bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity during pregnancy in obese and normal‐weight women as assessed by pedometer
Authors: RENAULT KRISTINA , NØRGAARD KIRSTEN , ANDREASEN KIRSTEN RIIS , SECHER NIELS JØRGEN , NILAS LISBETH
Published: June 2010

Objective. To compare physical activity as assessed by a pedometer in obese and normal‐weight pregnant women at different gestational ages. To evaluate the use of a pedometer in pregnancy. Design. Cross‐sectional study. Setting. Department of obstetrics and gynecology in a university hospital in Copenhagen. Population. 338 pregnant women, 175 normal‐weight women with body mass index (BMI) 20–25 kg/m2 and 163 obese women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Methods. Physical activity was assessed by a pedometer (Yamax Digiwalker SW‐700/701) on seven consecutive days in six different groups: normal‐weight or obese at gestational ages 11–13, 18–22, and 36–38, and expressed as median number of daily steps during a whole week, working days, and weekends. Main outcome measures. Relation between BMI and physical activity during pregnancy and compliance with wearing the pedometer. Results. Noncompliance was more frequent in obese than in normal‐weight women (19 vs. 10%, p < 0.001). Physical activity was lower in obese women at all gestational ages (6,482, 7,446, 4,626 steps/day in obese vs. 7,558, 8,865, 6,289 steps/day in normal‐weight, p < 0.05–0.11). The greatest difference between obese and normal‐weight women was seen during weekends. The level of physical activity was higher in both groups at mid‐gestation than during earlier and later gestational ages. Conclusion. Physical activity in pregnant women can be assessed by the pedometer and the method was well accepted by the women; however, the compliance was lower in the obese. The level of physical activity differs between different gestational groups and is lower in obese than in normal‐weight women, especially during leisure time.
No increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with urinary tract infections: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: CHEN YI‐KUANG , CHEN SHU‐FEN , LI HSIEN‐CHANG , LIN HERNG‐CHING
Published: June 2010

Objective. To examine the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth, and small‐for‐gestational age (SGA)) in pregnant women with urinary tract infections (UTIs) using a 3‐year nationwide population‐based database, simultaneously taking characteristics of infant and mother into consideration. Design. Retrospective cross‐sectional study. Setting. Taiwan. Sample. In total, 42,742 mothers with UTIs and 42,742 randomly selected mothers were included. Methods. Conditional logistic regression analyses to investigate the risk of LBW, preterm birth, and SGA, comparing these two cohorts. Main outcome measures. LBW, preterm birth, and SGA. Results. Pearson χ2 tests show that there were significant differences in the prevalence of preterm births (<37 weeks) (7.2%, 7.7 vs. 8.3%, p = 0.006) and SGA infants (<10th percentile) (16.1%, 16.5 vs. 18.9%, p = 0.003) among pregnant women who were not exposed to UTIs, those exposed to antepartum non‐pyelonephritic UTIs and those exposed to pyelonephritis. However, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, the odd ratios (ORs) for LBW were not statistically significant for mothers exposed to antepartum non‐pyelonephritic UTIs, compared to women who were not diagnosed with UTIs; neither for <34 or <37 weeks nor SGA <10th percentile and <2 SDs. Similarly, compared to women who were not exposed to UTIs, the adjusted ORs for LBW, <34 weeks, <37 weeks, SGA <10th centile, and <2 SD did not reach a significant level for mothers exposed to pyelonephritis. Conclusions. Women exposed to antepartum pyelonephritis or non‐pyelonephritic UTIs were not at increased risk of having LBW, preterm, and SGA babies, compared to mothers who did not experience UTIs.
Parity and low birth weight and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: SHAH PRAKESH S. ,   on behalf of Knowledge Synthesis Group on Determinants of LBW/PT births
Published: June 2010

Objective. To systematically review the risks of pregnancy outcomes among women of different parity. Material and methods. Electronic databases were searched for studies, in English language, in which primary objective was to assess association between parity and pregnancy outcomes. Meta‐analyses were performed and unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences along with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Main outcome measures. Low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), birth weight, and gestational age. Results. Forty‐one studies, most with moderate risk of bias were included. Nulliparity was associated with increased unadjusted odds of LBW (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.26, 1.58) and SGA (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.82, 1.96) and reduction in birth weight (weighted mean difference −282 g, 95% CI −486, −79 g) but not PTB (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.96, 1.34). Grand multiparity and great grand multiparity were not associated with LBW (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.95, 1.32 and OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.78, 1.09) or PTB (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.77, 1.19 and OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.61, 2.83). Conclusions. Nulliparity was associated with a significantly increased unadjusted risk of LBW/SGA birth, whereas grand multiparity and great grand multiparity were not associated with increased risk of pregnancy outcomes.
Cesarean delivery in Finland: maternal complications and obstetric risk factors
Authors: PALLASMAA NANNELI , EKBLAD ULLA , AITOKALLIO‐TALLBERG ANSA , UOTILA JUKKA , RAUDASKOSKI TYTTI , ULANDER VELI‐MATTI , HURME SAIJA
Published: June 2010

Objective. To assess the rate of maternal complications related to cesarean section (CS) and to compare morbidity between elective, emergency and crash‐emergency CS. To establish risk factors associated with maternal CS morbidity. Design. A prospective multicenter cohort study. Setting. Twelve delivery units in Finland. Population. Women delivering by CS (n = 2,496) during a 6 months period in the study hospitals. Methods. Data on pregnant women, CS, and maternal recovery during the hospital stay was collected prospectively on report forms. The complication rates by different CSs were calculated, and factors associated with morbidity were analyzed by odds ratios (OR). Main outcome measures. Maternal complication rates in different types of CS. The association of risk factors with morbidity. Results. About 27% of women delivering by CS had complications; 10% had severe complications. The complication rate was higher in emergency CS than in elective CS, and highest in crash‐emergency CS. Significant independent risk factors for maternal morbidity were emergency CS and crash‐emergency CS compared to elective CS (OR 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5–2.2), pre‐eclampsia (OR 1.5; CI 1.1–2.0), maternal obesity (OR 1.4; CI 1.1–1.8) and maternal increasing age (OR 1.1; CI 1.03–1.2 per each 5 years). Conclusions. Maternal complications are frequent in CS, and although performing CS electively reduces the occurrence of complications, the frequency is still high. The complication rate depends on the degree of emergency, and increases with maternal obesity, older age and pre‐eclampsia.
Dynamics of Filler Size and Spatial Distribution in a Plasticating Single Screw Extruder – Modeling and Experimental Observations
Authors: Domingues N. , Gaspar-Cunha A. , Covas J. A. , Camesasca M. , Kaufman M. , Manas-Zloczower I.
Published: June 2010

A model of agglomerate break-up, incorporating both rupture and erosion, is employed to predict the dynamics of filler size distribution in a plasticating single screw extruder. Filler spatial distribution along the extruder length was also ascertained and direct comparison of experimental and computational data proved to be satisfactory. The method was also used to investigate the effect of material properties, operating conditions and extruder geometry on the dynamics of agglomerate dispersion along a single screw extruder. Generally, dispersion levels were primarily governed by the magnitude of the hydrodynamic stresses developed in the extruder and the residence time in the melt.
Modification of Polyester Fibers by Bactericides Using Crazing Mechanism
Authors: Goldade V. A. , Pinchuk L. S. , Vinidiktova N. S.
Published: June 2010

This paper deals with the study of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fiber modification by antimicrobial substances following the crazing mechanism. The highest mean number of crazes and their maximal degree of opening in PET fibers subjected to tension in surface-active bactericidal liquids are reached when the plastic flow of PET begins and necks appear on the fibers. Further straining of the fibers results in a gradual transformation of the material into a fibrillar structure of strands that close the crazes. It is established that the amount of the bactericidal liquid captured by the crazes is 0.9 to 3.3 wt.% of the PET material and that the liquid localizes predominantly in the polymer amorphous phase. PET fibers treated by the developed liquids using the procedure developed preserve their antimicrobial properties after 10 to 50 cycles of heat-wet treatment.
A Global Model for Closely Intermeshing Counter-rotating Twin Screw Extruders with Flood Feeding
Authors: Jiang Q. , White J. L. , Yang J.
Published: June 2010

A composite model has been developed to simulate the extrusion process for intermeshing counter-rotating twin-screw extruders. An experimentally based melting model, solids conveying model, and new improved metering model, were combined to develop this formulation. The procedure for global design of a flood feed intermeshing counter-rotating twin screw extruder is presented. Illustrative calculations are made for polyvinyl chloride and high density polyethylene in this type of machines with different screw designs. Computations are made for axial variation of the fill factor, pressure, temperature and melting profiles. Simulations were found to match with experimental results well. The model was also applied to scale-up.
An Assessment of Erosion Wear Response of SiC Filled Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Glass and Bamboo Fibers
Authors: Biswas S. , Satapathy A.
Published: June 2010

The present work describes the processing and studies the erosion wear characteristics of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites filled with SiC particulate. The mechanical properties of these composites are evaluated and are then compared with those of a similar set of SiC filled glass-epoxy composites. The solid particle erosion characteristics of the bamboo-epoxy composites have also been studied and the experimental results are compared with the reported erosion test results on glass-epoxy composites under similar test conditions by Biswas and Satapathy (2009). The influence of particulate filler on the erosion wear response of composites has been critically analyzed using Taguchi experimental design. This systematic experimentation has led to determination of significant process parameters and material variables that predominantly influence the wear rate of the particulate filled glass-epoxy and bamboo-epoxy composites. The comparative study indicates that although the bamboo based composites exhibit relatively inferior mechanical properties, their erosion wear performance is better than that of the glass-epoxy composites.
Modeling of Agglomerate Dispersion in Single Screw Extruders
Authors: Domingues N. , Camesasca M. , Kaufman M. , Manas-Zloczower I. , Gaspar-Cunha A. , Covas J. A.
Published: June 2010

A model for solid agglomerate dispersion in single screw extruders is proposed. The model combines numerical simulations of flow patterns in the metering section of a single screw extruder with a Monte Carlo method of clusters rupture and erosion mediated by a local fragmentation number. Particle size distributions and Shannon entropy are used for mixing characterization. The model is quite general and can be adapted for different polymer-additive systems as well as for different processing equipment.
The Federal Republic at Twenty: Of Blind Spots and Peripheral Visions
Authors: Anderson Jeffrey J.
Published: June 2010

Twenty years after all the excitement, Germans seem to be genuinely of two conflicting minds about unification. One is characterized by awe over the accomplishments of 1989-1990, the other by disappointment and even bitterness over unfulfilled ambitions and promises. These contrasting interpretations and assessments of unification are fluid, but surface repeatedly in the quality print media. This chapter examines the recurring themes, interpretations, and narratives about unification twenty years on, and seeks to trace the interconnections between the social, economic, and political dimensions of unification. As such, these contemporary printed narratives can tell us a great deal about how a people views its recent past, what its priorities are, and how it is facing the future. The analysis reveals that public discourse on unification twenty years after the fact resembles a blind spot—look straight at it, and it disappears, replaced by blank spot—a seemingly irreducible gap between East and West. Avert one's gaze, and the spot fills in, almost seamlessly.
The Elusive Quest for Normalcy: The German Economy since Unification
Authors: Silvia Stephen J.
Published: June 2010

This article investigates the progress that the eastern German economy has made since unification in two areas: unemployment and output. It finds that unemployment has remained persistently higher in eastern than in western Germany and output levels have remained extremely uniform across the eastern states. Keynesian and neoclassical economists have proposed differing explanations for the endurance of high unemployment in the East. The latter have the more convincing argument, which blames high initial wages in eastern Germany for producing a labor "trap," but this account is not without flaws. The best explanation for output uniformity is the content and volume of public investment in eastern Germany since unification. Public policy in the years immediately following unification is in large part responsible for both outcomes. Economic modeling indicates that wage subsidies targeted at low-income employment would be the most effective means to break the current high-unemployment equilibrium in eastern Germany, but the political barriers to adopting such a policy are just as formidable as they were a decade ago, when such a policy was briefly considered.
Soil Erosion, Globalization, and Climate Warming or, Paradigms Leaving Us Lost
Authors: Blumler Mark A.
Published: June 2010

Montgomery, David R. 2007. Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Shiva, Vandana. 2008. Soil not Oil: Environmental Justice in an Age of Climate Crisis. Cambridge MA: South End Press.
Academic Feud, Bloodfeud, and William Welwood: Legal Education in St Andrews, 1560—1611 Part II
Authors: Cairns John W
Published: June 2010

This is the second part of an article addressing the puzzle of the end of law teaching in the Scottish universities at the start of the seventeenth century at the very time when there was strong pressure for the advocates of the Scots bar to have an academic education in Civil Law. It demonstrates that the answer is to be found in the life of William Welwood, the last Professor of Law in St Andrews, while making some general points about bloodfeud in Scotland, the legal culture of the sixteenth century, and the implications of this for Scottish legal history. The first part appeared in the May issue of the Edinburgh Law Review.
Politics, Prophecy, Poetry: The Melvillian Moment, 1589–96, and its Aftermath
Authors: McGinnis Paul J.
Published: June 2010

The 1589–96 alliance between the Scottish Presbyterians and James VI led to more than the triumph of the new church polity. It also promoted new directions in poetry, cartography, law and, perhaps most notably, eschatology – the years witnessing an integrated and coherent cultural flowering that is largely unrecognised today. Underwriting all these developments was a new confidence in the Scottish future (the neologism ‘patriot’ having just appeared in the later 1580s). The collapse of the alliance in late 1596 threw the Presbyterian movement on the defensive and increasingly redirected its intellectual energies toward more narrow horizons.
The Changing Face of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Melhado Rachel E. , Alderson Derek , Tucker Olga
Published: June 2010

The two main histological esophageal cancer types, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, differ in incidence, geographic distribution, ethnic pattern and etiology. This article focuses on epidemiology with particular reference to geographic and temporal variations in incidence, along with a review of the evidence supporting environmental and genetic factors involved in esophageal carcinogenesis. Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus remains predominantly a disease of the developing world. In contrast, esophageal adenocarcinoma is mainly a disease of western developed societies, associated with obesity and gastro-esophageal reflux disease. There has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of adenocarcinoma in developed countries in parallel with migration of both esophageal and gastric adenocarcinomas towards the gastro-esophageal junction.
The Prognostic Value of Haplotypes in the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A Gene in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hansen Torben F. , Spindler Karen-Lise G. , Andersen Rikke F. , Lindebjerg Jan , Kølvraa Steen , Brandslund Ivan , Jakobsen Anders
Published: June 2010

New prognostic markers in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are a prerequisite for individualized treatment. Prognostic importance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) gene has been proposed. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prognostic importance of haplotypes in the VEGF-A gene in patients with CRC. The study included 486 patients surgically resected for stage II and III CRC, divided into two independent cohorts. Three SNPs in the VEGF-A gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Haplotypes were estimated using the PHASE program. The prognostic influence was evaluated using Kaplan-Meir plots and log rank tests. Cox regression method was used to analyze the independent prognostic importance of different markers. All three SNPs were significantly related to survival. A haplotype combination, responsible for this effect, was present in approximately 30% of the patients and demonstrated a significant relationship with poor survival, and it remained an independent prognostic marker after multivariate analysis, hazard ratio 2.46 (95% confidence interval 1.49–4.06), p < 0.001. Validation was provided by consistent findings in a second and independent cohort. Haplotype combinations call for further investigation.
Principle of Minimum Discrimination Information and Replica Dynamics
Authors: Karev Georgiy P.
Published: June 2010

Dynamics of many complex systems can be described by replicator equations (RE). Here we present an effective method for solving a wide class of RE based on reduction theorems for models of inhomogeneous communities. The solutions of the RE minimize the discrimination information of the initial and current distributions at each point of the system trajectory, not only at the equilibrium, under time-dependent constraints. Applications to inhomogeneous versions of some conceptual models of mathematical biology (logistic and Ricker models of populations and Volterra’ models of communities) are given.
Chitin Research Revisited
Authors: Khoushab Feisal , Yamabhai Montarop
Published: June 2010

Two centuries after the discovery of chitin, it is widely accepted that this biopolymer is an important biomaterial in many aspects. Numerous studies on chitin have focused on its biomedical applications. In this review, various aspects of chitin research including sources, structure, biosynthesis, chitinolytic enzyme, chitin binding protein, genetic engineering approach to produce chitin, chitin and evolution, and a wide range of applications in bio- and nanotechnology will be dealt with.
Correction: Banack, S.A. et al. Production of the Neurotoxin BMAA by a Marine Cyanobacterium. Mar. Drugs 2007, 5, 180–196
Authors: Banack Sandra Anne , Cox Paul Alan
Published: June 2010

We found an error in our paper published in Marine Drugs [1], in Figure 1, on page 181. The figure showed an incorrect structure for BMAA. A correct structure is provided here (Figure 1). The conclusions of the article remain unchanged. [...]
In Vitro and Ex Vivo Selection Procedures for Identifying Potentially Therapeutic DNA and RNA Molecules
Authors: Marton Soledad , Reyes-Darias José A. , Sánchez-Luque Francisco J. , Romero-López Cristina , Berzal-Herranz Alfredo
Published: June 2010

It was only relatively recently discovered that nucleic acids participate in a variety of biological functions, besides the storage and transmission of genetic information. Quite apart from the nucleotide sequence, it is now clear that the structure of a nucleic acid plays an essential role in its functionality, enabling catalysis and specific binding reactions. In vitro selection and evolution strategies have been extremely useful in the analysis of functional RNA and DNA molecules, helping to expand our knowledge of their functional repertoire and to identify and optimize DNA and RNA molecules with potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The great progress made in this field has prompted the development of ex vivo methods for selecting functional nucleic acids in the cellular environment. This review summarizes the most important and most recent applications of in vitro and ex vivo selection strategies aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of nucleic acids.
Design and First Results of an UAV-Borne L-Band Radiometer for Multiple Monitoring Purposes
Authors: Acevo-Herrera Rene , Aguasca Albert , Bosch-Lluis Xavier , Camps Adriano , Martínez-Fernández José , Sánchez-Martín Nilda , Pérez-Gutiérrez Carlos
Published: June 2010

UAV (unmanned Aerial Vehicle) platforms represent a challenging opportunity for the deployment of a number of remote sensors. These vehicles are a cost-effective option in front of manned aerial vehicles (planes and helicopters), are easy to deploy due to the short runways needed, and they allow users to meet the critical requirements of the spatial and temporal resolutions imposed by the instruments. L-band radiometers are an interesting option for obtaining soil moisture maps over local areas with relatively high spatial resolution for precision agriculture, coastal monitoring, estimation of the risk of fires, flood prevention, etc. This paper presents the design of a light-weight, airborne L-band radiometer for deployment in a small UAV, including the hardware and specific software developed for calibration, geo-referencing, and soil moisture retrieval. First results and soil moisture retrievals from different field experiments are presented.
QCM-Arrays for Sensing Terpenes in Fresh and Dried Herbs via Bio-Mimetic MIP Layers
Authors: Iqbal Naseer , Mustafa Ghulam , Rehman Abdul , Biedermann Alexander , Najafi Bita , Lieberzeit Peter A. , Dickert Franz L.
Published: June 2010

A piezoelectric 10 MHz multichannel quartz crystal microbalance (MQCM), coated with six molecularly imprinted polystyrene artificial recognition membranes have been developed for selective quantification of terpenes emanated from fresh and dried Lamiaceae family species, i.e., rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis L.), basil (Ocimum Basilicum) and sage (Salvia Officinalis). Optimal e-nose parameters, such as layer heights (1–6 KHz), sensitivity
From Consumerism to the Empowerment of Consumers: The Case of Consumer Oriented Movements in France
Authors: Dubuisson-Quellier Sophie
Published: June 2010

Political consumerism was developed during the 19th century and expanded at the turn of the century through social movements aimed at empowering civil society in the market. Many of these movements succeeded in building power on the consumption side. Today, we still witness several forms of political consumerism. This contribution explores the possibilities and limits of consumer involvement in sustainable consumption. The main finding of this study of the political organization of consumers is that the market may not be the only arena for changing consumer behavior. Instead, social constraint and political empowerment seem to be rather more efficient.
Framing Devices in the Creation of Environmental Responsibility: A Qualitative Study from Sweden
Authors: Skill Karin , Gyberg Per
Published: June 2010

The aim of this article is to analyze the relationship between identity work for environmental responsibility and sustainable development in relation to an ecological master frame. The material is based on a case study with Swedish householders and focusses on the interviewees identity work in relation to specific and detailed environmentally friendly activities. The argument put forth is that individuals construct what is possible and reasonable by identifying themselves in relation to the multitude of others and by doing certain activities. The conclusions suggest that the householders consider themselves to have a responsibility for the environment, but that they do enough by performing specific activities such as recycling. Thereby the study shows how the individuals present their own ideas and actions in relation to an ecological master frame.
Degradation of wall paints due to sodium sulphate and sodium chloride crystallization
Authors: Díaz Gonçalves T.
Published: June 2010

A test method for evaluating wall paints behaviour to soluble salts crystallization was developed at LNEC. in the present paper, a recent set of tests is described and discussed. The major objectives were: analysing and comparing the behaviour of a common emulsion ("plastic") paint and a silicate-based paint; observing and comparing the effect of sodium sulphate, sodium chloride and distilled water on the paints and on a non-painted stone; evaluating this test method adequacy and effectiveness. The silicate-based paint showed a resistance to soluble salts crystallization greater than the one of the plastic paint. However, the degradation pattern of the silicate-based paint (blistering of a filmic layer) was similar to the one of organic paints and distinct from the one of pure mineral paints. The amount of damage that a saline solution can cause to wall paints cannot be inferred from the amount of damage it can cause to stone. Sodium chloride seems to be able to cause more severe degradation to wall paints than sodium sulphate. To the unpainted stone, sodium sulphate seems to be more damaging than sodium chloride. The test method seems adequate to observe and compare the behaviour of wall paints under soluble salts action. However, lower (around 0.5%) concentrations for both sodium sulphate and sodium chloride should be tested in the future.
Application of an artificial neural network to ready-mixed concretes mix design
Authors: Setién J. , Carrascal A. , Figueroa J. F. , Polanco J. A.
Published: June 2010

This paper presents the practical application of cm artificial neural network (ANN) to the problem of concrete mix in a factory. After a brief introduction to the complex problem of concrete mixes design and a quick review of the fundamental basis of neurocomputation, an optimal neural network model has been developed to cope with such a problem. For training the net, several control mixes have been fabricated recording in all cases both the characteristic 28 days compressive strength and the workability measured in terms of the slump of the Abrams' cone. After the training process of the net, the power of its predictive ability is checked by comparison of the results obtained with those corresponding to four reference mixes; in this way, it is shown that the considered approach can be used in multicriterial search for optimal concrete mixes.
Weathering effects on materials from historical stained glass windows
Authors: García-Heras M. , Gil C. , Carmona N. , Villegas M. A.
Published: June 2010

A selection of materials (stained glasses, lead cames, support elements and putty) from historical stained glass windows of different periods (13th-19th centuries) have been studied. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray diffraction were used as characterization techniques. Degradation of historical stained glass windows is due to the particular chemical composition oftlie materials used for their production: stained glasses, lead network, metallic support elements and refilling putty. However, the presence of a given chemical composition is not the only factor involved in the degradation process. It is necessary the occurrence of other external factors that contribute to the development and progress of alteration problems in the materials mentioned above. The presence of gaseous pollution in the air produces a negative interaction with the surface of the stained glass windows materials. Firstly, the stained glasses and the grisailles begin a dealkalinisation process and a silica gel layer is formed during the early contact between the glasses and the wet environment. After that, insoluble salt deposits and corrosion crusts are formed as a consequence of a deeper chemical attack which results in a depolymerisation of the glass network. The lead cames and the metallic support elements are also altered by weathering. Such materials are oxidized and both pits and crusts appear on their surfaces. The transport of ions and other substances from the corrosion crusts of the metallic elements gives rise new deposits upon the stained glasses, which could intensify their own degradation processes. The putty experiments a noticeable shrinkage and cracking. Likewise, adverse environmental conditions favour the transport of putty substances towards the other materials of the stained glass window, thereby increasing the crusts thickness and adding elements that contribute to the total alteration of the stained glass window.
Obtaining a sulfoaluminate belite cement by industrial waste
Authors: Elkhadiri I. , Diouri A. , Boukhari A. , Puertas F. , Vázquez T.
Published: June 2010

Sulfoaluminate belite clinkers by burning raw at moderate temperatures near 1250 °C were synthesized. The used mixtures were made by calcium carbonate blended to two industrial wastes: low calcium fly ash and phosphogypsum. The clinkers were characterised by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and free lime. The hydraulic behaviour of the obtained cements, by adequate clinkers with 7% of added gypsum, was followed by XRD, scaning electronic microscopy (SEM), FTIR and NMR.
Modifications in concrete superficial properties due to the use of different formworkrelease agents and plastic additives
Authors: Beltramone A. , García Cruz F. A. , García Santos A.
Published: June 2010

The actual research study, carried out in the Laboratory of Construction Materials of the ETSAM., analyses the modifications in superficial properties (regarding colour and texture) of grey Portland cement mortars due to the use of different formworks release agents (car oil, mineral oil and paraffin) and to the addition of plastic superplasticiser to the mixture (Bettor and Sika trademarks). Once the test samples were obtained, a digital registration was made by giving them values in terms of colour and texture observed changes using computer programmes, referring those values to the test specimen (only cement, no additives). A migration of the polymeric particles of the additives towards the surface was observed, presenting the following modifications: Colour: darker hues than those of the test specimen sample were registered in the specimens with additives. Texture: the texture of the test specimen containing additives such as modified polycarboxilic ethers, polycarboxilic ethers; modified organic polymers and modified synthetic melamine were much smoother than the one in test specimen. Test specimens containing melamine, condensed naftalensulphate and polycarboxilic derivatives were a bit rougher but still smoother than the test specimen. The same variation of results as for the colour properties was obtained for the texture as regards to the use of formworks release agents, varying from smoothest to roughest with the car oil.
Evaluation of recycled concrete by means of non destructive tests
Authors: Di Maio A. A. , Traversa L. P.
Published: June 2010

The use of recycled concrete as aggregate for the production of new concretes is a consequence of the shortage of natural resources and the environmental problems due to the storage of residual building materials. In this paper the following results are given: compressive strength, rebound numbers, ultrasonic pulse velocity Break-off pressure and torsional moment, all of them determined on concretes of different strength level elaborated with recycled coarse aggregate in 25% and 75% in respect of a reference concrete (without recycled aggregate). The Break-off and the torsion method present, at 28 days, only one correlation curve; this would allow to estimate the compressive strength using the correlations determined for the same group of materials. It is impossible to apply this procedure when using the ultrasonic method, since the velocity diminishes strongly as the percentage of recycled coarse aggregate increases. With respect to the rebound method, its high dispersion due to the heterogeneous aggregates makes it not advisable in order to perform a strength estimation.
Cement content influence in rebar corrosion in carbonated mortars
Authors: Américo P. O. , Nepomuceno A. A.
Published: June 2010

The cement hydration products protect the concrete rebars of the reinforced concrete due to the production of Ca(OH)2, NaOH, and KOH that, upon dissolving in the concrete s aqueous phase, generate a pH above 12.5. However, reinforced concrete structures are exposed to pollutant gases, such as, CO2 which upon penetrating the concrete, reacts with the alkaline components, consequently reducing the pH of the aqueous phase causing the loss of passivity by the rebar and as a consequence its corrosion when there is the presence of humidity and oxygen. The objective of the current paper is the analysis of the alkaline reserve influence, measured by the cement content, in the corrosion of rebars employing the polarization resistance technique for determining the corrosion intensity. Results for corrosion intensity of rebars embedded in prismatic mortar test specimens are produced with three cement content levels, with equal water/cement ratio. Cylindrical test specimens were also used for verification of the capillary absorption and the porosity by means of mercury porosymetry The results show that the initiation period is shorter and the corrosion intensity of the rebars is higher when the cement content is lower However, there is also an alteration in the microstructure upon altering the cement content, and far this reason one cannot conclude that the alkaline reserve alone is responsible for these results.
Electrochemical performance of a localized repair. Effect of applying a primer and a bonding membrane
Authors: Castro-Borges P. , Moreno E. I. , Alpuche-Avilés J. E.
Published: June 2010

It is customary, in the constructions at the North of Yucatán, to employ primers to the rebars as a repair method in reinforced concrete, it has been observed in the literature that using primers alone presents an electrochemical behaviour still under discussion. Under these circumstances, several investigations have focused on the evaluation of the factor against or in favour of using primers as a repair method in a tropical marine environment. In this paper, the effects of applying a bonding membrane and the galvanic effect generated by the repair are also discussed. Small reinforced concrete columns were prepared and exposed under accelerated degradation cycles. After the activation of the rebars, the columns were repaired applying three types of primers, leaving one bar as control. After curing, the columns were exposed again to the same environment and their electrochemical behaviour was monitored. Corrosion potentials, polarization resistance, carbonation and chloride content were measured as a function of time. Conclusions suggest that the bonding membrane reduces the corrosion rates for the conditions and exposure time studied. The galvanic effect was observed after repairing the columns with and without bonding membrane, but with a tendency to reduce with time. The primers applied helped to reduce the galvanic effect of the repair, and to increase the polarization resistance.
Rapid chloride permeability test as durability index of the concrete structure
Authors: Martínez-Sánchez B. , Flores-Martinez J. J. , Uribe-Afif R. , Medína-Hernández O.
Published: June 2010

From the RCPT publication, this test has been frequently used in the concrete structures durability assessment. This test it could be determined in a relatively short time the material permeability, within a rank or quality level that allows comparing concretes as far as their characteristics. In this document, is present an intense investigation to evaluate mix designs with the principal objective to measure the participation and contribution of the components that take part in the concrete manufacture. A detailed review of the components contribution is applied to know specifically the properties in the product during any state: fresh or hard path. In this paper, are identified and included the most influence variables in the concrete properties modification.
Effect of distance from sea on chloride aggressiveness in concrete structures in brazilian coastal site
Authors: Meira G. R. , Padaratz I. J. , Alonso C. , Andrade C.
Published: June 2010

The distance of concrete structures from the sea is an important aspect when studying the deleterious effect of airborne salinity in marine environment zone. It permits to know how the durability of structures is affected by increasing the distance from the sea. This paper presents results of an experimental work on assessing the effect of the distance from sea on chloride aggressiveness, considering both the airborne salinity and chloride content in concrete specimens located at different distances from sea. This study has been carried out at Joao Pessoa, capital of the State of Paraiba, located in the northeast part of Brazil. The results indicated a drastic reduction of chloride deposition from marine aerosol, especially along the first 200 meters from the sea. Similar behavior was observed in the concrete specimens, even though the reduction has been less pronounced. Although more research is necessary, the differences in the rates of chloride decrease may be explained by different reasons, including the different chloride concentration in air and on concrete surface, the phenomena related to the skin effect and surface washing by rain.
A New Look at Selecting Third-Party Reverse Logistics Providers
Authors: Saen Reza Farzipoor
Published: June 2010

The use of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in many fields is based on total flexibility of the weights. However, the problem of allowing total flexibility of the weights is that the values of the weights obtained by solving the unrestricted DEA program are often in contradiction to prior views or additional available information. Also, many applications of DEA assume complete discretionary of decision making criteria. However, they do not assume the conditions that some factors are nondiscretionary. To select the most efficient third-party reverse logistics (3PL) provider in the conditions that both weight restrictions and nondiscretionary factors are present, a methodology is introduced. A numerical example demonstrates the application of the proposed method.
Anti-CD40L Immune Complexes Potently Activate Platelets In Vitro and Cause Thrombosis in FCGR2A Transgenic Mice
Authors: Robles-Carrillo Liza , Meyer Todd , Hatfield Meghan , Desai Hina , Dávila Mónica , Langer Florian , Amaya Mildred , Garber Ellen , Francis John L. , Hsu Yen-Ming , Amirkhosravi Ali
Published: June 2010

Anti-CD40L immunotherapy in systemic lupus erythematosus patients was associated with thromboembolism of unknown cause. We previously showed that monoclonal anti-CD40L immune complexes (ICs) activated platelets in vitro via the IgG receptor (FcγRIIa). In this study, we examined the prothrombotic effects of anti-CD40L ICs in vivo. Because mouse platelets lack FcγRIIa, we used FCGR2A transgenic mice. FCGR2A mice were injected i.v. with preformed ICs consisting of either anti-human CD40L mAb (M90) plus human CD40L, or a chimerized anti-mouse CD40L mAb (hMR1) plus mouse CD40L. ICs containing an aglycosylated form of hMR1, which does not bind FcγRIIa, were also injected. M90 IC caused shock and thrombocytopenia in FCGR2A but not in wild-type mice. Animals injected with hMR1 IC also experienced these effects, whereas those injected with aglycosylated-hMR1 IC did not, demonstrating that anti-CD40L IC-induced platelet activation in vivo is FcγRIIa-dependent. Sequential injections of individual IC components caused similar effects, suggesting that ICs were able to assemble in circulation. Analysis of IC-injected mice revealed pulmonary thrombi consisting of platelet aggregates and fibrin. Mice pretreated with a thrombin inhibitor became moderately thrombocytopenic in response to anti-CD40L ICs and had pulmonary platelet-thrombi devoid of fibrin. In conclusion, we have shown for the first time that anti-CD40L IC-induced thrombosis can be replicated in mice transgenic for FcγRIIa. This molecular mechanism may be important for understanding thrombosis associated with CD40L immunotherapy. The FCGR2A mouse model may also be useful for assessing the hemostatic safety of other therapeutic Abs.
TCRβ Allelic Exclusion in Dynamical Models of V(D)J Recombination Based on Allele Independence
Authors: Farcot Etienne , Bonnet Marie , Jaeger Sébastien , Spicuglia Salvatore , Fernandez Bastien , Ferrier Pierre
Published: June 2010

Allelic exclusion represents a major aspect of TCRβ gene assembly by V(D)J recombination in developing T lymphocytes. Despite recent progress, its comprehension remains problematic when confronted with experimental data. Existing models fall short in terms of incorporating into a unique distribution all the cell subsets emerging from the TCRβ assembly process. To revise this issue, we propose dynamical, continuous-time Markov chain-based modeling whereby essential steps in the biological procedure (D-J and V-DJ rearrangements and feedback inhibition) evolve independently on the two TCRβ alleles in every single cell while displaying random modes of initiation and duration. By selecting parameters via fitting procedures, we demonstrate the capacity of the model to offer accurate fractions of all distinct TCRβ genotypes observed in studies using developing and mature T cells from wild-type or mutant mice. Selected parameters in turn afford relative duration for each given step, hence updating TCRβ recombination distinctive timings. Overall, our dynamical modeling integrating allele independence and noise in recombination and feedback-inhibition events illustrates how the combination of these ingredients alone may enforce allelic exclusion at the TCRβ locus.
A Role for Granzyme M in TLR4-Driven Inflammation and Endotoxicosis
Authors: Anthony Desiree A. , Andrews Daniel M. , Chow Melvyn , Watt Sally V. , House Colin , Akira Shizuo , Bird Phillip I. , Trapani Joseph A. , Smyth Mark J.
Published: June 2010

Lymphocyte perforin and serine protease granzymes are well-recognized extrinsic mediators of apoptosis. We now demonstrate that cytotoxic lymphocyte granule components profoundly augment the myeloid cell inflammatory cytokine cascade in response to TLR4 ligation. Whereas caspase-1–deficient mice were completely resistant to LPS, reduced serum cytokine production and resistance to lethal endotoxicosis were also obtained with perforin-deficient mice, indicating a role for granzymes. Consistently, a lack of granzyme M (GrzM) resulted in reduced serum IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF, and IFN-γ levels and significantly reduced susceptibility to lethal endotoxicosis. These altered responses were also observed in granzyme A-deficient but not granzyme B-deficient mice. A role for APC–NK cell cross-talk in the inflammatory cascade was highlighted, as GrzM was exclusively expressed by NK cells and resistance to LPS was also observed on a RAG-1/GrzM-double deficient background. Collectively, the data suggest that NK cell GrzM augments the inflammatory cascade downstream of LPS-TLR4 signaling, which ultimately results in lethal endotoxicosis. Most importantly, these data demonstrate that granzymes should no longer be considered solely as mediators of apoptosis, but additionally as potential key regulators of inflammation.
The Cell-Specific Induction of CXC Chemokine Ligand 9 Mediated by IFN-γ in Microglia of the Central Nervous System Is Determined by the Myeloid Transcription Factor PU.1
Authors: Ellis Sally L. , Gysbers Vanessa , Manders Peter M. , Li Wen , Hofer Markus J. , Müller Marcus , Campbell Iain L.
Published: June 2010

The IFN-γ–inducible chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 are implicated in the pathogenesis of T cell-mediated immunity in the CNS. However, in various CNS immune pathologies the cellular localization of these chemokines differs, with CXCL9 produced by macrophage/microglia whereas CXCL10 is produced by both macrophage/microglia and astrocytes. In this study, we determined the mechanism for the microglial cell-restricted expression of the Cxcl9 gene induced by IFN-γ. In cultured glial cells, the induction of the CXCL9 (in microglia) and CXCL10 (in microglia and astrocytes) mRNAs by IFN-γ was not inhibited by cycloheximide. Of various transcription factors involved with IFN-γ–mediated gene regulation, PU.1 was identified as a constitutively expressed NF in microglia but not in astrocytes. STAT1 and PU.1 bound constitutively to the Cxcl9 gene promoter in microglia, and this increased significantly following IFN-γ treatment with IFN regulatory factor-8 identified as an additional late binding factor. However, in astrocytes, STAT1 alone bound to the Cxcl9 gene promoter. STAT1 was critical for IFN-γ induction of both the Cxcl9 and Cxcl10 genes in microglia and in microglia and astrocytes, respectively. The small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of PU.1 in microglia markedly impaired IFN-γ–induced CXCL9 but not STAT1 or IFN regulatory factor-8. Cells of the D1A astrocyte line showed partial reprogramming to a myeloid-like phenotype posttransduction with PU.1 and, in addition to the expression of CD11b, acquired the ability to produce CXCL9 in response to IFN-γ. Thus, PU.1 not only is crucial for the induction of CXCL9 by IFN-γ in microglia but also is a key determinant factor for the cell-specific expression of this chemokine by these myeloid cells.
Sleep in Genetically Confirmed Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration: A Video-Polysomnographic Study
Authors: Fantini Maria Livia , Cossu Giovanni , Molari Andrea , Cabinio Monia , Uyanik Ozlem , Cilia Roberto , Melis Maurizio , Antonini Angelo , Ferini-Strambi Luigi
Published: June 2010

Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a familial or sporadic disease characterized by extrapyramidal and corticospinal signs with dementia. Patients show iron accumulation in the basal ganglia, with neuronal loss and gliosis. A mutation of pantothenate kinase (PANK2) gene localized on chromosome 20p13 has been described in familiar forms, as well as in sporadic patients. We sought to assess sleep characteristics, including muscle activity during REM sleep, in three patients with PANK2 gene mutation-confirmed diagnosis of PKAN. Sleep architecture was altered in all patients with reduced total time of sleep in two and lack of SWS in one. No significant apnea/hypopnea were detected, and mild PLMS were observed in one patient (PLMS index:10.7/h). In contrast with other neurodegenerative diseases, no REM sleep abnormalities, especially REM sleep behavior disorder, were observed in PKAN patients, and percentage of both REM sleep atonia and phasic EMG activity were within normal ranges. Sleep studies may phenotypically differentiate PKAN from other neurodegenerative disorders.