bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymph node harvest in colon cancer specimens depends on tumour factors, patients and doctors, but foremost on specimen handling
Authors: STORLI KRISTIAN , LINDBOE CHRISTIAN FREDRIK , KRISTOFFERSEN CAMILLA , KLEIVEN KARINA , SØNDENAA KARL
Published: December 2010

Storli K, Lindboe CF, Kristoffersen C, Kleiven K, Søndenaa K. Lymph node harvest in colon cancer specimens depends on tumour factors, patients and doctors, but foremost on specimen handling, APMIS 2010; 119: 127–34.

There are good indications that the number of lymph nodes found in the specimen after resections for colon cancer somehow has a bearing on prognosis. Many factors have been reported in the literature to influence lymph node retrieval. We wanted to assess these closer with special focus on the pathology handling process in our own practice. A range of international literature was reviewed to study what has been found to influence lymph node harvest. A questionnaire was sent to 13 renowned national and international institutions to explore their handling of the colon cancer specimens to obtain a histological diagnosis. A retrospective, hospital audit was undertaken to examine if the number of lymph nodes and staging after examinations of the specimens varied between individual pathologists. In the literature, tumour and patient characteristics, as well as the surgeon and the pathologist, are found to be influential, but it is difficult to ascertain which ones are truly essential. Fat solvents were found by several to increase the lymph node yield, although some also opposed this finding. Our questionnaire showed some variations in the routines of each Department. A junior pathologist was more likely to inspect the specimen first hand and not more than half employed specific lymph node detection strategies while three of 13 did not seek a minimum number of lymph nodes. Still every department had implemented a standard procedure for such examinations. The internal audit showed without doubt that the devotion of the pathologist secured significantly more lymph nodes from the specimen and this may also have detected more stage III cancers. Several tumour and individual patient characteristics, surgical approach and specimen handling may influence lymph node yield and theoretically, TNM staging. Our investigation specifically suggests that tissue handling by pathologists may be a prominent factor in lymph node harvest from colon cancer specimens.
Use of calcium and magnesium infusions in prevention of oxaliplatin induced sensory neuropathy
Authors: CHAY Wen‐Yee , TAN Sze‐Huey , LO Yew‐Long , ONG Simon Yew‐Kwang , NG Hui‐Cheng , GAO Fei , KOO Wen‐Hsin , CHOO Su‐Pin
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Oxaliplatin‐related neurotoxicity is frequently dose‐limiting. Following retrospective studies suggesting neuroprotective effects of calcium and magnesium (Ca and Mg), we conducted a prospective study using nerve conduction studies (NCS) to evaluate the effectiveness of such infusions in oxaliplatin‐related neuropathy.

Methods:  Colorectal cancer patients receiving FOLFOX‐4 or capecitabine plus oxaliplatin were randomized to (Arm A) calcium gluconate 1g +15% magnesium sulphate 1g diluted in 100 mL of dextrose 5% or (Arm B) placebo. Neuropathy was assessed using the National Cancer Center common toxicity criteria, oxaliplatin‐specific scale and NCS.

Results:  This study was terminated prematurely based on the initial negative results of the CONcePT trial. Median follow up was 8.7 months. Overall 22 out of 27 patients experienced neuropathy. The subjective neuropathy rate was 77% in Arm A and 86% in Arm B, (P = 0.6). At the end of treatment, three patients in Arm A and 0 in Arm B had grade 3 numbness (P = 0.09). There was no significant difference in neuropathy between arms, whether during or at the end of treatment. Median objective neuropathy score was 6 in Arm A and 0 in Arm B, (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:  Premature closure of this study limits the interpretation of results. While there was a trend towards reduced subjective acute sensory neuropathy with Ca and Mg, this was not significant. Ca and Mg failed to reduce the rate of cumulative sensory neuropathy and instead increased the rate of abnormal NCS, suggesting a significant difference in perceived sensory and objective neuropathy.
The 2010 nova outburst of the symbiotic Mira V407 Cyg
Authors: Munari U. , Joshi V. H. , Ashok N. M. , Banerjee D. P. K. , Valisa P. , Milani A. , Siviero A. , Dallaporta S. , Castellani F.
Published: November 2010

The nova outburst experienced in 2010 by the symbiotic binary Mira V407 Cyg has been extensively studied at optical and infrared wavelengths with both photometric and spectroscopic observations. This outburst, reminiscent of similar events displayed by RS Oph, can be described as a very fast He/N nova erupting while being deeply embedded in the dense wind of its cool giant companion. The hard radiation from the initial thermonuclear flash ionizes and excites the wind of the Mira over great distances (recombination is observed on a time scale of 4 d). The nova ejecta is found to progressively decelerate with time as it expands into the Mira wind. This is deduced from linewidths which change from a FWHM of 2760 km s−1 on day +2.3 to 200 km s−1 on day +196. The wind of the Mira is massive and extended enough for an outer neutral and unperturbed region to survive at all outburst phases.
DEVELOPMENT OF DI‐ AND TETRANUCLEOTIDE REPEAT PRIMER FOR DISCRIMINATION OF FUSARIUM SPECIES
Authors: ABD‐ELSALAM K.A. , BAHKALI A.H. , MOSLEM M.A. , VERREET J.‐A.
Published: November 2010

The genetic diversity profiles of 19 isolates of the fungal pathogen Fusarium species, 14 from Egypt and 5 from Germany, were analyzed based on morphological characteristics and microsatellite markers. Five microsatellites were selected and primers were designed. Microsatellite‐primed polymerase chain reaction using the dinucleotide and tetranucleotide primers showed clear polymorphisms among the different Fusarium spp. isolates. Both primers gave similar results in phenetic analysis of genetic similarity between populations. Between Fusarium spp. isolates, similarities ranged from 38 to 62% for interspecific and 62 to 94% for intraspecific comparisons. Two major groups were observed in the dendrogram, which was divided into three subgroups. One of them consisted the five F.oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum isolates at the genetic similarity of 92%. Isolates Fov1, Fov3 and Fov5 showed high genetic relatedness (100%). With the second main cluster, at 62% similarity, one subcluster could be discerned; the subcluster contained F. oxysporum, F. solani, F. sambucinum, F. poae and Fusarium spp. isolates. These experiments reveal that microsatellite primers are reliable, sensitive and technically simple tools for assaying genetic variability in Fusaria.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results presented herein indicate that a microsatellite technique provides an efficient tool for the identification of polymorphic loci that can be used to monitor the genetic differences between Fusarium species. Upcoming research is warranted to develop more microsatellite primers with a wider array of Fusaria.
HIGH‐POWER PULSED LIGHT FOR DECONTAMINATION OF CHICKEN FROM FOOD PATHOGENS: A STUDY ON ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICIENCY AND ORGANOLEPTIC PROPERTIES
Authors: PASKEVICIUTE E. , BUCHOVEC I. , LUKSIENE Z.
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of high‐power pulsed light technique to decontaminate the surface of chicken from food pathogens Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes as well as from total aerobic mesophils in a nonthermal way. Moreover, it was necessary to investigate the organoleptic properties of treated chicken. The spread plate method was used to evaluate antimicrobial efficiency of high‐power pulsed light on S. Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes in vitro and after inoculation on the surface of skinless chicken breast meat. High‐power pulsed light treatment (1,000 pulses, treatment duration 200 s, total ultraviolet light dose 5.4 J/cm2) reduced viability of S. Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes inoculated on the surface of chicken by 2–2.4 log10 (N/N0) colony forming unit (cfu)/mL order. In addition, total aerobic mesophils on the surface of meat were diminished by 2 log10 (N/N0) cfu/mL. All experiments were performed under nonthermal conditions (<42C). Data obtained on investigation of chemical changes in the treated chicken breasts indicated that the intensity of lipid peroxidation in control and treated chicken samples differed in 0.16 mg malondialdehyde per kilogram of chicken meat. Meanwhile, taste panelists testing organoleptic properties of treated chicken did not detect any changes of raw chicken, chicken broth or cooked chicken meat when it was treated under nonthermal conditions in comparison with control. In conclusion, high‐power pulsed light is a fast, effective and environmentally friendly chicken surface decontamination technology in reducing aerobic plate counts as well as inoculated pathogens. It is important to note that no significant changes in meat lipid peroxidation or sensory characteristics were detected in treated chicken under nonthermal conditions.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Constructed equipment and obtained data may serve in the future for advanced development of high‐power pulsed light technique which could be used for nonthermal decontamination of different food matrices (fruits, vegetables, eggs shell, fish and meat) and food‐related packaging surfaces, medical devices, processing equipment for the food, medical and pharmaceutical industries.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF VERTICAL TRANSLOCATION AND LATERAL CROSS‐CONTAMINATION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7 DURING MECHANICAL TENDERIZATION OF BEEF
Authors: HUANG LIHAN , SHEEN SHIOWSHUH
Published: November 2010

Quantitative vertical translocation and lateral cross‐contamination of Escherichia coli O157:H7 during mechanical tenderization of beef meat were investigated using a restaurant‐style meat tenderizer, which was first used to tenderize a surface‐inoculated sample, and then an additional four uninoculated samples. It was observed that the vertically translocated bacteria (in log10 cfu/g) was directly proportional to the logarithm of the tenderization depth, with an average translocation coefficient of 3.14 ± 0.66 log10 cfu/g per log10 mm of depth. For lateral cross‐contamination, the bacterial counts recovered from the top layers of the first four pieces of meat decreased by approximately 0.5 log10 cfu/g after each tenderization. There was no decrease in the bacterial counts recovered from the top layers after the 4th tenderization. More tenderization studies were needed to quantitatively analyze the trend of lateral cross‐contamination. However, it is evident that both vertical translocation and lateral cross‐contamination can occur during mechanical tenderization of meat.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Foodborne illnesses caused by consumption of undercooked non‐intact beef meats contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 are an emerging public food safety concern as evidenced by a major outbreak recently. This study investigated both vertical translocation and lateral cross‐contamination of E. coli O157:H7 during mechanical tenderization of beef. The results from this work can aid quantitative assessment of risks caused by non‐intact beef meats.
Nutrition screening practices in Australian healthcare facilities: A decade later
Authors: FERGUSON Maree , BANKS Merrilyn , BAUER Judy , ISENRING Elisabeth , VIVANTI Angela , CAPRA Sandra
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Nutrition screening can identify patients at risk for malnutrition so that early nutrition intervention can be initiated. The aim of this descriptive study was to compare nutrition screening practices in Australian hospitals in 2008 with those in 1995.

Methods:  A survey on nutrition screening practices in Australian healthcare institutions was sent to members of the Dietitians Association of Australia in 1995 and a similar survey in 2008.

Results:  Sixty‐eight hospitals responded to the 2008 survey and 124 hospitals to the 1995 survey. The number of hospitals reporting the conduct of nutrition screening has increased since 1995 (78% vs 23%). The number of patients being screened has also increased (all admissions 54% vs 35%) and the time taken to screen a patient has decreased (0–5 minutes 64% vs 13%). The Malnutrition Screening Tool was the most frequently reported screening tool used in 2008 (67%). The use of albumin as a nutrition screening parameter (which was the second most commonly used screening indicator after weight loss in 1995) has appropriately decreased (9% vs 65%). There is still some confusion among dietitians as to the definition of screening, with nutrition assessment tools such as Subjective Global Assessment and Mini‐Nutritional Assessment being used during the nutrition screening process (16% in 2008). Insufficient time and staff are still the top two barriers to nutrition screening implementation. Staff training was the most frequently cited strategy to assist with successful implementation of nutrition screening.

Conclusion:  There has been a significant increase in malnutrition screening over the past decade despite ongoing barriers to implementation.
Nutritional status of oncology patients admitted to a rural day chemotherapy unit as measured by the Patient Generated‐Subjective Global Assessment
Authors: CREASER Nicole
Published: November 2010

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to examine the nutritional status of oncology patients being treated with chemotherapy in the chemotherapy day unit at a Regional Health Service during treatment.

Methods:  Patients were screened using the Patient Generated‐Subjective Global Assessment on initial presentation to the chemotherapy unit, then at 3 monthly intervals. Data were collected and analysed by the Research Design and Statistical Support Service of the Gippsland Medical School of Monash University.

Results:  Over time, even when adjusted for variables including weight, gender and cancer type, measures of nutritional score do not vary significantly. As such, patients were able to maintain nutritional status according to the Patient Generated‐Subjective Global Assessment, throughout the course of treatment.

Conclusion:  There appear to be high levels of malnutrition in the population of patients attending rural day chemotherapy units. However, patients were able to maintain their nutritional status throughout the course of chemotherapy treatment.
Quantities of foods consumed by 12‐ to 24‐month‐old New Zealand children
Authors: SZYMLEK‐GAY Ewa A. , FERGUSON Elaine L. , HEATH Anne‐Louise M. , FLEMING Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2010

Aim: The present study aimed to estimate small, median and large daily quantities of frequently consumed foods and identify which food groups are important sources of key micronutrients for 12‐ to 24‐month‐old New Zealand children.

Methods: A community‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted in three cities in the South Island of New Zealand. Healthy toddlers (n = 188) were randomly selected using multistage sampling. Three non‐consecutive 1‐day weighed food records were collected from each child and the frequencies and daily quantities of foods and beverages, and important sources of iron and zinc, were determined.

Results: Fifty percent or more of the children consumed the following foods at least once over 3 days (median gram intake among toddlers who consumed the food): milk (366 g), white bread (29 g), banana (70 g), potato (34 g), cheese (12 g), apple (39 g), ‘Weetbix’ whole‐wheat breakfast cereal (16 g), yeast extract spread (‘Marmite’, ‘Vegemite’) (2 g), carrot (17 g) and margarine (4 g). Dairy, cereals and the meat/fish/poultry/eggs/nuts food group were the most important sources of iron and zinc in the toddlers' diets, providing 69.1% of iron and 86.3% of zinc.

Conclusion: This research provides dietitians, other health professionals, researchers and policy‐makers with detailed information on daily quantities of foods and beverages frequently consumed by toddlers that can be used for dietetic counselling, dietary assessment, and to develop food‐based dietary guidelines specifically for toddlers.
Regulating the types of foods and beverages marketed to Australian children: How useful are food industry commitments?
Authors: HEBDEN Lana , KING Lesley , KELLY Bridget , CHAPMAN Kathy , INNES‐HUGHES Christine , GUNATILLAKA Nilakshi
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Any regulation of food marketing to children requires clear definitions of the types of foods considered inappropriate and subject to restrictions. The aim of this research was to examine the commitments made by signatory companies of the Australian Food and Grocery Council's Responsible Marketing to Children Initiative regarding the types of foods considered appropriate for marketing to children.

Methods:  Nutrient criteria developed by signatory food companies were examined by comparing (i) thresholds set for negative nutrients (saturated fats, added sugars and sodium) and total energy to two existing nutrient criteria: Healthy Kids Association and the National Heart Foundation Tick, and (ii) the types of foods considered appropriate for marketing to children, if applying companies' commitments or the product's nutrient profile using the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand nutrient profiling tool.

Results:  All five company‐developed nutrient criteria examined specified higher thresholds for negative nutrients compared with existing criteria, and were more likely to report negative nutrients per serve rather than per 100 g. When applying company commitments, 57% more energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor foods and beverages were considered appropriate for marketing to children, compared with nutrient profiling.

Conclusion:  Food industry commitments regarding the types of foods considered appropriate for marketing to children do not adequately restrict the marketing for energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor foods. It is recommended food manufacturers who commit to restricting their marketing of unhealthy foods to children use a standardised, independent nutrient profiling tool based on per 100 g/100 mL to determine the appropriateness of foods and beverages for marketing to children.
An evaluation of clinical dietetic student placement case‐mix exposure, service delivery and supervisory burden
Authors: HUGHES Roger , DESBROW Ben
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To evaluate the attributes of clinical dietetics student placement exposure to patient case‐mix and supervision, types of services delivered and to estimate and compare costs and benefits of student activity and supervision while on placement.

Methods:  Descriptive study of three annual cohorts of student dietitians (n = 59) collecting data prospectively over a continuous 10‐week clinical placement period. Data focused on student case‐mix exposures and student and supervisor verified time utilisation. Descriptive analysis of data relating to student case‐mix exposure, student service delivery and direct supervisory practices was performed to explore the attributes of student placement experiences. Student and supervisor time utilisation data were used to model estimates of dollar costs and benefits based on occasion of service as a measure of clinical productivity.

Results:  Data collected indicate that student service delivery activity increases and direct supervision decreases significantly as time on placement increases. The minimum occasion of service exposure required to achieve supervisor assessment of entry‐level competency was 47 occasion of service (mean 165.8 occasion of service) and the maximum 306 occasion of service. Over one‐third of all occasion of service provided by students was not directly supervised. Cost–benefit estimates indicate that a student needs to be over 80% as time efficient throughout the placement as a new graduate to offset the costs of direct student supervision.

Conclusion:  These data highlight the variability of student clinical placement experiences and exposure to learning opportunities and support evidence‐based dialogue about resource exchange to support student placements.
Structural Mechanism of the Pan‐BCR‐ABL Inhibitor Ponatinib (AP24534): Lessons for Overcoming Kinase Inhibitor Resistance
Authors: Zhou Tianjun , Commodore Lois , Huang Wei‐Sheng , Wang Yihan , Thomas Mathew , Keats Jeff , Xu Qihong , Rivera Victor M. , Shakespeare William C. , Clackson Tim , Dalgarno David C. , Zhu Xiaotian
Published: November 2010

The BCR‐ABL inhibitor imatinib has revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. However, drug resistance caused by kinase domain mutations has necessitated the development of new mutation‐resistant inhibitors, most recently against the T315I gatekeeper residue mutation. Ponatinib (AP24534) inhibits both native and mutant BCR‐ABL, including T315I, acting as a pan‐BCR‐ABL inhibitor. Here, we undertook a combined crystallographic and structure–activity relationship analysis on ponatinib to understand this unique profile. While the ethynyl linker is a key inhibitor functionality that interacts with the gatekeeper, virtually all other components of ponatinib play an essential role in its T315I inhibitory activity. The extensive network of optimized molecular contacts found in the DFG‐out binding mode leads to high potency and renders binding less susceptible to disruption by single point mutations. The inhibitory mechanism exemplified by ponatinib may have broad relevance to designing inhibitors against other kinases with mutated gatekeeper residues.
Review of research methodologies for tigers: Telemetry
Authors: MILLER Clayton S. , HEBBLEWHITE Mark , GOODRICH John M. , MIQUELLE Dale G.
Published: December 2010

Over the past half century, wildlife research has relied on technological advances to gain additional insight into the secretive lives of animals. This revolution started in the 1960s with the development of radio telemetry and continues today with the use of Global Positioning System (GPS)‐based research techniques. In the present paper we review the history of radio telemetry from its origins with grizzly bears in Yellowstone to its early applications in tiger research and conservation in Asia. We address the different types of data that are available using radio telemetry as opposed to using other research techniques, such as behavioral observations, camera trapping, DNA analysis and scat analysis. In the late 1990s, the rapid development of GPS collar technology revolutionized wildlife research. This new technology has enabled researchers to dramatically improve their ability to gather data on animal movements and ecology. Despite the ecological and conservation benefits of radio telemetry, there have been few telemetry studies of tigers in the wild, and most have been on the Bengal or Amur subspecies. We close with an assessment of the current tiger conservation efforts using GPS technology and discuss how this new information can help to preserve tigers for future generations.
Human–tiger conflict: A review and call for comprehensive plans
Authors: GOODRICH John M.
Published: December 2010

Human‐tiger (Panthera tigrisLinnaeus, 1758) conflicts (HTC), manifested primarily as attacks on people and domestic animals, exacerbate at least 2 major threats to tigers: (i) conflicts often result in mortality or removal of tigers from the wild; and (ii) they result in negative attitudes towards tigers by local people, thereby reducing support for tiger conservation. Although HTC has decreased over the past century, it will likely increase if current and proposed conservation initiatives to double tiger populations are successful. Increased HTC could undermine successful conservation initiatives if proactive steps are not taken to reduce HTC. The present paper provides a review of the impacts of HTC and the measures taken to reduce it in ways that reduce negative impacts on both humans and tigers, and stresses the need for development and implementation of comprehensive plans to reduce HTC.
Mass Transfer Kinetics during Osmotic Dehydration of Pomegranate Arils
Authors: Mundada Manoj , Hathan Bahadur Singh , Maske Swati
Published: December 2010

Abstract:  The mass transfer kinetics during osmotic dehydration of pomegranate arils in osmotic solution of sucrose was studied to increase palatability and shelf life of arils. The freezing of the whole pomegranate at –18 °C was carried out prior to osmotic dehydration to increase the permeability of the outer cellular layer of the arils. The osmotic solution concentrations used were 40, 50, 60°Bx, osmotic solution temperatures were 35, 45, 55 °C. The fruit to solution ratio was kept 1:4 (w/w) during all the experiments and the process duration varied from 0 to 240 min. Azuara model and Peleg model were the best fitted as compared to other models for water loss and solute gain of pomegranate arils, respectively. Generalized Exponential Model had an excellent fit for water loss ratio and solute gain ratio of pomegranate arils. Effective moisture diffusivity of water as well as solute was estimated using the analytical solution of Fick's law of diffusion. For above conditions of osmotic dehydration, average effective diffusivity of water loss and solute gain varied from 2.718 × 10−10 to 5.124 × 10−10 m2/s and 1.471 × 10−10 to 5.147 × 10−10 m2/s, respectively. The final product was successfully utilized in some nutritional formulations such as ice cream and bakery products.
Optimizing Irradiation Treatment of Shell Eggs Using Simulation
Authors: Kim Jongsoon , Moreira Rosana G. , Castell‐Perez Elena
Published: December 2010

Abstract:  Accurate dose calculation is needed to ensure proper irradiation process control to maintain the freshness of the product. Our objective was to establish the best irradiation treatment for shell eggs taking into account their different components (shell, albumen, yolk). Computer tomography (CT) data were used to generate a 3‐D geometry to simulate dose distributions within 1 egg using a radiation transport code (MCNP5). Radiation energies used for simulation were 10 MeV (high‐energy) and 1.35 MeV (low‐energy) for electron beam, 5 MeV for X‐rays, and 1.25 MeV for a gamma‐rays source such as Co‐60. Low‐energy (surface) e‐beam simulation indicated that electrons only penetrate up to the thin albumen (0.6 cm). Because of their irregular shape, shell eggs should be irradiated from the side (rather than from top or bottom) for better dose distribution. For high‐energy e‐beam simulation, the entire egg was irradiated and the best results were obtained when the egg was irradiated from both sides, showing a dose uniformity ratio (Dmax/Dmin) of 1.42. X‐ or gamma‐ray source simulation from one side only, the dose uniformity ratio was 3.38 and 3.12, respectively. For surface‐only irradiation, a low‐energy e‐beam provides a uniform dose distribution. To irradiate the entire egg, 2‐sided high‐energy e‐beam sources are required for an efficient treatment. Unless the product rotates in front of the source, the dose uniformity ratio for X‐ray or gamma ray is not adequate for shell egg treatment for pathogen decontamination purposes.

Practical Application:  Proper control of irradiation treatment of foods such as shell eggs is critical to ensure pathogen inactivation while maintaining product freshness. Simulation allows for accurate calculation of dose distribution within the egg to further establish the best irradiation scheme.
A novel approach for assessments of erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Authors: PRIBUSH A. , HATSKELZON L. , MEYERSTEIN N.
Published: December 2010

Introduction:  Previous studies have shown that the dispersed phase of sedimenting blood undergoes dramatic structural changes: Discrete red blood cell (RBC) aggregates formed shortly after a settling tube is filled with blood are combined into a continuous network followed by its collapse via the formation of plasma channels, and finally, the collapsed network is dispersed into individual fragments. Based on this scheme of structural transformation, a novel approach for assessments of erythrocyte sedimentation is suggested.

Methods:  Information about erythrocyte sedimentation is extracted from time records of the blood conductivity measured after a dispersion of RBC network into individual fragments.

Results:  It was found that the sedimentation velocity of RBC network fragments correlates positively with the intensity of attractive intercellular interactions, whereas no effect of hematocrit (Hct) was observed.

Conclusion:  Thus, unlike Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate, sedimentation data obtained by the proposed method do not require correction for Hct.
The diagnostic utility of bone marrow biopsies performed for the investigation of fever and/or cytopenias in HIV‐infected adults at Groote Schuur Hospital, Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: VAN SCHALKWYK W. A. , OPIE J. , NOVITZKY N.
Published: December 2010

Introduction:  A bone marrow biopsy is frequently requested in the work‐up of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who present with fever and/or cytopenias in the search for opportunistic infections and malignancies.

Methods:  This is a retrospective review of the results of consecutive bone marrow biopsies performed at our institution over a three‐year period on HIV‐positive patients for the investigation of fever and/or cytopenias. Clinical data, haematological parameters, morphological features, Ziehl‐Neelsen staining and microbiological culture results were analysed. The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic yield of this investigation.

Results:  Sixty‐three males and 84 female patients were included for analysis. The bone marrow biopsy gave a high diagnostic yield of 47% (70 patients) and a unique diagnosis in 33% (49 patients). Immune thrombocytopenic purpura and disseminated mycobacterial infections were the most common unique diagnoses made (14%, respectively), followed by malignancies (4%). In this cohort, four cases of primary bone marrow involvement by Hodgkin lymphoma and one case of involvement by non‐Hodgkin lymphoma were diagnosed.

Conclusion:  In our study group, a bone marrow biopsy was a useful investigation with a high diagnostic yield.
Culture and Democratic Identity in South Korea: Contemporary Trends
Authors: Watson Iain , Jeong Hyoung‐Wook
Published: November 2010

Once, optimism abounded with the democratic project, particularly in the wake of Cold War collapse. Academics and policy‐makers suggested that democracy was an inevitable spread of liberal ideals and institutions. Democratic change in South Korea since 1987 represented this optimism. More recently this liberal optimism has come in the form of South Korean multiculturalism. This is linked to democratization as institutionalizing the rights of individuals and ethnic minorities. In order to understand the prospects of South Korean democracy in an age of globalization, attention needs to be focused on the relationship between the changing forms of cultural identity, questions of cultural security and democratization. This also means a rethinking of the “Asian” values versus “Western values” debate. Reengaging with the current tensions of changing cultural identity in South Korea may set the terms for future debates on the site and nature of democracy in South Korea.
Human Rights, Transparency and Transborder Collaboration in Korea: The Case for a Deliberative Approach at the Kaesong Industrial Complex
Authors: Schattle Hans
Published: November 2010

This article proposes the creation of a deliberative forum that would establish and uphold standards related to human rights and transparency at the Kaesong Industrial Complex, the only remaining joint economic initiative still in operation between South Korea and North Korea. By providing an analysis of ongoing developments and drawing upon recent scholarship on deliberative democracy, I argue that for Kaesong to reach its full potential and gain international credibility, its governance must be strengthened. The most promising way to achieve this aim, despite the seemingly long odds, is to launch a permanent forum in which representatives of all constituencies at Kaesong shape policy together through a sustained and inclusive process of public reasoning.
Scale exponents of blood pressure and heart rate during autonomic blockade as assessed by detrended fluctuation analysis
Authors: Castiglioni Paolo , Parati Gianfranco , Di Rienzo Marco , Carabalona Roberta , Cividjian Andrei , Quintin Luc
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

It is still unknown how the autonomic nervous system influences the fractal dynamics of cardiovascular signals. We show that in supine volunteers vagal and sympathetic outflows contribute differently to the fractal structures of heart rate and blood pressure. The vagal outflow contributes with a ‘white‐noise’ component to the heart rate dynamics, indirectly influencing also the fractal dynamics of blood pressure. The sympathetic outflow contributes with a Brownian motion component to the heart rate dynamics, increasing long‐term fractal coefficients, without affecting long‐term coefficients of blood pressure. Results are explained by the different distribution and dynamics of acetylcholine receptors and of α‐ and β‐adrenergic receptors. Our findings may allow better delineating alterations of cardiovascular fractal dynamics in physiological and pathophysiological settings.
Nav1.7 mutations associated with paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, but not erythromelalgia, enhance Navβ4 peptide‐mediated resurgent sodium currents
Authors: Theile Jonathan W. , Jarecki Brian W. , Piekarz Andrew D. , Cummins Theodore R.
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

Abnormal pain sensitivity associated with inherited and acquired pain disorders occurs through increased excitability of peripheral sensory neurons in part due to changes in the properties of voltage‐gated sodium channels (Navs). Resurgent sodium currents (INaR) are atypical currents believed to be associated with increased excitability of neurons and may have implications in pain. Mutations in Nav1.7 (peripheral Nav isoform) associated with two genetic pain disorders, inherited erythromelalgia (IEM) and paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD), enhance Nav1.7 function via distinct mechanisms. We show that changes in Nav1.7 function due to mutations associated with PEPD, but not IEM, are important in INaR generation, suggesting that INaR may play a role in pain associated with PEPD. This knowledge provides us with a better understanding of the mechanism of INaR generation and may lead to the development of specialized treatment for pain disorders associated with INaR.
Water Management in a Passive DMFC Using Highly Concentrated Methanol Solution
Authors: Bahrami Hafez , Faghri Amir
Published: November 2010

A two-dimensional, steady state, nonisothermal, nonequilibrium, multifluid, two-phase flow model is employed to investigate fuel delivery characteristics, as well as the strong relation between water transport through the membrane and methanol crossover. A porous layer, called the fuel delivery layer, is used between the anode backing layer and the methanol reservoir to be able to employ high concentration methanol solution at the anode reservoir. A simple analytical model for liquid methanol distribution in the anode is presented to show the significant effect of water crossover through the membrane on the methanol dilution at the anode catalyst layer. A comprehensive numerical model is employed to verify the concept developed by the analytical model. The numerical model also accounts for the dissolved water phase in the Nafion membrane. Using a hydrophobic microporous layer at the cathode decreases methanol crossover due to a reduction in water crossover, as well as attaining a water neutral condition. It is found that thickening of the porous fuel delivery layer cannot alleviate the methanol crossover through the membrane without controlling the water transport. The results also show that a cathode microporous layer can significantly reduce the liquid saturation at the cathode backing layer which, in turn, reduces water flooding at the cathode.
An Explicit Difference Method for Solving Fractional Diffusion and Diffusion-Wave Equations in the Caputo Form
Authors: Murillo Joaquín Quintana , Yuste Santos Bravo
Published: December 2010

An explicit difference method is considered for solving fractional diffusion and fractional diffusion-wave equations where the time derivative is a fractional derivative in the Caputo form. For the fractional diffusion equation, the L1 discretization formula of the fractional derivative is employed, whereas the L2 discretization formula is used for the fractional diffusion-wave equation. In both equations, the spatial derivative is approximated by means of the three-point centered formula. The accuracy of the present method is similar to other well-known explicit difference schemes, but its region of stability is larger. The stability analysis is carried out by means of a kind of fractional von Neumann (or Fourier) method. The stability bound so obtained, which is given in terms of the Riemann zeta function, is checked numerically.
Life Cycle Cost Modeling of Pumps Using an Activity Based Costing Methodology
Authors: Waghmode Laxman , Sahasrabudhe Anil , Kulkarni Prasad
Published: November 2010

Global competition is forcing manufacturing firms, designers, and customers to adopt life cycle costing methodology. The product life cycle costing (LCC) approach can help track and analyze the cost implications associated with each phase of product life cycle. LCC practices with traditional costing methods may provide results that have a severe deviation from the real product LCC as they focus on the cost of materials, labor, and a low portion of overheads apportioned by the absorption rate to the product. On the contrary, activity based costing (ABC) has emerged as a good alternative to traditional cost estimation techniques since it provides more accurate results. It is based on the principle that products or services consume activities and activities consume resources that generate costs. This paper presents a LCC modeling approach for estimating life cycle cost of pumps using the activity based costing method. The methodology presented here is an extension of application of ABC to entire product life cycle activities. The study was conducted in a large pump manufacturing company from India that has significant global standing within its industry. All the activities and associated cost drivers have been first identified for the entire life cycle of pumps. A methodology for LCC analysis using ABC is then developed and applied to two different pumps manufactured by the same industry and the results are presented.
Numerical Modeling of Stress in Stenotic Arteries With Microcalcifications: A Parameter Sensitivity Study
Authors: Wenk Jonathan F.
Published: November 2010

As a follow-up to the work presented in Wenk et al. (2010, “Numerical Modeling of Stress in Stenotic Arteries With Microcalcifications: A Micromechanical Approximation,” ASME J. Biomech. Eng., 132, p. 091011), a formal sensitivity study was conducted in which several model parameters were varied. The previous work only simulated a few combinations of the parameters. In the present study, the fibrous cap thickness, longitudinal position of the region of microcalcifications, and volume fraction of microcalcifications were varied over a broader range of values. The goal of the present work is to investigate the effects of localized regions of microcalcifications on the stress field of atherosclerotic plaque caps in a section of carotid artery. More specifically, the variations in the magnitude and location of the maximum circumferential stress were assessed for a range of parameters using a global sensitivity analysis method known as Sobol' indices. The stress was calculated by performing finite element simulations of three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction models, while the sensitivity indices were computed using a Monte Carlo scheme. The results indicate that cap thickness plays a significant role in the variation in the magnitude of the maximum circumferential stress, with the sensitivity to volume fraction increasing when the region of microcalcification is located at the shoulder. However, the volume fraction played a larger role in the variation in the location of the maximum circumferential stress. This matches the finding of the previous study (Wenk et al., 2010, “Numerical Modeling of Stress in Stenotic Arteries With Microcalcifications: A Micromechanical Approximation,” ASME J. Biomech. Eng., 132, p. 091011), which indicates that the maximum circumferential stress always shifts to the region of microcalcification.
Experimental Validation of a Finite Element Model of the Proximal Femur Using Digital Image Correlation and a Composite Bone Model
Authors: Dickinson A. S. , Taylor A. C. , Ozturk H. , Browne M.
Published: November 2010

Computational biomechanical models are useful tools for supporting orthopedic implant design and surgical decision making, but because they are a simplification of the clinical scenario they must be carefully validated to ensure that they are still representative. The goal of this study was to assess the validity of the generation process of a structural finite element model of the proximal femur employing the digital image correlation (DIC) strain measurement technique. A finite element analysis model of the proximal femur subjected to gait loading was generated from a CT scan of an analog composite femur, and its predicted mechanical behavior was compared with an experimental model. Whereas previous studies have employed strain gauging to obtain discreet point data for validation, in this study DIC was used for full field quantified comparison of the predicted and experimentally measured strains. The strain predicted by the computational model was in good agreement with experimental measurements, with R2 correlation values from 0.83 to 0.92 between the simulation and the tests. The sensitivity and repeatability of the strain measurements were comparable to or better than values reported in the literature for other DIC tests on tissue specimens. The experimental-model correlation was in the same range as values obtained from strain gauging, but the DIC technique produced more detailed, full field data and is potentially easier to use. As such, the findings supported the validity of the model generation process, giving greater confidence in the model’s predictions, and digital image correlation was demonstrated as a useful tool for the validation of biomechanical models.
Fabrication of ordered nanospheres using a combination of nanoimprint lithography and controlled dewetting
Authors: Schleunitz Arne , Spreu Christian , Lee JaeJong , Schift Helmut
Published: November 2010

Arrays with hemispherical dots were produced from nanoimprinted line structures by thermal reflow and coagulation. By adding local nodes into 100 nm wide line cavities of the nanoimprint stamp, the coagulation was controlled and a self-ordered, highly regular dot matrix with almost totally dewetted lines was obtained. The forming of dots of almost equal sizes and distances along the line’s location shows that this coagulation effect is probably only restricted by geometry and surface energy. Simple resist preforms can be transformed into a more complex pattern by thermal-postprocessing in a controlled way.
Sputtering of (001)AlN thin films: Control of polarity by a seed layer
Authors: Milyutin E. , Harada S. , Martin D. , Carlin J. F. , Grandjean N. , Savu V. , Vaszquez-Mena O. , Brugger J. , Muralt P.
Published: November 2010

The authors report on the ability to control the polarity of sputter deposited AlN(001) thin films using seed layers. Reactive sputter deposition leads to N-polarity on any substrate hitherto applied, i.e., Si(111), sapphire, SiO2, and polycrystalline metals such as Pt(111), Mo(110), and W(110). A site-controlled polarity allows for an efficient excitation of shear modes of surface, bulk, and Lamb waves by interdigitated electrodes. The authors were able to introduce the Al-polarity through a metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition seed layer. By subsequently patterning the substrate surface, it was possible to define the desired film polarity of sputter deposited AlN film. Polarities were determined by selective etching with KOH solutions and by piezoresponse force microscopy.
Electrical properties of transferred metal nanopattern using metal oxide release layer
Authors: Unno Noriyuki , Taniguchi Jun , Ide Shouichi
Published: November 2010

There is a growing demand for fine metal patterning techniques for the fabrication of next-generation devices such as patterned media, plasmon photonic devices, and nanoscale electrodes. Moreover, plastic substrate has become increasingly popular due to its many advantages that include transparency, flexibility, lightness, and low cost. The authors have developed a technique for transferring three-dimensional metal patterns onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate by nanoimprint lithography using a metal oxide release layer. In this study, the authors examined the transfer characteristics of gold with a chromium oxide layer. The authors also studied the electrical properties of the transferred gold layer. The results revealed that the release force during the transfer process is independent of the thickness of the chromium oxide release layer and a higher temperature causes a larger release force. Furthermore, the obtained nanogap gold pattern on the PET substrate has low resistivity and can be applied to a nanoscale electrode.
High sensitivity nonchemically amplified molecular resists based on photosensitive dissolution inhibitors
Authors: Lawson Richard A. , Tolbert Laren M. , Henderson Clifford L.
Published: November 2010

A new class of nonchemically amplified molecular resists has been made based on the use of photosensitive protecting groups. The deprotection during exposure converts a dissolution inhibiting compound into a dissolution promoter. The key benefit of the use of molecular resists in this application is that they can exhibit a sharp solubility transition with relatively low levels of deprotection. Two different inhibiting compounds were made that use a 2-nitrobenzyl protecting group; NBnDCh, an aliphatic molecular resist based on deoxycholic acid, and NBnHPF, based on an aromatic molecular resist containing two phenol groups. Blending these compounds with a calixarene dissolution promoter allowed the contrast and sensitivity of the resist formulations to be tuned. Contrast ratios as high as 27 and deep ultraviolet (DUV) sensitivities between 150 and 400 mJ/cm2 were obtained using NBnDCh. NBnHPF based systems not only showed somewhat lower contrasts but also exhibited much lower clearing doses of only 60 mJ/cm2 and smaller. One particular NBnHPF formulation possessed a sensitivity of 10 mJ/cm2 and a contrast of 8.3, and it was even possible to formulate one resist with an extremely low dose-to-clear value of only 1 mJ/cm2. Such low dose-to-clear values in nonchemically amplified resists have, to the authors’ knowledge, not been reported before. The Dill C parameter for each of the two systems was quantified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The sensitivity of the NBnHPF systems was found to be very good because they undergo a solubility transition at 75 mol % inhibitor; this means that some formulations only need 0.5% photoconversion to pattern. Despite the excellent DUV sensitivity of these systems, it was found that they do not possess high sensitivity when exposed using extreme ultraviolet or e-beam exposure sources.