bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical and Economic Performance Analysis of Utilization of Solar Energy in Indoor Swimming Pools, An Application
Authors: Kincay Olcay , Utlu Zafer , Akbulut Ugur
Published: November 2011

In this study, technical and economic performance analyses are conducted in order to determine the optimum collector surface area for indoor swimming pools. Required heat and economical conditions are taken into consideration while performing these evaluations. A brief summary of solar energy source and heat transfer equations for the Olympic pools are given. An Olympic swimming pool is assumed to be in different cities, and energy losses are calculated. For our sample Olympic pool, convective heat loss obtained is −3.86 kW and evaporative heat loss obtained is 265 kW. Total heat loss always maximum in January from 384 kW to 455.1 kW. Solar energy gain (assumption 1000 m2 collector area) and energy gain from boiler for different cities are calculated as maximum solar energy gain in July between 160 and 175 kW and minimum in January between 54.9 and 82 kW. High investment costs for solar power systems are responsible for low value of the reduction rate. Also, according to the energy demand and economical conditions, technical evaluations are performed in order to obtain optimum surface collector area, and economical analyses are conducted using unified cost method.
Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis Predicts Cardiovascular Risk in Different Stages of Hypertension
Authors: Erbel Raimund , Lehmann Nils , Möhlenkamp Stefan , Churzidse Sofia , Bauer Marcus , Kälsch Hagen , Schmermund Axel , Moebus Susanne , Stang Andreas , Roggenbuck Ulla , Bröcker-Preuß Martina , Dragano Nico , Weimar Christian , Siegrist Johannes , Jöckel Karl-Heinz
Published: November 2011

Prehypertension is a frequent condition and has been demonstrated to increase cardiovascular risk. However, the association with coronary atherosclerosis as part of target organ damage is not well understood. We investigated the cross-sectional relationship and longitudinal outcome between blood pressure categories and coronary artery calcification (CAC), quantified by electron beam computed tomography, in 4181 participants from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study cohort. At baseline, we observed a continuous increase in calcium scores with increasing blood pressure categories. During a median follow-up period of 7.18 years, 115 primary end points (2.8%; fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction) and 152 secondary end points (3.6%; stroke and coronary revascularization) occurred. We observed a continuous increase in age- and risk factor-adjusted secondary endpoints (hazard ratios [95% CI]) with increasing blood pressure categories (referent: normotension) in men: prehypertension, 1.80 (0.53–6.13); stage 1 hypertension, 2.27 (0.66–7.81); and stage 2 hypertension, 4.10 (1.27–13.24) and in women: prehypertension, 1.13 (0.34–3.74); stage 1 hypertension, 2.14 (0.67–6.85); and stage 2 hypertension, 3.33 (1.24–8.90), respectively, but not in primary endpoints. Cumulative event rates were determined by blood pressure categories and the CAC. In prehypertension, the adjusted hazard ratios for all of the events were, for CAC 1 to 99, 2.05 (0.80–5.23;
P
=0.13); 100 to 399, 3.12 (1.10–8.85;
P
=0.03); and ≥400, 7.72 (2.67–22.27;
P
=0.0002). Risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in hypertension but also in prehypertension depends on the degree of CAC. This marker of target-organ damage might be included, when lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapeutic effects in prehypertensive individuals are tested to avoid exposure to risk and increase benefit.
THE VALUE OF MILK ACIDIFIED WITH LEMON JUICE
Authors: HESS ALFRED F. , MATZNER MILTON J.
Published: November 2011

As is well known, laymen have a strong prejudice against giving orange juice and milk at the same meal. Physicians, including children's specialists, have encouraged this point of view, directing that the daily quota of orange juice be given at a time removed as far as possible from the milk feeding; the usual hour is 8 o'clock in the morning. Somewhat over a year ago, we began to add fruit juices directly to the milk formulas, instead of giving them to the infants separately and between feedings. Our object in diverging from this practice was twofold—to simplify the technic of feeding, and to render the milk more acid.

It was shown convincingly by Clark, ten years ago,1 that although cow's milk is more acid than breast milk as judged by its hydrogen-ion content, it is intrinsically less acid, owing to the fact that it contains buffer constituents in much
Effect of Structural Parameters of TiO2 Nanotube Arrays upon Their Photocatalytic/Photoelectrocatalytic Performance
Authors: Zheng Qing , Li Jinhua , Chen Quanpeng , Bai Jing , Zhou Baoxue , Cai Weimin
Published: November 2011

The effect of structural parameters of TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) upon their photocatalytic/photoelectro‐catalytic performance is studied by comparing the morphological characteristics and physicochemical properties with different tube lengths prepared from three kinds of electrolytes. The results show that the UV‐Vis absorption edge of TNAs red‐shifted with the increment of tube length and the short TNAs possess higher bandgap energy. The variation tendency of electrochemical window of TNAs is DMSO (5.5 V)>Cit (3.2 V)>HF (1.8 V). The long TNAs possess higher photocatalytic (PC) reactivity suggesting the surface roughness factor is the main determinant of PC efficiency, although, there is obvious recombination effects for the long TNAs. Evidenced by the positive correlation between tube length and photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) efficiency for TNAs from the same electrolyte, the enhancement of the tube length could lead to better PEC reactivity, but when the tube length is over a certain value, the PEC degradation rate no longer increases but decreases. The long TNAs with large surface roughness factor prepared from Cit and DMSO electrolytes exhibit comparative or even lower PEC performance compared with the short TNAs prepared from HF electrolyte, indicating that the PEC performance of TNAs was dominated by charge separation and photoelectron transfer properties rather than surface roughness coefficient and the tube length.
Regulating inflammation: ADAM8 – a new player in the game
Authors: Zarbock Alexander , Rossaint Jan
Published: November 2011

Leukocyte recruitment to sites of inflammation proceeds in a cascade‐like fashion. However, it is less clear how the complex interactions among the different adhesion molecules involved in this process are coordinately regulated. A report in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology [Eur. J. Immunol. 2011. 41: 3436–3442] shows that ADAM8 may participate in the control of the adhesion molecule P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand 1. This finding suggests a new role for ADAM8 in the regulation of inflammatory processes.
Performance enhancement of blue light-emitting diodes with a special designed AlGaN/GaN superlattice electron-blocking layer
Authors: Yan Zhang Yun , An Yin Yi
Published: November 2011

The characteristics of the nitride-based blue light-emitting diode (LED) with an AlGaN/GaN superlattice (SL) electron-blocking layer (EBL) of gradual Al mole fraction are analyzed numerically and experimentally. The emission spectra, carrier concentrations in the quantum wells, energy band diagrams, electrostatic fields, and internal quantum efficiency are investigated. The results indicate that the LED with an AlGaN/GaN SL EBL of gradual Al mole fraction has a better hole injection efficiency, lower electron leakage, and smaller electrostatic fields in its active region over the LED with a conventional rectangular AlGaN EBL or with a normal AlGaN/GaN SL EBL. The results also show that the efficiency droop is markedly improved when the SL EBL of gradual Al mole fraction is used.
Hybrid equilibria of field-reversed configurations
Authors: Steinhauer Loren C.
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the first detailed model of hybrid equilibria relevant to field-reversed configuration experiments, leading to a system of equations that are solved for a range of fully two-dimensional equilibria. Several features of these highly kinetic objects are explored. The range of equilibria is primarily dependent on a single free parameter related to the flow shear. The level of flow shear has a profound effect on the structure, especially near the separatrix. This likely has a strong influence on both stability and transport properties. Higher flow shear is favorable in every respect. The key factor behind the influence of flow shear is the relatively rapid end loss of unconfined ions. Differences between hybrid and static-fluid equilibrium models are highlighted, including the integrity of surface functions, the effect of flow shear, and the scrape-off layer thickness.
Optical properties of antiferroelectric Cs2Nb4O11: Absorption spectra and first-principles calculations
Authors: Liu H. L. , Huang C. R. , Luo G. F. , Mei W. N.
Published: November 2011

We report a joint experimental and theoretical investigation of the optical properties of Cs2Nb4O11. In room temperature optical absorption spectra, we found a direct gap about 3.55 ± 0.05 eV and charge transfer excitations at about 4.96 and 6.08 eV, which are in good agreement with the first-principles calculations. Upon passing through the 165 °C antiferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition, the peak energies of two charge transfer bands display almost no temperature dependence, yet they become even broader and exhibit enhanced oscillator strength. We infer this intriguing behavior as the manifestation of Nb cation distortions due to the charge-lattice interaction.
Intermittent magnetic reconnection in TS-3 merging experiment
Authors: Ono Y. , Hayashi Y. , Ii T. , Tanabe H. , Ito S. , Kuwahata A. , Ito T. , Kamino Y. , Yamada T. , Inomoto M. ,   TS-Group
Published: November 2011

Ejection of current sheet with plasma mass causes impulsive and intermittent magnetic reconnection in the TS-3 spherical tokamak (ST) merging experiment. Under high guide toroidal field, the sheet resistivity is almost classical due to the sheet thickness much longer than the ion gyroradius. Large inflow flux and low current-sheet resistivity result in flux and plasma pileup followed by rapid growth of the current sheet. When the pileup exceeds a critical limit, the sheet is ejected mechanically from the squeezed X-point area. The reconnection (outflow) speed is slow during the flux/plasma pileup and is fast during the ejection, suggesting that intermittent reconnection similar to the solar flare increases the averaged reconnection speed. These transient effects enable the merging tokamaks to have the fast reconnection as well as the high-power reconnection heating, even when their current-sheet resistivity is low under high guide field.
Collapse transition of a square-lattice polymer with next nearest-neighbor interaction
Authors: Lee Jae Hwan , Kim Seung-Yeon , Lee Julian
Published: November 2011

We study the collapse transition of a polymer on a square lattice with both nearest-neighbor and next nearest-neighbor interactions, by calculating the exact partition function zeros up to chain length 36. The transition behavior is much more pronounced than that of the model with nearest-neighbor interactions only. The crossover exponent and the transition temperature are estimated from the scaling behavior of the first zeros with increasing chain length. The results suggest that the model is of the same universality class as the usual θ point described by the model with only nearest-neighbor interaction.
Health‐related quality of life among Darier’s disease patients
Authors: Dodiuk‐Gad R. , Cohen‐Barak E. , Ziv M. , Shani‐Adir A. , Amichai B. , Zlotogorski A. , Shalev S. , Rozenman D.
Published: November 2011

Background  Darier’s disease (DD) is an autosomal dominant skin disorder characterized by persistent eruption of hyperkeratotic papules. The effect of DD on quality of life (QOL) has been assessed in only one study, which found no correlation between the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score and clinical severity of the disease. The correlation between health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and other diseases and patient characteristics has not been studied.

Objectives  To examine the HRQL of patients with DD and to evaluate the association between HRQL scores and disease and patient characteristics.

Methods  A total of 74 DD patients completed three QOL questionnaires: DLQI, EQ‐5D, and one specially designed for the study. The data reported in this study were collected as part of a larger study on the clinical characteristics of DD; the socio‐demographic and clinical data were used in the statistical analysis of the current study.

Results  Mean DLQI was 5.41 ± 5.57 and the mean EQ‐Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), was 70.84 ± 19.25. DLQI and EQ‐VAS were significantly associated with skin area affected, disease severity, age at onset of DD and a seborrhoeic distribution pattern of DD. Stepwise linear regression showed skin area affected to be the most significant variable in the predication of DLQI (beta = 0.183; SE = 0.04; P < 0.001), and disease severity the most significant variable in the predication of EQ‐VAS (beta = −9.15; SE = 3.21; P < 0.006).

Conclusions  Darier’s disease has a negative impact on HRQL of patients and the HRQL is associated with various disease characteristics, mainly skin area affected and clinical severity.
Homologues and Bioengineered Derivatives of LtnJ Vary in Ability to Form
d
-Alanine in the Lantibiotic Lacticin 3147
Authors: Suda Srinivas , Lawton Elaine M. , Wistuba Dorothee , Cotter Paul D. , Hill Colin , Ross R. Paul
Published: November 2011

Ltnα and Ltnβ are individual components of the two-peptide lantibiotic lacticin 3147 and are unusual in that, although ribosomally synthesized, they contain
d
-amino acids. These result from the dehydration of
l
-serine to dehydroalanine by LtnM and subsequent stereospecific hydrogenation to
d
-alanine by LtnJ. Homologues of LtnJ are rare but have been identified
in silico
in
Staphylococcus aureus
C55 (SacJ),
Pediococcus pentosaceus
FBB61 (PenN), and
Nostoc punctiforme
PCC73102 (NpnJ, previously called NpunJ [P. D. Cotter et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 102:18584–18589, 2005]). Here, the ability of these enzymes to catalyze
d
-alanine formation in the lacticin 3147 system was assessed through heterologous enzyme production in a Δ
ltnJ
mutant. PenN successfully incorporated
d
-alanines in both peptides, and SacJ modified Ltnα only, while NpnJ was unable to modify either peptide. Site-directed mutagenesis was also employed to identify residues of key importance in LtnJ. The most surprising outcome from these investigations was the generation of peptides by specific LtnJ mutants which exhibited less bioactivity than those generated by the Δ
ltnJ
strain. We have established that the reduced activity of these peptides is due to the inability of the associated LtnJ enzymes to generate
d
-alanine residues in a stereospecific manner, resulting in the presence of both
d
- and
l
-alanines at the relevant locations in the lacticin 3147 peptides.
Predictors of early death in female patients with breast cancer in the UK: a cohort study
Authors: Stapelkamp Ceilidh , Holmberg Lars , Tataru Daniela , Møller Henrik , Robinson David
Published: November 2011

Objective

To identify factors predicting early death in women with breast cancer.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

29 trusts across seven cancer networks in the North Thames area.

Participants

15 037 women with primary breast cancer diagnosed between January 1996 and December 2005.

Methods

Logistic regression analyses to determine predictors of early death and factors associated with lack of surgical treatment.

Main exposures

Age at diagnosis, mode of presentation, ethnicity, disease severity, comorbidities, treatment and period of diagnosis in relation to the Cancer Plan (the NHS's strategy in 2000 for investment in and reform of cancer services).

Main outcome measures

Death from any cause within 1 year of diagnosis, and receipt of surgical treatment.

Results

By 31 December 2006, 4765 women had died, 980 in the year after diagnosis. Older age and disease severity independently predicted early death. Women over 80 were more likely to die early than women under 50 (OR 8.05, 95% CI 5.96 to 10.88). Presence of distant metastases on diagnosis increased the odds of early death more than eightfold (OR 8.41, 95% CI 6.49 to 10.89). Two or more recorded comorbidities were associated with a nearly fourfold increase. There was a significant decrease in odds associated with surgery (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.35). Independently of disease severity and comorbidities, women over 70 were less likely than those under 50 to be treated surgically and this was even more pronounced in those aged over 80 (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.10). Other factors independently associated with a reduced likelihood of surgery included a non-screening presentation, non-white ethnicity and additional comorbidities.

Conclusions

These findings may partially explain the survival discrepancies between the UK and other European countries in female patients with breast cancer. The study identifies a group of women with a particularly poor prognosis for whom interventions aiming at early detection may be targeted.
Experiences with general practitioners described by families of children with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour: a qualitative study
Authors: Fredheim Terje , Lien Lars , Danbolt Lars J , Kjønsberg Kari , Haavet Ole R
Published: November 2011

Objective

To investigate parents' experiences of follow-up by general practitioners (GPs) of children with intellectual disabilities (ID) and comorbid behavioural and/or psychological problems.

Design

Qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with parents of children with ID and a broad range of accompanying health problems.

Setting

County centred study in Norway involving primary and specialist care.

Participants

Nine parents of seven children with ID, all received services from an assigned GP and a specialist hospital department. Potential participants were identified by the specialist hospital department and purposefully selected by the authors to represent both genders and a range of diagnoses, locations and assigned GPs.

Results

Three clusters of experiences emerged from the analysis: expectations, relationships and actual use. The participants had low expectations of the GPs' competence and involvement with their child, and primarily used the GP for the treatment of simple somatic problems. Only one child regularly visited their GP for general and mental health check-ups. The participants' experience of their GPs was that they did not have time and were not interested in the behavioural and mental problems of these children.

Conclusions

Families with children with ID experience a complex healthcare system in situations where they are vulnerable to lack of information, involvement and competence. GPs are part of a stable service system and are in a position to provide security, help and support to these families. Parents' experiences could be improved by regular health checks for their children and GPs being patient, taking time and showing interest in challenging behaviour.
Foaming of amorphous polymers and blends in supercritical CO2: Solubility versus block copolymers addition
Authors: Reglero Jose Antonio , Viot Philippe , Dumon Michel
Published: November 2011

Supercritical CO2 (scCO2) is used as a medium for foaming amorphous polymers. Astudy of the solubility of supercritical CO2 in several amorphous polymers (PS andPMMA) and blends is performed, followed by an investigation of the foaming behavior of the polymer–gas systems. Nano-structuring triblock copolymers (styrene-co- butadiene-co-methylmethacrylate SBM and methylmethacrylate-co-butylacrylate-co- methylmethacrylate MAM) were blended as additives to PS or PMMA by extrusion. The addition of these triblock copolymers results in an important weight gain ratio of gas in a wide range of temperatures (from 25 to 80°C), relating this weight gain ratio to the foaming behavior of the blends (CO2 is preferentially located in the micro or nano-domains issued from the structuration of the block copolymer). Foaming is carried out in a batch one-step scCO2 process, keeping constant the saturation pressure and depressurization rate (300 bar and 60 bar/min, respectively). Influence of saturation temperature (25–85 °C) on the final porous structure is shown. In spite of the influence of the terpolymer on the weight gain ratio, the structuration is believed to provide a good control of microcellular foams in PS and PMMA.
Identification of hardening parameters using finite element models and full-field measurements: some case studies
Authors: Robert Laurent , Velay Vincent , Decultot Nicolas , Ramde Souleymane
Published: November 2011

This paper is focused on the identification of elasto-plastic behaviour parameters of aluminium alloy 2024-T3 using full-field measurements. An orthotropic Hill criterion including an isotropic hardening is considered. Standard tensile tests provide a first set of parameters. Some of these parameters are optimised thanks to an inverse modelling including finite element analysis and experimental full-field displacement measurements. This so-called finite element model updated process is based on different specimen geometries which induced heterogeneous strain fields. Full-field measurements are provided by digital image correlation technique. The aim of this work is to study the impact of the specimen shape that gives the heterogeneous strain fields on the identification of isotropic hardening parameters. Results are compared and discussed.
Algorithmic Approach for Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 (MECP2) Gene Testing in Patients With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
Authors: Sanmann Jennifer N. , Schaefer G. Bradley , Buehler Bruce A. , Sanger Warren G.
Published: November 2011

Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene ( MECP2) testing is indicated for patients with numerous clinical presentations, including Rett syndrome (classic and atypical), unexplained neonatal encephalopathy, Angelman syndrome, nonspecific mental retardation, autism (females), and an X-linked family history of developmental delay. Because of this complexity, a gender-specific approach for comprehensive MECP2 gene testing is described. Briefly, sequencing of exons 1 to 4 of MECP2 is recommended for patients with a Rett syndrome phenotype, unexplained neonatal encephalopathy, an Angelman syndrome phenotype (with negative 15q11-13 analysis), nonspecific mental retardation, or autism (females). Additional testing for large-scale MECP2 deletions is recommended for patients with Rett syndrome or Angelman syndrome phenotypes (with negative 15q11-13 analysis) following negative sequencing. Alternatively, testing for large-scale MECP2 duplications is recommended for males presenting with mental retardation, an X-linked family history of developmental delay, and a significant proportion of previously described clinical features (particularly a history of recurrent respiratory infections).
Non-human primate dendritic cells
Authors: Jesudason Shilpanjali , Collins Michael G , Rogers Natasha M , Kireta Svjetlana , Coates P Toby H
Published: November 2011

Non-human primates (NHP) are essential translational models for biomedical research. Dendritic cells (DC) are a group of antigen presenting cells (APC) that play pivotal roles in the immunobiology of health and disease and are attractive cells for adoptive immunotherapy to stimulate and suppress immunity. DC have been studied extensively in humans and mice but until recently, have not been well characterized in NHP. This review considers the available data about DC across a range of NHP species and summarizes the understanding of in vitro-propagated DC and in vivo-isolated DC, which is now established. It is clear that although NHP DC exist within the paradigm of human DC, there are important functional and phenotypic differences when compared with human DC subsets. These differences need to be taken into account when designing preclinical, translational studies of DC therapy using NHP models.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Plasma Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein for Differentiating Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Cerebral Ischemia in Patients with Symptoms of Acute Stroke
Authors: Foerch Christian , Niessner Marion , Back Tobias , Bauerle Michael , De Marchis Gian Marco , Ferbert Andreas , Grehl Holger , Hamann Gerhard F , Jacobs Andreas , Kastrup Andreas , Klimpe Sven , Palm Frederick , Thomalla Götz , Worthmann Hans ,   BE FAST Study Group, Sitzer Matthias
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a biomarker candidate indicative of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with symptoms of acute stroke. GFAP is released rapidly in the presence of expanding intracerebral bleeding, whereas a more gradual release occurs in ischemic stroke. In this study the diagnostic accuracy of plasma GFAP was determined in a prospective multicenter approach.

METHODS

Within a 1-year recruitment period, patients suspected of having acute (symptom onset <4.5 h before admission) hemispheric stroke were prospectively included into the study in 14 stroke centers in Germany and Switzerland. A blood sample was collected at admission, and plasma GFAP was measured by use of an electrochemiluminometric immunoassay. The final diagnosis, established at hospital discharge, was classified as ICH, ischemic stroke, or stroke mimic.

RESULTS

The study included 205 patients (39 ICH, 163 ischemic stroke, 3 stroke mimic). GFAP concentrations were increased in patients with ICH compared with patients with ischemic stroke [median (interquartile range) 1.91 μg/L (0.41–17.66) vs 0.08 μg/L (0.02–0.14), P < 0.001]. Diagnostic accuracy of GFAP for differentiating ICH from ischemic stroke and stroke mimic was high [area under the curve 0.915 (95% CI 0.847–0.982), P < 0.001]. A GFAP cutoff of 0.29 μg/L provided diagnostic sensitivity of 84.2% and diagnostic specificity of 96.3% for differentiating ICH from ischemic stroke and stroke mimic.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma GFAP analysis performed within 4.5 h of symptom onset can differentiate ICH and ischemic stroke. Studies are needed to evaluate a GFAP point-of-care system that may help optimize the prehospital triage and management of patients with symptoms of acute stroke.
Compatibilization of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polypropylene blends: Effect of polypropylene molecular weight on homogeneity and compatibility
Authors: Inoya Hiroyuki , Wei Leong Yew , Klinklai Warunee , Thumsorn Supaporn , Makata Yuki , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: November 2011

The effectiveness of compatibilizers in enhancing the dispersion of polypropylene (PP) at various molecular weights in recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) was elucidated. The idea of incorporating PP of different molecular weights evolved from the intention of simultaneously recycling the PET bottles together with the PP‐based bottle caps, which are often of low molecular weight (Mw). Three grades of PP with known molecular weights were blended with RPET at various loadings of compatibilizers. Morphological analyses suggest that the dispersion of the PP particles was more homogeneous, and the average particle size was smaller when low Mw PP was incorporated. This indicates that the interaction between the compatibilizer and PP particles was more intense with the presence of a large number but shorter PP molecular chains. Moreover, specimens containing low Mw PP were found to remain homogeneous regardless of compatibilizer and PP content in the RPET/PP blends. The homogeneity of the blends significantly affected their mechanical performance as well. Higher stiffness, yield strength, deformability, and toughness were observed when low Mw PP was incorporated, regardless of PP and compatibilizer loadings. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The use of electroconvulsive therapy in a cohort of forensic psychiatric patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Kristensen Diana , Brandt‐Christensen Mette , Ockelmann Hans Henrik , Jørgensen Martin Balslev
Published: November 2011

Background

In Denmark, over 2500 people are in psychiatric treatment in forensic mental health services at any one time, most suffering from schizophrenia. Many of them have illnesses that are resistant to medication. There is evidence of the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for schizophrenia, but not explicitly for this complex forensic group.

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of using ECT as augmentation therapy in a cohort of forensic psychiatric patients with schizophrenia who were failing to respond to antipsychotic medication.

Methods

In one university‐based psychiatric clinic, data were extracted from the medical records of all patients treated with ECT during a 6‐year period. Fifty‐nine of these patients were diagnosed within the schizophrenia spectrum and eight were in specialist forensic hospital services.

Results

The mean duration of illness for the forensic cohort was 16 years (range 3–33 years), with the index episode having lasted a mean of 34 months (3 weeks to 8 years) in spite of treatment with at least two antipsychotic drugs. Psychotic symptoms were accompanied by seriously assaultive behaviour in all cases. All but one of these patients had an excellent or good symptomatic and behavioural response to ECT. Half (four) went on to maintenance ECT. No adverse effects were documented.

Conclusion

ECT is rarely used in specialist secure services, but should not be forgotten as a treatment that may enable medication‐resistant, assaultive psychotic patients to progress safely out to the community. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunological consequences of arthropod vector‐derived salivary factors
Authors: Leitner Wolfgang W. , Costero‐Saint Denis Adriana , Wali Tonu
Published: November 2011

Diseases, such as malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis and tick‐borne encephalitis, affect a substantial percentage of the world's population and continue to result in significant morbidity and mortality. One common aspect of these diseases is that the pathogens that cause them are transmitted by the bite of an infected arthropod (e.g. mosquito, sand fly, tick). The pathogens are delivered into the skin of the mammalian host along with arthropod saliva, which contains a wide variety of bioactive molecules. These saliva components are capable of altering hemostasis and immune responses and may contribute to the ability of the pathogen to establish an infection. The biological and immunological events that occur during pathogen transmission are poorly understood but may hold the key to novel approaches to prevent transmission and/or infection. In May 2011, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the Department of Health and Human Services hosted a workshop entitled Immunological Consequences of Vector‐Derived Factors which brought together experts in skin immunology, parasitology and vector biology to outline the gaps in our understanding of the process of pathogen transmission, to explore new approaches to control pathogen transmission, and to initiate and foster multidisciplinary collaborations among these investigators.
The Development of a Short Measure of Character Strength
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Lester David
Published: November 2011

A total of 366 participants from Great Britain and the United States completed a new, short questionnaire to measure respondents’ self-assessed character strengths based on the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA) ( Peterson & Seligman, 2004 ). They also completed a core self-evaluation ( Judge, Erez, Bono, & Thorensen, 2003 ) and a Big Five personality trait ( McManus & Furnham, 2006 ) measure. The study investigated the factor structure of character strengths measure as well as demographic (particularly sex), ideological, personality, and core self-evaluation correlates of the six virtues that represent the “higher-order” classification of the strengths. Exploratory factor analysis provided evidence for the six virtues, though somewhat different from the theoretical formulation. Regressions looking at demographic (sex, age, education), ideological (religion, politics), and personality (Big Five plus core self-evaluations) determinant of these strengths (using factor scores from the factor analysis) showed personality factors (particularly extraversion) were always most powerful predictors of the self-rated strength and virtues. Limitations of the scale are discussed.
HDAC inhibitors in cancer biology: emerging mechanisms and clinical applications
Authors: Khan Omar , La Thangue Nicholas B
Published: November 2011

Reversible acetylation mediated by histone deacetylases (HDACs) influences a broad repertoire of physiological processes, many of which are aberrantly controlled in tumor cells. As HDAC inhibition prompts tumor cells to enter apoptosis, small‐molecule HDAC inhibitors have been developed as a new class of mechanism‐based anti‐cancer agent, many of which have entered clinical trials. Although the clinical picture is evolving and the precise utility of HDAC inhibitors remains to be determined, it is noteworthy that certain tumor types undergo a favorable response, in particular hematological malignancies. Vorinostat and romidepsin have been approved for treating cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma in patients with progressive, persistent or recurrent disease. Here, we discuss developments in our understanding of molecular events that underlie the anti‐cancer effects of HDAC inhibitors and relate this information to the emerging clinical picture for the application of these inhibitors in the treatment of cancer.
Non-linear absorption of 1.3-μm wavelength femtosecond laser pulses focused inside semiconductors: Finite difference time domain-two temperature model combined computational study
Authors: Bogatyrev I. B. , Grojo D. , Delaporte P. , Leyder S. , Sentis M. , Marine W. , Itina T. E.
Published: November 2011

We present a theoretical model, which describes local energy deposition inside IR-transparent silicon and gallium arsenide with focused 1.3-μm wavelength femtosecond laser pulses. Our work relies on the ionization rate equation and two temperature model (TTM), as we simulate the non-linear propagation of focused femtosecond light pulses by using a 3D finite difference time domain method. We find a strong absorption dependence on the initial free electron density (doping concentration) that evidences the role of avalanche ionization. Despite an influence of Kerr-type self-focusing at intensity required for non-linear absorption, we show the laser energy deposition remains confined when the focus position is moved down to 1-mm below the surface. Our simulation results are in agreement with the degree of control observed in a simple model experiment.
Tailoring electronic properties of InAs nanowires by surface functionalization
Authors: Shu Haibo , Liang Pei , Wang Le , Chen Xiaoshuang , Lu Wei
Published: November 2011

The effect of surface functionalization on the electronic properties of InAs nanowires is investigated by the first-principle calculations. Several surface adsorption species (H, F, Cl, Br, and I) with different coverages are considered. It is found that the electronic structures of InAs nanowires are sensitive to the coverage and adsorption sites of the passivating atoms. The band-gap magnitude of InAs nanowires depends on the suppression of surface states as determined by the charge-compensation ability of passivating atoms to surface atoms. For the halogen passivation, the weak charge-compensation ability induces the band-gap reduction when compared to the hydrogen passivation. The results provide us a feasible way to engineer the bandgap of nanowires by the modification of surface species.
Sirtuin 1 regulates skeletal myoblast survival and enhances differentiation in the presence of resveratrol
Authors: Saini Amarjit , Al‐Shanti Nasser , Sharples Adam P. , Stewart Claire E.
Published: November 2011

Sirtuin 1 also known as NAD‐dependent deacetylase sirtuin 1, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the Sirt1 gene. Sirt1 is an enzyme that deacetylates proteins that contribute to cellular regulation and is a key regulator of cell defenses and survival in response to stress. Deletion of Sirt1 abolishes the increase in lifespan induced by calorie restriction or sublethal cytokine stress, indicating that Sirt1 promotes longevity and survival. We have demonstrated that administration of a sublethal dose of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α; 1.25 ng ml−1) inhibits myotube formation, and co‐incubation with insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I; 1.5 ng ml−1) facilitates C2 myoblast death rather than rescuing differentiation. A higher dose of TNF‐α (10 ng ml−1) resulted in significant apoptosis, which was rescued by IGF‐I (1.5 ng ml−1; 50% rescue; P < 0.05). We aimed to investigate the role of Sirt1 in the conflicting roles of IGF‐I. Quantitative real‐time PCR revealed that Sirt1 expression was elevated in myoblasts following incubation of 10 ng ml−1 TNF‐α or 1.25 ng ml−1 TNF‐α plus IGF‐I (fivefold and 7.2‐fold increases versus control, respectively; P < 0.05). A dose of 10 ng ml−1 TNF‐α induced ∼21 ± 0.7% apoptosis, which was reduced (∼50%; P < 0.05) when administered with IGF‐I. Likewise, Sirt1 expression was elevated following 10 ng ml−1 TNF‐α administration, but was reduced (∼30%; P < 0.05) in the presence of IGF‐I. C2C12 myoblasts, a subclone of the C2 cell line produced for their differentiation potential and used to examine intrinsic ageing, unlike C2 cells, do not die in the presence of TNF‐α and do not upregulate Sirt1. As conditions that induced the greatest myoblast stress/damage resulted in elevated Sirt1 expression, we investigated the effects of Sirt1 gene silencing. Treatment with 10 ng ml−1 TNF‐α or co‐incubation with 1.25 ng ml−1 TNF‐α and 1.5 ng ml−1 IGF‐I resulted in apoptosis (20.33 ± 2.08 and 19 ± 2.65%, respectively), which was increased when myoblasts were pretreated with Sirt1 small interfering RNA (31 ± 2.65 and 27.33 ± 2.52%, respectively; P < 0.05) and was reduced (14.33 ± 3.05%, P < 0.05 and 12.78 ± 4.52%, P= 0.054) by resveratrol, which also significantly rescued the block on differentiation. In conclusion, Sirt1 expression increases in conditons of stress, potentially serving to reduce or dampen myoblast death.
Cardiovascular actions of angiotensin‐(1–12) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of the rat are mediated via angiotensin II
Authors: Chitravanshi Vineet C. , Proddutur Archana , Sapru Hreday N.
Published: November 2011

The role of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in cardiovascular regulation is well established. In this study, it was hypothesized that the PVN may be one of the sites of cardiovascular actions of a newly discovered angiotensin, angiotensin‐(1–12). Experiments were carried out in urethane‐anaesthetized, artificially ventilated, adult male Wistar rats. The PVN was identified by microinjections of NMDA (10 mm). Microinjections (50 nl) of angiotensin‐(1–12) (1 mm) into the PVN elicited increases in mean arterial pressure, heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity. The tachycardic responses to angiotensin‐(1–12) were attenuated by bilateral vagotomy. The cardiovascular responses elicited by angiotensin‐(1–12) were attenuated by microinjections of an angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist (losartan), but not an angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT2R) antagonist (PD123319), into the PVN. Combined inhibition of angiotensin‐converting enzyme and chymase in the PVN abolished angiotensin‐(1–12)‐induced responses. Angiotensin‐(1–12)‐immunoreactive cells and fibres were more numerous in the middle and caudal regions of the PVN. Angiotensin‐(1–12) was present in many, but not all, vasopressinergic PVN cells. This peptide was also present in some non‐vasopressinergic PVN cells, but not in oxytocin‐containing PVN cells. These results can be summarized as follows: (1) microinjections of angiotensin‐(1–12) into the PVN elicited increases in mean arterial pressure, heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity; (2) heart rate responses were mediated via both sympathetic and vagus nerves; (3) both angiotensin‐converting enzyme and chymase were needed to convert angiotensin‐(1–12) to angiotensin II in the PVN; and (4) AT1Rs, but not AT2Rs, in the PVN mediated angiotensin‐(1–12)‐induced responses. It was concluded that the cardiovascular actions of angiotensin‐(1–12) in the PVN are mediated via its conversion to angiotensin II.
Regulation of hippocampal inhibitory circuits by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Griguoli Marilena , Cherubini Enrico
Published: November 2011

Abstract  The hippocampal network comprises a large variety of locally connected GABAergic interneurons exerting a powerful control on network excitability and which are responsible for the oscillatory behaviour crucial for information processing. GABAergic interneurons receive an important cholinergic innervation from the medial septum‐diagonal band complex of the basal forebrain and are endowed with a variety of muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs) that regulate their activity. Deficits in the cholinergic system lead to the impairment of high cognitive functions, which are particularly relevant in neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as in schizophrenia. Here, we highlight some recent advances in the mechanisms by which cholinergic signalling via nAChRs regulates local inhibitory circuits in the hippocampus, early in postnatal life and in adulthood. We also discuss recent findings concerning the functional role of nAChRs in controlling short‐ and long‐term modifications of synaptic efficacy. Insights into these processes may provide new targets for the therapeutic control of pathological conditions associated with cholinergic dysfunctions.
Development of a Non-Blood Contacting Cardiac Assist and Support Device: An In Vivo Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Moreno Michael R. , Biswas Saurabh , Harrison Lewis D. , Pernelle Guilluame , Miller Matthew W. , Fossum Theresa W. , Nelson David A. , Criscione John C.
Published: November 2011

One of the maladaptive changes following a heart attack is an initial decline in pumping capacity, which leads to activation of compensatory mechanisms, and subsequently, a phenomenon known as cardiac or left ventricular remodeling. Evidence suggests that mechanical cues are critical in the progression of congestive heart failure. In order to mediate two important mechanical parameters, cardiac size and cardiac output, we have developed a direct cardiac contact device capable of two actions: (1) adjustable cardiac support to modulate cardiac size and (2) synchronous active assist to modulate cardiac output. In addition, the device was designed to (1) remain in place about the heart without tethering, (2) allow free normal motion of the heart, and (3) provide assist via direct cardiac compression without abnormally inverting the curvature of the heart. The actions and features described above were mapped to particular design solutions and assessed in an acute implantation in an ovine model of acute heart failure (esmolol overdose). A balloon catheter was inflated in the vena cava to reduce preload and determine the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship with and without passive support. A Millar PV Loop catheter was inserted in the left ventricle to acquire pressure-volume data throughout the experiments. Fluoroscopic imaging was used to investigate effects on cardiac motion. Implementation of the adjustable passive support function of the device successfully modulated the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship toward normal. The active assist function successfully restored cardiac output and stroke work to healthy baseline levels in the esmolol induced failure model. The device remained in place throughout the experiment and when de-activated, did not inhibit cardiac motion. In this in vivo proof of concept study, we have demonstrated that a single device can be used to provide both passive constraint/support and active assist. Such a device may allow for controlled, disease specific, flexible intervention. Ultimately, it is hypothesized that the combination of support and assist could be used to facilitate cardiac rehabilitation therapy. The principles guiding this approach involve simply creating the conditions under which natural growth and remodeling processes are guided in a therapeutic manner. For example, the passive support function could be incrementally adjusted to gradually reduce the size of the dilated myocardium, while the active assist function can be implemented as necessary to maintain cardiac output and decompress the heart.
Pathogenic Potential of Campylobacter ureolyticus
Authors: Burgos-Portugal Jose A. , Kaakoush Nadeem O. , Raftery Mark J. , Mitchell Hazel M.
Published: November 2011

The recent detection and isolation of the aflagellate
Campylobacter ureolyticus
(previously known as
Bacteroides ureolyticus
) from intestinal biopsy specimens and fecal samples of children with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease led us to investigate the pathogenic potential of this bacterium. Adherence and gentamicin protection assays were employed to quantify the levels of adherence to and invasion into host cells.
C. ureolyticus
UNSWCD was able to adhere to the Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell line with a value of 5.341% ± 0.74% but was not able to invade the Caco-2 cells. The addition of two proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and gamma interferon (IFN-γ), to the cell line did not affect attachment or invasion, with attachment levels being 4.156% ± 0.61% (
P
= 0.270) for TNF-α and 6.472% ± 0.61% (
P
= 0.235) for IFN-γ. Scanning electron microscopy visually confirmed attachment and revealed that
C. ureolyticus
UNSWCD colonizes and adheres to intestinal cells, inducing cellular damage and microvillus degradation. Purification and identification of the
C. ureolyticus
UNSWCD secretome detected a total of 111 proteins, from which 29 were bioinformatically predicted to be secretory proteins. Functional classification revealed three putative virulence and colonization factors: the surface antigen CjaA, an outer membrane fibronectin binding protein, and an S-layer RTX toxin. These results suggest that
C. ureolyticus
has the potential to be a pathogen of the gastrointestinal tract.
Outbreaks of equine grass sickness in Hungary
Authors: Schwarz B. , Brunthaler R. , Hahn C. , van den Hoven R.
Published: November 2011

Equine grass sickness (EGS) occurs mainly in Great Britain, but has once been reported in Hungary. The stud which was affected by EGS in 2001 had no new cases until 2009/10, when 11 of 60 and five of 12 one‐ to three‐year‐old colts died or were euthanased due to EGS. Following a few hours in the high‐risk field during the winter of 2010/11 further four cases of acute EGS were noted among these horses. The affected horses showed somewhat different clinical signs compared with the cases reported in Great Britain. Histopathological findings in these horses were consistent with EGS. In most examined cases carbofuran, a carbamate was found in the liver by toxicological examination, and it is postulated that carbofuran may influence the immune system and therefore predispose the horses to develop EGS. Carbamates are thought to cause a delayed neurotoxicity in human beings. Further studies are needed to clarify the potential role of carbamates in EGS.