bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Cutting Edges Made of Nanocrystalline Cemented Carbides Sintered by the Pulse Plasma Method
Authors: Kupczyk Maciej Jan , Michalski Andrzej , Siwak Piotr , Rosinski Marcin
Published: January 2011

In our investigations, nanocrystalline WC-5 wt % Co was consolidated by the pulse plasma sintering method at various temperatures between 1320 and 1560 K under a pressure of 60 MPa for 300 s. The cemented carbides sintered at 1520 K have a relative density of 100 %, hardness of 2100 HV30, and tungsten carbides (WC) crystallite size of about 150–300 nm. An increase of the sintering temperature to 1560 K results in the increase of the WC crystallite size to about 300–500 nm and the hardness being decreased to 1980 HV30. The tool life of the cutting edges made of nanocrystalline cemented carbides sintered by the pulse plasma method is increased about two times in comparison with cutting edges made of standard and fine-grained cemented carbides during the turning of EN1.45.40 (1H18N9T) austenitic steel.
Switching Control for a Networked Vision-based Control System
Authors: Chen Chih-Chung , Wu Haiyan , Kühnlenz Kolja , Hirche Sandra
Published: January 2011

Advances in communication and computation technology facilitate closed loop control via communication networks. Such networked control systems may include distributed sensors and actuators as well as distributed computational resources. In the field of vision-based control, the possibility of distributed computation is of particular interest due to the large amounts of visual data to be processed. Time-delay caused by data transfer through the network and by processing algorithms impair stability and performance of the controlled closed-loop system. In this article, a novel switching control scheme for networked vision-based control systems is proposed accounting for varying time-delay in order to improve control performance. The closed-loop system is modeled as a continuous system with varying time-delay considering processing and transfer time-delays as well as sampling intervals. Mean exponential stability is proven based on occurrence probabilities of delays. The article concludes with comparative experiments showing a significant improvement of control performance of the proposed approach with respect to a non-switching reference controller.
Robotersysteme für Hochdurchsatzverfahren in der Bioanalysetechnik
Authors: Pfriem Alexander , Schulz Stefan , Pylatiuk Christian , Alshut Rüdiger , Bretthauer Georg
Published: January 2011

Gegenstand des Artikels ist die Automatisierung eines Hochdurchsatzscreens in der Bioanalysetechnik mit dem Zebrabärbling (danio rerio) als Modellorganismus. Typische Fragestellungen in Toxikologie und Genetik bringen große Probenumfänge mit sich, jedoch gibt es für die Durchführung der Untersuchungen bisher kaum Automatisierungstechnik. Mit den im Artikel vorgestellten neuen Robotern zur Bioanalyse können Einzelschritte der Prozesskette vollautomatisch realisiert werden. Die Roboter tragen damit dazu bei, Hochdurchsatzverfahren vollautomatisch und mit großen Probenumfängen durchführen zu können.
The effect of humic acid on the formation and solubility of secondary solid phases (Nd(OH)CO3and Sm(OH)CO3)
Authors: Antoniou S. , Pashalidis Ioannis , Gessner A. , Kumke M. U.
Published: January 2011

The formation of secondary Ln(III) solid phases (e.g.Nd(OH)CO3and Sm(OH)CO3) has been studied as a function of the humic acid (HA) concentration in 0.1 M NaClO4aqueous solution and their solubility has been investigated in the neutral pH range (6.5–8) under normal atmospheric conditions. Nd(III) and Sm(III) were selected as analogues for trivalent lanthanide and actinide ions. The solid phases under investigation have been prepared by alkaline precipitation and characterized by TGA, ATR-FTIR, XRD, TRLFS, DR-UV-Vis and Raman spectroscopy, and solubility measurements. The spectroscopic data obtained indicate that Nd(OH)CO3and Sm(OH)CO3are stable and remain the solubility limiting solid phases even in the presence of increased HA concentration (0.5 g/L) in solution. Upon base addition in the Ln(III)-HA system decomplexation of the previously formed Ln(III)-humate complexes and precipitation of two distinct phases occurs, the inorganic (Ln(OH)CO3) and the organic phase (HA), which is adsorbed on the particle surface of the former. Nevertheless, HA affects the particle size of the solid phases. Increasing HA concentration results in decreasing crystallite size of the Nd(OH)CO3and increasing crystallite size of the Sm(OH)CO3solid phase, and affects inversely the solubility of the solid phases. However, this impact on the solid phase properties is expected to be of minor relevance regarding the chemical behavior and migration of trivalent lanthanides and actinides in the geosphere.
Crystal structure of 2,2′-bipyridine complexes of Np(V) and Pu(V) m-nitrobenzoates
Authors: Charushnikova I. A. , Grigoriev M. S. , Krot N. N.
Published: January 2011

Single crystals of [AnO2(bipy)(OOCC6H4NO2)(H2O)]·0.5bipy (An=Np, Pu, bipy=2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and their structures have been determined by X-ray analysis. The compounds are isomorphous and contain electroneutral complexes [AnO2(bipy)(OOCC6H4NO2)(H2O)] and solvate bipy molecules. Actinide atoms in both compounds are seven coordinated. Actinide contraction results in a shortening of all bonds in the coordination spheres at the transition from Np to Pu. The structures are compared with those of other An(V) benzoate compounds. In contrast to earlier structurally characterized An(V) benzoates, cation–cation interaction in [AnO2(bipy)(OOCC6H4NO2)(H2O)] complexes is absent. Lower complexing ability of m-nitrobenzoate is compensated by engagement of water molecule into the coordination sphere of An(V). This is accompanied by formation of strong H-bonds between AnO2
+ cations and coordinated water molecules.
Liquid chromatographic behavior of lanthanides and actinides on monolith supports
Authors: Datta Arpita , Sivaraman N. , Srinivasan T. G. , Vasudeva Rao P. R.
Published: January 2011

Burn-up measurement for the fast reactor fuels in general and measurements on short cooled dissolver solutions in particular pose a great challenge due to the high level of radioactivity associated with the solution. An HPLC technique using monolith support has been developed for the first time for the determination of burn-up of fast reactor fuels and applied to the dissolver solution of the FBTR (Fast Breeder Test Reactor, Kalpakkam, India) fuel discharged at nominal burn-up of 150 GWd/t. A dynamic ion-exchange technique developed for the individual separation of lanthanides as well as actinides in connection with the burn-up measurements, has led to separation of all 14 lanthanides in about 2.77 min, the fastest LC technique as of now in literature and has resulted in a significant reduction in analysis time, radiation dose to operator and liquid waste generation. The dissolver solution was injected directly into the HPLC and assayed for lanthanide fission products, uranium, and plutonium using appropriate dilutions. The atom percent fission was calculated based on these measurements and the results are discussed. A reversed-phase chromatographic technique was also employed for the determination of uranium and plutonium in the dissolver solution. The sorption behaviour of uranium and thorium was examined on a monolith support modified with bis-2-ethylhexyl succinamic acid (BEHSA). Rapid separation of uranium from thorium could be achieved in about 20 s on the modified monolith support.
Solvent extraction studies of plutonium(IV) by crown ether dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 (DC18C6) in 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C4mimPF6) and 1-hexyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C6mimPF6) room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL)
Authors: Lohithakshan K. V. , Aggarwal S. K.
Published: January 2011

Solvent extraction studies of Pu(IV) from aqueous nitric acid by crown ether (CE) dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 (DC18C6) in 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C4mimPF6) and 1-hexyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C6mimPF6) room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) were carried out at different temperatures in the range of 298 to 318 K. The least squares analysis of the extraction data indicated the extracted species at 1 M HNO3 aqueous concentration to be cationic complex with the formula Pu(CE)(NO3)2
2+. The thermodynamic parameters evaluated by the temperature coefficient method indicated that the reaction is favoured by decrease in enthalpy and is counteracted by decrease in entropy.
Messunsicherheitsanalyse mittels virtueller Streifenprojektionstechnik auf Grundlage von Polygonmodellen
Authors: Haskamp Klaus , Kästner Markus , Gillhaus Rüdiger , Reithmeier Eduard
Published: January 2011

Virtuelle Sensorsysteme können parallel zur Bauteilkonstruktion zur Messbarkeitsprüfung und für Messunsicherheitsuntersuchungen verwendet werden. Beispielsweise ist es möglich, zu entscheiden, ob die funktionsrelevanten Bauteilflächen mit der geforderten Messunsicherheit erfasst werden können. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Verfahren vorgestellt, mit dem es möglich ist, reale Messunsicherheiten mit Hilfe einer numerischen Computersimulation abzuschätzen. Weiterhin wird die abgeschätzte Unsicherheit mit empirisch abgeschätzten Unsicherheiten verglichen, um die Güte des virtuellen Messsystems zu verifizieren.
Occurrence of Aortic Aneurysms in 5 Cases of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
Authors: Pellier Isabelle , Girod Sophie Dupuis , Loisel Didier , Benabidallah Samir , Proust Alexis , Malhlaoui Nizar , Picard Capucine , Najioullah Fatiha , de Saint Basile Geneviève , Blanche Stephane , Rialland Xavier , Casanova Jean Laurent , Fischer Alain
Published: January 2011

Aortic aneurysms are a rare condition in children. Here we report the occurrence of aortic aneurysms in 5 children with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS). Three patients had a WAS score of 4, and 2 patients had a WAS score of 5, but autoimmunity was only present in 1 patient. Discovery was fortuitous in 4 cases after chest radiography or thoracic or abdominal computed tomography, which was performed to investigate unrelated symptoms; in 1 patient, thoracic pain was an alerting sign. Age at diagnosis was 10 to 16 years. Aneurysms were confined to the thoracic aorta in 4 cases and to the abdominal aorta in 1 case and were from 2 to 6 cm in size. Aortic surgery was successfully performed on the single symptomatic patient. Two other patients are alive: there has been a low progression of the aneurysm 15 years after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 1 patient and no evidence of progression after 12 years of follow-up without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the second patient. Two patients died 2 and 4 years after diagnosis from unrelated complications. A systematic retrospective search of 33 other patients with WAS for whom imaging material was available did not reveal the presence of aortic aneurysms. This unusual frequency of aortic aneurysm found in patients with WAS (5 of 38) indicates that aneurysm can be an underdiagnosed complication of WAS. It is presently unclear whether it is caused by an infectious and/or autoimmune/inflammatory process. Therefore, we suggest that aneurysms of large vessels should be systematically searched for in patients with WAS.
Does Fellowship Pay: What Is the Long-term Financial Impact of Subspecialty Training in Pediatrics?
Authors: Rochlin Jonathan M. , Simon Harold K.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVES:

To (1) analyze the financial returns of fellowship training in pediatrics and to compare them with those generated from a career in general pediatrics and (2) evaluate the effects of including the newly enacted federal loan-repayment program and of changing the length of fellowship training.

BACKGROUND:

Although the choice to enter fellowship is based on many factors, economic considerations are important. We are not aware of any study that has focused on the financial impact of fellowship training in pediatrics.

METHODS:

Using standard financial techniques, we estimated the financial returns that a graduating pediatric resident might anticipate from additional fellowship training followed by a career as a pediatric subspecialist and compared them with the returns that might be expected from starting a career as a general pediatrician immediately after residency.

RESULTS:

The financial returns of pediatric fellowship training varied greatly depending on which subspecialty fellowship was chosen. Pursuing a fellowship in most pediatric subspecialties was a negative financial decision when compared with pursuing no fellowship at all and practicing as a general pediatrician. Incorporating the federal loan-repayment program targeted toward pediatric subspecialists and decreasing the length of fellowship training from 3 to 2 years would substantially increase the financial returns of the pediatric subspecialties.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pediatric subspecialization yielded variable financial returns. The results from this study can be helpful to current pediatric residents as they contemplate their career options. In addition, our study may be valuable to policy makers evaluating health care reform and pediatric workforce-allocation issues.
Current Referral Patterns and Means to Improve Accuracy in Diagnosis of Undescended Testis
Authors: Snodgrass Warren , Bush Nicol , Holzer Michael , Zhang Song
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVES:

The goals were to determine current referral patterns for boys suspected of having undescended testis (UDT) and to identify factors to assist primary care providers in distinguishing retractile testes from UDTs on the basis of history, physical examination, or imaging findings.

METHODS:

By using a standardized history assessment, visual inspection of the scrotum for symmetry, physical examination, and review of previously obtained imaging findings, we performed a prospective observational study with consecutive patients referred to a pediatric urologist for evaluation of UDT.

RESULTS:

Of 118 boys, 51 (43%) had descended testes, 60 (51%) had UDTs, and 7 (6%) had initially indeterminate findings. Boys with UDT were referred at a median age of 43.3 months. Patients referred at <1 year or >10 years of age were significantly more likely to have UDT than were those referred at 1 to 10 years of age. History of UDT at birth, prematurity, and scrotal asymmetry strongly increased the risk of UDT. Genital ultrasonography had been performed for 25% of patients, incorrectly indicating UDT for 48%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most boys were referred well beyond the recommended age of <12 months for orchiopexy. Only one-half of the patients had UDT, with most errors in diagnosis being made for boys 1 to 10 years of age, which suggests difficulty distinguishing UDT from retractile testis. Positive birth history findings, prematurity, and scrotal asymmetry predicted UDT and can be used by primary care physicians in their assessment before referral. Genital ultrasonography did not distinguish UDTs from retractile testes.
Prospective Assessment of Practice Pattern Variations in the Treatment of Pediatric Gastroenteritis
Authors: Freedman Stephen B. , Gouin Serge , Bhatt Maala , Black Karen J. L. , Johnson David , Guimont Chantal , Joubert Gary , Porter Robert , Doan Quynh , van Wylick Richard , Schuh Suzanne , Atenafu Eshetu , Eltorky Mohamed , Cho Dennis , Plint Amy ,   for Pediatric Emergency Research Canada
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVES:

We aimed to determine whether significant variations in the use of intravenous rehydration existed among institutions, controlling for clinical variables, and to assess variations in the use of ancillary therapeutic and diagnostic modalities.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective cohort study of children 3 to 48 months of age who presented to 11 emergency departments with acute gastroenteritis, using surveys, medical record reviews, and telephone follow-up evaluations.

RESULTS:

A total of 647 eligible children were enrolled and underwent chart review; 69% (446 of 647 children) participated in the survey, and 89% of survey participants (398 of 446 children) had complete follow-up data. Twenty-three percent (149 of 647 children) received intravenous rehydration (range: 6%–66%; P < .001) and 13% (81 of 647 children) received ondansetron (range: 0%–38%; P < .001). Children who received intravenous rehydration had lower Canadian Triage Acuity Scale scores at presentation (3.1 ± 0.5 vs 3.5 ± 0.5; P < .0001). Regression analysis revealed that the greatest predictor of intravenous rehydration was institution location (odds ratio: 3.0 [95% confidence interval: 1.8–5.0]). Children who received intravenous rehydration at the index visit were more likely to have an unscheduled follow-up health care provider visit (29% vs 19%; P = .05) and to revisit an emergency department (20% vs 9%; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this cohort, intravenous rehydration and ondansetron use varied dramatically. Use of intravenous rehydration at the index visit was significantly associated with the institution providing care and was not associated with a reduction in the need for follow-up care.
Impact of the establishment of waiting list committee on recipient evaluation for kidney transplantation: experience of the Budapest Centre
Authors: Toronyi Éva , Chmel Rita , Maléth Anikó , Borsodi Etelka , Mező Anikó , Langer Róbert
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the establishment of waiting list committee on recipient evaluation for kidney transplantation. Studies on this issue have not been previously reported. Methods: Data of 714 patients were collected between September 1, 2007 and April 20, 2010. Of the 714 patients 354 were transplanted. Data from the first 16 months period were compared to those obtained during the second 16 months period. Results: During the first period 171 patients (47.9%) were unfit for transplantation [129 patients (36.1%) were refused after telephone information and 42 patients (11.8%) after clinical investigation]. During the second period 141 (39.5%) patients were found to be unsuitable [80 patients (22.4%) after telephone information and 61 patients (17.1)] after clinical examination. During the two periods of the study 44% of patients were unfit for transplantation. A considerable number of patients were refused because of cardiologic reasons. The percent of fit patients was 52.1% in the first period and 60.5% in the second period. In addition, the percent of unfit patients who were unsuitable for kidney transplantation after telephone information decreased from 36.1% to 22.4%, while the percent of unfit patients after clinical evaluation increased from 11.% to 17.1%. Conclusions: Authors conclude that waiting list committee made an effective work. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 190–195.
Channa's Suicide in the Sa?yukta-?gama
Authors: Analayo Bhikkhu
Published: January 2011

The present article offers a translation of the Sa?yukta-?gama parallel to the Channa-sutta of the Sa?yutta-nik?ya, which describes the events surrounding the suicide of a monk who might have been an arahant.
Missing the targets and being misunderstood
Authors: Rahilly Joan
Published: January 2011

Effects of vowel variation on interaction are considered, with particular relevance to their role in conversational breakdown. The effect of speaker knowledge and experience is noted as a variable in developmental progress which must inform profiling decisions, and the need for appropriate taxonomies of speech varieties is emphasized as a precursor to clinical and educational assessments. It is noted, too, that a shared sociolinguistic background between speaker and listener does not always resolve difficulties arising from non-target realizations, casting some doubt on ideas that assessors always possess a guaranteed sense of phonological variability and its effects. Hence, an informed understanding of phonological variation, rather than merely awareness that such variation exists, is advocated.
Low-Dose-Rate Definitive Brachytherapy for High-Grade Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Blanchard Pierre , Monnier Laurie , Dumas Isabelle , Morice Philippe , Pautier Patricia , Duvillard Pierre , Azoury Fares , Mazeron Renaud , Haie-Meder Christine
Published: January 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Utilize data supporting the efficacy of low-dose definitive brachytherapy to inform clinical decisions about treating women with high-grade vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.Implement methods for delivering low-dose definitive brachytherapy that minimize toxicity.Communicate to patients the type and incidence of toxic events associated with low-dose definitive brachytherapy.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Background.

Treatment of high-grade vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) is controversial and could include surgical excision, topical medication, brachytherapy, or other treatments. We report the results of low-dose-rate (LDR) vaginal brachytherapy for grade 3 VAIN (VAIN-3) over a 25-year period at Gustave Roussy Institute.

Patients and Methods.

We retrospectively reviewed the files of all patients treated at Gustave Roussy Institute for VAIN-3 since 1985. The treatment consisted of LDR brachytherapy using a personalized vaginal mold and delivered 60 Gy to 5 mm below the vaginal mucosa. All patients had at least an annual gynecological examination, including a vaginal smear.

Results.

Twenty-eight patients were eligible. The median follow-up was 41 months. Seven patients had a follow-up <2 years, and the median follow-up for the remaining 21 patients was 79 months. The median age at brachytherapy was 63 years (range, 38–80 years). Twenty-six patients had a history of VAIN recurring after cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and 24 had a previous hysterectomy. The median brachytherapy duration was 4.5 days. Median doses to the International Commission of Radiation Units and Measurements rectum and bladder points were 68 Gy and 45 Gy, respectively. The median prescription volume (60 Gy) was 74 cm3. Only one “in field” recurrence occurred, corresponding to a 5- and 10-year local control rate of 93% (95% confidence interval, 70%–99%). The treatment was well tolerated, with no grade 3 or 4 late toxicity and only one grade 2 digestive toxicity. No second cancers were reported.

Conclusion.

LDR brachytherapy is an effective and safe treatment for vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.
A new species of the genus Parasa Moore (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) from Yemen
Authors: Solovyev Alexey V. , Saldaitis Aidas
Published: January 2011

A new species Parasa dusii Solovyev and Saldaitis from northern Yemen is described (holotype in Museum Witt, Munich; Germany). The species has tendency to lose the green pigment typical for other congeners. It is provisionally placed into the genus Parasa Moore, 1859 where it is closely related to P. divisa West, 1940, P. catori Bethune-Baker, 1911, P. marginata West, 1940, P. thamia Rungs, 1951, P. dentina Hering, 1932, P. ananii Karsch, 1896, and P. semiochracea Hering, 1933. The relationship of the new species to these African species suggests its secondary penetration into the Arabian Peninsula from an origin in tropical Africa. The problems of monophyly of the genus Parasa and several associated genera are briefly discussed. All important characters of the new species, and some related species, are illustrated.
Typical and Atypical Dementia Family Caregivers: Systematic and Objective Comparisons
Authors: Nichols Linda O. , Martindale-Adams Jennifer , Burns Robert , Graney Marshall J. , Zuber Jeffrey
Published: January 2011

This systematic, objective comparison of typical (spouse, children) and atypical (in-law, sibling, nephew/niece, grandchild) dementia family caregivers examined demographic, caregiving and clinical variables. Analysis was of 1,476 caregivers, of whom 125 were atypical, from the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregivers Health (REACH I and II) studies. Based on statistical and clinical significance, there were large effects for demographics but no large effects among caregivers or care recipients on clinical and caregiving variables. Non-spouse family members were more likely to be caring for women and unmarried individuals. Grandchildren and nieces/nephews provided care for older care recipients. For care recipients who are unmarried, older, or women, fewer care possibilities may be available; consequently family members other than spouse or children may become their caregivers. Once an individual becomes a caregiver, the clinical experience of dementia caregiving is similar across caregiver types. These findings have implications for clinical care and public policy.
Spirituality in Medical School Curricula: Findings from a National Survey
Authors: Koenig Harold G. , Hooten Elizabeth G. , Lindsay-Calkins Erin , Meador Keith G.
Published: January 2011

Objective:

No systematic information exists on what U.S. medical schools are teaching on spirituality and health or on the attitudes of faculty toward inclusion of this subject in the medical curriculum. We systematically surveyed U.S. medical school deans and assessed both attitudes about and the extent to which spirituality is addressed in medical school curricula.

Methods:

The responses to a questionnaire were solicited from deans representing 122 U.S. medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education. Completed surveys were received from 85% ( n = 104), with 94% ( n = 115) responding to the primary question. Outcomes were proportion of medical schools with curricular content on spirituality and attitudes of deans toward such material.

Results:

Ninety percent (range 84%–90%) of medical schools have courses or content on spirituality and health (S&H), 73% with content in required courses addressing other topics and 7% with a required course dedicated to S&H. Although over 90% indicate that patients emphasize spirituality in their coping and health care, only 39% say that including S&H is important. When asked if their institution needs more S&H curricular content, 43% indicated they did; however, even if funding and training support were available, only 25% would open additional curricular time. National policy statements, established competencies, or methods to evaluate student competencies in S&H were generally considered unimportant.

Conclusions:

Most U.S. medical schools have curricular content on S&H, although this varies greatly in scope. Despite acknowledging its importance to patients, the majority of deans are uncertain about including spirituality and do not think more content is needed.
IFN-γ Reduction by Tricyclic Antidepressants
Authors: Himmerich Hubertus , Fulda Stephany , Sheldrick Abigail J. , Plümäkers Birgit , Rink Lothar
Published: January 2011

Objective:

A growing body of data indicates that an activation of proinflammatory cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is involved in the pathophysiology of depression and that the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production by antidepressants may lead to an improvement of depressive symptoms. However, the influence of the serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine and its metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine on the stimulated blood cell secretion of IFN-γ has not been studied so far.

Method:

We measured IFN-γ levels in the stimulated blood of healthy female subjects in a whole blood assay using the toxic shock syndrome toxin TSST-1 as stimulant. Blood was either supplemented with antidepressants or not.

Results:

Mean IFN-γ concentrations differed between blood with and without antidepressant supplements ( p = 0.026). Planned contrasts revealed that compared to non-supplemented blood, four of the blood samples supplemented with the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) reduced IFN-γ levels: amitriptyline (adjusted p-value ( p = 0.004), nortriptyline ( p = 0.037), imipramine ( p = 0.021), and desipramine ( p = 0.048). There was no significant difference between the control condition and the venlafaxine or O-desmethylvenlafaxine condition.

Conclusions:

TCAs might, among other mechanisms, act as antidepressants by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, whereas no significant effect of venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine on IFN-γ secretion could be demonstrated.
Coping as a Mediator in the Relationships of Spiritual Well-Being to Mental Health in Black Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Newlin Kelley , Melkus Gail D. , Peyrot Mark , Koenig Harold G. , Allard Emily , Chyun Deborah
Published: January 2011

Objective:

Examine coping as a mediator in the relationships of spiritual well-being to mental health in Black women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods:

Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from a convenience sample of 45 Black women with T2DM. Measures of coping strategies, spiritual well-being (religious and existential well-being), and mental health, as measured by diabetes-specific distress (DSED), were collected. Bivariate findings informed mediational, trivariate model development.

Results:

Religious well-being was significantly related to cognitive reframing (CR) coping strategies ( p = 0.026) but not DSED ( p = 0.751). Existential well-being was significantly related to CR (β = 0.575, p < 0.001), direct assistance (DA) coping (β = 0.368, p = 0.006) and DSED (β = −0.338, p = 0.023). Although CR (β = −0.305, p = 0.021) and DA (β = −0.262, p = 0.041) had significant bivariate associations with DSED, the relationships were not significant when existential well-being was controlled. However, the relationship of existential well-being to DSED was mediated by specific CR and DA strategies that were associated with DSED to varying degrees—“I came up with a couple different solutions to the problem” (β = −0.301, p = 0.049); “I came out of the experience better than I went in” (β = −0.308, p = 0.061); and “I talked to someone who could do something concrete about the problem” (β = −0.272, p = 0.078).

Conclusion:

Findings indicate that diabetes care address spiritual well-being, both its religious and existential components, in Black women with T2DM.
Re-Imagining the U.S.-Mexico Border: Policies toward a More Competitive and Sustainable Transborder Region
Authors: Gerber James , Lara-Valencia Francisco , de la Parra Carlos
Published: January 2011

The U.S.-Mexico border region has two important but often overlooked characteristics. First, it is the physical place of most of the integration between the United States and Mexico, including market driven integration such as trade flows, migration, and investment as well as policy driven integration such as security cooperation, infrastructure development, and emergency response. Second, the border region has a growing transnational population that lives, works, goes to school, and participates in family and social networks on both sides of the border. Recent U.S. policy has hardened the border in response to concerns about terrorism, drug and human trafficking, undocumented migration, and arms smuggling. The consequences of these policies include disruption of the on-going economic integration, large external costs imposed on the growing transnational population, and barriers to progress on a number of issues of national importance, including dispute resolution, migration, and environmental management, among others. The paper identifies and discusses the advantages of the three different definitions of the border in current usage: counties and municipios that touch the border; the 100 kilometer boundary first set by the La Paz Agreement and later amended to 300 kilometers in Mexico and 100 in the U.S.; and the ten states that are along the border. The hardening of the border is partly the result of a lack of border institutions and the inability of border residents to speak in a common voice when they talk to their capitals. This is changing, however, as new institutions such as the Border Governors Conference take on a more active role in promoting the interests of border states and border regions. An examination of a recent Delphi survey of border decision-makers shows a high degree of cross border agreement on the goals and needs of the region in key areas such as competitiveness, security, and sustainability.
Exchange Rates and the Effectiveness of Actual and Oral Official Interventions: A Survey on Findings, Issues and Policy Implications
Authors: Cavusoglu Nevin
Published: January 2011

Monetary authorities of many open economies have been regularly intervening in foreign exchange markets for years to limit volatility in exchange rates and/or push exchange rates back to some desired level. Such interventions have taken the form of actual and oral official interventions. Review of studies investigating the effectiveness of interventions reveals one major issue, related to the assumption that interventions are mostly sterilized. This assumption might lead to unreliable results when changes in interest rates and interventions are both used as explanatory variables for exchange rates.

One major consistent finding is that intervention has a significant but short-lasting effect on exchange rates. Studies have reached this conclusion by investigating whether intervention has been effective in turning around the exchange rate over the few days, weeks or months following intervention(s). Only a few studies have investigated and provided evidence that intervention has been effective in limiting long swings in exchange rates.

Studies testing for the effectiveness of interventions specifically through the signaling channel also provide evidence on the importance of macroeconomic variables for exchange rates. The significance of official intervention and official communication for exchange rate movements combined with the importance of macroeconomic variables for exchange rates provide a role for official intervention and parity announcement to influence exchange rate movements and limit the magnitude of exchange rate swings.
Protective effects of orally applied fullerenol nano particles in rats after a single dose of doxorubicin
Authors: Icevic Ivana , Vukmirovic Aleksandar , Srdjenovic Branislava , Sudji Jan , Djordjevic Aleksandar , Injac Rade , Vasovic Velibor
Published: January 2011

Polyhydroxylated, water soluble, fullerenol C60(OH)24 nano particles (FNP) in
vitro and in vivo models, showed an expressive biological activity. The goal
of this work was to investigate the potential protective effects of orally
applied FNP on rats after a single dose of doxorubicin (DOX) (8 mg/kg (i.p.))
6 h after the last application of FNP. After the last drug administration,
the rats were sacrificed, and the blood and tissues were taken for the
analysis. Biochemical and pathological results obtained in this study
indicate that fullerenol (FNP), in H2O:DMSO (80:20, w/w) solution given
orally in final doses of 10, 14.4, and 21.2 mg/kg three days successively,
has the protective (hepatoprotective and nephroprotective) effect against
doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity via its antioxidant properties.
Heat transfer performance of an oil jet impinging on a downward-facing stainless steel plate
Authors: Issa Roy
Published: January 2011

An experimental study is carried out for the quenching of a stainless steel
plate using a single oil jet impinging on the bottom surface of the plate.
The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the oil jet flow
operating conditions onto the heat transfer effectiveness when the plate is
heated to temperatures ranging from around 115 to 630?C, and the oil is
heated to temperatures ranging from 60 to 75?C. Tests are conducted on the
oil at various temperatures to determine its viscosity. Experiments are
conducted for nozzle exit flow rates ranging from 113 to 381 ml/min, oil jet
pressures from 3.1 to 12 psi, and nozzle-to-plate surface distances of 0.6
and 1 cm. The variation of the oil heat flux and heat transfer coefficient
with the surface temperature for the different quenching parameters is
calculated from the acquired temperature data. Tests results show the oil
heat transfer effectiveness keeps increasing for increasing plate
temperature. Oil jet pressure is shown to have a considerable effect on the
oil heat transfer, while the nozzle-to-plate surface distance is shown to
have a lesser effect. The results of this study shall lead to a better
understanding of the parameters that play an important role in oil quenching
for applications that are of interest to the metal process industry.
Effect of operating conditions on the performance of the bubble pump of absorption-diffusion refrigeration cycles
Authors: Benhmidene Ali , Chaouachi Bechir , Gabsi Slimane
Published: January 2011

The mathematical model will be able to predict the operated condition
(required tube diameters, heat input and submergence ratio?.). That will
result in a successful bubble pump design and hence a refrigeration unit. In
the present work a one-dimensional two-fluid model of boiling mixing
ammonia-water under constant heat flux is developed. The present model is
used to predict the outlet liquid and vapor velocities and pumping ratio for
different heat flux input to pump. The influence of operated conditions such
as: ammonia fraction in inlet solution and tube diameter on the functioning
of the bubble pump is presented and discussed. It was found that, the liquid
velocity and pumping ratio increase with increasing heat flux, and then it
decreases. Optimal heat flux depends namely on tube diameter variations.
Vapour velocity increases linearly with increasing heat flux under designed
conditions.
Hydromagnetic flow and heat transfer over a bidirectional stretching surface in a porous medium
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar , Ahmed Manzoor , Abbas Zaheer , Sajid Muhammad
Published: January 2011

In this study, we present a steady three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic
(MHD) flow and heat transfer characteristics of a viscous fluid due to a
bidirectional stretching sheet in a porous medium. The heat transfer analysis
has been carried out for two heating processes namely (i) the prescribed
surface temperature (PST) and (ii) prescribed surface heat flux (PHF). In
addition the heat transfer rate varies along the surface. The similarity
solution of the governing boundary layer partial differential equations is
developed by employing homotopy analysis method (HAM). The quantities of
interest are velocity, temperature, skin-friction and wall heat flux. The
results obtained are presented through graphs and tabular data. It is
observed that both velocity and boundary layer thickness decreases by
increasing the porosity and magnetic field. This shows that application of
magnetic and porous medium cause a control on the boundary layer thickness.
Moreover, the results are also compared with the existing values in the
literature and found in excellent agreement.
Determining the composition of high temperature combustion products of fossil fuel based on variational principles and geometric programming
Authors: Vujovic Velibor
Published: January 2011

This paper presents the algorithm and results of a computer program for
calculation of complex equilibrium composition for the high temperature
fossil fuel combustion products. The method of determining the composition of
high temperatures combustion products at the temperatures appearing in the
open cycle MHD power generation is given. The determination of combustion
product composition is based on minimization of the Gibbs free energy. The
number of equations to be solved is reduced by using variational principles
and a method of geometric programming and is equal to the sum of the numbers
of elements and phases. A short description of the computer program for the
calculation of the composition and an example of the results are also given.
Thermodynamic analysis and simulation of a new combined power and refrigeration cycle using artificial neural network
Authors: Fazeli Abdolreza , Rezvantalab Hossein , Kowsary Farshad
Published: January 2011

In this study, a new combined power and refrigeration cycle is proposed,
which combines the Rankine and absorption refrigeration cycles. Using a
binary ammonia-water mixture as the working fluid, this combined cycle
produces both power and refrigeration output simultaneously by employing only
one external heat source. In order to achieve the highest possible exergy
efficiency, a secondary turbine is inserted to expand the hot weak solution
leaving the boiler. Moreover, an artificial neural network (ANN) is used to
simulate the thermodynamic properties and the relationship between the input
thermodynamic variables on the cycle performance. It is shown that turbine
inlet pressure, as well as heat source and refrigeration temperatures have
significant effects on the net power output, refrigeration output and exergy
efficiency of the combined cycle. In addition, the results of ANN are in
excellent agreement with the mathematical simulation and cover a wider range
for evaluation of cycle performance.
Exergoeconomic optimization of gas turbine power plants operating parameters using genetic algorithms: A case study
Authors: Gorji-Bandpy Mofid , Goodarzian Hamed
Published: January 2011

Exergoeconomic analysis helps designers to find ways to improve the
performance of a system in a cost effective way. This can play a vital role
in the analysis, design and optimization of thermal systems. Thermoeconomic
optimization is a powerful and effective tool in finding the best solutions
between the two competing objectives, minimizing economic costs and
maximizing exergetic efficiency. In this paper, operating parameters of a gas
turbine power plant that produce 140MW of electricity were optimized using
exergoeconomic principles and genetic algorithms. The analysis shows that the
cost of final product is 9.78% lower with respect to the base case. This is
achieved with 8.77% increase in total capital investment. Also thermoeconomic
analysis and evaluation were performed for the gas turbine power plant. The
results show the deep relation of the unit cost on the change of the
operating parameters.
Diabetes and Risk of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tseng Chin-Hsiao
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

The link between diabetes and prostate cancer is rarely studied in Asians.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The trend of age-standardized prostate cancer incidence in 1995–2006 in the Taiwanese general population was calculated. A random sample of 1,000,000 subjects covered by the National Health Insurance in 2005 was recruited. A total of 494,630 men for all ages and 204,741 men ≥40 years old and without prostate cancer at the beginning of 2003 were followed to the end of 2005. Cumulative incidence and risk ratio between diabetic and nondiabetic men were calculated. Logistic regression estimated the adjusted odds ratios for risk factors.

RESULTS

The trend of prostate cancer incidence increased significantly (P < 0.0001). The cumulative incidence markedly increased with age in either the diabetic or nondiabetic men. The respective risk ratio (95% CI) for all ages and age 40–64, 65–74, and ≥75 years was 5.83 (5.10–6.66), 2.09 (1.60–2.74), 1.35 (1.07–1.71), and 1.39 (1.12–1.71). In logistic regression for all ages or for age ≥40 years, age, diabetes, nephropathy, ischemic heart disease, dyslipidemia, living region, and occupation were significantly associated with increased risk, but medications including insulin and oral antidiabetic agents were not.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate cancer incidence is increasing in Taiwan. A positive link between diabetes and prostate cancer is observed, which is more remarkable in the youngest age of 40–64 years. The association between prostate cancer and comorbidities commonly seen in diabetic patients suggests a more complicated scenario in the link between prostate cancer and diabetes at different disease stages.
The effect of solvent extraction on antioxidant properties of apricot fruit
Authors: Leccese Annamaria , Viti Raffaella , Bartolini Susanna
Published: January 2011

Two solvent extraction procedures were used to investigate the extraction efficiency in terms of total antioxidant capacity and total phenols in apricot fruit. Samples were either sequentially extracted with aqueous ethanol (ethanol/water 80% v/v) and tetrahydrofuran or directly extracted with tetrahydrofuran. Each extract was analyzed for total antioxidant capacity by the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assay and total phenols by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The results showed that using sequential solvent extraction, the majority (85%) of the total antioxidant capacity and total phenols was due to hydrophilic compounds. In tetrahydrofuran direct extractions, the total antioxidant capacity and total phenols were higher than values obtained with aqueous ethanol and the sum of results obtained from sequential extracts for either total antioxidant capacity or total phenols was similar to the tetrahydrofuran-extract antioxidant values. A linear correlation between total antioxidant capacity and total phenols was found and was independent of the solvent extraction method. In conclusion, the choice of solvent is related to the antioxidant potential of fruit and depends on the food hydrophilic/lipophilic composition.
Potential role of FRAX analysis in postmenopausal women with osteopenia
Authors: Dimić Aleksandar , Sonja Stojanovic , Jovan Nedovic , Aleksandra Stankovic , Bojana Stamenkovic , Sasa Milenkovic , Valentina Mitic
Published: January 2011

Early diagnosis of osteoporosis and estimation of subjects that are at high risk for fracture, is neccesary for osteoporosis treatment. Dual-energy X-ray absorptometry (DXA) is a modern method for bone mineral density (BMD) evaluation. However, along BMD, clinical risk factors may significantly influence fracture development. Therefore, FRAX algorithm was designed for the assessment of a ten-year risk for serious osteoporotic fractures (SOF), as well as hip fractures. In the current study, we tried to evaluate the possible lumbal spine and hip BMD influence on ten year risk for SOF and hip fractures and potential role of FRAX in predicting the therapy in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. We performed the study on 385 postmenopausal women. According to the DXA measurements, at the lumbal (L) spine (L1–L4) and hip (femor neck), patients were then classified as normal, osteopenic, or osteoporotic. BMD evaluation included the L spine and the hip (subgroup 1), and only on the L spine (subgroup 2). By filling up the FRAX questionnaire, a ten-year risk for SOF fracture and hip fracture was calculated. BMD evaluation, in complete patient’s group and in subgroup 1, resulted in the highest number of osteoporosis (61.04%, 48.08%, retrospectively), while ospeopenia was a main finding in subgroup 2. In the subgroup 1, a high risk for SOF and hip fracture was detected in 16.45% and with high risk for hip fracture in 11.38% subjects. In subgroup 2, only high risk for hip fracture was observed in 3.16% subjects, indicating the active medicament treatment. Simultaneously, correlation of BMD results with FRAX values for SOF and hip fracture, showed significant negative correlation (p<0.001). Obtained results showed significant role of femur neck BMD evaluation in predicting the future factors, which may, together with FRAX analysis, improve the therapy approach in postmenopausal women with ospeopenia.