bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of a Yeast Biosurfactant in the Removal of Heavy Metals and Hydrophobic Contaminant in a Soil Used as Slurry Barrier
Authors: Rufino R. D. , Rodrigues G. I. B. , Campos-Takaki G. M. , Sarubbo L. A. , Ferreira S. R. M.
Published: October 2011

This work describes the application of a yeast biosurfactant in the removal of heavy metals and petroleum derivate in a soil used as slurry barrier using a triaxial permeability apparatus. Test specimens were prepared with soil and contaminants for percolation of the biosurfactant. The hydraulic conductivity measured along percolation of the fluids showed that the biosurfactant reduced significantly the soil permeability, demonstrating its applicability as an additive in reactive barriers. The crude biosurfactant removed around 96% Zn and Cu and reduced the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Fe from the test specimen. The biosurfactant removed 20% of the waste oil using the permeability apparatus. The results show that the biosurfactant can be applied in new technologies where the removal of heavy metals and petroleum derivates is desirable. These results demonstrate the versatility of biomolecules with amphipathic nature, a property that makes them increasingly competitive with real possibilities for use in industries.
Carbon Nanotubes in Cancer Therapy and Drug Delivery
Authors: Elhissi Abdelbary M. A. , Ahmed Waqar , Hassan Israr Ul , Dhanak Vinod. R. , D'Emanuele Antony
Published: October 2011

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been introduced recently as a novel carrier system for both small and large therapeutic molecules.
CNTs can be functionalized (i.e., surface engineered) with certain functional groups in order to manipulate their physical or biological properties. In addition to the ability of CNTs to act as carriers for a wide range of therapeutic molecules, their large
surface area and possibility to manipulate their surfaces and physical dimensions have been exploited for use in the photothermal destruction of cancer cells. This paper paper will discuss the therapeutic applications of CNTs with a major focus on
their applications for the treatment of cancer.
Effects of a Chinese Herbal Medicine, Guan-Jen-Huang (Aeginetia indicaLinn.), on Renal Cancer Cell Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Liu Yu-Huei , Li Meng-Luen , Hsu Meng-Yu , Pang Ya-Yueh , Chen I-Ling , Chen Ching-Kuei , Tang Sai-Wen , Lin Hsuan-Yuan , Lin Jung-Yaw
Published: October 2011

Aeginetia indicaLinn. (Guan-Jen-Huang, GJH), a traditional Chinese herb, has the potential to be an immunomodulatory agent. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of GJH in the treatment of renal cancer. Concentration-effect curves for the influence of GJH on cellular proliferation showed a biphasic shape. Besides, GJH had a synergistic effect on cytotoxicity when combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)which may be due to the alternation of the chemotherapeutic agent resistance-related genes and due to the synergistic effects on apoptosis. In addition, treatment with GJH extract markedly reduced 786-O cell adherence to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and decreased 786-O cell migration and invasion. In a xenograft animal model, GJH extract had an inhibitory effect on tumor cell-induced metastasis. Moreover, western blot analysis showed that the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in 786-O cells was significantly decreased by treatment with GJH extract through inactivation of nuclear factor-κB (NF--κB). These results suggest that GJH extract has a synergistic effect on apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agents and an inhibitory effect on cell adhesion, migration, and invasion, providing evidence for the use of water-based extracts of GJH as novel alternative therapeutic agents in the treatment of human renal cancer.
p53 Negatively Regulates the Hepatoma Growth Factor HDGF
Authors: Sasaki Yasushi , Negishi Hideaki , Idogawa Masashi , Yokota Ikuko , Koyama Ryota , Kusano Masanobu , Suzuki Hiromu , Fujita Masahiro , Maruyama Reo , Toyota Minoru , Saito Tsuyoshi , Tokino Takashi
Published: October 2011

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a secreted heparin-binding growth factor that has been implicated in cancer development and progression. Here, we report that HDGF is a critical target for transcriptional repression by the tumor suppressor p53. Endogenous HDGF expression was decreased in cancer cells with introduction of wild-type p53, which also downregulated HDGF expression after DNA damage. In support of the likelihood that HDGF is a critical driver of cancer cell growth, addition of neutralizing HDGF antibodies to culture media was sufficient to block cell growth, migration, and invasion. Similarly, these effects were elicited by conditioned culture medium from p53-expressing cells, and they could be reversed by the addition of recombinant human HDGF. Interestingly, we found that HDGF was overexpressed also in primary gastric, breast, and lung cancer tissues harboring mutant p53 genes. Mechanistic investigations revealed that p53 repressed HDGF transcription by altering HDAC-dependent chromatin remodeling. Taken together, our results reveal a new pathway in which loss of p53 function contributes to the aggressive pathobiological potential of human cancers by elevating HDGF expression. Cancer Res; 71(22); 7038–47. ©2011 AACR.
Amplification of CRKL Induces Transformation and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor Resistance in Human Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers
Authors: Cheung Hiu Wing , Du Jinyan , Boehm Jesse S. , He Frank , Weir Barbara A. , Wang Xiaoxing , Butaney Mohit , Sequist Lecia V. , Luo Biao , Engelman Jeffrey A. , Root David E. , Meyerson Matthew , Golub Todd R. , Jänne Pasi A. , Hahn William C.
Published: October 2011

We previously identified a region of recurrent amplification on chromosome 22q11.21 in a subset of primary lung adenocarcinomas. Here we show that CRKL, encoding for an adaptor protein, is amplified and overexpressed in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells that harbor 22q11.21 amplifications. Overexpression of CRKL in immortalized human airway epithelial cells promoted anchorage-independent growth and tumorigenicity. Oncogenic CRKL activates the SOS1-RAS-RAF-ERK and SRC-C3G-RAP1 pathways. Suppression of CRKL in NSCLC cells that harbor CRKL amplifications induced cell death. Overexpression of CRKL in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant cells induces resistance to gefitinib by activating extracellular signal–regulated kinase and AKT signaling. We identified CRKL amplification in an EGFR inhibitor–treated lung adenocarcinoma that was not present before treatment. These observations demonstrate that CRKL overexpression induces cell transformation, credential CRKL as a therapeutic target for a subset of NSCLC that harbor CRKL amplifications, and implicate CRKL as an additional mechanism of resistance to EGFR-directed therapy.

Significance: These studies credential CRKL as an oncogene in a subset of NSCLC. Overexpression of CRKL induces cell transformation and resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor treatment and suggest that therapeutic interventions targeting CRKL may confer a clinical benefit in a defined subset of NSCLCs. Cancer Discovery; 1(7); 608–25. ©2011 AACR.

Read the Commentary on this article by Ladanyi, p. 560

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 539
Initial Proximal Obstruction of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt in Patients with Preterm-Related Posthaemorrhagic Hydrocephalus
Authors: Miranda P. , Simal J.A. , Menor F. , Plaza E. , Conde R. , Botella C.
Published: October 2011

Background/Aims: Obstruction is the most common complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts in patients with hydrocephalus. Despite technical advances, rates of obstruction have barely decreased and remain at over 40% of cases. Patients suffering from preterm-related posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus are considered a group with a particularly high risk of obstruction. The aim of the present study was to review our series of patients with preterm-related posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus and analyse the occurrence of the first ventricular shunt obstruction as well as the related clinical and radiological factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 103 cases treated from 1982 to 2010. Descriptive analysis, raw and adjusted bivariate correlations and survival analysis were performed. Results: Over the course of the follow-up, 42 patients presented at least one episode of obstruction that required proximal revision. Medium-opening pressure valves were associated with a higher rate of obstruction compared to low-opening pressure valves; however, in our series this association became statistically significant only in patients with a weight of over 2,000 g at the time of surgery (odds ratio 6.75). The occurrence of previous infection and the development of late slit ventricle syndrome were also significantly associated with obstruction of the ventricular catheter (odds ratios 3.35 and 4.27, respectively). Conclusions: Rates of shunt obstruction in preterm-related posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus remain high but do not seem to be higher than in other groups of paediatric hydrocephalus. Prevention of infection and the use of the appropriate type of valve design can help to decrease the incidence of proximal shunt obstruction, which in turn could decrease the incidence of symptomatic slit ventricle syndromes.
Modified External Ventricular Drainage in Pediatric Tuberculous Meningitis: Is It Possible to Avoid Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement?
Authors: Lin Jian , Zhang Nu , Sheng Hang-song , Wang Mao-de , Yin Bo , Lin Fen-chun
Published: October 2011

Objective: Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is the current mainstay of treatment for children with tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus. However, ventriculoperitoneal shunting is highly associated with complications, and more importantly, long-term, indwelling shunt devices may adversely affect children’s spirits and psychological health. Therefore, there is clearly a need to explore methods of CSF diversion to avoid ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Methods: We studied 6 cases of children with tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus in whom external drainage from the ventricle to the subcutaneous abdomen was adopted. Outcomes were assessed over a 6- to 9-month follow-up period based on improvements in radiological features, such as ventricular morphology, as well as the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting and any complications. Results: The drainage tubes were removed in 4 cases 4–6 months after the modified external ventricular drainage surgery, and 2 patients went on to receive a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. All patients’ CSF protein and cell counts returned to normal, and imaging showed improved ventricular morphology and no intracranial secondary infection. Conclusion: In our preliminary study, the modified ventricular drainage device can produce satisfactory outcomes and relatively safe effects and may help some patients to avoid ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement.
Initial Experience with the Use of Remote Control Monitoring and General Anesthesia during Radiosurgery for Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kamata Kotoe , Hayashi Motohiro , Nagata Osamu , Muragaki Yoshihiro , Iseki Hiroshi , Okada Yoshikazu , Ozaki Makoto
Published: October 2011

The demand for general anesthesia in pediatric radiosurgery has been increasing, but the issues involved are not highlighted well in the medical literature. We developed remotely controlled monitoring and anesthesia techniques, and applied our system to three pediatric patients who underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery with automated settings. Based on the perioperative safety management, the following issues are of considerable concern: to avoid emotional trauma associated with the treatment, to secure airway patency in a variety of head positions, and to apply all standard monitors. In this report, we describe the details of our project with a comprehensive literature review.
Treatment of Tall Stature in Boys: Comparison of Two Different Treatment Regimens
Authors: Reinehr Thomas , Gueldensupp Mirjam , Wunsch Rainer , Bramswig Juergen H.
Published: October 2011

Background: High-dose testosterone treatment is a well-known, though still controversial, therapy in boys with tall stature. Methods: 161 boys with constitutional tall stature were treated at two different treatment centers (center A 114 patients; center B 47 patients). In center A, boys were treated with 500 mg and in center B with 250 mg testosterone enanthate intramuscularly every 2 weeks. Predicted adult height (PAH) was calculated according to the Bayley/Pinneau method using the Greulich-Pyle method for bone age determination. Results:At onset of treatment, the patients at the two centers did not differ with respect to chronological age (center A 14.2 ± 1.3 years; center B 13.5 ± 1.1 years), height (center A 187.8 ± 7.3 cm; center B 185.5 ± 5.5 cm), bone age (center A 13.8 ± 0.8 years; center B 13.6 ± 0.7 years), or PAH (center A 205.2 ± 5.2 cm; center B 204.8 ± 5.5 cm). Mean treatment duration was significantly longer in center A than in center B (14.2 ± 4.0 vs. 11.3 ± 2.2 months). At the end of the testosterone treatment, PAH did not differ significantly (center A 197.7 ± 5.3 cm; center B 196.1 ± 4.7 cm). The mean reduction in PAH at the end of treatment was 7.6 ± 5.0 cm (center A) and 8.7 ± 5.6 cm (center B) which is ∼50% of the expected growth at onset of treatment. Conclusions: A testosterone enanthate dose of 250 mg every 2 weeks was as effective in reducing adult height in boys with tall stature as a dose of 500 mg every 2 weeks.
Albuminuria and Cognitive Functioning in an Older Population: The Hoorn Study
Authors: Heringa S.M. , van den Berg E. , Dekker J.M. , Nijpels G. , Kessels R.P.C. , Kappelle L.J. , Stehouwer C.D.A. , Biessels G.J.
Published: October 2011

Background/Aims: Markers of vascular disease elsewhere in the body may reflect vascular abnormalities in the brain relevant to age-related cognitive decline and dementia. We examined the association between albuminuria, as a marker of microvascular damage, and cognition in older individuals. Methods: 380 individuals (age 73 ± 6 years), participating in the population-based Hoorn Study, underwent extensive neuropsychological examination in 2005–2008, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios measurements in 2000–2001 (n = 378) and/or 2005–2008 (n = 346). Cognition was expressed in z-scores on 6 domains. Results: In 2000–2001, 42 participants were with and 336 without albuminuria, and in 2005–2008 51 were with and 295 were without. In age-, sex- and premorbid IQ-adjusted analyses, participants with albuminuria 5–7 years earlier had slightly lower z-scores for the domains attention and executive functioning [mean difference: –0.21 (95% CI –0.40 to –0.02)] and language [–0.36 (95% CI –0.63 to –0.09)]. No statistically significant differences in cognition were found between participants with and without albuminuria at the time of neuropsychological testing. Conclusion: Albuminuria predicts future modest cognitive decrements, but concurrent albuminuria is unrelated to cognitive functioning. The link between albuminuria and cognitive dysfunction may convey an etiological message, but because effect sizes were modest its value in prognostic models for cognitive decline may be limited.
Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Promotes Inflammatory Vascular Repair of Murine Carotid Aneurysms via a Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α and Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-2–Dependent Pathway
Authors: Hoh Brian L. , Hosaka Koji , Downes Daniel P. , Nowicki Kamil W. , Fernandez Cristina E. , Batich Christopher D. , Scott Edward W.
Published: October 2011

Background—

Up to 5% of the population may have a brain aneurysm. If the brain aneurysm ruptures, there is >50% mortality, and more than one third of survivors are dependent. Brain aneurysms detected before rupture can be treated to prevent rupture, or ruptured aneurysms can be treated to prevent rerupture. Endovascular coiling of brain aneurysms is the treatment of choice for some aneurysms; however, up to one quarter of aneurysms may recur. The coiled aneurysms that do not recur are characterized by inflammatory intra-aneurysmal tissue healing; therefore, we studied the biology of this process, specifically the role of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), a cytokine known for tissue healing.

Methods and Results—

We created coils with a 50:50 poly-
dl
-lactic glycolic acid (PLGA) coating that released MCP-1 at 3 different doses (100 μg/mL, 1 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL) and performed a dose-response study for effect on intra-aneurysmal tissue healing in a murine carotid aneurysm model. We then demonstrated that MCP-1 (100 μg/mL)–releasing coils promote significantly greater aneurysm tissue in-growth than bare platinum or PLGA-only coils. We show that MCP-1 recruits the migration of fibroblasts, macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells in vitro in cell migration assays and in vivo in murine carotid aneurysms. Using
gfp
+
bone marrow-transplant chimeric mice, we demonstrate that the MCP-1–recruited fibroblasts and macrophages are derived from the bone marrow. We demonstrate that this MCP-1–mediated vascular inflammatory repair occurs via a macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α– and MIP-2–dependent pathway. MCP-1 released from coiled murine aneurysms causes significant upregulation of MIP-1α and MIP-2 expression by cytokine array assay. Blocking MIP-1α and MIP-2 with antagonist antibody causes a significant decrease in MCP-1–mediated intra-aneurysmal tissue healing.

Conclusion—

Our findings suggest that MCP-1 has a critical role in promoting inflammatory intra-aneurysmal tissue healing in an MIP-1α– and MIP-2–dependent pathway.
Improved Cardiac Risk Assessment With Noninvasive Measures of Coronary Flow Reserve
Authors: Murthy Venkatesh L. , Naya Masanao , Foster Courtney R. , Hainer Jon , Gaber Mariya , Di Carli Gilda , Blankstein Ron , Dorbala Sharmila , Sitek Arkadiusz , Pencina Michael J. , Di Carli Marcelo F.
Published: October 2011

Background—

Impaired vasodilator function is an early manifestation of coronary artery disease and may precede angiographic stenosis. It is unknown whether noninvasive assessment of coronary vasodilator function in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease carries incremental prognostic significance.

Methods and Results—

A total of 2783 consecutive patients referred for rest/stress positron emission tomography were followed up for a median of 1.4 years (interquartile range, 0.7–3.2 years). The extent and severity of perfusion abnormalities were quantified by visual evaluation of myocardial perfusion images. Rest and stress myocardial blood flows were calculated with factor analysis and a 2-compartment kinetic model and were used to compute coronary flow reserve (coronary flow reserve equals stress divided by rest myocardial blood flow). The primary end point was cardiac death. Overall 3-year cardiac mortality was 8.0%. The lowest tertile of coronary flow reserve (<1.5) was associated with a 5.6-fold increase in the risk of cardiac death (95% confidence interval, 2.5–12.4;
P
<0.0001) compared with the highest tertile. Incorporation of coronary flow reserve into cardiac death risk assessment models resulted in an increase in the c index from 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.78–0.86) to 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.87;
P
=0.02) and in a net reclassification improvement of 0.098 (95% confidence interval, 0.025–0.180). Addition of coronary flow reserve resulted in correct reclassification of 34.8% of intermediate-risk patients (net reclassification improvement=0.487; 95% confidence interval, 0.262–0.731). Corresponding improvements in risk assessment for mortality from any cause were also demonstrated.

Conclusion—

Noninvasive quantitative assessment of coronary vasodilator function with positron emission tomography is a powerful, independent predictor of cardiac mortality in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease and provides meaningful incremental risk stratification over clinical and gated myocardial perfusion imaging variables.
The Epithelial Sodium Channel γ-Subunit Gene and Blood Pressure
Authors: Büsst Cara J. , Bloomer Lisa D.S. , Scurrah Katrina J. , Ellis Justine A. , Barnes Timothy A. , Charchar Fadi J. , Braund Peter , Hopkins Paul N. , Samani Nilesh J. , Hunt Steven C. , Tomaszewski Maciej , Harrap Stephen B.
Published: October 2011

Variants in the gene encoding the γ-subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (
SCNN1G)
are associated with both Mendelian and quantitative effects on blood pressure. Here, in 4 cohorts of 1611 white European families composed of a total of 8199 individuals, we undertook staged testing of candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms for
SCNN1G
(supplemented with imputation based on data from the 1000 Genomes Project) followed by a meta-analysis in all of the families of the strongest candidate. We also examined relationships between the genotypes and relevant intermediate renal phenotypes, as well as expression of
SCNN1G
in human kidneys. We found that an intronic single-nucleotide polymorphism of
SCNN1G
(
rs13331086
) was significantly associated with age-, sex-, and body mass index–adjusted blood pressure in each of the 4 populations (
P
<0.05). In an inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis of this single-nucleotide polymorphism in all 4 of the populations, each additional minor allele copy was associated with a 1-mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure and 0.52-mm Hg increase in diastolic blood pressure (SE=0.33,
P
=0.002 for systolic blood pressure; SE=0.21,
P
=0.011 for diastolic blood pressure). The same allele was also associated with higher 12-hour overnight urinary potassium excretion (
P
=0.04), consistent with increased epithelial sodium channel activity. Renal samples from hypertensive subjects showed a nonsignificant (
P
=0.07) 1.7-fold higher expression of
SCNN1G
compared with normotensive controls. These data provide genetic and phenotypic evidence in support of a role for a common genetic variant of
SCNN1G
in blood pressure determination.
Conservation's Friends in High Places: Neoliberalism, Networks, and the Transnational Conservation Elite
Authors: Holmes George
Published: October 2011

Global conservation has changed over the last two decades. As conservation NGOs have grown in size and stature, they have increasingly turned to businesses and market mechanisms and they are increasingly replacing the state in delivering conservation programs. This article argues that at the heart of global conservation lies a small, well-connected elite, made up of directors and senior staff of key conservation NGOs, state politicians and bureaucrats, corporate directors, scientists, celebrities, and media actors. This elite network works as influence, ideas, and money are spread in formal spaces, such as conferences and meeting rooms, and in informal occasions such as social events. Drawing on emerging studies of conservation bureaucracies and NGOs, this article outlines the workings and structure of this elite, illustrated through four detailed vignettes. It situates the elite in the emerging literature on neoliberalism, arguing that this elite is at the forefront of driving the neoliberalization of conservation.
Novel Anticoagulants for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Tzeis Stylianos , Andrikopoulos George
Published: October 2011

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications and stroke. Therefore, the implementation of thromboembolic preventive treatment is the cornerstone of quality management in AF patients. During the last 60 years, vitamin K antagonists remain at the forefront of antithrombotic management of AF patients. Randomized trials have demonstrated their superiority over aspirin as well as over the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel with similar safety profile. However, the disseminated use of vitamin K antagonists among suitable candidates is hampered by their inherent limitations. As a result, a considerable proportion of AF patients do not receive this life-saving therapy. In the last few years, novel anticoagulants targeting factors IIa (dabigatran) and Xa (rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban) in the coagulation cascade have been developed. Recently completed phase III mega-trials of dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban have provided cumulative evidence in favor of these novel anticoagulants. Their main advantages, apart from their treatment efficacy, include the reduced rate of intracranial hemorrhage, the lack of need for routine coagulation monitoring, the predictable anticoagulation response and the limited interaction with food and drugs. In the present manuscript we present a critical appraisal of the recent trials focusing on issues that are expected to influence decision making on selection of novel anticoagulants.
Microalbuminuria is Associated With the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease Independently of Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Ozyol Ali , Yucel Oguzhan , Ege Meltem Refiker , Zorlu Ali , Yilmaz Mehmet Birhan
Published: October 2011

The potential early predictive value of microalbuminuria (MA) in the estimation of atherosclerosis and the relation between the degree of urinary albumin excretion and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) were investigated. Patients (n = 159) with stable angina pectoris and angiographically significant stenosis in at least 1 of the major coronary arteries were included. Microalbuminuria was measured by immunoturbidimetry. The extent of coronary artery stenosis was graded using the Gensini score. The Gensini score was significantly greater in patients who had MA. Also, the Gensini increased by 0.15 units with 1 unit increase in MA. In the groups who had diabetes mellitus and hypertension, there was no correlation between MA and Gensini score. The results of the present study suggest that MA is associated with the severity of CAD independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.
Children Treated in United States Emergency Departments for Door-Related Injuries, 1999-2008
Authors: Algaze Isabel , Snyder Ashley J. , Hodges Nichole L. , Smith Gary A.
Published: October 2011

This is the first study to provide national estimates of pediatric door-related injuries in the United States. Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System were analyzed for patients ≤17 years who were treated in US emergency departments for a door-related injury from 1999 through 2008. An estimated 1 392 451 US children ≤17 years received emergency treatment for door-related injuries, which averages approximately 1 injury every 4 minutes in the United States. Both the frequency and rate of injury increased significantly. Boys accounted for 55.4% of injuries, and 41.6% of children were ≤4 years. The most common mechanism of injury was a “pinch in the door” (54.8%) or an “impact to the door” (42.0%). Patients admitted to the hospital were most frequently treated for amputations (32.0%) or lacerations (25.2%). The frequency of injuries associated with glass doors increased significantly with increasing age, in contrast to injuries from other types of doors.
The mechanical behavior of poly(lactic acid) unreinforced and nanocomposite films subjected to monotonic and fatigue loading conditions
Authors: Averett Rodney D. , Realff Mary L. , Jacob Karl , Cakmak Mukerrem , Yalcin Baris
Published: October 2011

The mechanical and fatigue behavior of neat poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films and PLA films reinforced with 5 wt% nanoclay particles has been examined using various analytical procedures. The results showed that for the films tested in this study, PLA-5 wt% samples were more susceptible to crazing at the same maximum fatigue stress as the neat PLA samples, as evidenced by results from light transmission experiments. Optical microscopy results confirmed this observation. In addition, under fatigue loading conditions, the neat PLA samples displayed almost the same fatigue resistance (number of cycles to failure) at 3 and 30 Hz, while the PLA-5 wt% samples showed a shift in the number of cycles to failure to higher values at a frequency of 30 Hz. Using the linear regression curves from the S– N data (stress vs. number of cycles to failure), time-to-failure curves were generated to show the difference between the neat PLA and PLA-5 wt% samples when tested at frequencies of 3 and 30 Hz. Based on these results, it is known that the nanoclay particles served to increase the fatigue resistance at the higher frequency of 30 Hz, when compared to the neat PLA sample.
Numerical and experimental analyses of resin infusion manufacturing processes of composite materials
Authors: Wang P , Drapier S , Molimard J , Vautrin A , Minni JC
Published: October 2011

Liquid resin infusion (LRI) processes are promising manufacturing routes to produce large, thick, or complex structural parts. They are based on the resin flow induced, across its thickness, by a pressure applied onto a preform/resin stacking. However, both thickness and fiber volume fraction of the final piece are not well controlled since they result from complex mechanisms which drive the transient mechanical equilibrium leading to the final geometrical configuration. In order to optimize both design and manufacturing parameters, but also to monitor the LRI process, an isothermal numerical model has been developed which describes the mechanical interaction between the deformations of the porous medium and the resin flow during infusion. 1 , 2 With this numerical model, it is possible to investigate the LRI process of classical industrial part shapes. To validate the numerical model, first in 2D, and to improve the knowledge of the LRI process, this study details a comparison between numerical simulations and an experimental study of a plate infusion test carried out by LRI process under industrial conditions. From the numerical prediction, the filling time, the resin mass and the thickness of the preform can be determined. On another hand, the resin flow and the preform response can be monitored by experimental methods during the filling stage. One key issue of this research study is to highlight the changes in major process parameters during the resin infusion stage, such as the temperature of the preform and resin, and the variations of both thickness and fiber volume fraction of the preform. Moreover, this numerical/experimental approach is the best way to improve our knowledge on the resin infusion processes, and finally, to develop simulation tools for the design of advanced composite parts.
Attention, Attitude, and Behavior
Authors: Moon Soo Jung
Published: October 2011

Based on news content analysis and survey data from the 2004 presidential election, this study examines the theoretical link between second-level agenda setting and various types of political participation beyond mere voting. Using the hierarchy-of-effects model, this study tested the sequence of C(cognitive)-A(affective)-B(behavior): News attention to presidential candidates creates second-level agenda-setting effects among the public (C); in turn, agenda-setting effects trigger strong attitudes toward candidates (A); and finally, strong attitudes lead to various types of political participation (B). Every direct effect in the structural model was significant. Indirect and total effects of agenda setting for political participation were all found to be significant. As hypothesized, agenda-setting effects operated as a mediator between media use and political participation.
Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-polystyrene diblock copolymer by ATRP and NMRP techniques
Authors: Abbasian Mojtaba , Bonab Solmaz Esmaeily Shoja , Shoaeifar Parisa , Entezami Ali Akbar
Published: October 2011

Amphiphilic block copolymers are used in a variety of applications, for example, as stabilizers for emulsions and dispersions or as compatibilizers in polymer blends. Amphiphilic diblock copolymer composed of methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) and polystyrene (MPEG-b-PS) was synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization (NMRP). In order to synthesize MPEG-b-PS diblock copolymer using ATRP, monofunctional MPEG macroinitiator (chloroacetylated MPEG [MPEG-Cl]) was prepared from monohydroxyfunctional poly(ethylene glycol) and initiated end group on the basis of chloroacetyl chloride. ATRP was carried out in bulk using MPEG-Cl as the macroinitiator, copper chloride (CuCl)/2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) as the catalyst ([MPEG-Cl]/[CuCl]/[bipy] = 1:1:3), and styrene as the monomer. For preparation of MPEG-b-PS by means of NMRP, firstly, 1-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine (TEMPO-OH) was obtained by reduction of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinyl-1-oxy (TEMPO) with sodium ascorbat. Then, TEMPO-OH was coupled with chloroacetylated MPEG (MPEG-Cl) to yield the macroinitiator MPEG terminated with a TEMPO unit (MPEG-CO-TEMPO). At last, MPEG-CO-TEMPO was further used to prepare the diblock copolymer MPEG-b-PS by ‘living’ free radical polymerization of styrene. The products were purified and identified by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
Hate Crimes on Campus
Authors: Stotzer Rebecca L. , Hossellman Emily
Published: October 2011

Colleges and universities across the US have prioritized minority enrollments in their recruitment strategies, but theories offer to possible outcomes of increasing diversity on campus—increased racial harmony or increased racial tension. This study examines the impact of racial diversity on the reported number of hate crimes that occur on campus. Findings suggest that those schools that are most successful in recruiting the hardest to recruit minorities (Black and Latino students) report fewer hate crimes on campus. Implications for campus climate and racial dynamics on campus, as well as future research, are discussed.
Autonomy and School Improvement
Authors: Honig Meredith I. , Rainey Lydia R.
Published: October 2011

New “autonomy initiatives” aim to increase schools’ decision-making authority as a strategy to leverage school improvement. These policies build on lessons of previous reforms such as site-based management in ways that bode well for their success. However, how are these policies actually faring in implementation? The authors addressed that question with a comprehensive research review. Findings reveal that these reforms are posting better results than previous efforts but, overall, results are still quite limited. The autonomy provisions of the policies generally go unimplemented. Accordingly, improved results for participating schools may stem from supports for implementation other than the promised autonomy.
Making Failure Matter
Authors: Koyama Jill P.
Published: October 2011

This article ethnographically examines the paradoxical situation in which one high-achieving New York City public school is “constructed” as failing when No Child Left Behind (NCLB) assessments are miscalculated. Drawing upon actor-network theory (ANT)—a perspective that aims to explain how people, their ideas, and the material objects they produce assemble together in dynamic collective activity to attend to a particular issues—this work reveals how those in the school join with a for-profit educational support business, district administrations, and city officials to construct, encounter, and confront the situations created by the miscalculations. What unfolds over the three years after the school is incorrectly labeled as failing is shown to bean example of what is possible, if not probably when accountability-laden, sanctions-drive, and calculation-focused policies, such as NCLB, gain favor. By exploring the gaps between policy texts, policy aims, and their effects, this ANT analysis offers educational practitioners and researchers a way to interrogate and understand the endurance of policies, like NLCB, which show questionable efficacy over time.
An investigation on semi-solid forming of A360 aluminium alloy by mechanical stirring
Authors: Safari M , Keikha M M , Kamarei A
Published: October 2011

Aluminium alloys produced by semi-solid forming processes are widely used instead of conventional die casting and forging processes. Uniform micro-structure, superior mechanical properties and the ability of producing near net shape parts are advantages of semi-solid forming processes. In this research by using a mechanical stirrer slurry maker constructed by the authors, the effects of mechanical stirring parameters such as: stirring time, stirring temperature and stirring speed on micro-structure, and mechanical properties of A360 aluminium alloy in semi-solid forming, are investigated. It is determined that a stirring temperature of 585°C, stirring time of 20 min, and stirring speed of 425 r/min lead to better micro-structure and mechanical properties. Also it is determined that the mould temperature and holding time of part in temperature of 580°C have a great effect on micro-structure and mechanical properties. By optimizing the forming parameters, dendrite microstructure changes to globular and mechanical properties improves. This is because of breaking and globularizing dendrites of primary α-AL.
The Law Relating to Dealing with Dead Bodies
Authors: White Stephen
Published: October 2011

Since March 1999 there have been three inquiries concerned either in whole or in part with the removal of human tissue from bodies during post-mortem examinations and its retention thereafter. Two of these at least have had to consider the law relating to the matter, and a commissioned paper and a submission about it to one, the Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry, have been mounted on the Inquiry's Web site. The main part of this article consists of the slightly revised text of a submission to the Inquiry by way of comment on these. Among the major points made in this submission are that (a) insufficient consideration has been given to the present status of the common law right of a person arranging a funeral to have the body of the deceased given Christian burial in the burial ground of the parish in which he or she died or of which he or she was a parishioner; (b) insufficient account has been taken of the scope of permissible modes of dealing with a dead body; and that (c) the implications this has for the common law offence of preventing Christian (or decent) burial have not been fully explored.
Regulating Germ-Line Gene Therapy to avoid Sliding down the Slippery Slope
Authors: Pattinson Shaun D.
Published: October 2011

Many arguments can be made for or against various regulatory approaches towards germ-line gene therapy and its associated research. A popular conclusion is that it ought to be prohibited, and this is commonly defended by use of a slippery slope argument. This paper will begin by outlining the regulatory approaches adopted towards germ-line gene therapy in EU countries, demonstrating the popularity of the restrictive approach. The slippery slope argument will then be examined. A number of variants of the slippery slope argument will be distinguished, highlighting the conceptually different claims made by each. Finally, examples of slippery slope arguments often invoked to support the prohibition of germ-line gene therapy will be examined with regard to the conditions that each must satisfy to form a theoretically sound argument. I will argue that these conditions are rarely given sufficient consideration.

For the purposes of this paper, “germ-line gene therapy” is defined as the deliberate genetic modification of germ cells (sperm or oocytes), their precursors, or the cells of early embryos where the germ-line1 has yet to be segregated.
Vaccination and other Altruistic Medical Treatments: Should Autonomy or Communitarianism Prevail?
Authors: Pywell Stephanie
Published: October 2011

The publication of a report into a case where an organ donor's constraints on the race of potential recipients raises questions about whether respect for autonomy or communitarianism should prevail in altruistic medical procedures.

This article briefly reviews how autonomy and communitarianism are balanced in cadaveric and live organ donation, bone marrow donation, gamete donation, blood donation and vaccination. It criticises vaccination policy for ostensibly respecting patient autonomy yet in practice compromising that autonomy in various ways. Vaccination is properly viewed as an altruistic medical procedure because some vaccines are of more good to society than to the vaccinee, who runs associated health risks.

The conclusion is that there is a spectrum of attitudes to the value of autonomy, depending principally upon the invasiveness of the procedure. In most cases the autonomy-communitarianism balance is satisfactory, but this is not so in respect of cadaveric organ donation and vaccination. The article proposes that cadaveric organ donation should be governed by the communitarian law of well-publicised presumed consent. It proposes two alternatives for vaccination: that vaccination should be compulsory or, preferably, that procedures be modified so that parents have real autonomy in their decisions whether to vaccinate their children.
The Human Rights Act 1998 and the Individual's Right to Treatment
Authors: Maclean A.R.
Published: October 2011

The right to demand treatment—even when life-saving—is not recognised by English common law. The courts have consistently stated that they do not have the jurisdiction to order a doctor to perform a particular treatment. This article considers whether the impending Human Rights Act 1998 can be interpreted so as to allow this right. While a general right to treatment is discussed the argument focuses on life-saving treatment. As an illustration, the David Glass case will be analysed and the impact of the Human Rights Act will be examined by considering how the judgment might have differed had the Act been in force.
Betrayal of Confidence in the Court of Appeal
Authors: Beyleveld Deryck , Histed Elise
Published: October 2011

In overturning Latham J's judgment in R v Department of Health, Ex Parte Source Informatics Ltd. that anonymisation does not obviate breaching a personal confidence, the Court of Appeal holds that where the duty of confidence arises in equity it does not prohibit the confidant using the confided information without the consent of the confider if this does not treat the confider unfairly (relative to the Court's view of the confider's legitimate interests). We argue that this principle – by bringing fairness to bear on the scope of the duty of confidence rather than on whether a breach of it may be lawful – has no authority in usable precedents; that the Court's interpretation of fairness in applying this principle is, in any event, incompatible with the Data Protection Act 1998 (in part because the Court has too narrow a conception of privacy); that the Court errs in holding that neither anonymisation of personal data nor use of anonymous data falls under the Data Protection Act; and that the Court's insensitivity to the vulnerability that leads patients to disclose information about themselves to health professionals for their treatment, leads it to misidentify the basis of the duty of confidence in such disclosures. The Court of Appeal's reasoning does not clarify the duty of confidence, but virtually abolishes it in the face of competing commercial and research interests.
Anticipatory Refusals and the Action of ‘Wrongful Living’
Authors: Gavaghan Colin
Published: October 2011

After years of debate, opinion among bioethicists and medical lawyers seems to have accepted that anticipatory refusals of medical treatment can, and furthermore should, be accorded the same legal status as contemporaneous refusals. But what would be the legal repercussions for a medic who treated an incompetent patient in contravention of such a directive? What remedies would be available to the claimant whose life had been extended contrary to his express wishes? This issue has never been explicitly addressed by the UK courts, but this paper looks at some of the conclusions and inferences we can perhaps draw from other, possibly analogous areas of law. It also considers several North American cases that have addressed this issue, and asks what lessons we can learn therefrom.
Necrophilia: Case Report and Consideration of Legal Aspects
Authors: Cook D.S. , James D.S.
Published: October 2011

A criminal investigation arising from a break-in at the premises of a funeral director indicated that sexual interference with several corpses had taken place. The forensic issues regarding consent to examine the bodies and the nature of the crimes committed, with consideration of international law in this field, are discussed. Necrophilia is an issue that has not been the subject of legal statute in the United Kingdom to date, although this issue is currently under consideration by the Home Office in proposals to reform the law on sexual offences
Posthumous Reproduction: A Consideration of the Medical, Ethical, Cultural, Psychosocial and Legal Perspectives in the New Zealand Context
Authors: Douglass Alison , Daniels Ken
Published: October 2011

This paper describes the development of New Zealand policy on posthumous reproduction in assisted human reproduction. It outlines five perspectives: medical, ethical, cultural, psychosocial and legal and shows the multidisciplinary approach taken by the National Ethics Committee. It is argued that each of these perspectives has important contributions to make to the multidisciplinary approach. The guidelines determined by the Committee are outlined, along with the processes used in arriving at these.
Sex (IST) Selection?
Authors: Williamson Shanti
Published: October 2011

Sex selection has been practised since the start of time, but developments in science and in reproductive technologies in recent years have made sex selection reliable and more accessible to parents. Although concerns are raised about the activities involved in different methods of sex selection, and about the eugenic implications of its use to avoid the birth of a child suffering from a sex-linked disease, particular concerns are raised about its use to secure the birth of a child simply on the basis of its sex. This article considers the practice of so-called social sex selection, and its regulation in the United Kingdom. Consistent with the conclusions of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in their recent review of the subject, this article concludes that restrictive regulation is required, and suggests that some reforms are required to achieve this result.
Medical Law and Medical Ethics-Complementary or Corrosive?
Authors: Miola José
Published: October 2011

This article considers the relationship between medical law and medical ethics from a lawyer’s perspective. In the case of Re W, Lord Donaldson opined that whilst the law might allow for female minors to be forced into having abortions against their will, ‘medical ethics’ would prevent this from occurring. The article tests the veracity of this statement. It does so through a fictitious process of inquiry, by a hypothetical medical practitioner, into this imagined ethical dilemma. It finds that, rather than complementing each other in clearly defined roles, medical law and medical ethics actually combine to leave something of a regulatory vacuum, with each abrogating responsibility for decisions to the other, which can only be filled by the personal morality of the individual medical practitioner — precisely what post-Nuremberg medical ethics sought to avoid.
The New Governance, the Open Method of Coordination and Social Health Insurance in Europe
Authors: Jost Timothy
Published: October 2011

This essay considers a topic at the heart of much of Di Longley's scholarship, governance in health care. More particularly, it considers the effect of the EU's open method of coordination, an exemplar of the “new governance,” on social health insurance in Europe. It concludes that, paradoxically, the OMC might lead to centralisation of government power, rather than to greater participation in governance, in these countries.