bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methadone Maintenance Therapy in Vietnam: An Overview and Scaling-Up Plan
Authors: Nguyen Tam T. M. , Nguyen Long T. , Pham Manh D. , Vu Hoang H. , Mulvey Kevin P.
Published: November 2012

Vietnam is among the countries with the highest rate of HIV transmission through injecting drug users. HIV prevalence among injecting drug users is 20% and up to 50% in many provinces. An estimated number of drug users in the country by the end of 2011 were 171,000 in which the most common is heroin (85%). Detoxification at home, community, and in rehabilitation centers have been the main modalities for managing heroin addiction until Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) was piloted in 2008. Recent reports have demonstrated positive treatment outcomes. Incidence of HIV was found remarkably low among patients on MMT. Treatment has significantly improved the quality of life as well as stability for society. The government has granted the Ministry of Health (MoH) to expand Methadone treatment to at least 30 provinces to provide treatment for more than 80,000 drug users by 2015. The Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) and MOH have outlined the role and responsibility of key departments at the central and local levels in implementing and maintaining MMT treatment. This paper will describe the achievements of the MMT pilot program and the scaling-up plan as well as strategies to ensure quality and sustainability and to overcome the challenges in the coming years.
Chlorella sorokiniana-Induced Activation and Maturation of Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells through NF-κB and PI3K/MAPK Pathways
Authors: Chou Nien-Tzu , Cheng Chieh-Fang , Wu Hsin-Chieh , Lai Chin-Pen , Lin Li-Tsen , Pan I-Horng , Ko Ching-Huai
Published: November 2012

Chlorella sorokiniana(CS) is a unicellular green alga. The extracts ofChlorellahave been used as treatments for relieving hypertension and modulating immune response. The detailed mechanisms are not clear yet. In this study, we sought to study the molecular mechanisms for the polysaccharide fraction of CS-induced immune response. We pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) with CS and found that CS could maturate DCs. CS-maturated DC could activate naïve T cells and stimulate T-cell proliferation and IFN-γsecretion. Furthermore, CS activated PI3K and MAPKs signaling pathways in DCs by interacting with TLR4 receptor. These CS-activated signaling pathways could further activate NF-κB and induce IL-12 production in DCs. This study provides molecular mechanisms for CS-induced DCs activation and immune response.
Syntheses and In Vitro Biological Activity of Some Derivatives of C-9154 Antibiotic
Authors: Bello Isaac Asusheyi , Ndukwe George Iloegbulam , Amupitan Joseph Olorunju , Ayo Rachael Gbekele , Shode Francis Oluwole
Published: November 2012

In our continued attempts at designing new antibiotics based on the structure of the C-9154 antibiotic, to simultaneously improve activity and lower toxicity, an analogue to the C-9154 antibiotic and six derivatives of this analogue were synthesized. The approach was to significantly reduce the polarity of the synthesized analogue in the derivatives to achieve increased permeability across cell membranes by conversion of the highly polar carboxylic group to an ester functional group. The compounds were synthesized using a two-step reaction which involved an additional reaction between benzyl amine and maleic anhydride and then conversion of the terminal carboxylic acid functional group to an ester functional group using a thionyl chloride mediated esterification reaction. The compounds were fully characterized using Infrared, GC-MS, and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The in vitro biological activity of the compounds showed that the derivatives were more active than the analogues as was anticipated with minimum inhibitory concentration in the range 0.625–5 μg/mL. The analogue had minimum inhibitory concentration in the range 2.5–10 μg/mL. These values are significantly better than that obtained for the original C-9154 antibiotic which had activity in the range 10–>100 μg/mL.
Unicentric Castleman’s Disease Masquerading Pancreatic Neoplasm
Authors: Jain Saurabh , Chatterjee Souvik , Swain Jyoti Ranjan , Rakshit Pritha , Chakraborty Partha , Sinha Santanu
Published: November 2012

Castleman’s disease is a rare nonclonal proliferative disorder of the lymph nodes with an unknown etiology. Common locations of Castleman’s disease are mediastinum, neck, axilla, and abdomen. Castleman’s disease of a peripancreatic location masquerading as pancreatic neoplasm is an even rarer entity. On search of published data, we came across about 17 cases published on peripancreatic Castleman’s disease until now. Here we are reporting a case of retropancreatic Castleman's disease masquerading as retroperitoneal neoplasm in a 46-year-old male patient.
H3K79me3T80ph is a Novel Histone Dual Modification and a Mitotic Indicator in Melanoma
Authors: Martinez Danielle R. , Richards Hunter W. , Lin Qiushi , Torres-Cabala Carlos A. , Prieto Victor G. , Curry Jonathan L. , Medrano Estela E.
Published: November 2012

The current study characterizes the mitosis-associated histone dual modification on the core of histone H3: trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 79 and simultaneous phosphorylation of H3 threonine 80 (H3K79me3T80ph). Through the use of protein and microscopy-based techniques, we find that H3K79me3T80ph shares a similar spatial and temporal regulation as H3S10ph but additionally requires methyltransferase activity. In addition, we find that Aurora kinase activity is necessary for the catalysis of H3K79me3T80phin vivo. Finally, our analysis of H3K79me3T80ph using a tissue microarray indicates that H3K79me3T80ph marks a subset of primary cutaneous melanomas with metastatic potential indicating that H3K79me3T80ph may identify a subset of invasive melanomas with a more aggressive clinical behaviour.
Simulations of Complex and Microscopic Models of Cardiac Electrophysiology Powered by Multi-GPU Platforms
Authors: Gouvêa de Barros Bruno , Sachetto Oliveira Rafael , Meira Wagner , Lobosco Marcelo , Weber dos Santos Rodrigo
Published: November 2012

Key aspects of cardiac electrophysiology, such as slow conduction, conduction block, and saltatory effects have been the research topic of many studies since they are strongly related to cardiac arrhythmia, reentry, fibrillation, or defibrillation. However, to reproduce these phenomena the numerical models need to use subcellular discretization for the solution of the PDEs and nonuniform, heterogeneous tissue electric conductivity. Due to the high computational costs of simulations that reproduce the fine microstructure of cardiac tissue, previous studies have considered tissue experiments of small or moderate sizes and used simple cardiac cell models. In this paper, we develop a cardiac electrophysiology model that captures the microstructure of cardiac tissue by using a very fine spatial discretization (8 μm) and uses a very modern and complex cell model based on Markov chains for the characterization of ion channel’s structure and dynamics. To cope with the computational challenges, the model was parallelized using a hybrid approach: cluster computing and GPGPUs (general-purpose computing on graphics processing units). Our parallel implementation of this model using a multi-GPU platform was able to reduce the execution times of the simulations from more than 6 days (on a single processor) to 21 minutes (on a small 8-node cluster equipped with 16 GPUs, i.e., 2 GPUs per node).
Myeloid Neoplasms in the Guise of Nutritional Deficiency
Authors: Parthasarathy Veda
Published: November 2012

The classicBCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) which include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) are among the most frequent hematologic neoplasms. Because of their relatively smooth clinical course, it is likely that many of these MPNs actually go undetected. Considering the high prevalence of iron, folic-acid, and vitamin B12deficiencies in developing countries, their coexistence with MPN can be expected frequently. In such situations where both disorders coexist, MPN is often overlooked. This causes considerable diagnostic delay. In this paper, two cases of PMF and one case of PV where the diagnosis of MPN was delayed for about 3 years are discussed. Presence of concomitant vitamin B12, folate, and iron deficiencies perhaps camouflaged the underlying MPN. Bearing in mind the possibility of MPN, even in the setting of apparent nutritional deficiency and performing a bone marrow evaluation, is the crucial step in unveiling the hidden MPN.
Chemometric Characterization of Alembic and Industrial Sugar Cane Spirits from Cape Verde and Ceará, Brazil
Authors: Pereira Regina F. R. , Vidal Carla B. , de Lima Ari C. A. , Melo Diego Q. , Dantas Allan N. S. , Lopes Gisele S. , do Nascimento Ronaldo F. , Gomes Clerton L. , da Silva Maria Nataniela
Published: November 2012

Sugar cane spirits are some of the most popular alcoholic beverages consumed in Cape Verde. The sugar cane spirit industry in Cape Verde is based mainly on archaic practices that operate without supervision and without efficient control of the production process. The objective of this work was to evaluate samples of industrial and alembic sugar cane spirits from Cape Verde and Ceará, Brazil using principal component analysis. Thirty-two samples of spirits were analyzed, twenty from regions of the islands of Cape Verde and twelve from Ceará, Brazil. Of the samples obtained from Ceará, Brazil seven are alembic and five are industrial spirits. The components analyzed in these studies included the following: volatile organic compounds (n-propanol, isobutanol, isoamylic, higher alcohols, alcoholic grade, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, acetate); copper; and sulfates.
Hydroxyapatite Nanopowder Synthesis with a Programmed Resorption Rate
Authors: Smoleń Dariusz , Chudoba Tadeusz , Gierlotka Stanisław , Kedzierska Aleksandra , Łojkowski Witold , Sobczak Kamil , Święszkowski Wojciech , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof Jan
Published: November 2012

A microwave, solvothermal synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanopowder with a programmed material resorption rate was developed. The aqueous reaction solution was heated by a microwave radiation field with high energy density. The measurements included powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and the density, specific surface area (SSA), and chemical composition as specified by the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry technique (ICP‐OES). The morphology and structure were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A degradation test in accordance with norm ISO 10993‐4 was conducted. The developed method enables control of the average grain size and chemical composition of the obtained HAp nanoparticles by regulating the microwave radiation time. As a consequence, it allows programming of the material degradation rate and makes possible an adjustment of the material activity in a human body to meet individual resorption rate needs. The authors synthesized a pure, fully crystalline hexagonal hydroxyapatite nanopowder with a specific surface area from 60 to almost 240 m2/g, a Ca/P molar ratio in the range of 1.57–1.67, and an average grain size from 6 nm to over 30 nm. A 28‐day degradation test indicated that the material solubility ranged from 4 to 20 mg/dm3.
Positive Solutions for Fractional Differential Equations from Real Estate Asset Securitization via New Fixed Point Theorem
Authors: Tao Hao , Fu Meichen , Qian Ru
Published: November 2012

We study a fractional differential equation dynamics model arising from the
analysis of real estate asset securitization by using the generalized fixed point theorem for weakly contractive mappings in partially ordered sets. Based on the analysis for the existence and uniqueness of the solution and scientific numerical calculation of the solution, in further study, some optimization schemes for traditional risk control process will be obtained, and then the main results of this paper can be applied to the forefront of research of real estate asset securitization.
Approximate Analytic Solution for the KdV and Burger Equations with the Homotopy Analysis Method
Authors: Nazari Mojtaba , Salah Faisal , Abdul Aziz Zainal , Nilashi Merbakhsh
Published: November 2012

The homotopy analysis method (HAM) is applied to obtain the approximate analytic solution of the Korteweg‐de Vries (KdV) and Burgers equations. The homotopy analysis method (HAM) is an analytic technique which provides us with a new way to obtain series solutions of such nonlinear problems. HAM contains the auxiliary parameter ħ, which provides us with a straightforward way to adjust and control the convergence region of the series solution. The resulted HAM solution at 8th‐order and 14th‐order approximation is then compared with that of the exact soliton solutions of KdV and Burgers equations, respectively, and shown to be in excellent agreement.
Foreign Body Aspiration in Pregnancy
Authors: Atkinson Andrew L. , Canterino Joseph
Published: November 2012

A 24-year-old morbidly obese African American gravida 1, with a history of severe asthma complicated by multiple inpatient admissions, presents at 30 weeks gestation with a foreign body in her left main stem bronchus. After a failed bronchoscopy postpartum, the patient slipped into respiratory failure and was subsequently intubated, spending two weeks in the intensive care unit. After two more attempts of trying to retrieve the foreign object from her lung via bronchoscopy, she eventually contracted a postobstructive pneumonia and underwent a left lower lung lobectomy for curative treatment.
Redox Regulation of Calcium Signaling in Cancer Cells by Ascorbic Acid Involving the Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain
Authors: Martinovich Grigory G. , Golubeva Elena N. , Martinovich Irina V. , Cherenkevich Sergey N.
Published: November 2012

Previously, we have reported that ascorbic acid regulates calcium signaling in human larynx carcinoma HEp-2 cells. To evaluate the precise mechanism of Ca2+ release by ascorbic acid, the effects of specific inhibitors of the electron transport chain components on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and Ca2+ mobilization in HEp-2 cells were investigated. It was revealed that the mitochondrial complex III inhibitor (antimycin A) amplifies ascorbate-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. The mitochondrial complex I inhibitor (rotenone) decreases Ca2+ release from intracellular stores in HEp-2 cells caused by ascorbic acid and antimycin A. In the presence of rotenone, antimycin A stimulates ROS production by mitochondria. Ascorbate-induced Ca2+ release in HEp-2 cells is shown to be unaffected by catalase. The results obtained suggest that Ca2+ release in HEp-2 cells caused by ascorbic acid is associated with induced mitochondrial ROS production. The data obtained are in line with the concept of redox signaling that explains oxidant action by compartmentalization of ROS production and oxidant targets.
Reconstruction of Total Lower Eyelid Defects with the Temporoparietal Fascial Flap
Authors: Bababeygy Simon R. , Kao Anne R. , Kokot Niels C. , Chang Eli L.
Published: November 2012

Purpose.To describe the use of the temporoparietal fascial flap (TPF) in the reconstruction of extensive lower eyelid defects in a functioning eye.Methods.We present a surgical case report of a 73-year-old female with melanoma of the left lower eyelid. The lower eyelid was resected, and a composite nasal cartilage-mucosa graft, a skin graft, and a TPF were used to reconstruct the lower eyelid.Results.This achieved reconstruction of the lower eyelid with the protection of the eye and preservation of the visual system function.Conclusion.The TPF serves as a good option for reconstruction of the lower eyelid in a viable functioning globe.
Posterior Fossa Arachnoid Cyst Masking a Delayed Diagnosis of Hyperparathyroidism in a Child
Authors: Dhamija B. , Kombogiorgas D. , Hussain I. , Solanki G. A.
Published: November 2012

Background. Primary hyperparathyroidism in childhood is a very rare entity, often being diagnosed late after the onset of its presenting symptoms. It most commonly affects patients in their fourth decade of life and beyond. The inclusion of primary hyperparathyroidism in the differential diagnosis is necessary when evaluating patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms such as polyuria, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.Methods. We report the case of an eleven-year-old girl presenting with three years history of headaches, visual disturbance, along with episodes of emotional lability. Neuroimaging confirmed a large posterior fossa arachnoid cyst. It was decided to manage this lesion conservatively with surveillance. Only after further hospital admissions with recurrent loss of consciousness, dizziness, and nausea to add to her already existing symptoms, a full biochemical and endocrine assessment was performed to look for more specific causes for her presentation. These pointed to a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism.Conclusions. The inclusion of primary hyperparathyroidism in the differential diagnosis should be considered when evaluating paediatric patients presenting with nonspecific (neurological, gastrointestinal, and renal) symptoms in order to establish a prompt diagnosis of the disorder and to avoid severe complications of prolonged hypercalcaemia and end-organ damage.
Renal Function and NODM inDe NovoRenal Transplant Recipients Treated with Standard and Reduced Levels of Tacrolimus in Combination with EC-MPS
Authors: Chan Laurence , Andres Amado , Bunnapradist Suphamai , Gugliuzza Kristene , Parasuraman Ravi , Peddi V. Ram , Cassuto Elisabeth , Hart Marquis
Published: November 2012

Information is lacking concerning concomitant administration of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium with tacrolimus (EC-MPS+Tac) in renal transplant recipients (RTxR). In this 6-month, prospective, open-label, multicenter study,de novoRTxR were randomized (1 : 1) to low-dose (LD) or standard-dose (SD) Tac with basiliximab, EC-MPS 720 mg bid, and steroids. Primary objective was to compare renal function at 6-month posttransplantation. Secondary objectives were to compare the incidences of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss and death, and new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM). 292 patients (LDn=151, SDn=141) were included. Mean Tac levels were at the low end of the target range in standard-exposure patients (SD,n=141) and exceeded target range in low-exposure patients (LD = 151) throughout the study. There was no significant difference in mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between treatments (ITT-population: 63.6 versus 61.0 mL/min). Incidence of BPAR was similar (10.6% versus 9.9%). NODM was significantly less frequent in LD Tac (17% versus 31%;P=0.02); other adverse effects (AEs) were comparable. EC-MPS+Tac (LD/SD) was efficacious and well tolerated with well-preserved renal function. No renal function benefits were demonstrated, possibly related to poor adherence to reduced Tac exposure.
Ingestion and Pharyngeal Trauma Causing Secondary Retropharyngeal Abscess in Five Adult Patients
Authors: Sharma Sudhir B. , Hong Paul
Published: November 2012

Retropharyngeal abscess most commonly occurs in children. When present in adults the clinical features may not be typical, and associated immunosuppression or local trauma can be part of the presentation. We present a case series of five adult patients who developed foreign body ingestion trauma associated retropharyngeal abscess. The unusual pearls of each case, along with their outcomes, are discussed. Pertinent information for the emergency medicine physician regarding retropharyngeal abscess is presented as well.
Hemodynamic Changes in the Brachial Artery Induced by Acupuncture Stimulation on the Lower Limbs: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Watanabe Masashi , Takayama Shin , Hirano Atsushi , Seki Takashi , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: November 2012

Acupuncture is commonly performed at acupoints. No comparisons of quantitative physiological alterations in the brachial artery (BA) induced by the stimulation of different acupoints in the lower limbs have been performed in humans. Therefore, we investigated changes in blood flow volume (BFV) in the BA as an indicator of the physiological effects induced by stimulation at 3 points. Seventy-five healthy participants aged 33 ± 9 years (mean ± SD) were enrolled and randomly assigned to 3 groups; they received stimulation at 3 different points located on the lower limbs: ST36, LR3, and a non-acupoint. Stimulation was performed bilaterally with manual rotation of the needles. Using ultrasonography, BFV was measured continuously from rest to 180 seconds after stimulation. LR3 stimulation significantly increased BFV compared to that before needle insertion. Meanwhile, stimulation at ST36 and the non-acupoint significantly decreased BFV compared to that before needle insertion. Stimulation at LR3 elicited a significant increase in BFV compared to that at ST36 and the non-acupoint. The results suggest that the stimulation of different points on the lower limbs causes distinct physiological effects on BFV in the BA.
Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases
Authors: Lewis Mark A. , Hobday Timothy J.
Published: November 2012

In the care of patients with hepatic neuroendocrine metastases, medical oncologists should work in multidisciplinary fashion with surgeons, interventional radiologists, and radiation oncologists to assess the potential utility of liver-directed and systemic therapies. This paper addresses the various roles and evidence basis for cytoreductive surgery, thermal ablation (radiofrequency, microwave, and cryoablation), and embolization (bland embolization (HAE), chemoembolization (HACE), and radioembolization) as liver-directed therapies. Somatostatin analogues, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and the newer agents everolimus and suntinib are discussed as a means for controlling intra- and extrahepatic disease, along with peptide receptor radiotherapy (PRRT). Finally, the experience with orthotopic liver transplant for neuroendocrine tumors is described.
Thermomechanical Impact of Polyurethane Potting on Gun Launched Electronics
Authors: Haynes A. S. , Cordes J. A. , Krug J.
Published: November 2012

Electronics packages in precision guided munitions are used in guidance and control units, mission computers, and fuze-safe-and-arm devices. They are subjected to highg-loads during gun launch, pyrotechnic shocks during flight, and highg-loads upon impact with hard targets. To enhance survivability, many electronics packages are potted after assembly. The purpose of the potting is to provide additional structural support and shock damping. Researchers at the US Army recently completed a series of dynamic mechanical tests on a urethane-based potting material to assess its behavior in an electronics assembly during gun launch and under varying thermal launch conditions. This paper will discuss the thermomechanical properties of the potting material as well as simulation efforts to determine the suitability of this potting compound for gun launched electronics. Simulation results will compare stresses and displacements for a simplified electronics package with and without full potting. An evaluation of the advantages and consequences of potting electronics in munitions systems will also be discussed.
Raman Spectroscopy of Amorphous Carbon Prepared by Pulsed Arc Discharge in Various Gas Mixtures
Authors: Marton M. , Vojs M. , Zdravecká E. , Himmerlich M. , Haensel T. , Krischok S. , Kotlár M. , Michniak P. , Veselý M. , Redhammer R.
Published: November 2012

To meet various application requirements, it is important to enable an improvement of a-C structure and properties, such as hardness, adhesion, and wear resistance. In this study, we used the Raman spectroscopy to investigate the a-C thin films structure dependence on the different deposition parameters. The effect of nitrogen, argon, and hydrogen gas flow rate was analyzed to determine the influence on the film properties. The change in the gas type, combination, and flow had a significant influence on the D and G bands of the a-C Raman spectra. The addition of N2into the chamber promoted the sp2creation, while with adding hydrogen the layer contained more sp3bonds. The depositions of a-C thin films were carried out in pulsed arc discharge vacuum installation. Micro-Raman measurements of the deposited materials were performed using an ISA Dilor-Jobin Yvon-Spex Labram confocal system with 632.8 nm radiation from a He-Ne laser using a back-scattering geometry.
Synthesis, Structure, and Anticancerous Properties of Silver Complexes
Authors: Shukla Shraddha , Mishra A. P.
Published: November 2012

Although the “war on cancer” is now in its fourth decade and much progress has been made in categorizing the environmental causes and cellular and molecular biological basis for this dreaded disease, we still do not have a precise understanding of the differences between a cancer cell and its normal counterpart. The completion of the human genome sequence and its subsequent improvements in the sequence data are important steps to fully comprehend cancer cell biology. Ag(I) is being used as an anticancer agent in several human cancers. The anticancer activity of these complexes against Ehrlich’s ascites tumor cells (EACs) has been reported. The aim of the present study is to synthesize some new water soluble Ag(I) mixed ligand complexes containing nitrogen and sulfur base and to evaluate their biomedicinal properties. Mixed ligand complexes of Ag(I) metal derived from L‐lysine and thiouracil with 2,2′‐bipyridyl; 2‐aminopyridine with thiouracil have been synthesized. The composition of the prepared complexes was discussed on the basis of microanalysis, FAB‐mass, and FT‐ir, measurements. Molecular weight was confirmed by FAB‐mass spectra. The elemental analysis data suggest the stoichiometry to be M : L : L′ (1 : 1 : 1) ratio. These Ag(I) mixed ligand complexes showed excellent anticancer activity against Ehrlich’s ascites tumor cells (EACs).
Case Study of the Relationship between Aqua Regia and Real Total Contents of Harmful Trace Elements in Some European Soils
Authors: Taraškevičius Ričardas , Zinkutė Rimantė , Stakėnienė Rimutė , Radavičius Marijus
Published: November 2012

Both real total and aqua regia contents of trace elements in soils are often denominated by the same word “total” though the results are not identical. The formulas would be helpful for recalculation of aqua regia contents to real totals. Data for primary formulas were taken from the International Soil‐Analytical Exchange Program of Wageningen Evaluating Programs for Analytical Laboratories. The degree of extractability DE of element in a sample was calculated by weighting the ratios of median contents in aqua regia to median real total contents in different periods with weights proportional to the respective number of determinations. According to descending median values of DE (%) in ISE European soil samples the elements are arranged as follows: Hg(98), Cd(94), Cu(91), Zn(90), Mn(89), Ni(88), Co(86), As(82), Mo(82), Pb(79), V(61), Sn(57), Cr(56), Sb(53), Be(51), B(46), U(35), and Ba(21). These values can be used for approximate recalculation of aqua regia contents to real totals and adjustment of contamination assessment. An attempt to obtain more explicit prediction by fitting regression models and problems related to high leverage and possibly influencial points are discussed and their possible relation to the specificity of soil composition is pointed out.
2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Derived Schiff Base and Its Lanthanide(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, Spectroscopic Studies, and Plant Growth Activity
Authors: Naik Ganesh N. , Bakale Raghavendra P. , Pathan Aishakhanam H. , Ligade Shashikala G. , Desai Shreenivas A. , Gudasi Kalagouda B.
Published: November 2012

2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid derived Schiff base (HL) and its lanthanide [La(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Dy(III), Y(III)] complexes were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic (1H, 13C, DEPT and 2D HMQC NMR, FT‐IR, UV‐Vis, and mass) techniques and other analytical methods. HL exhibits “E” and “Z” isomerism and was confirmed by variable temperature 1H NMR studies. The spectral and analytical data reveals the bidentate coordination of HL to lanthanide(III) ion, through carboxylic acid group via deprotonation. Fluorescence spectrum of europium complex shows bands at 578, 592, and 612 nm assignable to , , and , respectively. Auxin activity of HL and lanthanum(III) complex on wheat seeds (Triticum durum) was measured at different concentrations. The percentage germination, root length, and shoot length were recorded. An enhancement in the plant growth activity of the ligand was observed on complexation and the best activity was observed at 10−6 M concentration.
In vivo T-Cell Depletion with Antithymocyte Globulins Improves Overall Survival after Myeloablative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Hematologic Disorders
Authors: Sheng Zhixin , Ma Huanwen , Pang Wenzheng , Niu Shanona , Xu Jingbo
Published: November 2012

To assess the effect of prophylactic treatment with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) on graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in myeloablative transplant patients, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized and cohort studies. Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register and the Science Citation Index were searched for studies on ATG treatment in patients with hematologic disorders undergoing myeloablative transplantation. Four randomized controlled trials, six retrospective and one prospective cohort study were included, covering 1,549 patients. The summary hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival were 0.84 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–1.12; p = 0.23] for randomized studies, 0.70 (95% CI 0.57–0.88; p = 0.002) for cohort studies and 0.75 (95% CI 0.63–0.89; p = 0.001) for all studies combined. The corresponding HRs for treatment-related mortality (TRM) were 0.81 (95% CI 0.54–1.22; p = 0.32) for randomized studies, 0.70 (95% CI 0.49–0.99; p = 0.05) for cohort studies and 0.74 (95% CI 0.57–0.95; p = 0.02) for all studies combined. The corresponding HRs for relapse mortality were 1.18 (95% CI 0.69–2.02; p = 0.55) for randomized studies, 1.02 (95% CI 0.65–1.61; p = 0.93) for cohort studies and 1.05 (95% CI 0.74–1.50; p = 0.79) for all studies combined. In conclusion, the addition of ATG to standard GvHD prophylaxis might improve survival due to improved TRM without decreasing relapse mortality.
Effect of Cerebral Perfusion Pressure on Cerebral Cortical Microvascular Shunting at High Intracranial Pressure in Rats
Authors: Bragin Denis E. , Bush Rachel C. , Nemoto Edwin M.
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—

Recently, we showed that decreasing cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) from 70 mm Hg to 50 mm Hg and 30 mm Hg by increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) with a fluid reservoir induces a transition from capillary (CAP) to microvascular shunt (MVS) flow in the uninjured rat brain. This transition was associated with tissue hypoxia, increased blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and brain edema. Our aim was to determine whether an increase in CPP would attenuate the transition to MVS flow at high ICP.

Methods—

Rats were subjected to progressive, step-wise increases in ICP of up to 60 mm Hg by an artificial cerebrospinal fluid reservoir connected to the cisterna magna. CPP was maintained at 50, 60, 70, or 80 mm Hg by intravenous dopamine infusion. Microvascular red blood cell flow velocity, BBB integrity (fluorescein dye extravasation), and tissue oxygenation (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) were measured by in vivo 2-photon laser scanning microscopy. Doppler cortical flux, rectal and cranial temperatures, ICP, arterial blood pressure, and gases were monitored.

Results—

The CAP/MVS ratio increased (
P
<0.05) at higher ICP as CPP was increased from 50 to 80 mm Hg. At an ICP of 30 mm Hg and CPP of 50 mm Hg, the CAP/MVS ratio was 0.6±0.1. At CPP of 60, 70, and 80 mm Hg, the ratio increased to 0.9±0.1, 1.4±0.1, and 1.9±0.1, respectively (mean±SEM;
P
<0.05). BBB opening and increase of reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide occurred at higher ICP as CPP was increased.

Conclusions—

Increasing CPP at high ICP attenuates the transition from CAP to MVS flow, development of tissue hypoxia, and increased BBB permeability.
Severe Stroke Induces Long-Lasting Alterations of High-Mobility Group Box 1
Authors: Schulze Juliane , Zierath Dannielle , Tanzi Patricia , Cain Kevin , Shibata Dean , Dressel Alexander , Becker Kyra
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—

The signals that initiate the poststroke inflammatory response are unknown. High-mobility group box (HMGB) 1 protein is a nuclear protein that is passively released from necrotic tissue and is able to activate leukocytes, which in turn secrete HMGB1. HMGB1 is also able to activate antigen-presenting cells and therefore stands at the crossroads of innate and adaptive immunity.

Methods—

Plasma HMGB1 concentrations were determined at multiple time points after ischemic stroke (N=110) and correlated to stroke severity and biomarkers of inflammation. The relationships between HMGB1, stroke outcome, and autoimmune responses to brain antigens were also assessed.

Results—

Stroke resulted in an increase in HMGB1 that persisted for 30 days. Plasma HMGB1 was correlated with the number of circulating leukocytes but was not predictive of either stroke outcome or the development of autoimmune responses to brain antigens. Patients with a T
h
1(+) response to myelin basic protein at 90 days after stroke, however, had higher plasma HMGB1.

Conclusions—

HMGB1 appears to be involved in the postischemic inflammatory response, but it remains unclear whether HMGB1 initiates this response or merely reflects activation of leukocytes by another signal.
Crime across the States: Are US Crime Rates Converging?
Authors: Cook Steve , Winfield Tom
Published: November 2012

Recent research concerning the potential presence of a national trend in regionally disaggregated US crime data is extended. In light of the varying levels of criminal activity noted in differing regions of the US, the present analysis considers whether a trend is emerging rather than currently present. Using alternative methods, potential convergence in criminal activity across the states of the US is examined. The results presented provide clear evidence of a previously undetected finding of convergence over the period 1960–2009 for all classifications of criminal activity considered. The importance and implications of these findings, along with their support in previous research on, inter alia, socioeconomic conditions, sentencing policies and alternative theories, are discussed.
Gender and Sentencing in the Federal Courts
Authors: Doerner Jill K. , Demuth Stephen
Published: November 2012

Using data from the United States Sentencing Commission (2001-2003), we examine the role of gender in the sentencing of defendants in federal courts. We address two questions: First, can we explain the gender gap in sentencing by taking into account differences in legal and extralegal factors? And second, do legal and extralegal factors have the same impact for male and female defendants? Overall, we find that female defendants receive more lenient sentence outcomes than their male counterparts. Legal factors account for a large portion of the gender differences, but even after controlling for legal characteristics a substantial gap in sentencing outcomes remains. Also, despite their influence on sentencing outcomes in some instances, extralegal characteristics do not help to close the gender gap. Finally, when male and female defendants are examined separately, we find that not all legal and extralegal factors weigh equally for male and female defendants.
Baseball, Beer, and Bulgari
Authors: Purcell David
Published: November 2012

I use cultural capital as a conceptual framework for examining gender inequality at work. While much previous research has been situated in hypermasculine work settings, this study takes place in an industry (retail fashion) and an organization that are not hypermasculine—yet, the company’s cultural capital is dominated by men, and a glass ceiling persists. Using ethnographic data collected at the headquarters of a major Midwestern multinational retail corporation, I examine this puzzle. I explain how the cultural capital valued by upper management is gendered and contributes to the maintenance of the glass ceiling, and how members of upper management succeed or fail at activating their cultural capital. I also illustrate how the company’s industry and internal structure enable some women and gay men to successfully navigate a men-dominated work culture. In doing so, I attempt to synthesize previous studies on homophily and gendered organizations.
Effects of key structural parameters on solid–liquid separation behavior of hydrocyclone separator applied to hydraulic oil purification
Authors: Ji Hui , Nie Songlin , Sun Hongmei , Cheng Yun , Li Yongping
Published: November 2012

Contamination control in fluid power system is a challenge due to the fact that it has been one of the major reasons of wear, failure, and the related downtime. A novel hydraulic oil purifier proposed in this study is considered to be capable of removing the solid particle contaminant, moisture, and gas simultaneously, which consists of two parts: hydrocyclone separator and rotating packed bed (i.e. Higee). A hydrocyclone separator used to be applied to chemical industry is tried to be designed according to experiential parameters in a typical fluid power system for the first time. And then, the mathematical model of the hydrocyclone separator has been established. The distribution of the hydraulic oil and solid particles in swirling flow field inside the base hydrocyclone separator has been simulated with the help of computational fluid dynamics software Fluent. The effects of the cone angle and cylindrical length on the separation performance of the hydrocyclone separator have been subsequently investigated. Based on the simulation results, the hydrocyclone separator with 25° cone angle and 60 mm cylindrical length has been considered as the most satisfied configuration. Simulation analysis of the optimal configuration flow field reflects a relatively pleasant solid–liquid separation performance considered to be beneficial to controlling the contamination level of fluid power system. The research outcome will lay a foundation for the development of the new hydraulic oil purifier proposed in this study.
Development of a fuzzy logic-based inherent safety index for food industries
Authors: Tadic Danijela , Savovic Ivan , Misita Mirjana , Arsovski Slavko , Milanovic Dragan D
Published: November 2012

Inherent safety is a proactive approach for loss or elimination of hazard values and risk management. Expansion of safety relating to process and production in a supply chain in an uncertain environment has a critical effect on the competitive advantage of each food industrial organization. In this article, the fuzzy rating weights of each pair of the considered hazards and uncertain hazard values are described by linguistic expressions modelled by triangular fuzzy numbers. The fuzzy extent approach for the synthetic extent values of the pairwise comparison for handling fuzzy analytic hierarchical process is used to calculate the weight vector. The proposed fuzzy model is arranged in a hierarchical structure, so that the output of one interference system is used as an input for the second interference step. In the first of interference steps, the total hazard value for each identified process is calculated using the fuzzy algebra rules. In the second interference step, the inherent safety index for each process is determined on the basis of total hazard value, using the IF–THEN fuzzy logic rules. It is shown that the proposed fuzzy model is highly suitable as a decision making tool for making decisions about the inherent safety index of food industrial processes.
Relationship between patellar tendon shortening and in vitro kinematics in the ovine stifle joint
Authors: Bertollo Nicky , Pelletier Matthew H , Walsh William R
Published: November 2012

Post-operative patellar tendon shortening induces a distal positioning of the patella in the femoral trochlear groove, which has been associated with pain and impeded mobility. An idealized in vitro model was used to examine the effects of shortening on patellar kinematics. The PT length was progressively reduced by up to 5 mm (1-mm instalments) using a device secured onto the tendon in n = 9 ovine stifles. In vitro 6 degrees-of-freedom motion data for the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joints under conditions of passively induced flexion–extension was acquired electromagnetically. Patellar motion was analysed as a function of both tibial and patellar flexion angles relative to the femoral co-ordinate frame. Linear regression with contrasts was used to compare kinematic changes for each shortening level, with significance set at P<0.01. A mean maximum percentage length reduction of 8.2% was achieved. Patellar flexion was linearly correlated with tibial flexion angle in the intact joint, and this correlation persisted after tendon shortening (R = 0.977, P < 0.01). Patellar kinematics expressed as a function of tibial flexion angle were significantly altered by a mean length decrease of 8.2%, while flexion and proximo-distal shift patterns were significantly affected at lesser shortening levels of 3.1% and 4.7%, respectively. Patellar kinematics expressed as a function of patellar flexion angle remained unchanged. These results suggest that patellar motion within the trochlear groove in the ovine stifle joint follows a repeatable three-dimensional path and that patellar tendon shortening advances the position of the patella along this path, without significantly altering it.
Rippling of long rectangular rubber blocks under bending
Authors: Padukka Nilmini , Hill Jim
Published: November 2012

The problem of finite elastic deformation of a long rectangular rubber block which is deformed in a perturbed cylindrical configuration is examined here, and is motivated from the problem of determining surface rippling that is observed in bent multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The problem of finite elastic bending of a tube is considerably more complicated than the geometrically simpler problem of finite elastic bending of a rectangular block. Accordingly, we examine here the simpler block problem which is assumed to be sufficiently long so that the out of plane end effects may be ignored. The general equations governing plane strain deformations of an isotropic incompressible perfectly elastic Mooney material, which models rubber-like materials, are used to determine small superimposed deformations upon the well-known controllable family for the deformation of rectangular blocks into a sector of a solid bounded by two circular arcs. Traction free boundary conditions are assumed in an average sense along the bounding circular arcs. Physically realistic rippling is found to occur and typical numerical values are used to illustrate the solution graphically.
Putative Mechanisms of Environmental Chemical–Induced Steatosis
Authors: Kaiser J. Phillip , Lipscomb John C. , Wesselkamper Scott C.
Published: November 2012

Liver disease is a major health issue characterized by several pathological changes, with steatosis (fatty liver) representing a common initial step in its pathogenesis. Steatosis is of critical importance because prevention of fatty liver can obviate downstream pathologies of liver disease (eg, fibrosis). Recent studies have shown a strong correlation between chemical exposure and steatosis. The work described here identifies chemicals on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) that induce steatosis and investigates putative mechanisms by which these chemicals may contribute to this pathological condition. Mitochondrial impairment, insulin resistance, impaired hepatic lipid secretion, and enhanced cytokine production were identified as potential mechanisms that could contribute to steatosis. Taken together, this work is significant because it identifies multiple mechanisms by which environmental chemicals may cause fatty liver and expands our knowledge of the possible role of environmental chemical exposure in the induction and progression of liver disease.
Engineering a Global City
Authors: Yusof Norhafezah , van Loon Joost
Published: November 2012

This research concerns the Malaysian Multimedia Super Corridor project. Part of the project is a construction of a future intelligent city named Cyberjaya. This is a utopian city. The dream encompasses constructing working and living spaces for information communication technology professionals and experts from all over the world. Based on an ethnographic approach, this article seeks to explore what happens when utopian ideas are implemented. That is, rather than testing whether or not the dream has become true, the authors investigate the “materiality” of dreamwork in the development of a “planned city.” They show that the utopian globalized information communication technology city is built on the principles of zoning, sterility, and security. These principles are at the core of engineering a global community of knowledge workers. The authors argue that the ordering of this particular version of utopia—discursively anchored in a specific hybridization of (hyper)modernity, Malaysian culture, and Islam—has resulted in a proliferation of “non-places” that inhibit binding associations and thus prevent the development of a sense of “belonging.”
Challenging gender practices: Intersectional narratives of sibling relations and parent–child engagements in transnational serial migration
Authors: Phoenix Ann , Bauer Elaine
Published: November 2012

This article aims to contribute to the currently sparse literature on transnational families and gender. It focuses on the retrospective accounts of Caribbean-born adults who as children were serial migrants, joining their parents in the UK following a period of separation. It considers aspects of their relationships with their siblings and with their mothers and fathers. The article illuminates what the serial migrants viewed as contradictory everyday practices that produced ‘non-shared environments’. It discusses three ways in which transnationalism appeared to be a central part of the serial migrants’ family lives. First, it was embodied. Second, it was lived as cultural difference between Caribbean-born and UK-born siblings. Third, it was reported to be evident in parental practices. The article illustrates the importance of viewing gendered narratives in a psychosocial intersectional perspective.
Transnational mothering and forced migration: Understanding the experiences of Zimbabwean mothers in the UK
Authors: Madziva Roda , Zontini Elisabetta
Published: November 2012

A growing body of scholarship has documented the experiences of different groups of migrants involved in the maintenance and development of transnational families worldwide showing that proximity is not a prerequisite of family life and that families can successfully be done from a distance. While most work deals with the experiences of labour migrants less attention has been paid to forced migrants. Still little is known about families that fail to operate transnationally and are broken by the migration experience. For instance, when can we say that this type of family cannot be sustained? This article, drawing on the transnational motherhood literature and on Zontini (2010) previous study on Filipino labour migrants in Southern Europe, highlights the factors that shape transnational parenting. The authors then use this framework to explore the experiences of a group of Zimbabwean asylum seeking mothers in the UK. In doing so, the authors point out some of the specificities of this particular group; highlighting the differentiated impact of transnationalism and contributing to refining the literature on transnational parenthood.