bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipoic acid mitigates bisphenol A-induced testicular mitochondrial toxicity in rats
Authors: El-Beshbishy Hesham A , Aly Hamdy A A , El-Shafey Mostafa
Published: May 2012

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide. BPA is used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins used in manufacturing plastic baby bottles and lining of food cans. In this study, we investigated the BPA-induced testicular oxidative stress and perturbation of mitochondrial marker enzymes in male albino rats and its amelioration by α-lipoic acid (LA). Rats were administered a dose of BPA (10 mg/kg body weight) orally for 14 days. This resulted in decreased testes weight, total testicular protein content, testicular enzymes such as acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase and decline in activities of marker mitochondrial enzymes such as succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, monoamine oxidase and NADH dehydrogenase. The serum testosterone and total antioxidant status were reduced. Besides, it also affected the activities of testicular antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase. BPA also caused lipid peroxidation and decrease in reduced glutathione content of mitochondria. The co-administration of LA (20 mg/kg body weight; orally for 14 days) together with BPA resulted in restoration of the mitochondrial marker enzyme activities and increasing enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants of mitochondria. The obtained results demonstrated that LA has a potential role in mitigating BPA-induced mitochondrial toxicity through antioxidant mechanism or by direct free radical scavenging activity.
Dialogic Reverberations
Authors: Lea Susan J. , Lynn Nick
Published: May 2012

This study investigated the social construction of domestic abuse by police officers, specifically in the context of arguments presented to the prosecutor for a decision on whether to proceed with or discontinue the case. Nineteen police files were examined with a particular focus on the MG3, the “Report to Crown Prosecutors for Charging Decision.” Access to such sensitive material is usually denied to researchers; therefore, this study offers unusual insights into the treatment of victims and perpetrators of interpersonal violence by the police. Discourse analysis revealed three dominant speech genres: impartiality, credibility, and the “real” victim. These genres separately and in interaction served to construct domestic abuse cases in ways that did not support the victim’s account. The “dialogic reverberations” of these findings are discussed and the implications of the work for research and practice are considered.
Who Gets Blamed for Intimate Partner Violence? The Relative Contributions of Perpetrator Sex Category, Victim Confrontation, and Observer Attitudes
Authors: Stewart Cindy , Moore Todd , Crone Travis , DeFreitas Stacie Craft , Rhatigan Deborah
Published: May 2012

The present study examined the effects of perpetrator sex category, victim confrontation, observer sex category, and observer attitudes on attributions of blame and behavioral stability for partner violence. Data were collected from 728 college-aged students enrolled at 2 universities in the United States. Results demonstrated that males and females attributed less blame and behavioral stability to female perpetrators than male perpetrators, especially if the perpetrator was provoked. Moreover, attitudes toward women and violence were important for predicting attributions, and some of the evidence for observer effects was reduced to nonsignificance once these variables were added to the model.
Rheological and barrier properties of nanocomposites of HDPE and exfoliated montmorillonite
Authors: Horst M Fernanda , Quinzani Lidia M , Failla Marcelo D
Published: May 2012

Polyethylene (PE)/clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing using PE grafted with maleic anhydride (PEg) as compatibilizer. Concentrations between 2 and 15 wt% of an organophilic montmorillonite (MMT) and concentration ratios of 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 of PEg/MMT were employed. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetry. The SEM images show that the presence of PEg results in a large degree of exfoliation at all clay concentrations. For 5 wt% MMT, the best degree of exfoliation is obtained for a 2:1 ratio of PEg/MMT. This ratio results in higher increase in the elastic modulus, mainly at low frequencies, with respect to that of the corresponding matrix. As the clay concentration increases, for a 2:1 ratio of PEg/MMT, the dynamic moduli increase showing pseudo solid-like behavior at clay concentrations higher than 8 wt%. Moreover, the nanocomposites show rheological properties that are affected by annealing at 200°C signaling further exfoliation or improved platelet and tactoid distributions. The oxygen permeability of PE decreases gradually with the clay concentration, reaching a maximum reduction of ∼30% for 15 wt% MMT.
Studies on wear resistance of PTFE filled with glass and bronze particles based on Taguchi technique
Authors: Pasha BA Mudasar , Budan D Abdul , Basavarajappa S , Yadav S Manjunath , Nizamuddin BA
Published: May 2012

An attempt has been made to study the influence of wear parameters like applied load, sliding speed, sliding distance on the dry sliding wear of polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE), PTFE + 25% glass and PTFE + 40% bronze composites. Experiments, based on the techniques of Taguchi, were performed to acquire data in a controlled way. An orthogonal array and the analysis of variance were employed to investigate the influence of process parameters on the wear of composites. The worn surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental results show that sliding distance and applied load were found to be the more significant factors among the other control factors on wear. The objective is to establish a correlation between dry sliding wear of composites and wear parameters. These correlations were obtained by multiple regressions. A good agreement between the predicted and actual wear resistance was seen.
Partisan agenda control in the US house: A theoretical exploration
Authors: Jenkins Jeffery A , Monroe Nathan W
Published: May 2012

While a number of scholars have focused on the importance of partisan agenda control in the US House, few have examined its uneven consequences within the majority party. In this paper, we explore ‘counterfactual’ utility distributions within the majority party, by comparing policy outcomes under a party-less median voter model to policy outcomes under party-based positive and negative agenda control models. We show that the distribution of policy losses and benefits resulting from agenda control are quite similar for both the positive and negative varieties. In both cases, moderate majority-party members are made worse off by the exercise of partisan agenda control, while those to the extreme side of the majority-party median benefit disproportionately. We also consider the benefit of agenda control for the party as a whole, by looking at the way changes in majority-party homogeneity affect the summed utility across members. Interestingly, we find that when the distance between the floor and majority-party medians decreases, the overall value of positive and negative agenda control diminishes. However, we also find support for the ‘conditional party government’ notion that, as majority-party members’ preferences become more similar, they have an increased incentive to grant agenda-setting power to their leaders.
Thermal properties of the polyimide foam prepared from aromatic dianhydride and isocyanate
Authors: Liu Xiao-Yan , Zhan Mao-Sheng , Wang Kai
Published: May 2012

A new type of polyimide foam (PIF) was prepared successfully based on a one-pot process by the reaction of a first solution and a second solution. The first solution comprised pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), N, N-dimethyl formamide (DMF), methanol, polyethylene glycol and water. The second solution contained polyaryl polymethylene isocyanate (PAPI). The thermal properties of the polyimide foam were thoroughly investigated by thermogravimetry–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–FTIR) and high-resolution pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (PyGC–MS) at various temperatures. The results of TG–FTIR indicated that polyimide foam was thermally stable and experienced a weight loss of less than 2% before the scanning temperature reached 280.7 °C. It showed a two-stage degradation process during the whole decomposition. The major decomposition products were carbon dioxide (CO2), carbonic oxide (CO) and methyl formate. The results of PyGC–MS indicated that no pyrolysis products were indentified when the test temperature was 250 °C. Certain pyrolyzates such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and methyl formate was identified as the pyrolysis temperature increased. According to the degradation behaviors and the structure and relative content of pyrolysis products, a proposed pyrolysis mechanism of polyimide is presented in this article.
Variation modes of vehicle acceleration and development of ideal vehicle acceleration
Authors: Lee Sang-Don , Kim Seung-Lye
Published: May 2012

Vehicle acceleration is one of the key characteristics that influence customer satisfaction. Pedal displacements and vehicle speeds are necessary to represent the performance of acceleration: how much acceleration a vehicle is capable of if the acceleration pedal is displaced at a certain speed. The result of varying the acceleration pedal is called the acceleration response surface in three-dimensions. The current approach utilizes a few discrete levels of acceleration response surface for engineering specification because of the three-dimensional nature of the acceleration response surface (ARS), and thus may under-represent the entire acceleration response surface. The underlying variation modes of the acceleration response surface among 92 vehicles are identified by applying principal component analysis in which the entire ARS is analyzed. The 92 vehicles are specifically between the 2006- and 2007-model years with automatic transmission and 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder engines. Two variation modes are identified, which differentiate vehicles from each other: how fast a vehicle can accelerate overall and how quickly a vehicle reaches its peak acceleration at launch with short or long pedal displacement. The association between the two variation modes and buyer satisfaction from mail surveys similar to Consumer Reports is analysed. Finally the ideal shape of the acceleration response surface is developed.
A new hybrid particle swarm optimization approach for structural design optimization in the automotive industry
Authors: Yildiz Ali R
Published: May 2012

This paper presents an innovative optimization approach to solve structural design optimization problems in the automotive industry. The new approach is based on Taguchi’s robust design approach and particle swarm optimization algorithm. The proposed approach is applied to the structural design optimization of a vehicle part to illustrate how the present approach can be applied for solving design optimization problems. The results show the ability of the proposed approach to find better optimal solutions for structural design optimization problems.
Effect of the valve timing and the coolant temperature on particulate emissions from a gasoline direct-injection engine fuelled with gasoline and with a gasoline–ethanol blend
Authors: Chen Longfei , Stone Richard , Richardson Dave
Published: May 2012

Variable-valve-timing technology and ethanol addition to gasoline are both considered to be effective strategies for better performance and potential improvement in the fuel economy in gasoline engines. In this study, a Jaguar V8, naturally aspirated spray-guided direct-injection engine was operated with four different valve-timing combinations using an unleaded gasoline and a gasoline–10 vol % ethanol blend. The internal exhaust gas recirculation rate and the in-cylinder gas temperature were modelled for different valve-timing strategies. The results showed that a high valve overlap led to high internal exhaust gas recirculation and a high charge temperature, which evidently improved the fuel spray atomization and reduced the particulate matter emissions. Adding 10 vol % ethanol led to a rise in the total particle number and the total particle mass in emissions by a factor of up to 2 under warm-engine conditions (with a coolant temperature of 90 °C) but led to a reduction in the total particle number and the total particle mass in emissions by up to two-thirds under cold conditions (with a coolant temperature of 20 °C). Thermogravimetric analysis tests were conducted to analyse the compositions of filter-borne particulate matter emissions, and more than 75 mass % organic material was always present. All measurements are reported for both pre- and post-three-way-catalyst samples, the latter always showing a significant reduction (a factor of about 2) in the particulate matter emissions.
Modelling the cushion spring characteristic to enhance the automated dry-clutch performance: The temperature effect
Authors: Cappetti Nicola , Pisaturo Mario , Senatore Adolfo
Published: May 2012

The cushion spring plays an important role in an automotive dry-clutch system. It strongly influences the clutch torque transmission from the engine to the driveline through its non-linear load–deflection curve. Therefore, knowledge of the cushion spring compression behaviour is crucial to improve the gearshift performance in an automated manual transmission. Furthermore, the cushion spring compression behaviour is influenced by the temperature because of the frictional heat generation of the clutch facings with the flywheel and the pressure plate surfaces during the engagement phase. In this paper an analysis of the load–deflection curve, taking into account the thermal load to which it is subjected, of a typical passenger car cushion spring is proposed. Six temperatures, in addition to room temperature, were analysed to investigate how the cushion spring load–deflection curve depends on the temperature.
Performance and characteristics of platinum, palladium/rhodium and palladium automotive catalysts when subjected to ethanol, acetaldehyde and a synthetic E85 exhaust gas mixture
Authors: McAtee Claire , McCullough Geoffrey , Douglas Roy
Published: May 2012

The performance optimization of automotive catalysts has been the focus of in-depth research for many years as the automotive industry has endeavoured to reduce the emission of toxic and pollutant gases generated from internal combustion engines. Just as the emissions from diesel and gasoline combustion vary, so do the emissions from the combustion of alternative fuels such as ethanol, with variation in both quantity and chemical composition. In particular, when ethanol is contained in the fuel, ethanol and acetaldehyde are present in the exhaust gas stream, and these are two compounds which the catalytic converter has not traditionally been designed to manage. The aim of the study outlined in this paper was to assess the performance of various catalyst formulations when subjected to a representative ethanol exhaust gas mixture. Three automotive catalytic converter formulations were tested, including a fully platinum sample, a palladium/rhodium three-way catalyst sample and a fully palladium sample. Initially the samples were tested using single component hydrocarbon light-off tests followed by a set of tests with carbon monoxide included as an inlet gas to observe its effect on each individual hydrocarbon oxidation. Finally, each formulation was tested using a full E85 exhaust gas mixture. The study was carried out using a synthetic gas reactor along with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and flame ionization detector exhaust gas analysers. All formulations showed selectivity toward acetaldehyde formation from ethanol dehydrogenation which resulted in negative acetaldehyde conversion across each of the samples during the mixture tests. The fully platinum sample was the most detrimentally affected by the introduction of carbon monoxide into the gas feed. The palladium and palladium/rhodium samples exhibited a tendency toward acetaldehyde decomposition resulting in methane and carbon monoxide formation. The platinum sample did not form methane but did form ethylene as a result of ethanol dehydration.
Analysis of the effect of direct injection of alcohol fuel on minor heat release reactions and controlled autoignition combustion
Authors: Tongroon Manida , Zhao Hua
Published: May 2012

In this study, systematic investigation was carried out on the effect of alcohol on heat release reactions during the negative-valve-overlap period in a single-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine equipped with an air-assisted injector. The fuels used included gasoline, gasoline–ethanol blends, gasoline–methanol blends, and pure ethanol and methanol. To achieve controlled autoignition combustion, the negative-valve-overlap method was employed to trap hot exhaust gases into which fuel was injected directly. An air-assisted injector injected fuel together with a small amount of air immediately after the exhaust valves were closed. The in-cylinder pressure was recorded and then the heat release was analysed. The occurrence of the heat release reactions were identified through the in-cylinder pressure and heat release analysis. In particular, the effect of the alcohol fuels on the degree of heat release reactions during the negative-valve-overlap period was investigated. In addition, its influence on the initiation and heat release of the main combustion process was analysed. Alcohol fuels were found to produce more heat release reactions during the negative-valve-overlap period. Methanol exhibited the most pronounced heat release. This resulted in advanced autoignition and faster combustion of alcohol–gasoline blended fuels, except for pure ethanol and methanol. Gasoline and low-alcohol fuel blends were characterised by hybrid combustion of initial slow flame propagation and faster autoignition combustion later on. The autoignition combustion became dominant as the percentage of alcohol increased.
Adaptive control of dual-arm space manipulator capturing object
Authors: Cong Pei-Chao , Lan Yun Fei , Zhang Xin
Published: May 2012

Based on the concept of reaction null-space, a new distributed momentum control is proposed. The new scheme guarantees the stability of carrier attitude and the convergent property of end-effector tracking error during space manipulator capturing object. When the dynamic parameters contain errors or changes caused by the payload, according to online parameter identification an adaptive scheme is developed to avoid the effect of parameters errors on the carrier attitude, achieve trajectory tracking of the end-effector, and then accommodate various non-modeled disturbances simultaneously. Finally, simulation result confirms the effectiveness of the algorithm.
An improved surgical instrument without coupled motions that can be used in robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Mei Feng , Yili Fu , Bo Pan , Xudong Zhao
Published: May 2012

In order to enhance the dexterity of surgical instruments in robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery, the robot is generally configured so as to have a wrist. However, this configuration has a problem in that there is a coupling of the motions of the wrist and the end-effector. In this paper an improved surgical instrument is proposed that eliminates the coupled motion using a compensation mechanism. The design concept behind the compensation mechanism can be applied to other types of surgical instruments. The performance of the proposed surgical instrument is validated by mechanical performance testing and animal experiments, which indicate that the problem of the coupled motion is successfully solved and the instrument is able to perform surgical tasks.
Studying the effect of kinematical pattern on the mechanical performance of paraplegic gait with reciprocating orthosis
Authors: Nakhaee Koorosh , Farahmand Farzam , Salarieh Hassan
Published: May 2012

Paraplegic users of mechanical walking orthoses, e.g. advanced reciprocating gait orthosis (ARGO), often face high energy expenditure and extreme upper body loading during locomotion. We studied the effect of kinematical pattern on the mechanical performance of paraplegic locomotion, in search for an improved gait pattern that leads to lower muscular efforts. A three-dimensional, four segment, six-degrees-of-freedom skeletal model of the advanced reciprocating gait orthosis-assisted paraplegic locomotion was developed based on the data acquired from an experimental study on a single subject. The effect of muscles was represented by ideal joint torque generators. A response surface analysis was performed on the model to determine the impact of the kinematical parameters on the resulting muscular efforts, characterized by net joint torques. Results indicated that a lateral bending manoeuvre at the trunk would facilitate the foot clearance by reducing the torque requirement of the whole body lateral tilting. For swing leg advancement, the trunk posterior bending manoeuvre was found to be more effective and efficient than the whole body axial rotation, owing to the coupled reciprocal action of the advanced reciprocating gait orthosis. It was hypothesized that a modified gait pattern, with larger trunk movements and no axial rotation, could improve the energy expenditure and upper body loading during advanced reciprocating gait orthosis-assisted locomotion. More detailed modelling and experimental studies are needed to verify this hypothesis and evaluate its potential effects on the soft tissue strains.
Face Structure Predicts Cooperation
Authors: Stirrat M. , Perrett D. I.
Published: May 2012

Male facial width-to-height ratio appears to correlate with antisocial tendencies, such as aggression, exploitation, cheating, and deception. We present evidence that male facial width-to-height ratio is also associated with a stereotypically male prosocial tendency: to increase cooperation with other in-group members during intergroup competition. We found that men who had wider faces, compared with men who had narrower faces, showed more self-sacrificing cooperation to help their group members when there was competition with another group. We propose that this finding makes sense given the evolutionary functions of social helpfulness and aggression.
Soluble CD146 and APS: a potential biomarker of obstetrical complications?
Authors: Kaspi E , Chabaud MB , George FD , Bardin N
Published: May 2012

Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) seems to be a clinical subset of classical APS, for which the search for new markers is still challenging. Soluble CD146 (sCD146) constitutes a circulating endothelial biomarker. sCD146 is involved in the inflammatory response by promoting monocyte transmigration and displays chemotactic and angiogenic properties on endothelial cells. Its detection in human sera reveals physiological variations related to age and sex. A wide variation of sCD146 has been reported in several conditions. In particular, sCD146 levels are significantly higher in women presenting a history of recurrent fetal losses.
CAPS Registry
Authors: Cervera R
Published: May 2012

Patients with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) have in common: a) clinical evidence of multiple organ involvement developing over a very short period of time; b) histopathological evidence of multiple small vessel occlusions, and c) laboratory confirmation of the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), usually in high titre. Although patients with catastrophic APS represent less than 1% of all patients with APS, they are usually in a life-threatening situation.

The rarity of this syndrome makes it extraordinarily difficult to study in any systematic way. In order to correlate all the published case reports as well as newly diagnosed cases from all over the world, an international registry of patients with catastrophic APS (CAPS Registry) was created in 2000 by the European Forum on aPL. Currently, it documents the clinical, laboratory and therapeutic data of more than 400 patients and can be consulted through Internet at www.med.ub.es/MIMMUN/FORUM/CAPS.HTM . The analysis of this registry has allowed the characterization of the clinical and laboratory features of the catastrophic APS as well as the establishment of preliminary criteria for its classification and guidelines for its management.
The contribution of antiphosphatidylethanolamine antibodies in the diagnosis of the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Sanmarco M , Bardin N
Published: May 2012

The diagnosis of seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has been proposed for patients with well-defined clinical APS but persistently negative for the routinely tested antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs): antibodies to cardiolipin (aCL) and to β2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) and lupus anticoagulant (LA). Antibodies directed to phosphatidylethanolamine (aPE) have been described as the sole aPLs in some patients with clinical manifestations of APS. Here, we briefly summarize the available data on the clinical associations of aPEs and propose their investigation in patients with a clinical profile highly suggestive of seronegative APS.
Primary antithrombotic prevention in carriers of antiphospholipid antibodies without systemic autoimmune disorders
Authors: Finazzi G
Published: May 2012

Primary antithrombotic prevention with aspirin is not indicated in asymptomatic patients with confirmed antiphospholipid (aPL) positivity without systemic autoimmune disorders because: a) the estimated prevalence of thrombosis in unselected cases is about 1% patient-years (range 0–2.8); b) this level of thrombotic risk is equivalent to that of major bleeding associated with the use of aspirin and therefore the expected benefit does not outweigh the risk; c) these expectations have been confirmed by at least one randomized clinical trial, although with methodological limits. The management of modifiable thrombotic risk factors can be an alternative and safer strategy, considering that many vascular events occur in the presence of concomitant non-aPL triggering conditions. Whether primary prophylaxis with aspirin may be useful for some subsets of aPL patients at particularly high thrombotic risk, such as those with overt systemic autoimmune disorders or with special patterns of antibodies (‘triple positivity’), remains to be established.
Studies of microparticles in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
Authors: Vikerfors A , Mobarrez F , Bremme K , Holmström M , Ågren A , Eelde A , Bruzelius M , Antovic A , Wallén H , Svenungsson E
Published: May 2012

Objectives: To study circulating platelet, monocyte and endothelial microparticles (PMPs, MMPs and EMPs) in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in comparison with healthy controls. Material and method: Fifty-two patients with APS and 52 healthy controls were investigated. MPs were measured on a flow cytometer (Beckman Gallios) and defined as particles sized < 1.0 µm, negative to phalloidin, positive to lactadherin and positive to either CD42a (PMPs), CD144 (EMPs) or CD14 (MMPs). Exposure of CD142 (TF) was measured on CD144 positive MPs. Results: Total number of MPs (i.e. lactadherin positive particles) was higher in APS patients versus controls ( p < 0.001). An increased number of EMPs ( p < 0.001), increased TF-positive EMPs ( p < 0.001) and increased MMPs ( p < 0.001) were also observed. PMP numbers did not differ between the groups. None of the MP types differed in numbers between obstetric and thrombotic APS patients. Conclusion: We observed a high number of EMPs expressing TF in APS patients. The numbers of MMPs and total EMPs were also higher as compared with healthy controls but in contrast to previous reports, the number of PMPs did not differ between groups.
APS ACTION – AntiPhospholipid Syndrome Alliance For Clinical Trials and InternatiOnal Networking
Authors: Erkan D , Lockshin MD
Published: May 2012

AntiPhospholipid Syndrome Alliance For Clinical Trials and InternatiOnal Networking (APS ACTION) is the first-ever international research network that has been created specifically to design and conduct well-designed, large-scale, multi-center clinical trials in persistently antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positive patients. The founding principle of the APS ACTION is that it is an internationally collaborative effort, open to qualified investigators across the globe who are committed to furthering our understanding of APS and its management. Due to the hard work and collaborative spirit of APS ACTION members, in early 2012, APS ACTION launched two important collaborative international projects: 1) a randomized controlled trial of hydroxychloroquine in the primary thrombosis prevention of persistently aPL-positive but thrombosis-free patients without other systemic autoimmune diseases; and 2) a web-based registry of aPL-positive patients with or without systemic autoimmune diseases, which will also include annual blood collection for aPL-testing and future basic science studies. In the end, we hope to find better treatments for antiphospholipid syndrome, which is a leading cause of thrombosis, pregnancy morbidity and other life-altering consequences, and to heighten awareness about this life-threatening, autoimmune condition.
Obstetric and vascular APS: Same autoantibodies but different diseases?
Authors: Meroni PL , Raschi E , Grossi C , Pregnolato F , Trespidi L , Acaia B , Borghi MO
Published: May 2012

Beta2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI)-dependent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are the main pathogenic autoantibody population and at the same time the laboratory diagnostic tool for the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

These antibodies are responsible for both the vascular and the obstetric manifestations of the syndrome but the pathogenic mechanisms behind these manifestations are not the same. For example, thrombotic events do not appear to play a major role in APS miscarriages and a direct reactivity of β2GPI-dependent aPLs on decidual and trophoblast cells was reported. A local expression of β2GPI on these tissues was reported both in physiological conditions and in APS women, thus explaining the local tropism of the autoantibodies.

The two hit hypothesis was suggested to explain why the vascular manifestations of APS may occur only occasionally in spite of the persistent presence of aPLs. This is not apparently the case for the obstetric variant of the syndrome, making the difference even more striking. A different pathogenesis may also provide the rationale for the well-known fact that the vascular and the obstetric manifestations may occur independently although in a minority of cases.
The annexin A5 protective shield model revisited: inherited carriage of the M2/ANXA5 haplotype in placenta as a predisposing factor for the development of obstetric antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Bogdanova N , Baleva M , Kremensky I , Markoff A
Published: May 2012

This concise review summarizes the role of reduced ANXA5 expression through carriage of the M2/ANXA5 haplotype as a predisposing factor for various thrombophilia related obstetric complications. A revised ANXA5 ‘protective shield’ model is emphasized, where decreased coverage resulting of M2 carriage at placental villi could lead directly to the observed pathology and on the other hand through exposing of antiphospholipid antigenic determinants, to the development of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The aPL then can further disrupt the ANXA5 protective shield. Available and prospective evidence for this revised model is discussed. Conclusions are made about the diagnostic implications of M2 carriage and possible therapeutic strategies with anticoagulants, proven successful in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) treatment.
Standardization of antiphospholipid antibody assays. Where do we stand?
Authors: Devreese KMJ
Published: May 2012

The laboratory criteria (lupus anticoagulants (LA), and/or anti-cardiolipin (aCL) antibodies and/or anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies (aβ2GPI)) that define patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) were set in the Sapporo and Sydney criteria published in 1999 and 2006, respectively, and led to a substantial improvement in the recognition of APS. In addition, guidelines for LA detection were published by the Scientific Standardisation Subcommittee (SSC) of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) in 2009. However, a number of questions on this respect remain unresolved. Recommendations for the aCL and aβ2GPI assays intended to ameliorate the performance of these solid-phase assays. Despite efforts over the years, standardization has not been reached. This review will focus on methodological issues of the three antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) subtypes that are the subject of debate. The use of an international standard for aPL detection might help solve many of the problems caused by a lack of standardization of these assays.
The European Registry on Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome (EUROAPS): A preliminary first year report
Authors: Alijotas-Reig J , Ferrer-Oliveras R
Published: May 2012

Background: Obstetric morbidity (OM) is a common feature of antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS). Women having OAPS-only and women with OM related to antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) but not fulfilling APS classification criteria (OMAPS), may show similar patterns. Aim: The aim of this research was to collect records of OAPS and OMAPS cases in order to have valuable information about their clinical features, laboratory, treatment, pregnancy outcomes and long-term follow-up. Methods: EUROAPS/EUROMAPS is a registry in the frame of the European Forum on Antiphospholipid Antibody projects. Its own website has been available since June 2010: www.euroaps.org . Results: This registry comprises 211 women including 304 pre-enrolment pregnancies, and 226 prospective cases, 194 of OAPS and 32 of OMAPS. OM was more frequent in OAPS than in OMAPS, independent of treatment. In the prospective cohort, standard aPL data was available in 202 cases and treatment data in all 226 cases. Good fetal outcomes were obtained when low dose aspirin plus low molecular weight heparin were administered. Prevalence of thrombotic events and/or cases evolving into full-blown systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was low. Conclusions: OAPS could be a different form of APS. OMAPS/OMAPS fetal outcomes were better when treated. The prevalence of thrombosis and progression to SLE were lower than in ‘classical’ APS.
Anti-cardiolipin and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies: normal reference ranges in northwestern Italy
Authors: Montaruli B , De Luna E , Mengozzi G , Molinari F , Napolitano E , Napoli P , Nicolo C , Romito A , Stella S , Bazzan M , Bertero MT , Carignola R , Marchese C
Published: May 2012

Laboratory tests for anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and anti-β2glycoprotein I antibodies (a-β2GPI) face problems common to many autoantibody assays: the lack of a reference standard and the need for each laboratory to assess assay-specific cut-off values. The aims of the study were to evaluate the reference range upper limits (99th percentile) used for aCL and a-β2GPI in the northwest of Italy and to investigate the analytical performances of these assays with the newly obtained reference ranges. We assayed aCL and a-β2GPI in 104 serum samples from patients without a history of thrombosis, pregnancy morbidity, tumours, infections and/or autoimmune diseases (30 males and 74 non-pregnant females). We tested all the commercial assays available in our regions (i.e. Orgentec Diagnostika, Aesku Diagnostics and Inova Diagnostics ELISA; CliA Zenit-RA and EliA Phadia Laboratory Systems). A further 30 serum samples, including 10 from healthy subjects, 10 from antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients and 10 from septic patients were assessed to investigate the analytical performance of the obtained cut-off limits. Reference range upper limits obtained with the commercial kits differ among assays and from the values reported by the manufacturer. Moreover, normal reference ranges calculated for IgG and IgM aCL differed from the arbitrary selected laboratory classification values suggested in the guidelines of 40 GPL and MPL.
Repeated miscarriages in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and subjected to in vitro fertilization: the importance of preimplantation genetic diagnosis
Authors: Ulcova-Gallova Z
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate two patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) who suffered from multiple repeated pregnancy losses of probably genetically impaired embryos. Sera from these patients contained high levels of IgG antibodies against cardiolipin, IgG and IgM phosphatidyl inositol, IgG phosphatidyl L-serine, and IgG against anti-annexin V. The conventional treatment of APS was ineffective. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) showed chromosomally impaired embryos. The course of pregnancies and deliveries were monitored due to the close collaboration of in vitro fertilization and PGD in early embryos. After the selection of normal embryos using PGD, and the treatment of APS, both patients became pregnant and delivered healthy babies. Without such selection, both women would probably have miscarried their embryos again.
Definition and significance of high positivity aCL ELISA
Authors: Wahl D , Devignes J , Mohamed S , Zuily S , Lecompte T
Published: May 2012

We conducted a prospective study of anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) testing, performed in our university hospital. Among 6321 consecutive patients tested for both IgG and IgM aCL, 91 patients with medium or high positivity (>99th percentile) had a subsequent confirmatory test. Among them, 53 had a persistent positivity at 12 weeks. In this real world setting, patients with transient positivity had lower values than patients with persistent positivity.
Secondary prevention in thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Pengo V , Denas G , Banzato A , Bison E , Bracco A , Facchinetti M , Hoxha A , Ruffatti A
Published: May 2012

Secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is usually made using vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to maintain an international normalized ratio (INR) between 2.0 and 3.0. The optimal intensity of anticoagulation was determined in two prospective randomized controlled trials, both excluding the benefit of more intense anticoagulation. The same regimen is also recommended in patients with APS and arterial thromboembolism as aspirin does not appear to protect against recurrences. The duration of treatment is usually indefinite because of a substantial risk of recurrence.
Vitamin D and antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Andreoli L , Piantoni S , Dall’Ara F , Allegri F , Meroni PL , Tincani A
Published: May 2012

Vitamin D (vitD) has been shown to have multiple immunomodulatory properties. Hypovitaminosis D has been described in many systemic autoimmune diseases. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated thrombosis and pregnancy loss, is a peculiar model for studying vitD, since these patients do not usually have a full-blown autoimmune disease, nor do they have particular restrictions regarding sun exposure. We assessed 25-OH vitD levels in 115 APS and 128 normal healthy donors (NHD) with the LIAISON® chemiluminescent immunoassay by DiaSorin (Italy). Median values were lower in APS patients than in NHD, with the greatest difference occurring during summertime ( p < 0.01), suggesting that APS patients may be somehow prevented from vitD generation upon sun exposure. In our cohort, APS patients may have been instructed to use sunscreens in the presence of positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Comparing patients with positive and negative ANA, we found comparable vitD levels during the summer. By subdividing APS patients according to clinical features, thrombotic APS patients showed significantly lower levels than did pure obstetric APS patients ( p < 0.01). In conclusion, our study confirms previous reports of hypovitaminosis D in APS patients, making them more similar to patients with other systemic autoimmune diseases than NHD. Hypovitaminosis D may be part of the mosaic of factors that determine autoimmunity, rather than a consequence of chronic disease and its treatment. The observation that patients with thrombotic APS, an aggressive phenotype, may be more deficient than those with exclusive obstetric manifestations fits well with the beneficial effects of vitD on thrombosis described both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, there may be a rationale to assess the efficacy of vitD supplementation in APS patients.
Follow-up of babies born to mothers with antiphospholipid syndrome: Preliminary data from the European neonatal registry
Authors: Motta M , Boffa MC , Tincani A , Avcin T , De Carolis S , Lachassinne E
Published: May 2012

In this review preliminary data on the follow-up of 141 babies born to mothers with antiphospholipid syndrome are reported. In spite of maternal treatment, the rate of both preterm delivery and low birth weight were 16 and 17%, respectively. At birth, no clinical evidence of perinatal thrombosis was observed. Placental transfer of antiphospholipid antibodies occurred in 20, 25 and 43% of cases for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies, respectively. At 24 months of follow-up, four children showed behaviour abnormalities suggesting the possible need for long-term neurological evaluation in this clinical setting.
In ECAT veritas?
Authors: Reber G , Meijer P
Published: May 2012

The laboratory criteria of the antiphospholipid syndrome include one coagulation assay (lupus anticoagulant [LA]) and two solid phase assays (anticardiolipin [aCL] and anti-ß2glycoprotein I antibodies [aß2GPI]). External quality control (EQC) surveys show that negative and clearly positive LA samples are classified correctly by about 95% of laboratories. For ‘weak’ LA there is a wide variability in samples’ classification. Furthermore, when a weak LA sample is used in two different EQC surveys more than 50% of laboratories classify it differently. In some surveys weak LA samples were found to be positive for aCL and for aß2GPI by a majority of laboratories; the main reason for laboratories which classified these samples as LA negative was a negative result in the mixing test. It is likely that, depending on the sensitivity of the assay, a weak LA cannot be detected anymore after 1:1 dilution of the sample with normal plasma. Therefore, we recommend the use of integrated assays, such as screen/confirm ratios, for the detection of weak LA samples.
A Bayesian non-parametric Potts model with application to pre-surgical FMRI data
Authors: Johnson Timothy D , Liu Zhuqing , Bartsch Andreas J , Nichols Thomas E
Published: May 2012

The Potts model has enjoyed much success as a prior model for image segmentation. Given the individual classes in the model, the data are typically modeled as Gaussian random variates or as random variates from some other parametric distribution. In this article, we present a non-parametric Potts model and apply it to a functional magnetic resonance imaging study for the pre-surgical assessment of peritumoral brain activation. In our model, we assume that the Z-score image from a patient can be segmented into activated, deactivated, and null classes, or states. Conditional on the class, or state, the Z-scores are assumed to come from some generic distribution which we model non-parametrically using a mixture of Dirichlet process priors within the Bayesian framework. The posterior distribution of the model parameters is estimated with a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, and Bayesian decision theory is used to make the final classifications. Our Potts prior model includes two parameters, the standard spatial regularization parameter and a parameter that can be interpreted as the a priori probability that each voxel belongs to the null, or background state, conditional on the lack of spatial regularization. We assume that both of these parameters are unknown, and jointly estimate them along with other model parameters. We show through simulation studies that our model performs on par, in terms of posterior expected loss, with parametric Potts models when the parametric model is correctly specified and outperforms parametric models when the parametric model in misspecified.
Key trends in environmental advertising across 30 years in National Geographic magazine
Authors: Ahern Lee , Bortree Denise Sevick , Smith Alexandra Nutter
Published: May 2012

This longitudinal retrospective case study describes the sponsors, ad types, frames and message factors in green advertising over three decades in National Geographic magazine, the bellwether nature publication in the USA. In addition to providing a clearer picture of the extent and nature of environmental strategic messaging over three decades, results provide empirical support for theoretical relationships between the level of green advertising and economic indicators. After providing historical and theoretical context, detailed results are presented for both overall and longitudinal analysis. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Playing God or just unnatural? Religious beliefs and approval of synthetic biology
Authors: Dragojlovic Nicolas , Einsiedel Edna
Published: May 2012

Using evidence from a 2010 survey of 32 European publics, this article argues that belief in God increases disapproval for synthetic biology through two different mechanisms, depending on the strength of the individual’s belief. Among weak believers, belief in God appears to be associated with the increased availability and accessibility of the idea that genetic manipulation interferes with nature. Strong believers, in contrast, appear to also engage in an explicitly theological evaluation of synthetic biology, with opposition to synthetic biology resulting from the perception that the creation of new types of organisms encroaches on a domain of activity (creation) that has traditionally been considered to be a divine prerogative. Overall, our findings suggest that value predispositions can influence public attitudes towards synthetic biology even when individuals engage in explicit deliberation about the technology in question.
Moral deliberation and nursing ethics cases: Elements of a methodological proposal
Authors: Schneider Dulcinéia Ghizoni , Ramos Flávia Regina Souza
Published: May 2012

A qualitative study with an exploratory, descriptive and documentary design that was conducted with the objective of identifying the elements to constitute a method for the analysis of accusations of and proceedings for professional ethics infringements. The method is based on underlying elements identified inductively during analysis of professional ethics hearings judged by and filed in the archives of the Regional Nursing Board of Santa Catarina, Brazil, between 1999 and 2007. The strategies developed were based on the results of an analysis of the findings of fact (occurrences/infractions, causes and outcomes) contained in the records of 128 professional ethics hearings and on the structural elements (statements, rules and practices) identified in five example professional ethics cases. The strategies suggested for evaluating accusations of ethics infringements and the procedures involved in deliberating on ethics hearings constitute a generic proposal that will require adaptation to the context of specific professional ethics accusations.