bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuropathology of AIDS: An Autopsy Review of 284 Cases from Brazil Comparing the Findings Pre- and Post-HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) and Pre- and Postmortem Correlation
Authors: Silva Ana Cristina Araújo Lemos , Rodrigues Blenda Sousa Carli , Micheletti Adilha Misson Rua , Tostes Sebastião , Meneses Antonio Carlos Oliveira , Silva-Vergara Mário Leon , Adad Sheila Jorge
Published: February 2012

A retrospective study of central nervous system (CNS) in 284 autopsy AIDS cases in Brazil (1989–2008) divided into 3 groups: A (without antiretroviral treatment: 163 cases); B (other antiretroviral therapies: 76 cases); C (HAART for 3 months or more: 45 cases). In 165 (58.1%) cases, relevant lesions were found, predominantly infections (54.2%); the most frequent was toxoplasmosis (29.9%) followed by cryptococcosis (15.8%), purulent bacterial infections (3.9%), and HIV encephalitis (2.8%); non-Hodgkin lymphomas occurred in 1.4% and vascular lesions in 1.1%. There was no difference when compared the frequency of lesion among the groups; however, toxoplasmosis was less common while HIV encephalitis was more frequent in group C related to A. CNS lesions remain a frequent cause of death in AIDS; however, the mean survival time was four times greater in group C than in A. In 91 (55.1%) of 165 cases with relevant brain lesions (or 32% of the total 284 cases), there was discordance betweenpre-andpostmortemdiagnosis; disagreement type 1 (important disease that if diagnosed in life could change the patient prognosis) occurred in 49 (53.8%) of 91 discordant cases (17.6% of the total 284) indicating the autopsy importance, even with HAART and advanced diagnostics technologies.
Rumination and Age: Some Things Get Better
Authors: Sütterlin Stefan , Paap Muirne C. S. , Babic Stana , Kübler Andrea , Vögele Claus
Published: February 2012

Rumination has been defined as a mode of responding to distress that involves passively focusing one's attention on symptoms of distress without taking action. This dysfunctional response style intensifies depressed mood, impairs interpersonal problem solving, and leads to more pessimistic future perspectives and less social support. As most of these results were obtained from younger people, it remains unclear how age affects ruminative thinking. Three hundred members of the general public ranging in age from 15 to 87 years were asked about their ruminative styles using the Response Styles Questionnaire (RSQ), depression and satisfaction with life. A Mokken Scale analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of the RSQ with brooding and reflective pondering as subcomponents of rumination. Older participants (63 years and older) reported less ruminative thinking than other age groups. Life satisfaction was associated with brooding and highest for the earlier and latest life stages investigated in this study.
Synthesis and Characterization of Fe-N-S-tri-DopedTiO2Photocatalyst and Its Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Li Biying , Cheng Xiuwen , Yu Xiujuan , Yan Lei , Xing Zipeng
Published: February 2012

Fe-N-S-tri-dopedTiO2photocatalysts were synthesized by one step in the presence of ammonium ferrous sulfate. The resulting materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectrum (UV-Vis DRS). XPS analysis indicated that Fe (III) and S6+were incorporated into the lattice ofTiO2through substituting titanium atoms, and N might coexist in the forms of substitutional N (O-Ti-N) and interstitial N (Ti-O-N) in tridopedTiO2. XRD results showed that tri-doping with Fe, N, and S elements could effectively retard the phase transformation ofTiO2from anatase to rutile and growth of crystallite size. DRS results revealed that the light absorbance edge ofTiO2in visible region was greatly improved by tri-doping with Fe, N, and S elements. Further, the photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized samples was evaluated by the degradation of phenol under visible light irradiation. It was found that Fe-N-S-tri-dopedTiO2catalyst exhibited higher visible light photocatalytic activity than that of pureTiO2and P25TiO2, which was mainly attributed to the small crystallite size, intense light absorbance in visible region, and narrow bandgap energy.
An Experimental Study of WSN Power Efficiency: MICAz Networks with XMesh
Authors: Davis Tyler W. , Liang Xu , Navarro Miguel , Bhatnagar Diviyansh , Liang Yao
Published: February 2012

This is an investigation of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) using Memsic's XMesh routing protocol on MICAz wireless motes. It focuses on the study of the practical aspects of WSNs' power efficiency and network characteristics, which play a critical role in real-word WSN deployments for environmental monitoring. Based on an experimental study and following a quantitative approach, this work examines XMesh's high power and low power operation modes and the data transmission intervals, among other factors. Route utilization was identified as a major contributor of the mote's battery use. A field study was conducted as a point of comparison and the results obtained were comparable to the laboratory tests with regards to the battery life and the mote's route utilization. The network reliability was found to be considerably lower in the field study. In addition, it was found that the original WSN gateway, used during the study, presented severe practical limitations regarding the system's robustness and reliability. To address these problems, we present a solution based on our integrated network and data management system, which successfully facilitates the deployment of a new WSN gateway and significantly improves the operational robustness and reliability of the WSN system.
Interplay of Polarity Proteins and GTPases in T-Lymphocyte Function
Authors: Fung Ivan , Russell Sarah M. , Oliaro Jane
Published: February 2012

Polarity refers to the asymmetric distribution of different cellular components within a cell and is central to many cell functions. In T-cells, polarity regulates the activation, migration, and effector function of cytotoxic T-cells (CTLs) during an immune response. The regulation of asymmetric cell division by polarity proteins may also dictate CTL effector and memory differentiation following antigen presentation. Small GTPases, along with their associated polarity and adaptor proteins, are critical for mediating the polarity changes necessary for T-cell activation and function, and in turn, are regulated by guanine exchange factors (GEFS) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPS). For example, a novel GEF, dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) was recently identified as a regulator of immune cell function and mutations in DOCK8 have been detected in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency. Both B and T-cells from DOCK8 mutant mice form defective immunological synapses and have abnormal functions, in addition to impaired immune memory development. This paper will discuss the interplay between polarity proteins and GTPases, and their role in T-cell function.
The Safety of Cruciferous Plants in Humans: A Systematic Review
Authors: Scott Ori , Galicia-Connolly Elaine , Adams Denise , Surette Soleil , Vohra Sunita , Yager Jerome Y.
Published: February 2012

Some cruciferous plants may serve as preventive treatments for several medical conditions; our objective was to systematically investigate their safety in humans. Four electronic databases were searched, and, of 10,831 references identified, 50 were included. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers, whereafter the association between interventions and adverse events was assessed. Adverse events in 53 subjects were identified through clinical trials; of these, altered drug metabolism was rated as certainly/likely caused by cruciferous plants. Adverse events in 1247 subjects were identified through observational studies, of which none received high causality ratings. Adverse events in 35 subjects were identified through case reports, of which allergies and warfarin resistance were rated as certainly/likely caused by cruciferous plants. We conclude that cruciferous plants are safe in humans, with the exception of allergies. Individuals treated with warfarin should consult their physician. Further investigation of uses of cruciferous plants in preventative medicine is warranted.
Controlled Synthesis of Manganese Dioxide Nanostructures via a Facile Hydrothermal Route
Authors: Pang Suh Cem , Chin Suk Fun , Ling Chian Ye
Published: February 2012

Manganese dioxide nanostructures with controllable morphological structures and crystalline phases were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route at low temperatures without using any templates or surfactants. Both the aging duration and aging temperatures were the main synthesis parameters used to influence and control the rate of morphological and structural evolution of MnO2 nanostructures. MnO2 nanostructures comprise of spherical nanoparticulate agglomerates and highly amorphous in nature were formed at lower temperature and/or short aging duration. In contrast, MnO2 nanostructures of sea‐urchin‐like and nanorods‐like morphologies and nanocrystalline in nature were prepared at the combined higher aging temperatures and longer aging durations. These nanostructures underwent notable phase transformation from δ‐MnO2 to α‐MnO2 upon prolonged hydrothermal aging duration and exhibited accelerated rate of phase transformation at higher aging temperature.
Solar Radiation and Vitamin D: Mitigating Environmental Factors in Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Schwalfenberg Gerry K.
Published: February 2012

This paper looks at the environmental role of vitamin D and solar radiation as risk reduction factors in autoimmune disease. Five diseases are considered: multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease of the thyroid, and inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical relevant studies and factors that may indicate evidence that autoimmune disease is a vitamin D-sensitive disease are presented. Studies that have resulted in prevention or amelioration of some autoimmune disease are discussed. An example of the utility of supplementing vitamin D in an unusual autoimmune disease, idiopathic thrombocytic purpura, is presented.
Nonnutritive, Low Caloric Substitutes for Food Sugars: Clinical Implications for Addressing the Incidence of Dental Caries and Overweight/Obesity
Authors: Roberts Michael W. , Wright J. Timothy
Published: February 2012

Caries and obesity are two common conditions affecting children in the United States and other developed countries. Caries in the teeth of susceptible children have often been associated with frequent ingestion of fermentable sugars such as sucrose, fructose, glucose, and maltose. Increased calorie intake associated with sugars and carbohydrates, especially when associated with physical inactivity, has been implicated in childhood obesity. Fortunately, nonnutritive artificial alternatives and non-/low-caloric natural sugars have been developed as alternatives to fermentable sugars and have shown promise in partially addressing these health issues. Diet counseling is an important adjunct to oral health instruction. Although there are only five artificial sweeteners that have been approved as food additives by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are additional five non-/low caloric sweeteners that have FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation. Given the health impact of sugars and other carbohydrates, dental professionals should be aware of the nonnutritive non-/low caloric sweeteners available on the market and both their benefits and potential risks. Dental health professionals should also be proactive in helping identify patients at risk for obesity and provide counseling and referral when appropriate.
Strong Convergence Theorems for Nonexpansive Semigroups and Variational Inequalities in Banach Spaces
Authors: Wang Haiqing , Su Yongfu , Zhang Hong
Published: February 2012

Let X be a uniformly convex Banach space and 𝒮 = {T(s) : 0 ≤ s < ∞} be a nonexpansive semigroup such that F(𝒮) = ⋂s>0F(T(s)) ≠ ∅. Consider the iterative method that generates the sequence {xn} by the algorithm , where {αn}, {βn}, and {sn} are three sequences satisfying certain conditions, f : C → C is a contraction mapping. Strong convergence of the algorithm {xn} is proved assuming X either has a weakly continuous duality map or has a uniformly Gâteaux differentiable norm.
Oscillator with a Sum of Noninteger‐Order Nonlinearities
Authors: Cveticanin L. , Pogány T.
Published: February 2012

Free and self‐excited vibrations of conservative oscillators
with polynomial nonlinearity are considered. Mathematical model of the
system is a second‐order differential equation with a nonlinearity of polynomial type, whose terms are of integer and/or noninteger order. For the
case when only one nonlinear term exists, the exact analytical solution of
the differential equation is determined as a cosine‐Ateb function. Based on this solution, the asymptotic averaging procedure for solving the perturbed strong non‐linear differential equation is developed. The method does not require the existence of the small parameter in the system. Special attention is given to the case when the dominant term is a linear one and to the case when it is of any non‐linear order. Exact solutions of
the averaged differential equations of motion are obtained. The obtained results
are compared with “exact” numerical solutions and previously obtained
analytical approximate ones. Advantages and disadvantages of the suggested
procedure are discussed.
The Metabolic Syndrome and Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease: Pathophysiology and Intervention Strategies
Authors: LaGuardia Heather A. , Hamm L. Lee , Chen Jing
Published: February 2012

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors, including abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure and glucose concentrations, and dyslipidemia. The presence of this clinical entity is becoming more pervasive throughout the globe as the prevalence of obesity increases worldwide. Moreover, there is increased recognition of the complications and mortality related to this syndrome. This paper looks to examine the link between metabolic syndrome and the development of chronic kidney disease.
Longitudinal Relationships of Religion with Posttreatment Depression Severity in Older Psychiatric Patients: Evidence of Direct and Indirect Effects
Authors: Hayward R. David , Owen Amy D. , Koenig Harold G. , Steffens David C. , Payne Martha E.
Published: February 2012

Psychiatric patients (age 59+) were assessed before study treatment for major depressive disorder, and again after 3 months. Measures taken before study treatment included facets of religiousness (subjective religiosity, private prayer, worship attendance, and religious media use), social support, and perceived stress. Clinician-rated depression severity was assessed both before and after treatment using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Structural equation modeling was used to test a path model of direct and indirect effects of religious factors via psychosocial pathways. Subjective religiousness was directly related to worse initial MADRS, but indirectly related to better posttreatment MADRS via the pathway of more private prayer. Worship attendance was directly related to better initial MADRS, and indirectly related to better post-treatment MADRS via pathways of lower stress, more social support, and more private prayer. Private prayer was directly related to better post-treatment MADRS. Religious media use was related to more private prayer, but had no direct relationship with MADRS.
Discrepancies between Abstracts Presented at International Association for Dental Research Annual Sessions from 2004 to 2005 and Full-Text Publication
Authors: Prasad Soni , Lee Damian J. , Yuan Judy Chia-Chun , Barao Valentim A. R. , Shyamsunder Nodesh , Sukotjo Cortino
Published: February 2012

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the discrepancies between abstracts presented at the IADR meeting (2004-2005) and their full-text publication.Material and Methods. Abstracts from the Prosthodontic Section of IADR meeting were obtained. The following information was collected: abstract title, number of authors, study design, statistical analysis, outcome, and funding source. PubMed was used to identify the full-text publication of the abstracts. The discrepancies between the abstract and the full-text publication were examined, categorized as major and minor discrepancies, and quantified. The data were collected and analyzed using descriptive analysis. Frequency and percentage of major and minor discrepancies were calculated.Results. A total of 109 (95.6%) articles showed changes from their abstracts. Seventy-four (65.0%) and 105 (92.0%) publications had at least one major and one minor discrepancies, respectively. Minor discrepancies were more prevalent (92.0%) than major discrepancies (65.0%). The most common minor discrepancy was observed in the title (80.7%), and most common major discrepancies were seen in results (48.2%).Conclusion. Minor discrepancies were more prevalent than major discrepancies. The data presented in this study may be useful to establish a more comprehensive structured abstract requirement for future meetings.
A Rare Cause of the Cough: Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of Esophagus—Case Report
Authors: Yekeler Erdal , Koca Timur , Vural Semra
Published: February 2012

Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus is a relatively rare malignancy. It is highly progressive and poorly prognostic in untreated conditions. In the western populations, the rate of primary small cell carcinoma in all esophageal cancer types is between 0.05% and 2.4%, while it is endemically increasing up to 7.6% in the eastern populations. Most of the cases are in extensive stage at the time of diagnosis. Surgery is the treatment of choice in limited stages, but treatment must be multimodal in primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus. A 47-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with gradually increasing severe dry cough and slight difficulty in swallowing for 20 days. Chest X-ray graphy was normal, and computed tomography of the chest showed multiple mediastinal lymph nodes and hepatic metastases. Her endoscopic examination revealed an endoluminal vegetative mass between 20 cm and 23 cm of her esophagus. The case was reported as small cell carcinoma of the esophagus on histopathological examination. The case was assumed inoperable, and chemotherapy and radiotherapy were planned. We presented a rare cause of the cough and primary esophageal small cell carcinoma in this paper.
HDR Brachytherapy in the Management of High-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Masson Susan , Persad Raj , Bahl Amit
Published: February 2012

High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is used with increasing frequency for the treatment of prostate cancer. It is a technique which allows delivery of large individual fractions to the prostate without exposing adjacent normal tissues to unacceptable toxicity. This approach is particularly favourable in prostate cancer where tumours are highly sensitive to dose escalation and to increases in radiotherapy fraction size, due to the unique radiobiological behaviour of prostate cancers in contrast with other malignancies. In this paper we discuss the rationale and the increasing body of clinical evidence for the use of this technique in patients with high-risk prostate cancer, where it is combined with external beam radiotherapy. We highlight practical aspects of delivering treatment and discuss toxicity and limitations, with particular reference to current practice in the United Kingdom.
Vascular Normalization by Loss of Siah2 Results in Increased Chemotherapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Wong Christina S.F. , Sceneay Jaclyn , House Colin M. , Halse Heloise M. , Liu Mira C.P. , George Joshy , Hunnam Titaina C.U. Potdevin , Parker Belinda S. , Haviv Izhak , Ronai Ze'ev , Cullinane Carleen , Bowtell David D. , Möller Andreas
Published: February 2012

Tumor hypoxia is associated with resistance to antiangiogenic therapy and poor prognosis. The Siah E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate the hypoxic response pathway by modulating the turnover of the master proangiogenic transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (Hif-1α). In this study, we show that genetic deficiency in the Siah family member Siah2 results in vascular normalization and delayed tumor growth in an established transgenic model of aggressive breast cancer. Tumors arising in a Siah2−/− genetic background showed increased perfusion and pericyte-associated vasculature, similar to that occurring with antiangiogenic therapy. In support of the role of Siah2 in regulating levels of Hif-1α, expression of angiogenic factors was decreased in Siah2−/− tumors. Blood vessel normalization in Siah2−/− tumors resulted in an increased response to chemotherapy and prolonged survival. Together, our findings offer a preclinical proof of concept that targeting Siah2 is sufficient to attenuate Hif-1α–mediated angiogenesis and hypoxia signaling, thereby improving responses to chemotherapy. Cancer Res; 72(7); 1694–704. ©2012 AACR.
The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System Meets Angiogenesis
Authors: Rahimi Nader
Published: February 2012

A strict physiological balance between endogenous proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors controls endothelial cell functions, such that endothelial cell growth is normally restrained. However, in pathologic angiogenesis, a shift occurs in the balance of regulators, favoring endothelial growth. Much of the control of angiogenic events is instigated through hypoxia-induced VEGF expression. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a central role in fine-tuning the functions of core proangiogenic proteins, including VEGF, VEGFR-2, angiogenic signaling proteins (e.g., the PLCγ1 and PI3 kinase/AKT pathways), and other non-VEGF angiogenic pathways. The emerging mechanisms by which ubiquitin modification of angiogenic proteins control angiogenesis involve both proteolytic and nonproteolytic functions. Here, I review recent advances that link the UPS to regulation of angiogenesis and highlight the potential therapeutic value of the UPS in angiogenesis-associated diseases. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(3); 538–48. ©2012 AACR.
Factors Predicting Erythropoietin Resistance among Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Mallick Salman , Rafiroiu Anca , Kanthety Radhika , Iqbal Saima , Malik Rabia , Rahman Mahboob
Published: February 2012

Background: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) resistance remains incompletely understood among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Method: A retrospective, multicenter study was designed to analyze data from 1,934 patients followed for up to two years. The outcome measure was the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI), defined as erythropoietin dosage over a week divided by the post-HD weight and hemoglobin value. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed albumin, Kt/V, transferrin saturation, statin use and male gender to be inversely related to ERI, whereas parathyroid hormone and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) use were associated with higher ESA resistance. ERI was statistically lower in patients with higher levels of albumin (p < 0.001) and with higher transferrin saturation levels (p < 0.05). Discussion: The results allow for a better understanding of predictors of erythropoietin resistance among HD patients including not extensively studied factors such as statin and ACEI/ARB use.
Initial Experience in Evaluating the Prevalence of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Detected on 3-Tesla MRI
Authors: Igase Keiji , Matsubara Ichiro , Igase Michiya , Miyazaki Hajime , Sadamoto Kazuhiko
Published: February 2012

Background: Given the very poor outcome of ruptured intracranial aneurysms, detection and treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms by a less invasive examination have become important. For this purpose, 3-tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most suitable candidate, owing to its high signal/noise ratio and frequency resolution. However, few reports have investigated the prevalence of intracranial aneurysms with high-tesla MRI. Here, we evaluated the prevalence of intracranial aneurysms and the effectiveness of a 3T MRI system in their detection. Methods: During a 1-year period, a total of 3,414 consecutive patients undergoing MR angiography with 3T MRI for the first time were enrolled. Diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm was made by two neuroradiologically trained medical doctors under complete blinding to patient information. When intracranial aneurysm was suspected, volume-rendering images were created for more accurate diagnosis. Results: Surprisingly, 317 unruptured intracranial aneurysms were identified in 286 of 3,414 cases (8.4%); 151 unruptured aneurysms (47.6%) occurred in the internal carotid artery, 85 (26.8%) in the middle cerebral artery, 54 (17.0%) in the anterior cerebral artery, and 27 (8.5%) in the posterior circulation. Of these, 152/317 (47.9%) were <3 mm, 104 (32.8%) ranged from 3 to 5 mm, 5 (11.0%) from 5 to 7 mm, and 26 (8.2%) were >7 mm. No significant difference in size was seen among the four locations.Conclusions: For the first time, this study assessed the detection rate of intracranial aneurysms using 3T MRI. Results showed a higher detection rate than previously documented. The reason for this higher rate is likely the improved ability of this modality to detect unruptured aneurysms in the internal carotid artery and those <3 mm.
Encapsulated Cell Biodelivery of Nerve Growth Factor to the Basal Forebrain in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Eriksdotter-Jönhagen Maria , Linderoth Bengt , Lind Göran , Aladellie Layth , Almkvist Ove , Andreasen Niels , Blennow Kaj , Bogdanovic Nenad , Jelic Vesna , Kadir Ahmadul , Nordberg Agneta , Sundström Erik , Wahlund Lars-Olof , Wall Anders , Wiberg Maria , Winblad Bengt , Seiger Åke , Almqvist Per , Wahlberg Lars
Published: February 2012

Background/Aims: Degeneration of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain correlates with cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Targeted delivery of exogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) has emerged as a potential AD therapy due to its regenerative effects on the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in AD animal models. Here we report the results of a first-in-man study of encapsulated cell (EC) biodelivery of NGF to the basal forebrain of AD patients with the primary objective to explore safety and tolerability. Methods: This was an open-label, 12-month study in 6 AD patients. Patients were implanted stereotactically with EC-NGF biodelivery devices targeting the basal forebrain. Patients were monitored with respect to safety, tolerability, disease progression and implant functionality. Results: All patients were implanted successfully with bilateral single or double implants without complications or signs of toxicity. No adverse events were related to NGF or the device. All patients completed the study, including removal of implants at 12 months. Positive findings in cognition, EEG and nicotinic receptor binding in 2 of 6 patients were detected. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that surgical implantation and removal of EC-NGF biodelivery to the basal forebrain in AD patients is safe, well tolerated and feasible.
Stroke Incidence in Older US Hispanics
Authors: Moon J. Robin , Capistrant Beatrix D. , Kawachi Ichiro , Avendaño Mauricio , Subramanian S.V. , Bates Lisa M. , Glymour M. Maria
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—

Although Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States, relatively little is known about stroke risk in US Hispanics. We compare stroke incidence and socioeconomic predictors in US- and foreign-born Hispanics with patterns among non-Hispanic whites.

Methods—

Health and Retirement Study participants aged 50+ years free of stroke in 1998 (mean baseline age, 66.3 years) were followed through 2008 for self- or proxy-reported first stroke (n=15 784; 1388 events). We used discrete-time survival analysis to compare stroke incidence among US-born (including those who immigrated before age 7 years) and foreign-born Hispanics with incidence in non-Hispanic whites. We also examined childhood and adult socioeconomic characteristics as predictors of stroke among Hispanics, comparing effect estimates with those for non-Hispanic whites.

Results—

In age- and sex-adjusted models, US-born Hispanics had higher odds of stroke onset than non-Hispanic whites (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.08–1.90), but these differences were attenuated and nonsignificant in models that controlled for childhood and adulthood socioeconomic factors (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.80–1.42). In contrast, in models adjusted for all demographic and socioeconomic factors, foreign-born Hispanics had significantly lower stroke risk than non-Hispanic whites (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41–0.81). The impact of socioeconomic predictors on stroke did not differ between Hispanics and whites.

Conclusions—

In this longitudinal national cohort, foreign-born Hispanics had lower incidence of stroke incidence than non-Hispanic whites and US-born Hispanics. Findings suggest that foreign-born Hispanics may have a risk factor profile that protects them from stroke as compared with other Americans.
Evolvable Physical Self-Replicators
Authors: Virgo Nathaniel , Fernando Chrisantha , Bigge Bill , Husbands Phil
Published: February 2012

Building an evolvable physical self-replicating machine is a grand challenge. The main problem is that the device must be capable of hereditary variation, that is, replicating in many configurations—configurations into which it enters unpredictably by mutation. Template replication is the solution found by nature. A scalable device must also be capable of miniaturization, and so have few or no moving and electronic parts. Here a significant step toward this goal is presented in the form of a physical template replicator made from small plastic pieces containing embedded magnets that float on an air-hockey-type table and undergo stochastic motion. Our units replicate by a process analogous to the replication of DNA, except without the involvement of enzymes. Building a physical rather than a computational model forces us to confront several problems that have analogues on the nano scale. In particular, replication must be maintained by preventing side reactions such as spontaneous ligation, cyclization, product inhibition, and elongation at staggered ends. The last of these results in ever-lengthening sequences in a process known as the elongation catastrophe. The extreme specificity of structure required by the monomers is indirect evidence that some kind of natural selection took place prior to the existence of nucleotide analogues during the origin of life.
Size Selection and Adaptive Evolution in an Artificial Chemistry
Authors: Lucht Michael W.
Published: February 2012

A simple artificial chemistry for the Squirm3 artificial environment, consisting of replicators that produce quasi-universal enzymes, is presented. The aim of this system is twofold: first, to demonstrate the survival of extracellular replicators despite the presence of faster-replicating parasites; second, to observe the evolution of adaptively useful enzymes. Accomplishing these goals will underpin future attempts to attain open-ended and/or creative evolution in the Squirm3 environment. The first aim is achieved by attaching enzymes to their replicators. Our software implementation demonstrates replicators with 10 bases prospering in the presence of parasites with zero bases. To accomplish the second aim, a process for creating selection pressure toward longer molecules is introduced. The evolution and subsequent dominance of a replicator that produces an adaptively useful enzyme is demonstrated experimentally. Finally, we comment on the crucial role played by neutral evolution and discuss the biological significance of our results.
Emergent Diversity in an Open-Ended Evolving Virtual Community
Authors: Fernández Jose D. , Lobo Daniel , Martn Gema M. , Doursat René , Vico Francisco J.
Published: February 2012

Understanding the dynamics of biodiversity has become an important line of research in theoretical ecology and, in particular, conservation biology. However, studying the evolution of ecological communities under traditional modeling approaches based on differential calculus requires species' characteristics to be predefined, which limits the generality of the results. An alternative but less standardized methodology relies on intensive computer simulation of evolving communities made of simple, explicitly described individuals. We study here the formation, evolution, and diversity dynamics of a community of virtual plants with a novel individual-centered model involving three different scales: the genetic, the developmental, and the physiological scales. It constitutes an original attempt at combining development, evolution, and population dynamics (based on multi-agent interactions) into one comprehensive, yet simple model. In this world, we observe that our simulated plants evolve increasingly elaborate canopies, which are capable of intercepting ever greater amounts of light. Generated morphologies vary from the simplest one-branch structure of promoter plants to a complex arborization of several hundred thousand branches in highly evolved variants. On the population scale, the heterogeneous spatial structuration of the plant community at each generation depends solely on the evolution of its component plants. Using this virtual data, the morphologies and the dynamics of diversity production were analyzed by various statistical methods, based on genotypic and phenotypic distance metrics. The results demonstrate that diversity can spontaneously emerge in a community of mutually interacting individuals under the influence of specific environmental conditions.
Abdominal Obesity is Associated With a Lower Ankle–Brachial Index in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Dogan Mustafa Inanc , Tasci Ilker , Bulucu Fatih , Aydogdu Aydogan , Acar Ramazan , Ceyhan Temel , Koc Bayram , Demir Orhan , Gezer Mustafa , Sağlam Kenan
Published: February 2012

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was linked to increased lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. A low ankle–brachial index (ABI) is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. The ABI value and the associated conditions in women with PCOS were searched in the present study. The ABI was measured using a handheld Doppler device and calculated using both standard and modified definitions. Women with PCOS (n = 103, mean age = 24.9 ± 5.9 years) had a mean ABI of 1.10 ± 0.10. A low ABI (≤0.9) was 2.9% and 14.6% using the standard and modified definitions, respectively. Mean ABI correlated negatively to body weight, BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and hematocrit. Logistic regression analysis revealed higher waist-to-hip ratio as independently associated with a lower ABI. Frequency of ABI ≤0.9 in PCOS was lower than the general population. However, increased waist-to-hip ratio was a predictor of a lower ABI value.
Modeling and verification of the kinematics of passenger falls on escalators
Authors: Al-Sharif Lutfi , Dado Mohammad H , Habash Nadine , Rawashdeh Zeina El , Al-Shubbak Ala’a
Published: February 2012

Passenger falls on escalators are one of the major causes of accidents. Falls can either be passenger caused or escalator caused. Unplanned stops of escalators can cause passenger falls and consequential injury in the form of cuts, bruises, finger entrapment and, in certain cases, crushing leading to suffocation. In order to better understand the kinematics of passenger falls on escalators, MATLAB-based software has been developed. It simulates the effect of an acceleration signal on a rectangular block. The most important parameter of the rectangular solid block is the center of gravity ratio, which is defined relative to the axis around which the fall can take place. The model is then practically verified by subjecting an actual wooden rectangular block of a specific center of gravity ratio to an acceleration signal and taking a video of the fall. The acceleration signal is measured and fed into the model. The video is analyzed frame by frame in order to use time-lapse photography to compare the falling block with the output of the model. Good agreement has been achieved. Data on the human body is analyzed in order to arrive at an appropriate value of the center of gravity ratio for the human body. This value is further adjusted to account for variability in the human body, and expected human behavior, up to a value of 10. This result is then used to arrive at a limit on the maximum value of acceleration form the escalator braking system in order to prevent escalator-initiated passenger falls. Applying knowledge of the variability of the expected maximum acceleration from successive escalator stops is then applied to arrive at the final value of 1.16 m·s–2 as the recommended value to be used as a design and acceptance value for escalator braking system performance in order to prevent passenger falls.
Relationship between Nasal Valve Changes and Nasalance of the Voice
Authors: Gerek Mustafa , Durmaz Abdullah , Aydin Umit , Birkent Hakan , Hidir Yusuf , Tosun Fuat
Published: February 2012

Objective

It is well known that the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses affect the acoustic characteristics of the voice as resonators. Any expansion in nasal valve area, the narrowest segment of the nasal cavity, affects the nasal resistance and therefore has the potential to alter the nasalance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nasal valve changes on nasalance of the voice by using an external nasal dilator strip that widens the nasal valve area.

Study Design

Before‐and‐after study.

Setting

Tertiary university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Healthy volunteer subjects who had no nasal or voice‐related complaints were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent acoustic rhinometry and nasometry before and while wearing a commercially available external nasal dilator strip. The data with and without the nasal strip were compared.

Results

Twenty‐five subjects were enrolled in the study. After the application of nasal strips, statistically significant increases were observed in the minimal cross‐sectional area of the nasal valve. However, there were no significant changes in the nasalance measurements.

Conclusion

Despite increasing the nasal valve area, application of the nasal strips did not cause any significant change in nasalance scores in healthy subjects, showing no relationship between the nasal valve and nasalance of the voice.
Flexural and impact properties of flax woven, knitted and sequentially stacked knitted/woven preform reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Muralidhar BA , Giridev VR , Raghunathan K
Published: February 2012

In this article, plain woven, rib knitted and sequentially stacked rib knitted/plain woven, flax fabric reinforced epoxy composites are investigated for their flexural and impact properties. The effect of lay-up angle and the number of preform layers on the above-mentioned properties are also studied. The composite laminates were processed by hand lay-up technique using 2 and 4 mm thick spacers and cured under pressure of 3 bar for 2 h at 50°C, followed by curing in an oven at 120°C for 1 h. Specimen preparation and testing were carried out as per ASTM standards. The results indicate that the woven preform reinforced laminates perform better in both flexural and impact properties for all the lay-up angles and thicknesses investigated in this study. Among the sequentially stacked knitted/woven preform reinforced laminates, specimen with knitted preform as the skin layers exhibited better flexural and impact properties. The data obtained show a tendency of lower flexural and impact values with increase in number of preform layers for all lay-up angles with the exception of lay-up angle [0°/ + 45°/−45°/0°]. At low fibre volume fraction, the sequentially stacked knitted/woven preform reinforced laminates were found comparable to woven preform laminates.
Women’s Attitudes Toward Biomedical Technology for Infertility
Authors: Johnson Katherine M. , Simon Richard M.
Published: February 2012

Research has consistently revealed gender differences in attitudes toward science and technology. One explanation is that women are more personally affected by particular technologies (e.g., biomedical interventions), so they consider them differently. However, not all women universally experience biomedical technologies. We use the concept of technological salience to address how differences in subjective implications of a technology might explain differences in women’s attitudes toward biotechnology. In a sample of U.S. women from the National Survey of Fertility Barriers, we examine how women with and without a biomedical barrier to fertility evaluate biotechnology for infertility, which, we argue, reflects differences in technological salience. For women with a biomedical barrier, various experiences, beliefs, and values impacted their attitudes; yet, most of these did not affect attitudes if women had not experienced a fertility barrier. Results suggest that technological salience contextualizes women’s attitudes toward these biotechnologies and may also have broader implications for other biotechnologies.
On the stabilising effect of gyroscopic moments in an automotive turbocharger
Authors: Kamesh Punithavathy , Brennan Michael J , Holmes Roy
Published: February 2012

Automotive turbochargers, which operate at very high speeds, exceeding 180,000 r/min, exhibit two strong sub-harmonic modes of vibrations due to oil-whirl instability. These are a conical mode and an in-phase whirl mode. The gyroscopic effects can be very important in such a rotor system. This article presents a theoretical investigation into these effects on the conical whirl instability of a turbocharger induced by the angular (tilting) motion of a rigid rotor. A simplified linear model is used to analyse the rotor-bearing system by investigating the effects of the gyroscopic moment on the internal moments. A gyroscopic coefficient, defined by the geometry of the rotor, is shown to govern the stability of the conical whirl motion. A threshold value of ½ is determined for this coefficient to suppress the conical whirl. This value remains unaffected if the rotor is asymmetric and is supported by floating ring bearings, which is the case in a practical turbocharger.
Dimensional analysis and a potential classification algorithm for prediction of wear in friction stir welding of metal matrix composites
Authors: Prater Tracie , Cox Chase , Gibson Brian , Strauss Alvin M , Cook George E
Published: February 2012

The objective of this study is to develop a dimensionless parameter which can be used to estimate the amount of volumetric wear, a friction stir welding tool will experience in joining a metal matrix composite. Metal matrix composites are strong, lightweight materials consisting of a metal matrix (often an aluminum alloy) reinforced with ceramic particles or fibers. This study derives a dimensionless number based on three major process variables in friction stir welding: rotation speed, traverse speed, and length of weld. This number is correlated with wear data collected from experiments in which a steel friction stir welding tool was used to join Al 359/SiC/20p. The use of the dimensionless number as a classifier for tool condition is also evaluated.
Investigation of the compressive stiffness of spinal cages in various experimental conditions based on finite element analysis
Authors: Kim Yoon Hyuk , Choi Dae Kyung , Kim Kyungsoo
Published: February 2012

Recently, novel polymers, including polyetheretherketone and carbon fibre reinforced polymer, have been used for spinal implants. Because the in vitro experimental test uses metal blocks with different material properties from those of polymer cages in standard test protocols for prediction of the mechanical performance, it is necessary to analyse the influence of various experimental conditions, such as the material of the blocks. In this study, the compressive stiffness of spinal cages was investigated for different materials (polyetheretherketone, carbon fibre reinforced polymer, and titanium) under simulations of the mechanical experimental tests and the in vivo situation based on finite element analysis. The stiffness was affected by shapes of cage as well as experimental conditions, such as the load application method or fixation block. In the open cages, the polymer cages showed a greater dependence on the experimental situation than the metal cages. Hence, it may be necessary to consider the experimental conditions during in vitro mechanical tests for the stiffness evaluation of spinal cages made of novel polymers to obtain results relevant for an in vivo situation.
G.H. Mead and knowing how to act: Practical meaning, routine interaction, and the theory of interobjectivity
Authors: Daanen Paul , Sammut Gordon
Published: February 2012

The general aim of this paper is twofold. First, we evaluate Mead’s later efforts at developing a non-conscious theory of meaning that refutes the primacy of Descartes’s cogito as a foundational explanation of adult human understanding and social interaction. However, paired with this first goal, we also intend to use Mead’s theoretical framework as a paradigmatic example of a theory of intersubjectivity. We will show how Mead problematically reintroduces the presence of conscious awareness in order to provide an intersubjective account of mutual human understanding and interaction. We argue that this position reveals a lacuna in both Mead’s theory of meaning specifically, as well as in theories of intersubjectivity more broadly. Such approaches require a foundational account of practical meaning and knowledge. We conclude by exploring the links between these arguments and the emerging theory of interobjectivity.
Long-term ketamine and ketamine plus alcohol treatments produced damages in liver and kidney
Authors: Wai MSM , Chan WM , Zhang AQ , Wu Y , Yew DT
Published: February 2012

Ketamine is one of the common recreational drugs used in rave parties and it is frequently taken with alcohol. In spite of this, the potential toxicity of ketamine in liver and kidney has not been fully documented. In this study, ICR mice were treated for periods of 6, 16 and 28 weeks with 30 mg/kg ketamine injected daily intraperitoneally, and together with alcohol (0.5 ml of 10% alcohol for each mouse) during the last 4 weeks of the treatment periods. Our experimental results showed significant damage in liver, including fatty degeneration of liver cells, fibrosis and increase in liver glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, proliferative cell nuclear antigen and lactate dehydrogenase after 16 weeks of treatment with ketamine. Hydropic degenerations of the kidney tubules were observed as early as 6 weeks of treatment. Long-term ketamine administration (28 weeks) led to atresia of glomeruli in the kidney. Proteinuria was confirmed in the 67% of the ketamine-treated animals after 28 weeks of treatment. It was apparent that ketamine when taken chronically (16 weeks of treatment and thereafter) affected both liver and kidney definitively. The damages in both liver and kidney of these mice were more severe when the animals were treated with both ketamine and alcohol.