bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luxemburg on Tahrir Square: Reading the Arab Revolutions with Rosa Luxemburg's The Mass Strike
Authors: Zemni Sami , Smet Brecht De , Bogaert Koenraad
Published: June 2012

The protests on Tahrir Square in Cairo have come to symbolize the Arab uprisings of 2011. They have proven that Arab political life is more complex than the false choice between authoritarian rule or Islamist oppositions. The popular uprisings witnessed the emergence of “the Arab peoples” as political actors, able to topple entrenched authoritarian leaders, challenging repressive regimes and their brutal security apparatuses. In our contribution we want to analyze the political dynamics of these uprisings beyond the salient immediacy of the revolutionary events, by taking, as our guide, Rosa Luxemburg's pamphlet The Mass Strike (2005 [1906], London: Bookmarks). An interesting theoretical contribution to the study of revolution, Luxemburg's book provides us with tools to introduce a historical and political reading of the Arab Spring. Based on fieldwork and thorough knowledge of the region, we draw from evidence from the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions and the more gradual forms of political change in Morocco.

Re‐reading the revolutionary events in Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco through the lens of The Mass Strike offers activists on the ground insights into the dialectic between local and national struggles, economic and political demands, strike actions and revolution. The workers protests in Tunisia and Egypt during the last decade can be grasped as anticipations of the mass strike during the revolution; the specific mode in which workers participate as a class in the revolutionary process. This perspective enables an understanding of the current economic conflicts as logical forms of continuity of the revolution. The economic and the political, the local and the national (and one may add the global), are indissoluble yet separate elements of the same process, and the challenge for revolutionary actors in Tunisia and Egypt lies in the connection, organization and fusion of these dispersed moments and spaces of struggle into a politicized whole. Conversely, an understanding of the reciprocity between revolutionary change and the mass strike allows activists in Morocco to recognize the workers' movement as a potentially powerful actor of change, and trade unionists to incorporate the political in their economic mobilizations.
Origin of strigolactones in the green lineage
Authors: Delaux Pierre‐Marc , Xie Xiaonan , Timme Ruth E. , Puech‐Pages Virginie , Dunand Christophe , Lecompte Emilie , Delwiche Charles F. , Yoneyama Koichi , Bécard Guillaume , Séjalon‐Delmas Nathalie
Published: June 2012

See also the Commentary by Ruyter‐Spira and Bouwmeester
The butterfly effect of caring – clinical nursing teachers’ understanding of self‐compassion as a source to compassionate care
Authors: Wiklund Gustin Lena , Wagner Lynne
Published: June 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 175–183

The butterfly effect of caring – clinical nursing teachers’ understanding of self‐compassion as a source to compassionate care

This study has its roots in a clinical application project, focusing on the development of a teaching–learning model enabling participants to understand compassion. During that project four clinical nursing teachers met for a total of 12 hours of experiential and reflective work. This study aimed at exploring participants’ understanding of self‐compassion as a source to compassionate care. It was carried out as a phenomenological and hermeneutic interpretation of participants’ written and oral reflections on the topic. Data were interpreted in the light of Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Five themes were identified: Being there, with self and others; respect for human vulnerability; being nonjudgmental; giving voice to things needed to be said and heard; and being able to accept the gift of compassion from others. A main metaphorical theme, ‘the Butterfly effect of Caring’, was identified, addressing interdependency and the ethics of the face and hand when caring for Other – the ethical stance where the Other’s vulnerable face elicits a call for compassionate actions. The findings reveal that the development of a compassionate self and the ability to be sensitive, nonjudgmental and respectful towards oneself contributes to a compassionate approach towards others. It is concluded that compassionate care is not only something the caregiver does, nor is compassion reduced to a way of being with another person or a feeling. Rather, it is a way of becoming and belonging together with another person where both are mutually engaged and where the caregiver compassionately is able to acknowledge both self and Other’s vulnerability and dignity.
Glucose delays age‐dependent proteotoxicity
Authors: Tauffenberger Arnaud , Vaccaro Alexandra , Aulas Anais , Velde Christine Vande , Parker J. Alex
Published: June 2012

Nutrient availability influences an organism’s life history with profound effects on metabolism and lifespan. The association between a healthy lifespan and metabolism is incompletely understood, but a central factor is glucose metabolism. Although glucose is an important cellular energy source, glucose restriction is associated with extended lifespan in simple animals and a reduced incidence of age‐dependent pathologies in humans. We report here that glucose enrichment delays mutant polyglutamine, TDP‐43, FUS, and amyloid‐β toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans models of neurodegeneration by reducing protein misfolding. Dysregulated metabolism is common to neurodegeneration and we show that glucose enrichment is broadly protective against proteotoxicity.
Partnered Women's Labour Supply and Child‐Care Costs in Australia: Measurement Error and the Child‐Care Price*
Authors: BREUNIG ROBERT , GONG XIAODONG , KING ANTHONY
Published: June 2012

We show that measurement error in the constructed price of child‐care can explain why previous Australian studies have found partnered women's labour supply to be unresponsive to child‐care prices. Through improved data and improved construction of the child‐care price variable, we find child‐care price elasticities that are statistically significant, negative and in line with elasticities found in other developed countries.
A Re‐Appraisal of the Fertility Response to the Australian Baby Bonus
Authors: SINCLAIR SARAH , BOYMAL JONATHAN , DE SILVA ASHTON
Published: June 2012

The Australian baby bonus offering parents $3,000 on the birth of a new child was announced on 11 May 2004. The availability of five years of birth data following the introduction of the baby bonus allows for a more comprehensive analysis of the policy implications than is current in the literature. The focus of this paper is to identify if there is a positive fertility choice response to the introduction of the Australian baby bonus policy and if this response is sustained over time. To do this, 19 years of birth and macroeconomic data, beginning in 1990, is analysed using an unobservable components model. The results indicate a significant increase in birth numbers ten months following the announcement of the baby bonus, and this overall increase was sustained up to the end of the observed period. A cumulative growth in birth numbers which commenced in January 2006 slows in 2008 and 2009. It is suggested that the initial increase in births, identified in March 2005, is a direct fertility response to the introduction of the policy, and that the subsequent change in the growth of birth numbers may be the result of a delayed effect working through a number of channels. We estimate that approximately 108,000 births are attributable to the baby bonus over the period, at an approximate cost of $43,000 per extra child.
Predicting the Present with Google Trends
Authors: CHOI HYUNYOUNG , VARIAN HAL
Published: June 2012

In this paper we show how to use search engine data to forecast near‐term values of economic indicators. Examples include automobile sales, unemployment claims, travel destination planning and consumer confidence.
Introducing delirium screening in a cardiothoracic critical care unit
Authors: Shaughnessy Liz
Published: June 2012

Aim: To share an experience of introducing Delirium scoring into a Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit and the lessons learnt.

Background: Delirium has serious consequences leading to increased length of stay in hospital, the possible development of dementia with the associated need for long‐term care and even death. It is therefore vital that the Critical Care nurses are able to prevent, recognize and manage delirium.

Data sources and methods: 108 patients who were admitted over a 6 week period were audited and their delirium score, documentation and treatment plans were reviewed.

Results: 21% of patients experienced delirium during their stay on Cardiothoracic Critical Care and hypoactive delirium was the most prevalent subtype. Of the three patients who stayed more than 20 days on critical care all suffered with delirium at some point during their stay. Documentation of delirium by both Nursing and Medical staff occurred in less than 50% of patients.

Conclusions: The introduction of delirium scoring and audit of its practice has highlighted the incidence of delirium in critically ill patients and has resulted in;

Improved quality of care by development of a delirium care bundle

Improved recognition of delirium

Instigation of practices to prevent and treat delirium
Obstetric Interventions for Low‐Risk Pregnant Women in France: Do Maternity Unit Characteristics Make a Difference?
Authors: Coulm Bénédicte , Le Ray Camille , Lelong Nathalie , Drewniak Nicolas , Zeitlin Jennifer , Blondel Béatrice
Published: June 2012

Background

In many countries the closure of small maternity units has raised concerns about how the concentration of low‐risk pregnancies in large specialized units might affect the management of childbirth. We aimed to assess the role of maternity unit characteristics on obstetric intervention rates among low‐risk women in France.

Methods

Data on low‐risk deliveries came from the 2010 French National Perinatal Survey of a representative sample of births (n = 9,530). The maternity unit characteristics studied were size, level of care, and private or public status; the interventions included induction of labor; cesarean section; operative vaginal delivery (forceps, spatulas or vacuum); and episiotomy. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were adjusted for maternal confounding factors, gestational age, and infant birthweight.

Results

The rates of induction, cesarean section, operative delivery, and episiotomy in this low‐risk population were 23.9 percent, 10.1 percent, 15.2 percent, and 19.6 percent, respectively, and 52.0 percent of deliveries included at least one of them. Unit size was unrelated to any intervention except operative delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.47 (95% CI, 1.10–1.96) for units with >3,000 deliveries per year vs units with <1,000). The rate of every intervention was higher in private units, and the aOR for any intervention was 1.82 (95% CI, 1.59–2.08). After adjustment for maternal characteristics and facility size and status, significant variations in the use of interventions remained between units, especially for episiotomies. Results for level of care were similar to those for unit size.

Conclusions

The concentration of births in large maternity units in France is not associated with higher rates of interventions for low‐risk births. The situation in private units could be explained by differences in the organization of care. Additional research should explore the differences in practices between maternity units with similar characteristics. (BIRTH 39:3 September 2012)
The EPILEPSIAE database: An extensive electroencephalography database of epilepsy patients
Authors: Klatt Juliane , Feldwisch‐Drentrup Hinnerk , Ihle Matthias , Navarro Vincent , Neufang Markus , Teixeira Cesar , Adam Claude , Valderrama Mario , Alvarado‐Rojas Catalina , Witon Adrien , Le Van Quyen Michel , Sales Francisco , Dourado Antonio , Timmer Jens , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Schelter Bjoern
Published: June 2012

From the very beginning the seizure prediction community faced problems concerning evaluation, standardization, and reproducibility of its studies. One of the main reasons for these shortcomings was the lack of access to high‐quality long‐term electroencephalography (EEG) data. In this article we present the EPILEPSIAE database, which was made publicly available in 2012. We illustrate its content and scope. The EPILEPSIAE database provides long‐term EEG recordings of 275 patients as well as extensive metadata and standardized annotation of the data sets. It will adhere to the current standards in the field of prediction and facilitate reproducibility and comparison of those studies. Beyond seizure prediction, it may also be of considerable benefit for studies focusing on seizure detection, basic neurophysiology, and other fields.
Evolution of the EEG in children with Rasmussen’s syndrome
Authors: Longaretti Francesca , Dunkley Colin , Varadkar Sophia , Vargha‐Khadem Faraneh , Boyd Stewart G. , Cross J. Helen
Published: June 2012

Purpose:  The early diagnosis of Rasmussen’s syndrome (RS) is often difficult, with differentiation between RS and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) at epilepsy onset problematic. This study reviewed electroencephalography (EEG) in the two conditions for early indicators of either pathology.

Methods:  All children with either suspected RS or with unilateral FCD undergoing evaluation for epilepsy surgery between 1992 and 2005 were identified. Case notes and standard EEG recordings were reviewed. EEG findings were compared where available at <3, 3–6 months, and 3–5 years after seizure onset.

Key Findings:  Nineteen children with RS and 17 with FCD were ascertained. In EEG studies performed <3 months after seizure onset, 50% (5/10) of the RS group showed background abnormalities, with 80% of these (4/5) showing persistent high‐amplitude delta activity over the affected hemisphere. This compared to 66% (6/9) of the FCD group with 17% (1/6) showing marked background asymmetry. By 3–6 months after seizure onset, independent interictal abnormalities over the nonaffected hemisphere were seen in 25% (2/8) of the RS group and by 3–5 years in 62% (5/8) compared to none in the FCD group at any time points measured. These independent contralateral interictal abnormalities were notably associated with a significant decline in cognitive skills over time.

Significance:  No specific EEG changes at diagnosis of epilepsy were identified to help differentiate between RS and FCD. Emerging persistent delta activity over the affected hemisphere with contralateral normal background rhythms, followed in due course by independent interictal epileptiform abnormalities over the unaffected hemisphere may support the diagnosis of RS as the condition evolves, and highlight the risk of overall cognitive dysfunction.
Plasma homocysteine levels are independently associated with the severity of peripheral polyneuropathy in type 2 diabetic subjects
Authors: González Ricardo , Pedro Teresa , Martinez‐Hervas Sergio , Civera Miguel , Antonia Priego Maria , Catalá Miguel , Javier Chaves F. , Ascaso Juan F. , Carmena Rafael , Real Jose T.
Published: June 2012

Peripheral polyneuropathy (PN) is a frequent complication of diabetes. However, mechanisms underlying the development of PN are multifactorial and not well understood. Our aim was to examine the association of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) with the prevalence and grade of peripheral PN in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We studied a cohort of 196 subjects with T2DM classified according to the grade of PN (Neuropathy Disability Score, NDS). Subjects with the highest grade of PN were older and had significantly increased levels of creatinine, microalbuminuria, HbA1c, and plasma Hcy compared to the other two groups. The differences in plasma Hcy values were maintained after correcting for confounding factors. Plasma Hcy, HbA1c, duration of diabetes, and age were predictors of the grade of PN. In conclusion, for each increase of 1 µmol in plasma Hcy there was a 23% increase of the risk of diabetic PN evaluated by NDS. Moreover, the grade of PN was predicted by plasma Hcy and HbA1c values, age and duration of diabetes. Further prospective studies should be conducted to confirm the association of plasma Hcy levels with the grade of PN in subjects with T2DM.
Effects of low‐intensity, elastic band resistance exercise combined with blood flow restriction on muscle activation
Authors: Yasuda T. , Fukumura K. , Fukuda T. , Iida H. , Imuta H. , Sato Y. , Yamasoba T. , Nakajima T.
Published: June 2012

We examined the effects of blood flow‐restricted, low‐intensity resistance exercise (termed kaatsu) using an elastic band for resistance on muscle activation. Nine men performed triceps extension and biceps flexion exercises (four sets respectively) using an elastic band for resistance with blood flow restriction (BFR) or CON (unrestricted blood flow). During a BFR session, subjects wore pressure cuffs inflated to 170–260 mmHg on the proximal region of both arms. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the triceps brachii and biceps brachii muscles, and mean integrated EMG (iEMG) was analyzed. Blood lactate concentration was obtained before (Pre) and immediately after two exercises (Post). During triceps extension and biceps flexion exercises, muscle activation increased progressively (P < 0.05) under BFR (46% and 69%, respectively) but not under CON (12% and 23%, respectively). Blood lactate concentration at Post was higher (P < 0.05) under BFR than under CON (3.6 and 2.1 mmol/L, respectively). Blood lactate concentration at Post was significantly correlated with increased iEMG in both triceps extension (r = 0.65, P < 0.01) and biceps flexion exercises (r = 0.52, P < 0.05). We conclude that kaatsu training using elastic bands for resistance enhances muscle activation and may be an effective method to promote muscle hypertrophy in older adults or patients with a low level of activity.
Quality of life and academic functioning 6 years after paediatric referral for chronic pain
Authors: Knook Lidewij ME , Lijmer Jeroen G , Konijnenberg Antoinette Y , Hordijk Patricia M , van Engeland Herman
Published: June 2012

Aim:  To assess health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL) and academic functioning in adolescents and young adults 6 years after paediatric referral for chronic pain.

Methods:  In 99 children and adolescents with chronic pain (aged 8–17) referred to a paediatric outpatient clinic, pain and psychiatric disorders were assessed between 2000 and 2002. Participants were reassessed after minimal 5 years (aged 13–24). HR‐QoL [Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form (SF‐36)] was compared with Dutch population norms. Academic functioning (structured questionnaire) was compared with baseline.

Results:  Participant’s ratings in most HR‐QoL dimensions did not differ from population norms. Outcome was significantly decreased in Bodily Pain (p = 0.001 males, p < 0.000 females) and female General Health (p = 0.001). Poor general health perceptions (p = 0.002), poor global general health (p = 0.003) and a high somatic symptom level (p = 0.004) at baseline predicted poor HR‐QoL outcome. School/work attendance was significantly better than at baseline (p = 0.002).

Conclusion:  Six years after paediatric referral for chronic pain, HR‐QoL was mostly comparable to that of peers, and academic functioning improved. Self‐evaluated global health at referral may be an important predictor of HR‐QoL outcome of children with chronic pain, rather than psychiatric comorbidity.
Cerebral motor function in very premature‐at‐birth adolescents: a brain stimulation exploration of kangaroo mother care effects
Authors: Schneider Cyril , Charpak Nathalie , Ruiz‐Peláez Juan G , Tessier Réjean
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Given that prematurity has deleterious effects on brain networking development beyond childhood, the study explored whether an early intervention such as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in very preterm preemies could have influenced brain motor function up to adolescence.

Methods:  Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) of 39 adolescents born very prematurely (<33 weeks’ gestational age, 21 having received KMC after birth, 18 Controls with no KMC) and nine adolescents born at term (>37 weeks’ gestational age, >2500 g) to assess the functional integrity of motor circuits in each hemisphere (motor planning) and between hemispheres (callosal function).

Results:  All TMS outcomes were similar between KMC and term adolescents, with typical values as in healthy adults, and better than in Controls. KMC adolescents presented faster conduction times revealing more efficient M1 cell synchronization (p < 0.05) and interhemispheric transfer time (p < 0.0001), more frequent inhibitory processes with a better control between hemispheres (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:  The enhanced synchronization, conduction times and connectivity of cerebral motor pathways in the KMC group suggests that the Kangaroo Mother Care positively influenced the premature brain networks and synaptic efficacy up to adolescence.
Sources of Population Aging in More and Less Developed Countries
Authors: Preston Samuel H. , Stokes Andrew
Published: June 2012

We provide the first global assessment of the sources of population aging by tracing its origins to the demographic histories of more and less developed countries. In more developed countries, improvements in survival among successive cohorts have accounted for the large majority of the recent increase in the population's mean age. Improved survivorship and declines in the growth rate of births have made roughly equal contributions to the aging that is occurring in less developed countries. Aging is more rapid in less developed countries because the number of births has declined faster, with China and India making large contributions. Use of the proportion of the population above age 65, 70, or 75 as measures of aging produces results similar to those using the mean age. Mortality decline becomes an even larger contributor to aging using all these measures, and its contribution grows as age advances.
Urbanization as a Global Historical Process: Theory and Evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Fox Sean
Published: June 2012

Urbanization has traditionally been understood as a byproduct of economic development, but this explanatory framework fails to account for the phenomenon of “urbanization without growth” observed in sub‐Saharan Africa throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In light of this apparent anomaly, I argue that urbanization is better understood as a global historical process driven by population dynamics associated with technological and institutional innovations that have substantially improved disease control and food security in urban settlements across the globe. These innovations first emerged in Europe in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and were subsequently diffused through colonialism, trade, and international development assistance. A range of qualitative and quantitative evidence is presented to demonstrate that this historically grounded theory of urbanization offers a more convincing explanation for the stylized facts of Africa's urban transition—and hence the process of world urbanization more broadly—than the traditional economic account.
Population Policy in a Prosperous City‐State: Dilemmas for Singapore
Authors: Jones Gavin W.
Published: June 2012

Singapore has achieved one of the highest levels of per capita income in the world, through sound economic planning and a stress on building its human capital. Yet its enviable living conditions are at risk of being enjoyed by fewer citizens, and indeed themselves placed in jeopardy, by the continued very low fertility levels. Ultra‐low fertility and growing reluctance by citizens to accept an increasing share of foreign‐born pose difficult dilemmas for population policy, given the planning scenario of reaching a resident population of 6.5 million. A range of pro‐marriage and pronatalist policies has failed to raise fertility substantially, while past success in modifying population trends and structure through migration has now encountered the twin problems of political constraints on the volume of immigration that is acceptable and a possible increase in emigration of Singapore citizens.
Ceramic Integration Technologies for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Schilm Jochen , Rost Axel , Poenicke Andreas , Kusnezoff Mihails , Michaelis Alexander
Published: June 2012

Solid oxide fuel cells are the most promising power conversion units for fossil and biomass fuels combining ceramic and metallic components. Because of long‐term high temperature operation and thermal cycling the standard materials cannot be applied for integration of active ceramic components. Different approaches are used nowadays for the integration of ceramic cells into stacks and of system components in the power plant. In this paper an overview on the application of glass and glass ceramic sealants, active and reactive air brazes as well as compressive mica sealants for solid oxide fuel cells is made. The crystallizing glasses are more favorable for cell integration in the stack for operation in a broad temperature range. Metallic brazes are mainly limited to integration of anode or metal supported cells in ferritic alloy gaskets for operation at T < 750°C and mica is a most suitable solution for system component integration in hot regions of power plants as well as for gas tight electrical isolation. In addition, this study regards aspects of degradation processes of glass ceramic and metallic sealants which allow estimations for the long‐term behavior of joints.
Petrogenesis and Solidification Depth of the Jurassic Daebo and Cretaceous Bulguksa Granitic Rocks in South Korea
Authors: UCHIDA Etsuo , CHOI Seon‐Gyu , BABA Daisuke , WAKISAKA Yusuke
Published: June 2012

We investigated the Jurassic Daebo and Cretaceous Bulguksa granitic rocks in South Korea. The former are distributed mainly in the Gyeonggi and Yeongnam massifs and the latter are present in the Gyeongsan basin and Ogcheon belt. The Daebo granitic rocks generally are of ilmenite series and I to S type. These rocks are associated with Au–Ag hydrothermal deposits, whereas the Bulguksa granitic rocks are of magnetite series and I type, and are associated with Pb–Zn, Cu and Mo–W hydrothermal deposits, as well as Au–Ag hydrothermal deposits. The Daebo granitic rocks show adakitic signatures in their chemical compositions. They are considered to have been derived from partial melting of the thick lower continental crust. Conversely, the Bulguksa granitic rocks in the Gyeongsan basin are non‐adakitic and are considered to have been derived from partial melting of a mantle wedge. Magmas of the Daebo granitic rocks formed at relatively shallow levels, but solidified at deep levels compared with those of the Bulguksa granitic rocks. The Bulguksa granitic rocks in the central to western Ogcheon belt are considered to have been formed by fractionation of magmas derived from partial melting of continental crust. The total Al contents of biotite and hornblende in the granitic rocks increased, with the Bulguksa granitic rocks in the Gyeongsan basin < the Bulguksa granitic rocks in the Ogcheon belt and Gyeonggi and Yeongnam massifs and the Daebo granitic rocks in the Ogcheon belt < the Daebo granitic rocks in the Gyeonggi and Yeongnam massifs. This order corresponds to an increase in solidification depth.
Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Modeling of Hydrodynamic Nanopolishing Process
Authors: Mittal Rinku , Singh Ramesh K. , Joshi Suhas S.
Published: June 2012

Nanopolishing processes are used in medical, industrial, telecommunication, optics, and military fields. Hydrodynamic polishing (HDP) is one of the prominent nanopolishing methods in creating nanopolished surfaces on hard and profiled surfaces, where rigid tool-based methods like diamond turning, grinding, and honing have many limitations. This work is focused on modeling of hydrodynamic polishing method. In this method, a film of abrasive suspension is formed between the work-piece surface and a rotating soft tool, which helps in nanopolishing. The past experimental research gives an insight into the process but the process has not been explicitly modeled. Consequently, besides experimental characterization, a numerical/mathematical model of hydrodynamic polishing process is important. This paper presents a model of the HDP process which takes into account the polishing process variables, such as, contact load, spindle speed, tool and work-piece material properties/geometry, and abrasive suspension properties. The response of the model is the pressure distribution and the abrasive film thickness in the polishing zone. To model the elastohydrodynamic process encountered in HDP, the pressure and the film thickness profiles of lubricated isothermal point contacts have been evaluated using the multilevel multi-integration (MLMI) scheme coded in C programming language. Finally, load, tool stiffness, speed, and particle concentration in the suspension have been implicitly correlated to the surface roughness (SR) to evolve a semi-empirical model for surface roughness as a function of mean film thickness and mean pressure. Empirical models for mean film thickness and mean pressure have also been developed as a function of process variables. These models have been developed from a Taguchi L27 orthogonal array wherein the mean pressure/film thickness values have been determined from the model and the average surface roughness values have been measured experimentally. It has been observed that the load does not affect the surface roughness significantly and mean pressure does not change with the change in abrasive size and spindle speed. Abrasive particle concentration has been found to be the most important parameter and it affects the surface roughness significantly.
Oxygen Gas–Filled Microparticles Provide Intravenous Oxygen Delivery
Authors: Kheir John N. , Scharp Laurie A. , Borden Mark A. , Swanson Edward J. , Loxley Andrew , Reese James H. , Black Katherine J. , Velazquez Luis A. , Thomson Lindsay M. , Walsh Brian K. , Mullen Kathryn E. , Graham Dionne A. , Lawlor Michael W. , Brugnara Carlo , Bell David C. , McGowan Francis X.
Published: June 2012

A foam suspension containing oxygen gas–filled microparticles can deliver life-sustaining oxygen during a 15-min period of complete asphyxia.
Engineering a Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen–Activated Tumor Endothelial Cell Prodrug for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Denmeade Samuel R. , Mhaka Annastasiah M. , Rosen D. Marc , Brennen W. Nathaniel , Dalrymple Susan , Dach Ingrid , Olesen Claus , Gurel Bora , DeMarzo Angelo M. , Wilding George , Carducci Michael A. , Dionne Craig A. , Møller Jesper V. , Nissen Poul , Christensen S. Brøgger , Isaacs John T.
Published: June 2012

A prostate-specific membrane antigen–activated prodrug selectively kills cancer cells and is being tested in patients with advanced cancer.
Short versus Long Infusion of Meropenem in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Neonates
Authors: Padari Helgi , Metsvaht Tuuli , Kõrgvee Lenne-Triin , Germovsek Eva , Ilmoja Mari-Liis , Kipper Karin , Herodes Koit , Standing Joseph F. , Oselin Kersti , Lutsar Irja
Published: June 2012

Prolonged infusion of meropenem has been suggested in studies with population pharmacokinetic modeling but has not been tested in neonates. We compared the steady-state pharmacokinetics (PK) of meropenem given as a short (30-min) or prolonged (4-h) infusion to very-low-birth-weight (gestational age, <32 weeks; birth weight, <1,200 g) neonates to define the appropriate dosing regimen for a phase 3 efficacy study. Short (
n
= 9) or prolonged (
n
= 10) infusions of meropenem were given at a dose of 20 mg/kg every 12 h. Immediately before and 0.5, 1.5, 4, 8, and 12 h after the 4th to 7th doses of meropenem, blood samples were collected. Meropenem concentrations were measured by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography. PK analysis was performed with WinNonlin software, and modeling was performed with NONMEM software. A short infusion resulted in a higher mean drug concentration in serum (
C
max
) than a prolonged infusion (89 versus 54 mg/liter). In all but two patients in the prolonged-infusion group, the free serum drug concentration was above the MIC (2 mg/liter) 100% of the time. Meropenem clearance (CL) was not influenced by postnatal or postmenstrual age. In population PK analysis, a one-compartment model provided the best fit and the steady-state distribution volume (
V
ss
) was scaled with body weight and CL with a published renal maturation function. The covariates serum creatinine and postnatal and gestational ages did not improve the model fit. The final parameter estimates were a
V
ss
of 0.301 liter/kg and a CL of 0.061 liter/h/kg. Meropenem infusions of 30 min are acceptable as they balance a reasonably high
C
max
with convenience of dosing. In very-low-birth-weight neonates, no dosing adjustment is needed over the first month of life.
Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Pediatric Patient Population
Authors: Chandramohan Lakshmi , Revell Paula A.
Published: June 2012

Very little is known about the prevalence and composition of various types of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) in pediatric patients. The aims of this study were the following: (i) to determine the prevalence of ESBLs among
Enterobacteriaceae
in a tertiary-care pediatric population; (ii) to characterize the genetic composition of the identified ESBL enzymes; and (iii) to determine the relative prevalence of CTX-M enzymes and
Escherichia coli
ST131 strains among ESBL-producing isolates in the same pediatric patient population. Among the 1,430
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates screened for elevated MICs to cefotaxime and/or ceftazidime from pediatric patients during a 1-year period, 94 isolates possessed at least one ESBL gene. CTX-M was the most commonly isolated ESBL type, consisting of 74% of all ESBLs versus 27% TEM and 24% SHV enzymes. Sequence analysis and probe-specific real-time PCR revealed that the majority (80%) of the CTX-M-type ESBLs were CTX-M-15 enzymes, followed by CTX-M-14 (17%) and CTX-M-27(2.8%). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and repetitive PCR analyses revealed that the relative prevalence of ST131 among ESBL-producing
E. coli
isolates is 10.2%. This study highlights the growing problem of ESBL resistance in pediatric
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates and demonstrates a transition toward the predominance of CTX-M-type enzymes among ESBL-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
organisms causing pediatric infections.
Novel Mechanism for Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Saroj Sunil D. , Clemmer Katy M. , Bonomo Robert A. , Rather Philip N.
Published: June 2012

An EZ::TNTnp transposon insertion in an open reading frame of unknown function (
ncr
) in
Acinetobacter baumannii
resulted in an 8-fold increase in ciprofloxacin resistance (Cip
r
). Transposon insertions in an
ncr
mutant that reduced Cip
r
back to wild type mapped to three genes encoding subunits of the RecCBD exonuclease. The
ncr
mutation increased transcription of the
recCBD
genes, and overexpression of the
recCBD
genes in a wild-type background resulted in a 4-fold increase in Cip
r
.
Transferable Drug Resistance in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bryan L. E. , Elzen H. M. Van Den , Tseng Jui Teng
Published: June 2012

Three strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
were demonstrated to transfer double-drug resistance by conjugation to a
P. aeruginosa
recipient at frequencies of 10
−4
to 10
−2
per recipient cell. Two of the three strains also transferred to
Escherichia coli
at frequencies which were 10
3
- to 10
5
-fold lower, but the third strain could not be demonstrated to do so. The latter strain, however, conferred maleness on the
Pseudomonas
recipient. The transfer of streptomycin resistance was associated with the acquisition of streptomycin phosphorylase by both
P. aeruginosa
and
E. coli
recipients. Maximal broth mating frequencies were obtained with nonagitated cultures less than 1 mm in depth. A pyocine selection system based on donor sensitivity and recipient resistance is described and appears to have future value as a generalized selective device for use after matings.
Activity of Two Chlorinated Lincomycin Analogues Against Chloroquine-Resistant Falciparum Malaria in Owl Monkeys
Authors: Powers Kendall G. , Jacobs Richard L.
Published: June 2012

The chloroquine-resistant Oak Knoll strain of
Plasmodium falciparum
, recently adapted to the owl monkey (
Aotus trivirgatus
), was insusceptible to chloroquine therapy. Two chlorinated lincomycin analogues tested in this host-parasite system cured blood-induced infections. Acute infections were treated orally for 7 consecutive days with either 15 or 75 mg of clindamycin hydrochloride (U-21) per kg per day, 10 or 50 mg of
N
-demethyl-4′-pentyl clindamycin hydrochloride (U-24) per kg per day, or 20 mg of chloroquine base per kg per day. These lincomycin analogues cleared trophozoites from the peripheral blood by the end of the 7-day treatment period. The speed of clearance of parasites was not dose-related, but curative activity appeared dependent upon the amount of drug given as well as the number of daily treatments. The efficacy of U-21 and U-24 is of particular interest since they represent major structural departures from compounds commonly used in the treatment of malaria.
Influence of Different Media and Bloods on the Results of Diffusion Antibiotic Susceptibility Tests
Authors: Brenner V. C. , Sherris J. C.
Published: June 2012

As part of an International Collaborative Study, the influence of medium and certain medium components on the results of disc susceptibility testing with nine antibiotics was examined and statistically evaluated. Four basic media, Trypticase Soy Agar, Grove and Randall's formula # 9 agar, and Mueller-Hinton agar with and without 1 mg of
l
-tryptophan per 100 ml, were used with six bacterial strains. Significant differences in zone diameters occurred with most antibiotics. The largest consistent differences were seen with tetracycline, and appeared to result from varying degrees of chelation of the antibiotic with free cations in the media. Reproducibility studies on different batches of Mueller-Hinton agar from two manufacturers showed some statistically significant differences, which were small except with tetracycline. Reproducibility between the products of a single manufacturer was excellent. The results of experiments to determine the effect of the addition of 5% blood of different species to agar medium showed that medium containing citrated or defibrinated horse, rabbit, sheep, or human blood yielded closely similar zone diameters, except that tetracycline zones were larger with citrated blood. A single type of medium should be selected for routine susceptibility tests whenever possible, and reproducibility of performance of the products of different manufacturers should be sought.
Two New Antimetabolites of Biotin: α-Methyldethiobiotin and α-Methylbiotin
Authors: Hanka L. J. , Martin D. G. , Reineke L. M.
Published: June 2012

Two new antimetabolites of biotin were isolated from culture filtrates of
Streptomyces lydicus
: β-methyldethiobiotin and β-methylbiotin.
14
C-biotin or
14
C-pimelic acid was not incorporated into either of these antimetabolites by the growing culture. Neither of the compounds could substitute for the biotin requirement in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. Both compounds had a strong and rather specific antimicrobial effect against mycobacteria. Their antimicrobial activities were reversed by biotin. Both compounds had an affinity for avidin.
Polysome Metabolism in
Escherichia coli:
Effect of Antibiotics on Polysome Stability
Authors: Ennis Herbert L.
Published: June 2012

A number of antibiotics, most of which specifically inhibit protein synthesis by interacting with the 50
S
ribosome subunit, were used to study polysome metabolism in vivo. The antibiotics affected polysomes in two ways: (i) by allowing extensive breakdown of polysomes, or (ii) by stabilizing polysomes, even in the presence of the antibiotics of the first group. The results indicate that the effect of these antibiotics on polysome stability in vivo can, in many cases, be correlated to their in vitro mode of action.
Mode of Action of Primaquine: Preferential Inhibition of Protein Biosynthesis in
Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Olenick John G. , Hahn Fred E.
Published: June 2012

The growth of a strain of
Bacillus megaterium
was prevented by a minimal inhibitory concentration of primaquine of 52 μg/ml or 2 × 10
−4
m
. When exponentially growing cultures received the drug at 6 × 10
−4
m
, the rate of growth was drastically reduced and no further growth occurred after 15 min of exposure. At this concentration, primaquine was bactericidal, causing a 50% reduction in the viable population after one doubling time of 45 min. Supplying primaquine to cultures 30 min after adding radioactive-labeled phenylalanine, thymidine, uracil, or diaminopimelic acid produced an immediate and complete inhibition of protein biosynthesis but no inhibition of deoxyribonucleic acid biosynthesis for at least 15 min, and caused the formation of ribonucleic acid and cell wall polymer to proceed linearly at rates similar to those established prior to the addition of drug. This pattern of inhibition of macromolecular biosyntheses suggests that the major in vivo action of primaquine in
B. megaterium
is to block protein synthesis.
Conditions Influencing Antimycin Production by a
Streptomyces
Species Grown in Chemically Defined Medium
Authors: Neft N. , Farley T. M.
Published: June 2012

Optimal conditions for producing consistent yields of antimycin A in chemically defined medium included: (i) initial
p
H of 6.8 to 7.1; (ii) no iron supplementation; (iii) 2 g of
dl
-tryptophan per liter; and antibiotic extraction after 7 to 9 days of growth.
In Vitro Susceptibility of El Tor and Classical
Vibrio cholerae
Strains to Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Northrup Robert S. , Doyle Meade A. , Feeley John C.
Published: June 2012

Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole were tested individually and in combination against El Tor and classical biotype strains of
Vibrio cholerae
. Determinations of the minimal inhibitory concentration in liquid media and by an agardilution method showed that classical strains were uniformly more resistant to sulfamethoxazole than were El Tor strains. In agar-dilution studies, trimethoprim was equally active against both biotypes. Combination of the agents produced a synergistic action against all strains tested. Testing for susceptibility to sulfonamide is suggested as a possible method for differentiating between El Tor and classical biotypes of
V. cholerae
.
Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Protected Environment Units: Effect of Nonabsorbable and Absorbable Antibiotics on the Fecal Flora
Authors: Bodey Gerald P.
Published: June 2012

Eight patients in protected environment units received by the oral route a solution of gentamicin and vancomycin which completely suppressed all 78 strains of bacteria originally present in their stools. However, when the solution was discontinued bacteria were cultured again from the stools of every patient. Twenty-nine of the 42 strains cultured at this time were also cultured from pretreatment specimens. Oral absorbable antibiotics were given to six of these patients, but they eliminated only 10 of the 32 strains cultured from their stools. Seven of the 16 strains which persisted became resistant to the oral absorbable antibiotic. To achieve maximum effect, oral nonabsorbable antibiotic regimens must be continued as long as the patient remains in a protected environment unit.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of Oxacillin-Resistant Staphylococci
Authors: Klastersky Jean
Published: June 2012

This study leads to the conclusion that gentamicin plus cephalothin or oxacillin is as bactericidal as vancomycin for oxacillin-resistant strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
in vitro. This finding suggests that these regimes might prove valuable in the therapy of infections caused by oxacillin-resistant staphylococci.
Pharmacological Studies with 5-Fluorocytosine
Authors: Block Edward R. , Bennett John E.
Published: June 2012

A cylinder plate bioassay for 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) is described which permits determination of 5-FC concentrations in biological fluids in the presence of amphotericin B. Using this assay, we determined serum concentrations in 12 patients after a single dose of drug and in 8 patients receiving daily 5-FC at 6-hr intervals (4 to 120 days). Drug was detectable in serum as early as 0.5 hr and concentrations were measurable as long as 24 hr after a dose, regardless of renal function. Peak concentrations occurred 6 hr after the initial drug dose, but were seen between 1 and 2 hr after a dose in all patients receiving a minimum of 4 days of therapy. Mild to moderate renal impairment produced marked increases in peak 5-FC concentrations in the serum of a group of eight patients on three different dosage schedules. Five patients were studied before and after amphotericin B-induced renal insufficiency. Peak concentrations increased from 14 to 142% concomitant with the change in renal function. Parallel studies in rabbits confirmed the results in our patients. 5-FC half-life in the serum of 10 rabbits increased from 3.35 ± 0.27 to 24.63 ± 0.70 hr after experimentally induced acute renal failure. Concentrations of 5-FC in the cerebrospinal fluid of five patients ranged from 17 to 62 μg/ml and were 74.4 ± 5.6% of simultaneously determined serum concentrations. The effect of renal function on 5-FC concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid was similar to that seen with serum.
Congocidine and Distamycin A, Antipoxvirus Antibiotics
Authors: Becker Yechiel , Asher Yael , Zakay-Rones Zichriya
Published: June 2012

The antibiotics congocidine and distamycin A inhibited the replication of Shope fibroma and vaccinia viruses in BSC
1
cells. Treatment of infected cultures with congocidine for a 12-hr period resulted in an irreversible inhibitory effect on virus development. A longer period of treatment with the antibiotic also resulted in inhibition of the residual infectious virions present in the treated cells. Distamycin A inhibited the replication of poxviruses, but its inhibitory effect was reversed when the antibiotic was removed from the infected cells even as long as 24 hr after treatment. The inhibitory effect of distamycin A and its reversibility resembled the antipoxvirus activity of rifampin.
Effect of Elevated Atmospheric Pressure on Antibiotic Susceptibility of
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Schlamm N. A.
Published: June 2012

Staphylococcus aureus
showed decreased susceptibility to penicillin, vancomycin, sodium cephalothin, and tetracycline, but increased susceptibility to sodium colistimethate, at a pressure of 68 atm in helium or helium-oxygen gas. Susceptibility of
Streptococcus pyogenes
was unchanged by pressurization.
Antiviral Effect of Pyran Against Systemic Infection of Mice with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2
Authors: McCord Ronald S. , Breinig Mary K. , Morahan Page S.
Published: June 2012

The immunomodulator pyran markedly protected 5-week-old mice from lethal intravenous infection with herpes simplex virus type 2. The 50% lethal dose was increased almost 100-fold in pyran-treated mice as compared with controls. Although the protection was not as marked in older mice (10 and 16 weeks old), there was a significant increase in mean survival time. When the pathogenesis of herpesvirus disease was monitored in control and drug-treated mice, the effect of pyran was most evident in the spinal cord, where virus was recovered from 20 of 25 control mice and from only 6 of 25 pyran-treated mice. There was also a significant reduction in the titer of virus present, and virus appeared later in the spinal cord of pyran-treated mice than in control mice. The protective effect of pyran was observed only when the drug was administered 24 h before viral challenge, was seen after both intraperitoneal and intravenous injection, and was not due to direct inactivation of the virus.