bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the amygdala in the pathophysiology of panic disorder: evidence from neuroimaging studies
Authors: Kim Jieun E , Dager Stephen R , Lyoo In Kyoon
Published: November 2012

Although the neurobiological mechanisms underlying panic disorder (PD) are not yet clearly understood, increasing amount of evidence from animal and human studies suggests that the amygdala, which plays a pivotal role in neural network of fear and anxiety, has an important role in the pathogenesis of PD. This article aims to (1) review the findings of structural, chemical, and functional neuroimaging studies on PD, (2) relate the amygdala to panic attacks and PD development, (3) discuss the possible causes of amygdalar abnormalities in PD, (4) and suggest directions for future research.
Cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism in healthy volunteers measured using a high-resolution PET scanner
Authors: Huisman Marc C , van Golen Larissa W , Hoetjes Nikie J , Greuter Henri N , Schober Patrick , Ijzerman Richard G , Diamant Michaela , Lammertsma Adriaan A
Published: November 2012

Background

Positron emission tomography (PET) allows for the measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF; based on [15O]H2O) and cerebral metabolic rate of glucose utilization (CMRglu; based on [18 F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([18 F]FDG)). By using kinetic modeling, quantitative CBF and CMRglu values can be obtained. However, hardware limitations led to the development of semiquantitive calculation schemes which are still widely used. In this paper, the analysis of CMRglu and CBF scans, acquired on a current state-of-the-art PET brain scanner, is presented. In particular, the correspondence between nonlinear as well as linearized methods for the determination of CBF and CMRglu is investigated. As a further step towards widespread clinical applicability, the use of an image-derived input function (IDIF) is investigated.

Methods

Thirteen healthy male volunteers were included in this study. Each subject had one scanning session in the fasting state, consisting of a dynamic [15O]H2O scan and a dynamic [18 F]FDG PET scan, acquired at a high-resolution research tomograph. Time-activity curves (TACs) were generated for automatically delineated and for manually drawn gray matter (GM) and white matter regions. Input functions were derived using on-line arterial blood sampling (blood sampler derived input function (BSIF)). Additionally, the possibility of using carotid artery IDIFs was investigated. Data were analyzed using nonlinear regression (NLR) of regional TACs and parametric methods.

Results

After quality control, 9 CMRglu and 11 CBF scans were available for analysis. Average GM CMRglu values were 0.33 ± 0.04 μmol/cm3 per minute, and average CBF values were 0.43 ± 0.09 mL/cm3 per minute. Good correlation between NLR and parametric CMRglu measurements was obtained as well as between NLR and parametric CBF values. For CMRglu Patlak linearization, BSIF and IDIF derived results were similar. The use of an IDIF, however, did not provide reliable CBF estimates.

Conclusion

Nonlinear regression analysis, allowing for the derivation of regional CBF and CMRglu values, can be applied to data acquired with high-spatial resolution current state-of-the-art PET brain scanners. Linearized models, applied to the voxel level, resulted in comparable values. CMRglu measurements do not require invasive arterial sampling to define the input function.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00626080
Impact of Cigarette Smoking on Cancer Risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Study
Authors: Agudo Antonio , Bonet Catalina , Travier Noémie , González Carlos A. , Vineis Paolo , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Boffetta Paolo , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Kaaks Rudolf , Lukanova Annekatrin , Schütze Madlen , Boeing Heiner , Tjonneland Anne , Halkjaer Jytte , Overvad Kim , Dahm Christina C. , Quirós J. Ramon , Sánchez María-José , Larrañaga Nerea , Navarro Carmen , Ardanaz Eva , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nicholas J. , Key Timothy J. , Allen Naomi E. , Trichopoulou Antonia , Lagiou Pagona , Palli Domenico , Sieri Sabina , Tumino Rosario , Panico Salvatore , Boshuizen Hendriek , Büchner Frederike L. , Peeters Petra H.M. , Borgquist Signe , Almquist Martin , Hallmans Göran , Johansson Ingegerd , Gram Inger T. , Lund Eiliv , Weiderpass Elisabete , Romieu Isabelle , Riboli Elio
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Our aim was to assess the impact of cigarette smoking on the risk of the tumors classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as causally associated with smoking, referred to as tobacco-related cancers (TRC).

Methods

The study population included 441,211 participants (133,018 men and 308,193 women) from the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition. We investigated 14,563 participants who developed a TRC during an average follow-up of 11 years. The impact of smoking cigarettes on cancer risk was assessed by the population attributable fraction (AFp), calculated using the adjusted hazard ratios and 95% CI for current and former smokers, plus either the prevalence of smoking among cancer cases or estimates from surveys in representative samples of the population in each country.

Results

The proportion of all TRC attributable to cigarette smoking was 34.9% (95% CI, 32.5 to 37.4) using the smoking prevalence among cases and 36.2% (95% CI, 33.7 to 38.6) using the smoking prevalence from the population. The AFp were above 80% for cancers of the lung and larynx, between 20% and 50% for most respiratory and digestive cancers and tumors from the lower urinary tract, and below 20% for the remaining TRC.

Conclusion

Using data on cancer incidence for 2008 and our AFp estimates, about 270,000 new cancer diagnoses per year can be considered attributable to cigarette smoking in the eight European countries with available data for both men and women (Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Greece, Germany, Sweden, Denmark).
Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin, Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, and Prednisone in AIDS-Related Lymphoma: AIDS Malignancy Consortium Study 047
Authors: Levine Alexandra M. , Noy Ariela , Lee Jeannette Y. , Tam Wayne , Ramos Juan Carlos , Henry David H. , Parekh Samir , Reid Erin G. , Mitsuyasu Ronald , Cooley Timothy , Dezube Bruce J. , Ratner Lee , Cesarman Ethel , Tulpule Anil
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Infusional chemotherapy is efficacious in patients with AIDS-related lymphoma, but it may be difficult to administer. We studied standard agents with rituximab plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (DR-COP) in an attempt to provide a more practical approach to therapy while ascertaining rates of response, potential infectious complications, and prognostic role of biologic markers.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a prospective, multi-institutional phase II trial, employing (day 1) pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 40 mg/m2, rituximab 375 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2, vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 (not > 2 mg), and prednisone 100 mg orally on days 1 through 5, with concomitant antiretroviral therapy.

Results

In 40 evaluable patients, median CD4 cells was 114/μL (range, 5 to 1,026/μL), and median HIV-1 viral load (VL) was 25,000 copies/mL. High or intermediate/high age-adjusted International Prognostic Index was present in 28%. Overall response was 67.5%, with complete remission in 47.5% (95% CI, 31.5 to 63.9). Of 19 complete responders, 84% had extranodal disease, 47% had CD4 < 100/μL, and 47% had VL > 50,000 copies/mL; one relapsed. With 25.5-month median follow-up, 62% (95% CI, 44 to 75) of patients remain alive. Sixteen patients (40%) experienced 22 infections, with grade 4 in only two (5%). No patient died as a result of infection during treatment; one had opportunistic infection.

Conclusion

Profound immunodeficiency and high HIV-1 viral load do not preclude attainment of complete response after DR-COP with highly active antiretroviral therapy. The regimen is tolerable, and use of rituximab was not associated with death as a result of infection during treatment. This approach may be useful in patients in whom the more intensive infusional regimens are impractical.
Prognostic Impact of Pregnancy After Breast Cancer According to Estrogen Receptor Status: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Azim Hatem A. , Kroman Niels , Paesmans Marianne , Gelber Shari , Rotmensz Nicole , Ameye Lieveke , De Mattos-Arruda Leticia , Pistilli Barbara , Pinto Alvaro , Jensen Maj-Britt , Cordoba Octavi , de Azambuja Evandro , Goldhirsch Aron , Piccart Martine J. , Peccatori Fedro A.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

We questioned the impact of pregnancy on disease-free survival (DFS) in women with history of breast cancer (BC) according to estrogen receptor (ER) status.

Patients and Methods

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study in which patients who became pregnant any time after BC were matched (1:3) to patients with BC with similar ER, nodal status, adjuvant therapy, age, and year of diagnosis. To adjust for guaranteed time bias, each nonpregnant patient had to have a disease-free interval at least equal to the time elapsing between BC diagnosis and date of conception of the matched pregnant one. The primary objective was DFS in patients with ER-positive BC. DFS in the ER-negative cohort, whole population, and overall survival (OS) were secondary objectives. Subgroup analyses included DFS according to pregnancy outcome and BC–pregnancy interval. With a two-sided α = 5% and β = 20%, 645 ER-positive patients were required to detect a hazard ratio (HR) = 0.65.

Results

A total of 333 pregnant patients and 874 matched nonpregnant patients were analyzed, of whom 686 patients had an ER-positive disease. No difference in DFS was observed between pregnant and nonpregnant patients in the ER-positive (HR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.24, P = .55) or the ER-negative (HR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.51 to 1.08, P = .12) cohorts. However, the pregnant group had better OS (HR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.97, P = .03), with no interaction according to ER status (P = .11). Pregnancy outcome and BC–pregnancy interval did not seem to impact the risk of relapse.

Conclusion

Pregnancy after ER-positive BC does not seem to reduce the risk of BC recurrence.
Into the Unknown: Aging with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Perkins Elizabeth A. , Berkman Karen A.
Published: November 2012

Research investigation of older adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) noticeably lags behind studies of children and younger adults with ASD. This article reviews the current literature regarding a range of quality of life outcomes of aging adults with ASD. Studies that have addressed life expectancy, comorbid physical and mental health issues, ASD symptomatology, and social, residential, and vocational outcomes are reviewed. Research challenges in identifying older cohorts of adults with ASD are also discussed, and notable areas of concern are highlighted. Overall, aging with ASD does present challenges, but there is also evidence that positive outcomes are attainable. The article concludes with brief recommendations on how to optimize the aging process for individuals with ASD.
Restructuring and reorganization of the Iraqi oil ministry and state-owned oil companies for maximum economic growth and national development
Authors: Mazeel Muhammed Abed
Published: November 2012

This article summarizes the recommendations for the restructuring and reorganization of the oil industry in Iraq. The focus of the article is to use the restructuring and reorganization experience from national and international oil companies worldwide and to apply them to the Iraqi
oil industry. The Iraq Federal Administration should ensure a pragmatic approach to its current policy objectives. The current or future government needs to put into operation new policy instruments to facilitate oil and gas sector institutional restructuring. Iraq should endeavour to produce
its recoverable petroleum reserves optimally. The current administration must choose whether to allow the population to use the entire petroleum wealth derived from current petroleum production for their benefit or give future generations a share of the derived wealth from oil and gas development.
The main objective of the policies is to make far-reaching changes and ensure the fundamental transformation of Iraqi oil and gas industry in order to optimize the development of the oil and gas industry; this in turn will hopefully maximize economic growth and overall country development.
The development of the Iraqi oil and gas policies should be approved by the intended federal executive council under the chairmanship of the "Minister President". The first steps towards restructuring and reorganizing the institutions and the legislation include taking ownership
of oil and gas resources, allocating acreages to Kurdistan/Iraq and neighbouring states, government participation, applying fiscal principles, and improving transparency and good governance. It is important to provide the institutional framework that governs the operations of the industry,
including the functions, powers, structures and funding of these institutions. The operations in the upstream of the industry include licensing, leases and contracts. Other considerations covered are award processes, right of participation by the government, marginal fields, indigenous companies,
termination and revocation of licences and leases, matters on fees, rents and royalties and finally provisions on associated natural gas.
Monetary policy of the Central Bank of Iraq: Paradox of thrift in rental economy
Authors: Kasim D. Mudher Mohammed Salih
Published: November 2012

In a rental economy enjoying a relative surplus in its balance of payment, where consumer dominance is maximized and development aspects are neutralized, the tightened monetary policy, although achieving stability and inflation reduction to a single digit, resulted in two gaps in the
economy: The first gap resulted from investing bank's surpluses in risk-free monetary policy instruments with real positive interest rate and high return resulting in what is called 'risk crowding out', leading to weakening the general credit activity. The second gap resulted from the improvement
of the Iraqi dinar exchange rate, which enhanced the purchasing power of government wages with no similar increase in productivity leading to wage increase in the entire labour market, also with no increase in productivity, a principle similar to 'Baumol's cost disease or Baumol effect'; this
gap contributed to economic recession, which is called the principle of 'risk crowing in'.

Finally, stability was achieved in trade of 'risk crowding in' and 'risk crowding out' that neutralized economic development activity and usage due to poor consistency among different policies.
De-sectarianizing patterns of political mobilization in the post-conflict Iraq
Authors: Sakai Keiko
Published: November 2012

Sectarian identity has played a significant role in electoral politics in Iraq after 2003. As in the cases related to the former Yugoslavia, ethic/sectarian cleavages are often mobilized when majority systems are introduced instantly through elections. In Iraq, electoral blocs were
formed along sectarian lines in order to gain a majority of voters collectively, in a situation where most of the major political parties were composed of expatriates and had not yet established nationwide supportive bases inside Iraq. Mobilization patterns are diverse; United Iraqi Alliance
(UIA) relied on sectarian networks, mainly in the southern governorates, while Iraqiya succeeded in obtaining a majority of votes in the central regions by combining various sources of mobilization, such as tribal, local and kinship networks, through which the fame of candidates was established.
Differences among political parties in the patterns of nominating candidates depended on those in the previous regime. Iraqiya followed a similar pattern of mobilization during the former ruling system, while the al-Da'wa Party in UIA pursued absorption of local power into their own party
structure, which caused conflicts between provincial political elites and the central government in 2011. Once the period during which competition for the ruling position in the central political authority has passed, forms of political contention other than sectarian rivalries emerge.
REVIEW ESSAY
Authors: Davis Eric
Published: November 2012

THE IRAQI REVOLUTION OF 1958: A REVOLUTIONARY QUEST FOR UNITY AND SECURITY, JUAN ROMERO (2011) Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 241 pp., ISBN-10: 0761852581, ISBN-13: 978-0761852582, £41.95 (hbk).

FROM DICTATORSHIP TO DEMOCRACY: AN INSIDER'S ACCOUNT OF THE IRAQI OPPOSITION
TO SADDAM, HAMID AL-BAYATI (2011) Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 347 pp., ISBN-10: 0812242882, ISBN-13: 978-0812242881, £20.70 (pbk).

IRAQ, DEMOCRACY AND THE FUTURE OF THE ARAB WORLD, ALI PAYA AND JOHN ESPOSITO, EDS. (2011) New York: Routledge, 220 pp., ISBN-10:
0415697905, ISBN-13: 978-0415697903, £23.70 (pbk).
Complex formation of Np(V) with fulvic acid at tracer metal concentration
Authors: Müller Katharina , Sasaki Takayuki
Published: November 2012

Apparent formation constants of pentavalent Np with fulvic acid (FA) were determined in 0.1 M NaClO4, at 25 ºC using a solvent extraction technique with thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) and phenanthroline (phen) in an isoamyl alcohol solution. The metal concentration was set constant to a tracer level of 1015 M Np(V), relevant for the far field safety assessment of a nuclear waste disposal site. The impact of several solution conditions, namely pH, ionic strength, the initial fulvic acid concentration and the presence of Ca2+, on the complex formation were studied. Similar to the sodium system, the divalent calcium ion effectively prevents complexation of the neptunyl ion with fulvic acid. Furthermore, the derived apparent formation constants were comparatively discussed with literature values obtained at very similar solution conditions.
Approach to on-line monitoring of PUREX process using chemometric processing of the optical spectral data
Authors: Kirsanov Dmitry O. , Babain V. , Agafonova-Moroz M. , Lumpov A. , Legin A.
Published: November 2012

Optical spectroscopic measurements in the UV-Vis and IR ranges were performed in model solutions of aqueous and organic phases of the PUREX process for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) reprocessing. Chemometric processing of the spectral data with PLS (partial least squares) regression allowed simultaneous quantification of several key components (uranium, neptunium, plutonium, nitric acid) in these mixtures in an effective and elegant way. The content of all key components was quantitively determined with mean relative errors not exceeding 10%. It was shown that the employment of the whole spectra or their certain continuous regions for a PLS calibration enables to decrease the analytical errors compared to the use of a single wavelength in an ordinary least squares approach. The results of this research imply that the development of on-line techniques for SNF reprocessing monitoring is fully possible and can be based on optical spectroscopy methods combined with multivariate data processing techniques.
A study on AB2O6 compounds, Part II: the branches of the hcp family
Authors: Beck Horst P.
Published: November 2012

The crystal chemistry of many AB2O6 compounds is summarized in family trees comparing the crystal symmetry of several structures in group-subgroup relations. In this second part of a series the largest family derived from a hexagonally close packed arrangement of anions is described. On reducing the symmetry, different choices of octahedral sites for A and B cations and voids lead to four branches – the Rosiaite-, the ZnTa2O6-, the columbite- and the rutile-branch. We trace the reasons for the specific distribution patterns of the cations in the individual compounds by comparing long range contributions, i.e. the Madelung Part of Lattice Energy (MAPLE), and local effects represented by bond valence calculations according to I. D. Brown. Long range effects largely determine the choice of sites in the respective space groups, however, small local adjustments play a decisive role for the stability of a specific structural modification. Such mechanisms ultimately impose how the structure of an individual compound deviates from an ideally packed arrangement. We discuss the difference between the ideal structures and the real examples given in the family tree by defining a sort of deformation tensor and a measure of similarity, and we describe and depict the anisotropic deformation by a strain tensor.
The function of chaperone proteins in the assemblage of protein complexes involved in gamete adhesion and fusion processes
Authors: Bromfield Elizabeth G , Nixon Brett
Published: November 2012

The remarkable complexity of the molecular events governing adhesion and fusion of the male and female gametes is becoming apparent. Novel research suggests that these highly specific cellular interactions are facilitated by multiprotein complexes that are delivered to and/or assembled on the surface of the gametes by molecular chaperones in preparation for sperm–egg interaction. While the activation of these molecular chaperones and the mechanisms by which they shuttle proteins to the surface of the cell remain the subject of ongoing investigation, a compelling suggestion is that these processes are augmented by dynamic membrane microdomains or lipid rafts that migrate to the apical region of the sperm head after capacitation. Preliminary studies of the oocyte plasma membrane have also revealed the presence of lipid rafts comprising several molecular chaperones, raising the possibility that similar mechanisms may be involved in the activation of maternal fusion machinery and the regulation of oocyte plasma membrane integrity. Despite these findings, the analysis of oocyte surface multiprotein complexes is currently lacking. Further analyses of the intermediary proteins that facilitate the expression of key players in sperm–egg fusion are likely to deliver important insights into this unique event, which culminates in the cytoplasmic continuity of the male and female gametes.
The Relationship Between FST and the Frequency of the Most Frequent Allele
Authors: Jakobsson Mattias , Edge Michael D , Rosenberg Noah A
Published: November 2012

F ST is frequently used as a summary of genetic differentiation among groups. It has been suggested that FST depends on the allele frequencies at a locus, as it exhibits a variety of peculiar properties related to genetic diversity: higher values for biallelic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) than for multiallelic microsatellites, low values among high-diversity populations viewed as substantially distinct, and low values for populations that differ primarily in their profiles of rare alleles. A full mathematical understanding of the dependence of FST on allele frequencies, however, has been elusive. Here, we examine the relationship between FST and the frequency of the most frequent allele, demonstrating that the range of values that FST can take is restricted considerably by the allele-frequency distribution. For a two-population model, we derive strict bounds on FST as a function of the frequency M of the allele with highest mean frequency between the pair of populations. Using these bounds, we show that for a value of M chosen uniformly between 0 and 1 at a multiallelic locus whose number of alleles is left unspecified, the mean maximum FST is ∼0.3585. Further, FST is restricted to values much less than 1 when M is low or high, and the contribution to the maximum FST made by the most frequent allele is on average ∼0.4485. Using bounds on homozygosity that we have previously derived as functions of M, we describe strict bounds on FST in terms of the homozygosity of the total population, finding that the mean maximum FST given this homozygosity is 1 − ln 2 ≈ 0.3069. Our results provide a conceptual basis for understanding the dependence of FST on allele frequencies and genetic diversity and for interpreting the roles of these quantities in computations of FST from population-genetic data. Further, our analysis suggests that many unusual observations of FST, including the relatively low FST values in high-diversity human populations from Africa and the relatively low estimates of FST for microsatellites compared to SNPs, can be understood not as biological phenomena associated with different groups of populations or classes of markers but rather as consequences of the intrinsic mathematical dependence of FST on the properties of allele-frequency distributions.
Pediatricians’ Use of Health Information Technology: A National Survey
Authors: Leu Michael G. , O’Connor Karen G. , Marshall Rebecca , Price David T. , Klein Jonathan D.
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

There are limited national data on pediatric health information technology adoption rates. Our objective was to determine pediatricians’ adoption rates of electronic health record systems (EHRs), barriers to adoption, and features of the systems adopted.

METHODS:

A survey of 1620 randomly selected US members of the American Academy of Pediatrics from February to July 2009 addressed use of EHRs and barriers to adoption. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to determine associations between EHR use and various physician and practice characteristics.

RESULTS:

Six hundred forty-six postresidency pediatric clinicians practicing in office- or clinic-based settings responded (57.2%). Self-reported electronic medical record/EHR use was 54%/41%, but far fewer used systems that met the definition of a basic (25%) or fully functional (6%) EHR. Only 3% used a system that was fully functional and pediatric-supportive. Pediatricians practicing in multispecialty practices and those in hospital-based practices were more likely to use basic or fully functional EHRs than those in solo/2-physician practices. More than half of respondents reported financial barriers to implementing EHRs, and more than one-third were concerned about whether systems could meet their needs and whether an EHR would affect productivity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pediatric adoption of fully functional EHRs lags general adoption. Barriers to adoption include financial and productivity concerns, but pediatricians are also concerned about finding systems that meet their needs. Few pediatricians use a system that is pediatric-supportive. To help identify pediatric-supportive systems, EHR certification efforts should include these requirements.
3-Hydroxycarboplatin, a Simple Carboplatin Derivative Endowed with an Improved Toxicological Profile
Authors: Liu Weiping , Chen Xizhu , Ye Qingsong , Hou Shuqian , Lou Liguang , Xie Chengying
Published: November 2012

3-Hydroxycarboplatin, a simple carboplatin derivative, was synthesised using a novel method, characterised and evaluated for its anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. It shows comparable antitumour activity to that of carboplatin but has much lower toxicity particularly with respect to myelosuppression, revealing great potential for development as a new antitumour platinum drug to replace carboplatin.
The response of Karnali Bridge, Nepal to near-fault earthquakes
Authors: Shrestha Bipin , Tuladhar Roshan
Published: November 2012

Seismic records during recent destructive earthquakes such as Northridge (1994), Kobe (1995), Duzce (1999) and Chi-Chi (1999) revealed peculiarities of ground motion near active faults. Those earthquakes indicated that the vertical acceleration can reach values comparable to horizontal acceleration or may even exceed these accelerations. The unique high amplitude and short to medium duration pulse caused due to the forward directivity was another typical feature of near-field ground motion, which caused significant damage to transportation structure. In this study the relative importance of the vertical ground motion on the response of Karnali cable-stayed bridge, which is situated near an active fault in Nepal, is investigated. This study also tries to identify the effect of the velocity pulses on the response of a steel tower of the cable-stayed bridge. The results indicate that the vertical ground motion will have a minor effect on the axial response of the cable and tower of the cable-stayed bridge. The study identified that forward directivity ground motion could have a damaging effect when velocity pulses are tuned with the natural period of the steel tower of the bridge.
Validity and Reliability of the Brief TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire
Authors: Castner Jessica
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose: Teamwork is an essential component of hospital nursing quality and safety. The purpose of this study is to test the validity and reliability of the Brief TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Perception Questionnaire (Brief T-TPQ). Methods: The 20-item questionnaire was completed electronically by a sample (N = 456) of hospital bedside nurses and tested for reliability and validity. Results: The survey demonstrated internal consistency reliability of .83–.94 with a total survey reliability of .93. A hierarchical relationship three factor subscale structure was confirmed, explaining 64% of the variance and acceptable factor loadings. A secondary five-factor structure revealed statistically and conceptually coherent skills and behaviors sub-subscales. Discriminant validity was demonstrated with self-esteem and control over practice. Conclusions: The 20-item Brief T-TPQ is a valid and reliable survey to measure hierarchical teamwork relationships as well as teamwork skills and behaviors.
Impact of Unit Practice Councils on Culture and Outcomes
Authors: Wessel Susan
Published: November 2012

This article describes positive outcomes in culture, Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores, employee engagement, and clinical quality as a result of using shared governance, specifically unit practice councils (UPC) or staff councils, to implement Relationship-Based Care (RBC).
Effect of preparation conditions and washing of activated carbon from paper mill sewage sludge on its adsorptive properties
Authors: Li Wen-hong , Yue Qin-yan , Ma Zuo-hao , Gao Bao-yu , Li Yan-jie , Zhao Hai-xia
Published: November 2012

Sludge-based activated carbon (SAC) was prepared from paper mill sewage sludge by physical activation with steam for wastewater treatment in this study. The effects of preparation variables, including carbonization temperature, carbonization time, activation temperature and activation time, on iodine number and yield were investigated through orthogonal experiments. The influences of washing by deionized water and acid on the characteristics and adsorption capacities of SAC for phosphate, methylene blue and reactive red 24 were also studied. The results indicated that the optimal preparation conditions were: carbonization temperature of 350 °C, carbonization time of 40 min, activation temperature of 800 °C and activation time of 20 min. The characteristics and adsorption capacities of SAC were obviously different before and after washing, especially by acid. The surface area was improved and adsorption capacities for dyes increased after washing, while adsorption capacity for phosphate decreased. The maximum adsorption capacities provided strong evidence of the potential of SAC as an alternative adsorbent for wastewater treatment.
Cultivation of microalgae (Oscillatoria okeni and Chlorella vulgaris) using tilapia-pond effluent and a comparison of their biomass removal efficiency
Authors: Attasat S. , Wanichpongpan P. , Ruenglertpanyakul W.
Published: November 2012

The uptake of dissolved nutrients by microalgae is the primary way to remove nitrogen in aquaculture systems. Many authors have studied the use of microalgae to treat wastewater from aquaculture. However, excessive microalgae accumulation may cause high levels of organic matter and suspended solids in the final effluent. Thus, an efficient way to remove excess algae is needed in wastewater treatment. In this study, the potential of the filamentous cyanobacterium, Oscillatoria okeni, and the green alga, Chlorella vulgaris, to remove nitrate-nitrogen from tilapia-pond effluent was assessed. The results indicated that C. vulgaris exhibited higher specific rate of growth and rate of nitrate utilization than O. okeni. However, O. okeni has the advantage over C. vulgaris in solid–liquid separation by filtration and sedimentation after treatment.
Effect of ionizing radiation on antioxidant compounds present in cork wastewater
Authors: Madureira J. , Melo R. , Botelho M. L. , Leal J. P. , Fonseca I. M.
Published: November 2012

A preliminary study of the gamma radiation effects on the antioxidant compounds present in cork cooking water was carried out. Radiation studies were performed using radiation between 20 and 50 kGy at 0.4 and 2.4 kGy h−1. The radiation effects on organic matter content were evaluated by chemical oxygen demand. The antioxidant activity was measured by ferric reducing power assay. The total phenolic content was studied using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. Results show that gamma radiation increases both the amount of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of cork cooking water. These results highlight the potential of this technology for increasing the added value of cork waters.
Biogas desulfurization and biogas upgrading using a hybrid membrane system – modeling study
Authors: Makaruk A. , Miltner M. , Harasek M.
Published: November 2012

Membrane gas permeation using glassy membranes proved to be a suitable method for biogas upgrading and natural gas substitute production on account of low energy consumption and high compactness. Glassy membranes are very effective in the separation of bulk carbon dioxide and water from a methane-containing stream. However, the content of hydrogen sulfide can be lowered only partially. This work employs process modeling based upon the finite difference method to evaluate a hybrid membrane system built of a combination of rubbery and glassy membranes. The former are responsible for the separation of hydrogen sulfide and the latter separate carbon dioxide to produce standard-conform natural gas substitute. The evaluation focuses on the most critical upgrading parameters like achievable gas purity, methane recovery and specific energy consumption. The obtained results indicate that the evaluated hybrid membrane configuration is a potentially efficient system for the biogas processing tasks that do not require high methane recoveries, and allows effective desulfurization for medium and high hydrogen sulfide concentrations without additional process steps.
Comparative and integrative environmental assessment of advanced wastewater treatment processes based on an average removal of pharmaceuticals
Authors: Igos Elorri , Benetto Enrico , Venditti Silvia , Köhler Christian , Cornelissen Alex
Published: November 2012

Pharmaceuticals are normally barely removed by conventional wastewater treatments. Advanced technologies as a post-treatment, could prevent these pollutants reaching the environment and could be included in a centralized treatment plant or, alternatively, at the primary point source, e.g. hospitals. In this study, the environmental impacts of different options, as a function of several advanced treatments as well as the centralized/decentralized implementation options, have been evaluated using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. In previous publications, the characterization of the toxicity of pharmaceuticals within LCA suffers from high uncertainties. In our study, LCA was therefore only used to quantify the generated impacts (electricity, chemicals, etc.) of different treatment scenarios. These impacts are then weighted by the average removal rate of pharmaceuticals using a new Eco-efficiency Indicator EFI. This new way of comparing the scenarios shows significant advantages of upgrading a centralized plant with ozonation as the post-treatment. The decentralized treatment option reveals no significant improvement on the avoided environmental impact, due to the comparatively small pollutant load coming from the hospital and the uncertainties in the average removal of the decentralized scenarios. When comparing the post-treatment technologies, UV radiation has a lower performance than both ozonation and activated carbon adsorption.
Can stormwater harvesting restore pre-development flows in urban catchments in South East Queensland?
Authors: Ashbolt S. , Aryal S. , Petrone K. , McIntosh B. S. , Maheepala S. , Chowdhury R. , Gardner T.
Published: November 2012

Increases in the impervious area due to urbanisation have been shown to have negative impacts on the physical and ecological condition of streams, primarily through increased volume and frequency of runoff. The harvesting and detention of runoff has a potential to decrease this impact. This paper describes the effects of urbanisation on catchment flow and of stormwater harvesting on reducing those adverse impacts on a stream in South East Queensland (SEQ), Australia. A largely undeveloped catchment located southeast of Brisbane city was calibrated and validated using the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM). This model was used to investigate the effect of a range of future increases in urbanisation (represented by impervious area) on stream hydrology as well as the potential of stormwater harvesting to return the catchments to predevelopment flow conditions. Stormwater harvesting was modelled according to flow frequency measures specified in current SEQ development guidelines. These guidelines stipulate the capture of the first 10 mm of runoff from impervious areas of 0–40% and the first 15 mm from impervious areas of 40% or greater for urban developments. We found that increases in the impervious area resulted in increases in the mean, frequency and duration of high flows, and an increase in the mean rate of rise and fall for storm events in the catchment. However, the predevelopment (non-urbanised) flow distribution was very flashy in comparison with all urbanised scenarios; i.e. it had the quickest response to rainfall indicated by a high rate of rise to and fall from peak flow volume, followed by a return to zero flow conditions. Capturing the runoff according to the development guidelines resulted in a reduction in flow towards the flow distribution of a lower impervious area, however this was insufficient to meet predevelopment conditions. This suggests a stronger influence of impervious areas in this catchment on the volume of runoff than flow frequency measures are able to ameliorate.
Electrocoagulation of synthetic dairy wastewater
Authors: Smoczynski Lech , Munska Kamilla , Pierozynski Boguslaw
Published: November 2012

This study compares the effectiveness of pollutant removal from synthetic dairy wastewater electrocoagulated by means of aluminum and iron anodic dissolution. A method based on the cubic function (third degree polynomial) was proposed for electrocoagulant dosing. Mathematical methods for calculating the optimal electrocoagulant doses proved to be quite precise and useful for practical applications. The results of gravimetric measurements of electrocoagulant (electrode) consumption demonstrated that theoretical doses of Al determined based on Faraday's law were substantially lower than those produced by electrode weighing. The above phenomenon was also discussed in the light of the results of polarization resistance measurements for Al and Fe electrodes used in the study.
Understanding Inclusive Early Childhood Education: A Capability Approach
Authors: Underwood Kathryn , Valeo Angela , Wood Rebecca
Published: November 2012

This article explores the application of current discourse in inclusive education, particularly the capability approach and its utility in early childhood education. The article highlights the tensions between a rights-based discourse that informs inclusive education practice and the right for children to have early intervention. Structural approaches to supporting children with disabilities are examined. These structural approaches are evaluated using the framework developed using the capability approach. The article aims to ease some of the tensions that arise from differing philosophical approaches to education for young children, and to provide a framework for addressing the developmental and social needs of young children with disabilities.
Minding the P's: Passion in Professionalism in Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Clark Beverley
Published: November 2012

This article examines small-scale research into what passion might mean to early childhood teachers in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. The catalyst for this research was twofold: Moyles' work in the United Kingdom on passion, professionalism and paradox, and the author's personal encounters with the distinct views in the teaching community on the relevance of passion for teaching. While on a small scale, this research is significant as it explores a term that is widely used in many contexts, particularly in relation to teaching. The research examines the interpretation of this concept in the context for teaching in early childhood education (ECE) settings in Aotearoa New Zealand and it will form the basis for further, wider research on this topic in 2012.
RAGE Deficiency Improves Postinjury Sciatic Nerve Regeneration in Type 1 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Juranek Judyta K. , Geddis Matthew S. , Song Fei , Zhang Jinghua , Garcia Jose , Rosario Rosa , Yan Shi Fang , Brannagan Thomas H. , Schmidt Ann Marie
Published: November 2012

Peripheral neuropathy and insensate limbs and digits cause significant morbidity in diabetic individuals. Previous studies showed that deletion of the receptor for advanced end-glycation products (RAGE) in mice was protective in long-term diabetic neuropathy. Here, we tested the hypothesis that RAGE suppresses effective axonal regeneration in superimposed acute peripheral nerve injury attributable to tissue-damaging inflammatory responses. We report that deletion of RAGE, particularly in diabetic mice, resulted in significantly higher myelinated fiber densities and conduction velocities consequent to acute sciatic nerve crush compared with wild-type control animals. Consistent with key roles for RAGE-dependent inflammation, reconstitution of diabetic wild-type mice with RAGE-null versus wild-type bone marrow resulted in significantly improved axonal regeneration and restoration of function. Diabetic RAGE-null mice displayed higher numbers of invading macrophages in the nerve segments postcrush compared with wild-type animals, and these macrophages in diabetic RAGE-null mice displayed greater M2 polarization. In vitro, treatment of wild-type bone marrow–derived macrophages with advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which accumulate in diabetic nerve tissue, increased M1 and decreased M2 gene expression in a RAGE-dependent manner. Blockade of RAGE may be beneficial in the acute complications of diabetic neuropathy, at least in part, via upregulation of regeneration signals.
Resistance Versus Aerobic Exercise
Authors: Yardley Jane E. , Kenny Glen P. , Perkins Bruce A. , Riddell Michael C. , Balaa Nadia , Malcolm Janine , Boulay Pierre , Khandwala Farah , Sigal Ronald J.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

In type 1 diabetes, small studies have found that resistance exercise (weight lifting) reduces HbA1c. In the current study, we examined the acute impacts of resistance exercise on glycemia during exercise and in the subsequent 24 h compared with aerobic exercise and no exercise.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twelve physically active individuals with type 1 diabetes (HbA1c 7.1 ± 1.0%) performed 45 min of resistance exercise (three sets of seven exercises at eight repetitions maximum), 45 min of aerobic exercise (running at 60% of Vo2max), or no exercise on separate days. Plasma glucose was measured during and for 60 min after exercise. Interstitial glucose was measured by continuous glucose monitoring 24 h before, during, and 24 h after exercise.

RESULTS

Treatment-by-time interactions (P < 0.001) were found for changes in plasma glucose during and after exercise. Plasma glucose decreased from 8.4 ± 2.7 to 6.8 ± 2.3 mmol/L (P = 0.008) during resistance exercise and from 9.2 ± 3.4 to 5.8 ± 2.0 mmol/L (P = 0.001) during aerobic exercise. No significant changes were seen during the no-exercise control session. During recovery, glucose levels did not change significantly after resistance exercise but increased by 2.2 ± 0.6 mmol/L (P = 0.023) after aerobic exercise. Mean interstitial glucose from 4.5 to 6.0 h postexercise was significantly lower after resistance exercise versus aerobic exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance exercise causes less initial decline in blood glucose during the activity but is associated with more prolonged reductions in postexercise glycemia than aerobic exercise. This might account for HbA1c reductions found in studies of resistance exercise but not aerobic exercise in type 1 diabetes.
Active DNA Aβ42 vaccination as immunotherapy for Alzheimer disease
Authors: Lambracht-Washington Doris , Rosenberg Roger
Published: November 2012

As a neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia found in the aging population. Immunotherapy with passive or active immunizations targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) build-up in the brain may provide a possible treatment option and may help prevent AD from progressing. A number of passive immunizations with anti-Aβ42 antibodies are in different phases of clinical trials. One active immunization approach, AN-1792, was stopped after the development of autoimmune encephalitis in 6% of patients and a second one, CAD106, in which a small Aβ epitope is used, is currently in safety and tolerability studies. Besides active immunizations with proteins or peptides, active immunizations using DNA which codes for the protein against which the immune response will be directed, so called genetic immunizations, provide additional safety as the immune response in DNA immunizations differs quantitatively and qualitatively from the response elicited by peptide immunizations. We summarize in this review our data using DNA Aβ42 immunizations in mouse models and discuss the results together with the results presented by many other groups working on a DNA vaccine as treatment option for AD.
Schizophrenia as a disturbance of cortical sensory maps
Authors: Vukadinovic Zoran
Published: November 2012

Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms, which among others include hallucinations, delusions and passivity experiences. It has been found that individuals with schizophrenia misattribute their own thoughts and actions to an outside agency (source monitoring deficits), which could account for psychotic experiences such as that of hearing voices. In order to explain the source-monitoring deficits as well as psychosis, it has been proposed that mechanisms that enable anticipation and recognition of sensory consequences of one’s own actions are impaired in schizophrenia. Importantly, such mechanisms may require accurate cortical sensory representations such as in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). The establishment and maintenance of cortical sensory representations has been found to utilize a sleep-related brain rhythm known as spindling. Namely, in the perinatal period in humans and animals, and possibly also thereafter, spontaneous activity in the sensory periphery drives spindle activity in the developing cortical sensory areas, which then contributes to the formation of sensory representations that match bodily features. For example, muscle twitch-spindle sequences during sleep facilitate the formation and maintenance of S1 in accordance with the layout of musculature. This process has been proposed to continue throughout the lifespan and may be particularly important during periods of bodily changes (adolescence, menopause). In schizophrenia, the amount of sleep spindle activity is markedly reduced, which would be expected to result in insufficient cortical sensory representations and have relevance for the relative inability of individuals with schizophrenia to accurately recognize self-initiated actions.