bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Health—A Circumpolar Perspective
Authors: Chatwood Susan , Bjerregaard Peter , Young T. Kue
Published: May 2012

Global health should encompass circumpolar health if it is to transcend the traditional approach of the “rich North” assisting the “poor South.” Although the eight Arctic states are among the world’s most highly developed countries, considerable health disparities exist among regions across the Arctic, as well as between northern and southern regions and between indigenous and nonindigenous populations within some of these states.

While sharing commonalities such as a sparse population, geographical remoteness, harsh physical environment, and underdeveloped human resources, circumpolar regions in the northern hemisphere have developed different health systems, strategies, and practices, some of which are relevant to middle and lower income countries.

As the Arctic gains prominence as a sentinel of global issues such as climate change, the health of circumpolar populations should be part of the global health discourse and policy development.
Utilizing Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment: Teaching Assessment of Substance Abuse
Authors: Osborne Victoria A. , Benner Kalea
Published: May 2012

Although social workers regularly encounter clients with substance use problems, social work education rarely addresses addictions with any depth. This pilot study explored the use of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) with 74 social work students. Students completed SBIRT training with pre- and post-questionnaires that assessed attitudes, knowledge, and skills concerning substance misuse. Statistically significant differences were demonstrated with students reporting more confidence in their ability to successfully assess for alcohol misuse and subsequently intervene.
Improving Adult Immunization Practices Using a Team Approach in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Gannon Meghan , Qaseem Amir , Snooks Qianna , Snow Vincenza
Published: May 2012

Objectives. The objective of this study was to improve the immunization rates of primary care practices using a team approach.

Methods. Practices performed 35 random chart abstractions at 2 time points and completed a survey about immunizations at baseline and 12 months after intervention. Data were collected for the following immunizations: influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus diphtheria (Td)/tetanus diphtheria pertussis (Tdap), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal, varicella, herpes zoster, and human papilloma virus. Between baseline and after intervention, practice teams were given feedback reports and access to an online educational tool, and attended quality improvement coaching conference calls.

Results. Statistically significant improvements were seen for Td/Tdap (45.6% pre-intervention, 55.0% post-intervention; P ≤ .01), herpes zoster (12.3% pre-intervention, 19.3% post-intervention; P ≤ .01), and pneumococcal (52.2% pre-intervention, 74.5% post-intervention; P ≤ .01) immunizations. Data also revealed an increase in the number of physicians who discussed herpes zoster and pneumococcal vaccinations with their patients (23.2% pre-intervention, 43.3% post-intervention; P ≤ .01 and 19.9% pre-intervention, 43.0% post-intervention; P ≤ .01, respectively) as well as an increase in physicians using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization schedule (52.9% pre-intervention, 88.2% post-intervention; P ≤ .02).

Conclusions. The immunization rates of the primary care practices involved in this study improved.
Training Primary Care Physicians for Local Health Authority Duties in Texas
Authors: Mobley James , Zuniga Miguel A.
Published: May 2012

Only one fourth of Texas counties have a local health authority (LHA) or health district. Primary care physicians in the remaining counties could be trained in public health basics by providing an online LHA training course and courses at annual meetings of the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

The Texas Department of State Health Services should develop a web portal for LHAs. The Texas Association of Local Health Officials should also provide automatic limited membership for LHAs.

These initiatives would provide public health training to primary care physicians and would greatly improve availability of public health services for the citizens of Texas.
Adolescent Substance Use and Other Illegal Behaviors and Racial Disparities in Criminal Justice System Involvement: Findings From a US National Survey
Authors: Kakade Meghana , Duarte Cristiane S. , Liu Xinhua , Fuller Cordelia J. , Drucker Ernest , Hoven Christina W. , Fan Bin , Wu Ping
Published: May 2012

We used data from a national survey to examine arrest rate disparities between African American and White adolescents (aged 12–17 years; n = 6725) in relation to drug-related and other illegal behaviors. African American adolescents were less likely than Whites to have engaged in drug use or drug selling, but were more likely to have been arrested. Racial disparities in adolescent arrest appear to result from differential treatment of minority youths and to have long-term negative effects on the lives of affected African American youths.
The Problem With the Phrase Women and Minorities: Intersectionality—an Important Theoretical Framework for Public Health
Authors: Bowleg Lisa
Published: May 2012

Intersectionality is a theoretical framework that posits that multiple social categories (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status) intersect at the micro level of individual experience to reflect multiple interlocking systems of privilege and oppression at the macro, social-structural level (e.g., racism, sexism, heterosexism). Public health’s commitment to social justice makes it a natural fit with intersectionality’s focus on multiple historically oppressed populations. Yet despite a plethora of research focused on these populations, public health studies that reflect intersectionality in their theoretical frameworks, designs, analyses, or interpretations are rare. Accordingly, I describe the history and central tenets of intersectionality, address some theoretical and methodological challenges, and highlight the benefits of intersectionality for public health theory, research, and policy.
Implementation of Workplace-Based Smoking Cessation Support Activities and Smoking Cessation Among Employees: The Finnish Public Sector Study
Authors: Kouvonen Anne , Kivimäki Mika , Oksanen Tuula , Pentti Jaana , Heponiemi Tarja , Väänänen Ari , Virtanen Marianna , Vahtera Jussi
Published: May 2012

Objectives. We investigated the relationship between implementation of workplace smoking cessation support activities and employee smoking cessation.

Methods. In 2 cohort studies, participants were 6179 Finnish public-sector employees who self-reported as smokers at baseline in 2004 (study 1) or 2008 (study 2) and responded to follow-up surveys in 2008 (study 1; n = 3298; response rate = 71%) or 2010 (study 2; n = 2881; response rate = 83%). Supervisors’ reports were used to assess workplace smoking cessation support activities. We conducted multilevel logistic regression analyses to examine changes in smoking status.

Results. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, number of cigarettes smoked per day, work unit size, shift work, type of job contract, health status, and health behaviors, baseline smokers whose supervisors reported that the employing agency had offered pharmacological treatments or financial incentives were more likely than those in workplaces that did not offer such support to have quit smoking. In general, associations were stronger among moderate or heavy smokers (≥ 10 cigarettes/day) than among light smokers (< 10 cigarettes/day).

Conclusions. Cessation activities offered by employers may encourage smokers, particularly moderate or heavy smokers, to quit smoking.
Safe Ventilation With Lower Weight and Less Power Consumption
Authors: McFadyen Kenneth , Fulton Bob
Published: May 2012

Ventilation Systems for production platform process modules, are conventionally designed on statutory air change requirements, calculated from the volume of the module or from the heat emission of process equipment.

A standard has yet to be laid down to quantify leakage of hydrocarbons, inherent from process systems. Furthermore the ability of a ventilation system, to efficiently distribute fresh air throughout the module and diffuse any hydrocarbon leakage, must be considered. Such a system would require to eliminate stagnant pockets of dangerous gas, thereby increasing safety, against fire and explosion risk, and stabilising the operation of gas detection systems.

Research studies of a one-fifth scale working model of a production module, has made it possible to design a ventilation system close to the ideal, which offers additional advantages of, economies in absorbed power, weight and volume.
Evaluating Soil Genesis and Reforestation Success on a Surface Coal Mine in Appalachia
Authors: Miller Jarrod , Barton Christopher , Agouridis Carmen , Fogel Alex , Dowdy Teri , Angel Patrick
Published: May 2012

Surface mining poses a significant threat to the Appalachian region via forest loss and fragmentation. Reclamation methods that utilize heavy grading to prevent landslides and erosion create a compacted landscape that is not suitable for forest establishment or growth. Overburden materials derived from differing geologic strata can exhibit large variation in physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties. Determining which strata should be used for creating a rooting medium for successful reforestation is not well established. Twelve 0.2‐ha plots composed of either segregated brown sandstone, gray sandstone, shale, or a sandstone–shale mixture (four treatments; n = 3) were created on a surface mine in eastern Kentucky using a low‐compaction reclamation method. Each plot was planted with native hardwood tree seedlings following the Forestry Reclamation Approach. After two growing seasons, brown sandstone treatments had four times greater extractable P (Mehlich III) and five times greater total N than the other treatments. This helped contribute to greater tree growth on brown sandstone treatments. Spoil settling was faster in the shale treatments due to the loss of carbonate cements. Clay contents and 2:1 minerals were also greater in the whole soil of the shale treatments, leading to greater plant‐available water and a greater cation exchange capacity. Gray sandstone treatments exhibited alkaline conditions (pH = 8.8) that suppressed tree growth. The mixing of brown sandstone and shale overburdens may produce a suitable combination of higher fertility, water holding capacity, and faster settling in reclaimed mine environments.
A Geostatistical Analysis of Soil Properties in the Davis Pond Mississippi Freshwater Diversion
Authors: Kral Filip , Corstanje Ron , White John R. , Veronesi Fabio
Published: May 2012

Land loss has been a major concern in the Mississippi River Delta as the levees constructed along the river caused a severe drop in sediment and nutrient loads for the adjacent wetland areas. Several freshwater diversions along the lower reach of the Mississippi River were built to resolve this. This study represents the first spatial survey of one such diversion, Davis Pond, with the objective to understand the current nutrient status and to determine a baseline of key soil properties. We also expect that the processes driving wetland accretion are scale dependent, and present the scale dependency in the spatial relationships of those properties which are key to accretion. These soil properties are: soil moisture (MOIST), bulk density (BD), pH, organic matter content (OM), total phosphorus (TP), nitrogen (TN), and carbon (TC) sampled 142 stations (0–10 and 10–20‐cm depth). Maps of soil properties in the recently accreted 0‐ to 10‐cm interval were produced using kriging. From the spatial correlation analysis we observed that TN, TC, and OM, in the 0‐ to 10‐cm depth interval, had similar spatial properties and were closely related to BD. The spatial relationship between TP or pH with any other variable was weak. We also inferred that processes driving dynamics of TP in the Davis Pond act on a finer spatial scale than processes affecting TN, TC, and OM. We can identify where there are different deposition processes affecting the spatial patterns in this wetland, that is, C deposition by the plants vs. mineral river sediment deposition.
Nitrogen Balance in a Highly Fertilized Rice–Wheat Double‐Cropping System in Southern China
Authors: Zhao Xu , Zhou Yang , Wang Shenqiang , Xing Guangxi , Shi Weiming , Xu Renkou , Zhu Zhaoliang
Published: May 2012

During the past two decades, large amounts of chemical N fertilizers have been applied in rice (Oryza sativaL.)–wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) double‐cropping systems in the Taihu Lake region of southern China to achieve high yield. To understand the N balance and environmental impact, a 3‐yr field experiment was conducted to determine the integrated N input and output in a rice–wheat rotation system in this region. The results indicated little N surplus in the soil despite different patterns of N input and output in rice and wheat seasons. Although total N input was higher for rice than wheat, the output was also proportionately higher so that the balance was similar between the two crops. Crop harvest removed 48% of N input for both rice and wheat seasons. Denitrification and NH3volatilization were the primary paths for N loss (22% each of total output) in the rice season, while runoff and leaching (22%) and denitrification (21%) were the main paths for N loss in the wheat season. Although the total annual N input reached up to 606 kg N ha−1, the annual N output was as high as 599 kg N ha−1, of which 52% was lost into the environment, leaving little N in the soil. These results demonstrated that the overwhelming majority of N input did not remain in the soil but rather was quickly emitted. Proper practices are imperative to optimize the N balance and minimize N loss.
Vegetation and Moisture Controls on Soil Carbon Mineralization in Semiarid Environments
Authors: Norton Urszula , Saetre Peter , Hooker Toby D. , Stark John M.
Published: May 2012

Mechanisms of vegetation control on C mineralization in semiarid ecosystems are not well understood. We developed a series of model predictions for beneath the native shrub Wyoming big sagebrush [Artemisia tridentata (Nutt.) ssp. wyomingensis], the invasive annual grass cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.), and the exotic introduced perennial grass crested wheatgrass [Agropyron desertorum (L.) Gaertn.]. Soil samples (0–10 cm) collected biweekly for two growing seasons were analyzed in the laboratory for: water content, CO2 from intact soil cores and CO2 from soils sieved and wetted to 23%, total organic C, total N, and microbial biomass C. Our results suggest that different vegetation types in the Great Basin affect C mineralization primarily through modification of soil moisture and, secondarily, the amount of labile C. Soils beneath cheatgrass and sagebrush canopy retained more water after high‐and moderate‐intensity rainfalls than soils beneath crested wheatgrass and sagebrush interspace. Sagebrush canopy probably intercepts more incoming precipitation without significant throughfall to the soil surface below than cheatgrass or crested wheatgrass. At the same time, soils beneath cheatgrass had 8% more labile C and 36% higher C mineralization rates than sagebrush. Regression analysis showed that soil water content alone explained nearly 84% of the variation, and adding information on labile C accounted for nearly 88% of the variation in soil C mineralization rates. With increasing variability of precipitation in this region, the continuously increasing presence of cheatgrass in the semiarid and arid western United States may significantly impact the CO2 contributions to overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Determination of Calcite and Dolomite Content in Soils and Paleosols by Continuous Coulometric Titration
Authors: Hirmas Daniel R. , Platt Brian F. , Hasiotis Stephen T.
Published: May 2012

Quantitative determination of calcite/dolomite ratios in soil carbonate fractions is important for understanding the pedogenic history of a soil or paleosol. This is particularly relevant to stable carbonate‐carbon and ‐oxygen isotope analyses where the presence of dolomite in a carbonate fraction can lead to erroneous results and inaccurate interpretations of the paleoenvironment. The goal of this work was to develop and test an accurate method using coulometric titration combined with differential kinetic principles for determining calcite and dolomite fractions in a sample. An automated titrator was connected to a temperature‐controlled carbonate reactor where 2 M HClO4 was introduced to the sample and mixed by bubbling CO2–free air at a constant rate of 100 mL min−1. Samples were ground to <53 μm to control for differences in particle size and reactive surface area. The concentration of C released from the reaction was monitored and recorded every 6 s for the length of the reaction. Data were fit with both a pseudo‐first order kinetic model and a Weibull model for comparison. The latter outperformed the pseudo‐first order kinetic model and the Weibull parameter, λ, fit to titration data from unknown samples was compared to λ values fit to data from mixtures of known fractions of pure calcite and dolomite to quantitatively obtain the content of the two minerals. Dolomite fractions obtained by this method qualitatively compared well with values obtained by X‐ray diffraction. Our method allows a precise and accurate measurement for both total carbonate and the ratio of calcite to dolomite in a sample.
Retention and Dissolution of Engineered Silver Nanoparticles in Natural Soils
Authors: Cornelis Geert , DooletteMadeleine Thomas Casey , McLaughlin Mike J. , Kirby Jason K. , Beak Douglas G. , Chittleborough David
Published: May 2012

Soils are likely to be increasingly exposed to nanoparticles due to growing consumer use of nanoparticles. This has necessitated an investigation into the fate and bioavailability of nanoparticles in natural soils. However, the effect of soil properties on these processes are unknown. To find the dominant properties that determine AgNP retention in natural soils, nonequilibrium retention (Kr) values of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were obtained in suspensions of 16 soils having a wide range of physical and chemical properties. The AgNP dissolution was investigated using ultrafiltration, but could only be detected in six soils, possibly due to strong partitioning of dissolved Ag (median Kd 1791 L kg−1); a process that increased predominantly with the organic matter content of the soils. When corrected for partitioning, dissolution of AgNP was higher (median 26% of total Ag added as AgNP) in these six soils compared to dissolution in artificial soil solutions. The homocoagulation kinetics of AgNP as a function of increasing NaClO4 concentrations were studied at pH 4 and pH 8, showing that homocoagulation of AgNP is unlikely in the studied soil suspensions. Moreover, Kr values (median value 589 L kg−1) only correlated with the soil granulometric clay content and not with parameters that increase the homocoagulation rate, a correlation that suggests that negatively charged AgNP were adsorbed preferentially at positively charged surface sites of clay‐sized minerals. Adsorption of negatively charged engineered nanoparticles by Fe and Al oxides and mineral clay edges may thus be an important fate‐determining reaction in soils, and possibly also in aquatic systems.
Effects of aluminium water treatment residuals, used as a soil amendment to control phosphorus mobility in agricultural soils
Authors: Ulén Barbro , Etana Ararso , Lindström Bodil
Published: May 2012

Phosphorus (P) leaching from agricultural soils is a serious environmental concern. Application of aluminium water treatment residuals (Al-WTRs) at a rate of 20 Mg ha−1 to clay soils from central Sweden significantly increased mean topsoil P sorption index (PSI) from 4.6 to 5.5 μmol kg−1 soil. Mean degree of P saturation in ammonium lactate extract (DPS-AL) significantly decreased from 17 to 13%, as did plant-available P (P-AL). Concentrations of dissolved reactive P (DRP) decreased by 10–85% in leaching water with Al-WTR treatments after exposure of topsoil lysimeters to simulated rain. Soil aggregate stability (AgS) for 15 test soils rarely improved. Three soils (clay loam, silty loam and loam sand) were tested in greenhouse pot experiments. Aluminium-WTR application of 15 or 30 ton ha−1 to loam sand and a clay loam with P-AL values of 80–100 mg kg−1 soil significantly increased growth of Italian ryegrass when fertilised with P but did not significantly affect growth of spring barley on any soil. Al-WTR should only be applied to soils with high P fertility where improved crop production is not required.
Degradation of 4-chlorophenol by the anodic–cathodic cooperative effect with a Pd/MWNT gas-diffusion electrode
Authors: Wang H. , Wei X. J. , Bian Z. Y.
Published: May 2012

Pd/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) catalyst used for the gas-diffusion electrode was prepared by ethylene glycol (EG) reduction and characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicated that Pd particles with an average size of 8.0 nm were highly dispersed in the MWNTs with amorphous structure. In a diaphragm electrolysis system with a Ti/RuO2/IrO2 anode and the Pd/MWNT gas diffusion cathode, the degradation of 4-chlorophenol was performed by a combination of electrochemical reduction and oxidation. The combined process was in favor of improving 4-chlorophenol degradation efficiency. The optimum reaction conditions were as following: initial pH 7, aeration with hydrogen and air. Under the optimized electrolysis conditions the removal of 4-chlorophenol in the anodic and cathodic compartments were 98.5 and 90.5%, respectively. Additionally, based on the analysis of electrolysis intermediates using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ion chromatography (IC), the electrolysis degradation of 4-chlorophenol was proposed containing the intermediates, such as phenol, hydroquinone, benzoquinone, maleic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, malonic acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid and formic acid.
Experimental and CFD simulation studies of wall shear stress for different impeller configurations and MBR activated sludge
Authors: Ratkovich N. , Chan C. C. V. , Bentzen T. R. , Rasmussen M. R.
Published: May 2012

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) have been used successfully in biological wastewater treatment for effective solids–liquid separation. However, a common problem encountered with MBR systems is fouling of the membrane resulting in frequent membrane cleaning and replacement which makes the system less appealing for full-scale applications. It has been widely demonstrated that the filtration performances in MBRs can be improved by understanding the shear stress over the membrane surface. Modern tools such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be used to diagnose and understand the shear stress in an MBR. Nevertheless, proper experimental validation is required to validate CFD simulation. In this work experimental measurements of shear stress induced by impellers at a membrane surface were made with an electrochemical approach and the results were used to validate CFD simulations. As good results were obtained with the CFD model (<9% error), it was extrapolated to include the non-Newtonian behaviour of activated sludge.
Evaluation of sampling methods for monitoring effluent phosphorus for on-site wastewater treatment systems
Authors: Johannessen Erik , Eikum Arild Schanke , Krogstad Tore
Published: May 2012

More than 1,600 prefabricated on-site wastewater treatment plants are in operation in the Morsa watershed in Norway. As of 2010 a monitoring program on the performance of these plants is in effect. Sampling methods for wastewater treatment plants is discussed, and different methods are compared. The study includes six different plant models, of which all are prefabricated package plants. The parameters investigated were total phosphorus (Tot-P), orthophosphate (PO4-P) and suspended solids (SS). Diurnal curves showed no apparent repetitive variation over 24 h intervals, indicating good equalization and robust design to compensate for highly variable loadings. A comparison of grab samples and time proportional composite samples showed almost identical average values, and a paired two-tailed Student's t-test indicates no statistically significant difference between the sampling methods. The results indicate that equivalent results should be expected irrespective of sampling method, and, as composite sampling is attributed to much higher costs, it is recommended that grab sampling should be used when a large number of plants are evaluated.
A novel combined electrochemical-magnetic method for water treatment
Authors: Ibanez Jorge G. , Vazquez-Olavarrieta Jorge Luis , Hernandez-Rivera Lydia , Garcia-Sanchez Martin Adolfo , Garcia-Pintor Elizabeth
Published: May 2012

Electrocoagulation (EC) is a wastewater treatment process in which aqueous pollutants can be removed by adsorption, entrapment, precipitation or coalescence during a coagulation step produced by electrochemically generated metallic species. When using Fe as the sacrificial electrode, Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions are formed. As Fe3+ species are paramagnetic, this property can in principle be used to facilitate their removal through the application of a magnetic field. In the present work we present a proof-of-concept for a combined electrochemical-magnetic method for pollutant removal. For this approach, the amounts of Fe2+ and Fe3+ produced in an EC cell at various voltages were measured by spectroscopic methods to confirm that Fe3+ species predominate (up to 84%). The effectiveness of the presence of a magnetic field in the precipitation of coagulants from a suspension was confirmed by monitoring the turbidity change versus time with and without exposure to a magnetic field, up to a 30% improvement.
A framework of characteristics identification and source apportionment of water pollution in a river: a case study in the Jinjiang River, China
Authors: Chen Haiyang , Teng Yanguo , Wang Jinsheng
Published: May 2012

A framework for characteristics identification and source apportionment of water pollution in the Jinjiang River of China was proposed in this study for evaluation. A total of 114 water samples which were generated between May 2009 and September 2010 at 13 sites were collected and analysed. First, support vector machine (SVM) and water quality pollutant index (WQPI) were used for water quality comprehensive evaluation and identifying characteristic contaminants. Later, factor analysis with nonnegative constraints (FA-NNC) was employed for source apportionment. Finally, multi-linear regression of the absolute principal component score (APCS/MLR) was applied to further estimate source contributions for each characteristic contaminant. The results indicated that the water quality of the Jinjiang River was mainly at the third level (65.79%) based on national surface water quality permissible standards in China. Ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus, mercury, iron and manganese were identified as characteristic contaminants. Source apportionment results showed that industrial activities (63.16%), agricultural non-point source (16.50%) and domestic sewage (12.85%) were the main anthropogenic pollution sources which were influencing the water quality of Jinjiang River. This proposed method provided a helpful framework for conducting water pollution management in aquatic environment.
Functional Role of Glycosylation in a Human IgG4 Antibody Assessed by Surface Plasmon Resonance Technology
Authors: B. Wong Rosie , Zeng Ming , Lee An-Horng , Shantha Raju T. , Cheng Kuang-Chuan
Published: May 2012

Fc glycosylation of immunoglobulins is necessary for antibody effector functions. These glycans of
immunoglobulins are often referred as glycoforms and they can be heterogeneous due to the variations in glycosylation
machinery present in the endoplastic reticulum (ER) and in the Golgi. In the absence of a generic culturing protocol that
can render a consistent glycosylation pattern, monitoring glycoforms of monoclonal antibodies from cultured cells is
becoming essential. Accordingly, quantification of glycosylated and deglycosylated heavy chains of an IgG4 monoclonal
antibody was accomplished using an Agilent Bioanalyzer Lab-On-the-Chip electrophoresis system. In addition to the
native antibody, completely deglycosylated antibody prepared by treating with PNGase F and a F(ab’)2 fraction were
evaluated for their antigen binding kinetics using Biacore surface Plasmon resonance (SPR). The equilibrium binding
constants KD are found to be comparable at 1.81E-09M, 1.96E-09M, for the native and deglycosylated antibody,
respectively, and 5.79E-10M for the F(ab’)2. An in vitro biological activity employing a competition binding assay was
also developed to demonstrate the role of the Fc glycan. The results confirm that for a neutralizing antibody therapeutic
the biological activity of the native MAb-1 and deglycosylated antibody are comparable, thus indicating that the Fc glycan
does not contribute to the antigen binding or the biological function. The kinetics and competitive assays performed on an
SPR instrument are quick and reliable. Combined with the on-chip electrophoresis method they can be used as monitoring
methods for process development and quality control.
Is Assisted Reproduction Associated with Abnormal Placentation?
Authors: Joy Jolly , Gannon Caroline , McClure Neil , Cooke Inez
Published: May 2012

Artificial reproductive technologies (ART) and conception following a period of untreated infertility (>1 year) are independently associated with increased pregnancy complications in both singleton and multiple pregnancies. It is unknown if placental dysfunction associated with macroscopic and/or microscopic histological discrepancies might explain some of these variances. Our aim was to compare the histopathology of placentae from singleton pregnancies belonging to 3 groups, as follows: conception as a result of ART; spontaneous conception (<1 year of trying); and conception following untreated infertility (>1 year). Pathological examination of placentae from singleton pregnancies of nonsmoking, age-matched primiparous women with no significant medical history and no known uterine congenital anomalies was performed by a single pathologist blinded to the groups. Features were compared using analysis of variance and chi-square tests. A total of 89 placental pathology reports were available (control = 39, infertility = 17, ART = 33). The mean placental thickness was significantly higher in the ART group when compared to the spontaneous conception group ( P = 0.02). There were significantly more placental hematomas in the ART group ( P = 0.04) compared to the other groups. There were no significant differences in rates of abnormal placental shapes or abnormal cord insertions. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of microscopic placental lesions, nor were there any statistically significant differences in the incidence of macroscopic and microscopic placental lesions between the infertility group and the other groups. Placentae of ART pregnancies show significantly increased thickness and a higher incidence of hematomas. Increased placental thickness has previously been linked to increased perinatal risk.
Partial Pressures in Thermodynamics of Classical Fluid Mixtures
Authors: Samohýl Vít , Samohýl Ivan , Voňka Petr
Published: May 2012

Partial Pressures in Thermodynamics of Classical Fluid Mixtures

In the rational thermodynamics of most usual nonequilibrium "classical" fluid mixtures it has been proposed the "thermodynamic" partial pressure which generalize traditional definitions and merge together in an ideal gas mixture. In this paper, these thermodynamic partial pressures are calculated for a (real) gas mixture of methane-ethane-carbon dioxide and a liquid mixture of lithium hydroxide in water. The results are compared with those obtained using the classical formulations of partial pressures calculated in these mixtures as well.
Increasing of drinking water quality at real water treatment plant by recarbonization process
Authors: Luptáková Anna , Munka Karol , Derco Ján
Published: May 2012

Increasing of drinking water quality at real water treatment plant by recarbonization process

According to the World Health Organization, chemical and microbial contaminants in drinking water will continue in the interest of suppliers of drinking water. The review establishment of new knowledge for drinking water including the potential benefits of the mineral content is necessary. The paper is focused on an assessment of the quality of water from surface source for drinking water preparation and quality of drinking water produced at the real plant. The lab-scale verification of water recarbonization with lime and carbon dioxide was chosen based on the results of full scale plant data analysis. Recarbonization tests were carried out with the raw water and the impact of recarbonization on coagulation process at different coagulant doses was studied. The results show that water recarbonization had adverse influence on the water treatment processes.
Les temps du vote Front national et de ses représentations
Authors: Alidières Bernard
Published: May 2012

Il s’agit de montrer que, si l’« insécurisation » est un facteur d’explication du vote FN dans les milieux populaires, ce phénomène n’est pas récent et doit être envisagé sur un temps plus long. En 1984, la percée électorale du FN avait déjà été précédée d’une forte hausse de l’insécurité. Or, dans les analyses du vote FN, cette question a été délaissée ou réduite à l’évocation d’un fantasme sans lien avec la hausse des délits. Ce type de représentation a eu une influence durable sur la gauche et contribué au maintien d’un déficit politique face au FN au moins jusqu’en 1997. Il faut considérer aussi les différents temps de l’offre frontiste. Dans les années 1990, la fidélisation de l’électorat s’opère avec le maintien du vote FN au second tour des élections territoriales, ce qui permet au FN d’exercer son « pouvoir de nuisance » aux dépens de la droite. Puis, la scission Mégret-Le Pen a eu des effets durables : de 1999 à 2009, le vote FN a régressé à tous les types de scrutin (sauf en avril 2002) et son « pouvoir de nuisance » disparaît. De nombreux électeurs du FN ont rejoint les « abstentionnistes intermittents », un électorat que Marine Le Pen, à l’instar de la droite et de la gauche, devra convaincre en 2012.
Collective action and the governance of multistakeholder initiatives: a case study of Bonsucro
Authors: Moura P.T. , Chaddad F.R.
Published: May 2012

Sustainability is an interesting case of a ‘wicked problem’ that requires multiple stakeholder engagement to be managed. Multistakeholder initiatives (MSIs) have emerged as an alternative governance mechanism to address this problem. This paper addresses the issue of overcoming collective action hurdles and governance design in MSIs. We focus our analysis on Bonsucro, an MSI that recently developed a standard and certification scheme for sustainable sugarcane products. We describe the internal organization and governance of Bonsucro and the process it followed to develop and implement the scheme. We then apply collective action and governance theories to analyze Bonsucro’s case and make observations as to how MSIs and alternative governance structures might be organized to address sustainability in global agrifood chains.
Knowledge and implementation of HACCP-based management systems among small-scale honey producers in Brazil
Authors: Handschuch C. , Wollni M. , Corrêa Neto A.M.
Published: May 2012

Increasingly globalized value chains and growing consumer awareness towards foodborne diseases have reinforced the importance of adequate food quality and safety management systems. A widely applied food safety management system is the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system, which has become mandatory in many countries and is therefore of major relevance for food producers, processors and traders worldwide. However, mandatory HACCP implementation may act as a trade barrier for many developing and transition countries and pose particular difficulties for small food producers and processors. In this paper, we evaluate the current state of knowledge and implementation of HACCP-based management systems among small-scale honey producers in Brazil. The empirical analysis is based on original survey data collected from a random sample of 115 households involved in apiculture in the northeast of Brazil. In the interviews, beekeepers were asked about their knowledge of HACCP requirements and the implementation of these requirements. Based on a principal component analysis, we create knowledge and implementation indices and compare these indices to relevant household characteristics and honey production conditions. Both the knowledge of requirements and the implementation of these requirements are strongly linked to the households’ connectedness along the value chain and their access to a suitable honey extraction facility. In order to enhance the competitiveness of the Brazilian small-scale honey sector, policy-makers should foster cooperation among producers and improve their connectedness to input and output markets. Furthermore, access to appropriate honey extraction facilities should be improved.
An In Vivo IL-7 Requirement for Peripheral Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis
Authors: Kim Grace Y. , Ligons Davinna L. , Hong Changwan , Luckey Megan A. , Keller Hilary R. , Tai Xuguang , Lucas Philip J. , Gress Ronald E. , Park Jung-Hyun
Published: May 2012

All T cells are dependent on IL-7 for their development and for homeostasis. Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are unique among T cells in that they are dependent on IL-2. Whether such IL-2 dependency is distinct from or in addition to an IL-7 requirement has been a confounding issue, particularly because of the absence of an adequate experimental system to address this question. In this study, we present a novel in vivo mouse model where IL-2 expression is intact but IL-7 expression was geographically limited to the thymus. Consequently, IL-7 is not available in peripheral tissues. Such mice were generated by introducing a thymocyte-specific IL-7 transgene onto an IL-7 null background. In these mice, T cell development in the thymus, including Foxp3+ Treg numbers, was completely restored, which correlates with the thymus-specific expression of transgenic IL-7. In peripheral cells, however, IL-7 expression was terminated, which resulted in a general paucity of T cells and a dramatic reduction of Foxp3+ Treg numbers. Loss of Tregs was further accompanied by a significant reduction in Foxp3+ expression levels. These data suggest that peripheral IL-7 is not only necessary for Treg survival but also for upregulating Foxp3 expression. Collectively, we assessed the effect of a selective peripheral IL-7 deficiency in the presence of a fully functional thymus, and we document a critical requirement for in vivo IL-7 in T cell maintenance and specifically in Foxp3+ cell homeostasis.
Augmented IL-15Rα Expression by CD40 Activation Is Critical in Synergistic CD8 T Cell-Mediated Antitumor Activity of Anti-CD40 Antibody with IL-15 in TRAMP-C2 Tumors in Mice
Authors: Zhang Meili , Ju Wei , Yao Zhengsheng , Yu Ping , Wei Bih-Rong , Simpson R. Mark , Waitz Rebecca , Fassò Marcella , Allison James P. , Waldmann Thomas A.
Published: May 2012

IL-15 has potential as an immunotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment because it is a critical factor for the proliferation and activation of NK and CD8+ T cells. However, monotherapy of patients with malignancy with IL-15 that has been initiated may not be optimal, because of the limited expression of the private receptor, IL-15Rα. We demonstrated greater CD8 T cell-mediated therapeutic efficacy using a combination regimen of murine IL-15 administered with an agonistic anti-CD40 Ab (FGK4.5) that led to increased IL-15Rα expression on dendritic cells (DCs), as well as other cell types, in a syngeneic established TRAMP-C2 tumor model. Seventy to one hundred percent of TRAMP-C2 tumor-bearing wild-type C57BL/6 mice in the combination group manifested sustained remissions, whereas only 0–30% in the anti-CD40–alone group and none in the murine IL-15–alone group became tumor free (p < 0.001). However, the combination regimen showed less efficacy in TRAMP-C2 tumor-bearing IL-15Rα−/− mice than in wild-type mice. The combination regimen significantly increased the numbers of TRAMP-C2 tumor-specific SPAS-1/SNC9-H8 tetramer+CD8+ T cells, which were associated with the protection from tumor development on rechallenge with TRAMP-C2 tumor cells. Using an in vitro cytolytic assay that involved NK cells primed by wild-type or IL-15Rα−/− bone marrow-derived DCs, we demonstrated that the expression of IL-15Rα by DCs appeared to be required for optimal IL-15–induced NK priming and killing. These findings support the view that anti-CD40–mediated augmented IL-15Rα expression was critical in IL-15–associated sustained remissions observed in TRAMP-C2 tumor-bearing mice receiving combination therapy.
HLA-B27 Homodimers and Free H Chains Are Stronger Ligands for Leukocyte Ig-like Receptor B2 than Classical HLA Class I
Authors: Giles Joanna , Shaw Jackie , Piper Christopher , Wong-Baeza Isabel , McHugh Kirsty , Ridley Anna , Li Demin , Lenart Izabela , Antoniou Antony N. , DiGleria Katilin , Kuroki Kimiko , Maenaka Katsumi , Bowness Paul , Kollnberger Simon
Published: May 2012

Possession of HLA-B27 (B27) strongly predisposes to the development of spondyloarthritis. B27 forms classical heterotrimeric complexes with β2-microglobulin (β2m) and peptide and (β2m free) free H chain (FHC) forms including B27 dimers (termed B272) at the cell surface. In this study, we characterize the interaction of HLA-B27 with LILR, leukocyte Ig-like receptor (LILR)B1 and LILRB2 immune receptors biophysically, biochemically, and by FACS staining. LILRB1 bound to B27 heterotrimers with a KD of 5.3 ± 1.5 μM but did not bind B27 FHC. LILRB2 bound to B272 and B27 FHC and B27 heterotrimers with KDs of 2.5, 2.6, and 22 ± 6 μM, respectively. Domain exchange experiments showed that B272 bound to the two membrane distal Ig-like domains of LILRB2. In FACS staining experiments, B27 dimer protein and tetramers stained LILRB2 transfectants five times more strongly than B27 heterotrimers. Moreover, LILRB2Fc bound to dimeric and other B27 FHC forms on B27-expressing cell lines more strongly than other HLA-class 1 FHCs. B27-transfected cells expressing B27 dimers and FHC inhibited IL-2 production by LILRB2-expressing reporter cells to a greater extent than control HLA class I transfectants. B27 heterotrimers complexed with the L6M variant of the GAG KK10 epitope bound with a similar affinity to complexes with the wild-type KK10 epitope (with KDs of 15.0 ± 0.8 and 16.0 ± 2.0 μM, respectively). Disulfide-dependent B27 H chain dimers and multimers are stronger ligands for LILRB2 than HLA class I heterotrimers and H chains. The stronger interaction of B27 dimers and FHC forms with LILRB2 compared with other HLA class I could play a role in spondyloarthritis pathogenesis.
RGS16 Attenuates Pulmonary Th2/Th17 Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Shankar Sucharita P. , Wilson Mark S. , DiVietro Jeffrey A. , Mentink-Kane Margaret M. , Xie Zhihui , Wynn Thomas A. , Druey Kirk M.
Published: May 2012

The regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) protein superfamily negatively controls G protein-coupled receptor signal transduction pathways. RGS16 is enriched in activated/effector T lymphocytes. In this paper, we show that RGS16 constrains pulmonary inflammation by regulating chemokine-induced T cell trafficking in response to challenge with Schistosoma mansoni. Naive Rgs16−/− mice were “primed” for inflammation by accumulation of CCR10+ T cells in the lung. Upon pathogen exposure, these mice developed more robust granulomatous lung fibrosis than wild-type counterparts. Distinct Th2 or putative Th17 subsets expressing CCR4 or CCR10 accumulated more rapidly in Rgs16−/− lungs following challenge and produced proinflammatory cytokines IL-13 and IL-17B. CCR4+Rgs16−/− Th2 cells migrated excessively to CCL17 and localized aberrantly in challenged lungs. T lymphocytes were partially excluded from lung granulomas in Rgs16−/− mice, instead forming peribronchial/perivascular aggregates. Thus, RGS16-mediated confinement of T cells to Schistosome granulomas mitigates widespread cytokine-mediated pulmonary inflammation.
Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis Caused by Pasteurella in a Penicillin Allergic Patient: Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Satta Giovanni , Gorton Rebecca Louise , Kandil Hala
Published: May 2012

Pasteurella multocida is a rare cause of infective endocarditis with only a few cases described. This report involves a 38-year-old penicillin-allergic patient in an immunocompromised state with several co-morbidities. Two molecular microbiological techniques, 16S rRNA sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry were used to confirm the species identification as P. multocida. Previous reports in the literature are also reviewed.
Nephrogenic Adenoma of the Ureter
Authors: Doluoglu Omer Gokhan , Acarer Ercument Yasar , Yavuz Ayse , Hoscan Mustafa Burak , Gonulalan Umut
Published: May 2012

Nephrogenic adenoma (NA) is an uncommon benign lesion of the urothelial tract. The diagnostic features that are useful in the recognition of this benign entity are: the characteristic mixture of various architectural patterns, associated stromal edema and inflammation, hyaline sheath around tubules, and lack of mitotic activity. Although NA appears with hematuria or obstruction, frequently found incidentally in endoscopy or imaging modalities.
New and Emerging Disease-Modifying Therapies for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: What is New and What is to Come
Authors: Nicholas J. , Morgan-Followell B. , Pitt D. , Racke M.K. , Boster A.
Published: May 2012

The therapeutic landscape for multiple sclerosis (MS) is rapidly changing. Currently, there are eight FDA approved disease modifying therapies for MS including: IFN-β-1a (Avonex, Rebif), IFN-β-1b (Betaseron, Extavia), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), mitoxantrone (Novantrone), natalizumab (Tysabri), and fingolimod (Gilenya). This review will highlight the experience to date and key clinical trials of the newest FDA approved agents, natalizumab and fingolimod. It will also review available efficacy and safety data on several promising therapies under active investigation including four monoclonal antibody therapies: alemtuzumab, daclizumab, ocrelizumab and ofatumumab and three oral agents: BG12, laquinimod, and teriflunomide. To conclude, we will discuss where each of these new therapies may best fit into treatment algorithms.
Consistency result for a non monotone scheme for anisotropic mean curvature flow
Authors: Bonnetier Eric , Bretin Elie , Chambolle Antonin
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we propose a new scheme for anisotropic motion by mean curvature in

\mathbb R^d

. The scheme consists of a phase-field approximation of the motion, where the nonlinear diffusive terms in the corresponding anisotropic Allen-Cahn equation are linearized in the Fourier space. In real space, this corresponds to the convolution with a specific kernel of the form

K_{\phi,t}(x) = \mathcal F^{-1}\left[ e^{-4\pi^2 t \phi^o(\xi)} \right](x).

We analyse the resulting scheme, following the work of Ishii-Pires-Souganidis on the convergence of the Bence-Merriman-Osher algorithm for isotropic motion by mean curvature. The main difficulty here, is that the kernel

K_{\phi,t}

is not positive and that its moments of order 2 are not in

L^1(\mathbb R^d)

. Still, we can show that in one sense the scheme is consistent with the anisotropic mean curvature flow.