bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Schizophrenia Adverse Drug Interactions through a Network Approach and Drug Classification
Authors: Sun Jingchun , Zhao Min , Fanous Ayman H. , Zhao Zhongming
Published: September 2013

Antipsychotic drugs are medications commonly for schizophrenia (SCZ) treatment, which include two groups: typical and atypical. SCZ patients have multiple comorbidities, and the coadministration of drugs is quite common. This may result in adverse drug-drug interactions, which are events that occur when the effect of a drug is altered by the coadministration of another drug. Therefore, it is important to provide a comprehensive view of these interactions for further coadministration improvement. Here, we extracted SCZ drugs and their adverse drug interactions from the DrugBank and compiled a SCZ-specific adverse drug interaction network. This network included 28 SCZ drugs, 241 non-SCZs, and 991 interactions. By integrating the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification with the network analysis, we characterized those interactions. Our results indicated that SCZ drugs tended to have more adverse drug interactions than other drugs. Furthermore, SCZ typical drugs had significant interactions with drugs of the “alimentary tract and metabolism” category while SCZ atypical drugs had significant interactions with drugs of the categories “nervous system” and “antiinfectives for systemic uses.” This study is the first to characterize the adverse drug interactions in the course of SCZ treatment and might provide useful information for the future SCZ treatment.
Can Serum Tenascin-C Be Used as a Marker of Inflammation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
Authors: Kotby Alyaa A. , Abdel Aziz Manal M. , El Guindy Waleed M. , Moneer Amira N.
Published: September 2013

Background. Tenascin-C (TN-C) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that appears at sites of inflammation in cardiac pathologies.Aim of the Work. To evaluate the role of TN-C as a marker for active inflammation in children with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Subjects and Methods. 24 consecutive patients with primary nonfamilial DCM aged 6–72 months (mean45.19±11.03) were divided into group I, twelve patients with acute onset DCM (<6 months duration), and group II, twelve patients with chronic DCM (>6 months duration), and compared to 20 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Investigations included estimation of serum TN-C and echocardiographic evaluation using M-mode and 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).Results. Serum TN-C showed a higher significant statistical elevation among patients than controls (P<0.001) and in group I than group II (P<0.001). EF was significantly decreased, and LVEDD and EDV increased in patients than controls and in GI than GII. STE showed a statistically significant difference in global peak strain longitudinal (GPSL) average in patients than controls (P<0.05) and between GI and GII (P<0.001). STE wall motion scoring showed normokinesia (33.5%), hypokinesia (8.33%), and akinesia (50%) in GI and hypokinesia (100%) in GII. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum TN-C and GPSL average.Conclusions. Increased serum TN-C can be used as a marker of inflammation in DCM and is associated with the severity of heart failure and LV dysfunction as detected by STE.
A Clinical Analysis of Risk Factors for Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy
Authors: Cen Xiaomin , Zuo Chuan , Yang Min , Yin Geng , Xie Qibing
Published: September 2013

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common and severe complication of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for ILD by evaluating both clinical and biochemical features in IIM patients with or without ILD. From January 2008 to December 2011, medical records of 134 IIM patients in our rheumatology unit were reviewed. The patients were divided into ILD group (83 patients) and non-ILD group (51 patients). The clinical features and laboratory findings were compared. The univariable analyses indicated that arthritis/arthralgia (54.2% versus 17.6%,P<0.05), Mechanic’s hand (16.9% versus 2.0%,P<0.05), Raynaud’s phenomenon (36.1% versus 2.0%,P<0.05), heliotrope rash (44.6% versus 19.6%,P<0.05), fever (43.4% versus 21.6%,P<0.05), elevated ESR (60.2% versus 35.3%,P<0.05), elevated CRP (55.4% versus 31.4%,P<0.05), or anti-Jo-1 antibody (20.5% versus 5.9%,P<0.05) were risk factors for developing ILD in IIM. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression analysis that showed arthritis/arthralgia (OR 7.1, 95% CI 2.8–18.1), Raynaud’s phenomenon (OR 29.1, 95% CI 3.6–233.7), and amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM) (OR 20.2, 95% CI 2.4–171.2) were the independent risk factors for developing ILD in IIM.
Gastrointestinal Elimination of Perfluorinated Compounds Using Cholestyramine and Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Authors: Genuis Stephen J. , Curtis Luke , Birkholz Detlef
Published: September 2013

Background. While perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are a family of commonly used synthetic compounds with many applications, some PFCs remain persistent within the human body due, in part, to enterohepatic recirculation and renal tubular reabsorption. With increasing recognition of potential harm to human health associated with PFC bioaccumulation, interventions to facilitate elimination of these toxicants are welcome in order to potentially preclude or overcome illness. Minimal research has been undertaken thus far on methods to accelerate human clearance of PFCs. Methods. To test for possible oral treatments to hasten PFC elimination, a group of individuals with elevated PFC levels was treated with cholestyramine (CSM) and, after a break, was subsequently treated with Chlorella pyrenoidosa (CP). Stool samples were collected from all participants (i) prior to any treatment, (ii) during treatment with CSM, and (iii) during treatment with CP. Results. With CSM treatment, significant levels of three distinct PFCs were found in all stools, while levels were mostly undetectable prior to treatment. Following treatment with oral CP, undetectable or very low levels of all PFCs were noted in each sample tested. Conclusion. CSM appears to facilitate elimination of some common PFCs and may have some role in the clinical management of patients with accrued PFCs.
The Evolving Treatment Options for Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Jain Atul , Varshney Neeta , Smith Colin
Published: September 2013

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults, and diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most common cause of visual impairment in individuals with DR. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, previous treatment paradigms, and emerging treatment options in the management of DME.
Growth of MoO3 Films by RF Magnetron Sputtering: Studies on the Structural, Optical, and Electrochromic Properties
Authors: Subbarayudu S. , Madhavi V. , Uthanna S.
Published: September 2013

Molybdenum oxide (MoO3) films were deposited on glass and silicon substrates held at temperature 473 K by RF magnetron sputtering of molybdenum target at various oxygen partial pressures in the range 8×10-5–8×10-4 mbar. The deposited MoO3 films were characterized for their chemical composition, crystallographic structure, surface morphology, chemical binding configuration, and optical properties. The films formed at oxygen partial pressure of 4×10-4 mbar were nearly stoichiometric and nanocrystalline MoO3 with crystallite size of 27 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of the films formed at 4×10-4 mbar exhibited the characteristics vibrational bands of MoO3. The optical band gap of the films increased from 3.11 to 3.28 eV, and the refractive index increased from 2.04 to 2.16 with the increase of oxygen partial pressure from 8×10-5 to 8×10-4 mbar, respectively. The electrochromic performance of MoO3 films formed on ITO coated glass substrates was studied and achieved the optical modulation of about 13% with color efficiency of about 20 cm2/C.
Exact Analytical Solution of the Peristaltic Nanofluids Flow in an Asymmetric Channel with Flexible Walls and Slip Condition: Application to the Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ebaid Abdelhalim , Aly Emad H.
Published: September 2013

In the cancer treatment, magnetic nanoparticles are injected into the blood vessel nearest to the cancer’s tissues. The dynamic of these nanoparticles occurs under the action of the peristaltic waves generated on the flexible walls of the blood vessel. Studying such nanofluid flow under this action is therefore useful in treating tissues of the cancer. In this paper, the mathematical model describing the slip peristaltic flow of nanofluid was analytically investigated. Exact expressions were deduced for the temperature distribution and nano-particle concentration. In addition, the effects of the slip, thermophoresis, and Brownian motion parameters on the temperature and nano-particle concentration profiles were discussed and further compared with other approximate results in the literatures. In particular, these results have been obtained at the same values of the physical examined parameters that was considered in Akbar et al., “Peristaltic flow of a nanofluid with slip effects,” 2012. The results reveal that remarkable differences are detected between the exact current results and those approximately obtained in the literatures for behaviour of the temperature profile and nano-particles concentration. Accordingly, the current analysis and results are considered as optimal and therefore may be taken as a base for any future comparisons.
Lower and Upper Solutions Method for Positive Solutions of Fractional Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Darzi R. , Mohammadzadeh B. , Neamaty A. , Bǎleanu D.
Published: September 2013

We apply the lower and upper solutions method and fixed-point theorems to prove the existence of positive solution to fractional boundary value problemD0+αut+ft,ut=0,0<t<1,2<α≤3,u0=u′0=0,D0+α−1u1=βuξ,0<ξ<1, whereD0+αdenotes Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative,βis positive real number,βξα−1≥2Γα, andfis continuous on0,1×0,∞. As an application, one example is given to illustrate the main result.
Oxidative Dehydrogenation of n‐Butane over LaV Catalysts Supported on TiO2
Authors: Cam Le Minh , Huyen Ngo Duc , Ha Nguyen Ngoc
Published: September 2013

The catalytic performance of vanadia catalysts with 15 wt% V supported on TiO2 and (15 wt% V + 4.6 wt% La) supported on TiO2 in oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of n‐butane was investigated. The catalysts were characterized by means of TPD‐NH3, TPR‐H2, UV‐Vis, and BET. Testing of samples showed that vanadia catalysts were active for the reaction. It was found that La doping of V/TiO2 catalyst had a negative effect on the dispersion of V species and led to formation of V2O5 clusters. This resulted in a loss of activity. Although slight improvement of selectivity was observed in comparison to undoped V/TiO2 samples due to lower acidity of La‐doped –V/TiO2, this could not compensate the loss of activity and finally did not lead to higher butene yields.
Inflammatory Cytokines and the Risk of Cardiovascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mahmoud Fadia , Al-Ozairi Ebaa
Published: September 2013

This study evaluates peripheral blood T lymphocyte expression of inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines as well as T regulatory (Treg) (FOXP3+CD25+CD4+) cells in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Participants included 40 T2DM and 30 healthy control subjects. Twenty-four patients had no complications while 16 were afflicted with coronary heart disease (CHD). Relative to healthy subjects, all T2DM patients showed a significant increase in expression of CD4+IFN-ϒ+, CD4+TNF-α+, and CD4+IL-8+ T cells () as well as CD4+IL-6+, CD4+IL-1β+, and IL-17+ T cells () while the ratios of Treg/Th1(CD4+IFN-ϒ+) and Treg/Th-17(CD4+IL-17+) cells were significantly decreased ( and ). T2DM patients with CHD showed a significant increase in CD4+IFN-ϒ+, CD4+TNF-α+, and CD4+IL-17+ T cells and a significant decrease in Treg/Th1 and Treg/IL-17 cells compared to T2DM patients without CHD (). In CHD-afflicted T2DM, HbA1c correlated positively with CD4+IFN-ϒ+ T cells (), HDL correlated negatively with each of CD4+IL-8+ T cells and CD4+IL-17+ T cells (), and LDL correlated positively with CD4+IL-1β+ T cells ().Conclusion. This study shows that hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia correlate with increased inflammatory cytokine expression and suggests the involvement of T cells in the development of diabetes and its complications.
The Human Cell Surfaceome of Breast Tumors
Authors: da Cunha Júlia Pinheiro Chagas , Galante Pedro Alexandre Favoretto , de Souza Jorge Estefano Santana , Pieprzyk Martin , Carraro Dirce Maria , Old Lloyd J. , Camargo Anamaria Aranha , de Souza Sandro José
Published: September 2013

Introduction. Cell surface proteins are ideal targets for cancer therapy and diagnosis. We have identified a set of more than 3700 genes that code for transmembrane proteins believed to be at human cell surface.Methods. We used a high-throuput qPCR system for the analysis of 573 cell surface protein-coding genes in 12 primary breast tumors, 8 breast cell lines, and 21 normal human tissues including breast. To better understand the role of these genes in breast tumors, we used a series of bioinformatics strategies to integrates different type, of the datasets, such as KEGG, protein-protein interaction databases, ONCOMINE, and data from, literature.Results. We found that at least 77 genes are overexpressed in breast primary tumors while at least 2 of them have also a restricted expression pattern in normal tissues. We found common signaling pathways that may be regulated in breast tumors through the overexpression of these cell surface protein-coding genes. Furthermore, a comparison was made between the genes found in this report and other genes associated with features clinically relevant for breast tumorigenesis.Conclusions. The expression profiling generated in this study, together with an integrative bioinformatics analysis, allowed us to identify putative targets for breast tumors.
Proregenerative Properties of ECM Molecules
Authors: Plantman Stefan
Published: September 2013

After traumatic injuries to the nervous system, regrowing axons encounter a complex microenvironment where mechanisms that promote regeneration compete with inhibitory processes. Sprouting and axonal regrowth are key components of functional recovery but are often counteracted by inhibitory molecules. This review covers extracellular matrix molecules that support neuron axonal outgrowth.
Microbes and Inflammation in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kostic Aleksandar D. , Chun Eunyoung , Meyerson Matthew , Garrett Wendy S.
Published: September 2013

Over the past decade, there has been a renaissance in research on physiologic interactions between humans and their resident microbiota, the vast numbers of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live within and on the body. The burgeoning interest in what constitutes the human microbiome has also focused on the contribution of microbes to carcinogenesis. Given the microbiomes of malignancies arising at mucosal sites, the microbiota may prove as influential as stromal cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we focus on the interconnections of microbes and inflammation in colorectal carcinogenesis. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(3); 150–7. ©2013 AACR.
Facial Reactions during Emotion Recognition in Borderline Personality Disorder: A Facial Electromyography Study
Authors: Matzke Burkhard , Herpertz Sabine C. , Berger Christoph , Fleischer Monika , Domes Gregor
Published: September 2013

Background: Previous studies have suggested increased sensitivity for emotional facial expressions and subtle impairments in emotion recognition from facial expressions in borderline personality disorder (BPD). It has been proposed that facial mimicry contributes to emotion recognition of and emotional response to facial expressions. This study investigated whether BPD patients differ in facial reactions, emotion recognition and their subjective emotional response to faces showing different emotional expressions. Method: Twenty-eight female BPD patients and 28 healthy controls underwent a facial recognition task with dynamic facial pictures while facial muscle activity (occipitofrontalis, corrugator supercilii, levator labii superioris, zygomaticus major and orbicularis oculi) was recorded. Furthermore, participants rated the emotional intensity of the presented faces and the intensity of their subjective feeling of this emotion. Results: Compared to controls, BPD patients showed enhanced responses of the corrugator supercilii muscle in response to angry, sad and disgusted facial expressions, and attenuated responses of the levator labii superioris in response to happy and surprised faces. There were no overall group differences regarding emotion recognition performance or intensity ratings. Conclusion: These results do not support the view that facial recognition in BPD is impaired or that there is a general hypersensitivity to the emotional state of others. Instead, they suggest a negativity bias in BPD, expressed by reduced facial responding to positive social signals and increased facial responding to negative social signals. This is a pattern of facial reactions that might contribute to the difficulties in social interactions frequently reported by patients with this disorder.
The Significance of Augmented High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Detection on Pap Test Examination: Partial Results from the RODEO Study Team
Authors: Scapulatempo Cristovam , Fregnani José Humberto T.G. , Campacci Natália , Possati-Resende Júlio Cesar , Longatto-Filho Adhemar ,   The RODEO Study Team
Published: September 2013

Objective: This study sought to ascertain the significance of augmented high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) detection by Pap test using both conventional smear and liquid-based cytology (LBC) in a high-risk population. Study Design: We conducted a direct-to-vial study to compare the diagnostic performance of Pap smear versus LBC in a high-risk population of women referred for colposcopy at a gynecologic ambulatory clinic at the Barretos Cancer Hospital in Brazil during 2011. Results: The detection of both low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) and HSILs was significantly greater (p = 0.04 and p = 0.033, respectively) in the LBC arm [84 LSIL cases (5.7%) and 148 HSIL cases (10.1%)] than in the conventional smear arm [66 LSIL cases (4.1%) and 126 HSIL cases (7.9%)]; however, no differences were found for invasive squamous carcinoma or adenocarcinoma (p = 0.678). Of 3,071 women who were examined cytologically (1,604 conventional preparations and 1,467 LBC) and colposcopically, biopsies were available for 279 conventional preparations (17.6%) and 325 LBC preparations (22.2%). No significant differences were found between the methods with respect to diagnostic performance. Conclusion: LBC was significantly superior to conventional smears for the detection of LSILs and HSILs, but these results did not influence biopsy confirmation. Both methods showed similar performances with high positive predictive values but very low sensitivities.
Overcoming Challenges in IBD Management: Management of Colonic Dysplastic Lesions
Authors: Pellisé Maria
Published: September 2013

The aim of any screening or surveillance program must be to identify early lesions to enable treatment and prevention before the development of invasive cancer. A surveillance program must be acceptable to patients and practically possible to implement. There is a move away from using random colonic biopsies towards targeted biopsies aimed at abnormal areas identified by newer colonoscopic techniques (narrow band imaging, chromoendoscopy, confocal microendoscopy). However, the attitude towards a patient with a dysplastic lesion is not well established. Bowel cancer screening in the general population relies on identification of adenomatous lesions which can be resected before they transform into carcinoma. The therapeutic approach to such lesions, the patient groups at risk and the intervals of surveillance are reasonably established. In contrast, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-colorectal cancer (CRC) poses different challenges: dysplastic lesions do not follow the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, they can be difficult to see (flat lesions), difficult to resect completely, and multifocal. Prophylactic proctocolectomy eliminates the risk of CRC, but this strategy is not acceptable to most patients or physicians. Moreover, IBD patients can harbor dysplastic lesions related to the sporadic CRC pathway, the clinical significance of which differs clearly from colitis-associated dysplastic lesions. Nowadays, therapeutic recommendations for the management of dysplasia in IBD are based on macroscopic pattern and microscopic characteristics. As an example, consensus guidelines state that adenoma-like lesions can be adequately treated by polypectomy unlike non-adenoma-like raised lesions or flat high-grade dysplasia that should undergo colectomy. The present article is aimed to summarize the existing evidence on this thorny matter.
Two new species of the spider genus Antoonops (Araneae: Oonopidae), with a key to the known species
Authors: FANNES WOUTER
Published: September 2013

Two new species of the goblin spider genus Antoonops are described, bringing the total number of species to six. Antoonops kamieli sp. nov. is described from two males and one female collected in Bouaké, Ivory Coast. The species can be easily distinguished from congeners by its large eyes. In addition, the males are characterized by a distinct depression on the ventral abdomen. Antoonops sarae sp. nov. is described from four females collected in Tchabal Mbabo, Cameroon. The species is unusual in having a long postepigastric scutum and a genital duct with finger-like protrusions. A key to the species of Antoonops is provided.
The ants (Hymenoptera:formicidae) of Rawdhat Khorim Nature Preserve, Saudi Arabia, with description of a new species of the genus Tetramorium Mayr
Authors: SHARAF MOSTAFA R. , ABDEL-DAYEM MAHMOUD S. , DHAFER HATHAL M. AL , ALDAWOOD ABDULRAHMAN S.
Published: September 2013

Rawdhat Khorim, a densely vegetated alluvial basin supporting a distinctive floral community in the hyper-arid desert of central Saudi Arabia, is one of the most important protected nature sanctuaries of the country. The ant fauna (Formicidae) of Rawdhat Khorim was sampled and 14 species, including one new species were collected using a variety of sampling methods. The new species, Tetramorium saudicum sp. n., a member of the T. caespitum-group, is described based on the worker caste. Cataglyphis viaticoides (André) is recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia. The information in this paper will allow natural resource managers to establish long-term ecological studies, using sentinel taxa such as ants to evaluate present and future impacts on Rawdhats.
Atmosphere–Ocean Coupled Process along Coastal Areas of the Yellow and East China Seas in Winter
Authors: Iwasaki Shinsuke , Isobe Atsuhiko , Kako Shin’ichiro
Published: September 2013

A regional atmosphere–ocean coupled model is developed, based on the Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model in conjunction with the Princeton Ocean Model, to investigate atmosphere–ocean coupled processes that might occur over the Yellow and East China Sea shelves in winter. To examine how the coupled processes actually work in the ocean, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) computed in both coupled and uncoupled models are compared with SSTs synthesized from multiple satellite observations. The results indicate that the coupled model significantly improves the negative SST bias in shallow waters around the Chinese coast produced by the uncoupled model. Cool and dry northerly winds from the Asian landmass reduce SST in these shallow waters through intensive upward heat loss. Thereafter, the horizontal gradient of sea level pressure (SLP) around the Chinese coast moderates because the land–ocean heat contrast weakens owing to the reduced SST in the coastal waters. As a result, the wind speed weakens, in line with the moderated horizontal SLP gradient. Moreover, northerly winds can reduce the transport of cool and dry air from the Asian landmass. Hence, upward heat flux around the coastal waters is reduced because of the weakening of the northerly winds and the decreased cool and dry air. This negative feedback thereby suppresses excessive SST cooling along the Chinese coast during winter.
Investigating the Role of Ocean–Atmosphere Coupling in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Smirnov Dimitry , Newman Matthew , Alexander Michael A.
Published: September 2013

Air–sea interaction over the North Pacific is diagnosed using a simple, local coupled autoregressive model constructed from observed 7-day running-mean sea surface temperature (SST) and 2-m air temperature TA anomalies during the extended winter from the 1° × 1° objectively analyzed air–sea fluxes (OAFlux) dataset. Though the model is constructed from 1-week lag statistics, it successfully reproduces the observed anomaly evolution through lead times of 90 days, allowing an estimation of the relative roles of coupling and internal atmospheric and oceanic forcing upon North Pacific SSTs. It is found that east of the date line, SST variability is maintained by, but has little effect on, TA variability. However, in the Kuroshio–Oyashio confluence and extension region, about half of the SST variability is independent of TA, driven instead by SST noise forcing internal to the ocean. Including surface zonal winds in the analysis does not alter this conclusion, suggesting TA adequately represents the atmosphere. Repeating the analysis with the output of two control simulations from a fully coupled global climate model (GCM) differing only in their ocean resolution yields qualitatively similar results. However, for the simulation employing the coarse-resolution (1°) ocean model, all SST variability depends upon TA, apparently caused by a near absence of ocean-induced noise forcing. Collectively, these results imply that a strong contribution from internal oceanic forcing drives SST variability in the Kuroshio–Oyashio region, which may be used as a justification for atmospheric GCM experiments forced with SST anomalies in that region alone. This conclusion is unaffected by increasing the dimensionality of the model to allow for intrabasin interaction.
Lightning in Wildfire Smoke Plumes Observed in Colorado during Summer 2012
Authors: Lang Timothy J. , Rutledge Steven A. , Dolan Brenda , Krehbiel Paul , Rison William , Lindsey Daniel T.
Published: September 2013

Pyrocumulus clouds above three Colorado wildfires (Hewlett Gulch, High Park, and Waldo Canyon; all during the summer of 2012) electrified and produced localized intracloud discharges whenever the smoke plumes grew above 10 km MSL (approximately −45°C). Vertical development occurred during periods of rapid wildfire growth, as indicated by the shortwave infrared channel on a geostationary satellite, as well as by incident reports. The lightning discharges were detected by a three-dimensional lightning mapping network. Based on Doppler and polarimetric radar observations, they likely were caused by ice-based electrification processes that did not involve significant amounts of high-density graupel. Plumes that did not feature significant amounts of radar-inferred ice at high altitudes did not produce lightning, which means lightning observations may assist in diagnosing pyrocumulus features that could affect the radiative characteristics and chemical composition of the upper troposphere. The lightning was not detected by the National Lightning Detection Network, implying that pyrocumulus lightning may occur more frequently than past studies (which lacked access to detailed intracloud information) might suggest. Given the known spatial and temporal advantages provided by lightning networks over radar and satellite data, the results also indicate a possible new application for lightning data in monitoring wildfire state.
Upstream Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Schrempf-Stirling Judith , Palazzo Guido
Published: September 2013

The debate about the appropriate standards for upstream corporate social responsibility (CSR) of multinational corporations (MNCs) has been on the public and academic agenda for some three decades. The debate originally focused narrowly on “contract responsibility” of MNCs for monitoring of upstream contractors for “sweatshop” working conditions violating employee rights. The authors argue that the MNC upstream responsibility debate has shifted qualitatively over time to “full producer responsibility” involving an expansion from “contract responsibility” in three distinct dimensions. First, there is an expansion of scope from working conditions to human rights and social and environmental impacts broadly defined. Second, there is expansion in depth of this broader responsibility to the whole upstream supply chain without regard to contracting status. Upstream responsibility now includes all suppliers, including direct contractors and the chain of suppliers to such contractors. Finally, the change in CSR scope and depth has led to an evolution of CSR management practice.
How Not to Learn From Catastrophe
Authors: Vázquez-Arroyo Antonio Y.
Published: September 2013

This essay conceptualizes the intersections between contemporary catastrophes and political life by exploring how narratives of catastrophe mediate discursive and objective processes of catastrophization. It argues for the need to counteract catastrophization, a discursive and objective political phenomenon, by not only re-cognizing how catastrophes impinge on political life but by offering a more critical understanding of this intersection. The essay thus calls for the politicization of catastrophe as a response to the “catastrophization of political life.” Apropos of these concerns, it engages with Habermas in order to explore how his political theory and interventions illustrate important aspects of the intersections between narratives of catastrophe and contemporary political life, say, how discursive catastrophization leads to the misrecognition of objective modalities of catastrophe. Overall, this essay offers an account of how to conceptualize catastrophe and catastrophization in order to articulate the broad contours of a political theory of catastrophe.
The Massachusetts Blood Pressure Study, Part 2. Modestly Elevated Levels of Sodium in Drinking Water and Blood Pressure Levels in High School Students
Authors: Tuthill Robert W. , Calabrese Edward J.
Published: September 2013

The blood pressure (BP) of tenth grade students from a town with 42 mg Na/L in drinking water was compared to that of comparable tenth grade students in a geographically contiguous community with 6 mg Na/L. No statistically significant difference occurred in mean BP between the two communities for males and females for diastolic BP and male systolic BP. However, the low sodium community females displayed a significantly higher BP (p < 0.05) of 1.6 mmHg. Analysis of covariance for potentially confounding variables did not significantly alter the initial findings. In summary, an average of 36 mg Na/L higher Na levels in the drinking water was not associated with an increase in BP levels in tenth grade students.
Elution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons From Carbon Blacks Into Biomembranes in Vitro
Authors: Bevan David R. , Yonda Nancy T.
Published: September 2013

Elution of endogenous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from four carbon blacks into biomembranes was investigated in vitro. Membrane systems employed were phospholipid vesicles composed of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC), rat lung homogenate, and simulated lung surfactant. Amounts of benzo[a]-pyrene which were eluted from carbon blacks were not dependent on the type of membrane, but elution was dependent on the type of carbon black. Elution of B[a]P was detected from only 2 of the carbon blacks and amounts eluted represented only 0.2% to 0.6% of total B[a]P associated with those carbon blacks. The largest amount of B[a]P was eluted from the carbon black with lowest surface area and highest endogenous B[a]P content. Benzo[ghi]perylene also was eluted from carbon blacks though amounts eluted again represented extremely small fractions (0.1-0.2%) of the total on the particles. From these experiments, it appears that only very small quantities of B[a]P and other PAH on carbon blacks are bioavailable.
Late Sequelae After Phosgene Poisoning: a Literature Review
Authors: Diller Werner F.
Published: September 2013

The vast majority of phosgene intoxications (including cases with pulmonary edema) have a good prognosis. However, nearly all patients complain of exertional dyspnea and reduced physical fitness for several months to years after the accident; normalization of lung function values, too, may require several years. Occasional impairment of pulmonary function appears to be dependent more on smoking habits than on the severity of the original intoxication.

Pre-existing chronic bronchitis may undergo severe and progressive deterioration after toxic pulmonary edema due to phosgene.

Occupational health check-ups (including pulmonary function tests) are recommended for all persons handling irritant gases.

Every patient having undergone the inhalation of phosgene or other irritants will ask the question of possible late sequelae. Due to new forms of treatment (glucocorticoids, positive pressure ventilation) the prognosis of severe cases has considerably improved during the last decades.

The paper tries to summarize the present state of our knowledge.
Mortality and Causes of Death Among Workers Exposed To Phosgene in 1943-45
Authors: Polednak Anthony P. , Hollis Donna R.
Published: September 2013

Mortality and causes of death from death certificates were analyzed among workers exposed to phosgene while working at a uranium-processing plant in Tennessee in 1943-45. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated by using death rates for U. S. white males. As of 1979, SMRsfor all causes and for various selected causes were similar in 694 male chemical workers chronically exposed to low levels of phosgene in 1943-45 and in 9280 male controls who worked at the same plant. SMRs for diseases of the respiratory system were 107 (14 observed vs. 13.07 expected) in the chemical workers and 119 (292 observed vs. 245.75 expected) in the controls. In a group of 106 males who were acutely exposed to high levels of phosgene, there were 41 deaths observed vs. 33.87 expected (SMR = 121; 95% confidence limits = 86 and 165). One death, occurring within 24 hours of exposure, was from pulmonary edema due to phosgene poisoning (coded to "accidental causes''). Five deaths were coded to diseases of the respiratory system (SMR = 266; 95% CL = 86 and 622); in 2 of these 5 deaths, "bronchitis" due to phosgene exposure had been reported in 1945. Among 91 female workers with acute high-level phosgene exposure, frequencies of symptoms and early health effects (pneumonitis and bronchitis) differed from those reported for the 106 male cases; preliminary data on vital status of these females are too incomplete for analysis, and further follow-up is needed.
Characterization of Thymidine Kinase in L5178y mOuse Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Palmer Kenneth A. , De Giovanni-Donnelly Rosalie
Published: September 2013

Thymidine kinase (TK) was isolated from four different cell lines (TK +/+ P4, TK +/- P4.3.4, TK+/- 3.7.2C, and TK -/- P4.3) that represent the genotypes of L5178 Y mouse lymphoma cells. TK isolated from each of the different cell lines was characterized with respect to the estimated isoelectric point (pI), temperature sensitivity, estimated substrate dissociation constants (Km), estimated inhibitor constant (Ki), and response to the activator deoxycytidine diphosphate. The characteristics of TK from the different cell lines were compared to determine whether the product of the TK gene was changed by the mutation that produced the TK-/ - genotype and reverse mutation to the TK +/- genotype. The results indicate that the TK enzymes isolated from the TK+/+ P4, TK +/P4.3.4, and TK +/- 3.7.2C cells have similar, if not the same, characteristics. The small amounts of TK associated with TK -/P4.3 and the mitochondria from TK +/+ P4 had similar characteristics, and both were different in many respects from the TK associated with the TK +/+ P4, TK +/- P4.3.4, and TK +/-3.7.2C. These results raise a question about whether a structural gene is the target for chemical mutagens in the L5178Y TK +/assay, however, this can only be answered by the isolation of the TK gene from each of the L5178Y genotypes and determination of the nucleotide sequence.
Assessing the Power and Quality of Epidemiologic Studies of Asbestos-Exposed Populations
Authors: Lee Davis Devra , Mandula Barbara , Van Ryzin John
Published: September 2013

This paper briefly discusses criteria for evaluating epidemiologic studies for risk assessment purposes, using asbestos as an example. Asbestos is one of the few carcinogens for which substantial data exist on exposures to humans. However, there are major difficulties in using these data for conducting risk assessments. In particular, exposure data are often incomplete, and risk assessments usually involve extrapolating from the higher exposures of the occupational environments to the lower levels typically encountered in the nonoccupational environment. The term "asbestos" refers to the fibrous form of several minerals, and levels of exposures to these fibers are not easily assessed. Criteria for evaluating epidemiologic studies used in an Ontario Royal Commission report on asbestos are discussed. The importance of considering the statistical power of studies to detect an excess risk is examined using as examples major cohort studies of asbestos-exposed workers, as summarized in a report by the U. S. National Research Council.
Development of a Comparative Potency Method for Cancer Risk Assessment of Complex Mixtures Using Short-Term in Vivo and in Vitro Bioassays
Authors: Lewtas Joellen
Published: September 2013

A comparative potency method for cancer risk assessment has been developed based on a constant relative potency hypothesis. This method was developed and tested using data from a battery of short-term mutagenesis bioassays, animal tumorigenicity data and human lung cancer risk estimations. This data base was developed for a series of complex mixtures including emissions from coke ovens, roofing tar pots, cigarette smoke and automotive engines. The series of automobiles used in this study included both diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles. The assumptions inherent in this method are discussed, together with the methods and data base used to test these assumptions.
A Standardized Benchmark Approach To the Use of Cancer Epidemiology Data for Risk Assessment
Authors: Smith Allan H. , Sharp Dan S.
Published: September 2013

Clarity and scientific validity are two criteria for assessing the quality of communications between scientists and risk managers. Regulating permissible exposures on the basis of very-low-dose risk extrapolation uses scientific information that may not meet either criterion. With regard to clarity, it is difficult for an individual to conceive of the meaning of risks on the order of 1 in 1,000,000 lifetime excess. With regard to scientific validity, the uncertainties of extrapolating risks at very low doses are evident in the wide variation in results produced depending on the statistical and pharmacokinetic assumptions made. An alternative approach is to fix benchmarks from which safety factors are chosen (Gaylor, 1983). For epidemiological data, we propose a benchmark of that exposure which would cause 1% cancer excess with 10 yr of exposurefollowed by 30 yr of further followup. These values have been chosen at this stage of development since they are close to observable values in many cancer epidemiology studies. In the first stage, excess cancer risk versus duration of exposure is plotted and the excess risk is estimated for a exposure duration of 10 yr. The next step involves a short linear extrapolation from the exposure levels linked with this excess risk to the exposure levels that would cause a 1% excess risk over a duration of 10 yr. We have established preliminary benchmarks from published data for benzene and radon daughter exposure. Permissible exposure levels might then be set by deciding on safety factors. Although low-dose extrapolation will aid in selecting a safety factor for carcinogenic exposures, it should be acknowledged that the actual risk at the permissible level is not known. The risk might be zero, it might be between zero and a linear extrapolation value, or it might possibly be a little higher than the value from a linear projection (Gaylor and Kodell, 1980; Gaylor, 1983).
Risk Assessment for Fetal Toxicity
Authors: Van Ryzin John
Published: September 2013

This paper reviews the problem of performing risk assessments using data on fetal toxic effects. It briefly discusses the usual dose-response models and their inappropriateness for application to such data. The paper then considers tests for determining whether the fetal toxic effect is increased over that of the control group. Assuming an increase has been shown, the use of a fetal toxicity, dose-response model for risk assessment is discussed. The paper then applies these methods to data from an experiment using female mice mated with irradiated males. Finally, the paper discusses the need for further statistical research in this important area.
Mouse Liver Tumor Data: Assessment of Carcinogenic Activity
Authors: Pereira Michael A.
Published: September 2013

Significant numbers of chemicals have been shown to be carcinogenic in mouse liver although they do not exhibit carcinogenic activity in other organs or tissues of mice or rats. This review focuses on the reasons for the unique susceptibility of the mouse liver to these carcinogens and the extent to which the carcinogenic activity of a chemical in mouse liver can be used to predict carcinogenicity in humans.

Many of these mouse liver carcinogens lack genotoxic activity and, as such, have been proposed to be tumor promoters. Two mechanisms that may explain the action of nongenotoxic carcinogens in mouse liver are reviewed. These are: (1) direct action on precursor cancer cells, either to accelerate their growth or to prevent their death and (2) the selective growth advantage, resulting from regenerative hyperplasia of precursor cancer cells in response to the necrosis of normal cells produced by hepatotoxins.

Estimating human health risks on the basis of mouse liver tumor data is believed to differ for nongenotoxic and genotoxic carcinogens in two fundamental ways. The first involves intraspecies extrapolation and the second involves low-dose extrapolation. In conclusion, although mouse liver tumor data are seen to be of value in estimating human health hazard, it is important to distinguish between genotoxic and nongenotoxic mechanisms in applying such data. Further study of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of chemical carcinogens is necessary to determine the relationship between their activity in mouse liver and their activity in humans.
A Dose-Response Study of Healthy, Heavily Exercising Men Exposed To Ozone At Concentrations Near the Ambient Air Quality Standard
Authors: Linn William S. , Avol Edward L. , Shamoo Deborah A. , Spier Charles E. , Valencia Lupe M. , Venet Theodore G. , Armin Fischer D. , Hackney Jack D.
Published: September 2013

Twenty-four healthy, well-conditioned young adult male volun teers, free of asthma or clinical respiratory allergies, were exposed to purified air containing ozone (03) at 0.16, 0.14, 0.12, 0.10, 0.08, and 0.00 part per million (ppm). Exposures were separated by 2- week intervals, occurred in random order, and lasted 2 hours each. Temperature was 32 ± 1° C and relative humidity was 38 ± 3%, simulating Los Angeles area smog conditions. Subjects exercised 15 minutes of each half hour, attaining ventilation rates averaging 68 L/min (∼35 L/min per m2 body surface area). Lung function was measured pre-exposure and after 1 hr and 2 hr of exposure. Airway responsiveness to a cold-air challenge was measured immediately following the 2-hr exposure. Symptoms were recorded before, dur ing, and for one-week periods following exposures. For the group as a whole, no meaningful untoward effects were found except for a mild typical respiratory irritant response after 2 hr exposure to 0.16 ppm 03. Two individual subjects showed possible responses at 0.14 ppm, and one of them also at 0.12 ppm. In comparison to some previous investigations, this study showed generally less response to 03. The comparative lack of response may relate to the favorable clinical status of the subjects, the pattern of exercise dur ing exposure, or some other factor not yet identified.
A Methodology for Assessing Mutagenic Hazards of Chemicals
Authors: Brown Halina Szejnwald , Bishop Donna R. , West Carol Rowan
Published: September 2013

A comprehensive framework for identifying substances which represent a potential threat to public health due to mutagenicity and for relative ranking of their hazards has been developed. The methodology is designed to evaluate a range of genotoxic end points of potential significance to humans and is not merely a sub stitute for, or an adjunct to, the carcinogenicity assessment. A range of endpoints in both somatic and germ cells is considered. The biological test systems utilized here include humans and other mammals, bacteria, Drosophila, yeasts, molds, and plants. Bioas says conducted in vivo and in vitro, with and without metabolic activation, are included. Seventy-five different assays are consi dered, of which 73 are currently included in the Gene-Tox data base. The tests are grouped into three categories on the basis of significance to humans, as well as sensitivity, specificity, validity, and reliability. Seven in vivo mammalian tests comprise Group I. The remaining 68 tests are divided between Groups II and III, in a decreasing order of significance and confidence in the tests. Tests with virtually identical endpoints and organisms are listed together. The system accomplishes two tasks: 1) organizes the data from short-term tests on chemicals, and 2) classifies chemicals into one of five hazard categories, designated by letters A to E, on the basis of that information. Classification into hazard categories depends on the overall strength of evidence that an agent may cause muta tions in humans. Generally, score for each chemical is a function of the number and combination of results in each of the three groups of tests. Specifically, it is derived by weighing several variables: the number and type of endpoints measured, the number and type of species represented, the significance of positive and non-positive results, the relevance of specific tests for predicting effects in humans, the group classification (I, II or III) of each test result and the overall pattern presented. Assessment of data for one hundred chemicals shows a good representation of scores from A to E, with category E most commonly represented, followed by D and C.