bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial structure and formation mechanism in ultrasonically aided liquid bonding of Al18B4O33/Al composites in air
Authors: Zhao W. W. , Yan J. C. , Yang W. , Yang S. Q.
Published: December 2010

Alumina borate whisker reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites were liquid bonded in air. The liquid filler metal of a Zn–Al eutectic alloy could get into the clearance between composites couples by the action of ultrasonic capillarity. The bond/composite interface was eroded, so that a rough interface formed and the oxide film could be removed completely under the action of ultrasonic vibration for 3 s. The shear strength of the bond increases with ultrasonic time. A removal model for the oxide film on the composites during ultrasonic aided liquid bonding was established.
Studies of monomer impregnation and polymerised in situ in wood using dynamic mechanical thermal analyser
Authors: Hamdan S. , Liew Y. L. , Hasan M. , Talib Z. A.
Published: December 2010

Ten tropical hardwoods are impregnated with methyl methacrylate and polymerised in-situ by use of catalysts and heat techniques. Treatability of the wood, as determined from the fractional volumetric retentions of monomers that are a fraction of voids filled by the impregnant, showed that the mean retention range from 15·03 (Acacia Mangium) to 56·59 (Cratoxylum Arborescens). The penetration of the monomer evaluated using ultrasonic waves showed that the treated wood had higher velocities which indicated significant increase in density. The present paper deals with the viscoelastic relaxation of polymerised treated wood. The efficiency of the monomer as a plasticiser is studied through the temperature dependence of the storage modulus ( E′) and loss tangent (tan  δ) of treated and untreated wood by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) over a temperature in the range from −100 to 200°C. The storage modulus E′ decreased with temperature and as the maximum mechanical damping developed, the glass transition temperature ( Tg) of the plasticised wood decreased with the plasticiser content.
Interfacial characteristics of electron beam welding joints of SiCp/Al composites
Authors: Wang S. G. , Ji X. H. , Zhao X. Q. , Dong N. N.
Published: December 2010

The electron beam welding of SiCp/101Al composites has been carried out. The influence of welding parameters on weldability and mechanical properties of the welded joints was discussed. The welding parameters were therefore optimised under the current experimental circumstance. Results show that only weak interfacial reaction between SiC particle and liquid aluminium occurred. Minute quantity brittle Al4C3 compounds and single phase Si were generated in the welded joint. The interfacial reaction between SiC particles and Al matrix could be greatly suppressed by adopting appropriate technique measures such as high welding speed and low heat input. The content of Al4C3 can be therefore greatly decreased in the welded joint. Moreover, modification welding and electron beam scanning could further improve the appearance of weld, and the welded joint with better quality could be obtained.
Numerical simulation of 3D unsteady aluminium extrusion process using finite volume method based on non-orthogonal block structured grids
Authors: Wang R. , Zhao G. Q. , Lou S. M. , Wu X. H.
Published: December 2010

The mathematic model of three-dimensional aluminium profile extrusion processes using the finite volume method was established in the present paper. Basic theories and key technologies of the Simple method using the collocated arrangement strategy based on boundary fitted non-orthogonal block structured grids were studied. The governing equations were directly discretised on boundary fitted non-orthogonal grids. The coordinate transformation between the Cartesian rectangular coordinateand the curvilinear coordinate was avoided. The negative effects of grids’ non-orthogonality, such as the dislocation between the lines connecting the centre points of adjacent elements and the centre of their interface, were compensated. The volume of fluid (VOF) scheme was used to capture the free surface of the deforming material. A program was written according to the above theories and equations. A typical three-dimensional aluminium profile extrusion process was simulated by use of the program developed in the present paper. The simulation results were also compared with that simulated by Deform-3D in the same process, material and die conditions. The feasibility of the mathematic model built in the present paper was demonstrated by the simulation results and the comparison.
Effect of rare earth metals on microstructure and corrosion resistance of Zn–0·18Al coatings
Authors: Gao H. Y. , Tan J. , Ju C. , Chu S. J. , Wang J. , Sun B. D.
Published: December 2010

Effect of rare earth (RE) metals addition on the microstructure, formation of Fe–Zn intermetallics and corrosion resistance of the batch galvanising Zn–0·18Al coating were studied. Microstructure of the coating was observed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Salt spray test and surface potential measurement were employed for corrosion resistance determination. The results show that the addition of RE can improve bath liquidity, refine surface spangles, stabilise the Fe2Al5 inhibition layer, decrease coating thickness and enhance corrosion resistance of the coating. However, corrosion resistance of the coating did not increase continuously with increasing RE content and the optimum RE content lies between 0·045 and 0·069 in the experiment. Mechanism of RE on the corrosion resistance of the galvanised coating was briefly analysed.
Effect of adding cobalt on mechanical and structural properties of Cu–2Be alloy aged below half its melting temperature
Authors: Beshai M. H. N. , Deaf G. H. , Saad G. , Youssef S. B. , Sobhy M.
Published: December 2010

The present study mainly covers the effect of adding cobalt on the mechanical and structural properties of Cu–2Be alloy. The stress–strain technique has been employed to investigate the effect of aging time and testing temperature on the work hardening characteristics of Cu–2Be and Cu–2Be–0·3Co alloys aged below half its melting temperature. The obtained results have been discussed based on the structural changes resulted during the aging process.
In Patients Younger Than Age 55 Years With Lymph Node–Negative Breast Cancer, Proliferation by Mitotic Activity Index Is Prognostically Superior to Adjuvant!
Authors: Lende Tone Hoel , Janssen Emiel A.M. , Gudlaugsson Einar , Voorhorst Feja , Smaaland Rune , van Diest Paul , Søiland Håvard , Baak Jan P.A.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

In breast cancer, different tools are used for prognostication and adjuvant systemic therapy selection. We compared the accuracy of the online program Adjuvant!, the Norwegian Breast Cancer Group (NBCG) guidelines, and the proliferation factor mitotic activity index (MAI) in patients with lymph node (LN) –negative disease (pN0).

Patients and Methods

Adjuvant! and MAI thresholds were set to 90% to 95% breast cancer–specific survival (BCSS) rates. These thresholds were 95% for Adjuvant!, 3 for MAI, and as follows for NBCG: pT1 grade 1 + pT1a-b grade 2 to 3; all pN0M0 and estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor positive versus all others. In 516 patients younger than age 55 years (T1-3N0M0) without adjuvant systemic therapy, univariable and multivariable 10-year BCSS rates were estimated.

Results

Median follow-up time was 118 months. The concordance between MAI and Adjuvant! or NBCG was fair (κ = 0.35 and κ = 0.29, respectively). Adjuvant!, NBCG, and MAI were all prognostically significant (P ≤ .001). In the univariable analysis, the 10-year BCSS of MAI less than 3 versus ≥ 3 was 95% v 71%, respectively, with a hazard ratio of 7.0. In multivariable analysis, MAI was superior to Adjuvant! and NBCG. The 10-year survival of Adjuvant! ≥ 95% versus less than 95% was 91% v 74%, respectively, but stratification by MAI identified subgroups with different prognosis. Similar results occurred for NBCG and MAI. Adjuvant! and NBCG were not prognostic to each other.

Conclusion

MAI is superior to Adjuvant! and NBCG in prognostication of patients with LN-negative breast cancer younger than age 55 years.
How Long Have I Got? Estimating Typical, Best-Case, and Worst-Case Scenarios for Patients Starting First-Line Chemotherapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of Recent Randomized Trials
Authors: Kiely Belinda E. , Soon Yu Yang , Tattersall Martin H.N. , Stockler Martin R.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

To estimate scenarios for survival for women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who are starting chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

We sought randomized, first-line chemotherapy trials for MBC published from 1999 to 2009. We recorded median progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) and extracted the following percentiles (represented scenario) from each OS curve: 90th (worst-case), 75th (lower-typical), 25th (upper-typical), and 10th (best-case). We also estimated these scenarios for each OS curve by multiplying its median by four simple multiples: 0.25 (worst-case), 0.5 (lower-typical), 2 (upper-typical), and 3 (best-case). Estimates were deemed accurate if they were within 0.75 to 1.33 times the actual value.

Results

From 36 trials (13,083 women), the mean for median PFS was 7.6 months (interquartile range [IQR], 6.0 to 9.0 months), the mean for median OS was 21.7 months (IQR,18.2 to 24.0 months), and the mean for the ratio of median OS to median PFS was 3.0 (IQR, 2.4 to 3.5). The mean for each OS scenario was worst-case, 6.3 months (IQR, 4.8 to 7.5 months); lower-typical, 11.9 months (IQR, 9.9 to 13.2 months); upper-typical, 36.2 months (IQR, 31.1 to 41.3 months); and best-case, 55.8 months (IQR, 47.5 to 60.2 months). Simple multiples of the median gave accurate estimates of the worst-case scenario in 73% of OS curves, lower-typical in 97%, upper-typical in 95%, and best-case in 96%. OS was longer in trials with higher proportions of estrogen receptor–positive tumors (P = .001) and in trials of trastuzumab-treated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive tumors (P = .001).

Conclusion

Simple multiples of an OS curve's median can accurately estimate typical (half to double the median), best-case (triple the median), and worst-case (one quarter of the median) scenarios for survival.
Bortezomib Plus CHOP-Rituximab for Previously Untreated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Ruan Jia , Martin Peter , Furman Richard R. , Lee Shing M. , Cheung Ken , Vose Julie M. , LaCasce Ann , Morrison Julia , Elstrom Rebecca , Ely Scott , Chadburn Amy , Cesarman Ethel , Coleman Morton , Leonard John P.
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib may enhance activity of chemoimmunotherapy in lymphoma. We evaluated dose-escalated bortezomib plus standard cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) plus rituximab (R) in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

Patients and Methods

Seventy-six subjects with untreated DLBCL (n = 40) and MCL (n = 36) received standard CHOP every 21 days (CHOP-21) with R plus bortezomib at 0.7 mg/m2(n = 4), 1.0 mg/m2(n = 9), or 1.3 mg/m2(n = 63) on days 1 and 4 for six cycles.

Results

Median age was 63 years (range, 20 to 87), and International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores were generally unfavorable (39% with IPI of 2, and 49% with IPI of 3 to 5), as were Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index scores in patients with MCL (28% intermediate risk and 39% high risk). Toxicity was manageable, including neuropathy in 49 subjects (8% grade 2 and 4% grade 3) and grade 3/4 anemia (13%), neutropenia (41%), and thrombocytopenia (25%). For DLBCL, the evaluable overall response rate (ORR) was 100% with 86% complete response (CR)/CR unconfirmed (CRu; n = 35). Intent-to-treat (ITT, n = 40) ORR was 88% with 75% CR/CRu, 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) of 64% (95% CI, 47% to 77%) and 2-year overall survival (OS) of 70% (95% CI, 53% to 82%). For MCL, the evaluable ORR was 91% with 72% CR/CRu (n = 32). The ITT (n = 36) ORR was 81% with 64% CR/CRu, 2-year PFS 44% (95% CI, 27% to 60%) and 2-year OS 86% (95% CI, 70% to 94%). IPI and MIPI correlated with survival in DLBCL and MCL, respectively. Unlike in DLBCL treated with R-CHOP alone, nongerminal center B cell (non-GCB) and GCB subtypes had similar outcomes.

Conclusion

Bortezomib with R-CHOP-21 can be safely administered and may enhance outcomes, particularly in non-GCB DLBCL, justifying randomized studies.
Familial Risks in Cancer of Unknown Primary: Tracking the Primary Sites
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Ji Jianguang , Sundquist Jan , Shu Xiaochen
Published: December 2010

Purpose

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is diagnosed at the metastatic stage, and despite extensive diagnostic work-up, the primary tumor often remains unidentified. No data are available on familial clustering of CUP. We hypothesize that familial clustering of CUP with other cancers may be informative of the primary sites.

Patients and Methods

A total of 35,168 patients with CUP were identified in the Swedish Family-Cancer Database, and risks between family members were calculated for concordant (CUP-CUP) and discordant (CUP-any other cancer) cancers using standardized incidence ratio (SIR).

Results

Familial cases of CUP accounted for 2.8% of all CUP cases in the offspring generation. Familial SIR for CUP was 1.69 when a sibling was diagnosed with CUP. As to discordant associations between siblings, CUP was associated with lung (SIR, 1.87), kidney (SIR, 1.82), liver (SIR, 1.67), ovarian (SIR, 1.45), colorectal (SIR, 1.26), and breast (SIR, 1.15) cancers and melanoma (SIR, 1.26). Upper aerodigestive tract, bladder, pancreatic, and prostate cancers were additionally associated with CUP. Notably, CUP was associated with families of kidney, lung, and colorectal cancers.

Conclusion

The present data show that CUP is not a disease of random metastatic cancers but, instead, a disease of a defined set of cancers. The association of CUP with families of kidney, lung, and colorectal cancers suggests a marked genetic basis and shared metastatic mechanisms by many cancer types. Familial sites shared by CUP generally match those arising in tissue-of-origin determinations and, hence, suggest sites of origin for CUP. Mechanistic exploration of CUP may provide insight into defense against primary tumors and the metastatic process.
The Price of Success: Economic Sovietology, Development, and the Costs of Interdisciplinarity
Authors: Engerman David C.
Published: December 2010

In the 1940s and 1950s, as Soviet studies became a vibrant academic enterprise with significant links to the policy world, economic Sovietology occupied a special place. Those same years saw, also, the first major wave of decolonization and with it the rise of development economics. While many economists straddled both worlds, Harvard economic historian Alexander Gerschenkron occupied pride of place by virtue of his ideas, his reputation, and his students. Born in Odessa but with his economic education in Vienna, Gerschenkron brought to both enterprises a capacious and wide-ranging intellect and a determination to relate the economic history of his motherland to the contemporary problems of developing nations. His most famous essay, “Economic Backwardness in Historical Perspective,” was an important attempt to draw lessons from the Russian economic experience and apply them to the industrializing world. He and his students had great intellectual success in plotting the connections between the second world's past and the third world's future, but with that success, ironically, came isolation from their colleagues both in economics departments and Soviet studies centers.
Drawing New Lines: Economists and Other Social Scientists on Society in the 1960s
Authors: Fleury Jean-Baptiste
Published: December 2010

This article investigates the expansion of the scope of economics in the 1960s. We show that the public policy problems raised by the issue of poverty reinforced the expansion, as economists became progressively involved in the social issues of the day. Until the early 1960s, poverty was a neglected issue, as most Americans had experienced an increase in their living conditions since the late 1940s. In such a context of affluence, the rediscovery of poverty came as a shock, and it drove scholars and the government to address many poverty-related problems. Defined as relative deprivation, poverty linked low income to many social issues, thus blurring the traditional boundary separating economics from the other social sciences. As a result, economists and other social scientists contributed to the social scientific literature on these problems, which raised the following question: to what extent could economists be considered as legitimate advisers on social policy? We study how Washington economists came to tackle poverty-related issues through, among other things, the work of CEA members and the development of social indicators by Mancur Olson at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. This growing influence of economists sheds light on the emerging economic analyses of social phenomena, such as human capital theory, health economics, and the economic analysis of crime, which appeared as valuable tools for public policy. We also study the reaction of other social scientists (mainly sociologists and political scientists) to the economists' growing influence, by studying the debates regarding the possible creation of a Council of Social Advisers, which would complement the work of economists as public policy advisers. Although critical of economics, many other social scientists were unwilling to get involved in social policy-making, which, ultimately, strengthened the image of economists as experts on social policy.
“We Must Destroy You to Save You”
Authors: Gioielli Robert
Published: December 2010

This essay explores how certain residents of Baltimore, Maryland, in the late 1960s perceived governmental efforts to construct an urban highway system as an enclosure of the commons. Baltimore's political and business leaders believed that highways were required to keep the city, and particularly downtown businesses, economically competitive. Highway plans targeted African American and, to a lesser extent, working-class white neighborhoods. Because it destroyed community resources, limited housing options, and caused general degradation in surrounding neighborhoods, residents saw the construction of the highway as a form of enclosure. This is an inversion of the traditional definition of enclosure; the road was for public use, whereas much of the property condemned and destroyed was privately owned. But antihighway activists argued that the road would only benefit a privileged few, primarily white suburbanites, while destroying resources publicly available to minority and working-class communities. Understanding Baltimore's highway protests as anti-enclosure activism shows how the residents of postwar cities in the United States experienced destructive urban renewal and highway construction projects. It also portends recent efforts by municipal governments to condemn and reappropriate urban land for private development, while simultaneously claiming that these actions are for the public good.
NSK
Authors: Monroe Alexei
Published: December 2010

The NSK State was created in 1992 in the wake of Slovenian independence and the breakup of socialist Yugoslavia. Founded as a utopian social sculpture by the Slovenian arts collective Neue Slowenische Kunst (NSK), the NSK State has no national or physical boundaries and exists as a virtual state or a state in time. As a collective cultural work, the NSK State has opened temporary embassies in numerous locations and issued passports, some of which were used by NSK citizens to escape war-torn Sarajevo in the 1990s. The NSK State is also part of the wider “micronations” movement that has grown increasingly visible and received critical and theoretical attention in recent years.
The regulation of autophagy – unanswered questions
Authors: Chen Yongqiang , Klionsky Daniel J.
Published: December 2010

Autophagy is an intracellular lysosomal (vacuolar) degradation process that is characterized by the formation of double-membrane vesicles, known as autophagosomes, which sequester cytoplasm. As autophagy is involved in cell growth, survival, development and death, the levels of autophagy must be properly regulated, as indicated by the fact that dysregulated autophagy has been linked to many human pathophysiologies, such as cancer, myopathies, neurodegeneration, heart and liver diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. Substantial progress has recently been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the autophagy machinery, and in the regulation of autophagy. However, many unanswered questions remain, such as how the Atg1 complex is activated and the function of PtdIns3K is regulated, how the ubiquitin-like conjugation systems participate in autophagy and the mechanisms of phagophore expansion and autophagosome formation, how the network of TOR signaling pathways regulating autophagy are controlled, and what the underlying mechanisms are for the pro-cell survival and the pro-cell death effects of autophagy. As several recent reviews have comprehensively summarized the recent progress in the regulation of autophagy, we focus in this Commentary on the main unresolved questions in this field.
Slit-2 repels the migration of olfactory ensheathing cells by triggering Ca2+-dependent cofilin activation and RhoA inhibition
Authors: Huang Zhi-hui , Wang Ying , Su Zhi-da , Geng Jian-guo , Chen Yi-zhang , Yuan Xiao-bing , He Cheng
Published: December 2010

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) migrate from the olfactory epithelium towards the olfactory bulb during development. However, the guidance mechanism for OEC migration remains a mystery. Here we show that migrating OECs expressed the receptor of the repulsive guidance factor Slit-2. A gradient of Slit-2 in front of cultured OECs first caused the collapse of the leading front, then the reversal of cell migration. These Slit-2 effects depended on the Ca2+ release from internal stores through inositol (1,4,5)-triphosphate receptor channels. Interestingly, in response to Slit-2 stimulation, collapse of the leading front required the activation of the F-actin severing protein cofilin in a Ca2+-dependent manner, whereas the subsequent reversal of the soma migration depended on the reversal of RhoA activity across the cell. Finally, the Slit-2-induced repulsion of cell migration was fully mimicked by co-application of inhibitors of F-actin polymerization and RhoA kinase. Our findings revealed Slit-2 as a repulsive guidance factor for OEC migration and an unexpected link between Ca2+ and cofilin signaling during Slit-2-triggered repulsion.
Microtubule organization in the final stages of cytokinesis as revealed by cryo-electron tomography
Authors: Elad Nadav , Abramovitch Shahar , Sabanay Helena , Medalia Ohad
Published: December 2010

The completion of cytokinesis is dominated by the midbody, a tightly-packed microtubule (MT)-based bridge that transiently connects the two daughter cells. Assembled from condensed, spindle-MTs and numerous associated proteins, the midbody gradually narrows down until daughter cell partitioning occurs at this site. Although described many years ago, detailed understanding of the abscission process remains lacking. Applying cryo-electron tomography to purified midbodies, in combination with fluorescence microscopy, we present here new insight into MT organization within the midbody. We find that the midbody is spatially divided into a core bundle of MTs that traverses the electron-dense overlap region (continuous MTs), surrounded by MTs that terminate within the overlap region (polar MTs). Residual continuous MTs remained intact up to the verge of abscission, whereas the residual polar MTs lost their organization and retreated from the overlap region at late cytokinesis stages. A detailed localization of the microtubule-bundling protein PRC1 supports the above notion. Our study thus provides a detailed account of the abscission process and suggests that the midbody, having acquired a distinct MT architecture as compared to the preceding central spindle, actively facilitates the final stage of cytokinesis.
Signalling to and from the secretory pathway
Authors: Farhan Hesso , Rabouille Catherine
Published: December 2010

For growth, survival, communication and homeostasis, cells transport a large number of proteins to the plasma membrane and the extracellular medium by using the secretory pathway. Consequently, to adapt to the surrounding environment and the different intracellular contexts, the secretory pathway needs to accommodate and respond to a plethora of endogenous and exogenous stimuli. It is now well established that several kinases, known to be activated by environmental stimuli, signal from the plasma membrane to the secretory pathway in order to remodel its architecture and modulate the cellular secretion capacity. By contrast, membranes of the early secretory pathway, similar to the endosomal system, can also initiate and modulate signalling cascades, thereby spatially organising cellular signalling and eliciting a different cellular outcome than when signalling is localised to the plasma membrane. This Commentary highlights recent contributions to our understanding of the mutual regulation of the secretory pathway and cellular signalling.
Synthesis of a Doubly Strapped Light-Harvesting Porphyrin Bearing Energy Donor Molecules Hanging on to the Straps: An Attempt toward Macroscopic Control over Molecular Conformation that Affects the Efficiency of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Ogi Soichiro , Sugiyasu Kazunori , Takeuchi Masayuki
Published: December 2010

We report here the synthesis of a light-harvesting molecule 1, in which 5,5′-diphenyl-2,2′-bithiophene units (energy donors) and a doubly strapped porphyrin (energy acceptor) are three-dimensionally connected through four alkyl chains to form a “universal joint”-like architecture. From the results of the optical properties of 1 in solution, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) takes place from the donor to the acceptor in 1 with the FRET efficiency of 99.7%. We prepared 1/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomeric films in which 1 is connected to a polysiloxane network through covalent bonds. When we stretched the 1/PDMS film (elongation: up to 60%), the FRET efficiency decreased by 13.1%. The theoretical analysis suggests that the FRET efficiency of 1 (E) is virtually uninfluenced by any changes in the distance between the donor and acceptor (r). Therefore, the observed change in FRET efficiency should have been derived from the orientation factor (κ2), which describes the relative orientation of the emission transition dipole of the donor and the absorption transition dipole of the acceptor. The anisotropic absorption spectral measurements support the notion that the transition dipoles of the fluorophores became orthogonally aligned upon stretching, as expected from the molecular design.
Rumphellclovane B, a Novel Clovane Analogue from the Gorgonian Coral Rumphella antipathies
Authors: Chung Hsu-Ming , Hwang Tsong-Long , Chen Yung-Husan , Su Jui-Hsin , Lu Mei-Chin , Chen Jih-Jung , Li Jan-Jung , Fang Lee-Shing , Wang Wei-Hsien , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: December 2010

A novel clovane-type sesquiterpenoid derivative, rumphellclovane B (1), which possesses an unprecedented δ-lactone moiety, and a new natural clovane, 9α-hydroxyclovan-2-one (2), were isolated from the gorgonian coral Rumphella antipathies. The structures of clovanes 1 and 2 were elucidated by interpretations of spectral data. A plausible biosynthetic pathway between these two compounds was proposed. Compound 1 displayed inhibitory effects on superoxide anion generation by human neutrophils.
Electroactive Nanotubes from π-Conjugated Discotic Molecules
Authors: Yamamoto Yohei
Published: December 2010

Self-assembly of π-conjugated molecules is attractive for construction of well-defined, nanometer-scale electroactive materials. This account describes our developments on self-assembled nanotubes from Gemini-shaped hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs). At first, detailed molecular arrangement in the nanotube is presented, which is perfectly revealed by a synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction analysis of a macroscopic fiber consisting of highly aligned HBC nanotubes. Next, electroconductive properties of the HBC nanotubes are investigated. By means of direct current and noncontact methods, anisotropic charge-transport properties in the nanotubes are confirmed. The effect of the surface oligoether chains on intertubular conduction is also examined by field-effect transistor measurements. Finally, optoelectronic applications are developed by constructing newly designed nanotubes. These nanotubes possess a coaxial configuration, where an electron-donating graphitic bilayer of π-stacked HBC arrays is laminated by an electron-accepting molecular layer. Due to the molecular-layer donor/acceptor heterojunction, the nanotubes exhibit remarkable photoconduction and photovoltaic outputs. Furthermore, the optoelectronic properties are modulated by changing the density of electron acceptors on the nanotube surfaces by coassembly of multiple components or utilizing photochromism. These results will advance to electronic and optoelectronic applications of supramolecular nanomaterials.
A case of multidrug resistance in the central nervous system
Authors: McCarty E J , Quah S P , Dinsmore W W , Emerson C R
Published: December 2010

HIV-1 infection may persist in the central nervous system (CNS) despite antiretroviral therapy. We present a case of severe cognitive decline in a man with HIV-1 infection on a fully active regimen for five years. All infective causes were excluded. Despite fully suppressed virus in the blood, HIV RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid measured 3.52 log10 RNA copies/mL and genotyping of this sample showed an extensive pattern of resistance. This suggested that either the antiretroviral agents were not adequately penetrating the CNS or the CNS had resistant virus as a result of adherence problems. This case highlights the possibility that drug-resistant mutations may develop in the CNS compartment while plasma virus remains suppressed.
Is screening for pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis warranted in high-risk groups?
Authors: Tipple C , Hill S C , Smith A
Published: December 2010

A recent survey reported that 36% of UK genitourinary medicine clinics offer testing for pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). Screening at this site is targeted at high-risk groups attending our centre, including female sex workers (FSWs) and male sex workers (MSWs). A total of 2406 patients were screened between November 2006 and October 2007. A retrospective case-note review was performed for positive cases. The prevalence of pharyngeal CT was 1.9% in both men and women. The mean number of sexual partners reported in the preceding three months was 168 and 56 for FSWs and MSWs, respectively. Lack of consistent condom use and high numbers of sexual partners identify this population as potential core transmitters of infection. While the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines do not recommend routine screening for pharyngeal CT, there may be a role in selected high-risk populations.
Virological response with fully active etravirine: pooled results from the DUET-1 and DUET-2 trials
Authors: Clumeck N , Cahn P , Molina J-M , Mills A , Nijs S , Vingerhoets J , Witek J
Published: December 2010

The objective of this subanalysis of the Phase III DUET trials was to examine virological response to an etravirine-containing regimen in patients harbouring virus fully sensitive to etravirine. Full etravirine sensitivity was defined as fold change in 50% effective concentration (FC) ≤3 or weighted genotypic score ≤2. At Week 48 in the etravirine group, 74% of patients with etravirine FC ≤3 and 77% with etravirine genotypic score ≤2 had viral load <50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL, versus 48% and 46%, respectively, in the placebo group ( P < 0.0001). Response rates increased with baseline phenotypic sensitivity score, but were consistently higher with etravirine (56–82%) than placebo (2–72%). Similar observations were made in patients harbouring virus with full etravirine and darunavir sensitivity. Our findings support current recommendations to include three active agents in treatment-experienced patients' regimens.
Effect of Ethiopian multiflora honey on fluconazole-resistant Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of AIDS patients
Authors: Mulu A , Diro E , Tekleselassie H , Belyhun Y , Anagaw B , Alemayehu M , Gelaw A , Biadglegne F , Desalegn K , Yifiru S , Tiruneh M , Kassu A , Nishikawa T , Isogai E
Published: December 2010

This study aimed to determine the antifungal effect of Ethiopian multiflora honey against Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of AIDS patients. Oral rinses were obtained from 13 AIDS patients and cultured on CHROMagar plates at 37°C for 48 hours. Candida species were identified by microbiological and molecular techniques. The antifungal effect of the honey sample on Candida was investigated by an agar dilution technique. Susceptibility of the Candida species to fluconazole was tested following a semi-modified microdilution method. Growth of both fluconazole-susceptible and -resistant Candida species was inhibited with a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 35–40% (v/v) honey. The MFC of different Candida species was not significantly different ( P > 0.05). From the total of 25 Candida isolates tested for susceptibility, 11 (44%), eight (32%) and six (24%) of the isolates were sensitive (minimum inhibitory concentrations [MICs] < 8 µg/mL), susceptible (dose-dependent: MICs 16–32 µg/mL) and resistant (MICs > 64 µg/mL) to fluconazole, respectively. Ethiopian multiflora honey has antifungal activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of AIDS patients. This supports the existing folkloric practice of using honey to treat oral lesions. Nevertheless, identification of the bioactive agents in honey, their clinical evaluation and pharmacological standardization are crucial.
Penicillium marneffei infection presenting as an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an HIV patient
Authors: Ho A , Shankland G S , Seaton R A
Published: December 2010

We describe a case of Penicillium marneffei infection acquired in Thailand, manifesting as an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in a Caucasian man with advanced HIV-related immunosuppression (CD4 72 cells/mm3). Initial presentation was consistent with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, and empirical co-trimoxazole resulted in clinical improvement. One month after initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), an enlarging scaly lesion on his forehead and erythematous nodules on his face, trunk and limbs developed. P. marneffei was isolated from a skin aspirate. Response to antifungal therapy was complicated by drug interactions but cure was complete after four months of treatment. Few cases of IRIS associated with P. marneffei have been reported.
High-risk sex among mobile female sex workers in the context of jatras (religious festivals) in Karnataka, India
Authors: Halli S S , Buzdugan R , Moses S , Blanchard J , Jain A , Verma R , Saggurti N
Published: December 2010

Jatras (religious festivals) represent venues for female sex workers (FSWs) to meet potential clients in an environment of anonymity. Data from a survey conducted among 1499 mobile FSWs in Karnataka, India were analysed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Overall, 31% of mobile FSWs reported attending jatras in the previous year. Women who sold sex at jatras tended to practice sex work in public places, in their own homes or on highways. Jatra attendees reported lower condom use with their last commercial sexual partners at their usual places of sex work. Jatra-related mobility was a significant predictor of non-condom use at their usual place of residence, after controlling for sociodemographic, sex work-related, HIV vulnerability and programme exposure variables. Moreover, only 13% of FSWs used condoms consistently at jatras. Condom availability and accessibility at jatras should be a priority for HIV prevention programmes, and such programmes should make efforts to introduce outreach activities at jatras.
Assessment of hospitalizations among HIV patients in the UK: a national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rodger A J , Curtis H , Sabin C , Johnson M
Published: December 2010

This 2007 cross-sectional survey is illustrative of UK HIV hospitalization patterns. Data were received for 255 inpatients of whom 43.9% had AIDS-defining illnesses (ADIs). A total of 56.3% had CD4 counts <200 mm3 and 17% were diagnosed with HIV on their current admission. In those diagnosed for >3 months with CD4 < 200/mm3 (90/188), 47% were not on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). ADIs still make up a substantial proportion of inpatient work in the UK and late diagnosis and failure to benefit from cART remain too common.
Use of computerized medical records to determine the feasibility of testing for chlamydia without patients seeing a practitioner
Authors: Yeung A , Bush M , Cummings R , Bradshaw C S , Chen M , Williams H , Denham I , Fairley C K
Published: December 2010

The proportion of clinically important diagnoses in a low-risk, asymptomatic population who use a computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) to assess risk was needed to determine optimal health service delivery. Medical records were retrospectively analysed between July 2008 and June 2009 for risk characteristics and diagnoses. A total of 7733 new patients completed a CASI, of whom 1060 were asymptomatic heterosexuals. From this low-risk group, 26 diagnoses were made on the day of presentation, including 22 cases of genital warts (2.08% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22–2.93]), three cases of genital herpes (0.28% [95% CI 0.055–0.82]) and one case of unintended pregnancy (0.094% [95% CI 0.0061–0.52]). Additionally, there were 54 cases of chlamydia detected (5.09% [95% CI 3.77–6.42]). As chlamydia is effectively diagnosed and managed from self-collected samples, patient review is not always required. This study provides evidence for an express testing service for chlamydia to streamline the screening of low-risk, asymptomatic heterosexual patients as identified by CASI without the need to for a traditional face-to-face consultation.
Preliminary assessment of Treponema pallidum-specific IgM antibody detection and a new rapid point-of-care assay for the diagnosis of syphilis in human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected patients
Authors: Rotty J , Anderson D , Garcia M , Diaz J , Van de Waarsenburg S , Howard T , Dennison A , Lewin S R , Elliott J H , Hoy J
Published: December 2010

The aims of the study were to assess whether Treponema pallidum-specific IgM may provide a useful marker of infectious syphilis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, and to compare the performance of a prototype IgM-rapid point-of-care test (PoCT) with a standard IgM-enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Twenty samples from HIV-infected patients with untreated syphilis ( n = 4 primary syphilis, n = 11 secondary and n = 5 early latent) and 51 follow-up samples at three, six or 12 months after treatment were tested for the presence of IgM with the Mercia-EIA (Microgen Bioproducts Ltd, Camberley, UK) and a prototype PoCT (Select Vaccines Ltd, Melbourne, Australia). Although sample numbers were small, IgM detection by EIA appears to be a reliable marker for untreated syphilis in HIV-infected patients with primary (4/4 IgM-positive) or secondary syphilis (10/11 IgM-positive, 1/11 equivocal). After treatment, IgM was no longer detected after three months in the majority of patients (87%) and was either negative or equivocal in all patients after six and 12 months. The overall sensitivity of the IgM-PoCT was 82% and varied with clinical stage, being highest in secondary (10/10 EIA positives) but lower in primary (2/4 EIA positives) and early latent syphilis (2/3 EIA positives). Overall specificity was 95%. Rapid detection of IgM would enable clinicians to distinguish between past-treated and infectious syphilis and allow for diagnosis and treatment in a single visit.
Severe raltegravir-associated rhabdomyolysis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Croce F , Vitello P , Dalla Pria A , Riva A , Galli M , Antinori S
Published: December 2010

Raltegravir (RAL), an HIV integrase inhibitor, may uncommonly induce an increase of serum creatine kinase (CK) both in naïve and antiretroviral (ARV)-experienced HIV-positive patients. We report the case of severe rhabdomyolysis requiring hospitalization in an ARV-experienced HIV/hepatitis C co-infected patient treated with a RAL-containing drug regimen. Factors favouring a severe clinical occurrence of RAL-induced rhabdomyolysis from cases reported in literature are described.
2010 European guideline for the management of Chlamydia trachomatis infections
Authors: Lanjouw E , Ossewaarde J M , Stary A , Boag F , van der Meijden W I
Published: December 2010

This guideline aims to provide comprehensive information regarding the management of infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis in European countries. The recommendations contain important information for physicians and laboratory staff working with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or STI-related issues. Individual European countries may be required to make minor national adjustments to this guideline as some of the tests or specific local data may not be accessible, or because of specific laws.
Incidence and risk factors associated with lost to follow-up in a Belgian cohort of HIV-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Schepens T , Morreel S , Florence E , Koole O , Colebunders R
Published: December 2010

Being lost to follow-up (LTFU) is a major problem in caring for persons with HIV infection. We describe the proportions and characteristics of LTFU in a Belgian outpatient HIV clinic. All patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) who attended at least two consultations were included. Patients not returning within the following year were considered LTFU. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed. The LTFU rate was 5.5% on average and remained stable over the years. Patients LTFU were more often intravenous drug users (odds ratio [OR] = 3.48), not covered by health insurance (OR = 6.69), living outside the province (OR = 1.49) and treated with a complex initial HAART regimen (OR = 5.80). Increased age was also associated with a higher risk of LTFU. Patients at risk for LTFU after starting HAART should be the targeted for reinforced counselling and HIV treatment centres should establish systems to trace patients LTFU.
An audit on the management of lymphogranuloma venereum in a sexual health clinic in London, UK
Authors: Hill S C , Hodson L , Smith A
Published: December 2010

We performed an audit on the management of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) against the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines. Sixty-three cases of LGV were diagnosed in 60 men who have sex with men (MSM). Fifty-six out of 63 (89%) episodes were treated in accordance with the guidelines. Although all eligible patients were offered an HIV test, 10% and 29% of patients were not offered syphilis or hepatitis C tests, respectively, at the time of LGV diagnosis. Partner notification was not possible in a third of cases. Several patients were re-infected with rectal Chlamydia trachomatis in the three months following LGV diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of rescreening to detect new infections as well as treatment failures in MSM at ongoing high risk of sexually transmitted infection acquisition.
Ondansetron-Induced Dystonia, Hypoglycemia, and Seizures in a Child
Authors: Patel Aneet , Mittal Shweta , Manchanda Samiksha , Puliyel Jacob Mammen
Published: December 2010

Objective

To document ondansetron-induced dystonia, hypoglycemia, and seizures in a child.

Case Summary:

A 4-year-old boy was admitted with dystonia following an intravenous dose of ondansetron 2 mg (0,13 mg/kg) that he had received for vomiting that day. In the emergency department, he developed generalized tonic-clonic seizures lasting for a few minutes. He was administered lorazepam 1.5 mg (0.1 mg/kg) to control the seizures. His blood glucose level was 10 mg/dL; the hypoglycemia responded promptly to intravenous dextrose 10% (7 mL/kg). Serum electrolytes, renal profile, capillary blood gas, and results of a computed tomography scan of the brain were normal. Subsequent blood glucose values were within normal range. On follow-up after 7 days, the child was healthy with no recurrences of the symptoms. A provisional diagnosis of ondansetron-induced acute dystonia with seizures and hypoglycemia was made.

Discussion:

Ondansetron is an antiemetic known for its safety profile. There have been a few case reports of extrapyramidal adverse effects and seizures from this drug but none of ondansetron-associated hypoglycemia, 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT3) receptors are involved in arginine vasopressin–mediated release of adrenocorticotrapin hormone and Cortisol in response to stress. Blunting of this stress response by ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, could have caused the hypoglycemia in this patient. According to the Naranjo scale, ondansetron was probably the cause of the dystonia and seizures, and possibly the cause of the hypoglycemia. Other potential explanations for hypoglycemia were considered but were thought to be less likely.

Conclusions:

Dystonia and seizures have been associated with ondansetron in a few case reports. In addition, clinicians need to consider hypoglycemia as a possible adverse effect of ondansetron.
Whistleblowing, Ethics and Corporate Culture: Theory and Practice in Australia
Authors: Pascoe Janine , Welsh Michelle
Published: December 2010

Recent instability in the global financial markets has highlighted the need for companies to remain vigilant in detecting fraud and other forms of misconduct. Encouraging whistleblowing by persons who have knowledge of corporate misconduct or fraud is important. Legislative provisions protecting whistleblowers and the integration of whistleblower programmes within a company's corporate governance framework are two strategies that may encourage whistleblowing. Legislative provisions protecting whistleblowers were introduced into the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in 2004. In 2007 the revised Australian Stock Exchange Principles recommended that listed corporations establish a code of conduct, and suggested that the code imbed within it reference to the way in which whistleblower disclosures are handled. While there have been various studies investigating whistleblowing programmes in the public sector, prior to this study there was virtually no empirical research into corporate sector whistleblowing in Australia. This paper examines the findings of an empirical study into the use of the whistleblowing protection provisions contained in the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the adoption of whistleblowing programmes as recommended by the Australian Stock Exchange Principles by Australia's leading 200 listed companies.