bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investor Reactions to New Product Development Failures
Authors: Urbig Diemo , Bürger Robin , Patzelt Holger , Schweizer Lars
Published: August 2011

The authors develop a model of investor reactions to new product development (NPD) failures in high technology firms. They propose that a firm’s financial and managerial capabilities, and its strategic focus on R&D, influence investors’ perceptions of the firm’s market value after NPD failure and that these effects are contingent on the development stage of the failed product. Using data on 148 NPD failures of publicly traded biopharmaceutical firms and an event study methodology the authors find support for their hypotheses. They show that the relationships between a firm’s (a) financial capabilities, (b) managerial capabilities, and (c) strategic focus on R&D, respectively, and the decline of firm market value after NPD failure are more negative for products that fail in late development stages than for products that fail in early development stages. The authors’ results highlight the importance of a conjoint consideration of product-level and organizational-level effects in explaining investor reactions to NPD outcomes.
The critique of methodological nationalism
Authors: Chernilo Daniel
Published: August 2011

This article seeks to further our understanding of what methodological nationalism is and to offer some insights towards its overcoming. The critical side of its argument explicates the paradoxical constitution of the current debate on methodological nationalism – namely, the fact that methodological nationalism is simultaneously regarded as wholly negative and all-pervasive in contemporary social science. I substantiate the idea of this paradox by revisiting some of the most successful attempts at the conceptualization of the nation-state that have sought to transcend methodological nationalism in four disciplines: sociology, nationalism studies, anthropology and social psychology. The positive side of my argument offers a distinction between different versions of methodological nationalism with the help of which it tries to address some of the problems found in the literature. Theoretically, methodological nationalism is associated with, and criticized for, its explanatory reductionism in which the rise and main features of the nation-state are used to explicate the rise and main features of modernity itself. Historically, the article reassesses the problem of its prevalence, that is, whether methodological nationalism is a key feature of the history of the social sciences.
A Review of Rape in the Social Work Literature
Authors: McMahon Sarah , Schwartz Rachel
Published: August 2011

This article reports on a content analysis of the social work research literature to assess the level of attention that the profession has paid to the rape of adults. The analysis of 66 social work articles published between 1975 and 2008 revealed that rape was a primary focus in about one third of the articles. However, 94% of the articles connected rape with another issue that was central to the profession (such as domestic violence or mental health). The majority of articles were client focused, rather than addressing practitioners' needs or macro-level issues. A large number of articles framed rape as a form of domestic violence; however, there is a clear need to address the issue of rape both within and outside the context of domestic violence. Implications for future research are discussed.
Power, Gender, and Social Work Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Hanisch Danielle , Moulding Nicole
Published: August 2011

This article reports on a study that used qualitative interviews with 10 social workers about their therapeutic practice with women who were sexually abused as children. It explores two dominant discursive themes that were identified in the analysis: normalizing the effects of childhood sexual abuse and gender power in practice. The analysis found that while engagement with narrative therapy brings a strong emancipatory orientation, normalizing the effects of abuse by distinguishing them from “real” mental illness comes at the cost of restigmatizing other groups of clients, and dualistic understandings of feminism and post-structuralism narrow engagement with the complex ways in which gender power operates in women’s lives.
Ordinary Poles Look at the Jews
Authors: Sułek Antoni
Published: August 2011

This article constitutes a meta-analysis of sociological surveys conducted between 1967 and 2010 on the attitudes of Poles towards Jews. This analysis covers factual knowledge about Jews, like/dislike feelings, social distance, cognitive schema, and views regarding Polish–Jewish history. The results reflect a general nonacceptance of strangers as well as a specific type of anti-Semitism with strong roots in and encompassing a broad spectrum of Polish society. In this respect, Poland and some of the other Central Eastern European countries are much alike and distinguish themselves negatively in comparison to Western Europe. Nevertheless, in the last decade a positive shift in Polish attitudes towards Jews has been manifesting itself: feelings of closeness are increasing while disapproving cognitive schemes are decreasing. Further changes depend upon the reconstruction of Polish national identity as well as on the public debates delving into Polish–Jewish relations past and present.
“It’s the Knowledge That Puts You in Control”
Authors: Underman Kelly
Published: August 2011

Studies have recently begun to attend to the ways paid labor is embodied. However, the literature on embodied labor has not adequately addressed occupations for which the site of labor is the worker’s own body. One such occupation is that of gynecological educators—female-bodied instructors who teach breast and pelvic examinations to medical students using their own bodies as models. Drawing on interviews with current and former gynecological educators and professional directors, I ask how workers use their bodies to produce legitimated forms of knowledge and how workers navigate gendered meanings attached to bodies. Gynecological educators use a distancing technique I call strategic dualism, which draws on using constructions of the body as an object while simultaneously relying on subjective experiences. This technique allows them to maintain their knowledge and authority, and suggests that workers are able to selectively draw on gendered meanings about the female body to pursue their goals.
Men Bring Condoms, Women Take Pills
Authors: Fennell Julie Lynn
Published: August 2011

The most popular form of reversible contraception in the United States is the female-controlled hormonal birth control pill. Consequently, scholars and lay people have typically assumed that women take primary responsibility for contraceptive decision making in relationships. Although many studies have shown that men exert strong influence in couple’s contraceptive decisions in developing countries, very few studies have considered the gendered dynamic of contraceptive decision making in developed societies. This study uses in-depth interviews with 30 American opposite-sex couples to show that contraceptive responsibility in long-term relationships in the United States often conforms to a gendered division of labor, with women primarily in charge. A substantial minority of men in this study were highly committed contraceptors. However, the social framing of contraception as being primarily in women’s “sphere,” and the technological constraints on their participation, made even these men reluctant to discuss contraception with their women partners.
Insanity and ethnicity in New Zealand: Māori encounters with the Auckland Mental Hospital, 1860—1900
Authors: Barry Lorelle , Coleborne Catharine
Published: August 2011

This article examines Māori patients at the Auckland Mental Hospital between 1860 and 1900. We argue that the patient case notes reveal ‘European’ categories in which Māori were situated, and demonstrate the extent to which the authorities at the hospital grappled with their appearance, their language and their culture, all of which were elements of their ethnicity. We argue that the use of institutional case records is highly suggestive of some of the historical meanings of insanity for Māori, including the lack of detailed or sustained collection of information about patients’ tribal affiliations, the interest shown in their rights to land in maintenance payment inquiries, the experiences of cultural alienation or mate Māori, and the sad outcomes for Māori.
Anti-C1q antibodies have higher correlation with flares of lupus nephritis than other serum markers
Authors: Akhter E , Burlingame RW , Seaman AL , Magder L , Petri M
Published: August 2011

Objective. Autoantibodies are important in the diagnosis and classification of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but whether they correlate with changes in disease activity within individual patients is controversial. We assessed the association between changes in SLE global and renal activity and changes in several autoantibodies and cell adhesion molecules in patients with SLE. Methods. Stored sera collected at two or three clinic visits from each of 49 SLE patients (91% female, 59% African-American, 31% Caucasian, 10% other ethnicity, 38% under 30 years, 41% between 30–44 years, and 21% 45–63 years) were analyzed. The visits were chosen to include one visit with proteinuria, and one or two without, for each patient. Global disease activity was measured by the Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA), SELENA-SLEDAI (SLE Disease Activity Index modified to exclude anti-dsDNA and complement) and renal activity assessed by urine protein (by urine dipstick) and Renal Activity Score. Sera were assayed for anti-C1q, anti-chromatin, anti-dsDNA, anti-ribosomal P, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and complement. The associations between changes in disease activity and changes in biomarker levels were assessed. Results. In terms of global disease activity, anti-C1q had the highest association with the PGA ( p = 0.09) and was strongly associated with modified SELENA-SLEDAI ( p = 0.009). In terms of renal activity, anti-C1q had the highest association with proteinuria ( p = 0.079), and was strongly associated with Renal Activity Score ( p = 0.006). Conclusion. Anti-C1q performed the best of the potential biomarkers, being significantly associated with the modified SELENA-SLEDAI and with the Renal Activity Score. This study indicates the potential superior utility of anti-C1q over anti-dsDNA and other measures to track renal activity.
No-Reflow Phenomenon: Maintaining Vascular Integrity
Authors: Kloner Robert A.
Published: August 2011

The no-reflow phenomenon relates to the inability to reperfuse regions of the myocardium after ischemia, despite removal of the large epicardial coronary artery occlusion. The mechanism involves microvascular obstruction. In experimental studies, using markers for flow (thioflavin S, carbon black, microspheres), perfusion defects associated with no-reflow demonstrated ultrastructural evidence of localized endothelial swelling and blebs that appeared to obstruct flow. In humans no-reflow is more complicated due to the microemboli of atherosclerotic debris and thrombi generated by percutaneous coronary intervention. The no-reflow zone expands during the first few hours of reperfusion suggesting an element of reperfusion injury. In animal models, extensive no-reflow was associated with worse infarct expansion. The phenomenon of no-reflow following reperfusion therapy for myocardial infarction in humans has been demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging, echo contrast agents, thallium, technecium-99m-labeled albumin microspheres, Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) scores, and myocardial blush grade. Patients exhibiting no-reflow following reperfusion therapy for myocardial infarction have greater left ventricular dilation and remodeling, more congestive heart failure, shock, and reduced survival. Certain vasodilators (adenosine, nitroprusside, nicorandil, and calcium blockers) are used acutely in the catheterization laboratory and appear to improve no-reflow, but systematic studies on therapy for no-reflow are needed. There is now clinical evidence that no-reflow is a strong predictor of long-term mortality that is independent of and beyond that provided by infarct size. Identifying and treating no-reflow may have important benefits including enhancing delivery of nutrients and cells required for healing and reducing infarct expansion and ventricular remodeling, which ultimately may reduce congestive heart failure and mortality.
Is It Time to Translate Ischemic Preconditioning’s Mechanism of Cardioprotection into Clinical Practice?
Authors: Cohen Michael V. , Downey James M.
Published: August 2011

After three decades of intense research on cardioprotection, we still do not have an approved intervention for limiting infarct size in the patient with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) aside from reperfusion therapy. Yet approximately 25% of patients with AMI that are reperfused are still at risk for heart failure because of excessive muscle necrosis. This article will try to make the case that ischemic preconditioning (IPC), still the most potent anti-infarct intervention ever described, is ready for serious clinical testing now. Over the past 25 years, IPC’s mechanism has been largely elucidated and targets a reperfusion injury. Ischemic preconditioning was never considered an intervention for AMI because of its need for pretreatment. However, knowledge of IPC’s mechanism has revealed a large number of drugs and interventions that will activate IPC’s signaling pathway at the time of reperfusion. Several small clinical trials suggest that they can be quite effective, but so far industry seems to have little interest in developing them. So, while basic scientists are in a continuous cycle of discovery and publication for new and novel cardioprotectants, there has been little effort devoted to translating these interventions into clinical practice. We believe that there are suitable IPC-based interventions that are ready for clinical testing today and the time has come for large-scale clinical trials.
How and When Do Myocytes Die During Ischemia and Reperfusion: The Late Phase
Authors: Baines Christopher P.
Published: August 2011

While the majority of the cardiac myocyte death that makes up the final infarct occurs during ischemia and the first few minutes of reperfusion, cell death does not stop there. In fact necrosis and apoptosis, and potentially autophagy, can continue in the previously ischemic area for up to 3 days post-reperfusion. Several mechanisms can potentially contribute to this death continuum: (1) myocytes that have already passed the point of no return despite reperfusion; (2) continued dysfunction of the coronary microvasculature; and (3) infiltration of inflammatory cells. The latter in particular leads to elevated myocardial concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory cytokines, activation of toll-like receptors, secretion of toxic enzymes, and activation of the complement cascade—all of which can lead to myocyte death. However, there is a considerable lack of studies that comprehensively examine the time course, nature, and mechanisms of post-reperfusion myocyte death. Moreover, cell death types (apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy) are inextricably linked to one another. Therefore, we do not know whether specific blockade of necrosis during the acute phase of myocyte death will instead enhance apoptosis during the late phase, that is, will we be simply delaying the inevitable? Consequently, the purpose of this article is to briefly review what we do, and more importantly what we do not, know about cardiac cell death in the reperfused heart and what is needed to advance our understanding of this phenomenon.
Arrangement optimization of hammers and fenders on Scrap Metal Shredder using ant colony algorithms
Authors: Wang Guoqiang , Zhao Kaijun , Li Xuefei , Li Li , Wang Jixin
Published: August 2011

A method of optimizing the arrangement of hammers and fenders on a Scrap Metal Shredder is presented. It offers a means of reducing dynamic unbalance force. A dynamic balance model is established for analyzing rotor unbalance force. The model is verified by software simulation. Ant Colony Optimization Algorithms (ACOA) are then introduced to arrange hammers and fenders. Meanwhile, ACOA has been improved by introducing a multi-dimensional matrix and random number q0 and separating the first loop from other loops. A rational arrangement of hammers and fenders is obtained. The studies show that using ACOA to arrange hammers and fenders can significantly reduce the dynamic unbalance force. For unbalance force of the rotor, the maximum reduction can be up to 92.6% compared with the original arrangement before optimization.
Low-frequency noise radiation from traffic-induced vibration of steel double-box girder bridge
Authors: Xie Xu , Wu Dongyan , Zhang He , Shen Yonggang , Mikio Yamashita
Published: August 2011

Low-frequency noise radiated from bridge vibrations has been reported as an environmental noise problem in many countries. In order to investigate the mechanism of low-frequency noise radiated from bridge vibration, a steel bridge with a double-box is adopted for study. Modal parameters of the bridge, including natural frequency, damping ratio and mode shape, are identified from field tests by a combination of Eigensystem Realization Algorithm and Fast Fourier Transformation. Then the grillage model of the bridge is established and physics parameters of the model are updated by genetic algorithm according to identified natural frequencies. The dynamic response of the bridge by the action of a moving vehicle is calculated and assumed as the sound source of low-frequency noise. Then low-frequency noise due to bridge vibration is estimated according to sound wave propagation theories. The validity of the numerical method is verified through comparison with experimental results. Furthermore, noise reduction methods are proposed and corresponding effects are discussed. Results show that numerical simulation is feasible in assessing low-frequency noise due to traffic induced vibration of a bridge, which offers a possible way for environmental assessment as well as being a good reference for noise reduction design of bridges. The deck plate of the bridge is the primary source of low-frequency noise. Hence, increasing the stiffness of a deck plate is effective for noise control. Improving the road roughness can also reduce low-frequency noise.
Beyond the ‘transitions’ metaphor
Authors: Wyn Johanna , Lantz Sarah , Harris Anita
Published: August 2011

Against the backdrop of an emerging literature about significant change in family formation in late modernity, this article argues that youth studies over the last 20 years has tended to ignore the significance of family relationships to young people. It critiques the traditional youth-as-transition metaphor that dominates youth sociology, arguing that the assumptions of linear trajectories and of independence obscure the changing nature of family relationships and their significance for youth. Drawing on empirical evidence from a study of Australian youth aged 15–18, this article highlights the significance of family as a site for civic and citizenship enactments. It also highlights young people’s understandings of inter-dependence within a family context, as they contemplate the complexity of transitions in late modern life. The article concludes that it is timely to bring family back into focus in youth studies.
Beauty contra God
Authors: Carroll John
Published: August 2011

The mainstream of sociology has argued that the process of modernization is inevitably accompanied by secularization. In spite of some recent questioning of the argument, the churches of the Western world, with the partial exception of the United States, have continued to steadily empty. Yet signs abound that individuals still seek metaphysical experience, but are more likely to do so in the secular realm. Above all, transcendence is sought aesthetically, through the experience of beauty, whether, to name a few domains, in Romance, through sport or out in nature. Nietzsche asserted that existence and the world can only be justified aesthetically. Major modern poets have agreed with him. This article takes up the question of whether aesthetic experience has replaced the religious in modernity.
Nano-zirconium oxide and nano-silver oxide/cotton gauze fabrics for antimicrobial and wound healing acceleration
Authors: Gouda Mohamed
Published: August 2011

Nano-zirconium-oxide (nano-Zr-oxide) and nano-silver-oxide (nano-Ag-oxide) were in situ synthesized and deposited into cotton gauze fabrics by reduction of zirconium oxychloride or silver nitrate solutions, in the presence of fabric samples using sodium hydroxide-hydrogen peroxide mixture solution at pH 9.5. The resulted homogenous distribution of nano-Zr-oxide and nano-Ag-oxide inside the fabric were characterized by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for fabric cross-section. The formed nano-Zr-oxide and nano-Ag-oxide in the prepared solution was characterized by TM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV visible spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity of prepared samples was evaluated using reduction rate % in bacterial count (RBC %) against gram-negative bacteria ( Salmonella typhimurium) and gram-positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureous), while antifungal activity of prepared samples was evaluated according to clear inhibition zone diameter against filamentous fungus ( Candida albicans), as well as nonfilamentous fungus ( Aspergillus flavus) the data show that, the reduction rate of colony count of treated fabric samples with nano-silver oxide against gram positive and gram negative bacteria were 99.9% and 97% respectively. Gave 99.9% and 97% reduction in colony count against gram-positive and gram-negative, espectively, while sample fabrics treated with nano-Zr-oxide gave 98% and 95% reduction rate in colony count against gram-positive and gram-negative, respectively. Antifungal activity of fabric treated with nano-silver oxide was greater than that of fabrics treated with nano-Zr-oxide. Skin irritation test of treated fabric samples was evaluated and the data show that, there is no skin irritation was observed on the skin of tested rabbit. Skin wound of tested rabbit was healed after 4 days sample application. All prepared samples were durable to wash and killed the bacteria even after 30 laundering wash cycles.
Identification of new IS711 insertion sites in Brucella abortus field isolates
Authors: Mancilla Marcos , Ulloa Marcos , López-Goñi Ignacio , Moriyón Ignacio , María Zárraga Ana
Published: August 2011

Background

Brucellosis is a zoonosis caused by Brucella spp., a group of highly homogeneous bacteria. The insertion sequence IS711 is characteristic of these bacteria, and occurs in variable numbers and positions, but always constant within a given species. This species-associated polymorphism is used in molecular typing and identification. Field isolates of B. abortus, the most common species infecting cattle, typically carry seven IS711 copies (one truncated). Thus far, IS711 transposition has only been shown in vitro and only for B. ovis and B. pinnipedialis, two species carrying a high number of IS711 copies, but never in other Brucella species, neither in vitro nor in field strains.

Results

We found several B. abortus strains isolated from milk and aborted fetuses that carried additional IS711 copies in two hitherto undescribed insertion sites: one in an intergenic region near to the 3' end of a putative lactate permease gene and the other interrupting the sequence of a marR transcriptional regulator gene. Interestingly, the second type of insertion was identified in isolates obtained repeatedly from the same herd after successive brucellosis outbreaks, an observation that proves the stability and virulence of the new genotype under natural conditions. Sequence analyses revealed that the new copies probably resulted from the transposition of a single IS711 copy common to all Brucella species sequenced so far.

Conclusions

Our results show that the replicative transposition of IS711 can occur under field conditions. Therefore, it represents an active mechanism for the emergence of genetic diversity in B. abortus thus contributing to intra-species genetic polymorphism.
Oral administration of a probiotic Lactobacillus modulates cytokine production and TLR expression improving the immune response against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection in mice
Authors: Castillo Natalia A , Perdigón Gabriela , de Moreno de LeBlanc Alejandra
Published: August 2011

Background

Diarrheal infections caused bySalmonella, are one of the major causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries.Salmonellacauses various diseases that range from mild gastroenteritis to enteric fever, depending on the serovar involved, infective dose, species, age and immune status of the host. Probiotics are proposed as an attractive alternative possibility in the prevention against this pathogen infection. Previously we demonstrated that continuousLactobacillus caseiCRL 431 administration to BALB/c mice before and after challenge withSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) decreased the severity ofSalmonellainfection. The aim of the present work was to deep into the knowledge about how this probiotic bacterium exerts its effect, by assessing its impact on the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory (TNFα, IFNγ) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in the inductor and effector sites of the gut immune response, and analyzing toll-like receptor (TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR9) expressions in both healthy and infected mice.

Results

Probiotic administration to healthy mice increased the expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 and improved the production and secretion of TNFα, IFNγ and IL-10 in the inductor sites of the gut immune response (Peyer's patches). Post infection, the continuous probiotic administration, before and afterSalmonellachallenge, protected the host by modulating the inflammatory response, mainly in the immune effector site of the gut, decreasing TNFα and increasing IFNγ, IL-6 and IL-10 production in the lamina propria of the small intestine.

Conclusions

The oral administration ofL. caseiCRL 431 induces variations in the cytokine profile and in the TLRs expression previous and also after the challenge withS. Typhimurium. These changes show some of the immune mechanisms implicated in the protective effect of this probiotic strain againstS. Typhimurium, providing an alternative way to reduce the severity of the infection.
Serum uric acid level and its association with metabolic syndrome and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Qin , Yang Zhen , Lu Bin , Wen Jie , Ye Zi , Chen Lili , He Min , Tao Xiaoming , Zhang Weiwei , Huang Ying , Zhang Zhaoyun , Qu Shen , Hu Renming
Published: August 2011

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether elevated serum uric acid concentrations are associated with higher risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey in Shanghai, with a total of 395 men and 631 women age 41 to 92 years. The carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid atherosclerotic plaques (PLQ) were measured by B-mode ultrasound. MetS was defined according to the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for Asian Americans.

Results

Uric acid levels were negatively associated with duration of diabetes, fasting plasma glucose, glycohemoglobin, eGFR, HDL-cholesterol (all P < 0.001) and positively with BMI, CRP, waist circumference, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, ACR, HOMA-IR and IMT (all P < 0.05). In the highest quartile of uric acid levels, the risks were substantially higher for MetS [odds ratio 3.97, (95% confidence interval 2.58-6.13)] (P < 0.001 for trend) and PLQ [odds ratio 2.71 (95% confidence interval 1.62-4.47)] (p = 0.013 for trend) compared with that in the lowest quartile of uric acid levels after multiple adjustment. These associations remained significant after further adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusions

Serum uric acid level is associated with MetS and is an independent risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.
GPIHBP1 C89F Neomutation and Hydrophobic C-Terminal Domain G175R Mutation in Two Pedigrees with Severe Hyperchylomicronemia
Authors: Charrière Sybil , Peretti Noël , Bernard Sophie , Di Filippo Mathilde , Sassolas Agnès , Merlin Micheline , Delay Mireille , Debard Cyrille , Lefai Etienne , Lachaux Alain , Moulin Philippe , Marçais Christophe
Published: August 2011

Context:

GPIHBP1 is a new endothelial binding site for lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the key enzyme for intravascular lipolysis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRL). We have identified two new missense mutations of the GPIHBP1 gene, C89F and G175R, by systematic sequencing in a cohort of 376 hyperchylomicronemic patients without mutations on the LPL, APOC2, or APOA5 gene.

Objective:

Phenotypic expression and functional consequences of these two mutations were studied.

Design:

We performed clinical and genotypic studies of probands and their families. GPIHBP1 functional alterations were studied in CHO pgsA-745 transfected cells.

Results:

Probands are an adult with a homozygous G175R mutation and a child with a hemizygous C89F neomutation and a deletion of the second allele. C89F mutation was associated with a C14F signal peptide polymorphism on the same haplotype. Both patients had resistant hyperchylomicronemia, low LPL activity, and history of acute pancreatitis. In CHO pgsA-745 cells, both G175R and C14F variants reduce the expression of GPIHBP1 at the cell surface. C89F mutation is responsible for a drastic LPL-binding defect to GPIHBP1. C14F may further potentiate C89F effect.

Conclusions:

The emergence of hyperchylomicronemia in the generation after a neomutation further establishes a critical role for GPIHBP1 in TGRL physiopathology in humans. Our results highlight the crucial role of C65-C89 disulfide bond in LPL binding by GPIHBP1 Ly6 domain. Furthermore, we first report a mutation of the hydrophobic C-terminal domain that impairs GPIHBP1 membrane targeting.
Mortality from pulmonary embolism is decreasing in hospital patients
Authors: Kopcke Douglas , Harryman Ondina , Benbow Emyr W , Hay Charles , Chalmers Nicholas
Published: August 2011

Objectives

Pulmonary embolism is believed to be a common cause of death of hospital inpatients. The aims of this study were to estimate the number of deaths caused by pulmonary embolism and the potential to reduce this by the use of caval filters according to accepted indications.

Design

Review of autopsy reports and death notification records from 2007 and 2008. When pulmonary embolism was given as cause of death (in the autopsy report or in section 1 a-c or part 2 of the Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death), hospital records were reviewed for evidence of pre-mortem diagnosis of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and for evidence of accepted indications for caval filter placement.

Setting

Large UK teaching hospital.

Participants

Hospital inpatients whose deaths were attributed to pulmonary embolism.

Main outcome measures

Proportion of deaths adjudged at autopsy to be due to pulmonary embolism; evidence of pre-mortem diagnosis of DVT or pulmonary embolism; total number of hospital admission and deaths.

Results

From a total of 186,517 adult inpatient admissions there were 2583 (1.4%) adult inpatient deaths of which 696 (27%) underwent autopsy. Of those undergoing autopsy, 14 (2.0%, 95% CI 1.2–3.3%) deaths were caused by pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism was recorded as a cause of death in a further 12 (0.7%) of 1773 patients who did not undergo autopsy. Of these, five had a pre-mortem diagnosis of DVT or pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions

The proportion of deaths caused by pulmonary embolism appears to be considerably lower than the widely published rate, and of this small number, few have a pre-mortem diagnosis of DVT or pulmonary embolism. There is little scope for further reduction of pulmonary embolism mortality through use of caval filters according to guidelines. Current policy on pulmonary embolism risk prevention appears to be based on an over-estimate of the level of risk.
The utility of six over-the-counter (home) pregnancy tests
Authors: Cole Laurence A.
Published: August 2011

Background: The home pregnancy market is rapidly evolving. It has moved from detection of pregnancy on the day of missed menstrual bleeding, to detection claims 4 days prior. It is moving from all manual tests to digital tests, with a monitor reading the bands and informing women they are pregnant. A thorough study is needed to investigate the validity of claims and evolving usefulness of devices.

Methods: Studies were proposed to examine the sensitivity and specificity of home tests and their abilities to detect pregnancy. Methods examined the abilities of tests to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), hyperglycosylated hCG, free β-subunit, a mixture of these antigens in 40 individual early pregnancy urines.

Results: Using a mixture of hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG and free β-subunit typical for early pregnancy, the sensitivity of the First Response manual and digital tests was 5.5 mIU/mL, while the sensitivities of the EPT and ClearBlue brand manual and digital tests was 22 mIU/mL. On further evaluation, the First Response manual and digital tests both detected 97% of 120 pregnancies on the day of missed menstrual bleeding. The EPT manual and digital devices detected 54% and 67% of pregnancies, respectively, and the ClearBlue manual and digital devices detected 64% and 54% of pregnancies, respectively.

Conclusions: First Response manual and digital claim >99% detection on the day of missed menses. The results here suggest similar sensitivity for these two tests. The EPT and ClearBlue manual and digital test make similar >99% claims, the data presented here disputes their elevated claim.
Modular Hyperbolas and the Coefficients of (x –1 + 6 + x) k
Authors: Khan Mizan R.
Published: August 2011

Let

where for

Furthermore, let

and let
Inhibition of gap junction transfer sensitizes thyroid cancer cells to anoikis
Authors: Jensen Kirk , Patel Aneeta , Klubo-Gwiezdzinska Joanna , Bauer Andrew , Vasko Vasyl
Published: August 2011

Resistance to anoikis (matrix deprivation-induced apoptosis) is a critical component of the metastatic cascade. Molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to anoikis have not been reported in thyroid cancer cells. For an in vitro model of anoikis, we cultured follicular, papillary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines on poly-HEMA-treated low-adherent plates. We also performed immunohistochemical analysis of human cancer cells that had infiltrated blood and/or lymphatic vessels. Matrix deprivation was associated with establishment of contacts between floating thyroid cancer cells and formation of multi-cellular spheroids. This process was associated with activation of gap junctional transfer. Increased expression of the gap junction molecule Connexin43 was found in papillary and anaplastic cancer cells forming spheroids. All non-adherent cancer cells showed a lower proliferation rate compared with adherent cells but were more resistant to serum deprivation. AKT was constitutively activated in cancer cells forming spheroids. Inhibition of gap junctional transfer through Connexin43 silencing, or by treatment with the gap junction disruptor carbenoxolone, resulted in loss of pAKT and induction of apoptosis in a cell-type-specific manner. In human thyroid tissue, cancer cells that had infiltrated blood vessels showed morphological similarity to cancer cells forming spheroids in vitro. Intra-vascular cancer cells demonstrated prominent AKT activation in papillary and follicular cancers. Increased Connexin43 immunoreactivity was observed only in intra-vascular papillary cancer cells. Our data demonstrate that establishment of inter-cellular communication contributes to thyroid cancer cell resistance to anoikis. These findings suggest that disruption of gap junctional transfer could represent a potential therapeutic strategy for prevention of metastases.
Electrical and Structural Characterization of the Interface of Wafer Bonded InP/Si
Authors: Morral A. Fontcuberta i , Zahler J. M. , Atwater Harry A. , Frank M. M. , Chabal Y. J. , Ahrenkiel P. , Wanlass M.
Published: August 2011

A study of the interfacial properties of wafer bonded InP/Si is presented. The electrical properties are measured by bonding InP to Si with different doping concentrations and by measuring the current voltage characteristics of the bonded pairs. Two different kinds of structures are studied: 1) n+InP doped to 3×1018 cm-3 bonded with n+Si doped to 1×1019 cm-3, and 2) n+InP doped to 3×1018 cm-3 bonded with p-Si doped to 6×1014 cm-3. After a 350°C anneal, structure 1 shows low resistive ohmic behavior while structure 2 is rectifying due to its higher sensitivity to interfacial chemistry. Indeed, both the reverse and forward current are reduced by annealing in structure 2, suggesting the formation of an interfacial barrier during annealing. This hypothesis is supported by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy combined with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, which indicate the formation of an amorphous interfacial oxide from the reaction of adsorbed water trapped at the InP/Si interface.
Photo-Polymer Wafer Bonding for Double Layer Transfer
Authors: Loryuenyong Vorrada , Sands Tim , Cheung Nathan W.
Published: August 2011

Temporary bonding is necessary for the two-stage transfer of thin films from one substrate to another while preserving the original orientation of the film. The process developed in this study uses an SU-8 photo-polymer both as a bonding material and as a delamination material for layer transfer. SU-8 was spun onto an optically transparent handle wafer (e.g., quartz or glass) and then bonded to the layer to be transferred. The processing parameters such as pre-baking temperature and UV exposure dose affect the bonding strength. UV curing of the SU-8 through the backside of the handle wafer could be performed to obtain the ultimate bond strength at low temperatures. A laser pulse from a KrF excimer laser (λ = 248 nm and λ = 38 ns) at a fluence of 50-150 mJ/cm2 was used to delaminate the SU-8 bonding layer to complete the layer transfer.
Desempenho do exame citológico e da captura híbrida II no rastreamento de lesões intraepiteliais escamosas de alto grau em mulheres HIV+
Authors: Raposo Letícia Martins , Velasque Luciane , Luz Paula Mendes , Friedman Ruth Khalili , Cytryn Andrea , Andrade Angela Cristina Vasconcelos de , Vanni Tazio , Brasil Pedro E. A. A. , Russomano Fabio , Veloso Valdiléa Gonçalves , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Struchiner Claudio José
Published: August 2011

As lesões intraepiteliais escamosas de alto grau (HSIL) são precursoras do câncer do colo do útero, com maior risco de ocorrência e desenvolvimento em mulheres HIV+. Neste trabalho, estimamos e comparamos o desempenho do exame citológico e da captura híbrida II no rastreamento das lesões precursoras em mulheres HIV+. A população de estudo compreendeu mulheres acompanhadas na coorte prospectiva aberta do Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IPEC/Fiocruz). A colposcopia e histologia foram consideradas conjuntamente na definição do teste de referência. O exame citológico apresentou sensibilidade de 31,8% e especificidade de 95,5%, enquanto a captura híbrida II apresentou maior sensibilidade (100%) e menor especificidade (52%). As razões de verossimilhança para o teste positivo e negativo foram estimadas em 7,1 e 0,7 para o exame citológico e em 2,1 e 0,0 para a captura híbrida II, respectivamente.
Nascer em Hospital Amigo da Criança no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: um fator de proteção ao aleitamento materno?
Authors: Sampaio Paula Florence , Moraes Claudia Leite , Reichenheim Michael Eduardo , Oliveira Alessandra Silva Dias de , Lobato Gustavo
Published: August 2011

Este artigo pretende avaliar o papel da Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança (IHAC) na duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME). Trata-se de estudo transversal, com população constituída de 811 mães de crianças menores de cinco meses de idade, selecionadas aleatoriamente em cinco unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A exposição de interesse central foi o local de nascimento da criança: Hospital Amigo da Criança (HAC), em vias de receber a titulação (EVHAC) e sem a titulação. Optou-se pelo modelo de análise de sobrevida log-log complementar, que recompõe a experiência longitudinal da coorte, caracterizando abordagem do tipo current status. Mesmo após o controle por variáveis sociodemográficas, relativas ao estilo de vida e aos aspectos psicossociais maternos, à utilização dos serviços de saúde, idade e saúde da criança, houve maior duração do AME em crianças nascidas em HAC e EVHAC. Os resultados sugerem a efetividade da IHAC na manutenção de AME nos primeiros meses de vida, reforçando a necessidade de ampliar sua cobertura para todo o território nacional.
The significance of interactions between organic compounds on low pressure membrane fouling
Authors: Gray S. R. , Dow N. , Orbell J. D. , Tran T. , Bolto B. A.
Published: August 2011

Fouling of hollow fibre microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes by solutions of pure organic compounds and mixtures of these compounds was studied with a backwashable membrane filtration apparatus. Small molecular weight compounds resulted in little fouling, while their polymeric analogues resulted in more severe fouling. Neutrally charged dextran resulted in minor, irreversible fouling, that was considered to be associated with blocking of small pores. Cationically charged chitosan produced gross fouling for which the extent of reversibility increased with salt addition. Anionically charged alginic acid resulted in gross irreversible fouling, except when being filtered by a hydrophilic membrane in the absence of calcium where a high degree of flux recovery was observed. Calcium addition to the alginic acid solutions resulted in gross fouling of all membranes and calcium bridging was considered to be responsible for this behaviour. Greater fouling occurred on the hydrophilic membrane compared to the hydrophobic membranes for bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions, and this was considered to be due to physical blocking of pores, because addition of calcium resulted in lower flux declines. Addition of BSA and calcium to alginic acid solutions resulted in lower flux recoveries for the alginic acid system, consistent with the proposition that interactions between polysaccharide and other compounds are required for irreversible fouling on hydrophilic membranes.
Grey water treatment in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor at different temperatures
Authors: Elmitwalli Tarek , Otterpohl Ralf
Published: August 2011

The treatment of grey water in two upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, operated at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) and temperatures, was investigated. The first reactor (UASB-A) was operated at ambient temperature (14–25 °C) and HRT of 20, 12 and 8 h, while the second reactor (UASB-30) was operated at controlled temperature of 30 °C and HRT of 16, 10 and 6 h. The two reactors were fed with grey water from ‘Flintenbreite’ settlement in Luebeck, Germany. When the grey water was treated in the UASB reactor at 30 °C, total chemical oxygen demand (CODt) removal of 52–64% was achieved at HRT between 6 and 16 h, while at lower temperature lower removal (31–41%) was obtained at HRT between 8 and 20 h. Total nitrogen and phosphorous removal in the UASB reactors were limited (22–36 and 10–24%, respectively) at all operational conditions. The results showed that at increasing temperature or decreasing HRT of the reactors, maximum specific methanogenic activity of the sludge in the reactors improved. As the UASB reactor showed a significantly higher COD removal (31–64%) than the septic tank (11–14%) even at low temperature, it is recommended to use UASB reactor instead of septic tank (the most common system) for grey water pre-treatment. Based on the achieved results and due to high peak flow factor, a HRT between 8 and 12 h can be considered the suitable HRT for the UASB reactor treating grey water at temperature 20–30 °C, while a HRT of 12–24 h can be applied at temperature lower than 20 °C.
The development of a Code of Practice for single house on-site wastewater treatment in Ireland
Authors: Gill L. W.
Published: August 2011

The performance of six separate percolation areas was intensively monitored to ascertain the attenuation effects of unsaturated subsoils with respect to on-site wastewater effluent: three sites receiving septic tank effluent, the other three sites receiving secondary treated effluent. The development of a biomat across the percolation areas receiving secondary treated effluent was restricted on these sites compared to those sites receiving septic tank effluent. This created significant differences in terms of the hydraulic loading on the percolation areas with implications for the transport and attenuation of indicator microorganisms and nitrogen down through the subsoils and into the groundwater. The results of this work have formed a large input into the production of a new Code of Practice Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses. This has led to changes in the design of on-site hydraulic loading from 180 L per capita per day (L/c.d) down to 150 L/c.d. The range of acceptable subsoils receiving septic tank effluent has narrowed for more highly permeable subsoils following a series of tracer studies using bacteriophages. However, the range has been extended for lower permeability subsoils (range 0.08 down to 0.06 m/d) receiving secondary treated effluent in order to encourage the effluent to spread further along the trenches. The maximum individual length of percolation trenches receiving secondary effluent has also been reduced to 10 m to encourage dispersion on a wider area. This paper thus highlights how research can directly feed into a Code of Practice.