bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Patterns of Social Functioning and Conversion to Psychosis in Subjects at Ultra-High Risk
Authors: Jang Joon Hwan , Shin Na Young , Shim Geumsook , Park Hye Yoon , Kim Euitae , Jang Go-Eun , Kwon Soo Jin , Hur Ji-Won , An Suk Kyoon , Kwon Jun Soo
Published: August 2011

Objective: Impaired social functioning is one of the defining features of patients with schizophrenia and subjects at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis. This prospective study aimed to investigate the course of social dysfunction in UHR subjects and to examine its relationship with later conversion to psychosis. The effect of pharmacotherapy on the course of social dysfunction was also examined.

Method: A total of 57 UHR subjects and 58 healthy controls participated in this study. The Social Functioning Scale (SFS) was used to assess social functioning of UHR subjects at baseline and at the 1 year follow up. The changes in social functioning of UHR subjects have been examined to compare the social functioning of those who later converted to psychosis (‘converters’) with those who did not (‘non-converters’). The effect of pharmacotherapy on longitudinal change in social functioning was also evaluated.

Results: Subjects at UHR for psychosis showed more impaired social functioning at baseline than did healthy controls. Moreover, the course of social dysfunction of the converter and non-converter groups differed during the 1 year follow up period. The converters showed decreases in SFS average (F (1,32) = 7.85, p = 0.009) and interpersonal behaviour (F (1,32) = 10.43, p = 0.003) scores over time, whereas the non-converters showed increased scores. Additionally, we found that pharmacological treatment was associated with increased prosocial activities score (F (1,32) = 4.66, p = 0.038).

Conclusions: We found that the social functioning of converters was impaired before the onset of the psychosis and further declined during the at-risk phase. A series of social functioning indices in the longitudinal course may be helpful in predicting conversion to psychosis in subjects at UHR. Appropriate pharmacotherapy can offer clinical benefits by improving social functioning in UHR individuals.
Den Wald ihr sollet lassen stahn! (Essay)
Authors: Loderer Benedikt
Published: August 2011

The author gives his reflections on the changes in the Swiss landscape in answer to questions posed by the editor. But beforehand he establishes the fact that there are two relationships to the forest, the sentimental and the practical, and that these two correspond in no respect. The change in the landscape has two causes: the intensification of use and our prosperity. Approximately two million more inhabitants plus double the surface required for habitation equals urban sprawl. The laws governing land use planning are helpless to prevent this. They are nothing but an attempt to carry out urban sprawl in an orderly fashion. Only a consistent levy on the added value and cost transparency could stop urban sprawl. This is however prevented by the political coalition of the promoters of urban sprawl. The clearance ban must continue to be in force. Only projects tied up with a given location can be permitted. This must be understood as places offering locational advantages. Should forest be cleared for urban development then, in addition to reforestation, the same surface area of building land won by the clearance must be rezoned as non-building land in the agglomeration. We have too much money, that is what does most damage to the forest.
Academic Career of 54 Condensed MBBS Specialists
Authors: Muazzam Naima
Published: August 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v4i3.8232BJMS 1997; 4(3): 26-30
Study of 89 Cases of Peripheral Vascular Disease by CT Angiography in a Centre of Bangladesh
Authors: Faruque M , Islam AEMM , Haque S , Islam MT , Kibria MG , Hossain M , Salam MA , Rahman F , Hasnat MA , Khan HILR
Published: August 2011

Background: The peripheral arterial disease generally refers to a disorder that obstructs the blood supply to upper and lower extremities, most commonly caused by atherosclerosis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe the morphological pattern and risk factors for development of peripheral vascular disease in Bangladeshi patients suffering from peripheral vascular disease by CT angiography using a multidetector scanner. Method: Eighty nine patients with peripheral vascular disease who were referred for evaluation of peripheral vascular disease underwent CT angiography. We scanned patients from the level of the cerebral arteries to the pedal arteries in a single helical scan. CT angiograms were produced using maximum-intensity-projection, multiplanous reformation and reconstructions. Findings were graded according to nine categories: 1, normal (0% stenosis); 2, mild (1-49% stenosis); 3, moderate (50-74% stenosis); 4, severe (>75% stenosis); 5, tortuosity; 6, aneurysm, 7, calcification, 8, Arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and 9, haematoma. Results: We found Most of the patients in our study were male (69 out of 89 patients). The mean age was 54.49 ±18.36 yrs in male and 49.45 ±17.89 yrs for female. Commonest risk factor in our study was hypertension 46.1%, followed by diabetes 30.3%, family history 27%, smoking 23.6%, dyslipidaemia13.5%. Stenosis (5.61%) was the predominate lesion followed by haematoma (4.49%) and arterio–venous malformation (4.49%). Abdominal aorta was mostly affected in the studied population (58.43%) followed by Lower limb (37.08%), Carotid (22.47%), Renal (7.87%) and Upper limb arteries (4.49%). Conclusion: CT angiography is a noninvasive technique for the imaging of peripheral vascular disease. Since no data is available from a well designed study in PVD in our country, till then the data obtained from this study can be used in Bangladesh. Key words: CT angiogram, Peripheral vascular disease, Risk factor DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v1i2.8238 Cardiovasc. j. 2009; 1(2): 193-200
Long-Term Follow -Up After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Fascicular Ventricular Tachycardia at National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Ali MA , Hossain MM , Hashem S , Jami MA , Hossain A , Foran JP , Ahmed R
Published: August 2011

Introduction: Verapamil-sensitive, idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) with right bundle branch block configuration and left-axis deviation is known to be due to re-entry mechanism but the exact nature of reentrant circuit in ILVT is not fully elucidated. In this study we evaluate the results of long-term clinical outcome in patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation of idiopathic fascicular ventricular tachycardia in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. Methods: Electrophysiological studies and radiofrequency ablation were performed in 46 consecutive patients (42 men,04 women), age ranging from 16 to 36 years (mean 20±5 years) with verapamilsensitive ILVT and structurally normal hearts. VT could be terminated by the intravenous administration of verapamil in all patients. Mapping was performed using a Bard electrophysiology system. The target site for ablation was the mid-septum of left ventricle where the earliest Purkinje potentials were recorded during VT. RF current was applied to the target site with or without late diastolic potential during VT in all patients to meet the ablation endpoints which were termination of the VT and non-inducibility of the tachycardia. Results: All 46 patients had successful ablation of the ILVT. During 3 years follow up 02 patients had recurrence. Conclusion: Idiopathic left ventricle tachycardia occurs most commonly in young population. Prompt recognition of this arrhythmia is important since radiofrequency ablation can cure this rhythm problem. This can be achieved in a country like Bangladesh where resources are limited. Key words: Radiofrequency Catheter ablation; Idiopathic left ventricle tachycardia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v1i2.8239 Cardiovasc. j. 2009; 1(2): 201-206
Combined 3D-QSAR and Docking Modelling Study on Indolocarbazole Series Compounds as Tie-2 Inhibitors
Authors: Tian Yuanxin , Xu Jian , Li Zhonghuang , Zhu Zhengguang , Zhang Jiajie , Wu Shuguang
Published: August 2011

Tie-2, a kind of endothelial cell tyrosine kinase receptor, is required for embryonic blood vessel development and tumor angiogenesis. Several compounds that showed potent activity toward this attractive anticancer drug target in the assay have been reported. In order to investigate the structure-activity correlation of indolocarbazole series compounds and modify them to improve their selectivity and activity, 3D-QSAR models were built using CoMFA and CoMSIA methods and molecular docking was used to check the results. Based on the common sketch align, two good QSAR models with high predictabilities (CoMFA model: q2 = 0.823, r2 = 0.979; CoMSIA model: q2 = 0.804, r2 = 0.967) were obtained and the contour maps obtained from both models were applied to identify the influence on the biological activity. Molecular docking was then used to confirm the results. Combined with the molecular docking results, the detail binding mode between the ligands and Tie-2 was elucidated, which enabled us to interpret the structure-activity relationship. These satisfactory results not only offered help to comprehend the action mechanism of indolocarbazole series compounds, but also provide new information for the design of new potent inhibitors.
Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Caulerpa mexicana Suppress Cell Migration and Ear Edema Induced by Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Bitencourt Mariana Angelica Oliveira , Dantas Gracielle Rodrigues , Lira Daysianne Pereira , Barbosa-Filho Jose Maria , Miranda George Emmanuel Cavalcanti de , Santos Barbara Viviana de Oliveira , Souto Janeusa Trindade
Published: August 2011

The regulation of the inflammatory response is essential to maintaining homeostasis. Several studies have investigated new drugs that may contribute to avoiding or minimizing excessive inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts of green algae Caulerpa mexicana on models inflammation. In mice, the inflammatory peritonitis model is induced by zymosan. Previous treatment of mice with aqueous and methanolic extracts of C. mexicana was able to suppress the cell migration to the peritoneal cavity, in a time-dependent but not in a dose-dependent manner. The treatment of mice with C. mexicana extracts also decreased the xylene-induced ear edema, exerting strong inhibitory leukocyte migration elicited by zymosan into the air pouch. We concluded that administration of the extracts resulted in a reduction of cell migration to different sites as well as a decrease in edema formation induced by chemical irritants. This study demonstrates for the first time the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts from the green marine algae Caulerpa mexicana.
Evaluation of Marine Brown Algae and Sponges from Brazil as Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Products
Authors: Moura Laura de Andrade , Ortiz-Ramirez Fredy , Cavalcanti Diana Negrao , Ribeiro Suzi Meneses , Muricy Guilherme , Teixeira Valeria Laneuville , Fuly Andre Lopes
Published: August 2011

The ischemic disorders, in which platelet aggregation and blood coagulation are involved, represent a major cause of disability and death worldwide. The antithrombotic therapy has unsatisfactory performance and may produce side effects. So, there is a need to seek molecules with antithrombotic properties. Marine organisms produce substances with different well defined ecological functions. Moreover, some of these molecules also exhibit pharmacological properties such as antiviral, anticancer, antiophidic and anticoagulant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate, through in vitro tests, the effect of two extracts of brown algae and ten marine sponges from Brazil on platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. Our results revealed that most of the extracts were capable of inhibiting platelet aggregation and clotting measured by plasma recalcification tests, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogenolytic activity. On the other hand, five of ten species of sponges induced platelet aggregation. Thus, the marine organisms studied here may have molecules with antithrombotic properties, presenting biotechnological potential to antithrombotic therapy. Further chemical investigation should be conducted on the active species to discover useful molecules for the development of new drugs to treat clotting disorders.
The Use of Umbelliferone in the Synthesis of New Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Al-Amiery Ahmed A. , Musa Ahmed Y. , Kadhum Abdul Amir H. , Mohamad Abu Bakar
Published: August 2011

New coumarin derivatives, namely 7-[(5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)methoxy]-2H-chromen-2-one (4), 5-[(2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yloxy)methyl]-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2(3H)-one (5), 2-[2-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yloxy)acetyl]-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (7), 7-[(5-(phenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)methoxy]-2H-chromen-2-one (8) and 7-[(5-mercapto-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methoxy]-2H-chromen-2-one (9) were prepared starting from the natural compound umbelliferone (1). The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and spectral studies (IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR).
The Endocannabinoid System as Pharmacological Target Derived from Its CNS Role in Energy Homeostasis and Reward. Applications in Eating Disorders and Addiction
Authors: Viveros Maria-Paz , Bermúdez-Silva Francisco-Javier , Lopez-Rodriguez Ana-Belén , Wagner Edward J.
Published: August 2011

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been implicated in many physiological functions, including the regulation of appetite, food intake and energy balance, a crucial involvement in brain reward systems and a role in psychophysiological homeostasis (anxiety and stress responses). We first introduce this important regulatory system and chronicle what is known concerning the signal transduction pathways activated upon the binding of endogenous cannabinoid ligands to the Gi/0-coupled CB1 cannabinoid receptor, as well as its interactions with other hormones and neuromodulators which can modify endocannabinoid signaling in the brain. Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are severe and disabling psychiatric disorders, characterized by profound eating and weight alterations and body image disturbances. Since endocannabinoids modulate eating behavior, it is plausible that endocannabinoid genes may contribute to the biological vulnerability to these diseases. We present and discuss data suggesting an impaired endocannabinoid signaling in these eating disorders, including association of endocannabinoid components gene polymorphisms and altered CB1-receptor expression in AN and BN. Then we discuss recent findings that may provide new avenues for the identification of therapeutic strategies based on the endocannabinod system. In relation with its implications as a reward-related system, the endocannabinoid system is not only a target for cannabis but it also shows interactions with other drugs of abuse. On the other hand, there may be also a possibility to point to the ECS as a potential target for treatment of drug-abuse and addiction. Within this framework we will focus on enzymatic machinery involved in endocannabinoid inactivation (notably fatty acid amide hydrolase or FAAH) as a particularly interesting potential target. Since a deregulated endocannabinoid system may be also related to depression, anxiety and pain symptomatology accompanying drug-withdrawal states, this is an area of relevance to also explore adjuvant treatments for improving these adverse emotional reactions.
Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography as a Screening Technique for Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Retinal Toxicity
Authors: Kahn Jonathan B. , Haberman Ilyse D. , Reddy Shantan
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effectiveness of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) as a screening tool for the evaluation of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This is a prospective, case–control study. Subject eyes were divided into four groups (group I = eyes with bull’s eye maculopathy, group II = eyes with early changes of toxicity, group III = eyes with exposure but no signs of toxicity, and group IV = eyes of age-matched controls). Retinal thickness was measured via SD-OCT 0.5 and 1.0 mm from the foveal center.

RESULTS:

Mean retinal thickness 1.0 mm from the fovea in group I eyes was significantly thinner when compared to group IV. Eyes in group II also showed retinal thinning 1.0 mm from the foveal center when compared to both groups III and IV. Mean retinal thickness 0.5 mm from the foveal center did not differ significantly between any groups.

CONCLUSION:

Significant retinal thinning occurred 1.0 mm, but not 0.5 mm, from the foveal center in patients with early and late chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine toxicity. Measuring retinal thickness 1.0 mm from the foveal center in patients receiving these medications may help screen for early toxicity.
16-Gy Low-Voltage X-ray Irradiation Followed by As-Needed Ranibizumab Therapy for AMD: 6-Month Outcomes of a “Radiation-First” Strategy
Authors: Moshfeghi Andrew A. , Canton Virgilio Morales , Quiroz-Mercado Hugo , Velez-Montoya Raul , Lopez-Miranda Miriam J. , Shusterman Eugene M. , Kaiser Peter K. , Sanislo Steven R. , Gertner Michael , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To describe the effect of a “radiation-first” combination treatment strategy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with ranibizumab rescue therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Non-invasive, externally delivered low-voltage x-ray irradiation at a dose of 16 Gy was given in a single session through three locations in the inferior pars plana in a consecutive series of patients with neovascular AMD. Ranibizumab was administered according to prospectively determined criteria.

RESULTS:

Thirteen patients completed a 6-month follow-up. All patients lost 15 or fewer ETDRS letters, 7 gained 0 or more ETDRS letters, and 0 gained more than 15 ETDRS letters. Patients received a total of 15 ranibizumab injections following x-ray irradiation at baseline. Two patients received no ranibizumab injections, seven patients received 1 injection, and four patients received 2 injections.

CONCLUSION:

Low-voltage x-ray treatment followed by ranibizumab rescue demonstrates an independent visual acuity stabilizing effect for patients with wet AMD.
Comparison of Computer-based Clinical Decision Support Systems and Content for Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wright A. , Burton M. , Fraser G. , Krall M. , Maviglia S. , Mohammed-Rajput N. , Simonaitis L. , Sonnenberg F. , Middleton B. , Kantor M.
Published: August 2011

Background: Computer-based clinical decision support (CDS) systems have been shown to improve quality of care and workflow efficiency, and health care reform legislation relies on electronic health records and CDS systems to improve the cost and quality of health care in the United States; however, the heterogeneity of CDS content and infrastructure of CDS systems across sites is not well known.

Objective: We aimed to determine the scope of CDS content in diabetes care at six sites, assess the capabilities of CDS in use at these sites, characterize the scope of CDS infrastructure at these sites, and determine how the sites use CDS beyond individual patient care in order to identify characteristics of CDS systems and content that have been successfully implemented in diabetes care.

Methods: We compared CDS systems in six collaborating sites of the Clinical Decision Support Consortium. We gathered CDS content on care for patients with diabetes mellitus and surveyed institutions on characteristics of their site, the infrastructure of CDS at these sites, and the capabilities of CDS at these sites.

Results: The approach to CDS and the characteristics of CDS content varied among sites. Some commonalities included providing customizability by role or user, applying sophisticated exclusion criteria, and using CDS automatically at the time of decision-making. Many messages were actionable recommendations. Most sites had monitoring rules (e.g. assessing hemoglobin A1c), but few had rules to diagnose diabetes or suggest specific treatments. All sites had numerous prevention rules including reminders for providing eye examinations, influenza vaccines, lipid screenings, nephropathy screenings, and pneumococcal vaccines.

Conclusion: Computer-based CDS systems vary widely across sites in content and scope, but both institution-created and purchased systems had many similar features and functionality, such as integration of alerts and reminders into the decision-making workflow of the provider and providing messages that are actionable recommendations.
Taking up or Turning Down: New Estimates of Household Demand for Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
Authors: Abraham Jean Marie , Feldman Roger
Published: August 2011

This study provides new estimates of demand for employer-sponsored health insurance, using the 1997–2001 linked Household Component-Insurance Component of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Our focus is on households' decisions to take up coverage through a worker's employer. We found a significant inverse relationship between the out-of-pocket premium and the probability of taking up coverage, with the price effect considerably larger when we used instrumental variables methods to account for endogenous out-of-pocket premiums. Additionally, workers in families with more children eligible for Medicaid were less likely to take up coverage.
CHIP Premiums, Health Status, and the Insurance Coverage of Children
Authors: Marton James , Talbert Jeffery C.
Published: August 2011

This study uses the introduction of premiums into Kentucky's Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) to examine whether the enrollment impact of new premiums varies by child health type. We also examine the extent to which children find alternative coverage after premium nonpayment. Public insurance claims data suggest that those with chronic health conditions are less likely to leave public coverage. We find little evidence of a differential impact of premiums on enrollment among the chronically ill. Our survey of nonpayers shows that 56% of responding families found alternative private or public health coverage for their children after losing CHIP.
Paying for Individual Health Insurance through Tax-Sheltered Cafeteria Plans
Authors: Hall Mark A. , Monahan Amy B.
Published: August 2011

When employees without group health insurance buy individual coverage, they do so using after-tax income—costing them from 20% to 50% more than others pay for equivalent coverage. Prior to the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), several states promoted a potential solution that would allow employees to buy individual insurance through tax-sheltered payroll deduction. This technical but creative approach would allow insurers to combine what is known as “list-billing” with a Section 125 “cafeteria plan.” However, these state-level reform attempts have failed to gain significant traction because state small-group reform laws and federal restrictions on medical underwriting cloud the legality of tax-sheltered list-billing. Several authorities have taken the position that insurance paid for through a cafeteria plan must meet the nondiscrimination requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act with respect to eligibility, premiums, and benefits. The recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act addresses some of the legal uncertainty in this area, but much remains. For health reform to have its greatest effect, federal regulators must clarify whether individual health insurance can be purchased on a pre-tax basis through a cafeteria plan.
Elucidating determinants of aerosol composition through particle-type-based receptor modeling
Authors: McGuire M. L. , Jeong C.-H. , Slowik J. G. , Chang R. Y.-W. , Corbin J. C. , Lu G. , Mihele C. , Rehbein P. J. G. , Sills D. M. L. , Abbatt J. P. D. , Brook J. R. , Evans G. J.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. An aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) was deployed at a semi-rural site in southern Ontario to characterize the size and chemical composition of individual particles. Particle-type-based receptor modelling of these data was used to investigate the determinants of aerosol chemical composition in this region. Individual particles were classified into particle-types and positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied to their temporal trends to separate and cross-apportion particle-types to factors. The extent of chemical processing for each factor was assessed by evaluating the internal and external mixing state of the characteristic particle-types. The nine factors identified helped to elucidate the coupled interactions of these determinants. Nitrate-laden dust was found to be the dominant type of locally emitted particles measured by ATOFMS. Several factors associated with aerosol transported to the site from intermediate local-to-regional distances were identified: the Organic factor was associated with a combustion source to the north-west; the ECOC Day factor was characterized by nearby local-to-regional carbonaceous emissions transported from the south-west during the daytime; and the Fireworks factor consisted of pyrotechnic particles from the Detroit region following holiday fireworks displays. Regional aerosol from farther emissions sources was reflected through three factors: two Biomass Burning factors and a highly chemically processed Long Range Transport factor. The Biomass Burning factors were separated by PMF due to differences in chemical processing which were in part elucidated by the passage of two thunderstorm gust fronts with different air mass histories. The remaining two factors, ECOC Night and Nitrate Background, represented the night-time partitioning of nitrate to pre-existing particles of different origins. The distinct meteorological conditions observed during this month-long study in the summer of 2007 provided a unique range of temporal variability, enabling the elucidation of the determinants of aerosol chemical composition, including source emissions, chemical processing, and transport, at the Canada-US border. This paper presents the first study to elucidate the coupled influences of these determinants on temporal variability in aerosol chemical composition using single particle-type-based receptor modelling.
The Biogeochemistry from the Oligotrophic to the Ultraoligotrophic Mediterranean (BOUM) experiment
Authors: Moutin T. , Van Wambeke F. , Prieur L.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The overall goal of the BOUM (Biogeochemistry from the Oligotrophic to the Ultraoligotrophic Mediterranean) experiment was to obtain a better representation of the interactions between planktonic organisms and the cycle of biogenic elements in the Mediterranean Sea (MS), in the context of global climate change and, more particularly, on the role of the ocean in carbon sequestration through biological processes. The BOUM experiment was organized around three main objectives which are: (1) to give a longitudinal description of the biogeochemistry and the biological diversity of the MS during the strongest stratified period, (2) to study processes at the centre of three anticyclonic eddies, and (3) to obtain a representation of the main biogeochemical fluxes and the dynamics of the planktonic trophic network. The international BOUM cruise took place between 16 June and 20 July 2008, involved 32 scientists on board, and covered around 3000 km in the MS from the South of Cyprus to Marseilles (France). This paper describes in detail the objectives of the BOUM experiment, the implementation plan of the cruise, the water masses and general biogeochemical trends encountered, and lays particular emphasis on description of the sections and the main physical characteristics of the three anticyclonic eddies studied, before concluding with first order biogeochemical budgets and a general overview of the 24 other papers published in this special issue.
Evaluation of Safety Performance in a Construction Organization in India: A Study
Authors: Raja Prasad S. V. S. , Reghunath K. P.
Published: August 2011

In India the construction industry is the second largest employer next to agriculture and about 31 million people are employed in construction sector. Indian construction industry is labour intensive comprising of semi- skilled and unskilled workers. The measurement and evaluation of an organization's performance on health and safety conditions at work mainly aims at the provision of information about the current situation and the progress of the strategies, processes and activities that are adopted by an organization with the view to keep H&S hazards under control. The construction industry needs a new paradigm for measuring safety performance on construction sites that is a proactive approach rather than just depending on the reactive data. The proactive approach is able to provide essential feedback on performance before incidents occur. This paper presents proactive safety measures to eliminate unsafe actions/conditions which contribute towards accidents and injuries by conducting safety sampling survey and overall safety performance was evaluated by inter observer reliability of internal and external safety auditors. The study was conducted in a large construction organization, certified under OHSAS 18001 and involved in construction of high rise buildings in India.
C2‐Symmetrical Bipyridyldiols as Promising Enantioselective Catalysts in Nozaki–Hiyama Allylation
Authors: Huang Xin‐Ren , Pan Xin‐Hong , Lee Gene‐Hsian , Chen Chinpiao
Published: August 2011

Several new chiral bipyridyldiol ligands that promote the chromium‐catalyzed enantioselective addition of allylic halides to aldehydes in up to 99% ee were synthesized. The chromium‐catalyzed allylation of aldehydes using ligands 4 and 4a in the presence of chromium(III) chloride and allyl chloride provided the highest enantioselectivity.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Allylation of Benzyl Acetates with Allylsilanes
Authors: Onodera Gen , Yamamoto Eriko , Tonegawa Shota , Iezumi Makoto , Takeuchi Ryo
Published: August 2011

Benzyl acetate reacted with allyltrimethylsilane to give an allylation product in the presence of a catalytic amount of the (cyclooctadiene)rhodium(I) chloride dimer {[Rh(cod)Cl]2}, sodium tetrakis[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (NaBARF), and triphenyl phosphite [P(OPh)3] in refluxing 1,2‐dichloroethane. Primary, secondary and tertiary benzyl acetates could be used for the reaction. Moreover, allylation of gem‐benzyl acetate was possible with [Rh(cod)Cl]2, NaBARF, and P(OPh)3. Monoallylation and diallylation of gem‐benzyl acetate could be controlled by altering the reaction conditions. Cationic rhodium species generated in situ act as a Lewis acid catalyst to give a benzyl carbocation by elimination of the acetoxy group from the benzylic carbon.
Synthesis of α‐Hydroxy Carboxylic Acids via a Nickel(II)‐ Catalyzed Hydrogen Transfer Process
Authors: Tang Guo , Cheng Chien‐Hong
Published: August 2011

A new catalytic system for β‐alkylation of lactic acid with primary alcohols has been developed. In the presence of nickel(II) acetate tetrahydrate [Ni(OAc)2(H2O)4] and base, lactic acid reacts with primary alcohols to afford the corresponding coupled α‐hydroxy carboxylic acids in good to excellent yields via a hydrogen transfer process without any hydrogen acceptor or hydrogen donor.
Desymmetrization of meso‐Glycerol Derivatives Induced by L‐Histidine‐Derived Acylation Catalysts
Authors: Sakakura Akira , Umemura Shuhei , Ishihara Kazuaki
Published: August 2011

The desymmetrization of meso‐glycerol derivatives bearing a 3‐pyrroline‐1‐carbonyl (Pyroc) directing group is demonstrated through an enantioselective acylation reaction promoted by L‐histidine‐derived bifunctional catalysts. The desired monoacylated products are obtained in good yields (up to 74%) with high enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).
Lewis Acid‐Mediated Acetal Substitution Reactions: Mechanism and Application to Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Kobayashi Shū , Arai Kenzo , Yamakawa Takeshi , Chen Yi‐Jing , Salter Matthew M. , Yamashita Yasuhiro
Published: August 2011

Substitution reactions of acetals with carbon nucleophiles are fundamental and conventional organic reactions. We succeeded in the preparation of an optically active acetal, which reacted with a silyl enol ether smoothly to afford the desired adducts in racemic forms. By comparison of the ees of the products with the ees of the recovered acetals, we concluded that the aldol‐type reactions proceeded not via direct displacement (SN2) or contact ion pairs (intimate ion pair) (SN1) but by a free oxocarbenium ion (SN1) mechanism. Next, a study to achieve asymmetric catalysis of the acetal substitution reactions was conducted. After many trials, it was found that a chiral niobium complex prepared from pentamethoxyniobium [Nb(OMe)5] and a tetradentate BINOL derivative could achieve high enantioselectivities. Asymmetric aldol‐type reactions of acetals with silyl enol ethers proceeded smoothly to afford the corresponding aldol‐type adducts in good yields with high enantioselectivities.
Subtelomeric monosomy 11q and trisomy 16q in siblings and an unrelated child: Molecular characterization of two der(11)t(11;16)
Authors: Basinko Audrey , Audebert‐Bellanger Séverine , Douet‐Guilbert Nathalie , Le Franc Jérémie , Parent Philippe , Quemener Sylvia , La Selve Philippe , Bovo Clément , Morel Frédéric , Le Bris Marie‐Josée , De Braekeleer Marc
Published: August 2011

We report here three children with a der(11)t(11;16), two sibs (patients 1 and 2) having inherited a recombinant chromosome from a maternal t(11;16)(q24.3;q23.2) and a third unrelated child with a de novo der(11)t(11;16)(q25;q22.1), leading to partial monosomy 11q and trisomy 16q. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones and array‐CGH were performed to determine the breakpoints involved in the familial and the de novo rearrangements. The partial 11 monosomy extended from 11q24.3 to 11qter and measured 6.17–6.21 Mb in Patients 1 and 2 while the size of the partial 11q25‐>qter monosomy was estimated at 1.97–2.11 Mb for Patient 3. The partial 16 trisomy extended from 16q23.2 to 16qter and measured 8.93–8.95 Mb in Patients 1 and 2 while the size of the partial 16q22.1‐>qter trisomy was 20.82 Mb for Patient 3. Intraventricular hemorrhage and transitional thrombocytopenia were found in both sibs but not in the third patient. The FLI1 gene, which is the most relevant gene for thrombocytopenia in Jacobsen syndrome, was neither deleted in family A nor in Patient 3. We suggest that a positional effect could affect the FLI1 expression for these two sibs. Deafness of our three patients confirmed the association of this anomaly to 11q monosomy and tended to confirm the hypothetic role of DFNB20 in Jacobsen syndrome hearing loss. Both sibs shared most of the features commonly observed in Jacobsen syndrome, but not the third patient. This confirmed that terminal 11q trisomy spanning 1 to 1.97–2.11 Mb is not associated with a typical Jacobsen syndrome. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and properties of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane polymers
Authors: Shioda Takahiro , Gunji Takahiro , Abe Noritaka , Abe Yoshimoto
Published: August 2011

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) polymers were synthesized by the dehydrogenative condensation of (HSiO3/2)8 with water in the presence of diethylhydroxylamine followed by trimethylsilylation. Coating films were prepared by spin‐coating of the coating solution prepared by the dehydrogenative condensation of POSS. The hardness of the coating films was evaluated using a pencil‐hardness test and was found to increase up to 8H with increases in the curing temperature. Free‐standing film and silica gel powder were prepared by aging the coating solution at room temperature. The silica gel powder was subjected to heat treatment under air atmosphere to show a specific surface area of 440 m2 g−1 at 100 °C, which showed a maximum at 400 °C as 550 m2 g−1. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon–carbon bond formation between secondary alcohols and aldehydes under ruthenium‐catalyzed redox shuttle
Authors: Cho Chan Sik , Kim Bok Tae , Yoon Nam Sik
Published: August 2011

Secondary alcohols are coupled with aldehydes in dioxane in the presence of a catalytic amount of a ruthenium catalyst along with KOH to give coupled ketones or coupled secondary alcohols depending on the molar ratio of secondary alcohols to aldehydes and the presence (or absence) of a sacrificial hydrogen acceptor. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper(II) complexes of hydroxyflavone derivatives as potential bioactive molecule to combat antioxidants: synthesis, characterization and pharmacological activities
Authors: Nagashri K. , Joseph J. , Dhanaraj C. Justin
Published: August 2011

A variety of novel copper complexes were synthesized and characterized of the formulae [Cu(L1)(OAc)], [CuL2(H2O)], [CuL3(H2O)], [CuL4(OAc)], [CuL5(H2O)] [CuL6], [CuL7], [CuL8](OAc) and [CuL9], where L1L9 represents Schiff base ligands [derived by the condensation of 5‐hydroxyflavone with 4‐aminoantipyrine (L1), o‐aminophenol (L2), o‐aminobenzoic acid (L3), o‐aminothiazole (L4), thiosemicarbazide (L5), 4‐aminoantipyrine‐o‐aminophenol (L6), 4‐aminoantipyrine‐o‐aminobenzoic acid (L7), 4‐aminoantipyrine‐o‐aminothiazole(L8) and 4‐aminoantipyrine‐thiosemicarbazide (L9)]. The spectral and magnetic results of the Cu(II) complexes exhibit square planar geometry. The DNA binding properties of copper complexes were studied by using electronic absorption spectra, viscosity and thermal denaturation experiments. The results show that the complexes were interacting with calf thymus (CT DNA). The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the investigated compounds were tested against the bacterial species and fungal species. Superoxide dismutase and antioxidant activities of the copper complexes have also been studied. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of nucleating agents on the molar mass distribution and its correlation with the isothermal crystallization behavior of poly(L‐lactic acid)
Authors: Penco Maurizio , Spagnoli Gloria , Peroni Isabella , Rahman M. Arifur , Frediani Marco , Oberhauser Werner , Lazzeri Andrea
Published: August 2011

In this work, the effect of the processing conditions on the thermal behavior of a commercial poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) was investigated. In particular, PLLA having a very high molecular weight was processed by a discontinuous mixer at different mixing conditions. The molar mass variation was investigated by size exclusion chromatography–multiangle laser light scattering chromatography, and the thermal characteristics were detected by the conventional differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Tensile tests were performed at room temperature and at 60°C. Our attention was essentially focused on the crystallization behavior of the various samples obtained. A modest decline in the molar mass was obtained with two mixing temperatures of 210 and 250°C, but a significant increase in the crystalline phase content was noticed, with a concomitant tremendous increment in the crystallization rate. A correlation was also made between the molar mass distribution and crystallization rate in isothermal conditions, where clearly visible were the effects of the processing temperature on both the molar mass distribution and how the nucleating agents affected the crystallinity of PLLA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Mechanical properties of injection‐molded binary blends of polyethylene with small additions of a liquid‐crystalline polymer
Authors: Ivanova Tatjana , Zicans Janis , Elksnite Ilze , Kalnins Martins , Maksimov Robert
Published: August 2011

The results of the investigation of the mechanical properties of polyethylene (PE) blends with small (<3 wt %) additions of thermotropic liquid‐crystalline polymers (LCPs) are reported. PE/LCP compositions with various LCP weight contents were obtained by thermoplastic mixing in a two‐stage process. Short‐term and long‐term mechanical behavior of various PE/LCP compositions were analyzed. Data on the influence of LCP addition on the tensile elastic modulus [or Young's modulus (E)], stress at yield (σY), stress at break (σB), strain at yield, strain at break, and deformation at long‐term (1000‐h) tensile creep were obtained. The experimental results of the investigation show that even small additions of LCP allowed considerable increases in E, σY, σB, and creep resistance of PE. To support the experimental data, we mathematically analyzed the elastic properties of the materials by taking into account the effect of self‐reinforcement due to the formation of extended LCP inclusions. The results of the theoretical analysis testify that LCP inclusions in the continuous PE matrix were elongated 5–10 times because of their orientation during the manufacturing of the test specimens. Analytical descriptions of the creep of the PE/LCP blends are also presented. It is demonstrated that the creep behavior of the PE/LCP blends could be sufficiently well described by power law. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Risk and Prisoner's Dilemma: A Reinterpretation of Coombs' Re‐parameterization
Authors: Au Wing Tung , Lu Su , Leung Hildie , Yam Paton , Fung Jane M. Y.
Published: August 2011

We propose a model to measure risk in a prisoner's dilemma based on Coombs' (1973) re‐parameterization of the game as an individual risk decision‐making task that chooses between a gamble of cooperation and another gamble of defection. Specifically, we propose an index,r, to represent the risk associated with cooperation relative to defection. In conjunction with Rapoport's (1967) index of cooperation (K), our formulation of risk allows us to construct games that vary in risk (as indexed byr) while controlling for cooperativeness (as indexed byK). Following utility analysis that models risk seeking as a convex utility function and risk averse as a concave function, we predict that risk‐seeking people cooperate more in games that the cooperation choice is more risky, whereas risk‐averse people cooperate more in games that the cooperation choice is less risky. In the three studies that we varied game parameters, used different measures of risk orientation and prosocial orientation and used different experimental procedures, we found robust results supporting our predictions. Theoretical analysis of our formulation further suggests that risk and cooperativeness of a prisoner's dilemma game is not entirely independent. Games that have a higher cooperativeness index are necessarily more risky. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The genous™ endothelial progenitor cell capture stent accelerates stent re‐endothelialization but does not affect intimal hyperplasia in porcine coronary arteries
Authors: van Beusekom Heleen M.M. , Ertaş Gökhan , Sorop Oana , Serruys Patrick W. , van der Giessen Willem J.
Published: August 2011

Objectives: To study the effect of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) capture on the vascular response to coronary stenting. Background: The introduction of drug‐eluting stents has reduced the need for target lesion revascularization, but their effect on delayed healing, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction has emphasized the need to design strategies that improve current DES. One such strategy is to improve endothelialization by capturing CD34‐positive cells (EPC) by the stent surface. The first human clinical trial using coronary EPC capture stents showed stent safety but neointimal thickness (NIT) was not reduced compared to bare metal stents (BMS). To understand these responses we studied the coronary response to the EPC capture stent in swine. Methods and Results: The stent, coated with murine antihuman monoclonal CD34 antibodies, was assessed with QCA guided stent implantation in normal swine coronary arteries for early endothelialization at 2 and 5 days, and NIT at 28 and 90 days in comparison to control stents carrying a non‐specific murine antibody or to BMS. The main finding was that while the EPC capture stent significantly improved early endothelialization it did not reduce NIT at 28 and 90 days. Conclusions: The EPC capture stent improves early endothelialization in swine but this does not affect neointimal thickness as compared to control stents at 28 and 90 days. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chiroptical Nanofibers Generated from Achiral Metallophthalocyanines Induced by Diamine Homochirality
Authors: Zhang Wei , Fujiki Michiya , Zhu Xiulin
Published: August 2011

Optically active cofacial π–π phthalocyanine (Pc) stacked supramolecules were spontaneously and successfully generated from a mixture of four possible geometric isomers (C4h, D2h, C2v, Cs) of achiral 4(5),4′(5′),4′′(5′′),4′′′(5′′′)‐tetracarboxymetallophthalocyanine (tcPcM; M=Ni, Cu) induced by an equimolar amount of inexpensive chiral diamine molecular sources in DMSO/CHCl3 mixed solvent under optimized conditions of the volume ratio of poor/good cosolvents, the molar ratio of chiral molecular diamine to tcPcM, the cavity metal of phthalocyanine, and the addition order of the amines. The sign and amplitude of circular dichroism spectra due to the supramolecular chirality and structure of the diamine molecules are impossible to remove by additions of the antipode diamine and trifluoroacetic acid. The chiral diamine was partly contained in nanofibers, and that retained in the solution can be recycled and reused to induce optically active tcPcM supramolecules.
Thiodiacetate–Manganese Chemistry with N ligands: Unique Control of the Supramolecular Arrangement over the Metal Coordination Mode
Authors: Grirrane Abdessamad , Pastor Antonio , Galindo Agustín , Álvarez Eleuterio , Mealli Carlo , Ienco Andrea , Orlandini Annabella , Rosa Patrick , Caneschi Andrea , Barra Anne‐Laure , Sanz Javier Fernández
Published: August 2011

Compounds based on the Mn–tda unit (tda=S(CH2COO)2−2) and N co‐ligands have been analyzed in terms of structural, spectroscopic, magnetic properties and DFT calculations. The precursors [Mn(tda)(H2O)]n (1) and [Mn(tda)(H2O)3]⋅H2O (2) have been characterized by powder and X‐ray diffraction, respectively. Their derivatives with bipyridyl‐type ligands have formulas [Mn(tda)(bipy)]n (3), [{Mn(N‐N)}2(μ‐H2O)(μ‐tda)2]n (N‐N=4,4′‐Me2bipy (4), 5,5′‐Me2bipy, (5)) and [Mn(tda){(MeO)2bipy}⋅2 H2O]n (6). Depending on the presence/position of substituents at bipy, the supramolecular arrangement can affect the metal coordination type. While all the complexes consist of 1D coordination polymers, only 3 has a copper–acetate core with local trigonal prismatic metal coordination. The presence of substituents in 4–6, together with water co‐ligands, reduces the supramolecular interactions and typical octahedral MnII ions are observed. The unicity of 3 is also supported by magnetic studies and by DFT calculations, which confirm that the unusual Mn coordination is a consequence of extended noncovalent interactions (π–π stacking) between bipy ligands. Moreover, 3 is an example of broken paradigm for supramolecular chemistry. In fact, the desired stereochemical properties are achieved by using rigid metal building blocks, whereas in 3 the accumulation of weak noncovalent interactions controls the metal geometry. Other N co‐ligands have also been reacted with 1 to give the compounds [Mn(tda)(phen)]2⋅6 H2O (7) (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline), [Mn(tda)(terpy)]n (8) (terpy=2,2′:6,2′′‐terpyridine), [Mn(tda)(pyterpy)]n (9) (pyterpy=4′‐(4‐pyridyl)‐2,2′:6,2′′‐terpyridine), [Mn(tda)(tpt)(H2O)]⋅2 H2O (10) and [Mn(tda)(tpt)(H2O)]2⋅2 H2O (11) (tpt=2,4,6‐tris(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine). Their identified mono‐, bi‐ or polynuclear structures clearly indicate that hydrogen bonding is variously competitive with π–π stacking.