different dye-support interactions in both kinds of adsorption sites.
Enantioselective Synthesis of 2,2-Disubstituted Terminal Epoxides via Catalytic Asymmetric Corey-Chaykovsky Epoxidation of Ketones
Authors: Sone Toshihiko , Yamaguchi Akitake , Matsunaga Shigeki , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: February 2012

Catalytic asymmetric Corey-Chaykovsky epoxidation of various ketones with dimethyloxosulfonium methylide using a heterobimetallic La-Li3-BINOL complex (LLB) is described. The reaction proceeded smoothly at room temperature in the presence of achiral phosphine oxide additives, and 2,2-disubstituted terminal epoxides were obtained in high enantioselectivity (97%–91% ee) and yield ( > 99%–88%) from a broad range of methyl ketones with 1–5 mol% catalyst loading. Enantioselectivity was strongly dependent on the steric hindrance, and other ketones, such as ethyl ketones and propyl ketones resulted in slightly lower enantioselectivity (88%–67% ee).
Prebiotic Activity of Polysaccharides Extracted from Gigantochloa Levis (Buluh beting) Shoots
Authors: Azmi Aida Firdaus Muhammad Nurul , Mustafa Shuhaimi , Hashim Dzulkifly Md. , Manap Yazid Abdul
Published: February 2012

Bamboo shoot crude polysaccharides (BSCP) extracted from the shoots of Gigantochloa levis gave about 3.27 ± 0.18% on dry basis and a very minute percentage of protein (0.02 ± 0.01%). The molecular weight of BSCP estimated by gel chromatography was found to be around 7.49 × 103 Da, while the molecular weights of purified fractions (F1 to F5) were around 1550.96, 1471.63, 1685.78, 1691.61 and 1551.67 Da, respectively. The FTIR spectrum of BSCP revealed the possibility that the extract contains β-glucan, which can be considered a valuable compound for the medical and food industries. These relate to the resistance of BSCP towards artificial human gastric juice which is more than 99%. Prebiotic activity tested using BSCP as a carbon source showed significant increase in the growth of B. animalis ATCC 1053, B. longum BB 536 and L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 as compared to the use of FOS. Survivality of S. choleraesuis JCM 6977 was found to be slower in both BSCP and FOS. Study conducted reflects a good sign for the BSCP to be exploited as a promising prebiotic.
Gait Analysis Using Floor Markers and Inertial Sensors
Authors: Do Tri Nhut , Suh Young Soo
Published: February 2012

In this paper, a gait analysis system which estimates step length and foot angles is proposed. A measurement unit, which consists of a camera and inertial sensors, is installed on a shoe. When the foot touches the floor, markers are recognized by the camera to obtain the current position and attitude. A simple planar marker with 4,096 different codes is used. These markers printed on paper are placed on the floor. When the foot is moving off the floor, the position and attitude are estimated using an inertial navigation algorithm. For accurate estimation, a smoother is proposed, where vision information and inertial sensor data are combined. Through experiments, it is shown that the proposed system can both track foot motion and estimate step length.
Fast Decision Algorithms in Low-Power Embedded Processors for Quality-of-Service Based Connectivity of Mobile Sensors in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Jaraíz-Simón María D. , Gómez-Pulido Juan A. , Vega-Rodríguez Miguel A. , Sánchez-Pérez Juan M.
Published: February 2012

When a mobile wireless sensor is moving along heterogeneous wireless sensor networks, it can be under the coverage of more than one network many times. In these situations, the Vertical Handoff process can happen, where the mobile sensor decides to change its connection from a network to the best network among the available ones according to their quality of service characteristics. A fitness function is used for the handoff decision, being desirable to minimize it. This is an optimization problem which consists of the adjustment of a set of weights for the quality of service. Solving this problem efficiently is relevant to heterogeneous wireless sensor networks in many advanced applications. Numerous works can be found in the literature dealing with the vertical handoff decision, although they all suffer from the same shortfall: a non-comparable efficiency. Therefore, the aim of this work is twofold: first, to develop a fast decision algorithm that explores the entire space of possible combinations of weights, searching that one that minimizes the fitness function; and second, to design and implement a system on chip architecture based on reconfigurable hardware and embedded processors to achieve several goals necessary for competitive mobile terminals: good performance, low power consumption, low economic cost, and small area integration.
Noble Metal Nanoparticles for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Doria Gonçalo , Conde João , Veigas Bruno , Giestas Leticia , Almeida Carina , Assunção Maria , Rosa João , Baptista Pedro V.
Published: February 2012

In the last decade the use of nanomaterials has been having a great impact in biosensing. In particular, the unique properties of noble metal nanoparticles have allowed for the development of new biosensing platforms with enhanced capabilities in the specific detection of bioanalytes. Noble metal nanoparticles show unique physicochemical properties (such as ease of functionalization via simple chemistry and high surface-to-volume ratios) that allied with their unique spectral and optical properties have prompted the development of a plethora of biosensing platforms. Additionally, they also provide an additional or enhanced layer of application for commonly used techniques, such as fluorescence, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Herein we review the use of noble metal nanoparticles for biosensing strategies—from synthesis and functionalization to integration in molecular diagnostics platforms, with special focus on those that have made their way into the diagnostics laboratory.
Biomedical Informatics Publications: a Global Perspective
Authors: Garcia-Remesal M. , Bielza C. , Crespo J. , Perez-Rey D. , Kulikowski C. , Maojo V.
Published: February 2012

Background: Biomedical Informatics (BMI) is a broad discipline, having evolved from both Medical Informatics (MI) and Bioinformatics (BI). An analysis of publications in the field-should provide an indication about the geographic distribution of BMI research contributions and possible lessons for the future, both for research and professional practice.

Objectives: In part I of our analysis of biomedical informatics publications we presented results from BMI conferences. In this second part, we analyse BMI journals, which provide a broader perspective and comparison between data from conferences and journals that ought to confirm or suggest alternatives to the original distributional findings from the conferences.

Methods: We manually collected data about authors and their geographical origin from various MI journals: the International Journal of Medical Informatics (IJMI), the Journal of Biomedical Informatics (JBI), Methods of In-formation in Medicine (MIM) and The Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (JAMIA). Focusing on first authors, we also compared these findings with data from the journal Bioinformatics.

Results: Our results confirm those obtained in our analysis of BMI conferences – that local and regional authors favor their corresponding MI journals just as they do their conferences. Consideration of other factors, such as the increasingly open source nature of data and software tools, is consistent with these findings

Conclusions: Our analysis suggests various indicators that could lead to further, deeper analyses, and could provide additional insights for future BMI research and professional activities.
Une approche pastorale : le recours aux saints guérisseurs au Liban
Authors: Chlela Charbel
Published: February 2012

Résumé Le recours aux saints au Liban est fréquent pour solliciter une guérison. Et si les vrais miracles font peu de bruit, toute expérience personnelle de guérison, prouvée ou non, fait beaucoup de bruit au Liban. Face à la maladie et à la mort, le Libanais a le réflexe de recourir aux saints. Il les considère comme un recours plus sûr pendant les moments de fragilité, de vulnérabilité et d’impuissance. Bien qu’il garde sa confiance en la médecine, il est attiré par le pouvoir des saints. L’Église locale surveille de près ces expériences de guérison et prend son temps pour étudier chaque expérience. Elle invite les fidèles à profiter de ces transformations biologiques, si elles s’avèrent miraculeuses, pour entamer une conversion personnelle. Elle les incite à découvrir, à travers leurs relations privilégiées avec les saints, le visage miséricordieux du Christ. La relation des Libanais avec les saints devrait être un vecteur d’espérance. La grâce de guérison corporelle, survenue dans un contexte de foi et de prière, est signe de guérison intérieure et spirituelle non visible mais réelle. C’est parce qu’il faut renaître spirituellement pour guérir que la guérison peut devenir à son tour signe et forme de renaissance spirituelle. La guérison est une expérience de salut, pas seulement une promesse de salut. Cette expérience vécue dans le temps et dans l’espace est signe de la possibilité du dépassement dans le présent et non seulement dans l’avenir.
La place du témoignage dans la reconnaissance du pouvoir de guérir
Authors: Thomasset Alain
Published: February 2012

Résumé La reconnaissance d’un pouvoir (dont celui de guérir) est toujours fragile et suppose un acte de créance sociale où le témoignage joue un rôle essentiel, même s’il reste partiel. Celui-ci correspond aussi au contexte actuel qui valorise l’histoire, la liberté, l’authenticité et la singularité des sujets. Dans la recherche de la vérité, le témoignage est une interprétation qui reste de l’ordre du « probable » et non du « nécessaire ». Par sa puissance d’identification, il peut susciter la conviction et l’adhésion. En même temps, il reste une médiation fragile. Plusieurs critères sont examinés pour en tester la validité : le passage d’un récit-narration à un récit-confession, la qualité du témoignage et sa capacité à faire signe, la qualité du témoin et son engagement envers sa cause.
Les villes transformées par la santé, XVIII e -XX e siècles
Authors: Barles Sabine
Published: February 2012

Résumé Ville et santé, urbanisme et médecine, sont historiquement intimement liés. Au XVIII e siècle en effet, le néo-hippocratisme voit dans le milieu la cause de la plupart des maladies ; s’y ajoute la crainte de la corruption de l’air par la respiration. Un consensus en émerge selon lequel il faut changer la ville, projet qui sera mis en œuvre au XIX e siècle par les ingénieurs et les hygiénistes. Cependant, la médecine s’éloigne progressivement de l’environnement urbain qu’elle ne reconsidère que dans le dernier tiers du XX e siècle.
Archives d'une prise de parole. Les écritures du sida
Authors: Artières Philippe
Published: February 2012

Résumé La pandémie à VIH est un événement total. De par son ampleur, ses modes de transmission, son impact sur notre sexualité, les groupes touchés, elle a été l’occasion d’une véritable problématisation dans nos sociétés contemporaines. Cet événement à la fois intime et social, touchant à des dimensions souvent taboues, a ainsi été accompagné par une énorme production discursive (biologique, médicale, sociologique, journalistique, politique, artistique, etc.). Il a été aussi l’occasion d’une prise d’écriture inédite, témoignage de l’expérience de la maladie. À travers ces écrits, un « nous » s’affirme, véritable éruption d’une force politique.
Réduire le temps de travail dans les services de soins au XX e siècle : une approche historique
Authors: Chevandier Christian
Published: February 2012

Résumé En France, depuis le milieu de XIX e siècle, la durée du travail s’est considérablement réduite. Cette dynamique a touché le secteur hospitalier selon des rythmes qui correspondent aux grandes réformes sociales (1919, 1936, 1968, 1982, 2001). Dans les services de soins, la réduction du temps de travail s’est accompagnée de recrutements qui ont parfois permis de conserver un même taux de présence au lit du malade. Mais la hausse du niveau de qualification du personnel soignant modifie les modalités du processus.
Quality of life of older Chilean subjects living in metropolitan Santiago, Chile. Influence of socioeconomic status
Authors: Bunout Daniel , Osorio Paulina , Barrera Gladys , Torrejón María José , Meersohn Cynthia , Anigstein María Sol , Miranda Juan Pablo , Espinoza Iris , Hirsch Sandra , De la Maza María Pía
Published: February 2012

Quality of life (QOL) of older people is becoming an important public health concern and should be evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate socioeconomic and individual determinants of QOL of older subjects living in metropolitan Santiago, Chile. We first carried out a qualitative phase with focus groups of older people. According to the conclusions of the focus groups, a questionnaire about QOL was devised and added to the WhoQoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life) and WHOQoL-Old brief questionnarires. The final document with 85 questions was applied to healthy older subjects living in the community. A total of 1,676 subjects aged 71.8±7.4 years (1,189 women) took part in the survey. A multiple stepwise regression model showed that a higher socioeconomic level, a better educational level, performing voluntary work, having a partner, participating in groups with other older people, and being younger were factors independently associated with a higher QOL. A principal components analysis showed that psychological health and social relationships were the main domains that explained the total quality of life score. Psychological health and social relationships were the main determinants of QOL in this sample of older Chilean people living in metropolitan Santiago.
Immunophenotyping of Chronic B-Cell Neoplasms: Flow Cytometry versus Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Abdel-Ghafar Afaf Abdel-Aziz , El Din El Telbany Manal Ahmed Shams , Mahmoud Hanan Mohamed , El-Sakhawy Yasmin Nabil
Published: February 2012

Morphological differentiation between benign and malignant lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) can be challenging. Immunophenotyping (IPT) by either technique, flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry (IHC), is an important step in solving such difficulty. Thirty-five newly diagnosed patients with chronic B-cell neoplasms (11 chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 22 non Hodgkin lymphoma and 2 hairy cell leukemia) were included in this study with age range from 20 to 70 years. Monoclonal antibodies surface expression using lymphoproliferative disorders panel (CD45, CD19, CD5, CD10, CD11c, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD38, CD79b, FMC7, CD103, CD25, kappa and lambda light chains) by flow cytometry was done on bone marrow samples. CD20, CD5, CD23, Bcl-2, Bcl-6, kappa and lambda light chain immunostaining were performed on fixed bone marrow trephine biopsy specimen. The sensitivity of IHC was 81.8% in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and 100% in non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) as regards CD20, 100% in both groups as regards CD5, 46% in CLL and 66.7% in NHL as regards CD23, 33.3% in CLL and 50% in NHL as regards kappa chain, 20% in CLL and 33.3% in NHL as regards lambda chain. We found that IHC and flow cytometry are equally effective in diagnosing CLL; however, IHC might be slightly more sensitive than flow cytometry in detecting bone marrow infiltration in NHL and hairy cell leukemia (HCL).
The role of life friendly policies on employees' work-life balance
Authors: Yuile Colleen , Chang Artemis , Gudmundsson Amanda , Sawang Sukanlaya
Published: February 2012

An employee's inability to balance work and non-work related responsibilities has resulted in an increase in stress related illnesses. Historically, research into the relationship between work and non-work has primarily focused on work/family conflict, predominately investigating the impact of this conflict on parents, usually mothers. To date research has not sufficiently examined the management practices that enable all ‘individuals’ to achieve a ‘balance’ between work and life. This study explores the relationship between contemporary life friendly, HR management policies and work/life balance for individuals as well as the effect of managerial support to the policies. Self-report questionnaire data from 1241 men and women is analysed and discussed to enable organizations to consider the use of life friendly policies and thus create a convergence between the well-being of employees and the effectiveness of the organization.
Strategic approaches in Australian SMEs: Deliberate or emergent?
Authors: Wiesner Retha , Millett Bruce
Published: February 2012

The aim of this paper is to determine whether Australian SMEs could be characterised as ‘deliberate’ or ‘emergent’ in their strategic approaches. More specifically, surveying 1230 Australian SMEs, this paper focuses on answers to the following questions: What is the nature and prevalence of strategic practices in Australian SMEs? and to what extent does firm size differentiate the patterning and prevalence of strategic practices? The findings add to the little empirical research showing the principal activities and tools that comprise the strategic practices undertaken in Australian SMEs. Overall, and in both small and medium enterprises respectively, strategic thinking and action seem to be undertaken with the use of a framework of a written business plan which is in line with the ‘deliberate’ approach; however few sophisticated strategy making techniques were employed. Researchers and practitioners may find it valuable to develop tools that will naturally suit SME firms so that these tools can be of more value. Academics and tertiary institutions will be well advised to develop strategic management courses which also specifically focus on more emergent approaches designed for smaller firms including specially developed techniques and tools that are less time-consuming and expensive to use and more suited to smaller firms. This would enable SMEs to expand the range of strategy making tools they employ.
Ice nuclei in marine air: bioparticles or dust?
Authors: Burrows S. M. , Hoose C. , Pöschl U. , Lawrence M. G.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Ice nuclei can influence the properties of clouds and precipitation, but their sources and distribution in the atmosphere are still not well known. Particularly little attention has been paid to IN sources in marine environments, although anecdotal evidence suggests that IN populations in remote marine regions may be dominated by biological particles associated with sea spray. In this exploratory model study, we aim to bring attention to this long-neglected topic and identify promising target regions for future field campaigns. We assess the likely global distribution of marine biological ice nuclei using a combination of historical observations, satellite data and model output. By comparing simulated marine biological IN distributions and dust IN distributions, we predict strong regional differences in the importance of marine biological IN relative to dust IN. Our analysis suggests that marine biological IN are most likely to play a dominant role in determining IN concentrations over the Southern Ocean, so future field campaigns aimed at investigating marine biological IN should target that region. Climate-related changes in the abundance and emission of biological marine IN could affect marine cloud properties, thereby introducing previously unconsidered feedbacks that influence the hydrological cycle and the Earth's energy balance. Furthermore, marine biological IN may be an important aspect to consider in proposals for marine cloud brightening by artificial sea spray production.
Multi-decadal marine and land-terminating glacier recession in the Ammassalik region, Southeast Greenland
Authors: Mernild S. H. , Malmros J. K. , Knudsen N. T. , Yde J. C.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Landsat imagery was applied to elucidate glacier fluctuations of land and marine terminating outlet glaciers from the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) and local land terminating glaciers and ice caps (GIC) peripheral to the GrIS in the Ammassalik region, Southeast Greenland, during the period 1972–2011. Data from 21 marine-terminating glaciers – including the glaciers Helheim, Midgaard, and Fenris –, the GrIS land-terminating margin, and 35 GIC were examined, and compared to observed atmospheric air temperatures, precipitation, and reconstructed ocean water temperatures. Here, we document that net glacier recession has occurred since 1972 in the Ammassalik region for all glacier types and sizes, except for three GIC; however, the land-terminating; however, the land-terminating GrIS and GIC reflect lower marginal and areal changes than the marine-terminating outlet glaciers. The mean annual land-terminating GrIS and GIC margin recessions were about 3 to 5 times lower than the GrIS marine-terminating values. The marine-terminating outlet glaciers had an average net frontal retreat for 1999–2011 of 0.098 km yr−1, which was significantly higher than in previous sub-periods 1972–1986 and 1986–1999. For the marine-terminating GrIS the annual areal recession rate was decreasing since 1972, while increasing for the land-terminating GrIS since 1986. On average for the GIC a net frontal retreat for 1986–2011 of 0.010 ± 0.006 km yr−1 and a mean areal recession of around 1 % per year occurred (overall 27 ± 24 %). Since 1986, five GIC melted away in the Ammassalik area, and one would therefore expect that GIC might melt substantially within the 21st century under ongoing climate warming.
Interaction of TMPyP4, TMPyP3, and TMPyP2 with Intramolecular G-Quadruplex Formed by Promoter Region of Bcl2 and KRAS NHPPE
Authors: Nagesh Narayana , Ganesh Kumar Arumugam
Published: February 2012

Oncogenes are rich in guanine and capable of forming quadruplex structure. Promoter regions oncogenes such as Bcl2 and KRAS NHPPE are rich in guanine content and they can form quadruplex structures. Alterations in the mode and nature of molecular binding to DNA, certainly has effect on the posttranscriptional activities. Recent experiments indicate that structure of quadruplex complex and ligand has predominant role on ligand-quadruplex DNA interaction. In order to understand the nature of each ligand interaction with quadruplex DNA, Bcl2, KRAS NHPPE quadruplex DNA interaction with three porphyrin was studied using spectroscopy, microcalorimetry and mass spectrometry. Our studies, indicate that mode of ligand interaction varies with structure, environment and concentration of ligand. Fluorescence quenching experiments show that TMPyP4 interaction is ligand concentration dependent. Job plots and ITC experiments demonstrate that four molecules of TMPyP4 and two molecules of TMPyP3, TMPyP2 interact with each quadruplex complex. Through ITC titrations, ligand binding constant are higher for TMPyP4 (≈107 M−1) compared to TMPyP3, TMPyP2 (≈105 M−1). ESI-MS experiments confirm the stoichiometry of TMPyP4 : 39Bcl2 is 4 : 1 at saturation and it is 2 : 1 in case of KRAS NHPPE quadruplex.
The Effects of Music Instruction on Cognitive Development and Reading Skills—An Overview
Authors: Bugaj Katarzyna , Brenner Brenda
Published: February 2012

Research suggests that music study may have an impact on cognitive development and reading readiness skills (Barwick, Valentine, West, and Wilding, 1989; Douglas and Willatts, 1994; Saffran, Johnson, Aslin, and Newport, 1999; Butzlaff, 2000). There are a number of similarities between learning to read language and music. Music and written text both require the reading of notation from left to right, and conversion of notation into a specific sound (Butzlaff, 2000). More important, the auditory analysis skills used in language processing (phonological distinctions, blending and segmentation of sounds) are similar to the skills necessary for music perception of rhythmic (Lamb and Gregory, 1993; Lipscomb, Lundell, Sevett, and Scripp, 2008), harmonic, and melodic discrimination (Anvari, Trainor, Woodside, and Levy, 2002; Barwick et al., 1989; Lamb and Gregory, 1993). This review of literature will focus on music instruction's effect on cognitive performance, spatial-temporal development, and the development of reading skills and phonemic awareness. While describing five successful arts-enhanced curricula in practice, this review of literature will also briefly discuss the problems of instruction for the sake of research as well as the difficulties of research studies within the context of long-term curricular programs.
A Review of Research on Practicing: Summary and Synthesis of the Extant Research with Implications for a New Theoretical Orientation
Authors: Miksza Peter
Published: February 2012

This paper provides a summary and synthesis of the extant research related to music practicing as well as a preliminary presentation of an original instructional theory of practicing. The 119 studies reviewed in this paper are organized according to four central questions about practicing that research has begun to inform: (a) What do individuals do when they practice music? (b) How have researchers intervened with individuals’ practice? (c) What individual difference variables interact with why and how musicians practice? and (d) How is self-regulated learning relevant to practicing? Figures summarizing the essential methodological components of selected studies from each category are included. An instructional theory is presented as opposed to a descriptive theory in an attempt to more closely align research and teaching efforts. The instructional theory that is proposed makes considerations for theoretical frameworks employed in previous research. The following components of the practice process in regards to both student’s and teacher’s influence are included in the new theory: choice, intentionality, action, achievement outcome, and rest and recovery.
Early Reconstruction of Orbital Roof Fractures: Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Kim Jin Woo , Bae Tae Hui , Kim Woo Seob , Kim Han Koo
Published: February 2012

Background Orbital roof fractures are frequently associated with a high energy impact to the craniofacial region, and displaced orbital roof fractures can cause ophthalmic and neurologic complications and occasionally require open surgical intervention. The purpose of this article was to investigate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of orbital root fractures combined with neurologic injuries after early reconstruction.

Methods Between January 2006 and December 2008, 45 patients with orbital roof fractures were admitted; among them, 37 patients were treated conservatively and 8 patients underwent early surgical intervention for orbital roof fractures. The type of injuries that caused the fractures, patient characteristics, associated fractures, ocular and neurological injuries, patient management, and treatment outcomes were investigated.

Results The patients underwent frontal craniotomy and free bone fragment removal, their orbital roofs were reconstructed with titanium micromesh, and associated fractures were repaired. The mean follow up period was 11 months. There were no postoperative neurologic sequelae. Postoperative computed tomography scans showed anatomically reconstructed orbital roofs. Two of the five patients with traumatic optic neuropathy achieved full visual acuity recovery, one patient showed decreased visual acuity, and the other two patients completely lost their vision due to traumatic optic neuropathy. Preoperative ophthalmic symptoms, such as proptosis, diplopia, upper eyelid ptosis, and enophthalmos were corrected.

Conclusions Early recognition and treatment of orbital roof fractures can reduce intracranial and ocular complications. A coronal flap with frontal craniotomy and orbital roof reconstruction using titanium mesh provides a versatile method and provides good functional and cosmetic results.
Immediate Debridement and Reconstruction with a Pectoralis Major Muscle Flap for Poststernotomy Mediastinitis
Authors: Jang Yu Jin , Park Myong Chul , Park Dong Ha , Lim Hyoseob , Kim Joo Hyoung , Lee Il Jae
Published: February 2012

Background Poststernotomy mediastinitis is a rare, but life-threatening complication, thus early diagnosis and proper management is essential for poststernotomy mediastinitis. The main treatment for mediastinitis is aggressive debridement. Several options exist for reconstruction of defects after debridement. The efficacy of immediate debridement and reconstruction with a pectoralis major muscle flap designed for the defect immediately after the diagnosis of poststernotomy mediastinitis is demonstrated.

Methods Between September 2009 and June 2011, 6 patients were referred to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery of Ajou University Hospital for poststernotomy mediastinitis. All of the patients underwent extensive debridement and reconstruction with pectoralis major muscle flaps, advanced based on the pedicle of the thoracoacromial artery as soon as possible following diagnosis. A retrospective review of the 6 cases was performed to evaluate infection control, postoperative morbidity, and mortality.

Results All patients had complete wound closures and reduced severity of infections based on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels and a reduction in poststernal fluid collection on computed tomography an average of 6 days postoperatively. A lack of growth of organisms in the wound culture was demonstrated after 3 weeks. There were no major wound morbidities, such as hematomas, but one minor complication required a skin graft caused by skin flap necrosis. No patient expired after definitive surgery.

Conclusions Immediate debridement and reconstruction using a pectoralis major muscle flap is a safe technique for managing infections associated with poststernotomy mediastinitis, and is associated with minimal morbidity and mortality.
Analysis of Gene Expression and Gene Silencing in Human Macrophages
Authors: Martinez Fernando O.
Published: February 2012

This unit describes how to execute a gene expression study with human macrophages. It includes protocols for human macrophage preparation, RNA extraction, real‐time PCR analysis, and microarray analysis. The unit also includes a protocol for gene silencing in human macrophages. Altering gene expression can be useful to study the contribution of the gene to macrophage function or even expression of other genes. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 96:14.28.1‐14.28.23. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nematic Phases in 1,2,4‐Oxadiazole‐Based Bent‐Core Liquid Crystals: Is There a Ferroelectric Switching?
Authors: Shanker Govindaswamy , Nagaraj Mamatha , Kocot Antoni , Vij Jagdish K. , Prehm Marko , Tschierske Carsten
Published: February 2012

Four series of new 1,2,4‐oxadiazole derived bent‐core liquid crystals incorporating one or two cyclohexane rings are synthesized and investigated by optical polarizing microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), electro‐optical, and dielectric investigations. All the compounds exhibit wide ranges of nematic phases composed of tilted smectic (SmC‐type) cybotactic clusters with strongly tilted aromatic cores (40–57°) and show a distinct peak in the current curves observed under a triangular wave field. Dielectric spectroscopy of aligned samples corroborates the previously proposed polar structure of the cybotactic clusters and the ferroelectric‐like polar switching of these nematic phases. Hence, it is shown that this is a general feature of the nematic phases of structurally different 3,5‐diphenyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole derivatives. In these uniaxial nematic phases there is appreciable local biaxiality and polar order in the cybotactic clusters. As a second point it is shown that electric field induced fan‐like textures, as often observed for the nematic phases of bent‐core liquid crystals, do not indicate the formation of a smectic phase, rather they represent special electro‐convection patterns due to hydrodynamic instabilities.
Occurrence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia in a patient with Noonan syndrome carrying the germline PTPN11 mutation p.E139D
Authors: Pauli Silke , Steinemann Doris , Dittmann Kai , Wienands Jürgen , Shoukier Moneef , Möschner Marita , Burfeind Peter , Manukjan Georgi , Göhring Gudrun , Escherich Gabriele
Published: February 2012

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a common autosomal dominant condition characterized by short stature, congenital heart defects, and dysmorphic facial features caused in approximately 50% of cases by missense mutations in the PTPN11 gene. NS patients are predisposed to malignancies including myeloproliferative disorders or leukemias. We report a female NS patient carrying a PTPN11 germline mutation c.417 G > C (p.E139D), who developed in her second year of life an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and after remission, she developed at 4 years of age a juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). Molecular genetic analysis of lymphoblastic blasts at the time of the ALL diagnosis revealed the germline mutation in a heterozygous state, while in the myelomonocytic blasts occurring with JMML diagnosis, the mutation p.E139D was found in a homozygous state due to a uniparental disomy (UPD). These findings lead to the suggestion that the pathogenesis of ALL and JMML in our patient is due to different mechanisms including somatically acquired secondary chromosomal abnormalities. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.