bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant DNA methylation at imprinted genes in testicular sperm retrieved from men with obstructive azoospermia and undergoing vasectomy reversal
Authors: Minor Agata , Chow Victor , Ma Sai
Published: March 2011

Male factor infertility has been associated with abnormal DNA methylation at imprinted genes. Little information is available on the status of imprinting in the sperm of men with azoospermia, including the association between aberrant imprinting and obstructive azoospermia (OA) or non-OA (NOA). Analysis of DNA methylation at imprinted genes in the sperm of men undergoing vasectomy reversal would aid determination of whether aberrant imprinting is associated with obstruction. Testicular sperm was retrieved from testicular biopsies obtained from men with azoospermia (N=18), including OA (N=10), NOA (N=5), and unknown pathology (N=3), and from men undergoing vasectomy reversal (N=17). Sperm was also obtained from proven fertile men (N=9). DNA methylation was investigated at multiple CpG sites within the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of three imprinted genes,H19,IG-GTL2andMEST, using bisulphite sequencing. Unique clones representative of single cells were analyzed. We found a significant decrease in DNA methylation at theH19DMR in testicular sperm of azoospermic men compared with proven fertile men. The decrease was also significant between OA and proven fertile men, and between men undergoing vasectomy reversal and proven fertile men, suggesting that aberrant DNA methylation may be associated with obstruction. Changes in DNA methylation atIG-GTL2andMESTDMRs among groups were not significant. Our data suggest that imprinting abnormalities may be associated with obstruction and may occur in response to changes in testicular environment and not only spermatogenesis failure, as previously reported. Methylation at theH19DMR was particularly prone to modification in testicular sperm.
Medical students’ smoking habits and attitudes about cessation
Authors: Rinfel József , Oberling János , Tóth Ildikó , Prugberger László , Nagy Lajos
Published: March 2011

Medical years are very important in shaping the attitudes of future doctors. It is proven that doctors who smoke do not advise their patient to stop smoking. We have to know the students’ smoking habits and attitudes about smoking cessation to make them interested in the fight against tobacco. Aims: To investigate medical students’ smoking habits and attitudes about cessation. Methods: We applied the Hungarian translation of the Global Health Professionals Student Survey. Medical students from the first and fifth year filled in the survey anonymously during the seminars. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS. Results: In both years 245 students filled in the questionnaire. In the first year 30.8%, in the fifth year 38.9% of the students were defined as smokers. During the academic study the number of daily smokers and the number of smoked cigarettes increases. Students require training about smoking cessation, however they would entrust it to a specialist. Conclusions: Based on our data we need a teaching block in the curricula about smoking and smoking cessation. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 469–474.
Role of cardiovascular disorders in quality of life after total hip replacement
Authors: Király Edit , Gondos Tibor
Published: March 2011

This cohort, retrospective study, in the Jávorszky Ödön Hospital, Vác, Hungary, involved 109 patients after total hip replacement. Methods: The applied questionnaires included the EQ-5D health-related quality of life scores, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Ostoearthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, the preoperative and the postoperative 5th year health characteristics. The severity of co-morbidities was graded in respect of clinical signs and pharmacological treatment. Results: The WOMAC values significantly improved in the examination period. However – in spite of the changes in EQ-5D –, it had no influence on adherence of feeling sick after total hip replacement. Among the co-morbidities, the cardiovascular diseases had a distinguished role because their prevalence and deterioration showed a close relationship with the subjective health-feeling of the patients. Conclusion: According to our study, we have to consider that in case of significant hypertension, ischemic heart diseases or chronic heart failure even the successful surgery will not improve the general sick-feeling of the patients. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 464–468.
Difficulties of epidemic measures in Fadd and Józsefváros
Authors: Kovács Aranka , László Eszter
Published: March 2011

Authors draw attention to their own experience about the occurrence and epidemic measures of tuberculosis in two micro-regions of Hungary, Fadd and Józsefváros situated far from each other. According to data from the National Statistical Office of Hungary, tuberculosis does not belong to the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality. However, it still represents a notable factor in national healthcare and public health. Currently, tuberculosis is not an important issue to be regulated by health care decision makers or at the level of legislation. Based on their own experience, authors suggest reconsidering the possibility of epidemic measures for the prevention of tuberculosis. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 481–484.
Genetics of ischemic stroke: where are we now?
Authors: Maász Anita , Szolnoki Zoltán , Balikó László , Melegh Béla
Published: March 2011

As stroke is the third leading cause of death after heart failure and tumors worldwide, cerebrovascular diseases reached substantial attention. In the past few years, significant progression has been seen in identification of genetic variants in the background of stroke and other cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events. Examination of these variants is a new approach to recognize pathogenesis of disorders that hopefully helps in future prevention and prospects of screening and, optimistically, it contributes to special care of patients susceptible for stroke. In the background of ischemic stroke several genetic variants have been identified, which localize in genes encoding proteins involved in hemostasis, renin-angiotensin system and lipid metabolism. The number of these variants exponentially increases permanently due to rapid spreading of genome wide association studies. The goal of this review is to summarize the results of genetic studies on ischemic stroke. Here the authors focus on genetic variants which can have major role in personalized medicine and prevention of stroke. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 455–463.
Mediterranean cork oak savannas require human use to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services
Authors: Bugalho Miguel N , Caldeira Maria C , Pereira João S , Aronson James , Pausas Juli G
Published: March 2011

Mediterranean cork oak savannas, which are found only in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa, are ecosystems of high socioeconomic and conservation value. Characterized by sparse tree cover and a diversity of understory vegetation – ranging from shrub formations to grasslands – that support high levels of biodiversity, these ecosystems require active management and use by humans to ensure their continued existence. The most important product of these savannas is cork, a non‐timber forest product that is periodically harvested without requiring tree felling. Market devaluation of, and lower demand for, cork are causing a decline in management, or even abandonment, of southwestern Europe's cork oak savannas. Subsequent shrub encroachment into the savanna's grassland components reduces biodiversity and degrades the services provided by these ecosystems. In contrast, poverty‐driven overuse is degrading cork oak savannas in northwestern Africa. “Payment for ecosystem services” schemes, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation and enhancement of carbon stocks (REDD+) programs, could produce novel economic incentives to promote sustainable use and conservation of Mediterranean cork oak savanna ecosystems in both Europe and Africa.
Does Written Emotional Disclosure about Stress Improve College Students' Academic Performance? Results from Three Randomized, Controlled Studies
Authors: Radcliffe Alison M. , Stevenson Jennifer K. , Lumley Mark A. , D'Souza Pamela J. , Kraft Christina A.
Published: March 2011

Several early studies and subsequent reviews suggested that written emotional disclosure (WED)—writing repeatedly about personal stressful experiences—leads to improved academic performance of college students. A critical review of available studies casts some doubt on this conclusion, so we conducted three randomized, controlled experiments of the effects of WED versus control writing on grade point average (GPA) of college students. In all three studies, WED writing was implemented effectively—it contained more negative emotion language and generated more negative mood than did control writing. In Study 1, WED did not influence GPA during either the writing semester or subsequent semester among 96 students with headaches. In Study 2, WED had no effect on GPA compared with either control writing or no writing conditions among 124 students with unresolved stress. In Study 3, WED did not influence GPA or retention among 68 academically at-risk ethnic minority students, although secondary analyses suggested some benefits of WED among students who wrote more than once, particularly men. These three studies challenge the belief that WED improves academic performance of college students in general. Future research should examine subgroups of students who might benefit from WED.
A Sociocultural Analysis of Death Anxiety among Older Japanese Urbanites in a Citizens' Movement
Authors: Kawano Satsuki
Published: March 2011

By examining the experiences of death anxiety and attitudes toward personal deaths among members of a citizens' movement, the Grave-Free Promotion Society (GFPS), this study considers the applicability of the view that culture and high self-esteem serve as defenses against death anxiety in Japan's changing society. The GFPS promotes the scattering of ashes over the conventional interment of cremated remains in a family grave. GFPS members often lack descendants to care for a family grave, the neglect of which is thought to endanger the deceased's peaceful rest. By returning the dead to nature through ash scattering, the GFPS provides an alternative strategy of managing its members' posthumous well-being. GFPS members often report that their choice of ash scattering has reduced their anxiety about their personal deaths and improved the quality of their lives. Based upon these findings, this study offers some suggestions for increasing cultural sensitivities of test instruments commonly used to examine death anxiety among older persons for use in a Japanese context.
The Valuation and Reporting of Organizational Capability in Carbon Emissions Management
Authors: Ratnatunga Janek , Jones Stewart , Balachandran Kashi R.
Published: March 2011

SYNOPSIS: Under various carbon emissions trading schemes proposed around the world (including the United States), organizations will need to implement carbon management schemes to meet carbon ration targets, earn revenue, and reduce costs. Emission Trading Schemes will impact the accounting profession significantly; however, discussions on how to report these transactions are in the very formative stages. So far the accounting literature has focused on the reporting of current carbon assets and liabilities in the balance sheet and the timing effects of carbon releases in the income statement. However, there has been little or no discussion as to how to value and report the underlying non-current assets (and liabilities) that produce or use carbon allowances on the balance sheet. This paper proposes a model for valuing an organization’s non-current carbon sequestration and emission capabilities. A new metric, Environmental Capability Enhancing Asset (ECEA), is introduced as the underpinning for the conversion of non-monetary CO2 emission and sequestration measures to monetary values. The process of bringing these monetized values within the boundaries of conventional (double-entry) GAAP is also demonstrated.
Auditor Realignments Accompanying Implementation of SOX 404 ICFR Reporting Requirements
Authors: Ettredge Michael , Heintz James , Li Chan , Scholz Susan
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT: We examine the impact of adverse auditors’ opinions on clients’ internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), issued under SOX Section 404, on auditor dismissals. Companies receiving adverse ICFR opinions are more likely to subsequently dismiss their auditors. This association between adverse reports and dismissals persists over a four-year period beginning with the initial year of SOX 404 reporting. Our evidence also suggests that these dismissals tend to be part of clients’ efforts to improve their overall financial reporting. Clients receiving adverse reports are more likely to switch to higher-quality auditors, as proxied by Big 4 membership and two measures of industry specialization, than are clients receiving favorable reports. Further, adverse opinion clients that dismiss auditors and then hire new auditors that specialize in the client’s industry are more likely to receive an improved ICFR report in the next year.
Does the Capitalization of Intangible Assets Increase the Predictability of Corporate Failure?
Authors: Jones Stewart
Published: March 2011

SYNOPSIS: The value relevance of intangible assets is now well documented in the literature, leading to calls for standard setters to adopt more flexible reporting rules for these assets. In this study, I evaluate the merits of intangibles capitalization from a bankruptcy and default risk perspective, which has not been previously considered in the literature. The study is conducted in a unique reporting environment, where managers have had considerable discretion to capitalize a wide range of intangibles over an extended period. Three main results are reported. First, failing firms capitalize intangible assets more aggressively than non-failed firms over the 16-year sample period, but particularly over the five-year period leading up to firm failure. Second, drawing on the accounting choice literature, I find that managers’ propensity to capitalize intangible assets has a strong statistical association with earnings management proxies, particularly among failing firms. Finally, voluntary capitalization of intangibles has strong discriminating and predictive power in a firm failure model, even after controlling for several other factors.
Multi-Step-Ahead Quarterly Cash-Flow Prediction Models
Authors: Lorek Kenneth S. , Willinger G. Lee
Published: March 2011

SYNOPSIS: We provide new empirical evidence supportive of the Brown-Rozeff ARIMA model as a candidate univariate statistically based expectation model for multi-period-ahead projections of quarterly cash flows. It provides 1- through 20-step-ahead projections of quarterly cash flows that are significantly more accurate than those generated by the premier multivariate quarterly time-series, disaggregated-accrual regression model popularized by Lorek and Willinger (1996). We also find that both quarterly earnings and quarterly cash flow from operations are modeled by the same Brown-Rozeff ARIMA structure, although the autoregressive and seasonal moving-average parameters of the quarterly earnings model are significantly larger than those of the cash-flow prediction model. This finding is consistent with Beaver (1970) and Dechow and Dichev (2002), among others, who argue that accounting accruals induce incremental amounts of serial correlation in the quarterly earnings time series vis-a`-vis the time series of quarterly cash flows. Such findings may be of interest to analysts who wish to derive multi-step-ahead cash-flow predictions, and accounting researchers attempting to adopt a statistical proxy for the market’s expectation of quarterly cash flows. Finally, we propose a forecasting schema by which statistically based cash-flow forecasts are adjusted upwards or downwards via qualitative assessments regarding the economy, industry, and firm by analysts employing fundamental financial analysis.
Kantowski-Sachs cosmological models with anisotropic dark energy
Authors: Adhav Kishor , Bansod Abhijit , Wankhade Rajesh , Ajmire Hanumant
Published: March 2011

The exact solutions of the Einstein field equations for dark energy in Kantowski-Sachs metric under the assumption on the anisotropy of the fluid are obtained for exponential and power-law volumetric expansions. The isotropy of the fluid, space and expansion are examined.
GIDMP: Good protein-protein interaction data metamining practice
Authors: Plewczynski Dariusz , Klingström Tomas
Published: March 2011

Studying the interactome is one of the exciting frontiers of proteomics, as shown lately at the recent bioinformatics conferences (for example ISMB 2010, or ECCB 2010). Distribution of data is facilitated by a large number of databases. Metamining databases have been created in order to allow researchers access to several databases in one search, but there are serious difficulties for end users to evaluate the metamining effort. Therefore we suggest a new standard, “Good Interaction Data Metamining Practice” (GIDMP), which could be easily automated and requires only very minor inclusion of statistical data on each database homepage. Widespread adoption of the GIDMP standard would provide users with: a standardized way to evaluate the statistics provided by each metamining database, thus enhancing the end-user experiencea stable contact point for each database, allowing the smooth transition of statisticsa fully automated system, enhancing time- and cost-effectiveness.

The proposed information can be presented as a few hidden lines of text on the source database www page, and a constantly updated table for a metamining database included in the source/credits web page.
Stem cells from adipose tissue
Authors: Witkowska-Zimny Malgorzata , Walenko Katarzyna
Published: March 2011

This is a review of the growing scientific interest in the developmental plasticity and therapeutic potential of stromal cells isolated from adipose tissue. Adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) are multipotent somatic stem cells that are abundant in fat tissue. It has been shown that ASCs can differentiate into several lineages, including adipose cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, neuronal cells, endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes. At the same time, adipose tissue can be harvested by a minimally invasive procedure, which makes it a promising source of adult stem cells. Therefore, it is believed that ASCs may become an alternative to the currently available adult stem cells (e.g. bone marrow stromal cells) for potential use in regenerative medicine. In this review, we present the basic information about the field of adipose-derived stem cells and their potential use in various applications.
Pathology associated with Contracaecum rudolphii (Nematoda: Anisakidae) infection in the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (L. 1758)
Authors: Rokicki J. , Sołtysiak Z. , Dziekońska-Rynko J. , Borucińska J.
Published: March 2011

This is a report of lesions associated with the nematode Contracaecum rudolphii (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from the proventriculus of the great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo (L. 1758). The study was undertaken as part of a health monitoring program for P. carbo, which is endangered and thus protected within the European continent. Cormorants were collected by gun-shot from north-eastern Poland in the spring of 2006, four birds were necropsied on site and the gastrointestinal tract was examined for the presence of nematodes. The birds came from a region with noted increases in the cormorant population over the last decade. Esophageal and gastric sections with parasites in situ were fixed in formalin and processed routinely for paraffin embedding, stained with H&E and examined by brightfield microscopy. Parasite associated lesions consisted of severe, ulcerative gastritis at the attachment sites, and diffuse granulomatous gastritis in adjacent areas. Eosinophilic material speculated to be the parasite-derived excretory-secretory product was consistently forming the parasite-host boundry at the attachment points. Although the parasite-associated gastric lesions were focally severe, all examined birds appeared in good body condition. Because only four birds were investigated in this study, the potential contribution of C. rudolphii to morbidity and mortality in great cormorants needs to be examined further.
New data on the morphology of Procamallanus (Procamallanus) annulatus and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) monotaxis (Nematoda: Camallanidae) from marine fishes off New Caledonia
Authors: Moravec F. , Justine J.
Published: March 2011

Two little-known nematode species of the family Camallanidae, intestinal parasites of marine perciform fishes, are reported from off New Caledonia: Procamallanus (Procamallanus) annulatus Yamaguti, 1955 from the goldenlined spinefoot Siganus lineatus (Valenciennes) (Siganidae) and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) monotaxis (Olsen, 1952) from the longspine emperor Lethrinus genivittatus Valenciennes and the slender emperor Lethrinus variegatus Valenciennes (both Lethrinidae). Detailed light and electron microscopical studies (the latter used for the first time in these species) revealed some taxonomically important, previously not observed features, such as the presence of deirids, six crescent-shaped elevations surrounding the mouth, three poorly developed protuberances on the female tail tip and circumcloacal papillae and phasmids on the male tail in P. annulatus, and the presence of a circumoral flange, only 12 (instead of 14 reported) cephalic papillae, the shape of deirids and similar numbers (14–17 and 14–15) of spiral ridges in the male and female buccal capsules in P. monotaxis. The fourth-stage larva of P. annulatus is described for the first time. Firststage larvae of both species were found to possess several digital processes at the tail tip. The present findings represent new host and geographical records of these parasite species.
Egg morphology, larval development and description of the oncomiracidium of Heterobothrium ecuadori (Monogenea: Diclidophoridae) parasitising the bullseye pufferfish, Sphoeroides annulatus
Authors: Grano-Maldonado M. , Roque A. , Aguirre H. , Fajer-Avila E.
Published: March 2011

The present study is the first description of the egg morphology, embryonic development, and time required for hatching, and longevity of the oncomiracidium of Heterobothrium ecuadori (Meserve, 1938) Sproston, 1946. Experiments found that hatching time fluctuated between 7 and 10 days with a mean of 7.5 ± 1 days at 23 ± 1° C and 35 ‰. Eggs were provided with a polar filamentous appendage. The body of the oncomiracidium was flattened dorso-ventrally, 156 ± 9 μm long and 65 ± 8 μm wide. A full description of the egg development and morphology of the oncomiracidium is provided. The longevity of the oncomiracidia was 4–7 days at 21 ± 1°C, with a mean survival time of 121.8h. The ability to rear diclidophorids like H. ecuadori and to record precise information on their development provides valuable data for further studies.
Perceptions of Black College Presidents
Authors: Gasman Marybeth
Published: March 2011

Using historical methods, this article examines the negative characterizations of Black college presidents and how they came to be. The author explores the way these stereotypes continue to be perpetuated in the current day. Conversely, the author investigates how the individual Black college presidents viewed themselves and their actions.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Toxic Elements (Cadmium) in Aqueous Media
Authors: Ullah MR , Haque M Enamul
Published: March 2011

Trace amount of toxic element (Cadmium) was determined by spectrophotometer method using 1, 2-dihydroxy anthraquinone-3-sulphonic acid, sodium salt. (Alizarin red S) as a new spectrophotometer reagent. Alizarin red S reacts in slightly acidic solution (0.005 - 0.05M H2SO4) with cadmium to give a deep greenish yellow chelate which has an absorption maximum at 422 nm. The reaction is instantaneous and absorbance remains stable for over 24hrs. The average molar absorption co-efficient and sandell's sensitivity were found to be 2.24 103L mol-1 cm-1 and 20 ng cm 2 of Cd respectively. Linear calibration graphs were obtained for 0.1 - 40μg mL-1 of Cd. The stoichiometric composition of the chelate is 1 : 2 (Cd : Alizarin red S). Large excess of over 50 cations, anions, and some common complexing agents (e.g EDTA, oxalate, citrate phosphate, thio-urea, SCN-) do not interfere in the determination. The method was successfully used in the determination of cadmium in Several Standard Reference Materials (alloys, steels and water) as well as in some environmental waters (In land and surface), biological samples (human blood and urine), soil samples and complex synthetic mixtures. The method has high precision and accuracy. (S = ±0.01 for 0.5 μg mL-1. Keywords spectrophotometry; cadmium determination; 1, 2-dihydroxy anthraquinone-3-sulphonic acid; sodium salt (Alizarin red S); alloy; steel; environmental; biological; samples; soil samplesDOI: 10.3329/jce.v25i0.7233Journal of Chemical Engineering, IEB Vol. ChE. 25, No. 1, December 2010 pp.1-12
The Solubility/Degradation Study of Organophosphoric Acid Extractants in Sulphuric Acid Media
Authors: Azam MA , Alam S , Khan FI
Published: March 2011

In order to improve the efficiency of the extractant or to prevent the loss of the extractant during metal extraction process the degradation/solubility loss of different organophosphorus acidic extractant was investigated. The effects of acid concentration, extractant concentration, temperature, diluent concentration were examined. Also, the kinetic study at different temperature on extractant degradation/solubility was investigated. Two types of extractant candidates such as Cyanex 272 (bis-2, 4, 4-trimethylpentylphosphinic acid) and D2EHPA (Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid) were tested. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) was used in this experiment as an aqueous medium. In this study the pattern or characteristics of extractant solubility /degradation was observed based on organic transfer to the aqueous phase. With regard to phosphorus (P) content in the aqueous phase measured by inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP) the degradation/ solubility of D2HEPA was more than that of Cyanex 272.Keywords hydrometallurgy; degradation; solubility; cyanex272; D2EHPA DOI: 10.3329/jce.v25i0.7235Journal of Chemical Engineering, IEB Vol. ChE. 25, No. 1, December 2010 pp.18-21
A Review of the Influence of Design Parameters on the Performance of Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Frazer-Williams Ronnie AD
Published: March 2011

This study reviews the influence of wetland design criteria (Kickuth equation, area sizing, first order kinetics) and operation parameters (hydraulic and influent loading) on pollutant removal (organics, solids, nutrients and coliforms) in both subsurface and surface flow systems. Results showed that despite high removal efficiency reported for most wetlands, residual concentrations for BOD are frequently higher than those predicted based on the 95 percentile first-order Kickuth design equation. Also correlation results indicate that hydraulic and pollutant loading strongly influence wetland performance for organic removal (BOD, COD). In all cases, removal generally decreases as loading increases. Hydraulic loading was not found to correlate with nutrient removal. Overall, it can be concluded that organic removal can be modeled better compared to nutrient in treatment wetlands. Since removal of solids and coliforms are not primarily influenced by the key design parameters, it is expected that they will fit into any design model developed. Keywords design criteria; hydraulic loading; removal. DOI: 10.3329/jce.v25i0.7237Journal of Chemical Engineering, IEB Vol. ChE. 25, No. 1, December 2010 pp.29-42
Analysis of Somatic Mutations in Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms of Activation in the ErbB Family of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Authors: Shih Andrew J. , Telesco Shannon E. , Radhakrishnan Ravi
Published: March 2011

The ErbB/EGFR/HER family of kinases consists of four homologous receptor tyrosine kinases which are important regulatory elements in many cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Somatic mutations in, or over-expression of, the ErbB family is found in many cancers and is correlated with a poor prognosis; particularly, clinically identified mutations found in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) of ErbB1 have been shown to increase its basal kinase activity and patients carrying these mutations respond remarkably to the small tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Here, we analyze the potential effects of the currently catalogued clinically identified mutations in the ErbB family kinase domains on the molecular mechanisms of kinase activation. Recently, we identified conserved networks of hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions characteristic to the active and inactive conformation, respectively. Here, we show that the clinically identified mutants influence the kinase activity in distinctive fashion by affecting the characteristic interaction networks.
Current State of Surgical Management of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hackert Thilo , Büchler Markus W. , Werner Jens
Published: March 2011

Pancreatic cancer is still associated with a poor prognosis and remains—as the fourth leading cause of cancer related mortality—a therapeutic challenge. Overall long-term survival is about 1–5%, and in only 10–20% of pancreatic cancer patients is potentially curative surgery possible, increasing five-year survival rates to approximately 20–25%. Pancreatic surgery is a technically challenging procedure and has significantly changed during the past decades with regard to technical aspects as well as perioperative care. Standardized resections can be carried out with low morbidity and mortality below 5% in high volume institutions. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that also more extended resections including multivisceral approaches, vessel reconstructions or surgery for tumor recurrence can be carried out safely with favorable outcomes. The impact of adjuvant treatment, especially chemotherapy, has increased dramatically within recent years, leading to significantly improved postoperative survival, making pancreatic cancer therapy an interdisciplinary approach to achieve best results.
Analysis of a Residential Building Energy Consumption Demand Model
Authors: Yu Wei , Li Baizhan , Lei Yarong , Liu Meng
Published: March 2011

In order to estimate the energy consumption demand of residential buildings, this paper first discusses the status and shortcomings of current domestic energy consumption models. Then it proposes and develops a residential building energy consumption demand model based on a back propagation (BP) neural network model. After that, taking residential buildings in Chongqing (P.R. China) as an example, 16 energy consumption indicators are introduced as characteristics of the residential buildings in Chongqing. The index system of the BP neutral network prediction model is established and the multi-factorial BP neural network prediction model of Chongqing residential building energy consumption is developed using the Cshap language, based on the SQL server 2005 platform. The results obtained by applying the model in Chongqing are in good agreement with actual ones. In addition, the model provides corresponding approximate data by taking into account the potential energy structure adjustments and relevant energy policy regulations.
A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Macro Cavities Formation on Properties of Carbon Nanotube Bucky-Paper Composites
Authors: Dumée Ludovic , Sears Kallista , Schütz Jürg , Finn Niall , Duke Mikel , Gray Stephen
Published: March 2011

In this study, we focus on processing and characterizing composite material structures made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and reproducibly engineering macro-pores inside their structure. Highly porous bucky-papers were fabricated from pure carbon nanotubes by dispersing and stabilizing large 1 μm polystyrene beads within a carbon nanotube suspension. The polystyrene beads, homogeneously dispersed across the thickness of the bucky-papers, were then either dissolved or carbonized to generate macro cavities of different shape and properties. The impact of adding these macro cavities on the porosity, specific surface area and Young’s modulus was investigated and some benefits of the macro cavities will be demonstrated.
Effect of Calcinated Oyster Shell Powder on Growth, Yield, Spawn Run, and Primordial Formation of King Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Eryngii)
Authors: Choi Ung-Kyu , Lee Ok-Hwan , Kim Young-Chan
Published: March 2011

This study was conducted to evaluate the calcium (Ca) absorption efficacy of king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) grown on sawdust medium supplemented with Ca-sources, including oyster shell powder, and to determine the efficacy of oyster shell powder as a calcium supplement on growth, yield, spawn run and primordial formation of P. eryngii. Optimum calcination of oyster shell powder was achieved at the temperature of 620.56 °C. A 1% supplementation of oyster shell powder in sawdust medium did not suppress the mycelial growth of P. eryngii. Also the supplementation of 2% calcinated oyster shell powder to sawdust medium potentially increased the calcium content up to a level of 315.7 ± 15.7 mg/100 g in the fruiting body of P. eryngii, without extension of duration of spawn run and the retardation of the days to primordial formation. These results suggest that the shellfish by-products, including oyster shell powder, can be utilized to develop calcium enriched king oyster mushrooms.
An Allelochemical from Myrica gale with Strong Phytotoxic Activity against Highly Invasive Fallopia x bohemica Taxa
Authors: Popovici Jean , Bertrand Cedric , Jacquemoud Dominique , Bellvert Floriant , Fernandez Maria P. , Comte Gilles , Piola Florence
Published: March 2011

We report the identification of the allelochemical 3-(1-oxo-3-phenylpropyl)-1,1,5-trimethylcyclo-hexane-2,4,6-trione, known as myrigalone A, from the fruits and leaves of Myrica gale. The structure of the compound was confirmed by high-resolution techniques (UV, MS and NMR analysis). The compound is phytotoxic towards classical plant species used for allelochemical assays and also against Fallopia x bohemica, a highly invasive plant. Application of either powdered dry leaves or dry fruits of M. gale also showed in vitro phytotoxic activity. We hypothesize that M. gale could be used as a green allelopathic shield to control Fallopia x bohemica invasion, in addition to its potential use as an environmentally friendly herbicide.
Antioxidant and Antityrosinase Activities of Various Extracts from the Fruiting Bodies of Lentinus lepideus
Authors: Yoon Ki Nam , Alam Nuhu , Lee Kyung Rim , Shin Pyung Gyun , Cheong Jong Chun , Yoo Young Bok , Lee Tae Soo
Published: March 2011

Lentinus lepideus is an edible mushroom currently available in Korea. The acetone, methanol and hot water extracts were prepared and assayed for their antioxidant and antityrosinase inhibitory activities. The hot water extract showed the strongest β-carotene-linoleic acid inhibition compared to the other extracts. At 8 mg/mL, the methanolic extract showed a high reducing power of 1.21. The acetone and methanol extracts were more effective in scavenging DPPH radicals than the hot water extract. The strongest chelating effect was obtained from the methanolic extract. Xanthine oxidase and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of the acetonic, methanol and hot water extracts increased with increasing concentration. Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillin, naringin, naringenin, formononetin, and biochanin-A were detected in the acetonitrile and hydrochloric acid (5:1) solvent extract. This study suggests that fruiting bodies of L. lepideus can potentially be used as a readily accessible source of natural antioxidants.
Capillary origami: superhydrophobic ribbon surfaces and liquid marbles
Authors: McHale Glen , Newton Michael I , Shirtcliffe Neil J , Geraldi Nicasio R
Published: March 2011

In the wetting of a solid by a liquid it is often assumed that the substrate is rigid. However, for an elastic substrate the rigidity depends on the cube of its thickness and so reduces rapidly as the substrate becomes thinner as it approaches becoming a thin sheet. In such circumstances, it has been shown that the capillary forces caused by a contacting droplet of a liquid can shape the solid rather than the solid shaping the liquid. A substrate can be bent and folded as a (pinned) droplet evaporates or even instantaneously and spontaneously wrapped on contact with a droplet. When this effect is used to create three dimensional shapes from initially flat sheets, the effect is called capillary origami or droplet wrapping.

In this work, we consider how the conditions for the spontaneous, capillary induced, folding of a thin ribbon substrate might be altered by a rigid surface structure that, for a rigid substrate, would be expected to create Cassie–Baxter and Wenzel effects. For smooth thin substrates, droplet wrapping can occur for all liquids, including those for which the Young’s law contact angle (defined by the interfacial tensions) is greater than 90° and which would therefore normally be considered relatively hydrophobic. However, consideration of the balance between bending and interfacial energies suggests that the tendency for droplet wrapping can be suppressed for some liquids by providing the flexible solid surface with a rigid topographic structure. In general, it is known that when a liquid interacts with such a structure it can either fully penetrate the structure (the Wenzel case) or it can bridge between the asperities of the structure (the Cassie–Baxter case).

In this report, we show theoretically that droplet wrapping should occur with both types of solid–liquid contact. We also derive a condition for the transition between the Cassie–Baxter and Wenzel type droplet wrapping and relate it to the same transition condition known to apply to superhydrophobic surfaces. The results are given for both droplets being wrapped by thin ribbons and for solid grains encapsulating droplets to form liquid marbles.
Protonation and deprotonation induced organo/hydrogelation: Bile acid derived gelators containing a basic side chain
Authors: Maitra Uday , Chakrabarty Arkajyoti
Published: March 2011

Two bile acid derived molecules containing basic amino groups are reported to be efficient and unusual gelators of organic and aqueous solvents.
Reformulation et acquisition de la complexité linguistique
Authors: Martinot Claire
Published: March 2011

Résumé La complexification de la langue chez 60 enfants de 4 à 10 ans de langue maternelle française est étudiée, pour la première fois, en fonction des procédures de reformulation qui simplifient ou complexifient les énoncés sources d’une histoire qu’ils doivent restituer. L’opposition syntaxique entre énoncés simples ou complexes est réenvisagée sous l’angle d’un continuum dans lequel la complexification, comme la simplification, sont nécessairement relatives et dépendent d’un grand nombre de facteurs. L’étude montre cependant que les différentes procédures de complexification d’un énoncé source lors de sa reformulation correspondent à des reformulations paraphrastiques qui sont attestées dans l’ordre suivant : paraphrases descriptives définitoires lacunaires, puis complètes ; paraphrases sémantiques ; paraphrases formelles : transformations puis restructurations ; et enfin paraphrases fonctionnelles.
L'article, apport ou support du nom ? Réponse par l'argument fonctionnel de l'actualisation
Authors: Roig Audrey
Published: March 2011

Résumé À ce jour, le critère de l’ actualisation est généralement évoqué comme réponse à la question du statut de l’article. L’argument reste cependant problématique : alors que certaines écoles linguistiques l’évoquent pour plaider en faveur d’un article apport au nom, d’autres courants l’utilisent pour étayer la thèse d’un article support nominal. Cette contribution cherche à montrer que l’analogie fonctionnelle n’est qu’apparente, puisque trois interprétations différentes du terme (et du concept) « actualisation » sont recensées au minimum, allant de la possibilité pour le nom de passer de la langue au discours à l’identification du référent, en passant par la quantification et l’organisation interne du référent. Du fait de cette quantité d’actualisations qui, d’après nous, constituent trois étapes d’un même processus linguistique, le statut fonctionnel de l’article reste à ce jour sibyllin. Ou apport ou support du nom, le rôle du petit membre ne cesse d’interroger.
Songbird Breeding Season Use of Pine Plantations Treated Chemically for Herbaceous Vegetation Control
Authors: Keyser Patrick D. , Lanham J. Drew , Ford Victor L.
Published: March 2011

Pine plantations, a common early successional habitat in the southeastern United States, have been subject in recent years to increased use of herbicides to control herbaceous vegetation immediately postestablishment. Such treatments may affect songbird use during the breeding season, but studies documenting bird response are limited. Furthermore, songbirds that breed in early successional habitats have experienced sustained population declines in recent decades. Therefore, we examined the influence of herbaceous vegetation control on songbird use during the breeding season within pine plantations on the Piedmont Plateau in Virginia. We evaluated 35 plantations characterized by one of five treatments: herbaceous vegetation control applied during the establishment year and that were 1, 2, or 3 y old when sampled, and those that had not received herbaceous vegetation control at establishment and that were 1 or 2 y old when sampled. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in detections of birds between plantations with and without herbicide treatment. However, 1-y-old plantations (both treated and untreated) had fewer detections (P < 0.05) than 2-y-old plantations for 3 individual species and for all 16 species combined.
AIDS-Related EBV-Associated Smooth Muscle Tumors: A Review of 64 Published Cases
Authors: Purgina Bibianna , Rao Uma N. M. , Miettinen Markku , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: March 2011

The number of reported cases of smooth muscle tumor (SMT) arising in patients with AIDS has been increasing since the mid-1990s. The aim of this study is to characterize the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathologic features, prognosis and, management of Epstein-Barr virus-related SMT (EBV-SMT) in patients with AIDS. An English language literature search identified 53 articles including 64 reported cases of EBV-SMT. The majority of these reports involved patients who were young, severely immunosuppressed, and had multifocal tumors. The central nervous system was the most common site to be involved. Histologically, tumors had smooth muscle features and were immunoreactive for muscle markers and all but two tumors demonstrated the presence of EBV by either immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and/or PCR. While mitoses and/or necrosis were used to separate leiomyoma from leiomyosarcoma, these features did not correlate with clinical outcome. Treatment included primarily resection, and less often radiotherapy, chemotherapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Overall, EBV-SMTs appear to have variable aggressiveness and clinical outcome and may exhibit a more favorable prognosis compared to conventional leiomyosarcoma. Tumor-related death from EBV-SMT occurred in only 4 of 51 patients.
Infection Mitigation Efficacy of Photoactive Titania on Orthopedic Implant Materials
Authors: Azad Abdul-Majeed , Hershey Ryan , Aboelzahab Asem , Goel Vijay
Published: March 2011

In order to impede infection and achieve accelerated wound healing in the postorthopaedic surgery patients, a simple and benign procedure for creating nanotubular or nanofibrillar structure of photoactive TiO2on the surface of Ti plates and wires is described. The nanoscale TiO2films on titanium were grown by hydrothermal processing in one case and by anodization in the presence of dilute mineral acids under mild and benign conditions in the other. Confocal microscopy results demonstrated at least 50% reduction in the population ofE. colicolonies (concentration 2.15 × 107 cells/mL) on TiO2-coated implants upon an IR exposure of up to 30 s; it required~20 min of exposure to UV beam for the same effect. These findings suggest the probability of eliminating wound infection during and after orthopedic surgical procedures by brief illumination of photoactive titania films on the implants with an IR beam.
The Assessment of Airway Maneuvers and Interventions in University Canadian Football, Ice Hockey, and Soccer Players
Authors: Delaney J. Scott , Al-Kashmiri Ammar , Baylis Penny-Jane , Troutman Tracy , Aljufaili Mahmood , Correa José A.
Published: March 2011

Context:

Managing an airway in an unconscious athlete is a lifesaving skill that may be made more difficult by the recent changes in protective equipment. Different airway maneuvers and techniques may be required to help ventilate an unconscious athlete who is wearing full protective equipment.

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of different airway maneuvers with football, ice hockey, and soccer players wearing full protective equipment.

Design:

Crossover study.

Setting:

University sports medicine clinic.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 146 university varsity athletes, consisting of 62 football, 45 ice hockey, and 39 soccer players.

Intervention(s):

Athletes were assessed for different airway and physical characteristics. Three investigators then evaluated the effectiveness of different bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation techniques in supine athletes who were wearing protective equipment while inline cervical spine immobilization was maintained.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The effectiveness of 1-person BVM ventilation (1-BVM), 2-person BVM ventilation (2-BVM), and inline immobilization and ventilation (IIV) was judged by each investigator for each athlete using a 4-point rating scale.

Results:

All forms of ventilation were least difficult in soccer players and most difficult in football players. When compared with 1-BVM, both 2-BVM and IIV were deemed more effective by all investigators for all athletes. Interference from the helmet and stabilizer were common reasons for difficult ventilation in football and ice hockey players.

Conclusions:

Sports medicine professionals should practice and be comfortable with different ventilation techniques for athletes wearing full equipment. The use of a new ventilation technique, termed inline immobilization and ventilation, may be beneficial, especially when the number of responders is limited.