bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histologic Comparison of Healing Following Tooth Extraction With Ridge Preservation Using Two Different Xenograft Protocols
Authors: Cook Deana Clare , Mealey Brian L.
Published: June 2012

Background: The objectives of this study are to compare differences in histologic and clinical healing following tooth extraction and ridge preservation using two different xenograft treatment protocols.

Methods: Forty‐four patients with a non‐molar tooth that required extraction and planned implant placement were randomly allocated into two ridge preservation protocol groups. Protocol 1 used a xenograft material consisting of 90% anorganic bovine bone in combination with 10% porcine collagen fibers combined with a resorbable bilayer membrane composed of non‐cross‐linked porcine types I and III collagen. Protocol 2 used a xenograft sponge composed of 70% cross‐linked type I bovine collagen coated with a layer of non‐sintered hydroxyapatite mineral on its surface combined with a resorbable membrane composed of type I porcine collagen cross‐linked by natural ribose glycation. Following 21 weeks of healing, clinical measurements were repeated, and a core biopsy was obtained and prepared for histologic evaluation of percentages of vital bone, residual graft, and connective tissue/other (CT/other).

Results: Similar percentages of CT/other were detected between protocols, with no significant difference between groups (P = 0.763). A significantly greater percentage of vital bone was detected in specimens in protocol 2 (P <0.001). Protocol 1 presented with a mean of 32.83% ± 14.72% vital bone, 13.44% ± 11.57% residual graft material, and 53.73% ± 6.76% CT/other. Protocol 2 presented with a mean of 47.03% ± 9.09% vital bone, no detectable residual graft material, and 52.97% ± 9.09% CT/other. Clinically, no significant differences in dimensional changes were evident between ridge preservation protocols.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate clinical and histologic differences seen when using these two xenograft protocols for ridge preservation.
Comparing the Responsiveness of the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and the Functional Independence Measure
Authors: Fioravanti Andrea M. , Bordignon Candace M. , Pettit Susan M. , Woodhouse Linda J. , Ansley Barbara J.
Published: June 2012

Background. Selecting and utilizing appropriate assessments to evaluate outcomes is an important aspect of evidence-based occupational therapy practice. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM), to which occupational therapists contribute motor and cognitive scores, is currently the only required assessment for evaluating change from admission to discharge on an inpatient rehabilitation unit. However, occupational therapists are also using the motor and process scales from the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) to assess clients and evaluate change.

Purpose. To compare responsiveness of the AMPS and the FIM on an inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Methods. A retrospective chart review of AMPS measures and FIM scores at admission and discharge was undertaken. Standardized response means and effect sizes were calculated to estimate responsiveness.

Findings. No significant difference was found in the ability of the AMPS motor and FIM motor scales to detect change. The AMPS process scale was more responsive to change than the FIM cognitive scale.

Implications. Using the AMPS as an assessment to evaluate outcomes allows practitioners to detect changes that may not be detected through the exclusive use of the FIM.
A Mediation Model of Individual Differences in Attitudes toward Affirmative Actions for Women
Authors: Moscoso Silvia , García-Izquierdo Antonio L. , Bastida María
Published: June 2012

A mediation model of the relation between gender and attitudes toward affirmative action in favor of working women was tested. Four mediation variables were considered: perceived unfairness in the situation of working women, perceived threat to the non-designated group (men), self-esteem, and gender self-concept (masculinity and femininity). 192 women and 128 men, with differing occupations, participated. Gender affects individuals' attitudes toward affirmative actions for women, mediated by perceived unfairness in the situation of working women, perceived threat to the non-designated group, and feminine self-concept. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Lack of Symmetry in Employees' Perceptions of the Psychological Contract
Authors: Jepsen Denise M. , Rodwell John J.
Published: June 2012

Despite debate on the nature of employees' perceptions of their psychological contract, little research has compared employees' and employers' sides of the psychological contract. All 80 items from both scales in the Psychological Contract Inventory were used in a survey of 436 currently working, non-student respondents. Structural equation modeling yielded nonsymmetrical perspectives on promises and obligations, highlighting the validity of approaching the issues via individual perceptions.
Quality of Workplace Social Relationships and Perceived Health
Authors: Rydstedt Leif W. , Stansfeld Stephen A. , Head Jenny , Woodley-Jones Davina
Published: June 2012

Associations between the quality of social relationships at work and mental and self-reported health were examined to assess whether these associations were independent of job strain. The study was based on cross-sectional survey data from 728 employees (response rate 58%) and included the Demand-Control-(Support) (DC-S) model, six items on the quality of social relationships at the workplace, the General Health Questionnaire (30), and an item on self-reported physical health. Logistic regression analyses were used. A first set of models were run with adjustment for age, sex, and socioeconomic group. A second set of models were run adjusted for the dimensions of the DC-S model. Positive associations were found between the quality of social relationships and mental health as well as self-rated physical health, and these associations remained significant even after adjustment for the dimensions. The findings add support to the Health and Safety Executive stress management standards on social relationships at the workplace.
Religiosity and Coping with Loneliness
Authors: Rokach Ami , Chin Jackie , Sha'Ked Ami
Published: June 2012

Loneliness is a universal experience which transcends age, sex, geography, and culture. Religion, and often one's religiosity, are known to affect one's approach to life, behaviour, and social involvement. The present, preliminary study aimed to explore whether coping with loneliness is influenced by one's religious observance. The present study focused on Israeli Jews. 250 participants identified themselves as Secular, Conservative, or Orthodox, by answering a 34-item yes/no questionnaire on loneliness. The three groups statistically significantly differed in their manner of coping with loneliness only on the Religion and Faith subscale, as hypothesized. Similar studies with people of other religious denominations could further highlight that issue.
Academic Workload, Research Productivity, and End of Life: A Single-Case Historiometric Study
Authors: Nader Ingo W. , Pietschnig Jakob , Voracek Martin
Published: June 2012

Fourteen years of biographical time-series data were analyzed quantitatively retrospectively using the historiometric approach. The data were descriptions of self-recorded daily working hours for one academic researcher's career and life. The researcher's unexpected death was preceded by a notable decline in daily working hours and conference travels commencing two years before. Well-known calendar effects (week and academic year) as well as effects of increased academic rank and duties on working hours were all discernible in these unobtrusive data. However, effort (total working hours) did not predict concurrent or near-future research output, even when teaching load was controlled for.
The “Drinking-Buddy” Scale as a Measure of Para-Social Behavior
Authors: Powell Larry , Richmond Virginia P. , Cantrell-Williams Glenda
Published: June 2012

Para-social behavior is a form of quasi-interpersonal behavior that results when audience members develop bonds with media personalities that can resemble interpersonal social interaction, but is not usually applied to political communication. This study tested whether the “Drinking-Buddy” Scale, a simple question frequently used in political communication, could be interpreted as a single-item measure of para-social behavior with respect to political candidates in terms of image judgments related to interpersonal attraction and perceived similarity to self. The participants were college students who had voted in the 2008 election. They rated the candidates, Obama or McCain, as drinking buddies and then rated the candidates' perceived similarity to themselves in attitude and background, and also the social and task attraction to the candidate. If the drinking-buddy rating serves as a proxy measure for para-social behavior, then it was expected that participants' ratings for all four kinds of similarity to and attraction toward a candidate would be higher for the candidate they chose as a drinking buddy. The directional hypotheses were supported for interpersonal attraction, but not for perceived similarity. These results indicate that the drinking-buddy scale predicts ratings of interpersonal attraction, while voters may view perceived similarity as an important but not essential factor in their candidate preference.
Investigation of Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionism with Turkish Almost Perfect Scale—Revised
Authors: Ulu İNci Pinar , Tezer Esin , Slaney Robert B.
Published: June 2012

The present study examined the factor structure of the Turkish Almost Perfect Scale–Revised to identify adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists and non-perfectionists and examined whether the participants ( N = 383) in these groups differed on a measure of psychological distress. A confirmatory factor analysis of the Turkish Almost Perfect Scale–Revised yielded three subscales: High Standards, Order, and Discrepancy. A cluster analysis identified adaptive perfectionists, maladaptive perfectionists, and non-perfectionists and these groups were found to be significantly different from each other on a measure of psychological distress.
Using a Modified Lag Task to Measure Adult Age Differences in Working Memory
Authors: Remick Olga , Ross David , Metzger Richard , Benton Tonya , Shelton Jill
Published: June 2012

Four groups of adults, ages 40 to 70+ years, took the Modified Lag Task which requires that participants remember lists of words and subsequently recall the first, second, or third word from the end of the list. Previously, the task showed convergent validity with the operation span (a complex span measure) and a divergent validity with the digit span (a simple span measure). To establish predictive validity, the present study was designed to assess if this task could separate four age groups in working memory performance. The present study found support for the validity of the Modified Lag Task; however, additional research is warranted to further develop the construct validity of this task.
Performance in a Substitution Task and State Anxiety following Yoga in Army Recruits
Authors: Telles Shirley , Bhardwaj Abhishek Kumar , Kumar Sanjay , Kumar Nilima , Balkrishna Acharya
Published: June 2012

140 men ( M age = 30.3 yr., SD = 5.7) from the Indian army in north India participated in the study. They were naive to yoga and were assigned to yoga and breath awareness groups randomly, with 70 in each group. 20 healthy males of comparable age ( M age = 33.7 yr., SD = 7.0) formed a comparison group. Their performance in a digit-letter substitution task and a state anxiety subscale was assessed immediately before and after two 45-min. sessions. The two groups of soldiers practiced either yoga or breath awareness. The comparison group listened to meditation music. Digit-letter substitution scores increased in both groups of army personnel and in the comparison group. State anxiety decreased after yoga and listening to meditation music, but not after breath awareness. This suggests that even in army personnel naive to yoga, a yoga-based intervention or listening to meditation music could reduce anxiety while increasing performance on an attention task.
Exposure to Domestic Violence and Identity Development among Adolescent University Students in South Africa
Authors: Makhubela Malose S.
Published: June 2012

This study examined the relationship between exposure to domestic violence and identity development in a sample of 108 undergraduate students with an average age of 18.7 yr. from University of Limpopo in South Africa. There were more women ( n = 64; 58.7%) in the study than men ( n = 45; 41.3%). Participants were classified into high and low domestic violence exposure groups on the basis of a median split in physical violence scores from the Child Exposure to Domestic Violence Scale (CEDV). Exposure was then compared with identity development as measured by the Ochse and Plug Erikson scale. The results indicated a significant mean difference between the two groups on identity development. Furthermore, exposure to domestic violence was significantly associated with lower scores for identity development as represented by subscales measuring trust, autonomy, initiative and other Eriksonian constructs. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.
Social Support and Happiness in Immigrant Women in Spain
Authors: Dominguez-Fuentes Juan Manuel , Hombrados-Mendieta María Isabel
Published: June 2012

The association between perceived social support and happiness was investigated in women who are members of various associations in Malaga (Spain) that work with immigrant women. Based on the Social Convoy model, the association between sources of support, frequency of support, satisfaction with support, and happiness reported by women were examined. The main social support predictor of happiness was satisfaction with the support received. Thus, the best predictors of happiness were emotional support from the family and instrumental support from the indigenous population and associations. The best predictor of frequency of support was the frequency of informational support received from social services. These results may prove useful for developing lines of action or interventions centred on the social network and the functions that social support can fulfil among immigrant women.
The Moderating Role of Personality Traits on Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Management Styles
Authors: Ann Bao-Yi , Yang Chun-Chi
Published: June 2012

In a sample of 442 part-time MBA and undergraduate students, the relationships between emotional intelligence and the integrating style and between emotional intelligence and the dominating style of conflict management were moderated by extraversion. In addition, agreeableness moderated the relationships between emotional intelligence and compromising style and between emotional intelligence and dominating style.
Bond characteristics of steel fiber and deformed reinforcing steel bar embedded in steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC)
Authors: Aslani Farhad , Nejadi Shami
Published: June 2012

Steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC) is a relatively new composite material which congregates the benefits of the self-compacting concrete (SCC) technology with the profits derived from the fiber addition to a brittle cementitious matrix. Steel fibers improve many of the properties of SCC elements including tensile strength, ductility, toughness, energy absorption capacity, fracture toughness and cracking. Although the available research regarding the influence of steel fibers on the properties of SFRSCC is limited, this paper investigates the bond characteristics between steel fiber and SCC firstly. Based on the available experimental results, the current analytical steel fiber pullout model (Dubey 1999) is modified by considering the different SCC properties and different fiber types (smooth, hooked) and inclination. In order to take into account the effect of fiber inclination in the pullout model, apparent shear strengths (τ
(app)) and slip coefficient (β) are incorporated to express the variation of pullout peak load and the augmentation of peak slip as the inclined angle increases. These variables are expressed as functions of the inclined angle (ϕ). Furthurmore, steel-concrete composite floors, reinforced concrete floors supported by columns or walls and floors on an elastic foundations belong to the category of structural elements in which the conventional steel reinforcement can be partially replaced by the use of steel fibers. When discussing deformation capacity of structural elements or civil engineering structures manufactured using SFRSCC, one must be able to describe thoroughly both the behavior of the concrete matrix reinforced with steel fibers and the interaction between this composite matrix and discrete steel reinforcement of the conventional type. However, even though the knowledge on bond behavior is essential for evaluating the overall behavior of structural components containing reinforcement and steel fibers, information is hardly available in this area. In this study, bond characteristics of deformed reinforcing steel bars embedded in SFRSCC is investigated secondly.
Detection and characterization of Leptospira spp. isolated from aborted bovine clinical samples
Authors: Momtaz Hassan , Moshkelani Saadat
Published: June 2012

Leptospirais recognized as an important public health problem worldwide, especially in tropical countries, and is a common cause of abortion in dairy and beef herds. The aim of the present study was to detect and characterizeLeptospiraas the causative agent of abortion in cattle using a PCR-RFLP in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari and Isfahan provinces, Iran. A total of 220 bovine aborted foetuses and 120 vaginal discharges from an aborted calf were collected from 64 commercial dairy herds. After isolation of 60Leptospiraspp. from samples, RFLP analysis was carried out withHindIII andHaeIII restriction enzymes in reference strains and isolated for characterization. In a total of 340 specimens, 46 (20.9%) and 14 (11.66%) were identified positive forLeptospiraspp. from aborted bovine foetuses and vaginal discharges, respectively. The present results also suggest thatL. interrogansserovarhardjohas the highest prevalence in the region under study andL. hardjois a major pathogen causing bovine abortion in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari and Isfahan provinces of Iran.
Effects of increased content of organic selenium in feed on the selenium content and fatty acid profile in broiler breast muscle
Authors: Kralik Zlata , Kralik Gordana , Grčević Manuela , Suchý Pavel , Straková Eva
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of organic selenium supplemented to broiler feed on the selenium content and fatty acid profile in broiler breast muscle tissue. The study was carried out on 60 male Ross 308 broilers that were slaughtered at the age of 42 days. After day 21, the broilers were divided into three experimental groups (P1, P2, P3), and each group was given separately prepared finisher diets that contained 18% of crude protein and 14.67 MJ/kg ME (finisher diet contained 6% of oil, of which 3% was sunflower oil, and 3% was linseed oil added for the purpose to increase portion of α-linolenic fatty acid. The content of organic selenium (Sel-Plex®) supplemented in the finisher diet was as follows: no selenium, 0.3 mg Se/kg of feed and 0.5mg Se/kg of feed for P1, P2 and P3 group, respectively. It was determined that the group P3 had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) content of selenium in breast muscle (0.256 mg Se/kg of tissue) than group P2 (0.183 mg Se/kg of tissue) and P1 (0.087 mg Se/kg of tissue). Supplementation of selenium to feed at the amount of 0.3 mg/kg affected the fatty acid profile in breast muscle tissue by increasing portions of α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids and total n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and by lowering portion of total saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.
Selected abiotic factors that influence raw cow milk freezing point depression
Authors: Hanuš Oto , Hanušová Kristýna , Vyletělová Marcela , Kopec Tomáš , Janů Libor , Kopecký Jaroslav
Published: June 2012

Freezing point depression (FPD) is an important property of milk that is influenced primarily by milk components connected to osmotic pressure. Under certain conditions it is possible to detect the addition of water to milk. It is necessary to have the right FPD limit in legislation for milk quality control. The aim of this study was to improve the estimation procedure of this limit. Apart from factors related to dairy cow nutrition, cattle breed and milk yield, it is important to take into account CO2 (6%), water steam evaporation and pasteurization under technological conditions. Bulk milk samples (1, 30, 6, 6, 10, 1 according to experiment) from Holstein and Czech Fleckvieh breed (1:1) were used in the experiments and technologically treated. The effects of water addition (water saturated and unsaturated by CO2), carbon dioxide evaporation and pasteurization (80 °C for 22 min) were quantified. Pasteurization aggravation of FPD was -0.00394 ± 0.00171 ºC (P < 0.001). Aggravation due to carbon dioxide evaporation could be -0.00383 ± 0.00095 ºC (P < 0.001) depending on practice. Increase in FPD is recorded after milking during technological procedures of milk storage, mixing, pumping, transport shaking and warming. During FPD shift, the acuteness of FPD data sets increases. This fact should be considered in the process of deriving standard raw cow milk FPD limits. Similar experimental analysis of milk FPD technological shifts has not been performed in this way until now.
Physico-chemical indicators and identification of selected Slovak honeys based on colour measurement
Authors: Kasperová Jana , Nagy Jozef , Popelka Peter , Dičáková Zuzana , Nagyová Alena , Maľa Pavel
Published: June 2012

The aim of study was to characterize 52 samples of Slovak honeys of six types (multifloral, acacia, rape, honeydew, forest and mixed). Physico-chemical analysis of honey included the water content, free acidity, pH, water activity, electrical conductivity, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content. In addition, the colour of honeys was measured using spectrophotometer and Commission Internationale de I`Eclairage method (CIE L*a*b*); four types of honey were used for identification: multifloral, acacia, rape, and honeydew. Mean values of physico-chemical indicators were as follows: water content 16–21%, acidity 6–42 mekv·kg-1, pH 3.68–5.15, water activity 0.505–0.667, electrical conductivity 0.155–1.585 mS·cm-1 and HMF content 0.17–78.5 mg·kg-1. The highest HMF content was found in forest honey with one sample above the limit established by Council Directive 2001/110/EC. The colour of Slovak honeys analysed in this study was very variable and ranged from pale yellow to dark brown. Differences of physico-chemical indicators and colour of honey samples were found to be significant (P < 0.05). The CIE L*a*b* methods can be used for identification of selected honey samples. This is the first similar study on Slovak honey.
Assessment of mercury contamination in the Bílina River (Czech Republic) using indicator fish
Authors: Kružíková Kamila , Svobodová Zdeňka
Published: June 2012

The aim of the study was to determine mercury content in the muscle of indicator fish and to assess mercury pollution along the Bílina River, which is one of the most important tributaries of the Elbe River. A total of eight sites were chosen on the Bílina River for sampling. Indicator fish chub (Leuciscus cephalus L), roach (Rutilus rutilus L.) and brown trout (Salmo trutta m. fario L.) in the total numbers of 24, 26 and 27, respectively, were sampled at four locations, since at the remaining sites fish were absent. Mercury concentrations in the muscle of sampled indicator fish were measured using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry on an AMA 254 analyser. The highest mercury content (0.12 ± 0.027 mg·kg-1) was found in the muscle of roach at the Ústí nad Labem site and the lowest mercury content (0.04 ± 0.008 mg·kg-1) in the muscle of brown trout from the Březenec (the first upstream site) site. A significant difference (P < 0.05) between the analyzed fish species was found only between chub (0.08 mg·kg-1) and brown trout (0.04 mg·kg-1) at the Březenec site. The priority of this study was to assess the mercury contamination of the Bílina River because this river flows through a heavy industrial activity in the region (especially production of petrochemicals, agrochemicals, sorbents, plasticizers and textile auxiliaries). Despite the fact that the Bílina is an extensively polluted river, the obtained mercury results were very low and did not exceed the limit of 0.5 mg·kg-1 set by Commission Regulation No. 1881/2006.
Induction of uncoupling protein-2 mRNA by triiodothyronine in rat liver
Authors: Bolehovská Radka , Pospíšilová Monika , Rychtrmoc David , Hubálková Lenka , Červinková Zuzana
Published: June 2012

Uncoupling protein-2, discovered in 1997, is the first described homologue of uncoupling protein-1. Uncoupling proteins increase the permeability of inner mitochondrial membrane for protons, decrease the efficiency of energy conversion, inhibit the ATP synthesis and stimulate energy release in form of heat. Uncoupling proteins also increase the substrate oxidation and reduce production of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of acute treatment with triiodothyronine on uncoupling protein-2 mRNA levels in Wistar rats. Intraperitoneal injection of one dose of triiodothyronine (200 μg/kg rat body weight) increased mRNA expression of uncoupling protein-2 in liver tissue almost 2-fold after 12 h. Concentrations of total triiodothyronine and free triiodothyronine in serum were increased 122-fold and 76-fold, respectively. These results suggest that gene coding uncoupling protein-2 is gene inducible in the liver shortly after single administration of T3. Data about the kinetics of T3mediated induction of UCP-2 mRNA during the first 24 h after treatment were not available in literature so far and therefore constitute our priority findings.
Mechanical retention – Influence of filler floc size and grammage of the fibre web
Authors: Athley Karin , Granlöf Lars , Söderberg Daniel , Ankerfors Mikael , Ström Göran
Published: June 2012

An investigation of the impact of particle size on the mechanical retention of particles in a fibre network has been conducted. The particles used were five sets of quartz particle fractions having fairly narrow particle size distributions with average particle size ranging from a few μm to around 100 μm. The particles were used to model flocculated filler aggregates as part of a larger study of the effect of pre-flocculation on mechanical retention. Pre-flocculation of the filler is a possible strategy to increase the filler content of paper without deterioration of strength properties. A modified laboratory hand sheet former, known as the Rapid Drainage Device (RDD) was used. The major modification consisted of a long pipe that acted as a suction leg, which provides a dewatering vacuum at the same level as on a paper machine. The experimental results showed that mechanical filler retention increased linearly with particle size and grammage of the fibre layer above a critical grammage which depended on particle size. The linear relation was also seen in a pilot scale trial on the FEX pilot-paper machine at Innventia. During this trial fine paper was produced using pre-flocculated filler where the mean particle size of the flocs and fibres was measured in the flow to the headbox. The results from this pilot trial show that mechanical retention is an important part of the total filler retention. Drainage time and therefore drainage resistance increased with the grammage of the fibre layer and amount of quartz particle added. Drainage time, compared at total grammage (i.e. the sum of fibre and quartz particle grammage) was lowest for a fraction of medium-sized particles, with a median size of 35 mm. There was no obvious effect on retention or drainage resistance of a change in the dewatering pressure from 27.5 to 41.5 kPa.
Modeling the rheology of nanocellulose suspensions
Authors: Puisto Antti , Illa Xavier , Mohtaschemi Mikael , Alava Mikko
Published: June 2012

The transient response of a Population Balance based colloidal rheology model is studied in the context of nanofiber suspension rheology research. The model is calibrated against experimental rheology data for cellulose nano-whisker suspension and then subjected to transient shears. The non-equilibrium aggregate size distributions are reported.
A partial explanation of the dependence between light scattering and light absorption in the Kubelka-Munk model
Authors: Edström Per , Neuman Magnus , Coppel Ludovic G.
Published: June 2012

The Kubelka-Munk scattering and absorption coefficients of a set of paper samples are assessed using reflectance measurements in d/0 geometry. The coefficients display the widely studied dependence between light scattering and light absorption, since the light scattering coefficient decreases in regions of high absorption. It is shown using general radiative transfer theory that part of this dependence can be explained and eliminated by taking into account the geometry of the d/0 instrument and the single scattering anisotropy, thus capturing the angular variations of the light reflected from the samples. These findings allow the papermaker to better predict the reflectance from mixtures of pulps, fillers, dye, and FWA, and to better evaluate bleaching efforts.
Substantially Modified Ratios of Effector to Regulatory T Cells During Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer Patients Return to Pre-Treatment Levels at Completion: Implications for Immunotherapy
Authors: Park Anthony , Govindaraj Chindu , Xiang Sue D. , Halo Julene , Quinn Michael , Scalzo-Inguanti Karen , Plebanski Magdalena
Published: June 2012

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynaecological malignancy. Despite improved detection and treatment options, relapse rates remain high. Combining immunotherapy with the current standard treatments may provide an improved prognosis, however, little is known about how standard chemotherapy affects immune potential (particularly T cells) over time, and hence, when to optimally combine it with immunotherapy (e.g., vaccines). Herein, we assess the frequency and ratio of CD8+ central memory and effector T cells as well as CD4+ effector and regulatory T cells (Tregs) during the first 18 weeks of standard chemotherapy for ovarian cancer patients. In this pilot study, we observed increased levels of recently activated Tregs with tumor migrating ability (CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+CD127−CCR4+CD38+ cells) in patients when compared to controls. Although frequency changes of Tregs as well as the ratio of effector T cells to Tregs were observed during treatment, the Tregs consistently returned to pre-chemotherapy levels at the end of treatment. These results indicate T cell subset distributions associated with recurrence may be largely resistant to being “re-set” to healthy control homeostatic levels following standard treatments. However, it may be possible to enhance T effector to Treg ratios transiently during chemotherapy. These results suggest personalized immune monitoring maybe beneficial when combining novel immuno-therapeutics with standard treatment for ovarian cancer patients.
Modeling of Step-up Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems for Control Purposes
Authors: Trejos Adriana , Gonzalez Daniel , Ramos-Paja Carlos Andres
Published: June 2012

This paper presents modeling approaches for step-up grid-connected photovoltaic systems intended to provide analytical tools for control design. The first approach is based on a voltage source representation of the bulk capacitor interacting with the grid-connected inverter, which is a common model for large DC buses and closed-loop inverters. The second approach considers the inverter of a double-stage PV system as a Norton equivalent, which is widely accepted for open-loop inverters. In addition, the paper considers both ideal and realistic models for the DC/DC converter that interacts with the PV module, providing four mathematical models to cover a wide range of applications. The models are expressed in state space representation to simplify its use in analysis and control design, and also to be easily implemented in simulation software, e.g., Matlab. The PV system was analyzed to demonstrate the non-minimum phase condition for all the models, which is an important aspect to select the control technique. Moreover, the system observability and controllability were studied to define design criteria. Finally, the analytical results are illustrated by means of detailed simulations, and the paper results are validated in an experimental test bench.
Identification of Intensity Ratio Break Points from Photon Arrival Trajectories in Ratiometric Single Molecule Spectroscopy
Authors: Bingemann Dieter , Allen Rachel M.
Published: June 2012

We describe a statistical method to analyze dual-channel photon arrival trajectories from single molecule spectroscopy model-free to identify break points in the intensity ratio. Photons are binned with a short bin size to calculate the logarithm of the intensity ratio for each bin. Stochastic photon counting noise leads to a near-normal distribution of this logarithm and the standard student t-test is used to find statistically significant changes in this quantity. In stochastic simulations we determine the significance threshold for the t-test’s p-value at a given level of confidence.We test the method’s sensitivity and accuracy indicating that the analysis reliably locates break points with significant changes in the intensity ratio with little or no error in realistic trajectories with large numbers of small change points, while still identifying a large fraction of the frequent break points with small intensity changes. Based on these results we present an approach to estimate confidence intervals for the identified break point locations and recommend a bin size to choose for the analysis. The method proves powerful and reliable in the analysis of simulated and actual data of single molecule reorientation in a glassy matrix.
Simulated Gastrointestinal pH Condition Improves Antioxidant Properties of Wheat and Rice Flours
Authors: Chan Kim Wei , Khong Nicholas M. H. , Iqbal Shahid , Ismail Maznah
Published: June 2012

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant properties of wheat and rice flours under simulated gastrointestinal pH condition. After subjecting the wheat and rice flour slurries to simulated gastrointestinal pH condition, both slurries were centrifuged to obtain the crude phenolic extracts for further analyses. Extraction yield, total contents of phenolic and flavonoids were determined as such (untreated) and under simulated gastrointestinal pH condition (treated). 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) scavenging activity, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS•+) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), beta-carotene bleaching (BCB) and iron chelating activity assays were employed for the determination of antioxidant activity of the tested samples. In almost all of the assays performed, significant improvements in antioxidant properties (p < 0.05) were observed in both flours after treatment, suggesting that wheat and rice flours contain considerably heavy amounts of bound phenolics, and that their antioxidant properties might be improved under gastrointestinal digestive conditions.
DNA Polymorphisms of the Lipoprotein Lipase Gene and Their Association with Coronary Artery Disease in the Saudi Population
Authors: Al-Jafari Abdulaziz A. , Daoud Mohamed S. , Mobeirek Abdulelah F. , Al Anazi Mohammad S.
Published: June 2012

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major health problem and a major cause of death in most countries. Evidence has been presented that gene polymorphisms (HindIII, PvuII and Ser447Ter) of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) are risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD). Aim: Our objective of the present investigation was to determine whether 3 LPL polymorphisms (LPL-HindIII, LPL-PvuII and LPL-Ser447Ter) can be considered as independent risk factors for CAD in the Saudi population. Methods: We recruited 120 CAD subjects, confirmed angiographically with identical ethnic backgrounds and 65 control subjects. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) technique was used to detect the polymorphisms of the LPL gene. Results and conclusion: For the HindIII genotype, within the CAD group, the frequencies of the H+H+ were found in 50.8%, whereas 44.2% carried the H−H+ genotype, and 5% carried the H−H− genotype. Within the control group, the H+H+ genotype was found in 44.6%, whereas 35.4% carried the H−H+ genotype, 20% carried the H−H− genotype. The odds ratio (OR) of HindIII genotype H+H+ vs. H−H− genotype at 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were 4.6 (1.57–13.2) and p < 0.005, hence showing no significant association with CAD. For the PvuII genotype, within the CAD group the frequencies of the P+P+ found in 41.7% whereas 43.3.2% carried the P−P+ genotype, and 15% carried the P−P− genotype. Within the control group the P+P+ was found in 38.5%, 43.0% carried the P−P+ genotype, and 18.5% carried the P−P− genotype. The OR of PvuII genotype P+P+ vs. P−P− genotypes (95% CI) is 1.33 and p = 0.52; hence, it was also insignificant to show association with the disease. For the Ser447Ter genotype, within the CAD group, the frequencies of the C/C found in 83.3%, whereas 16.7% carried the C/G genotype. Within the control group, the C/C was found in 87.7% and 12.3% carried the C/G genotype. We did not get any GG genotypes in control as well as patients for this gene. It can be concluded that C allele of gene masks the presence of G allele in the Saudi population. The OR of CG + GG vs. CC (95% CI) is 1.43 from 0.59 to 3.44 which is insignificant. Hence this gene also has no significant association with CAD in the Saudi population.
Anti-Oxidative, Anti-Tumor-Promoting, and Anti-Carcinogensis Activities of Nitroastaxanthin and Nitrolutein, the Reaction Products of Astaxanthin and Lutein with Peroxynitrite
Authors: Maoka Takashi , Tokuda Harukuni , Suzuki Nobutaka , Kato Hideaki , Etoh Hideo
Published: June 2012

Astaxanthin captured peroxynitrite to form nitroastaxanthins. 15-Nitroastaxanthin was a major reaction product of astaxanthin with peroxynitrite. Here, the anti-oxidative, anti-tumor-promoting, and anti-carcinogensis activities of 15-nitroastaxanthin were investigated. In addition to astaxanthin, 15-nitroastaxanthin showed excellent singlet oxygen quenching activity. Furthermore, 15-nitroastaxanthin showed inhibitory effects of in vitro Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation and two-stage carcinogensis on mouse skin papillomas. These activities were slightly higher than those of astaxanthin. Similar results were obtained for the 15-nitrolutein, a major reaction product of lutein with peroxynitrite.
Gas Atomization of Aluminium Melts: Comparison of Analytical Models
Authors: Antipas Georgios
Published: June 2012

A number of analytical models predicting the size distribution of particles during atomization of Al-based alloys by N2, He and Ar gases were compared. Simulations of liquid break up in a close coupled atomizer revealed that the finer particles are located near the center of the spray cone. Increasing gas injection pressures led to an overall reduction of particle diameters and caused a migration of the larger powder particles towards the outer boundary of the flow. At sufficiently high gas pressures the spray became monodisperse. The models also indicated that there is a minimum achievable mean diameter for any melt/gas system.
Enantioselective Michael Addition of 3-Aryl-Substituted Oxindoles to Methyl Vinyl Ketone Catalyzed by a Binaphthyl-Modified Bifunctional Organocatalyst
Authors: Lee Hyun Joo , Woo Saet Byeol , Kim Dae Young
Published: June 2012

The enantioselective conjugate addition reaction of 3-aryl-substituted oxindoles with methyl vinyl ketone promoted by binaphthyl-modified bifunctional organocatalysts was investigated. The corresponding Michael adducts, containing a quaternary center at the C3-position of the oxindoles, were generally obtained in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 91% ee).
Preparation and Characteristics of SiOx Coated Carbon Nanotubes with High Surface Area
Authors: Kim Aeran , Lim Seongyop , Peck Dong-Hyun , Kim Sang-Kyung , Lee Byungrok , Jung Doohwan
Published: June 2012

An easy method to synthesize SiOx coated carbon nanotubes (SiOx-CNT) through thermal decomposition of polycarbomethylsilane adsorbed on the surface of CNTs is reported. Physical properties of SiOx-CNT samples depending on various Si contents and synthesis conditions are examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nitrogen isotherm, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Morphology of the SiOx-CNT appears to be perfectly identical to that of the pristine CNT. It is confirmed that SiOx is formed in a thin layer of approximately 1 nm thickness over the surface of CNTs. The specific surface area is significantly increased by the coating, because thin layer of SiOx is highly porous. The surface properties such as porosity and thickness of SiOx layers are found to be controlled by SiOx contents and heat treatment conditions. The preparation method in this study is to provide useful nano-hybrid composite materials with multi-functional surface properties.
Exploring the Use of MODIS NDVI-Based Phenology Indicators for Classifying Forest General Habitat Categories
Authors: Clerici Nicola , Weissteiner Christof J. , Gerard France
Published: June 2012

The cost effective monitoring of habitats and their biodiversity remains a challenge to date. Earth Observation (EO) has a key role to play in mapping habitat and biodiversity in general, providing tools for the systematic collection of environmental data. The recent GEO-BON European Biodiversity Observation Network project (EBONE) established a framework for an integrated biodiversity monitoring system. Underlying this framework is the idea of integrating in situ with EO and a habitat classification scheme based on General Habitat Categories (GHC), designed with an Earth Observation-perspective. Here we report on EBONE work that explored the use of NDVI-derived phenology metrics for the identification and mapping of Forest GHCs. Thirty-one phenology metrics were extracted from MODIS NDVI time series for Europe. Classifications to discriminate forest types were performed based on a Random Forests™ classifier in selected regions. Results indicate that date phenology metrics are generally more significant for forest type discrimination. The achieved class accuracies are generally not satisfactory, except for coniferous forests in homogeneous stands (77–82%). The main causes of low classification accuracies were identified as (i) the spatial resolution of the imagery (250 m) which led to mixed phenology signals; (ii) the GHC scheme classification design, which allows for parcels of heterogeneous covers, and (iii) the low number of the training samples available from field surveys. A mapping strategy integrating EO-based phenology with vegetation height information is expected to be more effective than a purely phenology-based approach.
Direct Measurement of Mammographic X-Ray Spectra with a Digital CdTe Detection System
Authors: Abbene Leonardo , Gerardi Gaetano , Principato Fabio , Del Sordo Stefano , Raso Giuseppe
Published: June 2012

In this work we present a detection system, based on a CdTe detector and an innovative digital pulse processing (DPP) system, for high-rate X-ray spectroscopy in mammography (1–30 keV). The DPP system performs a height and shape analysis of the detector pulses, sampled and digitized by a 14-bit, 100 MHz ADC. We show the results of the characterization of the detection system both at low and high photon counting rates by using monoenergetic X-ray sources and a nonclinical X-ray tube. The detection system exhibits excellent performance up to 830 kcps with an energy resolution of 4.5% FWHM at 22.1 keV. Direct measurements of clinical molybdenum X-ray spectra were carried out by using a pinhole collimator and a custom alignment device. A comparison with the attenuation curves and the half value layer values, obtained from the measured and simulated spectra, from an ionization chamber and from a solid state dosimeter, also shows the accuracy of the measurements. These results make the proposed detection system a very attractive tool for both laboratory research, calibration of dosimeters and advanced quality controls in mammography.
THE CUT-OFF VALUES FOR AUTO-DETECTION OF LUNG CANCER IN CHEST RADIOGRAPHY: AN EXAMPLE USING AN UNSUPERVISED METHOD
Authors: Choi Seokyoon , Lee Onseok , Kim Mingi
Published: June 2012

Aim: For automatic recognition of lung cancer, a previous step to detect nodules automatically is needed. The aim is to propose a feature descriptor to detect the various types of nodules automatically and evaluate its performance. Materials and Methods: For experimental imaging, control group sub-image (n = 50), benign group sub-image (n = 32), malignant group sub-image (n = 38) were used, and feature of image was extracted through TIA and PCA. An excellent method was selected by using the following ROC curve analysis. Results: The experiment showed the result of the best area under the ROC curve (AUC) was shown when using TIA feature descriptor. The value at this time was 95.9 in the control group-benign group and 95.1 in the control group-malignant group. When using TIA feature descriptor, the cut-off value results were shown to be 116.4 in the control group-benign group (sensitivity: 88.9%, specificity: 90.3%), and 149.1 in the control group-malignant group (Sensitivity: 86.4%, Specificity: 92.1%). Conclusion: The proposed method can be applied to chest radiography for the automatic detection of nodules for the automatic diagnosis of lung cancer, and excellent results can be obtained.
Minimal Difference in the Prevalence of Asthma in the Urban and Rural Environment
Authors: Malik Hamood Ur-Rehman , Kumar Krishan , Frieri Marianne
Published: June 2012

Multiple risk factors can be modified to decrease asthma incidence. It is important to understand early risks to decrease exposure to harmful conditions in the environment that can trigger asthma which may not be clinically evident in children until they reach adulthood. A retrospective literature review of articles on the prevalence of asthma in the urban versus rural environment was initiated in order to understand the effect of the environment on asthma. The urban-living effect is a global problem in the face of growing population, industrialization and pollution. The socioeconomic dichotomy in the urban versus rural environment also affects access and quality of health care.

Articles reviewed had differences in the urban versus rural prevalence of asthma. However, further analysis of specific risk factors and socioeconomic trends that increased susceptibility to asthma was the same in these studies. Some rural areas may have similar environmental and socioeconomic issues that place them at the same risk for the development of asthma as their urban counterparts. Urban locations generally tend to have the prototype environment that can lead to the predisposition of asthma. Ultimately, the incidence of asthma can be decreased if these environmental and socioeconomic issues are addressed. However, every effort is needed from the level of the individual to the community at large.