bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot‐scale Experience with Biological Nutrient Removal and Biomass Yield Reduction in a Liquid‐solid Circulating Fluidized Bed Bioreactor
Authors: Chowdhury Nabin , Nakhla George , Zhu Jesse , Islam Mohammad
Published: August 2010

A pilot‐scale liquid‐solid circulating fluidized bed (LSCFB) bioreactor was developed at the Adelaide Pollution Control Plant, London, Ontario, Canada, to study its commercial viability for biological nutrient removal. Lava rock particles of 600 µm were used as a biomass carrier media. The LSCFB removed approximately 90% organic, 80% nitrogen, and 70% phosphorus at loading rates of 4.12 kg COD/m3·d, 0.26 kg N/m3·d, and 0.052 kg P/m3·d, and an empty bed contact time of 1.5 hours. Effluent characterized by <1.0 mg NH4‐N/L, <5.0 mg NO3‐N/L, <1.0 mg PO4‐P/L, <10 mg TN/L, <10 mg SBOD/L, and 10 to 15 mg volatile suspended solids (VSS)/L can easily meet the criteria for nonpotable reuse of treated wastewater. The system removed nutrients without using any chemicals, and the secondary clarifier removed suspended solids removal without chemicals. A significant reduction (approximately 75%) in biomass yield to 0.12 to 0.16 g VSS/g chemical oxygen demand (COD) was observed, primarily because of long biological solids retention time (SRT) of 20 to 39 days and a combination of anoxic and aerobic COD consumption.
Virtual Policy Networks in Forestry and Climate Change in the U.S. and Canada: Government Nodality, Internationalization and Actor Complexity
Authors: McNutt Kathleen , Wellstead Adam
Published: August 2010

The Internet and the Web have changed policy formulation processes. The Web has increased the potential for governments to use information to manage the policy process and direct policy outcomes. It is argued that understanding the macro impacts of web‐based information and measuring the performances of online public sector information activities is vital to improving governments' web‐based capacity. This paper examines government nodality, internationalization, and actor composition in nine virtual policy networks to explore similarities and differences in online policy activities across different regions. The nine networks analyzed are issue specific, focused on forestry and climate change in four western Canadian provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia) and in five western U.S. states (Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, and Colorado). Discussion is focused on how specific contexts around governing priorities, political responses and issue‐specific policy problems shape the nature of virtual web‐based information networks.
The Development of Japanese Data Protection
Authors: Adams Andrew A , Murata Kiyoshi , Orito Yohko
Published: August 2010

In 2003, Japan enacted its first private‐sector data protection legislation, complementing the concurrent update of the public‐sector regulations. The publicly stated goal of the Japanese government was to support trade with Europe by providing suitably strong protection to qualify for European data‐export approval. In this paper we examine the internal social and political pressures that led to the adoption of apparently strong private‐sector data protection, despite prior long resistance to such a move. The pressures we have identified include direct and indirect effects of Japanese economic difficulties since the early 1990s, media pressure to update public‐sector rules because of the introduction of Juki Net, and similar media pressure to apply similar rules to the private sector. We also examine the role that the technology of kanji input systems played on the lack of urgency in demands for private‐sector data protection until 2000.
Agenda Setting in a Digital Age: Tracking Attention to California Proposition 8 in Social Media, Online News and Conventional News
Authors: Sayre Ben , Bode Leticia , Shah Dhavan , Wilcox Dave , Shah Chirag
Published: August 2010

This study compares the agenda‐setting cues of traditional media alongside those of online media in general and social media in particular. The main line of inquiry concerns (a) whether people posting content to openly accessible social media outlets may be acting in response to mainstream news coverage, possibly as a “corrective” to perceived imbalances in that coverage, or (b) whether such posts seem to have influenced professional media coverage of the issue, possibly reflecting broader opinion dynamics. We do not view these as competing hypotheses, as this relationship may run in both directions and shift at different points in the evolution of an issue. Our goal is to establish important preliminary findings by addressing these questions in the context of a particular issue that is (a) prominently covered in professional media, and (b) contentious enough to inspire individuals to “take the media into their own hands” by producing and publishing their own “coverage.” Proposition 8 in California, which amended the state constitution to define marriage as the exclusive right of opposite‐sex couples, provides this context. Our analysis focuses on the thousands of videos posted to YouTube and coverage of Proposition 8 in professional news media, tracing the relationships among them.
Editorial
Authors: Margetts Helen Z
Published: August 2010

This editorial introduces the articles in the second issue of Volume 2 of Policy & Internet.
CFD simulation of solids suspension in stirred tanks: Review
Authors: Ochieng Aoyi , Onyango Mrice
Published: August 2010

Many chemical reactions are carried out using stirred tanks, and the
efficiency of such systems depends on the quality of mixing, which has been a
subject of research for many years. For solid-liquid mixing, traditionally
the research efforts were geared towards determining mixing features such as
off-bottom solid suspension using experimental techniques. In a few studies
that focused on the determination of solids concentration distribution, some
methods that have been used have not been accurate enough to account for some
small scale flow mal-distribution such as the existence of dead zones. The
present review shows that computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques can be
used to simulate mixing features such as solids off-bottom suspension, solids
concentration and particle size distribution and cloud height. Information on
the effects of particle size and particle size distribution on the solids
concentration distribution is still scarce. Advancement of the CFD modeling
is towards coupling the physical and kinetic data to capture mixing and
reaction at meso- and micro-scales. Solids residence time distribution is
important for the design; however, the current CFD models do not predict this
parameter. Some advances have been made in recent years to apply CFD
simulation to systems that involve fermentation and anaerobic processes. In
these systems, complex interaction between the biochemical process and the
hydrodynamics is still not well understood. This is one of the areas that
still need more attention.
Outpatient EHR-Based Diabetes Clinical Decision Support That Works: Lessons Learned From Implementing Diabetes Wizard
Authors: Sperl-Hillen JoAnn M. , Averbeck Beth , Palattao Kevin , Amundson Jerry , Ekstrom Heidi , Rush Bill , O'Connor Patrick
Published: August 2010

In Brief

Electronic health record-based clinical decision support (CDS) can improve key intermediate outcomes of diabetes care in primary care settings and could be deployed in conjunction with additional care improvement strategies. It is important to understand how to incorporate CDS strategies into primary care practices to obtain high provider use rates and satisfaction. This article describes the process for successful implementation of a CDS tool called Diabetes Wizard.
Methods of Using Electronic Health Records for Population-Level Surveillance of Coronary Heart Disease Risk in the Heart of New Ulm Project
Authors: VanWormer Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2010

In Brief

Although electronic health records (EHRs) were designed as individual-level documentation tools for patient-provider clinical interactions, some have advocated for their use in population-level health surveillance efforts. Limited research exists on this utility of EHRs, but some investigators have used them successfully to estimate the prevalence of chronic disease events and heart disease risk factors. This article reviews such studies and describes EHR use in the Heart of New Ulm project, a large 10-year intervention designed to reduce the incidence of myocardial infarctions and improve heart disease risk factors in a rural Minnesota community.
A High Level of Patient Activation Is Observed But Unrelated to Glycemic Control Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mayberry Robert , Willock Robina Josiah , Boone Leslie , Lopez Patricia , Qin Huanying , Nicewander David
Published: August 2010

Objective. To measure patient activation and its relationship to glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes who had not participated in a formal diabetes self-management education program as a baseline assessment for tailoring diabetes education in a primary care setting.

Research design and methods. Patient activation was assessed in a stratified, cross-sectional study of adults with controlled (n = 21) and uncontrolled (n = 27) type 2 diabetes, who were receiving primary care at a unique family practice center of Baylor Health Care System in Dallas, Tex.

Results. The mean patient activation was 66.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 60.8–71.2) among patients with uncontrolled diabetes and 63.7 (55.9–71.5) among those with controlled diabetes (P = 0.607). A significant association was observed between the self-management behavior score and activation among patients whose glycemia was under control (ρ = 0.73, P = 0.01) as well as among patients with uncontrolled glycemia (ρ = 0.48, P < 0.001).

Conclusions. Although activation is correlated with self-management and may be important in tailored patient-centered approaches to improving diabetes care outcomes, the highest stage of activation may be necessary to achieve glycemic control. These findings reinforce the importance of conducting prerequisite needs assessments so diabetes educators are able to tailor their educational interventions to individual patients' needs and readiness to take action.
Identification of Bacteria in Paraffin-Embedded Tissues Using 16S rDNA Sequencing from a Neonate with Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: He Mai , Hong Tao , Lauro Patricia , Pinar Halit
Published: August 2010

The conventional approach to bacterial identification in paraffin-embedded tissue relies mainly on morphology, with the aid of Gram stain. This approach is only able to provide some clues; it does not offer the capability of accurate identification. Bacterial identification based on sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) is able to identify bacteria to the species level. Here we demonstrate the application of this technique in the postmortem examination, for which we had obtained different results from premortem and postmortem blood cultures. In the postmortem examination, abundant gram-negative rods were present in gastrointestinal tract lumen and lymphatic space. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue of the above sections and subjected to 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction for the first 500 base pairs, followed by sequencing. The results of sequencing correlated well with the postmortem culture result. In this review, the newly emerging field of bacterial identification with molecular techniques employing both broad-range and targeted approaches and their clinical applications and limitations are discussed.
Leiomyoma on the shaft of penis
Authors: Siddharth R , Mehra SN
Published: August 2010

Primary soft tissue tumours of the penis, such as leiomyomas, are very rare. Most present as small and painless but gradually increasing swellings on the penis. To the best of our knowledge, only 9 cases have been reported in the literature so far. This rare pathologic finding, which usually mimics a malignant lesion, should be included in the differential diagnosis of penile neoplasm. Surgical excision of the lesion provides both the histological diagnosis and an effective therapy. We report a case of a large leiomyoma on the shaft of the penis measuring 8x5 cm, which possibly represents the largest reported leiomyoma of the penis in English literature till date.
Light-dark dependence of electrocardiographic changes during asphyxia and reoxygenation in a rat model
Authors: Bačová Ivana , Švorc Pavol , Kundrík Martin , Fulton Benjamin
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ventilation on electrocardiographic time intervals as a function of the light-dark (LD) cycle in an in vivo rat model. RR, PQ, QT and QTc intervals were measured in female Wistar rats anaesthetized with both ketamine and xylazine (100 mg/15 mg/kg, i.m., open chest experiments) after adaptation to the LD cycle (12:12h) for 4 weeks. Electrocardiograms (ECG) were recorded before surgical interventions; after tracheotomy, and thoracotomy, and 5 minutes of stabilization with artificial ventilation; 30, 60, 90 and 120 seconds after the onset of apnoea; and after 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes of artificial reoxygenation. Time intervals in intact animals showed significant LD differences, except in the QT interval. The initial significant (p<0,001) LD differences in PQ interval and loss of dependence on LD cycle in the QT interval were preserved during short-term apnoea-induced asphyxia (30–60 sec) In contrast, long-term asphyxia (90–120 sec) eliminated LD dependence in the PQ interval, but significant LD differences were shown in the QT interval. Apnoea completely abolished LD differences in the RR interval. Reoxygenation restored the PQ and QT intervals to the pre-asphyxic LD differences, but with the RR intervals, the LD differences were eliminated. We have concluded that myocardial vulnerability is dependent on the LD cycle and on changes of pulmonary ventilation.
Efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/ emtricitabine compared with emtricitabine alone in antiretroviral-naive HIV–HBV coinfection in Thailand
Authors: Avihingsanon Anchalee , Lewin Sharon R , Kerr Stephen , Chang Judy J , Piyawat Komolmit , Napissanant Nounpen , Matthews Gail V , Dore Gregory J , Bowden Scott , Lange Joep , Ruxrungtham Kiat
Published: August 2010

Background

Therapy for chronic hepatitis B with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and lamivudine (3TC) or emtricitabine (FTC) is currently recommended for HIV–HBV coinfection. However, there is limited randomized data on the efficacy of combined therapy with TDF and FTC, especially in antiretroviral (ARV)-naive patients.

Methods

This was a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of HBV monotherapy with FTC versus TDF/FTC combination therapy in ARV-naive HIV– HBV coinfection. HIV–HBV-coinfected patients initiating ARV were randomized to either FTC/zidovudine/efavirenz (EFV; n=6) or TDF/FTC/EFV ( n=10). The primary end point was the time-weighted area under the curve (TWAUC) of HBV DNA at 48 weeks.

Results

The median baseline CD4+ T-cell count was 64 cells/μl (interquartile range [IQR] 36–172), plasma HIV type-1 RNA was 4.90 log10 copies/ml (IQR 4.58–5.44) and plasma HBV DNA was 8.76 log10 copies/ml (IQR 8.45–8.82). A total of 11/16 (69%) patients were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive. The median TWAUC decrease in HBV DNA was -5.32 log10 copies/ml in the TDF/FTC group compared with -3.25 log10 copies/ml in the FTC group ( P=0.03). At week 48, 90% of the TDF/FTC group and 33% of the FTC group had plasma HBV DNA<170 copies/ ml ( P=0.036, intention-to-treat analysis). HBeAg loss was observed in 4/11 (36%) HBeAg-positive patients. Hepatic fares were observed in 3/16 (19%) of patients.

Conclusions

TDF/FTC combination therapy resulted in a significantly greater decrease in HBV DNA than FTC monotherapy, with a greater proportion of patients with undetectable HBV DNA at week 48. Our study supports the current recommendation of ARV containing TDF/FTC as the treatment of choice for patients with HIV–HBV coinfection.
An Interaction between Kynurenine and the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Can Generate Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Mezrich Joshua D. , Fechner John H. , Zhang Xiaoji , Johnson Brian P. , Burlingham William J. , Bradfield Christopher A.
Published: August 2010

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has been known to cause immunosuppression after binding dioxin. It has recently been discovered that the receptor may be central to T cell differentiation into FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) versus Th17 cells. In this paper, we demonstrate that kynurenine, the first breakdown product in the IDO-dependent tryptophan degradation pathway, activates the AHR. We furthermore show that this activation leads to AHR-dependent Treg generation. We additionally investigate the dependence of TGF-β on the AHR for optimal Treg generation, which may be secondary to the upregulation of this receptor that is seen in T cells postexposure to TGF-β. These results shed light on the relationship of IDO to the generation of Tregs, in addition to highlighting the central importance of the AHR in T cell differentiation. All tissues and cells were derived from mice.
Overexpression of TGF-β1 Gene Induces Cell Surface Localized Glucose-Regulated Protein 78-Associated Latency-Associated Peptide/TGF-β
Authors: Oida Takatoku , Weiner Howard L.
Published: August 2010

TGF-β plays a crucial role in immune regulation. It has been reported that pro–TGF-β, latency-associated peptide (LAP), latent TGF-β and/or active TGF-β (LAP/TGF-β) is localized on the cell surface of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. However, the molecular mechanism(s) of how LAP/TGF-β is anchored on the cell membrane is unknown. In this study, we show that forced expression of human TGF-β1 gene by retrovirus transduction into P3U1 mouse myeloma cells, and other cell types including murine CD4+CD25− T cells, makes these cells surface LAP/TGF-β-positive. The surface LAP/TGF-β contains high-glycosylated, furin-processed latent TGF-β, which is different from the low-glycosylated, furin-unprocessed intracellular form or the high-glycosylated, furin-unprocessed secreted form. Furthermore, surface LAP/TGF-β forms a complex with the molecular chaperone glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78, also known as BiP), and knockdown of GRP78 reduced the expression levels of surface LAP/TGF-β. GRP78, however, is not involved in GARP-mediated surface LAP/TGF-β. Our results suggest that GRP78 provides an additional surface localization mechanism for LAP/TGF-β, which may play an important role in controlling TGF-β activity.
Interference with Dendritic Cell Populations Limits Early Antigen Presentation in Chronic γ-Herpesvirus-68 Infection
Authors: Mount Adele M. , Masson Frederick , Kupresanin Fiona , Smith Christopher M. , May Janet S. , van Rooijen Nico , Stevenson Philip G. , Belz Gabrielle T.
Published: August 2010

A critical factor influencing the ability of the host to mount a robust immune response against a virus depends on the rapid recruitment of dendritic cells (DCs) presenting Ags. From the outset, this step sets the tempo for subsequent activation of virus-specific T cells. Despite this, how induction of the immune response might be modified by pathogens with the capacity to establish persistence is unclear. In this study, we have characterized the in vivo influence of murine γ-herpesvirus K3-mediated interference with MHC class I in DCs that drive the initial adaptive immune response. We observed that γ-herpesvirus could interfere with the very earliest phase of Ag presentation through K3 by directly targeting migratory and lymph node-resident DCs. These results show that a pathogen with the capacity to interfere with early Ag presentation can establish suboptimal conditions for rapid induction of the adaptive immune response and thus favor establishment of viral persistence.
Mouse WRN Helicase Domain Is Not Required for Spontaneous Homologous Recombination‐Mediated DNA Deletion
Authors: Brown Adam D. , Claybon Alison B. , Bishop Alexander J. R.
Published: August 2010

Werner syndrome is a rare disorder that manifests as premature aging and age‐related diseases. WRN is the gene mutated in WS, and is one of five human RecQ helicase family members. WS cells exhibit genomic instability and altered proliferation, and in vitro studies suggest that WRN has a role in suppressing homologous recombination. However, more recent studies propose that other RecQ helicases (including WRN) promote early events of homologous recombination. To study the role of WRN helicase on spontaneous homologous recombination, we obtained a mouse with a deleted WRN helicase domain and combined it with the in vivo pink‐eyed unstable homologous recombination system. In this paper, we demonstrate that WRN helicase is not necessary for suppressing homologous recombination in vivo contrary to previous reports using a similar mouse model.
Sections of fiber bundles over surfaces and TQFTs
Authors: Turaev Vladimir
Published: August 2010

We study the existence problem and the enumeration problem for sections of Serre fibrations over compact orientable surfaces. When the fundamental group of the fiber is finite, a complete solution is given in terms of 2-dimensional cohomology classes associated with certain irreducible representations of this group. The proofs are based on Topological Quantum Field Theory.
Tropical deep convection and its impact on composition in global and mesoscale models - Part 1: Meteorology and comparison with observations.
Authors: Russo M. R. , Marécal V. , Hoyle C. R. , Arteta J. , Chemel C. , Chipperfield M. P. , Dessens O. , Feng W. , Hosking J. S. , Telford P. J. , Wild O. , Yang X. , Pyle J. A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Tropical convection is a very important atmospheric process acting on the water cycle, radiative budget of the atmosphere and air composition of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS), and it affects a broad range of spatial and temporal scales. The fast vertical transport in convective plumes can efficiently redistribute water vapour and pollutants up to the Tropical Tropopause Layer (TTL), and therefore affect the composition of the lower stratosphere. Chemistry Climate Models and Chemistry Transport Models are routinely used to study chemical processes in the atmosphere. In these models convection and convective transport of tracers are parameterised, and due to the interplay of chemical and dynamical processes, it has proven difficult to evaluate the convective transport of chemical species by comparison with observed chemical fields. In this work we investigate different characteristics of tropical convection by using convective proxies from many independent observational datasets (including surface precipitation rates, cloud top pressure and OLR). We use observations to analyse the seasonal cycle and geographical preferences of convection, and its impact on water vapour. Using highly temporally resolved cloud top data we calculate the frequency distribution of high clouds in three tropical regions. The observational data is used as a benchmark for a number of numerical models, with a view to assess the ability of models to reproduce the seasonality, preferential location and vertical extent of tropical convection. Finally we discuss the implications of our findings on modelling the composition of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.
Impact of the East Asian summer monsoon on long-term variations in the acidity of summer precipitation in Central China
Authors: Ge B. Z. , Wang Z. F. , Xu X. B. , Tang J. , He Y. J. , Uno I. , Ohara T.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. The acidity of precipitation has been observed at stations of the Acid Rain Monitoring Network run by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA-ARMN) since 1992. Previous studies have shown that different long-term trends exist in different regions but detailed analysis of the causes of these is lacking. In this paper, we analyze summertime precipitation acidity data from the CMA-ARMN during 1992–2006 using EOFs and show that the summertime pH in China had different trends before and after 2000. The most significant decrease of pH is found in Central China. To investigate the causes of this decrease of pH in summer, we explore the relationship between changes in the pH value, the East Asian summer monsoon index, rainfall data, and pollutants emissions. We find that the East Asian summer monsoon can significantly affect the acidity of summer precipitation in Central China. In strong monsoon years, the pH in Central China is about 0.33 lower than that in weak monsoon years. Chemical transport model simulations using fixed emissions indicate that about 65% of the pH value difference (i.e., 0.22) is related to the summer monsoon, and constitutes 18–36% of the observed pH change (0.6–1.2) in Central China during 1992–2006. Further studies reveal a teleconnection between the pH in Central China and the rainfall in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLYR), which can explain about 24% of the variance of pH in Central China. Simulations using an annually varying emission inventory show that at least 60% of the variation in precipitation acidity in Central China can be attributed to changes in pollutant emissions. Therefore, the increase in emissions of acidic species is the most important cause for the observed decrease of pH in Central China, and changes in meteorological factors, such as rainfall and other parameters related to the East Asian summer monsoon, play a less important but still significant role.
Determination of aerosol properties from satellite observations of the Ring effect
Authors: Wagner T. , Beirle S. , Deutschmann T. , de Vries M. P.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. In this study we explore the potential of satellite observations of the Ring effect (at various wavelengths) for the retrieval of atmospheric aerosol properties. Compared to clouds, aerosols have a rather weak influence on the Ring effect, thus the requirements on the accuracy of the measurements and the radiative transfer simulations are high. In this study, we show that for moderate and high aerosol optical depth (AOD), Ring effect observations are sensitive enough to yield information not only on the AOD, but also on the absorbing properties of aerosols and the aerosol layer height. The latter two quantities are especially important for the determination of the radiative effects of aerosols. Our investigations are based on observations by the satellite instrument SCIAMACHY on ENVISAT (2004–2008) and on model simulations using the Monte-Carlo radiative transfer model McArtim. In addition to the Ring effect we investigate the impact of aerosols on the absorptions of the oxygen molecule (O2) and dimer (O4) as well as the radiance. In general good consistency between measured and simulated quantities is found. In some cases also systematic differences occurred, which are probably mainly related to the strong polarisation sensitivity of the SCIAMACHY instrument. Our study indicates that Ring effect observations have important advantages for aerosol retrievals: in contrast to O2 and O4 absorptions they are only weakly affected by the surface albedo; they can be analysed with high accuracy in various wavelength ranges; and depending on the wavelength range, they show different sensitivities on aerosol properties like single scattering albedo, optical depth or layer height. The results of this study are of particular interest for future satellite instruments with reduced polarisation sensitivity and smaller ground pixels, capable of measuring the Ring effect with higher accuracy.
IMF dependence of Saturn's auroras: modelling study of HST and Cassini data from 12–15 February 2008
Authors: Belenkaya E. S. , Alexeev I. I. , Blokhina M. S. , Bunce E. J. , Cowley S. W. H. , Nichols J. D. , Kalegaev V. V. , Petrov V. G. , Provan G.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. To gain better understanding of auroral processes in Saturn's magnetosphere, we compare ultraviolet (UV) auroral images obtained by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) with the position of the open-closed field line boundary in the ionosphere calculated using a magnetic field model that employs Cassini measurements of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) as input. Following earlier related studies of pre-orbit insertion data from January 2004 when Cassini was located ~ 1300 Saturn radii away from the planet, here we investigate the interval 12–15 February 2008, when UV images of Saturn's southern dayside aurora were obtained by the HST while the Cassini spacecraft measured the IMF in the solar wind just upstream of the dayside bow shock. This configuration thus provides an opportunity, unique to date, to determine the IMF impinging on Saturn's magnetosphere during imaging observations, without the need to take account of extended and uncertain interplanetary propagation delays. The paraboloid model of Saturn's magnetosphere is then employed to calculate the magnetospheric magnetic field structure and ionospheric open-closed field line boundary for averaged IMF vectors that correspond, with appropriate response delays, to four HST images. We show that the IMF-dependent open field region calculated from the model agrees reasonably well with the area lying poleward of the UV emissions, thus supporting the view that the poleward boundary of Saturn's auroral oval in the dayside ionosphere lies adjacent to the open-closed field line boundary.
Assessing the ecological status of plankton in Anjos Bay: a flow cytometry approach
Authors: Pereira G. C. , de Figuiredo A. R. , Jabor P. M. , Ebecken N. F. F.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. This aim of this paper is to assess the use of the heterotrophic/autotrophic ratio as an early indicator of trophic status as a part of development of a real time monitoring program at Anjos Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. An in-situ flow cytometer was used to quantify the abundances of phytoplankton and cyanobacteria, which were identified by chlorophyll and phycoerythrin autofluorescence, respectively. Heterotrophic prokaryotes and viruses were quantified by DNA-binding fluorochromes; merozooplankton larvae were collected by plankton net and quantified by stereomicroscopy. The temporal and spatial distributions of these variables were evaluated on the basis of weekly observations from August 2006 to September 2007. The heterotrophic/autotrophic ratio and the viral abundance were correlated with upwelling events and assume an apparently seasonal pattern. A possible control mechanism and influential factors are discussed, and it is concluded that this ecosystem is bottom-up controlled under eutrophic conditions and top-down controlled under oligotrophic conditions.
Development and validation of a size-resolved particle dry deposition scheme for applications in aerosol transport models
Authors: Petroff A. , Zhang L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. A size-resolved particle dry deposition scheme is developed, which has been designed for inclusion in large-scale air quality and climate models, where the size distribution and fate of the atmospheric aerosol is of concern. The "resistance" structure is similar to what is proposed by Zhang et al. (2001, 2003), while a new "surface" deposition velocity (or surface resistance) is derived by simplification of a one-dimensional aerosol transport model (Petroff et al., 2008b, 2009). Collection efficiencies are given for the 26 Land Use Categories that decribe the earth surface. Validation of this model with existing measurements is performed on desert, grass, coniferous forest and liquid water surfaces. A comparison of this model with measurements on snow and ice is also given. Even though a qualitative agreement is reached, further size-segegated measurements are needed in order to confirm the model accuracy on this surface. The present analytical model provides more accurate predictions of the aerosol deposition on these surfaces than previous models.
Towards Efficient Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes in Thermotropic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Schymura Stefan , Kühnast Martin , Lutz Vanessa , Jagiella Stefan , Dettlaff‐Weglikowska Ursula , Roth Siegmar , Giesselmann Frank , Tschierske Carsten , Scalia Giusy , Lagerwall Jan
Published: August 2010

Motivated by numerous recent reports indicating attractive properties of composite materials of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and liquid crystals (LCs) and a lack of research aimed at optimizing such composites, the process of dispersing CNTs in thermotropic LCs is systematically studied. LC hosts can perform comparably or even better than the best known organic solvents for CNTs such as N‐methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), provided that the dispersion process and choice of LC material are optimized. The chemical structure of the molecules in the LC is very important; variations in core as well as in terminal alkyl chain influence the result. Several observations moreover indicate that the anisotropic nematic phase, aligning the nanotubes in the matrix, per se stabilizes the dispersion compared to a host that is isotropic and thus yields random tube orientation. The chemical and physical phenomena governing the preparation of the dispersion and its stability are identified, taking into account enthalpic, entropic, as well as kinetic factors. This allows a guideline on how to best design and prepare CNT–LC composites to be sketched, following which tailored development of new LCs may take the advanced functional material that CNT–LC composites comprise to the stage of commercial application.
Efficacy and safety of micafungin for treating febrile neutropenia in hematological malignancies
Authors: Goto Naoe , Hara Takeshi , Tsurumi Hisashi , Ogawa Kengo , Kitagawa Junichi , Kanemura Nobuhiro , Kasahara Senji , Yamada Toshiki , Shimizu Masahito , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Matsuura Katsuhiko , Moriwaki Hisataka
Published: August 2010

Less toxic antifungal drugs are required for empirical antifungal therapy. Micafungin is an echinocandin drug that is effective against both Candida and Aspergillus, and preliminary clinical studies have shown good antifungal activity. We prospectively examined the effect and safety of micafungin against febrile neutropenia with suspected fungal infection in 53 patients (median age, 56 years) who had undergone chemotherapy. The administered dose of micafungin was 150 mg/day, and its effect was evaluated as fever resolution as well as the results of chest imaging and serum fungal tests. Micafungin levels were measured on day 4 after the first administration using high‐performance liquid chromatography. We also measured trough levels of micafungin. Underlying diseases comprised acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 4), acute myeloid leukemia (n = 20), multiple myeloma (n = 3), and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 26). The overall efficacy of micafungin was 70%. Breakthrough fungal infections were documented in two (3.8%) patients, both of whom died of invasive mycosis. None of the patients were switched to other antifungal drugs due to events unrelated to adverse effects. Plasma levels of micafungin and the degree of hepatic or renal dysfunction did not correlate. Micafungin is safe and effective for the empirical antifungal therapy of febrile neutropenia in patients with hematological malignancies. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hierarchical cluster analysis for exposure assessment of workers in the semiconductor health study
Authors: Hines Cynthia J. , Selvin Steve , Samuels Steven J. , Hammond S. Katharine , Woskie Susan R. , Hallock Marilyn F. , Schenker Marc B.
Published: August 2010

The fabrication of integrated circuits in the semiconductor industry involves worker exposures to multiple chemical and physical agents. The potential for a high degree of correlation among exposure variables was of concern in the Semiconductor Health Study. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify groups or “clusters” of correlated variables. Several variations of hierarchical cluster analysis were performed on 14 chemical and physical agents, using exposure data on 882 subjects from the historical cohort of the epidemiological studies. Similarity between agent pairs was determined by calculating two metrics of dissimilarity, and hierarchical trees were constructed using three clustering methods. Among subjects exposed to ethylene‐based glycol ethers (EGE), xylene, or n‐butyl acetate (nBA), 83% were exposed to EGE and xylene, 86% to EGE and nBA, and 94% to xylene and nBA, suggesting that exposures to EGE, xylene, and nBA were highly correlated. A high correlation was also found for subjects exposed to boron and phosphorus (80%). The trees also revealed cluster groups containing agents associated with work‐group exposure categories developed for the epidemiologic analyses.
Communication issues in a multicomponent study of semiconductor employees
Authors: Saiki Cathy L. , Green Rochelle S. , Gold Ellen B. , Schenker Marc B.
Published: August 2010

A variety of methods were used to address communication problems in the Semiconductor Health Study (SHS). The diverse employee population required investigators to consider language, ethnic, and cultural differences in planning and implementing the study design. Studies of reproductive health in the workplace raise special concerns, including the critical need to preserve confidentiality and privacy of subjects. Notification of results of epidemiological studies reporting workplace hazards requires sensitivity to needs of workers. SHS investigators directly communicated overall results of this multicomponent study to participating employees at all sites and notified subjects of results of individual industrial hygiene monitoring and endocrine hormone assays.
Older paternal age strongly increases the morbidity for schizophrenia in sisters of affected females
Authors: Perrin Mary , Harlap Susan , Kleinhaus Karine , Lichtenberg Pesach , Manor Orly , Draiman Benjamin , Fennig Shmuel , Malaspina Dolores
Published: August 2010

The effect of a family history of schizophrenia on the risk for this disorder in the offspring has rarely been examined in a prospective population cohort accounting for the sex of the proband and the first‐degree relatives, and certainly not with respect to later paternal age. The influence of affected relatives on offspring risk of schizophrenia was estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression in models that accounted for sex, relation of affected first degree relatives and paternal age in the prospective population‐based cohort of the Jerusalem Perinatal Schizophrenia Study. Of all first‐degree relatives, an affected mother conferred the highest risk to male and female offspring among the cases with paternal age <35 years, however, female offspring of fathers ≥35 years with an affected sister had the highest risk (RR = 8.8; 95% CI = 3.9–19.8). The risk seen between sisters of older fathers was fourfold greater than the risk to sisters of affected females of younger fathers (RR = 2.2, 95% CI 0.7–6.7). The test for interaction was significant (P = 0.03). By contrast, the risk of schizophrenia to brothers of affected males was only doubled between older (RR = 3.3, 95% 1.6–6.6) and younger fathers (RR = 1.6, 95% CI 0.7–3.5). The most striking finding from this study was the very large increase in risk of schizophrenia to sisters of affected females born to older fathers. The authors speculate that the hypothesized paternally expressed genes on the X chromosome might play some role in these observations. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of degraded hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) grafted with poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide)
Authors: Vidović Elvira , Klee Doris , Höcker Hartwig
Published: August 2010

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) grafted with poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) and cross‐linked as a material of increased hydrophobicity relative to PVA was produced. The properties were examined with respect to the mass loss, water uptake, hydrophilicity, and mechanical characteristics upon hydrolytical degradation. The hydrogels investigated display water uptake increasing with degradation time because of increasing hydrophilicity. The mass loss amounts up to 15% after eight weeks of degradation. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels are within the range of those of natural tissue, theEmodulus is 18 MPa, or even 100–200 MPa, depending on the structure of material. The mechanical characteristic and their dependence degradation show the most recognizable correlation with the chemical structure. Studies of the topography of degraded samples (scanning electron microscopy) and IR measurements demonstrate the degradation to occur at slow rate due to the high degree of grafting. The mass loss is rather low and a bulk degradation mechanism takes place. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Mechanical characterization of untreated waste office paper/woven jute fabric hybrid reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: De Rosa Igor Maria , Santulli Carlo , Sarasini Fabrizio
Published: August 2010

The aim of this work is to assess the opportunity to use untreated waste office paper, alone and in combination with jute fabric, as a reinforcement in epoxy composites. Five different stacking sequences were manufactured and tested. Adding untreated waste office paper sheets has been revealed to increase both flexural and tensile strength of the neat resin and of the untreated jute fabric reinforced composites. The effect of the hybridization on tensile and flexural behavior has been evaluated through scanning electron microscopy observations and acoustic emission. The results confirm that waste office paper sheets can be used as a reinforcement for an epoxy resin, thus representing a viable alternative to paper recycling. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
A case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient treated with infliximab
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Bouldin Thomas W. , Berger Robert G.
Published: August 2010

We describe a 72‐year‐old white man with erosive rheumatoid arthritis in whom subacute neurologic and psychiatric symptoms developed after 3 years of treatment with infliximab, prednisone, and methotrexate. White matter demyelination was seen on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was ultimately confirmed by brain biopsy. The patient was treated with supportive therapy and discontinuation of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, resulting in stabilization of the disease process. The patient survived, but neurologic and cognitive deficits persisted. The distribution and pathology of this patient's disease are unique from almost all reported incidents of oral methotrexate–associated leukoencephalopathy. The pathogenesis of disease may be linked to a T cell–mediated process that is potentially impacted by infliximab. This case provides the first reported evidence that PML can be seen in association with infliximab therapy.
Long‐term impact of delay in assessment of patients with early arthritis
Authors: van der Linden Michael P. M. , le Cessie Saskia , Raza Karim , van der Woude Diane , Knevel Rachel , Huizinga Tom W. J. , van der Helm‐van Mil Annette H. M.
Published: August 2010

Objective

During the last decade, rheumatologists have learned to initiate disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) early to improve the outcome of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the effect of delay in assessment by a rheumatologist on the outcome of RA has scarcely been explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between delay in assessment by a rheumatologist, rates of joint destruction, and probability of achieving DMARD‐free remission in patients with RA. Patient characteristics associated with components of delay (by the patient, by the general practitioner [GP], and overall) were assessed.

Methods

A total of 1,674 early arthritis patients from the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic cohort were evaluated for patient delay, GP delay, and total delay in assessment by a rheumatologist. Among 598 RA patients, associations between total delay, achievement of sustained DMARD‐free remission, and the rate of joint destruction over 6 years followup were determined.

Results

The median patient, GP, and total delays in seeing a rheumatologist among patients with early arthritis were 2.4 weeks, 8.0 weeks, and 13.7 weeks, respectively. Among all diagnoses, those diagnosed as having RA or spondylarthritis had the longest total delay (18 weeks). Among the RA patients, 69% were assessed in ≥12 weeks; this was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.87 for not achieving DMARD‐free remission and a 1.3 times higher rate of joint destruction over 6 years, as compared with assessment in <12 weeks. Older age, female sex, gradual symptom onset, involvement of the small joints, lower levels of C‐reactive protein, and the presence of autoantibodies were associated with longer total delay.

Conclusion

Only 31% of the RA patients were assessed in <12 weeks of symptom onset. Assessment in <12 weeks is associated with less joint destruction and a higher chance of achieving DMARD‐free remission as compared with a longer delay in assessment. These results imply that attempts to diminish the delay in seeing a rheumatologist will improve disease outcome in patients with RA.
Relationship between the type I interferon signature and the response to rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Thurlings Rogier M. , Boumans Marie , Tekstra Janneke , van Roon Joel A. , Vos Koen , van Westing Daisy Marie , van Baarsen Lisa G. , Bos Carina , Kirou Kyriakos A. , Gerlag Danielle M. , Crow Mary K. , Bijlsma Johannes W. , Verweij Cornelis L. , Tak Paul P.
Published: August 2010

Objective

To analyze the relationship between the type I interferon (IFN) signature and clinical response to rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

Twenty RA patients were treated with rituximab (cohort 1). Clinical response was defined as a decrease in the Disease Activity Score evaluated in 28 joints (DAS28) and as a response according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria at week 12 and week 24. The presence of an IFN signature was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by measuring the expression levels of 3 IFN response genes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. After comparison with the findings in healthy controls, patients were classified as having an IFN high or an IFN low signature. The data were confirmed in a second independent cohort (n = 31). Serum IFNα bioactivity was analyzed using a reporter assay.

Results

In cohort 1, there was a better clinical response to rituximab in the IFN low signature group. Consistent with these findings, patients with an IFN low signature had a significantly greater reduction in the DAS28 and more often achieved a EULAR response at weeks 12 and 24 as compared with the patients with an IFN high signature in cohort 2 versus cohort 1. The pooled data showed a significantly stronger decrease in the DAS28 in IFN low signature patients at weeks 12 and 24 as compared with the IFN high signature group and a more frequent EULAR response at week 12. Accordingly, serum IFNα bioactivity at baseline was inversely associated with the clinical response, although this result did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

The type I IFN signature negatively predicts the clinical response to rituximab treatment in patients with RA. This finding supports the notion that IFN signaling plays a role in the immunopathology of RA.