bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular Access Considerations for Therapeutic Apheresis Procedures
Authors: Okafor Chidi , Kalantarinia Kambiz
Published: December 2011

The success of therapeutic apheresis (TA), similar to hemodialysis, depends on the integrity of the extracorporeal circuit as well as a reliable vascular access. However, unlike hemodialysis, which requires high flow of blood around 400 mL/minute through the extracorporeal circuit for effective clearance, TA is usually carried out with much lower blood flow rates (<100 ml/minute). Therefore, even peripheral venous access can be considered for TA. The main determinants of the choice of vascular access for TA is the duration of the planned treatment and, to a certain degree, the indication for its use. While peripheral venous access and temporary central venous catheters are sufficient for short‐term TA, tunnelled catheters and arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are usually used for long‐term treatments. Because of the large body of evidence in the hemodialysis literature on the advantages of AVF over tunnelled catheters and AV grafts, they should be considered as the preferred access for chronic TA as well. However, advance planning for the care of AVF after creation is of critical importance especially since many of the healthcare providers dealing with TA are less familiar with caring for AVF than nephrologists and dialysis nurses. In this article we first review the similarities and differences between HD and TA procedures. The pros and cons of different vascular access options are discussed next. Finally, we have included a list of recommendations on maintenance of AVF created for TA based on our own experience.
Work‐Related Stress May Increase the Risk of Vascular Dementia
Authors: Andel Ross , Crowe Michael , Hahn Elizabeth A. , Mortimer James A. , Pedersen Nancy L. , Fratiglioni Laura , Johansson Boo , Gatz Margaret
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To examine job control, job demands, social support at work, and job strain (ratio of demands to control) in relation to risk of any dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD).

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

The population‐based Study of Dementia in Swedish Twins.

Participants

Two hundred fifty‐seven people with dementia (167 AD, 46 VaD) and 9,849 without.

Measurements

Dementia diagnoses were based on telephone screening for cognitive impairment followed by in‐person clinical examination. An established job exposure matrix was matched to main occupation categories to measure work characteristics.

Results

In generalized estimating equations (adjusted for the inclusion of complete twin pairs), lower job control was associated with greater risk of any dementia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.31) and VaD specifically (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.07–1.81). Lower social support at work was associated with greater risk of dementia (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03–1.28), AD (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.00–1.31), and VaD (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.02–1.60). Greater job strain was associated with greater risk of VaD only (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.02–1.60), especially in combination with low social support (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.11–1.64). Age, sex, and education were controlled for. Work complexity, manual work, and vascular disease did not explain the results. No differences in work‐related stress scores were observed in the 54 twin pairs discordant for dementia, although only two pairs included a twin with VaD.

Conclusion

Work‐related stress, including low job control and low social support at work, may increase the risk of dementia, particularly VaD. Modification to work environment, including attention to social context and provision of meaningful roles for employees, may contribute to efforts to promote cognitive health.
Dell H. Hymes: His Scholarship and Legacy in Anthropology and Education
Authors: HORNBERGER NANCY H.
Published: December 2011

Dell Hathaway Hymes, linguistic anthropologist and educational visionary extraordinaire, passed away in November 2009, leaving behind a voluminous scholarship and inspirational legacy in the study of language and inequality, ethnography, sociolinguistics, Native American ethnopoetics, and education. This essay provides a brief account of Hymes's life and scholarly contributions, especially his early and enduring influence in the anthropology of education; and goes on to comment briefly on this AEQ set of essays honoring Hymes.[Dell Hymes, anthropology of education, ethnography, social justice, ethnography in education, educational linguistics, ethnography and social justice, communicative competence, verbal repertoire, ethnographic monitoring, ethnography of communication, ethnopoetics]
Ethnographic Monitoring: Hymes's Unfinished Business in Educational Research
Authors: VAN DER AA JEF , BLOMMAERT JAN
Published: December 2011

This essay describes the process of Hymesian monitoring, a collaborative effort to understand voice in education, so crucial in Hymes's later work. A report of ethnographic monitoring in 1970s Philadelphia and a recent collaborative project in the Caribbean demonstrate how one can work from the voice of the pupil, through that of the analyst toward that of the teacher and back, checking what each party brought into the analysis and treating each of these voices as legitimate. [Hymes, ethnographic monitoring, Philadelphia, Barbados, ethnopoetics]
Assessment of Bone Density in the Posterior Maxilla Based on Hounsfield Units to Enhance the Initial Stability of Implants
Authors: Sogo Motofumi , Ikebe Kazunori , Yang Tsung‐Chieh , Wada Masahiro , Maeda Yoshinobu
Published: December 2011

Purpose: The poor bone quality that exists in the posterior maxilla is associated with lower initial stability and higher failure rates in implants. This study examined the bone densities of edentulous posterior maxillae by computed tomography (CT).

Materials and Methods: Based on CT images, the voxel values representing implant replacement in the posterior maxillary regions of 30 patients were calculated in the range from 150 to 2,000 Hounsfield units (HU). The bone densities of these regions were categorized according to Misch's classification and compared among individuals and between sexes.

Results: The average of the median individual CT values was 495 HU (95% confidence interval: 442–547 HU) and was significantly higher in males than in females. Most of the bone in the posterior maxillae was classified as D3 (350–850 HU) or D4 (150–350 HU) according to Misch's classification, comprising 50% and 32% of the entire regions, respectively.

Conclusions: More than 80% of the edentulous posterior maxillae consisted of porous cortical crest or no cortical bone according to CT, although the bone densities varied markedly among individuals. More detailed assessments of bone density may be useful to enhance initial stability of implants in the posterior maxilla.
Ammonia‐oxidizing Archaea in laboratory‐scale activated sludge systems for wastewater of low‐ or high‐ammonium concentration
Authors: OISHI Ryu , HIROOKA Kayako , OTAWA Kenichi , TADA Chika , NAKAI Yutaka
Published: December 2011

Ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) is known as ammonia‐oxidizer in wastewater treatment systems. However, ammonia‐oxidizing Archaea (AOA) is found from various environments, including wastewater treatment systems. In this study, to investigate the relationships between AOA population and ammonia concentration, AOA was monitored in two laboratory‐scale reactors treating artificial wastewater of different ammonium concentrations by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis targeting ammonia monooxygenase genes. At day 60 of the operation, AOA populations dominant in each reactor differed, suggesting the importance of influent ammonia concentration in dominant AOA selection.
EFFECTS OF DRYING ON THE ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF HERBAL TEA FROM SELECTED VITEX SPECIES
Authors: CHONG K.L. , LIM Y.Y.
Published: December 2011

This paper focuses on the effects of three thermal drying methods (microwave‐, oven‐ and sun‐drying) and one nonthermal drying method (freeze‐drying) on the AOP of leaves of Vitex negundo and Vitex trifolia, which are consumed traditionally as herbal tea. Microwave‐drying and freeze‐drying were found to be able to maintain the AOP of the leaves but oven‐drying and sun‐drying resulted in deterioration of AOP. Microwave‐drying has the advantage of short drying time and low water activity. AOP of Vitex herbal tea leaves that are microwave‐dried and freeze‐dried were not affected by storage up to 30 days.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Tea, one of the most widely consumed beverages apart from water, has long been known for its health‐promoting benefits in terms of its antioxidant properties due to its high phenolic content. Much of such studies, however, focus on green tea (Camellia sinensis). Although V. negundo and V. trifolia have been consumed traditionally as herbal tea, understanding of its antioxidant properties remains scarce. Drying serves as a vital part of tea processing, affecting its antioxidant content and appearance which in turn affects the commercial value of the tea. This study therefore serves as an important work in providing insights into the antioxidant properties of Vitex species and the best drying method of its leaves as herbal tea for commercial purpose. In addition, this study also provides insights into the effect of different drying methods on the storage of the leaves which is of value to the tea processing industry.
Deliberate Differentiation by Design: Strategies for Generating Valuable Intellectual Property
Authors: Cohen Joshua L.
Published: December 2011

Important differentiators share one important attribute—they satisfy consumer demand better than others—and protecting them legally is of critical importance.
This Changes Everything
Authors: Berryman Michelle
Published: December 2011

The advent of the smartphone is likely to fuel consumers’ expectations that other products, from home appliances to industrial equipment, will be similarly “connected.”
The Product Advantage from Service Design
Authors: Thurston Paul , Cawood Gavin
Published: December 2011

Design Wales is helping product designers to become service designers.
Random focusing of nonlinear acoustic N-waves in fully developed turbulence: Laboratory scale experiment
Authors: Averiyanov Mikhail , Ollivier Sébastien , Khokhlova Vera , Blanc-Benon Philippe
Published: December 2011

A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the propagation of short duration (25 μs) and high amplitude (1000 Pa) acoustic N-waves in turbulent flow. Turbulent flows with a root-mean-square value of the fluctuating velocity up to 4 m/s were generated using a bidimensional nozzle (140 × 1600 mm2). Energy spectra of velocity fluctuations were measured and found in good agreement with the modified von Kármán spectrum for fully developed turbulence. Spherical N-waves were generated by an electric spark source. Distorted waves were measured by four 3 mm diameter microphones placed beyond the turbulent jet. The presence of turbulence resulted in random focusing of the pulse; more than a threefold increase of peak pressures was occasionally observed. Statistics of the acoustic field parameters were evaluated as functions of the propagation distance and the level of turbulence fluctuations. It is shown that random inhomogeneities decrease the mean peak positive pressure up to 30% at 2 m from the source, double the mean rise time, and cause the arrival time about 0.3% earlier than that for corresponding conditions in still air. Probability distributions of the pressure amplitude possess autosimilarity properties with respect to the level of turbulence fluctuations.
Relative contribution of target and masker temporal fine structure to the unmasking of consonants in noise
Authors: Apoux Frédéric , Healy Eric W.
Published: December 2011

The present study assessed the relative contribution of the “target” and “masker” temporal fine structure (TFS) when identifying consonants. Accordingly, the TFS of the target and that of the masker were manipulated simultaneously or independently. A 30 band vocoder was used to replace the original TFS of the stimuli with tones. Four masker types were used. They included a speech-shaped noise, a speech-shaped noise modulated by a speech envelope, a sentence, or a sentence played backward. When the TFS of the target and that of the masker were disrupted simultaneously, consonant recognition dropped significantly compared to the unprocessed condition for all masker types, except the speech-shaped noise. Disruption of only the target TFS led to a significant drop in performance with all masker types. In contrast, disruption of only the masker TFS had no effect on recognition. Overall, the present data are consistent with previous work showing that TFS information plays a significant role in speech recognition in noise, especially when the noise fluctuates over time. However, the present study indicates that listeners rely primarily on TFS information in the target and that the nature of the masker TFS has a very limited influence on the outcome of the unmasking process.
Acoustic quasi-holographic images of scattering by vertical cylinders from one-dimensional bistatic scans
Authors: Baik Kyungmin , Dudley Christopher , Marston Philip L.
Published: December 2011

When synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) is used to image elastic targets in water, subtle features can be present in the images associated with the dynamical response of the target being viewed. In an effort to improve the understanding of such responses, as well as to explore alternative image processing methods, a laboratory-based system was developed in which targets were illuminated by a transient acoustic source, and bistatic responses were recorded by scanning a hydrophone along a rail system. Images were constructed using a relatively conventional bistatic SAS algorithm and were compared with images based on supersonic holography. The holographic method is a simplification of one previously used to view the time evolution of a target’s response [Hefner and Marston, ARLO 2, 55–60 (2001)]. In the holographic method, the space-time evolution of the scattering was used to construct a two-dimensional image with cross range and time as coordinates. Various features for vertically hung cylindrical targets were interpreted using high frequency ray theory. This includes contributions from guided surface elastic waves, as well as transmitted-wave features and specular reflection.
Coherent averaging of the passive fathometer response using short correlation time
Authors: Traer James , Gerstoft Peter
Published: December 2011

The passive fathometer algorithm was applied to data from two drifting array experiments in the Mediterranean, Boundary 2003 and 2004. The passive fathometer response was computed with correlation times from 0.34 to 90 s and, for correlation times less than a few seconds, the observed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) agrees with a 1D model of SNR of the passive fathometer response in an ideal waveguide. In the 2004 experiment, the fathometer response showed the array depth varied periodically with an amplitude of 1 m and a period of 7 s consistent with wave driven motion of the array. This introduced a destructive interference, which prevents the SNR growing with increasing correlation time. A peak-tracking algorithm applied to the fathometer response of experimental data was used to remove this motion allowing the coherent passive fathometer response to be averaged over several minutes without destructive interference. Multirate adaptive beamforming, using 90 s correlation time to form adaptive steer vectors which were applied to 0.34 s data snapshots, increases the SNR of the passive fathometer response.
Validity of suicide statistics in Europe in relation to undetermined deaths: developing the 2-20 benchmark
Authors: Värnik Peeter , Sisask Merike , Värnik Airi , Arensman Ella , Van Audenhove Chantal , van der Feltz-Cornelis Christina M , Hegerl Ulrich
Published: December 2011

Background

The suicide rate is a macro indicator of the population's psychosocial wellbeing and an evaluation criterion of the effectiveness of suicide prevention strategies. A high level of injury deaths of undetermined intent (UD) is usually discussed in connection with the validity of suicide statistics. An effort is made to develop a criterion to characterise the quality of suicide statistics.

Methods

Standardised rates of suicides (X60–X84) and UD (Y10–Y34) by the International Classification of Disease version 10 as an average for the past five available years were taken from the WHO European mortality database. Rate ratios were computed by dividing rates of UD by suicide rates.

Results

There is considerable variation in suicide and UD rates among countries. The highest overall rates of UD were registered in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, and the lowest in Greece, Spain and Italy. The EU-15 average UD rate of 1.97 and the rate ratio of 0.194 UD to suicides were combined into a ‘2-20 benchmark’, in which the primary indicator is 2.0 UD cases per 100 000 and the secondary indicator is the proportion of UD to suicides 0.20 (20%), which enables countries to be clustered according to the quality of suicide statistics. The following countries satisfied the benchmark: Greece, Norway, Spain, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Austria, Italy, Romania, Hungary, Ireland and Finland.

Conclusion

This study used the developed ‘2-20 benchmark’ in Europe to assess suicide registration quality in a particular country, to compare the relative position of countries, and to set a target for those European countries that have not yet achieved the benchmark.
The impact of pedestrian countdown signals on pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Camden Andi , Buliung Ron , Rothman Linda , Macarthur Colin , Howard Andrew
Published: December 2011

Objective

To determine whether pedestrian countdown signals (PCS) reduce pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions in the city of Toronto, Canada.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study design was used to evaluate the effect of PCS on the number of pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions in the city of Toronto, from January 2000 to December 2009. Each intersection acted as its own control. We compared the number of pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions per intersection-month before and after the intervention. Stratified models were used to evaluate effect modification by pedestrian age, injury severity and location (urban vs inner suburbs). Poisson regression analysis with repeated measures (generalised estimating equations) was used to estimate the RR and 95% CI.

Results

The analysis included 9262 pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions at 1965 intersections. The RR of collisions after PCS installation was 1.014 (95% CI 0.958 to 1.073), indicating no statistically significant effect of PCS on collisions. There was no evidence to suggest effect modification between PCS and collisions by age, injury severity or location.

Conclusion

The installation of PCS at 1965 signalised intersections in Toronto did not reduce the number of pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions at these intersections.
ENUMERATING THE k-TANGLE PROJECTIONS
Authors: BOGDANOV ANDREY , MESHKOV VADIM , OMELCHENKO ALEXANDER , PETROV MIKHAIL
Published: December 2011

The paper addresses the enumeration problem for k-tangles. We introduce the notion of a cascade diagram of a k-tangle projection and suggest an effective enumeration algorithm for projections based on the cascade representation. Tangle projections and alternating tangles with up to 12 crossings are tabulated. We also provide pictures of alternating k-tangles with at most five crossings.
ALEXANDER QUANDLE LOWER BOUNDS FOR LINK GENERA
Authors: BENEDETTI R. , FRIGERIO R.
Published: December 2011

Every finite field 𝔽q, q = pn, carries several Alexander quandle structures 𝕏 = (𝔽q, *). We denote by [Formula: see text] the family of these quandles, where p and n vary respectively among the odd primes and the positive integers.

For every k-component oriented link L, every partition [Formula: see text] of L into [Formula: see text] sublinks, and every labeling [Formula: see text] of such a partition, the number of 𝕏-colorings of any diagram of [Formula: see text] is a well-defined invariant of [Formula: see text], of the form [Formula: see text] for some natural number [Formula: see text]. Letting 𝕏 and [Formula: see text] vary respectively in [Formula: see text] and among the labelings of [Formula: see text], we define the derived invariant [Formula: see text].

If [Formula: see text] is such that [Formula: see text], we show that [Formula: see text], where t(L) is the tunnel number of L, generalizing a result by Ishii. If [Formula: see text] is a "boundary partition" of L and [Formula: see text] denotes the infimum among the sums of the genera of a system of disjoint Seifert surfaces for the Lj's, then we show that [Formula: see text]. We point out further properties of [Formula: see text], mostly in the case of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. By elaborating on a suitable version of a result by Inoue, we show that when L = K is a knot then [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the breadth of the Alexander polynomial of K. However, for every g ≥ 1 we exhibit examples of genus-g knots having the same Alexander polynomial but different quandle invariants [Formula: see text]. Moreover, in such examples [Formula: see text] provides sharp lower bounds for the genera of the knots. On the other hand, we show that [Formula: see text] can give better lower bounds on the genus than [Formula: see text], when L has k ≥ 2 components.

We show that in order to compute [Formula: see text] it is enough to consider only colorings with respect to the constant labeling [Formula: see text]. In the case when L = K is a knot, if either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] provides a sharp lower bound for the knot genus, or if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] can be realized by means of the proper subfamily of quandles {𝕏 = (𝔽p, *)}, where p varies among the odd primes.
RECTANGLE CONDITION FOR COMPRESSION BODIES AND 2-FOLD BRANCHED COVERINGS
Authors: KIM JUNGSOO , LEE JUNG HOON
Published: December 2011

We give the rectangle condition for strong irreducibility of Heegaard splittings of 3-manifolds with non-empty boundary. We apply this to a generalized Heegaard splitting of 2-fold covering of S3 branched along a link. The condition implies that any thin meridional level surface in the link complement is incompressible. We also show that the additivity of width holds for a composite knot satisfying the condition.
Resting and exercise ventilatory chemosensitivity across the menstrual cycle
Authors: MacNutt Meaghan J. , De Souza Mary Jane , Tomczak Simone E. , Homer Jenna L. , Sheel A. William
Published: December 2011

We hypothesized that resting and exercise ventilatory chemosensitivity would be augmented in women when estrogen and progesterone levels are highest during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Healthy, young females ( n = 10; age = 23 ± 5 yrs) were assessed across one complete cycle: during early follicular (EF), late follicular (LF), early luteal, and mid-luteal (ML) phases. We measured urinary conjugates of estrogen and progesterone daily. To compare values of ventilatory chemosensitivity and day-to-day variability of measures between sexes, males ( n = 10; age = 26 ± 7 yrs) were assessed on 5 nonconsecutive days during a 1-mo period. Resting ventilation was measured and hypoxic chemosensitivity assessed using an isocapnic hypoxic ventilatory response (iHVR) test. The hypercapnic ventilatory response was assessed using the Read rebreathing protocol and modified rebreathing tests. Participants completed submaximal cycle exercise in normoxia and hypoxia. We observed a significant effect of menstrual-cycle phase on resting minute ventilation, which was elevated in the ML phase relative to the EF and LF phases. Compared with males, resting end-tidal CO2was reduced in females during the EF and ML phases but not in the LF phase. We found that iHVR was unaffected by menstrual-cycle phase and was not different between males and females. The sensitivity to chemical stimuli was unaffected by menstrual-cycle phase, meaning that any hormone-mediated effect is of insufficient magnitude to exceed the inherent variation in these chemosensitivity measures. The ventilatory recruitment threshold for CO2was generally lower in women, which is suggestive of a hormonally related lowering of the ventilatory recruitment threshold. We detected no effect of menstrual-cycle phase on submaximal exercise ventilation and found that the ventilatory response to normoxic and hypoxic exercise was quantitatively similar between males and females. This suggests that feed-forward and feed-back influences during exercise over-ride the effects of naturally occurring changes in sex hormones.
Gaussian Covariance Faithful Markov Trees
Authors: Malouche Dhafer , Rajaratnam Bala
Published: December 2011

Graphical models are useful for characterizing conditional and marginal independence structures in high‐dimensional distributions. An important class of graphical models is covariance graph models, where the nodes of a graph represent different components of a random vector, and the absence of an edge between any pair of variables implies marginal independence. Covariance graph models also represent more complex conditional independence relationships between subsets of variables. When the covariance graph captures or reflects all the conditional independence statements present in the probability distribution, the latter is said to be faithful to its covariance graph—though in general this is not guaranteed. Faithfulness however is crucial, for instance, in model selection procedures that proceed by testing conditional independences. Hence, an analysis of the faithfulness assumption is important in understanding the ability of the graph, a discrete object, to fully capture the salient features of the probability distribution it aims to describe. In this paper, we demonstrate that multivariate Gaussian distributions that have trees as covariance graphs are necessarily faithful.
Effects of Selected Anionic β-Cyclodextrins on Persistence of Blood Glucose Lowering by Insulin Glargine after Subcutaneous Injection to Rats
Authors: Uehata Keiko , Anno Takayuki , Hayashida Kayoko , Motoyama Keiichi , Higashi Taishi , Hirayama Fumitoshi , Ono Naomi , Pipkin James D. , Uekama Kaneto , Arima Hidetoshi
Published: December 2011

Insulin glargine is a synthetic long-acting insulin product used for patients with diabetes mellitus. In this study, to obtain the further desirable blood-glucose lowering profile of insulin glargine, we investigated the effects of β-cyclodextrin sulfate (Sul-β-CyD) and sulfobutylether β-cyclodextrin (SBE7-β-CyD) on physicochemical properties of insulin glargine and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of insulin glargine after subcutaneous injection to rats. Sul-β-CyD and SBE7-β-CyD increased solubility of insulin glargine. SBE7-β-CyD suppressed the formation of oligomer and enhanced the dissolution rate of insulin glargine from its precipitate, compared to that of Sul-β-CyD. Additionally, we revealed that after subcutaneous administration of an insulin glargine solution, SBE7-β-CyD, but not Sul-β-CyD, increased bioavailability and sustained the blood-glucose lowering effect, possibly due to the inhibitory effects of SBE7-β-CyD on the enzymatic degradation at the injection site. These results suggest that SBE7-β-CyD could be a useful excipient for sustained release of insulin glargine.
Symptom Burden, Survival and Palliative Care in Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Gough Nicholas J. , Smith Clare , Ross Joy R. , Riley Julia , Judson Ian
Published: December 2011

Introduction. The symptom burden and role of palliative care (PC) in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) are not well defined.Methods. This study retrospectively reviewed both symptoms and PC involvement in patients known to an STS referral centre who died in one calendar year.Results. 81 patients met inclusion criteria of which 27% had locally advanced disease and 73% metastases at initial referral. The median number of symptoms was slowly progressive ranging from 2 (range 0–5) before first-line chemotherapy () to 3 (range 1–6) at the time of best supportive care (BSC) decision (). Pain and dyspnoea were the commonest symptoms. Median overall survival from BSC decision was 3.4 weeks. 88% had PC involvement (either hospital, community, or both) with median time from first PC referral to death of 16 (range 0–110) weeks.Conclusions. Patients with metastatic STS have a significant symptom burden which justifies early PC referral. Pain, including neuropathic pain, is a significant problem. Dyspnoea is common, progressive and appears to be undertreated. Time from BSC decision to death is short, and prospective studies are required to determine whether this is due to overtreatment or very rapid terminal disease progression.
Focus Harmonic Scalpel Compared to Conventional Haemostasis in Open Total Thyroidectomy: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Ferri Emanuele , Armato Enrico , Spinato Giacomo , Spinato Roberto
Published: December 2011

The aim of this prospective randomized trial was to compare operative factors, postoperative outcomes and surgical complications of open total thyroidectomy when using the Harmonic Scalpel (HS) versus Conventional Haemostasis (CH).Methods. 100 consecutive patients underwent open total thyroidectomy were randomized into two groups: group CH (Conventional Haemostasis) and group HS (Harmonic Scalpel). We recorded the following: age, sex, pathology, thyroid volume, haemostatic technique, operative time, drainage volume, thyroid weight, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. The results were analyzed using the Student’sttest and test.Results. No significant difference was found between the two groups concerning mean thyroid weight and mean hospital stay. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the HS group. The total drainage fluid volume was lower in HS group. Two (4%) transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies were observed in CH group and no one (0%) in the HS group. Postoperative transient hypocalcemia occurred more frequently in the CH group. HS group experienced significantly less postoperative pain at 24 and 48 hours.Conclusions. In patients undergoing thyroidectomy, HS is a reliable and safe tool. Comparing with CH techniques, its use reduces operative times, postoperative pain, drainage volume and transient hypocalcemia.
Cancer Pain Management in Resource-Limited Settings: A Practice Review
Authors: Namukwaya Elizabeth , Leng Mhoira , Downing Julia , Katabira Elly
Published: December 2011

Pain in cancer is a common and burdensome symptom with different causes but in a significant number of cases it is undiagnosed and undertreated because of lack of skills for its assessment. Pain has significant negative impact on the patient and, therefore, it needs to be managed urgently and appropriately. In resource-limited settings, there are several barriers and challenges to pain management but even in these circumstances pain can be well managed with planned and innovative use of resources and if the World Health Organization public health system approach is used to ensure opioid availability.
Contour Detection and Completion for Inpainting and Segmentation Based on Topological Gradient and Fast Marching Algorithms
Authors: Auroux Didier , Cohen Laurent D. , Masmoudi Mohamed
Published: December 2011

We combine in this paper the topological gradient, which is a powerful method for edge detection in image processing, and a variant of the minimal path method in order to find connected contours. The topological gradient provides a more global analysis of the image than the standard gradient and identifies the main edges of an image. Several image processing problems (e.g., inpainting and segmentation) require continuous contours. For this purpose, we consider the fast marching algorithm in order to find minimal paths in the topological gradient image. This coupled algorithm quickly provides accurate and connected contours. We present then two numerical applications, to image inpainting and segmentation, of this hybrid algorithm.
Effect of Counteranions on the Conformational Equilibrium of 1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Hatano Naohiro , Takekiyo Takahiro , Abe Hiroshi , Yoshimura Yukihiro
Published: December 2011

We have investigated the nonspherical anion effect on the trans-trans (TT) and gauche-trans (GT) equilibrium in pure 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ([bmim]+)‐based room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) by the Raman spectroscopy. The intensity ratio of the [bmim]+ cation in [bmim]+‐based RTILs having nonspherical anions changes with nature of the anions. However, the enthalpy change of the [bmim]+ cation is approximately −1.0 kJ/mol for all [bmim]+‐based RTILs used in this study and is independent of the anionic species. The present results indicate that the conformational stability of the [bmim]+ cation in [bmim]+‐based RTILs including nonspherical anions is driven by the entropic contribution associated with the orientation and configuration of the [bmim]+ cation with respect to the counteranion.
Determinants of Occupational Injury: A Case Control Study among Textile Factory Workers in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Aderaw Zewdie , Engdaw Dagnew , Tadesse Takele
Published: December 2011

Background.Occupational injuries pose major public health and socioeconomic developmental problems. However, efforts towards investigation of determinants among factory workers are very minimal in developing countries. Thus, this study aimed at to identify determinants of occupational injury among textile factory workers in Amahara regional state in Ethiopia.Methods.A case control study was done among 456 textile factory workers (152 cases and 304 controls). Self-reported data from workers and document review from factories clinics were used to ascertain occupational injury status within one-year period. Data was collected using pretested and structured questionnaire by trained data collectors. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to assess level significance.Results.Young age (<30 years) (AOR 1.90, 95% CI (1.22, 2.94)), male gender (AOR 2.54, 95% CI (1.58, 4.07)), health and safety training (AOR 1.85, 95% CI (1.17, 2.91)), sleeping disturbance (AOR 1.99, 95% CI (1.30, 3.04)), and job stress (AOR 2.25, 95% CI (1.15, 4.41)) were significant predictors of occupation injury.Conclusion.Lack of training, sleeping disturbance, and job stress increased the risk of occupational injury. So, providing basic health and safety training with special emphasis on younger and male workers, reducing stressors, and providing sleep health education were recommended.
Influence of Tree Age and Variety on Allometric Characteristics and Water Use of Mangifera indica L. Growing in Plantation
Authors: Oguntunde Philip G. , Fasinmirin Johnson T. , van de Giesen Nick
Published: December 2011

Data on water relations and growth characteristics of mango trees needed for productive plantation management are currently lacking in West Africa. Relationships between allometric properties and water use in mango trees were examined. In addition, the effects on allometric characteristics and xylem sap flow were investigated in a mixed varieties plantation. Tree age explained more than 92% of the variation in stem diameter, over 96% of the variation in height, over 92% of the variation in crown diameter, and more than 97% of the variation in leaf area index of the 60 mango trees sampled. Water use increased from 1.01 kg d-1 to 156.7 kg d-1 from the 2- to the 33-year-old trees for a typical bright day. Sap flow was highly correlated with age under different sky conditions. A power function relating daily sap flow to age yielded an r2 of 0.98 for bright days and 0.87 when combined with rainy day data. The water use and growth parameters of the three cultivars were generally not significantly different. This paper has implications for mango productivity and for orchard water management in potentially dry areas of West Africa.
Involvement of the Retinoid X Receptor Ligand in the Anti-Inflammatory Effect Induced by Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Agonist In Vivo
Authors: Yamamoto Atsuki , Kakuta Hiroki , Miyachi Hiroyuki , Sugimoto Yukio
Published: December 2011

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ) forms a heterodimeric DNA-binding complex with retinoid X receptors (RXRs). It has been reported that the effect of the PPAR agonist is reduced in hepatocyte RXR-deficient mice. Therefore, it is suggested that the endogenous RXR ligand is involved in the PPARγagonist-induced anti-inflammatory effect. However, the participation of the RXR ligand in the PPARγ-induced anti-inflammatory effect is unknown. Here, we investigated the influence of RXR antagonist on the anti-inflammatory effect of PPARγagonist pioglitazone in carrageenan test. In addition, we also examined the influence of PPAR antagonist on the anti-inflammatory effect induced by RXR agonist NEt-3IP. The RXR antagonist suppressed the antiedema effect of PPARγagonist. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of RXR agonist was suppressed by PPARγantagonist. PPARγagonist-induced anti-inflammatory effects were reversed by the RXR antagonist. Thus, we showed that the endogenous RXR ligand might contribute to the PPARγagonist-induced anti-inflammatory effect.
Preeclampsia, Hypoxia, Thrombosis, and Inflammation
Authors: Shamshirsaz Amir A. , Paidas Michael , Krikun Graciela
Published: December 2011

Reductions in uteroplacental flow initiate a cascade of molecular effects leading to hypoxia, thrombosis, inflammation, and endothelial cell dysfunction resulting in untoward pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we detail these effects and their relationship to preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Existence of One‐Signed Solutions of Discrete Second‐Order Periodic Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Ma Ruyun , Lu Yanqiong , Chen Tianlan
Published: December 2011

We prove the existence of one‐signed periodic solutions of second‐order nonlinear difference equation on a finite discrete segment with periodic boundary conditions by combining some properties of Green′s function with the fixed‐point theorem in cones.
Assessment of Cardiorespiratory Fitness without Exercise in Elderly Men with Chronic Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Maranhão Neto Geraldo A. , de Leon Antonio P. , Lira Vitor A. , Farinatti Paulo T. V.
Published: December 2011

Low cardiorespiratory (CRF) is associated with health problems in elderly people, especially cardiovascular and metabolic disease. However, physical limitations in this population frequently preclude the application of aerobic tests. We developed a model to estimate CRF without aerobic testing in older men with chronic cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Subjects aged from 60 to 91 years were randomly assigned into validation (n=67) and cross-validation (n=29) groups. A hierarchical linear regression model included age, self-reported fitness, and handgrip strength normalized to body weight (R2=0.79; SEE = 1.1 METs). The PRESS (predicted residual sum of squares) statistics revealed minimal shrinkage in relation to the original model and that predicted by the model and actual CRF correlated well in the cross-validation group (r=0.85). The area under curve (AUC) values suggested a good accuracy of the model to detect disability in the validation (0.876, 95% CI: 0.793–0.959) and cross-validation groups (0.826, 95% CI: 0.677–0.975). Our findings suggest that CRF can be reliably estimated without exercise test in unhealthy elderly men.
Electrochemical Biosensor Based on Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes with Modified Surfaces
Authors: Yu Yuan , Zhou Yanli , Wu Liangzhuan , Zhi Jinfang
Published: December 2011

Boron-doped diamond (BDD) thin films, as one kind of electrode materials, are superior to conventional carbon-based materials including carbon paste, porous carbon, glassy carbon (GC), carbon nanotubes in terms of high stability, wide potential window, low background current, and good biocompatibility. Electrochemical biosensor based on BDD electrodes have attracted extensive interests due to the superior properties of BDD electrodes and the merits of biosensors, such as specificity, sensitivity, and fast response. Electrochemical reactions perform at the interface between electrolyte solutions and the electrodes surfaces, so the surface structures and properties of the BDD electrodes are important for electrochemical detection. In this paper, the recent advances of BDD electrodes with different surfaces including nanostructured surface and chemically modified surface, for the construction of various electrochemical biosensors, were described.
Deciphering the Multifaceted Relationship between Oncolytic Viruses and Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Alvarez-Breckenridge Christopher A. , Yu Jianhua , Kaur Balveen , Caligiuri Michael A. , Chiocca E. Antonio
Published: December 2011

Despite active research in virotherapy, this apparently safe modality has not achieved widespread success. The immune response to viral infection appears to be an essential factor that determines the efficacy of oncolytic viral therapy. The challenge is determining whether the viral-elicited immune response is a hindrance or a tool for viral treatment. NK cells are a key component of innate immunity that mediates antiviral immunity while also coordinating tumor clearance. Various reports have suggested that the NK response to oncolytic viral therapy is a critical factor in premature viral clearance while also mediating downstream antitumor immunity. As a result, particular attention should be given to the NK cell response to various oncolytic viral vectors and how their antiviral properties can be suppressed while maintaining tumor clearance. In this review we discuss the current literature on the NK response to oncolytic viral infection and how future studies clarify this intricate response.
Beta Glucan: Health Benefits in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: El Khoury D. , Cuda C. , Luhovyy B. L. , Anderson G. H.
Published: December 2011

Despite the lack of international agreement regarding the definition and classification of fiber, there is established evidence on the role of dietary fibers in obesity and metabolic syndrome. Beta glucan (β-glucan) is a soluble fiber readily available from oat and barley grains that has been gaining interest due to its multiple functional and bioactive properties. Its beneficial role in insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity is being continuously documented. The fermentability ofβ-glucans and their ability to form highly viscous solutions in the human gut may constitute the basis of their health benefits. Consequently, the applicability ofβ-glucan as a food ingredient is being widely considered with the dual purposes of increasing the fiber content of food products and enhancing their health properties. Therefore, this paper explores the role ofβ-glucans in the prevention and treatment of characteristics of the metabolic syndrome, their underlying mechanisms of action, and their potential in food applications.
Thickness Dependent on Photocatalytic Activity of Hematite Thin Films
Authors: Chen Yen-Hua , Tu Kuo-Jui
Published: December 2011

Hematite (Fe2O3) thin films with different thicknesses are fabricated by the rf magnetron sputtering deposition. The effects of film thicknesses on the photocatalytic activity of hematite films have been investigated. Hematite films possess a polycrystalline hexagonal structure, and the band gap decreases with an increase of film thickness. Moreover, all hematite films exhibit good photocatalytic ability under visible-light irradiation; the photocatalytic activity of hematite films increases with the increasing film thickness. This is because the hematite film with a thicker thickness has a rougher surface, providing more reaction sites for photocatalysis. Another reason is a lower band gap of a hematite film would generate more electron-hole pairs under visible-light illumination to enhance photocatalytic efficiency. Experimental data are well fitted with Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model. The photocatalytic rate constant of hematite films ranges from 0.052 to 0.068 min-1. This suggests that the hematite film is a superior photocatalyst under visible-light irradiation.
Mammary Gland Selective Excision of c-Jun Identifies Its Role in mRNA Splicing
Authors: Katiyar Sanjay , Jiao Xuanmao , Addya Sankar , Ertel Adam , Covarrubias Yolanda , Rose Vanessa , Casimiro Mathew C. , Zhou Jie , Lisanti Michael P. , Nasim Talat , Fortina Paolo , Pestell Richard G.
Published: December 2011

The c-jun gene regulates cellular proliferation and apoptosis via direct regulation of cellular gene expression. Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA increases the diversity of protein functions, and alternate splicing events occur in tumors. Here, by targeting the excision of the endogenous c-jun gene within the mouse mammary epithelium, we have identified its selective role as an inhibitor of RNA splicing. Microarray-based assessment of gene expression, on laser capture microdissected c-jun−/− mammary epithelium, showed that endogenous c-jun regulates the expression of approximately 50 genes governing RNA splicing. In addition, genome-wide splicing arrays showed that endogenous c-jun regulated the alternate exon of approximately 147 genes, and 18% of these were either alternatively spliced in human tumors or involved in apoptosis. Endogenous c-jun also was shown to reduce splicing activity, which required the c-jun dimerization domain. Together, our findings suggest that c-jun directly attenuates RNA splicing efficiency, which may be of broad biologic importance as alternative splicing plays an important role in both cancer development and therapy resistance. Cancer Res; 72(4); 1023–34. ©2011 AACR.
Inhibition of dUTPase Induces Synthetic Lethality with Thymidylate Synthase–Targeted Therapies in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wilson Peter M. , LaBonte Melissa J. , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Mack Philip C. , Ladner Robert D.
Published: December 2011

Chemotherapies that target thymidylate synthase (TS) continue to see considerable clinical expansion in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One drawback to TS-targeted therapies is drug resistance and subsequent treatment failure. Novel therapeutic and biomarker-driven strategies are urgently needed. The enzyme deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) is reported to protect tumor cells from aberrant misincorporation of uracil during TS inhibition. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression and significance of dUTPase in mediating response to TS-targeted agents in NSCLC. The expression of dUTPase in NSCLC cell lines and clinical specimens was measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR and immunohistochemistry. Using a validated RNA interference approach, dUTPase was effectively silenced in a panel of NSCLC cell lines and response to the fluoropyrimidine fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR) and the antifolate pemetrexed was analyzed using growth inhibition and clonogenic assays. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Significant variation in the quantity and cellular expression of dUTPase was observed, including clear evidence of overexpression in NSCLC cell line models and tumor specimens at the mRNA and protein level. RNA interference–mediated silencing of dUTPase significantly sensitized NSCLC cells to growth inhibition induced by FUdR and pemetrexed. This sensitization was accompanied by a significant expansion of intracellular dUTP pools and significant decreases in NSCLC cell viability evaluated by clonogenicity and apoptotic analyses. Together, these results strongly suggest that uracil misincorporation is a potent determinant of cytotoxicity to TS inhibition in NSCLC and that inhibition of dUTPase is a mechanism-based therapeutic approach to significantly enhance the efficacy of TS-targeted chemotherapeutic agents. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(3);616–28. ©2011 AACR.