bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface functionalization of polypropylene devices with hemocompatible DMAAm and NIPAAm grafts for norfloxacin sustained release
Authors: Contreras-García Angel , Bucio Emilio , Concheiro Angel , Alvarez-Lorenzo Carmen
Published: July 2011

To improve the hemocompatibility and elution of antimicrobial agents for medical devices, N,N′-dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) were sequentially grafted onto polypropylene (PP) films. Various (PP-g-DMAAm)-g-NIPAAm grafts were prepared using different time periods of irradiation while keeping the radiation dose constant. The hydrogel layer that formed on the surface of the PP was temperature-responsive (shifted from 32°C for NIPAAm to 37°C for the copolymer). The (PP-g-DMAAm)-g-NIPAAm films adsorbed serum albumin but not fibrinogen and had significantly lower hemolytic and thrombogenic activity. The DMAAm promoted the loading of norfloxacin (13.3 μg cm—2) when the hydrogel layer was swollen; as the NIPAAm shrank, a sustained delivery (∼6 h) occurred at body temperature. These functionalized PP films have potential as hemo- and cyto-compatible materials for medical devices and drug delivery products.
Implications for Nutrition Practice in the Mineral‐Bone Disorder of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Moore Linda W.
Published: July 2011

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to affect ~13% of the U.S. adult population and will require most healthcare professionals to be aware of management techniques. From stage 1 CKD, where kidney damage may be the only indicator, to stage 5 CKD, where dialysis or a transplant is required, the treatments vary greatly. One of the first systems to be affected by CKD is 1‐α hydroxylation of vitamin D by production of the enzyme in the kidney. Alterations in this system contribute to bone disorders that are manifested by mineral changes throughout the course of CKD. This report provides insight on the dietary components and contributions to mineral and bone disorder of CKD and recommendations for treatment when CKD treatment does not require dialysis or transplantation.
Safety of Decanted Enteral Formula Hung for 12 Hours in a Pediatric Setting
Authors: Lyman Beth , Gebhards Sarah , Hensley Cindy , Roberts Cristy , San Pablo William
Published: July 2011

Background: Enteral nutrition has been an accepted mode of pediatric care for more than 40 years. Early reports in the literature documented high levels of bacterial contamination in enteral formulas delivered to patients. Safety standards for formula administration have not been universally followed. Evidence demonstrates that increased manipulation of the delivery system contributes to bacterial contamination. Methods: A prospective, descriptive study was conducted with 30 pediatric patients. They received continuous enteral feedings using decanted formula over a minimum hang time of 12 hours. Formula was delivered according to current practice recommendations. Cultures were obtained and sent to the laboratory initially and every 4 hours. Results: Cultures from 30 patients (average age 6.4 years) were obtained at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 hours. Nasogastric, nasojejunal, gastrostomy, or gastrojejunostomy feeding tubes were used. Formulas administered were polymeric and peptide based. Of the 119 cultures obtained, 8 were either collected improperly or revealed a contaminant. Of the 111 useable cultures, 100 showed no growth, 6 had growth below the Food and Drug Administration threshold for contamination (95% acceptable), and 5 (5%) in 2 patients were considered positive, with all cultures growing coliforms. No patient had any clinical signs of bacterial gastroenteritis (increased stool output, fever, or clinical deterioration) over the 48 hours after data collection. Conclusion: Decanted enteral formula administered continuously over 12 hours in a pediatric hospital setting has a lower than expected rate of bacterial growth when recommended handling practices are followed.
Becoming Whole
Authors: Reich Jennifer , Michaels Cathy
Published: July 2011

This paper explores the role of story for healing. Specifically, this paper describes story and healing in cultural or whole medical systems, including Latino/Hispanic traditions, Native American/Indigenous traditions, and Homeopathy. In addition, the authors provide a brief overview of story and healing in the nursing and medical literature, and evaluate the value of story in our current practice as holistic nurses. It is important for the holistic nurse to be aware of the role of stories for healing in diverse systems of healthcare. This awareness can help bridge the knowledge gap between cultural or whole medical systems and Western Medicine, thus optimizing the healing environment for the patient, nurse, and other providers of care.
Recognition and paleoclimatic implications of late-Holocene glaciation on Mt Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand
Authors: Brook Martin S. , Neall Vince E. , Stewart Robert B. , Dykes Rob C. , Birks Derek L.
Published: July 2011

Evidence for the timings of inter-hemispheric climate fluctuations during the Holocene is important, with mountain glacier moraine systems routinely used as a proxy for climate. In New Zealand such evidence for glacier expansion during the late Holocene is fragmentary and is limited to glaciers in a narrow zone within the Southern Alps. Here, we present the first evidence for late-Holocene glacier expansion on the North Island of New Zealand in the form of two unconsolidated debris ridges on the south side of the stratovolcano, Mt Taranaki/Mt Egmont, at ~1920 m a.s.l. The two ridges are aligned north–south along the western and eastern sides of a small basin (Rangitoto Flat), which is formed between the main Taranaki cone (to the north), and the parasitic cone of Fanthams Peak (to the south). The approximate age of the ridges is constrained by dated eruptive events and the relationship between ridge locations and the spatial positioning of adjacent volcanic landforms. We propose the ridges formed as two lateral moraines on the margins of a cirque glacier during the final construction phase of Fanthams Peak between 3.3 and 0.5 ka BP, during late-Holocene time. This time interval accords with published cosmogenic 10Be dating of moraine-building episodes in the Southern Alps, indicating the Mt Taranaki moraines are a response to the same regional climatic forcings.
The Politics and Poetics of Ada María Isasi-Díaz
Authors: Pui-lan Kwok
Published: July 2011

In this article, the author shares her reflection on the evolution of Ada María Isasi-Díaz’s work, and Mujerista Theology, through the story of Isasi-Díaz own life story. Her complex story, filled with struggle, illustrates the embeddedness of Mujerista Theology in the social fabric and lives of Hispanas and Latinas. The article explores the difficulty of an intellectual seeking to release the voices of grassroots women, even in her own community, and also the cross-cultural possibilities of understanding the language and theology of one cultural group from within another, specifically, the author’s own Chinese context.
Demographic Change and Ethnically Motivated Crime: The Impact of Immigration on Anti-Hispanic Hate Crime in the United States
Authors: Stacey Michele , Carbone-López Kristin , Rosenfeld Richard
Published: July 2011

In recent years, Hispanic immigration to the United States has become a politically charged public issue, with significant consequences for immigration policies, communities, individual immigrants, and the U.S. residents who resemble them in language, customs, and appearance. We examine one possible collateral consequence of the fear and tension surrounding recent immigration trends, anti-Hispanic hate crime. Drawing on traditional theories of intergroup conflict—and particularly minority threat theory—we hypothesize that recent changes in Hispanic immigration are positively related to hate crimes targeting Hispanics. We find support for this hypothesis in a multivariate state-level panel analysis of anti-Hispanic hate crime from 2000 to 2004. Other predictions, however, are not supported. We conclude that the impact of immigration patterns on hate crime is an important area for continued criminological inquiry and that the notion of cultural threat should receive greater attention as studies of intergroup conflict move beyond the Black—White dichotomy.
Sacrificed on the Altar of Public Safety: The Policing of Latino and African American Youth
Authors: Vera Sanchez Claudio G. , Adams Ericka B.
Published: July 2011

Past research has grounded young people’s experiences with the police in their neighborhoods and schools, yet lacking from the literature is how the interconnection between these two domains contributes to the hypercriminalization of Latino and African American youth. Forty interviews were conducted with nondelinquent Latino and African American youth who reside in disadvantaged and high-crime neighborhoods. Youths’ reports suggest a tidal wave of violence throughout their neighborhoods and schools, coupled with heavy surveillance and policing. Policy implications are discussed in terms of the school to criminal justice pipeline prevalent in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Politics in Peer Groups
Authors: Quintelier Ellen , Stolle Dietlind , Harell Allison
Published: July 2011

Social capital researchers have suggested that bridging ties are important for political participation. However, thus far the literature lacks testing on the direction of this relationship: do diverse ties stimulate political participation or does political participation stimulate political diversity among friends and acquaintances? This article examines how ethno-cultural and political diversity within social networks influence political participation among a unique panel of 4,235 young people in Belgium. The results reveal a reciprocal cross-lagged effect. In particular, having politically diverse social networks increases political participation, which in turn promotes meeting politically diverse others.
The Conspiracy of Silence
Authors: Dyck Joshua J. , Pearson-Merkowitz Shanna
Published: July 2011

Gay marriage bans have received widespread support in the past decade in states across America. The authors evaluate the extent to which context mitigates or exacerbates support for gay rights. Their question is grounded in the debate over whether exposure to out-groups creates acceptance through contact or whether exposure induces hostility through threat. Using data from twelve marriage ban elections, the authors find conditional support for the threat hypothesis. While the presence of a gay population is unimportant to the majority of the population, evangelical Christians who live proximate to larger gay populations are more likely to support bans on gay marriage.
Effects of BDE-85 on the Oxidative Status and Nerve Conduction in Rodents
Authors: Vagula Mary C. , Kubeldis Nathan , Nelatury Charles F.
Published: July 2011

BDE-85 is a congener of a class of flame-retardant compounds called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Although there are some studies on other congeners of PBDEs, there are none on the toxicity potential of this penta-BDE member. This study, therefore, reports the oxidative status and sciatic nerve conduction properties following BDE-85 treatment in rodents. The oxidative stress markers, lipid hydroperoxides, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and catalase, in the exposed mice liver and brain tissues showed tissue-specific alterations following intraperitoneal injection of 0.25 mg/kg body weight of BDE-85 for 4 days. The results indicate a significant disruption in the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium and setting in of oxidative stress. Isolated sciatic nerves of rats exposed to 5 µg/mL or 20 µg/mL of BDE-85 showed a significant reduction in nerve conduction velocity and compound action potential amplitudes, indicating physiological damage to the sciatic nerves.
Reflexivity and Environmental Justice Scholarship: A Role for Feminist Methodologies
Authors: Hope Alkon Alison
Published: July 2011

This article explores the potential analytic and practical benefits that a reflexive, process-oriented approach to research and representation might hold for community-based environmental justice scholarship. Reflexive analysis can challenge the supremacy of positivist methods, illuminate the social production of knowledge, attend to the remaining influence of hierarchies of power and privilege, and aid academics and community members in developing realistic expectations of the collaborative research process. This article uses three vignettes from the author’s ethnographic study of food justice and farmers’ markets to demonstrate one model of what reflexive analysis of community-based environmental justice research might look like and to illustrate theoretical insights gained through this technique.
Understanding school responses to students’ challenging behaviour: A review of literature
Authors: Michail Samia
Published: July 2011

This article explores the varied ways in which schools can respond to students who present with challenging behaviours and who are at risk of disengagement from learning. It sets out a typology of school responses and reflects on the philosophies which underpin each approach. In an effort to rethink the use of suspensions within schools, which contribute to the marginalization of children, the article highlights a range of alternatives to exclusionary practice. It outlines the key elements of approaches that are successful in reducing school suspension and makes evident the benefits of an approach that is tailored to the whole ecology of the child.
The Copenhagen School Health Records Register
Authors: Baker Jennifer L. , Sørensen Thorkild I.A.
Published: July 2011

Introduction: The Copenhagen School Health Records Register is an electronic register of health examination information on 372,636 children who attended school in Copenhagen, Denmark from 1936 to 2005. Content: The register contains serial measurements of height and weight as well as birth weight from 1942 onwards. Through unique personal identification numbers, linkages are possible to national registers and population studies. Validity and coverage: Measurements were recorded in the health records with precision. Virtually every schoolchild is included in the register. Conclusion: The unique qualities of the size, population-based nature and linkage possibilities of the cohort make it an invaluable resource for research.
The Danish Injury Register
Authors: Laursen Bjarne , Møller Hanne
Published: July 2011

Introduction: The Danish Injury Register was established in 1988 and is based on injury case records from four Danish hospitals (five hospitals until 2007). Content: In total, 1.76 million cases were recorded during 1990—2008. Data items include the place of the accident, mechanism of injury, involved products, type of sports, and description of the accident. Validity and coverage: The register covers approximately 15% of the Danish population and is roughly representative for the whole Denmark in terms of age, sex, and social groups. Conclusion: The Danish Injury Register is a valuable source of information on injuries in Denmark, in particular product-related injuries and sports injuries. Further, the possibility to link to other registers increases the use of the data.
Register-based studies of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Abildstrøm Steen Z. , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Madsen Mette
Published: July 2011

Introduction: The use of the unique personal identification number in the Nordic database systems enables the researchers to link the registers at the individual level. The registers can be used for both defining specific patient populations and to identify later events during follow-up. This review gives three examples within cardiovascular epidemiology to illustrate the use of the national administrative registers available to all researchers upon request. Research topics: The hospitalisation rate of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was expected to be increased and case-fatality rate to decrease when the diagnostic criteria were changed in 2000. Linkage of national registers found a relative increase in hospitalisation rate of 14% while the case-fatality rate was unaffected. The pharmacological treatment of AMI patients was evaluated by linkage of administrative data. The use of evidence-based treatment increased significantly over time and adherence to treatment was high. Finally, use of specific nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs by healthy subjects was associated with a dose-dependent increase in cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: The nationwide registers have proven very useful in monitoring the hospitalisation rate and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The risk of unmeasured factors affecting the results calls for cautious interpretation of the results.
Register-based studies of cancer screening effects
Authors: Von Euler-Chelpin My , Lynge Elsebeth , Rebolj Matejka
Published: July 2011

Introduction: There are two organised cancer screening programmes in Denmark, against cervical and breast cancers. The aim with this study was to give an overview of the available register-based research regarding these two programmes, to demonstrate the usefulness of data from the national registers. Research topics: The register-based studies on cancer screening in Denmark could be grouped into research concerning effectiveness, in terms of mortality and incidence reduction, short-term indicators, e.g. in relation to recommended quality assurance indicators, and side effects, e.g. as false-positive results and overdiagnosis. Conclusion: The results indicate that registers have proven to be a valuable tool in evaluating the effects of ongoing screening activities. As they cannot be systematically used to test new screening technologies, register-based studies should not be seen as an alternative to randomised controlled trials, but as a supplement.
Occupational mortality
Authors: Lynge Elsebeth
Published: July 2011

Introduction: This paper aims to present the methods and main results from the Danish occupational mortality studies, and to set the Danish studies into the international context of occupational mortality studies. Research topics: The first Danish occupational mortality study from 1970—1975 revealed a considerable social class gradient in male mortality where university teachers and farmers had a 40% lower mortality and waiters and seamen had an about 100% higher mortality than the average for economically active men. The social class gradient was less steep for women. A similar pattern was found in 1996— 2005. Conclusion: In view of the considerable societal changes which have taken place from the beginning of the 1970s to the turn of the century, surprisingly small changes have taken place in the mortality pattern across social groups.
The media and attitudes towards crime and the justice system: A qualitative approach
Authors: Boda Zsolt , Szabó Gabriella
Published: July 2011

The role of the media in shaping attitudes towards crime and the justice system has been a heavily researched topic. It has obvious relevance to the procedural justice perspective, in that media representations may have a mediating relationship between the behaviour of institutions of justice and public perceptions of them. Most of these studies have used quantitative methods in order to establish a relationship between attitudes and media consumption. A relationship has been demonstrated on several occasions, but its causal nature has not been proven. However, the difficulty of identifying a direct causal media effect should not lead us to abandon completely the idea that the media have some influence in shaping attitudes towards crime and the justice system. We should look for more sophisticated theories to explain the formation of public opinion and the role of the media in it, and, in addition to the quantitative analysis of statistical data, we should move towards audience research and the use of more qualitative methods. The research reported here used focus group methods to understand how and how much people rely on the media when interpreting issues of crime and evaluating justice institutions.
Trust and legitimacy: Policing in the USA and Europe
Authors: Tyler Tom R.
Published: July 2011

This paper argues for the value of new approaches to policing in the United States and Europe. These new approaches focus upon building police legitimacy among members of the public with the goal of encouraging widespread voluntary compliance with the law, acceptance of police authority and deference to police decisions, as well as a general willingness to cooperate with the police to fight crime.
Tolerability of initiation doses of once-monthly paliperidone palmitate in patients with recently diagnosed schizophrenia in an acute treatment trial
Authors: Bossie Cynthia A. , Fu Dong-Jing , Sliwa Jennifer Kern , Alphs Larry , Ma Yi-Wen
Published: July 2011

Objective: To examine the tolerability of the recommended initiation doses for once-monthly injectable paliperidone palmitate in patients who have recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia and for whom high doses may pose tolerability concerns.

Methods: A post hoc analysis from a 13-week double-blind study of patients with schizophrenia randomized 1:1:1:1 to placebo or paliperidone palmitate at 25, 100, or 150 mg equivalents (mg eq) of paliperidone (corresponding to 39, 156, or 234 mg respectively). This analysis focused on the recently diagnosed subgroup (≤5 years; N = 146) who received the recommended initiation dosage of paliperidone palmitate [150 mg eq on day 1 ( n = 109) followed by 100 mg eq on day 8 ( n = 39)] or placebo ( n = 37). Adverse events (AEs), reported in ≥2% of patients receiving paliperidone palmitate during days 1–7 or ≥5% during days 8–36, and in a higher percentage of patients receiving paliperidone palmitate than placebo, were identified. AE relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. A RR was considered potentially significant when its 95% CI did not include 1.

Results: Overall, day 1–7 AE rates were 37.6% (41 of 109) and 29.7% (11 of 37) with paliperidone palmitate and placebo respectively; injection site pain (5.5% versus 2.7%, RR 2.0; 95% CI 0.25 to 16.37), agitation (4.6% versus 2.7%; RR 1.7; 95% CI 0.21 to 14.06), and headache (3.7% versus 0.0%; RR 3.1; 95% CI 0.17 to 56.41) met the ≥2% criteria. Day 8–36 AE rates were 41.0% (16 of 39) and 37.8% (14 of 37) with paliperidone palmitate and placebo respectively; anxiety (5.1% versus 0.0%; RR 4.8; 95% CI 0.24 to 95.76) met the ≥5% criteria.

Key limitations were that some patients may have been ill for a significant time before formal diagnosis and that the number of patients is low in this subgroup, limiting the ability to detect statistical significance for AE RRs.

Conclusions: Paliperidone palmitate initiation doses (150 mg eq day 1, 100 mg eq day 8) were tolerated in this subgroup of patients who were recently diagnosed with schizophrenia, with no unexpected findings. Although the same size was small, these data identified AEs that may be encountered during the week and month after initiation dosing. These findings may assist clinicians when paliperidone palmitate is considered an appropriate treatment choice for these patients.
Multi-target QSAR modelling in the analysis and design of HIV-HCV co-inhibitors: an in-silico study
Authors: Liu Qi , Zhou Han , Liu Lin , Chen Xi , Zhu Ruixin , Cao Zhiwei
Published: July 2011

Background

HIV and HCV infections have become the leading global public-health threats. Even more remarkable, HIV-HCV co-infection is rapidly emerging as a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, due to the common rapid mutation characteristics of the two viruses as well as their similar complex influence to immunology system. Although considerable progresses have been made on the study of the infection of HIV and HCV respectively, few researches have been conducted on the investigation of the molecular mechanism of their co-infection and designing of the multi-target co-inhibitors for the two viruses simultaneously.

Results

In our study, a multi-target Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) study of the inhibitors for HIV-HCV co-infection were addressed with an in-silico machine learning technique, i.e. multi-task learning, to help to guide the co-inhibitor design. Firstly, an integrated dataset with 3 HIV inhibitor subsets targeted on protease, integrase and reverse transcriptase respectively, together with another 6 subsets of 2 HCV inhibitors targeted on NS3 serine protease and NS5B polymerase respectively were compiled. Secondly, an efficient multi-target QSAR modelling of HIV-HCV co-inhibitors was performed by applying an accelerated gradient method based multi-task learning on the whole 9 datasets. Furthermore, by solving the L-1-infinity regularized optimization, the Drug-like index features for compound description were ranked according to their joint importance in multi-target QSAR modelling of HIV and HCV. Finally, a drug structure-activity simulation for investigating the relationships between compound structures and binding affinities was presented based on our multiple target analysis, which is then providing several novel clues for the design of multi-target HIV-HCV co-inhibitors with increasing likelihood of successful therapies on HIV, HCV and HIV-HCV co-infection.

Conclusions

The framework presented in our study provided an efficient way to identify and design inhibitors that simultaneously and selectively bind to multiple targets from multiple viruses with high affinity, and will definitely shed new lights on the future work of inhibitor synthesis for multi-target HIV, HCV, and HIV-HCV co-infection treatments.
ADAM: Analysis of Discrete Models of Biological Systems Using Computer Algebra
Authors: Hinkelmann Franziska , Brandon Madison , Guang Bonny , McNeill Rustin , Blekherman Grigoriy , Veliz-Cuba Alan , Laubenbacher Reinhard
Published: July 2011

Background

Many biological systems are modeled qualitatively with discrete models, such as probabilistic Boolean networks, logical models, Petri nets, and agent-based models, to gain a better understanding of them. The computational complexity to analyze the complete dynamics of these models grows exponentially in the number of variables, which impedes working with complex models. There exist software tools to analyze discrete models, but they either lack the algorithmic functionality to analyze complex models deterministically or they are inaccessible to many users as they require understanding the underlying algorithm and implementation, do not have a graphical user interface, or are hard to install. Efficient analysis methods that are accessible to modelers and easy to use are needed.

Results

We propose a method for efficiently identifying attractors and introduce the web-based tool Analysis of Dynamic Algebraic Models (ADAM), which provides this and other analysis methods for discrete models. ADAM converts several discrete model types automatically into polynomial dynamical systems and analyzes their dynamics using tools from computer algebra. Specifically, we propose a method to identify attractors of a discrete model that is equivalent to solving a system of polynomial equations, a long-studied problem in computer algebra. Based on extensive experimentation with both discrete models arising in systems biology and randomly generated networks, we found that the algebraic algorithms presented in this manuscript are fast for systems with the structure maintained by most biological systems, namely sparseness and robustness. For a large set of published complex discrete models, ADAM identified the attractors in less than one second.

Conclusions

Discrete modeling techniques are a useful tool for analyzing complex biological systems and there is a need in the biological community for accessible efficient analysis tools. ADAM provides analysis methods based on mathematical algorithms as a web-based tool for several different input formats, and it makes analysis of complex models accessible to a larger community, as it is platform independent as a web-service and does not require understanding of the underlying mathematics.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: clinical experience and review of literature
Authors: Kwon Steve , Dong Zhao Ming , Wu Peter C
Published: July 2011

High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is associated with an increased risk of metastases. The role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in these patients remains unclear. To address this uncertainty, we collected clinical data on six patients with clinical N0 high-risk SCC that underwent SLN biopsy between 1999 and 2006 and performed a literature review of SLN procedures for SCC to study the utility of SLN biopsy. There were no positive SLN identified among six cases and there was one local and one distant recurrence on follow-up. Literature review identified 130 reported cases of SLN biopsy for SCC. The SLN positivity rate was 14.1%, 10.1%, and 18.6%; false negative rate was 15.4%, 0%, and 22.2%; and the negative predictive value was 97.8%, 100%, and 95.2% for all sites, head/neck, and truncal/extremity sites, respectively. SLN biopsy remains an investigational staging tool in clinically node-negative high-risk SCC patients. The higher false negative rate and lower negative predictive value among SCC of the trunk/extremity compared to SCC of the head/neck sites suggests a more cautious approach when treating patients with the former. Given the paucity of long-term follow up, an emphasis is placed upon the need for close surveillance regardless of SLN status.
A quantum dots and superparamagnetic nanoparticle-based method for the detection of HPV DNA
Authors: Yu-Hong Wang , Rui Chen , Ding Li
Published: July 2011

Background

The recent advance in nanomaterial research field prompts the development of diagnostics of infectious diseases greatly. Many nanomaterials have been developed and applied to molecular diagnostics in labs. At present, the diagnostic test of human papillomavirus (HPV) relies exclusively on molecular test. Hereon, we report a rapid and facile quantum dots (QDs) and superparamagnetic nanoparticle-based hybridization assay for the detection of (HPV) 16 infections which combines the merits of superparamagnetic nanoparticles and QDs and wholly differs from a conventional hybridization assay at that the reaction occurs at homogeneous solution, and total time for detection is no more than 1 h.

Methods

The probes were labeled with superparamagnetic nanoparticles and QDs. Sixty cervical swab samples were used to perform a hybridization assay with these probes, and the results were compared with type-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

Results

The statistic analysis suggests that there is no significant difference between these two methods. Furthermore, this method is much quicker and easier than the type-specific PCR method.

Conclusion

This study has successfully validated the clinical performance of our hybridization assay. The advantages in the time of detection and ease of process endow this method with great potential in clinical usage, especially mass epidemiological screening.
Clinical Analysis of stereotactic body radiation therapy using extracranial gamma knife for patients with mainly bulky inoperable early stage non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Wu Dajun , Zhu Hong , Tang Hanjun , Li Changlin , Xu Feng
Published: July 2011

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using extracranial gamma knife in patients with mainly bulky inoperable early stage non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Materials and methods

A total of 43 medically inoperable patients with mainly bulky Stage I/II NSCLC received SBRT using gamma knife were reviewed. The fraction dose and the total dose were determined by the radiation oncologist according to patients' general status, tumor location, tumor size and the relationship between tumor and nearby organ at risk (OAR). The total dose of 34~47.5 Gy was prescribed in 4~12 fractions, 3.5~10 Gy per fraction, one fraction per day or every other day. The therapeutic efficacy and toxicity were evaluated.

Results

The median follow-up was 22 months (range, 3-102 months). The local tumor response rate was 95.35%, with CR 18.60% (8/43) and PR 76.74% (33/43), respectively. The local control rates at 1, 2, 3, 5 years were 77.54%, 53.02%, 39.77%, and 15.46%, respectively, while the 1- and 2-year local control rates were 75% and 60% for tumor ≤3 cm; 84% and 71% for tumor sized 3~5 cm; 55% and 14.6% for tumor sized 5~7 cm; and 45%, 21% in those with tumor size of >7 cm. The overall survival rate at 1, 2, 3, 5 years were 92.04%, 78.04%, 62.76%, 42.61%, respectively. The toxicity of stereotactic radiation therapy was grade 1-2. Clinical stages were significantly important factor in local control of lung tumors (P = 0.000). Both clinical stages (P = 0.015) and chemotherapy (P = 0.042) were significantly important factors in overall survival of lung tumors.

Conclusion

SBRT is an effective and safe therapy for medically inoperable patients with early stage NSCLC. Clinical stage was the significant prognostic factors for both local tumor control and overall survival. The toxicity is mild. The overall local control for bulky tumors is poor. Tumor size is a poor prognostic factor, and the patients for adjuvant chemotherapy need to be carefully selected.
Adrenergic Regulation of the Distribution of Transducer of Regulated cAMP-Response Element-Binding Protein (TORC2) in Rat Pinealocytes
Authors: Kanyo R. , Amyotte N. , McTague J. , Chik C. L. , Ho A. K.
Published: July 2011

Transducers of regulated cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) activity (TORC) are coactivators that can increase CREB transcriptional activity, suggesting that TORC may regulate the transcription of Aanat, a CREB-target gene. In the present study, we focused on the regulation of TORC2 and its role in Aanat transcription in the rat pineal gland. Although there was no endogenous Torc2 mRNA rhythm in the rat pineal gland and treatment of cultured pinealocytes with norepinephrine (NE) had no effect on the mRNA level of Torc2, the phosphorylation state and intracellular distribution of TORC2 protein were regulated by NE. Immunoblot analysis combined with cytosolic/nuclear fractionation or phosphatase treatment showed that TORC2 protein was rapidly dephosphorylated and translocated to the nucleus after NE stimulation in rat pinealocytes. Similar dephosphorylation of TORC2 also occurred nocturnally in the rat pineal gland. The NE-mediated TORC2 dephosphorylation was blocked by cotreatment with propranolol (a β-adrenergic antagonist) but not prazosin (an α1-adrenergic antagonist) and mimicked by dibutyryl cAMP, indicating the participation of the β-adrenergic receptor/cAMP pathway. Studies with protein phosphatase inhibitors showed that only okadaic acid and calyculin A were effective in blocking the NE-mediated TORC2 dephosphorylation, suggesting the involvement of protein phosphatase 2A in this dephosphorylation. Moreover, TORC2 overexpression had an enhancing effect on NE-stimulated Aanat transcription. Together, these results indicate that NE stimulation causes nuclear translocation of TORC2 by dephosphorylating the protein through a β-adrenoceptor/cAMP mechanism and that nuclear localization of TORC2 appears to regulate Aanat transcription by NE in the rat pineal gland.
Notch and Ras promote sequential steps of excretory tube development inC. elegans
Authors: Abdus-Saboor Ishmail , Mancuso Vincent P. , Murray John I. , Palozola Katherine , Norris Carolyn , Hall David H. , Howell Kelly , Huang Kai , Sundaram Meera V.
Published: July 2011

Receptor tyrosine kinases and Notch are crucial for tube formation and branching morphogenesis in many systems, but the specific cellular processes that require signaling are poorly understood. Here we describe sequential roles for Notch and Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-Ras-ERK signaling in the development of epithelial tube cells in the C. elegans excretory (renal-like) organ. This simple organ consists of three tandemly connected unicellular tubes: the excretory canal cell, duct and G1 pore. lin-12 and glp-1/Notch are required to generate the canal cell, which is a source of LIN-3/EGF ligand and physically attaches to the duct during de novo epithelialization and tubulogenesis. Canal cell asymmetry and let-60/Ras signaling influence which of two equivalent precursors will attach to the canal cell. Ras then specifies duct identity, inducing auto-fusion and a permanent epithelial character; the remaining precursor becomes the G1 pore, which eventually loses epithelial character and withdraws from the organ to become a neuroblast. Ras continues to promote subsequent aspects of duct morphogenesis and differentiation, and acts primarily through Raf-ERK and the transcriptional effectors LIN-1/Ets and EOR-1. These results reveal multiple genetically separable roles for Ras signaling in tube development, as well as similarities to Ras-mediated control of branching morphogenesis in more complex organs, including the mammalian kidney. The relative simplicity of the excretory system makes it an attractive model for addressing basic questions about how cells gain or lose epithelial character and organize into tubular networks.
Off-axis Young’s modulus and off-axis shear modulus of wood measured by flexural vibration tests
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi
Published: July 2011

The off-axis Young’s modulus and off-axis shear modulus of wood were obtained by conducting a flexural vibration test under the free-free condition, and performing a subsequent numerical analysis on the test data. The relationship between the off-axis Young’s modulus and the off-axis angle was obtained. In contrast, the relationship between the off-axis shear modulus and the off-axis angle was discrepant from that predicted by the transformation rule based on the conventional hypothesis that Timoshenko’s shear factor is 1.2. When the dependence of the shear factor on the off-axis angle was taken into account, however, the off-axis shear modulus could be obtained properly.
A Study on Work Stress, Stress Coping Strategies and Health Promoting Lifestyle among District Hospital Nurses in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Wei‐Lun , Tsai Shieunt‐Han , Tsai Chao‐Wen , Lee Chia‐Ying
Published: July 2011

A Study on Work Stress, Stress Coping Strategies and Health Promoting Lifestyle among District Hospital Nurses in Taiwan: Wei‐Lun Lee, et al. Center for General Education, Tajen University, Taiwan—

Objectives

To determine work stress, and stress‐coping strategies, and to analyze their the relationships in order to improve health‐promoting lifestyle of nurses in Taiwan.

Methods

Three hundred eighty‐ive nurses who had work experience for more than 6 mo, were selected from four district hospitals in Kaohsiung and Ping Tung. We used a stratified cluster random sampling method for the selection. The nurses answered a self‐report questionnaire, which was categorized into four sections: personal background data, work stress, stress‐coping strategies, and health‐promoting lifestyle.

Results

The indings indicate work stress and the health promoting lifestyle of nurses are at a higher level, with stress‐coping strategies being at a medium level. Work stress and stress‐coping strategies were significantly and positively correlated. Professional relationships, managerial role, personal responsibility, and recognition of work stress and the responsibilities of a health‐promoting lifestyle were negatively correlated. Managerial role, personal responsibility, and organizational atmosphere of work stress as well as realization, an item of health‐promoting lifestyle, were negatively correlated. Recognition of work stress and stress management, items of health‐promoting lifestyle, were negatively correlated. Health responsibility, and self‐actualization, items of health‐promoting lifestyle, as well as stress‐coping strategies were negatively correlated. Nutrition, an item of health‐promoting lifestyle, and the support stress‐coping strategy was negatively correlated.

Conclusions

Nurses have greater work pressure and better work stress‐coping strategies, but worse health responsibility and realization of a health‐promoting lifestyle. We suggest hospitals build good relationships and appropriately increase employment of nurses through a good work atmosphere to achieve nurses' realization of a health‐promoting lifestyle.
Homophobia as Moral Geography
Authors: Leap William L.
Published: July 2011

Gay men’s stories about homophobic violence will, at times, disguise reference to the persons who initiate harassment and injury. Instead, these stories emphasize the details of location or allow the victim of narrated violence to confirm the status of narrative hero. Each approach to story-telling has noticeable effects on the connections between sexual sameness and violence as displayed within the narrative. This paper examines these approaches to story-telling and their effects on homophobic formation (Leap, introduction, this volume), and traces the broader implications of these narrative styles within contemporary politics of gay visibility, assimilation and whiteness.
Wind Energy Resource Assessment and Feasibility Study of Wind Farm in Mustang
Authors: Ghimire Mukesh , Poudel Ram C. , Bhattarai Nawraj , Luintel Mahesh Chandra
Published: July 2011

This study presents the wind energy resource assessment and financial analysis of a 15 MW proposed wind farm in Mustang for utility scale power generation. Hourly meteorological data at Kagbeni and Thini measured at 10 m and 20 m height from 2001 to 2005 have been analyzed and the annual average wind speed and power density 75 m above ground level at Kagbeni are 8.05 m/s and 851 W/m2 whereas the same for Thini is 6.99 m/s and 337 W/m2, respectively. WAsP analysis shows that the wind speed and wind power density in the study area (20 × 20 km2) varies from 2.72 m/s to 44.51 m/s and 0.23 kW/m2 to 173.27 kW/m2. Optimized layout of a 15 MW wind farm that is comprised of twenty-five S52 -600 kW turbines, developed by openWind software, yields annual gross energy 63.58 GWh, and net energy 41.66 GWh with a capacity factor of 31.68%. The economic analysis of the farm suggests that the unit energy cost is in the range of NRs 4.57 to NRs 6.10 under different energy availability scenarios when meeting the project MARR of 16.1%. Based on the results, it is apparent that the wind resources at Mustang are suitable for harnessing wind energy especially for the purpose of utility scale electricity generation. Site accessibility is a major challenging factor to establish a wind farm currently.Keywords: WAsP; OpenWind; Resource Assessment; Wind Farm; Feasibility StudyDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i1-2.5099Journal of the Institute of Engineering Vol. 8, No. 1&2, 2010/2011Page: 93-104Uploaded Date: 20 July, 2011
Changing Climatic Parameters and its Possible Impacts in Hydropower Generation in Nepal (A Case Study on Gandaki River Basin)
Authors: Bajracharya Tri Ratna , Acharya Samanta , Ale Bhakta Bahadur
Published: July 2011

The analysis of water resources in Nepal identifies two critical impacts of climate change –GLOFs and variability of river runoff – both of which pose significant impacts not only to hydropower, but also to rural livelihoods and agriculture. Temperature differences are most pronounced during the dry winter season, and least during the height of the monsoon. Impacts on water resources and hydropower rank significantly higher than any other sector for several reasons. First, a number of impacts on water resources and hydropower are directly related to rising temperatures that have already been observed, and are projected to increase further over the coming decades. This includes glacier retreat that in turn causes both greater variability in stream flow and glacial lake outburst floods that pose significant risk to hydropower facilities, other infrastructure, and human settlements. GLOFs are not hypothetical; such events have already had significant impacts in Nepal. In this study over the Gandaki river basin, discharge of the rivers, temperature trends, and rainfall patterns are analyzed using data from meteorological stations of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Government of Nepal. Similarly the hydrological stations over the major glacier rivers of the basin are examined. In the study area, some hydropower stations and their energy production fluctuations over the seasons reflect the climate change impact to the hydro energy production in Nepal.Key words: Climate change; GLOF; Hhydropower; DHMDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i1-2.5108Journal of the Institute of Engineering Vol. 8, No. 1&2, 2010/2011Page: 160-173Uploaded Date: 20 July, 2011
FPGA Control of a Mobile Inverted Pendulum Robot
Authors: Adhikari Bikram , Gurung Deepak , Kunwar Giresh Singh , Gyawali Prashanta
Published: July 2011

The inverted pendulum is a classic problem in dynamics and control theory due to its inherently unstable nature. In the system tested, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are used for the implementation of control and sensor fusion algorithms in the inertial navigation system of a Mobile Inverted Pendulum (MIP) robot. Additionally, the performance of digital PID control and Kalman filter algorithms are tested in this FPGA system. The test platform for tuning Kalman filter is designed using optical encoders as a standard reference. PWM signal generation and quadrature phase decoding of encoder pulses is accomplished using hardware description language in FPGA. The values from the inertial sensors and quadrature phase decoded values are fed into MicroBlaze, a 32-bit soft-core RISC processor, within the FPGA. The overall system demonstrates the use of low cost inertial sensors to balance a two wheeled robot. The system is presently able to balance on its own and it also serves as an extremely reconfigurable FPGA based platform to facilitate future modifications, updates and enhancements with more complex control and sensor fusion techniques.Key Terms: Mobile Inverted Pendulum System; Inverted Pendulum Robot; Inertial Navigation System; FPGA; Kalman Filter; PID Control; Soft-core ProcessorDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v8i1-2.5111Journal of the Institute of EngineeringVol. 8, No. 1&2, 2010/2011Page: 188-196Uploaded Date: 20 July, 2011
Collecting Data or Creating Meaning?
Authors: White Julie , Drew Sarah
Published: July 2011

Plagued by doubt and methodological unease, two researchers from a large Australian study resolve their quandary by revisiting methodological literature related to narrative inquiry, visual approaches and contemporary interviewing to find that the application of poststructuralist theory to methodology provides a useful way of addressing their concerns. Before embarking on extensive writing about the project, they trouble issues of data authenticity, analytic integrity and the problem of voice. The main value of this deliberation is its applicability to the wider discourse about contemporary qualitative inquiry that other researchers facing analytical dilemmas may also find helpful.
Gramophony of an Application for ‘Recognition of a Condition of Permanent Desire’
Authors: Azul David
Published: July 2011

Gramophony of an Application for ‘Recognition of a Condition of Permanent Desire’ is a collage of theoretical arguments, creative writing and audio performances that examines notions of (life) writing, voice and subjectivity from a poststructuralist feminist perspective. By engaging in what Smith and Dean (2009) describe as the interwoven processes of ‘practice‐led research’ and ‘research‐led practice’ I combined conceptual research with creative practice and produced a form of hybridised text that blurs traditional binaries of ‘fact’/‘fiction’, ‘creative’/‘critical’ and ‘speech’/‘writing’. Following Smith (1995), I suggest understanding Gramophony as an example of ‘performative autobiography’ that challenges traditional discourses of identity and representation.
Foreward Vol.3
Authors: Khan Mohd Habibur Rahman
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mist.v3i0.8044