bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tooth whitening with hydrogen/carbamide peroxides in association with a CPP‐ACP paste at different proportions
Authors: de Vasconcelos AAM , Cunha AGG , Borges BCD , Machado CT , dos Santos AJS
Published: April 2012

Background: Different enhanced peroxide formulations have been developed to overcome mineral loss during tooth whitening. This study investigated the impact on tooth whitening from combining a CPP‐ACP paste with home peroxide agents at several proportions.

Methods: Ninety bovine incisors were randomly allocated into nine groups (n = 10) and exposed to 7.5% hydrogen peroxide (HP), 16% carbamide peroxide (CP), a CPP‐ACP paste (Tooth Mousse/MI Paste, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and blends of HP/CP:MI at three proportions (1:1, 2:1 and 1:2). Tooth whitening was performed for 14 days and its effectiveness was measured by a spectrophotometer utilizing the CIE L*a*b* system (ΔE, ΔL*, Δa* and Δb*). Colour readings were measured at baseline (T0), 7 days of bleaching (T7), 14 days of bleaching (T14) and 7 days after the end of bleaching (T21). Data were analysed by two‐way ANOVA for paired averages followed by the Tukey’s test and Pearson’s correlation at 5%.

Results: Although CP produced the greatest colour change (ΔE), all whitening protocols were considered to be effective regardless of the CPP‐ACP presence. In general, greater changes in ΔE, ΔL*, Δa*  and Δb* were detected at T14, with T21 exhibiting similar results to those at T7. A greater number of strong correlations with ΔE values was found for a* (11/15).

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the results indicate that the CPP‐ACP paste did not affect tooth whitening efficacy.
MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF THE ACID RAIN FORMATION DUE TO PRECIPITATION AND ITS EFFECT ON PLANT SPECIES
Authors: SHUKLA J. B. , SUNDAR SHYAM , – SHIVANGI , NARESH RAM
Published: April 2012

Abstract In this paper, a nonlinear mathematical model is proposed and analyzed to study the formation of acid rain in the atmosphere because of precipitation and its effect on plant species. It is considered that acid‐forming gases such as SO2, NO2 emitted from various sources combine with water droplets (moisture) during precipitation and form acid rain affecting plant species. It is assumed that the biomass density of plant species follows a logistic model and its growth rate decreases with increase in the concentration of acid rain. The model is analyzed by using stability theory of differential equations and numerical simulation. The model analysis shows that as the concentration of acid rain increases because of increase in the cumulative emission rates of acid forming gases, the biomass density of plant species decreases. It is noted that if the amount of acid formed becomes very large, the plant species may become extinct.
Investigation of Silica-Supported Preyssler Nanoparticles as Nanocatalysts in Alkylation of Benzene With 1-Decene Using Artificial Intelligence Approach
Authors: Hafizi Ali , Ahmadpour Ali , Heravi Majid M. , Bamoharram Fatemeh F.
Published: April 2012

Silica-supported Preyssler nanoparticles were synthesized and tested in alkylation of benzene with 1-decene. Adaptive network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was successfully applied for studying the operating parameters of this catalytic reaction. The reaction was carried out at a constant temperature of 80 °C for 2 h, while catalyst loading, catalyst weight percent, and benzene to 1-decene molar ratio (Bz/C10) were chosen as independent variables. Prediction of 1-decene conversion and linear alkylbenzene (LAB) production yield were performed by applying ANFIS method. The predictive ability and accuracy of ANFIS model were examined using unseen experimental data set and R2 was obtained to be 0.994 and 0.995 for 1-decene conversion and LAB production yield, respectively. Experimental results revealed that catalyst loading, Bz/C10 molar ratio, and catalyst weight percent have positive effect on 1-decene conversion, while increase in catalyst loading tends to decrease LAB production yield.
The 3:1 is superior to a 15:2 ratio in a newborn manikin model in terms of quality of chest compressions and number of ventilations
Authors: Hemway Rae Jean , Christman Catherine , Perlman Jeffrey
Published: April 2012

Background

Most cases of delivery room cardiopulmonary arrest result from an asphyxial process. Experimental evidence supports an important role for ventilation during asphyxial arrest. The optimal compression: ventilation (CV) ratio remains unclear and recommendations for newborns have varied from 3:1, 5:1 and 15:2.

Objective

Compare 3:1, 5:1 and 15: 2 CV ratios using the two-thumb technique in relationship to depth of compressions, decay of compression depth over time, compression rates and breaths delivered.

Methods

Thirty-two subjects, physicians and neonatal nurses, participated with compressions performed on a manikin. Evaluations included 2 min of compressions using 3:1, 5:1 and 15:2 CV ratios.

Results

Compression depth was comparable between groups. By paired analysis per subject, the depth was only greater for 3:1 versus 15:2 (ie, 0.91±2.2 mm) (p=0.01) and greater for women than men. Comparing the initial and second minute of compressions, no decay in compression depth for 3:1 ratio was noted, however significant decay was observed for 5:1 and 15:2 ratios (p<0.05). The compression rates were least and ventilations breaths were highest for 3:1 as opposed to the other ratios (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Providers using a 3:1 versus 15:2 achieve a greater depth of compressions over 2 min with a greater difference noted in women. More consistent compression depth over time was achieved with 3:1 as opposed to the other ratios. Thus, the 3:1 ratio is appropriate for newly born infants requiring resuscitation.
Identification of genes affecting expression of phosphoglycerate kinase on the surface of group B streptococcus
Authors: Boone Tyler J. , Tyrrell Gregory J.
Published: April 2012

Group B streptococcal phosphoglycerate kinase (GBS-PGK), a glycolytic enzyme, has previously been identified on the surface of group B streptococcus (GBS). To identify genes involved in surface expression of GBS-PGK, we performed Tn917 mutagenesis followed by quantification of PGK expressed on the GBS surface. Tn917 mutagenesis identified 4 genes (sag0966, sag0979, sag0980, and sag1003) that when disrupted, alter expression of GBS-PGK on the bacterial surface. Three of the identified genes were localized to a region of the GBS genome containing genes (sag0973–sag0977) predicted to be involved in resistance to antimicrobial peptides. One mutant isolate, designated NCS13sag1003::Tn917, was found to have increased sensitivity to the antimicrobial peptides bacitracin and nisin. In addition, all of the mutant strains assayed were found to have decreased β-hemolysis. In conclusion, we have identified genes involved in surface expression of GBS-PGK. These genes also appear to be involved in antimicrobial peptide resistance and regulate expression of the β-hemolysin.
Effect of sample storage time on detection of hybridization signals in Checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization
Authors: do Nascimento Cássio , Muller Katia , Sato Sandra , Albuquerque Junior Rubens Ferreira
Published: April 2012

Long-term sample storage can affect the intensity of the hybridization signals provided by molecular diagnostic methods that use chemiluminescent detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different storage times on the hybridization signals of 13 bacterial species detected by the Checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization method using whole-genomic DNA probes. Ninety-six subgingival biofilm samples were collected from 36 healthy subjects, and the intensity of hybridization signals was evaluated at 4 different time periods: (1) immediately after collecting (n = 24) and (2) after storage at –20 °C for 6 months (n = 24), (3) for 12 months (n = 24), and (4) for 24 months (n = 24). The intensity of hybridization signals obtained from groups 1 and 2 were significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.001). No differences were found between groups 1 and 2 (p > 0.05). The Checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization method was suitable to detect hybridization signals from all groups evaluated, and the intensity of signals decreased significantly after long periods of sample storage.
Performance Analysis of High Speed Hybrid CMOS Full Adder Circuits for Low Voltage VLSI Design
Authors: Wairya Subodh , Nagaria Rajendra Kumar , Tiwari Sudarshan
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a comparative study of high‐speed and low‐voltage full adder circuits. Our approach is based on hybrid design full adder circuits combined in a single unit. A high performance adder cell using an XOR‐XNOR (3T) design style is discussed. This paper also discusses a high‐speed conventional full adder design combined with MOSCAP Majority function circuit in one unit to implement a hybrid full adder circuit. Moreover, it presents low‐power Majority‐function‐based 1‐bit full addersthat use MOS capacitors (MOSCAP) in its structure. This technique helps in reducing power consumption, propagation delay, and area of digital circuits while maintaining low complexity of logic design. Simulation results illustrate the superiority of the designed adder circuits over the conventional CMOS, TG, and hybrid adder circuits in terms of power, delay, power delay product (PDP), and energy delay product (EDP). Postlayout simulation results illustrate the superiority of the newly designed majority adder circuits against the reported conventional adder circuits. The design is implemented on UMC 0.18 μm process models in Cadence Virtuoso Schematic Composer at 1.8 V single‐ended supply voltage, and simulations are carried out on Spectre S.
Putting Cognition and Culture Back Together Again: Religion in Mind and Society
Authors: Pyysiäinen Ilkka
Published: April 2012

Abstract

The cognitive science of religion tries to explain how human mental architecture canalizes the spread of cultural ideas. Co-evolutionary theories aim at explaining the cultural stability of ideas and practices by constructing models of social behavior. I try to show that both research programs provide useful insights for the construction of mechanical explanations of the mental representation and transmission of religious ideas. Combining cognitive predispositions and their expression in forms of social behavior paves way for a more integrated explanatory framework.
Simulator Training With a Forward Collision Warning System
Authors: Koustanaï Arnaud , Cavallo Viola , Delhomme Patricia , Mas Arnaud
Published: April 2012

Objective:

The study addressed the role of familiarization on a driving simulator with a forward collision warning (FCW) and investigated its impact on driver behavior.

Background:

Drivers need a good understanding of how an FCW system functions to trust it and use it properly. Theoretical and empirical data suggest that exploring the capacities and limitations of the FCW during the learning period improves operating knowledge and leads to increased driver trust in the system and better driver-system interactions. The authors tested this hypothesis by comparing groups of drivers differing in FCW familiarity.

Method:

During the familiarization phase, familiarized drivers were trained on the simulator using the FCW, unfamiliarized drivers simply read an FCW manual, and control drivers had no contact with the FCW. During the test, drivers drove the simulator and had to interact with traffic; both familiarized and unfamiliarized drivers used the FCW, whereas controls did not.

Results:

Simulator familiarization improved driver understanding of FCW operation. Driver-system interactions were more effective: Familiarized drivers had no collisions, longer time headways, and better reactions in most situations. Familiarization increased trust in the FCW but did not raise system acceptance.

Conclusion:

Familiarization on the simulator had a positive effect on driver-system interactions and on trust in the system. The limitations of the familiarization method are discussed in relation to the driving simulator methodology.

Application:

Practicing on a driving simulator with driving-assistance systems could facilitate their use during real driving.
Tables or Bar Graphs? Presenting Test Results in Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Brewer Noel T. , Gilkey Melissa B. , Lillie Sarah E. , Hesse Bradford W. , Sheridan Stacey L.
Published: April 2012

Background

Electronic personal health records offer a promising way to communicate medical test results to patients. We compared the usability of tables and horizontal bar graphs for presenting medical test results electronically.

Methods

We conducted experiments with a convenience sample of 106 community-dwelling adults. In the first experiment, participants viewed either table or bar graph formats (between subjects) that presented medical test results with normal and abnormal findings. In a second experiment, participants viewed table and bar graph formats (within subjects) that presented test results with normal, borderline, and abnormal findings.

Results

Participants required less viewing time when using bar graphs rather than tables. This overall difference was due to superior performance of bar graphs in vignettes with many test results. Bar graphs and tables performed equally well with regard to recall accuracy and understanding. In terms of ease of use, participants did not prefer bar graphs to tables when they viewed only one format. When participants viewed both formats, those with experience with bar graphs preferred bar graphs, and those with experience with tables found bar graphs equally easy to use. Preference for bar graphs was strongest when viewing tests with borderline results.

Conclusions

Compared to horizontal bar graphs, tables required more time and experience to achieve the same results, suggesting that tables can be a more burdensome format to use. The current practice of presenting medical test results in a tabular format merits reconsideration.
Activated expression of the chemokine Mig after chemotherapy contributes to chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression and lethal toxicity
Authors: Lu Huili , Zhu Shunying , Qian Lan , Xiang Di , Zhang Wu , Nie Aifang , Gao Jin , Wu Mingyuan , Gao Jinming , Lu Bao , Yu Yan , Han Wei , Moldenhauer Anja
Published: April 2012

Alterations in gene expression after chemotherapy may potentially help to identify mediators that induce suppression or regeneration in bone marrow. This paper reports our observation that the expression of the chemokine monokine induced by IFN-γ (Mig) and its receptor CXCR3 was significantly activated in mice after treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The neutralization of antibodies against the activated Mig increased the survival rate and accelerated BM recovery after chemotherapy. In addition, elevation of Mig plasma levels after 5-FU treatment corresponded with increased mortality. The cell cycle–inhibiting effect of the prophylactic administration of Mig protected hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) from 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine in spleen colony assays and enhanced the irradiated recipients' survival. In CXCR3−/− mice, Mig did not propagate BM suppression, indicating that the suppressive effect of Mig is dependent on CXCR3. On the one hand, Mig stimulated p70 S6K and Erk1/2 pathways in mesenchymal stroma cells, inhibiting mesenchymal stroma cell–dependent HPC expansion. Moreover, Mig suppressed the STAT5 pathway in HPCs, inhibiting leukocyte differentiation. Our results strongly suggest that Mig contributes to the acute lethal toxicity arising from 5-FU administration. Neutralization of Mig may offer new strategies to alleviate BM toxicity with potentially dramatic implications for chemotherapy.
The ion channel transient receptor potential melastatin-2 does not play a role in inflammatory mouse models of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases
Authors: Hardaker Liz , Bahra Parmjit , de Billy Benjamin Cochin , Freeman Mark , Kupfer Natalia , Wyss Daniel , Trifilieff Alexandre
Published: April 2012

Background

There is strong evidence that oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The transient receptor potential melastatin-2 (TRPM2) is an oxidative stress sensing channel that is expressed in a number of inflammatory cells and therefore it has been suggested that inhibition of TRPM2 could lead to a beneficial effect in COPD patients. In this study, we have investigated the role of TRPM2 in a variety of mouse models of oxidative stress and COPD using TRPM2-deficent mice.

Methods

Mice were exposed to ozone (3 ppm for 4 h) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.3 mg/kg, intranasaly). In another model, mice were exposed to tobacco smoke (750 μg/l total wet particulate matter) for 30 min twice a day on three consecutive days. For the exacerbation model, the smoke exposure on the morning of day 3 animals was replaced with intranasal administration of LPS (0.3 mg/kg). Animals were killed 3 and 24 h after the challenge (ozone and LPS model) or 18 h after the last tobacco smoke exposure. In vitro neutrophil chemotaxis and monocyte activation were also studied using cells isolated from wild type and TRPM2-deficient animals. Statistical significance for the in vivo data (P < 0.05) was determined using analysis of variance with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunns multiple comparison test.

Results

In all models studied, no difference in the bronchoalveolar lavage inflammation could be evidenced when comparing wild type and TRPM2-deficient mice. In addition, no difference could be seen in the lung inflammation as assessed by the measurement of various cytokines/chemokines. Similarly in various in vitro cellular activation assays using isolated neutrophils and monocytes no significant differences could be observed when comparing wild type and TRPM2-deficient mice.

Discussion

We have shown, in all the models tested, no difference in the development of airway inflammation or cell activation between TRPM2-deficient mice and their wild type counterparts. These results would suggest that inhibiting TRPM2 activity in COPD would have no anti-inflammatory effect.
Synthesis of PbS/EuS Core/Shell Nanocrystals
Authors: Nakashima Takuya , Nakao Hiroki , Tanaka Atsushi , Hasegawa Yasuchika , Kawai Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2012

The synthesis of nonmagnetic/magnetic PbS/EuS core/shell nanocrystals (NCs) has been demonstrated. PbS NCs were deposited by EuS layer via thermal decomposition of the single-source precursor, Eu(III)–dithiocarbamate complex, giving PbS/EuS core/shell NCs.
Neoplasmas envolvendo o sistema nervoso central de cães: 26 casos (2003-2011)
Authors: Santos Rosmarini P. , Fighera Rafael A. , Beckmann Diego V. , Brum Juliana S. , Ripplinger Angel , P. Neto Dakir , Baumhardt Raquel , Mazzanti Alexandre
Published: April 2012

O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi identi [1]icar cães com neoplasmas envolvendo o sistema nervoso central (SNC), atendidos entre janeiro de 2003 a junho de 2011, no HVU-UFSM, e obter informações a respeito da raça, do sexo, da idade, dos sinais neurológicos, da localização, da evolução clínica, do tipo e da origem do tumor e dos achados de exames complementares. Os 26 neoplasmas envolvendo o SNC incluídos nesse estudo ocorreram principalmente em Boxers (35%), com predomínio de idade de cinco anos ou mais (92,3%). A evolução dos sinais clínicos nos neoplasmas encefálicos variou entre sete e 115 dias e nos medulares entre sete a 420 dias. Os sinais neurológicos principais em cães com neoplasmas encefálicos e medulares foram alteração do nível de consciência (58%), caracterizada principalmente por sonolência, e hiperestesia espinhal (57%), respectivamente. As regiões tálamo-cortical e T3-L3 foram as mais acometidas (58% e 43%, respectivamente). Dos 12 neoplasmas que afetaram o encéfalo, 10 eram primários (83,3%). Dos 14 neoplasmas que afetaram a medula espinhal, apenas quatro eram primários (28,6%). Dos neoplasmas encefálicos e medulares primários, o mais comum foi o meningioma, perfazendo 40% e 75% dos casos, respectivamente.
Professional competences of nurse to work in Intensive Care Units: an integrative review
Authors: Camelo Silvia Helena Henriques
Published: April 2012

This study aimed to identify and analyze nurses' competences to work at Intensive Care Units-ICU. An integrative review method was used, and data were collected in LILACS, SciELO and BDENF, from August to October 2010. Ten articles were identified, published in the last 12 years. Data grouping permitted the construction of thematic units related to nurses' competences: nursing care management, high-complexity nursing care delivery, decision making, leadership, communication, continuing/permanent education, human resource management, material resource management. The professional competences identified can support the outline of guidelines to constitute the profile of nursing working in intensive care units and drive/mobilize the improvement of nursing care practices.
Ocorrência das estratégias de reparo para os fonemas plosivos, considerando o grau do desvio fonológico
Authors: Berticelli Aline , Mota Helena Bolli
Published: April 2012

OBJETIVO: verificar a ocorrência ou não de estratégias de reparo para os fonemas /b/, /d/, /k/ e /g/ e a relação destas estratégias com a gravidade do desvio fonológico. MÉTODO: selecionados 54 sujeitos com diagnóstico de desvio fonológico que apresentavam estratégias de reparo para as consoantes plosivas /b/, /d/, /k/ e /g/ nas posições de onset inicial e/ou medial, com emprego de 40% em seu sistema fonológico. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística por meio do programa Statistical Analysis System, versão 8.02, utilizando-se o Teste Exato de Fisher. O nível de significância adotado para os testes estatísticos foi de 5% (p< 0.05). RESULTADOS: verifica-se diferença estatisticamente significativa para o /b/ com maior frequência de dessonorização nas crianças com desvio moderadamente-grave e desvio grave, e de posteriorização, sendo utilizadas duas ou mais estratégias pelas crianças com desvio grave. Diferença estatisticamente significativa para o /d/ com maior frequência de posteriorização nos sujeitos com desvio leve, de dessonorização e duas ou mais estratégias naqueles com desvio moderadamente-grave e a dessonorização por aqueles com desvio grave. CONCLUSÃO: quanto mais complexos em termos de aquisição e produção são os fonemas plosivos, mais estratégias de reparo são utilizadas. E ainda, quanto maior o grau do desvio fonológico, maior é a quantidade de vezes que este recurso é usado, demonstrando que a criança possui um menor conhecimento fonológico.
Nonhemimaximal degrees and the high/low hierarchy
Authors: Chengling Fang , Guohua Wu
Published: April 2012

After showing the downwards density of nonhemimaximal degrees, Downey and Stob continued to prove that the existence of a low2, but not low, nonhemimaximal degree, and their proof uses the fact that incomplete m-topped degrees are low2 but not low. As commented in their paper, the construction of such a nonhemimaximal degree is actually a primitive 0‴ argument. In this paper, we give another construction of such degrees, which is a standard 0″-argument, much simpler than Downey and Stob's construction mentioned above.
A Prospective Study of the Association Between Quantity and Variety of Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Incident Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Cooper Andrew J. , Sharp Stephen J. , Lentjes Marleen A.H. , Luben Robert N. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nicholas J. , Forouhi Nita G.
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE

The association between quantity of fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is not clear, and the relationship with variety of intake is unknown. The current study examined the association of both quantity and variety of F&V intake and risk of T2D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined the 11-year incidence of T2D in relation to quantity and variety of fruit, vegetables, and combined F&V intake in a case-cohort study of 3,704 participants (n = 653 diabetes cases) nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Norfolk study, who completed 7-day prospective food diaries. Variety of intake was derived from the total number of different items consumed in a 1-week period. Multivariable, Prentice-weighted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

A greater quantity of combined F&V intake was associated with 21% lower hazard of T2D (HR 0.79 [95% CI 0.62–1.00]) comparing extreme tertiles, in adjusted analyses including variety. Separately, quantity of vegetable intake (0.76 [0.60–0.97]), but not fruit, was inversely associated with T2D in adjusted analysis. Greater variety in fruit (0.70 [0.53–0.91]), vegetable (0.77 [0.61–0.98]), and combined F&V (0.61 [0.48–0.78]) intake was associated with a lower hazard of T2D, independent of known confounders and quantity of intake comparing extreme tertiles.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that a diet characterized by a greater quantity of vegetables and a greater variety of both F&V intake is associated with a reduced risk of T2D.
The Impact of Plant Shaping on Aphid Behavior
Authors: Cichocka Elżbieta , Lubiarz Magdalena
Published: April 2012

The Impact of Plant Shaping on Aphid Behavior

The paper provides a review of the studies focusing on the impact of plant trimming and pruning (especially in tree rows) and tree crown formation (in orchards and urban greenery) on the bionomy and number of aphids and some other hemipterans. The fresh, succulent shoots which appear after any trimming and pruning provide aphids with "eternal spring" conditions,i.e.the availability of young leaves and shoots preferred by aphids as a source of nutrition. The majority of aphid species acquiring nutrition from leaves feed on the top shoots. People shape garden greenery, forming beautiful, decorative tree crowns. Some shoots in orchards are regularly cut off; sometimes even apple trees are planted in rows. Instead of building traditional fences, hedges are planted and regularly trimmed. Trimmed plants have fresh, succulent shoots, which are an attractive source of nutrition for many aphids. Large numbers of aphids inhabit these rejuvenated plants. Cutting and trimming of plants often have an impact not only on the number of aphids, but also on their bionomy.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Its Mechanisms and Effects on Range of Motion and Muscular Function
Authors: Hindle Kayla , Whitcomb Tyler , Briggs Wyatt , Hong Junggi
Published: April 2012

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Its Mechanisms and Effects on Range of Motion and Muscular Function

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is common practice for increasing range of motion, though little research has been done to evaluate theories behind it. The purpose of this study was to review possible mechanisms, proposed theories, and physiological changes that occur due to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques. Four theoretical mechanisms were identified: autogenic inhibition, reciprocal inhibition, stress relaxation, and the gate control theory. The studies suggest that a combination of these four mechanisms enhance range of motion. When completed prior to exercise, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation decreases performance in maximal effort exercises. When this stretching technique is performed consistently and post exercise, it increases athletic performance, along with range of motion. Little investigation has been done regarding the theoretical mechanisms of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, though four mechanisms were identified from the literature. As stated, the main goal of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is to increase range of motion and performance. Studies found both of these to be true when completed under the correct conditions. These mechanisms were found to be plausible; however, further investigation needs to be conducted. All four mechanisms behind the stretching technique explain the reasoning behind the increase in range of motion, as well as in strength and athletic performance. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation shows potential benefits if performed correctly and consistently.
Registration of ‘NuMex Bill Melton’ Alfalfa for Variable‐Soil‐Moisture Environments
Authors: Ray Ian M. , Pierce Christopher A. , Currier Clifford G.
Published: April 2012

‘NuMex Bill Melton’ (Reg. No. CV‐206, PI 664299) alfalfa (Medicago sativa subsp. sativa L.) was developed by the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station and released on 5 June 2009. This cultivar was tested under the experimental designation NM0307 and was developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for improved forage yield under reduced levels of irrigation and for enhanced resistance to Phytophthora root rot (caused by Phythophthora megasperma Drechs. f. sp. medicaginis Kuan and Erwin) and anthracnose (caused by Colletotrichum trifolii Bain & Essary race 1). NuMex Bill Melton is adapted to the USDA plant hardiness zones 7 and 8 of New Mexico and the southwestern portion of the Great Plains that lie between 31° and 35° N latitude. Under standard irrigation management practices in this region, NuMex Bill Melton ranked among the top‐performing entries in 11 of 15 New Mexico test environments. Under deficit irrigation management in 6 additional test environments, this cultivar consistently ranked equal to, or higher than, the drought‐tolerant check ‘Wilson’. These results indicate that NuMex Bill Melton should be useful for hay production in arid and semiarid environments of New Mexico that possess either optimum or limited irrigation capabilities.
Autobiographical research
Authors: Menna Barreto Abrahão Maria Helena
Published: April 2012

This text is about life narratives, memory and time as basic elements in autobiographical research. Aspects of these have seemed important to me whilst I have been conducting and coordinating a research project involving a team of researchers from Brazil and other countries. In this article I take the memory of the individual narrator as the focus, despite the fact that the memories of narrator and researcher are intertwined and co-defined through social and cultural relations and that the narrators´ memory and the analysis and the interpretation of the narrator and researcher are intertwined and complementary to each other. I deal with time since the narrator's perspective on the past reality is involved in any narration._x000D_
_x000D_
The article has four parts. The first is focused on the research approach in general. Among other concepts I distinguish between autobiographical research, life stories and life narratives. The second part is focused on a specific research project that studied peoples' memories about distinguished educators and education development in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This project offers the backdrop for understanding representations of memory and time. The third part draws on examples from this project to clarify the dimensions of memory and time as I understood them. Finally, in the last part, but not aiming to conclude, I relate these findings to some concepts from the literature.
Life history approaches to access and retention of nontraditional students in higher education: A cross-European approach
Authors: Field John , Merrill Barbara , West Linden
Published: April 2012

Higher education participation has become an important focus for policy debate as well as for scholarly research. Partly this results from ongoing attempts to expand the higher education system in line with wider policies promoting a 'knowledge economy'; and partly it results from widespread policy concerns for equity and inclusion. In both cases, researchers and policymakers alike have tended to focus on access and entry to the system, with much less attention being paid to the distribution of outcomes from the system. This paper reports on a multi-country study that was aimed at critically understanding the experiences of non-traditional students in higher education, and in particular on the factors that helped promote retention. In doing so, the study straddles the sociology of social reproduction and the psychosociology of learner transformations.
Nuklearmedizin in Europa
Authors: Hellwig D. , Freudenberg L. S. , Mottaghy F. M. , Franzius C. , Krause T. , Garai I. , Biermann M. , Grüning T. , Leitha T. , Gotthardt M.
Published: April 2012

The technical developments that have taken place in the preceding years (PET, hybrid imaging) have changed nuclear medicine. The future cooperation with radiologists will be challenging as well as positioning nuclear medicine in an European context. It can also be expected that education in nuclear medicine will undergo a harmonization process in the states of the European Union.

In this paper, we describe how nuclear medicine education is organized in several European countries. We aim to stimulate constructive discussions on the future development of the specialization in nuclear medicine in Germany.
Positive Solutions to Periodic Boundary Value Problems for Four-Order Differential Equations
Authors: Zhu Huantao , Luo Zhiguo
Published: April 2012

We apply fixed point theorem in a cone to
obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of single and multiple positive solutions of periodic boundary value problems for a class of four-order
differential equations.
La place de la victime dans la lutte contre la traite des personnes au Canada
Authors: Jimenez Estibaliz
Published: April 2012

L’immigration irrégulière en général, et à plus forte raison lorsqu’elle implique l’exploitation des êtres humains, comme c’est le cas de la traite des personnes, est une source importante d’inquiétude pour un grand nombre de pays, dont le Canada. En 2002, le Canada a ratifié le Protocole additionnel à la Convention des Nations Unies contre la criminalité transnationale organisée visant à prévenir, réprimer et punir la traite des personnes, en particulier des femmes et des enfants. La majorité des mesures adoptées par le Canada dans la lutte contre la traite visent particulièrement le contrôle migratoire et la criminalisation du trafiquant, reléguant la protection et l’assistance aux victimes de la traite au second plan. De plus, plusieurs de ces mesures peuvent victimiser et même criminaliser les victimes. Le Permis de séjour temporaire (PST) mis en place par le Canada pour les victimes de la traite semble, d’un point de vue victimologique, un pas dans la bonne direction. Toutefois, en pratique, cette mesure s’avère très peu efficace pour rejoindre les victimes. Cet article présente, d’un point de vue juridique et victimologique, les progrès, mais également les lacunes de la législation et de la politique canadienne en matière de protection et d’assistance aux victimes de la traite.
The Combination of Relay and Cooperative Catalysis with a Gold/Palladium/Brønsted Acid Ternary System for the Cascade Hydroamination/Allylic Alkylation Reaction
Authors: Wu Hua , He Yu‐Ping , Gong Liu‐Zhu
Published: April 2012

The combination of relay and cooperative catalysis with a gold/palladium/Brønsted acid ternary system renders a cascade hydroamination/allylic alkylation reaction to provide an unprecedented entry to pyrrolidine derivatives in high yields.
From Sophorose Lipids to Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Hoffmann Natalie , Pietruszka Jörg , Söffing Christoph
Published: April 2012

Sophorose lipids (SL) are a readily available, scalable source for the disaccharide sophorose: In a four‐step sequence the crude product from the fermentation broth was converted to key disaccharide donors 7 that were further utilized in the synthesis of natural products Ebracteatoside C, Zizybeoside I and phenethyl glycoside. While the aglycones for Zizybeoside I and the phenethyl glycoside are commercially available simple primary alcohols, the synthesis of Ebrateatoside C required a secondary allylic alcohol (R)‐6‐hydroxyoct‐7‐enyl acetate. The enantiomerically pure secondary alcohol was synthesized in two steps using an alcohol dehydrogenase‐catalysed reduction as the key step.
Theoretical study of sequential centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Völkl Johannes , Arlt Wolfgang , Minceva Mirjana
Published: April 2012

Sequential centrifugal partition chromatography (sCPC) is a novel cyclic liquid–liquid chromatographic process. Each cycle comprises two steps, which differ by the liquid phase used as a mobile phase (upper or lower phase) and its flow direction. The feed is continuously separated into two product streams, which are collected alternately. The process includes six (four flow rates and two‐step durations) interconnected operating parameters. In this work, by imposing a complete separation of a binary feed mixture and using the assumption of instantaneous solutes partition equilibrium, a set of constraints on the sCPC unit operating parameters is derived. Using these constraints, a region of complete separation, composed of a set of combinations of the two‐step times, can be defined for a preselected feed and mobile phase flow rates. The approach is validated by simulation of a binary mixture separation in a sCPC using the cell model. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 241–249, 2013
Retrospective comparison of filgrastim plus plerixafor to other regimens for remobilization after primary mobilization failure: Clinical and economic outcomes
Authors: Perkins Janelle B. , Shapiro Jamie F. , Bookout Ryan N. , Yee Gary C. , Anasetti Claudio , Janssen William E. , Fernandez Hugo F.
Published: April 2012

We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate clinical and economic outcomes in patients receiving remobilization therapy after primary mobilization failure. Our primary endpoint was to compare filgrastim plus plerixafor to other regimens in their ability to collect a target cell dose of at least 2 million CD34+ cells/kg (cumulative). Of 96 consecutive patients who failed their primary mobilization therapy and in whom a second mobilization was attempted, remobilization consisted of filgrastim plus plerixafor (n = 38), filgrastim with or without sargramostim (n = 43), or chemotherapy plus filgrastim (n = 15), 84% of filgrastim/plerixafor patients were able to collect at least 2 million CD34+ cells/kg from both mobilizations, compared to 60% of patients mobilized with chemotherapy/filgrastim and 79% of the filgrastim ± sargramostim patients (P = 0.17). However, when combined with cells collected from the first mobilization, 53% of filgrastim/plerixafor patients reached the target of 2 million CD34+ cells in one apheresis, compared to 20% of those receiving chemotherapy/filgrastim and 28% of those receiving filgrastim ± sargramostim (P = 0.02). Resource utilization, mobilization drug costs, clinical care costs, and total costs were significantly different. We conclude that while filgrastim/plerixafor is the most efficient remobilization strategy, those clinical benefits may not translate into lower cost, especially when multiple days of plerixafor administration are required. Am. J. Hematol. 87:673–677, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti–high mobility group box‐1 antibody therapy for traumatic brain injury
Authors: Okuma Yu , Liu Keyue , Wake Hidenori , Zhang Jiyong , Maruo Tomoko , Date Isao , Yoshino Tadashi , Ohtsuka Aiji , Otani Naoki , Tomura Satoshi , Shima Katsuji , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Takahashi Hideo K. , Mori Shuji , Nishibori Masahiro
Published: April 2012

Objective:

High mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) plays an important role in triggering inflammatory responses in many types of diseases. In this study, we examined the involvement of HMGB1 in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and evaluated the ability of intravenously administered neutralizing anti‐HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) to attenuate brain injury.

Methods:

Traumatic brain injury was induced in rats or mice by fluid percussion. Anti‐HMGB1 mAb or control mAb was administered intravenously after TBI.

Results:

Anti‐HMGB1 mAb remarkably inhibited fluid percussion‐induced brain edema in rats, as detected by T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging; this was associated with inhibition of HMGB1 translocation, protection of blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, suppression of inflammatory molecule expression, and improvement of motor function. In contrast, intravenous injection of recombinant HMGB1 dose‐dependently produced the opposite effects. Experiments using receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE)−/−, toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4)−/−, and TLR2−/− mice suggested the involvement of RAGE as the predominant receptor for HMGB1.

Interpretation:

Anti‐HMGB1 mAb may provide a novel and effective therapy for TBI by protecting against BBB disruption and reducing the inflammatory responses induced by HMGB1. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:373–384
Stabilization of Nonlinear Systems with Filtered Lyapunov Functions and Feedback Passivation
Authors: Battilotti Stefano
Published: April 2012

In this paper a generalized class of filtered Lyapunov functions is introduced, which are Lyapunov functions with time‐varying parameters satisfying certain differential equations. Filtered Lyapunov functions have the same stability properties as Lyapunov functions. Tools are given for designing composite filtered Lyapunov functions for cascaded systems. These functions are used to design globally stabilizing dynamic feedback laws for block‐feedforward systems with stabilizable linear approximation.
Statische Lastannahmen für absturzsichernde Bauteile im Hochbau
Authors: Rimböck Robert , Eierle Benno
Published: April 2012

In diesem Beitrag werden die aktuellen und zukünftigen technischen Regeln für Lastannahmen auf absturzsichernde Bauteile vergleichend dargestellt. Dieses vermeintlich einfache Thema weist bei genauerer Betrachtung einige Besonderheiten, Regelungslücken bzw. Regelungsüberschneidungen auf. Auch der Ausblick auf die zukünftige Normengeneration zeigt für die Praxis relevante Veränderungen. Dieser Artikel konzentriert sich auf die linienförmigen Horizontallasten (Holmlasten) und wurde in erster Linie als Leitfaden für den Tragwerksplaner konzipiert. In einem weiteren Beitrag werden die Stoßlasten behandelt.

Loadings for barriers for building constructions

In this article are represented the comparison of the actual and future technical standards and rules for building parts which prevent persons from falling down. This supposed easy topic gives us by closer reflection many characteristics, gaps and overlappings in the regulations. The forecast of the future standards shows for the practical use many substantially changes. This article is concentrating on the horizontal uniformly distributed line loads and should serve as a guideline for the structural engineer. A further article will be about impact loading.
Der späte Zwang als unterschätzter – aber maßgebender – Lastfall für die Bemessung
Authors: Meier Andreas
Published: April 2012

Die Bemessung von Stahlbetongründungsplatten erfolgt in der Praxis “quasi traditionell” oftmals lediglich für den Lastfall abfließende Hydratationswärme. Dabei werden in der statischen Berechnung bei der Ermittlung der erforderlichen Bewehrungsmenge zur Begrenzung der Rissbreite Annahmen und Vereinfachungen getroffen, die sich in der späteren Errichtung und Lebenszeit des Bauwerkes aber nicht wie angenommen darstellen. Eine Ursache, die zu einem Zeitpunkt oft deutlich nach Erstellung des Bauwerkes rissauslösend werden kann, ist der Lastfall später Zwang. Ziel des Beitrages ist es jedoch nicht, grundsätzlich zur Bemessung von Stahlbetongründungsplatten für den Lastfall später Zwang aufzufordern, sondern die Umgebungs‐ und Entstehungsbedingungen solcher Bauteile präziser in der statischen Berechnung zu erfassen. Hierzu werden im Folgenden einige Hinweise gegeben.

The late restraint as an underestimated – but authoritative – load case in design

The design of reinforced concrete slabs for foundation often occurs in the traditional way, i. e. for the load case of effluent hydration heat only. For this purpose the static calculation of the amount of reinforcement needed for the limitation of the crack width bases on assumptions and simplifications which often differ from the actual conditions during the construction process and the service lifeof the structure. One cause that may provoke cracks a long time after finishing the construction is the load case of late restraint. However, it is not the intention of the author to generally propagate the design of reinforced concrete slabs for foundations on basis of this load case. In fact this paper shows a way in order to carry out the static calculations more precisely with regards to the respective characteristic environmental conditions of such structures during their construction process and service life. In the following some comments are given to this topic.
Kombinierte Radar‐ und Ultraschalluntersuchungen zum schadfreien Kernbohren im Zuge einer Verstärkung
Authors: Kind Thomas , Wöstmann Jens
Published: April 2012

Im Rahmen von Ertüchtigungsmaßnahmen an Spannbetonbrücken werden häufig Kernbohrungen durchgeführt, die die vorhandenen Spannbewehrungen nicht beschädigen dürfen. Die Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung (ZfP) kann einen wesentlichen Beitrag leisten, das Risiko einer Beschädigung zu minimieren und somit eine bessere Planungssicherheit für die Ertüchtigungsmaßnahmen zu schaffen. Typische ZfP‐Verfahren für das Auffinden von vorgespannter Bewehrung sind das Radar‐ und das Ultraschallverfahren. Am Beispiel der Ertüchtigung einer Brücke in Bremen wird die Vorgehensweise beschrieben, und es werden die Grenzen der Verfahren aufgezeigt.
A lectin‐based gold nanoparticle assay for probing glycosylation of glycoproteins
Authors: Sánchez‐Pomales Germarie , Morris Todd A. , Falabella James B. , Tarlov Michael J. , Zangmeister Rebecca A.
Published: April 2012

We report a glycoanalysis method in which lectins are used to probe the glycans of therapeutic glycoproteins that are adsorbed on gold nanoparticles. A model mannose‐presenting glycoprotein, ribonuclease B (RNase B), and the therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) rituximab, were found to adsorb spontaneously and non‐specifically to bare gold nanoparticles such that glycans were accessible for lectin binding. Addition of a multivalent binding lectin, such as concanavalin A (Con A), to a solution of the modified gold nanoparticles resulted in cross‐linking of the nanoparticles. This phenomenon was evidenced within 1 min by a change in the hydrodynamic diameter, DH, measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and a shift and increase in absorbance of the plasmon resonance band of the gold nanoparticles. By combining the sugar‐binding specificity and the cross‐linking capabilities of lectins, the non‐specific adsorption of glycoproteins to gold surfaces, and the unique optical reporting properties of gold nanoparticles, a glycosylation pattern of rituximab could be generated. This assay provides advantages over currently used glycoanalysis methods in terms of short analysis time, simplicity of the conjugation method, convenience of simple spectroscopic detection, and feasibility of providing glycan characterization of the protein drug product by using a variety of binding lectins. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012;109: 2240–2249. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioökonomie contra Biodiversität?
Authors: Tscharntke Teja
Published: April 2012

Angesichts eines Anstieges der Weltbevölkerung auf bald neun Milliarden Menschen fordert unter anderem die Ernährungs‐ und Landwirtschaftsorganisation der Vereinten Nationen (FAO) eine Steigerung der Nahrungsmittelproduktion um 70 bis 100% und damit eine Intensivierung der Landwirtschaft. Gleichzeitig befinden wir uns in der UN‐Dekade der Biodiversität, in der der schleichende Artenschwund aufgehalten werden soll. Wie passt das zusammen? Es gibt Lösungen, so der Agrarökologe Teja Tscharntke, aber diese sind vielschichtig. Den Einsatz gentechnisch veränderter Pflanzen sieht er als ein sinnvolles Werkzeug – aber nicht als Allheilmittel.
Leuchtbakterien locken Zooplankton und Fische an
Authors: Sander Johannes
Published: April 2012

Viele Bakterien sind zum Leuchten befähigt. Leben sie als Symbionten von Tieren, so bietet dies ihren Wirten einen Vorteil. Doch weshalb leuchten auch freilebende Bakterien? Zumindest in einigen Fällen sichern sie so ihre Verbreitung.