bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper chelation by tetrathiomolybdate inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in vivo
Authors: Wei Hao , Frei Balz , Beckman Joseph S. , Zhang Wei-Jian
Published: July 2011

Redox-active transition metal ions, such as iron and copper, may play an important role in vascular inflammation, which is an etiologic factor in atherosclerotic vascular diseases. In this study, we investigated whether tetrathiomolybdate (TTM), a highly specific copper chelator, can act as an anti-inflammatory agent, preventing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in vivo. Female C57BL/6N mice were daily gavaged with TTM (30 mg/kg body wt) or vehicle control. After 3 wk, animals were injected intraperitoneally with 50 μg LPS or saline buffer and killed 3 h later. Treatment with TTM reduced serum ceruloplasmin activity by 43%, a surrogate marker of bioavailable copper, in the absence of detectable hepatotoxicity. The concentrations of both copper and molybdenum increased in various tissues, whereas the copper-to-molybdenum ratio decreased, consistent with reduced copper bioavailability. TTM treatment did not have a significant effect on superoxide dismutase activity in heart and liver. Furthermore, TTM significantly inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory gene transcription in aorta and heart, including vascular and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, respectively), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (ANOVA, P < 0.05); consistently, protein levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 in heart were also significantly lower in TTM-treated animals. Similar inhibitory effects of TTM were observed on activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in heart and lungs. Finally, TTM significantly inhibited LPS-induced increases of serum levels of soluble ICAM-1, MCP-1, and TNF-α (ANOVA, P < 0.05). These data indicate that copper chelation with TTM inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses in aorta and other tissues of mice, most likely by inhibiting activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factors, NF-κB and AP-1. Therefore, copper appears to play an important role in vascular inflammation, and TTM may have value as an anti-inflammatory or anti-atherogenic agent.
Simultaneous Biohydrogen and Bioethanol Production from Anaerobic Fermentation with Immobilized Sludge
Authors: Han Wei , Wang Zhanqing , Chen Hong , Yao Xin , Li Yongfeng
Published: July 2011

The effects of organic loading rates (OLRs) on fermentative productions of hydrogen and ethanol were investigated in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with attached sludge using molasses as substrate. The CSTR reactor with attached sludge was operated under different OLRs, ranging from 8 to 24 kg/m3·d. The H2 and ethanol production rate essentially increased with increasing OLR. The highest H2 production rate (10.74 mmol/h·L) and ethanol production rate (11.72 mmol/h·L) were obtained both operating at OLR = 24 kg/m3·d. Linear regression results show that ethanol production rate (y) and H2 production rate (x) were proportionately correlated and can be expressed as y = 1.5365x − 5.054 (r2 = 0.9751). The best energy generation rate was 19.08 kJ/h·L, which occurred at OLR = 24 kg/m3·d. In addition, the hydrogen yield was affected by the presence of ethanol and acetic acid in the liquid phase, and the maximum hydrogen production rate occurred while the ratio of ethanol to acetic acid was close to 1.
Modulation of NK Cell Autocrine-Induced Eosinophil Chemotaxis by Interleukin-15 and Vitamin D3: A Possible NK-Eosinophil Crosstalk via IL-8 in the Pathophysiology of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: El-Shazly A. E. , Lefebvre P. P.
Published: July 2011

Natural killer cells (NK) secrete eosinophilotactic cytokines, however, whether they contribute to eosinophil chemotaxis by secreting IL-8 is not known. We investigated the ability of CD56+CD3-ve (NK cells) to induce chemotaxis of peripheral blood eosinophils from allergic rhinitis (AR) patients, through IL-8 secretion, and the effects of IL-15, the NK cell proactivating cytokine, and calcitriol: 1α, 25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3(vitamin D3), the immunomodulator agent, in this scenario. Herein, it is shown that supernatants from unstimulated NK cells exhibited chemotactic activity against eosinophil. This effect was significantly augmented by IL-15 (1 ng/mL) treatment, resulting in an increase in the chemotactic index of approximately 3 folds and was abrogated by neutralizing antibody (Ab) to IL-8 in a dose-dependent fashion. The amount of IL-8 secreted by NK cells was increased by IL-15 treatment from levels of88.64±21.5to178.9±23.6 Pg/mL and was significantly reduced by 10-6 M vitamin D3to levels of59.2±16.3 Pg/mL. Our results indicate a novel inflammatory crosstalk between NK cells and eosinophils via IL-15/IL-8 axis that can be modulated by vitamin D3.
Nanostructured Mesoporous Titanium Dioxide Thin Film Prepared by Sol-Gel Method for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Liu Yu-Chang , Lu Yun-Fang , Zeng Yz-Zhen , Liao Chi-Hung , Chung Jen-Chieh , Wei Tsong-Yang
Published: July 2011

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) paste was prepared by sol-gel and hydrothermal method with various precursors. Nanostructured mesoporous TiO2thin-film back electrode was fabricated from the nanoparticle colloidal paste, and its performance was compared with that made of commercial P25 TiO2. The best performance was demonstrated by the DSSC having a 16 μm-thick TTIP-TiO2back electrode, which gave a solar energy conversion efficiency of 6.03%. The ability of stong adhesion on ITO conducting glass substrate and the high surface area are considered important characteristics of TiO2thin film. The results show that a thin film with good adhesion can be made from the prepared colloidal paste as a result of alleviating the possibility of electron transfer loss. One can control the colloidal particle size from sol-gel method. Therefore, by optimizing the preparation conditions, TiO2paste with nanoparticle and narrow diameter distribution was obtained.
Process Modeling of Deagglomeration of Ceramic Nanoparticles in Liquid Metal during Synthesis of Nanocomposites
Authors: Padhi Payodhar , Dash Biranchi Narayan , Kar Sachi Kanta
Published: July 2011

The cavitation phenomenon is well known to lead to deagglomeration and uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in liquid metal. The nature of flow leading to deagglomeration, the rate of deagglomeration, and the effect of frequency of them has been systematically investigated. It is extremely difficult to experimentally know about them and thus modeling the phenomenon is indispensable. The same has been attempted in the present study. The present study attempts to model the process of deagglomeration and dispersion of ceramic nanoparticles in the vicinity of cavitation using FLUENT 6.2.16. For this a simple representative volume element has been modeled.
Quality-on-Demand Compression of EEG Signals for Telemedicine Applications Using Neural Network Predictors
Authors: Sriraam N.
Published: July 2011

A telemedicine system using communication and information technology to deliver medical signals such as ECG, EEG for long distance medical services has become reality. In either the urgent treatment or ordinary healthcare, it is necessary to compress these signals for the efficient use of bandwidth. This paper discusses a quality on demand compression of EEG signals using neural network predictors for telemedicine applications. The objective is to obtain a greater compression gains at a low bit rate while preserving the clinical information content. A two-stage compression scheme with a predictor and an entropy encoder is used. The residue signals obtained after prediction is first thresholded using various levels of thresholds and are further quantized and then encoded using an arithmetic encoder. Three neural network models, single-layer and multi-layer perceptrons and Elman network are used and the results are compared with linear predictors such as FIR filters and AR modeling. The fidelity of the reconstructed EEG signal is assessed quantitatively using parameters such as PRD, SNR, cross correlation and power spectral density. It is found from the results that the quality of the reconstructed signal is preserved at a low PRD thereby yielding better compression results compared to results obtained using lossless scheme.
Cardiovascular Side Effects of Atomoxetine and Its Interactions with Inhibitors of the Cytochrome P450 System
Authors: Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza , Mounzer Rawad , Gleeson George H.
Published: July 2011

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood and adolescence. Classically, stimulants have been used in the treatment of this condition. Atomoxetine (Strattera; Eli Lilly and Company) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), one of the first medications in the nonstimulant class of medications that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD. Atomoxetine is a phenoxypropylamine derivative and is structurally related to the antidepressant fluoxetine. The common side effects reported with the use of atomoxetine include mainly GI disturbances. Cardiovascular side effects are less commonly reported. The increase in the noradrenergic tone may explain some of the side effects noted with the use of this medication. Here, we present a case of a patient who presented with syncope, orthostatic hypotension, and tachycardia and discuss the various clinical implications based on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug.
Gendered Perceptions of Sexual Behaviour in Rural South Africa
Authors: Ndinda C. , Uzodike U. O. , Chimbwete C. , Mgeyane M. T. M.
Published: July 2011

This paper discusses sexual behaviour findings collected through eleven homogenous focus group discussions conducted among women and men in a predominantly Zulu population in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The objective of this paper is to shed light on sexual behaviour in a rural community. The findings suggest that sex is a taboo subject and the discussion around it is concealed in the use of polite language, euphemisms, and gestures. There are gender and generational dimensions to the discussion of sex. The contribution of this paper lies in the identification of what rural people discuss about sex and the influence of cultural practices and urban or global forces on sexual behaviour in rural areas. The paper adds to the growing body of literature on the use of focus groups in understanding sexual behaviour in rural contexts.
Trapezus in the Crimea: A Re-examination of the Sources*
Authors: Charalampakis Pantelis
Published: July 2011

The author examines the question of the place name Trapezus recorded by ancient sources as being located north of the Black Sea. This toponym indicates a mountain which bears no relation to the Pontic city of Trapezus. According to the written sources only, this place name cannot be identified. On the contrary, as suggested by archaeological evidence and the testimony of Procopius about the Goths Trapezitae, the predominant opinion of Chatÿr Dag appears to provide the most satisfactory solution for the identification of Mount Trapezus. This mountain was never known as Hermonassa and is not related to the Taman peninsula.
‘ΠΡΟΤΑΣΙΣ’ in Aristotle’s Prior Analytics
Authors: Charles David , Crivelli Paolo
Published: July 2011

It has often been claimed that (i) Aristotle’s expression ‘protasis’ means ‘premiss’ in syllogistic contexts and (ii) cannot refer to the conclusion of a syllogism in the Prior Analytics. In this essay we produce and defend a counter-example to these two claims. We argue that (i) the basic meaning of the expression is ‘proposition’ and (ii) while it is often used to refer to the premisses of a syllogism, in Prior Analytics 1.29, 45b4-8 it is used to refer to the conclusion of a syllogism. In our view, the best explanation of Aristotle’s use of the expression ‘protasis’ is that it means proposition throughout but is frequently used without change of meaning (in certain specific contexts) to refer to the premisses from which a conclusion follows. In Prior Analytics 1.29, 45b4-8 he uses ‘protasis’ to refer to the conclusion when he needs a single expression to refer to both the conclusion and one of the premisses of the syllogism that constitutes the core of a syllogism through the impossible. If we are correct, we have shown that the view that the expression ‘the final protasis’ in EN 7.3, 1147b9ff must mean ‘the final premiss’ and so cannot refer to the conclusion of the relevant syllogism is mistaken.
Aristotle’s Criticism of Non-Substance Forms and its Interpretation by the Neoplatonic Commentators
Authors: d’Hoine Pieter
Published: July 2011

Aristotle’s criticism of Platonic Forms in the Metaphysics has been a major source for the understanding and developments of the theory of Forms in later Antiquity. One of the cases in point is Aristotle’s argument, in Metaphysics I 9, 990b22-991a2, against Forms of non-substances. In this paper, I will first provide a careful analysis of this passage. Next, I will discuss how the argument has been interpreted ‐ and refuted ‐ by the fifth-century Neoplatonists Syrianus and Proclus. This interpretation has played an important role in the broader context of the Neoplatonic debates on the range of Plato’s theory of Forms, which was one of the traditional problems discussed about the Forms in later Platonism.
Pragmatic Trust in a World of Strangers: Trustworthy Actions
Authors: Weigert Andrew J.
Published: July 2011

Pragmatically, concepts serve as tools in reconstructive responses to emerging issues. Philosophers suggest we now live in a world of strangers and sociologists speak of a second modernity of risk. Theorists of trust need to address this emerging new context. With primacy in social action, new modes of trust arise from fitting together lines of action addressing new risks. An attendant development is the emergence of cosmopolitan identities appropriate to relationships among strangers. Trust is likely to underwrite future cooperation among strangers if global dynamics reduce inequalities and trustworthy actions generate functional trust. Consider the tale of the owl.
Trust Working in Interpersonal Relationships:A Comparative Cultural Perspective with a Focus on East Asian Culture
Authors: Choi Sang-Chin , Han Gyuseog
Published: July 2011

Sociological analysis of interpersonal trust has focused primarily on general trust, neglecting the role of particular trust. Some analysis of social capital in Asian countries, however, reveals that activities in voluntary associations are grounded on particular trust, posing an important question to Putnam’s thesis linking general trust to democracy and economic development. In order to understand the working of particular trust, we took a comparative cultural perspective to trust. Based on the cultural psychology of Korean trust, trust is characterized as a corollary to the intimacy of relationship. Different degrees of interpersonal trust work through the mediating process of caring mind (maum in Korean vernacular) which is afforded when we see social acts directed upon us. Granting an innate bias of granting trust toward close others, we postulate that human beings engage in activities of trust working. Four types of tactics typically employed in forming trust were provided. Subsequently, a comparative cultural analysis of trust was presented by analyzing indigenous concepts (trust, guanxi, amae, & woori) characteristically representing cultural aspects of trust in different cultures with emphasis on East Asian countries. This comparative analysis characterizes that trust in East Asia is laden heavily with relational affective properties, while trust in theWest relies on cognitive properties. Despite these differences, common features allow meaningful understanding of how trust is constructed and maneuvered in each culture.
Figuring Eros in Byzantine Fiction: Iconographic Transformation and Political Evolution
Authors: Christoforatou Christina
Published: July 2011

Eros’s conniving nature in conjunction with his sadistic temperament is the single most important attribute of his character—indeed, it remains intact after some 800 years of iconographic and literary evolution. In medieval Byzantium Eros emerges as a formidable sovereign, toying with his subjects’ desires as he asserts his cosmic dominion from the grounds of his utopian castle. This remarkable transformation reveals a rich discourse on the merits of sovereignty—a discourse that raises significant questions about the dynamics of Byzantine imperial commissions and the paradoxical role of court intellectuals as sovereign propagandists and political critics. In linking the role of Byzantine intellectuals in the aftermath of political upheaval to the figurations of sovereignty showcased in Byzantine fiction, the author reveals an ambitious interplay of literary and political interests that calls into question the view of Byzantine intellectuals as dutiful followers of powerful patrons.
Mediation, Signification and Exemplary Narrative in Ramon Llull’s Libre De Sancta Maria
Authors: Berlin Henry
Published: July 2011

In this essay, I explore the relationship between the exemplary narrative of Ramon Llull’s Libre De Sancta Maria and the concepts of signification and mediation articulated in Llull’s famous Art. In particular, I analyze the narrative implications of Ramon Llull’s attribution to Mary of an active role in the Incarnation: in establishing concordance between the divine and the human, Mary serves as a model for a series of dialectical exempla meant to inspire devotional dialogue among Christians. Finally, I seek to show how Mary’s mediating role in the “recreation” of the world inspires in this text a narrative exploration of the Art’s system of signification, which makes divine knowledge possible and underlies much of Llull’s openly disputational writing.
Use of the Dead Body in Healthcare and Medical Training: Mapping and Balancing the Legal Rights and Values
Authors: Herrmann Janne Rothmar
Published: July 2011

By exploring the central legal principles and issues regarding usage of the dead body in healthcare and especially in medical training, this article aims at drawing some general conclusions on the legal status of the dead body and the protection of the deceased’s integrity, dignity and autonomy. The article demonstrates that the use of the cadaveric body for scientific and educational purposes involves a redrawing of the traditional boundaries between the decent and the indecent, making these acts acceptable that would otherwise be regarded as assaults on the sanctity of bodily boundaries. This is made possible by the fact that the underlying principle of dignity is not perceived to be of an absolute nature when applicable to deceased persons.
Access to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products in the EU: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Mahalatchimy A.
Published: July 2011

The European Union has a public health strategy and will generally ensure in all its policies and activities a “high level of human health protection”. The new Regulation (EC) no 1394/2007 on advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP), stems from this global policy and aims to harmonise access to the ATMP market. A real will for the harmonisation is clearly expressed in legal texts and enforced in the implementable procedures and requirements. However, several barriers remain. On the one hand, the scope of the ATMP Regulation is limited. On the other hand, Member States benefit from a wide margin of action.
Medicinal Plants and Their Conservation in China with Reference to the Chinese Himalayan Region
Authors: Lixin Yang , Huyin Huai , Shengji Pei
Published: July 2011

The use of herbal medicine in China has a long history. Since ancient times, plants have been the main source of medicines for people’s healthcare all over China. Today, medicinal plants are widely used in different medical systems including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Tibetan Medicine (TM) for health care and functional food in China, and as supplies of natural products for industrial manufacturing for the international market. In the last half-century, great progress has been made in science and technology and there has been rapid social and economic development. The impact of this rapid development and population pressures on medicinal plants from wild habitats increases day by day. The modernization policy of traditional medicine in China is seen as a challenge to maintaining traditional medical systems. The Chinese Himalayan Region covers five provinces (Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan) in west China, with a land area of 2 million km², including the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in the west and the Hengduan Mountains in the southwest. In this paper, we discuss the rich diversity of medicinal plants of China and the Chinese Himalayan Region; the diversity of medicinal plant utilization of China; threatened medicinal plants and threats to medicinal plants; the conservation status of medicinal plants in China; and proposed Important Plant Areas for medical plants in the Chinese Himalayan Region.
Caterpillar Fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) Production and Sustainability on the Tibetan Plateau and in the Himalayas
Authors: Winkler Daniel
Published: July 2011

Caterpillar fungus (

Ophiocordyceps = Cordyceps sinensis

) is an entomophagous fungus endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas. It has become the most important source of cash income in wide areas of the Tibetan Plateau, where it is known as

yartsa gunbu

, ‘summer grass winter worm’. The market is driven by Chinese consumers, who refer to it as

dongchong xiacao

. The value of this myco-medicinal has increased by 900% between 1997 and 2008, creating a globally-unique rural fungal economy. However, actual annual production data is still not available for many areas of the Tibetan Plateau in China as well as the Himalayan production areas of India, Nepal and Bhutan. This paper analyses available production data and estimates the total annual production in the range of 85 to 185 tons for all production areas. Current availability of multi-annual production figures is limited and allows only for provisional estimates regarding the sustainability of current harvesting quantities. Centuries of collection indicate that caterpillar fungus is a resilient resource. Still, unprecedented collection intensity, climate change and the recent economic dependence of local economies on caterpillar fungus calls for sustainable resource management. Absence of long-term field studies indicating best management practices—at best in their infancy in some production areas—necessitate a degree of improvisation in designing resource management strategies. The development of easily implementable approaches that can rely on community support will be crucial for successful management. Most promising from a socio-economic, administrative and also mycological perspective is the establishment of an end date of the collection season, which might allow for sufficient spore dispersal to guarantee sustainability.
Conserving Tibetan Medicinal Plants in the Khawakarpo Region
Authors: Sangzhu Chiren , Wangxuo Renqin , Jianzhong Ma , Mingyao Han
Published: July 2011

To local Tibetans, Mt. Khawakarpo is not only an important sacred mountain but also a major storehouse of medicinal plants, which they use. Recent field surveys show that Mt. Khawakarpo and adjacent areas (‘the Khawakarpo region’) are home to 144 species of household medicinal plants from 126 genera of 63 families, which are used in both Chinese and Tibetan medicine. These plants include eight Class I and Class II nationally protected species (four being CITES—Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna—listed); of these, 37 species have been recognized by local practitioners of Tibetan medicine as plants in need of conservation. Results from fieldwork indicates that initiatives to conserve plants used in Tibetan medicine should consider not only their biological properties but also their cultural values to local communities; in order for these efforts to be sustainable, the communities must be brought in as key players. The fieldwork described here comprised a participatory resources inventory, the creation of community-based medicinal plants reserves, cultivation trials, and training opportunities for medicinal practitioners to share indigenous knowledge and acquire skills in plant conservation and harvesting on a sustainable basis.
Self-Motion Reproduction Can Be Affected by Associated Auditory Cues
Authors: von Hopffgarten Anna , Bremmer Frank
Published: July 2011

Successful locomotion through space requires precise estimation of the direction and distance travelled. Previous studies have shown that humans can use velocity information arising from visual, vestibular and somatosensory signals to reproduce passive linear displacements. In the present study we investigated whether also associated auditory velocity cues are used for distance estimation. Subjects had to reproduce (active condition) the distance of a previously seen sequence of simulated linear motion (passive condition) across a ground plane. During both, the passive and active displacement, they heard a tone with a frequency being proportional to the simulated speed (test trials). In some trials the relationship between optical velocity and tone frequency was differently scaled during the active displacements, i.e., the frequency of the tone was either higher or lower than in the passive displacement (catch trials). In test trials, subjects reproduced distances quite accurately. In catch trials, however, subjects' performance was disturbed: when the frequency was lower subjects used higher speeds, resulting in a substantial overshoot of travelled distance, whereas a higher frequency resulted in an undershoot of travelled distance. Our results clearly show that during self-motion tone frequency can be used as a velocity cue and helps to update positional information over time.
Printing for Prestige? Publishing and Publications by Ming Princes
Authors: Kerlouégan Jérôme
Published: July 2011

Scattered throughout the realm in a great number of provincial courts, Ming imperial clansmen did not wield political or military power. Some among them therefore used their energies to publish books; indeed, the publishing activities of the Ming princes constitute one of many elements of what can be termed “princely culture.” Even though princely imprints formed an insignificant proportion of Ming publications, a large number of them have survived to our day. Based on the examination of approximately 240 such editions, this essay explores the relationships between the princes and the literati who assisted them. It raises questions central to princely publishing: How learned were the princes? What books did they publish? For which audiences and with what objectives? What are the main characteristics of princely publications? Did princes have well-defined publishing strategies? The last section of the essay addresses the heritage of Ming princely publications in the Qing dynasty.

This essay will be published in several installments in East Asian Publishing and Society.

The bibliography for the whole essay will be published with the last installment.
Built Environment and Lower Extremity Physical Performance
Authors: Michael Yvonne L. , Gold Rachel , Perrin Nancy A. , Hillier Teresa A.
Published: July 2011

Objectives: We examined the association between walkability of the built environment and changes in physical performance among women aged 65 or older ( n = 1,671, 253 neighborhoods). Method: Street connectivity and street density, markers for neighborhood walkability, were assessed through linkage to secondary data sources. Physical performance was measured with timed-walk and chair-stand tests assessed during follow-up visits about every 2 years for 12 to 14 years. Multilevel models predicted change in physical performance, controlling for age, number of incident comorbidities, self-rated health, and death during follow-up. Results: Overall, physical performance declined during follow-up ( p < .001). Neighborhood walkability had no effect on change in physical performance among women who reported not walking at baseline. However, among women who walked, greater neighborhood walkability was associated with a slower decline in dynamic leg strength, indicated by score on chair stand. Discussion: Neighborhood walkability may protect against decline in physical performance.
No gender differences in prognosis and preventive treatment in patients with AMI without significant stenoses
Authors: Hansen Kim Wadt , Hvelplund Anders , Abildstrøm Steen Zabell , Prescott Eva , Madsen Mette , Madsen Jan Kyst , Jensen Jan Skov , Thuesen Leif , Thayssen Per , Tilsted Hans Henrik , Jørgensen Erik , Galatius Søren
Published: July 2011

Objective: To investigate possible gender differences in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and without significant stenoses on coronary angiography (CAG) regarding prognosis and use of secondary preventive medication.

Design: Nationwide register-based cohort study.

Patients: By compiling data from Danish registries, we identified 20,800 patients hospitalized with AMI during 2005–2007. We included the 834 women and 761 men without significant stenoses on CAG who were discharged and alive after 60 days.

Main outcome measures: All-cause mortality, recurrent AMI, and redeeming a prescription for a lipid-lowering drug, beta-blocker, clopidogrel, or aspirin within 60 days of discharge.

Results: During follow-up, 97 women and 60 men died, resulting in a crude female/male hazard ratio (HR) of 1.51 (95% CI 1.09–2.08). After adjustment for age, time-period, and comorbidity, the gender difference was attenuated (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.86–1.72). AMI recurrence was experienced by 28 women and 29 men with a female/male HR 0.88 (95% CI 0.52–1.48). After multivariable adjustment results were similar (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.50–1.43). More women than men redeemed a prescription for lipid-lowering drugs with no differences in other medication. In the adjusted models lipid-lowering drugs, beta-blockers, clopidogrel, and aspirin were all redeemed equally with odds ratio (OR) 1.25 (95% CI 0.99–1.59), OR 1.10 (95% CI 0.88–1.37), OR 1.09 (95% CI 0.88–1.34), and OR 1.13 (95% CI 0.90–1.42), respectively.

Conclusion: Our study shows that in a population of patients with a first admission for AMI and no significant stenoses on CAG, women share the same prospects as men regarding long-term prognosis and the extent of secondary preventive medical treatment.
Myeloid dysplasia and bone marrow hypocellularity in adenosine deaminase-deficient severe combined immune deficiency
Authors: Sokolic Robert , Maric Irina , Kesserwan Chimene , Garabedian Elizabeth , Hanson I. Celine , Dodds Margaret , Buckley Rebecca , Issekutz Andrew C. , Kamani Naynesh , Shaw Kit , Tan Ben , Bali Pawan , Hershfield Michael S. , Kohn Donald B. , Wayne Alan S. , Candotti Fabio
Published: July 2011

Genetic deficiency of adenosine deaminase (ADA) can cause profound lymphopenia and result in the clinical presentation of severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). However, because of the ubiquitous expression of ADA, ADA-deficient patients often present also with nonimmunologic clinical problems, affecting the skeletal, central nervous, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems. We now report that myeloid dysplasia features and bone marrow hypocellularity are often found in patients with ADA-SCID. As a clinical correlate to this finding, we have observed vulnerability to antibiotic-induced myelotoxicity and prolonged neutropenia after nonmyeloablative chemotherapy. We have also noted that, in the absence of enzyme replacement therapy, absolute neutrophil counts of patients with ADA deficiency vary inversely with the accumulation of deoxynucleotides. These data have significant implications for the application of standard and investigational therapies to patients with ADA-SCID and support further studies to investigate the possibility that ADA deficiency is associated with a stem cell defect. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00018018 and #NCT00006319.
Safety and efficacy of everolimus, a mTOR inhibitor, as single agent in a phase 1/2 study in patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Guglielmelli Paola , Barosi Giovanni , Rambaldi Alessandro , Marchioli Roberto , Masciulli Arianna , Tozzi Lorenzo , Biamonte Flavia , Bartalucci Niccolò , Gattoni Elisabetta , Lupo Maria Letizia , Finazzi Guido , Pancrazzi Alessandro , Antonioli Elisabetta , Susini Maria Chiara , Pieri Lisa , Malevolti Elisa , Usala Emilio , Occhini Ubaldo , Grossi Alberto , Caglio Silvia , Paratore Simona , Bosi Alberto , Barbui Tiziano , Vannucchi Alessandro M. ,   on behalf of the AIRC-Gruppo Italiano Malattie Mieloproliferative (AGIMM) investigators
Published: July 2011

In addition to dysregulated JAK/STAT signaling, activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway occurs in myelofibrosis, a myeloproliferative neoplasm with no approved therapies. We conducted a phase 1/2 study with everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, in 39 high- or intermediate-risk primary or postpolycythemia vera/postessential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis subjects. Responses were evaluated in 30 patients of phase 2. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed in phase 1 up to 10 mg/d. When this dose was used in phase 2, grade ≥ 3 toxicities were infrequent; the commonest toxicity was grade 1-2 stomatitis. Rapid and sustained splenomegaly reduction of > 50% and > 30% occurred in 20% and 44% of subjects, respectively. A total of 69% and 80% experienced complete resolution of systemic symptoms and pruritus. Response in leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytosis occurred in 15%-25%. Clinical responses were not associated with reduced JAK2V617F burden, circulating CD34+ cells, or cytokine levels, whereas CCDN1 mRNA and phospho-p70S6K level, known targets of mTOR, and WT1 mRNA were identified as possible biomarkers associated with response. Response rate was 60% when European Network for Myelofibrosis criteria were used (8 major, 7 moderate, 3 minor responses) or 23% when IWG-MRT criteria (1 partial response, 6 clinical improvements) were used. These results provide proof-of-concept that targeting mTOR pathway in myelofibrosis may be clinically relevant.
Characterizing Hydrogen Bonding in Uracil–Nitrosamine Complexes through One- and Two-Bond Spin–Spin Coupling Constants across Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Roohi Hossein , Anjomshoa Elham
Published: July 2011

One- and two-bond spin–spin coupling constants, 1J, 1hJ, and 2hJ across X–H···Y hydrogen bonds and isotropic chemical shift of bridging hydrogens have been computed for complexes formed from interaction between the parent nitrosamine (NA) and four preferential binding sites of the uracil (U) at B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p)//MP2/6-311++G(2d,2p) level of theory. All complexes are stabilized by two HU···Y and HNA···Y hydrogen bonds. The correlation between spin–spin coupling constants (1hJH···Y and 2hJX···Y) and isotropic chemical shifts with the binding energy, H-bond distance, red shift of vibration frequency, charge-transfer energy, and electron density at H-bond critical point were investigated at the above-mentioned level of theory. Change in nucleus-independent chemical shift of U ring upon complex formation was also calculated.
Molecular Optical Switch Based on Polymer Nanosheet Assembly Operated at Visible Wavelength
Authors: Matsui Jun , Abe Kenichi , Mitsuishi Masaya , Aoki Atsushi , Miyashita Tokuji
Published: July 2011

We constructed a molecular optical switch, which controls the photocurrent direction using a polymer nanosheet assembly. Two polymer nanosheet photodiodes composed of ruthenium complex (sensitizer) and ferrocene (donor) polymer nanosheet pair and anthracene (sensitizer) and dinitrobenzene (acceptor) polymer nanosheet pair, respectively, were assembled on the ITO electrode. Selective excitation of ruthenium by 450 nm generated cathodic photocurrent, whereas excitation of anthracene at 389 nm generated anodic photocurrent. The results indicate that the current flow direction in the assembled film can be controlled by the irradiation wavelength.
Planned Upper Limb Trauma: Is it Better?
Authors: Phadnis Joideep , Chidambaram Ramiah
Published: July 2011

In the UK, orthopaedic trauma is chiefly managed by consultants whose primary interest is not in trauma. In a survey conducted by McQueen, only 8.3% of British orthopaedic surgeons cited trauma as their primary interest despite 80% of those surveyed being on a regular trauma rota. The wide scope of orthopaedic trauma means that surgeons may encounter difficulty when faced with complex cases unfamiliar to them as part of their elective practice. Moreover, trauma operations are often performed by more junior consultants or unsupervised orthopaedic specialist trainees, which may increase the chance of complications and long-term cost to the health service.
The role of CRF family peptides in the regulation of food intake and anxiety-like behavior
Authors: Nakayama Naoko , Suzuki Hajime , Li Jiang-Bo , Atsuchi Kaori , Tsai Minglun , Amitani Haruka , Asakawa Akihiro , Inui Akio
Published: July 2011

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and the urocortins (UCN1, UCN2, and UCN3) belong to the CRF family of peptides and are the major regulators of the adaptive response to internal and external stresses. The actions of CRF and UCNs are mediated through two receptor subtypes: CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) and CRFR2. Their physiological roles, among other functions, include the regulation of food intake and anxiety-like behavior. In this review, we describe the progress that has been made towards understanding how anxiety- and depression-like behavior and food intake are regulated by CRF, UCN1, UCN2, and UCN3.
The function and architecture of DEAH/RHA helicases
Authors: He Yangzi , Andersen Gregers R. , Nielsen Klaus H.
Published: July 2011

Helicases are ubiquitous enzymes that participate in every aspect of nucleic acid metabolism. The DEAH/RHA family of helicases are involved in a variety of cellular processes including transcriptional and translational regulation, pre-mRNA splicing, pre-rRNA processing, mRNA export and decay, in addition to the innate immune response. Recently, the first crystal structures of a DEAH/RHA helicase unveiled the unique structural features of this helicase family. These structures furthermore illuminate the molecular mechanism of these proteins and provide a framework for analysis of their interaction with nucleic acids, regulatory proteins and large macromolecular complexes.
Influence of Seasonal Variability of Lower Mississippi River Discharge, Temperature, Suspended Sediments, and Salinity on Oil‐Mineral Aggregate Formation
Authors: Danchuk Samantha , Willson Clinton S.
Published: July 2011

Under certain conditions, oil droplets that have separated from the main oil slick may become coated by suspended sediments forming oil‐mineral aggregates (OMAs). The formation of these aggregates depends on suspended particulate characteristics, temperature, salinity, mixing energy, droplet size and number, and oil properties. The OMAs do not re‐coalesce with the slick and tend not to adhere to surfaces, potentially evading surface cleanup measures, enhancing opportunity for biodegradation and reducing shoreline oiling. Potential OMA formation was quantified during four distinct states of the Lower Mississippi River during a typical year using empirical relationships from laboratory and field studies for three common oils and different combinations of discharge, temperature, suspended sediments, and salinity. The largest potential OMA formation for the two lighter oils, up to 36% of the total release volume, was in the winter and spring, when high sediment availability promotes formation. For the denser, high‐viscosity oil, the peak potential OMA formation, 9% of the release volume, occurred in the summer, when the salinity was higher. These results provide some evidence that, depending on environmental and spill characteristics, the formation of OMAs could be an important, but unaccounted for, process in the fate and transport of oils released in the Lower Mississippi River and should be included in oil spill dispersion models and post‐spill site assessment and remediation actions.
Comparison of Conventional and Integrated Fixed‐Film Activated Sludge Systems: Attached‐ and Suspended‐Growth Functions and Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Measurements
Authors: Kim Hyun‐su , Schuler Andrew J. , Gunsch Claudia K. , Pei Ruoting , Gellner James , Boltz Joshua P. , Freudenberg Robert G. , Dodson Robert
Published: July 2011

Pilot‐scale integrated fixed‐film activated sludge (IFAS) and non‐IFAS control systems were compared, with respect to overall performance and functional behaviors and microbial population composition in the attached and suspended phases. The suspended phases of the control and IFAS systems exhibited similar rates of ammonia consumption; the attached phase in the second aerobic IFAS reactor had significantly higher rates of ammonia consumption and nitrate production than any other biomass source, and the attached biomass from the first aerobic reactor had the lowest ammonia consumption rates. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) indicated the presence of the ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria Nitrosomonas oligotropha and the nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria Nitrospira spp. and Nitrobacter spp. Mathematical modeling and qPCR both indicated greater concentrations of nitrifiers in the attached phases of a downstream aerobic reactor relative to the upstream reactor, possibly because of increased competition from heterotrophs for space in the attached phase of the upstream aerobic reactor.
Corporate Response to Global Financial Crisis: A Knowledge-Based Model
Authors: Gupta Vipin
Published: July 2011

This paper highlights the need for the emerging market firms to take a strategic approach to build capabilities for resiliency in the face of frequent macro economic crises, even if each crisis is anticipated to be temporary and short-term in nature. A knowledge-based model is developed to highlight the dynamics of interaction between the emerging market vendors and the industrial market clients, as the latter restructure their offshoring contracts in the face of a financial crisis. The model shows the strategic solutions that the emerging market vendors have to transform the situation of crisis into a window of opportunity. In addition, the model provides insights into how the industrial market firms may also moderate the effects of an economic crisis by adopting a strategic knowledge exchange approach (i.e., appropriate capability development), instead of the common reliance on a strategic compensation approach (i.e., lower prices or profits).
A quantitative structure-activity relationship study of tetrabutylphosphonium bromide analogs as muscarinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Nekoei Mehdia , Salimi Mahmoudb , Dolatabadi Mohsenc , Mohammadhosseini Majida
Published: July 2011

Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) of tetrabutylphosphonium
bromide (TBPB) analogs as muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) was
studied. A suitable set of molecular descriptors was calculated and stepwise
multiple linear regression (SW-MLR) was employed to select those descriptors
that resulted in the best fitted models. A MLR model with three selected
descriptors was obtained. Furthermore, the MLR model was validated using the
leave-one-out (LOO) and leave-group-out (LGO) crossvalidation, and the
Y-randomization test. This model, with high statistical significance (R2
train = 0.982, F = 388.715, Q2 LOO = 0.973, Q2 LGO = 0.977 and R2 test =
0.986) could predict the activity of the molecules with a percentage
prediction error lower than 5 %.
On the aronszajn property for a differential equation of fractional order in Banach spaces
Authors: Dutkiewicz Aldona
Published: July 2011

In this paper we investigate some topological properties of solution sets of a differential equation of fractional order in Banach spaces. Our assumptions and proofs are expressed in terms of measures of noncompactness.
New oscillation criteria for third order nonlinear neutral difference equations
Authors: Saker S.
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we are concerned with oscillation of the third-order nonlinear neutral difference equation $\Delta (c_n [\Delta (d_n \Delta (x_n + p_n x_{n - \tau } ))]^\gamma ) + q_n f(x_{g(n)} ) = 0,n \geqslant n_0 ,$ where γ > 0 is the quotient of odd positive integers, c
n, d
n, p
n and q
n are positive sequences of real numbers, τ is a nonnegative integer, g(n) is a sequence of nonnegative integers and f ∈ C(ℝ,ℝ) such that uf(u) > 0 for u ≠ 0. Our results extend and improve some previously obtained ones. Some examples are considered to illustrate the main results.
C*-algebras of generalized Hecke pairs
Authors: Amini Massoud
Published: July 2011

We generalize the concept of Hecke pairs and study representations of the corresponding C*-algebra. We introduce the notions of covariant pairs and matrix unit pairs of representations in this general setting and show that covariant pairs are exactly faithful matrix unit pairs.
Report of the Section of the Committee for Civil Engineering in the Term 2007–2010 / Sekcja Inzynierii Przedsiewziec Budowlanych W Kadencji 2007 – 2010. Raport
Authors: Kapliński O
Published: July 2011

This report describes the community involved in technology, organisation, and economics of the construction industry. The community includes mainly academics gathered around KILiW PAN, the Polish Academy of Sciences Section for Civil Engineering Projects. The results have been obtained based on the survey conducted in the period of 2007-2010. Some financial issues are presented here which influence the scope of the research underway and the didactic process. Some of the issues presented here comprise the subject matters of research, postgraduate studies, academic degrees, as well as publications and international cooperation. Conclusions were presented in the form of suggestions in the field of research and teaching
Analysis of Soft Soil Consolidation with the Application of Prefabricated Vertical Drains with Preloading Method Using Fem / Analiza Konsolidacji Słabych Gruntów Przy Uzyciu Metody Elementów Skonczonych
Authors: Binder K.
Published: July 2011

The article presents the application of finite element method for estimating settlements of road embankments founded on the soil reinforced with vertical drains and preloading method. The idea of the method was the transition from the solution of one-dimensional consolidation proposed for two-dimensional solution, while maintaining the same consolidation time and comparison with results obtained from measurements settlements of road embankment which is a part of planned Gdansk Southern Ring Road near Przejazdowo site.
Advanced Field Investigations of Screw Piles and Columns / Zaawansowane Badania Terenowe Pali I Kolumn Wkrecanych
Authors: Krasiński A.
Published: July 2011

Field investigations concerning screw piles and columns have been carried out for the “Bearing capacity and work in the soil of screw piles” research project, financed by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education - project No N N506 369234. The tests of three instrumented screw piles were conducted together with CPTU tests and measurements of pile installation parameters (especially torque). The objectives of field investigations and the entire research project include discovering how screw piles work in the soil, locating and describing the correlations between CPTU results and rotation resistance during pile auger installation and next establishing correlations between CPTU results, rotation resistance and the bearing capacity of this kind of piles. The paper describes the investigation procedure and the basic results of tests carried out in the first of a series of sites.