bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genistein, a Soy Phytoestrogen, Reverses Severe Pulmonary Hypertension and Prevents Right Heart Failure in Rats
Authors: Matori Humann , Umar Soban , Nadadur Rangarajan D. , Sharma Salil , Partow-Navid Rod , Afkhami Michelle , Amjedi Marjan , Eghbali Mansoureh
Published: July 2012

Pretreatment with a phytoestrogen genistein has been shown to attenuate the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Because PH is not always diagnosed early, we examined whether genistein could also reverse preexisting established PH and prevent associated right heart failure (RHF). PH was induced in male rats by 60 mg/kg of monocrotaline. After 21 days, when PH was well established, rats received daily injection of genistein (1 mg/kg per day) for 10 days or were left untreated to develop RHF by day 30. Effects of genistein on human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell and endothelial cell proliferation and neonatal rat ventricular myocyte hypertrophy were assessed in vitro. Severe PH was evident 21 days after monocrotaline, as peak systolic right ventricular pressure increased to 66.35±1.03 mm Hg and right ventricular ejection fraction reduced to 41.99±1.27%. PH progressed to RHF by day 30 (right ventricular pressure, 72.41±1.87 mm Hg; RV ejection fraction, 29.25±0.88%), and mortality was ≈75% in RHF rats. Genistein therapy resulted in significant improvement in lung and heart function as right ventricular pressure was significantly reduced to 43.34±4.08 mm Hg and right ventricular ejection fraction was fully restored to 65.67±1.08% similar to control. Genistein reversed PH-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling in vivo and inhibited human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation by ≈50% in vitro likely through estrogen receptor-β. Genistein also reversed right ventricular hypertrophy (right ventricular hypertrophy index, 0.35±0.029 versus 0.70±0.080 in RHF), inhibited neonatal rat ventricular myocyte hypertrophy, and restored PH-induced loss of capillaries in the right ventricle. These improvements in cardiopulmonary function and structure resulted in 100% survival by day 30. Genistein restored PH-induced downregulation of estrogen receptor-β expression in the right ventricle and lung. In conclusion, genistein therapy not only rescues preexisting severe PH but also prevents the progression of severe PH to RHF.
Heme Oxygenase Gene Targeting to Adipocytes Attenuates Adiposity and Vascular Dysfunction in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Cao Jian , Peterson Stephen J. , Sodhi Komal , Vanella Luca , Barbagallo Ignazio , Rodella Luigi F. , Schwartzman Michal L. , Abraham Nader G. , Kappas Attallah
Published: July 2012

We examined the hypothesis that adipocyte dysfunction in mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet can be prevented by lentiviral-mediated and adipocyte specific-targeting delivery of the human heme oxygenase-1 (aP2-HO-1). A bolus intracardial injection of aP2-HO-1 resulted in expression of human HO-1 for up to 9.5 months. Transduction of aP2-HO-1 increased human HO-1 expression in fat tissues without affecting murine HO-1. In mice fed a HF diet, aP2-HO-1 transduction attenuated the increases in body weight, blood glucose, blood pressure, and inflammatory cytokines, as well as the content of both visceral and subcutaneous fat. Transduction of aP2-HO-1 increased the numbers of adipocytes of small cell size (
P
<0.05), insulin sensitivity (
P
<0.05), adiponectin levels, as well as vascular relaxation to acetylcholine compared with HF mice administered the aP2-green fluorescent protein. Adipocytes of mice fed a HF diet expressed high levels of peroxisome proliferator activator receptor, aP2, C/EBP, and Wnt5b proteins and displayed marked increases in Peg1/Mesoderm specific transcript (
P
<0.03). Transduction of aP2-HO-1 lowered the elevated levels of these proteins and increased Sonic hedgehog, Wnt10b, and β-catenin (
P
<0.05). Inhibition of HO activity by administration of tin mesoporphyrin to HF-fed mice transduced with the aP2-HO-1 reversed the decrease in Peg1/Mesoderm-specific transcript, TNFα, and MCP-1 levels. Collectively, this novel study demonstrates that adipocyte-specific overexpression of HO-1 attenuates HF-mediated adiposity and vascular dysfunction; increases insulin sensitivity; and improves adipocyte function by increasing adiponectin, Shh, and WNT10b, and by decreasing inflammatory cytokines. These effects are reversed by the HO activity inhibitor, stannous mesoporphyrin.
Circulating Angiogenic Factors and Risk of Adverse Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Twin Pregnancies With Suspected Preeclampsia
Authors: Rana Sarosh , Hacker Michele R. , Modest Anna Merport , Salahuddin Saira , Lim Kee-Hak , Verlohren Stefan , Perschel Frank H. , Karumanchi S. Ananth
Published: July 2012

To evaluate whether angiogenic factor levels correlate with preeclampsia-related adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with twin pregnancy, we studied 79 women with suspected preeclampsia in the 3rd trimester. Antiangiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and proangiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) were measured at presentation on an automated platform. An adverse outcome was defined as hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome; disseminated intravascular coagulation; abruption; pulmonary edema; cerebral hemorrhage; maternal, fetal, and neonatal death; eclampsia; acute renal failure; small for gestational age; and indicated delivery. All outcomes were ascertained 2 weeks after initial evaluation. Comparing the 52 women (65.8%) who experienced an adverse outcome with the 27 women (34.2%) without an adverse outcome, the median sFlt-1 was elevated (11461.5 pg/mL [8794.0–14847.5] versus 7495.0 pg/mL [3498.0–10482.0;
P
=0.0004]), PlGF was reduced (162.5 pg/mL [98.0–226.5] versus 224.0 pg/mL [156.0–449.0];
P
=0.005), and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was elevated (74.2 [43.5–110.5] versus 36.2 [7.1–71.3];
P
=0.0005). Among those presenting <34 weeks (n=40), the difference in sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was more striking (97.7 [76.6–178.1] versus 31.7 [6.5–48.7];
P
=0.001). Addition of sFlt-1/PlGF to the highest systolic blood pressure and proteinuria improved prediction of adverse outcomes. We conclude that in women with twin pregnancy and suspected preeclampsia, the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at the time of initial evaluation is associated with subsequent adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. These findings are similar to those in singleton pregnancies and may implicate common pathogenic pathways.
Pregnancy Outcome Following Exposure to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Bullo Marina , Tschumi Sibylle , Bucher Barbara S. , Bianchetti Mario G. , Simonetti Giacomo D.
Published: July 2012

The objective was to analyze the outcome following prenatal exposure to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) or angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARBs). For this purpose, a systematic review of published case reports and case series dealing with intrauterine exposure to ACE-Is or to ARBs using Medline as the source of data was performed. The publications retained for analysis included patients who were described individually, revealing, at minimum, the gestational age, substance used, period of medication intake, and the outcome. In total, 72 reports were included; 37 articles (118 well-documented cases) described the prenatal exposure to ACE-Is; and 35 articles (68 cases) described the prenatal exposure to ARBs. Overall, 52% of the newborns exposed to ACE-Is and 13% of the newborns exposed to ARBs did not exhibit any complications (
P
<0.0001). Neonatal complications were more frequent following exposure to ARBs and included renal failure, oligohydramnios, death, arterial hypotension, intrauterine growth retardation, respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary hypoplasia, hypocalvaria, limb defects, persistent patent ductus arteriosus, or cerebral complications. The long-term outcome is described as positive in only 50% of the exposed children. Fetopathy caused by exposure to ACE-Is or ARBs has relevant neonatal and long-term complications. The outcome is poorer following exposure to ARBs. We propose the term “fetal renin-angiotensin system blockade syndrome” to describe the related clinical findings. Thirty years after the first description of ACE-I fetopathy, relevant complications are, at present, regularly described, indicating that the awareness of the deleterious effect of prenatal exposure to drugs inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system should be improved.
Exercise Capacity and Progression From Prehypertension to Hypertension
Authors: Faselis Charles , Doumas Michael , Kokkinos John Peter , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Kheirbek Raya , Sheriff Helen M. , Hare Katherine , Papademetriou Vasilios , Fletcher Ross , Kokkinos Peter
Published: July 2012

Prehypertension is likely to progress to hypertension. The rate of progression is determined mostly by age and resting blood pressure but may also be attenuated by increased fitness. A graded exercise test was performed in 2303 men with prehypertension at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Washington, DC. Four fitness categories were defined, based on peak metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved. We assessed the association between exercise capacity and rate of progression to hypertension (HTN). The median follow-up period was 7.8 years (mean (± SD) 9.2±6.1 years). The incidence rate of progression from prehypertension to hypertension was 34.4 per 1000 person-years. Exercise capacity was a strong and independent predictor of the rate of progression. Compared to the High-Fit individuals (>10.0 METs), the adjusted risk for developing HTN was 66% higher (hazard ratio, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.2;
P
=0.001) for the Low-Fit and, similarly, 72% higher (hazard ratio, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.3;
P
=0.001) for the Least-Fit individuals, whereas it was only 36% for the Moderate-Fit (hazard ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.80;
P
=0.056). Significant predictors for the progression to HTN were also age (19% per 10 years), resting systolic blood pressure (16% per 10 mm Hg), body mass index (15.3% per 5 U), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (2-fold). In conclusion, an inverse, S-shaped association was shown between exercise capacity and the rate of progression from prehypertension to hypertension in middle-aged and older male veterans. The protective effects of fitness were evident when exercise capacity exceeded 8.5 METs. These findings emphasize the importance of fitness in the prevention of hypertension.
Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations with One- and Two-Way Couplings via the Weak Temperature Gradient Approximation
Authors: Daleu C. L. , Woolnough S. J. , Plant R. S.
Published: June 2012

A cloud-resolving model is modified to implement the weak temperature gradient approximation in order to simulate the interactions between tropical convection and the large-scale tropical circulation. The instantaneous domain-mean potential temperature is relaxed toward a reference profile obtained from a radiative–convective equilibrium simulation of the cloud-resolving model. For homogeneous surface conditions, the model state at equilibrium is a large-scale circulation with its descending branch in the simulated column. This is similar to the equilibrium state found in some other studies, but not all. For this model, the development of such a circulation is insensitive to the relaxation profile and the initial conditions.

Two columns of the cloud-resolving model are fully coupled by relaxing the instantaneous domain-mean potential temperature in both columns toward each other. This configuration is energetically closed in contrast to the reference-column configuration. No mean large-scale circulation develops over homogeneous surface conditions, regardless of the relative area of the two columns. The sensitivity to nonuniform surface conditions is similar to that obtained in the reference-column configuration if the two simulated columns have very different areas, but it is markedly weaker for columns of comparable area. The weaker sensitivity can be understood as being a consequence of a formulation for which the energy budget is closed. The reference-column configuration has been used to study the convection in a local region under the influence of a large-scale circulation. The extension to a two-column configuration is proposed as a methodology for studying the influence on local convection of changes in remote convection.
Investigating the Use of a Genesis Potential Index for Tropical Cyclones in the North Atlantic Basin
Authors: Bruyère Cindy L. , Holland Greg J. , Towler Erin
Published: June 2012

Large-scale environmental variables known to be linked to the formation of tropical cyclones have previously been used to develop empirical indices as proxies for assessing cyclone frequency from large-scale analyses or model simulations. Here the authors examine the ability of two recent indices, the genesis potential (GP) and the genesis potential index, to reproduce observed North Atlantic cyclone annual frequency variations and trends. These skillfully estimate the mean seasonal variation of observed cyclones, but they struggle with reproducing interannual frequency variability and change. Examination of the independent contributions by the four terms that make up the indices finds that potential intensity and shear have significant skill, while moisture and vorticity either do not contribute to or degrade the indices’ capacity to reproduce observed interannual variability. It is also found that for assessing basinwide cyclone frequency, averaging indices over the whole basin is less skillful than its application to the general area off the coast of Africa broadly covering the main development region (MDR).

These results point to a revised index, the cyclone genesis index (CGI), which comprises only potential intensity and vertical shear. Application of the CGI averaged over the MDR demonstrates high and significant skill at reproducing interannual variations and trends in all-basin cyclones across both reanalyses. The CGI also provides a more accurate reproduction of seasonal variations than the original GP. Future work applying the CGI to other tropical cyclone basins and to the downscaling of relatively course climate simulations is briefly addressed.
Storm-Track Activity in IPCC AR4/CMIP3 Model Simulations
Authors: Chang Edmund K. M. , Guo Yanjuan , Xia Xiaoming , Zheng Minghua
Published: June 2012

The climatological storm-track activity simulated by 17 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4)/phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) models is compared to that in the interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim). Nearly half of the models show significant biases in storm-track amplitude: four models simulate storm tracks that are either significantly (>20%) too strong or too weak in both hemispheres, while four other models have interhemispheric storm-track ratios that are biased by over 10%. Consistent with previous studies, storm-track amplitude is found to be negatively correlated with grid spacing. The interhemispheric ratio of storm-track activity is highly correlated with the interhemispheric ratio of mean available potential energy, and this ratio is biased in some model simulations due to biases in the midlatitude temperature gradients. In terms of geographical pattern, the storm tracks in most CMIP3 models exhibit an equatorward bias in both hemispheres. For the seasonal cycle, most models can capture the equatorward migration and strengthening of the storm tracks during the cool season, but some models exhibit biases in the amplitude of the seasonal cycle.

Possible implications of model biases in storm-track climatology have been investigated. For both hemispheres, models with weak storm tracks tend to have larger percentage changes in storm-track amplitudes over the seasonal cycle. Under global warming, for the NH, models with weak storm tracks tend to project larger percentage changes in storm-track amplitude whereas, for the SH, models with large equatorward biases in storm-track latitude tend to project larger poleward shifts. Preliminary results suggest that CMIP5 model projections also share these behaviors.
Influence of Ocean and Atmosphere Components on Simulated Climate Sensitivities
Authors: Winton Michael , Adcroft Alistair , Griffies Stephen M. , Hallberg Robert W. , Horowitz Larry W. , Stouffer Ronald J.
Published: June 2012

The influence of alternative ocean and atmosphere subcomponents on climate model simulation of transient sensitivities is examined by comparing three GFDL climate models used for phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The base model ESM2M is closely related to GFDL’s CMIP3 climate model version 2.1 (CM2.1), and makes use of a depth coordinate ocean component. The second model, ESM2G, is identical to ESM2M but makes use of an isopycnal coordinate ocean model. The authors compare the impact of this “ocean swap” with an “atmosphere swap” that produces the GFDL Climate Model version 3 (CM3) by replacing the AM2 atmospheric component with AM3 while retaining a depth coordinate ocean model. The atmosphere swap is found to have much larger influence on sensitivities of global surface temperature and Northern Hemisphere sea ice cover. The atmosphere swap also introduces a multidecadal response time scale through its indirect influence on heat uptake. Despite significant differences in their interior ocean mean states, the ESM2M and ESM2G simulations of these metrics of climate change are very similar, except for an enhanced high-latitude salinity response accompanied by temporarily advancing sea ice in ESM2G. In the ESM2G historical simulation this behavior results in the establishment of a strong halocline in the subpolar North Atlantic during the early twentieth century and an associated cooling, which are counter to observations in that region. The Atlantic meridional overturning declines comparably in all three models.
Modeling the Atmospheric Response to Irrigation in the Great Plains. Part II: The Precipitation of Irrigated Water and Changes in Precipitation Recycling
Authors: Harding Keith J. , Snyder Peter K.
Published: June 2012

The rapid expansion of irrigation in the Great Plains since World War II has resulted in significant water table declines, threatening the long-term sustainability of the Ogallala Aquifer. As discussed in Part I of this paper, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) was modified to simulate the effects of irrigation at subgrid scales. Simulations of nine April–October periods (three drought, three normal, and three pluvial) over the Great Plains were completed to assess the full impact of irrigation on the water budget. Averaged over all simulated years, irrigation over the Great Plains contributes to May–September evapotranspiration increases of approximately 4% and precipitation increases of 1%, with localized increases of up to 20%. Results from these WRF simulations are used along with a backward trajectory analysis to identify where evapotranspiration from irrigated fields falls as precipitation (i.e., irrigation-induced precipitation) and how irrigation impacts precipitation recycling. On average, only 15.8% of evapotranspiration from irrigated fields falls as precipitation over the Great Plains, resulting in 5.11 mm of May–September irrigation-induced precipitation and contributing to 6.71 mm of recycled precipitation. Reductions in nonrecycled precipitation suggest that irrigation reduces precipitation of moisture advected into the region. The heaviest irrigation-induced precipitation is coincident with simulated and observed precipitation increases, suggesting that observed precipitation increases in north-central Nebraska are strongly related to evapotranspiration of irrigated water. Water losses due to evapotranspiration are much larger than irrigation-induced precipitation and recycled precipitation increases, confirming that irrigation results in net water loss over the Great Plains.
A Behavioral Probabilistic Risk Assessment Framework for Managing Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Deployments
Authors: Brito Mario , Griffiths Gwyn , Ferguson James , Hopkin David , Mills Richard , Pederson Richard , MacNeil Erin
Published: June 2012

The deployment of a deep-diving long-range autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is a complex operation that requires the use of a risk-informed decision-making process. Operational risk assessment is heavily dependent on expert subjective judgment. Expert judgments can be elicited either mathematically or behaviorally. During mathematical elicitation experts are kept separate and provide their assessment individually. These are then mathematically combined to create a judgment that represents the group view. The limitation with this approach is that experts do not have the opportunity to discuss different views and thus remove bias from their assessment. In this paper, a Bayesian behavioral approach to estimate and manage AUV operational risk is proposed. At an initial workshop, behavioral aggregation, that is, reaching agreement on the distributions of risks for faults or incidents, is followed by an agreed upon initial estimate of the likelihood of success of the proposed risk mitigation methods. Postexpedition, a second workshop assesses the new data and compares observed to predicted risk, thus updating the prior estimate using Bayes’ rule. This feedback further educates the experts and assesses the actual effectiveness of the mitigation measures. Applying this approach to an AUV campaign in ice-covered waters in the Arctic showed that the maximum error between the predicted and the actual risk was 9% and that the experts’ assessments of the effectiveness of risk mitigation led to a maximum of 24% in risk reduction.
Wave Breaking Dissipation Observed with “SWIFT” Drifters
Authors: Thomson Jim
Published: June 2012

Energy dissipation rates during ocean wave breaking are estimated from high-resolution profiles of turbulent velocities collected within 1 m of the surface. The velocity profiles are obtained from a pulse-coherent acoustic Doppler sonar on a wave-following platform, termed a Surface Wave Instrument Float with Tracking (SWIFT), and the dissipation rates are estimated from the structure function of the velocity profiles. The purpose of the SWIFT is to maintain a constant range to the time-varying surface and thereby observe the turbulence in breaking crests (i.e., above the mean still water level). The Lagrangian quality is also useful to prefilter wave orbital motions and mean currents from the velocity measurements, which are limited in magnitude by phase wrapping in the coherent Doppler processing. Field testing and examples from both offshore whitecaps and nearshore surf breaking are presented. Dissipation rates are elevated (up to 10−3 m2 s−3) during strong breaking conditions, which are confirmed using surface videos recorded on board SWIFT. Although some velocity contamination is present from platform tilting and heaving, the structure of the velocity profiles is dominated by a turbulent cascade of eddies (i.e., the inertial subrange). The noise, or uncertainty, in the dissipation estimates is shown to be normally distributed and uncorrelated with platform motion. Aggregated SWIFT measurements are shown to be useful in mapping wave-breaking dissipation in space and time.
Spearcons (Speech-Based Earcons) Improve Navigation Performance in Advanced Auditory Menus
Authors: Walker Bruce N. , Lindsay Jeffrey , Nance Amanda , Nakano Yoko , Palladino Dianne K. , Dingler Tilman , Jeon Myounghoon
Published: July 2012

Objective:

The goal of this project is to evaluate a new auditory cue, which the authors call spearcons, in comparison to other auditory cues with the aim of improving auditory menu navigation.

Background:

With the shrinking displays of mobile devices and increasing technology use by visually impaired users, it becomes important to improve usability of non-graphical user interface (GUI) interfaces such as auditory menus. Using nonspeech sounds called auditory icons (i.e., representative real sounds of objects or events) or earcons (i.e., brief musical melody patterns) has been proposed to enhance menu navigation. To compensate for the weaknesses of traditional nonspeech auditory cues, the authors developed spearcons by speeding up a spoken phrase, even to the point where it is no longer recognized as speech.

Method:

The authors conducted five empirical experiments. In Experiments 1 and 2, they measured menu navigation efficiency and accuracy among cues. In Experiments 3 and 4, they evaluated learning rate of cues and speech itself. In Experiment 5, they assessed spearcon enhancements compared to plain TTS (text to speech: speak out written menu items) in a two-dimensional auditory menu.

Results:

Spearcons outperformed traditional and newer hybrid auditory cues in navigation efficiency, accuracy, and learning rate. Moreover, spearcons showed comparable learnability as normal speech and led to better performance than speech-only auditory cues in two-dimensional menu navigation. Conclusion: These results show that spearcons can be more effective than previous auditory cues in menu-based interfaces.

Application:

Spearcons have broadened the taxonomy of nonspeech auditory cues. Users can benefit from the application of spearcons in real devices.
Ergonomics Principles Associated With Laparoscopic Surgeon Injury/Illness
Authors: Miller Kristen , Benden Mark , Pickens Adam , Shipp Eva , Zheng Qi
Published: June 2012

Objective:

This study sought to investigate the prevalence of laparoscopic surgeon injury/illness symptoms and evaluate associations between symptoms and operating room ergonomics.

Background:

Although laparoscopic procedures significantly benefit patients in terms of decreased recovery times and improved outcomes, they contribute to mental fatigue and musculoskeletal problems among surgeons. A variety of ergonomic interventions and applications are implemented by surgeons to reduce health problems. Currently, there is a gap in knowledge regarding a surgeon’s individual assessment of the operating room, an assessment that, in turn, would prompt the implementation of these interventions.

Method:

A new survey instrument solicited information from surgeons ( N = 61) regarding surgeon demographics, perception, frequency of operating room equipment adjustment, and self-reported symptoms. Surgeons responded to questions addressing safety, ergonomics, and fatigue in the operating room, using a 5-point Likert-type scale that included the option undecided.

Results:

Surgeons who responded undecided were more likely to experience symptoms of injury/illness than respondents who were able to assess the features of their operating rooms. Symptoms were experienced by 100% of participants. The most prevalent symptoms were neck stiffness, back stiffness, and back pain.

Conclusion:

This study supports hypotheses that surgeons are experiencing body part discomfort and indicators of fatigue that may be associated with performing laparoscopy. Results suggest that awareness, knowledge, and utilization of ergonomic principles could protect surgeons against symptoms that lead to occupational injury.

Application:

The purpose of this brief report is to convey the importance of ergonomic principles in the operating room, specific to laparoscopic surgery and surgeon injury/illness symptoms.
New findings on within bale repeatability of measurements obtained with standardized instruments for testing cotton (SITC) in Gossypium Hirsutum Fiber produced in West and Central Africa
Authors: Aboé Modeste , Gourlot Jean-Paul , Gozé Eric , Hublé Pascal , Sinoimeri Artan
Published: June 2012

Around 50% of the cotton bales produced in the world are sold based on the analysis of their technological characteristics using a standardized instrument for testing cotton (SITC). In the United States of America, periodical studies of variability of the results allow the results to be accompanied by commercial tolerances to limit the frequency of claims. However, to our knowledge, no such study has been conducted in Africa. For this reason, we studied within-bale variability of fiber micronaire, length, uniformity, strength, reflectance and yellowness as measured by the SITC. We took eight samples per bale from 215 cotton bales produced by 27 ginning mills in eight Sub-Saharan countries in Africa in two cropping seasons. Our representative sample was composed of 1720 fiber samples that were analyzed in controlled conditions using the SITC in a laboratory in which international recommendations are fully respected. We measured within-bale variability and suggest a sampling method and procedure to perform technological and instrumental tests in West and Central Africa.
Preparation of fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol electrospun nanofibers with diameters of sub-200 nm by viscosity control
Authors: Liu Fan , Nishikawa Tomohiro , Shimizu Wataru , Sato Takaaki , Usami Hisanao , Amiya Shigetoshi , Ni Qing-Qing , Murakami Yasushi
Published: June 2012

Fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (FH-PVA) electrospun fibers with uniform diameters of less than 200 nm were fabricated by reducing the viscosity of FH-PVA aqueous solutions. A novel viscosity-modifier (hydrazine monochloride [HMC]) gradually reduced the viscosity of FH-PVA aqueous solution over a period of several days. This phenomenon is counter to the effect of the usual salt addition. After being stored for several days, the viscosity decreased by up to 60% compared with that of an equivalent pure FH-PVA solution. From small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra observations it is evident that this effect results from the reconfiguration of hydrogen bonding. The viscosity control of FH-PVA solutions with HMC were used to electrospin highly uniform ultrafine fibers (diameter <200 nm).
Other-Oriented Purpose
Authors: Quinn Brandy
Published: July 2012

This article reports on a qualitative study of youth interviews representing different types of other-oriented purpose. In order to better understand youth contribution, differences in the directness of responses to community needs were examined in youth who demonstrated other-oriented purpose. Implicit theories about the world and other people were investigated as potential determinants of these different types. First, results supported a relation between incremental world theories and indirect-response other-oriented purposes. Second, results showed that participants with direct-response other-oriented purposes displayed evidence of either entity or incremental theories. Agency and compassion are suggested as explanations for why implicit theories functioned differently between the identified types of other-oriented purpose.
A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines
Authors: Fallon Erica M. , Nehra Deepika , Potemkin Alexis K. , Gura Kathleen M. , Simpser Edwin , Compher Charlene ,   American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) Board of Directors, Puder Mark
Published: June 2012

Background:

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most devastating diseases in the neonatal population, with extremely low birth weight and extremely preterm infants at greatest risk.

Method:

A systematic review of the best available evidence to answer a series of questions regarding nutrition support of neonates at risk of NEC was undertaken and evaluated using concepts adopted from the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation working group. A consensus process was used to develop the clinical guideline recommendations prior to external and internal review and approval by the A.S.P.E.N. Board of Directors.

Results/Conclusions:

(1) When and how should feeds be started in infants at high risk for NEC? We suggest that minimal enteral nutrition be initiated within the first 2 days of life and advanced by 30 mL/kg/d in infants ≥1000g. (Weak) (2) Does the provision of mother's milk reduce the risk of developing NEC? We suggest the exclusive use of mother's milk rather than bovine‐based products or formula in infants at risk for NEC. (Weak) (3) Do probiotics reduce the risk of developing NEC? There are insufficient data to recommend the use of probiotics in infants at risk for NEC. (Further research needed.) (4) Do nutrients either prevent or predispose to the development of NEC? We do not recommend glutamine supplementation for infants at risk for NEC (Strong). There is insufficient evidence to recommend arginine and/or long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for infants at risk for NEC. (Further research needed.) (5) When should feeds be reintroduced to infants with NEC? There are insufficient data to make a recommendation regarding time to reintroduce feedings to infants after NEC. (Further research needed.)
Early Enteral Nutrition in Adults Receiving Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Umezawa Makikado Luis Daniel , Flordelís Lasierra José Luis , Pérez‐Vela José Luis , Colino Gómez Lara , Torres Sánchez Enrique , Maroto Rodríguez Borja , Arribas López Primitivo , Montejo González Juan Carlos
Published: July 2012

Background: Despite its benefits, early enteral nutrition (EN) is considered controversial in critically ill patients with severe hemodynamic failure. Objective: To evaluate the tolerance and safety of early EN in a consecutive group of patients receiving venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe hemodynamic failure. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study performed in a cardiac surgical intensive care unit (ICU) during a 1‐year period. All adult patients receiving VA ECMO for severe hemodynamic failure unresponsive to conventional therapies were included. Nutrition support was provided during the study period following the established ICU nutrition protocol. Energy target was 25 kcal/kg, to be reached over 4 days. Nutrition tolerance was defined as the ratio of delivered nutrition to target nutrition, expressed as a percentage. Special interest was made to detect possible adverse effects attributable to EN. The authors performed a descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Of 553 patients admitted in the cardiac surgical ICU during the study period, 7 were treated with ECMO. EN was the only nutrition source. More than 70% nutrition tolerance was achieved within the first week in all cases. No serious adverse events that could be attributable to EN were noted. Conclusion: The present study shows that, under proper medical supervision, early EN is possible and safe in patients with severe hemodynamic failure receiving VA ECMO. No serious adverse events were attributable to EN. More studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Infant vocalization when alone: Possibility of early sound playing
Authors: Shimada Yohko M.
Published: June 2012

Five-month-old infants' vocalization when alone was investigated. Several researchers have reported observing that young infants vocalize in comfortable states without any response from others. As is implied by episodic reports in previous studies, it is possible that infants vocalize to play with their own vocal sound. Producing and listening to their vocalizations as sound play could be an early emergence of musical behavior. A hypothesis of this study is that infants vocalize when alone in a comfortable condition for the purpose of listening to their sound, and not to elicit responses from others. Three experimental conditions were conducted in the infants' homes: the response condition, where the mother responded to the infant; the no-response condition, where the infant was left alone in the room and began spontaneous sound production; and the no-response-amplified condition, where the second condition was accompanied by amplified immediate sound feedback. The results suggested that the ratio of sound was higher in the no-response condition, and even higher in the no-response-amplified condition. In both conditions where the infants were alone, repetition of the same phrase was increased. The possible implications of infant vocalization simply to listen to their sounds are discussed.
Effectiveness of individually delivered indicated school-based interventions on externalizing behavior
Authors: Stoltz Sabine , Londen Monique van , Deković Maja , Castro Bram Orobio de , Prinzie Peter
Published: July 2012

In the present study the results of two meta-analyses on the effectiveness of individually delivered indicated school-based interventions for externalizing behavior problems at elementary schools are presented. A distinction was made between studies that evaluated effects of interventions with only an individual component ( k = 11 studies, n = 738 children, d = .30), and studies on interventions that included both individual and additional components ( k = 13 studies, n = 1156 children, d = .30). Both types of individually delivered school-based interventions reduced externalizing behavior in at-risk children. Moderator analyses showed individual interventions with additional components to be most beneficial for younger children. The variability in effectiveness of interventions indicates that schools need to carefully select evidence-based programs for their specific population.
Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Surgical Care Survey
Authors: Schulz Kristine A. , Rhee John S. , Brereton Jean M. , Zema Carla L. , Witsell David L.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To describe the feasibility and initial results of the implementation of a continuous quality improvement project using the newly available Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Surgical Care Survey (S‐CAHPS), in a small cohort of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery practices.

Study Design

Prospective observational study using a newly validated health care consumer survey.

Setting

Two community‐based and 2 university‐based otolaryngology–head and neck surgery outpatient clinic practices.

Methods

Fourteen board‐certified otolaryngology, head and neck surgeons from 4 practice sites voluntarily participated in this project. All adult patients scheduled for surgery during a 12‐month period were asked to complete the S‐CAHPS survey through an electronic data capture (EDC) system 7 to 28 days after surgery. The surgeons were not directly involved in administration or collection of survey data.

Results

Three sites successfully implemented the S‐CAHPS project. A 39.9% response rate was achieved for the cohort of surgical patients entered into the EDC system. While most patients rated their surgeons very high (mean of 9.5 or greater out of 10), subanalysis revealed there is variability among sites and surgeons in communication practices. From these data, a potential surgeon Quality Improvement report was developed that highlights priority areas to improve surgeon‐patient rapport.

Conclusions

The S‐CAHPS survey can be successfully implemented in most otolaryngology practices, and our initial work holds promise for how the survey can be best deployed and analyzed for the betterment of both the surgeon and the patient.
Motivations and challenges of network formation: Entrepreneur and intermediary perspectives
Authors: Lockett Nigel , Jack Sarah , Larty Joanne
Published: June 2012

This article presents findings from 14 in-depth interviews looking into the motivations and challenges of intermediaries and entrepreneurs engaged in the formation of a networking group for the information and communication technologies sector. The findings show that issues around communication and expectations exist and that the mechanisms used to address this problem create an environment that promotes a short term perspective, overlooking the importance of social relations. To overcome these issues, it is important that policymakers and entrepreneurs work in partnership to ensure resources are targeted appropriately and in a way that is conducive to supporting an entrepreneurial environment in the long term.
Intimal hyperplasia: slow but deadly
Authors: Mills B , Robb T , Larson DF
Published: June 2012

Intimal hyperplasia is the leading cause of long-term failure in coronary artery bypass vein grafting, coronary artery stenting, angioplasty, arteriovenous fistula for dialysis, and allograft transplantation. Intimal hyperplasia is a product of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration through the internal elastic lamina, and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins driven by growth factors in the vasculature. This vascular pathology results in a progressive diminution of the vessel lumen and serves as a site for thrombosis and atherosclerotic lesions. A key cell type in the initiation of intimal hyperplasia is the vascular endothelial cell, which appears to have down-stream effects on the vascular smooth muscle proliferation and migration. Currently, the only means available for prevention of intimal hyperplasia is through inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) with the immunosuppressant rapamycin. mTOR integrates up-stream signals from growth factors such as IL-2 and senses the cellular nutrient and energy levels and redox status. This presentation will discuss the potential means of preserving the vascular endothelial cell and, thereby, reducing the development of intimal hyperplasia in our open-heart surgical patients.
Learning Why We Buy
Authors: Morgan Felicia N. , McCabe Deborah Brown
Published: July 2012

Marketing educators have long recognized the value of engendering students’ deep learning of course content via experiential pedagogies. In this article, the authors describe a semester-long, team-based retail audit project that is structured to elicit active student engagement with consumer behavior course material via concrete, hands-on, real-world experience. For the project, students form teams to organize and conduct an observational audit of a live retail setting. In the process of completing the project, students engage with course content on their own, with their team members, and importantly, within a focal store environment, thus experiencing for themselves the effects of that content on their own shopping behavior, as well as that of others. Compelled by the project’s active pedagogy to engage in discovery, students learn not only the “what” and “why” of marketing concepts, strategies, and techniques but also “how to” implement them. Anchored in conceptual perspectives relevant to the project, the article explains the components and structure of the project and explicates its key benefits with an emphasis on the students’ perspectives. The article includes results of qualitative and quantitative analyses that support the effectiveness of the project and suggests future directions for extending pedagogical research in this area.
Ethnic Discrimination in the Dutch Labor Market
Authors: Andriessen Iris , Nievers Eline , Dagevos Jaco , Faulk Laila
Published: June 2012

This study investigates ethnic discrimination in the Dutch labor market, using field experiments. Two thousand eighty applications were sent to 1340 job vacancies; one applicant had a Dutch-sounding name, the other a name that signaled immigrant descent. Our aims were (a) to test for the persistence of discrimination in the Dutch labor market; (b) to study the interactions of ethnic background with job characteristics; (c) to study the complexity of discrimination against a background of multiple group membership. Results indicate that discrimination continues to be a problem in selection procedures. Interactions with job characteristics and multiple group membership are discussed.
Neutralization of red mud with pickling waste liquor using Taguchi’s design of experimental methodology
Authors: Rai Suchita , Wasewar Kailas L , Lataye Dilip H , Mishra Rajshekhar S , Puttewar Suresh P , Chaddha Mukesh J , Mahindiran P , Mukhopadhyay Jyoti
Published: June 2012

‘Red mud’ or ‘bauxite residue’, a waste generated from alumina refinery is highly alkaline in nature with a pH of 10.5–12.5. Red mud poses serious environmental problems such as alkali seepage in ground water and alkaline dust generation. One of the options to make red mud less hazardous and environmentally benign is its neutralization with acid or an acidic waste. Hence, in the present study, neutralization of alkaline red mud was carried out using a highly acidic waste (pickling waste liquor). Pickling waste liquor is a mixture of strong acids used for descaling or cleaning the surfaces in steel making industry. The aim of the study was to look into the feasibility of neutralization process of the two wastes using Taguchi’s design of experimental methodology. This would make both the wastes less hazardous and safe for disposal. The effect of slurry solids, volume of pickling liquor, stirring time and temperature on the neutralization process were investigated. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that the volume of the pickling liquor is the most significant parameter followed by quantity of red mud with 69.18% and 18.48% contribution each respectively. Under the optimized parameters, pH value of 7 can be achieved by mixing the two wastes. About 25–30% of the total soda from the red mud is being neutralized and alkalinity is getting reduced by 80–85%. Mineralogy and morphology of the neutralized red mud have also been studied. The data presented will be useful in view of environmental concern of red mud disposal.
Plant tests for determining the suitability of grape marc composts as components of plant growth media
Authors: Paradelo Remigio , Moldes Ana Belén , González Desiree , Barral María Teresa
Published: July 2012

Five grape marc composts prepared by different procedures (composting and vermicompost at several scales) were tested as potential components of plant growth media. The five composts had high organic matter content (>90%), low electric conductivity (<1 dS m−1) and a pH between 7 and 8. Different chemical and biochemical analyses performed indicated the higher stability of those composts submitted to a longer composting process or to a vermicomposting process (lower water soluble organic matter, respiration and dehydrogenase activity). In order to determine the suitability of the composts as substrate components, plant growth tests were performed by blending the composts with peat or commercial substrate at two compost rates (25% and 50%). The mixtures were sown with barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) and grown under controlled conditions in an incubation chamber. No prejudicial effects derived from the use of composted grape marc were observed, whatever the procedure of composting used. The results showed that four out of the five composts would be suitable for use in plant growth substrates elaboration, as they did not reduce productivity with respect to the control substrates.
Methane emissions from landfills in Serbia and potential mitigation strategies: a case study
Authors: Stanisavljević Nemanja , Ubavin Dejan , Batinić Bojan , Fellner Johann , Vujić Goran
Published: July 2012

Open dumping and landfilling have represented the predominant method of waste management in Serbia during the past decades. This practice resulted in over 3600 waste disposal sites distributed all over the country. The locations of the sites and their characteristics have been determined in the framework of the presented study. The vast majority of disposal sites (up to 3300) are characterized by small deposition depth of waste and total waste volumes of less than 10,000 m3. Only about 50 landfills in Serbia contain more than 100,000 m3 of waste. These large landfills are responsible for more than 95% of the total CH4 emissions from waste disposal, which was assessed as 60,000 tons of CH4 in 2010. The evaluation of different measures [soil cover, compost cover and landfill gas (LFG) systems] for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from Serbian landfills indicated that enhanced microbial CH4 oxidation (using a compost cover), as well as the installation of LFG systems, could generate net revenues as saved CH4 emissions are creditable for the European Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme. In total between 4 and 7 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions could be avoided within the next 20 years by mitigating CH4 emissions from Serbian landfills.