bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Splitting Techniques for 3D Complex Padé Fourier Finite Difference Migration
Authors: Costa Jessé C. , Mondini Débora , Schleicher Jörg , Novais Amélia
Published: August 2011

Three-dimensional wave-equation migration techniques are still quite expensive because of the huge matrices that need to be inverted. Several techniques have been proposed to reduce this cost by splitting the full 3D problem into a sequence of 2D problems. We compare the performance of splitting techniques for stable 3D Fourier finite-difference (FFD) migration techniques in terms of image quality and computational cost. The FFD methods are complex Padé FFD and FFD plus interpolation, and the compared splitting techniques are two- and four-way splitting as well as alternating four-way splitting, that is, splitting into the coordinate directions at one depth and the diagonal directions at the next depth level. From numerical examples in homogeneous and inhomogeneous media, we conclude that, though theoretically less accurate, alternate four-way splitting yields results of comparable quality as full four-way splitting at the cost of two-way splitting.
Image Processing Techniques for Assessing Contractility in Isolated Neonatal Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Bazan Carlos , Torres Barba David , Blomgren Peter , Paolini Paul
Published: August 2011

We describe a computational framework for the quantitative assessment of contractile responses of isolated neonatal cardiac myocytes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a practical and accessible method for the assessment of contractility in neonatal cardiocytes. The proposed methodology is comprised of digital video recording of the contracting cell, signal preparation, representation by polar Fourier descriptors, and contractility assessment. The different processing stages are variants of mathematically sound and computationally robust algorithms very well established in the scientific community. The described computational approach provides a comprehensive assessment of the neonatal cardiac myocyte contraction without the need of elaborate instrumentation. The versatility of the methodology allows it to be employed in determining myocyte contractility almost simultaneously with the acquisition of theCa2+transient and other correlates of cell contraction. The proposed methodology can be utilized to evaluate changes in contractile behavior resulting from drug intervention, disease models, transgeneity, or other common applications of neonatal cardiocytes.
A Simple Approach to the Synthesis of Hexagonal-Shaped Silver Nanoplates
Authors: Swarnavalli G. Cynthia Jemima , Joseph V. , Kannappan V. , Roopsingh D.
Published: August 2011

This paper deals with the synthesis of hexagonal-shaped silver nanoplates with diameters ranging from 15 to 20 nm along with a smooth nanobulk of 120 nm. These nanoplates were prepared by a kinetically controlled solution growth method using mild reducing agent dextrose, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPMw40 kDa) as the capping agent and urea as a habit modifier and at a moderate temperature of50°C. The crystal structure of the highly faceted particles consists mostly of (111) surfaces as revealed by both X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Propolis Prevents Hepatorenal Injury Induced by Chronic Exposure to Carbon Tetrachloride
Authors: Bhadauria Monika
Published: August 2011

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a well-known hepatotoxicant, and its exposure induces hepatorenal injury via oxidative stress and biochemical alterations. This study had been conducted to confirm the protective role of propolis extract on CCl4-induced hepatorenal oxidative stress and resultant injury. Propolis extracts collected from Gwalior district and 24 female Sprague Dawley rats were used for experiment. Animals were exposed to CCl4(0.15 mL/kg, i.p.) for 12 weeks (5 days/week) followed by treatment with propolis extract (200 mg/kg, p.o.) for consecutive 2 weeks. CCl4exposure significantly depleted blood sugar and hemoglobin level and raised the level of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, protein, urea, albumin, bilirubin, creatinine, triglycerides, and cholesterol in serum. Lipid peroxidation was enhanced, whereas GSH was decreased significantly in liver and kidney in CCl4-intoxicated group. Ethanolic extract of propolis successfully prevented these alterations in experimental animals. Activities of catalase, adenosine triphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase, acid, and alkaline phosphatase were also maintained towards normal with propolis therapy. Light microscopical studies showed considerable protection in liver and kidney with propolis treatment, thus, substantiated biochemical observations. This study confirmed hepatoprotective potential of propolis extract against chronic injury induced by CCl4by regulating antioxidative defense activities.
Detecting Phase Shifts in Surface Plasmon Resonance: A Review
Authors: Huang Y. H. , Ho H. P. , Wu S. Y. , Kong S. K.
Published: August 2011

Under certain conditions, a surface plasmon wave along a metal-dielectric interface can be excited by an optical beam. The reflected optical beam will then undergo changes in both intensity and phase. As the level of intensity or phase change is quite sensitive to the coupling conditions such as the molecule concentration on the metal surface, this phenomenon has been utilized for label-free detection of biological species and characterization of molecular interactions during the last two decades. Currently, most of the commercial surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors rely on the detection of absorption dip in angular or wavelength spectrum. However, recent researches have shown that phase detection has the potential to achieve lower limit of detection (LoD) and higher throughput. This paper, thus, intends to review various schemes and configurations for SPR phase detection. The performance advantages and disadvantages of various schemes will be emphasized. It is hoped that this paper will provide some insights to researchers interested in SPR sensing and help them to develop SPR sensors with better sensitivity and higher throughput.
Vertical Silicon Nanowire Platform for Low Power Electronics and Clean Energy Applications
Authors: Kwong D.-L. , Li X. , Sun Y. , Ramanathan G. , Chen Z. X. , Wong S. M. , Li Y. , Shen N. S. , Buddharaju K. , Yu Y. H. , Lee S. J. , Singh N. , Lo G. Q.
Published: August 2011

This paper reviews the progress of the vertical top-down nanowire technology platform developed to explore novel device architectures and integration schemes for green electronics and clean energy applications. Under electronics domain, besides having ultimate scaling potential, the vertical wire offers (1) CMOS circuits with much smaller foot print as compared to planar transistor at the same technology node, (2) a natural platform for tunneling FETs, and (3) a route to fabricate stacked nonvolatile memory cells. Under clean energy harvesting area, vertical wires could provide (1) cost reduction in photovoltaic energy conversion through enhanced light trapping and (2) a fully CMOS compatible thermoelectric engine converting waste-heat into electricity. In addition to progress review, we discuss the challenges and future prospects with vertical nanowires platform.
Unifying Ideas for Non-Parametric Linkage Analysis
Authors: Day-Williams Aaron G. , Blangero John , Dyer Thomas D. , Lange Kenneth , Sobel Eric M.
Published: August 2011

Objectives: Non-parametric linkage analysis (NPL) exploits marker allele sharing among affected relatives to map genes influencing complex traits. Computational barriers force approximate analysis on large pedigrees and the adoption of a questionable perfect data assumption (PDA) in assigning p values. To improve NPL significance testing on large pedigrees, we examine the adverse consequences of missing data and PDA. We also introduce a novel statistic, Q-NPL, appropriate for NPL analysis of quantitative traits. Methods: Using simulated and real data sets with qualitative traits, we compare NPL analysis results for four testing procedures and various degrees of missing data. The simulated data sets vary from all nuclear families, to all large pedigrees, to a mix of pedigrees of different sizes. We implemented the Kong and Cox linear adjustment of p values in the software packages Mendel and SimWalk. We perform similar analysis with Q-NPL on quantitative traits of various heritabilities. Results: The Kong and Cox extension for significance testing is robust to realistic missing data patterns, greatly improves p values in approximate analyses, and works equally well for qualitative and quantitative traits and small and large pedigrees. The Q-NPL statistic is robust to missing data and shows good power to detect linkage for quantitative traits with a wide spectrum of heritabilities. Conclusions: The Kong and Cox extension should be a standard tool for calculating NPL p values. It allows the combination of exact and estimated analyses into a single significance score. Q-NPL should be a standard statistic for NPL analysis of quantitative traits. The new statistics are implemented in Mendel and SimWalk.
Kidney Transplant for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: The Superiority of Concurrent Bilateral Nephrectomy
Authors: Song Wen-Li , Zheng Jian-Ming , Mo Chun-Bai , Wang Zhi-Ping , Fu Ying-Xin , Feng Gang , Shen Zhong-Yang
Published: August 2011

Objective: To assess the transplant outcome of patients who underwent concurrent bilateral nephrectomies (CBN) during kidney transplantation (KT) owing to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Methods: The study included 67 ADPKD patients, 4 of whom were excluded, and the rest, 63 patients, were divided into two groups: KT with CBN (group A, n = 31) and KT without CBN (group B, n = 32). Demographic factors, transplant-related factors, posttransplant complications and patient survival were compared. Results: There was no statistical difference in demographic or transplant-related factors between the two groups, though group A patients required more operation time (300 ± 30.85 vs. 120 ± 20.78 min, p < 0.01), needed more blood transfusion (4.31 ± 1.05 vs. 1.35 ± 0.23 U, p < 0.01) and had more adjacent organ injury during operation (22.58 vs. 0%, p < 0.01) compared with group B. However, group A patients had better relief from arterial hypertension persistence and lower urinary tract infection postoperation than group B (16/24 vs. 22/24, 6.45 vs. 31.25%, p < 0.05). Patient survival in the two groups was similar at 1 and 5 years (p > 0.05). Conclusion: CBN could be safely performed during KT for patients with ADPKD. The patients could benefit from reduction of the operative procedures, better relief from arterial hypertension persistence and lower urinary tract infection posttransplantation.
Racial and Geographic Differences in Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control of Dyslipidemia: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study
Authors: Zweifler Richard M. , McClure Leslie A. , Howard Virginia J. , Cushman Mary , Hovater Martha K. , Safford Monika M. , Howard George , Goff, Jr. David C.
Published: August 2011

Background/Aims: There are racial and geographic disparities in stroke mortality, with higher rates among African Americans (AAs) and those living in the southeastern US (‘stroke belt’). Racial and geographic differences in dyslipidemia prevalence, awareness, treatment and control may, in part, account for the observed disparities in stroke mortality. Methods: Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) is a national observational study of community-dwelling black and white participants aged 45 and older, with oversampling from the stroke belt. As of January 15, 2007, 26,122 participants were enrolled and a fasting lipid panel was available of 21,068. Awareness, treatment and control of dyslipidemia were estimated overall and compared across race-sex-region strata. Results: There were 55% of the participants with dyslipidemia and no racial differences in prevalence. Adjusting for demographic and established stroke risk factors, AAs had a lower prevalence (OR 0.74; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.77) and were less likely to be aware (0.69; 0.61, 0.78), treated (0.77; 0.67, 0.89) and controlled (0.67; 0.58, 0.77) than whites. There was lower control outside of the stroke belt (0.87; 0.76, 0.99). Conclusion: Racial, but not geographic, differences in dyslipidemia management may play a role in the excess stroke burden in the Southeast.
Enhanced Nitrosative and Oxidative Stress with Decreased Total Antioxidant Capacity in Patients with Oral Precancer and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Korde Sheetal D. , Basak Anjan , Chaudhary Minal , Goyal Madhur , Vagga Anjali
Published: August 2011

Objective: Interaction between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) is a crucial determinant in the etiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and antioxidants protect against cellular and molecular damage caused by these. This study aims to evaluate ROS and RNS, together with the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), in serum and tissues of OSCC patients. Method: Total nitric oxide (TNO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and TAC were evaluated using a UV visible spectrophotometer in the serum of 30 controls, 30 precancer and 30 OSCC patients and in tissues of 10 controls and 30 OSCC patients. Results: MDA and TNO were significantly elevated with concomitant depletion of TAC in serum and tissues of OSCC patients when compared to controls. A significant positive correlation (p = 0.01), at different levels between TNO and MDA in OSCC patients, was found, which increased with the grade of OSCC. Conclusion: An increase in the levels of TNO, NO-mediated lipid peroxidation, resulting in an increase in MDA levels, the positive TNO-MDA correlation with a deranged antioxidant defense system as demonstrated by significantly low levels of TAC; when all these facts are taken together, we can conjecture that oxidative DNA damage, a vital phenomenon for carcinogenesis, occurs due to the interplay of ROS, RNS and TAC.
A Review of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the in vivo Functional Evaluation of Central Cholinergic Circuits in Dementia
Authors: Nardone Raffaele , Golaszewski Stefan , Ladurner Gunther , Tezzon Frediano , Trinka Eugen
Published: August 2011

Central cholinergic circuits of human brain can be tested non-invasively by coupling electrical peripheral stimulation with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex. The short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) is reduced in cholinergic forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies, while it is normal in non-cholinergic forms of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia. This finding suggests that this method can be used as a non-invasive additional tool for discriminating between cholinergic and non-cholinergic forms of dementia. Interestingly, SAI was also found to be significantly smaller in early AD patients. Identification of SAI abnormalities that occur early in the course of AD will allow earlier diagnosis and treatment with cholinergic drugs. In patients with vascular dementia, SAI responses varied widely; the number of patients with abnormal SAI conceivably reflects the percentage of subjects with a significant cholinergic dysfunction. It has recently been demonstrated that brain microbleeds have an impact on SAI that is independent of the extent of associated white matter changes and ischemic stroke. Since SAI can be increased by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, TMS may help in identifying the patients who would be suitable for long-term treatment with cholinergic agents.
Stabilization of Reactive Nitroxides Using Invasomes to Allow Prolonged Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Measurements
Authors: Haag S.F. , Taskoparan B. , Bittl R. , Teutloff C. , Wenzel R. , Fahr A. , Chen M. , Lademann J. , Schäfer-Korting M. , Meinke M.C.
Published: August 2011

The detection of the antioxidative capacity of the skin is of great practical relevance since free radicals are involved in many skin damaging processes, including aging and inflammation. The nitroxide TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl) in combination with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was found suitable for measuring the antioxidative capacity since its reaction with reducing agents is considerably fast. Yet, in order to achieve longer measurement times, e.g. in inflammatory skin diseases, the stabilizing effect of an invasome (ultraflexible vesicle/liposome) suspension with TEMPO was investigated ex vivo on porcine skin and in vivo on human skin. Invasomes increased the measurement time ex vivo 2-fold and the reduction was significantly slowed down in vivo, which is due to membrane-associated and therefore protected TEMPO. Furthermore, TEMPO accumulation in the membrane phase as well as the decreasing polarity of the ultimate surroundings of TEMPO during skin penetration explains the stabilizing effect. Thus, an invasome suspension with TEMPO exhibits stabilizing effects ex vivo and in vivo.
Paraoxonase 1 Gene Polymorphisms Do Not Influence the Response to Treatment in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Klimkowicz-Mrowiec A. , Marona M. , Spisak K. , Jagiella J. , Wolkow P. , Szczudlik A. , Slowik A.
Published: August 2011

Background: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are the treatment of choice for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, their efficacy is moderate and differs from patient to patient. Recent studies suggest that the Q192R variant of the paraoxonase 1 gene (PON1) might affect individual susceptibility to these drugs. Methods: We investigated the influence of 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PON1 (rs 662, rs 854560, rs 705381) and the APOE common polymorphism in 101 Polish patients with late-onset AD in response to treatment with AChEIs. Results: No significant differences were observed between carriers and non-carriers of the PON1 SNPs or the APOE common polymorphism in terms of treatment response. These results did not change after stratification of APOE status. Conclusion: Our results suggest that both the investigated PON1 and APOE common SNPs do not influence treatment response to AChEIs in patients with AD.
Status and Prospects for Discovery and Verification of New Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease by Proteomics
Authors: Gerszten Robert E. , Asnani Aarti , Carr Steven A.
Published: August 2011

Despite unmet needs for cardiovascular biomarkers, few new protein markers have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the diagnosis or screening of cardiovascular diseases. Mass spectrometry–based proteomics technologies are capable of identifying hundreds to thousands of proteins in cells, tissues, and biofluids. Proteomics may therefore provide the opportunity to elucidate new biomarkers and pathways without a prior known association with cardiovascular disease; however, important obstacles remain. In this review, we focus on emerging techniques that may form a coherently integrated pipeline to overcome present limitations to both the discovery and validation processes.
Tear Me Down
Authors: Patterson Cam , Portbury Andrea L. , Schisler Jonathan C. , Willis Monte S.
Published: August 2011

Cardiac hypertrophy develops most commonly in response to hypertension and is an independent risk factor for the development of heart failure. The mechanisms by which cardiac hypertrophy may be reversed to reduce this risk have not been fully determined to the point where mechanism-specific therapies have been developed. Recently, proteases in the calpain family have been implicated in the regulation of the development of cardiac hypertrophy in preclinical animal models. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms by which calpain inhibition has been shown to modulate the development of cardiac (specifically ventricular) hypertrophy. The context within which calpain inhibition might be developed for therapeutic intervention of cardiac hypertrophy is then discussed.
A simplified and cost-effective enrichment protocol for the isolation of Campylobacter spp. from retail broiler meat without microaerobic incubation
Authors: Zhou Ping , Hussain Syeda K , Liles Mark R , Arias Covadonga R , Backert Steffen , Kieninger Jessica , Oyarzabal Omar A
Published: August 2011

Background

To simplify the methodology for the isolation of Campylobacter spp. from retail broiler meat, we evaluated 108 samples (breasts and thighs) using an unpaired sample design. The enrichment broths were incubated under aerobic conditions (subsamples A) and for comparison under microaerobic conditions (subsamples M) as recommended by current reference protocols. Sensors were used to measure the dissolved oxygen (DO) in the broth and the percentage of oxygen (O2) in the head space of the bags used for enrichment. Campylobacter isolates were identified with multiplex PCR assays and typed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Ribosomal intergenic spacer analyses (RISA) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) were used to study the bacterial communities of subsamples M and A after 48 h enrichment.

Results

The number of Campylobacter positive subsamples were similar for A and M when all samples were combined (P = 0.81) and when samples were analyzed by product (breast: P = 0.75; thigh: P = 1.00). Oxygen sensors showed that DO values in the broth were around 6 ppm and O2 values in the head space were 14-16% throughout incubation. PFGE demonstrated high genomic similarity of isolates in the majority of the samples in which isolates were obtained from subsamples A and M. RISA and DGGE results showed a large variability in the bacterial populations that could be attributed to sample-to-sample variations and not enrichment conditions (aerobic or microaerobic). These data also suggested that current sampling protocols are not optimized to determine the true number of Campylobacter positive samples in retail boiler meat.

Conclusions

Decreased DO in enrichment broths is naturally achieved. This simplified, cost-effective enrichment protocol with aerobic incubation could be incorporated into reference methods for the isolation of Campylobacter spp. from retail broiler meat.
Region-specific tauopathy and synucleinopathy in brain of the alpha-synuclein overexpressing mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kaul Tiffany , Credle Joel , Haggerty Thomas , Oaks Adam W , Masliah Eliezer , Sidhu Anita
Published: August 2011

Background

α-synuclein [α-Syn]-mediated activation of GSK-3β leading to increases in hyperphosphorylated Tau has been shown by us to occur in striata of Parkinson's diseased [PD] patients and in animal models of PD. In Alzheimer's disease, tauopathy exists in several brain regions; however, the pattern of distribution of tauopathy in other brain regions of PD or in animal models of PD is not known. The current studies were undertaken to analyze the distribution of tauopathy in different brain regions in a widely used mouse model of PD, the α-Syn overexpressing mouse.

Results

High levels of α-Syn levels were seen in the brain stem, with a much smaller increase in the frontal cortex; neither cerebellum nor hippocampus showed any overexpression of α-Syn. Elevated levels of p-Tau, hyperphosphorylated at Ser202, Ser262 and Ser396/404, were seen in brain stem, with lower levels seen in hippocampus. In both frontal cortex and cerebellum, increases were seen only in p-Ser396/404 Tau, but not in p-Ser202 and p-Ser262. p-GSK-3β levels were not elevated in any of the brain regions, although total GSK-3β was elevated in brain stem. p-p38MAPK levels were unchanged in all brain regions examined, while p-ERK levels were elevated in brain stem, hippocampus and cerebellum, but not the frontal cortex. p-JNK levels were increased in brain stem and cerebellum but not in the frontal cortex or hippocampus. Elevated levels of free tubulin, indicating microtubule destabilization, were seen only in the brain stem.

Conclusion

Our combined data suggest that in this animal model of PD, tauopathy, along with microtubule destabilization, exists primarily in the brain stem and striatum, which are also the two major brain regions known to express high levels of α-Syn and undergo the highest levels of degeneration in human PD. Thus, tauopathy in PD may have a very restricted pattern of distribution.
Chronic kidney disease in gout in a managed care setting
Authors: Fuldeore Mahesh J , Riedel Aylin A , Zarotsky Victoria , Pandya Bhavik J , Dabbous Omar , Krishnan Eswar
Published: August 2011

Background

To study the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its impact on allopurinol dosing and uric acid control among patients with gout.

Methods

This was a retrospective study using data from a large US health plan. Claims and laboratory data were analyzed for enrollees from the health plan database from January 2002 through December 2005. Patients with gout were identified from pharmacy and medical claims data based on the presence of codes for gout medication or gout diagnosis. Severity of CKD was determined using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Allopurinol titration was defined as a change in average daily dose from first prescription to last prescription of ≥ 50 mg.

Results

A total of 3,929 patients were identified for inclusion in this study, 39% of whom had CKD (based on having an eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2). Subjects with CKD were older (p < 0.01) and more likely to be women (p < 0.01), had a greater number of comorbid conditions (p < 0.01), and were more likely to be prescribed allopurinol (p < 0.01) compared to those with no CKD. The average starting dose of allopurinol was lower among those with CKD, and it decreased with worsening kidney function. Among the 3,122 gout patients who used allopurinol, only 25.6% without CKD and 22.2% with CKD achieved a serum uric acid concentration of < 6.0 mg/dL (p = 0.0409). Also, only 15% of allopurinol users had an upward dose titration (by ≥50 mg), but the average increase in dose did not differ significantly between those with and without CKD.

Conclusions

About two out of every five patients with gout in this population had CKD. Allopurinol doses were not adjusted in the majority of CKD patients. Serum uric acid control in gout was poor among patients without CKD and even worse among those with CKD.
"I do what I have to do to survive": An investigation into the perceptions, experiences and economic considerations of women engaged in sex work in Northern Namibia
Authors: Fitzgerald-Husek Alanna , Martiniuk Alexandra LC , Hinchcliff Reece , Aochamus Christine E , Lee Richard B
Published: August 2011

Background

There is little published research investigating sex work in Namibia, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to determine the views of women engaged in sex work in the Oshakati area of Namibia concerning the main factors influencing their use, or non-use, of male condoms during transactional sexual exchanges.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were used to better understand the perceptions, experiences and economic considerations of female sex workers in Namibia who were involved in a Behavior Change Communication Program encouraging safer sex practices among high-risk populations in 2006 and 2007.

Results

While the Behavior Change Communication Program has made significant strides in educating and empowering young women to negotiate more consistent condom use with sexual partners, the gendered economic inequalities and power imbalances within rural and semi-urban Namibian society that favor men hinder further advancement towards positive behavioral change for HIV prevention and also hinder the development of the loving relationships sought by some sex workers.

Conclusion

This study found that sex workers and transactional sex encounters are heterogeneous entities dependent upon the characteristics of the man (known, stranger, wealthy, attractive to the woman) and the woman (in financial need, desiring love). These features all influence condom use. The 3 E's 'education, empowerment and economic independence' are critical factors needed to encourage and facilitate consistent condom use to prevent HIV transmission. Without financial independence and occupational alternatives building on their health education and empowerment, women who engage in sex work-and transactional sex more generally-will remain largely marginalized from Namibian society, and will continue engaging in risky sexual practices that facilitate HIV acquisition and transmission throughout the community.
Thermal properties of carbon black aqueous nanofluids for solar absorption
Authors: Han Dongxiao , Meng Zhaoguo , Wu Daxiong , Zhang Canying , Zhu Haitao
Published: August 2011

In this article, carbon black nanofluids were prepared by dispersing the pretreated carbon black powder into distilled water. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were explored. The photothermal properties, optical properties, rheological behaviors, and thermal conductivities of the nanofluids were also investigated. The results showed that the nanofluids of high-volume fraction had better photothermal properties. Both carbon black powder and nanofluids had good absorption in the whole wavelength ranging from 200 to 2,500 nm. The nanofluids exhibited a shear thinning behavior. The shear viscosity increased with the increasing volume fraction and decreased with the increasing temperature at the same shear rate. The thermal conductivity of carbon black nanofluids increased with the increase of volume fraction and temperature. Carbon black nanofluids had good absorption ability of solar energy and can effectively enhance the solar absorption efficiency.
Molecules important for thyroid hormone synthesis and action - known facts and future perspectives
Authors: Brix Klaudia , Führer Dagmar , Biebermann Heike
Published: August 2011

Thyroid hormones are of crucial importance for the functioning of nearly every organ. Remarkably, disturbances of thyroid hormone synthesis and function are among the most common endocrine disorders affecting approximately one third of the working German population. Over the last ten years our understanding of biosynthesis and functioning of these hormones has increased tremendously. This includes the identification of proteins involved in thyroid hormone biosynthesis like Thox2 and Dehal where mutations in these genes are responsible for certain degrees of hypothyroidism. One of the most important findings was the identification of a specific transporter for triiodothyronine (T3), the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) responsible for directed transport of T3 into target cells and for export of thyroid hormones out of thyroid epithelial cells. Genetic disturbances of MCT8 in patients result in a biochemical constellation of high T3 levels in combination with low or normal TSH and thyroxine levels leading to a new syndrome of severe X-linked mental retardation. Importantly mice lacking MCT8 presented only with a mild phenotype, indicating that compensatory mechanisms exist in mice. Moreover, it has become clear that not only genomic actions of T3 exist. T3 is also capable to activate adhesion receptors and it signals via activation of PI3K and MAPK pathways. Most recently, thyroid hormone derivatives were identified, the thyronamines which are decarboxylated thyroid hormones initiating physiological actions like lowering body temperature and heart rate, thereby acting in opposite direction to the classical thyroid hormones. So far it is believed that thyronamines function via the activation of a G-protein coupled receptor, TAAR1. The objective of this review is to summarise the recent findings in thyroid hormone synthesis and action and to discuss their implications for diagnosis of thyroid disease and for treatment of patients.
Heights of Divisors of xn – 1
Authors: Thompson Lola
Published: August 2011

The height of a polynomial with integer coefficients is the largest coefficient in absolute value. Many papers have been written on the subject of bounding heights of cyclotomic polynomials. One result, due to H. Maier, gives a best possible upper bound of
On Congruent Numbers with Three Prime Factors
Authors: Reinholz Lindsey , Spearman Blair K. , Yang Qiduan
Published: August 2011

A method is given for constructing congruent numbers with three prime factors of the form 8
On the Conditioned Binomial Coefficients
Authors: Tao Liqun
Published: August 2011

We answer a question on the conditioned binomial coefficients raised in an article of Barlotti and Pannone, thus giving an alternative proof of an extension of Frobenius' generalization of Sylow's theorem.
Paving the way to personalized medicine: production of some theragnostic radionuclides at Brookhaven National Laboratory
Authors: Srivastava Suresh C.
Published: August 2011

This paper introduces a relatively novel paradigm that involves specific individual radionuclides or radionuclide pairs that have emissions that allow pre-therapy low-dose imaging plus higher-dose therapy in the same patient. We have made an attempt to sort out and organize a number of such theragnostic radionuclides and radionuclide pairs that may potentially bring us closer to the age-long dream of personalized medicine for performing tailored low-dose molecular imaging (SPECT/CT or PET/CT) to provide the necessary pre-therapy information on biodistribution, dosimetry, the limiting or critical organ or tissue, and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), etc. If the imaging results then warrant it, it would be possible to perform higher-dose targeted molecular therapy in the same patient with the same radiopharmaceutical. A major problem that remains yet to be fully resolved is the lack of availability, in sufficient quantities, of a majority of the best candidate theragnostic radionuclides in a no-carrier-added (NCA) form. A brief description of the recently developed new or modified methods at BNL for the production of four theragnostic radionuclides, whose nuclear, physical, and chemical characteristics seem to show great promise for personalized cancer therapy are described.
Desenvolvimento histórico-epistemológico da Epidemiologia e do conceito de risco
Authors: Ayres José Ricardo de Carvalho Mesquita
Published: August 2011

O raciocínio estatístico nas práticas de saúde foi disseminado pela Epidemiologia e é amplamente utilizado em todas as suas áreas de conhecimento. O objetivo deste artigo é revisitar o desenvolvimento histórico da Epidemiologia e a formalização do conceito de risco, responsável pelo uso da chance estatística como parte do raciocínio causal nas ciências da saúde. O período de estudo abrange os anos de 1872 a 1965 e sua base documental é constituída por trabalhos de periódicos científicos relacionados à construção do campo epidemiológico e outras publicações científicas. Foram identificadas três etapas de desenvolvimento da Epidemiologia: Epidemiologia da Constituição, Epidemiologia da Exposição e Epidemiologia do Risco, discutindo-se aspectos epistemológicos e sociossanitários que permitem compreender cada uma delas sob um ponto de vista histórico. Destaca-se a importância da reflexão crítica sobre a ciência epidemiológica e as suas relações com as práticas de saúde, de saúde pública em particular, para aperfeiçoar seu uso atual e propiciar sua constante e criativa reconstrução.
Climate adaptive urban planning and design with water in Dutch polders
Authors: Schuetze T. , Chelleri L.
Published: August 2011

The existing water management in Dutch polders is based on independent water systems for each polder. These are featuring artificial stabilized ground and surface water levels. As a result of the local climate the water levels in the polders are not continuously at a constant level. To maintain a stable water table in the polders, the surplus of relatively clean rainwater has to be pumped away during the cold seasons into canals or rivers, which are located on a higher level. During the summer relatively polluted water from these waterways is led into the polders to top up the declining water levels. This procedure leads to various problems regarding water quantity and water quality. The described existing system is not adaptable to climate change and includes the risk of flooding, particularly from torrential rain. Therefore it is crucial to develop, preferably self-sufficient, rainwater management systems in the polders. They should allow the fluctuation of the water levels inside the polders for seasonal storage and flood control. The described concept is adopted in the present water policy in the Netherlands as well as in research and recent urban development projects in Dutch polders.
Detection tube with composite carrier for detection of phosgene and diphosgene in air
Authors: Pitschmann Vladimír , Tusarová Ivana , Kobliha Zbyněk , Vetchý David
Published: August 2011

A new highly sensitive detection tube for measurement of concentration of
phosgene and diphosgene in air has been developed. The detection is based on
chemical reaction of 4-(p-nitrobenzyl)pyridine and N-phenylbenzylamine which
with phosgene (diphosgene) give characteristic red methine dye. As a carrier
serves spherical granules (pellets) of composite material prepared by
granulation of microcrystalline cellulose with MgO. This new indication
filling is stable, resistant to interferences and climatic influences. The
detection limit (0.05 mg.m-3) meets the requirements for conducting hygienic
checks of air quality in the workplace environment. In addition, the tube
allows a prolonged and continuous monitoring of phosgene and diphosgene in
air for at least 240 minutes.
Comments by the Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on the PCAOB Rulemaking Docket Matter No. 31: PCAOB Release No. 2010-005, Application of the “Failure to Supervise” Provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Solicitation of Comment on Rulemaking Concepts
Authors: Brazel Joseph , Bierstaker James , Caster Paul , Reed Brad
Published: August 2011

SUMMARY: Recently, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB” or “Board”) issued a release to address, in two ways, issues relating to the responsibilities of a registered public accounting firm and its supervisory personnel with respect to supervision. First, the release reminds registered firms and associated persons of, and highlights the scope of, Section 105(c)(6) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“the Act”), which authorizes the Board to impose sanctions on registered public accounting firms and their supervisory personnel for failing to supervise reasonably an associated person who has violated certain laws, rules, or standards. Second, the release discusses and seeks comment on conceptual approaches to rulemaking that might complement the application of Section 105(c)(6) and, through increased accountability, lead to improved supervision practices and, consequently, improved audit quality. The PCAOB provided for a 91-day exposure period (from August 5, 2010, to November 3, 2010) for interested parties to examine and provide comments on the conceptual approaches to rulemaking that might complement the application of Section 105(c)(6). The Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association provided the comments in the letter below to the PCAOB on the PCAOB Release No. 2010-005, Application of the “Failure to Supervise” Provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Solicitation of Comment on Rulemaking Concepts.
Patterns of third-molar agenesis in an orthodontic patient population with different skeletal malocclusions
Authors: Celikoglu Mevlut , Kamak Hasan
Published: August 2011

Objective:

To examine the relationship between third-molar agenesis and different skeletal malocclusion patterns.

Materials and Methods:

Pretreatment records of 1046 orthodontic patients (aged 13–17 years; mean age, 14.07 ± 1.27) were used. Third-molar agenesis was calculated with respect to genders, number of missing teeth, jaws, and skeletal malocclusion patterns. The Pearson chi-square test was performed to determine potential differences.

Results:

Among the 1046 subjects, 237 subjects were diagnosed with third-molar agenesis (22.7%) with no statistical gender difference (P > .05). It was more common in the maxilla than in the mandible or in both jaws (P < .01). The prevalence of patients with a third-molar agenesis was the most commonly found type (P < .001). The prevalence of third-molar agenesis in those with a Class III malocclusion was significantly higher than in those with Class I or Class II (P < .05). However, there was similar prevalence among the hyper-divergent (24.5%), normal (23.8%), and hypo-divergent (19.2%) groups (P > .05).

Conclusion:

These results suggest that agenesis of the third molar does not depend on vertical patterns of the skeletal malocclusions, but does depend on sagittal skeletal malocclusions in this orthodontic patient population.
Improving Published Descriptions of Germplasm
Authors: White Jeffrey W. , Dierig David A.
Published: August 2011

Descriptions of new germplasm published in the Journal of Plant Registrations (JPR), and previously in Crop Science, are important vehicles for informing researchers about advances in plant breeding. Launched in 2007, JPR introduced a format that allowed more detailed descriptions of registrations; however, an informal review suggests that further improvements are possible. This paper explores these suggestions. To support our arguments, we assessed the new format by reviewing 234 papers from JPR, focusing on 106 papers (53 each in the old—Crop Science—and new—JPR—formats) for cultivar releases in 14 self‐pollinated crops. We examined genealogies (pedigrees), breeding processes, experimental techniques, phenotypes, and genotypes. In the new format, there was more extensive information on the chronology of the breeding process, the expected area of adaptation, experimental techniques, the quantification of phenotypes, and citation of web‐based reports. Nonetheless, improvement appeared possible, including by (i) documenting genealogies in databases structured for breeding records; (ii) quantifying the degree of relatedness to other germplasm; (iii) describing the breeding process in tables that include key dates, population types and sizes, and numbers of test environments; (iv) describing adaptation through standardized scales, environmental classifications, or quantitative responses; (v) providing genotypic data; and (vi) providing access to supplementary materials from databases or Internet resources.
Registration of GA 120R1B3 Germplasm Line of Cotton
Authors: Davis Richard F. , Chee Peng W. , Lubbers Edward L. , May O. Lloyd
Published: August 2011

GA 120R1B3 (Reg. No. GP‐931, PI 660980) is a noncommercial breeding line of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) jointly released by the USDA‐ARS and the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Georgia in 2010. GA 120R1B3 was created using a single‐seed descent method in a backcrossing program to combine the resistance to Meloidogyne incognita (southern root‐knot nematode) from M‐120 RNR with the high‐yielding, high fiber‐quality characteristics of PD 94042. Two greenhouse evaluations of nematode reproduction were conducted in 2007. Field evaluations for yield and fiber quality were conducted from 2007 to 2009 and included three tests in fields infested with M. incognita and four tests in fields without M. incognita. GA 120R1B3 has a high level of resistance to M. incognita that is equivalent to that found in M‐120 RNR, but GA 120R1B3 has significantly better lint percentage and fiber quality than M‐120 RNR. GA 120R1B3 has a yield and fiber quality generally comparable to commercial cultivars and a lint percentage that was often greater than that of the commercial standards. GA 120R1B3 had good yield and excellent fiber quality in both the presence and absence of M. incognita.
Registration of ‘Titan’ Peanut
Authors: Balota Maria , Mozingo R. Walton , Coffelt Terry A. , Isleib Thomas G. , Beahm Bruce R. , Pittman Hugh G. , Bryant Frank S. , Copeland Pamela A. , Daughtrey Carolyn J. , Kennedy Brenda C. , Shokes Frederick M. , Ashburn Robert D. , Whitt David L. , Redd Doug A.
Published: August 2011

‘Titan’ (Reg. No. CV‐112, PI 660127) virginia‐type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. subsp. hypogaea var. hypogaea), which was developed and tested as VT 9506083‐3 by the Virginia Tech was released in May 2010. In Virginia, Titan was tested from 1997 to 2005 at several locations throughout the peanut‐growing area of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In 2007 and 2008, it was tested in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina in the Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation trials. Titan is an extra‐large‐seeded peanut with an exceptionally high content of jumbo pods and super‐extra‐large kernels (SELK) in all tests performed from 1997 to 2008. It has the highest jumbo‐pod content of any cultivar available at this time with values ranging from 69 to 97% in all tests. Titan had 36–60% SELK content with seeds averaging 1437 mg/seed. Because of these characteristics, Titan is well suited for in‐shell‐peanut, gourmet, and green‐boiling products. On average, Titan produced a pod yield of 4700 kg ha−1 and was moderate susceptible to Cylindrocladium black rot (caused by Cylindrocladium parasiticum Crous, M.J. Wingf. & Alfenas), Sclerotinia blight (caused by Sclerotinia minor Jagger), and tomato spotted wilt (caused by Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus).
Registration of ‘Yellowstone’ Winter Wheat Backcross–Derived Lines Incorporating Leaf Rust and Wheat Curl Mite Resistance
Authors: Hofer Petrea , Berg James E. , Huang Li , Graf Robert J. , Bruckner Phil L.
Published: August 2011

Backcross‐derived hard red winter (HRW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines MT06X424‐B6 (Reg. No. GP‐871, PI 660987) and MT06X424‐B20 (Reg. No. GP‐872, PI 660988) (‘Yellowstone’*4/KS96WGRC40) were developed by transferring the resistance gene Lr41 for leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks.) and the resistance gene Cmc4 for wheat curl mite (WCM; Aceria tosichella Keifer) from HRW wheat germplasm KS96WGRC40 into Montana HRW wheat Yellowstone using marker‐assisted selection. Putatively resistant lines were selected with PCR markers in the BC3F2 generation. Resistance to leaf rust and WCM was confirmed by screening under controlled conditions in the BC3F3 and BC3F4 generations, respectively. MT06X424‐B6 and MT06X424‐B20 are resistant to leaf rust (isolate PBJL) and wheat curl mite. MT06X424‐B6 is phenotypically similar to the recurrent parent Yellowstone. MT06X424‐B20 is shorter than Yellowstone and has low kernel polyphenol oxidase.
Development of microsatellite markers for Euryale ferox (Nymphaeaceae), an endangered aquatic plant species in Japan
Authors: Imanishi Ayumi , Kaneko Shingo , Isagi Yuji , Imanishi Junichi , Natuhara Yosihiro , Morimoto Yukihiro
Published: August 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed to investigate genetic diversity and genetic structure of Euryale ferox, a vulnerable aquatic plant.

• Methods and Results: Ten microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for this species. Eight loci showed polymorphisms with two or three alleles per locus. As for the polymorphic markers, the expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.00 to 0.08 and 0.17 to 0.64, respectively.

• Conclusions: The 10 microsatellite markers described here will be useful for investigating genetic diversity, genetic structure, and gene flow between populations of E. ferox.