bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promyelocytic Leukemia Nuclear Bodies Link the DNA Damage Repair Pathway with Hepatitis B Virus Replication: Implications for Hepatitis B Virus Exacerbation during Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
Authors: Chung Yih-Lin , Tsai Tzung-Yuan
Published: October 2009

The mechanism responsible for hepatitis B virus (HBV) exacerbation during chemotherapy and radiotherapy remains unknown. We investigated whether the activation of DNA repair pathways influences HBV replication. The upregulation of the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein and its associated PML nuclear body (PML-NB) by chemotherapy and irradiation-induced DNA repair signaling correlated with the upregulation of HBV pregenomic transcription, HBV-core expression, and HBV DNA replication. The HBV-core protein and HBV DNA localized to PML-NBs, where they associated with PML and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy affected the interactions between PML, HBV-core, and HDAC1. The enhanced protein-protein interaction between PML and HBV-core inhibited PML-mediated apoptosis and decreased PML-associated HDAC activity. The reversal of HDAC-mediated repression on the HBV covalently closed circular DNA basal core promoter resulted in the amplification of HBV-core and pregenomic expression. These results suggest that PML in PML-NBs links the DNA damage response with HBV replication and may cooperate with HBV-core and HDAC1 on the HBV covalently closed circular DNA basal core promoter to form a positive feedback loop for HBV exacerbation during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(10):1672–85)
Notch Signal Activates Hypoxia Pathway through HES1-Dependent SRC/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription 3 Pathway
Authors: Lee Jae Ho , Suk Jinkyu , Park Jinhwi , Kim Seung Beom , Kwak Sang Su , Kim Jin Woo , Lee Chan Hee , Byun Boohyeong , Ahn Jeong Keun , Joe Cheol O.
Published: October 2009

We report a Notch signal–induced pathway that leads to transcriptional activation of HIF1-α gene. HeLa/rtTAA/TRE-N1-IC cell line capable of doxycycline-induced expression of human Notch1-IC was established. The induction of Notch signaling activates HIF1-α and its target gene expression in HeLa/rtTAA/TRE-N1-IC cells. Notch signaling enhanced signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation required for HIF1-α expression. SRC kinase was found to be responsible for the enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation in response to Notch signaling. Activation of SRC/STAT3 pathway by Notch signaling was dependent on the expression of Notch effector HES1 transcription factor. The induction of HES1 enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr 705 as well as SRC phosphorylation at Tyr 416 in inducible HeLa/rtTAA/TRE-HES1 cells, which express HES1 in response to doxycycline treatment. However, the treatment of Trichostatin A that interferes with HES1 transcriptional regulation did not affect STAT3 phosphorylation, and the expression of dominant negative HES1 failed to interfere with HES1-dependnent SRC/STAT3 pathway. These observations have led us to the conclusion that HES1-dependent activation of SRC/STAT3 pathway is independent of HES1 transcription regulation. This study first reports HES1-dependent SRC/STAT3 pathway that provides a functional link between Notch signaling and hypoxia pathway. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(10):1663–71)
Absence of the V617F JAK2 Mutation in the Lymphoid Compartment in a Patient with Essential Thrombo- cythemia and B-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and in Two Relatives with Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Musolino Caterina , Allegra Alessandro , Penna Giuseppa , Centorrino Raffaella , Cuzzola Maria , D’Angelo Arianna , Iacopino Pasquale , Alonci Andrea
Published: October 2009

Background: Myeloproliferative neoplasms likely involve both myeloid and lymphoid lineages. Nevertheless, the coincidence of chronic myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative diseases in the same patient is a rare phenomenon. Methods: We report a case of a patient having essential thrombocythemia (ET) and B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). In this patient and in 2 relatives with lymphoproliferative disorders, we searched for JAK2V617F mutation in lymphocytes. Results: In the patient with ET and B-CLL, we identified homozygous JAK2V617F mutation in the granulocytic compartment. Both relatives were heterozygous for JAK2V617F mutation, whereas no mutation signal could be detected in the lymphoid compartment of all 3 patients. Conclusion: Our results seem to confirm that CLL cases are negative for JAK2V617F mutation in B- and T-lymphocyte populations.Presence of JAK2V617F mutation in subjects without myeloproliferative diseases could indicate an increased risk of a future myeloproliferative neoplasm development.
Coronary Calcifications in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients: A New Link between Osteoprotegerin, Diabetes and Body Mass Index?
Authors: Cianciolo Giuseppe , La Manna Gaetano , Donati Gabriele , Persici Elisa , Dormi Ada , Cappuccilli Maria Laura , Corsini Serena , Fattori Rossella , Russo Vincenzo , Nastasi Valentina , Colì Luigi , Wratten Marylou , Stefoni Sergio
Published: October 2009

The aim of the study was to assess the factors potentially involved in coronary artery calcifications (CAC) in end-stage renal disease patients. 253 hemodialysis (HD) patients (92 females, 161 males), aged 62.5 ± 13.5, who had been on HD treatment for at least 6 months, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Calcium-phosphate product (Ca × P), body mass index (BMI), fetuin-A, osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and matrix Gla protein (MGP) were considered. CAC was assessed using multislice spiral computed tomography and calcium score was quantified by means of the Agatston score. The median calcium score was 364 Agatston (range 0–7,336). CAC was detected in 228/253 patients (90.1%). Multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for age and for dialysis vintage, showed that TGF-β1, OPG and days with Ca × P >55 mg/dl are independent predictors of CAC, while MGP was shown to be a protective factor. Surprisingly, results showed that BMI was a protective factor too: the interpolation with cubic spline function revealed a significant reduction in calcium score in patients with a high BMI (>28). However, when diabetes was considered in the regression analysis, only OPG emerged as a predictor of a high CAC score. The interpolation with spline function continued to show a significant reduction in CAC score in nondiabetic and in diabetic patients with the highest BMI quartile. The protective effect of a high BMI on CAC might represent another example of inverse biology in dialysis patients but it needs to be further addressed in larger longitudinal studies.
Vasopressin Type 2 Receptor V88M Mutation: Molecular Basis of Partial and Complete Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
Authors: Bockenhauer Detlef , Carpentier Eric , Rochdi Driss , van’t Hoff W. , Breton Billy , Bernier Virginie , Bouvier Michel , Bichet Daniel G.
Published: October 2009

Background/Aims: Mutations in the type 2 vasopressin receptor gene (AVPR2) underlie X-linked recessive nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). Here, we report on a family with a mutation in AVPR2, c.262G>A (p.V88M). This recurrently identified mutation was previously shown to abolish AVPR2 function, yet in some affected members, urine osmolalities of up to 570 mosm/kg were observed. We detail the variable clinical phenotype and investigate its molecular basis. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical data and in vitro assessment of wild-type and V88M-mutant receptors. Results: Clinical data were available on 6 patients. Four of these demonstrated a substantial increase in urinary concentration after 1-desamino[8-D-arginine] vasopressin, consistent with partial NDI, while 2 did not respond. In vitro analysis revealed a reduced cell surface expression and decreased binding affinity for arginine-vasopressin of the mutant receptor, leading to blunted signaling activity. Treatment with the pharmacological chaperone SR121463 enhanced cell surface expression. Conclusion: The V88M mutation is associated with phenotypical diversity, which may be explained by the fact that both the expression level and the hormone-binding affinity are affected by the mutation. Our results provide a rational basis for treatment trials with vasopressin analogues in combination with pharmacologic chaperones in patients with this recurrently identified mutation.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors, Angiogenesis, and Survival in Human Ileal Enterochromaffin Cell Carcinoids
Authors: Besig Sophie , Voland Petra , Baur Dorothee M. , Perren Aurel , Prinz Christian
Published: October 2009

Background and Aims: Well-differentiated neuro-endocrine ileal carcinoids are composed of serotonin-producing enterochromaffin (EC) cells. Life expectancy is determined by metastatic spread to the liver because medical treatment options are still very limited. Selective inhibition of angiogenesis or lymphangiogenesis might prevent tumour growth and metastatic spread. We examined the role of the vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) A, B, C, D, and their receptors (VEGFRs) 1, 2, 3 in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis of ileal EC cell carcinoids with and without liver metastases. Methods: The expression of various VEGFs and VEGFRs was determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR in healthy mucosa, primary tumour, lymph node metastases and liver metastases of 25 patients with ileal EC cell carcinoids. Microvessel density (MVD) was determined by CD-31 staining in primary tumours and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) by LYVE-1 staining. VEGF expression levels, MVD, LVD, and patients’ survival time were correlated using logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: VEGF-A was highly expressed with no difference between normal mucosa and tumours. VEGF-B and -D as well as VEGFR-1 and -2 expression levels were significantly increased in the tumours when compared to normal mucosa. Patients with liver metastasis, however, had a significantly lower expression of the factors A, B, and C and the receptors 2 and 3. MVD in primary tumours positively correlated with the expression of VEGF ligands and their receptors, except for VEGF-D. LVD did not correlate with any VEGF ligand or receptor. Interestingly, low expression levels of VEGF-B were associated with poor survival. Conclusion: Patients with more aggressive metastatic spreading had relatively decreased expression levels of VEGF ligands and receptors. Thus, anti-angiogenic therapy may not be a suitable target in metastatic ileal EC cell carcinoids.
Reoperation for Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Mehta Rajendra H. , Sheng Shubin , O'Brien Sean M. , Grover Frederick L. , Gammie James S. , Ferguson T. Bruce , Peterson Eric D.
Published: October 2009

Background—

Reoperation for bleeding represents an important complication in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Yet, few studies have characterized risk factors and patient outcomes of this event.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated 528 686 CABG patients at >800 hospitals in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Database (2004 to 2007). Clinical features and in-hospital outcomes were evaluated in patients with and without reoperation for bleeding after CABG. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of risk of this event and to estimate weights for an additive risk score. A total of 12 652 CABG patients (2.4%) required reoperation for bleeding. These rates remained fairly stable over time (2.2%, 2.3%, 2.5%, and 2.4% from 2004 to 2007, respectively). Although overall operative mortality was 4.5-fold higher in patients requiring reoperation for bleeding versus those who did not (2.0% versus 9.1%), this mortality risk declined significantly over time (11.3%, 9.5%, 8.8%, and 8.2% from 2004 to 2007, respectively,
P
for trend=0.0006). Factors associated with higher risk for reoperation were identified by multivariable analysis (c statistic=0.60) and summarized into a simple bedside risk score. The risk-score performed well when tested in the validation set (Hosmer-Lemeshow
P
=0.16).

Conclusions—

Reoperation for bleeding remains an important morbid event after CABG. Nonetheless, death in patients with this complication has decreased over time. Our risk tool should allow estimation of patients risk for reoperation for bleeding and promote preventive measures when feasible in this at-risk group.
Personality and Political Tolerance: The Limits of Democratic Learning in Postcommunist Europe
Authors: Hinckley Robert A.
Published: October 2009

Can all citizens learn political tolerance through engagement in democratic politics? The lack of direct experience with democratic processes may account for a portion of the tolerance gap between mass publics in established and new democracies and suggests optimism about trends in tolerance within postcommunist Europe. Yet learning tolerance may be limited to individuals who are psychologically open to disagreement. Testing the conditional effect of political activism with the 1995 World Values Survey and a 1996 to 2000 Russian panel series reveals that the benefits of political activism are limited by psychological dogmatism and that dogmatists tend toward intolerance over time.
Literacy Coach Role Implementation: How District Context Influences Reform Efforts
Authors: Mangin Melinda M.
Published: October 2009

Purpose: This study examines the outcomes of one regional intermediate school district’s effort to promote literacy coach role implementation in its 20 constituent districts. The findings from this study provide information about the kinds of district-level contexts that influenced literacy coach role implementation and how those contexts were influential. Research Methods: Data were collected from 20 districts that participated in a literacy coach training program provided by the regional intermediate school district. Interviews were conducted in spring 2007 with assistant superintendents or their designees. Findings: Districts’ implementation of literacy coach roles was influenced by four contextual factors: state and national reform, finances, student performance data, and existing roles and programs. Variations in these factors were associated with differences in districts’ implementation of literacy coach roles. Implications: This study has implications for how districts understand their role in relation to schools and the implementation of reforms.
Modeling of Tension-Compression Asymmetry in Off-axis Nonlinear Rate-dependent Behavior of Unidirectional Carbon/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Kawai M. , Zhang J.Q. , Xiao Y. , Hatta H.
Published: October 2009

A phenomenological anisotropic theory of viscoplasticity that takes account of the difference between the nonlinear rate-dependent behaviors of unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced composites under off-axis tensile and compressive loading conditions is presented. The plane-stress representation of the effective stress associated with the pressure-modified Hill’s anisotropic yield criterion is modified into a new form that allows consideration of the difference between the shear flow stress levels under transverse tension and compression, i.e., a shear flow differential effect, as well as of the difference between the transverse tensile and compressive flow stress levels, i.e., a transverse flow differential effect. The shear flow differential effect is modeled in two ways by assuming the sensitivity and insensitivity to transverse stress, respectively. The rate-dependent plastic deformation of unidirectional composites is modeled on the basis of the concept of overstress and the irreversible thermodynamics with internal variables. The viscoplasticity model proposed in the present study can be reduced to the form developed in an earlier study, which facilitates identification of material constants and comparison with other existing theories. Validity of the proposed viscoplasticity model is evaluated by comparing with the off-axis tension and compression test results on a unidirectional carbon/epoxy composite at different strain rates. It is demonstrated that consideration of both the transverse and shear flow differential effects is crucial for accurate prediction of the different nonlinear rate-dependent behaviors of unidirectional composites under off-axis tensile and compressive loading conditions and those two kinds of flow differential effects have successfully been modeled in the proposed theory of viscoplasticity.
A Test Method for Assessment of Shear Properties of Thick Composites
Authors: Makeev Andrew , Ignatius Christopher , He Yihong , Shonkwiler Brian
Published: October 2009

Transverse stress—strain constitutive relations are required for structural analysis of thick-section composites. A standard technique for assessment of transverse shear properties is the V-notched beam method. Such technique is based on strain gage measurements, which require a large specimen thickness for strain gage placement and impose tight geometry tolerances to minimize variations of strain at the gage location. A full-field strain measurement capability could enable simpler test specimen designs. A method for assessment of shear stress—strain relations using a short-beam shear (SBS) test and a digital image correlation (DIC) technique is presented in this work. The DIC technique is based on quantifying locations of a random texture on a surface to measure surface shape and deformation. V-notched-beam and SBS test results are compared for a glass/epoxy tape composite. To illustrate accuracy of SBS stress calculations, finite element results are obtained. Highly nonlinear interlaminar stress—strain relations are documented.
Polyurethane Foams Obtained from Castor Oil-based Polyol and Filled with Wood Flour
Authors: Mosiewicki M.A. , Dell'Arciprete G.A. , Aranguren M.I. , Marcovich N.E.
Published: October 2009

A natural polyol was prepared from castor oil by alcoholysis with triethanolamine. The oil and the oil-based polyol were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and through the analytical determination of their functional groups, both techniques indicating that the hydroxyl content increased significantly after the alcoholysis reaction. The modified oil was subsequently used as the polyol component in the formulation of rigid polyurethane foams. Wood flour was chosen to be incorporated as filler in these materials. Physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the neat and reinforced foams were measured, analyzed, and compared to a reference commercial system. The chemical reaction between wood flour and isocyanate strongly affected the composites’ response to thermo-gravimetric tests. Compression modulus and yield strength decreased as wood flour content increased. The effect of the foam density on the compression properties was also investigated.
Effect of Reinforcement Volume Fraction on the Mechanical Properties of Al—SiC Nanocomposites Produced by Mechanical Alloying and Consolidation
Authors: Kamrani S. , Riedel R. , Seyed Reihani S.M. , Kleebe H.J.
Published: October 2009

Al—(1, 3, 5, 7, 10 vol%) SiC nanocomposites were produced by mechanical alloying (MA) and double pressing/sintering route. The characteristics of the milled powders and the consolidate specimens were examined using high resolution scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction method. Compression and hardness tests were used to study the effect of SiC volume fraction on the strength of Al—SiC nanocomposites. It was shown that with increasing the SiC volume fraction, finer particles with narrower size distribution and smaller crystallite size are obtained after MA. During sintering close to the melting point of aluminum, the presence of nanometer-scaled SiC particles was found to hinder the grain growth significantly. The Al matrix with a higher SiC content exhibited more potential for grain boundary pinning, i.e., smaller grain size was obtained at higher SiC volume fractions. Consequently, an improved mechanical strength was obtained. The processing method (MA/pressing/sintering) can be used for fabrication of near-net shape Al matrix nanocomposites.
Experimental Investigation of Grid-reinforced Asphalt Composites Using Four-point Bending Beam Tests
Authors: Kim Hyunwook , Partl Manfred N. , Pimenta Rafael , Hean Sivotha
Published: October 2009

Four-point bending beam tests are applied to investigate the bending behavior of asphalt composites strengthened by grid reinforcements made of carbon, glass, and polyester fiber grids. Both experimental and analytical predictions are compared considering the deflection behavior of carbon grid-reinforced beams. This study especially shows significant structural improvement and better crack resistance of asphalt composite beams by carbon grids. Temperature and loading rate dependencies are also evaluated and compared for both reinforced and unreinforced asphalt composite beams. The maximum bending forces of carbon grid-reinforced beams significantly decrease with decreasing loading rate and increasing the temperature. The deflection behavior of asphalt composite beams reinforced by carbon grids is reasonably predicted using a bilinear damage-based model and a viscoelastic beam theory. The layer-parallel direct shear test is conducted for investigating the interlayer shear behavior of asphalt composite beams.
‘We Must Push Eastwards!’ The Challenges and Dilemmas of President Beneš after Munich
Authors: Hauner Milan
Published: October 2009

This article has been inspired by the author’s editing of E. Beneš’ Memoirs 1938—45 . One of the strongest challenges for the former Czechoslovak President Beneš was the relationship with the Soviet Union. Did Beneš, who formed his government in exile in the West, succumb to Stalin’s will during his visit in Moscow in late 1943 or later, during the communist putsch of 1948? The author believes that Beneš’ decision to push eastwards, for the sake of building a closer relationship with Soviet Russia, was formulated much earlier, as a response to the western betrayal of Czechoslovakia at Munich in 1938. However, Beneš’ motivation in the process of rebuilding Czechoslovakia was geopolitical rather than ideological, aiming at three objectives: a common border with the USSR (which entailed the sacrifice of Subcarpathian Ruthenia); crushing Slovak autonomy and reinforcing the Czecho-Slovak link; and the transfer of non-Slavic minorities, the Sudeten Germans and Hungarians. Moscow, rather than London or Washington, seemed to have satisfied Beneš’ objectives. This pragmatic dependence on Stalin led also to Beneš’ unwavering acceptance of the Soviet version of the Katyn massacre.
Cyprus, Britain, the USA, Turkey and Greece in 1977: Critical Submission or Submissive Criticism?
Authors: Mallinson William
Published: October 2009

For hundreds of years, the Eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus has been subjected to the — not always welcome — attentions of external powers, finally gaining some independence from Britain in 1960. Since then, Cyprus has been the object of three international crises, almost leading to war between NATO members Greece and Turkey. Following a Turkish invasion and occupation which continues to the present, tensions have continued, while Turkey continues to occupy over one-third of Cyprus, an EU member, while trying itself to gain entry to the organisation. Papers released by British government departments in January 2008 reveal the following: an increasingly submissive yet tetchy attitude in British foreign policy formulation vis-à-vis American pressure (mainly Kissinger) on Britain not to leave Cyprus; the question of the USA financing the British bases; British government criticism of Turkey’s perceived intransigence in finding a solution to the Cyprus conundrum; British government criticism of Turkey’s position on its continental-shelf dispute with Greece; Britain’s strong support for Turkey’s European aspirations, flying in the face of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Cyprus’ recommendations; past and future President Clerides’ seeming contentedness with the British military presence on Cyprus; and a marked difference between French and British views. The article concludes that the British government submitted to US demands and suggests that Cyprus remains a cat’s paw of big-power politics.
Rule Rather than Exception: Brüning’s Fear of Devaluation in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Straumann Tobias
Published: October 2009

For decades, historians have debated why Germany’s Chancellor Heinrich Brüning resorted to policies worsening the economic crisis in the early 1930s. Some scholars, first and foremost Knut Borchardt, have argued that for various reasons the Chancellor had no choice but to depress the economy. In particular, Borchardt has pointed out that Brüning was reluctant to devalue the currency because he feared a return of hyperinflation. Borchardt’s critics, by contrast, have rejected this argument on the grounds that Brüning’s fear of devaluation was not shared by all German policy-makers and the public in general. This article tries to make a contribution to this debate by assessing Brüning’s fear of devaluation from a comparative perspective. Narrative evidence from Britain, the Netherlands, the Scandinavian countries and Switzerland strongly suggests that Borchardt’s argument is well grounded. Across Europe, politicians and central bankers, as well as business and union leaders, were convinced that devaluation would lead to inflation and do more harm than good. The evidence also shows that, because of this widespread fear of inflation, not a single European country deliberately devalued its currency in the 1930s.
‘This is What Growth Does’: British Views of the European Economies in the Prosperous ‘Golden Age’ of 1951—73
Authors: O'Hara Glen
Published: October 2009

This article attempts to deconstruct and analyse British views of the European economies during the post-war years of fast growth, low unemployment and subdued inflation. Though there had been a great deal of academic attention paid to Britons’ self-perceptions, less research has been conducted as to how they saw the most relevant ‘other’: the societies and economies on either side of the English Channel. Two case-studies are utilized here to suggest both how Britons saw themselves by reference to their near-neighbours, and to study how policy ideas moved around the international world of advice, interpretation and global governance that was emerging after the Second World War. The French and Soviet examples, so scrutinized and apparently fascinating at the time, are the main focus of the article, though other sources of inspiration — German, Scandinavian, Italian — are also suggested. The article concludes with a brief sketch of the main reasons other Europeans’ apparent ‘success’ came to seem so important. These include a national sense of ‘declinism’; the importance of international bodies such as the United Nations; and the intertwined relationship between domestic and foreign policy during the Cold War.
Politics, Culture, and Economics: Reassessing the West German Guest Worker Agreement with Yugoslavia
Authors: Shonick Kaja
Published: October 2009

In 1968 the Federal Republic of Germany signed a guest worker agreement with Yugoslavia. Within the existing historiography, this agreement has largely been described in economic terms as resulting from the economic miracle. This article complicates that perspective by arguing that in fact political and cultural rather than economic priorities were responsible for the successful conclusion of the agreement between the FRG and Yugoslavia. Specifically, it argues that in his capacity as the FRG’s Foreign Minister, Willy Brandt pushed for the guest worker agreement with Yugoslavia as a means of addressing the legacies of National Socialism and promoting peace and reconciliation in Europe. The West German-Yugoslav guest worker agreement therefore should be understood as a product of West Germany’s changing political culture and priorities during the 1960s, and as one of the FRG’s earliest successes with Ostpolitik.
The Contributions of School Desegregation to Housing Integration: Case Studies in Two Large Urban Areas
Authors: Mitchell Douglas E. , Batie Michael , Mitchell Ross E.
Published: October 2009

This article examines a half century of housing and school segregation data in two large California school districts. Based on a review of both the methods and the substantive data available tracking the relationship between school and housing integration, the study reported here shows that very substantial school-level integration in these two districts was followed by equally substantial housing desegregation. The study relies on Theil’s H as the most appropriate measure of social segregation because this measure can be used to study the integration of multiple groups and can be decomposed to document where the most severe isolation of particular subgroups is occurring.
Effect of Thyroid Hormone on the Activity of CYP3A Enzyme in Humans
Authors: Takahashi Norio , Inui Naoki , Morita Hiroshi , Takeuchi Kazuhiko , Uchida Shinya , Watanabe Hiroshi , Nakamura Hirotoshi
Published: October 2009

Thyroid hormones have been shown to reduce the activity and expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 in vitro. The influence of thyroid hormone on drug action via a CYP3A‐dependent pathway has not been elucidated in humans. This is the first report showing the effect of thyroid hormone on CYP3A enzyme activity in humans. Ten healthy volunteers participate in this open‐label study, in which the pharmacokinetics of midazolam and the urinary ratios of 6 β‐hydroxycortisol/free cortisol before and after 2 weeks of oral administration of triiodothyronine were compared. Triiodothyronine administration significantly reduced the area under the concentration—time curve ratios for 1′‐hydroxymidazolam/midazolam from 0.36 to 0.25 (P <.05) and urinary ratios of 6 β‐hydroxycortisol/free cortisol from 6.92 to 5.88 (P <.05). These results strongly suggested that thyroid hormone reduced CYP3A activity in human and may influence the pharmacokinetics of concomitant CYP3A substrate drugs.
Serum level of sCD163, a soluble receptor for hemoglobin, is influenced by cardiac surgery
Authors: Kolackova Martina , Lonsky Vladimir , Trojackova Kudlova Manuela , Mandak Jiri , Kunes Pavel , Svitek Vladimir , Jankovicova Karolina , Vlaskova Dana , Andrys Ctirad , Krejsek Jan
Published: October 2009

Background:The scavenger receptor for complexes hemoglobin-haptoglobin (CD163), which is expressed on monocytes/ macrophages, is shed to the body fluids in a soluble form (sCD163).

Objectives: To evaluate the dynamics of sCD163 in the blood of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Patients and Methods: Sixty-one adult patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were enrolled in the study. They were assigned to undergo CABG using either cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), “on-pump”, (22 patients), modified CPB, mini “on-pump”, (17 patients) or without CPB, “off-pump”, (22 patients) surgery. Serum levels of sCD163 in venous blood samples taken before and after surgery, and during an early postoperative period, were evaluated by Macro 163TM diagnostic kit (IQ Products, Groningen, NL).

Results: Compared to the preoperative levels (“on-pump”; 344 ng/mL, “off-pump”; 314.5 ng/mL, mini-invasive “on-pump”; 336.5 ng/mL) serum levels were elevated at the finish of surgery, reaching maximum at the 1st postoperative day (“onpump”; 658 ng/mL; p<0.05, “off-pump”; 810.5 ng/mL; p<0.01; mini-invasive “on-pump”; 663 ng/mL; non-significant).

No significant differences regarding the serum levels of sCD163 between different surgical approaches were found. Conclusion: Serum level of sCD163 scavenger molecule for hemoglobin is elevated at the end of surgery and at the 1st postoperative day, being little influenced by cardiopulmonary bypass.
Effects of epidural anesthesia on intrathoracic blood volume and extravascular lung water during on-pump cardiac surgery
Authors: Lenkutis Tadas , Benetis Rimantas , Sirvinskas Edmundas , Raliene Laima , Judickaite Loreta
Published: October 2009

Background: The most important side effect of epidural anesthesia is hypotension with functional hypovolemia. Aggressive infusion therapy can reduce the hypotension effect. However, in conjunction with cardiopulmonary bypass, it can increase acute lung injury. We hypothesized that epidural anesthesia, by reducing cardiac sympathetic tonus, with subsequent better pulmonary flow, does not increase lung interstitial fluids.

Methods: Sixty patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were randomized to combined general anesthesia with epidural anesthesia / analgesia, (EA) group, and to general anesthesia with i/v opiate analgesia, (GA) group. Patients in the EA group received a high thoracic epidural, preoperatively. Intraoperatively, 0.25% bupivacaine 8 mL/h was infused and general anesthesia with sevoflurane was followed by bupivacaine infusion for 48 hours postoperatively. General anesthesia in the GA group was with sevoflurane and fentanyl 10 - 12 µg/kg and analgesia with pethidinum 0.1 - 0.4 mg/kg i.v. postoperatively. Global end-diastolic volume index (GEDI), intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBI) and extravascular lung water index (ELWI) were measured before anesthesia, before CPB and 15, 60, 180, 600 min. and 24 hr after CPB. Duration of mechanical lung ventilation was registered in both groups.

Results: ITBI and GEDI were significantly higher in the EA group at all time points of measurement (ITBI 945.6±146.4 ml/m2 and 870.6±146.5 ml/m 2 vs. 1118±153.2 ml/m2 and 1020±174.9 ml/m 2; GEDI 720±96.19 ml/m2 and 775.0±159.5 ml/m 2 vs. 805.4±97.59 ml/m2 and 888±117.3 ml/m 2). GEDI was significantly lower in the GA group compared with baseline (801.9±132.4 ml/m2 vs. 695±169.2 mL/m2). ELWI was significantly higher in the GA group (7.233±1.35 ml/kg and 7.333±1.32 ml/kg vs. 8.533±1.45 ml/kg and 8.633±1.71 ml/kg), but without significant changes in the EA group. Duration of mechanical lung ventilation was shorter in the EA group (663.7±98.39 min. vs. 362.2±33.72 min.).

Conclusions: Epidural anesthesia / analgesia does not increase interstitial lung fluids by increasing intrathoracic blood volume or the amount of infusion fluids in patients undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. There is, also, a decreased duration of mechanical lung ventilation.
Chemical precipitation for controlling nitrogen loss during composting
Authors: Ren Li-Mei , Li Guo-Xue , Shen Yun-Jun , Schuchardt Frank , Lu Peng
Published: October 2009

Aimed at controlling the nitrogen loss during composting, the mixture of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) (molar ratio 1:2) were utilized as additives to avoid increasing total salinity. In trial TA, the additives were put into absorption bottles connecting with a gas outlet of fermentor ( ex situ method); in trial TB, the additives were directly added to the composting materials ( in situ method). During the 26 day composting period, the temperature, pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP) and germination index (GI) were measured. The experimental results show that the additives reduced the pH, while NH 4+-N and TN were obviously improved. NH4 +-N was 11.9 g kg—1 and 3 g kg— 1 in amended compost trial (TB) and unamended compost trial (TA), respectively; TN increased from 26.5 g kg—1 to 40.3 g kg—1 in TB and increased from 26.5 g kg —1 to 26.8 g kg—1 in TA. Analysis of the TOC and carbon mass revealed that absorbents accelerated the degradation of organic matter. The germination index test showed the maturity of TB (102%) was better than TA (82%) in final compost. Furthermore, TP and AP were also obviously improved. X-ray diffraction analysis of precipitation showed that the precipitation in absorption bottle of TA was newberyite (MgHPO 4 3H2O), however, the crystal in the TB compost was struvite (MgNH4PO4 6H2O: magnesium ammonium phosphate). These results indicated that Mg(OH)2 and H3PO 4 could reduce the ammonia emission by struvite crystallization reaction. Optimal conditions for struvite precipitation should be determined for different systems.
Energy use and recovery in waste management and implications for accounting of greenhouse gases and global warming contributions
Authors: Fruergaard Thilde , Astrup Tomas , Ekvall Thomas
Published: October 2009

The energy system plays an essential role in accounting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from waste management systems and waste technologies. This paper focuses on energy use and energy recovery in waste management and outlines how these aspects should be addressed consistently in a GHG perspective. Essential GHG emission data for the most common fuels, electricity and heat are provided. Average data on electricity provision show large variations from country to country due to different fuels being used and different efficiencies for electricity production in the individual countries (0.007—1.13 kg CO2-eq. kWh—1). Marginal data on electricity provision show even larger variations (0.004—3 kg CO2-eq. kWh —1). Somewhat less variation in GHG emissions is being found for heat production (0.01—0.69 kg CO2-eq. kWh —1). The paper further addresses allocation principles and the importance of applying either average or marginal energy data, and it discusses the consequences of introducing reduction targets on CO 2 emissions. All discussed aspects were found to significantly affect the outcome of GHG accounts suggesting transparent reporting to be critical. Recommendations for use of average/marginal energy data are provided.
Effect of boron waste on the properties of mortar and concrete
Authors: Topçu İker Bekir , Boğa Ahmet Raif
Published: October 2009

Utilization of by-products or waste materials in concrete production are important subjects for sustainable development and industrial ecology concepts. The usages as mineral admixtures or fine aggregates improve the durability properties of concrete and thus increase the economic and environmental advantages for the concrete industry. The effect of clay waste (CW) containing boron on the mechanical properties of concrete was investigated. CW was added in different proportions as cement additive in concrete. The effect of CW on workability and strength of concrete were analysed by fresh and hardened concrete tests. The results obtained were compared with control concrete properties and Turkish standard values. The results showed that the addition of CW had a small effect upon the workability of the concrete but an important effect on the reduction of its strength. It was observed that strength values were quite near to that of control concrete when not more than 10% CW was used in place of cement. In addition to concrete specimens, replacing cement with CW produced mortar specimens, which were investigated for their strength and durability properties. The tests of SO 42- and Cl— effect as well as freeze—thaw behaviour related to the durability of mortar were performed. Consequently, it can be said that some improvements were obtained in durability properties even if mechanical properties had decreased with increasing CW content.
Greenhouse gas accounting and waste management
Authors: Gentil Emmanuel , Christensen Thomas H. , Aoustin Emmanuelle
Published: October 2009

Accounting of emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG) is a major focus within waste management. This paper analyses and compares the four main types of GHG accounting in waste management including their special features and approaches: the national accounting, with reference to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the corporate level, as part of the annual reporting on environmental issues and social responsibility, life-cycle assessment (LCA), as an environmental basis for assessing waste management systems and technologies, and finally, the carbon trading methodology, and more specifically, the clean development mechanism (CDM) methodology, introduced to support cost-effective reduction in GHG emissions. These types of GHG accounting, in principle, have a common starting point in technical data on GHG emissions from specific waste technologies and plants, but the limited availability of data and, moreover, the different scopes of the accounting lead to many ways of quantifying emissions and producing the accounts. The importance of transparency in GHG accounting is emphasised regarding waste type, waste composition, time period considered, GHGs included, global warming potential (GWP) assigned to the GHGs, counting of biogenic carbon dioxide, choice of system boundaries, interactions with the energy system, and generic emissions factors. In order to enhance transparency and consistency, a format called the upstream-operating-downstream framework (UOD) is proposed for reporting basic technology-related data regarding GHG issues including a clear distinction between direct emissions from waste management technologies, indirect upstream (use of energy and materials) and indirect downstream (production of energy, delivery of secondary materials) activities.
Kinetic models for the adsorption of lead ions by steel slag
Authors: Liu Sheng-Yu , Jin Gao  , Bin Qu  , Yang Yi-Jin , Xin Xin
Published: October 2009

Batch experiments were carried out to investigate the kinetics of adsorption of lead ions by steel slag on the basis of the external diffusion, intraparticle diffusion and adsorption reaction model (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order). The results showed that the controlling step for the adsorption kinetics changed with experimental parameters varied. When the particle size of steel slag was larger than 120 mesh, intraparticle diffusion of Pb2+ was the controlling step; when the initial concentration of Pb2+ was less than 150 mg L—1 or the shaking rate was lower than 150 rpm, external diffusion of Pb2+ was promoted. Contrary to the former experimental conditions, the adsorption reaction was the controlling step, and the adsorption followed second-order kinetics, with an adsorption rate constant of 13.26 g mg—1 min— 1. The adsorption isotherm of Pb2+ with steel slag followed the Langmuir model, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99.
Collection, transfer and transport of waste: accounting of greenhouse gases and global warming contribution
Authors: Eisted Rasmus , Larsen Anna W. , Christensen Thomas H.
Published: October 2009

The collection, transfer and transport of waste are basic activities of waste management systems all over the world. These activities all use energy and fuels, primarily of fossil origin. Electricity and fuel consumptions of the individual processes were reviewed and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions were quantified. The emission factors were assigned a global warming potential (GWP) and aggregated into global warming factors (GWFs), which express the potential contribution to global warming from collection, transport and transfer of 1 tonne of wet waste. Six examples involving collection, transfer and transport of waste were assessed in terms of GHG emissions, including both provision and use of energy. (GHG emissions related to production, maintenance and disposal of vehicles, equipment, infrastructure and buildings were excluded.) The estimated GWFs varied from 9.4 to 368 kg CO2-equivalent (kg CO2-eq.) per tonne of waste, depending on method of collection, capacity and choice of transport equipment, and travel distances. The GHG emissions can be reduced primarily by avoiding transport of waste in private cars and by optimization of long distance transport, for example, considering transport by rail and waterways.
Early Testing for Huntington Disease in Children: Pros and Cons
Authors: Toufexis Megan , Gieron-Korthals Maria
Published: October 2009

We report 2 young children who are examples of the consequences of premature testing for Huntington disease. Premature testing of a child or fetus carries complex medical and psychological issues to both the child and the family that need to be considered and explored more than in an adult with Huntington disease. We suggest that a child at risk for juvenile Huntington disease not be tested until symptoms are progressive and consistent with the disease and all other mimickers are excluded. When testing is indicated, a multidisciplinary approach is essential to educate the family about the risks and benefits of testing and improve their coping skills when the final diagnosis is made.
HIV-Negative Status Is Associated With Very Early Onset of Lactation Among Ghanaian Women
Authors: Otoo Gloria E. , Marquis Grace S. , Sellen Daniel W. , Chapman Donna J. , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael
Published: October 2009

This is a longitudinal cohort study investigating the association between maternal HIV status and the reported onset of lactation. The Research to Improve Infant Nutrition and Growth project recruited 442 mothers from 3 antenatal clinics in the eastern region of Ghana, based on positive, negative, and unknown HIV status. Onset of lactation was assessed by maternal perception and validated with 2 subsamples: measurement of infant breast milk intake (n = 40) and daily infant weight measurement for 2 weeks (n = 150). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of very early onset of lactation (onset of lactation < 6 hours). Predictors of very early onset of lactation include HIV-negative status (odds ratio = 2.68; P = .014), multiparity (odds ratio = 2.93; P = .009), vaginal delivery (odds ratio = 2.55; P = .035), and having a male child (odds ratio = 1.86; P = .032). The findings indicate an association between maternal HIV status and very early onset of lactation.
Thermal Stability of PVC with γ-APS-g-MMT and Zeolite Stabilizers by TGA Technique
Authors: Thongpin C. , Juntum J. , SA-NGUAN-MOO R. , Suksa-Ard A. , Sombatsompop N.
Published: October 2009

In this work, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide modified montmorrillonite (OMMT), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane-grafted montmorrillonite (γ-APS-g-MMT), and zeolite were used as thermal stabilizers in PVC compound. The thermal stabilities of PVC were then assessed in terms of decomposition temperatures by thermal gravimetric analysis. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) was used to characterize the d-spacing of MMT as a result of γ-APS modification. The XRD results suggested that the d-spacing of silicate layers could increase with a chemical grafting of γ-APS molecules onto MMT. The zeolite was found to be the most effective stabilizer for PVC as compared with OMMT and γ-APS-g-MMT stabilizers. It was found that the greater the zeolite and γ-APS-g-MMT loadings in PVC compound, the higher the decomposition temperatures up to 7 phr. No synergic effect was observed on thermal stabilities of PVC by incorporating a mixture of γ-APS-g-MMT and zeolite stabilizers in PVC compound.
Modified Estimators of the Expected Shortfall
Authors: Jadhav Deepak , Ramanathan T.V. , Naik-Nimbalkar U.V.
Published: October 2009

The coherent risk measure Expected Shortfall is popularly considered as an alternative to Value-at-Risk. We briefly review all existing parametric and non-parametric methods to estimate Expected Shortfall. The historical method is considered as the best method of estimation for the Expected Shortfall, though it has a serious disadvantage of over-estimation in the presence of outliers in the return data. In this article, we propose two non-parametric estimators of Expected Shortfall which are robust to outliers. We estimate the Expected Shortfall corresponding to daily returns of some of the selected assets and indices of the Indian (BSE and NSE) and foreign stock markets (NYSE and LSE). The backtesting procedure boasts in confirming that the proposed non-parametric estimators are the best alternatives to the historical method in avoiding over-estimation of Expected Shortfall.