bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of FAK prevents blister formation in the neonatal mouse model of pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Gil María P. , Modol Teresa , España Agustín , López‐Zabalza María J.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering skin disease characterized by suprabasal acantholysis and by autoantibodies against desmoglein 3 localized on desmosomes. In addition, caspases also seem to participate in this blistering disease. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non‐receptor tyrosine kinase involved in cytoskeleton remodelling and formation and disassembly of cell adhesion structures. We have previously demonstrated that HER (human epidermal growth factor receptor related) isoforms, Src (Rous sarcoma) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), three molecules implicated in signalling processes, take part in suprabasal acantholysis and apoptosis induced by PV‐IgG in a mouse model. Our aim was to investigate whether upregulation of FAK is implicated in the development of PV lesions. Herein, using a mouse model, PV‐IgG administration showed an increased level of FAK phosphorylated on 397 and 925 tyrosine residues in the basal layer of epidermis. When mice were pretreated with a FAK inhibitor (FI), the acantholysis of the basal layer of epidermis was absent. More interestingly, we observed that phosphorylated FAK (Y397/925) decreased when HER isoforms, Src, mTOR and pan‐caspases inhibitors were employed before PV‐IgG administration. In addition, pretreatment with the FI before PV‐IgG injection prevented the changes in both Bax and Bcl‐2 expression and caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 activities induced by PV‐IgG. Finally, FI reduced the expression of phosphorylated Src and mTOR in the basal cells of epidermis. In conclusion, our data reveal a novel role of phosphorylated FAK (Y397/925) in PV development involving HER isoforms, Src and mTOR kinases.
Is mechanical stress an important pathogenic factor in hidradenitis suppurativa?
Authors: de Winter Kim , van der Zee Hessel H. , Prens Errol P.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic of recurrent, inflammatory, follicular disease that usually presents after puberty with painful deep‐seated, inflamed lesions in the inverse skin areas of the body. It has been hypothesized that mechanical pressure or friction is a risk factor for HS. We describe the case of a man with a lower leg amputation who presented HS‐like lesions on his leg stump after wearing a leg prosthesis. Although pilonidal sinus‐like disease could not be excluded, we diagnosed him with HS‐like lesions, induced by prosthesis‐related friction. We argue that this case supports the concept that mechanical friction and a warm humid microclimate by occlusion contribute to HS development.
Male‐biased sex ratio of nonanadromous Oncorhynchus mykiss in a partially migratory population in California
Authors: Rundio David E. , Williams Thomas H. , Pearse Devon E. , Lindley Steven T.
Published: January 2012

Abstract –  Differential rates of anadromy between males and females are common in partially migratory salmonid populations, but this pattern is not fully clear for Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout/steelhead) from the limited but mixed data available. In particular, there are very few data on sex ratios of juvenile and nonanadromous (resident) fish to help assess sex composition of various life stages and life‐history types. We used a recently developed Y‐chromosome genetic marker to assess sex ratio of stream‐dwelling (i.e., juvenile and nonanadromous) O. mykiss in a small coastal basin in central California, USA. We analysed 384 samples collected from three contiguous study reaches over 3 years. Sex ratio was 1:1 among juvenile‐sized O. mykiss (<150 mm) but highly male‐skewed (83%) among nonanadromous‐sized individuals (≥150 mm), and this sex ratio × size pattern did not differ among years or study reaches. Our results suggest that the rate of anadromy differs between males and females in this basin. Our study also demonstrates the application of new genetic markers to determine sex composition of immature and nonanadromous salmonids, which will help assess sex‐specific life‐history behaviour in partially migratory populations of O. mykiss and other species.
Combination injuries 3. The risk of pulp necrosis in permanent teeth with extrusion or lateral luxation and concomitant crown fractures without pulp exposure
Authors: Lauridsen Eva , Hermann Nuno Vibe , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Ahrensburg Søren Steno , Kreiborg Sven , Andreasen Jens Ove
Published: January 2012

Abstract –  Aim: To analyze the influence of a crown fracture without pulp exposure on the risk of pulp necrosis (PN) in teeth with extrusion or lateral luxation. Material and methods: The study included 82 permanent incisors with extrusion from 78 patients (57 male, 21 female) and 179 permanent incisors with lateral luxation from 149 patients (87 male, 62 female). A total of 25 teeth with extrusion and 33 teeth with lateral luxation had suffered a concomitant crown fracture (infraction, enamel fracture or enamel‐dentin‐fracture). All the teeth were examined and treated according to a standardized protocol. Statistics: The risk of PN was analyzed separately for teeth with immature and mature root development by the Kaplan–Meier method, the log‐rank test and Cox regression (lateral luxation only). The level of significance was set at 5%. Risk factors included in the analysis were gender, age, crown fracture, and response to electric pulp test at the initial examination. Results: A concomitant crown fracture significantly increased the risk of PN in teeth with lateral luxation. For teeth with immature root development (hazard ratio: 10 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–100] P = 0.04), the overall risk increased from 4.7% (95% CI: 0–10.8) to 40% (95% CI: 2.8–77.2). For teeth with mature root development [hazard ratio: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.4–4.2) P < 0.001], the overall risk increased from 65.1% (95% CI: 55.2–75.1) to 93% (95% CI: 85.5–100). In teeth with extrusion and mature root development, the overall risk of PN increased from 56.5% (95% CI: 37.7–75.4) to 76.5% (95% CI: 58.9–94) in case of a concomitant crown fracture, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: A concomitant crown fracture without pulp exposure significantly increased the risk of PN in teeth with lateral luxation. This risk factor may be used to identify teeth at increased risk of PN following lateral luxation injury.
Comparative study of cone beam computed tomography and intraoral periapical radiographs in diagnosis of lingual‐simulated external root resorptions
Authors: Bernardes Ricardo Affonso , de Paulo Renata Silvéria , Pereira Luciana Oliveira , Duarte Marco Antonio Hungaro , Ordinola‐Zapata Ronald , de Azevedo José Ribamar
Published: January 2012

Abstract –  Background: Owing to a lack of symptoms and difficult visualization in routine intraoral radiographs, diagnosis of external root resorptions can be challenging. Aim: The goal of this study was to compare two image acquisition methods, intraoral radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), in the diagnosis of external resorption. Material and Methods: Thirty‐four maxillary and mandibular bicuspids were divided into three groups. Perforations measuring 0.3 and 0.6 mm in diameter and 0.15 and 0.3 mm in depth, respectively, were made on the lingual root surfaces in thirty teeth, and four were used as controls. Next, teeth were mounted on an apparatus and radiographed at mesial, distal, and orthoradial angulations. CBCT images were also taken. The analysis of the intraoral radiographic and tomographic images was carried out by two experts using standardized scores. Data were then compared statistically. Results: A strong agreement between the examiners was observed in both diagnosis methods, the intraoral radiographic (r = 0.93) and the tomographic analysis (r = 1.0). Tomography had higher statistically significant detection values than intraoral radiography (P < 0.05). In intraoral radiographs, the detection was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the mandibular bicuspids, compared with their maxillary counterparts. The ability to detect 0.6‐mm perforations by intraoral radiography was significantly higher than that of 0.3‐mm perforations (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Cone beam computed tomography showed better diagnostic ability compared with intraoral radiography, regardless of the tooth or the dimensions of the resorption evaluated.
Grassland restoration to conserve landscape‐level biodiversity: a synthesis of early results from a large‐scale project
Authors: Lengyel Szabolcs , Varga Katalin , Kosztyi Beatrix , Lontay László , Déri Eszter , Török Péter , Tóthmérész Béla
Published: January 2012

Question

European landscapes have long been influenced by intensifying use by humans. Although habitat restoration can reverse this process, it is often limited in scope by socioeconomic constraints. Here we present a grassland restoration project that is exceptional in spatial scale in Europe.

Location

A total area of 760 ha of arable land was restored in the Egyek‐Pusztakócs unit (50 km2) of Hortobágy National Park, east Hungary, between 2005 and 2008.

Methods

Restoration targeted alkali steppes and loess grasslands by sowing seeds of either two (alkali) or three (loess) foundation grass species. In 2009, we surveyed the vegetation in restored and target grasslands and quantified the factors influencing restoration success in a space‐for‐time substitution design.

Results

We recorded 100 species of flowering plants, of which 37 species were non‐weed, ‘target’ species. Annual weeds dominated 1‐yr‐old fields but had decreased dramatically by the third year due to a developing perennial grass cover. Former alfalfa fields had proportionally fewer weeds than former cereal and sunflower fields. The diversity of common species and the cover of target species increased from 1‐ to 4‐yr‐old restored fields. Alkali‐restored fields had more heterogeneous vegetation and more species than loess‐restored fields. Distance to the target vegetation did not directly affect vegetation variables. There was significant spatial variability in vegetation development, possibly suggesting several local pathways of succession.

Conclusions

Grassland restoration was generally successful in accelerating secondary succession towards alkali steppes and loess grasslands. However, further management is necessary to counter the homogenizing effects of litter accumulation, to reduce perennial weeds and to enhance the colonization of target species. Our project provides useful practical insights into grassland restoration and in applying restoration at a number of sites within a larger area to conserve biodiversity at the landscape scale.
Shrub facilitation increases plant diversity along an arid scrubland–temperate rain forest boundary in South America
Authors: van Zonneveld Maarten J. , Gutiérrez Julio R. , Holmgren Milena
Published: January 2012

Aim

Theoretical models predict nurse plant facilitation enhances species richness by ameliorating stressful environmental conditions and expanding distributional ranges of stress‐intolerant species into harsh environments. We studied the role of nurse facilitation on the recruitment of perennial plants along an arid scrubland–temperate rain forest boundary to test the following predictions: (1) nurse shrub canopy increases seedling abundance and species richness along the rain forest–scrubland boundary; (2) scrubland species are less dependent on facilitative interactions than temperate rain forest species, especially at the moister, upper end of the gradient.

Location

Bosque Fray Jorge National Park, north‐central Chile, South America (30° 39′ S – 71° 40′ W).

Methods

We examined seedling abundance and species richness of perennial plants in the open and under different types of patches that may facilitate species recruitment (living shrubs, dead shrubs, perennial grasses and trees) along an arid scrubland–temperate rain forest boundary. To assess whether the potential role of the shrub canopy on seedling survival in the scrubland and forest differs, we designed a 2 × 2 factorial field experiment with shrub canopy (under shrub or open patch) and small mammal herbivory (access or closed) as factors. At both sides of the scrubland–forest gradient, we planted young seedlings of scrubland (Senna cumingii) and forest (Myrceugenia correifolia and Griselinia scandens) species under the four treatment combinations.

Results

Nurse living shrubs increased seedling abundance and diversity. Under living shrubs, the number of recruiting species was 100% and 30% larger than in open patches of the arid scrubland and temperate rain forest patches, respectively. Seedling abundance was 60% and 300% larger under living shrubs compared to open patches of the scrubland and the temperate rain forest, respectively. Despite their low cover, dead shrubs were particularly important for recruitment of young seedlings in the scrubland. Seedlings of forest species were extremely rare. The field experiment demonstrated the importance of nurse plant facilitation for the survival of the forest species at both sides of the boundary. In contrast, scrubland species were less dependent on nurse plants than forest and intermediate forest–scrubland species.

Conclusions

Our results show that facilitative interactions increase seedling abundance and species richness along an arid scrubland–temperate rain forest boundary, notably by enhancing seedling establishment of forest species. Despite increasing nurse shrub–seedling competition in the arid scrubland, shrubs have a net positive effect on plant community diversity.
Immediate Postextractive Dental Implant Placement with Immediate Loading on Four Implants for Mandibular‐Full‐Arch Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Mozzati Marco , Arata Valentina , Gallesio Giorgia , Mussano Federico , Carossa Stefano
Published: January 2012

Background: To date, only few studies have reported on the clinical outcomes of immediate postextraction implant placement and immediate loading.

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the results of immediately loading four implants placed in fresh extraction sockets in the mandible after a follow‐up of 24 months.

Materials and Methods: Between January 2001 and January 2009, 50 patients (28 women and 22 men, average age 54 years), had 347 teeth extracted and a total of 200 dental implants placed in the mandible. The patients received a provisional fixed bridge the same day and a permanent one 3 months later. Clinical checkups were performed after 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Marginal bone measurements were made in intraoral radiographs taken 1 day after surgery and after 1 year. A questionnaire was used to evaluate self‐perceived factors related to comfort, aesthetics, and function.

Results: All bridges were stable and no implant failures were recorded during the follow‐up, giving a survival rate of 100%, at 2 years. The marginal bone loss amounted to 1.33 ± 0.36 mm after 1 year and 1.48 ± 0.39 mm after 2 years. Ten patients showed prosthetic complications with the provisional bridge, but all the definitive prostheses remained stable throughout the study period without any complications. The patients reported satisfaction with the treatment.

Conclusions: The present retrospective study showed that immediate loading of four implants immediately placed in extraction sockets is a valid treatment modality for the totally edentulous mandible.
Comparison of Fracture Resistance and Fit Accuracy of Customized Zirconia Abutments with Prefabricated Zirconia Abutments in Internal Hexagonal Implants
Authors: Park Jong‐Il , Lee Yoon , Lee Jin‐Han , Kim Yu‐Lee , Bae Ji‐Myung , Cho Hye‐Won
Published: January 2012

Background: Customized zirconia abutments are increasingly applied for the fabrication of esthetic implant restorations aimed at imitating the natural situation. These abutments are individually shaped according to the anatomical needs of the respective implant site.

Purpose: This study sought to compare the fracture resistance and fit accuracy of prefabricated and customized zirconia abutments using an internal hexagonal implant system (TSV®, Zimmer, Carlsbad, CA, USA).

Materials and Methods: Two zirconia abutment groups were tested: prefabricated zirconia abutments (ZirAce, Acucera, Seoul, Korea) and customized zirconia abutments milled by the Zirkonzahn milling system. Twenty zirconia abutments per group were connected to implants on an acrylic resin base with 30‐Ncm torque. The fracture resistance of zirconia abutments was measured with an angle of 30° at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min using the universal testing machine (Z020, Zwick, Ulm, Germany). Marginal and internal gaps between implants and zirconia abutments were measured after sectioning the embedded specimens using a digital microhardness tester (MXT70, Matsuzawa, Tokyo, Japan).

Results: The customized abutments were significantly stronger (1,430.2 N) than the prefabricated abutments (1,064.1 N). The mean marginal adaptation of customized abutments revealed a microgap that was increased (11.5 µm) over that in prefabricated abutments (4.3 µm).

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the customized abutments are significantly stronger than prefabricated abutments, but the fit is less accurate. The strength and fit of both abutments are within clinically acceptable limit.
Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial: Early Loading of Implants in Maxillary Bone
Authors: Al‐Nawas Bilal , Krummenauer Frank , Büchter André , Kleinheinz Johannes , Neukam Friedrich , Petrin Guido , Schlegel Karl Andreas , Weingart Dieter , Wagner Wilfried
Published: January 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study was to show prognostic equivalence between implant loading in the maxilla after 12 weeks versus 4 weeks.

Materials and Methods: One hundred four patients, from four centers in this open‐labeled randomized multicenter prospective controlled clinical trial, were assigned to either 12 weeks or 4 weeks of unloaded healing. Two hundred sixty‐nine implants (sand blasted large‐grid, acid etched [SLA] surface, ≥4.1 mm diameter; ≥10 mm length) were inserted and evaluated during an individual 5‐year follow‐up. Primary outcome was implant success after 12 months; prognostic equivalence was characterized by a maximum difference of ±5% in implant failure rates.

Results: Implant‐wise 1‐year failure rates were estimated 3.1% (5/163 implants) in the 4 weeks group versus 3.6% (4/112 implants) in the 12 weeks group (95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference −3.2 –+4.2%); implant‐wise evaluation demonstrated statistically significant prognostic equivalence of 4 and 12 weeks loading. Patient‐wise 1‐year failure rates were estimated 6.7% (n = 4 patients) in the 4 weeks group versus 5.1% (n = 2 patients) in the 12 weeks group (95% CI for the difference −9.6 –+6.5%). All implant failures occurred within the first 3 months of the individual observation period. Prior bone augmentation, underdimensioned drilling, bone quality, implant type, implant length, implant diameter, residual teeth, and fixing of the restoration did not reveal associations with the implant outcome: trial site, posterior jaw region, and splinting were associated with a higher failure rate. Resonance frequency analysis did not serve as a predictor of implant failures at the time of implant insertion.

Conclusion: Loading of standard SLA implants in the maxilla 4 weeks versus 12 weeks after insertion resulted in statistically equivalent failure patterns within a 1‐year follow‐up period; nevertheless, the observed patient‐wise failure patterns of the interim analysis requires further understanding of patient‐individual aspects of the early loading concept.
Supramandibular Canal Portion Superior to the Fossa of the Submaxillary Gland: A Tomographic Evaluation of the Cross‐Sectional Dimension in the Molar Region
Authors: Yu David C. , Friedland Bernard D. , Karimbux Nadeem Y. , Guze Kevin A.
Published: January 2012

Purpose: Within the fossa of the submaxillary gland (FSG), there is a portion superior to the mandibular canal (SMCP) that can affect implant placement. Our study evaluated this specific portion's prevalence and its average dimensional difference between the first and the second molar regions in a dental implant population.

Materials and Methods: From 112 patients' mandibular cone beam computerized tomography scans, the SMCPs of the FSG's horizontal and vertical dimensions in the first and second molar positions on both sides were digitally measured.

Results: The SMCP of the FSG is larger in the second molar region than in the first molar region in >90% of cases. Average differences were 2.3 mm horizontally and 2.7 mm vertically. Gender difference and intraindividual's left/right variation were both clinically less significant in magnitude than the difference between the molar regions. Taking the 2‐mm safety margin above the mandibular canal into consideration, the SMCP of the FSG remained high in prevalence.

Conclusions: The SMCP of the FSG may complicate implant placement more in the second molar region than in the first. Implant planning in the posterior mandibular molar regions should include a SMCP of the FSG evaluation using computer tomography especially in the second molar region.
Conventional Multi‐Slice Computed Tomography (CT) and Cone‐Beam CT (CBCT) for Computer‐Aided Implant Placement. Part II: Reliability of Mucosa‐Supported Stereolithographic Guides
Authors: Arisan Volkan , Karabuda Zihni Cüneyt , Pişkin Bülent , Özdemir Tayfun
Published: January 2012

Purpose: Deviations of implants that were placed by conventional computed tomography (CT)‐ or cone beam CT (CBCT)‐derived mucosa‐supported stereolithographic (SLA) surgical guides were analyzed in this study.

Materials and Methods: Eleven patients were randomly scanned by a multi‐slice CT (CT group) or a CBCT scanner (CBCT group). A total of 108 implants were planned on the software and placed using SLA guides. A new CT or CBCT scan was obtained and merged with the planning data to identify the deviations between the planned and placed implants. Results were analyzed by Mann‐Whitney U test and multiple regressions (p < .05).

Results: Mean angular and linear deviations in the CT group were 3.30° (SD 0.36), and 0.75 (SD 0.32) and 0.80 mm (SD 0.35) at the implant shoulder and tip, respectively. In the CBCT group, mean angular and linear deviations were 3.47° (SD 0.37), and 0.81 (SD 0.32) and 0.87 mm (SD 0.32) at the implant shoulder and tip, respectively. No statistically significant differences were detected between the CT and CBCT groups (p = .169 and p = .551, p = .113 for angular and linear deviations, respectively).

Conclusions: Implant placement via CT‐ or CBCT‐derived mucosa‐supported SLA guides yielded similar deviation values. Results should be confirmed on alternative CBCT scanners.
Infant responsiveness, alertness, haemoglobin and growth in rural Sidama, Ethiopia
Authors: Aubuchon‐Endsley Nicki L. , Grant Stephanie L. , Thomas David G. , Kennedy Tay S. , Berhanu Getenesh , Stoecker Barbara J. , Hubbs‐Tait Laura , Hambidge K. Michael
Published: January 2012

Several recent studies have supported relations between infant behaviour (alertness and responsiveness) and nutrition in addition to investigating infant behaviour within the context of changes in iron status over time. Existing research is typically limited to the investigation of the effects of a single vitamin or mineral, and no studies have been found that examined the influence that early alertness and responsiveness have on growth in early infancy, despite the fact that relations between behaviour and nutritional status may be bidirectional. The current study used a sample of Ethiopian infants and investigated anthropometrics, haemoglobin, the frequency of alertness and the frequency of responsiveness at 6 and 9 months of age. Six‐month weight‐for‐age predicted 9‐month frequency of alertness, while 6‐month haemoglobin predicted 9‐month frequency of responsiveness. Compared with responsive infants, non‐responsive infants at 6 months remained more non‐responsive at 9 months, although weight‐for‐age for both groups converged at 9 months. Results support relations between nutrition and behaviour (alertness and responsiveness) and provide evidence of a potentially useful tool (the Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery) that was adapted to evaluate these relations in Ethiopia.
Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: new advances in targeted therapy
Authors: Lo Mindy S. , Tsokos George C.
Published: January 2012

Treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has traditionally been restricted to broad‐based immunosuppression, with glucocorticoids being central to care. Recent insights into lupus pathogenesis promise new, selective therapies with more favorable side effect profiles. The best example of this is belimumab, which targets the B cell cytokine BLyS and has now received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its use in SLE. Strategies targeting other cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and interferon (IFN)‐α, are also on the horizon. Blockade of costimulatory interactions between immune cells offers another opportunity for therapeutic intervention, as do small molecule inhibitors that interfere with cell signaling pathways. We review here the current strategies for SLE treatment, with particular focus on therapies now in active pharmaceutical development. We will also discuss new understandings in lupus pathogenesis that may lead to future advances in therapy.
From interleukin‐9 to T helper 9 cells
Authors: Stassen Michael , Schmitt Edgar , Bopp Tobias
Published: January 2012

Interleukin‐9 (IL‐9), cloned more than 20 years ago, was initially thought to be a Th2‐specific cytokine. This assumption was initially confirmed by functional analyses showing that both IL‐9 and Th2 cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma, IgE class switch recombination, and resolution of parasitic infections. However, recently it was shown that IL‐9–producing CD4+ T cells represent the discrete T helper subset Th9 cells. Herein, we will review the cytokines and transcription factors known to promote the development of Th9 cells and their potential functional properties in relation to the biological activities of IL‐9. In addition, we will discuss how Th9 cells are related to Th2, Th17, and Treg cells, as both an alternative source of IL‐9 and in view of the fact that plasticity of CD4+ T cell differentiation is currently a strong matter of debate in immunologic research.
Successful hydraulic strategies to start up OLAND sequencing batch reactors at lab scale
Authors: Schaubroeck Thomas , Bagchi Samik , De Clippeleir Haydée , Carballa Marta , Verstraete Willy , Vlaeminck Siegfried E.
Published: January 2012

Oxygen‐limited autotrophic nitrification/denitrification (OLAND) is a one‐stage combination of partial nitritation and anammox, which can have a challenging process start‐up. In this study, start‐up strategies were tested for sequencing batch reactors (SBR), varying hydraulic parameters, i.e. volumetric exchange ratio (VER) and feeding regime, and salinity. Two sequential tests with two parallel SBR were performed, and stable removal rates > 0.4 g N l−1 day−1 with minimal nitrite and nitrate accumulation were considered a successful start‐up. SBR A and B were operated at 50% VER with 3 g NaCl l−1 in the influent, and the influent was fed over 8% and 82% of the cycle time respectively. SBR B started up in 24 days, but SBR A achieved no start‐up in 39 days. SBR C and D were fed over 65% of the cycle time at 25% VER, and salt was added only to the influent of SBR D (5 g NaCl l−1). Start‐up of both SBR C and D was successful in 9 and 32 days respectively. Reactor D developed a higher proportion of small aggregates (0.10–0.25 mm), with a high nitritation to anammox rate ratio, likely the cause of the observed nitrite accumulation. The latter was overcome by temporarily including an anoxic period at the end of the reaction phase. All systems achieved granulation and similar biomass‐specific nitrogen removal rates (141–220 mg N g−1 VSS day−1). FISH revealed a close juxtapositioning of aerobic and anoxic ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB and AnAOB), also in small aggregates. DGGE showed that AerAOB communities had a lower evenness than Planctomycetes communities. A higher richness of the latter seemed to be correlated with better reactor performance. Overall, the fast start‐up of SBR B, C and D suggests that stable hydraulic conditions are beneficial for OLAND while increased salinity at the tested levels is not needed for good reactor performance.
Decreased blood pressure with a corresponding decrease in adhesive molecules in diabetic rats caused by vitamin E administration
Authors: Shirpoor Alireza , Khadem Ansari Mohammad‐Hasan , Heshmatian Behnam , Ilkhanizadeh Behrouz , Noruzi Leila , Abdollahzadeh Naseh , Saboory Ehsan
Published: January 2012

Background:  Hypertension is one of the important clinical problems of diabetic cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin E on blood pressure parameters and adhesive molecule amounts in diabetic rats.

Methods:  Twenty‐four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (each of n = 8): the controls (C), non‐treated diabetic (NTD), and vitamin E treated diabetic (VETD) groups. A single intraperitoneal injection of buffered streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) in cold sodium citrate (pH 4.5) was used to induce diabetes. The VETD group received 300 mg of vitamin E daily intragastrically for 6 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, as well as the dicrotic pressure, crest time, systolic and diastolic periods, and plasma levels of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and E‐selectin were measured after 6 weeks.

Results:  The results revealed that there was a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, mean arterial pressure, crest time, systolic duration, and the amount of sICAM‐1 and E‐selectin in diabetic rats. There was no significant difference in the heart rate or cardiac cyclic duration among the different groups. Significant improvement of blood pressure parameters as well as attenuation of the elevated ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin amounts was found in the vitamin E treated group.

Conclusions:  These findings indicate that vitamin E significantly improved blood pressure elevation in diabetic rats and that these effects could be associated with reducing adhesive molecule and antioxidant properties of vitamin E.
Karyotype studies in thirty‐two species of Lilium (Liliaceae) from China1
Authors: Gao Yun‐Dong , Zhou Song‐Dong , He Xing‐Jin
Published: January 2012

Fifty‐two populations representing thirty‐two taxa of Lilium L. from China are karyologically analyzed. The results showed that all populations have the same basic chromosome number x=12, and all species are diploid except Lilium tigrinum, which is triploid with 2n=36. In addition, one population of L. sulphureum is aneuploid with 2n=23. The karyotype evolution in the genus Lilium is mainly in terms of alterations of the fine structure of the chromosomes, not in ploidy or basic chromosome number variation. When combining previous studies and our results, we consider the major driving forces for evolution of Lilium to be an increase in karyotypic asymmetry, and unequal translocation and formation of secondary constrictions. The existence of intercalary satellites on the two largest pairs of chromosomes is correlated with the geographic distribution pattern of Lilium across the world. The Hengduan Mountains is a modern diversity and differentiation center of Lilium and it also could be the center of origin for this genus. In addition, some taxonomic conclusions were verified on the subgenus level. Among the species investigated, the chromosome number and karyotypes of 13 taxa were documented for the first time.
Use of Analytical Expressions of Convection in Conjugated Heat Transfer Problems
Authors: Karvinen R.
Published: January 2012

The heat transfer coefficient of convection from the wall to the flow depends on flow type, on surface temperature distribution in a stream-wise direction, and in transient cases also on time. In so-called conjugated problems, the surface temperature distribution of the wall and flow are coupled together. Thus, the simultaneous solution of convection between the flow and wall, and conduction in the wall are required because heat transfer coefficients are not known. For external and internal flows, very accurate approximate analytical expressions have been derived for heat transfer in different kinds of boundary conditions which change in flow direction. Due to the linearity of the energy equation, the superposition principle can be adopted to couple with these expressions the surface temperature and heat flux distributions in conjugated problems. In the paper, this type of approach is adopted and applied to a number of industrial applications ranging from flat plates of electroluminecence displays to the optimization of heat transfer in fins, fin arrays and mobile phones.
Influence of Force Fields and Flow Patterns on Boiling Heat Transfer Performance: A Review
Authors: Di Marco Paolo
Published: January 2012

Recent experimentation of boiling in different environments, namely in reduced or enhanced gravity and/or in the presence of electric fields, have shed new light on the comprehension of boiling phenomena and have focused the objectives of future investigation. The recent results achieved by the author and other research groups around the world are reported and discussed in the paper. After a short introduction on some fundamental phenomena and their dependence on force fields, pool, and flow boiling are dealt with. In particular, it is stressed that due to increased coalescence peculiar flow regimes take place in reduced gravity, influencing the heat transfer performance. The application of an electric field may, in some instances, delay or avoid these regime transitions. In boiling at high flowrate, the phenomena are dominated by inertia and thus gravity-independent; however, the threshold at which this occurs has still to be determined.
Analysis of Thermal and Mechanical Behavior of Pipe Flange Connections by Taking Account of Gasket Compression Characteristics at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Fukuoka Toshimichi , Nomura Masataka , Nishikawa Takashi
Published: January 2012

Sealing of contained fluids is the primary performance required for pipe flange connections. It is well known that the leakage is likely to occur when contained fluids at high temperature are concerned. Due to the differential thermal expansion of each part, bolt preloads that tighten a pair of pipe flanges tend to decrease. Therefore, it is significantly important for the joint safety to estimate the amount of bolt preload reduction at the design stage. In this paper, a finite element approach is proposed to analyze thermal and mechanical behavior of pipe flange connections at elevated temperature, by incorporating the stress–strain curves of sheet gaskets measured in the temperature range which covers its usual service condition. Then, the reduction rate of bolt preloads at elevated temperature is systematically evaluated. The analytical objects are pipe flange connections tightened with aramid sheet gaskets. When a pipe flange connection is subjected to thermal load, the gasket stress usually decreases along unloading curves. The temperature dependency of gasket stiffness is considered by defining Young’s modulus in unloading E*, which can be introduced into FE formulation using ordinary solid elements. Numerical results show that bolt preloads are decreased by as much as 30% of the initial value when using aramid sheet gaskets of 3 mm thickness. The effectiveness of the proposed numerical method has been confirmed by comparing the numerical results of bolt preload reduction to experimental ones.
Magnetic Resonance of 2-Hydroxyglutarate in
IDH1
-Mutated Low-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Elkhaled Adam , Jalbert Llewellyn E. , Phillips Joanna J. , Yoshihara Hikari A. I. , Parvataneni Rupa , Srinivasan Radhika , Bourne Gabriela , Berger Mitchel S. , Chang Susan M. , Cha Soonmee , Nelson Sarah J.
Published: January 2012

2-Hydroxyglutarate can be detected ex vivo in biopsy tissue from
IDH1
-mutant low-grade gliomas with proton high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy.
Simultaneous determination of L-dopa and benserazide in binary mixtures using first derivative of the ratio-voltammetric methods based on their oxidation on solid electrode
Authors: Demircigil B. Tolga , Dogan-Topal Burcu , Ozkan Sibel A.
Published: January 2012

The electrochemical behavior of L-dopa and benserazide at a solid electrode has been investigated using different voltammetric techniques. The anodic voltammetric characteristics of the selected compounds have been studied in aqueous media as a function of pH by cyclic, differential pulse and square wave voltammetric techniques. First derivative of the ratio voltammetric methods for determination of these compounds in their dosage forms in the presence of each other has been described. This technique depends on the measuring of the first derivative of ratio voltammograms of each concentration as a function of the increased concentrations. DP and SW voltammetric methods depend on the measuring of first derivative of the ratio voltammetry by measurements of the selected potentials corresponding to either maximums or minimums for both drugs. The linear response was within the range of 1 × 10–5–8 × 10–5and 1 × 10–5– 2 × 10–4M for L-dopa and benserazide, respectively. The validity of the proposed methods was successfully assessed for analyses of both drugs in laboratory-prepared mixtures and in commercial tablet formulations. The proposed methods have successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of these compounds in the presence of each other.
Reducing post-caesarean surgical wound infection rate: an improvement project in a Norwegian maternity clinic
Authors: Dyrkorn Ole A , Kristoffersen Marit , Walberg Mette
Published: January 2012

Background

During 2006 and 2007 the rate of caesarean section surgical wound infection was 17,4 % in Baerum Hospital.

Objective

The objective was to reduce the incidence to below the Norwegian national level of 8 %.

Design

The intervention (a quality improvement project) was implemented in September 2008. A bundle of measures were introduced. Staff from all aspects of patient flow was recruited. Cochrane literature was used as gold standard. Data registration was based upon CDC criteria. Results were based on data collected through the Norwegian national surveillance system for infections in health care, NOIS.

Study setting

This Maternity clinic has about 2500 births annually and a caesarean section rate pushing 15 %.

Patient group

The study was conducted on caesarean section patients registered in NOIS (2008–2010). From September 2009 data were harvested continuously.

Assessment

Data were monitored as cumulative incidence rate and by statistical process control as g chart (number of surgeries between infections including a delayed moving average). Infection control staff reported results to Head of Maternity Clinic monthly.

Results

The overall rate of caesarean section surgical wound infections was significantly reduced to 3,1 % (2008-2010 about 1 % in 2010). This result was demonstrated elegantly as a marked shift in process in g-chart. We found the g-chart was efficient, sensitive and simple to handle.
Muscle and tendon disorders in small animals 1. General management and conditions affecting the forelimb
Authors: Moores Andy
Published: January 2012

Muscle and tendon injuries and diseases are common causes of lameness in dogs and occasional causes of lameness in cats. This article reviews the general management of these disorders and provides an overview of specific conditions affecting the forelimb (thoracic limb). A second article, to be published in the February issue ofIn Practice, will consider conditions affecting the hindlimb (pelvic limb) and digital flexor tendon injuries.
DEVELOPMENT STATUS AND PROSPECTS FOR AVIATION HUBS — A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE MAJOR AIRPORTS IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA
Authors: HOMSOMBAT WINAI , LEI ZHENG , FU XIAOWEN
Published: January 2012

This paper benchmarks the key performance measures of the hub airports in Southeast Asia. Our investigation suggests that (1) Hong Kong has been a leader in terms of network connectivity, traffic growth, hub airline developments, and cargo logistics. (2) Bangkok airport's growth has been constrained by political instability and weak hub airline development; in the long-run, the airport, however, has great potential. (3) The development of low-cost carriers have become a major driver for traffic growth, but the implications to airport connectivity have been unclear. (4) Despite limited progress on regional liberalization, intra-Asian routes have clearly contributed to traffic growth and hub airport connectivity. (5) Governments should safeguard airline competition by promoting market liberalization and airport capacity investments.
AMELIORATING THE FORMATION OF FULLERENE COMPLEXES WITH AMINO ACIDS: A THEORETICAL STUDY
Authors: JALBOUT ABRAHAM F.
Published: January 2012

The present study is geared towards investigating methods to increase the tendency of fullerene structures to aggregate with biological systems. To accomplish this task, the encapsulation of metals inside a fullerene structure was performed. The calculations performed demonstrate that the Ca @ C 60 structure leads to stronger interactions with amino acids at the DFT-BLYP/DND level of theory. Correlations of the dissociation energies, HOMO/LUMO band gaps and hardness are discussed.
SELF-ASSEMBLED COBALT CHAINS INDUCED BY MAGNETIC FIELD THROUGH HYDROTHERMALLY REDUCING COBALT IONS
Authors: ZHAO FAN , YAO MIN , WANG JUN
Published: January 2012

Co uniform hierarchical microspheres were grown on a large scale at 200° by a simple hydrothermal method with the help of the surfactant polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). During the synthesis, the external magnetic field as a controlling factor assembled cobalt microspheres to form chain-like structures vertically on substrate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the product. The results indicate that three-dimensional (3D) Co microspheres are constructed by the cross-sectional nanoplatelets shape with a mean thickness of ~ 250 nm. The mechanism involved for the formation of the chain-like structures is discussed. The results of the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) show that the magnetic Co chains possess the saturation magnetization of 125.2 emu/g. Our work may shed some light on the design of other well-defined complex nanostructures, and as-grown architectures may have potential applications.
A MACRO MODEL FOR BICYCLE FLOW AND PEDESTRIAN FLOW WITH THE CONSIDERATION OF THE HONK EFFECTS
Authors: TANG T. Q. , HUANG H. J. , SHANG H. Y.
Published: January 2012

Based on the interactions among car, bicycle and pedestrian, we in this paper present a bicycle-following model and a pedestrian-following model with the consideration of the honk effects. Using the relationship between the micro and macro variables, we obtain a macro model for bicycle flow and pedestrian flow. The numerical results show that the honk effects can enhance the bicycle and pedestrian speeds and flows.
ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE POST-BUCKLING STATES OF AN INCOMPRESSIBLE HYPERELASTIC LAYER
Authors: DAI HUI-HUI , WANG FAN-FAN
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we study the buckling of an incompressible hyperelastic rectangular layer due to compression with sliding end conditions. The combined series-asymptotic expansions method is used to derive two-coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) governing the leading order of the axial strain W and shear strain G. Linear analysis yields the critical stress values of buckling. For the nonlinearly coupled system, by introducing a small parameter, the approximate analytical solutions for post-buckling deformations are obtained by using the method of multiple scales. The amplitude of buckling is expressed explicitly by the aspect ratio, the incremental dimensionless engineering stress and the mode of buckling. To the authors' best knowledge, it is the first time that such an analytical formula is obtained within the framework of two-dimensional field equations for nonlinearly elastic materials (including both geometric and material nonlinearity). Numerical computations of the coupled system are also carried out. Good agreements between the numerical and analytical solutions are found when the amplitudes of buckling are moderate. Finally, some energy analysis regarding material failure is made.
ORDERING AND SEGREGATION IN BIMETALLIC Fe–Pt NANOPARTICLES
Authors: ZINK A. , BOZZOLO G. , MOSCA H. O.
Published: January 2012

Atomistic modeling of bimetallic Fe–Pt nanoparticles is performed using the BFS method for alloys. A simple approach is introduced to analyze segregation to the surface and bulk ordering patterns as a function of particle size and composition.
Bridging Two Worlds: Using Knowledge Management Theory to Understand the Merging of Two Non-Profit Organisations
Authors: Stauss Kimberly , Ferguson Alishia , North Anna
Published: January 2012

In today's economic climate, knowledge management is very important to the non-profit sector as these organisations experience the effects of a global recession. Financial instability may lead to downsising that creates a loss of important information. For non-profit organisations, a creative solution to the financial crisis has been re-structuring through multi-agency collaborations and mergers. These restructuring processes are complex and disruptive, making effective knowledge management processes even more important for organisational success. This study employs a qualitative interview design to explore the merger of two non-profit cancer support agencies through the lens of knowledge management theory. Participants of the original agencies shared their views of previous knowledge processes, how the processes changed as a result of the merger and strategies used by the newly formed agency to address merger complexities. Results reflect that one of the original organisations began as a non-profit medical provider with formal culture and communication patterns; the other a grass-roots social service agency with informal structure and communication patterns. These differences contributed to differing views about how the merger was implemented and perceived by various employees and board members. Knowledge gains were generally explicit knowledge processes while knowledge losses were implicit processes. Some important strategies and lessons learned included the need for good documentation of all work processes, an external facilitator, and the need for transparency and collaboration between all constituents.
The Role of Knowledge Management in Development Projects
Authors: Oluikpe Paul , Sohail Muhammad , Odhiambo Frank
Published: January 2012

The paper investigates the role of knowledge management in enabling project success, innovation, completion times, operational efficiency and the generation of new knowledge in development projects. Four projects in Uganda, Nigeria, and Cote d'Ivoire were used as case studies. The objective was to explore the nature of knowledge management practices in these projects in order to see how they could be improved. The research found that knowledge management is a significant factor in speeding up completion times, achieving project success, innovation, operational efficiency and the generation of new knowledge. Knowledge sharing practices were identified within case studies and difficulties relating to managing knowledge generated during the project were highlighted.