bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption Batch Studies on the Removal of Pb(II) Using Maize Tassel Based Activated Carbon
Authors: Moyo Mambo , Chikazaza Linda , Nyamunda Benias Chomunorwa , Guyo Upenyu
Published: September 2013

The demand for clean water is on the increase as rapid industrialization is still contributing to pollution. Nowadays, as water is the basic need for mankind, efforts have gathered momentum to decontaminate it in order to address the acute shortage of clean and pure water. Maize tassel was used as the precursor for making activated carbon for the adsorption of Pb(II) ions. The product obtained was characterized and utilized for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions over a wide range of initial metal ion concentration (10–50 mg/L), contact time (5–300 min), adsorbent dose (0.1–2.5 g), and pH (2–12). The optimum set of conditions for biosorption of Pb(II) ion were found to be initial concentration 10 mg/L, dosage 1.2 g, and pH 5.4. The adsorption data conformed to both the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherms but fitted best into the Langmuir model. The R2 for Langmuir equation was 0.9997 and that for Freundlich was 0.9515. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity of the activated carbon was calculated to be 37.31 mg/g. The results indicate that activated carbon might be used to effectively adsorb Pb(II) ions from wastewater treatment plants.
Therapeutic Effect ofFicus lacorAerial Roots of Various Fractions on Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Rats
Authors: Sindhu Rakesh K. , Arora Sandeep
Published: September 2013

The present study was carried out to evaluate antiarthritic potential and phytochemical screening of various extracts ofFicus lacoraerial roots. The antiarthritic activity was evaluated by adjuvant-induced arthritis at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight and the standard drug used was indomethacin. The extracts administered in higher doses reduced the lesions to a greater extent showing a dose-dependent decrease in lesions comparable with standard drug indomethacin. The extracts of FLPE and FLET showed significant increase in body weight as compared to arthritic control group as well as an increase in liver weight, a decrease in liver weight, and an increase in spleen weight in arthritis control. The extracts of FLPE and FLET showed significant decrease in WBC count, increase in hemoglobin contents, and RBC count as compared to control group. FLEA and FLCF were not able to produce a significant effect. There was significant reduction in production of IL-1 and TNF-αlevel between model group and control group in serum. In conclusion, we demonstrate that, at 100 mg/kg body weight, doses of FLPE and PLET extracts were highly effective in preventing and suppressing the development of adjuvant-induced arthritis.
Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes Synthesised by Pyrolysis of (4‐{[(pyridine‐4‐yl)methylidene]amino}phenyl)ferrocene
Authors: Keru Godfrey , Ndungu Patrick G. , Nyamori Vincent O.
Published: September 2013

Nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (N‐CNTs) were synthesized by pyrolysis of (4‐{[(pyridine‐4‐yl)methylidene]amino}phenyl)ferrocene in a solution of either acetonitrile or toluene as carbon source. This was achieved by testing three different growth temperatures (800, 850, and 900°C), and the 850°C was found to be the most favourable condition for N‐CNT growth. At the lower temperature of 800°C, amorphous carbon was mainly formed while at the higher temperature of 900°C, the yield of carbon spheres (CSs) increased. Apart from the variation in temperature, the formation of other shaped carbon nanomaterials (SCNMs) was found to be carbon source dependent. Acetonitrile was found to produce mainly N‐CNTs with “bamboo” morphology while toluene formed a mixture of pristine CNTs and N‐CNTs in the ratio of 1 : 1. N‐CNTs, and other SCNMs synthesized were characterized by means of TEM, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, and elemental analysis.
Community Core Evolution in Mobile Social Networks
Authors: Xu Hao , Xiao Weidong , Tang Daquan , Tang Jiuyang , Wang Zhenwen
Published: September 2013

Community detection in social networks attracts a lot of attention in the recent years. Existing methods always depict the relationship of two nodes using the temporary connection. However, these temporary connections cannot be fully recognized as the real relationships when the history connections among nodes are considered. For example, a casual visit in Facebook cannot be seen as an establishment of friendship. Hence, our question is the following: how to cluster the real friends in mobile social networks? In this paper, we study the problem of detecting the stable community core in mobile social networks. The cumulative stable contact is proposed to depict the relationship among nodes. The whole process is divided into timestamps. Nodes and their connections can be added or removed at each timestamp, and historical contacts are considered when detecting the community core. Also, community cores can be tracked through the incremental computing, which can help to recognize the evolving of community structure. Empirical studies on real‐world social networks demonstrate that our proposed method can effectively detect stable community cores in mobile social networks.
Study of MicroRNAs Related to the Liver Regeneration of the Whitespotted Bamboo Shark,Chiloscyllium plagiosum
Authors: Lu Conger , Zhang Jie , Nie Zuoming , Chen Jian , Zhang Wenping , Ren Xiaoyuan , Yu Wei , Liu Lili , Jiang Caiying , Zhang Yaozhou , Guo Jiangfeng , Wu Wutong , Shu Jianhong , Lv Zhengbing
Published: September 2013

To understand the mechanisms of liver regeneration better to promote research examining liver diseases and marine biology, normal and regenerative liver tissues ofChiloscyllium plagiosumwere harvested 0 h and 24 h after partial hepatectomy (PH) and used to isolate small RNAs for miRNA sequencing. In total, 91 known miRNAs and 166 putative candidate (PC) miRNAs were identified for the first time inChiloscyllium plagiosum. Through target prediction and GO analysis, 46 of 91 known miRNAs were screened specially for cellular proliferation and growth. Differential expression levels of three miRNAs (xtr-miR-125b, fru-miR-204, and hsa-miR-142-3p_R-1) related to cellular proliferation and apoptosis were measured in normal and regenerating liver tissues at 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h using real-time PCR. The expression of these miRNAs showed a rising trend in regenerative liver tissues at 6 h and 12 h but exhibited a downward trend compared to normal levels at 24 h. Differentially expressed genes were screened in normal and regenerating liver tissues at 24 h by DDRT-PCR, and ten sequences were identified. This study provided information regarding the function of genes related to liver regeneration, deepened the understanding of mechanisms of liver regeneration, and resulted in the addition of a significant number of novel miRNAs sequences to GenBank.
Evaluation of Effect of Various Nanofillers on Technological Properties of NBR/NR Blend Vulcanized Using BIAT-CBS System
Authors: Thomas Shaji P. , Thomas Saliney , Marykutty C. V. , Mathew E. J.
Published: September 2013

Owing to processing ease and resistance to oils and chemicals, NBR is widely used in many industries. But since neat NBR has only poor tensile properties, it is better to use suitable blends of NR and NBR after incorporating appropriate nanoingredients before vulcanization. It is well established that nanoparticles can be easily dispersed in a more uniform pattern in polymer matrix, thereby enhancing the technological properties of the elastomer vulcanizate. Since there are no systematic comparative studies on technological properties of NBR/NR blend containing different nanoingredients, efforts have been made in this study to investigate cure and technological properties like tensile properties, tear resistance, compression set, hardness, abrasion loss and swelling value of NBR/NR (80/20) blend vulcanizates containing stearic acid-coated nano-zinc oxide (ZOS), nano-BIAT, nano-silicate-coated CaCO3, PEO-coated calcium silicate, and surface-modified carbon nanotubes (CNT). XRD and electron microscopy have been used for morphological analysis. The nano ingredients were effective in enhancing the technological properties of the vulcanizates. Among the nanofillers, modified CNT was found to impart superior properties to NBR/NR blend due to more intercalation.
Assessing the Ecological Risk of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments at Langkawi Island, Malaysia
Authors: Nasher Essam , Heng Lee Yook , Zakaria Zuriati , Surif Salmijah
Published: September 2013

Tourism‐related activities such as the heavy use of boats for transportation are a significant source of petroleum hydrocarbons that may harm the ecosystem of Langkawi Island. The contamination and toxicity levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in the sediments of Langkawi were evaluated using sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and toxic equivalent factors. Ten samples were collected from jetties and fish farms around the island in December 2010. A gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) was used to analyse the 18 PAHs. The concentration of total PAHs was found to range from 869 ± 00 to 1637 ± 20 ng g−1 with a mean concentration of 1167.00 ± 24 ng g−1, lower than the SQG effects range‐low (3442 ng g−1). The results indicated that PAHs may not cause acute biological damage. Diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis suggested that the PAHs were likely to originate from pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. The toxic equivalent concentrations of the PAHs ranged from 76.3 to 177 ng TEQ/g d.w., which is lower compared to similar studies. The results of mean effects range‐median quotient of the PAHs were lower than 0.1, which indicate an 11% probability of toxicity effect. Hence, the sampling sites were determined to be the low‐priority sites.
Antiallergic and Antiarthritic Effects of Stem Bark Extract ofGlyphaea brevis(Spreng) Monachino (Tiliaceae) in Murine Models
Authors: Obiri David D. , Osafo Newman , Abotsi Regina E.
Published: September 2013

Background. Various parts ofGlyphaea brevis(Spreng) Monachino (Tiliaceae) find a use in traditional medicine in the treatment of pain and oedema among others. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and antiarthritic effects of a 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol extract of the stem bark ofGlyphaea brevisin murine models.Materials and Methods. The effect of the aqueous ethanol extract ofGlyphaea brevisextract (GBE) was assessed on the maximal and total oedema responses in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice to evaluate the acute anti-inflammatory actions of the extract. Systemic anaphylaxis was induced with compound 48/80 and survival rates monitored for 1 h in mice with prior treatment with GBE to assess the anti-allergic action of the extract. The indirect antihistamine effect of GBE was evaluated on clonidine-induced catalepsy. Rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model was used to study GBE’s antiarthritic action.Results. GBE significantly suppressed the mean maximal swelling and the total paw swellings over 6 h in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema when administered either prophylactically or therapeutically. GBE dose dependently increased the time for compound 48/80-induced mortality. Administered either prophylactically or therapeutically, GBE inhibited clonidine-induced catalepsy while it had no effect on haloperidol-induced catalepsy. GBE caused a significant dose-dependent suppression of Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis.Conclusion.Glyphaea brevisinhibits thein vivodegranulation of mast cells and thereby suppress allergy. In addition it exhibits anti-inflammatory action and attenuates Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis. The results of this work contribute to validate the traditional use ofGlyphaea brevisin the management of inflammatory disorders.
Inverse Slip Accompanying Twinning and Detwinning during Cyclic Loading of Magnesium Single Crystal
Authors: Yu Qin , Wang Jian , Jiang Yanyao
Published: September 2013

In situ, observation of twinning and detwinning in magnesium single crystals during tension-compression cyclic loading was made using optical microscopy. A quantitative analysis of plastic strain indicates that twinning and detwinning experience two stages, low and high work hardening de-twinning, and pure re-twinning and fresh twinning combined with retwinning. Slip is always activated. For the first time, inverse slip accompanying with pure retwinning and high work hardening detwinning was experimentally identified, which provides insights in better understanding of the activity of twining, detwinning, and slips.
Pilonidal Cyst of the Penis Mimicking Carcinoma
Authors: Cormio Luigi , Sanguedolce Francesca , Massenio Paolo , Di Fino Giuseppe , Carrieri Giuseppe
Published: September 2013

Pilonidal sinus is a long-standing chronic inflammatory condition consisting of a sinus tract from the skin-lined orifice extending into subcutaneous tissue, with hairs attached to the wall of the tract and projecting outside of the opening. Penile location is rare, and differential diagnosis with severe balanoposthitis, epidermal cysts, and neoplasms can be difficult. We report a rare case of pilonidal cyst located between coronal sulcus and prepuce which, due to its ulcerated aspect and absence of a tract with projecting hairs, simulated a penile carcinoma.
Peptide Vaccination in Montanide Adjuvant Induces and GM-CSF Increases CXCR3 and Cutaneous Lymphocyte Antigen Expression by Tumor Antigen–Specific CD8 T Cells
Authors: Clancy-Thompson Eleanor , King Laura K. , Nunnley Lenora D. , Mullins Irene M. , Slingluff Craig L. , Mullins David W.
Published: September 2013

T-cell infiltration of melanoma is associated with enhanced clinical efficacy and is a desirable endpoint of immunotherapeutic vaccination. Infiltration is regulated, in part, by chemokine receptors and selectin ligands on the surface of tumor-specific lymphocytes. Therefore, we investigated the expression of two homing molecules, CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) and cutaneous lymphocyte antigen (CLA), on vaccine-induced CD8 T cells, in the context of a clinical trial of a melanoma-specific peptide vaccine. Both CXCR3 and CLA have been associated with T-cell infiltration of melanoma. We show that a single subcutaneous/intradermal administration of peptide vaccine in Montanide adjuvant induces tumor-specific CD8 T cells that are predominantly positive for CXCR3, with a subpopulation of CXCR3+CLA+ cells. Addition of granulocyte macrophage colony—stimulating factor (GM-CSF) significantly enhances CXCR3 expression and increases the proportion of CLA-expressing cells. Concurrent with CXCR3 and CLA expression, vaccine-induced CD8 cells express high levels of T-bet, IFN-γ, and interleukin-12 receptor (IL-12Rβ1). Collectively, these studies show that peptide vaccination in adjuvant induces CD8 T cells with a phenotype that may support infiltration of melanoma. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(5); 332–9. ©2013 AACR.
Effect of Montanide and Poly-ICLC Adjuvant on Human Self/Tumor Antigen-Specific CD4+ T Cells in Phase I Overlapping Long Peptide Vaccine Trial
Authors: Tsuji Takemasa , Sabbatini Paul , Jungbluth Achim A. , Ritter Erika , Pan Linda , Ritter Gerd , Ferran Luis , Spriggs David , Salazar Andres M. , Gnjatic Sacha
Published: September 2013

Vaccination of patients with ovarian cancer with overlapping long peptides (OLP) from cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1 and poly-ICLC in Montanide-ISA-51 (Montanide) was found to consistently induce integrated immune responses (antibody, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells). Using detailed methods, we investigated the respective effects of poly-ICLC and Montanide adjuvant on pre- and postvaccine NY-ESO-1–specific CD4+ T cells, because of their central function for induction and maintenance of both antibody and CD8+ T cells. Polyclonal NY-ESO-1–specific CD4+ T-cell lines were generated from 12 patients using CD154-based selection of precursors before and after vaccination with (i) OLP alone, (ii) OLP in Montanide, or (iii) OLP and poly-ICLC in Montanide. Kinetics, quantification, fine specificity, avidity, and cytokine-producing pattern were analyzed in depth and compared between vaccine cohorts. Vaccination with OLP alone did not elicit CD4+ T-cell responses; it suppressed high-avidity CD4+ T-cell precursors that recognized naturally processed NY-ESO-1 protein before vaccination. Emulsification of OLP in Montanide was required for the expansion of high-avidity NY-ESO-1–specific CD4+ T-cell precursors. Poly-ICLC significantly enhanced CD4+ Th1 responses while suppressing the induction of interleukin (IL)-4–producing Th2 and IL-9–producing Th9 cells. In summary, Montanide and poly-ICLC had distinct and cooperative effects for the induction of NY-ESO-1–specific Th1 cells and integrated immune responses by OLP vaccination. These results support the use of admixing poly-ICLC in Montanide adjuvant to rapidly induce antitumor type I immune responses by OLP from self/tumor antigens in human cancer vaccines. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(5); 340–50. ©2013 AACR.
Changing Surgical Approaches for Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: Single-Surgeon Data of a 6-Year Experience
Authors: Arslan Murat , Akin Yigit , Ates Mutlu , Degirmenci Tansu , Kozacioglu Zafer , Ors Bumin , Gunlusoy Bulent
Published: September 2013

Aim: To evaluate outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for adrenal masses in the light of changing laparoscopic surgical techniques. Materials and Methods: Seventy-three patients were analyzed retrospectively. There were 2 groups; group 1 included patients who had conventional transperitoneal LA and transperitoneal LESS, and group 2 included patients who had lateral retroperitoneal LA, retroperitoneal LA in prone position, and retroperitoneal LESS. Demographic data, urine 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid, normetanephrine, epinephrine, serum cortisol, aldosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, side and size of mass, conversion to open surgery, complications, estimated blood loss, operation time, pathological results were recorded and analyzed. Results: There was no difference in demographic data and serum parameters between both groups. Tumor size, estimated blood loss, operation time, transfusion rate and hospital stay were less for group 2 (p < 0.05, p = 0.0001). However, the complication rate was similar in both groups; in retroperitoneal prone position, the complication rate was less than for other surgical approaches, but statistically significant results could not be assessed. Conclusions: Even if the diameter of adrenal mass is larger than 6 cm, LA may be considered as the gold standard. The retroperitoneal approach especially in prone position may be a promising treatment method in the near future for adrenalectomy in selected patients.
Wild Spaces or Polluted Places: Contentious Policies, Consensus Institutions, and Environmental Performance in Industrialized Democracies
Authors: Ozymy Joshua , Rey Denis
Published: September 2013

This article contributes to the literature on environmental governance in industrialized democracies by showing that effectively conserving biodiversity requires different institutional strategies than reducing air emissions. Institutional effectiveness diminishes as the politically contentiousness of the issue increases, moving from biodiversity to air pollution, and then climate change. Drawing on Lijphart's theory of consensus democracy and theories of functional and actorcentered federalism, we use the 2010 Environmental Performance Index and panel analysis on twenty-one OECD countries to show that consensus-based party systems improve performance. We find that centralization generates greater improvements with respect to air pollution than biodiversity, but that decentralized strategies can improve biodiversity when implemented alongside corporatist bargaining structures.
The Contested Legacy of Rio+20
Authors: Ivanova Maria
Published: September 2013

The 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 generated a wide range of mostly negative reactions. Even before the conference, there was widespread doubt about the possibility of success. As soon as the conference closed, analysts highlighted its failures and criticized the outcome document, The Future We Want. While it does not present a grand transformative vision, the outcome document does reaffirm past political commitments and addresses the multiple dimensions of sustainable development and the linkages among them. Indeed, Rio+20 had subtle, yet significant impacts. Three main areas stand out: reform of international institutions, sustainable development goals, and participation as principle and practice. The global decisions in these domains and the unprecedented local engagement provide critical junctures likely to shape global environmental governance for the next two decades.
Review of the genus Allochotes (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Neorthopleurinae) from Taiwan
Authors: MURAKAMI HIROYUKI , YAMASAKO JUNSUKE , CHOU WEN-I , YANG GANYAN
Published: September 2013

The Taiwanese species of the genus Allochotes are reviewed with descriptions of two new species, A. forniculatus sp. n. and A. piceus sp. n. A new synonymy is proposed: A. violaceipennis Schenkling syn. n. (= A. sauteri Schenkling). The Taiwanese Allochotes species are divided into three species groups based on the male genital structures.
A Closer Look at the Relationship Between Low Self-Control and Delinquency
Authors: Courey Michael , Pare Paul-Philippe
Published: September 2013

We explore how identity processing styles affect the relationship between self-control and delinquency. We use data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) to examine whether the effects of the diffuse-avoidant, normative, and informational identity styles mediate and interact with the relationship between self-control and delinquency. Our results show that self-control is associated with the three identity styles and that identity styles mediate and moderate the effect of self-control on different types of delinquency. Self-control is partially mediated in predicting different types of delinquency and is fully mediated when predicting heavy marijuana use. In addition, interactive effects of identity styles and self-control are observed for drug and alcohol use but not crimes against persons and property.
Cervantes in Celati
Authors: Codebò Marco
Published: September 2013

Quando, nel 1975, Gianni Celati pubblica “Il tema del doppio parodico”, egli vi rivela l’importanza di Miguel de Cervantes come punto di riferimento per la propria scrittura, tracciando le linee della poetica che ispirerà la sua produzione narrativa a partire dai Narratori delle pianure. L’articolo esamina la presenza di temi e modelli cervantini nei Narratori delle pianure attraverso l’analisi di tre elementi presenti sia nei racconti padani di Celati sia nel Don Quijote: (1) l’impossibilità di separare saggezza e follia, con conseguente risoluzione del reale in una somma di apparenze, (2) la riduzione del testo narrativo ad assemblaggio di racconti legati insieme da tenui fili strutturali e (3) la concezione del comico come pratica aliena da ogni crudeltà, estranea ai rituali delle sentenze e delle punizioni. Attraverso riferimenti a Celati critico, Michel Foucault, Gilles Deleuze e Guy Debord, si intende qui dimostrare come il Don Quijote e i Narratori condividano un medesimo approccio alla rappresentazione del mondo, alla pratica del narrare e alla scrittura comica.
Academic buoyancy and academic resilience: Exploring ‘everyday’ and ‘classic’ resilience in the face of academic adversity
Authors: Martin Andrew J.
Published: September 2013

Academic buoyancy has been defined as a capacity to overcome setbacks, challenges, and difficulties that are part of everyday academic life. Academic resilience has been defined as a capacity to overcome acute and/or chronic adversity that is seen as a major threat to a student’s educational development. This study is the first to examine the extent to which (a) academic buoyancy and academic resilience are distinct (but correlated) factors, and (b) academic buoyancy is more relevant to low-level negative outcomes (anxiety, uncertain control, failure avoidance), whereas academic resilience is more relevant to major negative outcomes (self-handicapping, disengagement). The findings, based on 918 Australian high school students from nine schools, showed that academic buoyancy and academic resilience represented distinct factors sharing approximately 35% variance. Also, academic buoyancy was more salient in negatively predicting low-level negative outcomes whereas academic resilience was more salient in negatively predicting major negative outcomes. In supplementary analyses, the effect of academic buoyancy on low-level negative outcomes tended to be direct, whereas the effect of academic buoyancy on major negative outcomes was mediated by academic resilience. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Distinct skill pathways to digital engagement
Authors: Helsper Ellen Johanna , Eynon Rebecca
Published: September 2013

Digital literacy and inclusion have been two important, largely separate, areas of study that examine the relationships between Internet skills and engagement. This article brings together these areas of research by testing a model that assumes specific pathways to inclusion: specific sociodemographic factors predict specific digital skills and specific digital skills predict related types of engagement with the Internet. Analyses of nationally representative survey data of Internet use in Britain highlight considerable measurement and conceptual challenges that complicate digital literacy research. The findings suggest that linking literacy and exclusion frameworks allows for a more nuanced understanding of digital engagement. Different groups lacked different skills, which related to how their engagement with the Internet varied.
Haemolysis: the harbinger of recurrent mitral regurgitation after mitral valve repair
Authors: Hing JX , Macys A , Elshiekh MA , Momin A , Koertzen M , Punjabi PP
Published: September 2013

We present a case of severe haemolysis post mitral valve repair that presented within the first week of operation. Despite assurance of a good repair, with initial postoperative echocardiographic evidence, the patient subsequently developed haemolysis and required forty units of blood over three months. We emphasize that an unexplained anaemia post mitral valve repair should trigger suspicion for mechanical haemolysis and suggest disease progression or failure of repair.
Integrating Patient‐Centered Care and Clinical Ethics Into Nutrition Practice
Authors: Schwartz Denise Baird
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this article is to present the application of patient‐centered care and clinical ethics into nutrition practice, illustrate the process in a case study, and promote change in the current healthcare clinical ethics model. Nutrition support clinicians have an opportunity to add another dimension to their practice with the incorporation of patient‐centered care and clinical ethics. This represents a culture change for healthcare professionals, including nutrition support clinicians, patients and their family. All of these individuals are stakeholders in the process and have the ability to modify the current healthcare system to improve communication and facilitate a change by humanizing nutrition support practice. Nutrition support is a medical, life‐sustaining treatment, and the use of this therapy requires knowledge by the nutrition support clinician of patient‐centered care concepts, preventive clinical ethics, religion/spirituality and cultural diversity, palliative care team role, and advance care planning. Integrating these into the practice of nutrition support is an innovative approach and results in new knowledge that requires a change in the culture of care and engagement and empowerment of the patient and their family in the process. This is more than a healthcare issue; it involves a social/family conversation movement that will be enhanced by the nutrition support clinician's participation.
Numerical analysis of the transient operation of a turbocharged diesel engine including the compressor surge
Authors: Bozza Fabio , De Bellis Vincenzo , Teodosio Luigi , Gimelli Alfredo
Published: September 2013

The paper deals with the simulation of a multi-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine for automotive applications, employing a one-dimensional approach with the aim of refining the turbocharger modelling during transient manoeuvres. The proposed methodology is able to handle stable compressor behaviour and also compressor surge. In addition, a waste-gate model is introduced to account for the instantaneous variation in the valve section as a result of the control signal, which is provided by the engine control unit, and the engine state. Preliminarily, the engine model is tuned against experimental data in terms of both the global performance parameters and the in-cylinder pressure cycles. The compressor performance is described through an ‘extended’ map obtained using a one-dimensional turbocharger model; in this way, a refined surge analysis can be performed, accounting for both direct flow compressor operations and reverse flow compressor operations. The one-dimensional model is applied to analyse different transient manoeuvres. First, the vehicle's maximum speed is predicted and compared with the manufacturer's data, during an acceleration manoeuvre. Then, a sudden part-to-full-load step is described with the aim of analysing in detail the turbo-lag. Finally, a full-to-part-transient manoeuvre is also analysed to verify the capability of the model to represent the compressor surge phenomenon. The numerical results provided in this work qualitatively reproduce the experimental observations available in the literature for transient operation of engines. Thus, the developed computational tool can be successfully used to support the design process and the transient analysis of turbocharged internal-combustion engines.
Crooked Timber: The life of Calvin Wells (1908–1978)
Authors: Waldron Tony
Published: September 2013

Calvin Wells was the leading palaeopathologist in the UK between the later 1950s and the early 1970s. He studied medicine at University College London but failed in anatomy and qualified in 1933 with the Conjoint Diploma (MRCS, LRCP). After qualification he began to study obstetrics and after war service in the RAMC he settled in Norfolk (UK), established a small general practice and took up palaeopathology. Although he was usually conservative in diagnosis he tended to over-interpret signs in the skeleton, often publishing descriptions that were more fiction than science. He held firm views on the way in which palaeopathology should be undertaken and in particular he resented the entry into the field of anthropologists without medical training. His major contributions to palaeopathology were related to the study of cremations and the introduction of the notion of pseudopathology, and his writings on these subjects have scarcely been improved upon since. He was extremely well read, warm and encouraging to those with archaeological or medical qualifications, but vituperative about those he disliked. His bone reports, which are a major proportion of his published output, generally were highly regarded but his writing is often marred by sexual innuendo and vulgarity which does his memory little credit.
Improving the Method of GDP Estimation of Private Health Care Service in India
Authors: Pal Suparna
Published: September 2013

It is observed that in India there is a wide gap between health care service output and the health care expenditure. In 2004–05 health care expenditure was 4.25 per cent of the GDP whereas the output, measured in terms of GDP was 1.8 per cent of the total GDP. This poor inefficient performance might be a misleading picture due to the application of improper estimation methods. As a major part of the health care services in India is delivered by the private sector (consisting of private organized and private unorganized segments), serious attention is required for the method of estimation of private health care service output. For both the private organized and the private unorganized part, GDP is estimated through the Labour Input Method (LIM). In LIM the implicit assumption is that each worker contributes the same value addition to private Health Care Services. This implies that all categories of workers (from physicians to sweepers) are equally accountable in providing health care services irrespective of the skill and occupational heterogeneity, which is unrealistic. The present study is an endeavour to improve the existing method of GDP estimation of private health care services in India by giving proper weight to labour input according to their service accountability.
Establishing the Relationship Between Clinical Outcome and Extent of Osseous Bridging Between Computed Tomography Assessment in Isolated Hindfoot and Ankle Fusions
Authors: Glazebrook Mark , Beasley William , Daniels Timothy , Evangelista Peter T. , Donahue Rafe , Younger Alastair , Pinzur Michael S. , Baumhauer Judith F. , DiGiovanni Christopher W.
Published: September 2013

Background:

Determining the success of joint fusion operations is often a diagnostic dilemma, and many factors may be considered. Most would agree that the broad categories of clinical success and radiographic success are likely most useful to determine the overall success of a joint fusion operation. Very little evidence exists to assist the surgeon in determining what constitutes a successful radiographic fusion. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of osseous bridging as measured by computed tomography (CT) that was associated with a good clinical outcome as measured by the 12-Item Short Form (SF-12), Foot Function Index (FFI), and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical outcomes questionnaires at 24 weeks.

Methods:

Patients who had isolated joint fusions were evaluated (n = 275) to determine the correlation of extent of osseous bridging with clinical outcome. The extent of osseous bridging across the joint in question was categorized as absent (0%-24%), minimal (25%-49%) moderate (50%-74%), or complete (75%-100%). Clinical outcome scores included the SF-12, FFI, and AOFAS outcomes score.

Results:

Patients evaluated to have at least minimal osseous bridging at fusion sites (25%-49%) on CT reported a clinically important improvement in SF-12, FFI, and AOFAS, whereas those with “absent” osseous bridging (0%-24%) did not report a clinically important improvement in outcome scores.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that osseous bridging of greater than 25% to 49% at the fusion site measured by CT may be necessary to consider a hindfoot or ankle fusion clinically successful.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Peritalar Instability After Tibiotalar Fusion for Valgus Unstable Ankle in Stage IV Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity
Authors: Colin Fabrice , Zwicky Lukas , Barg Alexej , Hintermann Beat
Published: September 2013

Background:

An unstable valgus ankle with an incompetent medial ligament complex is still treated by many surgeons with isolated tibiotalar (TT) arthrodesis. To date, it is unknown whether rigid fixation of the talus within the ankle mortise sufficiently corrects and stabilizes the hindfoot complex. The purpose of this study was to critically analyze patients with this problem and to assess the underlying causes for their acquired peritalar instability.

Methods:

This series included 4 male patients (ages 55, 70, 72, and 79 years). Preoperatively, all patients presented with an unstable valgus ankle associated with stage IV adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD), with a valgus talar tilt averaging 12 degrees (ranging from 9 to 14 degrees). All patients had a successful TT fusion, with screws and plates used for fixation. The position of the TT fusion was estimated at the intersection of a line drawn defining the talar shoulders and the longitudinal tibial axis on the anteroposterior weight-bearing radiograph. The hindfoot deformity was measured via the calcaneal offset on the Saltzman view.

Results:

All patients had a healed TT fusion with the talus remaining in valgus averaging 4.8 degrees (ranging from 4 to 6 degrees). At the latest follow-up (1.2-18 years), all patients showed a progressive destabilization of the hindfoot complex that resulted in a valgus pronation deformity with flattening of the arch and a highly unstable foot that was not manageable with corrective shoes and braces. Key findings were a floppy hindfoot that turned into extreme valgus misalignment while loading. Radiographically, the calcaneal offset was in valgus misalignment of 16 to 54 mm related to the tibial axis on the Saltzman alignment view. In 2 cases, there was a complete medial dislocation of the talus.

Conclusions:

Even with rigid stabilization of the talus in the ankle mortise, peritalar instability may persist and allow calcaneus and navicular subluxation around the talus, which can result in progressive destabilization of the hindfoot complex. In stage IV AAFD, incompetent peritalar ligaments may not be able to withstand the increased mechanical load after TT fusion. Persistent valgus talar tilt after fusion may promote this unfavorable process. Therefore, isolated TT fusion should be performed with caution for treatment of valgus tilted ankles in stage IV AAFD. If this is considered, we recommend that fusion in neutral or even slightly varus talar positions be attempted.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Governing Local Sustainability
Authors: Feiock Richard C. , Portney Kent E. , Bae Jungah , Berry Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2013

To what extent do local administrators include business interests in their informal bargaining and negotiation on issues involving economic development and environmental and sustainability policies? In the absence of previous studies, we extend political market theory to decisions involving administrative officials by investigating differences across city agencies in the extent they provide business organizations access to the policy development processes. A multilevel analysis is applied to a unique set of survey responses from 413 local government administrators in 50 of the 54 largest U.S. cities. These design and data innovations provide new insights into local administrators’ willingness to grant access to economic development interests. Within individual cities, we account for differences in agency mission and administrators’ personal positions and experiences. Across cities, we account comparatively for variations in government size, demographic characteristics, ideology, and growth patterns.
Motorcycle Muffler–Induced “Pillion Burns” of Distal Leg
Authors: Masoodi Zulqarnain , Ahmad Imran , Haq Ansarul
Published: September 2013

Motorcycles have emerged as a viable mode of transport for millions in the third world. Mufflers (exhaust pipes in some countries) remain a potential “Achilles’ tendon” or a designing flaw in the mass-produced, economical motorcycles of the developing world. Owing to the excessive temperature they attain while the hot exhaust gases pass through them and their proximity to the lower limbs while riding a motorcycle, they can lead to burns of varying nature in the lower leg. This is a descriptive retrospective study of muffler-induced lower leg burns treated at our hospital from January 2008 to December 2012. Various parameters including history, exact mode of injury, age, sex, degree and location of burn, treatment modalities, and other relevant circumstantial/logistical factors associated with such injuries were noted; data were tabulated and statistically arranged to gain an insight into this problem. Possible interventions that may help avoid such injuries are also briefly mentioned. Certain findings that are quite distinct to the findings of a few earlier studies carried out on this topic (in the developed world) remain the highlight of our study. The typical muffler-induced burns in the Indian setting occur almost exclusively in the male pillions, most of the times in the right leg in an area near the medial maleolus, and are usually second degree and respond to conservative management. Prompt treatment can circumvent much of the dreaded complications. Preemptive efforts in designing of motorcycles and following traffic regulations at the individual level remain the key to prevention.
Case Series of Isolated Primary Persistent Sciatic Vein
Authors: Srisuwan Tanop , Arworn Supapong , Rerkasem Kittipan
Published: September 2013

Our study aimed to present a short series on the persistent sciatic vein, a rare venous variation, without Klippel–Trenaunay–Weber syndrome and to review the anatomical consideration of deep venous systems. Four cases of lower-type persistent sciatic vein were found. A combination of May–Thurner syndrome and persistent sciatic vein was found in 2 cases. Non-hypoplastic femoral veins, normal and duplicated, were found in 3 cases. This study concluded that in this persistent sciatic vein, the associated non-hypoplastic femoral vein is not uncommon, and care must be taken about this condition during ultrasonographic examination. Unusual causes of chronic venous insufficiency and other venous anomalies should not be overlooked.
Expression of Prejudice Against Immigrants in a Group Situation
Authors: Klöckner Christian A. , de Raaf Sacha
Published: September 2013

In this article, a study is presented that analyzed the effect of implicit and explicit prejudice, egalitarian values, and the type of a discussion host on the expression of prejudice in a group discussion. A total of 91 Norwegians from two towns were randomly assigned to 1 of 17 group discussions with a topic that made it likely that immigrants in Norway would be discussed. Six discussion groups had a Norwegian hosts; 11 had a non-Norwegian host. The number of positive and negative statements about immigrants made by each individual as well as the ratio of negative to total statements was regressed on implicit prejudice, explicit prejudice, egalitarian value orientation, discussion host type, and their interactions. It was controlled for age and gender of the participants. In discussion groups with non-Norwegian hosts, the number of negative and positive statements about immigrants was lower, but the effect was stronger for negative statements. Strong egalitarian values reduced the number of negative statements, whereas strong explicit prejudice reduced the number of positive statements.
Conquering the Sahara and Arabian deserts: systematics and biogeography of Stenodactylus geckos (Reptilia: Gekkonidae)
Authors: Metallinou Margarita , Arnold Edwin Nicholas , Crochet Pierre-André , Geniez Philippe , Brito José Carlos , Lymberakis Petros , Baha El Din Sherif , Sindaco Roberto , Robinson Michael , Carranza Salvador
Published: September 2013

Background

The evolutionary history of the biota of North Africa and Arabia is inextricably tied to the complex geological and climatic evolution that gave rise to the prevalent deserts of these areas. Reptiles constitute an exemplary group in the study of the arid environments with numerous well-adapted members, while recent studies using reptiles as models have unveiled interesting biogeographical and diversification patterns. In this study, we include 207 specimens belonging to all 12 recognized species of the genusStenodactylus. Molecular phylogenies inferred using two mitochondrial (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA) and two nuclear (c-mosandRAG-2) markers are employed to obtain a robust time-calibrated phylogeny, as the base to investigate the inter- and intraspecific relationships and to elucidate the biogeographical history ofStenodactylus, a genus with a large distribution range including the arid and hyper-arid areas of North Africa and Arabia.

Results

The phylogenetic analyses of molecular data reveal the existence of three major clades within the genusStenodactylus, which is supported by previous studies based on morphology. Estimated divergence times between clades and sub-clades are shown to correlate with major geological events of the region, the most important of which is the opening of the Red Sea, while climatic instability in the Miocene is hypothesized to have triggered diversification. High genetic variability is observed in some species, suggesting the existence of some undescribed species. TheS. petrii-S. stenurusspecies complex is in need of a thorough taxonomic revision. New data is presented on the distribution of the sister speciesS. sthenodactylusandS. mauritanicus.

Conclusions

The phylogenetic hypothesis for the genusStenodactyluspresented in this work permits the reconstruction of the biogeographical history of these common desert dwellers and confirms the importance of the opening of the Red Sea and the climatic oscillations of the Miocene as major factors in the diversification of the biota of North Africa and Arabia. Moreover, this study traces the evolution of this widely distributed and highly specialized group, investigates the patterns of its high intraspecific diversity and elucidates its systematics.
Surface glycosaminoglycans mediate adherence between HeLa cells and Lactobacillus salivarius Lv72
Authors: Martín Rebeca , Martín Carla , Escobedo Susana , Suárez Juan E , Quirós Luis M
Published: September 2013

Background

The adhesion of lactobacilli to the vaginal surface is of paramount importance to develop their probiotic functions. For this reason, the role of HeLa cell surface proteoglycans in the attachment ofLactobacillus salivariusLv72, a mutualistic strain of vaginal origin, was investigated.

Results

Incubation of cultures with a variety of glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulfate A and C, heparin and heparan sulfate) resulted in marked binding interference. However, no single glycosaminoglycan was able to completely abolish cell binding, the sum of all having an additive effect that suggests cooperation between them and recognition of specific adhesins on the bacterial surface. In contrast, chondroitin sulfate B enhanced cell to cell attachment, showing the relevance of the stereochemistry of the uronic acid and the sulfation pattern on binding. Elimination of the HeLa surface glycosaminoglycans with lyases also resulted in severe adherence impairment. Advantage was taken of theLactobacillus-glycosaminoglycans interaction to identify an adhesin from the bacterial surface. This protein, identify as a soluble binding protein of an ABC transporter system (OppA) by MALDI-TOF/(MS), was overproduced inEscherichia coli, purified and shown to interfere withL. salivariusLv72 adhesion to HeLa cells.

Conclusions

These data suggest that glycosaminoglycans play a fundamental role in attachment of mutualistic bacteria to the epithelium that lines the cavities where the normal microbiota thrives, OppA being a bacterial adhesin involved in the process.