bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Does happiness help healing?” Immune response of hospitalized children may change during visits of the Smiling Hospital Foundation’s Artists
Authors: Béres András , Lelovics Zsuzsanna , Antal Péter , Hajós Gergely , Gézsi András , Czéh Árpád , Lantos Erika , Major Tamás
Published: October 2011

Psychoneuroimmunologic studies on positive emotions are few, and their clinical relevance is limited. Aims: This “SHoRT” (Smiling Hospital Research Team) study evaluates the effects that Smiling Hospital artists have on hospitalized children. Methods: Blood samples were taken in a non-painful way through branules in an accredited Infectology Ward, 30 minutes before and 1 hour after a visit of tale tellers, puppeteers and handicraft artists. 24 children were visited and 9 were included in the control group. Blood lymphocyte counts and Th1/Th2 cytokine levels were determined. Artists evaluated their effect on a subjective scale. Results: In the visited group, the increase of lymphocytes was 8.43% higher, the decrease was 12.45% lower, and the proportion of children showing increased lymphocyte counts was more increased. Changes were more marked after more successful visits. Authors found non-significant, still considerable changes in interferon-γ level (p < 0.055) and in Th1/Th2 cytokine ratios. Conclusions: This pediatric study suggests that immunological changes may develop when more attention is given to hospitalized children. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1739–1744.
MRP, tree properties and square principles
Authors: Strullu Remi
Published: October 2011

We show that MRP + MA implies that ITP(λ,ω2) holds for all cardinal λ ≥ ω2. This generalizes a result by Weiβ who showed that PFA implies that ITP(λ, ω2) holds for all cardinal λ ≥ ω2. Consequently any of the known methods to prove MRP + MA consistent relative to some large cardinal hypothesis requires the existence of a strongly compact cardinal. Moreover if one wants to force MRP + MA with a proper forcing, it requires at least a supercompact cardinal. We also study the relationship between MRP and some weak versions of square. We show that MRP implies the failure of □(λ, ω) for all λ ≥ ω2 and we give a direct proof that MRP + MA implies the failure of □(λ, ω1) for all λ ≥ ω2.
First record of introduced valencia slug, Lehmannia valentiana (Férussac, 1822), in Serbia
Authors: Stojnic Bojan , Vuksa Marina , Jokic Goran , Ckrkic Milica
Published: October 2011

The established indoor population of introduced Valencia slug, Lehmania
valentiana (Ferussac, 1821), has been recorded for the first time in Serbia.
The first two specimens had been found in December, 2010 and cultivated in
the laboratory by the end of April, 2011 when they died. In May, we collected
new specimens of different ages in the same locality, indoor garden of Hyatt
Regency Belgrade hotel. In the case of large population densities Valencia
slug could cause severe damage to greenhouse plants in our country, yet it is
unlikely that it could survive winter outdoor in Serbia, and we do not expect
its permanent outdoor establishment.
Molecular Identification of Mating Type Genes in Asexually Reproducing Fusarium Oxysporum and F. Culmorum
Authors: Irzykowska Lidia , Kosiada Tomasz
Published: October 2011

Molecular Identification of Mating Type Genes in Asexually ReproducingFusarium OxysporumandF. Culmorum

Sexually (homothallic and heterothallic) and asexually reproducing species belong to theFusariumgenus. So far, there is no known sexual stage of theF. oxysporumSchlechtend.: Fr. andF. culmorum(W.G. Smith) Sacc. Knowing the reproduction mode is important for the design of successful control strategies, since they are different for clonally and sexually reproducing organisms. In examined sets of asexualF. oxysporumandF. culmorumisolates, the DNA sequences of mating type genes (idiomorphsMAT-1andMAT-2) were identified.MAT-1sequence was detected for 33 and 40% ofF. oxysporumandF. culmorumisolates, respectively. For the remaining isolates a sequence specific forMAT-2was amplified.
Tortricidae (Lepidoptera) of Wielkopolska province with comments on rare species
Authors: Kubasik Wojciech
Published: October 2011

Tortricidae (Lepidoptera) of Wielkopolska province with comments on rare species

The research was conducted between 1999 and 2002 in an orchard environment in the Poznań area. Faunistic data on two species of Tortricidae new to the Polish fauna (Eucosma scorzonerana and Epiblema inulivora) and 23 rare ones, new to Wielkopolska province, are given.
Revision of the Neotropical genus Tsinilla Heinrich (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Razowski Józef , BECKER Vitor
Published: October 2011

Revision of the Neotropical genus Tsinilla Heinrich (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Neotropical species of Tsinilla known to date are listed, and 14 species are discussed, five of which (T. basirufa sp. n., T. merana sp. n., T. rhopos sp. n., T. kilastra sp. n., T. roseonigra sp. n.) are described as new. Argyroploce impolita Meyrick and Olethreutes isopercna Meyrick are transferred to Tsinilla.
Taxonomic notes on the genus Gymnomus Loew, with a description of a new species from Morocco (Diptera: Heleomyzidae)
Authors: Woźnica Andrzej
Published: October 2011

Taxonomic notes on the genus Gymnomus Loew, with a description of a new species from Morocco (Diptera: Heleomyzidae)

A new species, Gymnomus atlasicus sp. n. from the Atlas Mts. in Morocco is described and illustrated. The female holotype of Gymnomus ventricosus (Becker, 1907) from Tibet is examined and redescribed. A key for the determination of all 20 species recorded in the Palaearctic Region is presented. The genus Gymnomus from North Africa is reported for the first time.
Spatio‐temporal variation in large herbivore pressure in Norway during 1949‐1999: has decreased grazing by livestock been countered by increased browsing by cervids?
Authors: Austrheim Gunnar , Solberg Erling J. , Mysterud Atle
Published: October 2011

During recent decades, rough livestock grazing has decreased markedly on unimproved land (i.e. natural and semi‐natural habitats) across most of Europe, whilst the number of wild cervids has increased. However, we still know little about the overall changes in the herbivore pressure and how herbivore regimes vary between biogeographic regions. We have quantified the spatio‐temporal variation in herbivore pressure indirectly by estimating the metabolic biomass of large herbivores in mountain, coastal and inland municipalities of Norway every 10th year during 1949‐1999. We quantified how much livestock biomass has decreased, whether this corresponded to increasing cervid biomass, and whether the proportion of grazing relative to browsing has changed within the herbivore community. Total metabolic biomass of livestock and cervids (MBAtotal) decreased from 126 kg/km2 in 1949 to 107 kg/km2 in 1999 (∼85% of MBAtotal in 1949). Changes differed markedly between regions. Herbivore pressure in the coastal region nearly halved from 1949 to 1999, while the decrease was minor in the inland and mountain regions. Livestock grazing more than halved, whereas the metabolic biomass of cervids increased by 276% from 1949 to 1999. Cervids dominated the community of large herbivores on unimproved land in Norway in 1999 (54% of MBAtotal). Livestock dominated in the mountain (52% of MBAtotal) and in the coastal region (54% of MBAtotal) in 1999, while cervids dominated in the inland region (67% of MBAtotal). Most herbivore foraging consisted of grazing in 1949 (89% at a national scale). This proportion was reduced to 54% by 1999. Percent browsing was especially high (> 90%) in several municipalities in southeastern Norway in 1999. The increase of wild cervids is exceptional in a historical perspective, and managers have to adapt to wild cervids being the major ecosystem engineers in many landscapes.
Effect of Peptide Size on Antioxidant Properties of African Yam Bean Seed (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) Protein Hydrolysate Fractions
Authors: Ajibola Comfort F. , Fashakin Joseph B. , Fagbemi Tayo N. , Aluko Rotimi E.
Published: October 2011

Enzymatic hydrolysate of African yam bean seed protein isolate was prepared by treatment with alcalase. The hydrolysate was further fractionated into peptide sizes of < 1, 1–3, 3–5 and 5–10 kDa using membrane ultrafiltration. The protein hydrolysate (APH) and its membrane ultrafiltration fractions were assayed for in vitro antioxidant activities. The < 1 kDa peptides exhibited significantly better (p < 0.05) ferric reducing power, diphenyl-1-picryhydradzyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities when compared to peptide fractions of higher molecular weights. The high activity of < 1 kDa peptides in these antioxidant assay systems may be related to the high levels of total hydrophobic and aromatic amino acids. In comparison to glutathione (GSH), the APH and its membrane fractions had significantly higher (p < 0.05) ability to chelate metal ions. In contrast, GSH had significantly greater (p < 0.05) ferric reducing power and free radical scavenging activities than APH and its membrane fractions. The APH and its membrane fractions effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation, results that were concentration dependent. The activity of APH and its membrane fractions against linoleic acid oxidation was higher when compared to that of GSH but lower than that of butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT). The results show potential use of APH and its membrane fractions as antioxidants in the management of oxidative stress-related metabolic disorders and in the prevention of lipid oxidation in food products.
The Role of microRNAs in the Biology of Rare Diseases
Authors: Salvatore Marco , Magrelli Armando , Taruscio Domenica
Published: October 2011

Rare diseases (RD) are characterized by low prevalence and affect not more than five individuals per 10,000 in the European population; they are a large and heterogeneous group of disorders including more than 7,000 conditions and often involve all organs and tissues, with several clinical subtypes within the same disease. Very often information concerning either diagnosis and/or prognosis on many RD is insufficient. microRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by either degrading or blocking translation of messenger RNA targets. Recently, microRNA expression patterns of body fluids underscored their potential as noninvasive biomarkers for various diseases. The role of microRNAs as potential biomarkers has become particularly attractive. The identification of disease-related microRNAs is essential for understanding the pathogenesis of diseases at the molecular level, and is critical for designing specific molecular tools for diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Computational analysis of microRNA-disease associations is an important complementary means for prioritizing microRNAs for further experimental examination. In this article, we explored the added value of miRs as biomarkers in a selected panel of RD hitting different tissues/systems at different life stages, but sharing the need of better biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
Sacred Psychotherapy in the “Age of Authenticity”: Healing and Cultural Revivalism in Contemporary Finland
Authors: Wilce James M.
Published: October 2011

Like other European countries, contemporary Finland has witnessed an explosion of healing modalities designatable as “New Age” (though not without profound controversy, [1]). This paper focuses on Finnish courses in lament (wept song, tuneful weeping with words) that combine healing conceived along psychotherapeutic lines and lessons from the lament tradition of rural Karelia, a region some Finns regard as their cultural heartland. A primary goal of the paper is to explicate a concept of “authenticity” emerging in lament courses, in which disclosing the depths of one’s feelings is supported not only by invoking “psy-“ discourses of self-help, but also by construing the genuine emotional self-disclosure that characterizes neolamentation as a sacred activity and a vital contribution to the welfare of the Finnish people.
Development of a 2-Channel Embedded Infrared Fiber-Optic Temperature Sensor Using Silver Halide Optical Fibers
Authors: Yoo Wook Jae , Jang Kyoung Won , Seo Jeong Ki , Moon Jinsoo , Han Ki-Tek , Park Jang-Yeon , Park Byung Gi , Lee Bongsoo
Published: October 2011

A 2-channel embedded infrared fiber-optic temperature sensor was fabricated using two identical silver halide optical fibers for accurate thermometry without complicated calibration processes. In this study, we measured the output voltages of signal and reference probes according to temperature variation over a temperature range from 25 to 225 °C. To decide the temperature of the water, the difference between the amounts of infrared radiation emitted from the two temperature sensing probes was measured. The response time and the reproducibility of the fiber-optic temperature sensor were also obtained. Thermometry with the proposed sensor is immune to changes if parameters such as offset voltage, ambient temperature, and emissivity of any warm object. In particular, the temperature sensing probe with silver halide optical fibers can withstand a high temperature/pressure and water-chemistry environment. It is expected that the proposed sensor can be further developed to accurately monitor temperature in harsh environments.
Development of a locally sustainable functional food for people living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: laboratory testing and sensory evaluation
Authors: Van Tienen A. , Hullegie Y. , Hummelen R. , Hemsworth J. , Changalucha J. , Reid G.
Published: October 2011

The use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and micronutrients has been associated with a preserved immune function
among people living with HIV. However, use of these products in the developing world remains limited due to the lack
of facilities for production. We describe the development of a yogurt with L. rhamnosus GR-1 at >7×107 colony forming
units fortified with locally grown Moringa oleifera leaves at 20% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. The
product was made by preparing a thin paste of Moringa which was then incubated with 4% probiotic and 2% yogurt
mother culture in milk for 6 hours. The addition of M. oleifera enhanced the survival of probiotic bacteria in yogurt during
the shelf life period at 5 °C (P=0.02), but had no effect on probiotic survival at 21 °C. While the sensory characteristics
of probiotic and non-probiotic supplemented Moringa yogurts were indistinguishable, the addition of Moringa reduced
consumer acceptance compared to regular yogurt.
OPINION PAPER: Quo vadis – EFSA?
Authors: Reid G.
Published: October 2011

In times when human life and quality of life remain threatened by infectious diseases, increasing microbial resistance
and a diminished armamentarium of treatments, you might think that the European Commission would urgently
seek and encourage alternative approaches. On the contrary, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has created
a panel that has ignored good science, over-ridden peer-reviewed medical studies, and seems intent on breaking the
back of a validated approach to infectious disease management, namely probiotics. The recent rejection of a simple
and quite bland claim related to vaginal health emphasises the travesty of this bureaucracy. Herein, the science fights
back and counters the critique of EFSA.
Evaluation of Intelligent Agent Frameworks for Human Learning
Authors: Soliman Mohamed , Guetl Christian
Published: October 2011

 

Pedagogical Agents are intelligent agents supporting learning in virtual learning environments, VLE. The use of the multi-agent society model inhabited with intelligent virtual agents has shown to provide several benefits to learning. This paper reviews intelligent agents for learning and shows their educational value while demonstrating the new learning possibilities supported by them. Towards the objective of efficiently utilizing the agents in a distributed learning platform, the paper provides an evaluation of intelligent agent development frameworks. This evaluation will provide valuable information to those employing and integrating intelligent agents for different types of VLE with a view towards creating new learning scenarios
Vγ4 γδ T Cell-Derived IL-17A Negatively Regulates NKT Cell Function in Con A-Induced Fulminant Hepatitis
Authors: Zhao Na , Hao Jianlei , Ni Yuanyuan , Luo Wei , Liang Ruifang , Cao Guangchao , Zhao Yapu , Wang Puyue , Zhao Liqing , Tian Zhigang , Flavell Richard , Hong Zhangyong , Han Jihong , Yao Zhi , Wu Zhenzhou , Yin Zhinan
Published: October 2011

Con A-induced fulminant hepatitis is a well-known animal model for acute liver failure. However, the role of γδ T cells in this model is undefined. In this report, using TCR δ−/− mice, we demonstrated a protective role of γδ T cells in Con A-induced hepatitis model. TCR δ−/− mice showed significantly decreased levels of IL-17A and IL-17F in the Con A-treated liver tissue, and reconstitution of TCR δ−/− mice with wild-type (Wt), but not IL-17A−/−, γδ T cells significantly reduced hepatitis, strongly suggesting a critical role of IL-17A in mediating the protective effect of γδ T cells. Interestingly, only Vγ4, but not Vγ1, γδ T cells exerted such a protective effect. Furthermore, depletion of NKT cells in TCR δ−/− mice completely abolished hepatitis, and NKT cells from Con A-challenged liver tissues of TCR δ−/− mice expressed significantly higher amounts of proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ than those from Wt mice, indicating that γδ T cells protected hepatitis through targeting NKT cells. Finally, abnormal capacity of IFN-γ production by NKT cells of TCR δ−/− mice could only be downregulated by transferring Wt, but not IL-17−/−, Vγ4 γδ T cells, confirming an essential role of Vγ4-derived IL-17A in regulating the function of NKT cells. In summary, our report thus demonstrated a novel function of Vγ4 γδ T cells in mediating a protective effect against Con A-induced fulminant hepatitis through negatively regulating function of NKT cells in an IL-17A–dependent manner, and transferring Vγ4 γδ T cells may provide a novel therapeutic approach for this devastating liver disease.
Pathogen-Induced Inflammatory Environment Controls Effector and Memory CD8+ T Cell Differentiation
Authors: Obar Joshua J. , Jellison Evan R. , Sheridan Brian S. , Blair David A. , Pham Quynh-Mai , Zickovich Julianne M. , Lefrançois Leo
Published: October 2011

In response to infection, CD8+ T cells integrate multiple signals and undergo an exponential increase in cell numbers. Simultaneously, a dynamic differentiation process occurs, resulting in the formation of short-lived effector cells (SLECs; CD127lowKLRG1high) and memory precursor effector cells (CD127highKLRG1low) from an early effector cell that is CD127lowKLRG1low in phenotype. CD8+ T cell differentiation during vesicular stomatitis virus infection differed significantly than during Listeria monocytogenes infection with a substantial reduction in early effector cell differentiation into SLECs. SLEC generation was dependent on Ebi3 expression. Furthermore, SLEC differentiation during vesicular stomatitis virus infection was enhanced by administration of CpG-DNA, through an IL-12–dependent mechanism. Moreover, CpG-DNA treatment enhanced effector CD8+ T cell functionality and memory subset distribution, but in an IL-12–independent manner. Population dynamics were dramatically different during secondary CD8+ T cell responses, with a much greater accumulation of SLECs and the appearance of a significant number of CD127highKLRG1high memory cells, both of which were intrinsic to the memory CD8+ T cell. These subsets persisted for several months but were less effective in recall than memory precursor effector cells. Thus, our data shed light on how varying the context of T cell priming alters downstream effector and memory CD8+ T cell differentiation.
Experimental Performance of Solar Receivers Designed to Use Oil as a Heat Transfer Fluid
Authors: Mlatho J. S. P.
Published: October 2011

A parabolic dish
concentrator (PDC) has been designed to be used
for charging a thermal energy storage (TES) that
is for indirect cooking purpose. Three different
receivers have been designed, fabricated, and
their performance tested experimentally. The
three designs are Volumetric Flask (VF),
Volumetric Box (VB), and Conical Tube (CT)
receivers. The receivers have been fabricated to
use oil as a heat transfer fluid. Of the three
designs, the CT receiver has the highest
efficiency for a given flow rate, thus making it
the best receiver. A positive displacement pump
was also designed and constructed for the
experimental tests. The pump is used to drive
the oil through the receivers and also to act as
a flow meter. Thus a low-cost and high-temperature positive displacement pump and a
flow meter have been designed and fabricated for
use in solar thermal studies.
Entre a expansão e a sobrevivência: a viagem de Albert Thomas ao Cone Sul da América
Authors: Ferreras Norberto Osvaldo
Published: October 2011

Neste artigo analisarei as relações estabelecidas entre a Organização Internacional do Trabalho (OIT) e os países da América do Sul, mas especificamente, com o Brasil, Argentina, Uruguai e Chile. Para poder apresentar esta relação a nossa analise centra-se num momento especifico da mesma, a viagem que realizou em 1925 o Secretario Geral da OIT, Albert Thomas, a estes quatro países. Esta viagem teve como objetivos: a divulgação das ações da OIT e reunir informações sobre a situação do mundo do trabalho nestes países. Também se pretendia insuflar vida a uma relação que até o momento tinha pouco interesse mutuo. Para uma melhor compreensão temos realizado uma breve apresentação da criação da OIT e do seu primeiro Secretário Geral.
Por um braqueamento mais rápido: identidade e racismo nas narrativas do álbum do cinqüentenário da imigração italiana no sul do Brasil
Authors: Beneduzi Luis Fernando
Published: October 2011

As questões étnico-raciais estão presentes transversalmente em toda a história brasileira, especialmente a partir do processo de independência, quando se buscou elaborar uma identidade nacional. A primeira autoimagem produzida pelo Brasil, no século XIX, é a de uma nação sem negros, formada pela união do bom selvagem e do bom português. A figura do escravo/negro também permanece como uma problemática importante no século XX, permitindo a criação de uma visão idealista de uma democracia racial brasileira, entrecruzada por críticas à mestiçagem e por uma polifonia do saberes médicoantropológicos. Nesse sentido, no álbum comemorativo dos cinqüenta anos da imigração italiana no Rio Grande do Sul, produzido em 1925, a positividade étnica dos imigrantes italianos é contrastada com a inferioridade de negros e mestiços, em uma leitura que mistura a idéia de branqueamento e a critica à mestiçagem. Enquanto é enaltecida a forma da colonização do sul do país, marcada pela exclusão das populações negras, é criticada a política da cruzamento de raças, sendo vista essa última como uma estratégia lenta para a purificação do sangue nacional.
From the banks of the Bravo to the valley where the elevated Soconusco rises: geography in the magazines for children (the decade of 1870)
Authors: Vega y Ortega Rodrigo Antonio
Published: October 2011

A década de 1870 é particularmente relevante para a história social da ciência, pois foi o momento em que a filosofia positivista se consolidou na cultura mexicana por meio do ensino secundário nas salas de aula da Escuela Nacional Preparatoria; e nestes anos foi realizado sob a reorganização da comunidade científica através de mandatos liberais. Além disso, nesta década, as revistas literárias infantis tiveram um papel de destaque na divulgação do conhecimento científico, como a geografia, e na representação territorial do país, graças ao apoio que esses governos deram para levar a ciência a todos os grupos sociais. As crianças das classes média e alta tinham à disposição uma variedade de revistas infantis que, entre os diversos saberes que lhes eram disponibilizados, estava a geografia científica. Vários desses meninos foram os homens que construíram as instituições médicas do último terço do século XIX e ocuparam cargos-chave em instituições científicas e educacionais, além de cargos governamentais.
Imigrantes alemães e a "pré-história" do socialismo argentino (1888-1894)
Authors: Poy Lucas , Gaido Daniel
Published: October 2011

En las últimas décadas, las investigaciones sobre los orígenes del movimiento obrero en Argentina han conocido un importante desarollo. Recientemente se ha producido una saludable renovación del interés por estudiar las corrientes políticas que intervinieron en el seno del movimiento obrero. Con la intención de contribuir a esos enfoques, este trabajo analiza el proceso de formación de los agrupamientos socialistas en nuestro país, un proceso en el cual los inmigrantes alemanes jugaron un papel fundamental. En un contexto de crisis económica y política sin recedentes, y en el marco de una agitación huelguística que alarmó a las clases dominantes, un grupo de militantes alemanes, muchos de los cuales tenían vínculos con el socialismo de su país, se comprometió en un trabajo de organización y divulgación del marxismo. Usando materiales de archivo en alemán y en español hasta ahora inexplorados, nos proponemos realizar algunas contribuciones a la historia del papel desempeñado por los militantes socialistas en el contexto de la crisis de 1890.
Control strategies for flexible operation of power plant with CO2 capture plant
Authors: Lin Yu‐Jeng , Wong David Shan‐Hill , Jang Shi‐Shang , Ou Jenq‐Jang
Published: October 2011

About 20% power output penalties will be incurred for implementing CO2 capture from power plant. This loss can be partially compensated by flexible operation of capture plant. However, daily large variations of liquid and gas flows may cause operation problems to packed columns. Control schemes were proposed to improve the flexibility of power output without causing substantial hydraulic disturbances in capture plant is presented. Simulations were implemented using ASPEN Plus. In varying lean solvent flow strategy, the flow rate of recycling solvent was manipulated to control the CO2 capture rate. The liquid flow of the absorber and gas flow of the stripper will vary substantially. In an alternative strategy, the lean solvent loading will be varied. Variation of gas throughput in the stripper is avoided by recycling part of CO2 vapor to stripper. This strategy provided more stable hydraulics condition in both columns and is recommended for flexible operation. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Mechanical, thermal, and water uptake characteristics of woodflour‐filled polyvinyl chloride/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene blends
Authors: Rimdusit Sarawut , Atthakorn Dolhathai , Damrongsakkul Siriporn , Saramas Duangporn , Tiptipakorn Sunan
Published: October 2011

Woodflour‐filled composites based on polymeric blends of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and super high‐impact grade ABS were developed. Mechanical, thermal, and water uptake characteristics of the PVC/ABS matrix and their wood composites were evaluated. In the case of PVC/ABS matrix, the blend at a mass ratio of 50/50 rendered the impact strength with a very high value of up to 65 kJ/m2, noticeably higher than those of the parent resins, that is, 6 kJ/m2 of PVC and 35 kJ/m2 of ABS. Dynamic mechanical analysis thermograms showed two distinct glass transition temperatures (Tgs) that shifted toward each other indicating partial miscibility of the blends. Water absorption of the blends after 24 h immersion was low, that is, within the range of 0.04–0.2 wt % and exhibits a behavior closed to pseudo‐Fickian type. The obtained PVC/ABS wood composites exhibited an increase of flexural modulus as well as Tgs with an increase of woodflour content. Finally, impact strength of the PVC/ABS composites was significantly higher than those of PVC composites or polyethylene composites comparing at the same woodflour content. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
New developments on the functions of coenzyme Q in mitochondria
Authors: Genova Maria Luisa , Lenaz Giorgio
Published: October 2011

The notion of a mobile pool of coenzyme Q (CoQ) in the lipid bilayer has changed with the discovery of respiratory supramolecular units, in particular the supercomplex comprising complexes I and III; in this model, the electron transfer is thought to be mediated by tunneling or microdiffusion, with a clear kinetic advantage on the transfer based on random collisions. The CoQ pool, however, has a fundamental function in establishing a dissociation equilibrium with bound quinone, besides being required for electron transfer from other dehydrogenases to complex III. The mechanism of CoQ reduction by complex I is analyzed regarding recent developments on the crystallographic structure of the enzyme, also in relation to the capacity of complex I to generate superoxide. Although the mechanism of the Q‐cycle is well established for complex III, involvement of CoQ in proton translocation by complex I is still debated. Some additional roles of CoQ are also examined, such as the antioxidant effect of its reduced form and the capacity to bind the permeability transition pore and the mitochondrial uncoupling proteins. Finally, a working hypothesis is advanced on the establishment of a vicious circle of oxidative stress and supercomplex disorganization in pathological states, as in neurodegeneration and cancer.
Prevalence and predictors of interval colorectal cancers in Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Cooper Gregory S. , Xu Fang , Barnholtz Sloan Jill S. , Schluchter Mark D. , Koroukian Siran M.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

After a colonoscopy that is negative for cancer, a subset of patients may be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, also termed interval cancer. The frequency and predictors have not been well studied in a population‐based US cohort.

METHODS:

The authors used the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database to identify 57,839 patients aged ≥69 years who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1994 and 2005 and who underwent colonoscopy within 6 months of cancer diagnosis. Colonoscopy performed between 6 and 36 months before cancer diagnosis was a proxy for interval cancer.

RESULTS:

By using the case definition, 7.2% of patients developed interval cancers. Factors that were associated with interval cancers included proximal tumor location (distal colon: multivariable odds ratio [OR], 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.390‐0.46; rectum: OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.42‐0.53), increased comorbidity (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.68 2.14 for ≥3 comorbidities), a previous diagnosis of diverticulosis (OR, 6.00; 95% CI, 5.57‐6.46), and prior polypectomy (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.62‐1.87). Risk factors at the endoscopist level included a lower polypectomy rate (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.63‐0.78 for the highest quartile), higher colonoscopy volume (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.13‐1.43), and specialty other than gastroenterology (colorectal surgery: OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.16‐1.83; general surgery: OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.24‐1.62; internal medicine: OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.17‐1.63; family practice: OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.35).

CONCLUSIONS:

A significant proportion of patients developed interval colorectal cancer, particularly in the proximal colon. Contributing factors likely included both procedural and biologic factors, emphasizing the importance of meticulous examination of the mucosa. Cancer 2012;118: 3044–52. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
The data‐driven approach as an operational real‐time flood forecasting model
Authors: Khac‐Tien Nguyen Phuoc , Hock‐Chye Chua Lloyd
Published: October 2011

Accurate water level forecasts are essential for flood warning. This study adopts a data‐driven approach based on the adaptive network–based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to forecast the daily water levels of the Lower Mekong River at Pakse, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ANFIS is a hybrid system combining fuzzy inference system and artificial neural networks. Five ANFIS models were developed to provide water level forecasts from 1 to 5 days ahead, respectively. The results show that although ANFIS forecasts of water levels up to three lead days satisfied the benchmark, four‐ and five‐lead‐day forecasts were only slightly better in performance compared with the currently adopted operational model. This limitation is imposed by the auto‐ and cross‐correlations of the water level time series. Output updating procedures based on the autoregressive (AR) and recursive AR (RAR) models were used to enhance ANFIS model outputs. The RAR model performed better than the AR model. In addition, a partial recursive procedure that reduced the number of recursive steps when applying the AR or the RAR model for multi‐step‐ahead error prediction was superior to the fully recursive procedure. The RAR‐based partial recursive updating procedure significantly improved three‐, four‐ and five‐lead‐day forecasts. Our study further shows that for long lead times, ANFIS model errors are dominated by lag time errors. Although the ANFIS model with the RAR‐based partial recursive updating procedure provided the best results, this method was able to reduce the lag time errors significantly for the falling limbs only. Improvements for the rising limbs were modest. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basal cell carcinoma and anthropometric factors in the U.S. radiologic technologists cohort study
Authors: Gerstenblith Meg R. , Rajaraman Preetha , Khaykin Elizabeth , Doody Michele M. , Alexander Bruce H. , Linet Martha S. , Freedman D. Michal
Published: October 2011

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in Caucasian populations. Although several risk factors are well‐established, including ultraviolet radiation (UVR) sensitivity and exposure, few studies have examined anthropometric measures and BCC. Using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, we prospectively investigated the relationship between height, weight and body mass index (BMI) and BCC in 58,213 Caucasian participants (11,631 men and 46,582 women) from the United States Radiological Technologists cohort. This analysis was limited to participants who were cancer‐free at baseline. The baseline questionnaire provided self‐reported anthropometric factors and the subsequent questionnaire collected skin cancer susceptibility factors, lifetime UVR exposure derived from residential and personal UVR exposure (time outdoors) and health outcomes. During 509,465 person‐years of follow‐up, we identified 2,291 BCC cases (486 men; 1,805 women). BCC risk increased with increasing height, and decreased with increasing weight and BMI in both sexes, even after adjusting for UVR susceptibility factors and exposures. For BMI categories: <25 (reference); 25–<30; 30–<35 and ≥35 kg m−2, multivariate hazard ratios (HR) in women were: 1.00; 0.74 (95% CI = 0.66–0.83); 0.67 (0.56–0.81) and 0.57 (0.44–0.74), respectively, p‐trend ≤0.0001. Risks were similar in men. The inverse association between BMI and BCC was unaffected by controlling for sun‐related exposures. Nevertheless, it may at least partly reflect residual UVR confounding. Further research with more detailed sun exposure data, including clothing patterns, would help clarify the relationship between BMI and BCC.
Women empower women: volunteers and their clients in community service
Authors: Kulik Liat , Megidna Hofit
Published: October 2011

The study is aimed at examining the relationship between psychological empowerment of women volunteers and their clients in community volunteer projects in Israel. Based on an ecological approach, the study also aimed at examining whether the variables that explain empowerment of women who volunteer also explain empowerment of their clients. The sample included 148 women, who were divided into 74 volunteer‐client pairs. Psychological empowerment of volunteers did not correlate significantly with psychological empowerment of clients. However, the volunteer women's motives for volunteering and the quality of the volunteer–client interaction correlated positively with psychological empowerment of the clients. Empowerment of volunteers was explained primarily by social motives, by the quality of interactions with their clients, and by the quality of the volunteer's interaction with the coordinator of volunteer activity. In light of the findings, practical recommendations are offered for empowering women volunteers and their clients in community settings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Green synthesis of fused pyrimido derivatives in aqueous medium
Authors: Kidwai Mazaahir , Singhal Kavita
Published: October 2011

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The synthesis of nitrogen containing heterocycles from arylidene barbituric acid and various ammonia derivatives such as phenylhydrazine hydrochloride, hydroxylamine hydrochloride and aminoguanidine hydrochloride via a simple and efficient cyclocondensation in an alkaline aqueous medium is described. This improved greener synthetic methodology provides a convenient direct approach using water as a green solvent and potassium carbonate (K2CO3) as a green base for the synthesis of pyrazolopyrimidines, isoxazolopyrimidines and pyrimidopyrimidines in excellent yields.
Regiochemistry of N‐substitution of some 4(5)‐substituted imidazoles under solvent‐free conditions
Authors: Oresmaa Larisa , Taberman Helena , Haukka Matti , Vainiotalo Pirjo , Aulaskari Paula
Published: October 2011

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Imidazole‐4(5)‐carboxaldehyde and 4(5)‐cyanoimidazole were N‐benzylated and N‐methylated using benzyl chloride and methyl iodide on zinc oxide (ZnO), alumina, and KF/alumina under basic conditions without solvent. Triethylamine (Et3N) or potassium carbonate was added as base in the reactions on ZnO and alumina. Imidazole‐4(5)‐carboxaldehyde was also benzylated on silica and carbon nanotubes. The effect of bases and solids on the product distribution of 1,4‐ and 1,5‐substituted compounds was investigated. In some cases, the product ratios were different for imidazole‐4(5)‐carboxaldehyde and 4(5)‐cyanoimidazole. In the reactions on KF/alumina the 1,4‐product was favored for both compounds. The combination of Et3N and ZnO favored the 1,5‐product, however for the nitrile effect was not so pronounced. When N‐benzylation and methylation of the aldehyde were performed in the presence of catalytic amount of zinc chloride with Et3N as base, the product distributions were the same as in the reactions on ZnO. Nitrile gave different product ratios on ZnO and in the presence of ZnCl2. In addition, a mixture of N‐benzylimidazole and 1,3‐dibenzylimidazolium was produced when imidazole was benzylated on KF/alumina. Only the latter product was afforded when two equivalents of benzyl chloride were used.
Four‐dimensional flow‐sensitive MRI of the thoracic aorta: 12‐ versus 32‐channel coil arrays
Authors: Stalder Aurélien F. , Dong Zhiyuan , Yang Qi , Bock Jelena , Hennig Jürgen , Markl Michael , Li Kuncheng
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

To evaluate the performance of four‐dimensional (4D) flow‐sensitive MRI in the thoracic aorta using 12‐ and 32‐channel coils and parallel imaging.

Materials and Methods:

4D flow‐sensitive MRI was performed in the thoracic aorta of 11 healthy volunteers at 3 Tesla (T) using different coils and parallel imaging (GRAPPA) accelerations (R): (i) 12‐channel coil, R = 2; (ii) 12‐channel coil, R = 3; (iii) 32‐channel coil, R = 3. The quantitative analysis included SNR, residual velocity divergence and length and curvature of traces (streamlines and pathlines) as used for 3D flow visualization. In addition, semi‐quantitative image grading was performed to assess quality of phase‐contrast angiography and 3D flow visualization.

Results:

Parallel imaging with an acceleration factor R = 3 allowed to save 19.5 ± 5% measurement time compared with R = 2 (14.2 ± 2.4 min). Acquisition using 12 channels with R = 2 and 32 channels with R = 3 produced data with significantly (P < 0.05) higher quality compared with 12 channels and R = 3. There was no significant difference between 12 channels with R = 2 and 32 channels with R = 3 but for the depiction of supra‐aortic branches where the 32‐channel coil proved superior.

Conclusion:

Using 32‐channel coils is beneficial for 4D flow‐sensitive MRI of the thoracic aorta and can allow for a reduction of total scan time while maintaining overall image quality. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:190‐195. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving optoelectronic properties of the 2,7‐polyfluorene derivatives with carbazole and oxadiazole pendants by incorporating the blue‐emitting iridium complex pendants in C‐9 position of fluorine unit
Authors: Tan Hua , Yu Junting , Wang Yafei , Li Jianmin , Cui Jiaojiao , Luo Jian , Shi Danyan , Chen Kai , Liu Yu , Nie Kaixuan , Zhu Weiguo
Published: October 2011

To study the influence of a blue‐emitting iridium complex pendant on the optoelectronic properties of its 2,7‐polyfluorene (PF) derivatives with the carbazole and oxadiazole pendants, a class of 2,7‐PF derivatives containing carbazole, oxadiazole, and/without the cyclometalated iridium complex pendants in the C‐9 positions of fluorene unit were synthesized. Their thermal, photophysical, electrochemical, and electroluminescent (EL) properties were investigated. Among these 2,7‐PF derivatives (P1–P4), P2 and P3 exhibited higher photoluminescence efficiency in dichloromethane and better EL properties in the single‐emissive‐layer polymer light‐emitting devices. The highest brightness of 3888 cd/m2 and the maximum current efficiency of 2.9 cd/A were obtained in the P2‐ and P3‐based devices, respectively. The maximum brightness and efficiency levels were 1.7 and 2.1 times, respectively, higher than the corresponding levels from the parent 2,7‐PF derivative (P1)‐based devices. Our work indicated that EL properties of 2,7‐PF derivatives can be improved by introducing the blue‐emitting iridium complex into the alkyl side chain of fluorine unit as pendant. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Antipsychotics: is it time to end the generation game?
Authors: Owens David Cunningham
Published: October 2011

A more balanced view of the benefits of so‐called ‘atypical’ antipsychotics is slowly emerging since the publication of two seminal trials over five years ago. Professor David Cunningham Owens proposes that all available antipsychotics should be considered when prescribing, not just the widely marketed newer drugs. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
On the lift and drag of cavitating profiles and the maximum lift and drag
Authors: Maklakov Dmitri V.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, on the basis of the classical Levi-Civita formulae for hydrodynamic forces exerted on any profile in an infinite cavity flow, we deduce new representations for the lift and drag. In these representations the forces are expressed only in terms of the velocity distribution along the profile surface. So, the representations are analogous to the well-known Kutta–Joukowskii theorem. By means of the new representations we find optimum velocity distributions which provide the maximum lift or maximum drag of cavitating profiles and determine corresponding optimum shapes.
The nematode community in the Atlantic rainforest lizard Enyalius perditus Jackson, from south-eastern Brazil
Authors: Barreto-Lima A.F. , Toledo G.M. , Anjos L.A.
Published: October 2011

Studies focusing on communities of helminths from Brazilian lizards are increasing, but there are many blanks in the knowledge of parasitic fauna of wild fauna. This lack of knowledge hampers understanding of ecological and parasitological aspects of involved species. Moreover, the majority of research has focused on parasitic fauna of lizards from families Tropiduridae and Scincidae. Only a few studies have looked at lizards from the family Leiosauridae, including some species of Enyalius. This study presents data on the gastrointestinal parasite fauna of Enyalius perditus and their relationships with ecological aspects of hosts in a disturbed Atlantic rainforest area in the state of Minas Gerais, south-eastern Brazil. Two nematode species, Oswaldocruzia burseyi [(Molineidae) and Strongyluris oscari (Heterakidae) were found. Nematode species showed an aggregated distribution in this host population, with O. burseyi being more aggregated than S. oscari. The present study extends the range of occurrence of O. burseyi to the Brazilian continental area.
Les conditions liées à l’intégration de l’approche écologique dans la programmation de prévention-promotion offerte à la clientèle aînée par les CSSS du Québec: une étude de cas
Authors: Leblanc Marie-Ève , Richard Lucie , Bisaillon Annie , Gauvin Lise , Ducharme Francine , Trudel Maryse
Published: October 2011

This multiple case study investigates conditions influencing the integration of the ecological approach in disease prevention and health promotion (DPHP) programs offered to older adults by local health organizations in Quebec. Scheirer’s (1981) implementation model guided the study of five Centres de Santé et Services Sociaux chosen in line with the ecological dimension of their DPHP programs. Documentary analyses were conducted along with thirty-eight semi-structured interviews among professionals and managers. Three categories of factors were explored: professional, organizational and environmental factors. Results indicate the ecological dimension of programs is influenced by organizational norms, competing priorities, team structure, external partnerships, preconceived ideas regarding DPHP for older adults, along with professional interest and training. These results provide levers for action toward optimizing services offered to the older population through disease prevention and health promotion programs.
A Graph Integral Formulation of the Circuit Partition Polynomial
Authors: MOORE CRISTOPHER , RUSSELL ALEXANDER
Published: October 2011

We present a simple graph integral equivalent to a multiple of the circuit partition polynomial. Let G be a directed graph, and let k be a positive integer. Associate with each vertex v of G an independent, uniformly random k-dimensional complex vector xv of unit length. We define q(G;k) to be the expected value of the product, over all edges (u, v), of the inner product 〈xu, xv〉. We show that q(G;k) is proportional to G's cycle partition polynomial, and therefore that computing q(G;k) is #P-complete for any k > 1. We also study the natural variants that arise when the xv are real or drawn from the Gaussian distribution.
The role of psychotherapy in the treatment of acute mental disorders
Authors: Andreoli Antonio
Published: October 2011

This work is directed to further investigate the significant relevance of psychotherapy to better management of acute psychiatric disorders. Over the last years, there was impressive increase of the amount of psychiatric patients referred to emergency and in-patient treatment and such increase allmost resulted from subjects with acute emotional discontrol associated with affective, personality and stress related disorders. According to such change of the clinical scene of contemporary psychiatry, more attention and funding are needed in the field of acute treatment services and combined treatment innovation and research is become a major challenge for community psychiatry. A real progress in the field is not, however a simple matter of psychoterapy technology transference. While several recent studies suggest that well designed combined treatment is cost-effective in these patients, new nosographic, management and dynamic models are required for succesful development of new crisis intervention programs within general psychiatry services.