bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of 43 Hours of Sleep Deprivation on Executive Control Functions: Event-Related Potentials in a Visual Go/No Go Task
Authors: Qi Jian-Lin , Shao Yong-Cong , Miao Danmin , Fan Ming , Bi Guo-Hua , Yang Zheng
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate how 43 hours of total sleep deprivation (TSD) influences executive control functions. Forty participants were assigned to either a TSD or a control group (no sleep deprivation; NSD group) and both groups were tested at 2:00am on day 3 (after
43 hours of sleep deprivation for the TSD group). Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were taken using 32 electrodes while a Go/No go task was administered. The amplitude of the N2 was significantly larger on the No-go trials as compared to the Go trials. In the No-go trials, the amplitudes
of the No go-N2 and the No go-P3 were smaller in the TSD group than in the control group in terms of prolonged latencies. The mean correct reaction time, number of misses, and the false-alarm rate were also significantly longer and increased in the NSD group. Results indicated that executive
control functions were noticeable impaired after 43 hours of sleep deprivation.
Gender Differences in Optimism: Evidence from Yahoo Kimo Taiwan's Business News Poll Centre
Authors: Chang Ling-Ling , Tsai Yann-Ching , Lee Gin-Yuan
Published: March 2010

Social Mood is one factor that affects people's emotions and their perspectives in risk management, which, in turn, influence their final decisions on actual investments. It is believed that women, in general, are more risk aversive (e.g., Bajtelsmit, Bernasek, & Jianakopdos, 1999),
more pessimistic (e.g., Jacobsen, Lee, & Marquering, 2008), and have less investment confidence than men (Barber & Odean, 2001). In this study the optimism level of women and men was investigated and compared using data from Yahoo Kimo Taiwan's Business News Poll Centre. It was found
that women were more pessimistic than were men when social mood was negative; when social mood was positive, women's optimism level varied depending on whether or not the investment was stock-related.
Early Psychological Intervention Following a Natural Disaster: A Study with a Victim Buried Under Rubble for 124 Hours
Authors: Hu Xuehui , Yang Yebing , Liu Li , Liu Xufeng , Tong Yang
Published: March 2010

This case study was focused on trauma treatment given to a man who was rescued after being buried for 124 hours under the rubble of buildings that had collapsed in the Wenchuan earthquake. The results of the study indicate that early psychological intervention is critical in preventing
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and that social support is one of the most important factors in the treatment.
Endoscopic evaluation of arytenoid function and epiglottic structure in Thoroughbred yearlings and association with racing performance at two to four years of age: 2,954 cases (1998–2001)
Authors: Garrett Katherine S. , Pierce Scott W. , Embertson Rolf M. , Stromberg Arnold J.
Published: March 2010

Objective—To determine the association between results of endoscopic evaluation of arytenoid function (AF) and epiglottic structure (ES) in Thoroughbred yearlings and racing performance at 2 to 4 years of age.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—2,954 Thoroughbred yearlings.

Procedures—Records of yearlings that had endoscopic evaluation of the larynx between 1998 and 2001 were obtained, and results were graded by use of standardized scales. A modified Havemeyer scale (grade I, II.1, II.2, III, or IV) was used to evaluate AF; ES was graded on a scale of 0 to IV. Records were annotated if the epiglottis was subjectively short or narrow. Racing performance data were obtained from an online database.

Results—Horses with grade II.2 AF had significantly less earnings at 4 years of age, compared with earnings of horses with AF grades < II.2. Grade III AF was associated with fewer starts and less earnings at 3 and 4 years of age. No horses met the criteria for grade IV AF. Horses with ES grades > II had less earnings at 2 and 4 years of age, compared with earnings of horses with ES grades < II. A short epiglottis was associated with less earnings at 2 and 3 years of age.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Analysis suggested that yearlings with grade III AF had a decrease in athletic potential. Yearlings with grade II.2 AF, an ES grade > II, or a short epiglottis typically had decreases in racing performance. These factors should be evaluated carefully when developing purchase recommendations.
Prevalence of Down's syndrome in a pregnant population in Finland
Authors: MARTTALA JAANA , YLINIEMI OUTI , GISSLER MIKA , NIEMINEN PENTTI , RYYNANEN MARKKU
Published: March 2010

The characteristics of the Finnish parturient have changed in recent years. The mean age of mothers at first delivery is now 29.3 years and the number of women > 35 years of age has increased to 19%. This shift has led to an increase in the prevalence of Down's syndrome. Between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2006, there were 795 cases of Down's syndrome (27/10,000) in the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations. The distribution of Down's syndrome in terminated pregnancies and newborns was analyzed in 5‐year periods based on maternal age. The distribution of Down's syndrome cases in younger women (< 35 years) and in older women (≥35 years) at the time of delivery was compared. The majority of new Down's syndrome cases occurred in the group having older women (61.1%), even though 35 years is the arbitrary threshold.
Risks for peroperative excessive blood loss in cesarean delivery
Authors: KOLÅS TORIL , ØIAN PÅL , SKJELDESTAD FINN EGIL
Published: March 2010

Objective. To analyze risk factors for peroperative excessive blood loss at cesarean delivery. Design. Case‐control study. Setting. Twenty‐four of 26 maternity units in Norway with at least 500 expected deliveries per year. Sample. A total of 2,778 women having singleton deliveries and participating in the Norwegian Breakthrough Project on Cesarean Section. Methods. Elective and emergency operations were analyzed separately with extensive blood loss defined as hemorrhage > 1000 ml with controls defined as bleeding < 500 ml. All analyzes were done in SPSS (version 16.0) with chi‐squared tests and logistic regression. Main outcome measures. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of extensive peroperative bleeding. Results. The prevalence of excessive blood loss differed between women undergoing elective (2.1%) and emergency cesarean deliveries (3.3%). Among maternal factors, chronic maternal diseases, pregnancy and delivery related conditions, placenta previa (aOR 19.7; 95% CI 5.4–72.2) and transverse lie (aOR 4.9; 95% CI 0.9–26.5) were the only risk factors for extensive blood loss in elective operations, whereas placenta previa (aOR 8.4; 95% CI 2.4–29.9), placental abruption (aOR 2.0; 95% CI 2.0–14.5), intervention at full cervical dilation (aOR 3.2; 95% CI 1.4–7.1) and high BMI (aOR 3.4; 95% CI 1.6–7.2) were risks in emergency operations. Conclusion. The different risk pattern for excessive bleeding in cesarean deliveries should be recognized when planning available obstetric competence for surgery.
Time‐related changes of cervical length as a predictor of labor onset within one week using transvaginal ultrasonography
Authors: MIURA HIROSHI , OGAWA MASAKI , HIRANO HIDETO , TANAKA TOSHINOBU
Published: March 2010

Objective. To assess the value of transvaginal cervical length (CL) measurement and funneling of the internal cervical os to predict the onset of spontaneous labor within one week. Design. Observational prospective study. Population. A total of 234 women who delivered after spontaneous onset of labor. Methods. CL was measured and the presence of funneling of the internal cervical os was recorded by transvaginal ultrasound examination. Main outcome measures. CL changes from 37 to 40 weeks of gestation as a one‐point measurement, as well as the long‐term (16–21 weeks to term or 37–40 weeks) and short‐term (weekly from 37 to 40 weeks) differences in CL. Results. The one‐point measurement of CL, with an optimum cut‐off point of 25 mm [odds ratio (OR) 3.19; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.01–5.05] and a decreased long‐term CL (cervical shortening of 55% as an optimum cut‐off point (OR 3.75; 95% CI 1.76–8.00) may predict the onset of spontaneous labor within one week. The likelihood of spontaneous labor within one week is high when funneling of the internal cervical os is present (OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.71–4.19). Conclusions. Transvaginal CL measurement and observation of funneling of the internal cervical os are useful predictors of the onset of spontaneous labor.
Abundance of lactose assimilating yeasts from Nepalese Murcha (Yeast cake)
Authors: Tiwari Kiran Babu , Shrestha Manindra Lal , Agrawal Vishwanath Prasad
Published: March 2010

A study was conducted to elucidate the lactose assimilation by indigenious strains of yeasts in Nepal. A total of 31 strains were isolated from eight murcha (yeast cakes) samples from different localities of Nepal. A higher percentage of isolates (7/31, 22.58%) were found to posses lactose assimilating activity. Among the lactose assimilating isolates 57.14% (4/7) were able to assimilate galactose, a product of ß-galactosidase reaction.DOI: 10.3126/ijls.v1i0.2299 Int J Life Sci 1 : 1-5
A Novel Class of Protease from Choerospondias axillaris (Lapsi) Leaves
Authors: Karki Sudeep , Shakya Rupendra , Agrawal Vishwanath P
Published: March 2010

A novel protease from leaves of Choreospndias axillaris has been reported. C. axillaris, locally called Lapsi is dioceous, deciduous fruit - bearing large tree, having multiple daily uses. In an attempt to find method for determining sex of Lapsi at seedling stage , we stumbled upon a unique protease that has thwarted our effort to find sex - related protein. Thus protease is highly thermo - stable and acid resistant. Its preparation can be autoclaved without significant loss in activity. Its activity can be repeatedly precipitated by trichloroacetic acid. It possesses a Km value of 29 μM and Vmax 52.63 pmoles/min for bovine serum albumin as the substrate. It is catalytically so powerful that the level of soluble protein in leaf is below 20 μg per g dry weight. Lapsi leaf protease is an specific endopeptidase attacking peptide bonds that have phenylalanine, tyrosine, alanine and threonine / aspartic acid residues.  DOI: 10.3126/ijls.v3i0.2301
Histological studies of in vitro regeneration induced in leaf explants of Nymphoides cristatum (Roxb) O.Kuntze – An aquatic medicinal plant
Authors: Niranjan Mallapa Hanumanthu , Sudarshana Mysore Shankar
Published: March 2010

The objective of this work was to study the histological events related to the regeneration process of a medicinal plant, Nymphoides cristatum (Roxb). Leaf explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mgl-1 of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP). About 90% of explants gave rise to shoots after 15 days of incubation. The histological studies showed that the regeneration originated directly from parenchymatous cells and direct organogenesis after 20 days of culture could be observed. Buds and roots were found completely differentiated after 40 days of culture and number of shoots per explants was 30. Micorshoots were rooted in hormone - free medium and the plants obtained grew in artificial pond under green house conditions. Key words: Leaf, Histology, in vitro regeneration, Nymphoides cristatum.  DOI: 10.3126/ijls.v3i0.2370
Kathmandu Humboldt Kolleg September 10 – September 13, 2010
Authors: Agrawal Vishwanath P
Published: March 2010

A conference ( Kolleg) of 58 Humboldt fellows [ 10 from Bangladesh, 25 from India, 9 from Nepal, 7 from Pakistan and 7 from Sri Lanka ] will take place in Kathmandu in September 2010, provided the Alexander von Humboldt approves funding for the proposal submitted by Professor Vishwanath P. Agrawal on behalf of the organizer - Humboldt Club Nepal and co-organizers - Humboldt Academies of Panjab University, Chandigarh and Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur of India.DOI: 10.3126/ijls.v3i0.2475
A Study on Biochemical Changes in the Fresh Water Fish, Catla catla (Hamilton) Exposed to the Heavy Metal Toxicant Cadmium Chloride
Authors: Sobha K , Poornima A , Harini P , Veeraiah K
Published: March 2010

Cadmium (Cd), one of the twenty three heavy metal toxicants, is widely used in Ni-Cd batteries manufacture, metal and mining industry, dentistry etc. because of its non-corrosive nature. Cd is released in considerable amounts through industrial effluents into soil, surface and ground water systems. These excess amounts in addition to naturally occurring levels gradually build up to toxic levels causing damage to the biota of the aquatic ecosystem. It shows biomagnification and has greater half-life periods. Cd was found to interfere with many protein and carbohydrate metabolisms by inhibiting the enzymes involved in the processes. The present study evaluates toxicity of Cd and its impact on biochemical constituents like glucose, glycogen, total proteins, lipid and free aminoacids in the fresh water edible carp Catla catla as Cd bioaccumulation can affect humans through biomagnification. Short term tests of acute toxicity were performed over a period of 96 hours using cadmium chloride. The renewal technique was followed by exposing the fish to test solutions of different concentrations in the range of 1 mg/L to 8 mg/L. Preliminary experiments were conducted to choose concentrations that resulted in the mortality of the fish in the range of 10-90%. The toxicity experiments were then conducted using the chosen concentrations of CdCl2 on the fingerlings ( Wt. 6±1 grams ) in triplicate and the LC50 was determined using simple graphic ( % Mortality Vs. Log Concentration), probit graphic ( Probit value Vs. Log concentration) and unweighted regression analysis methods. The calculated average 96-hr LC50 is 4.533 mg/L and the equation for the dose-mortality regression line was found to be Y = 2.65X + 3.368. Levels of the five biochemical constituents viz., Glucose, Glycogen, Total proteins, Lipids and Free aminoacids were determined by standard biochemical procedures in the five tissues i.e., muscle, gill, liver, heart and kidney of unexposed (Control) healthy fish and the fish exposed to 96-hr LC50 (Lethal) and sub-lethal concentrations (1/10th of the lethal dose for 7 days of exposure) of cadmium chloride. Results showed significant fall in all the biochemical constituents in all the tissues except glucose prompting to suggest that the fish cultured in the aquatic systems closer to the industrial locations would not have the expected nutritive value. The elevated levels of glucose are apparently indicative of the organism's response to the toxicant stress. Also, such fish when consumed as food lead to the deposition of the heavy metal in the soft tissues of the human body leading to exposure health effects. Key words: Toxicity; Heavy metal; Cadmium chloride; Biomagnification; Catla catla DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v3i2.2890  Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.3, No.2, August 2007, pp 1-11
Assessment of Traffic Noise Pollution in Banepa, A Semi Urban Town of Nepal
Authors: Murthy V Krishna , Majumder Ahmad Kamruzzaman , Khanal Sanjay Nath , Subedi Deepak Prasad
Published: March 2010

Noise pollution is an interfering air-pollutant which possesses both auditory and a host of non-auditory effects on the exposed population. Since there is no medicine to cure hearing loss prevention to overt exposure is the only alternative left. The study reports community noise levels measured during day time in a fast developing semi-urban area of Nepal. The noise levels were measured following standard procedure using calibrated sound pressure level meter at many places predominated by both commercial and residential tenements at Banepa town particularly reflecting motor vehicular traffic prone areas. A small exercise of nose generated by different vehicles that frequent on the arterial roads has also been carried out. To delineate the perception about the noise and its significance on health of community a representative sample of public has been interviewed using a questionnaire. The results indicate high noise levels, surpassing on many occasions to the prescribed levels. Overall minimum and maximum noise levels for the Main Road are 60.1dB (A) and 110.2 dB (A). Bus parks and Bus stops had minimum and maximum noise levels were 63.9 dB (A) and 110.2dB (A). The picture near residential tenements also had substantial levels of noise, a minimum of 59.11dB (A). The noise levels produced by different motor vehicles ranged from 121 to 91.2 dB(A), which was substantial. The study observes motor vehicles as main source in the town. The perception survey indicate high prevalence of head aches, lack of concentration, sleep. Since levels lie much above the prescribed limits there is am imminent health risk to the exposed population and the study suggests control measures to be instituted on a priority. Key words: Environment; noise pollution; health hazard; sub-urban; Nepal DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v3i2.2891 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.3, No.2, August 2007, pp 12-20
Common Fixed Point for Weakly Compatible Maps in Metric Space
Authors: Jha K
Published: March 2010

A common fixed point theorem involving two pairs of weakly compatible mappings is proved under a Lipschitz type contractive condition, which is independent of the known contractive definitions. Keywords: fixed point; complete metric space; weakly compatible maps. DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v3i2.2893 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.3, No.2, August 2007, pp 21-26
Effects of Pneumoperitoneum during Laparoscopic Surgery in Young Children
Authors: Ahmed M , Nessa M , Islam MS , Siddiq AKMZ
Published: March 2010

This observational study of effect of pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery in 36 patients below 5 years of age (mean age 2.66 ± 1.23 yrs) was carried out in Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka over a period of 2 years. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of pneumoperitoneum in this age group. Intraabdominal pressure ceiling was fixed at 12 mm of Hg. Mean duration of pneumoperitoneum was 25 ± 3.21 minutes. Amount of CO2 absorption was assessed by rise of end tidal CO2 (ETCO2) (+21.21%). Effect of pneumoperitoneum and hypercarbia reflected by rise of pulse rate (+16.96%), systolic blood pressure (+12.19%), diastolic blood pressure (+14.58%) and pulmonary airway pressure (+25%). Oxygen saturation reduced a little bit; but came to baseline within a few minute after completion of the procedure. Electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm in all but one patient. Requirement of postoperative analgesia was minimum. Mean hospital stay was 4±0.21 days. Postoperative side effects or complication was negligible (only two cases of postoperative vomiting). This study supports the safety and better outcome of laparoscopic technique even in young children provided there is good planning and vigilance. Key words: Laparoscopic surgery, pneumoperitoneum, children. DOI: 10.3329/jafmc.v5i2.4577 JAFMC Bangladesh Vol.5(2) (December) 2009, pp.18-20
Visual Outcome after Nd:YAG Laser Capsulotomy
Authors: Hossain MI , Hossain MA , Hossain MJ
Published: March 2010

A longitudinal study was carried out in the laser unit of the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka on 500 eyes of 500 patients who were treated with Neodymium-yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy over a period of two and a half years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the visual acuity following Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. The main entry criteria for this study were posterior capsular opacification (PCO) following Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE). The patients with corneal opacity, glaucoma, vitreous opacity, macular diseases, optic nerve diseases and any other retinopathies causing visual impairment were excluded from this study. Thirty six percent patients had pre-capsulotomy visual acuity 6/36 to 6/60, 32% patients had 6/18 to 6/24, 18% patients had <6/60 and 14% patients had 6/12. After seven days of capsulotomy 76% patients gained 6/12 or better vision. Eighty percent patients gained visual acuity of 6/12 with optical correction after thirty days. On the other hand, 64% patients had pre-capsulotomy near vision < N10 and 16% patients had N8. After capsulotomy near vision improved considerably. Four percent of the patients failed to improve vision following laser capsulotomy. It can be concluded that Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in PCO can improve both distant and near vision, which can be augmented with optical correction after one month of laser surgery. Key words: Laser capsulotomy, Nd:YAG laser, visual acuity. DOI: 10.3329/jafmc.v5i2.4580 JAFMC Bangladesh Vol.5(2) (December) 2009, pp.29-31
Efficient and improved synthesis of Telmisartan
Authors: Kumar A Sanjeev , Ghosh Samir , Mehta G N
Published: March 2010

An efficient synthesis of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist Telmisartan (1) is presented involving a cross coupling of 4-formylphenylboronic acid 10 with 2-(2-bromophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazoline (11) as the key step (90% yield). The benzimidazole moiety 15 was constructed regioselectively via a reductive amination-condensation sequence, replacing the alkylation of the preformed benzimidazole step in the previously published route. This methodology overcomes many of drawbacks associated with previously reported syntheses.
Risk Factor Profiles for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Black and Other Africans with Established Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: SOLOMON AHMED , CHRISTIAN BERENICE F. , NORTON GAVIN R. , WOODIWISS ANGELA J. , DESSEIN PATRICK H.
Published: March 2010

Objective.

Black Africans reportedly experience a distinctly low risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated whether this protection was present among Africans with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

We determined disparities in CVD risk factor profiles (major conventional: hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and diabetes; other conventional: underweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, alcohol consumption, tension, depression, and body height; nonconventional: rheumatoid factor status and markers of inflammation) and arterial stiffness (brachial pulse pressure) between 291 black and 335 other (229 white, 64 Asian, and 42 mixed ancestry) consecutive Africans with RA in multivariable regression models.

Results.

After adjusting for demographic characteristics and healthcare sector attendance, black Africans had more prevalent hypertension (OR 1.76, p = 0.01) and diabetes (OR 1.90, p = 0.07), smoked less frequently (OR 0.12, p < 0.0001), and had concurrent lower total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations that resulted in unaltered atherogenic indices (p = 0.2) than the other participants in the study. These findings translated into global scores for major conventional risk factor-mediated future CVD event rates that were not reduced in black patients. Proportions of individual metabolic syndrome components differed between black and other patients but their total numbers of metabolic risk factors (p = 0.4) and metabolic syndrome frequencies (OR 1.44, p = 0.1) were similar. Black ethnicity did not independently associate with rheumatoid factor status, markers of inflammation, and brachial pulse pressures.

Conclusion.

The overall conventional and nonconventional atherosclerotic CVD risk burdens and arterial stiffness were not reduced in black patients with RA. CVD risk should be assessed and managed independent of ethnic origin and epidemiological transition stage in RA.
Using Active Simulation to Enhance Learning of Nursing Ethics
Authors: Gropelli Theresa M.
Published: March 2010

Ethical decision making in health care is a complex issue that requires nurses to critically think about situations. Active simulation through the use of role-play was used as a teaching strategy for education on ethics. Participants served in various roles in simulations that encouraged nurses to examine their thoughts and feelings and use ethical decision-making models.
Replacement of the Corneal Endothelium and the Conceptual Framework for an Artificial Substitute
Authors: Chirila Traian V. , Madden Peter W. , Hirst Lawrie W.
Published: March 2010

Dysfunction of the corneal endothelium due to cell loss caused by aging, disease or trauma can lead to severe visual impairment and blindness. Traditionally, dysfunctional endothelia are managed surgically, by removing the entire central cornea and transplanting either donor corneal tissue (penetrating keratoplasty), or just endothelia isolated from donor corneas. As in many cases it is only the corneal endothelium requiring replacement, many attempts were made over the last decades to develop an endothelial substitute, thereby precluding the need for the use of full donor corneas. This article reviews these attempts, which include artificial membranes, cell-coated corneal transplants, and cell-coated membranes. The presumption of an artificial corneal endothelium capable of duplicating the transendothelial ion-and-fluid transport function is examined in light of the latest hypotheses regarding the mechanism of this function.
Effect of Phosphate Precursor on the Production of Hydroxyapatite from Crocodile Eggshells
Authors: Boonyang U. , Chaopanich P. , Wongchaisuwat Atchana , Senthongkaew Payoon , Siripaisarnpipat S.
Published: March 2010

The hydrothermal reaction at 250°C between crocodile eggshells and three phosphate precursors, (NH4)2HPO4, Ca3(PO4)2 and H3PO4 were studied. Only (NH4)2HPO4 and Ca3(PO4)2 precursors gave monophasic hydroxyapatite within 25 and 8 h, respectively. Pure hydroxyapatite could not be produced when using H3PO4. The characteristic vibration for PO43- are observed at 566-603, 1043-1093, 962-963 and 466-474 cm-1 and for OH- group at 3570-3572 and 633-634 cm-1. The morphology of the prepared hydroxyapatite is agglomerated plate-like crystals. The Ca/P ratio by ICP method is 1.62-1.64.
Calcium Orthophosphate Bioceramics
Authors: Dorozhkin Sergey V.
Published: March 2010

Ceramics used for the repair and reconstruction of diseased or damaged parts of the musculo-skeletal system, termed bioceramics, can be bioinert, bioresorbable and bioactive, as well as porous for tissue ingrowth. This review is devoted to calcium orthophosphates, which belong to the categories of bioresorbable and bioactive bioceramics. There have been a number of major advances made in this field during the past 30 – 40 years. From initial work on development of bioceramics that were tolerated in the physiological environment, emphasis has now shifted towards the use of bioceramics that interact with bone tissue by forming a direct bond. By structural and compositional control, it is now possible to choose whether the bioceramics of calcium orthophosphates are biologically stable once incorporated within the skeletal structure or whether they are resorbed over time. Current biomedical applications of calcium orthophosphate bioceramics include replacements for hips, knees, teeth, tendons and ligaments, as well as repair for periodontal disease, maxillofacial reconstruction, augmentation and stabilization of the jawbone, spinal fusion and bone fillers after tumor surgery.
Experimental Verification of Effect of Size on Drainage Capillary Pressure Computed from Digitized Tomographic Images
Authors: Olafuyi O.A. , Sheppard A.P , Arns C.H. , Sok R.M. , Cinar Y. , Knackstedt M.A. , Pinczewski W.V.
Published: March 2010

This paper presents comparisons between drainage capillary pressure curves computed directly from 3D micro-tomographic images (micro-CT) and laboratory measurements conducted on the same core samples. It is now possible to calculate a wide range of petrophysical and transport properties directly from micro-CT images or from equivalent network models extracted from these images. Capillary pressure is sensitive to rock microstructure and the comparisons presented are the first direct validation of image based computations. The measured data include centrifuge and mercury injection drainage capillary pressure for fired Berea, Bentheimer and Obernkirchner sandstones and unfired Mount Gambier carbonate. The measurements cover a wide range of porosities and permeabilities. The measurements were made on core samples with different diameters (2.5 cm, 1.5 cm, 1 cm and 0.5 cm) to assess the effect of up-scaling on capillary pressure measurements. The smallest diameter samples were also used to obtain the 3D micro-CT images. Good agreement was obtained between the experimental measurements and direct computations on 3D micro-CT images.
Implementing OHSAS 18001:2007: - A Case Study of Hazard Analysis from the Printing Industry
Authors: Khodabocus B. Fareeda , Constant K.C.
Published: March 2010

All organizations, regardless of their size or complexity are faced with the challenge of implementing an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management system that will prevent injuries and ill health to persons that are working under the control of the organization. The purpose of this paper is to show how organizations can improve their health and safety performance through the effective implementation of existing statutory requirements and regulations. Using a case study from a Printing Industry organization, the key requirements needed to implement a H&S programme and focus on the concept of hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control were investigated. The organization is a large company, which has implemented a system to the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act: 2005. Findings reveal that there is a lack of control procedures to ensure compliance to legal requirements. The Health and Safety Policy needs to be reviewed. Significant hazards need to be prioritized. The company does not regularly conduct risk assessments. Employees need more training on H&S issues. Use of hazardous substances must be properly controlled. Appropriate H&S objectives and targets have to be set and regularly monitored. Internal auditing, which has up to now been limited to their ISO 9000:2008 certification, should be extended to the OH&S Management systems. To enable a better control of the situation, it is recommended that OHSAS 18001:2007 should be implemented, including the concept of continual improvement, to assist in more effective control of the Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
Evaluation of the Thermochemical Properties for Tropospheric Ozone Reactions
Authors: Umosekhaimhe G.O. , Omhenke S.A.
Published: March 2010

The thermochemical properties of varieties of species involved in the formation and consumption or destruction of tropospheric ozone during chemical reactions have been established. Ozone in the troposphere is produced during the day-time; hence it is a photochemically induced transformation process. This compound acts as precursor specie in many atmospheric transformations and constitutes a baseline component worth investigating. This study utilized electronic structure methods of computational model chemistries to evaluate for Gibbs free energies and enthalpies of formation and reactions of the various species. Ten prominent gas-phase and aqueous-phase reactions were analysed using five computational approaches consisting of four ab initio methods and one density functional theory (DFT) method. The computed energy values in comparison to those obtained through experimental approaches yielded an error of mean absolute deviation of 0.81%. The most relevant species that tend to enhance the production of ozone in the troposphere were O* and H2O2 for the gas-phase and aqueous-phase reactions respectively. Chemical equilibrium analysis indicated that the ozone formation and consumption reactions are more favourable in colder regions and at winter.
Synthesis and Characterization of NiCr Self-Assembled Nanorings
Authors: Serdio Victor M. , Gracia-Pinilla Miguel A. , Subramaniam Velumani , Pérez-Tijerina Eduardo G. , van der Weil Wilfred
Published: March 2010

Formation of NiCr nanorings out of 2-3 nm NiCr nanoparticles prepared by DC magnetron sputtering with inert gas condensation is reported. An RF quadrupole mass filter has been used to get the particle size distribution and control the particle size in the plasma stream of grown material. The depositions are made on silicon substrates at room temperature under a helium and argon atmosphere of varying composition. By optimizing the He-Ar composition, magnetron power and the condensation zone, the particle size distribution is narrowed. Magnetic characterization determines that every single nanoparticle possesses a single magnetic domain that influenced their arrangement on the substrate. These arrangements were particularly in ring like structures. Particles join together while being deposited to form rings with a ~100 nm diameter. Particle density and agglomeration phenomena depend on the substrate’s time of exposure to the NiCr nanoparticle source coming from the target.
Role of the Hydrothermal Synthesis Conditions on the Structure and Morphology of Co-Doped Y2O3:Er3+-Yb3+ Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Martinez A. , Morales J. , Salas P. , Ángeles-Chávez C. , Diaz-Torres L.A. , De la Rosa Cruz E.
Published: March 2010

This work is devoted to the structural and morphological study of co-doped Y2O3:Yb3+-Er3+ nanophosphors, with 1 mol% of Er2O3 and 2 mol% of Yb2O3, synthesized by hydrothermal precipitation method via cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant complex for different ethanol/water solvent ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:10. Structural characterization results showed the prevalence of cubic phase independent of the solvent ratio although particle size does depend on the solvent ratio. Concerning to morphology, microscopic characterization indicates that the content of water used in synthesis is determinant in the morphology of resulting samples: a high content of water favored the formation of nanorods/nanofibers while a low water content give rise to heterogeneous morphology with irregular particles. Also, solvent ratio determines the consistency of nanostructured materials; an intermediate solvent ratio leads to nanofibers while a high solvent ratio let to obtain nanorods with length/diameter ratio ~3-5. These results show that solvent concentration plays an important role in particle size and morphology of nanostructured materials while the annealing temperature determines the phase composition and crystallite size.
Changing the Surface Characteristics of CNF, from Hydrophobic to Hydrophilic, via Plasma Polymerization with Acrylic Acid
Authors: Hernández-Hernández E. , Neira-Velázquez M.G. , Ramos de Valle L.F. , Ponce Arturo , Weinkauf D.
Published: March 2010

Carbon nanofibers (CNF) were surface coated with a thin layer of poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) via plasma polymerization of acrylic acid (AA). The plasma polymerization treated CNF resulted in a significant change of its surface characteristics from hydrophobic to hydrophilic due to the polar groups in PAA-coating layer. Dispersion tests in water and ethanol confirmed a marked change in the hydrophobicity of the treated CNF. In addition, FTIR results showed a new signal for the treated CNF at 1046 cm-1, assigned to C-O groups and represented the presence of PAA. Morphology results by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the untreated CNF has a very smooth surface, whereas the treated CNF showed certain roughness on its surface due to the deposited PAA coating layer.PAA coating on the treated CNF was also observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and its thickness was determined to be between 14 to 18 nm. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) was used to show that plasma polymerization improved the dispersion of treated CNF and prevented its agglomeration in water versus the poor dispersion observed with untreated CNF.
Heat Transfer Enhanced in Water Containing TiO2 Nanospheres
Authors: Jiménez Pérez J.L. , Sanchez Ramírez J.F. , Cruz Orea A. , Gutiérrez Fuentes R. , Cornejo-Monroy D. , López-Muñoz G.A.
Published: March 2010

In the present work, nanofluids containing spherical TiO2 nanoparticles were mixed in water, to have various concentrations with the average particle diameter of 81.3 nm. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to characterize the TiO2 nanoparticles. Photothermal techniques, thermal lens spectrometry (TLS) and photopyroelectric (PPE) were used to measure the thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity of the nanofluids respectively. The experimental results show that the thermal diffusivity (D) increased with the increase in TiO2 nanoparticle concentration. It was also possible to see that thermal effusivity (e) had a similar behavior as the thermal diffusivity, where both the values increased with the concentration rate and finally a comparison with literature values show good agreement with the thermal parameters of water.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Sonochemical Induced Reduction Application in SERS
Authors: Solano-Ruiz Esaú , Sato Berrú Roberto , Ocotlán-Flores J. , Saniger José M.
Published: March 2010

In this work, we present the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by ultrasonic irradiation of a solution containing silver nitrate as precursor and sodium citrate as reducing agent. These nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and then were tested as SERS-active colloids.
Cell-Specific Gene Expression in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Lesions Reveals a Distinct Profile Compared with Epidermal Langerhans Cells
Authors: Allen Carl E. , Li Liunan , Peters Tricia L. , Leung Hon-chiu Eastwood , Yu Alexander , Man Tsz-Kwong , Gurusiddappa Sivashankarappa , Phillips Michelle T. , Hicks M. John , Gaikwad Amos , Merad Miriam , McClain Kenneth L.
Published: March 2010

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease characterized by heterogeneous lesions containing CD207+ Langerhans cells (LCs) and lymphocytes that can arise in almost any tissue and cause significant morbidity and mortality. After decades of research, the cause of LCH remains speculative. A prevailing model suggests that LCH arises from malignant transformation and metastasis of epidermal LCs. In this study, CD207+ cells and CD3+ T cells were isolated from LCH lesions to determine cell-specific gene expression. Compared with control epidermal CD207+ cells, the LCH CD207+ cells yielded 2113 differentially expressed genes (false discovery rate < 0.01). Surprisingly, the expression of many genes previously associated with LCH, including cell-cycle regulators, proinflammatory cytokines, and chemokines, were not significantly different from control LCs in our study. However, several novel genes whose products activate and recruit T cells to sites of inflammation, including SPP1 (osteopontin), were highly overexpressed in LCH CD207+ cells. Furthermore, several genes associated with immature myeloid dendritic cells were overexpressed in LCH CD207+ cells. Compared with the peripheral CD3+ cells from LCH patients, the LCH lesion CD3+ cells yielded only 162 differentially regulated genes (false discovery rate < 0.01), and the expression profile of the LCH lesion CD3+ cells was consistent with an activated regulatory T cell phenotype with increased expression of FOXP3, CTLA4, and SPP1. Results from this study support a model of LCH pathogenesis in which lesions do not arise from epidermal LCs but from accumulation of bone marrow-derived immature myeloid dendritic cells that recruit activated lymphocytes.
ADAM17 Activity and Other Mechanisms of Soluble L-selectin Production during Death Receptor-Induced Leukocyte Apoptosis
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhang Adam C. , Ni Zhenya , Herrera Amy , Walcheck Bruce
Published: March 2010

L-selectin is an adhesion molecule expressed by neutrophils that broadly directs their infiltration in to sites of inflammation. It is also present at relatively high levels in the serum of normal individuals. It is well established that L-selectin is efficiently shed from the surface of neutrophils upon their activation, a process that regulates its density and binding activity. Neutrophil programmed cell death is critical for the resolution of inflammation, and L-selectin downregulation is induced during this process as well. The mechanisms underpinning this latter process are much less understood, and were investigated in this study. Using a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)-17 radiation chimeric mice, we demonstrate for the first time that during early events of death receptor-mediated neutrophil apoptosis, L-selectin downregulation occurs primarily by ADAM17-mediated shedding. This was observed as well upon using shRNA to knock down ADAM17 expression in Jurkat cells, a well-studied cell line in terms of the molecular processes involved in the induction of apoptosis. These findings directly reveal that ADAM17 activity occurs during programmed cell death. Hence, the cleavage of particular ADAM17 substrates may be an additional component of the anti-inflammatory program initiated by apoptotic neutrophils. Of interest was that during later stages of induced leukocyte apoptosis, soluble L-selectin production occurred independent of ADAM17, as well as membrane events, such as blebbing and microparticle production. This process may provide an explanation for the lack of diminished serum L-selectin levels in ADAM17-null mice, and suggests a mechanism for the homeostatic maintenance of soluble L-selectin levels in the blood of healthy individuals.
Uncoordinated 119 Preferentially Induces Th2 Differentiation and Promotes the Development of Asthma
Authors: Gorska Magdalena M. , Goplen Nicolas , Liang Qiaoling , Alam Rafeul
Published: March 2010

The Th2 bias is a hallmark of allergic diseases. In this study, we show that the Th1 versus Th2 balance and the development of allergic asthma are strongly affected by the signaling protein uncoordinated 119 (Unc119). The expression of this adaptor protein is significantly increased in Th2 cells. Unc119 activates the Src family and inhibits the Abl family of tyrosine kinases. The activated Src family kinase Lck stimulates the activity of Itk and the expression of the transcription factor JunB. As a result, Unc119 promotes IL-4 production. Through inhibition of Abl kinases, Unc119 dampens IFN-γ production. Using adoptive transfer of Unc119-knockdown CD4 T cells, we show a critical role for Unc119 in the development of eosinophilic inflammation of airways, mucus production, and bronchial hyperreactivity in a mouse model. Intriguingly, the expression of the Unc119 protein is enhanced in CD4 T cells from patients with asthma. We speculate that the heightened expression of Unc119 promotes Th2, inhibits Th1 differentiation, and contributes to the pathogenesis of asthma in humans.
NK Cells Influence Both Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses after Mucosal Immunization with Antigen and Mucosal Adjuvant
Authors: Hall Lindsay J. , Clare Simon , Dougan Gordon
Published: March 2010

NK cells were found to be recruited in a temporally controlled manner to the nasal-associated lymphoid tissue and the cervical lymph nodes of mice after intranasal immunization with Ag85B-early secreted antigenic target 6kDa from Mycobacterium tuberculosis mixed with Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin as adjuvant. These NK cells were activated and secreted a diverse range of cytokines and other immunomodulators. Using Ab depletion targeting anti-asialo GM1, we found evidence for altered trafficking, impaired activation, and cytokine secretion of dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in immunized NK cell-depleted mice compared with control animals. Analysis of Ag-specific immune responses revealed an attenuated Ab and cytokine response in immunized NK cell-depleted animals. Systemic administration of rIL-6 but not rIFN-γ significantly restored immune responses in mice depleted of NK cells. In conclusion, cytokine production, particularly IL-6, via NK cells and NK cell-activated immune populations plays an important role in the establishment of local innate immune responses and the consequent development of adaptive immunity after mucosal immunization.
Redistribution of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate by Sphingosine Kinase 2 Contributes to Lymphopenia
Authors: Sensken Sven-Christian , Bode Constantin , Nagarajan Manju , Peest Ulrike , Pabst Oliver , Gräler Markus H.
Published: March 2010

Sphingosine kinases (SKs) 1 and 2 produce high concentrations of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) in blood and lymph. In contrast, S1P concentrations in lymphoid tissues are kept low by the S1P-degrading activity of the S1P-lyase. These differences in S1P concentrations drive lymphocyte circulation. Inhibition of the S1P-lyase prevents lymphocyte egress and causes lymphopenia because of increased S1P levels in lymphoid tissues. In this study, we investigated the source of this accumulating S1P in lymphoid tissues by using SK2-deficient (SK2−/−) mice. In contrast to wild-type mice, SK2−/− mice exhibited attenuated lymphopenia after S1P-lyase inhibition by 4-deoxypyridoxine (DOP). Consistently, S1P concentrations were only modestly increased in lymphoid tissues of SK2−/− mice compared with a significantly higher increase in wild-type mice after DOP treatment. Low S1P concentrations in lymphoid tissues of DOP-treated SK2−/− mice were accompanied by higher S1P concentrations in blood, suggesting that SK2−/− mice display defective S1P transport from blood into lymphoid tissues. To investigate this potential new role of SK2, RBCs loaded with traceable C17-S1P were transfused into wild-type and SK2−/− mice, resulting in much higher C17-S1P concentrations in blood of SK2−/− mice compared with wild-type mice 2 h after transfusion. Moreover, cocultures of RBCs with mouse splenocytes and endothelial cells demonstrated that SK2 regulated cellular uptake of S1P from RBCs. Collectively, our data suggest that S1P in lymphoid tissues derives from blood and point to an essential role of SK2 in S1P transport.
Attenuation of PI3K/Akt-Mediated Tumorigenic Signals through PTEN Activation by DNA Vaccine-Induced Anti-ErbB2 Antibodies
Authors: Porzia Alessandra , Lanzardo Stefania , Citti Arianna , Cavallo Federica , Forni Guido , Santoni Angela , Galandrini Ricciarda , Paolini Rossella
Published: March 2010

By studying BALB/c mice deficient in immune components, we show that the protective immunity to rat ErbB2+ tumors rests on the Ab response elicited by the electroporation of a DNA vaccine encoding the extracellular and transmembrane domains of rat ErbB2. In vivo, the adoptive transfer of vaccine-elicited anti-rat ErbB2 Abs protected against a challenge of rat ErbB2+ carcinoma cells (TUBO cells). In vitro, such Abs inhibited TUBO cell growth by impairing cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis. To correlate intrinsic mechanisms of Ab action with their tumor-inhibitory potential, first we showed that TUBO cells constitutively express phosphorylated transgenic ErbB2/autochthonous ErbB3 heterodimers and exhibit a basal level of Akt phosphorylation, suggesting a constitutive activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Treatment with anti-ErbB2 Abs caused a drastic reduction in the basal level of Akt phosphorylation in the absence of an impairment of PI3K enzymatic activity. Notably, the same Ab treatment induced an increase in PTEN phosphatase activity that correlated with a reduced PTEN phosphorylation. In conclusion, vaccine-induced anti-ErbB2 Abs directly affected the transformed phenotype of rat ErbB2+ tumors by impairing ErbB2-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling.