bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfaces and mechanical properties of recycled rubber–polyethylene terephthalate–wood composites
Authors: Cosnita Mihaela , Cazan Cristina , Duta Anca
Published: February 2013

Rubber-thermoplastic-based composites represent widely used materials due to their good mechanical properties that can be controlled according to the composition and interfaces. Considering the mechanical properties as output, recycled polyethylene terephthalate-rubber-based composites with optimized curing temperature were obtained, where rubber acts as a matrix, polyethylene terephthalate as filler and high-density polyethylene as compatibility agent. By adding another recycled material wood (sawdust), a novel composite with tailored properties was obtained via compression molding. The composites were mechanically tested in terms of compression and tensile strength. The optimized compositions were investigated by X-ray diffraction and further characterization was done to outline the interfaces contribution: surface/interface topology (atomic force microscopy) and bonding (Fourier transform infrared); contact angle measurements were developed, to evaluate the surface energy as a tool for estimating possible (thermal) degradation. Water stability was investigated and its plasticizer role was outlined. Wood sawdust addition at recycled rubber–polyethylene terephthalate–high-density polyethylene composites had a remarkable effect on the mechanical properties, recommending this composite type as structural material.
Working at the Ichapur Gunpowder Factory in the 1790s (Part II)
Authors: Lucassen Jan
Published: February 2013

The Gunpowder manufacture at Ichapur near Calcutta in the 1790s engaged in busy years 2,000 to 2,500 skilled labourers and was therefore one of the world’s largest factories. In the first part of this article published in Indian Historical Review Vol. 39(1), the factory was situated in the framework of India’s colonial and military history, in particular the Mysore wars. The demand for gunpowder, the organisation of the work, the composition and the recruitment of the workforce were analysed first. In this second part of the article, the (comparably favourable) primary and secondary labour conditions are discussed, as well as the collective actions of the workers which cannot be seen separated from these. This remarkable case study raises many questions regarding long-term trends in the labour history and migration history of India, where accepted wisdom stresses the emergence of mobility since the 1840s and poor performance of the industrial workers since the end of the nineteenth century.
‘On the Diseases of the Head’ in the Scale of Medicine by Muhammad Akbar Arzānī [d. 1722]
Authors: Aggarwal Neil Krishan
Published: February 2013

This Classic Text examines the Mīzān-e Tibb ( Scale of Medicine), an influential medical text by Muhammad Akbar Arzānī which circulated widely throughout South Asia. The success of Arzānī’s text rests in its simple prose and the translation of Graeco-Arabic medical knowledge into Persian, the language of educated discourse throughout South Asia. His chapter ‘Dar Amrāḍ-e Ras’ (On the Diseases of the Head) presents the classification and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders within South Asian, Islamic medicine. The excerpt below is taken from a critically edited text published in 2001 in Iran.
Converging practices and discourses
Authors: Črnič Tanja Oblak , Vobič Igor
Published: February 2013

The debates on new communication patterns between journalists and their audiences have been coupled with the concept of interactivity, which has become one of the pillar terms in discussions on the future evolution of journalism. By exploring general understanding of interactivity between news editors and organisational circumstances where interactivity as a set of new communication practices is articulated in journalism, this study shifts the attention from the user perspective to occupational ideology, news production culture and the organisation of news production. The aim of this study is to explore to what extent such realities can be identified to Slovenian online news culture that has gone through many changes in recent years. By adopting two ethnographic methods – news website analysis and in-depth interviews with print and online editors – the article offers a case study of the new websites of three prominent Slovenian print media organisations: Delo, Dnevnik and Žurnal. Productivity, efficiency and profitability have pushed traditional journalistic values in Slovenian online media to the margins. When it comes to interactive modes of audience engagement, editors and journalists control online news production. As a consequence, despite various interactive features provided on news websites, news production culture develops with the aim of retaining control over information delivery rather than of creating a new space of dialogue and interactive communication.
The rise of contextual journalism, 1950s–2000s
Authors: Fink Katherine , Schudson Michael
Published: February 2013

Many journalists and other observers remember the 1960s as a watershed moment in American journalism. Do they remember correctly? This essay reviews relevant empirical studies on how US newspapers have changed since the 1950s. There is strong existing evidence that journalists have come to present themselves as more aggressive, that news stories have grown longer, and that journalists are less willing to have politicians and other government officials frame stories and more likely to advance analysis and context on their own. Based on content analysis of the New York Times, Washington Post, and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, this study finds that the growth in ‘contextual reporting’ has been enormous – from under 10 percent in all three newspapers in 1955 to about 40 percent in 2003; ‘conventional’ news stories on the front page declined from 80–90 percent in all three papers to about 50 percent in all three papers in the same period. What this study calls ‘contextual reporting’ has not been widely recognized (unlike, say, investigative reporting) as a distinctive news genre or news style and this article urges that it receive more attention.
Exercise training with negative pressure ventilation improves exercise capacity in patients with severe restrictive lung disease: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Ho Shu-Chuan , Lin Horng-Chyuan , Kuo Han-Pin , Chen Li-Fei , Sheng Te-Fang , Jao Wen-Ching , Wang Chun-Hua , Lee Kang-Yun
Published: February 2013

Background

Exercise training is of benefit for patients with restrictive lung disease. However, it tends to be intolerable for those with severe disease. We examined whether providing ventilatory assistance by using negative pressure ventilators (NPV) during exercise training is feasible for such patients and the effects of training.

Methods

36 patients with restrictive lung disease were prospectively enrolled for a 12-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. During this program, half of them (n:18; 60.3 ± 11.6 years; 6 men; FVC: 32.5 ± 11.7% predicted ) received regular sessions of exercise training under NPV, whilst the 18 others (59.6 ± 12.3 years; 8 men; FVC: 37.7 ± 10.2% predicted) did not. Exercise capacity, pulmonary function, dyspnea and quality of life were measured. The primary endpoint was the between-group difference in change of 6 minute-walk distance (6MWD) after 12 weeks of rehabilitation.

Results

All patients in the NPV-exercise group were able to tolerate and completed the program. The between-group differences were significantly better in the NPV-exercise group in changes of 6MWD (34.1 ± 12.7 m vs. -32.5 ± 17.5 m; P = 0.011) and St George Score (−14.5 ± 3.6 vs. 11.8 ± 6.0; P < 0.01). There was an improvement in dyspnea sensation (Borg’s scale, from 1.4 ± 1.5 point to 0.8 ± 1.3 point, P = 0.049) and a small increase in FVC (from 0.85 ± 0.09 L to 0.91 ± 0.08 L, P = 0.029) in the NPV-exercise group compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Exercise training with NPV support is feasible for patients with severe restrictive lung diseases, and improves exercise capacity and health-related quality of life.
Trans-subclavian approach for radiofrequency ablation of premature ventricular contractions originating from subtricuspid annulus: a case report
Authors: Li Teng , Zhan Xian-zhang , Yang Ping-zhen , Xue Yu-mei , Fang Xian-hong , Liao Hong-tao , Wu Shu-lin
Published: February 2013

Background

Catheter ablation has been established as a curative treatment strategy for ventricular arrhythmias. The standard procedure of most ventricular arrhythmias originating from the right ventricle is performed via the femoral vein. However, a femoral vein access may not achieve a successful ablation in some patients.

Case presentation

We reported a case of a 29-year old patient with symptomatic premature ventricular contractions was referred for catheter ablation. Radiofrequency energy application at the earliest endocardial ventricular activation site via the right femoral vein could not eliminate the premature ventricular contractions. Epicardial mapping could not obtain an earlier ventricular activation when compared to the endocardial mapping, and at the earliest epicardial site could not provide an identical pace mapping. Finally, we redeployed the ablation catheter via the right subclavian vein by a long sheath. During mapping of the subvalvular area of the right ventricle, a site with a good pace mapping and early ventricular activation was found, and premature ventricular contractions were eliminated successfully.

Conclusion

Ventricular arrhythmias originating from the subtricuspid annulus may be successfully abolished via a trans-subclavian approach and a long sheath. Although access via the right subclavian vein for mapping and ablation is an effective alternative, it is not a routine approach.
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among highland and lowland dwellers in Gamo area, South Ethiopia
Authors: Wegayehu Teklu , Tsalla Tsegaye , Seifu Belete , Teklu Takele
Published: February 2013

Background

Epidemiological information on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in different regions is a prerequisite to develop appropriate control strategies. Therefore, this present study was conducted to assess the magnitude and pattern of intestinal parasitism in highland and lowland dwellers in Gamo area, South Ethiopia.

Methods

Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2010 and July 2011 at Lante, Kolla Shelle, Dorze and Geressie kebeles of Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia. The study sites and study participants were selected using multistage sampling method. Data were gathered through house-to-house survey. A total of 858 stool specimens were collected and processed using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques for the presence of parasite.

Results

Out of the total examined subjects, 342(39.9%) were found positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the highest 98(11.4%), followed by Giardia lamblia 91(10.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides 67(7.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis 51(5.9%), hookworm 42(4.9%), Trichuris trichiura 24(2.8%), Taenia species 18(2.1%), Hymenolepis nana 7(0.6%) and Schistosoma mansoni 1(0.12%). No statistically significant difference was observed in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among lowland (37.9%) and highland dwellers (42.3%) (P = 0.185). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly different among the study sites but it was relatively higher in Geressie (42.8%) than other kebeles. Sex was not associated with parasitic infections (P = 0.481). No statistically significant difference of infection was observed among the age groups (P = 0.228) but it was higher in reproductive age group.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the lowland and highland dwellers in Gamo area indicated that parasitic infections are important public health problems. Thus, infection control measures and the development of awareness strategies to improve sanitation and health education should be considered.
Views of general practitioners on the role of CA125 in primary care to diagnose ovarian cancer
Authors: Moss Esther L , Moran Alison , Reynolds Timothy M , Stokes-Lampard Helen
Published: February 2013

Background

NICE guidance on the investigation and treatment of ovarian cancer advocates that the tumour marker CA125 should be the first line investigation for women suspected of having ovarian cancer.

Methods

An internet-based survey, of primary care doctors in the West Midlands, was conducted in order to ascertain the views of general practitioners (GPs) of NICE guidance on the use of CA125 to triage suspected ovarian cancer cancers and the impact that this may have on referral pathways.

Results

In total 258 GPs responded to the questionnaire. Although 219 (84.9%) responders reported awareness of the NICE guidance only 146 (56.6%) had personally read the document. The majority 187 (72.5%) of respondents anticipated that their use of CA125 would increase as a result of the new guidance. Abdominal bloating (>50 years), persistent abdominal distension and the presence of an abdominal or pelvic mass/swelling were the symptoms felt to be most associated with ovarian cancer. When questioned on the management of a woman with a raised CA125 the majority of respondents reported that a normal ultrasound scan would not stop an urgent secondary care referral if the CA125 was raised. There was no significant difference in the opinions of GPs with <5 years primary care experience compared to GPs with 6+ years.

Conclusion

The symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are well understood by the GPs that responded however, a coordinated programme of education and training is needed for GPs on the role of CA125 in ovarian cancer, in addition to clearly defined referral pathways, in order to address a likely significant increase in suspected ovarian cancer referrals to secondary care, most of whom will not have ovarian cancer.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate release from platelets during clot formation: close correlation between platelet count and serum sphingosine 1-phosphate concentration
Authors: Ono Yoshikazu , Kurano Makoto , Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Yokota Hiromitsu , Igarashi Koji , Aoki Junken , Tozuka Minoru , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: February 2013

Background

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (Sph-1-P), abundantly stored in platelets and released extracellularly upon activation, plays important roles as an extracellular mediator by interacting with specific cell surface receptors, especially in the area of vascular biology and immunology/hematology. Although the plasma Sph-1-P level is reportedly determined by red blood cells (RBCs), but not platelets, this may not be true in cases where the platelets have been substantially activated.

Methods and results

We measured the Sph-1-P and dihydrosphingosine 1-phosphate (DHSph-1-P) levels in serum samples (in which the platelets had been fully activated) from subjects with (n = 21) and without (n = 33) hematological disorders. We found that patients with essential thrombocythemia exhibited higher serum Sph-1-P and DHSph-1-P concentrations. The serum Sph-1-P concentration was closely correlated with the platelet count but was very weakly correlated with the RBC count. Similar results were obtained for DHSph-1-P. The serum Sph-1-P and DHSph-1-P levels were inversely correlated with the level of autotaxin (ATX), a lysophosphatidic acid-producing enzyme. A multiple regression analysis also revealed that the platelet count had the greatest explanatory impact on the serum Sph-1-P level.

Conclusions

Our present results showed close correlations between both the serum Sph-1-P and DHSph-1-P levels and the platelet count (but not the RBC count); these results suggest that high concentrations of these sphingoid base phosphates may be released from platelets and may mediate cross talk between platelet activation and the formation of atherosclerotic lesions.
Keratinocyte growth factor in acute lung injury to reduce pulmonary dysfunction – a randomised placebo-controlled trial (KARE): study protocol
Authors: Cross Laurence JM , O’Kane Cecilia M , McDowell Cliona , Elborn Jospeh J , Matthay Michael A , McAuley Daniel F
Published: February 2013

Background

Acute lung injury is a common, devastating clinical syndrome associated with substantial mortality and morbidity with currently no proven therapeutic interventional strategy to improve patient outcomes. The objectives of this study are to test the potential therapeutic effects of keratinocyte growth factor for patients with acute lung injury on oxygenation and biological indicators of acute inflammation, lung epithelial and endothelial function, protease:antiprotease balance, and lung extracellular matrix degradation and turnover.

Methods/design

This will be a prospective, randomised, double-blind, allocation-concealed, placebo-controlled, phase 2, multicentre trial. Randomisation will be stratified by presence of severe sepsis requiring vasopressors. Patients in an ICU fulfilling the American–European Consensus Conference Definition of acute lung injury will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive an intravenous bolus of either keratinocyte growth factor (palifermin, 60 μg/kg) or placebo (0.9% sodium chloride solution) daily for a maximum of 6 days. The primary endpoint of this clinical study is to evaluate the efficacy of palifermin to improve the oxygenation index at day 7 or the last available oxygenation index prior to patient discontinuation from the study.

A formal statistical analysis plan has been constructed. Analyses will be carried out on an intention-to-treat basis. A single analysis is planned at the end of the trial. P = 0.05 will be considered statistically significant and all tests will be two-sided. For continuously distributed outcomes, differences between groups will be tested using independent-sample t tests, analysis of variance and analysis of covariance with transformation of variables to normality or nonparametric equivalents. The trial will be reported in line with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (Consort 2010 guidelines).

Trial registration

http://ISRCTN95690673
Immunohistochemical detection of mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene in lung adenocarcinomas using mutation-specific antibodies
Authors: Xiong Yan , Bai Yun , Leong Nufatt , Laughlin Todd S , Rothberg Paul G , Xu Haodong , Nong Lin , Zhao Jing , Dong Ying , Li Ting
Published: February 2013

Background

The recent development of antibodies specific for the major hotspot mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), L858R and E746_A750del, may provide an opportunity to use immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a screening test for EGFR gene mutations. This study was designed to optimize the IHC protocol and the criteria for interpretation of the results using DNA sequencing as the gold-standard.

Methods

Tumor sections from fifty lung adenocarcinoma specimens from Chinese patients were immunostained using L858R and E746_A750del-specific antibodies using three different antigen retrieval solutions, and the results were evaluated using three different sets of criteria. The same specimens were used for DNA purification and analysis of EGFR gene mutations.

Results

In this study the optimal buffer for antigen retrieval was EDTA (pH 8.0), and the optimal scoring method was to call positive results when there was moderate to strong staining of membrane and/or cytoplasm in >10% of the tumor cells. Using the optimized protocol, L858R-specific IHC showed a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 97%, and E746_A750del-specific IHC showed a sensitivity of 59% and a specificity of 100%, both compared with direct DNA analysis. Additionally, the mutant proteins as assessed by IHC showed a more homogeneous than heterogeneous pattern of expression.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that mutation-specific IHC, using optimized procedures, is a reliable prescreening test for detecting EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2059012601872392
CD44/CD24 immunophenotypes on clinicopathologic features of salivary glands malignant neoplasms
Authors: Soave Danilo Figueiredo , Oliveira da Costa João Paulo , da Silveira Giorgia Gobbi , Ianez Renata Carolina Fraga , de Oliveira Lucinei Roberto , Lourenço Silvia Vanessa , Ribeiro-Silva Alfredo
Published: February 2013

Background

Salivary Glands Malignant Neoplasms (SGMNs) account for 3-6% of head and neck cancers and 0.3% of all cancers. Tumor cells that express CD44 and CD24 exhibit a stem-cell-like behavior. CD44 is the binding site for hyaluronic acid, and CD24 is a receptor that interacts with P-selectin to induce metastasis and tumor progression. The present study aims to evaluate the expression of CD44 and CD24 on SGMNs and correlated these data with several clinicopathologic features.

Methods

Immunohistochemical stains for CD44 and CD24 were performed on tissue microarrays containing SGMN samples from 69 patients. The CD44, CD24 and CD44/CD24 expression phenotypes were correlated to patient clinicopathologic features and outcome.

Results

CD44 expression was associated with the primary site of neoplasm (p = 0.046). CD24 was associated with clinical stage III/IV (p = 0.008), T stage (p = 0,27) and lymph node (p = 0,001). The CD44/CD24 profiles were associated with the primary site of injury (p = 0.005), lymph node (p = 0.011) and T stage (p = 0.023). Univariate analysis showed a significant relationship between clinical staging and disease- free survival (p = 0.009), and the overall survival presents relation with male gender (p = 0.011) and metastasis (p = 0.027).

Conclusion

In summary, our investigation confirms that the clinical stage, in accordance with the literature, is the main prognostic factor for SGMN. Additionally, we have presented some evidence that the analysis of isolated CD44 and CD24 immunoexpression or the two combined markers could give prognostic information associated to clinicopathologic features in SGMN.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1284611098470676.
Multifactor dimensionality reduction reveals a three-locus epistatic interaction associated with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Collins Ryan L , Hu Ting , Wejse Christian , Sirugo Giorgio , Williams Scott M , Moore Jason H
Published: February 2013

Background

Identifying high-order genetics associations with non-additive (i.e. epistatic) effects in population-based studies of common human diseases is a computational challenge. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) is a machine learning method that was designed specifically for this problem. The goal of the present study was to apply MDR to mining high-order epistatic interactions in a population-based genetic study of tuberculosis (TB).

Results

The study used a previously published data set consisting of 19 candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 321 pulmonary TB cases and 347 healthy controls from Guniea-Bissau in Africa. The ReliefF algorithm was applied first to generate a smaller set of the five most informative SNPs. MDR with 10-fold cross-validation was then applied to look at all possible combinations of two, three, four and five SNPs. The MDR model with the best testing accuracy (TA) consisted of SNPs rs2305619, rs187084, and rs11465421 (TA = 0.588) in PTX3, TLR9 and DC-Sign, respectively. A general 1000-fold permutation test of the null hypothesis of no association confirmed the statistical significance of the model (p = 0.008). An additional 1000-fold permutation test designed specifically to test the linear null hypothesis that the association effects are only additive confirmed the presence of non-additive (i.e. nonlinear) or epistatic effects (p = 0.013). An independent information-gain measure corroborated these results with a third-order epistatic interaction that was stronger than any lower-order associations.

Conclusions

We have identified statistically significant evidence for a three-way epistatic interaction that is associated with susceptibility to TB. This interaction is stronger than any previously described one-way or two-way associations. This study highlights the importance of using machine learning methods that are designed to embrace, rather than ignore, the complexity of common diseases such as TB. We recommend future studies of the genetics of TB take into account the possibility that high-order epistatic interactions might play an important role in disease susceptibility.
Erosive potential of energy drinks on the dentine surface
Authors: Pinto Shelon CS , Bandeca Matheus C , Silva Carolina N , Cavassim Rodrigo , Borges Alvaro H , Sampaio José E C
Published: February 2013

Background

Considering the current high consumption of energy drinks, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of energy drinks in removing the smear layer and exposing dentinal tubules on root surface.

Methods

Dentine root surfaces were exposed using a diamond bur. Forty movements of scaling were performed in the area prepared in order to create a smear layer. One hundred and thirty specimens were obtained from 35 teeth. Specimens were randomly distributed into 12 groups (n = 10) and divided into subgroups according to the application: topical (n = 5) and friction (n = 5). Twelve energy drinks were evaluated: RedBull™, Burn™, TNT™, Flash Power™, Flying Horse™, Sports Drink™, Ionic™, Hot Power™, Army Power™, Gladiator™ and Bug™. Distilled water was used as a control group. The specimens were analysed by scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Topical application: a significant influence of energy drinks on smear layer removal was found for FlyingHorse™ and Bug™ when compared with the control group. Friction application: significant smear layer removal was found for Burn™, FlyingHorse™, Gladiator™, SportsDrinks™, when compared with the control group. Comparing the different application forms, a statistically significant difference was found for Army Power™.

Conclusion

Considering the significant smear layer removal, energy drinks can be an important etiological factor for cervical dentine hypersensitivity.
Breast cancer in women using digoxin: tumor characteristics and relapse risk
Authors: Biggar Robert J , Andersen Elisabeth W , Kroman Niels , Wohlfahrt Jan , Melbye Mads
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Digoxin use is associated with increased incidence of breast and uterus cancers. We postulated that digoxin use might affect tumor characteristics and increase relapse risk in women with breast cancer.

Methods

Incident breast cancer cases in Danish women (n = 49,312; 1995 to 2008) were identified. Analyses were conducted in women 20 to 74 years old. Relapse hazard ratios (HR) were compared in women using and not using digoxin, adjusting for age, calendar period, protocol, tumor size, nodal involvement, histology grade, estrogen-receptor (ER) status, and anti-estrogen therapy in Cox regression models.

Results

At diagnosis, tumors in digoxin users were more likely ER+ (85.4% vs. 78.6%: P = 0.002) and have grade 1 ductal histology (37.2% vs. 25.7%; P = 0.004), compared to non-users. 45 relapses occurred in women already using digoxin at breast cancer diagnosis (1,487 person-years); 24 relapses occurred in women later starting digoxin (384 person-years). Overall relapse risk HR in digoxin users was 1.13 (95% confidence interval: 0.88, 1.46) compared to non-users. Relapse risk in digoxin users was significantly increased in the first year (2.19; 1.26, 3.78) but not thereafter (0.99; 0.74, 1.32) (P = 0.02 for difference in HRs). First-year relapse hazard was high in digoxin-using women with ER+ tumors (2.51; 1.39, 4.55) but not ER- tumors (0.72; 0.10, 5.27). Recurrence hazard was not significantly changed among digoxin-using women also using tamoxifen.

Conclusions

Breast cancers arising in digoxin-using women had better prognostic features. After adjustment for markers, overall breast cancer relapse risk in digoxin users was not increased significantly, although recurrence hazards for ER+ tumors were higher in the first year following diagnosis.
The Cameroon–south Korea (Mobilong) Diamond Project and Its Implication for Sustainable Development in Cameroon
Authors: Anyu J. Ndumbe , Moki Samuel B.
Published: February 2013

In 2007, a South Korean geologist discovered large deposits of diamonds in Cameroon. To Cameroon, this discovery is particularly significant because it has the potential to engineer sustainable development. Cameroon suffers from acute levels of poverty, high unemployment, devastating levels of corruption, and bad governance. The spoils of diamonds could provide an undeniable avenue to engender sustainable development. However, if history is a guide, the examples of Angola, Sierra Leone, and Democratic Republic of Congo offer instructive lessons of destructive effects of diamond exploration in countries that are contemptuous of good governance and are experiencing lawlessness, economic deprivation, social unrest, and political instability. This essay provides a timely reminder to Cameroon on the consequences of mismanaged natural resources. It explores Cameroon’s socioeconomic condition, examines the history of diamond exploration and mining in Cameroon, and analyzes the implications for sustainable development.
Energy metabolism and energy-sensing pathways in mammalian embryonic and adult stem cell fate
Authors: Rafalski Victoria A. , Mancini Elena , Brunet Anne
Published: February 2013

Metabolism is influenced by age, food intake, and conditions such as diabetes and obesity. How do physiological or pathological metabolic changes influence stem cells, which are crucial for tissue homeostasis? This Commentary reviews recent evidence that stem cells have different metabolic demands than differentiated cells, and that the molecular mechanisms that control stem cell self-renewal and differentiation are functionally connected to the metabolic state of the cell and the surrounding stem cell niche. Furthermore, we present how energy-sensing signaling molecules and metabolism regulators are implicated in the regulation of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Finally, we discuss the emerging literature on the metabolism of induced pluripotent stem cells and how manipulating metabolic pathways might aid cellular reprogramming. Determining how energy metabolism regulates stem cell fate should shed light on the decline in tissue regeneration that occurs during aging and facilitate the development of therapies for degenerative or metabolic diseases.
Empfehlungen zur Hygiene bei der Sklerotherapie
Authors: Breu F.X. , Gerlach H. , Stücker M. , Meyer E. , Dettenkofer M. , Hahn M.
Published: February 2013

Einleitung: In den letzten Jahren sind die Anforderungen in Deutschland an die Hygiene in Arztpraxen stetig gewachsen. Hintergrund ist unter anderem der Grundsatz der prozessbezogenen Gleichstellung der Hygieneanforderungen zwischen ambulantem und stationärem Bereich.

Diskussion: Schwierig gestaltet sich die Situation einerseits hinsichtlich bundesweit einheitlicher Anforderungen und andererseits dem relativen Mangel an praxisbezogenen und prozessorientierten Empfehlungen für die therapeutisch tätigen Ärzte. Diesem Problem tragen einerseits die Veröffentlichungen des Robert Koch-Instituts Rechnung. Andererseits sollen mit diesen hier vorgestellten Empfehlungen konkrete, prozessorientierte, klar strukturierte Handlungsempfehlungen für den praktisch tätigen Sklerotherapeuten gegeben werden.
Free radical-mediated cytosine C-5 methylation triggers epigenetic changes during carcinogenesis
Authors: Kasai Hiroshi , Kawai Kazuaki , Li Yun-Shan
Published: February 2013

The methylation of the C-5 position of deoxycytidine (dC) in the promoter regions of tumor suppressor genes is often observed in cancer cells. We found that various environmental agents, as well as endogenous compounds such as methionine sulfoxide (MetO), generate methyl radicals and modify dC to form 5-methyl-dC in DNA in vitro. We confirmed that both DNA methylation and cancer incidence in the liver were increased by the administration of MetO to oxidatively stressed mice. In this review, we summarize previous reports on methyl radical generation in vitro and in vivo and DNA modifications by methyl radicals, including our discoveries, as well as our recent experimental evidence suggesting that free radical-mediated dC methylation triggers epigenetic changes.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and bioactivity of N-dichloroacetyl diazabicyclo compounds
Authors: Ye Fei , Li Guan-Yu , Ding Li , Fu Ying , Xing Zhi-Yong
Published: February 2013

A short and efficient route to synthesis of a series of N-dichloroacetyl diazabicyclo derivatives has been developed. The compounds were obtained by cycloaddition of levulinic acid or ester with diamine, followed by acylation with dichloroacetyl chloride. All products were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The single crystal of compound 4c was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. All compounds were tested for their herbicide safeners activity of protecting maize from injury with acetochlor.
Assessment of In Situ Scour Profile in Sand Using a Jet Probe
Authors: Gabr Mo , Caruso Cary , Key Austin , Kayser Mohammad
Published: February 2013

Work in this paper presents a device and a process for in situ assessment of erosion potential with depth. The proposed device is termed “in situ erosion evaluation probe” (ISEEP), and the process is developed based upon advancing a rod fitted with a truncated cone jet nozzle into the soil. As water exits the nozzle with controllable velocity and flow rate (induced by an external pump) the probe advances into the subsurface profile and the rate of advancement is measured. The jet flow velocity and the advancement rate of the probe are correlated with a stream power value, and used to estimate soil erodibility parameters. Results from laboratory testing show the feasibility of the concept. An approach for the estimation of a critical stream power and a detachment rate coefficient is presented. Numerical modeling and deployment of the device at a North Carolina barrier island site after hurricane Irene are used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed concept. Correlations between scour magnitudes, estimated by ISEEP parameters, and those estimated through modeling and field observation are presented and illustrate the viability of ISEEP’s soil erosion parameters as defined by a critical stream power and a detachment rate coefficient.
Free–Free Resonance Testing of In Situ Deep Mixed Soils
Authors: Guimond-Barrett Antoine , Nauleau Elodie , Le Kouby Alain , Pantet Anne , Reiffsteck Philippe , Martineau François
Published: February 2013

This paper focuses on the use of free–free resonance testing (FFR testing) applied to the characterization of stabilized silt and sand specimens treated in situ by deep soil mixing. The aim of FFR testing is to measure the natural frequencies of free vibration of the tested specimen. Compression and shear wave velocities, seismic moduli and Poisson’s ratio can be determined from these frequencies. Block samples were taken from soil–cement columns installed at a test site near Paris, France. Specimens of 100 by 50 mm (height to diameter ratio of 2) were cored from these blocks and submitted to FFR testing in the laboratory. The measured resonant frequencies were very repeatable for all specimens tested, validating the use of free–free resonance as a rapid testing method for the characterization of fairly heterogeneous stabilized soil specimens. It was found that both P-wave and S-wave velocities increase nonlinearly with unconfined compressive strength. A linear correlation between strength and dynamic stiffness was observed. Free–free resonance test results can be correlated with index parameters such as density and porosity and used for preliminary assessments of static stiffness as all these parameters varied linearly with measured wave velocities.
Electro-Osmotic Chemical Treatment of Clay on Shear Modulus
Authors: Teng Fu-Chen , Chien Shao-Chi , Ou Chang-Yu
Published: February 2013

Electro-osmosis chemical treatment (ECT) is one of the soil improvement methods used to improve the engineering properties of soft soils. The injected chemical solutions are usually a calcium chloride solution in combination with sodium silicate solution. Previous laboratory studies have shown that the injection of a calcium chloride solution followed by the injection of a sodium silicate solution during electro-osmosis is effective in strengthening soft silty clay. Very stiff cemented soil near the anode is formed after treatment due to the cementation of two chemical solutions and soil particles under applied electric field. However, most works focused on the improvement of the strength of the soil with treatment. The variation of the shear modulus on soils after electro-osmosis chemical treatment is rarely discussed. Thus, a field test of electro-osmosis chemical treatment on Taipei silty clay was carried out in this study. Six electrodes were installed with electrode spacing of 1.5 and 2.0 m. The shear wave velocity of the treated clay was measured by multi-orientation bender elements. The bender element test results show that the maximum improvement ratio of the shear modulus is about 200 % at positions near the anode and the cathode. The pH value and concentration of Ca2+ was determined by the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) test at all positions that shear moduli was measured. Strong cementation which enhanced the shear modulus of the soft clay were also observed at the anode and cathode. Results presented in this study demonstrate that the electro-osmosis chemical treatment is effective in improving soil strength and soil stiffness.
Numerical Methodology to Minimize Resolution and Sensitivity Effects in P-Wave Measurements
Authors: Amaral M. F. , Viana da Fonseca A. , Rios S.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a new numerical methodology aiming at facilitating the identification of seismic wave’s propagation time, using a time domain approach. The solution uses first- and second-order differential computing, namely divided differences methods. Results of extensive laboratory seismic wave tests over aggregate–cement mixtures with different voids ratios (densities) and cement contents (1 %, 2 %, 3 %, 4 %, and 5 %) are discussed. The results indicated relevant differences in values of longitudinal modulus (or P-wave modulus) derived with and without this methodology. This was considered especially important in stiff specimens with high-seismic wave velocities and low-energy input signals.
New Approach to Resonant Column Testing
Authors: Werden Salim K. , Drnevich Vincent P. , Hall John R. , Hankour Chafik , Conlee Carolyn T. , Allen Marr W.
Published: February 2013

This paper describes a new type of torsional resonant column device that has a quasi-fixed base and free top. In this device, a relatively rigid torque transducer is placed between the bottom platen and the fixed chamber base. A large capacity torque motor excites the top platen. The primary measurements during the test are the rotation of the top platen, the torque at the specimen base and excitation frequency. An equilibrium equation for the bottom platen relates the torque transducer output to the torque applied by the specimen to the bottom platen. Using equivalent linear viscoelastic theory, a stiffness matrix is generated that relates the torque and rotation at each end of the specimen to specimen properties. A hybrid magnification factor is defined as the ratio of motion at the top of the specimen to that at the base. These two measurements provide the data needed to determine the shear modulus and damping ratio in the specimen for each frequency. The benefit of this approach is that the modulus and damping ratio of the soil are determined independent of the torque applied by the torque motor to the top platen. This removes the problems of torque motor characteristics, bearing friction, back EMF, and eddy current damping that occur with torque motors, which in turn allow more precise and repeatable determination of shear modulus and damping ratio over a wide range of shear strain and frequency. The paper outlines the theory, describes the apparatus and calibration procedures, and provides sample test data.
Effect of Resin Cure Recipe and Ambient Processing Temperature on the Material Properties of Marine Grade Polymer Matrix Composite Materials
Authors: Berube Keith A. , Lopez-Anido Roberto A.
Published: February 2013

The effects of the resin curing recipe and ambient processing temperature on the mechanical properties of composite laminates were investigated. Woven roving E-glass/vinyl-ester composite plates were fabricated with a pliable-bag vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process over a range of ambient temperatures and resin gel times commonly encountered when fabricating polymer composite parts for the marine industry. Standardized tests for Mode-I interlaminar fracture toughness, compression, constituent volume fraction, and Barcol hardness were conducted. Interlaminar fracture toughness exhibited the most variability among the measured properties. Although there were few direct correlations between the measured properties and the parameters in the study, there were several statistically significant differences that could not be discarded as random, as they were consistent among the replicate panels fabricated for each combination of parameters in the study.
Pancreatic inflammation and increased islet macrophages in insulin-resistant juvenile primates
Authors: Nicol L E , Grant W F , Comstock S M , Nguyen M L , Smith M S , Grove K L , Marks D L
Published: February 2013

Chronic high caloric intake has contributed to the increased prevalence of pediatric obesity and related morbidities. Most overweight or obese children, however, do not present with frank metabolic disease but rather insulin resistance or subclinical precursors. The innate immune system plays a role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes but how it contributes to early metabolic dysfunction in children on chronic high-fat diet (HFD) is unclear. We hypothesize that such inflammation is present in the pancreas of children and is associated with early insulin resistance. We used nonhuman primate (NHP) juveniles exposed to chronic HFD as a model of early pediatric metabolic disease to demonstrate increased pancreatic inflammatory markers before the onset of significant obesity or glucose dysregulation. Pancreata from 13-month-old Japanese macaques exposed to a HFD fromin uteroto necropsy were analyzed for expression of cytokines and islet-associated macrophages. Parameters from an intravenous glucose tolerance test were correlated with cytokine expression. Before significant glucose dysregulation, the HFD cohort had a twofold increase in interleukin 6 (IL6), associated with decreased first-phase insulin response and a sexually dimorphic (male) increase in IL1β correlating with increased fasting glucose levels. The number of islet-associated macrophages was also increased. Pancreata from juvenile NHP exposed to HFD have increased inflammatory markers and evidence of innate immune infiltration before the onset of significant obesity or glucose dysregulation. Given the parallel development of metabolic disease between humans and NHPs, these findings have strong relevance to the early metabolic disease driven by a chronic HFD in children.
Transgenerational metabolic outcomes associated with uteroplacental insufficiency
Authors: Tran Melanie , Gallo Linda A , Jefferies Andrew J , Moritz Karen M , Wlodek Mary E
Published: February 2013

Intrauterine growth restriction increases adult metabolic disease risk with evidence to suggest that suboptimal conditions in utero can have transgenerational effects. We determined whether impaired glucose tolerance, reduced insulin secretion, and pancreatic deficits are evident in second-generation (F2) male and female offspring from growth-restricted mothers, in a rat model of uteroplacental insufficiency. Late gestation uteroplacental insufficiency was induced by bilateral uterine vessel ligation (restricted) or sham surgery (control) in Wistar-Kyoto rats. First-generation (F1) control and restricted females were mated with normal males and F2 offspring studied at postnatal day 35 and at 6 and 12 months. F2 glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and sensitivity were assessed at 6 and 12 months and pancreatic morphology was quantified at all study ages. At 6 months, F2 restricted male offspring exhibited blunted first-phase insulin response (−35%), which was associated with reduced pancreatic β-cell mass (−29%). By contrast, F2 restricted females had increased β-cell mass despite reduced first-phase insulin response (−38%). This was not associated with any changes in plasma estradiol concentrations. Regardless of maternal birth weight, F2 control and restricted males had reduced homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and elevated plasma triglyceride concentrations at 6 months and reduced whole-body insulin sensitivity at 6 and 12 months compared with females. We report that low maternal birth weight is associated with reduced first-phase insulin response and gender-specific differences in pancreatic morphology in the F2. Further studies will define the mode(s) of disease transmission, including direct insults to developing gametes, adverse maternal responses to pregnancy, or inherited mechanisms.
Neonatal Visual Evoked Potentials in Infants Born to Mothers Prescribed Methadone
Authors: McGlone Laura , Hamilton Ruth , McCulloch Daphne L. , Boulton Richard , Bradnam Michael S. , Weaver Lawrence T. , Mactier Helen
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Drug misuse in pregnancy is associated with impaired infant visual development. Pilot data showed abnormal flash visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in neonates exposed to methadone in utero, but results were confounded by intrauterine growth restriction, gestation, and ongoing drug misuse. This large cohort study aimed to clarify the effects on neonatal flash VEPs of maternal drug misuse in pregnancy, including prescription of substitute methadone and subsequent development of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

METHODS:

This was a prospective cohort study. Flash VEPs were recorded within 3 days of birth from 100 healthy infants of drug-misusing mothers prescribed substitute methadone during pregnancy and 50 comparison infants matched for birth weight, gestation, and socioeconomic deprivation. VEP morphology was classified as mature, typical, or immature, and amplitudes and implicit times of the major waveform components measured. Drug exposure was determined by maternal history, maternal and infant urine, and meconium toxicology.

RESULTS:

VEPs from maternal drug-exposed infants were more likely to be of immature waveform (P < .001) and were smaller in overall amplitude (median 27 µV vs 39 µV, P < .001) compared with non–drug-exposed infants. Most infants were exposed to illicit drugs in addition to prescribed methadone; differences in VEP parameters were independently associated with maternal prescribed methadone and persisted after correcting for birth weight, cigarette smoking, and excess in utero alcohol exposure.

CONCLUSIONS:

In utero exposure to prescribed substitute methadone is associated with altered flash VEPs in the newborn period and these infants may warrant early clinical visual assessment.