bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some results on a general iterative method for k-strictly pseudo-contractive mappings
Authors: Jung Jong Soo
Published: August 2011

Let H be a Hilbert space, C be a closed convex subset of H such that C ± C ⊂ C, and T : C → H be a k-strictly pseudo-contractive mapping with F(T) ≠ ∅ for some 0 ≤ k < 1. Let F : C → C be a κ-Lipschitzian and η-strongly monotone operator with κ > 0 and η > 0 and f : C → C be a contraction with the contractive constant α ∈ (0, 1). Let "Equation missing", "Equation missing" and τ < 1. Let {α
n
} and {β
n
} be sequences in (0, 1). It is proved that under appropriate control conditions on {α
n
} and {β
n
}, the sequence {x
n
} generated by the iterative scheme xn+1= α
n
γf(x
n
) + β
n
x
n
+ ((1 - β
n
)I - α
n
μF)P
C
Sx
n
, where S : C → H is a mapping defined by Sx = kx + (1 - k)Tx and P
C
is the metric projection of H onto C, converges strongly to q ∈ F(T), which solves the variational inequality 〈μFq - γf(q), q - p〉 ≤ 0 for p ∈ F(T).

MSC: 47H09, 47H05, 47H10, 47J25, 49M05
Evidence-based guidelines for use of probiotics in preterm neonates
Authors: Deshpande Girish C , Rao Shripada C , Keil Anthony D , Patole Sanjay K
Published: August 2011

Background

Current evidence indicates that probiotic supplementation significantly reduces all-cause mortality and definite necrotising enterocolitis without significant adverse effects in preterm neonates. As the debate about the pros and cons of routine probiotic supplementation continues, many institutions are satisfied with the current evidence and wish to use probiotics routinely. Because of the lack of detail on many practical aspects of probiotic supplementation, clinician-friendly guidelines are urgently needed to optimise use of probiotics in preterm neonates.

Aim

To develop evidence-based guidelines for probiotic supplementation in preterm neonates.

Methods

To develop core guidelines on use of probiotics, including strain selection, dose and duration of supplementation, we primarily used the data from our recent updated systematic review of randomised controlled trials. For equally important issues including strain identification, monitoring for adverse effects, product format, storage and transport, and regulatory hurdles, a comprehensive literature search, covering the period 1966-2010 without restriction on the study design, was conducted, using the databases PubMed and EMBASE, and the proceedings of scientific conferences; these data were used in our updated systematic review.

Results

In this review, we present guidelines, including level of evidence, for the practical aspects (for example, strain selection, dose, duration, clinical and laboratory surveillance) of probiotic supplementation, and for dealing with non-clinical but important issues (for example, regulatory requirements, product format). Evidence was inadequate in some areas, and these should be a target for further research.

Conclusion

We hope that these evidence-based guidelines will help to optimise the use of probiotics in preterm neonates. Continued research is essential to provide answers to the current gaps in knowledge about probiotics.
Classic yin and yang tonic formula for osteopenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Feng , Tang De-Zhi , Cui Xue-Jun , Holz Jonathan D , Bian Qin , Shi Qi , Wang Yong-Jun
Published: August 2011

Background

Osteoporosis is a growing worldwide problem, with the greatest burden resulting from fractures. Nevertheless, the majority of fractures in adults occur in those with "osteopenia" (bone mineral density (BMD) only moderately lower than young normal individuals). Since long-term drug therapy is an expensive option with uncertain consequences and side effects, natural herbal therapy offers an attractive alternative. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect on BMD and safety of the Classic Yin and Yang Tonic Formula for treatment of osteopenia and to investigate the mechanism by which this efficacy is achieved.

Methods/design

We propose a multicenter double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Classic Yin and Yang Tonic Formula for the treatment of osteopenia. Participants aged 55 to 75 with low bone mineral density (T-score between -1 and -2.5) and kidney deficiency in TCM will be included and randomly allocated into two groups: treatment group and control group. Participants in the treatment group will be treated with Classic Yin and Yang Tonic Granule, while the controlled group will receive placebo. Primary outcome measure will be BMD of the lumbar spine and proximal femur using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Secondary outcomes will include pain intensity measured with visual analogue scales, quality of life, serum markers of bone metabolism, indices of Neuro-endocrino-immune network and safety.

Discussion

If the Classic Yin and Yang Tonic Formula can increase bone mass without adverse effects, it may be a novel strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis. Furthermore, the mechanism of the Chinese medical formula for osteoporosis will be partially elucidated.

Trial registration

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01271647.
N-Acylhomoserine lactones are potent neutrophil chemoattractants that act via calcium mobilization and actin remodeling
Authors: Karlsson Thommie , Musse Farah , Magnusson Karl-Eric , Vikström Elena
Published: August 2011

In gram-negative bacteria, cell-cell communication based on HSL QS molecules is known to coordinate the production of virulence factors and biofilms. These bacterial signals can also modulate human immune cell behavior. Using a Transwell migration assay, we found that human primary neutrophils are strongly stimulated by 3O-C12-HSL and -C10-HSL but not C4-HSL in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, 3O-C12-HSL and -C10-HSL activate PLCγ1 but not -γ2, mobilize intracellular calcium, and up-regulate IP3R. These changes were paralleled by F-actin accumulation, primarily in the leading edge of neutrophils, as evidenced by phalloidin staining and confocal microscopy. F- and G-actin isolation and quantification by immunoblotting revealed that the F/G-actin ratio was increased significantly after treatment with all three HSLs. Furthemore, 3O-C12-HSL- and 3O-C10-HSL treatment resulted in phosphorylation of Rac1 and Cdc42. In contrast, C4-HSL had negligible influence on the phosphorylation status of PLC and Rac1/Cdc42 and failed to attract neutrophils and induce calcium release. The calcium inhibitor thapsigargin, which blocks ER calcium uptake, strongly prevented neutrophil migration toward 3O-C12-HSL and -C10-HSL. These findings show that the bacterial QS molecules 3O-C12-HSL and -C10-HSL may attract human neutrophils to the sites of bacterial infection and developing biofilms. Indeed, recognition of HSL QS signals by neutrophils may play a critical role in their recruitment during infections.
Immunomodulatory and immunotoxic effects of bilirubin: molecular mechanisms
Authors: Khan Nazir M , Poduval T B
Published: August 2011

The immunomodulatory and immunotoxic effects of purified UCB have not been evaluated previously at clinically relevant UCB concentrations and UCB:BSA ratios. To delineate the molecular mechanism of UCB-induced immunomodulation, immune cells were exposed to clinically relevant concentrations of UCB. It inhibited LPS-induced B cell proliferation and cytokine production from splenic macrophages. UCB (≥25 μM) was toxic to unfractionated splenocytes, splenic T cells, B cells, macrophages, LPS-stimulated CD19+ B cells, human PBMCs, and RBCs. Purified UCB also was found to be toxic to splenocytes and human PBMCs. UCB induced necrosis and apoptosis in splenocytes. UCB activated the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis, as reflected by the markers, such as CD95, caspase-8, Bax, MMP, cytoplasmic Ca+2, caspase-3, and DNA fragmentation. UCB depleted GSH and activated p38MAPK. NAC, caspase inhibitors, and p38MAPK inhibitor attenuated the UCB-induced apoptosis. In vivo administration of ≥25 mg/kbw UCB induced atrophy of spleen, depletion of bone marrow cells, and leukopenia and decreased lymphocyte count and the T and B cell response to mitogens. UCB administration to mice led to induction of oxidative stress, activation of p38MAPK, and cell death in splenocytes. These parameters were attenuated by the injection of NAC and the p38MAPK inhibitor. Our results demonstrate for the first time that clinically relevant concentrations of UCB induce apoptosis and necrosis in immune cells by depleting cellular GSH. These findings should prove useful in understanding the immunosuppression associated with hyperbilirubinemia.
Activated factor XI inhibits chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes
Authors: Itakura Asako , Verbout Norah G , Phillips Kevin G , Insall Robert H , Gailani David , Tucker Erik I , Gruber Andras , McCarty Owen J T
Published: August 2011

PMN leukocytes are the most abundant leukocytes in the circulation and play an important role in host defense. PMN leukocyte recruitment and inflammatory responses at sites of infection are critical components in innate immunity. Although inflammation and coagulation are known to have bidirectional relationships, little is known about the interaction between PMN leukocytes and coagulation factors. Coagulation FXI participates in the intrinsic coagulation pathway upon its activation, contributing to hemostasis and thrombosis. We have shown previously that FXI-deficient mice have an increased survival and less leukocyte accumulation into the peritoneum in severe polymicrobial peritonitis. This result suggests a role for FXI in leukocyte trafficking and/or function. In this study, we characterized the functional consequences of FXIa binding to PMN leukocytes. FXIa reduced PMN leukocyte chemotaxis triggered by the chemokine, IL-8, or the bacterial-derived peptide, fMLP, perhaps as a result of the loss of directed migration. In summary, our data suggest that FXIa modulates the inflammatory response of PMN leukocytes by altering migration. These studies highlight the interplay between inflammation and coagulation and suggest that FXIa may play a role in innate immunity.
Reproductive Health Characteristics of Marijuana And Cocaine Users: Results from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth
Authors: van Gelder Marleen M.H.J. , Reefhuis Jennita , Herron Anne M. , Williams Mark L. , Roeleveld Nel
Published: August 2011

CONTEXT: Illicit drug use is associated with risky sexual behaviors in adolescents and young adults. However, few studies have examined these associations among drug users of all reproductive ages, using a control group of nonusers.

METHODS: Associations between marijuana and cocaine use, and outcomes related to sexual behaviors and reproductive health, were assessed using data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. Overall, 4,928 men and 7,643 women aged 15–44 were interviewed. Chi‐square tests, t tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used; in supplementary analyses, men and women were stratified by age‐group (25 or younger, and older than 25), to capture the understudied older adults who use drugs.

RESULTS: Twenty‐seven percent of men and 16% of women reported use of marijuana or cocaine in the last year. Drug users were younger than nonusers at first vaginal sex (mean, 15.2–16.1 vs. 17.3–17.5 years) and were more likely to have engaged in risky sexual behaviors in the last year, including having had sex with a nonmonogamous partner (odds ratios, 3.3–5.2 for men and 2.9–6.5 for women), while high on alcohol or drugs (10.1–18.0 and 8.1–24.2), or in exchange for money or drugs (2.7–2.8 and 2.3–9.2). They also were more likely to have undergone STD testing or treatment. Drug use was associated with risky sexual behaviors in both age‐groups.

CONCLUSION: Programs aimed at reducing sexual risks among drug users should address the behaviors of men and women of all reproductive ages.
Four Electrode Resistivity Probe for Porosity Evaluation
Authors: Kim Joon Han , Yoon Hyung-Koo , Cho Se-Hyun , Kim Young Su , Lee Jong-Sub
Published: August 2011

The objective of this study is to develop and verify a four electrode resistivity probe (4ERP) for the estimation of electrical properties of saturated soils without polarization at the electrodes. The 4ERP design is categorized by two types: wedge and plane. The wedge type is used for penetrating into the soil samples and the plane type is used for installing into experimental cells such as an oedometer cell. Consolidation tests are carried out on six different sized glass beads. The test results reveal that the shape factor, m, used in Archie’s law, is about 1.19 for glass beads. One-dimensional liquefaction tests show that the porosity obtained by the 4ERP is similar to the porosity determined by volume fraction. The porosity profile obtained by the penetration of the 4ERP into the large-scale calibration chamber in the clay-sand mixture is similar to the volume based porosity. Furthermore, the porosity profile estimated by the resistivity is almost the same as the volume based porosity in glass beads. This study demonstrates that the 4ERP may effectively estimate the porosity of saturated soils.
Thick-Walled Cylinder Testing of Clays for the Study of Wellbore Instability
Authors: Abdulhadi Naeem O. , Germaine John T. , Whittle Andrew J.
Published: August 2011

This paper describes two new automated, high pressure thick-walled cylinder (TWC) devices that have been designed and built in order to study wellbore instability in saturated hard clays. Both devices have the same internal diameter (Di = 2.5 cm) but different outer diameter (Do = 7.6 and 15.2 cm) and allow for independent control of the vertical stress and radial pressures acting on the inner and outer walls of the annular soil specimen, as well as pore water pressure. The apparatus design enables back-pressure saturated specimens to be re-consolidated under stress path control, and simulation of shearing due to de-pressuring of the model wellbore under a variety of drainage conditions. Test results for resedimented Boston blue clay (RBBC) show that there are minimal effects of specimen height on the model borehole response. A comparison of tests from the two TWC devices indicates that the outer diameter of the specimen has a significant effect on the cavity pressure-volume behavior and on the redistribution of pore pressures within the test specimen. The borehole response is influenced by drainage conditions, where drained tests attain lower minimum borehole pressure than undrained tests.
Predictive Control for Polynomial Systems Subject to State and Input Constraints
Authors: Maier Christoph , Böhm Christoph , Deroo Frederik , Allgöwer Frank
Published: August 2011

We present a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) approach to design optimal feedback controllers for the class of continuous-time input affine polynomial systems subject to state and input constraints. The corresponding feedback law is obtained via the solution of an efficient to solve convex optimization problem subject to sum of squares (SOS) constraints. To serve the conflicting requirements of performance and computational costs in various applications, the approach comes in three different control schemes which differ in how many times the (updated) optimization problem has to be solved, and whether this is done on- or offline. Each of the proposed control schemes minimizes an upper bound on the cost functional while guaranteeing closed-loop stability and satisfaction of input and state constraints. Finally, simulations of an example system show the applicability and the effectiveness of the proposed controllers.
Suboptimale Regelung nichtlinearer Prozesse
Authors: Büskens Christof
Published: August 2011

Wir betrachten allgemeine gestörte optimale Steuerprozesse mit Steuer- und Zustandsbeschränkungen. Mittels einer speziellen Diskretisierungstechnik werden selbige in parametergestörte nichtlineare Optimierungsprobleme übertragen, die effizient z. B. mittels SQP-Verfahren gelöst werden können. Auf dieser Basis wird eine robuste Methode vorgestellt sogenannte Sensitivitätsdifferentiale einer optimalen Lösung im Hinblick auf die Störparameter zu berechnen. Diese numerische Sensitivitätsanalyse erlaubt es, verschiedene neue Regelungsstrategien für gestörte optimale Lösungen in Echtzeit zu entwickeln, indem Taylor-Entwicklungen bzgl. der Störparameter um die Nominallösung untersucht werden. Die vorgestellten numerischen Verfahren werden begleitet durch die Untersuchung eines komplexen Regelungsproblems aus der Luftfahrt. Das Beispiel belegt die Robustheit, Genauigkeit und Effizienz der vorgeschlagenen Methodik.
Pneumatische Bestimmung von Behältervolumina mit Hilfe kleiner Druckdifferenzen
Authors: Riedel Jörg , Neumann Jann
Published: August 2011

Das Innenvolumen eines Behälters lässt sich mit herkömmlichen Verfahren (geometrisches Vermessen, Messung äquivalenter Fluidmengen) bestimmen, wenn der Behälter dafür zugänglich ist. Problematisch wird es, wenn es sich um einen fest installierten oder geometrisch komplexen Behälter handelt. In diesem Beitrag wird ein alternatives und bekanntes Verfahren untersucht, das es mit Hilfe eines Referenzbehälters und über die Kenntnis der Gasdrücke in den Behältern ermöglicht, das Volumen zu bestimmen. Dabei steht die statistische Unsicherheit des Verfahrens bei geringen Druckdifferenzen im Fokus der Untersuchungen.
Bestimmung der Permeation durch gaspermeable Sensormembranen
Authors: Enseleit Ute , Decker Manfred , Berthold Frank , Zosel Jens , Vonau Winfried
Published: August 2011

Vorgestellt wird die Konstruktion eines Messplatzes zur Untersuchung der Gasdurchlässigkeit von verschiedenen permeablen Membranen am Beispiel von Siliconmaterialien für Kohlendioxidsensoren basierend auf dem SEVERINGHAUS-Prinzip. Ausgangspunkt ist der Bau einer temperierbaren Permeationsmesszelle, die es erlaubt, insbesondere die Permeation von Kohlendioxid durch modifizierte Membranen zu charakterisieren. Es erfolgt eine Berechnung der Permeationskoeffizienten, um Unterschiede der CO2-Permeabilität der einzelnen Membranen besser abschätzen zu können.
Teaching High School Physiology Using a Popular TV Medical Drama
Authors: Alvarado Marisa , Maskiewicz April Cordero
Published: August 2011

Teachers know that educational experiences extend far beyond the classroom. With a wide variety of science-related programs on television, there is a need for more research into how these programs can be utilized in a classroom setting. In this mixed-methods study, we asked the question: Can student understanding of human physiology be improved through the use of multimedia resources, specifically through the use of popular television? Episodes of Fox's popular medical drama "House, M.D." were incorporated into high school biology curricula during instructional units on two body systems: the nervous system and the immune system. Through the use of integrated media and classroom discussions, students were exposed to the social aspect of learning as they worked together to analyze what they viewed on TV. This study was conducted over a traditional school year in a general biology class at a lower-socioeconomic urban high school.
What Microbes Are Lurking in Your Investigation House? Identification of Unknown Microorganisms Using a PCR-Based Lab Experiment
Authors: Rosenzweig Jason A. , Jejelowo Olufisayo
Published: August 2011

In an effort to update the microbiology teaching-lab curriculum by making lab experiments more current, we designed a microbiology lab experiment that used the polymerase chain reaction to identify microbes growing in students' homes. This experiment successfully engaged students, reinforced theoretical information presented in lectures, provided our students with valuable and current molecular technique exposure, and made molecular microbiology personally meaningful and exciting.
Natural Antibiotics: A Hands-on Activity on Garlic's Antibiotic Properties
Authors: Fonseca Maria João , Tavares Fernando
Published: August 2011

This work details a science experiment on garlic's antibiotic properties designed to acquaint high school and introductory-level undergraduate students with concepts such as natural antibiotics, bioactive substances, and biosafety. This activity is optimized to be implemented by teachers with limited experience in laboratory activities and/or in poorly equipped schools. A list of materials is provided, along with safety and procedural instructions, discussion topics, and assessment suggestions.
Sex & the Scientific Method: Using Condoms to Engage College Students
Authors: Poli Dorothybelle
Published: August 2011

Teaching the scientific method can be a challenge for any teacher, and finding a way to engage students can become more difficult as culture changes. Sex has always been an interesting and popular topic for students, so I used mini-lessons in safer sex, STIs, and condoms as tools to teach the scientific method. Student engagement and effort were higher than usual.
Prenatal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation and Infant Morbidity: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Imhoff-Kunsch Beth , Stein Aryeh D. , Martorell Reynaldo , Parra-Cabrera Socorro , Romieu Isabelle , Ramakrishnan Usha
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) influence immune function and inflammation; however, the influence of maternal DHA supplementation on infant morbidity is unknown. We investigated the effects of prenatal DHA supplementation on infant morbidity.

METHODS:

In a double-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in Mexico, pregnant women received daily supplementation with 400 mg of DHA or placebo from 18 to 22 weeks' gestation through parturition. In infants aged 1, 3, and 6 months, caregivers reported the occurrence of common illness symptoms in the preceding 15 days.

RESULTS:

Data were available at 1, 3, and 6 months for 849, 834, and 834 infants, respectively. The occurrence of specific illness symptoms did not differ between groups; however, the occurrence of a combined measure of cold symptoms was lower in the DHA group at 1 month (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58–1.00). At 1 month, the DHA group experienced 26%, 15%, and 30% shorter duration of cough, phlegm, and wheezing, respectively, but 22% longer duration of rash (all P ≤ .01). At 3 months, infants in the DHA group spent 14% less time ill (P < .0001). At 6 months, infants in the DHA group experienced 20%, 13%, 54%, 23%, and 25% shorter duration of fever, nasal secretion, difficulty breathing, rash, and “other illness,” respectively, but 74% longer duration of vomiting (all P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

DHA supplementation during pregnancy decreased the occurrence of colds in children at 1 month and influenced illness symptom duration at 1, 3, and 6 months.
Bilateral Basal Ganglia Infarctions in a Neonate Born During Maternal Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Stenerson Matthew B. , Collura Christopher A. , Rose Carl H. , Lteif Aida N. , Carey William A.
Published: August 2011

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during pregnancy carries significant risk of intrauterine fetal demise, but little is known about its postnatal sequelae in surviving neonates. We report here the case of an infant who was born to a mother with White's class C diabetes mellitus during an episode of DKA. Throughout pregnancy her glucose control was suboptimal, as evidenced by a predelivery glycosylated hemoglobin level of 8.1%. At 33 weeks' gestation, the mother presented with nausea and vomiting, a serum glucose concentration of 575 mg/dL, and other metabolic derangements consistent with DKA. Despite rehydration and insulin therapy, fetal distress necessitated cesarean delivery. At birth the infant required intubation, but her clinical status quickly improved and she was extubated within the first day of life. However, on day-of-life 4 she exhibited seizure-like activity, and subsequent brain MRI revealed bilateral basal ganglia infarctions. Previous research has revealed that the keto acid β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) can cross the placenta into the fetal circulation and thereafter accumulate in the fetal brain, which leads to severe metabolic derangements. Furthermore, β-OHB accumulates rapidly in the basal ganglia of older children during episodes of DKA, wherein its presence is associated with neuronal injury. We suspect that transplacental transfer of maternal β-OHB led to an acquired ketoacidosis in the fetus and that accumulation of β-OHB contributed to neuronal injury and subsequent infarction of the basal ganglia. Further research is necessary to better characterize neonatal complications of maternal DKA, as well as the possible inclusion of β-OHB levels in the goal-directed treatment of this disease.
Fasting Might Not Be Necessary Before Lipid Screening: A Nationally Representative Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Steiner Michael J. , Skinner Asheley Cockrell , Perrin Eliana M.
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND:

There are barriers to fasting lipid screening for at-risk children. Results of studies in adults have suggested that lipid testing might be reliably performed without fasting.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine population-level differences in pediatric lipid values based on length of fast before testing.

METHODS:

We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2008) to examine total cholesterol (TC), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and triglyceride cholesterol components on the basis of the period of fasting. Young children fasted for varying times before being tested, and children older than 12 years were asked to fast; however, adherence was variable. We used ordinary least-squares regression to test for differences in lipid values that were based on fasting times, controlling for weight status, age, race, ethnicity, and gender.

RESULTS:

TC, HDL, LDL, or triglyceride values were available for 12 744 children. Forty-eight percent of the TC and HDL samples and 80% of the LDL and triglyceride samples were collected from children who had fasted ≥8 hours. Fasting had a small positive effect for TC, HDL, and LDL, resulting in a mean value for the sample that was 2 to 5 mg/dL higher with a 12-hour fast compared with a no-fast sample. Fasting time had a negative effect on triglycerides (β = −0.859; P = .02), which resulted in values in the fasting group that were 7 mg/dL lower.

DISCUSSION:

Comparison of cholesterol screening results for a nonfasting group of children compared with results for a similar fasting group resulted in small differences that are likely not clinically important. Physicians might be able to decrease the burden of childhood cholesterol screening by not requiring prescreening fasting for these components.
An Observational Study of Bevacizumab-Induced Hypertension as a Clinical Biomarker of Antitumor Activity
Authors: Mir Olivier , Coriat Romain , Cabanes Laure , Ropert Stanislas , Billemont Bertrand , Alexandre Jérôme , Durand Jean-Philippe , Treluyer Jean-Marc , Knebelmann Bertrand , Goldwasser François
Published: August 2011

Background.

Hypertension is a common toxicity of bevacizumab, but the frequency of assessment of blood pressure and standardized grading remain to be defined. This study aimed to describe the incidence of bevacizumab-induced hypertension and factors associated with its development, then to retrospectively assess its relation with activity.

Patients and methods.

One hundred nineteen patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, or ovarian cancer receiving bevacizumab (2.5 mg/kg per week) and chemotherapy were eligible for this analysis. Blood pressure was measured at home twice daily according to international guidelines, and graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC), version 3.0, and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) criteria.

Results.

Home-based measurements detected significantly more cases of hypertension than in-clinic measurements did, according to the ESH criteria (54.6% versus 24.4%; p < .001) or the NCI-CTC (42.9% versus 22.7%; p = .0015). Very early hypertension (within 42 days, according to the ESH criteria) but not hypertension (occurring at any time during treatment period) was predictive of response (p = .0011 and p = .26, respectively).

Conclusions.

Our preliminary results indicate that home-based measurement and grading according to the ESH criteria represents a reliable method to detect bevacizumab-induced hypertension. Whether hypertension is a biomarker of bevacizumab activity remains to be determined in a prospective study.
A centrifuge study on the effect of embedment on the drained response of shallow foundations under combined loading
Authors: GOVONI L. , GOURVENEC S. , GOTTARDI G.
Published: August 2011

Drum centrifuge tests with surface and buried circular footings on medium dense silica sand subjected to planar combined loading are reported. The experimental work specifically addresses the effect of the footing embedment within a work-hardening plasticity approach, which to date has been used predominantly for interpretation of the behaviour of small-scale models of surface foundations. Vertical loading and swipe tests were carried out, and results are compared with existing data from similar studies on small-scale 1g foundation models. The overall trend of the centrifuge results confirms the general framework, suggesting that a work-hardening plasticity approach in terms of force-resultant modelling for the soil–footing system (the so-called ‘macro-element') applies under properly scaled stress conditions. The data also indicate that the traditional assumption of a yield surface, isotropically expanding with increasing vertical penetration is not suitable for an embedded foundation. An enhancement of the existing yield surface formulation enables generalisation of the existing work-hardening models from surface to embedded footings.
Estimating daily pan evaporation from climatic data of the State of Illinois, USA using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural network (ANN)
Authors: Shiri J. , Dierickx W. , Pour-Ali Baba A. , Neamati S. , Ghorbani M. A.
Published: August 2011

Evaporation is a major component of the hydrological cycle. It is an important aspect of water resource engineering and management, and in estimating the water budget of irrigation schemes. The current work presents the application of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural network (ANN) approaches for modeling daily pan evaporation using daily climatic parameters. The neuro-fuzzy and neural network models are trained and tested using the data of three weather stations from different geographical positions in the U.S. State of Illinois. Daily meteorological variables such as air temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, relative humidity, surface soil temperature and total rainfall for three years (August 2005 to September 2008) were used for training and testing the employed models. Statistic parameters such as the coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean squared error (RMSE), the variance accounted for (VAF), the adjusted coefficient of efficiency (E1) and the adjusted index of agreement (d1) are used to evaluate the performance of the applied techniques. The results obtained show the feasibility of the ANFIS and ANN evaporation modeling from the available climatic parameters, especially when limited climatic parameters are used.
Wavelet and neuro-fuzzy conjunction model for streamflow forecasting
Authors: Kişi Özgür , Partal Turgay
Published: August 2011

In this study the wavelet-neuro-fuzzy model, which combines the wavelet transform and the neuro-fuzzy technique, has been employed to forecast monthly streamflows. The observed monthly streamflow data are decomposed into some sub-series (components) by discrete wavelet transform and then appropriate sub-series are used as inputs to the neuro-fuzzy models for forecasting monthly streamflows. The data from two stations, Durucasu and Tanir, in Turkey are used as case studies. The wavelet-neuro-fuzzy forecasts are compared with those of the single neuro-fuzzy models. Comparison results indicate that the wavelet-neuro-fuzzy model is superior to the classical neuro-fuzzy method especially for the peak values. For the Durucasu and Tanir stations, it was found that the wavelet-neuro-fuzzy models are superior in forecasting monthly streamflows than the optimal neuro-fuzzy models.
Synthesis of incoming shortwave radiation for hydrological simulation
Authors: Shook Kevin , Pomeroy John
Published: August 2011

Over the past decade, measurements of incoming shortwave radiation and of its proxy, daily bright sunshine hours, have become scarce in western Canada and elsewhere. As these data are critical for computing net radiation for snowmelt, evaporation, soil thaw and other components of the hydrological cycle, other means to estimate incoming shortwave radiation are needed. National Centers for Environmental Prediction and North American Regional Reanalysis atmospheric model reanalysis estimates of daily incoming shortwave radiation (Qsi), as well as the results of simplified semi-empirical calculations, were compared with measurements to determine their usefulness for hydrological calculations. It was found that all of the daily estimates show considerable bias and scatter compared with measurements. The best estimated values were produced by the semi-empirical Annandale method, particularly for simulations over the period of spring snowmelt. As many models require hourly radiation data, a method is presented for rescaling simulated daily Qsi data to the hourly values required.
An evaluation of hydrometric monitoring across the Canadian pan-Arctic region, 1950–2008
Authors: Mlynowski Theo J. , Hernández-Henríquez Marco A. , Déry Stephen J.
Published: August 2011

This study evaluates the hydrometric monitoring maintained within the Canadian pan-Arctic and is based on the hydrometric gauges closest to northern seas for 76 river systems throughout 1950–2008. Monitoring is quantified by compiling time series of total gauged area and discharge values from the available hydrometric records. We further evaluate the quality of hydrometric data by examining the availability of hydrometric records, the continuity of individual records, and the influence of water regulation on river systems. The maximum gauged area of the Canadian pan-Arctic was 64% in 1990 before it slowly decreased to 56% in 2008. Larger river systems typically had the most hydrometric data available, though each river system had an average of 46% of their records available. In 1998, a maximum of 22 river systems had more than 30 years of continuous records, which is the maximum attained throughout the study period. For future improvements in hydrometric monitoring, additional gauges on relatively small rivers will need to be deployed. We suggest new gauges should be implemented in the Eastern Hudson Bay, Ungava Bay and Labrador Sea basins in spite of the tremendous need for more in the Arctic Archipelago.
Does calcium in drinking water modify the association between nitrate in drinking water and risk of death from colon cancer?
Authors: Chiu Hui-Fen , Tsai Shang-Shyue , Chen Pei-Shih , Wu Trong-Neng , Yang Chun-Yuh
Published: August 2011

The objective of this study was to explore whether calcium (Ca) levels in drinking water modified the effects of nitrate on colon cancer risk. A matched case–control study was used to investigate the relationship between the risk of death from colon cancer and exposure to nitrate in drinking water in Taiwan. All colon cancer deaths of Taiwan residents from 2003 through 2007 were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Controls were deaths from other causes and were pair-matched to the cases by gender, year of birth and year of death. Information on the levels of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and Ca in drinking water have been collected from Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The municipality of residence for cases and controls was assumed to be the source of the subject's NO3-N and Ca exposure via drinking water. We observed evidence of an interaction between drinking water NO3-N and Ca intake via drinking water. This is the first study to report effect modification by Ca intake from drinking water on the association between NO3-N exposure and risk of colon cancer mortality.
Surveillance of Influenza A and the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in sewage and surface water in the Netherlands
Authors: Heijnen Leo , Medema Gertjan
Published: August 2011

The role of the water cycle in spreading human pathogenic influenza viruses is poorly studied and is not considered to be significant. However, gastrointestinal symptoms developed in a large proportion of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infected people during the pandemic in 2009 and fecal shedding was reported. This fecal route could potentially play a role in the entry of human pathogenic influenza viruses in to the water cycle. Monitoring of influenza viruses in sewage and surface water during the pandemic in 2009 showed that influenza A viruses were detected in sewage and surface water. However, the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus was not detected. These findings imply that the water cycle did not play a relevant role in spreading the pandemic influenza virus during the epidemic in the Netherlands in 2009. Analyses of deliberately contaminated water samples confirmed the ability of quantitative RT-PCR to detect influenza viruses in sewage samples whereas the analysis of large volumes of surface water was strongly hampered by the presence of PCR-inhibiting substances.
Daily measures of microbes and human health at a non-point source marine beach
Authors: Abdelzaher Amir M. , Wright Mary E. , Ortega Cristina , Hasan A. Rasem , Shibata Tomoyoki , Solo-Gabriele Helena M. , Kish Jonathan , Withum Kelly , He Guoqing , Elmir Samir M. , Bonilla J. Alfredo , Bonilla Tonya D. , Palmer Carol J. , Scott Troy M. , Lukasik Jerzy , Harwood Valerie J. , McQuaig Shannon , Sinigalliano Christopher D. , Gidley Maribeth L. , Wanless David , Plano Lisa R. W. , Garza Anna C. , Zhu Xiaofang , Stewart Jill R. , Dickerson Jerold W. , Yampara-Iquise Helen , Carson Charles , Fleisher Jay M. , Fleming Lora E.
Published: August 2011

Studies evaluating the relationship between microbes and human health at non-point source beaches are necessary for establishing criteria which would protect public health while minimizing economic burdens. The objective of this study was to evaluate water quality and daily cumulative health effects (gastrointestinal, skin, and respiratory illnesses) for bathers at a non-point source subtropical marine recreational beach in order to better understand the inter-relationships between these factors and hence improve monitoring and pollution prevention techniques. Daily composite samples were collected, during the Oceans and Human Health Beach Exposure Assessment and Characterization Health Epidemiologic Study conducted in Miami (Florida, USA) at a non-point source beach, and analyzed for several pathogens, microbial source tracking markers, indicator microbes, and environmental parameters. Analysis demonstrated that rainfall and tide were more influential, when compared to other environmental factors and source tracking markers, in determining the presence of both indicator microbes and pathogens. Antecedent rainfall and F+ coliphage detection in water should be further assessed to confirm their possible association with skin and gastrointestinal (GI) illness outcomes, respectively. The results of this research illustrate the potential complexity of beach systems characterized by non-point sources, and how more novel and comprehensive approaches are needed to assess beach water quality for the purpose of protecting bather health.
Outbreak of acute gastroenteritis due to a washwater-contaminated water supply, Switzerland, 2008
Authors: Breitenmoser A. , Fretz R. , Schmid J. , Besl A. , Etter R.
Published: August 2011

An operating error in a sewage treatment plant led to severe drinking water contamination in a well-defined district of a suburban municipality of Zurich, Switzerland. Despite the alert issued to the local population on the same day advising people not to consume the contaminated water, cases of acute gastroenteric diseases were subsequently observed. Considerable faecal contamination was detected the day after the incident in water samples taken up to 500 m from the sewage plant. In a retrospective epidemiological study involving 240 persons living in the affected area, 126 cases of acute gastrointestinal illness were documented. The epidemic curve revealed a peak incidence two days after the event. Stool samples from 11 of 20 patients were positive for noroviruses or Campylobacter jejuni. Although these microorganisms were not detected in the contaminated water, the subsequently conducted case–control study among the surveyed population showed that consumption of contaminated drinking water was associated with gastrointestinal illness (odds ratio 29.1; 95% confidence interval: 9.8–86.4; p = 0.001). The study also revealed the very probable time period of infection. We present the dimension and chronology of this outbreak and discuss the reasons for its localised and temporary spread.
Assessing the potential risks of burial practices on groundwater quality in rural north-central Nigeria
Authors: Zume Joseph T.
Published: August 2011

Several cultures of north-central Nigeria do not use community cemeteries. Instead, human remains are buried in and around family compounds, often in shallow and sometimes unmarked graves. At several locations, graves and drinking water wells end up too close to be presumed environmentally safe. This paper reports findings of a pilot study that explored the potential for groundwater contamination from gravesites in some rural settlements of north-central Nigeria. Preliminary results suggest that the long-standing burial practices among some cultures of rural north-central Nigeria may potentially compromise groundwater quality, which is, by far, their most important source of drinking water.
Microbiologic effectiveness of boiling and safe water storage in South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Sodha Samir V. , Menon M. , Trivedi K. , Ati A. , Figueroa M. E. , Ainslie R. , Wannemuehler K. , Quick R.
Published: August 2011

In Indonesia, where diarrhea remains a major cause of mortality among children <5 years, the government promotes boiling of drinking water. We assessed the impact of boiling on water quality in South Sulawesi. We surveyed randomly selected households with at least one child <5 years old in two rural districts and tested source and stored water samples for Escherichia coli contamination. Among 242 households, 96% of source and 51% of stored water samples yielded E. coli. Unboiled water samples, obtained from 15% of households, were more likely to yield E. coli than boiled samples [prevalence ratios (PR) = 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–2.5]. Water stored in wide-mouthed (PR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1–1.8) or uncovered (PR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3–2.4) containers, or observed to be touched by the respondent's hands (PR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.3–2.1) was more likely to yield E. coli. A multivariable model showed that households that did not boil water were more likely to have contaminated stored water than households that did boil water (PR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.5–2.3). Although this study demonstrated the effectiveness of boiling in reducing contamination, overall impact on water quality was suboptimal. Future studies are needed to identify factors behind the success of boiling water in Indonesia to inform efforts to scale up other effective water treatment practices.
Trans-jurisdictional pollution control options within an integrated water resources management framework in water-scarce north-eastern China
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Fu Guo , Yu Tao , Shen Manhong , Meng Wei , Ongley Edwin D.
Published: August 2011

The extent and severity of water pollution in China is well known, as is the fact that until the 11th Five Year Plan (FYP) in 2006, much greater importance was placed on economic growth than environmental protection. There were few incentives to reduce pollution owing to an inadequate legal framework, the absence of economic measures for pollution control in favour of a command-and-control approach, and weak enforcement. Passing through four provinces and Tianjin Municipality, Zhangweinan River (Canal) Basin, part of the water-scarce Haihe River system in north-eastern China, provides an example of the types of trans-jurisdictional water pollution disputes that are common throughout China owing to inadequate application of integrated water resources management (IWRM) principles. The Zhangweinan River has a decreasing flow downstream and virtually zero assimilation capacity owing to waste loads that are vastly larger than the assimilation capacity of the river system. The fact that these trans-jurisdictional issues keep arising and, for the most part, are never resolved, reflects the failure of IWRM governance in this basin. We explore legal, institutional, planning, technical and market measures that would greatly reduce trans-jurisdictional disputes and contribute to successful IWRM in China.
Quantitative studies of water and sanitation utilities: a benchmarking literature survey
Authors: Berg S. , Marques R.
Published: August 2011

This paper performs a literature update of quantitative studies of water and sanitation services (WSS), with an emphasis on tracking the benchmarking literature. There are 190 studies which use cost or production functions to evaluate the performance of WSS utilities. The studies examine: (1) the scale, scope or density economies of utilities in a particular country or region; (2) the influence of ownership on efficiency; (3) the existence and power of incentives associated with different governance systems (including external regulation); and (4) performance assessment (benchmarking). In addition, this paper presents patterns regarding quantitative methods adopted over time, as well as some major trends in results.
Bereavement and Depression: Possible Changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: A Report from the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Association for Death Education and Counseling
Authors: Balk David E. , Cupit Illene Noppe , Sandler Irwin , Werth James
Published: August 2011

The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) is being revised. A proposed revision hotly debated is to remove what is known as the exclusionary criterion and allow clinicians to diagnose a person with a major depressive episode within the early days and weeks following a death. The Executive Committee of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) commissioned its Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) to examine the debate over removing the exclusionary criterion and provide a written report. The DSM-IV-TR classifies bereavement as a clinical condition that is not a mental disorder. The exclusionary criterion states that within the first 2 months of the onset of bereavement a person should not be diagnosed as having major depression unless certain symptoms not characteristic of a normal grief reaction are present. We note these symptoms when discussing the exclusionary criterion, examine reasons (including research conclusions and clinical concerns) given for retaining and for eliminating the exclusionary criterion, offer extensive comments from experienced licensed clinicians about the issues involved, discuss diagnostic and treatment implications, and offer specific recommendations for ADEC to implement.