bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of DNA Damage Induced by 2 Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Flame Retardants (BDE-47 and BDE-209) in SK-N-MC Cells
Authors: Pellacani Claudia , Buschini Annamaria , Galati Serena , Mussi Francesca , Franzoni Susanna , Costa Lucio G.
Published: June 2012

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of flame retardants whose levels have increased in the environment and in human tissues in the past decades. Exposure to PBDEs has been associated with developmental neurotoxicity, endocrine dysfunction, and reproductive disorders. In spite of their widespread distribution and potential adverse health effects, only few studies have addressed the potential neurotoxicity of PBDEs. In the present study, we evaluated the cyto- and genotoxicity of 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) and decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) in human neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-MC). The DNA damage was measured using the alkaline version of the Comet assay, while specific oxidative-generated DNA damage was evaluated by a modified version of the Comet assay with the repair enzyme formamidopyrimidine glycosylase (FPG). The results show that BDE-47 and BDE-209 (5-20 μmol/L) are able to induce DNA damage in human SK-N-MC cells. Pretreatment with the antioxidant melatonin significantly reduced the DNA damage induced by both congeners. The Comet assay carried out in the presence of FPG suggests that both congeners increase purine oxidation. In all cases, BDE-47 was more potent than BDE-209. The results indicate that 2 environmentally relevant PBDEs cause DNA damage which is primarily mediated by the induction of oxidative stress and may contribute to adverse health effects.
An evidence-based score to detect prevalent peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Authors: Duval Sue , Massaro Joseph M , Jaff Michael R , Boden William E , Alberts Mark J , Califf Robert M , Eagle Kim A , D’Agostino Ralph B , Pedley Alison , Fonarow Gregg C , Murabito Joanne M , Steg P Gabriel , Bhatt Deepak L , Hirsch Alan T ,   on behalf of the REACH Registry Investigators
Published: June 2012

Detection of peripheral artery disease (PAD) typically entails collection of medical history, physical examination, and noninvasive imaging, but whether a risk factor-based model has clinical utility in population screening is unclear. Our objective was to derive and validate a new score for estimating PAD probability in individuals or populations. PAD presence was determined by a history of previous or current intermittent claudication associated with an ankle–brachial index (ABI) of < 0.9 or previous lower extremity arterial intervention. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression identified cross-sectional correlates of PAD from demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables. Analyses were derived from 18,049 US REACH (REduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health) Registry outpatients with a complete baseline risk factor profile (enrolled from December 2003 to June 2004). Model performance was assessed internally using 10-fold cross validation, and effect estimates were used to generate the score. The model was externally validated using the Framingham Offspring Study. Age, sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, hypertension stage, and history of heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease were predictive of PAD prevalence. The model had reasonable discrimination on derivation and internal validation (c-statistic = 0.61 and 0.60, respectively) and external validation (c-statistic = 0.63 [ABI < 0.9] or 0.64 [clinical PAD]). The model-estimated PAD prevalence varied more than threefold from lowest to highest decile (range, 4.5–16.7) and corresponded closely with actual PAD prevalence in each population. In conclusion, this new tool uses clinical variables to estimate PAD prevalence. While predictive power may be limited, it may improve PAD detection in vulnerable, at-risk populations.
The importance of what people care about
Authors: Fleurbaey Marc
Published: June 2012

Happiness studies have rekindled interest in the measurement of subjective well-being, and often claim to track faithfully ‘what people care about’ in their lives. It is argued in this article that seeking to respect individuals’ preferences in the context of making intrapersonal and interpersonal comparisons for social evaluation has important and somewhat surprising implications, which shed light, in particular, on subjective measures and their objective alternatives, such as Sen’s capability approach. Four points are made. First, raw subjective well-being scores are problematic because they involve different calibration norms for different individuals or for the same individuals at different times. Money-metric and similar measures appear more attractive in this perspective. Second, if individuals genuinely care about their relative positions, incorporating such relative aspects in the evaluation of individual situations does not necessarily lead to rewarding the selfish and malevolent. Third, in the context of risk, relying on ex ante preferences may clash with a concern for ex post preferences, which are better informed. Fourth, focusing on opportunities or capabilities may fail to respect preferences.
T-cell suicide gene therapy prompts thymic renewal in adults after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Vago Luca , Oliveira Giacomo , Bondanza Attilio , Noviello Maddalena , Soldati Corrado , Ghio Domenico , Brigida Immacolata , Greco Raffaella , Lupo Stanghellini Maria Teresa , Peccatori Jacopo , Fracchia Sergio , Del Fiacco Matteo , Traversari Catia , Aiuti Alessandro , Del Maschio Alessandro , Bordignon Claudio , Ciceri Fabio , Bonini Chiara
Published: June 2012

The genetic modification of T cells with a suicide gene grants a mechanism of control of adverse reactions, allowing safe infusion after partially incompatible hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In the TK007 clinical trial, 22 adults with hematologic malignancies experienced a rapid and sustained immune recovery after T cell–depleted HSCT and serial infusions of purified donor T cells expressing the HSV thymidine kinase suicide gene (TK+ cells). After a first wave of circulating TK+ cells, the majority of T cells supporting long-term immune reconstitution did not carry the suicide gene and displayed high numbers of naive lymphocytes, suggesting the thymus-dependent development of T cells, occurring only upon TK+-cell engraftment. Accordingly, after the infusions, we documented an increase in circulating TCR excision circles and CD31+ recent thymic emigrants and a substantial expansion of the active thymic tissue as shown by chest tomography scans. Interestingly, a peak in the serum level of IL-7 was observed after each infusion of TK+ cells, anticipating the appearance of newly generated T cells. The results of the present study show that the infusion of genetically modified donor T cells after HSCT can drive the recovery of thymic activity in adults, leading to immune reconstitution.
A disease risk index for patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Armand Philippe , Gibson Christopher J. , Cutler Corey , Ho Vincent T. , Koreth John , Alyea Edwin P. , Ritz Jerome , Sorror Mohamed L. , Lee Stephanie J. , Deeg H. Joachim , Storer Barry E. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Antin Joseph H. , Soiffer Robert J. , Kim Haesook T.
Published: June 2012

The outcome of allogeneic HSCT varies considerably by the disease and remission status at the time of transplantation. Any retrospective or prospective HSCT study that enrolls patients across disease types must account for this heterogeneity; yet, current methods are neither standardized nor validated. We conducted a retrospective study of 1539 patients who underwent transplantation at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital from 2000 to 2009. Using multivariable models for overall survival, we created a disease risk index. This tool uses readily available information about disease and disease status to categorize patients into 4 risk groups with significantly different overall survival and progression-free survival on the basis of primarily differences in the relapse risk. This scheme applies regardless of conditioning intensity, is independent of comorbidity index, and was validated in an independent cohort of 672 patients from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. This simple and validated scheme could be used to risk-stratify patients in both retrospective and prospective HSCT studies, to calibrate HSCT outcomes across studies and centers, and to promote the design of HSCT clinical trials that enroll patients across diseases and disease states, increasing our ability to study nondisease-specific outcomes in HSCT.
Vertebral derotation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis causes hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine
Authors: Watanabe Kota , Nakamura Takayuki , Iwanami Akio , Hosogane Naobumi , Tsuji Takashi , Ishii Ken , Nakamura Masaya , Toyama Yoshiaki , Chiba Kazuhiro , Matsumoto Morio
Published: June 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that direct vertebral derotation by pedicle screws (PS) causes hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients, using computer simulation.

Methods

Twenty AIS patients with Lenke type 1 or 2 who underwent posterior correction surgeries using PS were included in this study. Simulated corrections of each patient’s scoliosis, as determined by the preoperative CT scan data, were performed on segmented 3D models of the whole spine. Two types of simulated extreme correction were performed: 1) complete coronal correction only (C method) and 2) complete coronal correction with complete derotation of vertebral bodies (C + D method). The kyphosis angle (T5-T12) and vertebral rotation angle at the apex were measured before and after the simulated corrections.

Results

The mean kyphosis angle after the C + D method was significantly smaller than that after the C method (2.7 ± 10.0° vs. 15.0 ± 7.1°, p < 0.01). The mean preoperative apical rotation angle of 15.2 ± 5.5° was completely corrected after the C + D method (0°) and was unchanged after the C method (17.6 ± 4.2°).

Conclusions

In the 3D simulation study, kyphosis was reduced after complete correction of the coronal and rotational deformity, but it was maintained after the coronal-only correction. These results proved the hypothesis that the vertebral derotation obtained by PS causes hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine.
Existence of strong solutions for a class of semilinear evolution equations with nonlocal initial conditions
Authors: Chen Pengyu , Li Yongxiang , Fan Hongxia
Published: June 2012

This paper discusses the existence of strong solutions for a class of semilinear evolution equations with nonlocal initial conditions in Hilbert spaces. The discussion is based on analytic semigroups theory and fixed point theorem. An application to a partial differential equation with nonlocal condition is also considered.

Mathematics Subject Classification(2010): 34G20; 34K30; 35D35; 47D06.
A case of Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy without arrhythmias
Authors: Wei Jia , Tang Jiarong , Xia Liming , Chen Xinshan , Wang Dao Wen
Published: June 2012

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is characterized by recurrent coma, ventricular tachycardias and the replacement of the myocardium with fatty and fibrous tissue. We described a 42-year-old female patient without clinical arrhythmias which was diagnosed as ARVC by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but the transvenous endomyocardial biopsy was not specific. The patient received heart transplantation due to her refractory heart failure and the pathology of explanted heart demonstrated typical replacement of fatty and fibrous tissue and piles of infiltrated lymphocytes in myocardial tissue. It is concluded that ARVC might not have any arrhythmias and inflammatory process may be involved in the mechanism of ARVC.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/6573514507145351
Herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus, the house guests who never leave
Authors: Kinchington Paul R , Leger Anthony J St , Guedon Jean-Marc G , Hendricks Robert L
Published: June 2012

Human alphaherpesviruses including herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) establish persistent latent infection in sensory neurons for the life of the host. All three viruses have the potential to reactivate causing recurrent disease. Regardless of the homology between the different virus strains, the three viruses are characterized by varying pathologies. This review will highlight the differences in infection pattern, immune response, and pathogenesis associated with HSV-1 and VZV.
Integrating multiscale parameters information into 3D stochastic magnetic anomaly inversion
Authors: Shamsipour Pejman , Marcotte Denis , Chouteau Michel
Published: June 2012

We present a 3D stochastic inversion method based on the geostatistical approach of cokriging for inversion of magnetic anomaly data on multiple scale parameters using borehole and surface data to limit the resulting solution space. Recovering susceptibilities in 3D magnetic anomaly inversion requires integration of many different data. These data mainly come from different sources with different volume supports (point and block support). The presented algorithm has the capability of inverting data on multiple supports using downscaling and upscaling. Borehole susceptibilities (point support) are up-scaled to block susceptibilities where some of them are selected as constraints. The block constraints are used in magnetic anomaly inversion and, finally, the inverted susceptibilities are down-scaled to small prisms. Two modes of application are presented: estimation and simulation. The method is first applied to a synthetic stochastic model. The results of downscaling and upscaling show the ability of the method to invert surface and borehole data simultaneously on multiple scale parameters. The results also clearly show the significant role of borehole data in improving depth resolution. Finally, a case study using susceptibility measurements collected on outcrops and on numerous borehole cores at the Perseverance mine (Quebec, Canada) is presented. The information from the recovered 3D model are useful in analyzing the geology of massive sulfide for the domain under study. It also shows that the addition of constraints at different scales helps in delineating bodies, which would have been missed by only using the magnetic anomaly data.
Semiautomated geologic mapping using self-organizing maps and airborne geophysics in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Carneiro Cleyton de Carvalho , Fraser Stephen James , Crósta Alvaro Penteado , Silva Adalene Moreira , Barros Carlos Eduardo de Mesquita
Published: June 2012

A self-organizing map (SOM) approach has been used to provide an integrated spatial analysis and classification of airborne geophysical data collected over the Brazilian Amazon. Magnetic and gamma ray spectrometric data were used to extract geophysical signatures related to the spatial distribution of rock types and to produce a geologic map over the prospective Anapu-Tuerê region. Particular emphasis was given to discriminating and identifying rock types, and the processes related to gold mineralization, which are known to occur in the Anapu-Tuerê region. SOM was able to identify and map distinctive geophysical signatures related to the various geologic units identified on the published geologic map. Furthermore, SOM was able to identify and enhance very subtle signatures derived jointly from the magnetic and gamma ray spectrometric data that could be related to geologic processes present in the area. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of using SOM as a tool for geophysical data analysis and for semiautomated mapping in regions such as the Amazon.
On numerically solving the complex eikonal equation using real ray-tracing methods: A comparison with the exact analytical solution
Authors: Vavryčuk Václav
Published: June 2012

The exact analytical solution of the complex eikonal equation describing P- and S-waves radiated by a point source situated in a simple type of isotropic viscoelastic medium was ascertained. The velocity-attenuation model is smoothly inhomogeneous with a constant gradient of the square of the complex slowness. The resultant traveltime is complex; its real part describes the wave propagation and its imaginary part describes the attenuation effects. The solution was further used as a reference solution for numerical tests of the accuracy and robustness of two approximate ray-tracing approaches solving the complex eikonal equation: real elastic ray tracing and real viscoelastic ray tracing. Numerical modeling revealed that the real viscoelastic ray tracing method is unequivocally preferable to elastic ray tracing. It is more accurate and works even in situations when the elastic ray tracing fails. Also, the ray fields calculated by the real viscoelastic ray tracing are excellently reproduced even in the case when the elastic ray tracing yields completely distorted results. Compared with complex ray tracing, which is limited to simple types of media, the real viscoelastic ray tracing offers a fast and computationally straightforward procedure for calculating complex traveltimes in complicated 3D inhomogeneous attenuating structures.
Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Grade Is an Independent Predictor of Sentinel Lymph Node Status and Survival in Patients With Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Azimi Farhad , Scolyer Richard A. , Rumcheva Pavlina , Moncrieff Marc , Murali Rajmohan , McCarthy Stanley W. , Saw Robyn P. , Thompson John F.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

To determine whether density and distribution of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs; TIL grade) is an independent predictor of sentinel lymph node (SLN) status and survival in patients with clinically localized primary cutaneous melanoma.

Methods

From the Melanoma Institute Australia database, 1,865 patients with a single primary melanoma ≥ 0.75 mm in thickness were identified. The associations of clinical and pathologic factors with SLN status, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) were analyzed.

Results

The majority of patients had either no (TIL grade 0; 35.4%) or few (TIL grade 1; 45.1%) TILs, with a minority showing moderate (TIL grade 2; 16.3%) or marked (TIL grade 3; 3.2%) TILs. Tumor thickness, mitotic rate, and Clark level were inversely correlated with TIL grade (each P < .001). SLN biopsy was performed in 1,138 patients (61.0%) and was positive in 252 (22.1%). There was a significant inverse association between SLN status and TIL grade (SLN positivity rates for each TIL grade: 0, 27.8%; 1, 20.1%; 2, 18.3%; 3, 5.6%; P < .001). Predictors of SLN positivity were decreasing age (P < .001), decreasing TIL grade (P < .001), ulceration (P = .003), increasing tumor thickness (P = .01), satellitosis (P = .03), and increasing mitoses (P = .03). The 5-year MSS and RFS rates were 83% and 76%, respectively (median follow-up, 43 months). Tumor thickness (P < .001), ulceration (P < .001), satellitosis (P < .001), mitotic rate (P = .003), TIL grade (P < .001), and sex (P = .01) were independent predictors of MSS. Patients with TIL grade 3 tumors had 100% survival.

Conclusion

TIL grade is an independent predictor of survival and SLN status in patients with melanoma. Patients with a pronounced TIL infiltrate have an excellent prognosis.
The Nature of Fear: Edgar Allan Poe and Posthuman Ecology
Authors: Taylor Matthew A.
Published: June 2012

Taylor’s essay complicates Simon Estok’s analysis of ecophobia by illustrating, first, that fear of the natural world need not lead to its domination, and second, that ecophilia—ecophobia’s presumptive opposite—represents not a solution to this problem but an extension of the same logic under another name. Extended readings of Henry David Thoreau (“Walking”), Edgar Allan Poe (“The Island of the Fay,” “The Black Cat,” and “The Colloquy of Monos and Una”) and recent posthumanist discourse illuminate these points. Unlike his transcendentalist contemporaries and many current posthumanists, Poe represents the fusion of subjects and environments as a cataclysmic collapse, making the nonhuman environment the field against which discrete selves disappear as material bodies and as metaphysical entities. Poe’s texts thus foreclose both the idea that human selves are inherently distinct from or superior to their nonhuman environments and the seemingly antithetical (but actually coextensive) notion that we can self-constructively lose ourselves to the world. For Poe, the world can be made neither other nor mirror; if our ontological separation from the universe is a fantasy, then so too is our enabling kinship with it. What remains is an irresolvable fear regarding the uncertain borders between persons and environments. The essay concludes with a consideration of the implications of such a fear for ecocriticism.
Study on Amino-functionalized Graphene Oxide/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Nanocomposites
Authors: Yan Jia-lin , Qi Guo-qiang , Cao Jun , Luo Yong , Yang Wei , Xie Bang-hu , Yang Ming-bo
Published: June 2012

To improve the interfacial compatibility between graphene and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), amino-functionalization was applied to the graphene oxide via chemical modification using ethylenediamine (EA) and 1,6-hexanediamine (HA). Experimental results showed that with the incorporation of only 1 wt % amino-functionalized graphene oxide (AGO), the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and the dispersibility of fillers in the nanocomposites were improved significantly. The effect of the alkyl chain length of the diamine was also considered.
Surveillance and medical therapy following endovascular treatment of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency
Authors: Forbes Thomas L , Harris Jeremy R , Kribs Stewart W
Published: June 2012

The debate regarding the possible link between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and multiple sclerosis (MS) is continuously becoming more and more contentious due to the current lack of level 1 evidence from randomized trials. Regardless of this continued uncertainty surrounding the safety and efficacy of this therapy, MS patients from Canada, and other jurisdictions, are traveling abroad to receive central venous angioplasty and, unfortunately, some also receive venous stents. They often return home with few instructions regarding follow-up or medical therapy. In response we propose some interim, practical recommendations for post-procedural surveillance and medical therapy, until further information is available.
Pyoderma gangrenosum: a new complication after groin exposure for attempted endovascular aortic stent-graft placement
Authors: Gassman Andrew , Sinno Sammy , Milner Ross , Gamelli Richard
Published: June 2012

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon and frequently misdiagnosed inflammatory dermatosis. This neutrophilic inflammation of the dermis has been well described in relation to other inflammatory illnesses (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease). Although rare, PG is increasingly described in relation to trauma or surgical interventions. It is important for vascular surgeons to be aware of the potential development of PG at vascular access sites. Although endovascular surgery is a minimally invasive form of vascular surgery, it does require cutaneous manipulation, which can incite PG. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of PG that developed after an attempted endovascular surgery and to elucidate this rare dermatologic disorder's diagnosis and treatment.
Leiomyosarcoma of the external iliac vein
Authors: Fukuda Wakako , Taniguchi Satoshi , Fukuda Ikuo
Published: June 2012

Leiomyosarcoma of the iliac vein is an uncommon tumor. We report a case of a 63-year-old Japanese woman with leiomyosarcoma of the right external iliac vein. The patient complained of right inguinal pain and swelling. Computed tomography demonstrated a mass surrounding the right external iliac artery and vein. Metastases in the lungs and liver were found. Complete resection of the tumor along with the involved vessels was performed. Polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were used to reconstruct the vessels. Pathological examination revealed leiomyosarcoma of the external iliac vein. Although the prognosis of leiomyosarcoma is poor, en bloc tumor resection is the treatment of choice.
Quantitative Trendspotting
Authors: Du Rex Yuxing , Kamakura Wagner A.
Published: June 2012

Trendspotting has become an important marketing intelligence tool for identifying and tracking general tendencies in consumer interest and behavior. Currently, trendspotting is done either qualitatively by trend hunters, who comb through everyday life in search of signs indicating major shifts in consumer needs and wants, or quantitatively by analysts, who monitor individual indicators, such as how many times a keyword has been searched, blogged, or tweeted online. In this study, the authors demonstrate how the latter can be improved by uncovering common trajectories hidden behind the coevolution of a large array of indicators. The authors propose a structural dynamic factor-analytic model that can be applied for simultaneously analyzing tens or even hundreds of time series, distilling them into a few key latent dynamic factors that isolate seasonal cyclic movements from nonseasonal, nonstationary trend lines. The authors demonstrate this novel multivariate approach to quantitative trendspotting in one application involving a promising new source of marketing intelligence—online keyword search data from Google Insights for Search—in which they analyze search volume patterns across 38 major makes of light vehicles over an 81-month period to uncover key common trends in consumer vehicle shopping interest.
Simplified Simulation Model of a Biotrickling Filter Used for the Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide From Biogas
Authors: Dhussa Anil K. , Sambi Surinder S. , Kumar Surendra , Kumar Shashi , Prajapati Jitendra K.
Published: June 2012

Biogas produced by the anaerobic digestion of waste contains approximately 1000-1200 ppmv H2S, which is toxic and corrosive. It is necessary to remove H2S before using the biogas in further application. Biotrickling filters containing immobilized Thiobacillus sp. on inert packings are used extensively in the industries. The design equations for biotrickling filter are complex in nature. A simplified simulation model has been proposed where the complexity of solving the diffusion equation forming a boundary value problem has been avoided by utilizing an approximate general solution available in the literature for this class of problems. The simplified simulation model has been validated with the experimental data, with the analytical solutions available for limiting cases, and with the numerical solution. The results have been found in good agreement for air-H2S system. Further, the performance of an industrial biotrickling filter, designed to treat 10000 m3.day-1 biogas to reduce H2S concentration from 1200 ppmv to 100 ppmv, has been analyzed by studying the effect of packed bed height, inlet concentration of H2S, empty bed residence time of gas, biofilm thickness and packing size on its removal efficiency by using proposed simplified model.
Infectivity of Macrophages and the Histopathology of Cutaneous Lesions, Liver and Spleen is Attenuated by Leaf Extract of Vernonia Amygdalina in Leishmania Major Infected BALB/c Mice
Authors: Alawa Judith N. , Carter Katharine C. , Nok Andrew J. , Kwanashie Helen O. , Adebisi Sunday S. , Alawa Clement B.I , Clements Carol J.
Published: June 2012

Preliminary investigation of the in vitro and in vivo efficacies of different extracts from the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (VA), a plant widely used in Nigeria was evaluated in Balb/C mice infected with a laboratory strain of Leishmania major (L. major). The ability of the methanol, hexane and aqueous extracts of the plant to suppress the infection rate and its cytotoxicity on macrophages and L929 cells were determined in the in vitro study. The in vivo study evaluated time course of infection, lesion progression and the histopathology of cutaneous lesions, liver and spleen after inoculation with metacyclic promastigotes. Methanolic extract of VA containing high levels of flavanoids, was the most potent extract as it showed the highest suppression on infectivity and viability of intracellular amastigotes at a concentration lower than that which elicited cytotoxicity on macrophages. Treatment of infected mice with methanolic extract of VA showed delayed onset of disease with a significant reduction in lesion size and attenuation of the histopathological outcome characterised by intact epidermis and less tissue destruction in skin, spleen and liver. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that VA has potent antileishmanial properties which warrants further investigation into the immunological mechanism.
Two-Dimensional Mathematical Modeling of Heat and Mass Transfer in Fluidized-Bed Drying of Porous Material
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Luyao , Pan Yanqiu , Chen Mo , Chen Guohua
Published: June 2012

A two-dimensional mathematical model of simultaneous heat and mass transfer for porous media drying was derived based on the Whitaker’s theory in the present study. The cylindrical coordinate system, which is more practical than the spherical one, was adopted. The model was solved numerically under the circumstance of fluidized-bed drying. The control-volume method with the fully implicit scheme was applied for discretization of governing equations. Physical properties of apple were selected in the simulation. Under typical operating conditions, heat and mass transfer mechanisms were analyzed based on the profiles of temperature and saturation inside the particles. Effects of the temperature, humidity and inlet velocity of hot gas were examined under different operating conditions. Simulation results show that the drying process can be significantly affected by coupled heat and mass transfer between gas and solid phases. The drying time increases with the increase in temperature and velocity of inlet hot gas, and decreases with the increase in humidity and bed area factor.
Risk Perception of Investors in Initial Public Offer of Shares: A Psychometric Study
Authors: Singh Ranjit
Published: June 2012

Initial Public Offer is a mechanism to raise capital from the public. In the recent years there are number of Initial Public Offers [IPO] in India. The present study tries to find out the risk perception of the investors in respect of IPO investment and the degree of influence of the elements of marketing mix on the overall level of risk perception. The study is carried out on the registered investors of the leading share broking firms of Silchar town of Assam, India. It is found that the equity investors perceive equity investment through IPO as moderately risky. The degree of influence of promotion feature driven measure of risk perception is highest. Second, third and forth factors affecting the risk perception in respect of equity investment through IPO are price, product and place feature driven measure of risk perception.
The Nonprofitization of Public Education: Implications of Requiring Charter Schools to be Nonprofits in New York
Authors: Silverman Robert Mark
Published: June 2012

This article examines charter schools applying a nonprofit conceptual frame of reference. The proliferation of charter schools is framed as a form of nonprofitization of public education. The implications of this trend are discussed. This discussion is contextualized through an examination of charter schools in New York. The case analysis is supported with data from the New York State Department of Education, the US Census Public Education Finance Report, and IRS Form 990 data. The findings suggest that there is mixed evidence for better school outcomes between charter schools and other public schools, while differences that do exist may be driven by socio-economic inequalities and other factors. This raises questions about the future of nonprofit schools and the degree to which they are accountable to traditional constituencies served by the public education system.
Effects of systematic variation of wood adherend bending stiffness on fracture properties: Part 1. Influence of grain angle
Authors: Nicoli Edoardo , Dillard David A. , Frazier Charles E.
Published: June 2012

When wood beams are bonded to form double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens, the resulting fracture properties are often quite scattered. Random variations of properties of wood are usually considered as the reason for the data scatter, but there are also morphological aspects that can possibly be accounted for. The present paper focuses on these morphological aspects and, in particular, an analytical model has been developed for evaluating how the orientation and stiffness of the layers of beams of constant cross section influences the stiffness variation of the beam along its length. Wood in DCBs is a common example of a material with oriented layers resulting from the alternating earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW). Part of the paper is dedicated to Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), where the variability of equivalent elastic stiffness is found to be on the order of ±6–8% in bonded DCBs, depending on grain orientation. Other representative cases of bonded wood beams are also presented, where the stiffness variability is on the order of ±15–20%. Part 2 of this paper will evaluate how these levels of elastic stiffness variations influence the measured critical strain energy release rate, .
Energy and regularity dependent stability estimates for the Gel'fand inverse problem
in multidimensions
Authors: Isaev Mikhail I. , Novikov Roman G.
Published: June 2012

We prove new global Hölder-logarithmic stability estimates for the Gel'fand inverse problem
at fixed energy in dimension . Our estimates are given in uniform norm for coefficient difference
and related stability efficiently increases with increasing energy and/or coefficient regularity. Comparisons
with preceding results in this direction are given.
Parameter identification problem for a parabolic equation – application to the Black–Scholes option pricing model
Authors: Korolev Yury M. , Kubo Hideo , Yagola Anatoly G.
Published: June 2012

We consider an inverse problem of parameter identification for a parabolic equation. The underlying practical example is the reconstruction of the unknown drift in the extended Black–Scholes option pricing model. Using a priori information about the unknown solution (i.e. its Lipschitz constant), we provide a solution to this non-linear ill-posed problem, as well as an error estimate. Other types of a priori information may be used (for example, monotonicity and/or convexity of the unknown solution).
The prevalence of gestational diabetes in advanced economies
Authors: Schneider Sven , Bock Christina , Wetzel Marion , Maul Holger , Loerbroks Adrian
Published: June 2012

Aims: One of the first steps in optimizing future prevention and appropriately allocating resources to future diagnosis and treatment of Gestational diabetes (GDM) is to quantify its burden. The aim of this study was therefore to conduct a systematic review of current international literature on the prevalence of GDM with a focus on advanced economies.

Methods: Based on literature searches with the database “PubMed” we included studies with a publication date between 2000 and 2011. All studies were classified independently by two authors. In accordance with the PRISMA Statement we identified 27 original studies.

Results: The prevalence of GDM varies substantially between populations with a range of 1.7–11.6%. Patient self-reports yield higher prevalence estimates than values that are based on medical diagnosis or clinical diagnostic tests. Prevalence seems to vary considerably within Europe with higher prevalence values being observed in Southern Europe than in Northern and Central Europe. Prevalence values from studies from Australia and North America were within this range.

Conclusion: This review provides a comprehensive and sound summary of the current state of research on the prevalence of GDM in advances economies as a first step in identifying starting points for future interventions.
New perspectives in electronic fetal surveillance
Authors: Hamilton Emily F. , Warrick Philip A.
Published: June 2012

Despite its recognized limitations, fetal heart rate monitoring is a mainstay of intrapartum care. Although the basic technology in standard electronic fetal monitors has changed little in recent decades, clinical behavior in response to heart rate monitoring has changed considerably. In addition to clearly defined nomenclature and clinical guidelines, there is an increased awareness that environmental and human factors can impair clinical judgment, resulting in delayed intervention and, consequently, birth-related injury. This review examines three essential steps that affect clinical outcome: (1) signal acquisition, (2) associations with physiological outcome, and (3) clinical intervention. Only the third step is directly responsible for changing clinical outcome. However, timely initiation of interventions is dependent upon the second step, which is dependent upon the first step. Thus, deficiencies at each step tend to accumulate and contribute to the worsening of overall clinical outcome. This review article summarizes advances occurring at each step. The synergy and convergence of innovations in engineering, mathematics, and behavioral science shows considerable promise in intrapartum fetal surveillance.
Resident consultant presence in labour ward after midnight – a retrospective cohort study of 5318 deliveries
Authors: Freites Jawad , Ruprai Chetan , Paul Haran , Lindow Stephen William
Published: June 2012

Introduction: The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, in their document “The future role of the consultant,” recommended that there should be a resident obstetric consultant present in the labour ward for 24 h in large UK hospitals. There is little work that validates this recommendation. The period from midnight to 08:00 h is the most disruptive to work-life balance.

Objectives: This retrospective study evaluates obstetric outcomes from midnight until 08:00 h in relation to the consultant being a resident or on-call from home over a 3-year period.

Methods: The Hull Royal Infirmary is a obstetric unit delivering more than 5000 babies annually. There are nine consultant obstetricians and three associate specialists who provide cover; nine always go home when on-call and return to the hospital if needed after midnight and three are resident in the hospital for personal reasons. There is a registrar and house officer resident at all times. All birth data are contemporaneously recorded on a database.

Results: A total of 5318 deliveries were studied over a 3-year period (resident consultant, n=1226; consultant on-call from home, n=4092). There were significantly fewer forceps deliveries when the consultant was on-call from home (3.3% vs. 5.1%, odds ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.48–0.88), but there was no difference in any other delivery outcome (caesarean 14.5% vs. 13.9%). There were no differences between the rates of stillbirth (0.4% vs. 0.4%) and babies born with low Apgar scores (1.4% vs. 1.3%) when the consultant was on-call from home.

Conclusion: There is an increased incidence of forceps delivery when the consultant is resident, but there is no difference in any other obstetric parameter. The recommendation for consultant presence in the labour ward has not been validated by this study.
Frontiers in diffraction unlimited optical methods for spin manipulation, magnetic field sensing and imaging using diamond nitrogen vacancy defects
Authors: Castelletto Stefania , Li Xiangping , Gu Min
Published: June 2012

The nitrogen vacancy defect centre in diamond has attracted intense research interest owing to their appealing optical and electronic properties, which have laid the ground for new approaches for diffraction unlimited optical methods. In particular, the optical detected magnetic resonance of the electron spin of nitrogen vacancy centre at room temperature underpins many areas in nanophotonics, spintronics and quantum optics. This article reviews the recent development of super-resolution imaging and sensing nanoscopy based on this fascinating defect centre in diamond. These breakthroughs are presently indicating a new class of nanoscale sensors of tiny magnetic and electric fields at room temperature, as well as emerging fluorescent and magnetic probes for next generation nanoscopy and all-optical spin recording.
Progress on one-dimensional zinc oxide nanomaterials based photonic devices
Authors: Willander Magnus , Israr Muhammad Q. , Sadaf Jamil R. , Nur Omer
Published: June 2012

One-dimensional nanostructures hold the most attractive and excellent physiochemical characteristics which exhibit the paramount influence on the fundamental and technological nanoelectronic as well as nanophotonic applications. In this review article, we present a detailed introduction to the diverse synthetic procedures which can be utilized for the fabrication of single-, planar- and three-dimensional ZnO nanostructures. More specifically, a thorough discussion regarding luminescence characteristics of the one-dimensional ZnO nanostructures is presented for ultraviolet and visible regions. We summarize the room temperature spontaneous emission and stimulated emission along with the interaction of the incident beam with material cavity to produce resonant optical modes and low-temperature time resolved photoluminescence studies. The most recent published results on the white light emitting diodes fabricated with the combination of ZnO nanotubes with p-GaN and ZnO nanorods with p-organic polymers on glass and disposable paper are discussed. Additionally, the significant results on optically and electrically pumped lasers are discussed; along with an overview on the future of ZnO nanostructures based photonic devices.
Learning nanotechnology through experimentation: carbon nanotube manufacturing using an electric discharge machine
Authors: Jaksic Nebojsa
Published: June 2012

A novel nanotechnology laboratory experiment for a required junior/senior undergraduate engineering course, Engineering of Manufacturing Processes, is described and implemented. The experiment demonstrates a process of manufacturing carbon nanotubes using a method representing a variation on arc discharge. Carbon nanotubes are synthesized in oil by electric discharge machining using two graphite electrodes. The results are compared to a known empirical formula for material removal rate in electric discharge machining. A cost analysis of the process, determining the cost of as produced carbon nanotubes is performed. This 2-h experiment is complemented with a single 2-h lecture on nanotechnology creating a lecture-experiment nanotechnology module. Student learning outcomes for the module are developed, assessed, and analyzed. The results show a significant improvement in students’ knowledge. Student perceptions about nanotechnology, carbon nanotube manufacturing, and the need for life-long learning are assessed. Pedagogical justifications and sustainability of the nanotechnology lecture-experiment module within an undergraduate engineering curriculum are addressed.
Study of an On-Line Crack Compliance Technique for Residual Stress Measurement Using 2D Finite Element Simulations of Fatigue Crack Growth
Authors: Ismonov S. , Daniewicz S. R.
Published: June 2012

There are several methods available to measure residual stress fields present within a structural component. Recently a new so called on-line crack compliance technique has been proposed, which is based on linear elastic fracture mechanics. This experimental method uses incremental crack mouth opening displacements measured during fatigue crack growth testing to generate information on the existing residual stresses along the crack line. The present study employs two dimensional (2D) plane stress finite element simulations of fatigue crack growth from a cold worked hole to investigate the performance of this technique. Using the simulation results, the stress intensity factors due to the residual stress field normalized by the maximum applied stress intensity factor KIrs/KImax were obtained from the on-line crack compliance method. For validation, the J-integral approach was used to calculate KIrs/KImax values from fatigue crack growth simulations in an elastic material. The two methods generated nearly identical results. Fatigue crack growth was also simulated in an elastic-plastic material. Even though the stress intensity factor is not the appropriate crack tip characterizing technique for elastic-plastic material conditions, it is still investigated here to approximate the actual testing conditions, where plastic deformation near the crack tip is unavoidable. The KIrs/KImax solutions are presented for different cold work levels and applied loadings. Results indicate that the agreement between the elastic and elastic-plastic crack growth solutions is dependent on the maximum applied loading level, as might be expected.
Fatigue Sensitivity to Small Defects of a Gamma–Titanium–Aluminide Alloy
Authors: Filippini Mauro , Beretta Stefano , Patriarca Luca , Pasquero Giuseppe , Sabbadini Silvia
Published: June 2012

The fatigue properties of a Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy obtained by electron-beam melting (EBM) with a patented process has been examined by conducting high cycle fatigue tests performed at different R ratios at room temperature. Fatigue-crack propagation tests have been performed for the purpose of characterizing the fatigue-crack growth rate and threshold of the material. Additionally, specimens with artificially introduced defects have been fatigue tested with the objective of studying the growth behavior of small cracks. Artificial defects with different sizes have been generated in the gauge section of the specimens by electron-discharge machining (EDM). After EDM defects are produced, the specimens are pre-cracked in cyclic compression, so that small cracks can be generated at the root of the EDM starter defects. Fatigue tests are conducted by applying the staircase technique with the number of cycles of censored test (runout) fixed at 107 cycles. By employing the Murakami model for the calculation of the range of stress intensity factor, the threshold stress intensity factor range dependence on the loading ratio R and on the defect size is evaluated, highlighting the relevant parameters that govern the specific mechanisms of failure of the novel γ–TiAl alloy studied in the present work.
Boundary-Layer Flow of a Nanofluid past a Stretching Sheet under Uniform Heat and Mass Flux
Authors: Khan W. A. , Pop I.
Published: June 2012

The steady boundary layer flow resulting from the stretching of a flat surface with a velocity proportional to the distance from a fixed point in a nanofluid under uniform heat and mass flux has been investigated numerically and using the nanofluid model proposed by Buongiorno (“Convective Transport in Nanofluids, ASME J. Heat Transfer, Vol. 128, 2006, pp. 240–250). The effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis are incorporated in the model in order to obtain similarity solutions of the governing equations in terms of different parameters. The variation of the reduced Nusselt and reduced Sherwood numbers with the Prandtl number (Pr) and the Lewis number (Le) for various values of the Brownian motion parameter (Nb) and the thermophoresis parameter (Nt) is presented in tabular and graphical forms. It was found that the reduced Nusselt number is a decreasing function of each parameter (Pr, Le, Nb, and Nt), whereas the reduced Sherwood number is an increasing function of Nb and a decreasing function of Nt for each Le and Pr number.