bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of soil fortified by polyurethane foam on septic tank effluent treatment
Authors: Nie J. Y. , Zhu N. W. , Lin K. M. , Song F. Y.
Published: March 2011

Fortified soil was made up of a mixture at a mass ratio 4/1000–6/1000 of sponge and natural soil according to the results of column experiment. The fortified soil had bigger porosity and higher hydraulic conductivity than the natural soil. The columns packed with 900 mm of the fortified soil endured a flow rate equivalent to 100 L/m2/d of septic tank effluent and the average chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal rates were around 92%, 75% and 96%, respectively. After 100 weeks of operation, the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the fortified soil kept higher than 0.2 m/d. The bigger porosity of sponge improved the effective porosity, and the bigger specific surface area of sponge acted as an ideal support for biomat growth and ensured the sewage treatment performance of the fortified soil. The comparable performance was due to a similar and sufficient degree of soil clogging genesis coupled with bioprocesses that effectively purified the septic tank effluent given the adequate retention times.
Butanol production from the effluent of hydrogen fermentation
Authors: Chen W. H. , Chen S. Y. , Chao S. J. , Jian Z. C.
Published: March 2011

The purpose of the study was to recover butanol from the effluent of the hydrogen-producing bioreactor containing acetate, butyrate, and carbohydrate. The butanol production by Clostridium beijerinckii NRRL B592 was evaluated under both unsterilized and sterilized conditions for examining the potential of butanol production for the practical application. Sucrose of 10 g/L and butyrate of 2 g/L coupled with acetate buffer were used to mimic the effluent. Sucrose was completely consumed in the both unsterilized and sterilized conditions during acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation. However, the results illustrate that the carbohydrate consumption rate in the unsterilized condition was higher than that in the sterilized condition. The maximum butanol concentrations of 3,500 and 3,750 mg/L were achieved in the sterilized and unsterilized conditions, respectively. Meanwhile, it was found that the acetate and the butyrate concentrations of 600 and 1,500 mg/L, and 300 and 1,000 mg/L were ingested to yield butanol in the sterilized condition and in the unsterilized condition, respectively. The results concluded that high levels of acetate and butyrate could eliminate the interference of other microbial populations, resulting in the enrichment of C. beijerinckii NRRL B592 in the fermentor. The butanol production by C. beijerinckii NRRL B592 could be, therefore, produced from the effluent of the hydrogen-producing bioreactor. It promised that the microbial butanol production is one of attractive bioprocesses to recover energy from wastes.
Performance of a MBR for the treatment of blackwater
Authors: Knerr H. , Rechenburg A. , Kistemann T. , Schmitt T. G.
Published: March 2011

The paper describes the experience gained in operating a membrane bioreactor (MBR) for the treatment of blackwater. Beside a complete characterization of blackwater, operational conditions and removal efficiency concerning parameters such as COD, BOD5, nitrogen and phosphorus as well as microbiological parameters were determined. Furthermore the membrane performance was investigated. The results show that in blackwater treatment nitrogen removal is limited in the biological process, because of the blackwater matrix (BOD5:TKN=1.1:1.0). Blackwater contains a high fraction of soluble, inert COD, which is not degradable by biological operation, only. Phosphorus elimination was negligible, probably induced by precipitation of cellular phosphorus. Although the released permeate was free of the fecal indicators E. coli and streptococcus and met guideline values, a direct reuse as service water is not recommended due to the yellowish coloration.
Combination of up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor and a novel cascade sponge reactor for sewage treatment
Authors: Patel K. , Mungray A. K.
Published: March 2011

Performance of the combined process of up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and cascade sponge reactor (CSR) for sewage treatment was studied. UASB-CSR system was operated at HRTs of 24 h, 16 h, and 8 h at an average wastewater temperature of 29°C. It comprises of the most efficient combined process not only for CODT (98.9%), BODT (98.5%), TSS (99.3%), total nitrogen (89.1%), total phosphorus (99.0%), total coliform (99.9%) and fecal coliform (99.9%) removal but also for reducing excess sludge production. Fecal coliform counts were found 23 MPN/100 ml only in final effluents. The effluent quality of the system sufficiently meets the discharged standards which regulate wastewater discharge into drains. The parameters of CSR are closely related to those of the potable water after certain advanced treatment which can be reused in many ways. Moreover, it does not require any external aeration and thus the cost associated with energy and devices required for aeration are cut to zero.
Understanding Different Methodological Approaches to Measuring Inequity in Health Care
Authors: Asada Yukiko , Kephart George
Published: March 2011

The objectives of this study were to classify different methodological approaches to measuring inequity in health care, identify the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, and suggest directions for future improvement of each approach. The authors classified three approaches to measuring inequity in health care according to: (1) collective expert judgments (clinical standard approach), (2) average health care use based on need (population standard approach), and (3) assessment of health care users or providers (direct approach). The clinical standard approach has strong face validity and immediate policy implication, while lacking global policy implications. The population standard approach offers a global picture of inequity but has weak face validity. The direct approach can reveal private information of health care users and offer opportunity for managing public expectation. Strengths and limitations of these approaches are complementary, suggesting directions for future improvements of each approach. This study will help researchers make a well-informed choice of measurement approach and assist policymakers in resolving some of the problems caused by the diverse findings of studies, partly due to the measurement approaches taken.
The Effects of Health Care Reforms on Health Inequalities: A Review and Analysis of the European Evidence Base
Authors: Gelormino Elena , Bambra Clare , Spadea Teresa , Bellini Silvia , Costa Giuseppe
Published: March 2011

Health care is widely considered to be an important determinant of health. The health care systems of Western Europe have recently experienced significant reforms, under pressure from economic globalization. Similarly, in Eastern Europe, health care reforms have been undertaken in response to the demands of the new market economy. Both of these changes may influence equality in health outcomes. This article aims to identify the mechanisms through which health care may affect inequalities. The authors conducted a literature review of the effects on health inequalities of European health care reforms. Particular reference was paid to interventions in the fields of financing and pooling, allocation, purchasing, and provision of services. The majority of studies were from Western Europe, and the outcomes most often examined were access to services or income distribution. Overall, the quality of research was poor, confirming the need to develop an appropriate impact assessment methodology. Few studies were related to pooling, allocation, or purchasing. For financing and purchasing, the studies showed that publicly funded universal health care reduces the impact of ill health on income distribution, while insurance systems can increase inequalities in access to care. Out-of-pocket payments increase inequalities in access to care and contribute to impoverishment. Decentralizing health services can lead to geographic inequalities in health care access. Nationalized, publicly funded health care systems are most effective at reducing inequalities in access and reducing the effects on health of income distribution.
Estimating the Economic Burden of Racial Health Inequalities in the United States
Authors: LaVeist Thomas A. , Gaskin Darrell , Richard Patrick
Published: March 2011

The primary hypothesis of this study is that racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care impose costs on numerous aspects of society, both direct health care costs and indirect costs such as loss of productivity. The authors conducted three sets of analysis, assessing: (1) direct medical costs and (2) indirect costs, using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2002–2006) to estimate the potential cost savings of eliminating health disparities for racial/ethnic minorities and the productivity loss associated with health inequalities for racial/ethnic minorities, respectively; and (3) costs of premature death, using data from the National Vital Statistics Reports (2003–2006). They estimate that eliminating health disparities for minorities would have reduced direct medical care expenditures by about $230 billion and indirect costs associated with illness and premature death by more than $1 trillion for the years 2003–2006 (in 2008 inflation-adjusted dollars). We should address health disparities because such inequities are inconsistent with the values of our society and addressing them is the right thing to do, but this analysis shows that social justice can also be cost effective.
The Global Reorganization and Revitalization of the Asbestos Industry, 1970–2007
Authors: Rice James
Published: March 2011

The intent of this essay is to highlight the global reorganization of the asbestos industry over the period 1970–2007. Descriptive analysis illustrates that asbestos consumption in the industrialized countries declined precipitously over this period, in juxtaposition to a notable increase in consumption in the developing countries. In 2007, asbestos consumption in the developing countries was more than two million metric tons but negligible elsewhere in the world economy. The author argues that as asbestos increasingly became the focus of government oversight in the industrialized countries, continued capital accumulation efforts necessitated displacement of risk to the developing countries. The global revitalization of asbestos production and consumption over the period 1970–2007 presents numerous challenges in terms of occupational and environmental health hazards in the developing countries. It has the potential, moreover, to prefigure a significant expansion of asbestos-related disease into the 21st century, absent a global ban on asbestos use.
Competition among Health Plans and Women's Use of Preventive Care: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Yaşar Yavuz
Published: March 2011

Preventive health care services are increasingly considered important, not only for their lifesaving aspects but for their cost-effectiveness, which many assume would prevail in a competitive health care market. This view was supported by empirical evidence until the mid-1990s, but since then the nature of competition among health plans and the utilization of preventive care have constantly been changing. Research has yet to provide a clear answer on how these changes are affecting competition and, in turn, how competition among health plans affects the utilization of preventive care. These primary research questions are addressed in this study through the use of insurance claims data in a multilevel model, not previously used in the study of preventive care. The results of multilevel logistic regression show that the greater the number of insured people enrolled in HMOs, the greater is the likelihood of receiving mammograms and Pap smears. However, if HMOs as a group are increasingly exercising their market power, given the degree of competition among them, the likelihood of receiving both types of preventive care in the market is reduced.
Struggle against Privatization: A Case History in the Use of Comparative Performance Evaluation of Public Hospitals
Authors: Oh Juhwan , Lee Jin-Seok , Choi Yong-Jun , Park Hyeung-Keun , Do Young Kyung , Eun Sang-Jun
Published: March 2011

After the 1997 economic crisis, the South Korean government implemented neoliberal policies in many sectors. In health care, the government attempted to privatize nine public hospitals, framing the initiative as “better management.” In this discourse, public hospital workers were stereotyped as lazy and incompetent, while public hospitals were portrayed as poorly managed and of low quality. However, the government did not present any relevant evidence of improvement in already privatized hospitals, even though three hospitals had been semi-privatized at that time. In this study, the authors evaluated the effects of the semi-privatization, comparing the performance of the semi-privatized hospitals with that of the nine other hospitals targeted for privatization. The study found adverse effects on performance, unlike the claims made by the government. Semi-privatization intensified the workloads of hospital workers and the instability of employment, froze or decreased real wages, and drastically increased hospital revenue per patient stay. The changes may have resulted from redefining profit as the goal of the hospitals, as opposed to the previous focus on decision-making on public health. These research findings played a decisive role in the struggle to keep the targeted public hospitals free of privatization, especially in two of the nine hospitals targeted for privatization in 2001.
Engagement in Role Play, Pretense, and Acting Classes Predict Advanced Theory of Mind Skill in Middle Childhood
Authors: Goldstein Thalia R. , Winner Ellen
Published: March 2011

Research on theory of mind in typically developing children has focused almost exclusively on universal achievements up to age 5. Far less is known about how theory of mind skills develop in middle childhood and adolescence. We investigated later-developing theory of mind achievements to determine the kinds of behaviors associated with skill in theory of mind. Engaging in role play and pretense, as reported by parents, and engagement in acting classes predicted theory of mind skill in 8- to 11-year-olds independently of socio-economic status (SES), age, and verbal IQ. These findings show that the proclivity to role play is related to the ability to understand and perceive others internal states.
David Grove's Metaphor Therapy
Authors: Pincus David , Sheikh Anees A.
Published: March 2011

Within the ever-expanding list of approaches to psychotherapy, there is a tendency to overlook deep imagery approaches. The current article reports on one such metaphor-based therapy developed by David Grove (Grove & Panzer, 1989). The approach is analyzed within the context of mainstream contemporary psychotherapy in general, the state of empirical understanding of common processes to psychotherapy, and in relation to other deep imagery-based approaches to therapy. Next, a step-by-step description of the techniques used within metaphor therapy are presented, along with a case example demonstrating the use of these techniques on a case involving pain symptoms. Finally, it is argued that deep imagery approaches in general, and Grove's approach in particular, may provide a means for greater theoretical integration within integrative healthcare.
Individuals with Grapheme-Color Associations Exhibit Creativity
Authors: Domingo Samantha , Lalwani Laxmi N. , Boucher Leanne , Tartar Jaime L.
Published: March 2011

Synesthesia occurs when a single stimulus triggers two or more sensations simultaneously in different modalities. Grapheme-color association is a frequently reported type of synesthesia. Two types of grapheme-color associations have been identified: associators and projectors. Associators experience the colors conceptually, while projectors report actually perceiving the colors. Here, we evaluated the frequency of both types of grapheme-color association among a college sample. Our findings indicate that 8% of the sample demonstrated grapheme-color associator tendencies and 3% demonstrated grapheme-color projector tendencies. No participants demonstrated both associator and projector synesthetic tendencies. Additionally, as the relation between creativity and synesthesia has been the subject of interest of many experts in the field, participants' creative abilities were assessed through use of the Alternate Uses Test and self-report. The results support the link between synesthesia and creativity in projectors, but not associators.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Chronic Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis
Authors: Roumelioti Maria-Eleni , Buysse Daniel J. , Sanders Mark H. , Strollo Patrick , Newman Anne B. , Unruh Mark L.
Published: March 2011

Background and objectives

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are highly prevalent among hemodialysis (HD) patients. It is unclear to what extent SDB is associated with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD; stages 4 to 5). This paper describes and compares the prevalence, severity, and patterns of SDB and EDS among patients with advanced CKD, HD-dependent patients, and community individuals without known renal disease.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Eighty-nine CKD and 75 HD patients were compared with 224 participants from the Sleep-Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation Sleep-SCORE study of sleep and cardiovascular risk. Participants had in-home unattended polysomnography for quantifying SDB. EDS was defined by a score ≥10 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Results

The sample had a median age 58.1 years, was predominantly male (57.4%) and white (62.5%), and had a median body mass index of 28.1 kg/m2. Controls and Sleep-SCORE Study CKD patients had significantly higher median total sleep time and sleep efficiency compared with HD patients. The adjusted odds of severe SDB were higher for CKD and HD groups compared with the controls. Nocturnal hypoxemia was significantly elevated in the HD group compared with the CKD group. There were similar proportions of participants with EDS between the controls (33%), the CKD patients (29.3%), and the HD patients (40.6%).

Conclusions

Severe SDB (predominantly obstructive) and EDS are common among advanced CKD and HD patients. EDS correlated modestly with severe SDB and its obstructive and mixed patterns in the HD group.
Bedside Screening for Fistula Stenosis Should Be Tailored to the Site of the Arteriovenous Anastomosis
Authors: Tessitore Nicola , Bedogna Valeria , Lipari Giovanni , Melilli Edoardo , Mantovani William , Baggio Elda , Lupo Antonio , Mansueto Giancarlo , Poli Albino
Published: March 2011

Background and objectives

Given different sites of stenosis and access blood flow rates (Qa), the criteria for diagnosing fistula stenosis might vary according to anastomotic site. To test this, we analyzed the database of a prospective blinded study seeking an optimal bedside screening program for fistula stenosis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Several methods used during dialysis (physical examination [PE], dynamic and derived static venous pressure [VAPR], dialysis blood pump flow/arterial pressure ratio, and Qa measurement) to diagnose angiographically-proven >50% stenosis were assessed in an unselected population of hemodialysis patients with mature fistulae (43 at the wrist [distal fistulae], 76 at mid-forearm or the elbow [proximal fistulae]).

Results

Prevalence of inflow stenosis was uninfluenced by anastomotic site, whereas outflow stenoses were more prevalent in proximal fistulae. The best test for inflow stenosis was Qa <650 ml/min in distal fistulae and a combination of a positive PE and Qa <900 ml/m in proximal fistulae. In proximal fistulae, PE and VAPR >0.5 were both equally highly diagnostic of outflow stenosis. Tailoring choice of test to site of the anastomosis may also contain the screening-associated workload, by reducing the need to perform PE and measure VAPR, compared with a screening approach regardless of the access location.

Conclusions

Our study shows that an effective bedside screening program with ≥85% accuracy for fistula stenosis can be tailored to the site of the anastomosis, Qa being the tool of choice for the wrist, and PE alone or combined with Qa and VAPR measurements for more proximally-located accesses.
Fibrillary Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Nasr Samih H. , Valeri Anthony M. , Cornell Lynn D. , Fidler Mary E. , Sethi Sanjeev , Leung Nelson , Fervenza Fernando C.
Published: March 2011

Background and objectives

Fibrillary glomerulonephritis (FGN) is a rare primary glomerular disease. Most previously reported cases were idiopathic. To better define the clinical-pathologic spectrum and prognosis, we report the largest single-center series with the longest follow-up.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The characteristics of 66 FGN patients who were seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, between 1993 and 2010 are provided.

Results

The mean age at diagnosis was 53 years. Ninety-five percent of patients were white, and the female:male ratio was 1.2:1. Underlying malignancy (most commonly carcinoma), dysproteinemia, or autoimmune disease (most commonly Crohn's disease, SLE, Graves' disease, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura), were present in 23, 17, and 15% of patients, respectively. Presentation included proteinuria (100%), nephrotic syndrome (38%), renal insufficiency (66%), hematuria (52%), and hypertension (71%). The most common histologic pattern was mesangial proliferative/sclerosing GN followed by membranoproliferative GN. During an average of 52.3 months of follow-up for 61 patients with available data, 13% had complete or partial remission, 43% had persistent renal dysfunction, and 44% progressed to ESRD. The disease recurred in 36% of 14 patients who received a kidney transplant. Independent predictors of ESRD by multivariate analysis were older age, higher creatinine and proteinuria at biopsy, and higher percentage of global glomerulosclerosis.

Conclusions

Underlying malignancy, dysproteinemia, or autoimmune diseases are not uncommon in patients with FGN. Prognosis is poor, although remission may occur in a minority of patients without immunosuppressive therapy. Age, degree of renal impairment at diagnosis, and degree of glomerular scarring are predictors of renal survival.
Simulation-Based Sodium Thiosulfate Dosing Strategies for the Treatment of Calciphylaxis
Authors: Singh Rajendra Pratap , Derendorf Hartmut , Ross Edward A.
Published: March 2011

Background and objectives

Calciphylaxis remains a poorly understood life-threatening disorder with limited therapeutic options. Sodium thiosulfate (STS) has reported efficacy, thought to be because solubilizing calcium deposits promote clearance by hemodialysis (HD). Lack of rigorous pharmacokinetic studies makes it problematic for determining proper STS dosing given the expanding range of dialysis prescriptions and intensities.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The purpose of this study was to determine the dosing strategies for STS during different dialysis regimens. Given reported successes using an empiric 25 g, intravenous, 3 times per week after HD, simulations were performed to predict dosing guidelines for alternative, more or less intense dialysis to produce equivalent area under the curve drug exposure. The modeled prescriptions varied HD time from 12 to 40 h/wk over three to six sessions (Qb200 to 400 ml/min, Qd500 to 800 ml/min), and continuous venovenous hemodialysis at low flow rates (Qb100 to 200 ml/min, Qd35 to 50 ml/min), using high-flux polysulfone hemofilters.

Results

Simulations showed a marked variation in STS doses depending on HD frequency and duration. Blood and dialysate flows have a less prominent effect. Assuming no residual renal function, HD prescription permutations caused the dose to vary from 72 to 245 g/wk (70-kg adult), and the simulations provide specific guidelines for clinicians.

Conclusions

Based on the success reported for one STS dosing regimen and assuming area under the curve exposure of STS is proportional to its effect, pharmacokinetic simulations can be used to calculate the dose for alternative, higher or lower intensity dialysis regimens. These strategies are imperative to assure adequate treatment for this mortal disease, as well as to avoid toxicity from excess dosing.
Mortality and Serum Sodium
Authors: Chawla Arun , Sterns Richard H. , Nigwekar Sagar U. , Cappuccio Joseph D.
Published: March 2011

Background and objectives

Severe hyponatremia (<120 mEq/L) in hospitalized patients has a high mortality rate. We hypothesized that underlying diseases causing hyponatremia attribute to mortality rather than hyponatremia itself.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The relationship between mortality and serum sodium (sNa) was examined in 45,693 patients admitted to a single community teaching hospital between January 1996 and December 2007. We conducted a comprehensive retrospective review of the medical records of 53 patients who died after developing sNa <120 mEq/L before or after admission and of 32 patients who survived after developing sNa <110 mEq/L.

Results

Mortality rates tended to increase as the sNa fell from 134 to 120 mEq/L, rising above 10% for patients with sNa of 120 to 124 mEq/L. However, below sNa of 120 mEq/L, the trend reversed, such that the mortality rate progressively decreased as sNa fell. More than two thirds of patients who died after sNa <120mEq/L had at least two additional acute severe progressive illnesses, most commonly sepsis and multiorgan failure. Three deaths (5.6%) in 12 years could plausibly be related to adverse consequences of hyponatremia, and one (1.8% of the fatal cases and 0.15% of all patients with sNa <120 mEq/L) was from cerebral edema. Most patients who survived with sNa <110 mEq/L had medication-induced hyponatremia. Severe underlying illnesses were uncommon in this group.

Conclusions

The nature of underlying illness rather than the severity of hyponatremia best explains mortality associated with hyponatremia. Neurologic complications from hyponatremia are uncommon among patients who die with hyponatremia.
Determinants of Osteopenia in Male Renal-Stone–Disease Patients with Idiopathic Hypercalciuria
Authors: Letavernier Emmanuel , Traxer Olivier , Daudon Michel , Tligui Mohammed , Hubert-Brierre Jérôme , Guerrot Dominique , Sebag Aline , Baud Laurent , Haymann Jean-Philippe
Published: March 2011

Background and objectives

Bone demineralization is frequent in renal-stone formers with hypercalciuria. Although this pathologic link has been recognized for decades, the underlying mechanisms and risk factors associated with osteopenia/osteoporosis in this population remain partially understood.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study retrospectively analyzed determinants of low bone mineral density (BMD) in 65 idiopathic hypercalciuric male renal-stone formers. Clinical and biologic evaluation included BMD measurement, bone-remodeling markers, analysis of calcium metabolism with oral calcium load test, and dietary inquiry.

Results

Patients with osteopenia (n = 23, 35% of the population) presented significantly higher fasting calciuria as compared with normal bone density patients (n = 42) (calcium/creatinine ratio was 0.32 versus 0.24 mmol/mmol; P = 0.006). Analysis of the whole population revealed a negative association between fasting hypercalciuria and BMD (P = 0.003), independent of confounding variables including body-mass index and tobacco consumption. The fasting calcium/creatinine ratio above 0.25 mmol/mmol was associated with a 3.8-fold increase in the risk of low BMD.

Conclusion

In our study, fasting hypercalciuria after a 2-day calcium-restricted diet appears as the only biologic factor associated with low BMD, suggesting a bone-calcium efflux. Our results support the view of a parathyroid-independent pathologic process that remains to be identified. Hypercalciuric patients with low BMD do not excrete more calcium in 24-hour urine samples than patients without low BMD.
A practical use of humping effect in laser beam welding
Authors: Gu Hongping , Shulkin Boris
Published: March 2011

The humping effect in laser beam welding has long been recognized as an adverse effect that limits the achievable welding speed in high power laser beam welding applications. By nature, this effect results in a rough weld bead in laser beam welding and affects the weld integrity. In the past, efforts have been made to suppress the humping effect in laser welding. However, it has been found that the humping effect can have a practical use during the preprocess stage for generating “dimples” for laser beam lap welding of zinc coated sheet metals. Remote laser welding takes advantage of less mechanical movement and better accessibility of the beam to the workpiece, thus fast processing speed can be achieved. Furthermore, currently remote laser welding is mostly suitable for lap joints. However, laser beam lap welding of zinc coated steel components is not a straightforward process and it requires a special procedure to provide proper venting for the zinc vapor which is generated in the interface during welding. Laser dimpling appears to be one of the most efficient and practical methods to produce localized gap for venting zinc vapor during welding. Laser dimpling can be achieved using a moving laser pulse at a typical welding speed. Due to its high speed phenomenon, the humping effect is an ideal high-speed process to generate dimples. It has been demonstrated that the humping effect is a cost effective method to be used in a preprocess stage for remote laser lap welding of zinc coated sheet metals.
Optimal process parameters for thermoplastic polyetheretherketone joints fabricated using transmission laser welding and Lumogen® IR absorptive pigment
Authors: Amanat Negin , Chaminade Cedric , Grace John , James Natalie L. , McKenzie David R.
Published: March 2011

This study investigates the effects of the process parameters (laser power and irradiation time) on the bond quality of transmission laser welded polyetheretherketone. Commercially available Lumogen® IR pigment was added to the bulk of the polymer for laser absorption. Quasisimultaneous beam configuration was used to weld injection molded samples of 0.7 mm thickness in a lap joint configuration. Combinations of laser power (40–80 W) and irradiation times (10–50 s) were investigated. The laser power was found to have the most effect on weld strength, while irradiation time did not have a marked effect on weld strength. At optimal process conditions, the weld strength ranged from 20 to 45 MPa. High variability in weld strength was seen within groups with identical process parameters and was attributed to the variability in material morphology as a result of injection molding. X-ray tomography was utilized to view intact weld interfaces. A significant finding was the presence of voids (up to 0.5 mm diameter) at the weld interface.
Behavior of basalt under laser-induced shock-wave application to the planetary hypervelocity impact effect
Authors: Berthe Laurent , Bezaeva Natalia S. , Gattaceca Jerôme , Boustie Michel , de Rességuier Thibaut , Rochette Pierre
Published: March 2011

This paper presents the results of an investigation of the impact of laser-induced shock on basalt samples in a water confinement regime. In order to observe the effect of laser shock-wave propagation, in this material, the rear free surface velocity is measured by a velocimetry interferometer system for any reflector under various specified conditions. Parameters for an elastoplastic constitutive law and the Kanel’s damage model are provided and have been set up in such a way to ensure good correlation between numerical simulations and laboratory experiments. These resultant material properties, identified for the basalt sample studied here, could be used in future investigations looking to further correlating residual effects in material with pressure levels induced by water confined laser-matter interaction. This is of particular importance in meteoritics and planetary science due to the fact that hypervelocity impacts represent a major event taking place in the solar system, and shock waves generated during hypervelocity impacts can significantly affect physical properties of extraterrestrial materials and solid solar system bodies such as Mars, the Moon, asteroids, and others.
Integral formulae for a Riemannian manifold with two orthogonal distributions
Authors: Rovenski Vladimir
Published: March 2011

We obtain a series of new integral formulae for a distribution of arbitrary codimension (and its orthogonal complement) given on a closed Riemannian manifold, which start from the formula by Walczak (1990) and generalize ones for foliations by several authors. For foliations on space forms our formulae reduce to the classical type formulae by Brito-Langevin-Rosenberg (1981) and Brito-Naveira (2000). The integral formulae involve the conullity tensor of a distribution, and certain components of the curvature tensor. The formulae also deal with a set of arbitrary functions depending on the scalar invariants of the co-nullity tensor. For a special choice of the functions our formulae involve the Newton transformations of the co-nullity tensor.
Epicardial adipose tissue and relationship with coronary artery disease
Authors: Silaghi Alina , Pais Raluca , Valea Ana , Mironiuc Aurel , Silaghi Horatiu
Published: March 2011

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is metabolically active tissue that accumulates around the coronary arteries. Epicardial fat is a rich source of free fatty acids and may contribute to local inflammatory load by increased synthesis of inflammatory cytokines. Direct passage of bioactive molecules into the coronary arteries due to close contact with the vascular wall and the lack of fascia may contribute to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. Direct correlation between visceral fat and EAT defines the latter as an indirect marker of intra-abdominal visceral adiposity. EAT is related to anthropometric and clinical features of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and to hepatic transaminases as markers of steatohepatitis. An increase in EAT thickness is related to an increase in left ventricular mass and is correlated with atrial enlargement and impairment in diastolic filling in obesity. Echocardiographic study of EAT is an easy and reliable imaging indicator of visceral adiposity and cardiovascular risk. EAT is an independent factor strongly correlated with significant coronary stenosis. A level of EAT above an established average value can be considered a predictive marker of cardiovascular risk. We review the most recent studies proving the specific active role of EAT in the development of cardiac disease.
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the urinary bladder and concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case report and literature review
Authors: Francesco Simona , Magnasco Salvatore , Tenaglia Raffaele
Published: March 2011

We report the diagnostic evaluation, management, and intermediate-term outcomes of a rare variant of bladder cancer and concomitant Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. A 62 year old male with gross haematuria and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm was admitted to our hospital. Cystoscopy revealed a large bulky mass occupying the posterior bladder wall. The tumor was transurethrally resected and its histology showed a Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Due to the aggressive behavior of the tumor and the risk of aneurysm rupture, concomitant endovascular exclusion of Aneurysm, total cystectomy with urinary diversion was performed. 12 months after radical surgery the patient was alive without any local recurrence, distant metastasis, and thrombosis of iliac axis. To our knowledge this study is the first report to describe data on the diagnostic evaluation, Management, and intermediate-term outcomes in Sarcomatoid carcinoma and Concomitant Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Multi-institutional collaboration is important to perform clinical trials of adequate sample size to design more effective treatments for these aggressive cancers in the presence of Concomitant Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
The role of P63 in cancer, stem cells and cancer stem cells
Authors: Nekulova Marta , Holcakova Jitka , Coates Philip , Vojtesek Borivoj
Published: March 2011

The transcription factor p63 has important functions in tumorigenesis, epidermal differentiation and stem cell self-renewal. The TP63 gene encodes multiple protein isoforms that have different or even antagonistic roles in these processes. The balance of p63 isoforms, together with the presence or absence of the other p53 family members, p73 and p53, has a striking biological impact. There is increasing evidence that interactions between p53-family members, whether cooperative or antagonistic, are involved in various cell processes. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of p63 in tumorigenesis, metastasis, cell migration and senescence. In particular, recent data indicate important roles in adult stem cell and cancer stem cell regulation and in the response of cancer cells to therapy.
Lipid retention of novel pressurized extraction vessels as a function of the number of static and flushing cycles, flush volume, and flow rate
Authors: Haskins Stacey , Kelly David , Weir Ron
Published: March 2011

Lipid retention in novel pressurized solvent extraction vessels was examined as a function of static and flushing cycles, flushing flow rate and flush volume in an effort to decrease lipid elution after extraction. Results indicate that none of these variables plays a pivotal role in lipid retention within this system. Regardless of which variable was altered, lipid elution remained virtually constant at (55 ± 7) %. Findings suggest that lipid elution has more to do with the high flow rate at which extracts are purged from the system at the end of the static cycle.
What causes iron-sulphur bonds in active sites of one-iron superoxide reductase and two-iron superoxide reductase to differ?
Authors: Silaghi-Dumitrescu Radu
Published: March 2011

The electronic and vibrational properties of [Fe(NHis)4(SCys)] sites responsible for the catalysis of superoxide reduction in two types of superoxide reductase (SOR), one-iron superoxide reductase (1Fe-SOR) and two-iron superoxide reductase (2Fe-SOR), were compared previously (Clay et al., 2003); the differences between these two classes of SOR, examined by UV-VIS and NIR absorption, VTMCD, and vibrational spectroscopy techniques, were interpreted as being indicative of weaker Fe-S bonds in 2Fe-SOR in comparison with 1Fe-SOR. Here, we report on density functional (DFT) and semi-empirical (ZINDO/S-CI) calculations exploring the extent of this difference in bonding between the two classes of SOR. The differences observed experimentally between the electronic spectra of the two SORs are shown to probably arise either from different degrees of torsion between the Fe—ligand bonds or from differences in length of the Fe—carboxylate bond, but are shown to be incompatible with any significant differences in Fe—S bond lengths. The differences observed in the vibrational spectra between the two SORs are shown to correlate with differences in the Fe-S bond length of no more than 0.01 Å, which in turn arise from slight differences in the polarity of the medium surrounding the iron active site in the two proteins.
Ferric hydrogensulphate as a recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of fluorescein derivatives
Authors: Eshghi Hossein , Mirzaie Narges
Published: March 2011

Polycondensation reactions of phenols with phthalic anhydride were carried out in the presence of ferric hydrogensulphate under melt conditions. The reactions proceeded in short reaction times by using a catalytic amount of Fe(HSO4)3 and the corresponding fluorescein derivatives were obtained in high yields. The simplicity, scale-up, along with the use of an inexpensive, non-toxic, recyclable catalyst of an environmentally benign nature, are other remarkable features of the procedure. The absorption and emission properties of these fluorescein derivatives were studied.
Voltage-gated calcium channels are not affected by the novel anti-epileptic drug lacosamide
Authors: Wang Yuying , Khanna Rajesh
Published: March 2011

The novel anti-epileptic drug lacosamide targets two proteins — voltage-gated sodium channels and collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2) — suggesting dual modes of action for lacosamide. We recently identified the neurite outgrowth and axonal guidance protein CRMP-2 as a novel partner and regulator of the presynaptic N-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (CaV2.2) [Brittain et al., J. Biol. Chem. 284: 31375–31390 (2009)]. Here we examined the effects of lacosamide on voltage-gated Ba2+ channels. Lacosamide did not affect Ba2+ currents via N- and P/Q- channels in rat hippocampal neurons or L-type Ca2+ channels in a mouse CNS neuronal cell line, respectively. N-type Ba2+ currents, augmented by CRMP-2 expression, were also unaffected by acute or chronic lacosamide exposure. These results establish that the anti-epileptic mode of action of lacosamide does not involve these voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.
Quest for new genomic and proteomic biomarkers in neurology
Authors: Gotovac Kristina , Pivac Nela , Hajnšek Sanja , Mück-Šeler Dorotea , Borovečki Fran
Published: March 2011

The possibility of identifying novel biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases has been greatly enhanced with recent advances in genomics and proteomics. Novel technologies have the potential to hasten the development of new biomarkers useful as predictors of disease etiology and outcome, as well as responsiveness to therapy. Disease-modifying new therapies are very much needed in modern approaches to treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Current progress in the field encounters a degree of skepticism about the reliability of genomic and proteomic data and its relevance for clinical applications. Standard operating procedures covering sample collection, methodology and statistical analysis need to be fully developed and strictly adhered to in order to assure reproducible and clinically relevant results. Previous studies involving patients with neurodegenerative diseases show promise in using genomic and proteomic approaches for development of new biomarkers. Confirmation of any novel biomarker in multiple independent patient cohorts and correlation of the improvement in biomarker endpoint with clinical improvement in longitudinal patient studies remains crucial for future successful application. We propose that a combination of approaches in biomarker discovery may in the end lead to identification of promising candidates at DNA, RNA, protein and small molecule level.
Early brain injury and plasticity: Reorganization and functional Recovery
Authors: Katušić Ana
Published: March 2011

One of the most remarkable observations in developmental neuroscience is the plasticity of the developing brain. Although recent findings suggest that the developing brain possesses substantial compensatory potential, the mechanisms of reorganization and its limitations remain largely unknown. This review includes studies elucidating the complexities of brain reorganization in response to early brain injury. It describes the factors influencing the pattern and degree of brain plasticity, provides insight into the patterns of reorganization in different brain systems and offers guidelines for clinicians in the field of neurorehabilitation. This knowledge is crucial in clinical work when designing the appropriate type and timing of interventions for children with early brain injuries
Human neurospheres: From stained sections to three-dimensional assembly
Authors: Monni Emanuela , Congiu Terenzio , Massa Denise , Nat Roxana , Diana Andrea
Published: March 2011

Human neurospheres are free-floating spherical clusters generated from a single neural stem cell and comprising cells at different stages of maturation in the neuronal and glial lineages. Although recent findings have disproved the original idea of clonally derived neurospheres according to the paradigm of one stem cell — one neurosphere, they still represent a valid model for growing neural stem cell cultures in vitro. While the immunocytochemical approach to the identification of stem cells, progenitor cells, and mature cells has been extensively used, scant data are available about the ultrastructural arrangement of different cell types within the neurosphere. This paper provides, by means of scanning electron microscopy, some new insights into the three-dimensional assembly of human neurospheres, trying to correlate some parameters such as cell density, shape and growing strategies with the immunolocalization of some antigens such as nestin, GFAP, α-internexin and βIII-tubulin. The major findings from this study are: a) regardless of the stage of in vitro maturation, the growth of the spheres is the result of mitotic divisions producing the aspect of an irregular budding mechanism in the outermost layer look like; b) analysis of the volumetric composition of the inner core has revealed the presence of two alternative shape pattern (pyramidal vs rounded cells) possibly related to both the ongoing maturation stages and GFAP and internexin expression.
Effect of conventional and whole-tree clear-cutting on concentrations of some micronutrients in coniferous forest soil and plants
Authors: Grønflaten Lena , Steinnes Eiliv , Örlander Göran
Published: March 2011

Effect of conventional and whole-tree clear-cutting on concentrations of some micronutrients in coniferous forest soil and plants

Increasingly intensive and mechanized clear-cutting may deplete the forest ecosystem of essential nutrients. A clear-cut area near Växjö, southern Sweden, was investigated for changes in Mn, Cu and Zn in soil (NH4NO3 extractable and HNO3 soluble) and wavy hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) after conventional (CC) and whole-tree clear-cutting (WTC). The soil samples were mostly iron podzols. The area consisted of four clear-cut sites, respectively 2, 4, 6 and 8 years old, and an uncut forest reference stand. Each of the clear-cuts was split in two parts representing WTC and CC sites. Manganese showed the most definite trends after clear-cutting, exhibiting higher extractable concentrations in Oe, Oa and E horizons (4-8 years after clear-cutting) and B horizons (6-8 years after clear-cutting). The increase of exchangeable Mn in the E (2-8 years) and B (4-8 years) horizons was particularly strong. Zn concentrations tended to fluctuate with time. There was a tendency to higher Mn and Zn concentrations in the humus layer especially 2 years after CC-treatment compared with WTC, whereas the opposite trend was apparent for Cu. Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations decreased in Deschampsia flexuosa 2 years after clear-cutting, possibly due to increased soil pH.