bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Online Word of Mouth Higher for New Models or Redesigns? An Investigation of the Automobile Industry
Authors: Feng Jie , Papatla Purushottam
Published: April 2012

Changing consumer preferences, entry of new competitors with better products, and product improvements by existing competitors make new products a necessary investment for most companies. In addition to the investments in R&D and production of new products, firms also need to invest in advertising to promote them. The growing use of social media by consumers therefore makes online consumer conversations an attractive additional format for firms to promote products at a lower cost. This is particularly so in the automobile industry where advertising costs are very high. Whether consumers discuss a newly introduced product, and help to promote it, however, may depend on how new the product is. This is the question that we investigate in the context of the automobile category. Specifically, we examine whether online consumer conversations are more likely for new models (e.g., Chevy Volt introduced in 2010) or redesigns of existing models (e.g., the redesign of Chevy Impala in 2010). We use data from two online sites where consumers discuss automobiles – consumerreports.org and edmunds.com – for our analysis. Our empirical investigation also accounts for the effects of sales on word of mouth and the simultaneity between sales and word of mouth. Additionally, we also consider the effect of satisfaction on word of mouth and the endogeneity of satisfaction. Our results across two datasets suggest that redesigns stimulate significantly more conversations than new models. Managerial and research implications of the findings are discussed.
Popularity of Brand Posts on Brand Fan Pages: An Investigation of the Effects of Social Media Marketing
Authors: de Vries Lisette , Gensler Sonja , Leeflang Peter S.H.
Published: April 2012

Social media outlets constitute excellent vehicles for fostering relationships with customers. One specific way to do this is to create brand fan pages on social networking sites. Companies can place brand posts (containing videos, messages, quizzes, information, and other material) on these brand fan pages. Customers can become fans of these brand fan pages, and subsequently indicate that they like the brand post or comment on it. This liking and commenting on brand posts reflects brand post popularity. In this article, we determine possible drivers for brand post popularity. We analyze 355 brand posts from 11 international brands spread across six product categories.

Results show that positioning the brand post on top of the brand fan page enhances brand post popularity. But the findings also indicate that different drivers influence the number of likes and the number of comments. Namely, vivid and interactive brand post characteristics enhance the number of likes. Moreover, the share of positive comments on a brand post is positively related to the number of likes. The number of comments can be enhanced by the interactive brand post characteristic, a question. The shares of both positive and negative comments are positively related to the number of comments. Managers of brands that operate brand fan pages can be guided by our research with regards to deciding which characteristics or content to place at brand posts.
Secession and hybrid regime politics in transnistria
Authors: Protsyk Oleh
Published: April 2012

Post-Soviet de facto states are presented in the social science literature, first of all, as a by-product of research on secession, nationalism, and conflict resolution. The paper focuses instead on issues of institution-building and governance in de facto states. It examines the construction of a hybrid political regime in the most populous of post-Soviet de facto states, Transnistra. The paper analyzes secessionist elites’ strategies of maintaining power and sources of domestic pressures to democratize political institutions of the de facto state. The evolution of the Transnistrian regime, it is argued, provides interesting ground for exploring the mechanisms of democratization under an unfavorable choice of institutions and problematic external environment.
Early Holocene deglaciation of northern Hudson Bay and Foxe Channel constrained by new radiocarbon ages and marine reservoir correction
Authors: Ross Martin , Utting Daniel J. , Lajeunesse Patrick , Kosar Kevin G.A.
Published: April 2012

Radiocarbon ages from Southampton Island (Canada) provide new chronological control on the deglaciation of Foxe Channel and northern Hudson Bay, a strategic area for understanding the demise of a marine-based portion of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. A regional marine reservoir age of 630 ± 45 yr and a reservoir offset (ΔR) of 263 ± 48 yr were calculated from two early to mid-Holocene terrestrial/marine radiocarbon age pairs. These values are consistent with corrections based on early 20th century mollusks suggesting that following deglaciation the oceanic conditions controlling the regional reservoir effect rapidly became similar to those of modern times. However, our ΔR value is 352 ± 52 yr less than another correction from eastern Foxe Basin, which may be affected by 14 C dilution from carbonate rocks. Our ΔR value is used to calibrate new marine radiocarbon ages which help further develop the deglaciation history of Southampton Island, especially along the north coast where deglaciation of Foxe Channel appears to have been completed by 8100–7800 cal yr BP (2σ). This provides key chronological constraints on the development of a long marine ice margin in southern Foxe Basin prior to the final breakup of the Foxe ice dome.
The triggering and persistence of the Little Ice Age
Authors: Schwarzschild Bertram M.
Published: April 2012

A mere half century of volcanism seems to have initiated a chill lasting half a millennium.
Inside a sonoluminescing microbubble, hints of a dense plasma
Authors: Smart Ashley G.
Published: April 2012

Even though the bubble’s surface temperature reaches nearly twice that of the Sun, its estimated ionization fraction—nearly 20%—is still puzzlingly large.
Science endures as conditions in Greece worsen
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: April 2012

Worry, resignation, and optimism mix among Greek scientists as they deal with salary cuts, ever-changing laws, and pervasive uncertainty.
Computer games take their place in the science classroom
Authors: Matthews Jermey N. A.
Published: April 2012

A 2011 National Research Council report found emerging but inconclusive evidence that educational science-based games improve learning.
Modest but uneven R&D increases proposed for FY 2013
Authors: Kramer David
Published: April 2012

Uncertainty created by the Budget Control Act of 2011 clouds the outlook for federal science and technology funding. Some Department of Energy physics programs face significant cuts.
Networks in motion
Authors: Motter Adilson E. , Albert Réka
Published: April 2012

Networks that govern communication, growth, herd behavior, and other key processes in nature and society are becoming increasingly amenable to modeling, forecast, and control.
Precious fossils of the infant universe
Authors: Frebel Anna , Bromm Volker
Published: April 2012

The ancient, metal-poor stars at the outskirts of the Milky Way provide a window on the conditions that governed the universe shortly after the Big Bang.
Solar eruptive events
Authors: Holman Gordon D.
Published: April 2012

It’s long been known that the Sun plays host to the most energetic explosions in the solar system. But key insights into how they work have only recently become available.
Exploring the interface between the Sun’s surface and corona
Authors: Kankelborg Charles C.
Published: April 2012

Nonequilibrium thermodynamics, explosive magnetic field rearrangements, and more contribute to the physics of an atmospheric region that brooks no simple assumptions.
Planet-Induced Emission Enhancements in HD 179949: Results from McDonald Observations
Authors: Gurdemir L. , Redfield S. , Cuntz M.
Published: April 2012

We monitored the CaiiH and K lines of HD 179949, a notable star in the southern hemisphere, to observe and confirm previously identified planet induced emission (PIE) as an effect of star–planet interaction. We obtained high resolution spectra (R∼ 53 000) with a signal-to-noise ratio S/N ≳ 50 in the CaiiH and K cores during 10 nights of observation at the McDonald Observatory. Wide-band echelle spectra were taken using the 2.7-m telescope. Detailed statistical analysis of CaiiK revealed fluctuations in the Ca II K core attributable to planet induced chromospheric emission. This result is consistent with previous studies by Shkolnik et al. (2003). Additionally, we were able to confirm the reality and temporal evolution of the phase shift of the maximum of star–planet interaction previously found. However, no identifiable fluctuations were detected in the CaiiH core. The Aliλ3944 Å line was also monitored to gauge if the expected activity enhancements are confined to the chromospheric layer. Our observations revealed some variability, which is apparently unassociated with planet-induced activity.
Structures of 4-Iminopyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines, Pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones, Pyridopyrimidinium Olates, and Thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine Analogues
Authors: Bernhardt Paul V. , Wentrup Curt
Published: April 2012

The Structure-Correlation Principle of Bürgi and Dunitz is invoked in an analysis of the structures of 2-chloro-8-methyl-4-(2-(4-picolinyl)imino-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine 8, 7-chloro-5-(2-thiazolyl)imino-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine 9, 2-methylamino-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one 10, 7-methylthio-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one 11, 2,3-dihydro-7-methylthio-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one 12, and 1-methyl-2-[(o-tert-butylphenyl)imino]-1,2-dihydropyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-1-ium-4-olate 13, which have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The most notable structural peculiarities are the long ‘amidine’ and ‘amide’ C–N bonds (1.40–1.50 Å) and the tilting of the ‘amidine’ C=N and ‘amide’ C=O groups towards a ring nitrogen atom (NCX = 114–118°). Also the ‘amidine’ C=N (1.28 Å) and ‘amide’ C=O bonds (1.22–1.24 Å) are long, i.e. in the normal range for resonance-stabilized amidines and amides in spite of the lack of such resonance in these compounds. These features mimic the transition states for ring opening to ketenes. The long amidine and amide C–N bonds and acute NCX angles are in accord with the observed thermal ring opening to ketenimines and ketenes, respectively.
Seroprevalence Study of Human Brucellosis by Conventional Tests and Indigenous Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Agasthya Annapurna S. , Isloor Srikrishna , Krishnamsetty Prabhudas
Published: April 2012

Brucellosis is one of the most important reemerging zoonoses in many countries. Brucellosis is caused by Gram-negative coccobacillus belonging to genusBrucella. Human brucellosis often makes the diagnosis difficult. The symptoms and clinical signs most commonly reported are fever, fatigue, malaise, chills, sweats headaches, myalgia, arthralgia, and weight loss. Some cases have been presented with only joint pain, lower backache, and involuntary limb movement, burning feet, or ischemic heart attacks. The focus of this work was to develop a highly sensitive and specific indirect ELISA by using smooth lipopolysaccharide antigen ofBrucella abortus 99to detect anti-Brucellaantibodies at Project Directorate on Animal Disease Monitoring and Surveillance. Serum samples collected from 652 individuals in whom fever was not the major symptom but the complaint was of joint pain, headache, lower backache, and so forth, were screened by Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) and standard tube agglutination test (STAT). Subsequent testing of sera by indigenous indirect ELISA detected 20 samples positive (3.6% seroprevalence), and indirect ELISA was found to be more sensitive than RBPT and STAT. The seroprevalence in South Karnataka was 2.14%, and in North Karnataka it was 0.92%.
Co-Cultures ofPseudomonas aeruginosaandRoseobacter denitrificansReveal Shifts in Gene Expression Levels Compared to Solo Cultures
Authors: Conway Crystal A. , Esiobu Nwadiuto , Lopez Jose V.
Published: April 2012

Consistent biosynthesis of desired secondary metabolites (SMs) from pure microbial cultures is often unreliable. In a proof-of-principle study to induce SM gene expression and production, we describe mixed “co-culturing” conditions and monitoring of messages via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Gene expression of model bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1 andRoseobacter denitrificansOch114) was analyzed in pure solo and mixed cocultures to infer the effects of interspecies interactions on gene expressionin vitro, TwoP. aeruginosagenes (PhzHcoding for portions of the phenazine antibiotic pathway leading to pyocyanin (PCN) and theRhdAgene for thiosulfate: cyanide sulfurtransferase (Rhodanese)) and twoR. denitrificansgenes (BetaLactfor metallo-beta-lactamase and theDMSPgene for dimethylpropiothetin dethiomethylase) were assessed for differential expression. Results showed thatR. denitrificansDMSPandBetaLactgene expression became elevated in a mixed culture. In contrast,P. aeruginosaco-cultures withR. denitrificansor a third species did not increase target gene expression above control levels. This paper provides insight for better control of target SM gene expressionin vitroand bypass complex genetic engineering manipulations.
Ambient Ozone Exposure in Czech Forests: A GIS-Based Approach to Spatial Distribution Assessment
Authors: Hůnová I. , Horálek J. , Schreiberová M. , Zapletal M.
Published: April 2012

Ambient ozone (O3) is an important phytotoxic pollutant, and detailed knowledge of its spatial distribution is becoming increasingly important. The aim of the paper is to compare different spatial interpolation techniques and to recommend the best approach for producing a reliable map for O3with respect to its phytotoxic potential. For evaluation we used real-time ambient O3concentrations measured by UV absorbance from 24 Czech rural sites in the 2007 and 2008 vegetation seasons. We considered eleven approaches for spatial interpolation used for the development of maps for mean vegetation season O3concentrations and the AOT40F exposure index for forests. The uncertainty of maps was assessed by cross-validation analysis. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the map was used as a criterion. Our results indicate that the optimal interpolation approach is linear regression of O3data and altitude with subsequent interpolation of its residuals by ordinary kriging. The relative uncertainty of the map of O3mean for the vegetation season is less than 10%, using the optimal method as for both explored years, and this is a very acceptable value. In the case of AOT40F, however, the relative uncertainty of the map is notably worse, reaching nearly 20% in both examined years.
Chemical Speciation and Potential Mobility of Heavy Metals in the Soil of Former Tin Mining Catchment
Authors: Ashraf M. A. , Maah M. J. , Yusoff I.
Published: April 2012

This study describes the chemical speciation of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, As, and Sn in soil of former tin mining catchment. Total five sites were selected for sampling and subsequent subsamples were collected from each site in order to create a composite sample for analysis. Samples were analysed by the sequential extraction procedure using optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Small amounts of Cu, Cr, and As retrieved from the exchangeable phase, the ready available for biogeochemical cycles in the ecosystem. Low quantities of Cu and As could be taken up by plants in these kind of acidic soils. Zn not detected in the bioavailable forms while Pb is only present in negligible amounts in very few samples. The absence of mobile forms of Pb eliminates the toxic risk both in the trophic chain and its migration downwards the soil profile. The results also indicate that most of the metals have high abundance in residual fraction indicating lithogenic origin and low bioavailability of the metals in the studied soil. The average potential mobility for the metals giving the following order: Sn > Cu > Zn > Pb > Cr > As.
Changes in Bacterial Composition of Zucchini Flowers Exposed to Refrigeration Temperatures
Authors: Baruzzi F. , Cefola M. , Carito A. , Vanadia S. , Calabrese N.
Published: April 2012

Microbial spoilage is one of the main factors affecting the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables, leading to off-flavor, fermented aroma, and tissue decay. The knowledge of microbial growth kinetics is essential for estimating a correct risk assessment associated with consuming raw vegetables and better managing the development of spoilage microorganisms. This study shows, for the first time, that only a part of total microbial community, originally present on fresh harvested female zucchini flowers, was able to adapt itself to refrigerated conditions. Through the study of microbial growth kinetics it was possible to isolate forty-four strains belonging to twenty-two species of the generaAcinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Klebsiella, Pantoea, Pseudoclavibacter, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Staphylococcus,andWeissella, suggestingEnterobacteriaceaeas potentially responsible for pistil spoilage.
Bactericidal Effects of 405 nm Light Exposure Demonstrated by Inactivation ofEscherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, Listeria, and MycobacteriumSpecies in Liquid Suspensions and on Exposed Surfaces
Authors: Murdoch Lynne E. , Maclean Michelle , Endarko Endarko , MacGregor Scott J. , Anderson John G.
Published: April 2012

The bactericidal effect of 405 nm light was investigated on taxonomically diverse bacterial pathogens from the generaSalmonella, Shigella, Escherichia, Listeria, and Mycobacterium. High-intensity 405 nm light, generated from an array of 405-nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs), was used to inactivate bacteria in liquid suspension and on exposed surfaces.L. monocytogeneswas most readily inactivated in suspension, whereasS. entericawas most resistant. In surface exposure tests,L. monocytogeneswas more susceptible than Gram-negative enteric bacteria to 405 nm light when exposed on an agar surface but interestingly less susceptible thanS. entericaafter drying onto PVC and acrylic surfaces. The study findings, that 405 nm light inactivates diverse types of bacteria in liquids and on surfaces, in addition to the safety advantages of this visible (non-UV wavelength) light, indicate the potential of this technology for a range of decontamination applications.
Investigation of a Cluster ofCandida albicansInvasive Candidiasis in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Ben Abdeljelil Jihene , Saghrouni Fatma , Khammari Imene , Gheith Soukeina , Fathallah Akila , Ben Said Moncef , Boukadida Jalel
Published: April 2012

Nosocomial invasive candidiasis (IC) has emerged as a major problem in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). We investigated herein the temporal clustering of six cases of neonatal IC due toCandida albicansin an NICU. Eighteen isolates obtained from the six neonates and two isolates from two health care workers (HCWs) working at the same unit and suffering from fingers’ onychomycosis were genotyped by electrophoretic karyotyping (EK) and restriction endonuclease analysis of genomic DNA by using Sfi I (PFGE-Sfi I). PFGE-Sfi I was more effective in discriminating between temporally related isolates. It showed that (i) both HCWs had specific strains excluding them as a source of infections in neonates. (ii) Isolates collected from three neonates were identical providing evidence of their clonal origin and the occurrence of a horizontal transmission ofC. albicansin the unit. (iii) The three remaining neonates had specific strains confirming that the IC cases were coincidental. (iv) Microevolution occurred in one catheter-related candidemia case. Our results illustrate the relevance of the molecular approach to investigate suspected outbreaks in hospital surveys and the effectiveness of PFGE-Sfi I for typing of epidemiologically relatedC. albicansisolates.
Plasmalogens Inhibit APP Processing by Directly Affectingγ-Secretase Activity in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rothhaar Tatjana L. , Grösgen Sven , Haupenthal Viola J. , Burg Verena K. , Hundsdörfer Benjamin , Mett Janine , Riemenschneider Matthias , Grimm Heike S. , Hartmann Tobias , Grimm Marcus O. W.
Published: April 2012

Lipids play an important role as risk or protective factors in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previously it has been shown that plasmalogens, the major brain phospholipids, are altered in AD. However, it remained unclear whether plasmalogens themselves are able to modulate amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing or if the reduced plasmalogen level is a consequence of AD. Here we identify the plasmalogens which are altered in human ADpostmortembrains and investigate their impact on APP processing resulting in Aβ production. All tested plasmalogen species showed a reduction in γ-secretase activity whereas β- and α-secretase activity mainly remained unchanged. Plasmalogens directly affected γ-secretase activity, protein and RNA level of the secretases were unaffected, pointing towards a direct influence of plasmalogens on γ-secretase activity. Plasmalogens were also able to decrease γ-secretase activity in humanpostmortemAD brains emphasizing the impact of plasmalogens in AD. In summary our findings show that decreased plasmalogen levels are not only a consequence of AD but that plasmalogens also decrease APP processing by directly affecting γ-secretase activity, resulting in a vicious cycle: Aβ reduces plasmalogen levels and reduced plasmalogen levels directly increase γ-secretase activity leading to an even stronger production of Aβ peptides.
Sensitivity and Selectivity on Aptamer-Based Assay: The Determination of Tetracycline Residue in Bovine Milk
Authors: Jeong Sohee , Rhee Paeng Insook
Published: April 2012

A competitive enzyme-linked aptamer assay (ELAA) to detect tetracycline in milk was performed by using two different aptamers individually; one is 76 mer-DNA aptamer and the other is 57 mer-RNA aptamer. The best optimum condition was obtained without monovalent ion, Na+and also by adding no Mg2+ion in the assay buffer, along with RT incubation. The optimized ELAA showed a good sensitivity (LOD of 2.10 × 10−8M) with a wide dynamic range (3.16 × 10−8M ~ 3.16 × 10−4M). In addition, the average R.S.D. across all data points of the curve was less than 2.5% with good recoveries (~101.8%) from the milk media. Thus, this method provides a good tool to monitor tetracycline in milk from MRLs’ point of view. However, this ELAA method was not superior to the ELISA method in terms of specificity. This paper describes that it does not always give better sensitivity and specificity in assays even though aptamers have several advantages over antibodies and have been known to be good binders for binding assays.
Intervention Based Exclusively on Stage-Matched Printed Educational Materials Regarding Healthy Eating Does Not Result in Changes to Adolescents’ Dietary Behavior
Authors: Toral Natacha , Slater Betzabeth
Published: April 2012

Purpose.To assess the impact of a six-month stage-based intervention on fruit and vegetable intake, regarding perceived benefits and barriers, and self-efficacy among adolescents.Design.Randomized treatment-control, pre-post design.Subjects/Setting.Schools were randomized between control and experimental groups. 860 adolescents from ten public schools in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil were evaluated at baseline; 771 (81%) completed the study.Intervention.Experimental group received monthly magazines and newsletters aimed at promotion of healthy eating.Measures.Self-reported fruit and vegetable intake, stages of change, self-efficacy and decisional balance scores were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention in both groups.Analysis.The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated using the analysis of covariance model (ANCOVA) and repeated measurement analysis by means of weighted least squares. Comparison between the proportions of adolescents who advanced through the stages during the intervention was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test.Results.After adjusting for sex and age, study variables showed no modifications through the proposed intervention. There was no statistical difference in participant mobility in the intervention and control groups between the stages of change, throughout the study.Conclusion.A nutritional intervention based exclusively on distribution of stage-matched printed educational materials was insufficient to change adolescents’ dietary behavior.
Exploring Marine Cyanobacteria for Lead Compounds of Pharmaceutical Importance
Authors: Uzair Bushra , Tabassum Sobia , Rasheed Madiha , Rehman Saima Firdous
Published: April 2012

The Ocean, which is called the “mother of origin of life,” is also the source of structurally unique natural products that are mainly accumulated in living organisms. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes used as food by humans. They are excellent source of vitamins and proteins vital for life. Several of these compounds show pharmacological activities and are helpful for the invention and discovery of bioactive compounds, primarily for deadly diseases like cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), arthritis, and so forth, while other compounds have been developed as analgesics or to treat inflammation, and so forth. They produce a large variety of bioactive compounds, including substances with anticancer and antiviral activity, UV protectants, specific inhibitors of enzymes, and potent hepatotoxins and neurotoxins. Many cyanobacteria produce compounds with potent biological activities. This paper aims to showcase the structural diversity of marine cyanobacterial secondary metabolites with a comprehensive coverage of alkaloids and other applications of cyanobacteria.
Changes in Structure and Histochemistry of Glandular Trichomes ofThymus quinquecostatusCelak
Authors: Jia Ping , Gao Ting , Xin Hua
Published: April 2012

The types, morphology, distribution, structure, and development process of the glandular trichomes on the leaves ofThymus quinquecostatusCelak had been investigated in this study. Two different types of glandular trichomes were determined in detail, namely, capitate trichomes and peltate ones. Besides, there were distinct differences on morphology, distribution, structure, and development process between the two kinds of trichomes. As the peltate trichome stepping into senium stage, it caved in the epidermis integrally, which was different from the capitate one. The secretion of the capitate trichome contained essential oil, polyphenols, and flavonoids, while, in addition to these three components, the secretion of the peltate one also contained acid polysaccharides. A distinctive difference was also seen in the secretory pathway of the secretion between the two types of trichomes. The secretion of capitate one was extruded through the cuticle of the head cell, but the secretion of the peltate one kept accumulating in the subcuticular space of the head cells until it was released by cuticle rupture.
Spinal Anesthesia and Minimal Invasive Laminotomy for Paddle Electrode Placement in Spinal Cord Stimulation: Technical Report and Clinical Results at Long-Term Followup
Authors: Sarubbo S. , Latini F. , Tugnoli V. , Quatrale R. , Granieri E. , Cavallo M. A.
Published: April 2012

Object. We arranged a mini-invasive surgical approach for implantation of paddle electrodes for SCS under spinal anesthesia obtaining the best paddle electrode placement and minimizing patients’ discomfort. We describe our technique supported by neurophysiological intraoperative monitoring and clinical results.Methods. 16 patients, affected by neuropathic pain underwent the implantation of paddle electrodes for spinal cord stimulation in lateral decubitus under spinal anesthesia. The paddle was introduced after flavectomy and each patient confirmed the correct distribution of paresthesias induced by intraoperative test stimulation. VAS and patients’ satisfaction rate were recorded during the followup and compared to preoperative values.Results. No patients reported discomfort during the procedure. In all cases, paresthesias coverage of the total painful region was achieved, allowing the best final electrode positioning. At the last followup (mean 36.7 months), 87.5% of the implanted patients had a good rate of satisfaction with a mean VAS score improvement of 70.5%.Conclusions. Spinal cord stimulation under spinal anesthesia allows an optimal positioning of the paddle electrodes without any discomfort for patients or neurosurgeons. The best intraoperative positioning allows a better postoperative control of pain, avoiding the risk of blind placements of the paddle or further surgery for their replacement.
Investigation of Dose Minimisation Protocol for18F-FDG PET-CT in the Management of Lymphoma Postchemotherapy Followup
Authors: Sonoda L. I. , Sanghera B. , Wong W. L.
Published: April 2012

Introduction.18F-FDG-PET-CT plays an important role in the management of lymphoma postchemotherapy followup. Some centres perform prechemotherapy baseline CT and postchemotherapy PETCT. With a concern of radiation burden, especially in young patients, this study aimed to assess if PETCT radiation dose could be reduced.Methods. Retrospective analysis of 100 lymphoma patients was performed to record sites of disease on prechemotherapy CT and postchemotherapy PETCT. The potential reduction in radiation and time achieved with PETCT limited to sites of known disease identified on prechemotherapy CT was calculated.Results. No FDG-uptake was seen in 72 cases. FDG uptake at known disease sites was seen in 24. Of the remaining 4, one had clinically significant pathology, a rectal adenocarcinoma. PETCT did not reveal any unexpected sites of lymphoma. Limiting PETCT to sites of known disease would have saved a mean radiation dose of 4 mSv (27.3%), with a mean time of 16 minutes.Conclusion. Our study suggests that young patients may benefit from reduced radiation by limiting PETCT to sites of known disease with low risk of missing significant pathology. However, in older patients, with increased incidence of asymptomatic synchronous malignancies, whole-body PETCT is advisable unless prechemotherapy PETCT has been performed.
A Facile Synthesis of New 2-Amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitriles by a One-Pot Reaction of -Bis(arylidene) Cycloalkanones and Malononitrile in the Presence of
Authors: Karimi-Jaberi Zahed , Pooladian Baharak
Published: April 2012

A rapid and environmentally friendly method is developed for the synthesis of a series of new substituted 2-amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitriles through a one-pot condensation of malononitrile and -bis(arylidene) cycloalkanones in ethanol by using K2CO3as a catalyst. Short experimental reaction times, excellent yields, no need to use cumbersome apparatus for purification of the products, and inexpensiveness and commercially availability of the catalyst are the advantages of this method.
Acid-Base Chemistry of White Wine: Analytical Characterisation and Chemical Modelling
Authors: Prenesti Enrico , Berto Silvia , Toso Simona , Daniele Pier Giuseppe
Published: April 2012

A chemical model of the acid-base properties is optimized for each white wine under study, together with the calculation of their ionic strength, taking into account the contributions of all significant ionic species (strong electrolytes and weak one sensitive to the chemical equilibria). Coupling the HPLC-IEC and HPLC-RP methods, we are able to quantify up to 12 carboxylic acids, the most relevant substances responsible of the acid-base equilibria of wine. The analytical concentration of carboxylic acids and of other acid-base active substances was used as input, with the total acidity, for the chemical modelling step of the study based on the contemporary treatment of overlapped protonation equilibria. New protonation constants were refined (L-lactic and succinic acids) with respect to our previous investigation on red wines. Attention was paid for mixed solvent (ethanol-water mixture), ionic strength, and temperature to ensure a thermodynamic level to the study. Validation of the chemical model optimized is achieved by way of conductometric measurements and using a synthetic “wine” especially adapted for testing.
N : P Stoichiometry in a Forested Runoff during Storm Events: Comparisons with Regions and Vegetation Types
Authors: Guo Lanlan , Chen Yi , Zhang Zhao , Fukushima Takehiko
Published: April 2012

Nitrogen and phosphorus are considered the most important limiting elements in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. however, very few studies have focused on which is from forested streams, a bridge between these two systems. To fill this gap, we examined the concentrations of dissolved N and P in storm waters from forested watersheds of five regions in Japan, to characterize nutrient limitation and its potential controlling factors. First, dissolved N and P concentrations and the N : P ratio on forested streams were higher during storm events relative to baseflow conditions. Second, significantly higher dissolved inorganic N concentrations were found in storm waters from evergreen coniferous forest streams than those from deciduous broadleaf forest streams in Aichi, Kochi, Mie, Nagano, and with the exception of Tokyo. Finally, almost all the N : P ratios in the storm water were generally higher than 34, implying that the storm water should be P-limited, especially for Tokyo.
Effects of Irradiation Dose and O2and CO2Concentrations in Packages on Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria and Quality of Ready-to-Cook Seasoned Ground Beef Product (Meatball) during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Gunes Gurbuz , Yilmaz Neriman , Ozturk Aylin
Published: April 2012

Combined effects of gamma irradiation and concentrations of O2(0, 5, 21%) and CO2(0, 50%) on survival ofEscherichia coliO157:H7,Salmonella enteritidis,Listeria monocytogenes, lipid oxidation, and color changes in ready-to-cook seasoned ground beef (meatball) during refrigerated storage were investigated. Ground beef seasoned with mixed spices was packaged in varying O2and CO2levels and irradiated at 2 and 4 kGy. Irradiation (4 kGy) caused about 6 Log inactivation of the inoculated pathogens. Inactivation ofSalmonellawas 0.9- and 0.4-Log lower in 0 and 5% O2, respectively, compared to 21% O2. Irradiation at 2 and 4 kGy increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in meatballs by 0.12 and 0.28 mg malondialdehyde kg−1, respectively, compared to control. In reduced-O2packages, radiation-induced oxidation was lower, and the initial color of an irradiated sample was maintained. Packaging with 0% + 50% CO2or 5% O2+ 50% CO2maintained the oxidative and the color quality of irradiated meatballs during 14-day refrigerated storage. MAP with 5%O2+ 50% CO2combined with irradiation up to 4 kGy is suggested for refrigerated meatballs to reduce the foodborne pathogen risk and to maintain the quality.
Eating Disorders and Intrasexual Competition: Testing an Evolutionary Hypothesis among Young Women
Authors: Abed Riadh , Mehta Sunil , Figueredo Aurelio José , Aldridge Sarah , Balson Hannah , Meyer Caroline , Palmer Robert
Published: April 2012

The sexual competition hypothesis (SCH) contends that intense female intrasexual competition (ISC) is the ultimate cause of eating disorders. The SCH explains the phenomenon of the pursuit of thinness as an adaptation to ISC in the modern environment. It argues that eating disorders are pathological phenomena that arise from the mismatch between the modern environment and the inherited female adaptations for ISC. The present study has two aims. The first is to examine the relationship between disordered eating behavior (DEB) and ISC in a sample of female undergraduates. The second is to establish whether there is any relationship between disordered eating behavior and life history (LH) strategy. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires examining eating-related attitudes and behaviors, ISC, and LH strategy. A group of 206 female undergraduates were recruited. A structural equation model was constructed to analyze the data. ISC for mates was significantly associated with DEB, as predicted by the SCH. DEB was found to be predicted by fast LH strategy, which was only partially mediated by the SCH. The results of this study are supportive of the SCH and justify research on a clinical sample.
The Design of New Adjuvants for Mucosal Immunity toNeisseria meningitidisB in Nasally Primed Neonatal Mice for Adult Immune Response
Authors: Ferreira Tatiane , De Gaspari Elizabeth
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the value of detoxified Shiga toxins Stx1 and Stx2 (toxoids ofEscherichia coli) as mucosal adjuvants in neonatal mice for immunogenicity against the outer membrane proteins (OMPs) ofNeisseria meningitidisB. Mucosal immunization has been shown to be effective for the induction of antigen-specific immune responses in both the systemic and mucosal compartments. Systemic antibody levels (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgM, and IgA) and mucosal IgM and IgA were measured by ELISA using anN. meningitidisas an antigen. In addition, IFN-γand IL-6 production were measured after stimulated proliferation of immune cells. Intranasal administration elicited a higher anti-OMP IgA response in both saliva and vaginal fluids. Our results suggest that both Stx1 and Stx2 toxoids are effective mucosal adjuvants for the induction of Ag-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies. The toxoids significantly enhanced the IgG and IgM response against OMPs with a potency equivalent to CT, with the response being characterized by both IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes, and increased IFN-gamma production. Additionally, bactericidal activity was induced with IgG and IgM antibodies of high avidity. These results support the use of the new toxoids as potent inducing adjuvants that are particularly suitable for mucosal immunization.
Pathway Detection from Protein Interaction Networks and Gene Expression Data Using Color-Coding Methods and A* Search Algorithms
Authors: Yeh Cheng-Yu , Yeh Hsiang-Yuan , Arias Carlos Roberto , Soo Von-Wun
Published: April 2012

With the large availability of protein interaction networks and microarray data supported, to identify the linear paths that have biological significance in search of a potential pathway is a challenge issue. We proposed a color-coding method based on the characteristics of biological network topology and applied heuristic search to speed up color-coding method. In the experiments, we tested our methods by applying to two datasets: yeast and human prostate cancer networks and gene expression data set. The comparisons of our method with other existing methods on known yeast MAPK pathways in terms of precision and recall show that we can find maximum number of the proteins and perform comparably well. On the other hand, our method is more efficient than previous ones and detects the paths of length 10 within 40 seconds using CPU Intel 1.73GHz and 1GB main memory running under windows operating system.
Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoid Artery Ligation with Recto-Anal-Repair Modification: Functional Evaluation and Safety Assessment of a New Minimally Invasive Method of Treatment of Advanced Hemorrhoidal Disease
Authors: Walega Piotr , Romaniszyn Michal , Kenig Jakub , Herman Roman , Nowak Wojciech
Published: April 2012

Purpose: We present 12-month followup results of functional evaluation and safety assessment of a modification of hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL) called Recto-Anal-Repair (RAR) in treatment of advanced hemorrhoidal disease (HD).Methods: Patients with grade III and IV HD underwent the RAR procedure (DGHAL combined with restoration of prolapsed hemorrhoids to their anatomical position with longitudinal sutures). Each patient had rectal examination, anorectal manometry, and QoL questionnaire performed before 3 months, and 12 months after RAR procedure.Results: 20 patients completed 12-month followup. There were no major complications. 3 months after RAR, 5 cases of residual mucosal prolapse were detected (25%), while only 3 patients (15%) reported persistence of symptoms. 12 months after RAR, another 3 HD recurrences were detected, to a total of 8 patients (40%) with HD recurrence. Anal pressures after RAR were significantly lower than before (P<0.05), and the effect was persistent 12 months after RAR. One patient (5%) reported occasional soiling 3 months after RAR.Conclusions: RAR seems to be a safe method of treatment of advanced HD with no major complications. The procedure has a significant influence on anal pressures, with no evidence of risk of fecal incontinence after the operation.
Percutaneous Trigeminal Ganglion Balloon Compression Rhizotomy: Experience in 27 Patients
Authors: Strojnik Tadej , Ŝmigoc Tomaž
Published: April 2012

Purpose. Percutaneous ganglion balloon compression (PBC) is a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.Materials and Methods. Twenty-seven (19 female and 8 male) patients, who presented with classical symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, were included. Age ranged from 34 to 91 years (median 62 years), 33 procedures were performed. Duration of the symptoms ranged from 1 year to 30 years (median 5 years).Results. After the procedure, pain relief was reported in 25 (93%) patients. In two patients, the pain remained the same. The pain free period ranged from 2 to 74 months (median 15 months). A mean duration of analgesia was longer in patients with ideal pear shape of balloon at the time of the procedure compared to nonideal shape (P=0.01). No major complications occurred in our group of patients.Conclusions. Percutaneous trigeminal ganglion balloon compression is a safe, simple, and effective method for temporary pain relief in a selective group of trigeminal neuralgia patients.
Polymerized-Type I Collagen Downregulates Inflammation and Improves Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis Following Arthroscopic Lavage: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Furuzawa-Carballeda Janette , Lima Guadalupe , Llorente Luis , Nuñez-Álvarez Carlos , Ruiz-Ordaz Blanca H. , Echevarría-Zuno Santiago , Hernández-Cuevas Virgilio
Published: April 2012

Objectives. Polymerized-type I collagen (polymerized collagen) is a downmodulator of inflammation and cartilage regenerator biodrug.Aim. To evaluate the effect of intraarticular injections of polymerized collagen after arthroscopic lavage on inflammation and clinical improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods. Patients (n=19) were treated with 6 intraarticular injections of 2 mL of polymerized collagen (n=10) or 2 mL of placebo (n=9) during 3 months. Followup was 3 months. The primary endpoints included Lequesne index, pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS), WOMAC, analgesic usage, the number of Tregs and proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine-expressing peripheral cells. Secondary outcomes were Likert score and drug evaluation. Clinical and immunological improvement was determined if the decrease in pain exceeds 20 mm on a VAS, 20% of clinical outcomes, and inflammatory parameters from baseline. Urinary levels of C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of collagen type II (CTXII) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined.Results. Polymerized collagen was safe and well tolerated. Patients had a statistically significant improvement (P<0.05) from baseline versus polymerized collagen and versus placebo at 6 months on Lequesne index, VAS, ESR, Tregs IL-1β, and IL-10 peripheral-expressing cells. Urinary levels of CTXII were decreased 44% in polymerized collagen versus placebo. No differences were found on incidence of adverse events between groups.Conclusion. Polymerized collagen is safe and effective on downregulation of inflammation in patients with knee OA.
Early Healing Events around Titanium Implant Devices with Different Surface Microtopography: A Pilot Study in anIn VivoRabbit Model
Authors: Orsini Ester , Salgarello Stefano , Martini Désirée , Bacchelli Beatrice , Quaranta Marilisa , Pisoni Luciano , Bellei Emma , Joechler Monika , Ottani Vittoria
Published: April 2012

In the present pilot study, the authors morphologically investigated sandblasted, acid-etched surfaces (SLA) at very early experimental times. The tested devices were titanium plate-like implants with flattened wide lateral sides and jagged narrow sides. Because of these implant shape and placement site, the device gained a firm mechanical stability but the largest portion of the implant surface lacked direct contact with host bone and faced a wide peri-implant space rich in marrow tissue, intentionally created in order to study the interfacial interaction between metal surface and biological microenvironment. The insertion of titanium devices into the proximal tibia elicited a sequence of healing events. Newly formed bone proceeded through an early distance osteogenesis, common to both surfaces, and a delayed contact osteogenesis which seemed to follow different patterns at the two surfaces. In fact, SLA devices showed a more osteoconductive behavior retaining a less dense blood clot, which might be earlier and more easily replaced, and leading to a surface-conditioning layer which promotes osteogenic cell differentiation and appositional new bone deposition at the titanium surface. This model system is expected to provide a starting point for further investigations which clarify the early cellular and biomolecular events occurring at the metal surface.
Obesity-Related Factors in Turkish School Children
Authors: Dündar Cihad , Öz Hatice
Published: April 2012

Objective. To determine the prevalence of obesity and its risk factors in Turkish children.Method. This cross-sectional survey was conducted on students including 1271 boys and 1206 girls selected from 20 secondary schools in Samsun, Turkey. A predesigned questionnaire was used to elicit the information on individual characteristics. The height and weight of students were measured in their classroom. Obesity was defined as body mass index at or above the 95th percentile for age of the sex-specific CDC growth charts.Result. The mean age was 12.8 ± 0.9 years, and the prevalence of obesity was found at 10.3%. There were higher numbers of obese students in boys than in girls (X2= 53.4;P< 0.001). The prevalence of obesity was 10.0% and 16.8% in public and private school students, respectively. The percentage of obese children in students who skipped breakfast was found to be higher than that in the group that consumed 3 meals a day regularly. There was no difference at time spent in sedentary behavior except watching TV, and prevalence of obesity in the group of students watching television over 3 hours per day was higher than that in their counterparts (X2= 13.6;P< 0.01). The time of engagement in sports was lower in obese group statistically (F= 8.9;P< 0.001).Conclusion. In order to prevent childhood obesity, monitoring children's lifestyle by parents is necessary.