bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anaerobic storage of red blood cells in a novel additive solution improves in vivo recovery
Authors: Dumont Larry J. , Yoshida Tatsuro , AuBuchon James P.
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: In preliminary studies, anaerobic red blood cell (RBC) storage reduced oxidative damage and phosphatidylserine exposure while maintaining adenosine triphosphate levels. The purpose of this study was to compare the 24‐hour recovery and life span of autologous RBCs stored 6 and 9 weeks using OFAS3 additive solution in an anaerobic environment, compared to control RBCs aerobically stored in AS‐3 for 6 weeks.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eight subjects were entered into a randomized, crossover study. Whole blood was collected from each subject twice separated by 12 weeks or more into CP2D and leukoreduced. Controls were stored in AS‐3. Test units in OFAS3 were oxygen depleted with argon then stored 9 weeks in an anaerobic chamber at 1 to 6°C. At the end of each storage period, RBCs were labeled with 51Cr and 99mTc and reinfused to the subject following standard methods to determine double‐label recovery and life span. Hypotheses tests were conducted using paired, repeated‐measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS: Recovery for the anaerobically stored test RBC was significantly better than control at 6 weeks (p = 0.023). Test units at 9 weeks were not different than the 6‐week control units (p = 0.73). Other in vitro measures of RBC characteristics followed the same trend. Two test units at 9 weeks had hemolysis of greater than 1 percent.

CONCLUSION: Anaerobically stored RBCs in OFAS3 have superior recovery at 6 weeks compared to the controls and equivalent recovery at 9 weeks with no change in life span. Anaerobic storage of RBCs may provide improved RBCs for transfusion at 6 weeks of storage and may enable extending storage beyond the current 42‐day limit.
Evaluation of in vitro storage properties of prestorage pooled whole blood–derived platelets suspended in 100 percent plasma and treated with amotosalen and long‐wavelength ultraviolet light
Authors: Wagner Stephen J. , Skripchenko Andrey , Myrup Andrew , Awatefe Helen , Thompson‐Montgomery Dedeene , Moroff Gary , Carmichael Patrick , Lin Lily
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: Amotosalen, a psoralen, has been utilized for photochemical treatment (PCT) of apheresis platelets (PLTs) and pooled buffy coat PLTs suspended in additive solution. In the United States, the source of many PLT transfusions is from whole blood–derived PLTs prepared by the PLT‐rich plasma (PRP) method. This study investigated the in vitro PLT properties of amotosalen‐PCT of leukoreduced pools of PLTs prepared by the PRP method and suspended in 100 percent plasma.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: On Day 1 of storage, 12 leukoreduced (n = 6) or 10 leukoreplete (n = 6) ABO‐identical PLT concentrates were pooled, separated into two pools of 6 or 5 units, respectively, and leukoreduced (leukoreplete pools only). Each pool of 5 or 6 units was then photochemically treated (designated “test”: amotosalen plus 3.0 J/cm2 long‐wavelength ultraviolet light followed by amotosalen/photoproduct removal) while the remaining identical pool (designated “control”) was untreated. PLT in vitro assays were performed on test and control pools during 7‐day storage.

RESULTS: PCT resulted in slightly reduced pH in test pools compared to that of matched control pools after 5 days of storage (5‐unit pools: test, 6.96 ± 0.12 vs. control, 7.15 ± 0.09, p = 0.0033; 6‐unit pools: test, 6.90 ± 0.10 vs. control, 7.07 ± 0.09, p < 0.0001). Test pools adequately maintained many other in vitro properties including PLT morphology, hypotonic shock response, and extent of shape change parameters during 5‐day storage, which, like pH, also differed from those of controls. The pH of test and control pools declined on Day 7, with 1 of 6 test pools (either 5 or 6 units) having a pH value of less than 6.20, while all control pools had pH values of more than 6.66.

CONCLUSION: PCT of leukoreduced PLT pools of whole blood–derived PLTs in 100 percent plasma maintained adequate PLT in vitro variables through 5 days of storage.
Current value of serologic test for syphilis as a surrogate marker for blood‐borne viral infections among blood donors in the United States
Authors: Zou Shimian , Notari Edward P. , Fang Chyang T. , Stramer Susan L. , Dodd Roger Y.
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: Serologic screening for syphilis has been justified in part as a surrogate marker for infections caused by other pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study assessed the current surrogate value of the test.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Testing results for blood donors with the American Red Cross Blood Services between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007, were analyzed. All donations were tested according to standard procedures for markers of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV), syphilis, and other infections. The frequency of window‐period (w‐p) infections interdicted by syphilis testing was estimated.

RESULTS: There were significantly higher frequencies of HIV, HCV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and HTLV confirmed‐positive donations among those with positive syphilis test results, although the sensitivity of syphilis test positivity in these groups was low. Among more than 3 million repeat donors with complete testing through reactive donation confirmation for both syphilis and HIV (anti‐HIV and HIV RNA), 225 seroconverted for syphilis but not for anti‐HIV or HIV RNA and 83 converted for HIV (anti‐HIV or HIV RNA) but not for syphilis, with only 1 who converted for both syphilis and HIV, resulting in an incidence ratio of 150 (95% confidence interval, 21‐1080) and a sensitivity of 1.2 percent. No syphilis seroconverters converted for HCV, HBsAg, or anti‐HTLV.

CONCLUSION: Syphilis testing presents no surrogate value for incident HCV, HBV, and HTLV infections and could only remove approximately 1 HIV w‐p unit of every 148 million donations.
Impact of ABO mismatching on the outcomes of allogeneic related and unrelated blood and marrow stem cell transplantations for hematologic malignancies: IPD‐based meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Kanda Junya , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Matsuo Keitaro , Benjamin Richard J. , Klumpp Thomas R. , Rozman Primoz , Blumberg Neil , Mehta Jayesh , Sohn Sang‐Kyun , Uchiyama Takashi
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: The impact of donor‐recipient ABO matching on outcomes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation has been a matter of controversy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Individual patient data–based meta‐analysis was conducted with a pooled data set provided through six published and one unpublished cohorts. Outcomes in recipients of peripheral blood or bone marrow transplantation for hematologic malignancies were evaluated. A multivariate Cox model was used to adjust differences in outcomes of patients receiving ABO‐matched grafts with those receiving major, minor, or bidirectional mismatched grafts. Considering multiple testing, p values of less than 0.05 and 0.001 were considered significant for the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively.

RESULTS: In all, 1208 cases, including 697 ABO‐matched and 202 major, 228 minor, and 81 bidirectional mismatched transplants, were analyzed. Overall, adverse impact of ABO matching on overall survival (OS), as a primary endpoint, was not observed (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals]: major, 1.03 [0.82‐1.30], p = 0.81; minor, 1.19 [0.97‐1.47], p = 0.10; bidirectional, 1.25 [0.91‐1.72], p = 0.17). Among related stem cell recipients, ABO matching had no significant influence on OS, while the minor and bidirectional mismatched groups among unrelated stem cell recipients exhibited lower OS with marginal significance, especially in patients with acute leukemia, patients who received transplants after 1998, and patients who underwent transplants at Asian centers.

CONCLUSIONS: Our meta‐analysis demonstrates no adverse association between any ABO mismatching and survival. However, marginally lower OS found in recipients of minor or bidirectional mismatched grafts from unrelated donors suggested the need for larger studies focusing on unrelated transplants.
Detection of blood group genes using multiplex SNaPshot method
Authors: Palacajornsuk Poonsub , Halter Christine , Isakova Victoria , Tarnawski Michal , Farmar James , Reid Marion E. , Chaudhuri Asok
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: The determination of blood group antigens in patients and donors is of primary importance in transfusion medicine. Blood group antigens are inherited and are polymorphic in nature. The majority of polymorphic blood group antigens arise from single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the blood group genes. Many DNA‐based assays, such as species‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism, and microchips, have been described to study variant blood group genes. In this study, the SNaPshot (Applied Biosystems) method was adapted to detect SNPs in 10 common blood group systems.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: DNA regions of interest were amplified in multiplex PCR and annealed to specific oligonucleotide probe primers of different lengths. AmpliTaq DNA polymerase extended the primers by adding only a single fluorescent ddNTP to its 3′ end and was detected by differential mobility in capillary electrophoresis in a genetic analyzer. Results were analyzed using computer software in SNaPshot default analysis method.

RESULTS: Seventeen SNP sites in 29 blood samples, previously phenotyped and/or genotyped, were used to test the accuracy and reproducibility of multiplex SNaPshot assays. The results were compared with the previously analyzed types. SNaPshot analyses predicted the 17 SNP sites accurately for all the 29 blood samples. Both homozygous and heterozygous blood groups were detected with equal confidence.

CONCLUSION: Blood group detection by SNaPshot method is a practical alternative to antibody‐dependent phenotype prediction. Starting with DNA, this method is fast with a turnaround time of 24 hours with mean reagent cost around $2 per SNP detected.
Blood donors with positive direct antiglobulin tests are at increased risk for cancer
Authors: Rottenberg Yakir , Yahalom Vered , Shinar Eilat , Barchana Micha , Adler Bella , Paltiel Ora
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: Positive direct antiglobulin tests (DATs) have been associated with both autoimmunity and lymphoproliferative disorders. However, it is unknown whether DAT+ in healthy blood donors is associated with an increased risk of malignancies.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In the current study, all blood donors with DAT+ samples were identified during the years 1999 through 2003 through the Magen David Adom National Blood Services in Israel. This study compared the risk of cancer among 586 DAT+ and 2344 DAT− donors who were matched according to sex, age, and year of donation. The risk of cancer in DAT+ donors was also compared to expected rates in the general Israeli population. Cancer was ascertained through the Israel Cancer Registry.

RESULTS: Malignancies occurred among 17 (2.9%) of the DAT+ and 27 (1.2%) of the DAT− blood donors; of these, 3 donors in the DAT+ group were diagnosed with hematopoietic malignancies within 12 months of their donation. Even after excluding these early cases, the relative risk of developing cancer was 2.14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13‐4.10) comparing DAT+ with DAT− donors, while the relative risk for hematopoietic cancer was 8.3 (95% CI, 1.5‐43.2). Comparing DAT+ blood donors with the general population, the standardized incidence ratios (observed/expected cases) were elevated at 2.11 (95% CI, 1.15‐3.54; p = 0.16) for all malignancies and 8.03 (95% CI, 2.2‐20.6; p = 0.003) for hematologic malignancies.

CONCLUSION: There is evidence of a significantly increased risk of cancer, especially hematologic malignancies, among blood donors with a positive DAT even within a short follow‐up period.
Deferred donor care in a regional hospital blood center in Ghana
Authors: Allain Jean‐Pierre , Opare‐Sem Ohene , Sarkodie Francis , Rahman Rabiatu , Owusu‐Ofori Shirley
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: In sub‐Saharan Africa, the viral marker burden in blood donor populations ranges between 10 and 30 percent. Deferred donors constitute a rare population of asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐ and hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected individuals with high likelihood of long survival if cared for. Deferred donor care provides an opportunity for a public health impact on highly pathogenic infections.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Between 2004 and 2007, all candidate donors deferred before donation for reactivity of anti‐HIV, hepatitis C virus antibody (anti‐HCV), and hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid tests were informed and referred to a donor care program consisting of test confirmation, information, counseling, and potential referral for follow‐up and therapy. Dedicated trained nurses supervised the program including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level testing to identify liver disease.

RESULTS: In a 4‐year period 51,100 donors were screened and 5778, 1578, and 227 candidate donors were deferred for reactivity to HBV, HIV, or HCV serologic markers, respectively. The rates of entry into the donor care program were 48, 14.3, and 22 percent of deferred donors, respectively. A total of 83 of 210 HBsAg‐positive donors with elevated ALT levels were referred and 66 received antiviral treatment. A total of 89 of 516 confirmed anti‐HIV–positive donors were referred to the hospital acquired immune deficiency syndrome clinic for follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS: With little additional expense, the deferred donor care program identified asymptomatic infections with high odds of benefiting from monitoring and therapy. In the local circumstances, this public health–limited but definite impact was permitted by the rapid‐test predonation screening, and this impact could be increased if more resources were available.
Social support attenuates presyncopal reactions to blood donation
Authors: Hanson Sarah A. , France Christopher R.
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: The experience of unpleasant blood donation reactions (e.g., dizziness, nausea, and fainting) has been linked to negative attitudes about donation and decreased likelihood of repeat donation. Consequently, interventions to reduce the adverse effects of blood donation are important and likely to increase donor retention. Based on laboratory studies suggesting that social support attenuates both physical and psychological responses to stress, the present study hypothesized that the presence of a supportive person during the donation process may help reduce reactions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A final sample of 65 men and women with fewer than three prior donations was randomly assigned to either donate blood as usual or donate with a supportive research assistant. Donors in the support condition were accompanied throughout the donation process by a female research assistant who provided encouragement, made reassuring remarks, and engaged in small talk. Donors in both conditions completed a series of questions to assess anxiety, experience of prefaint reactions, and willingness to provide a future donation.

RESULTS: Compared to standard donation controls, donors in the social support condition reported fewer prefaint reactions (F(1,61) = 9.15, p = 0.004, η2= 0.13) and greater likelihood of donating again within the next year (Z =−1.70, p < 0.05, one‐tailed).

CONCLUSION: Relatively novice donors report reduced reactions to blood donation when accompanied by a supportive individual, suggesting that social support may be a simple strategy to enhance the donation experience and possibly increase donor retention.
More than a third of non‐gastric malt lymphomas are disseminated at diagnosis: a single center survey
Authors: Sretenovic Mirjana , Colovic Milica , Jankovic Gradimir , Suvajdzic Nada , Mihaljevic Biljana , Colovic Natasa , Todorovic Milena , Atkinson Henry Dushan E.
Published: January 2009

Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas are extranodal B‐cell tumors that generally follow an indolent course. The gastrointestinal tract is the most common site of MALT lymphoma, comprising 50% of all cases. The tissue lesions are often localized, have high therapeutic response rates with late relapses with a long overall survival (OS). The patients with non‐gastric lesions may follow a different clinical course and many of them present with disseminated disease. This study reports a series of 51 patients with non‐gastric MALT lymphoma. Twenty patients (39.2%) presented with disseminated disease, seven (13.7%) patients had two MALT mucosal sites involved and eight (15.7%) had involvement of three or more mucosal sites. At presentation, 17 (33.3%) patients had the lymph node and 12 (23.5%) the bone marrow involvement. Following various combinations of treatment, complete remission was achieved in 40 (81.6%), and partial remission in three of the 49 treated patients with no difference in response rates between different disease stages. Relapse occurred in 12/43 (27.9%) patients among whom eight (18.6%) recurred in the presenting organ system. Five patients (9.8%) died because of a rapid disease progression after a median follow‐up of 56 months; two patients with primary lung lesions, 1 patient with secondary intestinal disease, and 2 patients suffered transformation to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. No significant difference in survival was found between localized and disseminated disease (log rank 0.05, df = 1, P = 0.81). A patient age ≥ 60 yr at diagnosis and presentation with the nodal disease were found to be statistically significant negative prognostic factors (P < 0.05). Median OS was not reached after 145 months of follow‐up, with the estimated OS being 88% at 2 yr, and 78% at 5 yr.
Cardiac related death in thalassaemia major: time trend and risk factors in a large Greek Unit
Authors: Chouliaras Giorgos , Yiannoutsos Constantin T. , Berdoukas Vasilios , Ladis Vassilios
Published: January 2009

Background:  Cardiac complications are the leading cause of death in thalassaemic patients (TM) worldwide. Improved management protocols including new chelators and imaging have reduced cardiac‐related deaths but also require more advanced analytical methods to reflect temporal fluctuations in mortality risk.

Objectives:  To evaluate time patterns of risk of cardiac death in TM patients according to birth cohort, gender and degree of haemosiderosis and to apply new flexible methods of analysis that may allow assessment of trends in risks as affected by innovations in management.

Design and methods:  Cardiac‐free survival and time trend of the risk of cardiac‐related death were assessed in 648 transfusion‐depended thalassaemic patients (48.3% females) managed in a single unit located in Athens, Greece. Patients were classified according to birth cohort (prior or after 1/1/1975) and according to the severity of haemosiderosis (mild, moderate and severe) as estimated by the mean ferritin levels during the last 5 yr of follow‐up.

Results:  The median time of observation was 27.8 yr and 84 cardiac deaths were recorded. A parametric analysis predicted a non‐monotonous time pattern for the cardiac risk with an initial increasing phase until the fourth decade of life followed by a drop off in deaths. Women have 23% longer life expectancy than men (P = 0.010) while patients born after 1975 die of heart complications at an older age compared to those born prior to 1975 (time ratio = 1.34, P = 0.003). Patients with mild and moderate haemosiderosis lived 89% (P < 0.001) and 43% (P < 0.001) longer, respectively, compared with patients with severe haemosiderosis.

Conclusions:  These results on risk of death in thalassaemia, accord with expectations. This type of analysis will be useful in the future when the expected impact of cardiac MRI with appropriate tailoring of chelation therapy using all current and future options will modify the pattern of risk of cardiac death observed to date.
Bcl‐2 but not FOXP1, is an adverse risk factor in immunochemotherapy‐treated non‐germinal center diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Nyman Heidi , Jerkeman Mats , Karjalainen‐Lindsberg Marja‐Liisa , Banham Alison H. , Enblad Gunilla , Leppä Sirpa
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  Non‐germinal center (non‐GC) phenotype, high level expression of the transcription factor forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1) and anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2 have been identified as unfavorable prognostic factors for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with chemotherapy. Our aim was to re‐evaluate the prognostic impact of these biologic factors on the survival of the patients treated with immunochemotherapy.

Methods:  Expression of Bcl‐2 and FOXP1, and cell of origin based on the Hans algorithm were determined immunohistochemically from samples of 117 de novo DLBCL patients treated with R‐CHOP and R‐CHOEP regimens, and correlated with clinical data.

Results:  Consistent with our previous studies, no significant difference in 2‐yr survival rates between the GC‐ and non‐GC phenotypes was found. Both FOXP1 and Bcl‐2 expression were associated with the non‐GC phenotype. For all patients, no prognostic impact of FOXP1 positivity on survival was observed. However, Bcl‐2 negative patients had a better survival as compared to Bcl‐2 positive patients [failure free survival (FFS) 97% vs. 71%, P = 0.001 and overall survival (OS) 97% vs. 82%, P = 0.034]. When Bcl‐2 related survival was analyzed in the GC‐ and non‐GC subgroups, a significant prognostic effect of Bcl‐2 on FFS was seen only in the non‐GC group of patients (positive 65% vs. negative 100%, P = 0.011). A trend for the difference in OS was also observed (positive 84% vs. negative 100%, P = 0.082).

Conclusions:  The data demonstrate that expression of Bcl‐2 and FOXP1 is associated with the non‐GC phenotype, but only Bcl‐2 expression continues to be of prognostic significance in DLBCL patients treated with immunochemotherapy.
Enamel defects and salivary methylmalonate in methylmalonic acidemia
Authors: Bassim CW , Wright JT , Guadagnini JP , Muralidharan R , Sloan J , Domingo DL , Venditti CP , Hart TC
Published: January 2009

Introduction and objective:  To characterize enamel defects in patients with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and cobalamin (cbl) metabolic disorders and to examine salivary methylmalonate levels in MMA.

Subjects and methods:  Teeth from patients (n = 32) were evaluated for enamel defects and compared with age‐ and gender‐matched controls (n = 55). Complementation class (mut, cblA, cblB and cblC) and serum methylmalonate levels were examined. Primary teeth from two patients were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy and salivary methylmalonate levels from two patients were analyzed.

Results:  Enamel defects were significantly more prevalent per tooth in the affected group than the control group, across complementation types (P < 0.0001). The mut MMA subgroup had a significantly higher prevalence per individual of severe enamel defects than controls (P = 0.021), and those with enamel defects exhibited higher serum methylmalonate levels than those without (P = 0.017). Salivary methylmalonate levels were extremely elevated and were significantly higher than controls (P = 0.002). Primary teeth were free of enamel defects except for two cblC patients who exhibited severe enamel hypoplasia. One primary tooth from a cblC patient manifested markedly altered crystal microstructure.

Conclusion:  Enamel anomalies represent a phenotypic manifestation of MMA and cbl metabolic disorders. These findings suggest an association between enamel developmental pathology and disordered metabolism.
GLOBALIZING CHRISTOLOGY: JESUS CHRIST IN WORLD RELIGIOUS CONTEXT
Authors: Yong Amos
Published: January 2009

Book reviewed in this article:

FIDELITY WITH PLAUSIBILITY: MODEST CHRISTOLOGIES IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY By Wesley J. Wildman

CHRISTOLOGY IN CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE: MARKING OUT THE HORIZONS By Colin J. D. Greene

JESUS THE SAVIOR: THE MEANING OF JESUS CHRIST FOR CHRISTIAN FAITH By William C. Placher

JESUS: SYMBOL OF GOD By Roger Haight

THE FIRSTBORN OF MANY: A CHRISTOLOGY FOR CONVERTING CHRISTIANS By Donald L. Gelpi

SYMBOLS OF JESUS: A CHRISTOLOGY OF SYMBOLIC ENGAGEMENT By Robert Cummings Neville

LIBERATING CHRIST: EXPLORING THE CHRISTOLOGIES OF CONTEMPORARY LIBERATION MOVEMENTS By Lisa Isherwood

THE MANY FACES OF CHRIST By Tyron Inbody

IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS: A DIALOGICAL CHRISTOLOGY By David Jensen

THE CONTEMPORARY JESUS By Thomas J. J. Altizer
Lumbar back muscle activity in relation to trunk movements during locomotion in man
Authors: THORSTENSSON ALF , CARLSON HANS , ZOMLEFER MICHAEL R. , NILSSON JOHNNY
Published: January 2009

The function of lumbar back muscles was studied by relating their activity patterns to trunk movements in 7 healthy adult males during normal walking (1.0–2.5 m/s) and running (2.0–7.0 m/s) on a treadmill. The movements of the trunk in the sagittal and frontal planes were recorded with a Selspot optoelectronic system using infrared light emitting diodes as markers. The electromyographic (EMG) activity from the two main portions of the lumbar erector spinae muscles (Multifidus and Longissimus) was recorded bilaterally with intramuscular wire electrodes. The angular displacements of the trunk showed regular oscillations, but their shape, magnitude and relation to the step cycle were different in the two planes (sagittal and frontal) and varied with speed and mode of progression. The EMG pattern in both muscles showed a bilateral cocontraction with two main bursts of activity per step cycle starting just before each foot was placed on the ground. Relating the EMG to the movements of the trunk indicated that the main function of the lumbar erector spinae muscles is to restrict excessive trunk movements. During walking this restricting action is most evident for movements in the frontal plane, whereas in running the lumbar back muscles mainly control the movements in the sagittal plane.
Glucose, insulin and osmolality changes in rats sustaining different hemorrhage volumes
Authors: WARE J. , LJUNGQVIST O. , NORBERG K. A. , EFENDIC S. , NYLANDER G.
Published: January 2009

Plasma glucose, osmolality and insulin have been investigated during hemorrhage in nonstarved rats. The rate of blood loss leading to hemorrhages of 44% and 55% of the estimated original blood volume determined the patterns of response. Substantial hyperglycemic hyperosmolality and insulin values appropriate for the raised levels of glucose were observed in the animals bleeding more rapidly. The slower rate of hemorrhage was associated with only moderate hyperglycemia and hyperosmolality, while the insulin values rose to very high levels, 45 times basal. It is postulated that altered glucose‐insulin metabolism in haemorrhage may have important consequences for fluid homeostasis, and the rate of bleeding is the fundamental factor steering this effect.
Central cardiovascular effects of L‐DOPA and clonidine in the lizard, Agama caudospinosa
Authors: JOHANSSON PEHR
Published: January 2009

The effects of L‐DOPA alone and in combination with two inhibitors of I‐aromatic‐amino acid decarboxylase (DC), carbidopa and benserazid on the blood pressure (BP) and catecholamine (CA) content in the heart and brain has been investigated in the lizard Agama caudospinosa. The effect of clonidine on BP has also been examined in intact lizards and after spinal cord transection. It is concluded that dopamine (DA) is formed from L‐DOPA in brain and heart and that carbidopa reduces the DA formation in the heart but penetrates the blood brain barrier (BBB) poorly, allowing a central decarboxylation of L‐DOPA. Benserazid, on the other hand, penetrates the BBB and inhibits the central as well as the peripheral synthesis of DA from L‐DOPA. L‐DOPA in combination with carbidopa lowers the BP significantly in lizards tilted 45°(head upwards) whereas the supine BP is unaffected. Benserazid pretreatment abolishes the decrease in BP after L‐DOPA. L‐DOPA alone does not produce any consistent changes in BP. Clonidine lowers BP in intact, tilted animals, while the BP is increased in spinal animals. The results indicate a central mode of action of L‐DOPA as well as clonidine in the lizard studied.
Similarity of permeabilities for Ficoll, pullulan, charge‐modified albumin and native albumin across the rat peritoneal membrane
Authors: Asgeirsson D. , Axelsson J. , Rippe C. , Rippe B.
Published: January 2009

Aim:  Compared to neutral globular proteins, neutral polysaccharides, such as dextran, pullulan and Ficoll, appear hyperpermeable across the glomerular filtration barrier. This has been attributed to an increased flexibility and/or asymmetry of polysaccharides. The present study investigates whether polysaccharides are hyperpermeable also across the continuous capillaries in the rat peritoneum.

Methods:  In anaesthetized Wistar rats, FITC–Ficoll or FITC–pullulan together with 125I‐human serum albumin (RISA) or neutralized 125I‐bovine serum albumin (nBSA) were given intravenously, after which peritoneal dialysis (PD) using conventional PD fluid (Gambrosol 1.5%) was performed for 120 min. Concentrations of FITC‐polysaccharides and radioactive albumin species in plasma and dialysis fluid were analysed with high‐performance size exclusion chromatography and a gamma counter respectively. Transperitoneal clearance values were calculated for polysaccharides in the molecular radius range 36–150 Å, and for RISA and nBSA.

Results:  Ficoll and pullulan showed more or less identical permeabilities, compared to RISA and nBSA, across the peritoneal membrane. Although RISA‐clearance, 5.50 ± 0.28 (μL min−1; ±SEM), tended to be lower than the clearances of Ficoll36Å (6.55 ± 0.25), pullulan36Å (6.08 ± 0.22) and nBSA (6.56 ± 0.23), the difference was not statistically significant. This is in contrast to the hyperpermeability exhibited by polysaccharides across the glomerular filtration barrier and also contrasts with the charge selectivity of the latter.

Conclusion:  The phenomenon of molecular flexibility is more important for a macromolecule’s permeability through the glomerular filter than across the continuous peritoneal capillary endothelium. Furthermore, it seems that charge plays a subordinate role in the steady‐state transport across the combined peritoneal capillary–interstitial barrier.
Medicalization, Natural Childbirth and Birthing Experiences
Authors: Brubaker Sarah Jane , Dillaway Heather E.
Published: January 2009

Although much of the early sociological and feminist analysis of medicalization focused on reproductive issues and childbirth, attention has moved away from this topic over time as new conditions have become subject to the medicalization process. At the same time, one of the major concepts within this analytical framework, the dichotomy of ‘natural’ versus ‘medical’, has not been sufficiently problematized. In this article, we call for a renewed examination of the medicalization of childbirth from a critical perspective that neither takes for granted the meaning of this dichotomy, nor presupposes feminist perspectives or those of privileged groups of women. We revisit sociological frameworks and feminist critiques of medicalization, specifically around childbirth, and review scholarship that addresses their limitations. We propose a research agenda that goes beyond the traditional assumptions about ‘natural’ and ‘medical’ childbirth and examines more closely how medicalization processes both shape and conflict with women's subjective experiences of childbirth.
Involvement of intraocular structures in disseminated histoplasmosis
Authors: Ala‐Kauhaluoma Marianne , Aho Inka , Ristola Matti , Karma Anni
Published: January 2009

Purpose:  To describe ocular involvement and response to treatment in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection with severe progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH).

Methods:  We report a 35‐year‐old HIV‐infected patient seen in our clinics over a period of 4 years. During antiretroviral treatment (ART), the HIV load became undetectable at 3 months; however, CD4 T‐cell count increased slowly and rose to 100 cells/μl. Histoplasma capsulatum was cultured from skin pustules, cerebrospinal fluid (CF) and aqueous humour.

Results:  The patient developed central nervous system (CNS) involvement 2 months and panuveitis in both eyes 4 months after the initiation of ART. With intravenous liposomal amphotericin B followed by oral voricanozole, the chorioretinal lesions of the right eye (RE) became inactivated and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions of CNS disappeared. Relapse of the inflammation in the anterior segment of the left eye (LE) resulted in a total closure of the chamber angle and severe glaucoma. Despite medical therapy, two cyclophotocoagulations, total vitrectomy and repeated intravitreal amphotericin B injections, LE became blind. Histoplasma capsulatum was cultured from the aqueous humour after antifungal therapy of 16 months’ duration.

Conclusion:  PDH with intraocular and CNS manifestations was probably manifested by an enhanced immune response against a previous subclinical disseminated infection. It seems difficult to eradicate H. capsulatum from the anterior segment of the eye in an immunocompromised patient.
Recent clinical findings with memantine should not mean that the idea of neuroprotection in glaucoma is abandoned
Authors: Osborne Neville N.
Published: January 2009

Loss of vision in primary open‐angle glaucoma (glaucoma) is caused by retinal ganglion cells dying at a seemingly steady and variable rate in different patients. Present treatments for all glaucoma patients are inadequate and a goal to rectify this is to discover appropriate drugs or chemicals (neuroprotectants) that can be taken orally to slow down retinal ganglion cell death and have negligible side‐effects. It was therefore of great disappointment to learn earlier this year that the one clinical trial conducted to test the efficacy of memantine as a neuroprotectant for glaucoma was unsuccessful. In this article, I consider the mechanisms by which retinal ganglion cells may die in glaucoma and suggest that memantine may have benefited patients taking it but to a level that was difficult to detect with present methodologies. Ganglion cells are induced to die by different triggers in glaucoma, suggesting that neuroprotectants with multiple modes of actions are likely to reveal clearer results than was found for memantine. Therefore, the idea of neuroprotection in glaucoma must not be abandoned.
Desmostachya pingalaiae sp. nov. from Gujarat, India
Authors: Raole Vinay M. , Desai Rinku J.
Published: January 2009

Desmostachya pingalaiae Raole & R. J. Desai sp. nov. is described from the Navasari district of Gujarat, India. A detailed morphological description and line drawings of the new species are provided. In addition, the new species is compared with D. bipinnata (L.) Stapf.
WT Load Measurement Uncertainty: Load-Based Versus Analytical Strain-Gauge Calibration Method
Authors: Lekou D. J. , Mouzakis F.
Published: January 2009

For load measurements conducted on current wind turbines according to technical specification IEC 61400-13 load-based as well as analytically determined calibrations are possible. The uncertainties involved in load measurements due to the employment of these two methods may vary from application to application, which should be documented by the accredited laboratory and taken into account by the wind turbine designer∕manufacturer. To this end, a comparative study is conducted to define the measurement uncertainties when applying load-based or analytical calibration. Examples are presented for the resulting uncertainties and both techniques are assessed with respect not only to the uncertainties introduced but also to the specific requirements of each application. Although the analysis of the uncertainties involved especially in the analytical calibration regarded the primary uncertainty sources, from the results it is shown that the mechanical calibration should be preferred to the analytical one wherever possible. However, since the wind turbines and their structural components are becoming larger the mechanical calibration might not always be possible. Moreover, given that the problem of imposing loads of large magnitude, that is, of magnitude comparable to the ultimate loads expected to be applied on the structure will become more difficult in the future due to the continuous enlargement of the wind turbine and its components, probably more reliable results can be attained by use of a combination of both methods.
New Solar Water-Splitting Reactor With Ferrite Particles in an Internally Circulating Fluidized Bed
Authors: Gokon Nobuyuki , Takahashi Shingo , Yamamoto Hiroki , Kodama Tatsuya
Published: January 2009

The thermal reduction of metal oxides as part of a thermochemical two-step water-splitting cycle requires the development of a high-temperature solar reactor operating at 1000–1500°C. Direct solar energy absorption by metal-oxide particles provides direct efficient heat transfer to the reaction site. This paper describes the experimental results of a windowed small reactor using an internally circulating fluidized bed of reacting metal-oxide particles under direct solar-simulated Xe-beam irradiation. Concentrated Xe-beam irradiation directly heats the internally circulating fluidized bed of metal-oxide particles. NiFe2O4∕m‐ZrO2 (Ni-ferrite on zirconia support) particles are loaded as the working redox material and are thermally reduced by concentrated Xe-beam irradiation. In a separate step, the thermally reduced sample is oxidized back to Ni-ferrite with steam at 1000°C. The conversion efficiency of ferrite reached 44% (±1.0%), which was achieved using the reactor at 1kW of incident Xe lamp power. The effects of preheating temperature and NiFe2O4∕m‐ZrO2 particle size on the performance of the reactor for thermal reduction using an internally circulating fluidized bed were evaluated.
FACTS Controllers for Grid Connected Wind Energy Conversion Systems
Authors: Jayashri R. , Kumudini Devi R. P.
Published: January 2009

In this paper, the dynamic performance of grid connected wind energy conversion system (WECS) is analyzed in terms of rotor speed stability. The WECS considered is a fixed-speed system that is equipped with a squirrel-cage induction generator. The drive-train is represented as a two-mass model. Results show that for a particular fault simulated, the voltage at the point of common coupling drops below 80% immediately after fault application and exhibits sustained oscillations. The rotor speed of induction generators becomes unstable. In order to improve the low voltage ride-through of WECS under fault conditions and to damp the rotor speed oscillations of induction generator, various flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) controllers such as static VAR (volt ampere reactive) compensator, static synchronous compensator, and unified power flow controller (UPFC) are employed. The gains of these FACTS controllers are tuned with a simple genetic algorithm. It is observed that among the FACTS controllers considered, UPFC is superior not only in regulating the voltage but also in mitigating the rotor speed instability.
Cloud Formation in the Plumes of Solar Chimney Power Generation Facilities: A Modeling Study
Authors: VanReken Timothy M. , Nenes Athanasios
Published: January 2009

The solar chimney power facility has the potential to become a valuable technology for renewable energy production. Its financial viability depends on a thorough understanding of the processes affecting its performance, particularly because of the large startup costs associated with facility design and construction. This paper describes the potential impacts on plant capacity resulting from cloud formation within or downwind of the solar chimney. Several proposed modifications to the basic concept of the solar chimney power facility have the potential to cause significant additions of water vapor to the air passing through the collector. As the air continues up through and out of the chimney, this excess water can condense to form cloud. This possibility is explored using a cloud parcel model initialized to simulate the range of expected operating conditions for a proposed solar chimney facility in southwestern Australia. A range of temperatures and updraft velocities is simulated for each of four seasonal representations and three levels of water vapor enhancement. Both adiabatic environments and the effects of entrainment are considered. The results indicate that for very high levels of water vapor, enhancement cloud formation within the chimney is likely; at more moderate levels of water vapor enhancement, the likelihood of plume formation is difficult to fully assess as the results depend strongly on the choice of entrainment rate. Finally, the impacts of these outcomes on facility capacity are estimated.
Multiple Solutions in Dynamic Contact Problems With Friction
Authors: Kligerman Yuri
Published: January 2009

A frictional force resists the relative motion of the two surfaces. An understanding of the difference between static and dynamic contact with friction can lead to methods, which reduce friction and wear. The main goal of the present work is to evaluate the various solutions for the dynamic contact problem with friction and to compare theirs with the solution of the static contact problem. Another goal of the present work is to clarify whether the perturbation of some problem parameters during sliding with time can lead to the difference between solutions of the static and dynamic contact problems with friction. The essential parameter determining friction is the number of asperities in contact. The number of asperities in contact changes as a consequence of the wear. As follows from the classical wear models the perturbation frequency of the number of asperities in contact depends on the sliding velocity. The model of dynamic contact with friction based on the perturbation of the number of asperities in contact, along with the alternative models, is discussed in the present work.
Extension of Hertzian Theory for Bodies With a Single Coating
Authors: Liu Shuangbiao , Wang Qian
Published: January 2009

The Hertzian theory is a convenient tool for analyzing counterformal bodies in mechanical contacts. However, it is limited to homogeneous materials. This paper reports the results from recent research that extends the Hertzian contact theory to layered materials. Numerical analyses are conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the formulas of the extended Hertzian theory, and the comparison with numerical solutions indicates that the formulas have sufficient accuracy.
A Finite Element Study of Elasto-Plastic Hemispherical Contact
Authors: Jackson Robert L. , Green Itzhak
Published: January 2009

This work presents a finite element study of elasto-plastic hemispherical contact. The results are normalized such that they are valid for macro contacts (e.g., rolling element bearings) and micro contacts (e.g., asperity contact). The material is modeled as elastic-perfectly plastic. The numerical results are compared to other existing models of spherical contact, including the fully plastic case (known as the Abbott and Firestone model) and the perfectly elastic case (known as the Hertz contact). At the same interference, the area of contact is shown to be larger for the elasto-plastic model than that of the elastic model. It is also shown, that at the same interference, the load carrying capacity of the elasto-plastic modeled sphere is less than that for the Hertzian solution. This work finds that the fully plastic average contact pressure, or hardness, commonly approximated to be a constant factor (about three) times the yield strength, actually varies with the deformed contact geometry, which in turn is dependant upon the material properties (e.g., yield strength). The results are fit by empirical formulations for a wide range of interferences and materials for use in other applications.
Contact Resistance and Adhesion in a MEMS Microswitch
Authors: Majumder Sumit , McGruer Nicol , Adams Geroge G.
Published: January 2009

A multi-asperity model of the contact resistance in a MEMS microswitch has been developed. This model includes the effects of elastic and plastic deformation, adhesion, and scale-dependent constrictive resistance. The number of asperities in contact is small enough that a discrete, rather than a continuous, distribution of asperity heights is used. Due to the combined effects of plasticity and adhesion, the surface profile changes with repeated load and unload cycles. Furthermore, adhesion produces significant hysteresis in the contact resistance vs. contact force characteristics. Measurements of the contact resistance as a function of actuation voltage show good qualitative agreement with the model.
Adhesion Analysis for MEMS Based on Electrical Contact Resistance Measurements
Authors: Kogut L. , Komvopoulos K.
Published: January 2009

Because adhesion forces are especially important at the submicron scale, they play a dominant role in several fields of nanotechnology, such as biology, atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging, magnetic disk drives, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The profound importance of adhesion forces in MEMS has been the principal theme of several studies. A common approach for measuring the surface energy is based on balancing the elastic energy stored in microcantilever beams partially adhered to substrates with the work of adhesion, assumed equal to the surface energy multiplied by the apparent area of the attached beam length. However, because the apparent contact area is significantly larger than the real contact area and the elastic energy stored in the deformed asperity microcontacts is neglected, this traditional method may greatly underestimate the interfacial adhesion energy. Consequently, the objective of this study was to develop a method for determining indirectly adhesion forces and adhesion energies form relatively simple in situ electrical contact resistance (ECR) measurements. The method presented herein is based on a theoretical treatment of the ECR encountered during contact of isotropic, conductive, rough surfaces, using multi-scale fractal description of the equivalent surface topography, constitutive contact relations for elastic-perfectly plastic asperity microcontacts, and size-dependent constriction resistance of microcontacts. Results are presented for the adhesion force and adhesion energy in terms of ECR for different surface topographies.
A Transient Contact Stress Analysis for Mixed-EHL of Rough Surfaces, Stress Field Animation, and a Virtual Texturing Technology
Authors: Zhu D. , Wang Q. , Liu S. , Martini A.
Published: January 2009

Understanding subsurface stresses that occur during the mixed-EHL (elastohydrodynamic lubrication) contact of rough surfaces is fundamental to mechanical design and failure analysis. This is driven by the fact that most of the critical tribological components of heavy-duty machinery are subjected to asperity contact. Moreover, the trend towards increasingly compact design further necessitates incorporating surface roughness. The deviation of the subsurface stress field for rough surfaces from that of smooth surfaces can be used to identify the effect of roughness on stress distribution and variation. This study presents a transient contact stress analysis for rough surfaces in mixed-EHL problems. The solutions are illustrated using animation of the results, and the method of model-based simulation is summarized for a surface virtualization technology.
Particle Adhesion and Removal in the Semiconductor Industry
Authors: Busnaina A. A. , Xiong X. , Park J. G.
Published: January 2009

The Adhesion and removal of small particles to surfaces is very important to many industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, imaging, aerospace, etc. In most cases, particles represents undesirable contaminants that lower product yield and cause defects. These particulate contaminants may be generated by the process or the product environment. The industry sets threshold specification for acceptable contamination for each generation of products.