bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender and the Personal Shaping of Public Administration in the United States: Mary Anderson and the Women's Bureau, 1920–1930
Authors: McGuire John Thomas
Published: December 2011

Scholars of public administration in the United States traditionally view the 1920s as a decade when the administrative orthodoxy, emphasizing efficiency and organizational structure, dominated the field. This viewpoint recently has been challenged by arguments that the social justice–oriented views of women progressives and the philosophy of pragmatism also influenced public administration. However, no one has examined how women public administrators implemented exceptions to the prevailing, masculine viewpoints of administrative objectivity and the strict dichotomy between politics and administration during the 1920s. Using Mary Anderson (1872–1964), the longtime director of the U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau, as a case study, this article examines how her experiences as a woman worker and labor organizer influenced her advocacy of an alternative view of public administration, and how, from 1920 through 1930, she established the Women's Bureau within the prevailing orthodoxy yet also made the government agency a notable exception through its vigorous support of social justice feminism, particularly during and after the 1926 national Women's Industrial Conference.
Improvement of the Spark‐Plasma‐Sintering Kinetics of ZrC by High‐Energy Ball‐Milling
Authors: Núñez‐González Beatriz , Ortiz Angel L. , Guiberteau Fernando , Nygren Mats
Published: December 2011

The effect of the duration of high‐energy ball‐milling on the spark‐plasma sintering (SPS) kinetics of additive‐free ZrC ultra‐high‐temperature ceramics (UHTCs) was investigated. It was found that the crystallite size of ZrC is refined progressively from the as‐purchased condition down to a few nanometers with increasing high‐energy ball‐milling time, and that this crystallite size refinement progressively enhances the SPS kinetics, reducing the characteristic temperatures of the sintering process. While this enhancement was found to be only moderate with the refinement to the ultra‐fine range, it was highly marked with the refinement to the nanometer range. Implications for the lower‐temperature processing of ZrC UHTCs are discussed.
Preparation of Si3N4 Foam Ceramics with Nest‐Like Cell Structure by Particle‐Stabilized Foams
Authors: Yu Juanli , Yang Jinlong , Li Sen , Li Hexin , Huang Yong
Published: December 2011

Silicon nitride, Si3N4 foam ceramics were prepared by particle‐stabilized foams, and the stabilization of Si3N4 foams and the performance of Si3N4 foam ceramics were investigated. The Si3N4 particle‐stabilized foams had high stabilization, the dried green bodies had little shrinkage, and the structure of dried green body surface had no macro‐pores and cracks. The Si3N4 foam ceramics with nest‐like cell structure were obtained, nest pores were jointed by elongated rod‐shaped β‐Si3N4 grains with aspect ratio of 30 or so, pore distribution was uniform, the average pore size was about 16 μm, and the flexural strength was in the range of 3.8 to 77.2 MPa when porosity varied from 82.1% to 60.6%.
Dielectric Relaxation in BaTiO3–Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Raengthon Natthaphon , Cann David P.
Published: December 2011

A dramatic improvement in the dielectric and electrical properties has been observed in ceramics of 0.8BaTiO3–0.2Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 through the introduction of Ba vacancies. It possesses a high relative permittivity (εr > 1150) along with a low dielectric loss (tan δ < 0.05) that is maintained up to temperatures as high as 460°C. It is also characterized by a high resistivity of 70 GΩ‐cm, which remains constant up to 270°C. Analysis of complex impedance (Z*) and complex electric modulus (M*) data, measured over the frequency range of 1–106 Hz, revealed a number of important findings. At high temperatures (T > 255°C), a complex plane analysis of Z″ versus Z′ and the frequency dependence of Z″ suggests an electrically inhomogeneous microstructure for the stoichiometric composition. The stoichiometric composition exhibited activation energies of ~1 eV which suggests an extrinsic conduction mechanism. However, the introduction of Ba vacancies resulted in electrically homogeneous microstructure. An overlap of the Z″ and M″ peaks in the frequency domain and much larger activation energies were observed, on the order of half of the band gap, suggesting an intrinsic conduction mechanism. A more detailed analysis of the data reveals insights into the physical mechanisms underpinning the dielectric and ac conductivity.
Trevo System: Single‐Center Experience with a Novel Mechanical Thrombectomy Device
Authors: Mendonça Nuno , Flores Alan , Pagola Jorge , Rubiera Marta , Rodríguez‐Luna David , De Miquel M. Angels , Cardona Pere , Quesada Helena , Mora Paloma , Alvarez‐Sabín José , Molina Carlos , Ribó Marc
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent reports have indicated that mechanical thrombectomy may have the potential to treat acute ischemic stroke. This study aims to describe the safety and effectiveness of Trevo Retriever, using Stentriever technology, in revascularization of patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Prospective study evaluating the clinical, radiological, and functional outcome of 13 patients with an angiographically verified occlusion of the anterior cerebral circulation. All patients underwent thrombectomy with TR as monotherapy or in combination with intra‐arterial thrombolysis, within the first 8 hours from the onset of symptoms. Successful revascularization was defined as thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia grade 2a to 3. Good outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2.

RESULTS

Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 19(16‐22). The occlusion site was middle cerebral artery in 8 patients and internal carotid artery in 5 patients. Revascularization was achieved in 10 of 13 patients (77%). The mean time from groin puncture to recanalization was 95 ± 31 minutes. No significant intra‐procedural complications occurred. Four patients (30%) died during the 90‐day follow‐up period and 4 patients (30%) achieved functional independence.

CONCLUSION

Early clinical experience suggests that the TR can allow safe and effective revascularization in certain subjects with acute ischemic stroke.
A Correlation Between Fractional Anisotropy Variations and Clinical Recovery in Spinal Cord Infarctions
Authors: Théaudin Marie , Saliou Guillaume , Denier Christian , Adams David , Ducreux Denis
Published: December 2011

PURPOSE

To describe diffusion‐weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging variations in spinal cord infarctions.

METHODS

We studied the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) local variations in 2 patients with spinal cord infarcts in the conus region at days 3–4, 9–10, and 15–22 after clinical onset, and correlated them with the clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Both patients (19 and 53 years‐old) presented spinal cord infarction unraveled by paraparesis and bladder dysfunction. Although initial clinical and radiological presentations were similar, the first patient early and fully recovered whereas the second kept severe bladder dysfunctions. Early absolute values of FA and ADC did not seem to correlate with outcome. At day 9–10, the second patient, who presented definitive sequel, had decreasing values of FA in the ischemic region whereas they had increased in the first patient, who fully recovered.

CONCLUSION

FA values could be an interesting prognosis marker in spinal cord ischemia, which needs to be confirmed by a larger study.
Mitochondrial connexin 43 impacts on respiratory complex I activity and mitochondrial oxygen consumption
Authors: Boengler Kerstin , Ruiz‐Meana Marisol , Gent Sabine , Ungefug Elvira , Soetkamp Daniel , Miro‐Casas Elisabet , Cabestrero Alberto , Fernandez‐Sanz Celia , Semenzato Martina , Lisa Fabio Di , Rohrbach Susanne , Garcia‐Dorado David , Heusch Gerd , Schulz Rainer
Published: December 2011

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is present at the sarcolemma and the inner membrane of cardiomyocyte subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM). Lack or inhibition of mitochondrial Cx43 is associated with reduced mitochondrial potassium influx, which might affect mitochondrial respiration. Therefore, we analysed the importance of mitochondrial Cx43 for oxygen consumption. Acute inhibition of Cx43 in rat left ventricular (LV) SSM by 18α glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) or Cx43 mimetic peptides (Cx43‐MP) reduced ADP‐stimulated complex I respiration and ATP generation. Chronic reduction of Cx43 in conditional knockout mice (Cx43Cre‐ER(T)/fl + 4‐OHT, 5–10% of Cx43 protein compared with control Cx43fl/fl mitochondria) reduced ADP‐stimulated complex I respiration of LV SSM to 47.8 ± 2.4 nmol O2/min.*mg protein (n = 8) from 61.9 ± 7.4 nmol O2/min.*mg protein in Cx43fl/fl mitochondria (n = 10, P < 0.05), while complex II respiration remained unchanged. The LV complex I activities (% of citrate synthase activity) of Cx43Cre‐ER(T)/fl+4‐OHT mice (16.1 ± 0.9%, n = 9) were lower than in Cx43fl/fl mice (19.8 ± 1.3%, n = 8, P < 0.05); complex II activities were similar between genotypes. Supporting the importance of Cx43 for respiration, in Cx43‐overexpressing HL‐1 cardiomyocytes complex I respiration was increased, whereas complex II respiration remained unaffected. Taken together, mitochondrial Cx43 is required for optimal complex I activity and respiration and thus mitochondrial ATP‐production.
Pathophysiology of hypercortisolism in depression: pituitary and adrenal responses to low glucocorticoid feedback
Authors: Carroll B. J. , Iranmanesh A. , Keenan D. M. , Cassidy F. , Wilson W. H. , Veldhuis J. D.
Published: December 2011

Carroll BJ, Iranmanesh A, Keenan DM, Cassidy F, Wilson WH, Veldhuis JD. Pathophysiology of hypercortisolism in depression: pituitary and adrenal responses to low glucocorticoid feedback.

Objective:  To test three theories of hypercortisolemia in depression–hypothalamic overdrive, impaired glucocorticoid feedback, or autonomous cortisol production.

Method:  We applied an overnight low‐cortisol feedback strategy by administering metyrapone to hypercortisolemic depressed in‐patients and control subjects.

Results:  Under metyrapone, the increases of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations and of basal and pulsatile ACTH secretion were not exaggerated in hypercortisolemic depressed patients compared with control subjects. ACTH approximate entropy (ApEn) did not differ at baseline or under metyrapone. Thus, neither hypothalamic overdrive nor irregular ACTH secretion was seen. We did not detect impaired cortisol feedback: the ACTH response was not reduced, and ApEn measures that are sensitive to feedback changes were comparable in both groups. Metyrapone disrupted cortisol secretory regularity in depressed and control subjects. On the baseline day, basal cortisol secretion was significantly increased and was highly irregular (high ApEn), and ACTH‐cortisol cross‐ApEn was markedly elevated in high‐cortisol patients.

Conclusion:  Classical feed‐forward overdrive and impaired feedback theories of hypercortisolemia in depression were not supported. Depressive hypercortisolemia may result from alternative pathophysiological mechanisms involving irregular basal hypersecretion of cortisol, associated with adrenal enlargement, possibly through splanchnic sympathetic activation of the adrenal cortex.
Circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cells in patients with primary and Helicobacter pylori‐associated immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Saito Akio , Yokohama Akihiko , Osaki Yohei , Ogawa Yoshiyuki , Nakahashi Hirotaka , Toyama Kohtaro , Mitsui Takeki , Hashimoto Yoko , Koiso Hiromi , Uchiumi Hideki , Saitoh Takayuki , Handa Hiroshi , Sawamura Morio , Karasawa Masamitsu , Murakami Hirokazu , Tsukamoto Norifumi , Nojima Yoshihisa
Published: December 2011

Objectives:  Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of autoreactive antibodies against platelet antigens. Although dysfunction of multiple aspects of cellular immunity is considered to be important in the pathogenesis of ITP, it has not been clarified which cell types play a principal role.

Methods:  We enrolled 46 untreated patients with chronic ITP and 47 healthy adult volunteers, and investigated by flow cytometry the percentage and absolute number of cells in their peripheral blood that participate in the regulation of cellular immunity. These included plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells, and Th17 cells.

Results:  We found a significant reduction in the absolute number of pDCs, but not of mDCs, in patients with ITP when compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001). Reduced numbers of circulating pDCs were observed in both Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐positive and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐negative patients with ITP. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the numbers of circulating Treg cells, Th17 cells, NK cells, or NKT cells. Interestingly, we observed increases in the number of pDCs after H. pylori eradication by antibiotics in responders but not in non‐responders, while pDCs and mDCs decreased markedly after prednisolone therapy in both responders and non‐responders. In patients without treatment, low pDC numbers persisted during the observational period.

Conclusions:  We demonstrated that the number of circulating pDCs is low in patients with primary and H. pylori‐associated ITP and that it changes depending on treatment modality. Further investigation is warranted with regard to the role of pDCs in the immunopathogenesis of ITP.
Clinical bleeding events and laboratory coagulation profiles in acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Chang Hung , Kuo Ming‐Chung , Shih Lee‐Yung , Dunn Po , Wang Po‐Nan , Wu Jin‐Hou , Lin Tung‐Liang , Hung Yu‐Shin , Tang Tzung‐Chih
Published: December 2011

Background:  Bleeding is the leading cause of death for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Blood component transfusion to correct coagulopathy is the keystone in reducing bleeding. The benefit of fresh frozen plasma transfusion is unproven. Using laboratory profiles to predict bleeding is important guidance for the determination of transfusion policies in the treatment of APL.

Design and methods:  For 116 patients of APL, bleeding events were collected and correlated with various hematologic and coagulation parameters, including leukemic cell percentages, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen levels, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) scores.

Results:  Overt DIC occurred in 77.6% of patients. Severity of DIC was associated with bone marrow leukemic cell percentages but unrelated to bleeding. Patients with bleeding had significantly higher WBC counts (26.73 ± 6.18 vs. 13.03 ± 3.03 per μL, P = 0.026) and more prolonged PT (4.85 ± 0.70 vs. 2.59 ± 0.28 s, P = 0.002) and APTT (3.98 ± 1.68 vs. 0.96 ± 0.93 s, P = 0.017). Fibrinogen levels, platelet counts, and leukemia cell percentages were not significantly different between bleeding and non‐bleeding patients. PT is valuable in prediction of bleeding. Patients with PT ≧ 5 s had a relative risk of 6.14 for bleeding. Seven patients had severe bleeding before initiation of all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA).

Conclusions:  Patients with APL are susceptible to DIC and subsequent bleeding events. Prompt ATRA administration is crucial in preventing hemorrhagic events. High WBC counts, prolonged PT, and APTT are associated with clinical bleeding in our series. PT is the most accurate parameter in predicting bleeding. Based on these findings, supportive care should be directed toward correction of coagulopathy to prevent bleeding complications and fresh frozen plasma appears to be indicated for coagulopathy associated with APL.
Egg exposure to pyriproxyfen in the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta: ovicidal activity or behavioural‐modulated hatching mortality?
Authors: Tomé H.V.V. , Cordeiro E.M.G. , Rosado J.F. , Guedes R.N.C.
Published: December 2011

Insecticide susceptibility varies with the insect life stage and although the egg stage is sometimes perceived as the most vulnerable, it is a difficult target for insecticide application and little studied as such. Egg susceptibility to insecticides is generally considered important for insect growth regulators and insect pests of reduced mobility like leaf miners because of their placement on the host plant part targeted by the insecticidal application. The egg exposure to the juvenile hormone mimic pyriproxyfen was studied here in the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a key tomato insect pest, aiming to assess if mortality is achieved due to insecticide ovicidal activity or due to behavioural impairment of the larvae preventing egg hatching. Survival analysis of treated tomato leaves and/or eggs indicated the importance of egg exposure to pyriproxyfen leading to a significant decrease in survival with a nearly 50% reduction in survival time, which peaked at the first instar. Ovicidal activity of pyriproxyfen in the tomato leaf miner was negligible, but image recording and behaviour analysis indicated behavioural impairment of larval activity compromising hatching and leaf mining by early instar larvae leading to high mortality at this stage (ca 50%). The likely causes and management implications of such findings are discussed.
Prestress Scratching on SiC Ceramic
Authors: Tan Yuanqiang , Jiang Shengqiang , Nie Shijun , Yang Dongmin , Zhang Gaofeng , Peng Ruitao
Published: December 2011

Prestress scratching tests have been performed on polished surface of SiC ceramics under a Rockwell diamond indenter moving with uniform speed and constant normal load. Combining with acoustic emission testing, the scratching depth and the surface/subsurface damage were investigated under the action of different prestress values. The results showed that the existence of prestress should shorten the depth of median cracks and reduce the subsurface damage, moreover, with increasing prestress in a proper range, the depth of median crack was decreased and the propagation length of lateral crack was limited.
Reproduction of the Atlantic bobtail squid Sepiola atlantica (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) in northwest Spain
Authors: Rodrigues Marcelo , Guerra Ángel , Troncoso Jesús S.
Published: December 2011

Atlantic bobtail squid (Sepiola atlantica) in northwest Spain show seasonal variation in population structure, with juvenile abundance peaking during summer and autumn. However, whether similar patterns exist for reproduction is unknown. Therefore, we describe the reproductive biology of 505 specimens of S. atlantica collected monthly during two consecutive years at two different sites off of Areamilla beach in the Ría de Vigo. Mature males displayed a type of sexual dimorphism previously unknown in members of this species, developing a muscular nodule in the base of each of the ventral arms over ontogeny. Reproductive output of both sexes was similar to that of other bobtail squids. Relative oocyte size (~10% mantle length) appeared to be similar to those of other bobtail squids. Females did not show evidence of having mated before complete maturity. Females of S. atlantica have group‐synchronous ovary maturation, with a positive correlation between female mantle length and ripe oocyte mass, suggesting a terminal investment strategy. Atlantic bobtail squids displayed the same seasonal patterns of reproductive traits at both sampling sites, with significant differences in reproductive activity between males and females. We consider reproductive traits in these small animals as adaptations to the coastal shelf lifestyle.
Ecology and Hybridization Potential of Two Sympatric Metallophytes, the Narrow EndemicCrepidorhopalon perennis(Linderniaceae) and its More Widespread CongenerC. tenuis
Authors: Faucon Michel‐Pierre , Tshilong Benedict M. , Van Rossum Fabienne , Meerts Pierre , Decocq Guillaume , Mahy Grégory
Published: December 2011

Crepidorhopalon perennisis a metallophyte critically endangered by mining activities and currently known from only one site on copper‐rich soils inKatanga (Dem.Rep.Congo). It is closely related to the annualC. tenuis, also a rare metallophyte, but with a broader geographical range. We investigated the variation in morphometric traits and ecological niches (based on edaphic conditions and pollinator assemblages) ofC. perennisandC. tenuis, to evaluate the risk of inter‐specific competition, and their potential for hybridization to ascertain ifC. perennismight be at risk of genetic swamping by its more widespread congener. We examined whether species were found under sympatric or parapatric settings with opportunity for hybridization (or gene exchange). Such knowledge is essential for implementing restoration management protocols, including the introduction ofC. perennisinto substitution sites whereC. tenuismight be already present. Fourteen morphological characters and 11 soil variables were measured and visiting pollinator species were identified at the site where the two species co‐occur. Our results show that the two species can be distinguished based on their morphological traits, show niche overlap based on edaphic properties, and share the same pollinator assemblage. In addition, no morphologically intermediate individuals could be detected, suggesting no hybridization, and that the two species may be reproductively isolated. We conclude thatC. perennisconservation and restoration operations can be realized in substitution sites whereC. tenuismay be present, with the need, however, to evaluate the potential effect of sharing a pollinator assemblage on reproductive success of both species.
Low-frequency radio spectrum of LS 5039 during periastron and apastron passages
Authors: Bhattacharyya Subir , Godambe Sagar , Bhatt Nilay , Mitra Abhas , Choudhury Manojendu
Published: December 2011

We have recently studied LS 5039, a gamma-ray binary, with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope during its periastron and apastron passage. The results presented here show that the spectra are inverted at low frequency and the flux densities do not differ significantly for two different orbital phases. Assuming that the free–free absorption of radio in the stellar wind environment is responsible for the optically thick radio emission, we calculated the free–free absorption optical depth and constrained the height of the radio-emitting region from the orbital plane. The height is found to be around 1.6 au for a spherical stellar wind geometry. This estimate may change if the stellar wind is focused or the radio absorption is due to synchrotron self-absorption.
A Critical Review of the Literature on Nutritional Labeling
Authors: HIEKE SOPHIE , TAYLOR CHARLES R.
Published: December 2011

A comprehensive overview and critique of the nutrition labeling literature is provided. Studies examining the design and features of label formats and their impact on consumers being better informed and engaging in healthier behaviors are examined to summarize available knowledge in the field. The review suggests that while the extant literature has provided worthwhile critiques of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act in terms of meeting its stated goals, as well as other general insights, it allows only for very tentative and conditional statements about factors related to the “bottom line” effectiveness of nutritional labeling. The outcome of the review suggests that a more holistic view of nutritional labeling is needed. Suggestions for future research that focus on both conceptualizations of the studies as well as methodology are made.
Transmission of pandemic influenza H1N1 (2009) in Vietnamese swine in 2009–2010
Authors: Trevennec Karen , Leger Lucas , Lyazrhi Faouzi , Baudon Eugénie , Cheung Chung Yan , Roger François , Peiris Malik , Garcia Jean‐Michel
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Trevennec et al. (2012) Transmission of pandemic influenza H1N1 (2009) in Vietnamese swine in 2009–2010. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(5), 348–357.

Background  The pandemic of 2009 was caused by an H1N1 (H1N1pdm) virus of swine origin. This pandemic virus has repeatedly infected swine through reverse zoonosis, although the extent of such infection in swine remains unclear.

Objective  This study targets small and commercial pig producers in North Vietnam, in order to estimate the extent of H1N1pdm infection in swine and to identify the risk factors of infection.

Methods  Virologic and serologic surveillance of swine was carried out in 2009–2010 in pig farms (38 swabs and 1732 sera) and at a pig slaughterhouse (710 swabs and 459 sera) in North Vietnam. The sera were screened using a influenza type A‐reactive ELISA assay, and positive sera were tested using hemagglutination inhibition tests for antibody to a panel of H1‐subtype viruses representing pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (H1N1pdm), triple reassortant (TRIG), classical swine (CS), and Eurasian avian‐like (EA) swine lineages. Farm‐level risk factors were identified using a zero‐inflated negative binomial model.

Results  We found a maximal seroprevalence of H1N1pdm of 55·6% [95% CI: 38·1–72·1] in the slaughterhouse at the end of December 2009, 2 weeks after the peak of reported human fatalities with H1N1pdm. Farm‐level seroprevalence was 29% [95% CI: 23·2–35·7]. In seropositive farms, within‐herd seroprevalence ranged from 10 to 100%. We identified an increased risk of infection for farms that specialized in fattening and a decreased risk of infection in farms hiring external swine workers.

Conclusions  Our findings suggest extensive reverse‐zoonotic transmission from humans to pigs with subsequent onward transmission within pig herds.
Seroprevalence of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza and effectiveness of 2010/2011 influenza vaccine during 2010/2011 season in Beijing, China
Authors: Yang Peng , Zhang Li , Shi Weixian , Lu Guilan , Cui Shujuan , Peng Xiaomin , Zhang Daitao , Liu Yimeng , Liang Huijie , Pang Xinghuo , Wang Quanyi
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Yang et al. (2011) Seroprevalence of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza and effectiveness of 2010/2011 influenza vaccine during 2010/2011 season in Beijing, China. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(6), 381–388.

Background  In the post‐pandemic period, pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus was expected to circulate seasonally and was introduced into trivalent influenza vaccine during 2010/2011 season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Objectives  The aim of this study was to examine the evolution of herd immunity against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus in Beijing, China, during 2010/2011 season and effectiveness of the 2010/2011 trivalent vaccine.

Methods  Two serological surveys were conducted before and after 2010/2011 season in Beijing. A case–control study was used to investigate vaccine effectiveness against influenza‐like illness (ILI) and lower respiratory tract infection (LRI).

Results  A total of 4509 and 4543 subjects participated in the pre‐ and post‐season surveys, respectively. The standardized seroprevalence of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza increased from 22·1% pre‐season to 24·3% post‐season (P < 0·001). Significant elevation in seroprevalence appeared in the ≥60 years age‐group (P < 0·001), but not in others. The 2010/2011 trivalent vaccine contributed to the higher post‐seasonal seroprevalence in unvaccinated individuals (P = 0·024), but not in those vaccinated with monovalent pandemic vaccine (P = 0·205), as well as in those without prior immunity versus those with immunity. The adjusted effectiveness of the 2010/2011 trivalent vaccine was 79% protection against ILI (95% CI, 61–89%) and 95% against LRI (95% CI: 59–99%).

Conclusions  A slight increase in herd immunity against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza was observed in Beijing, China, during the 2010/2011 season. Prior vaccination and immunity had a suppressive impact on immune response toward this novel influenza virus, elicited by 2010/2011 trivalent vaccine. This trivalent vaccine conferred good protection against ILI and LRI.
Colony collapse disorder in Europe
Authors: Dainat Benjamin , vanEngelsdorp Dennis , Neumann Peter
Published: December 2011

Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is a condition of honey bees, which has contributed in part to the recent major losses of honey bee colonies in the USA. Here we report the first CCD case from outside of the USA. We suggest that more standardization is needed for the case definition to diagnose CCD and to compare data on a global scale.
Laparoscopic splenectomy using pneumoperitoneum or gasless abdominal wall lifting: A 15‐year single institution experience
Authors: Hyodo M , Sata N , Koizumi M , Sakuma Y , Kurihara K , Lefor AT , Ohki J , Nagai H , Yasuda Y
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Laparoscopic splenectomy using pneumoperitoneum has been performed since 1992. The gasless abdominal wall‐lifting method for laparoscopic splenectomy was introduced as an alternative. This retrospective study was undertaken to compare results using the two techniques.

Methods

Between 1995 and 2010, 54 patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy at a single institution; 30 underwent the procedure using the gasless technique and 24 using pneumoperitoneum. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding age, sex or BMI, but more patients underwent concurrent operations in the pneumoperitoneum group. The abdominal wall‐lift system with subcutaneous K‐wires was used for the gasless method.

Results

Intraoperative blood loss was similar in the two groups (193.0 ± 196.7 mL gasless, 217.3 ± 296.6 mL pneumoperitoneum; P > 0.05), but operative time (182.1 ± 92.1 min, 135.1 ± 46.1 min; P < 0.05), and resected spleen weight (306.1 ± 297.7 g, 138 ± 81.0 g; P < 0.05) were significantly different. In the gasless group, additional procedures included conversion (n = 1), mini‐laparotomy (n = 2), and CO2 insufflation (n = 2). Excluding the concurrent living‐related kidney donor patients, hospital stay was similar (6.9 ± 2.5 days, 6.3 ± 2.0 days, P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Although gasless laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible, there are disadvantages, particularly the restricted operative working space in some patients. These results suggest that either technique may be used on an individual basis in patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy.
Prevalence, risk factors and survival of lung cancer in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Lee Kyung Jong , Chung Man Pyo , Kim Young Whan , Lee Jae Ho , Kim Kyu‐Sik , Ryu Jeong Seon , Lee Hong Lyeol , Park Sung Woo , Park Choon Sik , Uh Soo‐Tak , Lee Yong Chul , Park Seoung Ju , Kim Kwan Hyoung , Jeon Young June , Choi Won Il , Park Yong Bum , Kim Dong Soon , Jeong Sung Hwan , Lee Jin Hwa , Park Moo Suk
Published: December 2011

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and survival of lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Methods:  IPF with lung cancer from tertiary hospitals consisted of 1685 patients who had been diagnosed between 2003 and 2007. We reviewed their medical records retrospectively to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and prognosis of lung cancer in IPF patients.

Results:  Among all patients with IPF, 114 cases (6.8%) had lung cancer with IPF. The incidence of lung cancer in patients with IPF was 1.03 persons per 100 person‐year (25 patients/2408 years). Most cases of lung cancer (73/114, 68.9%) were located in IPF‐associated areas; the lung cancer typically developed in peripheral and lower lobe areas. The study revealed that forced vital capacity (% predicted) at the initial diagnosis and development of lung cancer were independent prognostic factors in patients with IPF.

Conclusions:  Lung cancer in patients with IPF was significantly related with the IPF prognosis. An active evaluation should be performed in patients with IPF to detect lung cancer early.
NONSPATIAL AND SPATIAL MODELS IN BIOECONOMICS
Authors: CONRAD JON M. , SMITH MARTIN D.
Published: December 2011

AbstractBeginning in the 1960s, ecologists, mathematicians, and economists started developing a class of models, which today are referred to as bioeconomic models. These early models started with a difference or differential equation describing the dynamics of a biological resource. To this equation one might add a second difference or differential equation describing the dynamics of “harvesting effort.” Alternatively, one could formulate a dynamic optimization problem seeking to maximize discounted net benefit. These models provided important insights into the tragedy of the commons and policies that might promote optimal management. By the 1970s, more complex models were developed incorporating multispecies interactions, age‐structured populations, and models with stochastic growth. In the late 1990s, spatial bioeconomic models were developed in recognition of the importance of location when managing biological resources. The objectives of this survey are to: (i) review some of the early models in bioeconomics, (ii) present some of the key spatial models in bioeconomics that have been used to assess the value of marine (no‐take) reserves, and (iii) speculate on the direction of future research in spatial bioeconomics.
Scintigraphic evaluation of intra‐arterial and intravenous regional limb perfusion of allogeneic bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in the normal equine distal limb using99mTc‐HMPAO
Authors: SOLE A. , SPRIET M. , GALUPPO L. D. , PADGETT K. A. , BORJESSON D. L. , WISNER E. R. , BROSNAN R. J. , VIDAL M. A.
Published: December 2011

Reasons for performing study:Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are commonly injected intralesionally for treatment of soft tissue injuries in the horse. Alternative routes of administration would be beneficial for treatment of lesions that cannot be accessed directly or to limit needle‐induced iatrogenic damage to the surrounding tissue.

Objectives:The purpose of our study was to evaluate MSC distribution after intra‐arterial (IA) and intravenous (IV) regional limb perfusions (RLP) using scintigraphy. We hypothesised that MSCs would persist in the distal limb after tourniquet removal and that both techniques would lead to diffuse MSC distribution.

Methods:Six horses were used in the study. MSCs were labelled with hexamethyl propylene amine oxime (HMPAO) and technetium‐99m. RLP was performed through the median artery of one forelimb and the cephalic vein of the opposite limb under general anaesthesia. The tourniquet was left in place for 45 min. Scintigraphic images were obtained at 0, 45, 75 min, 6 h and 24 h post injection.

Results:Distribution of labelled MSCs through the entire distal limb was achieved with all 6 IA RLP, but 3 out of 6 IV RLP showed poor or absent uptake distal to the metacarpus. Mesenchymal stem cell persistence was 39% (30–60%) and 28% (14–50%) (median [minimum–maximum]) at 6 h for IA and IV RLP, respectively. Severe arterial thrombosis occurred in one horse after IA RLP.

Conclusions:Both IA and IV RLP of the distal limb result in MSC persistence in perfused tissues. The IA perfusion resulted in more reliable cell distribution to the pastern and foot area.

Potential relevance:Regional limb perfusion of MSCs might be used in cases where intralesional injection is not possible or in order to avoid iatrogenic needle damage. Further work is needed to assess the safety of IA RLP before its clinical use.
Etoposide modulates the effects of oral morphine analgesia by targeting the intestinal P-glycoprotein
Authors: Fujita-Hamabe Wakako , Nishida Mikako , Nawa Ayaka , Kobori Takuro , Nakamoto Kazuo , Kishioka Shiroh , Tokuyama Shogo
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Opioids and anticancer compounds such as etoposide (ETP) are substrates of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ATP-dependent efflux pump. Chemotherapy compounds may impact on the analgesic effect of opioids such as morphine when the two drugs are co-administered. In this study, we used a mouse model to determine if there is a pharmacological interaction between ETP and morphine, focusing on the involvement of intestinal P-gp.

Methods

P-gp drug efflux activity was measured by an in-situ closed loop method with Rhodamine 123, a P-gp substrate. The analgesic effect of morphine was determined by the tail-flick test. Intestinal P-gp expression levels were determined by Western blot.

Key findings

ETP and morphine significantly decreased the intestinal Rhodamine 123 efflux activity of P-gp. Oral morphine analgesia was significantly enhanced when co-administered with ETP. However, repeated pretreatment (7 days) with oral ETP significantly decreased the oral morphine-induced analgesia, in a cyclosporine A (a P-gp inhibitor) reversible manner. Furthermore, repeated ETP significantly up-regulated intestinal P-gp expression.

Conclusions

It may be important to consider aspects of therapeutic design such as the administration route or scheduling of drugs in patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy and opioid therapy to avoid pharmacokinetic interactions between the two agents.
Novel interpenetrated polymer network microbeads of natural polysaccharides for modified release of water soluble drug: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation
Authors: Kulkarni Raghavendra V , Mutalik Srinivas , Mangond Banappa S , Nayak Usha Y
Published: December 2011

Objectives

The objective of this work was to prepare novel interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) microbeads of tamarind seed polysaccharide and sodium alginate for controlled release of the water soluble drug, diltiazem hydrochloride.

Methods

The diltiazem-Indion 254® (a cation exchange resin) complex was prepared and the resulting complex was entrapped within IPN microbeads prepared by ionotropic gelation and covalent crosslinking. Microbeads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses, and evaluated for swelling, in-vitro release and preclinical pharmacokinetics.

Key findings

The unformulated drug showed complete dissolution within 60 min, while drug release from diltiazem-ion-exchange resin complex was extended for 2.5 h but IPN microbeads extended the release for longer period. The ionically crosslinked microbeads released the drug for 6 h, while dual crosslinked microbeads extended the release for 9 h. The microbeads containing a higher amount of glutaraldehyde released the drug very slowly. The results of in-vivo pharmacokinetics of pure drug and drug-loaded IPN microbeads showed that the microbeads demonstrated prolonged release supporting the findings of in-vitro studies.

Conclusions

Prepared IPN microbeads showed prolonged in-vitro and in-vivo release for diltiazem, indicating that this IPN would be a versatile delivery system for water soluble drugs.
Absorption enhancement studies of clopidogrel hydrogen sulphate in rat everted gut sacs
Authors: Lassoued Mohamed Ali , Sfar Souad , Bouraoui Abderrahman , Khemiss Fathia
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Clopidogrel, a thienopyridine antiplatelet agent, is a poor aqueous soluble compound and a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump substrate. These two factors are responsible for its incomplete intestinal absorption. In this study, we have attempted to enhance the absorption of clopidogrel by improving its solubility and by inhibiting intestinal P-gp activity.

Methods

Solubility enhancement was achieved by preparing solid dispersions. Quinidine and naringin were selected as P-gp inhibitors, whilst tartaric acid was selected as the intestinal absorption enhancer. Absorption studies were performed using the everted gut sac model prepared from rat jejunum. The determination of clopidogrel was performed by high performance liquid chromatography.

Key findings

We noticed an enhancement of clopidogrel absorption by improving its solubility or by inhibiting the P-gp activity. The greatest results were obtained for solid dispersions in the presence of P-gp inhibitors at their highest concentrations, with an absorption improvement of 3.41- and 3.91-fold for naringin (15 mg/kg) and quinidine (200 µm), respectively. However, no clopidogrel absorption enhancement occurred in the presence of tartaric acid.

Conclusions

Naringin, a natural compound which has no undesirable side effects as compared with quinidine, could be used as a pharmaceutical excipient in the presence of clopidogrel solid dispersions to increase clopidogrel intestinal absorption and therefore its oral bioavailability.
Experimental Investigation of Thermoacoustic Instabilities for a Model Combustor With Varying Fuel Components
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhu Min
Published: December 2011

In this study, a combustion facility was constructed that includes a flexible fuel supply system to produce synthesis gas using a maximum of three components. The rig with lean premixed burner is able to operate at up to five bars. The length of the inlet plenum and the outlet boundary conditions of the combustion chamber are adjustable. Experiments were carried out under a broad range of conditions, with variations in fuel components including hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide, equivalence ratios, thermal power and boundary conditions. The dynamic processes of self-excited combustion instabilities with variable fuel components were measured. The mechanisms of coupling between the system acoustic waves and unsteady heat release were investigated. The results show that instability modes and flame characteristics were significantly different with variations in fuel components. In addition, the results are expected to provide useful information for the design and operation of stable syngas combustion systems.
Advanced Exergoeconomic Analysis Applied to a Complex Energy Conversion System
Authors: Petrakopoulou Fontina , Tsatsaronis George , Morosuk Tatiana , Carassai Anna
Published: December 2011

Exergy-based analyses are important tools for studying and evaluating energy conversion systems. Conventional exergy-based analyses provide us with important information on the design and operation of a system. However, further insight into the improvement potential of plant components and the overall plant, as well as into component interactions, is important when optimal operation is required. This necessity led to the development of advanced exergy-based analyses, in which the exergy destruction as well as the associated costs and environmental impacts are split into avoidable/unavoidable and endogenous/exogenous parts. Based on the avoidable exergy destruction, costs and environmental impacts potential and strategies for improvement are revealed. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the application, the advantages, and the information obtained from an advanced exergoeconomic analysis by applying it to a complex plant, i.e., to a combined cycle power plant. The largest parts of the unavoidable cost rates are calculated for the components constituting the gas turbine system and the low-pressure steam turbine. The combustion chamber has the second highest avoidable investment cost and the highest avoidable cost of exergy destruction. In general, the investment cost of most of the components is unavoidable, with the exception of some heat exchangers. Similarly, most of the cost of exergy destruction is unavoidable, with the exception of the expander of the gas turbine system and the high-pressure and intermediate-pressure steam turbines. The advanced exergoeconomic analysis reveals high endogenous values, which suggest that improvement of the total plant can be achieved by improving the design of individual components, and lower exogenous values, which means that component interactions are in general of lower significance for this plant.
Closed-Loop Dynamic Analysis of a Rotary Inverted Pendulum for Control Design
Authors: Ashrafiuon Hashem , Whitman Alan M.
Published: December 2011

This paper presents an approximate analytical solution for the weakly nonlinear closed-loop dynamics of the sliding phase of a sliding mode controlled rotary inverted pendulum based on the multiple scale method. A locally stable nonlinear sliding mode control law with starting configurations above the horizontal line is presented for the rotary inverted pendulum. The analytical expressions derived from the nonlinear solution of the reduced-order closed-loop dynamics provide both qualitative and quantitative insight into the closed-loop response leading to proper selection of parameters that guarantee stabilization and improve controller performance. The approximate analytical solution is verified through comparison with the exact numerical solution. The control performance predicted by the analytical solution is experimentally demo.
The Modeling of Electrohydraulic Proportional Valves
Authors: Cristofori Davide , Vacca Andrea
Published: December 2011

The present work describes the modeling of a proportional relief valve actuated by an electromagnet. Two models were developed and compared each other: a detailed nonlinear model and its linearized version. The modeling approach presented has a general nature and can be applied to various types of electrohydraulic proportional valves (EHPV). The comparison between nonlinear and linear model results shows the limits of the linear approximation to study the real component. Substantially, the nonlinear model is composed by three submodels: the fluid-dynamic model (for the evaluation of the main flow features), the mechanical model (which solves the mobile body motion), and the electromagnetic model (which evaluates the magnetic forces and the electric transient). All submodels are based on a lumped parameter (LP) approach and they implement a specific set of nonlinear equations. However, to carefully model the main electromagnetic phenomena that characterize the proportional electromagnet behavior (including: magnetic losses, fringing effects, and magnetic saturation), a finite element analysis (FEA) 3D model was developed by the authors. The LP electromagnetic model is based on a particular use of the FEA 3D model steady state results. A series of transient simulations were performed through the FEA 3D model in order to quantify the effect of the eddy currents and to determine a second order transfer function used in the linear model to describe the electromagnet dynamics. The remaining parts of the linear model are obtained by linearizing the nonlinear model equations. The FEA 3D model was experimentally validated in steady-state conditions, while the results of the overall model of the valve were verified in both steady-state and dynamic conditions.
Modeling of Atmospheric Turbulence as Disturbances for Control Design and Evaluation of High Speed Propulsion Systems
Authors: Kopasakis George
Published: December 2011

Atmospheric turbulence models are necessary for the design of both inlet/engine and flight controls, as well as for studying integrated couplings between the propulsion and the vehicle structural dynamics for supersonic vehicles. Models based on the Kolmogorov spectrum have been previously utilized to model atmospheric turbulence. In this paper, a more accurate model is developed in its representative fractional order form, typical of atmospheric disturbances. This is accomplished by first scaling the Kolmogorov spectral to convert them into finite energy von Karman forms. Then a generalized formulation is developed in frequency domain for these scale models that approximates the fractional order with the products of first order transfer functions. Given the parameters describing the conditions of atmospheric disturbances and utilizing the derived formulations, the objective is to directly compute the transfer functions that describe these disturbances for acoustic velocity, temperature, pressure, and density. Utilizing these computed transfer functions and choosing the disturbance frequencies of interest, time domain simulations of these representative atmospheric turbulences can be developed. These disturbance representations are then used to first develop considerations for disturbance rejection specifications for the design of the propulsion control system and then to evaluate the closed-loop performance.