bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFICACY OF AYUSHAKTI HERBAL REMEDIES AND BREATHE EASY NASYA THERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RHINOSINUSITIS (PINUS)
Authors: Naram Smita , Mahajan Deepak
Published: March 2024

When the mucus membrane within the sinuses becomes infected and inflamed, the condition is called Rhinosinusitis. The causative factors are uncommon; we can consider some causative factors like viral upper respiratory tract infections, bacterial infections, allergy, adenoid vegetation, airway pollutants, some structural anomalies, gastroesophageal reflux disease, immunologic defects, and cystic fibrosis. A disease termed Pratishyaya and Pinus, mentioned in different Ayurvedic Samhitas, has similar symptoms to Rhinosinusitis. Forty patients whose medical history, physical examination available imaging reports, and blood parameters suggested chronic Rhinosinusitis were recruited in the study. Ayushakti herbal medicines, along with Breathe easy Nasya treatment, were administered to the patients for 90 days and were found effective and safe without any side effects. If chronic Rhinosinusitis can be treated successfully, acute cases directly seeking this therapy can be cured and we can restrict them from going into the chronic phase.
IN VITRO INVESTIGATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-UROLITHIATIC ACTIVITY OF HOMONOIA RETUSA ROOTS
Authors: E Akila , TH Sunitha , HC Sahana , Sudevan Amritha Dev , VB Narayanaswamy
Published: March 2024

Ayurvedic practitioners utilise Pashanabheda as an anti-urolithiatic. The root of Homonoia retusa (Euphorbiaceae), which grows in the Indian town of Tirupathi, was chosen for this study's screening for its antioxidant and anti-urolithiatic properties. The hydrogen peroxide assay (H2O2), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) techniques were utilised to assess antioxidant activity. The anti-urolithiatic activity was evaluated by nucleation and aggregation assay by adding 0.01 M sodium oxalate solutions that caused the crystallisation of Calcium oxalate. By measuring turbidity in the presence or absence of extract at 620 nm using a spectrophotometer, the effect of extract (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 µg/ml) was investigated. According to the result, aqueous root extract can prevent crystal growth and aggregation more than methanol-based root extract.
A REVIEW ON FACTORS AFFECTING MEDHA (INTELLIGENCE) IN CHILDREN
Authors: Jaguri Sonam , Gupta Shilpy , Kumar Vijendra
Published: March 2024

Intelligence encompasses the capacity for critical thinking, learning from experiences, problem-solving, and adapting to new situations. The Intelligence Quotient (IQ) serves as a metric to gauge human intelligence derived from standardised tests or subtests designed for this purpose. In Ayurveda, this cognitive ability aligns with the concept of Medha (intelligence), involving a comprehensive understanding of existing knowledge, combining elements such as buddhi (intellective faculty), smriti (recollecting memory), and dhriti (grasping power). In contemporary scientific terms, these components collectively represent IQ. It is crucial to recognise that achieving a high IQ is influenced by various factors, including prenatal conditions (maternal nutrition and health), events during birth, postnatal circumstances, environment, and daily routines. Optimal IQ in children requires consistent attention to the mother's nutrition from the perinatal period up to early childhood, considering the prenatal, natal, and postnatal environments. Proper monitoring, coupled with adequate food and healthcare for the mother, can contribute to achieving optimal IQ in the child. Nutrition plays a vital role in cognitive development during early childhood, influencing brain growth and intellect. Unfortunately, parents often overlook this critical factor. Certain elements, such as nimitta (cause and effect knowledge), rupa grahanat (form recognition), sadrishyat (similarity understanding), saviparyaat (contrast comprehension), sattvaanubhandha (mind concentration), abhyasat (practice), gyanayogaat (metaphysical knowledge attainment), and punah srutaat (sequential partial communication), contribute to good memory. The impairment of indriya (sensory organs) can lead to a deficiency in knowledge. Therefore, a holistic approach that considers prenatal, natal, and postnatal factors, coupled with proper nutrition and healthcare, is crucial for fostering optimal intelligence and cognitive development in children.
Zinc Dynamics and Yield Sustainability in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) under Various Zinc Application Frequencies on Typic Haplusterts
Authors: Hadole S. S. , Sarap P. A. , Reddy Y. A. , Sarode M. D. , Dangore S. T. , Nandukar S. D.
Published: March 2024

The field experiment entitled “Zinc Dynamics and Yield Sustainability in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) under Various Zinc Application Frequencies on Typic Haplusterts” was undertaken during the Kharif of 2015-16, 2017-18 and 2019-20 at Experimental Farm Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The effect on soil available Zinc was also evaluated. The experiment was laid out in Three Zinc application frequencies, viz. once (single year), alternate (every alternate year), and continuous (every year) at four Zinc application rates, viz. 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg ha−1 along with one control (no Zinc) were investigated from 2015-16, 2017-18 and 2019-20. The Zinc application significantly improved the crop yields, system sustainability, DTPA-Zn, and different Zinc pools without causing any environmental risk. In general, the alternate year application of Zinc in Treatment T7 at 7.5 kg ha−1 produced the maximum grain and straw yield and system productivity. Similarly, the maximum macro and micronutrients uptake was also observed with alternate year application of Zinc at T7 of 7.5 kg ha−1.
Floristic Diversity and Carbon Stock of Woody Stands in Some Sacred Forests in the West Cameroon Region
Authors: Tiokeng Bertine , Koukeu Dief Danael Gatchou , Etchike Alex Bruno Dong , Kenne Lacatuce Tene , Nguetsop Victor François , Mapongmetsem Pierre-Marie
Published: March 2024

The vegetation of West Cameroon has been almost entirely destroyed, and the only remaining forests are mostly so-called "sacred" forests, which play a role in regulating the climate. The aim of this study was to assess the wood diversity and carbon stored by sacred forests in the Ndé division. The inventories were carried out on 34 plots of 900 m2 each. To do this, all woody individuals with a diameter ≥ 10 cm at 1.30 m above ground level were counted. Floristic diversity was assessed using diversity indices. Allometric equations were used to estimate biomass in order to deduce the carbon stored by these forests. At the end of the surveys, 77 species belonging to 57 genera and 32 families were recorded. Dracaena arborea and Cola sp. were the most common species (64.71% and 94.12% respectively). The density of individuals varied from 299 stems/ha to 341 stems/ha in the forests studied. Basal area varied from 42.19 m²/ha to 53.28 m²/ha. Shannon index values are low in both forests (around 2±0.38 bit), indicating low specific diversity at the sites studied. Carbon values ranged from 286.89 tC/ha to 215.67 tC/ha in these sacred forests. Cola sp. and Dracaena arborea recorded the highest carbon values. Of the species recorded, 03 are vulnerable. This study reveals the importance of sacred forests for the conservation of biodiversity and their capacity to store carbon in order to contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gases.
Simulating Allergic Rhinitis Infections in Adults with HIV/AIDS Using Runge-Kutta Fourth Order Method in SIR Model
Authors: Bulinda V. M.
Published: March 2024

Simulating Allergic Rhinitis infections in Adults with HIV/AIDS using Runge-Kutta Fourth Order (RK4) Method in SIR Model is considered. Allergic rhinitis patients living with HIV/AIDS disease in adults is regarded as the target population.  This condition is modeled through an SIR model with solutions solved using the RK4. The applied parameters and initial conditions in numerical simulations are carried out in this study in the literature. Application of the Runge-Kutta solutions provides the behaviour and visualization of the spread of allergic rhinitis infection for the patients living with HIV/AIDS disease in adults. The results suggest that after a given number of days, most of the population under investigation becomes infected with allergic rhinitis, which displaces the virus. Results are computed and analyzed using MATLAB computer software.
A Comprehensive Review of Insect Pest Management in Muga Silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer): Current Scenario and Future Prospects
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Kumar Vikram , Majumdar M. , Guha Lopamudra , Neog Kartik
Published: March 2024

Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer), renowned for its natural production of prized golden silk, is native to Assam and adjacent regions in North-Eastern India. However, outdoor rearing of Muga silkworms exposes them to environmental fluctuations year-round, resulting in significant crop losses due to insect pests. Notably, pre-seed crops (Aherua and Jarua) and seed crops (Chotua and Bhodia) experience significantly higher losses compare to commercial crops (Jethua and Kotia). This paper presents a thorough analysis of insect pests impacting Muga silkworm rearing, classified according to activity periods and intensity of attacks. Primary insect pests include Exorista sorbillans (Uzi fly), Apanteles glomeratus (Brachonid fly), ants and wasps. Uzi fly inflicts damage during winter (November to February), primarily affecting 4th and 5th instar Muga larvae, leading to substantial losses during cocoon harvest in March-April, jeopardizing seed production for subsequent Jethua (April-May) commercial crops. Apanteles glomeratus and ants pose threats during summer. Vespa orientalis (wasp) causes damage to late instars from April to September. Chemical control methods are discouraged due to their adverse effects on silkworms. Therefore, urgent research into environmentally sustainable pest management strategies tailored to Muga rearing's specific needs and limitations are warranted. This review synthesizes detailed descriptions of identified pests, challenges in insect pest management, and discusses various mitigation strategies, offering insights into the biology of major insect pests affecting Muga silkworms and evaluating the effectiveness of different pest management approaches.
Administração Política no Itinerário Intelectual de R. Santos (1980-1993)
Authors: Paço Cunha Elcemir
Published: March 2024

O artigo tem por objetivo analisar o itinerário intelectual da administração política como conceito, tendo por base principalmente os textos de Reginaldo Souza Santos antes do ano de 1993, considerado como marco pela literatura especializada. Os resultados sugerem uma linha de continuidade do conteúdo essencial do conceito, como relação entre Estado-gerente e economia capitalista, desde o início da década de 1980. Em termos explicativos, esse conteúdo essencial fora colhido, sobretudo, a partir da maturação concreta dessa relação e do espelhamento relativo obtido no desenvolvimento histórico da economia política com a qual Santos procurou confrontar com a administração política. O artigo ainda considera o contexto profissional, econômico e teórico do período em que se deu o itinerário intelectual analisado, apresentando ao final um balanço dos ganhos e perdas envolvidos nesse processo.
Administração do Desenvolvimento em Reginaldo Souza Santos
Authors: Santos Elinaldo Leal , Faria Alexandre
Published: March 2024

A partir de uma abordagem decolonial busca-se apontar as contribuições de Reginaldo Souza Santos para o campo da Administração do Desenvolvimento (AD), evidenciando a sua tese de que após quase três séculos de avanços nas forças produtivas e no acúmulo de capital e do conhecimento,  seria necessário uma inversão na lógica dominante do pensamento econômico sobre dinâmicas dominantes de desenvolvimento: deve haver distribuição de riqueza entre os extratos sociais “qualquer que seja o nível de renda (PQNR). Para tanto, retoma à história da AD na perspectiva do Sul Global para contextualizar o pensamento desse intelectual e pesquisador baiano não-branco que dedicou um longo período da sua vida em compreender  processos de desenvolvimento da sociedade brasileira, no âmbito do pensamento crítico. O estudo nos revela que a proposta do PQNR sugerida por R. Santos centra-se em base teórico-metodológica de contraposição ao pensamento dominante do Norte Global.
Chama salvadora
Authors: Medeiros Júnior Geraldo
Published: March 2024

O professor Reginaldo Souza Santos se notabilizou por seus escritos na área do conhecimento denominada por ele de Administração Política. No presente texto, em formato de depoimento, procura-se homenagear o professor, a partir das memórias do que ele significou na vida do autor. Trabalha-se aqui a importância enquanto autor reconhecido e também como amigo. O autor, criador de uma nova área da Administração, que mudou o curso dos estudos em vários momentos da profissional, incluindo a  tese de doutorado do autor deste texto. Ideias como o conceito de Administração Política e a endogeneidade do Estado, foram e são importantes, norteadoras e transformadoras. O amigo, presente nas rodas de chopp, no papo franco, nas preocupações com o Brasil. Pode-se falar sobre a influência oriunda das diversas faces do professor Reginaldo. O presente texto procura relatar como a presença do professor Reginaldo Souza Santos veio a transformar os caminhos da vida profissional. Considera-se que a obra e os conselhos do professor representaram uma chama, revolucionária e salvadora, capaz de estimular e trazer novos caminhos a serem percorridos. Se por várias vezes ele chegou a salvar a vida do autor, um ano após a sua partida, ele continua unindo pessoas e acendendo a chama, da ciência, da indignação, da arte do encontro. A obra do professor Reginaldo Souza Santos é uma chama acesa. É uma obra inconclusa, que suscita entre seus colegas e admiradores desafios para a sua continuidade. Reginado Souza Santos vive.
Para além de um Mestre...
Authors: Gomes Fabio Guedes
Published: March 2024

O texto a seguir não tem a pretensão de realizar uma discussão técnico-científica aos moldes tradicionais admitidos em revista dessa natureza e importância. Ele apenas narra a experiência da construção de uma parceria acadêmica e de amizade, que surgiu no início da década de 2000, quando o autor se aproximou da Escola de Administração da UFBA, com o objetivo de se candidatar ao doutoramento. Tendo como moldura esse aspecto, o texto evidencia como nesses espaços acadêmicos as relações profissionais não são limites suficientes para que o ambiente da produção científica, envolvendo pessoas, alcance resultados tão satisfatórios. É muito provável que a pandemia da Covid-19 tenha modificado isso completa e profundamente. Não temos elementos para confirmar tal hipótese. Mas, como o texto foi desenvolvido, não é muito difícil encontrar pessoas que se identifiquem com a construção de relações interpessoais que extrapolam aquelas circunscritas aos interesses acadêmicos e científicos; que são fundamentais para a formação e perspectivas de futuro dos nossos jovens.
Administração política e brasileira
Authors: Matos Martins Paulo Emílio
Published: March 2024

Já na penúltima década do século XIX, Silvio Romero (1886) advertia sobre a necessidade de reconhecermos a nossa própria “individualidade, intelectual e política” para uma produção literária não mimética da forânea. A partir dos manifestos modernistas de Oswald de Andrade (1924, 1928) e da Redução Sociológica de Alberto Guerreiro Ramos (1965) este ensaio postula o resgate das interpretações do Brasil e do pensamento social brasileiro como referências bibliográficas nos Estudos Organizacionais em nosso ambiente acadêmico e na prática administrativa em geral. Tendo como corpus de análise aquelas obras e sua intertextualidade – ainda que defasadas três décadas as duas primeiras da última – e a partir da hipótese de um “descarrilamento onto-epistemo-metodológico” (Martins, 2023) da produção sobre Administração exportada do centro e reproduzida na periferia, o artigo sugere que a senda trilhada pioneiramente por Guerreiro Ramos (1966) – na análise do formalismo no Brasil – e, mais recentemente, os trabalhos de três grupos de pesquisa acadêmica nacionais: Núcleo de Estudos de Administração Brasileira (ABRAS), o  Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração (PPGAd)/Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) de 1988 em diante Administração Política Brasileira, Núcleo de Pós-Graduação em Administração (NPGA)/ Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA) (a partir de 1993) e Organização e Práxis Libertadora Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração (PPGA) / Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) (2003 até a presente data), podem resgatar o clamor do Manifesto Antropófago de Andrade. Quem sabe (?), inicia-se, assim, o “banquete do padre Sardinha” dos Estudos Organizacionais de Pindorama?
breve reflexão sobre a contribuição do professor Reginaldo Souza Santos para os estudos sobre equidade racial no campo da administração política
Authors: Sampaio Elias de Oliveira
Published: March 2024

O texto procura refletir sobre a contribuição do Professor Reginaldo Souza Santos para as discussões sobre equidade racial à luz da administração política. A despeito da discussão racial não ser um tema trabalhado de forma direta por Reginaldo, o ponto que coloco no artigo é que independente disso, ele nunca se furtou a apoiar o avanço dessa discussão nos ambientes que participava, a medida que sempre acolheu e dialogou com o assunto sempre que a oportunidade lhe surgia. No caso especifico da relação Administração política versus Questões raciais o artigo demonstra que nossas conversas nunca foram muito conclusiva, mas pelo “andar de nossa carruagem”, de 1999 até 2020, era incontroverso que, havia sim, não apenas convergência desses assuntos, mas que essa agenda poderia ser uma importante vertente do seu caro campo da Administração Política. O aspecto central que levantamos é que Reginaldo demonstrava entender isso de forma cristalina e o suporte que ele ofereceu para o meu último livro, Dialogando com Celso Furtado e a sua participação no Grupo de Trabalho sobre Administração Pública e Relações Raciais na ENANPAD, restou por serem as maiores comprovações disto.
Endogenous sex hormones, cognitive decline, and future dementia in old men
Authors: Geerlings Mirjam I. , Strozyk Dorothea , Masaki Kamal , Remaley Alan T. , Petrovitch Helen , Ross G. Webster , White Lon R. , Launer Lenore J.
Published: July 2006

Objective:

To estimate the association of endogenous levels of bioavailable testosterone and estradiol with risk for cognitive decline and dementia in old men.

Methods:

Within the population‐based, prospective Honolulu‐Asia Aging Study, 2,974 men, aged 71 to 93 years, without dementia were reexamined 3 times over an average of 6 years for development of dementia and cognitive decline. Cognitive decline was measured with the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument. Incident dementia was diagnosed according to standard criteria. A total of 134 men experienced development of Alzheimer's disease (AD; including 40 cases with contributing cerebrovascular disease) and 44 experienced development of vascular dementia.

Results:

Adjusting for age and other covariates, testosterone was not associated with risk for dementia (using Cox regression analyses) or cognitive decline (using random coefficient analyses). However, higher levels of estradiol were associated with risk for AD (hazard ratio per standard deviation increase, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.47) and AD with cerebrovascular disease (hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.38). Also, compared with the lowest tertile of estradiol, men in the middle and highest tertile of estradiol had 0.24 and 0.28 points lower Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument scores, respectively, for each year increase in age.

Interpretation:

In old men, endogenous testosterone levels are not associated with risk for cognitive decline and AD, whereas higher estrogen levels increase risk for cognitive decline and AD. Ann Neurol 2006.
The safety of breast‐conserving surgery in patients who achieve a complete pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Peintinger Florentia , Symmans W. Fraser , Gonzalez‐Angulo Ana M. , Boughey Judy C. , Buzdar Aman U. , Yu T. Kuan , Hunt Kelly K. , Singletary S. Eva , Babiera Gildy V. , Lucci Anthony , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Kuerer Henry M.
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND.

The objectives of this study were to determine the locoregional recurrence (LRR) rate and to evaluate the correlation between surgical resection volume (RV) and LRR in patients with breast cancer who underwent segmental mastectomy after achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR) on neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS.

The authors reviewed the outcomes of all 109 patients who underwent segmental mastectomy after the complete eradication of invasive disease by neoadjuvant chemotherapy at their institution between 1987 and 2002. LRRs were recorded, and RVs after segmental mastectomy were calculated and categorized as small, medium, or large.

RESULTS.

At a median follow‐up of 6.6 years, 3 patients (2.7%) developed LRR. In 2 of those patients, the recurrence was located in the ipsilateral breast; in the other patient, the recurrence was located in the supraclavicular lymph nodes with synchronous distant metastases. The median RV was 73.12 cm3 (range, 2.82–451.51 cm3). Large RVs (>125 cm3) were less common than small RVs (up to 70 cm3) or medium RVs (between 70 cm3 and 125 cm3; P = .009 and P<.0001, respectively). One patient with a small RV had an LRR at 4 years, and 2 patients with medium RVs had LLRs at 2.3 years and 6 years, respectively. The 5‐year and 10‐year LRR‐free survival rates were 98.1% and 96.5%, respectively, and the corresponding overall survival rates were 96% and 92%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS.

Segmental mastectomy was associated with excellent locoregional control in patients who achieved a pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Prospective studies are needed to examine whether decreasing the RVs in this patient population leads to an increased LRR rate. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Technologies for olive mill wastewater (OMW) treatment: a review
Authors: Paraskeva Panagiota , Diamadopoulos Evan
Published: July 2006

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) arises from the production of olive oil in olive mills. It is produced seasonally by a large number of small olive mills scattered throughout the olive oil‐producing countries. OMW has a very high organic load, recalcitrant in nature and with a high amount of toxicity/phytotoxicity‐associated compounds. Several physicochemical, biological and combined processes have been examined for the treatment of OMW, resulting in considerable organic load and toxicity abatement. Biological processes, aerobic and anaerobic, including anaerobic co‐digestion with other effluents and composting, are predominant in the treatment of OMW. Advanced oxidation processes have attracted much attention owing to the strong oxidation potential of the agents used, which can result in a high degree of treatment. Recent research studies employing physical, chemical, biological and combined technologies are reviewed in the current work. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Islamic and Christian inspired relief NGOs: between tactical collaboration and strategic diffidence?
Authors: Benedetti Carlo
Published: July 2006

This article focuses on the identification of different types of Islamic and Christian inspired relief NGOs. Four ideal types are outlined following a framework for the analysis of Religious NGOs. The possibilities of collaboration between these NGOs are investigated. The article argues that there is a greater likelihood of collaboration among NGOs closer to the moderate end of the framework. However, collaboration remains difficult on a strategic level and is often limited to a field based, tactical level cooperation. A broader mutual understanding is needed in order to improve global coordination between NGOs coming from different religious traditions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Induction of P53, P21Waf1, orinithine decorboxylase activity, and DNA damage leading to cell‐cycle arrest and apoptosis following topical application of repeated fish fried oil extract to mice
Authors: Pandey Manoj K. , Dhawan Alok , Das Mukul
Published: July 2006

Repeated frying of food produces numerous carcinogens including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Our prior studies have shown that repeated fish fried oil extract (RFFE) induces cytochrome P (CYP)‐450 1A1/2 isozymes thereby causing increased generation of electrophilic reactive metabolites of PAHs and subsequent binding to DNA. In the present study, molecular events associated with DNA damage, apoptosis, and proliferation following topical exposure to RFFE have been investigated in mice. Single topical application of RFFE (500 µg) for 24–48 h caused significant DNA damage with Comet assay in terms of olive tail moment (OTM) (204–246%), tail DNA (253–293%), and tail length (172–195%). Overexpression of p53 and p21WAF1 proteins was observed in skin cells following single topical exposure of RFFE for 24–72 h, which was similar to that of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) exposure (24 h). Though RFFE and BP exposure separately, did not result in G0/G1 arrest, but a significant increase in the proportion of cells in S‐phase was observed. Apoptotic induction was noticed in skin cells, with maximum induction after 48 h of exposure to RFFE. Further, topical treatment of mice with RFFE (500 µg) for 6 h significantly increased orinithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity by 7.5‐fold when compared to control. These results indicate that RFFE exposure caused ODC induction accompanied by increased levels of p53 and p21WAF1 proteins leading of apoptosis and delay of cells in S‐phase thereby indicating the possible carcinogenic potential of RFFE. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The determination of high‐affinity protein/inhibitor binding constants by electrospray ionization hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry
Authors: Frego Lee , Gautschi Elda , Martin Leslie , Davidson Walter
Published: July 2006

Recently, a hydrogen/deuterium exchange method termed SUPREX (Stability of Unpurified Proteins from Rates of hydrogen/deuterium EXchange), capable of measuring protein/ligand binding constants, which utilizes matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS), has been reported. Unlike more conventional approaches, SUPREX is inherently capable of measuring Kd values of tight binding ligands. Here we present a SUPREX‐based method, incorporating automation and electrospray ionization (ESI)‐MS, to measure Kd values for very potent inhibitors of the kinase PKCθ. The use of ESI offers an alternative to MALDI, with the advantages of improved mass measurement precision for larger proteins, and amenability to automation. Kd values generated by this method are in good agreement with those generated by a molecular protein kinase assay. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of a possible new middle interhemispheric variant of holoprosencephaly using sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Picone O. , Hirt R. , Suarez B. , Coulomb A. , Tachdjian G. , Frydman R. , Senat M.‐V.
Published: July 2006

A peculiar subtype of holoprosencephaly, middle interhemispheric variant (MIH), which is characterized by a partial posterior interhemispheric fusion of the brain, has been described in children. We describe the features of a case of a possible new MIH at 26 weeks of gestation, diagnosed using prenatal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed by postmortem examination. This malformation of the brain was associated with an unusual appearance of the corpus callosum and rare chromosomal abnormality: a 45X/46,XX/47,XX,+ 18 mosaicism. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LAKER: learning from past actions to guide future behaviors in ad hoc routing
Authors: Li Jian , Mohapatra Prasant
Published: July 2006

In this paper, we present a location aided knowledge extraction routing (LAKER) protocol for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). The novelty of LAKER is that it learns from past actions to guide future behaviors. In particular, LAKER cangradually discovercurrent topological characteristics of the network, such as population density distribution, residual battery map, and traffic load status. This knowledge can be organized in the form of a set ofguiding routes, each of which consists of a chain of guiding positions between a pair of source and destination locations. The guiding route information is learned by individual nodes during route discovery phase, and it can be used to guide future route discovery processes in a more efficient manner. LAKER is especially suitable for mobility models where nodes are not uniformly distributed. LAKER can exploit topological characteristics in these models and limit the search space in route discovery processes in a more refined granularity than location aided routing (LAR) protocol. Simulation results show that LAKER outperforms LAR and DSR in term of routing overhead, saving up to 30–45% broadcast routing messages compared to LAR approach. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tolstoy’s Report of Five Cases of Chest Trauma: Its Relevance to Contemporary Military Surgical Experience
Authors: Molnar Tamas F. , Lukacs Laszlo
Published: July 2006

Fragments of the history of trauma care, an important part of our surgical heritage, can offer a relevant message to contemporary science, even at the level of statistical evaluations. A surprisingly good match of results using two distinctively different approaches for calculating survival after a chest injury is reported in a historical model. Statistical data published by French and British surgeons serving in the Crimean War (1853–1856) were found to conform with the analysis of literary observations in Leo Tolstoy’s Sebastopol Sketches. The nearly complete agreement on survival probabilities from two sources so different in their nature highlights the question of the relevance of nonstatistical methods in other fields of surgery as well.
Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast: The Challenge Persists
Authors: Cheng Shih‐Ping , Chang Yuan‐Ching , Liu Tsang‐Pai , Lee Jie‐Jen , Tzen Chi‐Yuan , Liu Chien‐Liang
Published: July 2006

Introduction

Phyllodes tumors of the breast are uncommon, and it is difficult to predict biologic behavior based on clinicopathologic features. Despite the wealth of data on the factors to predict recurrence, little is known about the impact of treatment refinements. This study seeks to define changes in patient characteristics, histopathologic parameters, and outcome between the two periods before and after the care of patients with breast diseases was centralized to a breast specialty.

Methods

The records of 182 patients with phyllodes tumors managed surgically were reviewed. Patients treated from 1985 to 1996 (n = 81) were compared with those seen from 1997 to 2004 (n = 101).

Results

The analysis of the two treatment periods revealed that there was a decrease in tumor size at diagnosis, from 7.7 cm during the earlier period to 4.6 cm during the recent period (P= 0.003). The patients undergoing breast‐conserving surgery were significantly increased during the recent period. In contrast, pathologic features and local recurrence rates remained unchanged during the study period. Multivariate analysis revealed that positive surgical margin was the only independent predictor of recurrence, with an increased hazard of 8.0. Overall, upgrading to the next grade was observed in 16% of recurrences.

Conclusions

Breast‐conserving surgery with clear margins is the current treatment of choice for phyllodes tumors, but this strategy does not further reduce local recurrence effectively. Optimal management continues to be a challenge.
Current Status of Outcomes Research in Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Authors: Chung Kevin C.
Published: July 2006

More than 3,000 publications on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have been presented in the literature. Although surgery for treating CTS is commonly performed, the outcomes of these surgical procedures are still relatively unclear. This paper will summarize relevant publications on the surgical treatment of CTS to critically examine outcomes data based on the best available evidence.
A critical re‐appraisal of different ways of selecting ambulatory patients with suspected heart failure for echocardiography
Authors: Jeyaseelan Sanjay , Goudie Barclay M. , Pringle Stuart D. , Donnan Peter T. , Sullivan Frank M. , Struthers Allan D.
Published: July 2006

Background:

ECG and BNP have been assessed as screening tests for LVSD and heart failure. However, echocardiography also provides information about valvular disease and LVH. We assessed how good these screening tests are in identifying whether the subsequent echocardiogram will have any significant abnormality.

Aims:

To re‐appraise the ECG and BNP as screening tests for echocardiography since there are important practical deficiencies in our current knowledge in this area.

Methods:

General practitioners referred suspected heart failure patients for clinical assessment, echocardiography, electrocardiography, and BNP measurement. The accuracy of each screening test and combinations of screening tests were calculated for LVSD, heart failure, valvular disease, and LVH.

Results:

The sensitivities of the ECG for LVSD, heart failure, LVH and valvular disease were 97%, 95%, 76%, and 69%, respectively. The corresponding figures for BNP were 86%, 82%, 59%, and 48%, respectively. When patients with atrial fibrillation and murmurs were excluded, the values for ECG were 94%, 87%, 53%, and 55%, while for BNP they were 83%, 73%, 50%, and 32%.

Conclusions:

ECG interpretation and BNP are adequate screening tests to detect LVSD or heart failure but fail to screen for other echocardiographic abnormalities, like valvular disease and LVH. This remains the case even if patients with atrial fibrillation or heart murmurs are excluded on the basis that they require echocardiography anyway.
Viewpoint: The prothrombotic state in heart failure: A maladaptive inflammatory response?
Authors: Chong Aun‐Yeong , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: July 2006

Patients with heart failure (HF) are at an increased risk of stroke, sudden death and venous thromboembolism, which are all linked to thrombus formation (thrombogenesis). The present ‘viewpoint’ article will discuss how the prothrombotic state in HF may be perpetuated by a chronic inflammatory state that is maladaptive. Indeed, there is considerable evidence that thrombogenesis and endothelial (dys)function can be intimately linked to inflammation in HF.
Levosimendan and prostaglandin E1 for uptitration of beta‐blockade in patients with refractory, advanced chronic heart failure
Authors: Berger Rudolf , Moertl Deddo , Huelsmann Martin , Bojic Anja , Ahmadi Roozbeh , Heissenberger Isabella , Pacher Richard
Published: July 2006

Background

In advanced chronic heart failure (CHF) 20% of patients do not tolerate beta‐blockers and 50% do not reach target doses.

Aim

To test whether levosimendan or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) can facilitate uptitration of beta‐blockers in advanced CHF.

Methods and results

Seventy‐five advanced CHF patients (LVEF<35%, NYHA class IIIb or IV) intolerant to beta‐blocker uptitration to target doses (10 mg bisoprolol/day) were randomised to a monthly 24 h infusion with levosimendan (n=39) or a chronic infusion with PGE1 (n=36) for 3 months. Bisoprolol was uptitrated following predefined criteria. At 12 weeks, bisoprolol dose increased from 4 mg to 10 mg in both groups. Heart failure worsening occurred in 29 levosimendan patients (74%) versus 16 PGE1 patients (44%,p=0.008). Uptitration was impossible in 9 levosimendan patients (23%) versus 2 PGE1 patients (6%,p=0.03). The combined endpoint of death or urgent heart transplantation or implantation of a ventricular assist device was reached by 12 levosimendan patients (31%) versus 4 PGE1 patients (11%,p=0.04). After 1 year, LVEF increased from 23±7% to 28±11% (p=0.0004), and BNP decreased from 994±806 to 659±564 pg/ml (p=0.03).

Conclusion

Levosimendan and PGE1 facilitate uptitration of beta‐blockers in previously intolerant CHF patients. PGE1 treatment allowed uptitration in more patients and resulted in a better clinical outcome compared to levosimendan. This approach increased LVEF and decreased BNP after 1 year.
AFM imaging of protein movements: Histone H2A–H2B release during nucleosome remodeling
Authors: Bash R. , Wang H. , Anderson C. , Yodh J. , Hager G. , Lindsay S.M. , Lohr D.
Published: July 2006

Being able to follow assembly/disassembly reactions of biomolecular complexes directly at the single molecule level would be very useful. Here, we use an AFM technique that can simultaneously obtain topographic images and identify the locations of a specific type of protein within those images to monitor the histone H2A component of nucleosomes acted on by human Swi–Snf, an ATP‐dependent nucleosome remodeling complex. Activation of remodeling results in significant H2A release from nucleosomes, based on recognition imaging and nucleosome height changes, and changes in the recognition patterns of H2A associated directly with hSwi–Snf complexes.
Normal acute and chronic inflammatory responses in sphingosine kinase 1 knockout mice
Authors: Michaud Jason , Kohno Masataka , Proia Richard L. , Hla Timothy
Published: July 2006

Sphingosine‐1‐phosophate, generated from the phosphorylation of sphingosine by sphingosine kinase enzymes, is suggested to function as an intracellular second messenger for inflammatory mediators, including formyl peptide, C5a, and Fc. More recently, a role for sphingosine kinases during inflammation has also been proposed. Here we show that sphingosine kinase 1 knockout mice exhibit normal inflammatory cell recruitment during thioglycollate‐induced peritonitis and that sphingosine kinase 1‐null neutrophils respond normally to formyl peptide. In the collagen‐induced arthritis model of rheumatoid arthritis, sphingosine kinase 1 knockout mice developed arthritis with normal incidence and severity. Our findings show that sphingosine kinase 1 is dispensable for inflammatory responses and support the need for more extensive studies of sphingosine kinases in inflammation.
O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine suppresses thermal aggregation of Sp1
Authors: Lim Ki-Hong , Chang Hyo-Ihl
Published: July 2006

We demonstrate that O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc), a ubiquitous protein modification in eukaryotes, suppresses thermal inactivation of Sp1 transcription factor. 6‐Diazo‐5‐oxonorleucine treatment or O‐GlcNAcase overexpression, which reduced O‐GlcNAc levels on Sp1, deteriorated thermal stability of Sp1 and O‐GlcNAc modified molecules of Sp1 resist thermal aggregation in vitro. We also showed that heat‐induced elevation of heat shock protein 70 was facilitated by Sp1 but blunted under low O‐GlcNAc levels, suggesting that O‐GlcNAc might upregulate the expression of heat shock protein 70 through thermoprotection of Sp1, which eventually enhanced cellular thermotolerance.
Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in a cat
Authors: Dhaliwal Ravinder S. , Kufuor-Mensah Eric
Published: July 2006

A 7-year-old, spayed female Persian cat was referred for evaluation of progressive paraplegia. The cat was thin, cachectic and paraplegic on presentation. The survey radiographs showed a left caudal pulmonary lesion and lytic skeletal lesions at the right iliac crest and left distal scapula. Due to a poor prognosis for complete recovery, the owner opted for euthanasia. Post-mortem examination revealed bilaterally small and irregular kidneys, lysis of the left iliac crest and left distal scapula and a dilated left ventricular lumen with a thin interventricular septum. Histologically, all the lesions were determined to be squamous cell carcinoma. It appears that the origin or the primary site of the malignancy in this case is pulmonary as cardiac and skeletal tissues are primarily mesenchymal in origin and are less likely to develop a primary epithelial malignancy. To the best of our knowledge, there is no description of cardiac or skeletal metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in a cat.
An assessment of how a combination of shears, field-aligned currents and collisions affect F-region ionospheric instabilities
Authors: ST.-MAURICE J.-P. , NOËL J.-M. , PERRON P. J.
Published: July 2006

We present an in depth study of the fluid limit of a kinetically derived collisional, current-driven instability that includes shears in the field-aligned currents as well as collisions. We show how the theory presented here generalizes other theories, including the collisionless current-driven electrostatic ion acoustic instability and its sheared collisionless version. We offer a low-frequency generalization of the zero frequency ion shear driven instability by minimizing the relative drift magnitude as well as the shears themselves. We discuss the implication of our theoretical framework both for strongly field-aligned modes and modes where the wavevectors have arbitrary angles with respect to the ambient magnetic field. We discuss the results in terms of F-region irregularity observations of coherent echoes by ionospheric radars.
Alkane Utilization by Rhodococcus Strain NTU‐1 Alone and in Its Natural Association with Bacillus fusiformis L‐1 and Ochrobactrum sp.
Authors: Sayavedra‐Soto Luis A. , Chang Wei‐Nung , Lin Tze‐Khai , Ho Chung‐Lin , Liu Hwai‐Shen
Published: July 2006

Linear (n‐hexadecane) and branched (pristane) alkanes were degraded by a mixed culture isolated from an oil‐contaminated field. The degradation was accompanied by formation of biofloccules. The culture was composed of Rhodococcus strain NTU‐1, Bacillus fusiformis L‐1, and Ochrobactrum sp. Rhodococcus strain NTU‐1 carried out the degradation of the alkane via a hydroxylase. Bacillus fusiformis L‐1 and Ochrobactrum sp. did not degrade the alkanes but aided the flocculation by forming more rigid bacterial aggregates that enhanced the trapping of alkanes. In batch cultures, transformation and removal of the linear and branched alkanes was achieved within 66 h with more than 95% efficiency.
Micropatterning of Porous Silicon Films by Direct Laser Writing
Authors: Khung Yit‐Lung , Graney Sean D. , Voelcker Nicolas H.
Published: July 2006

In this study, we demonstrate that porous silicon films can be ablated by the pulsed nitrogen laser of a commercial MALDI mass spectrometer. The extent of laser‐induced ablation was found to depend on the doping level and surface chemistry of the porous silicon film. Using direct laser writing with or without a mask, micropatterns were generated on the porous silicon surface. These micropatterns were subsequently used to guide the growth of mammalian cells including neuroblastoma. Excellent selectivity of cell growth toward the laser‐ablated regions was established.
Waves plus currents crossing at a right angle: Experimental investigation
Authors: Musumeci R. E. , Cavallaro L. , Foti E. , Scandura P. , Blondeaux P.
Published: July 2006

The hydrodynamics generated by a regular wave field perpendicularly superimposed to a steady current is investigated by means of laboratory experiments. The flow structure is analyzed by measuring the velocity profiles using a micro Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter. Three cases are considered: current only, waves only and waves plus current. Different bottom roughnesses are used, and the apparent roughness ks is estimated for each condition. In the presence of a small roughness, the superposition of the waves on the current causes an increase of the current velocities close to the bottom, thus generating a decrease of the apparent roughness with respect to the case of the current only. On the other hand, when a large bottom roughness is present, the waves force a decrease of the current velocity close to the bottom and, in turn, an increase of the apparent bottom roughness. Such a behavior seems related not only to the roughness but also to the flow regime (i.e., laminar or turbulent) within the wave bottom boundary layer.
On the effect of sea drops on the atmospheric boundary layer
Authors: Kudryavtsev Vladimir N.
Published: July 2006

One of the possible mechanisms responsible for the reduction of the sea surface drag at high winds is explored. The mechanism is based on the direct effect of sea drops (as heavy particles) on the turbulent mixing. If assumed that sea drops are ejected upward from the sea surface, no significant effect can be found. A more realistic picture presumes that the spume drops (resulting from a mechanical tearing of wave crests) are ejected “horizontally” at altitudes of breaking crests. A model of the spume drops generation is proposed. The spume drops, being torn off from breaking crests and sprayed inside the airflow, significantly affect the surface drag. At highest model wind speeds (60–80 m/s) the model actually predicts an effect of the “slippery surface” when the drag coefficient is reduced in about 10 times. A comparison with available observations is given.
Using inherent optical properties to investigate biogeochemical dynamics in a tropical macrotidal coastal system
Authors: Oubelkheir Kadija , Clementson Lesley A. , Webster Ian T. , Ford Phillip W. , Dekker Arnold G. , Radke Lynda C. , Daniel Paul
Published: July 2006

The variability in the inherent optical properties along an estuary‐coast‐ocean continuum in tropical Australia has been studied. The study area, the Fitzroy Estuary and Keppel Bay system, is a shallow coastal environment (depth < 30 m) with highly turbid waters in the estuary and blue oceanic waters in the bay and subject to macrotides. Biogeochemical and inherent optical properties (IOPs) were sampled in the near‐surface layer spatially and across the tidal phase during the dry season. These determinations included continuous measurements of spectral absorption, scattering and backscattering coefficients, together with discrete measurements of spectral absorption coefficients of phytoplankton, nonalgal particles and colored dissolved organic matter, and concentrations of phytoplankton pigments and suspended matter. Because of a large variability in the characteristics of the water components on short spatial and temporal scales, we observe a large variability in the associated optical properties. From the estuary to the bay, particle scattering and dissolved absorption decreased by 2 orders of magnitude, and nonalgal particle absorption decreased by 3 orders of magnitude. We also observed a strong variability in particle single scattering albedo and backscattering efficiency (by a factor of 6) and in specific IOPs (IOPs normalized by the relevant constituent concentration) such as suspended matter‐specific particle scattering and chlorophyll‐specific phytoplankton absorption. Superimposed on this strong spatial variability is the effect of the semidiurnal tide, which affects the spatial distribution of all measured properties. These results emphasize the need for spatially and temporally adjusted algorithms for remote sensing in complex coastal systems.