bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partners Prepare to Pick a Site For World's Biggest Telescope
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: March 2012

The Square Kilometre Array will be continent-wide in scale and push technology to the limit. There are two finalists for this €1.5 billion prize.
Prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men in Chongqing, China, 2006–2009: cross-sectional biological and behavioural surveys
Authors: Zhang Yanqi , Chen Pinyi , Lu Rongrong , Liu Ling , Wu Yazhou , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhao Zengwei , Yi Dong
Published: March 2012

Objective

To assess the prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chongqing, China from 2006 to 2009.

Methods

The authors used a snowball sampling method to perform a 3-month cross-sectional study each year from 2006 to 2009. Every participant was asked to complete a questionnaire about demographic and behavioural characteristics, and blood samples were taken for antibody testing for HIV and syphilis.

Results

A total of 953, 1015, 743 and 603 participants were investigated in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. HIV prevalence rates were 10.9%, 12.8%, 10.6% and 19.1%, respectively. The rates increased by 2.3% averagely per year (p<0.001). The HIV prevalence rates were significantly higher than the total population in subjects who were aged more than 40 years, subjects with an educational background of a junior high school level or lower, subjects with a positive syphilis infection or subjects who were recruited from a public bath (p<0.01). The HIV prevalence rates increased on average per year more than 4% in subjects over 30, subjects who worked in the entertainment business, subjects who were married or divorced, subjects with a positive syphilis infection or subjects who were not informed HIV test results. Although most subjects had good HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness (90%), the rate of consistent condom use was low (<37%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of HIV is high and is rapidly growing among MSM in Chongqing, China. More appropriate responses are urgently needed to promote a change in the behaviour of MSM.
Estimating static tip resistance of driven piles with bottom pile instrumentation
Authors: Tran Khiem T. , McVay Michael , Herrera Rodrigo , Lai Peter
Published: March 2012

A technique is presented to estimate static tip resistance of a pile during driving from embedded strain and accelerometer data located one diameter (D) from the bottom of the pile. The approach uses a nonlinear single degree of freedom system to satisfy force and energy equilibrium with a global genetic inversion approach. By balancing force and energy from inertia, damping, and stiffness against the measured tip data, the unknown parameters (mass, damping, and nonlinear stiffness) are estimated. Requiring a few seconds for analysis for each blow, the algorithm ensures a real-time assessment of static tip resistance as a function of displacement, which is important when setting pile lengths. The proposed approach was applied to four test piles at two bridge sites (Florida and Louisiana). Mobilized static tip resistances ranging from 400 to 1500 kN as a function of displacement were predicted. The predicted static resistance versus displacements compared favorably with measured values from static load tests. Interestingly, the maximum recorded increase in tip resistance in silty to clayey sands was less than 20% when piles were re-struck at times ranging from 2 to 30 days after initial drive.
Snow avalanche penetration into mature forest from timber-harvested terrain
Authors: Anderson G. , McClung D.
Published: March 2012

Clear-cut logging in British Columbia, Canada, is creating new avalanche start zones from which snow avalanches sufficient in size to penetrate and destroy mature forest cover can initiate. In addition to creating new start zones, the presence of these logging cut blocks can augment the destructive potential of previously existing avalanche paths. Forest-penetrating avalanches can pose a significant risk to down-slope structures and resources. This study is the first to develop and utilize a database containing information on penetration distances and lateral spread from avalanches that have penetrated forest cover. The study area for this research spans the Southern Coast and Columbia Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Analysis focuses on terrain characteristics related to forest penetration and the resultant destruction of mature standing forest. Physical terrain and vegetation characteristics in the avalanche starting zone, track, and runout zone of 45 forest-penetrating avalanches are described, measured, and parameterized. The results provide tools to assess and evaluate potential forest-penetrating avalanche terrain, and runout models for avalanches in forested terrain.
Computational study on the thermal decomposition and isomerization of the CH3OCF2O• radical
Authors: Singh Hari Ji , Mishra Bhupesh Kumar , Rao Pradeep Kumar
Published: March 2012

The geometries of the reactant, products, and transition states involved in the decomposition pathways of the CH3OCF2O• radical formed during the photooxidation of CH3OCHF2 (HFE-152a) have been optimized and characterized at the DFT-B3LYP level of theory using the 6–311G(d,p) basis set. Single-point energy calculations have been made at the G2M (CC,MP2) level of theory. Out of the four prominent decomposition channels considered, the β-C–O bond scission is found to be the dominant path involving a barrier height of 9.78 kcal mol–1 (1 cal = 4.184 J). The thermal rate constant for the above decomposition pathway is evaluated using canonical transition state theory (CTST) and was found to be 5.27 × 104 s–1 at 298 K and 1 atm (1 atm = 101.325 kPa).
Effect of microsites on the survival, density, and ectomycorrhizal status of shade-tolerantAbies albaregeneration attacked by fungal pathogens
Authors: Paluch Jarosław G. , Stępniewska Hanna J.
Published: March 2012

An increased incidence of fungal pathogens has been recognized as one of the most important causes for insufficient natural regeneration in pure Abies alba Mill. forests in the Western Carpathians (central Europe). We investigated the spatial distribution of A. alba seedlings in seven stands in which severe symptoms of fungal pathogen infections were observable and compared microsite variables and ectomycorrhizal status of seedlings in locations with abundant or poor regeneration. We also tested the effect of local stand density, seedbed, and vegetation control on seed germination and the survival of 1-year seedlings. The study provided evidence that gap environment may increase the mortality of 1-year seedlings caused by fungal pathogens. That pattern was consistent with the spatial distribution of older seedlings: locations with abundant older regeneration were characterized by a greater local stand density, lower canopy openness, and lower mineral topsoil moisture than poorly regenerated locations. Yet, despite considerable spatial differentiation in ectomycorrhizal types, the mycorrhizal status of 2-year seedlings in abundantly regenerated areas did not differ from that in poorly regenerated areas.
Aboriginal forestry: development of a socioecologically relevant moose habitat management process using local Cree and scientific knowledge inEeyou Istchee
Authors: Jacqmain Hugo , Bélanger Louis , Courtois Réhaume , Dussault Christian , Beckley Thomas M. , Pelletier Martin , Gull Sam W.
Published: March 2012

Sustainable management of natural ecosystems requires adequate participation of Aboriginal people. This especially includes the joint use of local ecological and scientific knowledge to document natural processes and develop management guidelines. Despite increasing recognition of this principle, endorsed by the international community and several Aboriginal nations, there are very few genuine cases that show significant progress in this discipline. This case is similar in North American forestry where several initiatives have documented Aboriginal land use without ever significantly recognizing local knowledge in the development of forest management guidelines. In the search for innovative solutions on this topic, the Waswanipi Cree Model Forest developed a governance tool that allows Cree land users to translate their needs into management plans. We collaborated on this initiative by developing and testing a participatory approach, allowing the development of moose ( Alces alces L.) habitat management guidelines, better adapted to the socioecological context of the Cree. This innovative approach increases mutual understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal managers and favours the social acceptability of the guidelines while contributing to a more sustainable management of this northern and fragile ecosystem. This study will influence stakeholders striving to improve collaborative ecosystem management with Aboriginal people.
Predicting the severity of Cyclaneusma minus on Pinus radiata under current climate in New Zealand
Authors: Watt Michael S. , Rolando Carol A. , Palmer David J. , Bulman Lindsay S.
Published: March 2012

Despite being a damaging foliar disease of Pinus species, little research has characterized spatial variation in disease severity of Cyclaneusma needle cast at a macroscale. Using an extensive data set describing Cyclaneusma needle cast (Ssev) on plantation-grown Pinus radiata D. Don stands distributed widely across New Zealand, the objectives of this research were to (i) develop a regression model describing Ssev, (ii) use this model to identify key drivers of Ssev and their functional form and relative importance, and (iii) develop spatial predictions of Ssev for New Zealand P. radiata under current climate. Using an independent validation data set, the final model accounted for 73% of the variance in Ssev using four significant (P < 0.001) explanatory variables and an isotrophic exponential model to account for the spatial covariance in the data. Ssev was most sensitive to elevation followed by mean winter air temperature, mean relative humidity during July, and then stand age. Ssev increased to a maximum at mean winter air temperatures of between 7 and 9 °C before declining. Relationships between Ssev and all other variables were linear and positive. Spatial predictions of Ssev varied widely throughout New Zealand. Values of Ssev were highest in moderately warm, wet, and humid high-elevation environments located in the central North Island. In contrast, relatively low values of Ssev were predicted in drier eastern and southern regions of New Zealand.
THE COUPLED SPIN-1 BLUME-CAPEL SUBLATTICES WITH DIFFERENT BILINEAR INTERACTIONS
Authors: ALBAYRAK ERHAN , ERDINÇ AHMET
Published: March 2012

The equilibrium properties of the spin-1 Blume-Capel model are studied by the lowest approximation of the cluster-variation method which is identical to the mean-field approximation. The lattice is divided into two sublattices A and B, and different bilinear interaction parameters JAB and JBA between the nearest-neighbor spins are assumed. The temperature variations of the order-parameters are studied, therefore, the phase diagrams are obtained on the (JAB, T) planes for given values of JBA and crystal fields D. It was found that the model yields both second- and first-order phase transitions at higher positive D values and the lines of which combine at tricritical points. Negative values of D lead only second-order phase transitions. The phase diagrams are symmetric under the exchange of JAB with JBA as expected.
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF Co2YZ(Y = Cr, Z = Al, Ga) TYPE HEUSLER COMPOUNDS: A FIRST PRINCIPLE STUDY
Authors: RAI D. P. , SHANKAR A. , SANDEEP  , GHIMIRE M. P. , THAPA R. K.
Published: March 2012

The structural optimization was followed by the calculation of electronic structure and magnetic properties on Co 2 CrAl and Co 2 CrGa . The structure optimization was based on generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The calculation of electronic structure was based on full potential linear augmented plane wave (FPLAPW) method within local spin density approximation (LSDA). We studied the electronic structure and magnetic properties. Results of density of states (DOS) and band structures shows that Co 2 CrAl and Co 2 CrGa are half-metallic ferromagnets (HMFS). The calculated magnetic moments of Co 2 CrAl and Co 2 CrGa are 2.915 and 3.075 μ B , respectively. We have calculated the onsite d–d coulomb and exchange interaction (U) For 3d elements like Co and Cr . The strongly localized d states were treated with LSDA+U method.
A NEW IMPROVED SCHEME OF CHAOTIC MASKING SECURE COMMUNICATION BASED ON LORENZ SYSTEM
Authors: PAN JING , DING QUN , DU BAOXIANG
Published: March 2012

This paper reports an improved chaotic masking scheme based on Lorenz system for secure communication. This new scheme overcomes the notable disadvantages of Lorenz system's signal by essentially changing some properties of the chaotic signal in both time and frequency domains. Such changes make the masking signal and the transmitted signal in the communication channel more noise-like, with smaller synchronization errors and well-improved statistics and correlation. This scheme improves the security of transmitted signals in the channel, making it better for chaotic masking secure communication. Experimental simulations are performed with different parameter values, and comparisons between the new and the original schemes are presented and analyzed.
Diagnosis and Assessment of Hoarding Disorder
Authors: Frost Randy O. , Steketee Gail , Tolin David F.
Published: March 2012

The acquisition and saving of a large number of possessions that interfere with the use of living areas in the home are remarkably common behaviors that can pose serious threats to the health and safety of the affected person and those living nearby. Recent research on hoarding has led the DSM-5 Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum, Post-traumatic, and Dissociative Disorders Work Group to propose the addition of hoarding disorder to the list of disorders in the upcoming revision of the diagnostic manual. This review examines the research related to the diagnosis and assessment of hoarding and hoarding disorder. The proposed criteria appear to accurately define the disorder, and preliminary studies suggest they are reliable. Recent assessment strategies for hoarding have improved our understanding of the nature of this behavior. Areas in need of further research have been highlighted.
Current Issues in the Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder
Authors: Frick Paul J. , Nigg Joel T.
Published: March 2012

This review evaluates the diagnostic criteria for three of the most common disorders for which children and adolescents are referred for mental health treatment: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD). Although research supports the validity and clinical utility of these disorders, several issues are highlighted that could enhance the current diagnostic criteria. For ADHD, defining the core features of the disorder and its fit with other disorders, enhancing the validity of the criteria through the lifespan, considering alternative ways to form subtypes of the disorder, and modifying the age-of-onset criterion are discussed relative to the current diagnostic criteria. For ODD, eliminating the exclusionary criteria of CD, recognizing important symptom domains within the disorder, and using the cross-situational pervasiveness of the disorder as an index of severity are highlighted as important issues for improving classification. Finally, for CD, enhancing the current subtypes related to age of onset and integrating callous-unemotional traits into the diagnostic criteria are identified as key issues for improving classification.
Prolonged infusion of amino acids increases leucine oxidation in fetal sheep
Authors: Maliszewski Anne M. , Gadhia Monika M. , O'Meara Meghan C. , Thorn Stephanie R. , Rozance Paul J. , Brown Laura D.
Published: March 2012

Maternal high-protein supplements designed to increase birth weight have not been successful. We recently showed that maternal amino acid infusion into pregnant sheep resulted in competitive inhibition of amino acid transport across the placenta and did not increase fetal protein accretion rates. To bypass placental transport, singleton fetal sheep were intravenously infused with an amino acid mixture (AA, n = 8) or saline [control (Con), n = 10] for ∼12 days during late gestation. Fetal leucine oxidation rate increased in the AA group (3.1 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.6 μmol·min−1·kg−1, P < 0.05). Fetal protein accretion (2.6 ± 0.5 and 2.2 ± 0.6 μmol·min−1·kg−1in AA and Con, respectively), synthesis (6.2 ± 0.8 and 7.0 ± 0.9 μmol·min−1·kg−1in AA and Con, respectively), and degradation (3.6 ± 0.6 and 4.5 ± 1.0 μmol·min−1·kg−1in AA and Con, respectively) rates were similar between groups. Net fetal glucose uptake decreased in the AA group (2.8 ± 0.4 vs. 3.9 ± 0.1 mg·kg−1·min−1, P < 0.05). The glucose-O2quotient also decreased over time in the AA group ( P < 0.05). Fetal insulin and IGF-I concentrations did not change. Fetal glucagon increased in the AA group (119 ± 24 vs. 59 ± 9 pg/ml, P < 0.05), and norepinephrine (NE) also tended to increase in the AA group (785 ± 181 vs. 419 ± 76 pg/ml, P = 0.06). Net fetal glucose uptake rates were inversely proportional to fetal glucagon ( r2= 0.38, P < 0.05), cortisol ( r2= 0.31, P < 0.05), and NE ( r2= 0.59, P < 0.05) concentrations. Expressions of components in the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway in fetal skeletal muscle were similar between groups. In summary, prolonged infusion of amino acids directly into normally growing fetal sheep increased leucine oxidation. Amino acid-stimulated increases in fetal glucagon, cortisol, and NE may contribute to a shift in substrate oxidation by the fetus from glucose to amino acids.
Glucagon regulates ACC activity in adipocytes through the CAMKKβ/AMPK pathway
Authors: Peng I-Chen , Chen Zhen , Sun Wei , Li Ying-Shiuan , Marin Traci LaNai , Hsu Pang-Hung , Su Mei-I , Cui Xiaopei , Pan Songqin , Lytle Christian Y. , Johnson David A. , Blaeser Frank , Chatila Talal , Shyy John Y-J.
Published: March 2012

Glucagon is important for regulating lipid metabolism in part through its inhibition of fatty acid synthesis in adipocytes. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) is the rate-limiting enzyme for fatty acid synthesis. Glucagon has been proposed to activate cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates ACC1 to attenuate the lipogenic activity of ACC1. Because AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) also inhibits fatty acid synthesis by phosphorylation of ACC1, we examined the involvement of AMPK and its upstream kinase in the glucagon-elicited signaling in adipocytes in vitro and in vivo. LC-MS-MS analysis suggested that ACC1 was phosphorylated only at Ser79, an AMPK-specific site, in glucagon-treated adipocytes. Pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA knockdown of AMPK or PKA in adipocytes demonstrate that glucagon regulates ACC1 and ACC2 activity through AMPK but not PKA. By using Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase-β knockout (CaMKKβ−/−) mice and cultured adipocytes, we further show that glucagon activates the CaMKKβ/AMPK/ACC cascade. Additionally, fasting increases the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC in CaMKKβ+/+but not CaMKKβ−/−mice. These results indicate that CaMKKβ/AMPK signaling is an important molecular component in regulating lipid metabolism in adipocytes responding to glucagon and could be a therapeutic target for the dysregulation of energy storage.
Altered temporal characteristics of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex in patients with abdominal distension
Authors: Shim L. , Hansen R. D. , Prott G. M. , Morris L. A. I. , Malcolm A. , Kellow J. E.
Published: March 2012

The rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) is important in gas and stool evacuation. We examined RAIR features in patients with chronic constipation who exhibited bloating with and without abdominal distension, to determine whether alterations in RAIR may be a factor in the pathogenesis of abdominal distension. Seventy-five female patients with chronic constipation with or without abdominal distension were included in the study. The presence or absence of abdominal distension was assessed according to the Rome II questionnaire. All patients underwent both RAIR and rectal sensitivity testing, and specific RAIR parameters were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: abdominal bloating with distension (D, n = 55) and abdominal bloating without distension (ND, n = 20). D had a longer time to the onset of anal sphincter inhibition (latency of inhibition) ( P = 0.03) compared with ND. In logistic regression analysis, a combination of age, latency of inhibition and the time measured from onset of inhibition to the point of maximum inhibition predicted abdominal distension ( P = 0.002). There were no differences between groups for the time from point of maximum inhibition to recovery and for the percentage of internal anal sphincter relaxation. This is the first study to examine the role of RAIR in patients with abdominal distension. Female patients with constipation and abdominal distension exhibited differences in the temporal characteristics of, but not in the degree of, anal sphincter relaxation compared with patients without distension. Since this study was uncontrolled, further studies are necessary to determine the contribution of altered anorectal reflexes to abdominal distension.
Time course of dynamic range adaptation in the auditory nerve
Authors: Wen Bo , Wang Grace I. , Dean Isabel , Delgutte Bertrand
Published: March 2012

Auditory adaptation to sound-level statistics occurs as early as in the auditory nerve (AN), the first stage of neural auditory processing. In addition to firing rate adaptation characterized by a rate decrement dependent on previous spike activity, AN fibers show dynamic range adaptation, which is characterized by a shift of the rate-level function or dynamic range toward the most frequently occurring levels in a dynamic stimulus, thereby improving the precision of coding of the most common sound levels (Wen B, Wang GI, Dean I, Delgutte B. J Neurosci 29: 13797–13808, 2009). We investigated the time course of dynamic range adaptation by recording from AN fibers with a stimulus in which the sound levels periodically switch from one nonuniform level distribution to another (Dean I, Robinson BL, Harper NS, McAlpine D. J Neurosci 28: 6430–6438, 2008). Dynamic range adaptation occurred rapidly, but its exact time course was difficult to determine directly from the data because of the concomitant firing rate adaptation. To characterize the time course of dynamic range adaptation without the confound of firing rate adaptation, we developed a phenomenological “dual adaptation” model that accounts for both forms of AN adaptation. When fitted to the data, the model predicts that dynamic range adaptation occurs as rapidly as firing rate adaptation, over 100–400 ms, and the time constants of the two forms of adaptation are correlated. These findings suggest that adaptive processing in the auditory periphery in response to changes in mean sound level occurs rapidly enough to have significant impact on the coding of natural sounds.
Sintering of Soft Magnetic Material under Microwave Magnetic Field
Authors: Takayama Sadatsugu , Fukushima Jun , Nishijo Junichi , Saito Midori , Sano Saburo , Sato Motoyasu
Published: March 2012

We have developed a simple process for sintering of soft magnetization materials using microwave sintering. The saturated magnetization (Ms) of sintered magnetite was 85.6 emu/g, which was as high as 95% of magnetite before heating (90.4 emu/g). On the other hand, the averaged remanence (Mr) and coercivity (Hc) of the magnetite after heating were 0.17 emu/g and 1.12 Oe under measuring limit of SQUID, respectively. For the sintering process of soft magnetic materials, magnetic fields of microwave have been performed in nitrogen atmosphere. Therefore, a microwave single-mode system operating at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and with a maximum power level of 1.5 kW was used. We can sinter the good soft magnetic material in microwave magnetic field. The sample shrank to 82% theoretical density (TD) from 45%TD of green body. The sintered sample was observed the microstructure by TEM and the crystal size was estimated the approximate average size is 10 nm.
The Versatility of Perforator-Based Propeller Flap for Reconstruction of Distal Leg and Ankle Defects
Authors: Karki Durga , Narayan R. P.
Published: March 2012

Introduction. Soft tissue coverage of distal leg and ankle region represents a challenge and such defect usually requires a free flap. However, this may lead to considerable donor site morbidity, is time consuming, and needs facility of microsurgery. With the introduction of perforator flap, management of small- and medium-size defects of distal leg and ankle region is convenient, less time consuming, and with minimal donor site morbidity. When local perforator flap is designed as propeller and rotated to 180 degree, donor site is closed primarily and increases reach of flap, thus increasing versatility. Material and Methods. From June 2008 to May 2011, 20 patients were treated with perforator-based propeller flap for distal leg and ankle defects. Flap was based on single perforator of posterior tibial and peroneal artery rotated to 180 degrees. Defect size was from 4 cm × 3.5 cm to 7 cm × 5 cm. Results. One patient developed partial flap necrosis, which was managed with skin grafting. Two patients developed venous congestion, which subsided spontaneously without complications. Small wound dehiscence was present in one patient. Donor site was closed primarily in all patients. Rest of the flaps survived well with good aesthetic results. Conclusion. The perforator-based propeller flap for distal leg and ankle defects is a good option. This flap design is safe and reliable in achieving goals of reconstruction. The technique is convenient, less time consuming, and with minimal donor site morbidity. It provides aesthetically good result.
Fatal CMV-Infection after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Váróczy László , Kiss Emese , Tarr Tünde , Zeher Margit , Szegedi Gyula , Illés Árpád
Published: March 2012

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation can be a rescue for patients with severe refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the procedure might have fatal complications including infections and bleeding. We report on a young female patient with SLE whose disease started in her early childhood. After many years, severe renal, neurological, and bone marrow involvement developed that did not respond to conventional therapy. She was selected for autologous stem cell transplantation. A successful peripheral stem cell apheresis was performed in March 2006. The nonselected graft was reinfused in August 2006 after a conditioning chemotherapy containing high-dose cyclophosphamide and antithymocyte globulin. Engraftment was detected within 11 days. On the 38th posttransplant day, severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection developed that included pneumonitis, hepatitis, and pancytopenia. The patient died in a week due to multiorgan failure. With her case, we want to call the attention to this rare, but lethal complication of the autologous transplantation.
Parenteral Nutrition in Liver Resection
Authors: Chiarla Carlo , Giovannini Ivo , Giuliante Felice , Ardito Francesco , Vellone Maria , De Rose Agostino Maria , Nuzzo Gennaro
Published: March 2012

Albeit a very large number of experiments have assessed the impact of various substrates on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy, a limited number of clinical studies have evaluated artificial nutrition in liver resection patients. This is a peculiar topic because many patients do not need artificial nutrition, while several patients need it because of malnutrition and/or prolonged inability to feeding caused by complications. The optimal nutritional regimen to support liver regeneration, within other postoperative problems or complications, is not yet exactly defined. This short review addresses relevant aspects and potential developments in the issue of postoperative parenteral nutrition after liver resection.
Comparative Study of the Comprehensive Properties of Multiwalled Nanotubes/Polyurethane Nanofibrous Membranes with and without Thermal Treatment
Authors: Liu Ling , Pan Shengqiang
Published: March 2012

This paper makes use of electrospinning technology to produce multiwalled nanotubes and polyurethane (MWNTs/PU) composite nanofibrous membranes. A thermal treatment method was proposed to improve the comprehensive properties of the membranes. The morphology of the prepared nanomaterials was characterized by the SEM and TEM. Comprehensive properties, including thermal stability, conductivity, and mechanical properties, of the membranes with and without thermal treatment were investigated comparatively by TGA, DMA, resistivity measurement, and tensile testing, respectively. The results indicate that the proposed thermal treatment method could effectively improve the conductivity and mechanical properties of the nanomaterials. For the thermal treatment‐based membrane filled with 3 wt.% of MWNTs, the conductivity reaches 8.29 × 10−5 Scm−1, which is nearly three orders higher than that of the untreated sample. Meanwhile, the tensile strength and modulus increase more than 50% after thermal treatment. It is expected that such improved nanomaterials may be potentially useful in composite reinforcement and electronic devices.
Listen, Learn, Like! Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Involved in the Mere Exposure Effect in Music
Authors: Green Anders C. , Bærentsen Klaus B. , Stødkilde-Jørgensen Hans , Roepstorff Andreas , Vuust Peter
Published: March 2012

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the neural basis of the mere exposure effect in music listening, which links previous exposure to liking. Prior to scanning, participants underwent a learning phase, where exposure to melodies was systematically varied. During scanning, participants rated liking for each melody and, later, their recognition of them. Participants showed learning effects, better recognising melodies heard more often. Melodies heard most often were most liked, consistent with the mere exposure effect. We found neural activations as a function of previous exposure in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal and inferior parietal cortex, probably reflecting retrieval and working memory-related processes. This was despite the fact that the task during scanning was to judge liking, not recognition, thus suggesting that appreciation of music relies strongly on memory processes. Subjective liking per se caused differential activation in the left hemisphere, of the anterior insula, the caudate nucleus, and the putamen.
Prostate Cancer Risk in Men with Baseline History of Coronary Artery Disease: Results from the REDUCE Study
Authors: Thomas Jean-Alfred , Gerber Leah , Bañez Lionel L. , Moreira Daniel M. , Rittmaster Roger S. , Andriole Gerald L. , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: March 2012

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and prostate cancer (PCa) are not only common diseases, but share many risk factors. To date, only a few studies have explored the relationship between CAD and PCa risk, with conflicting results.

Methods: The four-year REDUCE study tested dutasteride 0.5 mg daily for PCa risk reduction in men with prostate specific antigen (PSA) of 2.5 to 10.0 ng/mL and a negative biopsy. Among men who underwent at least one on-study biopsy (n = 6,729; 82.8%), the association between CAD and overall PCa risk and disease grade was examined with logistic and multinomial logistic regression adjusting for clinicopathologic features, respectively.

Results: Overall, 547 men (8.6%) had a history of CAD. Men with CAD were significantly older and had higher body mass index, PSA, and larger prostate volumes and were more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia and take aspirin and statins. On multivariate analysis, CAD was associated with a 35% increased risk of PCa diagnosis (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08–1.67, P = 0.007), while elevating risk of both low- (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05–1.73, P = 0.02) and high-grade disease (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.95–1.88, P = 0.09).

Conclusions: In a post hoc hypothesis developing secondary analysis of the REDUCE study, CAD was significantly associated with increased PCa diagnosis.

Impact: If confirmed in other studies, this suggests CAD may be a novel PCa risk factor and suggests common shared etiologies. Whether lifestyle changes shown to reduce CAD risk (i.e., weight loss, exercise, cholesterol reduction, etc.) can reduce PCa risk, warrants further study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(4); 576–81. ©2012 AACR.
Elucidating Nature's Solutions to Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases and Sleep Disorders
Authors: Carey Hannah V. , Martin Sandra L. , Horwitz Barbara A. , Yan Lin , Bailey Shannon M. , Podrabsky Jason , Storz Jay F. , Ortiz Rudy M. , Wong Renee P. , Lathrop David A.
Published: March 2012

Evolution has provided a number of animal species with extraordinary phenotypes. Several of these phenotypes allow species to survive and thrive in environmental conditions that mimic disease states in humans. The study of evolved mechanisms responsible for these phenotypes may provide insights into the basis of human disease and guide the design of new therapeutic approaches. Examples include species that tolerate acute or chronic hypoxemia like deep-diving mammals and high-altitude inhabitants, as well as those that hibernate and interrupt their development when exposed to adverse environments. The evolved traits exhibited by these animal species involve modifications of common biological pathways that affect metabolic regulation, organ function, antioxidant defenses, and oxygen transport. In 2006, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute released a funding opportunity announcement to support studies that were designed to elucidate the natural molecular and cellular mechanisms of adaptation in species that tolerate extreme environmental conditions. The rationale for this funding opportunity is detailed in this article, and the specific evolved mechanisms examined in the supported research are described. Also highlighted are past medical advances achieved through the study of animal species that have evolved extraordinary phenotypes as well as the expectations for new understanding of nature's solutions to heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders through future research in this area.
Critical incident stress management: A review of the literature with implications for social work
Authors: Pack Margaret Jane
Published: March 2012

This article describes the debates in the research literature surrounding the provision of critical incident stress management (CISM) and outlines the implications for social work. The literature reviewed suggests that critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) as an intervention needs to be offered as part of a comprehensive programme of critical incident stress management that is integrated and sensitive to the organizational context. Strengths-based principles need to underpin an integrated critical incident stress management policy that is sensitive to differences in individual responses, organizational contexts and diverse fields of social work practice. Adaptations of Mitchell’s original model of critical incident stress management which aim at mitigating the potential negative impact of critical incidents encountered in the workplace whilst enhancing personal resilience are discussed with reference to recent critiques of this model.
Ambivalence on the Front Lines
Authors: Kelty Ryan , Bierman Alex
Published: March 2012

In the past several decades, the US military has increasingly relied on civilian contractors to provide a variety of core functions. Lagging behind this increased reliance on contractors is an understanding of how the presence of contractors influences civilian and military personnel. This research addresses this question using a unique study of US Department of Army civilians and military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. We find a substantial degree of ambivalence among both groups regarding the impact of contractors on the military and comparisons with contractors, but we also find a noticeable trend of comparative discontent beneath this apparent ambivalence. Results are discussed in the context of using ambivalence as a starting point for building a theoretical approach to more systematically understanding the role and effects of contractor integration in the military.
Visual Performance Feedback
Authors: Burke Raymond V. , Howard Monica R. , Peterson Jane L. , Peterson Roger W. , Allen Keith D.
Published: March 2012

This study used a multiple baseline with reversal design to assess whether visual performance feedback (VPF) influenced targeted and nontargeted staffs’ use of behavior-specific praise (BSP) in a day-treatment program. This study expands on the typical VPF audience and assesses whether VPF can be effective with noncertified staff in a day-treatment program for young children with behavior disorders, an environment in which it is difficult to maintain high rates of BSP. In previous school-based studies, VPF has been collected by researchers and provided to targeted teaching staff. In the current study, rather than relying on researchers, the authors used staff instructors to collect VPF and assessed how that experience influenced the instructors’ use of BSP. Results suggest that VPF provided, on average, a doubling in rates of BSP use by directly targeted staff and more than a 50% increase in rates of BSP in nontargeted instructors who collected BSP data. Furthermore, three of the four participants had substantially higher praise-to-correction ratios during the VPF intervention when compared with baseline and reversal conditions. Implications for improving treatment fidelity and reducing supervision time are discussed.
Influence of the Slow Infusion of a Soybean Oil Emulsion on Plasma Cytokines and Ex Vivo T Cell Proliferation After an Esophagectomy
Authors: Kagawa Yoshiyuki , Maeda Toshio , Kato Yasuhiro , Ueda Iori , Kudo Tomoko , Watanabe Naoe , Kimura Midori , Minami Sato , Sakamoto Tatsuichiro , Yamada Hiroshi , Takagi Masakazu
Published: March 2012

Background: Lipid emulsions have been suggested to reduce immune responses, particularly in severely stressed patients. The authors investigated the influence of the slow intravenous infusion of a soybean oil–based lipid emulsion on some immune parameters in patients who had undergone an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Methods: Thirty‐two patients who had undergone an esophagectomy were randomly divided into a lipid emulsion (LPD)–treated group and a control group. All patients received parenteral feeding with a glucose‐based solution. Patients in the LPD group received 100 mL of a 20% soybean oil emulsion for 7 days after the esophagectomy in addition to the glucose‐based feeding. A slow infusion rate (0.09–0.12 g/kg/h) was adopted to take account of the intrinsic degradation of infused lipids. Immune responses were measured based on lymphocyte proliferation and serum concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein–1 (MCP‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF‐α). The authors also measured levels of rapid turnover proteins (ie, transferrin, prealbumin, and retinol‐binding protein). Results: Phytohemagglutinin‐ and concanavalin A–stimulated lymphocyte proliferation significantly decreased after the esophagectomy, but no significant difference was seen between the LPD and control groups. No significant difference in changes in plasma concentrations of MCP‐1, IL‐6 and TNF‐α occurred between the 2 groups either. Plasma concentrations of rapid turnover proteins did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: These results indicate that the lipid emulsion did not affect the immune parameters measured in patients who had undergone an esophagectomy when administered at a slow rate.
Have we been here before? Will nuclear history repeat itself?
Authors: Grimston M
Published: March 2012

At least before the Fukushima accident of March 2011, global interest in building nuclear power stations stood at a 25-year high. However, the wave of nuclear construction in the 1970s and 1980s proved not to be sustainable. This article seeks to address whether a new wave of nuclear construction now would prove to be any more sustainable than the first wave by analysing security of supply, economic, and environmental and social/political factors. There are striking similarities between the situation in, say 1982 or 1992 and the situation in 2012, including rising construction costs and questions about safety after major nuclear accidents. There are also major differences, such as greatly raised fears over climate change, a need for significant new power generating capacity of some description in developed and developing countries and high fossil fuel prices. Analysing and quantifying the effects of these similarities and differences should allow policymakers some insight into likely futures, but energy policymaking will never be an exact science, requiring considerable degrees of value judgement and interpretation of uncertain data.
“We’re Going Through a Lot of Struggles That People Don’t Even Know About”
Authors: Lindsey Michael A. , Marcell Arik V.
Published: March 2012

Young adult Black males face challenges related to addressing their mental health needs, yet there is much more to know about their help-seeking experiences. Twenty-seven Black males, recruited from four community-based organizations, participated in four focus groups to explore perceptions of help-seeking for mental health. Identified themes, which function at individual, social network, community, and health care system levels, may facilitate or hinder Black males’ mental health help-seeking. Themes included (a) “taking care of it oneself” as opposed to seeking help from someone; (b) issues engaging sources of help, including the ability to trust providers or the relationship closeness with social network members; and (c) “tipping points” that activate help-seeking to avert crises. Study findings provide initial evidence about the importance of addressing mental health interventions for Black males on multiple levels beyond the individual including engaging men’s social supports, community, and the health care system.
Comparative modular analysis of gene expression in vertebrate organs
Authors: Piasecka Barbara , Kutalik Zoltán , Roux Julien , Bergmann Sven , Robinson-Rechavi Marc
Published: March 2012

Background

The degree of conservation of gene expression between homologous organs largely remains an open question. Several recent studies reported some evidence in favor of such conservation. Most studies compute organs' similarity across all orthologous genes, whereas the expression level of many genes are not informative about organ specificity.

Results

Here, we use a modularization algorithm to overcome this limitation through the identification of inter-species co-modules of organs and genes. We identify such co-modules using mouse and human microarray expression data. They are functionally coherent both in terms of genes and of organs from both organisms. We show that a large proportion of genes belonging to the same co-module are orthologous between mouse and human. Moreover, their zebrafish orthologs also tend to be expressed in the corresponding homologous organs. Notable exceptions to the general pattern of conservation are the testis and the olfactory bulb. Interestingly, some co-modules consist of single organs, while others combine several functionally related organs. For instance, amygdala, cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and spinal cord form a clearly discernible unit of expression, both in mouse and human.

Conclusions

Our study provides a new framework for comparative analysis which will be applicable also to other sets of large-scale phenotypic data collected across different species.
Macrophages participate in host protection and the disease pathology associated with Leishmania braziliensisinfection
Authors: Giudice Angela , Vendrame Célia , Bezerra Caroline , Carvalho Lucas P , Delavechia Thaís , Carvalho Edgar M , Bacellar Olívia
Published: March 2012

Background

Leishmaniapreferentially infects macrophages, which allow the parasite to multiply but can also kill the parasite. Although the T cell response in human leishmaniasis is well-characterized, little is known about the concomitant macrophage behavior. The aim of this study was to characterize the macrophage immune response afterLeishmania braziliensisinfection in cells derived from cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) or mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) patients, subclinical individuals (SC) and healthy control subjects (HS).

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived macrophages from the different groups were exposed toL. braziliensis in vitroand were evaluated for susceptibility toLeishmaniainfection, ability to killLeishmaniaand chemokine/cytokine production. Nitric Oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2-) levels in the supernatant of infected macrophage cultures were monitored.

Results

After exposure toL. braziliensis, peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived macrophages from SC individuals showed a lower infection rate and a smaller number of intracellular amastigotes compared to cells from CL and ML patients. Macrophages from CL and ML patients produced more chemokines and TNF-α than those from the SC group. Production of NO and O2-were detected but did not vary significantly among the different groups.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that macrophages play a pivotal role in controllingL. braziliensisinfection and in leishmaniasis pathology by secreting pro-inflammatory chemokines/cytokines that activate and recruit T cells, overwhelming the inflammatory response.
Safety and efficacy assessment of standardized herbal formula PM012
Authors: Sohn Sung-Hwa , Kim Soo-Jeong , Kim Yong , Shim Insop , Bae Hyunsu
Published: March 2012

Background

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the herbal formula PM012 on an Alzheimer's disease model, human presenilin 2 mutant transgenic mice (hPS2m), and also to evaluate the toxicity of PM012 in Sprague-Dawely rats after 4 or 26 weeks treatment with repeated oral administration.

Methods

Spatial learning and memory capacities of hPS2m transgenic mice were evaluated using the Morris Water Maze. Simultaneously, PM012 was repeatedly administered orally to male and female SD rats (15/sex/group) at doses of 0 (vehicle control), 500, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg/day for 4 or 26 weeks. To evaluate the recovery potential, 5 animals of each sex were assigned to vehicle control and 2,000 mg/kg/day groups during the 4-week recovery period.

Results

The results showed that PM012-treated hPS2m transgenic mice showed significantly reduced escape latency when compared with the hPS2m transgenic mice. The repeated oral administration of PM012 over 26 weeks in male and female rats induced an increase and increasing trend in thymus weight in the female treatment groups (main and recovery groups), but the change was judged to be toxicologically insignificant. In addition, the oral administration of the herbal medicine PM012 did not cause adverse effects as assessed by clinical signs, mortality, body weight, food and water consumption, ophthalmology, urinalysis, hematology, serum biochemistry, blood clotting time, organ weights and histopathology. The No Observed Adverse Effects Levels of PM012 was determined to be 2,000 mg/kg/day for both sexes, and the target organ was not identified.

Conclusion

These results suggest that PM012 has potential for use in the treatment of the Alzheimer's disease without serious adverse effects.