bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting Treatment decision making to Optimise the Prevention of STROKE in Atrial Fibrillation: The STOP STROKE in AF study. Protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gattellari Melina , Worthington John M , Leung Dominic Y , Zwar Nicholas
Published: July 2012

Background

Suboptimal uptake of anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation has persisted for over 20 years, despite high-level evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing the risk of fatal and disabling stroke.

Methods

The STOP STROKE in AF study is a national, cluster randomised controlled trial designed to improve the uptake of anticoagulation in primary care. General practitioners from around Australia enrolling in this ‘distance education’ program are mailed written educational materials, followed by an academic detailing session delivered via telephone by a medical peer, during which participants discuss patient de-identified cases. General practitioners are then randomised to receive written specialist feedback about the patient de-identified cases either before or after completing a three-month posttest audit. Specialist feedback is designed to provide participants with support and confidence to prescribe anticoagulation. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation receiving oral anticoagulation at the time of the posttest audit.

Discussion

The STOP STROKE in AF study aims to evaluate a feasible intervention via distance education to prevent avoidable stroke due to atrial fibrillation. It provides a systematic test of augmenting academic detailing with expert feedback about patient management.

Trial registration

Australian Clinical Trials Registry Registration Number: ACTRN12611000076976.
Functional characterization of an arrestin gene on insecticide resistance of Culex pipiens pallens
Authors: Sun Yan , Zou Ping , Yu Xin-You , Chen Chen , Yu Jing , Shi Lin-Na , Hong Shan-Chao , Zhou Dan , Chang Xue-Lian , Wang Wei-Jie , Shen Bo , Zhang Dong-Hui , Ma Lei , Zhu Chang-Liang
Published: July 2012

Background

Continuous and excessive application of insecticides has resulted in the rapid development of insecticide resistance in several mosquito species, including Culex pipiens pallens. Previous studies in our laboratory found that arrestin gene expression was higher in the deltamethrin-resistant (DR) strain than in the deltamethrin-susceptible (DS) strain of Cx. pipiens pallens. Similarly, other studies reported that arrestin was highly expressed in permethrin-resistant Cx. quinquefasciatus and in dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)-resistant Drosophila melanogaster.

Methods

Full-length cDNAs of an arrestin gene were cloned from Cx. pipiens pallens via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE). The mRNA levels of the arrestin gene in the whole life cycle of DR and DS strains of Cx. pipiens pallens were investigated via quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, the relationship between arrestin and deltamethrin (DM) resistance were identified using genetic overexpression strategies and arrestin RNAi in mosquito cells. Cell viability was analyzed with cholecystokinin octapeptide after DM treatment. Moreover, the mRNA levels of cytochrome P450 6A1 (CYP6A1) and opsin in the transfected cells and controls were analyzed.

Results

Complete arrestin gene sequence was cloned and expressed throughout the life cycle of Cx. pipiens pallens. Moreover, arrestin was significantly upregulated in the DR strain, compared with that in the DS strain at the egg, pupae, and adult stages. Arrestin overexpression comparably increased the mosquito cell viability, whereas arrestin knockdown by siRNA decreased mosquito cell viability with deltamethrin (DM) treatment. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of CYP6A1 and opsin were upregulated in mosquito cells transfected with arrestin and downregulated in mosquito cells with arrestin knockdown.

Conclusion

This study presented the first evidence that arrestin might be associated with insecticide resistance in Cx. pipiens pallens.
A case of bovine raw milk contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Hunt Karen , Drummond Niall , Murphy Mary , Butler Francis , Buckley Jim , Jordan Kieran
Published: July 2012

During routine sampling of bulk raw milk on a dairy farm, the pathogenic bacteria Listeria monocytogenes was found to be a contaminant, at numbers < 100 cfu/ml. A strain with an indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern was isolated from the bulk milk two months later. Environmental swabs taken at the dairy environment were negative for the presence of L. monocytogenes, indicating a possible case of excretion of the L. monocytogenes directly into the milk. Milk samples were collected from the individual cows and analysed, resulting in the identification of L. monocytogenes excretion (at 280 cfu/ml) from one of the 4 mammary quarters of one dairy cow out of 180. When the infected cow was isolated from the herd, no L. monocytogenes was detected from the remaining herd. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern of the strain from the individual cow was indistinguishable from that originally isolated from the bulk milk. The infected cow did not show any clinical signs of disease, nor did the appearance of the milk have any physical abnormalities. Antibiotic treatment of the infected mammary quarter was found to be ineffective. This study shows that there can be risks associated with direct contamination of raw milk with L. monocytogenes.
The effect of halothane and pentobarbital sodium on brain ependymal cilia
Authors: O’Callaghan Chris , Sikand Kulvinder
Published: July 2012

Background

The effect of anesthetic agents on ependymal ciliary function is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of halothane and pentobarbital sodium on brain ependymal ciliary function.

Methods

We used an ex vivo rat brain slice model to measure ependymal ciliary beat frequency by high speed video photography at 37°C.

Results

Exposure to halothane caused a significant reduction in ciliary beat frequency of 2 % (P = 0.006), 15.5 % (P < 0.001), and 21.5 % (P < 0.001) for halothane concentrations of 1.8 %, 3.4 % and 4.4 %, respectively, compared to controls. Following a one-hour wash-out period, there was no significant difference between control samples and cilia that had been exposed to 1.8 % (P = 0.5) and 3.4 % (P = 0.3) halothane. The beat frequency of cilia exposed to 4.4 % halothane had increased following the wash-out period but cilia were still beating significantly more slowly than cilia from the control group (P = <0.001).

Pentobarbitone at concentrations of 25 and 50 μg/ml had no effect on ciliary beat frequency compared to controls (P = 0.6 and 0.4 respectively). A significant (P = 0.002) decrease in ciliary beat frequency was seen following incubation with a pentobarbitone concentration of 250 μg/ml (mean (SD) frequency, 24(8) Hz compared to controls, 38(9) Hz).

Conclusions

Halothane reversibly inhibits the rate at which ependymal cilia beat. Pentobarbitone has no effect on ciliary activity at levels used for anesthesia. It is unclear whether the slowing of ependymal ciliary by halothane is responsible for some of the secondary central nervous system effects of volatile anesthetic agents.
A new traveltime approximation for TI media
Authors: Stovas Alexey , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: July 2012

In a transversely isotropic (TI) medium, the trade-off between inhomogeneity and anisotropy can dramatically reduce our capability to estimate anisotropy parameters. By expanding the TI eikonal equation in power series in terms of the aneliptic parameter [Formula: see text], we derive an efficient tool to estimate (scan) for [Formula: see text] in a generally inhomogeneous, elliptically anisotropic background medium. For a homogeneous-tilted transversely isotropic medium, we obtain an analytic nonhyperbolic moveout equation that is accurate for large offsets. In the common case where we do not have well information and it is necessary to resolve the vertical velocity, the background medium can be assumed isotropic, and the traveltime equations becomes simpler. In all cases, the accuracy of this new TI traveltime equation exceeds previously published formulations and demonstrates how [Formula: see text] is better resolved at small offsets when the tilt is large.
Microtubule-targeting drugs rescue axonal swellings in cortical neurons from spastin knock-out mice
Authors: Fassier Coralie , Tarrade Anne , Peris Leticia , Courageot Sabrina , Mailly Philippe , Dalard Cécile , Delga Stéphanie , Roblot Natacha , Lefevre Julien , Job Didier , Hazan Jamilé , Curmi Patrick A. , Melki Judith
Published: July 2012

Mutations in SPG4, encoding the microtubule-severing protein spastin, are responsible for the most frequent form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases characterized by degeneration of the corticospinal tracts. We previously reported that mice harboring a deletion in Spg4, generating a premature stop codon, develop progressive axonal degeneration characterized by focal axonal swellings associated with impaired axonal transport. To further characterize the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this mutant phenotype, we have here assessed microtubule dynamics and axonal transport in primary cultures of cortical neurons from spastin mutant mice. We show an early and marked impairment of microtubule dynamics all along the axons of spastin-deficient cortical neurons, which is likely to be responsible for the occurrence of axonal swellings and cargo stalling. Our analysis also reveals that a modulation of microtubule dynamics by microtubule-targeting drugs rescues the mutant phenotype of cortical neurons. Altogether, these results contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SPG4-linked HSP and ascertain the influence of microtubule-targeted drugs on the early axonal phenotype in a mouse model of the disease.
Postnatal maternal separation modifies the response to an obesogenic diet in adulthood
Authors: Paternain Laura , Martisova Eva , Milagro Fermín I. , Ramírez María J. , Martínez J. Alfredo , Campión Javier
Published: July 2012

An early-life adverse environment has been involved in the susceptibility to different diseases in adulthood such as mental disorders, diabetes and obesity. We analyzed the effects of a high-fat-sucrose diet (HFS) for 35 days in adult female rats, which had experienced 180 minutes daily of maternal separation (MS) during lactancy. Changes in the obesity phenotype, biochemical profile, glucocorticoid metabolism biomarkers, and the expression of different obesity- and glucocorticoid metabolism-related genes were analyzed in periovaric adipose tissue. HFS intake increased body weight, adiposity and serum leptin levels, while MS decreased fat pad masses but only in rats fed HFS. MS reduced insulin resistance markers but only in chow-fed rats. Corticosterone and estradiol serum levels did not change in this experimental model. A multiple gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of Adiponutrin (Adpn) was increased due to MS, and an interaction between HFS diet intake and MS was observed in the mRNA levels of Leptin (Lep) and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (Ppargc1a). These results revealed that early-life stress produces a different response to an HFS diet later in life involving different phenotype and transcriptomic changes.
Constitutive lysosome exocytosis releases ATP and engages P2Y receptors in human monocytes
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Venketesh , Bidula Stefan , Campwala Hinnah , Katikaneni Divya , Fountain Samuel J.
Published: July 2012

Elucidating mechanisms by which Ca2+ signals are generated by monocytes is important for understanding monocytic function in health and disease. Here we investigate mechanisms underlying Ca2+ signals generated following disruption of lysosomes by exposure to the cathepsin C substrate glycyl-L-phenylalanine-β-napthylamide (GPN). Exposure to 0.2 mM GPN resulted in robust increases in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. The response was antagonised by thapsigargin and evoked capacitative Ca2+ entry. Dantrolene-sensitive Ca2+ responses were observed at higher concentrations of GPN (0.4 mM) but not at 0.2 mM. Strikingly, GPN evoked Ca2+ responses and β-hexosaminidase secretion were inhibited by the ATPase/ADPase apyrase. Simultaneous measurement of [Ca2+]i and extracellular ATP revealed a concomitant secretion of ATP during GPN-evoked Ca2+ signalling. Furthermore, the ability of GPN to raise [Ca2+]i was inhibited by P2Y receptor antagonists or by inhibiting vesicular exocytosis with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). NEM treatment was associated with an inability of GPN to trigger ATP secretion, a drop in baseline [Ca2+]i and reduction in extracellular ATP concentration. Antagonism of purinergic signalling also caused a reduction in baseline [Ca2+]i. In summary, these data suggest that P2Y receptor activation contributes significantly to GPN-evoked Ca2+ signalling, and that constitutive secretion of lysosomal ATP is a major determinant of Ca2+ homeostasis in monocytes. Lysosomal Ca2+ stores can communicate with ER Ca2+ stores either directly through activation of ryanodine receptors, or indirectly through release of ATP and engagement of P2Y receptors.
Competition between the golgin Imh1p and the Gcs1p GAP stabilizes activated Arl1p at the late-Golgi
Authors: Chen Kuan-Yu , Tsai Pei-Chin , Liu Ya-Wen , Lee Fang-Jen S.
Published: July 2012

Golgins play diverse roles in regulating the structure and function of the Golgi. The yeast golgin Imh1p is targeted to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) through interaction of its GRIP domain with GTP-bound Arl1p. Recycling of Arl1p and Imh1p to the cytosol requires the hydrolysis of GTP bound to Arl1p, however, when GTP hydrolysis occurs remains unknown. Here, we report that self-interaction of Imh1p plays a role in modulating spatial inactivation of Arl1p. Deletion of IMH1 in yeast decreases the amount of the GTP-bound Arl1p and results in less Arl1p residing on the TGN. Biochemically, purified Imh1p competes with Gcs1p, an Arl1p GTPase-activating protein (GAP), for binding to Arl1p, thus interfering with the GAP activity of Gcs1p toward Arl1p. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the self-interaction of Imh1p attenuates the Gcs1p-dependent GTP hydrolysis of Arl1p. Thus, we infer that the golgin Imh1p serves as a feedback regulator to modulate the GTP hydrolysis of Arl1p.
Identification of CD23 as a functional receptor for the proinflammatory cytokine AIMP1/p43
Authors: Kwon Hyuk-Sang , Park Min Chul , Kim Dae Gyu , Jo Ki Won , Park Young Woo , Han Jung Min , Kim Sunghoon
Published: July 2012

ARS-interacting multifunctional protein 1 (AIMP1/p43) can be secreted to trigger proinflammatory molecules while it is predominantly bound to a cytoplasmic macromolecular protein complex that contains several different aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Although its activities as a secreted signaling factor have been well-characterized, the functional receptor for its proinflammatory activity has not yet identified. In this study, we have identified the receptor molecule for AIMP1 that mediates the secretion of TNF-α from THP-1 monocytic cells and primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In a screen of 499 soluble receptors, we identified CD23, a known low-affinity receptor for IgE, as a high affinity binding partner of AIMP1. We found that down-regulation of CD23 attenuated AIMP1-induced TNF-α secretion and AIMP1 binding to THP-1 and PBMCs. We also observed that in THP-1 and PBMCs, AIMP1-induced TNF-α secretion mediated by CD23 involved activation of ERK1/2. Interestingly, endothelial monocyte activating polypeptide II (EMAP II), the C-terminal fragment of AIMP1 that is also known to work as a proinflammatory cytokine, was incapable of binding to CD23 and of activating ERK1/2. Therefore, identification of CD23 not only explains the inflammatory function of AIMP1 but also provides the first evidence by which the mode of action of AIMP1 can be distinguished from that of its C-terminal domain, EMAP II.
Continuity of care in the transition from child to adult diabetes services: A realistic evaluation study
Authors: Allen Davina , Cohen David , Hood Kerry , Robling Mike , Atwell Christine , Lane Claire , Lowes Lesley , Channon Sue , Gillespie David , Groves Sam , Harvey John , Gregory John
Published: July 2012

Objectives:

To identify the continuity mechanisms central to a smooth transition from child to adult diabetes care, the service components through which these can be achieved and their inter-relations in different contexts.

Methods:

A realistic evaluation study of five models of transition in England comprising: organizational analysis (semi-structured interviews with 38 health care professionals and selected observations); case studies of 46 young people under-going transition and 39 carers (three qualitative interviews over a 12-18 month period, medical record review and clinical interviews); surveys of 82 (32% response rate at least once and 11% response rate at two time points) young people in the population approaching, undergoing or less than 12 months post-transition, and their carers (questionnaires included psychosocial outcome measures); and a costs and consequences analysis.

Results:

Seven continuities contribute to smooth transition: relational, longitudinal, management, informational, flexible, developmental and cultural. Relational, longitudinal, flexible and cultural continuity are the most important. Models with high levels of relational, longitudinal, flexible and cultural continuity achieve smooth transition with relatively informal, low-cost informational and management continuity mechanisms. Models with low levels of relational and longitudinal continuity need to invest in more formal interventions to facilitate management, flexible and informational continuity so that smooth transition is not compromised.

Conclusions:

Focusing on continuity mechanisms, their inter-relations and the effectiveness of different constellations of service components in achieving smooth transition has furnished evidence to inform the development of innovative models which build on the logic of these findings but are sensitive to local context. Further studies are needed to confirm the quantitative findings from a broader range of services and patients.
Practice Summaries: Designing Disease Prevention and Screening Centers in Abu Dhabi
Authors: Luangkesorn K. Louis , Norman Bryan A. , Zhuang Yi , Falbo Mimi , Sysko John
Published: July 2012

Abu Dhabi Health Services (SEHA) has established Disease Prevention and Screening Centers (DPSCs) to provide health screening for third-country national (TCN) workers. In anticipation of increases in the number of TCN workers who will require health screening, SEHA is building new centers to accommodate the increased requirements. As part of the design process, we used queuing and simulation models to model (1) the current DPSC configuration, (2) a configuration based on individual lanes, and (3) a configuration based on pooled lanes. We then used these models to analyze the effects of design decisions on capacity and customer flow through the centers.
Characterization of mixed-mode I/II fracture properties of adhesively bonded yellow-poplar by a dual actuator test frame instrument
Authors: Nicoli Edoardo , Dillard David A. , Frazier Charles E. , Zink-Sharp Audrey
Published: July 2012

Experimental results for the fracture behavior under mixed-mode in-plane loading conditions of adhesively bonded wood specimens are reported. The material systems considered involved yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), a hardwood of the Magnoliaceae family, as adherends bonded with two different adhesives, a moisture-cure polyurethane (PU) and a phenol/resorcinol/formaldehyde (PRF) resin. A dual actuator test frame permitted fine scanning of fracture behavior over a full range of mixed-mode I/II levels for double cantilever beam (DCB) geometry specimens. These tests showed that, in the considered material systems, the critical strain energy release rate,
c, tends to increase as the mode-mixity of the loading increases. In particular, the increase is steeper in proximity to pure mode II loading for the PRF bonded specimens. The experimental values of
c obtained were fairly scattered, as is common when testing wood systems. This variability is due in part to the natural variability of wood but also to other factors such as the orientation of the grain in the bonded beams and variations of bondline thickness. In particular, measurements of adhesive layer thickness were performed. This analysis was implemented with microscopic examination of samples cut from untested DCB specimens, where the bondline had not been disrupted by the test. Although the wood parts were power planed prior to bonding, rather large variations of the adhesive layer thickness were observed: on the order of 1–100 μm for specimens bonded with the PU resin and 10–50 μm for specimens bonded with the PRF resin, which showed somewhat more consistent fracture behavior.
Within-process and seasonal changes during industrial production of high-density fibreboard. Part 2: PLS modelling of chemical alterations, refining conditions and panel thickness swell
Authors: Weigl Martin , Maschl Gerald , Wimmer Rupert , Mitter Roland
Published: July 2012

Wood species, carbohydrate composition and the content of extractives were determined from extracted wood chips and refiner fibres over 1 year of sampling at an industrial high-density fibreboard (HDF) plant. Correlations were found among processing variables (discharge screw flow, digester and refiner pressure, and refiner power consumption) and the analysed composition of raw materials and semi-finished product based on partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis. Moreover, correlations between the degree of hemicellulose degradation and process variables were found. Panel thickness swell (PTS) was found to be affected by several raw and fibre material characteristics (based on PLSR), in which PTS was lower in the case of good fibre quality. These results demonstrate the potential impact of variable raw material properties on product properties and processing conditions in an industrial environment.
Dissolution and acetylation of ball-milled lignocellulosic biomass in ionic liquids at room temperature: application to nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of cell-wall components
Authors: Qu Chen , Kishimoto Takao , Hamada Masahiro , Nakajima Noriyuki
Published: July 2012

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of entire plant cell walls without isolating their components gained importance over the last decade. Recently, a dissolution method and an NMR analysis of entire plant cell walls were reported, in which finely ball-milled lignocellulosic biomass was dissolved at 100°C in the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. In the present study, several ILs were examined with or without co-solvent to find milder dissolution conditions to mitigate possible degradation processes. Co-solvents, including N,N-dimethylacetamide, pyridine, and dimethyl sulfoxide, increased the solubilization efficiency of ILs. For example, ball-milled fir wood was completely dissolved in 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl) at 30°C in the presence of these co-solvents. The heteronuclear single-quantum coherence NMR spectra of acetylated fir, birch, and bamboo cell walls, which were recovered from [Amim]Cl/pyridine (1:1, w/w) solution, had a high analytical power.
A Generalized Diagonal Wythoff Nim
Authors: Larsson Urban
Published: July 2012

The P-positions of the 2-pile take-away game of Wythoff Nim lie on two
Proportions of elements with given 2-part order in the symmetric group
Authors: Guest Simon , Praeger Cheryl E.
Published: July 2012

For an element
How small can “Nano” be in a “Nanolaser”?
Authors: Khurgin Jacob B. , Sun Greg
Published: July 2012

We show that the lasing threshold of the single mode metal-semiconductor nano-laser (spaser) is determined only by the photon absorption rate in the metal and exhibits very weak dependence on the composition, shape, size (as long as it is less than half-wavelength) and temperature of the gain medium. This threshold current is on the order of a few tens of micro-amperes for most semiconductor-metal combinations which leads to unattainably high threshold current densities for a substantially subwavelength laser (spaser). Therefore, in our view, surface plasmon emitting diodes, (SPEDs), operating far below “spasing” threshold may be a more viable option for the chip scale integrated nanophotonics.
Influence of the Reaction Conditions on the Ester Content and Characterization of Biodiesel via Ethylic Route
Authors: Ferreira Sérgio L. , dos Santos Antonio M. , de Souza Gustavo R. , Polito Wagner L.
Published: July 2012

There exist many motivations of environmental and energetic order regarding the most frequent use of renewable fuels. Biodiesel is one of the renewable alternatives to diesel oil, and its application has been increasing in Brazil and other countries. In Brazil, there is a positive propensity towards oleaginous cultivation and biodiesel appears as a proposal for the environmental, energetic, and social solution. The present paper deals with the influence of some conditions on the biodiesel production process via ethylic route using alkaline catalysis. Different reaction conditions, such as ethanol/oil molar ratio, reaction time, and temperature were used in the optimization of the biodiesel synthesis. The optimum conditions for the transesterification of soybean oil with anhydrous ethanol and KOH as a catalyst were obtained at 90°C reaction temperature, 8:1 molar ratio of ethanol to soybean oil and 1.0 wt.% catalyst concentration. Moreover, it is possible to observe that the ester content increases with long reaction times and high temperatures.
Impact of Venous Thromboembolism on Mortality of Elderly Medicare Patients with Stage III Colon Cancer
Authors: Hanna Nader , Bikov Kaloyan A. , McNally Diane , Onwudiwe Nneka C. , Dalal Mehul , Mullins C. Daniel
Published: July 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify the prevalence of adjuvant chemotherapy utilization in elderly patients with stage III colon cancer.Discuss the prevalence and impact of venous thromboembolism in elderly patients with stage III colon cancer.Identify potential for development of a clinical trial to study the clinical benefit and impact on cancer-specific and all-cause mortality of thromboprophylaxis during adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly patients with stage III colon cancer.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Background.

The improvement in survival rates for patients with colon cancer has shifted the focus from examining cancer-specific mortality to exploring all-cause mortality. Adverse events such as venous thromboembolism (VTE) affect overall survival times and the net clinical benefit of cancer management strategies.

Methods.

This retrospective study used Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Medicare data to examine VTE incidence and mortality rates for elderly patients with stage III colon cancer who were diagnosed in 2004 or 2005 and followed through 2007. The impact of VTE on mortality was estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results.

In all, 20.7% of 4,985 elderly patients with stage III colon cancer had clinically diagnosed VTE following diagnosis. All-cause mortality risk was higher for patients with a VTE diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.27), greater comorbidity burden, more advanced tumor depth and nodal involvement within stage III, advanced age, and male sex; the risk was lower for patients treated with chemotherapy. VTE was associated with higher mortality hazards (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.21–1.64) for patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy but not for untreated patients.

Conclusions.

A new diagnosis of VTE significantly reduced survival rates for elderly patients with stage III colon cancer and further reduced survival rates for patients treated with chemotherapy. Improved prevention and management of VTE for elderly patients with stage III colon cancer who are at risk for VTE is warranted, particularly for patients treated with chemotherapy.
Unified CPTu-based probabilistic model for assessing probability of liquefaction of sand and clay
Authors: JUANG C.H. , CHING J. , KU C.-S. , HSIEH Y.-H.
Published: July 2012

In this paper, a mathematically rigorous process is adopted to derive a piezocone penetration test (CPTu)-based model for assessing the probability of liquefaction/cyclic softening. The new probabilistic model is expressed in the form of a mapping function that relates the liquefaction probability mathematically to the factor of safety obtained from a published deterministic CPTu-based model. The new model is novel because it is applicable to both sand and clay, is more direct (in terms of the usage of CPTu data), is more consistent with a mechanics framework, and allows complete liquefaction assessment (at least for initial screening) without recourse to additional sampling and laboratory testing. Possible variation of the model caused by the variability of the adopted database is investigated and reported. Finally, examples are provided to demonstrate how the proposed model is applied in a future event considering both model and parameter uncertainties.
Progression of Periodontitis and Tooth Loss Associated with Glycemic Control in Individuals Undergoing Periodontal Maintenance Therapy: A 5‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Costa Fernando Oliveira , Miranda Cota Luís Otávio , Pereira Lages Eugênio José , Soares Dutra Oliveira Alcione Maria , Dutra Oliveira Peterson Antônio , Cyrino Renata Magalhães , Medeiros Lorentz Telma Campos , Cortelli Sheila Cavalca , Cortelli José Roberto
Published: July 2012

Background: Prospective studies that investigated the influence of glycemic control in the progression of periodontitis and tooth loss during periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) programs have not previously been reported. The aim of the present study is to evaluate associations between glycemic control status and progression of periodontitis and tooth loss among individuals during PMT.

Methods: A total of 92 individuals, all recruited from a prospective cohort with 238 participants undergoing PMT, participated in this study. Diabetes control was assessed according to percentage of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Individuals were matched for sex and smoking and were divided into three groups: 23 individuals with diabetes and poor glycemic control (PGC), 23 individuals with diabetes and good glycemic control (GGC), and 46 controls with no diabetes (NDC). Full‐mouth periodontal examination, including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level, was performed at all PMT visits during a 5‐year interval.

Results: Progression of periodontitis and tooth loss were significantly higher among PGC compared to GGC and NDC. The final logistic model in the final examination included: 1) for the progression of periodontitis, HbA1c ≥6.5% (odds ratio [OR] = 2.9), smoking (OR = 3.7), and BOP in >30% of sites (OR = 4.1); and 2) for tooth loss, HbA1c ≥6.5% (OR = 3.1), smoking (OR = 4.1), and PD 4 to 6 mm in ≤10% of sites (OR = 3.3).

Conclusions: PGC individuals, especially smokers, presented with a higher progression of periodontitis and tooth loss compared to NDC and GGC individuals. This result highlights the influence of glycemic control in maintaining a good periodontal status.
Effect of silver in severely nitrified chloraminated bulk waters
Authors: Bal Krishna K. C. , Sathasivan Arumugam
Published: July 2012

Chloramine has been widely used in many water utilities as a secondary disinfectant because of increased concern over disinfection by-products (DBPs) formation. However, its popularity has been affected due to microbial acceleration, which is traditionally believed to be by nitrifying organisms or their products such as nitrite and pH value which change substantially under nitrifying conditions. With the traditional belief in mind, the conventional approach to solve ‘chloramine decay’ was aimed at killing or flushing out nitrifiers. We have recently shown that either soluble microbial products (SMPs) released by microbes or changes in natural organic matter (NOM) characteristics under nitrified conditions could be responsible for the acceleration. With this new insight, a new control strategy was attempted by dosing silver at a concentration of 0.1 mg-Ag/L to the nitrified bulk waters obtained in a laboratory scale system. Accelerated chemical and microbial chloramine losses were significantly reduced after the addition of silver. These results are very promising for future applications.
Dispersed air flotation as a pretreatment process for seawater desalination
Authors: Altaher Hossam , ElQada Emad , Omar Waid
Published: July 2012

Pretreatment of seawater before reverse osmosis (RO) processes with dispersed air flotation involves a change in oxygen concentration in seawater. In order to understand this phenomenon, a series of experimental aeration studies was conducted. Aeration tests were performed under different operating conditions of seawater temperature, flow rate of the air and depth of the water in the aeration tank. The experimental results show that the overall mass transfer coefficient increases by increasing air flow rate. A measured increase in the overall mass transfer coefficient was observed with elevation of the temperature from 24 to 38 °C. The estimated value of activation energy of oxygen absorption in seawater is 42.5 kJ/mol. The value of the overall mass transfer coefficient is found to be affected by diffuser type and stirrer speed as these parameters influence the bubble size and the surface area available for mass transfer of oxygen from air bubbles to seawater.
Non-revenue water: financial model for optimal management in developing countries – application in Aqaba, Jordan
Authors: Wyatt Alan , Alshafey Mohammad
Published: July 2012

This paper presents the application of a financial model for optimal non-revenue water (NRW) to the Aqaba Water Company (AW), which serves approximately 130,000 residents of the Aqaba Governorate in Southern Jordan. It describes the water supply circumstances in Aqaba, summarizes previous NRW-reduction programs and their historical impacts, outlines the process of application for an NRW financial optimization model, and then presents the results, focusing on Aqaba City in particular. Currently, Aqaba Governorate's water is supplied from non-renewable groundwater drawn from the Disi Aquifer. With growing water demand, Aqaba will face a severe constraint – the limited capacity of wells and of the pipeline from Disi to Aqaba. As of 2010, the actual NRW was 361 L/customer/day, while the optimal amount was found to be about 89 L/customer/day. Sensitivity analysis shows that the reliability of the optimal NRW model result is plus or minus 10%. Depending on the effort expended, AW could reach optimal NRW by 2014–2017. Approximate projections show that NRW reduction can be a ‘source’ of water supply for the near future by delaying the date when Aqaba reaches full capacity of its current source of supply. However, a major new source of water will be needed for the long term. The paper concludes with a discussion of observations, conclusions and future work.
Assessment of alternate characterization tests for prediction of taste and odour control by granular activated carbon
Authors: Smith Kyla , Zhang Xiaodan , Hofmann Ron
Published: July 2012

The acetoxime number test was recently identified by the American Society for Testing and Materials as a method to characterize activated carbon. This adsorption isotherm gives information about the number of high energy adsorption sites on the surface of an activated carbon. A similar test uses tetrafluoromethane for the same purpose. In contrast, the more common iodine number and Brunauer, Emmet and Teller (BET) surface area parameters are a measure of the total number of adsorption sites. 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) is reported to require high energy sites for removal, so it was hypothesized that data from acetoxime and tetrafluoromethane isotherm tests for different activated carbons would be better correlated to MIB removal than iodine numbers or BET surface areas. MIB breakthrough was monitored in rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs) using four natural waters and five activated carbons. Results showed no correlation between acetoxime or tetrafluoromethane isotherms and MIB breakthrough.
Determination of long chain fatty acids in anaerobic digesters using a rapid non-derivatisation GC-FID method
Authors: Jiang Ying , Zhang Yue , Banks Charles J.
Published: July 2012

A rapid non-derivatisation gas chromatographic (GC) method for quantification of palmitic, stearic and oleic acids was achieved using a flame ionisation detector and a highly polar capillary column at elevated temperature. These long chain fatty acids (LCFA) can accumulate in anaerobic digesters and a simple extraction method was also developed to permit a more rapid sample turn-around time, facilitating more frequent monitoring. The GC method was satisfactory in terms of peak separation, signal response, reproducibility and linearity range. The extraction method achieved recoveries of 103.8, 127.2 and 84.2% for palmitic, stearic and oleic acid respectively. The method was tested on digestate from mesophilic laboratory-scale digesters fed with source-segregated domestic food waste, and showed good repeatability between replicate samples. It was observed that the concentrations of stearic and palmitic acid in digesters routinely supplemented with trace elements were lower in proportion to the applied lipid loading than those without supplementation.
Mg/Al layered double hydroxide for bacteriophage removal in aqueous solution
Authors: Kim Jae-Hyun , Park Jeong-Ann , Kim Song-Bae
Published: July 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the removal of bacteriophages in Mg/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH). Batch experiments were performed with bacteriophage MS2 in a powder form of Mg/Al LDH under various LDH doses. Column experiments were also performed under flow-through condition with bacteriophages MS2 and phiX174 in Mg/Al LDH immobilized on sand surfaces. Batch tests demonstrated that the powder form of Mg/Al LDH was effective in removing MS2 with the removal capacity of 2.2 × 108 plaque forming unit (pfu)/g under the given experimental conditions (LDH dose = 2 g/L; initial MS2 concentration = 4.61 × 105 pfu/mL). Column experiments showed that the log removal of phiX174 was 4.40 in columns containing 100% Mg/Al LDH-coated sand while it was 0.05 in 100% quartz sand. These findings indicated that Mg/Al LDH-coated sand was effective in removing bacteriophages compared with sand. A more than 4 log removal (=5.44) of MS2 was achieved in 100% Mg/Al LDH-coated sand. This study demonstrates the potential application of Mg/Al LDH for virus removal in water treatment.
A bifunctionalized dye-sensitized TiO2 film for efficient degradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation
Authors: Wu Quanping , Zhao Jun , Qin Guohui , Wang Xuezheng , Tong Xinli , Xue Song
Published: July 2012

A new bifunctionalized TiO2 film containing a dye-sensitized region and a degradation region was described. A similar structure of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was fabricated in the dye-sensitized region to accomplish separation of electrons from positive charges, and separation of dye from pollutants to avoid dye decomposition. The bifunctionalized TiO2 film electrode and anode electrode can degrade methyl orange (MO) in reactors A and B, respectively. The degradation efficiency was enhanced remarkably by an external electrical potential. The decolorization of MO reaches as high as 95% after 2 h visible light irradiation at an external potential of 0.5 V along with a loss of 41% total organic carbon (TOC). The possible reason for the improvement of degradation by external DC potential was discussed. Effects of pH and inorganic salts on the decolorization are present.
Utilizing settling tests to design a conventional upflow settling tank modified with inclined plates
Authors: Saady Noori M. Cata
Published: July 2012

This paper examines the relationships between the turbidity removal efficiency (TRE), the surface overflow rate (SOR), and the detention time (Dt) in settling column and jar tests, as well as the performance of a conventional upflow settling tank modified with inclined plates in the upper zone. The experimental results showed that the SOR obtained from the flocculent settling column test can be increased by 30% and the corresponding Dt can be decreased by 75% with a variation in TRE of less than 7%. The TRE of flocculent settling in the jar test coincided with the performance of the modified upflow settling tank, while the results of the settling column test were slightly different. For plain settling, the SOR obtained from jar and settling column tests should be divided by 3 and 2, respectively, before possible use in the design of the modified upflow settling tank. Two empirical models with 1.0% error in the TRE predictions were developed to facilitate the design of the modified upflow settling tank.
A novel biomimetic orthodontic bonding agent helps prevent white spot lesions adjacent to brackets
Authors: Manfred Lauren , Covell David A. , Crowe Jennifer J. , Tufekci Eser , Mitchell John C.
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To compare changes in enamel microhardness adjacent to orthodontic brackets after using bonding agents containing various compositions of bioactive glass compared to a traditional resin adhesive following a simulated caries challenge.

Materials and Methods:

Extracted human third molars (n  =  10 per group) had orthodontic brackets bonded using one of four novel bioactive glass (BAG)-containing orthodontic bonding agents (BAG-Bonds) or commercially available Transbond-XT. The four new adhesives contained BAG in varying percentages incorporated into a traditional resin monomer mixture. Teeth were cycled through low-pH demineralizing and physiologic-pH remineralizing solutions once each day over 14 days. Microhardness was measured on longitudinal sections of the teeth 100, 200, and 300 µm from the bracket edge and beneath the brackets, at depths of 25 to 200 µm from the enamel surface. Normalized hardness values were compared using three-way analysis of variance.

Results:

Significantly less reduction in enamel microhardness was found with the experimental adhesives at depths of 25 and 50 µm at all distances from the bracket edge. In all groups, there were no significant changes in enamel microhardness past 125-µm depth. Results varied with the different BAG-Bonds, with 81BAG-Bond showing the smallest decrease in enamel microhardness.

Conclusions:

The BAG-Bonds tested in this study showed a reduction in the amount of superficial enamel softening surrounding orthodontic brackets compared to a traditional bonding agent. The results indicate that clinically, BAG-Bonds may aid in maintaining enamel surface hardness, therefore helping prevent white spot lesions adjacent to orthodontic brackets.
Tortricidae (Lepidoptera) from the Tervuren Museum, 4: Enarmoniini, Eucosmini and Grapholitini
Authors: Razowski Józef
Published: July 2012

Tortricidae (Lepidoptera) from the Tervuren Museum, 4: Enarmoniini, Eucosmini and Grapholitini

Eleven species are treated; one genus (Congancylis gen. n.) and nine species (Ancylis tryssops sp. n., Congancylis ghesquieri sp. n., Gypsonoma ngangaona sp. n., Charitostega achrosta sp. n., Melanodaedala magdalina sp. n., Cryptophlebia dolia sp. n., Grapholita mutsorae sp. n., G. niveosa sp. n., Grapholita ueleana sp. n.) are described as new.
When Minimal Detectable Change Exceeds a Diagnostic Test–Based Threshold Change Value for an Outcome Measure: Resolving the Conflict
Authors: Stratford Paul W. , Riddle Daniel L.
Published: July 2012

Assessing patient progress is an integral part of physical therapist practice. In an attempt to assist clinical decision making regarding a patient's change status, researchers have offered study-based threshold change values. Often researchers have provided reliability and diagnostic test–based estimates of threshold change values obtained from the same patient sample. A potential dilemma occurs when the reliability (ie, the minimal detectable change [MDC])–based threshold change value exceeds the diagnostic test–based threshold value. How can a change be detected if the threshold change value falls within the limits of error? In this situation, researchers have recommended using the larger MDC threshold change value. In this perspective article, we describe the interpretation of the threshold values provided by each of these estimation methods and consider which one offers information that is more meaningful to the challenge faced by physical therapists when making decisions concerning the change status of patients. The context for our discussion is a clinical vignette that depicts the dilemma outlined above. We conclude this perspective with suggestions for researchers concerning essential information to include when reporting threshold estimates obtained from reliability–based and diagnostic test–based studies of outcome measures.
The Effects of Pre-learning Vocabulary on Reading Comprehension and Writing (Enhanced)
Authors: Webb Stuart A.
Published: July 2012

This study investigates the effects of pre-learning vocabulary on reading comprehension and writing. Japanese students studying English as a foreign language (EFL) learned word pairs receptively and productively; four tests were used to measure reading comprehension, writing, and receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge. The findings suggest that pre-learning FL vocabulary may be an effective method of improving reading comprehension and writing, with the direction of learning having a significant effect on a learner's ability to use or understand a word. Participants who completed the productive learning task had higher scores on the writing test and on the test of productive vocabulary knowledge, while participants who completed the receptive learning task had higher scores on the comprehension test. The study highlights the importance of the direction of learning in attaining communicative skills.
Pratiques de littératie à l'école. Pour une approche ethnographique de la classe en deuxième année d'immersion en Colombie-Britannique(avec fonctionnement supplémentaire)
Authors: Moore Danièle , Sabatier Cécile
Published: July 2012

Résumé

À partir d'un corpus recueilli dans trois classes de deuxième année de l'école primaire en immersion française en Colombie-Britannique, l'article explore le concept de littératie(s) dans son articulation avec les notions de contexte et de culture éducative, et présente la méthodologie et les classes observées selon une perspective ethnographique. L'analyse des données insiste sur les pratiques de littératie dans les classes pour, dans sa conclusion, poser les jalons d'une réflexion qui envisage la question de l'agir professionnel et de la formation des enseignants. Cette étude met ainsi l'emphase sur le travail pédagogique des enseignants, en proposant une description minutieuse de l'éventail des pratiques de littératie qui font le quotidien des élèves et de leurs enseignants.