bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variables Influencing Outcome of Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy in South China
Authors: Cai Wenzhi , Zhou Liping , Ren Wei , Deng Ling , Yu Min
Published: September 2009

Background:  Therapy combining a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin and either amoxicillin or metronidazole is widely recommended for first‐line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of PPI‐containing triple therapy and identify factors influencing the cure rate of H. pylori infection in South China.

Materials and Methods:  H. pylori positive patients with different occupations from 25 hospitals in five provinces of South China were enrolled. They received a PPI, metronidazole and amoxicillin triple therapy for a week. H. pylori eradication was evaluated by 13C‐urea breath test 4 weeks after therapy. Association between H. pylori eradication with occupation, gender, age, educational level, and protocol compliance was evaluated by Logistic regression.

Results:  Six hundred and seventy‐five were enrolled. The intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses showed overall cure rates of 60% (95% CI = 56.3–63.7%) and 64.5% (95% CI = 60.7–68.3%), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that occupation, gender and protocol compliance were positively associated with the eradication rate (p < .01). The cure rate for those who took 80% or more of the prescribed drugs was 64.5% (95% CI = 60.7–68.3%) versus 14.6% (95% CI = 6–29%, p < .001) for those who took less. Lower eradication rates were also observed in farmers and women.

Conclusions:  The eradication rate with a PPI, metronidazole and amoxicillin triple therapy was unacceptably low in South China. These results suggest that studies of the eradication of H. pylori infection in China must take into account antibiotic resistance as well as patient occupation, gender, and protocol compliance. Gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease are both important in China making methods to effectively and efficiently eradicate H. pylori a priority.
Reviews: Use of Warfarin in People with Low Glomerular Filtration Rate or on Dialysis
Authors: Holden Rachel M. , Clase Catherine M.
Published: September 2009

Atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, and access malfunction are common clinical problems in dialysis patients that prompt consideration of warfarin therapy. Atrial fibrillation appears to be more common in people with low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or on dialysis than in the general population, but the risk of stroke in this population is not known. No randomized trials have addressed the safety and efficacy of warfarin in these patients. Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are also more common in this population and, again, no randomized trials have addressed the safety and efficacy of warfarin in this group. Pending such information, we suggest an approach that generalizes from large randomized controlled trials in the general population, modifying the assessment of risks and benefits for individual patients using the CHADS2 and HEMORR2HAGES scores. A single randomized trial reported a clinically important benefit in prevention of catheter malfunction from warfarin and low‐molecular weight heparin started within 12 hours of catheter insertion, in the prevention of catheter thrombosis, in people treated with ticlopidine. Trials of low‐intensity anticoagulation for people with grafts and of fixed 1 mg daily warfarin dosing in people with catheters showed no benefit. Warfarin substantially increases the risk of bleeding in patients on dialysis. It is possible that it may contribute also to accelerated vascular calcification. Large randomized studies are needed to assess the risk–benefit ratio of warfarin in people with low GFR or on dialysis for a range of indications.
Frequency and Features of Delayed Alcohol‐Induced Headache Among University Students
Authors: Kuster Gustavo W. , Da Silva André L. Pirajá , Aquino Camila H. , Ziviani Luciene F. , Domingues Renan B.
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to describe the frequency and features of delayed alcohol‐induced headache (DAIH) among university students. Ninety‐five students were administered a headache questionnaire approximately 12 hours after have being exposed to high alcohol intake. Headache was mostly diffuse (44.4%), bilateral (92.5%), and throbbing (48.1%). This headache was usually severe and with important morbidity. Previous migraine has significantly increased the risk of DAIH.
Disparities in epilepsy: Report of a systematic review by the North American Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy
Authors: Burneo Jorge G. , Jette Nathalie , Theodore William , Begley Charles , Parko Karen , Thurman David J. , Wiebe Samuel ,   for the Task Force on Disparities in Epilepsy Care, on behalf of the North American Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy
Published: September 2009

Purpose:  We undertook a systematic review of the evidence on disparities in epilepsy with a focus on North American data (Canada, United States, and the English‐speaking Caribbean).

Methods:  We identified and evaluated: access to and outcomes following medical and surgical treatment, disability, incidence and prevalence, and knowledge and attitudes. An exhaustive search (1965–2007) was done, including: (1) disparities by socioeconomic status (SES), race/ethnicity, age, or education of subgroups of the epilepsy population; or (2) disparities between people with epilepsy (PWE) and healthy people or with other chronic illnesses.

Results:  From 1,455 citations, 278 eligible abstracts were identified and 44 articles were reviewed. Comparative research data were scarce in all areas. PWE have been shown to have lower education and employment status; among PWE, differences in access to surgery have been shown by racial/ethnic groups. Aboriginals, women, and children have been shown to differ in use of health resources. Poor compliance has been shown to be associated with lower SES, insufficient insurance, poor relationship with treating clinicians, and not having regular responsibilities.

Discussion:  Comprehensive, comparative research on all aspects of disparities in epilepsy is needed to understand the causes of disparities and the development of any policies aimed at addressing health disparities and minimizing their impact.
Real‐time differentiation of nonconvulsive status epilepticus from other encephalopathies using quantitative EEG analysis: A pilot study
Authors: Zhang Jicong , Xanthopoulos Petros , Liu Chang‐Chia , Bearden Scott , Uthman Basim M. , Pardalos Panos M.
Published: September 2009

Purpose:  Distinguishing nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) from some nonepileptic encephalopathies is a challenging problem. In many situations, NCSE and nonepileptic encephalopathies are indistinguishable by clinical symptoms and can produce very similar electroencephalography (EEG) patterns. Misdiagnosis or delay to diagnosis of NCSE may increase the rate of morbidity and mortality.

Methods:  We developed a fast‐differentiating algorithm using quantitative EEG analysis to distinguish NCSE patients from patients with toxic/metabolic encephalopathy (TME). EEG recordings were collected from 11 patients, including 6 with NCSE and 5 with TME. Three nonlinear dynamic measures were used in the proposed algorithm: the maximum short‐term Lyapunov exponent (STLmax), phase of attractor (phase/angular frequency), and approximate entropy (ApEn). A further refined metric derived from STLmax and phase of attractor (the mean distance to EEG epoch samples from their centroid in the feature space) was also utilized as a criterion. Paired t tests were carried out to further clarify the separation between the EEG patterns of NCSE and TME.

Results:  Computational results showed that the performance of the proposed algorithm was sufficient to distinguish NCSE from TME. The results were consistent in all subjects in our study.

Conclusions:  The study presents evidence that the maximum short‐term Lyapunov exponents (STLmax) and phase of attractors (phase/angular frequency) can be useful in assisting clinical diagnosis of NCSE. Findings presented in this article provide a promising indication that the proposed algorithm may correctly distinguish NCSE from TME. Although the exact mechanism of this association remains unknown, the authors suggest that epileptic activity is highly associated with and can be modeled by dynamic systems.
Stimulus‐induced seizure in sick neonates—Novel observations with potential clinical implications
Authors: Takenouchi Toshiki , Yap Vivien L. , Engel Murray , Perlman Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2009

Stimulus‐induced seizure is a well‐described entity in children and adults and is often associated with severe epilepsy and neurologic impairment. The occurrence and clinical expression of stimulus‐induced seizure in three sick neonates is described. The cohort comprised 26 neonates undergoing continuous video‐electroencephalography (vEEG) monitoring between July and December 2007. Three cases (11.5%) of stimulus‐induced seizure were identified. The underlying injury included stroke (n = 2) and intraventricular hemorrhage (n = 1). Seizures were induced by physical stimuli such as stroking the forehead, movements, (i.e., starting to feed), and one during endotracheal suctioning. Stimulus‐evoked electrographic patterns have been reported in neonates with brain injury; however, these events appear to be more common than previously thought, especially with the abundance of subclinical seizures observed in these patients. These observations stress the usefulness of vEEG monitoring and importance of care to avoid unnecessary stimuli in at‐risk neonates.
Repatriation and the Reconstruction of Identity
Authors: Jacobs Jordan
Published: September 2009

A proposed change to American repatriation law provides an opportunity to reexamine the assumptions on which the original statute was built. For their justification, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the National Museum of the American Indian Act rely on the supposition that bounded communities proceed through time along a unilinear path—a misconception stemming from both universal, identity‐forming processes and the discipline of archaeology itself. A case study involving the National Museum of the American Indian's 2003 repatriation of human remains to a rural village in Cuba demonstrates how various identities can manipulate the transfer of archaeological material to fit their own symbolic needs.
Evaluating Emergency Care Research Networks: What Are the Right Metrics?
Authors: Baren Jill M. , Middleton Melissa K. , Kaji Amy H. , O’Conner Robert E. , Lindsell Christopher , Weik Tasmeen Singh , Lewis Roger J.
Published: September 2009

Research networks can enable the inclusion of large, diverse patient populations in different settings. However, the optimal measures of a research network’s failure or success are not well defined or standardized. To define a framework for metrics used to measure the performance and effectiveness of emergency care research networks (ECRN), a conference for emergency care investigators, funding agencies, patient advocacy groups, and other stakeholders was held and yielded the following major recommendations: 1) ECRN metrics should be measurable, explicitly defined, and customizable for the multiple stakeholders involved and 2) continuing to develop and institute metrics to evaluate ECRNs will be critical for their accountability and sustainability.
A Shaman's Cure: The Relationship Between Altered States of Consciousness and Shamanic Healing1
Authors: SIDKY H.
Published: September 2009

This study, which is based upon ethnographic data collected between 1999 and 2008 in Nepal, examines the connection between the shaman's altered states of consciousness (ASC; i.e., what goes on inside the healer's mind/brain) and therapeutic changes that take place in the patient's mind/body. Unlike other studies that primarily emphasize the shaman's internal psychological state, this article attempts to explain the role of the healer's ASC and elucidate how desired therapeutic changes depend upon patient–healer interactions. This question is explored in the context of a healing ritual highlighting various aspects of the cosmology of Nepalese shamans.
Spatio‐temporal distribution of migrating raptors: a comparison of ringing and satellite tracking
Authors: Strandberg Roine , Klaassen Raymond H. G. , Thorup Kasper
Published: September 2009

We describe the migration performance of three long‐distance migrating raptors, ospreyPandion haliaetus, honey buzzardPernis apivorusand marsh harrierCircus aeruginosus, and one short‐distance migrating raptor, common buzzardButeo buteobased on Swedish ringing recoveries and satellite telemetry, respectively. Tracking by satellite can provide detailed information about the exact timing of migration, migration speed, migration directions, stopover sites, and detours, thereby overcoming many of the potential biases found in ring recoveries. Comparison of the results from these two methods revealed agreement in the geographical distribution of the studied Swedish raptor populations during autumn migration and the winter period. Satellite tracking, nevertheless, provided much more detailed information in Africa and revealed significantly faster migration progress than indicated by ring recoveries. The implications of our findings for interpretation of migratory connectivity and the understanding of migration are discussed.
Non‐transferrin bound labile plasma iron and iron overload in Sickle Cell Disease: a comparative study between Sickle Cell Disease and β thalassemic patients
Authors: Koren Ariel , Fink Daniel , Admoni Osnat , Tennenbaum‐Rakover Yardena , Levin Carina
Published: September 2009

Background:  Blood transfusions are the standard of care in β thalassemia and transfusions are also indicated in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients with hypersplenism, recurrent vaso‐occlusive crises and for stroke prevention. Iron overload caused by blood transfusions in thalassemia and in SCD may affect morbidity and mortality. Recent studies of iron overload in SCD suggest that the biologic features of SCD and the chronic inflammatory state may protect SCD patients from iron damage.

Designs and methods:  In view of the controversy regarding the effect of iron overload in patients with SCD we studied the iron status, including non‐transferrin bound iron (NTBI) and labile plasma iron (LPI) levels in a cohort of 36 SCD patients and compare the results with 43 thalassemia patients.

Results:  Our results indicate that none of the SCD patients had clinical symptoms of iron overload. Only two SCD patients had NTBI values in the gray zone (0.4 units) and none had positive values. By contrast, 14 patients with thalassemia major and three with thalassemia intermedia had NTBI values above 0.6, level that are in the positive pathological range. Similarly, four thalassemia patients, but only one SCD patient had positive LPI levels.

Conclusions:  The parameters of iron status in SCD patients, even after frequent transfusions are different when compared to patients with thalassemia. The low NTBI and LPI levels found in patients with SCD are in keeping with the absence of clinical signs of iron overload in this disease.
Biological Evaluation of 2‐(4‐Amino‐Phenyl)‐3‐(3,5‐Dihydroxylphenyl) Propenoic Acid
Authors: Xu Guang‐Lin , Liu Fei , Zhao Yue , Ao Gui‐Zhen , Xi Liang , Ju Min , Xue Ting
Published: September 2009

Abstract: 2‐(4‐Aminophenyl)‐3‐(3,5‐dihydroxylphenyl) propenoic acid (CSN‐07001) is a new compound based on the combination of resveratrol and propenoic acid derivatives.In vitrocyclooxygenase (COX)/5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) inhibition assays showed that the test compound exhibited a dual inhibitory activity against the COX (COX‐1 IC50 = 2.20 μM, COX‐2 IC50 = 1.76 μM) and 5‐LOX (IC50 = 0.28 μM) enzymes. Further, the enhanced COX‐1/COX‐2/5‐LOX expression in lipopolysaccaride‐induced lung inflammation in mice was also suppressed by CSN‐07001 in a concentration‐dependent manner.In vivostudies showed that CSN‐07001 exhibited potent anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in different experimental models. We further examined the risk of gastric damage induced by CSN‐07001. The test compound was gastric‐sparing in that it elicited markedly fewer stomach lesions than indomethacin in rats. Taken together, our data indicate that CSN‐07001 exhibits a novel class of dual inhibitors of COX and 5‐LOX having therapeutic potential as non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents with an enhanced gastric safety profile.
Bodyplan diversification in crinoid‐associated myzostomes (Myzostomida, Protostomia)
Authors: Lanterbecq Déborah , Rouse Greg W. , Eeckhaut Igor
Published: September 2009

Abstract. When free‐living organisms evolve into symbiotic organisms (parasites, commensals, or mutualists), their bodyplan is often dramatically modified as a consequence. The present work pertains to the study of this process in a group of marine obligate symbiotic worms, the Myzostomida. These are mainly ectocommensals and are only associated with echinoderms, mostly crinoids. Their usual textbook status as a class of the Annelida is generally accepted, although recent molecular phylogenetic studies have raised doubts on their relationships with other metazoans, and the question of their status remains open. Here, we reconstruct the evolution of their bodyplans by mapping 14 external morphological characters (analyzed using scanning electron microscopy) onto molecular phylogenies using maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML) optimality criteria. Rooted MP, ML, and Bayesian phylogenetic trees were obtained by analyzing the nucleotide sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunit I, 18S rDNA, and 16S rDNA genes, separately and in combination. Representatives of 34 species distributed among seven extant genera were investigated. Our character evolution analyses, combined with recent ontogenetic and ultrastructural evidence, indicate that the organism at the base of the myzostome tree would have had six body segments and five pairs of polychaete‐type parapodia, and that two lineages emerged from it: one comprising parasites, with large females and dwarf males, which gave rise to the extant Pulvinomyzostomum and Endomyzostoma species, and a second lineage comprising simultaneously hermaphroditic ectocommensals, from which all other extant myzostome taxa probably evolved.
Moving Toward a Comprehensive Assessment System: A Framework for Considering Interim Assessments
Authors: Perie Marianne , Marion Scott , Gong Brian
Published: September 2009

Local assessment systems are being marketed as formative, benchmark, predictive, and a host of other terms. Many so‐called formative assessments are not at all similar to the types of assessments and strategies studied by Black and Wiliam (1998) but instead are interim assessments. In this article, we clarify the definition and uses of interim assessments and argue that they can be an important piece of a comprehensive assessment system that includes formative, interim, and summative assessments. Interim assessments are given on a larger scale than formative assessments, have less flexibility, and are aggregated to the school or district level to help inform policy. Interim assessments are driven by their purpose, which fall into the categories of instructional, evaluative, or predictive. Our intent is to provide a specific definition for these “interim assessments” and to develop a framework that district and state leaders can use to evaluate these systems for purchase or development. The discussion lays out some concerns with the current state of these assessments as well as hopes for future directions and suggestions for further research.
Commentary: Evaluating the Validity of Formative and Interim Assessment
Authors: Shepard Lorrie A.
Published: September 2009

In many school districts, the pressure to raise test scores has created overnight celebrity status for formative assessment. Its powers to raise student achievement have been touted, however, without attending to the research on which these claims were based. Sociocultural learning theory provides theoretical grounding for understanding how formative assessment works to increase student learning. The articles in this special issue bring us back to underlying first principles by offering separate validity frameworks for evaluating formative assessment (Nichols, Meyers, & Burling) and newly‐invented interim assessments (Perie, Marion, & Gong). The article by Heritage, Kim, Vendlinski, and Herman then offers the most important insight of all; that is, formative assessment is of little use if teachers don't know what to do when students are unable to grasp an important concept. While it is true that validity investigations are needed, I argue that the validity research that will tell us the most—about how formative assessment can be used to improve student learning—must be embedded in rich curriculum and must at the same time attempt to foster instructional practices consistent with learning research.
An NCME Instructional Module on Booklet Designs in Large‐Scale Assessments of Student Achievement: Theory and Practice
Authors: Frey Andreas , Hartig Johannes , Rupp André A.
Published: September 2009

In most large‐scale assessments of student achievement, several broad content domains are tested. Because more items are needed to cover the content domains than can be presented in the limited testing time to each individual student, multiple test forms or booklets are utilized to distribute the items to the students. The construction of an appropriate booklet design is a complex and challenging endeavor that has far‐reaching implications for data calibration and score reporting. This module describes the construction of booklet designs as the task of allocating items to booklets under context‐specific constraints. Several types of experimental designs are presented that can be used as booklet designs. The theoretical properties and construction principles for each type of design are discussed and illustrated with examples. Finally, the evaluation of booklet designs is described and future directions for researching, teaching, and reporting on booklet designs for large‐scale assessments of student achievement are identified.
EVALUATION OF CORD FORMATION IN KINYOUN‐STAINED SMEARS OF MGIT CULTURES AS A RAPID IDENTIFICATION METHOD FOR MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS COMPLEX
Authors: SUN JUN‐REN , HSIEH SHAN‐SHAN , LEE SHIH‐YI , LU JANG‐JIH
Published: September 2009

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. One hundred and nineteen acid‐fast bacilli‐positive smears for Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube cultures from 119 patients were examined by microscopy for the presence of cord formation. The results were compared with those of the traditional TB identification method, IS6110 polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the Capilia TB assay which uses a monoclonal antibody to identify. With the traditional TB identification method, 57 of these 119 specimens were determined to be positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and the organisms in the remaining 62 specimens were identified as non‐tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM). Both IS6110 PCR and the Capilia TB assay yielded results identical to those of the traditional method with 57 true TB and 62 NTM. For the cord formation assay, all 62 NTM cultures were negative, but 54 of the 57 true TB cultures were positive. Therefore, the cord formation method had a sensitivity of 94.74% (54/57), specificity of 100% (62/62), negative predictive value of 95.38% (62/65) and positive predictive value of 100% (54/54) for identification of M. tuberculosis complex. The cord formation method is less expensive and 3–5 weeks quicker than the biochemical tests in the identification of M. tuberculosis.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Due to the slow growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli, delays in the detection of TB infection may occur in clinical TB laboratories when only conventional methods for recovery of mycobacteria are used. This problem can be supported by other techniques, such as cord formation in Kinyoun‐stained smears of Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube cultures and molecular biology‐based systems, which can be used in combination to obtain accurate results in a much shorter period of time.
FLUORESCENT MEASUREMENTS OF DNA, RNA AND PROTEINS TO PERFORM COMPARATIVE ANALYSES OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES FROM THE ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: PORTILLO M. CARMEN , GONZALEZ JUAN M.
Published: September 2009

Simple and rapid methods for the quantification of DNA, RNA and proteins using specific fluorescent dyes are proposed for the comparison and monitoring of microbial communities from the environment. The purpose of this study was the use of straightforward in situ methods which voided the need for preservation of samples and the risk of potential degradation and quantitative changes during transportation. Aside from this, methods used to obtain information on environmental microbial communities are generally time‐consuming and present certain difficulty above all when working on solid substrates such as soils and rocks. New generation fluorescent dyes that bind specifically to DNA, RNA and proteins allow simple and rapid estimates of these biomolecules in crude environmental samples.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Monitoring the metabolic state of microbial communities on different substrates and environments is a requirement for comparing samples and assessing the participation of microorganisms in a variety of processes. Solid substrates are not easily analyzed by microscopic techniques and they require long processing times and tedious work. Aside from this, only a minor fraction (<1%) of microorganisms in most natural environments can be cultured in standard microbiological media (Ward et al. 1990). Other studies using incorporation of labeled substrates to approach activity rates or biomolecule extractions represent complex and long procedures during environmental studies.In order to evaluate microbial communities in a variety of substrates and environments, rapid and simple methods are proposed by measuring DNA, RNA and/or proteins using specific fluorescent dyes, without a need for prior purification, from crude solid samples.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN SUB‐SAHARAN AFRICA: CHANGING LOCATION‐SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES AS SIGNALS OF COMPETITIVENESS
Authors: BARTELS Frank L. , EICHER Markus , BACHTROG Christopher , REZONJA Gorazd
Published: September 2009

This paper uses longitudinal factor analysis of location‐specific advantages that are relevant to the foreign direct investment decisions of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) to signal changes in location competitiveness. A total of 1,216 responses by MNEs to a survey in 15 SSA countries are analyzed. We find that, first, over a three‐year period (2002–5), MNEs perceive a positive change in the market‐servicing environment in SSA. Second, MNEs find negative changes in SSA regarding the availability of input factors and characteristics of market demand.
FIRM EFFICIENCY AND THE DESTINATION OF EXPORTS: EVIDENCE FROM KENYAN PLANT‐LEVEL DATA
Authors: GRANÉR Mats , ISAKSSON Anders
Published: September 2009

Investigating the link between firm efficiency and exports in Kenyan manufacturing, the results show that exporters are more efficient than non‐exporters, and that relatively efficient firms self‐select into exporting. An important new finding is that only for export markets outside Africa must firms be efficient prior to entry. The probability of exporting to other African countries increases if production is intense in physical and human capital. For export activities outside Africa, firm size is more important. Contrary to many other studies, it is also found that export participation yields learning effects. When testing the hypothesis that the main source of learning effects is trade with developed countries (south–north), as opposed to trade with other developing countries (south–south), yet another new finding is that learning effects only obtain in south–south trade. Therefore, one can conclude that controlling for the destination of exports importantly improves the understanding of the relationship between firm efficiency and exports.
HAS LOW PRODUCTIVITY CONSTRAINED THE COMPETITIVENESS OF AFRICAN FIRMS? A COMPARISON OF KENYAN AND BANGLADESHI GARMENT FIRMS
Authors: FUKUNISHI Takahiro
Published: September 2009

It has been argued that poor productivity performance is one of the critical causes of stagnation in the African manufacturing sector, but firm‐level empirical support is limited. Using original firm data from the garment industry, Kenyan and Bangladeshi firms were compared in terms of their technical efficiency and their contribution to competitiveness represented by unit costs. Our estimates indicate that there is no significant gap in the average technical efficiency of the two industries, although unit costs differ greatly between them. Higher unit costs in Kenyan firms mainly stem from high labor costs, while the impact of inefficiency is quite small. Productivity has little correlation with the stagnation of the garment industry in Kenya.
Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Models for Predicting Biological Properties, Developed by Combining Structure‐ and Ligand‐Based Approaches: An Application to the Human Ether‐a‐go‐go‐Related Gene Potassium Channel Inhibition
Authors: Coi Alessio , Massarelli Ilaria , Saraceno Marilena , Carli Niccolò , Testai Lara , Calderone Vincenzo , Bianucci Anna Maria
Published: September 2009

A strategy for developing accurate quantitative structure–activity relationship models enabling predictions of biological properties, when suitable knowledge concerning both ligands and biological target is available, was tested on a data set where molecules are characterized by high structural diversity. Such a strategy was applied to human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene K+channel inhibition and consists of a combination of ligand‐ and structure‐based approaches, which can be carried out whenever the three‐dimensional structure of the target macromolecule is known or may be modeled with good accuracy. Molecular conformations of ligands were obtained by means of molecular docking, performed in a previously built theoretical model of the channel pore, so that descriptors depending upon the three‐dimensional molecular structure were properly computed. A modification of the directed sphere‐exclusion algorithm was developed and exploited to properly splitting the whole dataset into Training/Test set pairs. Molecular descriptors, computed by means of thecodessaprogram, were used for the search of reliable quantitative structure–activity relationship models that were subsequently identified through a rigorous validation analysis. Finally, pIC50values of a prediction set, external to the initial dataset, were predicted and the results confirmed the high predictive power of the model within a quite wide chemical space.
Beyond Brahmanical Asceticism: Recent and Emerging Models of Female Hindu Asceticisms in South Asia
Authors: DeNapoli Antoinette
Published: September 2009

In the last 25 years, significant conceptual and interpretive shifts have occurred in the scholarship on asceticism in South Asia that broaden not only ‘what counts’ as asceticism, but also ‘who counts’ as an ascetic. Moreover, the recent surge of anthropological and ethnographic studies, particularly those focusing on female asceticism, has contributed innovative and alternative models of asceticism to the more dominant, Sanskritic literary model(s). This essay is an introductory survey of the literature on Hindu asceticism and has the following objectives: to discuss the text‐based structural studies on asceticism that have helped to shape the field and to present the recent and emerging scholarship on female Hindu asceticism that challenges and/or supplements the dominant Brahmanical textual model by illuminating the role of female‐centered social values and practices and ofbhaktitraditions in the constitution of gendered traditions of asceticism. This essay is intended as a preliminary research tool for scholars and students with which to navigate the topography of Hindu asceticism and to understand the crucial developments in the field that have changed the ways that scholars theorize both the category and phenomenon of asceticism in South Asia. Finally, it suggests some fruitful avenues for future research through consideration of ascetics’ performative practices as a strategy for creating non‐orthodox asceticism(s) as an alternative to the dominant and orthodox model.
Unique Molecular Characteristics of Pediatric Myxopapillary Ependymoma
Authors: Barton Valerie N. , Donson Andrew M. , Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters Bette K. , Birks Diane K. , Handler Michael H. , Foreman Nicholas K.
Published: September 2009

Myxopapillary ependymoma (MEPN) generally can be cured by gross total surgical resection and usually manifest a favorable prognosis. However, surgery is less curative in tumors that are large, multifocal or extend outside the thecal sac. Late recurrences may occur, particularly in pediatric patients. The role of adjuvant therapy is unclear in the clinical management of recurrent tumors. Clinical trial design requires a better understanding of tumor biology. Unique molecular features of MEPN were investigated by using microarray technology to compare the gene expression of five pediatric MEPN to 24 pediatric intracranial ependymoma (EPN). The upregulation of three genes of interest, homeobox B13 (HOXB13), neurofilament, light polypeptide (NEFL) and PDGFRα, was further studied by immunohistochemistry in a larger cohort that included adult MEPN and EPN specimens. Protein expression in MEPN was compared to subependymoma, spinal EPN, intracranial EPN and normal fetal and adult ependyma. Immunoreactivity for HOXB13, NEFL and PDGFRα was strongest in MEPN and virtually absent in subependymoma. Spinal and intracranial EPN generally expressed weak or focal staining. MEPN manifests unique gene and protein expression patterns compared to other EPNs. Aberrant expression of HOXB13 suggests possible recapitulation of developmental pathways in MEPN tumorigenesis. PDGFRα may be a potential therapeutic target in recurrent MEPN.
Adenocalymmacalcareum sp. nov. (Bignoniaceae) from Brazilian Amazonia and a key to the Amazonian species of the genus
Authors: Udulutsch Renata Giassi , Assis Marco Antonio de , Dias Pedro
Published: September 2009

A new species of Adenocalymma (Bignoniaceae, Bignonieae) is described and illustrated. Adenocalymmacalcareum Udulutsch & P. Dias sp. nov. is known only from the Rondônia State of western Brazil. Its main diagnostic features are dark yellow corolla provided with nectaries, lepidote ovary, glabrous capsule with prominently thick and calcareous wings and wingless seeds. A discussion on the relationships of the new taxon and a key to all species of Adenocalymma reported from Brazilian Amazonia are provided.
Diospyros korupensissp. nov. andDiospyrosonanaesp. nov. (Ebenaceae) from Cameroon
Authors: Gosline George
Published: September 2009

Diospyros korupensisGosline is described as a new species endemic to the Korup National Park in Cameroon and neighbouring areas on the slopes of Mt Cameroon.DiospyrosonanaeGosline is described as a new species from the South and Southwest Regions of Cameroon allied to the poorly knownD. soyauxiiGürke & K. Schum. ex. Gürke.
THE SENSITIVITY OF SOUTH AFRICAN INFLATION EXPECTATIONS TO SURPRISES
Authors: Reid Monique
Published: September 2009

Price stability is widely recognised as the primary goal of modern monetary policy, and the management of private sector inflation expectations has become an essential channel through which this goal is achieved. This evaluation aims to improve the understanding of how the sensitivity of private sector inflation expectations to macroeconomic surprises in South Africa compares internationally, as this provides an indication of the contribution of monetary policy in South Africa to anchoring inflation expectations. If a central bank is credible, the financial markets should react less sensitively to macroeconomics surprises, because they trust the central bank to manage these incidents and achieve the objectives they communicated over the medium to long term. In this paper, the methodology of Gurkaynack et al. is adopted in order to measure the sensitivity of South African inflation expectations to surprises. A comparison of South Africa's results with those of countries in the original studies supports the contention that the SARB (South African Reserve Bank) has encouraged inflation expectations to be relatively insensitive to macroeconomic surprises, and offers support for the inflation‐targeting framework as a means to help anchor inflation expectations.
LIBERALISING TRADE IN SOUTH AFRICA: A SURVEY OF COMPUTABLE GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM STUDIES
Authors: Mabugu Ramos , Chitiga Margaret
Published: September 2009

This paper reviews applications of computable general equilibrium models to trade liberalisation in South Africa. It focuses on economic structure, data, macroeconomic closure and results of the models. The models project that trade liberalisation has had small positive impacts on growth. Poverty and inequality outcomes are less clear cut and depend on the model used. Models with fully integrated micro data find that poverty has worsened slightly while inequality has risen. Aggregated models predict that poverty has been reduced by small amounts. Dynamic models report rising inequality but falling poverty incidence. The paper identifies areas for future research.
Impact Forces of Sliding Vanes on Rotor Slots in a Rotary Compressor
Authors: Huang Yuan Mao , Yu Z. C.
Published: September 2009

This study analyzes the impacts of vanes on rotor slots by simulating the impacts of two plates in a sliding vane rotary compressor. The Hertzian contact rule and the first order shear deformation plate theory incorporating the shear deformation and the rotary inertia are used to generate a mathematical model. Impact forces are calculated at various times and positions of the vane. Data generated from the model highly correlated with results obtained from ABAQUS software.
Influence of Elevated Temperature on the Acoustic Emission Evaluation of FRP Vessels Through Internal Fluid Pressure Tests
Authors: Ramirez Guillermo , Ziehl Paul H. , Fowler Timothy J.
Published: September 2009

A research program evaluating the effect of elevated temperature in the acoustic emission testing of fiberglass vessels was completed recently. The program aimed at evaluating the current ASME provisions that require acoustic emission testing for Class II vessels be carried out at operating temperature in the event that the operating temperature exceeds 49°C (120°F). Lack of data from fiber reinforced polymer vessels and/or components that have been subjected to acoustic emission evaluation at elevated temperature has resulted in speculation regarding the appropriateness of conducting the acoustic emission evaluation at elevated temperature. To address these issues, an experimental investigation was conducted on representative coupon specimens and pressurized cylindrical specimens at differing temperatures. The results from the coupon tests were presented in a previous publication. This paper will present the results of the cylindrical specimens and compare them to the coupon specimens drawing the final conclusions from the overall results of the program. The results from this study resulted in changes in the body of the ASME code for testing pressure vessels with acoustic emission at temperature.
Vibration of a Normal Triangular Tube Bundle Subjected to Two-Phase Freon Cross Flow
Authors: Pettigrew M. J. , Taylor C. E.
Published: September 2009

This paper presents the results of a test series to study the vibration behavior of a normal triangular tube bundle subjected to two-phase Freon cross flow. A normal triangular tube bundle of pitch over diameter ratio of 1.5 was tested over a broad range of void fractions and mass fluxes. Fluidelastic instabilities, random turbulence excitation, and damping were investigated. The results were compared with those obtained for a similar tube bundle tested in an air-water cross flow and to those for a rotated triangular bundle similarly tested in Freon.
Analysis of Variable Amplitude Fatigue Data of the P355NL1 Steel Using the Effective Strain Damage Model
Authors: Pereira Hélder F. S. G. , DuQuesnay David L. , De Jesus Abílio M. P. , Silva António L. L.
Published: September 2009

This paper proposes an analysis of variable amplitude fatigue data obtained for the P355NL1 steel, using a strain-based cumulative damage model. The fatigue data consist of constant and variable amplitude block loading, which was applied to both smooth and notched specimens, previously published by the authors. The strain-based cumulative damage model, which has been proposed by D.L. DuQuesnay, is based on the growth and closure mechanisms of microcracks. It incorporates a parameter termed net effective strain range, which is a function of the microcrack closure behavior and inherent ability to resist fatigue damage. A simplified version of the model is considered, which assumes crack closure at the lowest level for the entire spectrum and does not account for varying crack opening stresses. In general, the model produces conservative predictions within an accuracy range of two on lives, for both smooth and notched geometries, demonstrating the robustness of the model.
Effect of Ultrasonic Impact Treatment on the Stress Corrosion Cracking of 304 Stainless Steel Welded Joints
Authors: Ling Xiang , Ma Gang
Published: September 2009

High tensile weld residual stress is an important factor contributing to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT) can produce compressive stresses on the surface of welded joints that negate the tensile stresses to enhance the SCC resistance of welded joints. In the present work, X-ray diffraction method was used to obtain the distribution of residual stress induced by UIT. The results showed that UIT could cause a large compressive residual stress in access of 300 MPa on the surface of the material. A 3D finite element model was established to simulate the UIT process by using the finite element software ABAQUS. The residual stress distribution of the AISI 304 stainless steel induced by UIT was predicted by finite element analysis. In order to demonstrate the improvement of the SCC resistance of the welded joints, the specimens were immersed in boiling 42% magnesium chloride solution during SCC testing, and untreated specimen cracked after immersion for 23 h. In contrast, treated specimens with different impact duration were tested for 1000 h without visible stress corrosion cracks. The microstructure observation results revealed that a hardened layer was formed on the surface and the initial coarse-grained structure in the surface was refined into ultrafine grains. The above results indicate that UIT is an effective approach for protecting weldments against SCC.
Study of Elastic Strength for Cylinders With Hillside Nozzle
Authors: Fang J. , Li N. , Sang Z. F. , Widera G. E. O.
Published: September 2009

The objective of this paper is to investigate the elastic strength of cylindrical vessels with hillside nozzle under out-of-plane moment on the nozzle. A total of 5 model vessels with different hillside nozzle angles and loading directions were fabricated for study by experimental and finite element numerical simulation methods. The results indicate that an obvious stress concentration exists at the intersection area between vessel and nozzle. The maximum elastic stress occurs at the inside corner of the nozzle-cylinder intersection in transverse section of the cylinders. The dominant stress is the circumferential stress in the cylindrical vessels. The maximum elastic stress and the stress ratio decrease with an increase in the hillside nozzle angle and so does the nozzle displacement.
Finite Element Analysis of Externally-Induced Sloshing in Horizontal-Cylindrical and Axisymmetric Liquid Vessels
Authors: Karamanos Spyros A. , Papaprokopiou Dimitris , Platyrrachos Manolis A.
Published: September 2009

Motivated by the earthquake response of industrial pressure vessels, the present paper investigates externally-induced sloshing in horizontal-cylindrical and axisymmetric liquid containers. Assuming ideal and irrotational flow, small-amplitude free-surface elevation, and considering appropriate trigonometric functions for the sloshing potential, a two-dimensional eigenvalue problem is obtained for zero external excitation, which is solved through a variational (Galerkin) formulation that uses triangular finite elements. Subsequently, based on an appropriate decomposition of the container-fluid motion, and considering the eigenmodes of the corresponding eigenvalue problem, an efficient methodology is proposed for externally-induced sloshing through the calculation of the corresponding sloshing (or convective) masses. Numerical results are obtained for sloshing frequencies and masses in horizontal circular cylindrical, spherical, and conical vessels. It is shown that, in those cases, consideration of only the first sloshing mass is adequate to represent the dynamic behavior of the liquid container quite accurately. For the case of a horizontal cylinder subjected to longitudinal external excitation, its equivalence with an appropriate rectangular container is demonstrated. The numerical results are in very good comparison with available semi-analytical or numerical solutions and available experimental data.
Novel Formulation of Bolt Elastic Interaction in Gasketed Joints
Authors: Nassar Sayed A. , Yang Xianjie
Published: September 2009

Novel formulation was proposed for studying bolt elastic interaction during the tightening of a group of fasteners in flat faced gasketed joints. The model was used for developing tightening strategies that would achieve a more uniform clamp load in the flange at initial assembly. Clamp load distribution is investigated for various tightening sequences and values for the gasket modulus of elasticity, gasket thickness, and grip length. An experimental setup and test procedure were developed to verify the numerical results produced by the elastic interaction model. Analytical and experimental results were presented and discussed.
Design and Optimization of a Cable Driven Upper Arm Exoskeleton
Authors: Agrawal Sunil K. , Dubey Venketesh N. , Gangloff John J. , Brackbill Elizabeth , Mao Ying , Sangwan Vivek
Published: September 2009

This paper outlines the design of a wearable upper arm exoskeleton that can be potentially used to assist and train arm movements of stroke survivors or subjects with weak musculature. In the last 10 years, a number of upper arm training devices have emerged. However, due to their size and weight, their use is restricted to clinics and research laboratories. Our proposed wearable exoskeleton builds upon our research experience in wire driven manipulators and design of rehabilitative systems. The exoskeleton consists of three main parts: (i) an inverted U-shaped cuff that rests on the shoulder, (ii) a cuff on the upper arm, and (iii) a cuff on the forearm. Six motors mounted on the shoulder cuff drive the cuffs on the upper arm and forearm with the use of cables. In order to assess the performance of this exoskeleton prior to use on humans, a laboratory test-bed has been developed where this exoskeleton is mounted on a model skeleton, instrumented with sensors to measure joint angles. This paper describes the design details of the exoskeleton and addresses the key issue of parameter optimization to achieve a useful workspace based on kinematic and kinetic models. The optimization results have also been motivated from activities of daily living.