bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of changes in mechanical and deformation properties of yarn by sizing
Authors: Gudlin Schwarz Ivana , Kovacevic Stana , Dimitrovski Krste
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this paper is to show the degree of changes in mechanical and deformation properties of single cotton yarn after sizing depending on their fineness, size concentration and the structure created by the type of yarn spinning. The properties of ring and rotor-spun yarns were analyzed before and after sizing with a PVA sizing agent, using the same recipe, but with two different size concentrations — 7.5% and 5.0%. Standardized methods for determining the mechanical properties were used, as well as a modified method for cyclic testing to determine areas of elastic, viscoelastic and plastic yarn deformations. There are no significant differences in yarn properties after sizing with lower and higher size concentrations, which leads to the conclusion that it is a greater advantage to use a lower concentration, in order to achieve better economic and environmental effects. By sizing, a ring-spun yarn achieves major improvements, particularly in more refined yarns (20, 30 tex), which is positive because improvements in mechanical properties of these yarns are more necessary. Contrary to this, with a rotor-spun yarn the improvements are relatively low, due to its structure. Cyclic loading of yarn showed a difference in changes of deformation areas of unsized and sized yarns, primarily in the way of reducing the elastic area of deformation, depending on yarn structure. Information obtained by this analysis can improve the quality of sizing with possible cost savings and contribute to a better regulation of weaving conditions and thus to an increase in the quality and performance of weaving.
Knitting of basalt filament yarn
Authors: Hong Hu  , Qing He
Published: October 2010

Basalt filament yarn is a kind of inorganic fiber material made from basalt rocks and has widely been used to produce textile preforms for composite reinforcement. However, most of basalt textile preforms found on the market are made with woven or directionally oriented warp knitted structures. Weft-knitted preforms made of basalt filament yarns are still very limited due to the difficulty of loop formation. This paper presents an experimental investigation of knitting basalt filament yarn using a computerized flat knitting machine. The knitting effects were discussed based on the analysis of the variations of the loop length and yarn damage with different important knitting parameters such as yarn input tension, stitch cam setting and fabric take-down tension. The comparisons with glass filament and wool/acrylic blended yarn under the same knitting conditions were also presented. The study has shown that the basalt filament yarns can be more easily knitted on a flat knitting machine than glass filament due to lower yarn damage effect and larger adjustment scope of stitch cam setting.
Printed fabric computerized automatic color separating system
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Shih Chung-Yang
Published: October 2010

This paper presents an innovative Printed Fabric Computerized Automatic Color Separation System. First, a scanner is used to obtain the digitized color image of printed fabric in RGB (red, green, blue) mode, and the image is then converted to the digitized color image in HSI (hue, saturation, intensity) mode. Next, the genetic algorithms are applied to search the smaller sub-image having the same color distribution as the original fabric for proceeding with the subsequent color separation algorithm. For the color separation algorithm, the FCM-based (Fuzzy C-Means) Region Splitting Method is used to carry out the color segmentation of the printed fabric image. The experimental result shows that the color separation method proposed by this study can quickly and correctly achieve the automatic color separation of the printed fabric.
Oxygenated hypothermic pulsatile perfusion versus cold static storage for kidneys from non heart-beating donors tested by in-line ATP resynthesis to establish a strategy of preservation
Authors: Buchs Jean-Bernard , Lazeyras Francois , Ruttimann Raphael , Nastasi Antonio , Morel Phillipe
Published: October 2010

Aim: The scarcity of kidneys for transplantation impels an expansion of the donor source to include the use of organs from Maastricht II and Maastricht I non heart-beating donors. The aim of this study was to establish the best method to preserve kidneys from non heart-beating donors (NHBD): cold static storage (CSS) or perfusion. ATP production during kidney preservation has been retained as a measure of their energetic levels and, consequently, their viability. The presence of warm ischemia with both types of preservation was studied.

Methods: Porcine kidneys presenting no warm ischemia or 30 minutes of warm ischemia were submitted to immediate oxygenated hypothermic pulsatile perfusion or immediate cold static storage. The study was divided into four groups. ATP resynthesis was measured after 8 h. of perfusion. ATP was assessed by in-line 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMRS) during the preservations.

Results: Only oxygenated perfusion could restore ATP in organs with warm ischemia. Initial cold static storage seems deleterious on organs having suffered from warm ischemia.

Discussion: Only oxygenated perfusion could restore ATP in organs with warm ischemia. Initial cold static storage seems deleterious to organs having suffered from warm ischemia. Oxygenated perfusion must be introduced immediately after kidney removal from non heart-beating donors. In organs without warm ischemia, any kind of preservation is equivalent.
To Park or To Develop: Trade-Off in Rail Transit Passenger Demand
Authors: Duncan Michael
Published: October 2010

Rail transit systems often provide park-and-ride facilities as a way for passengers to access stations. Using the land around stations for development rather than parking would allow more passengers to access the system without driving and ostensibly go much further toward reducing dependence on automobiles. However, it is unclear whether ridership levels can be maintained without a park-and-ride option. This research seeks to illuminate this issue with a demand model for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. Passenger counts are estimated for each origin/destination pair in the BART system based on such variables as parking spaces, housing units, and employment adjacent to stations. Parameters from this model are then used to estimate the amount of development required to replace the riders generated by station parking. Depending on the characteristics of a station and its spatial relationship with other stations, the level of development density required to effectively replace parking is found to be much higher than what is generally feasible.
Changes of mitochondrial ultrastructures and function in central nervous tissue of hens treated with tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (TOCP)
Authors: Xing Xin  , Tao Zeng  , Dou Dan-Dan , Sheng Zhao  , Du Jing-Yun , Pei Jing-Jing , Xie Ke-Qin , Zhao Xiu-Lan
Published: October 2010

Tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (TOCP), an organophosphorus ester, is capable of producing organophosphorus ester-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) in humans and sensitive animals. The mechanism of OPIDN has not been fully understood. The present study has been designed to evaluate the role of mitochondrial dysfunctions in the development of OPIDN. Adult hens were treated with 750 mg/kg·bw TOCP by gavage and control hens were given an equivalent volume of corn oil. On day 1, 5, 15, 21 post-dosing, respectively, hens were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital and perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde. The cerebral cortex cinerea and the ventral horn of lumbar spinal cord were dissected for electron microscopy. Another batch of hens were randomly divided into three experimental groups and control group. Hens in experimental groups were, respectively, given 185, 375, 750 mg/kg·bw TOCP orally and control group received solvent. After 1, 5, 15, 21 days of administration, they were sacrificed and the cerebrum and spinal cord dissected for the determination of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), membrane potential (Δψ m) and the activity of succinate dehydrogenase. Structural changes of mitochondria were observed in hens’ nervous tissues, including vacuolation and fission, which increased with time post-dosing. MPT was increased in both the cerebrum and spinal cord, with the most noticeable increase in the spinal cord. Δψm was decreased in both the cerebrum and spinal cord, although there was no significant difference in the three treated groups and control group. The activity of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase assayed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) reduction also confirmed mitochondrial dysfunctions following development of OPIDN. The results suggested mitochondrial dysfunction might partly account for the development of OPIDN induced by TOCP.
Functional Behavior Assessment in Classroom Settings: Scaling Down to Scale Up
Authors: Scott Terrance M. , Alter Peter J. , McQuillan Kathleen
Published: October 2010

Functional behavior assessment (FBA), although mandated by federal law in situations involving students with emotional and behavioral disorders, is not well defined in the literature in terms of how it should best be undertaken in widespread practice in schools. Functional behavior assessment can be defined as a process for determining the reason or reasons why a student engages in inappropriate behaviors by identifying predictable relations between the behavior and the environmental conditions in which it occurs. Unfortunately, highly technical terminology and a poorly defined process have turned a valuable technology into more unnecessary bureaucratic paperwork in its widespread implementation. This article describes how FBA can be applied in a straightforward manner for students with challenging behaviors. The process is broken into steps and described using a case study from a real classroom context. Detailed examples help guide practitioners through some of the more likely roadblocks to creating and implementing FBAs.
Steps to Take to Reduce Length of Hospital Stay in Patients With Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Spreiter Pamela , Meier Sabine , Baehni Claudia , Schild Ursula , Regez Katharina , Bossart Rita , Thomann Robert , Falconnier Claudine , Suter-Widmer Isabelle , Neidert Stefanie , Blum Claudine , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp
Published: October 2010

Background: Identification of medical and nonmedical requirements for outpatient treatment and/or early hospital discharge have potential to decrease health care costs. Method: On admission and before discharge, physicians and nurses, patients, and their relatives were interviewed about requirements over five domains (medical, nursing, organizational, and patients’ and their relatives’ preferences) for outpatient management and/or early discharge. Results: From a total of 550 included patients, 136 (24.7%) potential outpatients and 265 (48.2%) potential patients for early discharge were identified. Specific medical and nursing factors and factors related to patients and relatives were identified as being important for initial outpatient treatment and/or early discharge. Conclusion: This survey shows important requirements from the perspective of different heath care workers, patients, and relatives, which could allow initial outpatient treatment and/or early discharge of a large proportion of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) patients.
Eyes Wide Open or Not
Authors: Cabin William D. , Fahs Marianne C.
Published: October 2010

Depression is significant among older Americans in the United States. A literature review found only five studies on the interrelationship between individual and neighborhood effects in predicting depression among older Americans. This article presents the results of exploring this interrelationship using data from the Brookdale Demonstration Project Initiative on Healthy Urban Aging (BDI). The BDI database is from a sample of 1,870 enrollees in New York City senior centers in 2008. The BDI analysis finds the association with depression is highest with visual impairment ( p = .000); frequent falling ( p = .000); lower income ( p = .000); little leisure-time physical activity ( p = .000); low neighborhood satisfaction ( p = .000); trouble hearing ( p = .000); arthritis/rheumatoid arthritis ( p = .001); and being disabled ( p = .005). Implications for senior center and home care provider collaboration on early preventive interventions relating to sensory impairment, depression, and conditions related to falls and the built environment are discussed.
Rosmarinic Acid Antagonized 1-Methyl-4-Phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-Induced Neurotoxicity in MES23.5 Dopaminergic Cells
Authors: Du Tingting , Li Lu , Song Ning , Xie Junxia , Jiang Hong
Published: October 2010

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in various plant families. We previously reported that RA exerted protective effects against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity through antioxidative properties. In this study, we investigated whether RA could prevent effects of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced insult in MES23.5 dopamineric cells. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium treatment decreased cell viability and dopamine content, as well as caused apoptotic morphological changes. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, indicated by inhibition of activity associated with mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I, suggested mitochondrial transmembrane potential collapse and generation of reactive oxygen species. Decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio and caspase 3 activation were also observed. Rosmarinic acid pretreatment restored the complex I activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and partially reversed the other damaging effects of MPP+. Our results indicate that RA plays a neuroprotective role by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction against MPP+-induced cell apoptosis and suggest that RA has the potential to be considered an aid for prevention of Parkinson’s disease.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Consumer Narratives for Destination Marketing
Authors: Tussyadiah Iis P. , Park Sangwon , Fesenmaier Daniel R.
Published: October 2010

Using tourists’ stories to promote destinations is believed to be an innovative approach in destination marketing. This study conceptualizes and investigates the effectiveness of such an approach. This study supports the underlying premise of introducing narrative in marketing, that is, the narrative reasoning that human beings possess with which they can retrieve information better through a story. Furthermore, it is argued that the increased knowledge of a destination will have a stronger effect on the intention to visit a destination if the audiences can identify themselves with the story characters. Several managerial implications are also discussed.
Pathological basis of diffusely abnormal white matter: insights from magnetic resonance imaging and histology
Authors: Laule Cornelia , Vavasour Irene M , Leung Esther , Li David KB , Kozlowski Piotr , Traboulsee Anthony L , Oger Joel , MacKay Alex L , Moore GR Wayne
Published: October 2010

Background: The pathological basis of diffusely abnormal white matter (DAWM) in multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been elucidated in detail, but may be an important element in disability and clinical progression.

Methods: Fifty-three subjects with MS were examined with T1, multi-echo T2 and magnetization transfer (MT). Twenty-three samples of formalin-fixed MS brain tissue were examined with multi-echo T2 and subsequently stained for myelin phospholipids using luxol fast blue, for axons using Bielschowsky, immunohistochemically for the myelin proteins myelin basic protein (MBP) and 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′ phosphohydrolase (CNP) and for astrocytes using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Regions of interest in DAWM were compared with normal appearing white matter.

Results: Fourteen of 53 subjects with MS in the in vivo study showed the presence of DAWM. Subjects with DAWM were found to have a significantly lower Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and shorter disease duration (DD) when compared with subjects without DAWM (EDSS: 1.5 versus 3.0, p = 0.031; DD: 5.4 versus 10.3 years, p = 0.045). DAWM in vivo had reduced myelin water and MT ratio, and increased T2 and water content. Histological analysis suggests DAWM, which shows a reduction of the myelin water fraction, is characterized by selective reduction of myelin phospholipids, but with a relative preservation of myelin proteins and axons.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the primary abnormality in DAWM is a reduction or perturbation of myelin phospholipids that correlates with a reduction of the myelin water fraction.
Gender effects on intramuscular interferon beta-1a in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: analysis of 1406 patients
Authors: Rudick RA , Kappos L , Kinkel R , Clanet M , Phillips JT , Herndon RM , Sandrock AW , Munschauer FE
Published: October 2010

Background: We aimed to evaluate effects of gender on efficacy and safety of intramuscular (IM) interferon beta (IFNβ)-1a in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) or clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) characteristic of early MS.

Methods: Pooled data from 1406 (1027 women; 379 men) patients enrolled in five clinical studies of IM IFNβ-1a were analyzed. One analysis examined data for all patients treated with IM IFNβ-1a from all studies. Separate analyses were conducted of pooled IM IFNβ-1a-treated groups from all studies and pooled IFNβ-1a-treated and placebo-treated patients from the placebo-controlled studies. Outcome measures included time to first relapse, annualized relapse rate, time to disability progression, number of gadolinium-enhanced lesions, adverse events, laboratory evaluations, and neutralizing antibodies.

Results: All efficacy assessments indicated similar treatment effects of IM IFNβ-1a in men and women with no significant treatment-by-gender interactions. Women reported more headaches, urinary tract infections, and depression in the analysis; however, these were also common in women who received placebo. Men reported more frequent flu-like symptoms in the placebo-controlled studies only. There were no other differences in the safety profile of IM IFNβ-1a between men and women.

Conclusions: We conclude that no significant gender-related differences were found in the efficacy and safety of IM IFNβ-1a in patients with RRMS or CIS.
Ventilation Rates and Unsatisfied Percentage from Indoor CO2 Concentration
Authors: Costanzo S. , Cusumano A. , Giaconia C.
Published: October 2010

This work reports the results of a survey carried out on a hall in a historic building in Palermo (Italy) with the aim of assessing the air quality by means of objective measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and its subjective evaluation through a questionnaire. The measured values of CO2 concentration were compared with those evaluated using the Meckler equation under steady-state conditions, having verified necessary parameters such as the constancy of the indoor and outdoor CO2 levels and the uniformity of the CO 2 generation rate for all the occupants. The positive correspondence between measured and calculated results allowed us to utilise, under differing circumstances, the values of the natural ventilation rates achieved in steady-state conditions. By using measured and calculated data, an experimental assessment of the relationships between the CO2 concentration levels and the number of occupants and their level of satisfaction was performed. The indoor air quality level in the hall, evaluated by means of the experimental data, was compared with the subjective responses expressed through a specific multiple choice questionnaire handed out to the occupants. A comparison between the calculated ventilation rates and those required by the main American and European standards shows that natural ventilation in the hall is often insufficient according to these standards which have regard for the minimum requirements for air acceptability. In addition, some general observations on the thermal condition of the hall have been drawn from a comparison between microclimate parameters and the subjective opinions provided by the occupants.
Electronic versus traditional storybooks: Relative influence on preschool children’s engagement and communication
Authors: Moody Amelia K , Justice Laura M , Cabell Sonia Q
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine children’s reading engagement and communicative initiations when they were read storybooks in varying media and reading manners, with a focus on understanding the way electronic storybooks (e-storybooks) may affect young children’s shared reading experiences. The reading behaviors of 25 preschool-aged children were observed during three storybook reading conditions: adult led e-storybook, child led e-storybook, and adult led traditional storybook. Children’s level of reading engagement and type and quantity of communicative initiations were analyzed. Findings showed that when comparing media, children displayed higher levels of persistence during the adult led e-storybook compared to the adult led traditional storybook condition. However, children produced more communicative initiations during the adult led traditional storybook condition. When comparing the reading manner between adult and child led e-storybook conditions, more labelling references were observed during the adult led condition. Results suggested that both media and manner matter.
Policy networking as capacity building: An analysis of regional road development conflict in Indonesia
Authors: Hudalah Delik , Winarso Haryo , Woltjer Johan
Published: October 2010

This article explores the potential of policy networking as an important aspect of capacity building. It deals with a road development project related to the regional planning issue of North Bandung Area (NBA), a water catchment area facing the expansion of Bandung Metropolitan Area, West Java, Indonesia. The debate on the road development proposal is reconstructed to illustrate how an environmental policy network is built by committed experts, politicians, NGO activists and journalists to prevent a pro-growth project from realization. The analysis also indicates the potential contribution of such a network to the transformation of governance that is more responsive to the issues of environmental quality and regional sustainability. This potential contribution is reflected by the role of the policy network in the mobilization of discursive knowledge, empowerment of weak actors, and social learning in the decision-making process.
An evolutionary theory of institutions and a dynamic approach to reform
Authors: Moroni Stefano
Published: October 2010

As is well known, many social sciences have recently attempted a sort of ‘institutional turn’ by recognizing the centrality of the institutional framework, when dealing with social and economic phenomena. Interest in such an approach has also begun to emerge in planning theory. But the passage from understanding the decisive role of institutional frameworks to suggesting how to design and modify those frameworks, is sometimes, in planning literature, overly simplistic and still somewhat ‘engineeristic’. I believe that this institutional turn could be of considerable importance for planning theory and practice, although it is perhaps better not to adopt a strictly ‘instrumentalist’ view of institutions and to recognize the marked specificity of them that calls for a more prudent and ‘evolutionary’ approach.
Planning as the ideology of (neoliberal) space
Authors: Gunder Michael
Published: October 2010

This article briefly reviews the history and concept of ideology, largely as articulated by exponents of the Frankfurt School, and considers the impact that this has had on historical planning theory and practice, culminating in Habermasian derived communicative planning theory. It then considers the role of ideology in a post-Marxist world and argues for the value of Žižekian critique for understanding planning’s contemporary role of ideologically defining the use of neoliberal space.
Agonism and institutional ambiguity: Ideas on democracy and the role of participation in the development of planning theory and practice - the case of Finland
Authors: Bäcklund Pia , Mäntysalo Raine
Published: October 2010

In this article the arrangements for the participatory planning of the five largest Finnish cities are examined from the perspectives of both democracy and planning theories. Four paradigms that form the continuum of general planning theoretical debate are identified as being relevant in the Finnish context: comprehensive-rationalistic, incrementalist, consensus-oriented communicative and conflict-oriented agonistic planning theory. These are discussed in relation to the parallel development of democracy theory: from the aggregative to the deliberative and further to the agonistic model of democracy. The empirical study reveals that while each paradigm shift in theory purports to replace the former theory with a new one, in practice the new theory emerges as a new addition to the palette of coexisting theoretical sources, to be drawn upon as a source of guidance and inspiration in organizing participatory planning. The five Finnish cities combine traits of different theories in their arrangements of planning participation, often in a fashion that generates institutional ambiguity. The argument concludes with discussing the necessity of further empirical and developmental research, where the contexts of both planning theory and democracy theory are related to the institutional challenges of planning conduct. If this does not happen the emerging agonistic planning theory, too, may become a paradigm shift at the level of theory only, thereby contributing to the widening gap between theory and practice.
What is to be done? Political theory and political realism
Authors: Philp Mark
Published: October 2010

This article argues for greater realism in political theory with respect to judgements about what politicians ought to do and how they ought to act. It shows that there are major problems in deducing what a given politician should do from the value commitments that are common to liberalism and it makes a case for recognizing the major role played by the context of action and particular agent involved. It distinguishes political virtue from moral virtues and argues that the ‘decisionist’ features of political agency render evaluation a partly post hoc process. The article advocates a version of political realism that is rooted in an understanding of the distinctive character of political rule and that provides the basis for a contextualist but non-relativist account of ‘what is to be done’.
Mandatory Overtime Regulations and Nurse Overtime
Authors: Bae Sung-Heui , Brewer Carol
Published: October 2010

A descriptive study used data from the 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses to examine the nature and occurrence of RN mandatory, voluntary overtime, paid on-call, and total work hours and their association with mandatory overtime regulations in United States. About half of the nurses worked more than 40 hrs per week. Nurses working in states regulating mandatory overtime reported lower levels of mandatory overtime hours than states without regulations or states restricting total work hours. The percent of RNs working 61 hrs and over per week in states without regulations was lower than that in states with regulations. Nurses working in nursing homes reported higher levels of the percentage of mandatory overtime hours worked than those working in hospitals. This suggested that governments need to continuously supervise healthcare institutions, including both hospitals and nursing homes, to ensure adherence to mandatory overtime regulations.
Trafficked Women: Links to Migration and Other Forms of Transnational Movement
Authors: Lederer Laura J.
Published: October 2010

This article is based on a presentation delivered to The Fifth Annual Building Global Alliances Symposium: “The Challenges of Migration for Health Professional Women,” convened by CGFNS International, Philadelphia, PA, December 8, 2008.
Enriched Environment Improves Motor Function and Increases Neurotrophins in Hemicerebellar Lesioned Rats
Authors: Gelfo Francesca , Cutuli Debora , Foti Francesca , Laricchiuta Daniela , De Bartolo Paola , Caltagirone Carlo , Petrosini Laura , Angelucci Francesco
Published: October 2010

Background. Environmental enrichment (EE) defined as “a combination of complex inanimate and social stimulation” influences brain function and anatomy by enhancing sensory, cognitive, motor, and social stimulation. The beneficial effects of EE in the presence of brain damage have been partially attributed to upregulation of neurotrophins, proteins involved in neuronal survival and in activity-dependent plasticity. Objective. The authors tested the hypothesis that EE may have advantageous effects on recovery of motor function after cerebellar damage, associated with changes in local neurotrophin production. Methods. They performed a hemicerebellectomy in rats previously exposed to EE or reared in standard conditions. The time course of compensation of motor symptoms was analyzed in both lesioned groups. Then, the local production of the nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the spared hemicerebellum and other extracerebellar regions was evaluated. Results. Long-term exposure to EE accelerated the motor recovery in hemicerebellectomized rats and elicited an increase in NGF levels in the spared hemicerebellum, as compared with nonenriched lesioned and control rats. BDNF levels were higher in hemicerebellectomized rats but not influenced by EE. In the frontal cortex, both NGF and BDNF levels were upregulated in hemicerebellectomized enriched rats as compared with hemicerebellectomized nonenriched and control rats. Conclusions. This study suggests that the beneficial effects of EE on motor symptoms after cerebellar damage may be, at least partly, because of modulation of neurotrophic proteins involved in the regeneration processes.
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade in high-risk hypertensive patients: current approaches and future trends
Authors: Gullapalli Nageshwara , Bloch Michael J. , Basile Jan
Published: October 2010

Agents that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) are the cornerstones of antihypertensive therapy in patients at high risk for cardiovascular or renal disease. Recently, it was shown that activation of RAAS may occur through alternate pathways not inhibited by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and that ACEIs, ARBs, or MRAs may actually cause a reactive increase in plasma renin concentration and activity. While these agents, alone or in combination, decrease blood pressure and cardiovascular events to varying degrees, the direct renin inhibitor is a new class of RAAS blocking agent. Aliskiren is the first US Food and Drug Administration-approved direct renin inhibitor with good oral bioavailability. ASPIRE HIGHER is an ongoing series of clinical trials designed to investigate the effect of aliskiren on cardiovascular/renal surrogate endpoints and morbidity/mortality in patients with hypertension and high risk for cardiovascular or renal disease.
Management of dyslipidemia in the elderly population
Authors: Gobal Freij A. , Mehta Jawahar L.
Published: October 2010

The elderly population is increasing worldwide. Despite a major decrease in deaths from coronary heart disease (CHD), this malady remains the major cause of death in elderly men and women. In this paper, we review the role of dyslipidemia as a major known risk factor in the pathogenesis of CHD, age-related changes in lipoprotein metabolism, and differences in changes in lipids that occur in men and women during aging. Next we provide an overview of the available studies and recommendations from ATP III. Finally, we comment on the screening and management, cost and side effects of therapy as it applies to an aging population.
Exercise improves hemodynamic profiles and increases red blood cell concentrations of purine nucleotides in a rodent model
Authors: Yeung Pollen K.F. , Dauphinee Julie , Gouzoules Thera , Simonson Krista , Schindler Christoph
Published: October 2010

Objective: To study the effect of exercise on hemodynamic profiles and red blood cell (RBC) concentrations of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP).

Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 9) were exercised on a treadmill for 15 min at a speed of 10 m/min with a 5% gradient after an hour settling down in a restrainer. Blood samples were collected via an indwelling carotid artery catheter using a ‘Stopping Solution’ from each rat before, during and after exercise. Hemodynamic recordings were collected continuously throughout the experiment. Concentrations of ATP and other purine nucleotides in the RBCs were determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay. A control group (n = 12) was treated the same way except without the exercise. Data between groups were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t-test, and differences were considered significant when p < 0.05.

Results: Exercise increased systolic blood pressure (SBP; 141±23 vs. 132±17 mmHg) and heart rate (HR; 420±33 vs. 397±41 bpm), but decreased diastolic blood pressure (DBP; 105±18 vs. 110±14 mmHg). This was followed by a postexercise condition when SBP, DBP, and HR were decreased for the remainder of the experiment. RBC concentrations of ATP and guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP) increased significantly during exercise and continued to increase for 5 hours postexercise (1.5±0.75 vs. 0.96 vs. 0.36 mM for ATP; and 0.14±0.061 vs. 0.058±0.030 mM) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Exercise increased RBC ATP concentrations in a rodent model, which was correlated with the decrease in BP and HR postexercise.
SIRT1 deficiency compromises mouse embryonic stem cell hematopoietic differentiation, and embryonic and adult hematopoiesis in the mouse
Authors: Ou Xuan , Chae Hee-Don , Wang Rui-Hong , Shelley William C. , Cooper Scott , Taylor Tammi , Kim Young-June , Deng Chu-Xia , Yoder Mervin C. , Broxmeyer Hal E.
Published: October 2010

SIRT1 is a founding member of a sirtuin family of 7 proteins and histone deacetylases. It is involved in cellular resistance to stress, metabolism, differentiation, aging, and tumor suppression. SIRT1−/− mice demonstrate embryonic and postnatal development defects. We examined hematopoietic and endothelial cell differentiation of SIRT1−/− mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in vitro, and hematopoietic progenitors in SIRT1+/++/−, and −/− mice. SIRT1−/− ESCs formed fewer mature blast cell colonies. Replated SIRT1−/− blast colony-forming cells demonstrated defective hematopoietic potential. Endothelial cell production was unaltered, but there were defects in formation of a primitive vascular network from SIRT1−/−-derived embryoid bodies. Development of primitive and definitive progenitors derived from SIRT1−/− ESCs were also delayed and/or defective. Differentiation delay/defects were associated with delayed capacity to switch off Oct4, Nanog and Fgf5 expression, decreased β-H1 globin, β-major globin, and Scl gene expression, and reduced activation of Erk1/2. Ectopic expression of SIRT1 rescued SIRT1−/− ESC differentiation deficiencies. SIRT1−/− yolk sacs manifested fewer primitive erythroid precursors. SIRT1−/− and SIRT1+/− adult marrow had decreased numbers and cycling of hematopoietic progenitors, effects more apparent at 5%, than at 20%, oxygen tension, and these progenitors survived less well in vitro under conditions of delayed growth factor addition. This suggests a role for SIRT1 in ESC differentiation and mouse hematopoiesis.
Three decades of transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia: what have we learned?
Authors: Pavlů Jiří , Szydlo Richard M. , Goldman John M. , Apperley Jane F.
Published: October 2010

Last year marked 30 years of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a curative treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Initially studies used stem cells from identical twins but techniques rapidly developed to use cells first from HLA-identical siblings and later unrelated donors. During the 1990s CML became the most frequent indication for allogeneic transplantation worldwide. This, together with the relative biologic homogeneity of CML in chronic phase, its responsiveness to graft-versus-leukemia effect and the ability to monitor low level residual disease placed CML at the forefront of research into different strategies of stem cell transplantation. The introduction of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors during the last decade resulted in long-term disease control in the majority of patients with CML. In those who fail to respond and/or develop intolerance to these agents, transplantation remains an effective therapeutic solution. The combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors with transplantation is an exciting new strategy and it provides inspiration for similar approaches in other malignancies.
Design and conduct of Caudwell Xtreme Everest: an observational cohort study of variation in human adaptation to progressive environmental hypoxia
Authors: Levett Denny ZH , Martin Daniel S , Wilson Mark H , Mitchell Kay , Dhillon Sundeep , Rigat Fabio , Montgomery Hugh E , Mythen Monty G , Grocott Michael PW ,   for the Caudwell Xtreme Everest Research Group
Published: October 2010

Background

The physiological responses to hypoxaemia and cellular hypoxia are poorly understood, and inter-individual differences in performance at altitude and outcome in critical illness remain unexplained. We propose a model for exploring adaptation to hypoxia in the critically ill: the study of healthy humans, progressively exposed to environmental hypobaric hypoxia (EHH). The aim of this study was to describe the spectrum of adaptive responses in humans exposed to graded EHH and identify factors (physiological and genetic) associated with inter-individual variation in these responses.

Methods

Design: Observational cohort study of progressive incremental exposure to EHH.

Setting

University human physiology laboratory in London, UK (75 m) and 7 field laboratories in Nepal at 1300 m, 3500 m, 4250 m, 5300 m, 6400 m, 7950 m and 8400 m.

Participants

198 healthy volunteers and 24 investigators trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) (5300 m). A subgroup of 14 investigators studied at altitudes up to 8400 m on Everest.

Main outcome measures

Exercise capacity, exercise efficiency and economy, brain and muscle Near Infrared Spectroscopy, plasma biomarkers (including markers of inflammation), allele frequencies of known or suspected hypoxia responsive genes, spirometry, neurocognitive testing, retinal imaging, pupilometry. In nested subgroups: microcirculatory imaging, muscle biopsies with proteomic and transcriptomic tissue analysis, continuous cardiac output measurement, arterial blood gas measurement, trans-cranial Doppler, gastrointestinal tonometry, thromboelastography and ocular saccadometry.

Results

Of 198 healthy volunteers leaving Kathmandu, 190 reached EBC (5300 m). All 24 investigators reached EBC. The completion rate for planned testing was more than 99% in the investigator group and more than 95% in the trekkers. Unique measurements were safely performed at extreme altitude, including the highest (altitude) field measurements of exercise capacity, cerebral blood flow velocity and microvascular blood flow at 7950 m and arterial blood gas measurement at 8400 m.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of conducting a large healthy volunteer cohort study of human adaptation to hypoxia in this difficult environment. Systematic measurements of a large set of variables were achieved in 222 subjects and at altitudes up to 8400 m. The resulting dataset is a unique resource for the study of genotype:phenotype interactions in relation to hypoxic adaptation.
Imaging with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy for the cell biologist
Authors: Mattheyses Alexa L. , Simon Sanford M. , Rappoport Joshua Z.
Published: October 2010

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy can be used in a wide range of cell biological applications, and is particularly well suited to analysis of the localization and dynamics of molecules and events near the plasma membrane. The TIRF excitation field decreases exponentially with distance from the cover slip on which cells are grown. This means that fluorophores close to the cover slip (e.g. within ~100 nm) are selectively illuminated, highlighting events that occur within this region. The advantages of using TIRF include the ability to obtain high-contrast images of fluorophores near the plasma membrane, very low background from the bulk of the cell, reduced cellular photodamage and rapid exposure times. In this Commentary, we discuss the applications of TIRF to the study of cell biology, the physical basis of TIRF, experimental setup and troubleshooting.
Advances in imaging cell–matrix adhesions
Authors: Worth Daniel C. , Parsons Maddy
Published: October 2010

Adhesion is fundamental to the survival and function of many different cell types, and regulates basic events such as mitosis, cell survival and migration, in both embryonic and adult organisms. Cell–matrix adhesion also regulates the dynamic interplay between cells and surrounding tissues during processes such as immune cell recruitment, wound healing and cancer cell metastasis. The study of cell adhesion has gained momentum in recent years, in large part because of the emergence of imaging techniques that have facilitated detailed analysis of the molecular composition and dynamics of the structures involved. In this Commentary, we discuss the recent application of different imaging techniques to study cell–matrix adhesions, emphasising common strategies used for the analysis of adhesion dynamics both in cells in culture and in whole organisms.
Activated Carbons for the Adsorption of Vapours from Cigarette Smoke
Authors: Branton Peter , Bradley Robert H.
Published: October 2010

The main requirements for the adsorption of cigarette smoke vapours using active carbons and the methods currently being used to characterise and select carbons for this application are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the total volume of smoke, the pulsed characteristics and relatively short challenge times, the compounds in the smoke and the environment in which adsorption takes place. Using experimental data, the types of carbons most suitable for cigarette filter application are considered, as are the adsorption kinetics required to meet this challenge. The concept of carbon ageing and the effects of water within the smoke are also reviewed.
Effect of Solvents on the Adsorption Properties of Benzo[α]pyrene-imprinted Polymers
Authors: Bhagat Bhagyashree , Krupadam Reddithota J.
Published: October 2010

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) specific for benzo[α]pyrene (B[α]P) have been synthesized in different solvents in order to study the corresponding morphological changes and adsorption properties. The adsorption capacities of the MIPs towards B[α]P were evaluated from the adsorption kinetics and isotherms. The lowest adsorption capacity (45 ng/mg) was found for MIP synthesized in chloroform, while MIP prepared in acetonitrile had the highest adsorption capacity. In order to complement the experimental observations, HyperChem software-based computer simulations were used to calculate the interaction energy between B[α]P and the functional monomer (methacrylic acid) in different solvents. The theoretical predictions correlated well with the experimental results and the method proposed in this study could be useful in the combinatorial screening of polymer precursors for the preparation of polymers with the desired properties. The presence of an organic solvent plays an important role in the formation of pores which, in turn, have a profound effect on the polymer adsorption properties.
Optimization and Kinetics of Nickel Ion Adsorption from Electroplating Effluent onto Activated Carbon Prepared from Anas Platyrhyncha Egg Shell
Authors: Jabasingh S. Anuradha , Nachiyar C. Valli
Published: October 2010

This study was aimed at investigating the kinetic modelling of the treatment of nickel(II) ions in electroplating effluent by an activated carbon prepared from Anas platyrhyncha egg shell. The following process variables were chosen for optimizing the batch operation: Ni(II) ion conc. in effluent (10–50 mg/ℓ), pH (4–8), adsorbent dosage (0.3–0.9 g), temperature (30–70 °C). A five-level, four-variable central composite design was used to evaluate the effects of these parameters on the adsorption of Ni(II) ions onto Anas platyrhyncha egg shell. The optimization process demonstrated significant interaction between the process variables studied. Adsorption kinetic data were tested using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion models. Kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process was best described by the pseudo-second-order reaction model. Reichenberg plots were used to calculate the rate-controlling parameters and the effective diffusion coefficient. Adsorption occurs via particle diffusion at low concentrations, while film diffusion becomes the rate-determining step at higher concentrations.
Thermodynamic Functions of Temperature/Pressure-Induced Sorption across Microporous Membranes: Case Study of Methane and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Othman M.R. , Martunus  , Fernando W.J.N. , Kim J.
Published: October 2010

This paper introduces a facile technique for the calculation of the thermodynamic properties of a gas across a porous membrane. The calculation assumes that the gas undergoes temperature-driven isobaric condensation, pressure-driven isothermal expansion and temperature-driven isobaric evaporation. The gas is in a disordered and chaotic state in all the three processes as a result of the kinetic energy by the driving forces. A zero entropy value is achievable at a remote distance from the membrane after desorption takes place. The deviation of the entropy from zero for isobaric evaporation is indicative of the irreversibility of the process. In contrast, the convergence of the entropy towards zero for the other two systems is indicative of the near-reversibility of the process.
Balancing Sound Strength and Reverberation Time in Small Concert Halls by Means of Variable Acoustics
Authors: Aretz Marc , Orlowski Raf
Published: October 2010

Sound strength G is a measure of the physical sound level in a concert hall and is closely related to the subjective sensation of loudness. It has been measured in six small concert halls in Cambridge, UK, in combination with measurements of reverberation time. The aim is to investigate the relationship between sound strength and reverberation time in small halls and to study the effect of variable acoustics in these halls.

Large ensembles in small halls are often too loud and it is desirable to reduce the sound level. This can be done by introducing acoustically absorbent material but the reverberation time is also decreased. Reverberation time cannot be decreased by an arbitrary amount as it is closely related to sound quality. Therefore, reverberation time and strength have to be carefully balanced in order to maintain sufficient reverberance whilst at the same time avoiding excessive loudness.

The study also compares measured strength levels with values derived from traditional and revised theories for strength calculations [1]. Measured strength levels were consistently lower than theoretical predictions and possible reasons for this are discussed with reference to design features of the halls and objective acoustics parameters.