bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vaginal Birth after Cesarean and Trial of Labor after Cesarean: What should we be Recommending Relative to Maternal Risk: Benefit?
Authors: Clark Shannon M , Carver Alissa R , Hankins Gary DV
Published: July 2012

Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) delivery is currently a hot obstetrical topic owing to the acute rise in the rate of cesarean deliveries, both primary and repeat. When the physician and patient are considering TOLAC, several factors should be considered: risk of uterine rupture, contraindications, minimizing risk and morbidity, choosing the appropriate candidate and whether or not to induce. Each patient has her own set of individual risk factors that may decrease her chance of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery or increase her risks with TOLAC. Once all things are considered, the risk: benefit of TOLAC should be weighed up before a decision is reached. Each of these factors is discussed in respect to maternal risk: benefit, with the focus on evidence presented in the current literature.
SGI 2012: What'S New in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine: An Update from the Society for Gynecologic Investigation
Authors: Harris Isiah D , Polotsky Alex J
Published: July 2012

The Society for Gynecologic Investigation (SGI) hosted its 59th Annual Meeting in San Diego (CA, USA) on 21–24 March 2012. The program attracted 1313 attendees, 918 from the USA and Canada and 395 from the rest of the world. The event was hosted by the SGI president Stephen J Lye and the program director Stephen Matthews. The mission of the SGI is to discover, review, report and transfer new knowledge through creative research and training, community integration and partnerships that improve the reproductive health of women everywhere. More than 1100 abstracts were presented at the meeting, 172 of which were oral presentations. A selection of notable presentations are highlighted here.
Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy: Maternal Considerations
Authors: Alwan Sura , Sadovnick A Dessa
Published: July 2012

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most commonly acquired neurological disorder affecting young adults of reproductive age with approximately a 3:1 female-to-male ratio. Pregnancy is not contraindicated in MS but remains to be an issue that raises many questions. Although relapse rates tend to increase in the first 3 months postpartum, pregnancy does not seem to be a detriment to the long-term progression of MS and has a protective effect on reducing relapses, especially during the third trimester. MS does not appear to affect fertility or increase the risk of congenital anomalies or pregnancy complications. There has been some evidence that maternal treatment with β interferons, the most commonly used disease-modifying therapies in MS, may cause adverse reproductive outcomes, prompting the US FDA to issue warnings about their use at conception and during pregnancy.
The Role of Information Systems in Supporting Exploitative and Exploratory Management Control Activities
Authors: Schermann Michael , Wiesche Manuel , Krcmar Helmut
Published: July 2012

The goal of this research was to investigate the role of information systems (IS) in helping organizations to address the challenge of achieving a trade-off between exploitative and exploratory management control activities. The relationship between IS and management control activities is complex and stems from different theoretical backgrounds. We adopted a grounded theory approach to offer an integrative lens on this multi-faceted issue. Through the study of information systems for governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC IS) as a recent practice-driven initiative to establish the means for balancing exploitative and exploratory management control activities, we developed a grounded model of the relationship between IS and management control activities. Our model highlights the ways in which GRC IS serve as a catalyzer for establishing balanced management control systems that enable managers to simultaneously exploit and explore richer management control information.
Postchallenge Hyperglycemia Is Positively Associated With Diabetic Polyneuropathy
Authors: Bongaerts Brenda W.C. , Rathmann Wolfgang , Kowall Bernd , Herder Christian , Stöckl Doris , Meisinger Christa , Ziegler Dan
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) in an older population and to examine its relationship with prediabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Glucose tolerance status was determined in 61- to 82-year-old participants (n = 1,100) of the population-based Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) F4 Survey (2006–2008). Clinical DSPN was defined as bilaterally impaired foot-vibration perception and/or foot-pressure sensation.

RESULTS

Prevalence of clinical DSPN was similar in subjects with known diabetes (22.0%) and subjects with combined impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (23.9%). Among prediabetic subgroups, IFG-IGT, but not isolated-IFG and -IGT, was associated with a higher risk of clinical DSPN, compared with normal glucose tolerance. A J-shaped association was observed between clinical DSPN and quartiles of 2-h postchallenge glucose, but not with fasting glucose and HbA1c levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with IFG-IGT and known diabetes had a similar prevalence of clinical DSPN. Elevated 2-h postload glucose levels appeared important for disease risk.
Cutaneous Structural and Biochemical Correlates of Foot Complications in High-Risk Diabetes
Authors: Tahrani Abd A. , Zeng Wei , Shakher Jayadave , Piya Milan K. , Hughes Sharon , Dubb Kiran , Stevens Martin J.
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

Impairment of skin quality may contribute to diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). Our goal was to determine whether high-risk patients exhibited specific skin structural and metabolic deficits that could predispose to foot complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 46 patients comprising 9 diabetic control subjects, 16 with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) alone, and 21 with recurrent DFUs (including 9 with Charcot neuroarthropathy [CNA]) were recruited and compared with 14 nondiabetic control (NDC) subjects. DPN was assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Skin punch biopsies (3 mm) were performed on upper and lower leg skin for measurements of intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD), structural analysis, type 1 procollagen abundance, tissue degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) immunoreactivity.

RESULTS

MNSI scores were comparable across DPN groups. IENFD was decreased by diabetes and DPN but did not differ between neuropathic groups. Skin structural deficit scores were elevated in all neuropathic subjects, particularly in the DFU group. Type 1 procollagen abundance was reduced in DFU subjects 387 ± 256 units (mean ± 1 SD) compared with NDC subjects (715 ± 100, P < 0.001). MMP-1 and MMP-2 were activated by diabetes. PAR immunoreactivity was increased in DFU (particularly in the CNA group; P < 0.01) compared with other DPN subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased PAR, reduced type 1 procollagen abundance, and impaired skin structure are associated with foot complications in diabetes. The potential of therapies that improve skin quality to reduce DFU needs to be investigated.
Longitudinal Associations Between Changes in Physical Activity and Onset of Type 2 Diabetes in Older British Men
Authors: Jefferis Barbara J. , Whincup Peter H. , Lennon Lucy , Wannamethee S. Goya
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

To determine how much physical activity (PA) is needed to protect against diabetes onset in older adults, whether protection is greater among overweight individuals, and whether taking up moderate activity in later life is beneficial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Men (4,252) from a U.K. population-based cohort self-reported usual PA (regular walking and cycling, recreational activity, and sport) in 1996 and in 1998–2000, alongside other health behaviors and medical history. Fasting blood lipids were measured. Median follow-up was 7.1 years, during which 135 cases of type 2 diabetes (validated self-report) occurred.

RESULTS

Among 3,012 men free from cardiovascular disease and diabetes in 1998–2000, 9% reported no usual leisure-time PA, 23% occasional PA, and 15% vigorous PA. Compared with men reporting no activity, men reporting occasional, light, moderate, moderately vigorous, and vigorous PA had lower diabetes risks: hazard ratio (HR) 0.58 (95% CI 0.33–1.02), 0.39 (0.20–0.74), 0.38 (0.19–0.73), 0.39 (0.20–0.77), and 0.33 (0.16–0.70), respectively; P (trend) = 0.002, adjusted for age, social class, tobacco, alcohol, diet, and blood lipids. Adjustment for BMI, waist circumference, or fasting insulin attenuated HRs. HRs were stronger in men with BMI ≥28 vs. <28 kg/m2 (interaction P = 0.02). Compared with men reporting light activity or less in 1996 and 2000, men who became at least moderately active by 2000 or remained at least moderately active at both times had adjusted HRs of 0.62 (0.34–1.12) and 0.51 (0.31–0.82), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Even light PA markedly reduced diabetes risk in older men, especially among the overweight or obese. Taking up or maintaining at least moderate PA in older adulthood strongly protected against diabetes.
The C Allele of ATM rs11212617 Does Not Associate With Metformin Response in the Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Florez Jose C. , Jablonski Kathleen A. , Taylor Andrew , Mather Kieren , Horton Edward , White Neil H. , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Knowler William C. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Pollin Toni I. ,   for the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

The C allele at the rs11212617 polymorphism in the ataxia-telangiectasia–mutated (ATM) gene has been associated with greater clinical response to metformin in people with type 2 diabetes. We tested whether this variant modified the effect of metformin in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), in which metformin reduced diabetes incidence by 31% in volunteers with impaired glucose tolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We genotyped rs11212617 in 2,994 DPP participants and analyzed its effects on diabetes incidence and related traits.

RESULTS

Contrary to expectations, C carriers enjoyed no preventive advantage on metformin; their hazard ratio, compared with A carriers, was 1.17 ([95% CI 0.96–1.42], P = 0.13) under metformin. There were no significant differences by genotype in metformin’s effects on insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, or disposition index.

CONCLUSIONS

The reported association of rs11212617 with metformin response was not confirmed for diabetes prevention or for effects on relevant physiologic parameters in the DPP.
Racial Disparities in Quality-Adjusted Life-Years Associated With Diabetes and Visual Impairment
Authors: McCollister Kathryn E. , Zheng D. Diane , Fernandez Cristina A. , Lee David J. , Lam Byron L. , Arheart Kristopher L. , Galor Anat , Ocasio Manuel , Muennig Peter
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

Compare differences in health-related quality of life among blacks and whites to examine if race, diabetes, and visual impairment (VI) present a triple disadvantage in terms of quality-adjusted life expectancy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were analyzed from the 2000–2003 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a nationally representative survey that contains the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D). The EQ-5D generates health utility values that provide a measure of the morbidity associated with various health states, such as having moderate or severe problems with mobility. The EQ-5D score can be linked with life expectancy data to calculate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), the number of years of optimal health an individual is expected to live. Multivariate analyses were conducted to estimate and compare differences in QALYs by diabetes status, VI status, and race.

RESULTS

Whites had a higher quality-adjusted life expectancy across all diabetes/VI comparisons. Overall, blacks with diabetes and VI had the fewest number of QALYs remaining (19.6 years), and whites with no impairment had the greatest number of QALYs remaining (31.6 years). Blacks with diabetes only had 1.7 fewer years of optimal health (fewer QALYs) than whites with diabetes. Within individuals with both diabetes and VI, however, this gap more than doubled, with blacks experiencing 3.5 fewer QALYs than whites.

CONCLUSIONS

Although efforts to target and reduce racial health disparities associated with diabetes appear to be effective, black communities may be contributing to a greater overall burden of illness given poorer infrastructure and less accommodation for disabilities such as VI.
Glucose Response Curve and Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Latino Adolescents
Authors: Kim Joon Young , Coletta Dawn K. , Mandarino Lawrence J. , Shaibi Gabriel Q.
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

In adults, the shape of the glucose response during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) prospectively and independently predicts type 2 diabetes. However, no reports have described the utility of this indicator in younger populations. The purpose of this study was to compare type 2 diabetes risk factors in Latino adolescents characterized by either a monophasic or biphasic glucose response during an OGTT.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 156 nondiabetic Latino adolescents completed a 2-h OGTT. Monophasic and biphasic groups were compared for the following type 2 diabetes risk factors: fasting and 2-h glucose, HbA1c, glucose area under the curve (AUC), insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index), insulin secretion (insulinogenic index), and β-cell function as measured by the disposition index (insulin sensitivity × insulin secretion).

RESULTS

Of the participants, 107 youth were categorized as monophasic and 49 were biphasic. Compared with the monophasic group, participants with a biphasic response exhibited lower HbA1c (5.4 ± 0.3 vs. 5.6 ± 0.3%, P < 0.01) and lower glucose AUC (14,205 ± 2,382 vs. 16,230 ± 2,537 mg ⋅ dL−1 ⋅ h−1, P < 0.001) with higher insulin sensitivity (5.4 ± 3.2 vs. 4.6 ± 3.4, P ≤ 0.05), higher insulin secretion (2.1 ± 1.3 vs. 1.8 ± 1.3, P = 0.05), and better β-cell function (10.3 ± 7.8 vs. 6.0 ± 3.6, P < 0.001). Differences persisted after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the glycemic response to an OGTT may differentiate risk for type 2 diabetes in youth. This response may be an early marker of type 2 diabetes risk among high-risk youth.
Newborn Size and Body Composition as Predictors of Insulin Resistance and Diabetes in the Parents
Authors: Veena Sargoor R. , Krishnaveni Ghattu V. , Fall Caroline H.
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine detailed neonatal measurements as predictors of later diabetes in both parents.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Babies (n = 617) born to nondiabetic parents in Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysore, India, were measured at birth for weight; crown-to-heel length (CHL), crown-to-rump length (CRL), and leg length; skinfolds (triceps and subscapular); and circumferences (head, abdomen, and mid–upper-arm circumference [MUAC]). Nine and a half years later, glucose tolerance and fasting insulin were measured in their parents (469 mothers and 398 fathers).

RESULTS

Sixty-two (15.6%) fathers and 22 (4.7%) mothers had developed diabetes. There were linear inverse associations of the children’s birth weight, CHL, CRL, MUAC, and skinfolds with paternal diabetes and insulin resistance (P < 0.05 for all). Offspring birth weight and adiposity (MUAC, abdominal circumference, and skinfolds) showed U-shaped associations with maternal diabetes (P for quadratic association <0.05 for all). These associations persisted after adjusting for the parents’ current adiposity and maternal glucose concentrations and adiposity during pregnancy. Newborn adiposity was positively related to maternal insulin resistance; this association was nonsignificant after adjusting for maternal current adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS

Newborn size is a window into the future health of the parents. Small newborn size (especially soft-tissue body components) predicts an increased risk of later diabetes in both parents, suggesting a genetic or epigenetic link between parents’ diabetes risk and reduced fetal growth in their children. The association of higher birth weight and newborn adiposity with later maternal diabetes suggests effects on fetal adiposity of the intrauterine environment in prediabetic mothers.
Joint Effects of Obesity and Vitamin D Insufficiency on Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kabadi Shaum M. , Lee Brian K. , Liu Longjian
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

The possible interaction of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and obesity in regard to type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance has not been well studied. To explore the effect modification of obesity on the association between 25(OH)D and insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes, data were examined from a nationally representative sample.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The analytic sample for the type 2 diabetes analysis (n = 12,900) was limited to participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2006 over 20 years of age. Participants >20 years of age assigned to the morning session and free of diabetes were limited to the insulin resistance analysis (n = 5,806). Multiplicative interaction was assessed through a cross-product interaction term in a multiple logistic regression model. The presence of additive interaction between insufficient 25(OH)D and obesity (indicated by BMI or waist circumference) was evaluated by calculation of the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and attributable proportion due to interaction (AP).

RESULTS

There was no multiplicative interaction of insufficient 25(OH)D and obesity on type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. Furthermore, none of the RERI or AP values were statistically significant in the diabetes analysis. However, there was strong additive interaction between abdominal obesity and insufficient 25(OH)D (RERI 6.45 [95% CI 1.03–11.52]) in regard to insulin resistance. In addition, 47% of the increased odds of insulin resistance can be explained by interaction between insufficient 25(OH)D and high BMI (AP 0.47 [95% CI 0.08–0.87]).

CONCLUSIONS

Within a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample, abdominal obesity and insufficient 25(OH)D interact to synergistically influence the risk of insulin resistance.
Association of Ventricular Noncompaction and Histiocytoid Cardiomyopathy: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Planas Silvia , Ferreres Joan Carles , Balcells Joan , Garrido Marta , Cajal Santiago Ramón y , Torán Nuria
Published: July 2012

We report an association between ventricular noncompaction and histiocytoid cardiomyopathy. Both entities are rare, and only 2 cases of their association have been reported previously in the medical literature. Ventricular noncompaction is believed to be caused by an arrest of the normal endomyocardial development, resulting in a thin and compacted epicardial layer and a thickened noncompacted endocardial layer. Histiocytoid cardiomyopathy is a rare arrhythmogenic disorder characterized by aggregates of oncocytic cells involving predominantly the subendocardium. These cells are thought to be abnormal Purkinje cells. In our case, the histiocytoid cells showed strong cytoplasmic expression for the skeletal muscle transcription factor MyoD1, which could be attributed to cross reactivity with an undetermined cytoplasmic antigen.
History of infrared detectors
Authors: Rogalski A.
Published: July 2012

This paper overviews the history of infrared detector materials starting with Herschel’s experiment with thermometer on February 11th, 1800. Infrared detectors are in general used to detect, image, and measure patterns of the thermal heat radiation which all objects emit. At the beginning, their development was connected with thermal detectors, such as thermocouples and bolometers, which are still used today and which are generally sensitive to all infrared wavelengths and operate at room temperature. The second kind of detectors, called the photon detectors, was mainly developed during the 20th Century to improve sensitivity and response time. These detectors have been extensively developed since the 1940’s. Lead sulphide (PbS) was the first practical IR detector with sensitivity to infrared wavelengths up to ∼3 μm. After World War II infrared detector technology development was and continues to be primarily driven by military applications. Discovery of variable band gap HgCdTe ternary alloy by Lawson and co-workers in 1959 opened a new area in IR detector technology and has provided an unprecedented degree of freedom in infrared detector design. Many of these advances were transferred to IR astronomy from Departments of Defence research. Later on civilian applications of infrared technology are frequently called “dual-use technology applications.” One should point out the growing utilisation of IR technologies in the civilian sphere based on the use of new materials and technologies, as well as the noticeable price decrease in these high cost technologies. In the last four decades different types of detectors are combined with electronic readouts to make detector focal plane arrays (FPAs). Development in FPA technology has revolutionized infrared imaging. Progress in integrated circuit design and fabrication techniques has resulted in continued rapid growth in the size and performance of these solid state arrays.
Understanding the NEΔT of tactical infrared focal plane arrays
Authors: Norton P.
Published: July 2012

NEΔT is the commonly used figure-of-merit for infrared-imaging systems using focal plane arrays (FPAs). This paper discusses an intuitive approach to understanding what determines this value in the majority of MWIR and LWIR broad-band applications, namely, the available charge storage capacity of the FPA readout. This conclusion is a consequence of the negligible amount of dark current compared to photo-current for modern detector technology.
Photocatalytic mineralisation of humic acids using TiO2 modified by tungsten dioxide/ hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Tryba Beata , Piszcz Michał , Borowiak-Paleń Ewa , Grzmil Barbara , Morawski Antoni
Published: July 2012

Photocatalytic mineralisation of humic acids using TiO2 modified by tungsten dioxide/ hydrogen peroxide

TiO2 of anatase structure was modified by tungsten dioxide and H2O2 in order to obtain WO3-TiO2 photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity under both, UV and artificial solar light irradiations. WO2 was dissolved in 30% H2O2 and mixed with TiO2 in a vacuum evaporator at 70°C. Such modified TiO2 was dried and then calcinated at 400 and 600°C.

The prepared samples and unmodified TiO2 were used for the photocatalytic decomposition of humic acids (Leonardite standard IHSS) in the aqueous solution under irradiations of both, UV and artificial solar light. Modification of TiO2 with tungsten dioxide and H2O2 improved separation of free carriers in TiO2 which resulted in the increase of OH radicals formation. Calcination caused an increase of anatase crystals and higher yield in OH radicals. The uncalcined samples showed high abilities for the adsorption of HA. Combination of adsorption abilities and photocatalytic activity of photocatalyst caused that the uncalcined TiO2 modified with WO2/H2O2 showed the shortest time of HA mineralisation. The mineralisation of HA under the artificial solar light was much lower than under the UV. It was proved that, although OH radicals are powerful in the decomposition of HA, adsorption can facilitate the contact of the adsorbed molecules with the photocatalyst surface and accelerate their photocatalytic decomposition.
Precursors of volatile organic compounds emitted during phosphorite processing
Authors: Śliwak Agata , Gryglewicz Stanisław , Hoffmann Józef , Gryglewicz Grażyna
Published: July 2012

Precursors of volatile organic compounds emitted during phosphorite processing

The composition of solvent-soluble organic matter of phosphorite, which is a precursor of volatile organic compounds emitted by the fertilizer industry, was studied. A benzene-methanol mixture and chloroform were used for the extraction of free and bound bitumen from phosphorites, respectively. The separated bitumen fractions were characterized qualitatively by GC-MS and quantitatively by GC-FID. n-Alkanes, n-alkenes, fatty acids and isoprenoids were identified in the extracts. The main components were n-alkanes and n-alkenes, constituting over 80% of the total bitumen determined. An unexpected presence of n-alkenes only in the free bitumen fraction was found. The possible source of ill-smelling substances evolved during treatment of phosphorite with H2SO4 was discussed.
The Role of Gender-Biased Perceptions in Teacher-Student Interaction
Authors: Berekashvili Nana
Published: July 2012

The Role of Gender-Biased Perceptions in Teacher-Student Interaction

Differences in teacher perceptions depending on student gender and their impact on teacher-student interaction was the focus of the study. The questions addressed were: the characteristics that teachers encourage and discourage in girls and boys; the patterns of their responses to students of different genders; perception of pupils' academic achievement, learning skills and giftedness; distribution of attention between girls and boys. The study revealed that in spite of better school results, girls' skills and talents are underestimated, expectations towards them are low and their behavior is restricted to stereotyped feminine roles. The majority of those surveyed support the idea that sex determines different abilities in different learning skills as regards school subjects. While girls, in teachers' opinion, insignificantly exceed boys in the humanities, boys entirely outdo girls in natural sciences and math. Teachers totally deny girls' abilities in sports. At the same time, most teachers are hardly aware of being gender-biased themselves.
Oswaldocruzia duboisi (Nematoda, Molineidae): Morphology, Hosts and Distribution in Ukraine
Authors: Svitin R. , Kuzmin Y.
Published: July 2012

Oswaldocruzia duboisi(Nematoda, Molineidae): Morphology, Hosts and Distribution in Ukraine

Oswaldocruzia duboisiBen Slimane, Durette-Desset et Chabaud, 1993 previously known from France and Bulgaria is reported from Ukraine for the first time. The species was found in the material from 8 amphibian host species, of whichLissotriton montadoni, Triturus cristatus, Mesotriton alpestris, Pelophylax ridibunda, P. lessonae, andHyla arboreaare new host records. Newts (Salamandridae) and green frogs (Pelophylax) are considered to be typical hosts forO. duboisi. Illustrated morphological redescription ofO. duboisibased on 141 specimens from various hosts is presented.
Systematic Position of the Genus Nikanoria (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae), with Description of Two New Species
Authors: Zerova M. , Seryogina L.
Published: July 2012

Systematic Position of the GenusNikanoria(Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae), with Description of Two New Species

The genus nameNikanoriais resurrected from synonymy and considered to be separate fromBruchophagusbased on analysis of morphological characters and trophic associations.Nikanoria pygmaeaZerova, sp. n. andN. desertaZerova, sp. n. are described.
Large Carnivores of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone
Authors: Shkvyria M. , Vishnevskiy D.
Published: July 2012

Large Carnivores of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone

During nine years observations on large carnivores of Exclusion Zone have been carried out. Species composition and the number of large predators in the Exclusion Zone correspond to the regional conditions. The presence of bears and permanent stay of the lynx in the Exclusion Zone was confirmed. Six wolf packs were counted. The use of an anthropogenically transformed areas, the shift of the daily regime of activity and characteristics of the diet are the most specific features of this animal group.
Robust DTC Based on Adaptive Fuzzy Control of Double Star Synchronous Machine Drive with Fixed Switching Frequency
Authors: Boudana Djamel , Nezli Lazhari , Tlemçani Abdelhalim , Mahmoudi Mohand , Tadjine Mohamed
Published: July 2012

Robust DTC Based on Adaptive Fuzzy Control of Double Star Synchronous Machine Drive with Fixed Switching Frequency

The double star synchronous machine (DSSM) is widely used for high power traction drives. It possesses several advantages over the conventional three phase machine. To reduce the torque ripple the DSSM are supplied with source voltage inverter (VSI). The model of the system DSSM-VSI is high order, multivariable and nonlinear. Further, big harmonic currents are generated. The aim of this paper is to develop a new direct torque adaptive fuzzy logic control in order to control DSSM and minimize the harmonics currents. Simulations results are given to show the effectiveness of our approach.
Selection of Hidden Layer Neurons and Best Training Method for FFNN in Application of Long Term Load Forecasting
Authors: Singh Navneet , Singh Asheesh , Tripathy Manoj
Published: July 2012

Selection of Hidden Layer Neurons and Best Training Method for FFNN in Application of Long Term Load Forecasting

For power industries electricity load forecast plays an important role for real-time control, security, optimal unit commitment, economic scheduling, maintenance, energy management, and plant structure planningetc. A new technique for long term load forecasting (LTLF) using optimized feed forward artificial neural network (FFNN) architecture is presented in this paper, which selects optimal number of neurons in the hidden layer as well as the best training method for the case study. The prediction performance of proposed technique is evaluated using mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of Thailand private electricity consumption and forecasted data. The results obtained are compared with the results of classical auto-regressive (AR) and moving average (MA) methods. It is, in general, observed that the proposed method is prediction wise more accurate.
Ferrites and Different Winding Types in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Sekerák Peter , Hrabovcová Valéria , Pyrhönen Juha , Kalamen Lukáš , Rafajdus Pavol , Onufer Matúš
Published: July 2012

Ferrites and Different Winding Types in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

This paper deals with design of permanent magnet synchronous machines with ferrites. The ferrites became popular due to their low cost and cost increasing of NdFeB. The progress in ferrite properties in the last decade allows the use of ferrites in high power applications. Three models of ferrite motors are presented. It is shown that also the type of stator winding and the shape of the slot opening have an important effect on the PMSM properties. The first motor has a distributed winding, the second motor has concentrated, non-overlapping winding and open stator slots. The third motor has a concentrated non-overlapping winding and semi - open slots. All models are designed for the same output power and they do not have the same dimensions. The paper shows how important the design of an electric machine is for excellent motor properties or better to say how the motor properties can be improved by an appropriate design.
Synthesis Using Microwave Irradiation, Characterisation and Antibacterial Activity of Novel Deoxycholic Acid-Triazole Conjugates
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhao Zhigang , Li Hui
Published: July 2012

Novel deoxycholic acid 3α-triazole conjugates based on methyl 3α-chloroacetoxy-12α-hydroxy-cholanate have been synthesised. The synthesis is accelerated by microwave irradiation under solvent free conditions in the presence of K2CO3. Some of these compounds were tested for antibacterial activity against B.subtilis, P.aeruginosa and S.aureus. The preliminary results indicated that these deoxycholic acid-triazole conjugates have good inhibitory effect against B.subtilis. All of the compounds were characterised by 1H NMR, IR, ESI-MS spectra and elemental analyses.
Reformatsky Reaction Promoted by an Ionic Liquid ([Bmim]Cl) in the Synthesis of β-Hydroxyl Ketone Derivatives Bearing a Coumarin Unit
Authors: Zhao Bing , Fan Meng-jiao , Liu Zhuo , Hu Li-feng , Song Bo , Wang Li-yan , Deng Qi-gang
Published: July 2012

A number of β-hydroxy-ketone derivatives bearing a coumarin unit have been synthesised by the Reformatsky reaction of formyl coumarin and α-bromoacetophenone in an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [Bmim]Cl). The recovered ionic liquid can be reused at least five times without a significant reduction in yield. This procedure is green, mild and environmentally benign.
Easy and Selective Method for the Synthesis of Mono-, Di-, Tri-, Tetra-O-Arylmethyl-P-T-Butylcalix[4]Arenes
Authors: Xie Yuanyuan , Xia Wang
Published: July 2012

Mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-O-arylmethyl-p-t-butylcalix[4]arenes were synthesised respectively from p-t-butylcalix[4]arene and arylmethyl bromide through an easy and selective one-step reaction. Mono- and di-arylmethyl ethers of p-t-butylcalix[4]arenes were prepared using LiH as a base, while tri- and tetra-arylmethyl derivatives were afforded in the presence of Ba(OH)2 and BaO. These methods are remarkable for excellent selectivity, mild reaction conditions, moderate to good yields and easy purification.
An Efficient and Recyclable DMAP-Based Ionic Liquid/Water System for Morita–Baylis–Hillman Reactions
Authors: Zhang Li-Rong , Yi Feng-Ping , Zhang Xuan , Zou Jian-Zhong
Published: July 2012

The efficient and recyclable system, DMAP-based ionic liquid/water, has been developed and used in the Morita– Baylis–Hillman reaction of aromatic aldehydes with acrylates. The coupling reactions under the described basic reaction conditions proceed quickly with good to excellent yields. The ionic liquid could be reused at least five times without significant loss of activity.
Dynamic Post-Transcriptional Regulation of HIV-1 Gene Expression
Authors: Kula Anna , Marcello Alessandro
Published: July 2012

Gene expression of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a highly regulated process. Basal transcription of the integrated provirus generates early transcripts that encode for the viral products Tat and Rev. Tat promotes the elongation of RNA polymerase while Rev mediates the nuclear export of viral RNAs that contain the Rev-responsive RNA element (RRE). These RNAs are exported from the nucleus to allow expression of Gag-Pol and Env proteins and for the production of full-length genomic RNAs. A balance exists between completely processed mRNAs and RRE-containing RNAs. Rev functions as an adaptor that recruits cellular factors to re-direct singly spliced and unspliced viral RNAs to nuclear export. The aim of this review is to address the dynamic regulation of this post-transcriptional pathway in light of recent findings that implicate several novel cellular cofactors of Rev function.
Radiation Effects in Carbon Nanoelectronics
Authors: Cress Cory D. , McMorrow Julian J. , Robinson Jeremy T. , Landi Brian J. , Hubbard Seth M. , Messenger Scott R.
Published: July 2012

We experimentally investigate the effects of Co-60 irradiation on the electrical properties of single-walled carbon nanotube and graphene field-effect transistors. We observe significant differences in the radiation response of devices depending on their irradiation environment, and confirm that, under controlled conditions, standard dielectric hardening approaches are applicable to carbon nanoelectronics devices.
Risk Perception and Occupational Accidents: A Study of Gas Station Workers in Southern Brazil
Authors: Cezar-Vaz Marta Regina , Rocha Laurelize Pereira , Bonow Clarice Alves , Da Silva Mara Regina Santos , Vaz Joana Cezar , Cardoso Letícia Silveira
Published: July 2012

The present study aimed to identify the perceptions of gas station workers about physical, chemical, biological and physiological risk factors to which they are exposed in their work environment; identify types of occupational accidents involving gas station workers and; report the development of a socioenvironmental intervention as a tool for risk communication to gas station workers. A quantitative study was performed with 221 gas station workers in southern Brazil between October and December 2010. Data collection was performed between October to December 2010 via structured interviews. The data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0. The participants identified the following risk types: chemical (93.7%), physical (88.2%), physiological (64.3%) and biological (62.4%). In this sample, 94.1% of gas station workers reported occupational accidents, and 74.2% reported fuel contact with the eyes (p < 0.05). It is concluded that workers perceive risks, and that they tend to relate risks with the occurrence of occupational accidents as an indicator of the dangerous nature of their work environment.
Metabolic Profiling of Lactococcus lactis Under Different Culture Conditions
Authors: Azizan Kamalrul Azlan , Baharum Syarul Nataqain , Mohd Noor Normah
Published: July 2012

Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS/GC-MS) were used to study metabolites produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris MG1363 grown at a temperature of 30 °C with and without agitation at 150 rpm, and at 37 °C without agitation. It was observed that L. lactis produced more organic acids under agitation. Primary alcohols, aldehydes, ketones and polyols were identified as the corresponding trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives, whereas amino acids and organic acids, including fatty acids, were detected through methyl chloroformate derivatization. HS analysis indicated that branched-chain methyl aldehydes, including 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, and 2-methylpropanal are degdradation products of isoleucine, leucine or valine. Multivariate analysis (MVA) using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed the major differences between treatments were due to changes of amino acids and fermentation products.
Laser Scanning on Road Pavements: A New Approach for Characterizing Surface Texture
Authors: Bitelli Gabriele , Simone Andrea , Girardi Fabrizio , Lantieri Claudio
Published: July 2012

The surface layer of road pavement has a particular importance in relation to the satisfaction of the primary demands of locomotion, such as security and eco-compatibility. Among those pavement surface characteristics, the “texture” appears to be one of the most interesting with regard to the attainment of skid resistance. Specifications and regulations, providing a wide range of functional indicators, act as guidelines to satisfy the performance requirements. This paper describes an experiment on the use of laser scanner techniques on various types of asphalt for texture characterization. The use of high precision laser scanners, such as the triangulation types, is proposed to expand the analysis of road pavement from the commonly and currently used two-dimensional method to a three-dimensional one, with the aim of extending the range of the most important parameters for these kinds of applications. Laser scanners can be used in an innovative way to obtain information on areal surface layer through a single measurement, with data homogeneity and representativeness. The described experience highlights how the laser scanner is used for both laboratory experiments and tests in situ, with a particular attention paid to factors that could potentially affect the survey.
Distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in floral organs of Araceae in relation to pollination strategy
Authors: Coté Gary G. , Gibernau Marc
Published: July 2012

• Premise of the study: Many flowers are pollinated by potentially hungry insects, yet flowers also contain gametes and embryos which must be protected from predation. Microscopic calcium oxalate crystals in plant tissues have been proposed to protect against herbivory. Aroids, which have an unusual diversity of such crystals, also exhibit diverse pollination strategies. Many species have pollinators that do not feed while visiting the flowers, while other species, especially those pollinated by beetles, offer sterile staminodia as food rewards. We examined flowers of 21 aroid species with various pollination strategies to test the hypothesis that crystals protect vital gametes and embryos while allowing consumption of food bribes.

• Methods: Aroid inflorescences collected from the field or from greenhouse material were sectioned, cleared, and examined by bright field and polarization microscopy.

• Key results: All species examined, regardless of pollination strategy, arrayed crystals around unshed pollen and ovules. Less vital tissues, such as odoriferous appendages, had few crystals. Staminodia offered as food to beetle pollinators, however, differed greatly between species in their crystal contents. Some had minimal crystals; some had crystals in patterns suggesting they limit beetle feeding; still others had abundant crystals in no obvious pattern.

• Conclusions: The results are consistent with crystals protecting against insect predation of gametes and embryos. However, the role of crystals in food‐bribe staminodia is unclear. They may limit and direct feeding by beetles in some species, while in others they might have no protective role.
Plasticity in bundle sheath extensions of heterobaric leaves
Authors: Lynch Douglas J. , McInerney Francesca A. , Kouwenberg Lenny L.R. , Gonzalez‐Meler Miquel A.
Published: July 2012

• Premise of the study: Leaf venation is linked to physiological performance, playing a critical role in ecosystem function. Despite the importance of leaf venation, associated bundle sheath extensions (BSEs) remain largely unstudied. Here, we quantify plasticity in the spacing of BSEs over irradiance and precipitation gradients. Because physiological function(s) of BSEs remain uncertain, we additionally explored a link between BSEs and water use efficiency (WUE).

• Methods: We sampled leaves of heterobaric trees along intracrown irradiance gradients in natural environments and growth chambers and correlated BSE spacing to incident irradiance. Additionally, we sampled leaves along a precipitation gradient and correlated BSE spacing to precipitation and bulk δ13C, a proxy for intrinsic WUE. BSE spacing was quantified using a novel semiautomatic method on fresh leaf tissue.

• Key results: With increased irradiance or decreased precipitation, Liquidambar styraciflua decreased BSE spacing, while Acer saccharum showed little variation in BSE spacing. Two additional species, Quercus robur and Platanus occidentalis, decreased BSE spacing with increased irradiance in growth chambers. BSE spacing correlated with bulk δ13C, a proxy for WUE in L. styraciflua, Q. robur, and P. occidentalis leaves but not in leaves of A. saccharum.

• Conclusions: We demonstrated that BSE spacing is plastic with respect to irradiance or precipitation and independent from veins, indicating BSE involvement in leaf adaptation to a microenvironment. Plasticity in BSE spacing was correlated with WUE only in some species, not supporting a function in water relations. We discuss a possible link between BSE plasticity and life history, particularly canopy position.
Hybrid super electron donors – preparation and reactivity
Authors: Garnier Jean , Thomson Douglas W , Zhou Shengze , Jolly Phillip I , Berlouis Leonard E A , Murphy John A
Published: July 2012

Neutral organic electron donors, featuring pyridinylidene–imidazolylidene, pyridinylidene–benzimidazolylidene and imidazolylidene–benzimidazolylidene linkages are reported. The pyridinylidene–benzimidazolylidene and imidazolylidene–benzimidazolylidene hybrid systems were designed to be the first super electron donors to convert iodoarenes to aryl radicals at room temperature, and indeed both show evidence for significant aryl radical formation at room temperature. The stronger pyridinylidene–imidazolylidene donor converts iodoarenes to aryl anions efficiently under appropriate conditions (3 equiv of donor). The presence of excess sodium hydride base has a very important and selective effect on some of these electron-transfer reactions, and a rationale for this is proposed.
Risks, Subtypes, and Hospitalization Costs of Stroke Among Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: WANG I-KUAN , MUO CHIH-HSIN , CHANG YI-CHIH , LIANG CHIH-CHIA , LIN SHIH-YI , CHANG CHIZ-TZUNG , YEN TZUNG-HAI , CHUANG FENG-RONG , CHEN PEI-CHUN , HUANG CHIU-CHING , SUNG FUNG-CHANG
Published: July 2012

Objective.

To compare risks, subtypes, and hospitalization costs of stroke between cohorts with and without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

From the catastrophic illnesses registry of Taiwan’s universal health insurance claims data, we identified 13,689 patients with SLE diagnosed in 1997–2008 and selected 54,756 non-SLE controls, frequency-matched with age (every 5 years), sex, and index year. Age-specific and type-specific stroke incidence, hazard, and cost of stroke were compared between the 2 cohorts to the end of 2008.

Results.

Compared with the non-SLE cohort, the risk of stroke was 3.2-fold higher in the SLE cohort (5.53 vs 1.74 per 1000 person-years) with an overall adjusted HR of 2.90 (95% CI 2.52–3.33). The age-specific risk was the highest in patients 1–17 years old (HR 163, 95% CI 22.2–1197) and decreased as age increased (p = 0.004). Hypertension and renal disease were the most important comorbidities in the SLE cohort predicting stroke risk (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.28–2.39 and HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.32–2.10, respectively). There were more hemorrhagic strokes in the SLE cohort than in the non-SLE cohort, but not significantly (28.0% vs 23.4%; p = 0.10). The hospitalization cost for stroke patients was more than twice the cost for those with SLE than for those without (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion.

Stroke risk and hospital care costs are considerably greater for patients with SLE than without. The relative risk of stroke is the highest in young patients with SLE.
Detection of Inflammatory Lesions by F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Patients with Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis
Authors: OWADA TAKAYOSHI , MAEZAWA REIKA , KURASAWA KAZUHIRO , OKADA HARUTSUGU , ARAI SATOKO , FUKUDA TAKESHI
Published: July 2012

Objective.

To evaluate the usefulness of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging in the management of patients with inflammatory myopathy. We examined whether FDG-PET scanning detects myositis or extramuscular lesions in patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM).

Methods.

FDG-PET imaging was performed in 24 patients with active inflammatory myopathy (PM, 11; DM, 13). The images were read by radiologists in a blinded manner. FDG uptake into muscles was judged positive when the intensity of muscles was higher than or equal to that of the liver. As controls, FDG imaging findings of patients with a lung mass and without muscle diseases were used. To investigate associations between FDG-PET findings and clinical/laboratory findings, the patients’ medical records were reviewed retrospectively.

Results.

Increased FDG uptake in muscles was found in 8 of 24 (33%) patients. In 67 of 69 (97%) controls without muscle diseases, no muscle FDG uptake was detected. The sensitivity of FDG-PET to detect myositis was lower than that of electromyogram (EMG), magnetic resonance imaging, and muscle biopsy. There were no significant differences in clinical manifestations between patients with and without increased FDG uptake in muscles, although patients with FDG muscle uptake had a tendency to have extended myositis with endomysial cell infiltration. FDG-PET detected neoplasms in patients with associated malignancy. FDG uptake in lungs was found in 7 of 18 patients with interstitial lung disease.

Conclusion.

FDG-PET imaging has limited usefulness for the evaluation of myositis in patients with PM/DM because of its low sensitivity, although it might be useful for detection of malignancy in these patients.