bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Air–Sea Heat Fluxes in Semienclosed Basins: The Case of the Gulf of Elat (Aqaba)
Authors: Ben-Sasson Moshe , Brenner Steve , Paldor Nathan
Published: June 2008

Meteorological and oceanographic data collected at the head of the Gulf of Elat were used to compute the air–sea heat flux components and the heat storage in the water column, which are in turn used to estimate the heat balance of this semienclosed basin. The solar radiation was measured directly, whereas the longwave (LW) cooling and the turbulent heat fluxes (latent, LH; sensible, SH) were computed from commonly used bulk formulas. Nine formulas for LW and four formulas for LH + SH were tested for a total of 36 possible combinations. Independent estimates for the bounds on the advective heat flux through the straits and results from a one-dimensional mixed layer model provided criteria to help identify the best choice of bulk formulas for the gulf. It was concluded that the LW formula of Bignami together with the turbulent flux formulas of Kondo provide the best estimate of the heat balance of the gulf. Based on this, the annual mean evaporation is 1.6–1.8 m yr−1, with a minimum of 1 m yr−1 in (the long) summer and a maximum of 3–4 m yr−1 in (the short) winter. The increase in evaporation rate during the winter results from the instability of the atmosphere at that time when the sea surface temperature exceeds the air temperature; in the summer, when the air temperature is much higher than the sea surface temperature, evaporation nearly stops due to the atmospheric stability. This estimated evaporation rate for the gulf, which is similar for all four of the LH formulas considered, is significantly smaller than values commonly quoted in the literature. Finally, in contrast to previous studies, it is found that the advective heat flux from the Straits of Tiran is large and significant in spring, reaching an estimated value of over 125 W m−2, but its annually averaged value is only about 35–40 W m−2.
A Semiautomated Approach for Quality Controlling Large Historical Ocean Temperature Archives
Authors: Gronell Ann , Wijffels Susan E.
Published: June 2008

This paper describes a method consisting of both automated statistical screening and manual quality control through expert visual inspection, which produces a historical ocean temperature archive of high quality—that is, nearly all profiles are unique (duplicate elimination) and 95% of bad data is eliminated. The complete process involves comprehensive duplicate elimination, an unreasonable gradient check, and statistical screening to distill out suspect profiles, which are then only eliminated (or partially so) during an expert manual visual inspection step. Statistical screening was optimized using an archive of known quality. Two iterations of statistical screening were required to identify the bulk of the bad data. Of an archive of about 121 000 profiles, the authors found they had to manually inspect 35% of profiles to remove 95% of the bad data. While costly, they argue such an effort is worthwhile so that the historical ocean temperature archives, which have cost the global community millions of dollars to obtain, are made more immediately useful for climate and ocean sciences. An archive of upper ocean temperature profiles from the Indian Ocean is near completion and extensions into the Pacific Ocean have begun.
Inmate Social Ties and the Transition to Society
Authors: Bales William D. , Mears Daniel P.
Published: June 2008

Despite increased scholarly and policy attention to prisoner reentry, much remains unknown about the factors that contribute to a successful transition from prison to society. The authors focused on a neglected but potentially critical factor, inmate visitation, that may reduce recidivism. The expectation of such an effect stems from prominent crime theories and an increasing body of work that stresses the importance of social ties to the reentry process. Using data from the Florida Department of Corrections, the authors tested hypotheses about the effects of visitation on recidivism. The measures of visitation included whether any visits occurred, the frequency and recency of visitation, and the type of visitor received (e.g., family member, friend). The authors also examined whether visitation effects varied by age, sex, race, type of instant offense, and prior incarceration. The findings indicate that visitation reduces and delays recidivism. Their implications for theory, research, and policy are discussed.
`Ideals that were really never in our possession': Torture, Honor and US Identity
Authors: Steele Brent J.
Published: June 2008

This article addresses how the recent US treatment of suspects detained in its War on Terror relates to the issues of US self-identity and US honor. Both the abuse of these individuals, and the shock which such abuse engenders (when revealed to the US public), are manifested by punishment drives that reinforce a nation's sense of internal honor, which is constructed and connected to a nation's self-identity. While professing commitments to human rights, on the one hand, and interrogation and torture, on the other, are contradictory practices — they are similar in the sense that both are forms of discipline which uphold internally constituted ontological visions of the US Self. Drawing upon a Foucauldian view of ethics, `the relation to oneself', the article avers that precisely because these disciplinary mechanisms are driven by self-identity and protecting the `honor' of the US nation-state, domestic and international actors can use two tactics — `reflexive discourse' and self-interrogative imaging — to stimulate US agents to reform such practices in the future.
Mediating Mechanisms for the Intergenerational Transmission of Constructive Parenting
Authors: Chen Zeng-yin , Liu Ruth X. , Kaplan Howard B.
Published: June 2008

Based on a prospective longitudinal panel data set that was collected at three developmental stages—early adolescence, young adulthood, and middle adulthood— this study investigates marital satisfaction and educational attainment as mediating mechanisms as well as gender's moderating effect for the intergenerational transmission of constructive parenting ( N = 1,560). The results show that perceived satisfying experiences with parents during early adolescence are positively related to marital satisfaction and educational attainment in young adulthood, which, in turn, are positively related to individuals' utilization of constructive parenting in middle adulthood. The two mediating mechanisms account for most of the direct effect of the intergenerational transmission of constructive parenting. Furthermore, the mediating effect of marital relationship is stronger for current fathers than for mothers because of a stronger association between marital satisfaction and constructive parenting for men. The implications are discussed.
The Need for and the Societal Legitimacy of Social Investments in Children and Their Families
Authors: Knijn Trudie , van Oorschot Wim
Published: June 2008

In Europe, social investments on behalf of children have become an important issue in social policy. In the Dutch welfare state debate, however, the issue has only a modest place, which raises questions about whether an extension of existing arrangements would be necessary and what its societal legitimacy would be. This article discusses the first question by putting the Dutch situation and its policies into an international context. The second question is answered by an analysis of a public opinion survey on Dutch popular preferences for new child care and parental leave arrangements. The article concludes that extra social investments in children would be beneficial for the future of the Dutch welfare state but that their societal legitimacy is not that obvious, given the division in public opinion. The analysis shows that self-interest does play a role but that ideas about the importance of children, for society and for peoples' personal lives, and ideas about the well-being of children are more important.
Utilising cardiopulmonary bypass for cancer surgery. Malignancy-induced protein C deficiency and thrombophilia
Authors: Marshall C
Published: June 2008

Cardiopulmonary bypass has evolved over the last 30 years. It is an important tool for the cardiac surgeon today and also has applications in non-cardiac operations such as surgery to extract tumours. Such patients undergoing surgery for cancer may be at an increased risk of a thromboembolic event post surgery, due to disturbances in the normal clotting pathway leading to hypercoagulability. One such disturbance is malignancy-induced Protein C deficiency. A deficiency of Protein C can cause hypercoagulabitity. Recent studies have examined cardiopulmonary bypass and inherited Protein C deficiency. However, surgery for cancer patients with a malignancy-induced Protein C deficiency involving cardiopulmonary bypass has not been reported. Surgery using CPB in these patients may result in increased morbidity and mortality. The objective of this article is to review the literature in order to discuss the occurrence, the aetiology and possible management of cancer patients with malignancy-induced Protein C deficiencies that require cardiopulmonary bypass for their surgery.
Ankle Actuation for Limit Cycle Walkers
Authors: Hobbelen D.G.E. , Wisse M.
Published: June 2008

Limit Cycle Walkers are bipeds that exhibit a stable cyclic gait without requiring local controllability at all times during gait. Well-known example are McGeer's “Passive Dynamic Walkers”, but the concept expands to actuated bipeds as involved in this study. Current state-of-the-art Limit Cycle Walkers excel in being very energy efficient, but their ability to handle disturbances (i.e. disturbance rejection) is still limited. A way to improve this ability while maintaining low energy consumption is the use of ankle actuation, which has so far seen few applications in this type of walker. In this paper we study the effect of (1) applying (passive) stiffness in the ankle joint, (2) applying control in the stance ankle based only on local sensor information and (3) modulating ankle push-off. For all three strategies the paper shows how they influence energy use and disturbance rejection of a simple point mass walking model, a more realistic model and a physical prototype. We find that applying a passive ankle spring that results in premature heel rise is energetically optimal and gives an actuation pattern that largely resembles that of humans. Local stance ankle control and ankle push-off modulation can improve the disturbance rejection of a Limit Cycle Walker by at least 60%, without increasing its energy use. These findings are substantiated by showing that our prototype is able to handle large disturbances such as a step-down of 5% of its leg length, while walking efficiently at a mechanical cost of transport of 0.09.
Map Matching and Data Association for Large-Scale Two-dimensional Laser Scan-based SLAM
Authors: Bosse Michael , Zlot Robert
Published: June 2008

Reliable data association techniques for simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) are necessary for the generation of large-scale maps in unstructured outdoor environments. Data association techniques are required at two levels: the local level represents the inner loop of the mapping algorithm, and the global level where newly mapped areas are matched to previously mapped areas to detect repeated coverage and close loops. Local map building is achieved using a robust iterative scan matching technique incorporated into an extended Kalman filter where the state consists of the current pose and previous poses sampled periodically and at a fixed lag from the current time. The introduction of states at a fixed time lag significantly reduces the growth of errors in the location estimate and the resultant map. For global matching, we enhance existing histogram cross-correlation techniques, introducing entropy sequences of projection histograms and an exhaustive correlation approach for reliable matching in unstructured environments. This enables loop closure without depending on prior knowledge of map alignment. These data association techniques are incorporated into the Atlas SLAM framework, enabling the generation of accurate two-dimensional laser maps over tens of kilometers in challenging outdoor environments.
Tensile Properties and Thermal Degradation Parameters of Tamarind Fruit Fibers
Authors: Uma Maheswari C. , Obi Reddy K. , Varada Rajulu A. , Guduri B.R.
Published: June 2008

Tamarind has the scientific name Tamarindus Indica and belongs to the Fabaceae family. The fibers from tamarind fruit were treated with 5% aqueous NaoH solution. The primary thermograms of both untreated and the alkali treated fibers were recorded in an inert atmosphere at a heating rate of 10°C/min. Using these thermograms, the initial and final degradation temperatures and inflections points were calculated. Employing the Doyle method, the integral procedural degradation temperature and refractoriness were also determined. The thermal stability was found to increase on alkali treatment. The morphology of the fiber before and after alkali treated was studied. The tensile parameters — maximum stress, Young's modulus and %elongation at break were also determind for both untreated and the alkali treated tamarind fibers.
Vibration and Stability of Functionally Graded Plates Based on a Higher-order Deformation Theory
Authors: Chen Chun-Sheng , Hsu Chun-Yao , Guey Jiuh Tzou
Published: June 2008

In this article, the governing equations of motion for a functionally graded material plate (FGP) based on a higher-order deformation theory in a general state of non-uniform initial stress are derived. The properties of FGP are assumed varied continuously along the thickness of the plate, according to a simple power law of volume fractions of constituents. With the derived governing equations, the natural frequencies and buckling loads of ceramic—FGM—metal plates subjected to an initial stress are investigated. The initial stress is taken to be a combination of a uniaxial extensional stress and a pure bending stress. A ceramic—FGM—metal plate can become an all-FGM, all-ceramic plate, or all-metal plate by modifying the value of material parameter and volume fraction index. The effects of various parameters and initial stresses on the natural frequencies and buckling loads of FGPs are studied.
Comparison Between Effects of Two Different Cationic Surfactants on Structure and Properties of HIPS/OMT Nanocomposites
Authors: Yibing Cai  , Qufu Wei  , Guifeng Chen  , Ning Wu  , Weidong Gao
Published: June 2008

The high impact polystyrene (HIPS)/organophilic montmorillonite (OMT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt-mixing. The hexadecyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide (P16) and cetyl pyridium chloride (CPC) were used to modify montmorillonite (MMT). The structure and thermal stability property of the OMT were respectively characterized by Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicated that the cationic surfactants intercalated into the gallery of the MMT and the OMT had higher thermal stability. The influences of two different OMT on the structures and properties of the HIPS nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, TGA, Cone calorimeter and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), respectively. The increased basal spacing showed that HIPS intercalated into the gallery of the OMT. The TGA showed that onset temperature of thermal degradation, temperature of maximal weight loss and char residue at 700°C of the HIPS nanocomposites had remarkable enhancements compared to pure HIPS. The Cone calorimeter tests showed that the peak of heat release rate (PHRR) decreased significantly. The DMA indicated that the loading of silicate clays improved the storage modulus of HIPS.
Impacts of “Three Strikes and You're Out” on Crime Trends in California and Throughout the United States
Authors: Chen Elsa Y.
Published: June 2008

The impacts of Three Strikes on crime in California and throughout the United States are analyzed using cross-sectional time series analysis of state-level data from 1986 to 2005. The model measures both deterrence and incapacitation effects, controlling for preexisting crime trends and economic, demographic, and policy factors. Despite limited use outside California, the presence of a Three Strikes law appears to be associated with slightly but significantly faster rates of decline in robbery, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft nationwide. Three Strikes also is associated with slower declines in murder rates. Although California's law is the broadest and most frequently used Three Strikes policy, it has not produced greater incapacitation effects on crime than other states' far more limited laws. The analyses indicate that the toughest sentencing policy is not necessarily the most effective option.
Analyzing Resonant Response of a System with Dry Friction Damper Using an Analytical Method
Authors: Ding Q. , Chen Y.
Published: June 2008

This paper presents an analytical method for determining the steady state response of a system with dry friction damper. A complete stick-slip cycle of the damper is divided into four intervals in succession; during each interval the system vibration is linear and can be determined using an analytical solution form. Combining these solutions forms an analytical solution of periodic motion of the system. Numerical simulation shows that there are two response peaks, with the jump down and up phenomena, in passage through the resonant frequencies of the system when free of the friction damper and when the friction damper is completely stuck, respectively. The amplitude of one peak can be reduced up to 90% by adjusting the value of normal force between the damper's contacting surfaces. Whereas to determine the optimum frictional contact, the reduction of two peak amplitudes of response should be considered together.
And Justice for All?
Authors: Dylan Arielle , Regehr Cheryl , Alaggia Ramona
Published: June 2008

Concern for the recognition, support, and rights of victims within the criminal justice system has grown in recent years, leading to legislative and procedural changes in the administration of justice that have improved the experiences of victims. What is not clear is whether all victims have benefited from changes in the system regardless of race and social class. This study investigates the experiences Aboriginal people who are victims of sexual violence have with the Canadian criminal justice system. The authors seek to explore perspectives about their encounters with the judicial system from the point of first contact with the police through involvement with the court and community service providers, utilizing grounded theory qualitative methodology. They conclude that race is a key determinant in the manner in which a victim will be perceived by the people in the justice system and the manner in which the victim will approach the judicial process.
Who Wants a Relationship Anyway?
Authors: Danaher Peter J. , Conroy Denise M. , McColl-Kennedy Janet R.
Published: June 2008

Prior research suggests that consumers may vary in the degree to which they wish to engage in a relationship with their service providers. The authors identify previously found and new factors that influence whether consumers expect a service provider to form a relationship with them. The authors then use these factors to segment consumers based on the relationship expectations they have with three universal categories of service providers: phone companies, banks, and doctors. Depending on the service type, either two or three segments emerge, ranging from consumers who are keen to have a relationship to those who are indifferent about relationships, down to those who are averse to forming relationships with service providers. Although there are always consumers who are keen to form a relationship with their service provider, there is no “hard core” group of consumers keen on relationships with all service providers.
The Mission of Arab Journalism: Creating Change in a Time of Turmoil
Authors: Pintak Lawrence , Ginges Jeremy
Published: June 2008

In the years after 9/11, the Bush administration repeatedly charged that the Arab media are biased against the United States. A cross-border survey of 601 Arab journalists found that much of the conventional wisdom that has shaped U.S. public diplomacy policy toward the region lacks substance.Arab journalists see their mission as that of driving political and social reform in the Middle East and North Africa. Iraq and Palestine fall well below such internal Arab issues as political reform, human rights, poverty, and education as priority concerns.They draw a clear distinction between U.S. policy and the American people; criticize the U.S. for failing to live up to its ideals, which they largely share; and exhibit skepticism about the role of the clergy. Politically, half call themselves “democrats,” and they most closely identify with the pan-Arab region and the broader Muslim world, not with an individual nation-state.
Endothelial CD47 interaction with SIRPγ is required for human T-cell transendothelial migration under shear flow conditions in vitro
Authors: Stefanidakis Michael , Newton Gail , Lee Winston Y. , Parkos Charles A. , Luscinskas Francis W.
Published: June 2008

Leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) is a critical event during inflammation. CD47 has been implicated in myeloid cell migration across endothelium and epithelium. CD47 binds to signal regulatory protein (SIRP), SIRPα and SIRPγ. So far, little is known about the role of endothelial CD47 in T-cell TEM in vivo or under flow conditions in vitro. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting and biochemical analysis show that CD3+ T cells express SIRPγ but not SIRPα, and fluorescence microscopy showed that CD47 was enriched at endothelial junctions. These expression patterns suggested that CD47 plays a role in T-cell TEM through binding interactions with SIRPγ. We tested, therefore, whether CD47-SIRPγ interactions affect T-cell transmigration using blocking mAb against CD47 or SIRPγ in an in vitro flow model. These antibodies inhibited T-cell TEM by 70% plus or minus 6% and 82% plus or minus 1%, respectively, but had no effect on adhesion. In agreement with human mAb studies, transmigration of murine wild-type T helper type 1 cells across TNF-α–activated murine CD47−/− endothelium was reduced by 75% plus or minus 2% even though murine T cells appear to lack SIRPγ. Nonetheless, these findings suggest endothelial cell CD47 interacting with T-cell ligands, such as SIRPγ, play an important role in T-cell transendothelial migration.
SCF-mediated mast cell infiltration and activation exacerbate the inflammation and immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment
Authors: Huang Bo , Lei Zhang , Zhang Gui-Mei , Li Dong , Song Chuanwang , Li Bo , Liu Yanyan , Yuan Ye , Unkeless Jay , Xiong Huabao , Feng Zuo-Hua
Published: June 2008

Despite the evidence for the role of inflammation in cancer initiation, promotion, and progression, the precise mechanism by which the inflammation within tumor is orchestrated by inflammatory cells remains to be determined. Here, we report that tumor-infiltrating mast cells remodel tumor microenvironment and promote tumor growth. Mast cell infiltration and activation in tumors were mainly mediated by tumor-derived stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c-Kit on mast cells. Low concentrations of SCF efficiently induced the chemotactic migration of mast cells. Tumor-infiltrating mast cells, activated by higher concentrations of SCF, expressed multiple proinflammatory factors and increased IL-17 expression in tumors. The activity of NF-κB and AP-1 in tumor cells was intensified in the mast cell–remodeled inflammatory microenvironment. SCF-activated mast cells also exacerbated tumor immunosuppression by releasing adenosine and increasing T regulatory cells, which augmented the suppression of T cells and natural killer cells in tumors. These findings emphasize that the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment can actually be initiated by tumor cell–released SCF and suggest that mast cells are not only a participator but also a critical regulator of inflammation and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor delays neutrophil apoptosis by inhibition of calpains upstream of caspase-3
Authors: van Raam Bram J. , Drewniak Agata , Groenewold Vincent , van den Berg Timo K. , Kuijpers Taco W.
Published: June 2008

Neutrophils have a very short life span and undergo apoptosis within 24 hours after leaving the bone marrow. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is essential for the recruitment of fresh neutrophils from the bone marrow but also delays apoptosis of mature neutrophils. To determine the mechanism by which G-CSF inhibits neutrophil apoptosis, the kinetics of neutrophil apoptosis during 24 hours in the absence or presence of G-CSF were analyzed in vitro. G-CSF delayed neutrophil apoptosis for approximately 12 hours and inhibited caspase-9 and -3 activation, but had virtually no effect on caspase-8 and little effect on the release of proapoptotic proteins from the mitochondria. However, G-CSF strongly inhibited the activation of calcium-dependent cysteine proteases calpains, upstream of caspase-3, via apparent control of Ca2+-influx. Calpain inhibition resulted in the stabilization of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) and hence inhibited caspase-9 and -3 in human neutrophils. Thus, neutrophil apoptosis is controlled by G-CSF after initial activation of caspase-8 and mitochondrial permeabilization by the control of postmitochondrial calpain activity.
Association of liver enzymes with incident type 2 diabetes: A nested case control study in an Iranian population
Authors: Tohidi Maryam , Harati Hadi , Hadaegh Farzad , Mehrabi Yadolladh , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: June 2008

Background

To investigate the association of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanin aminotranferase (ALT) and Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) with incident type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In a nested case-control study, AST, ALT, GGT as well as classic diabetes risk factors, insulin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 133 non-diabetic subjects at baseline of which 68 were cases and 65 were controls. Incident diabetes was defined by the WHO 1999 criteria. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of incident diabetes associated with different hepatic markers. We used factor analysis for clustering of classic diabetes risk factors.

Results

In Univariate analysis both ALT and GGT were associated with diabetes with ORs of 3.07(1.21–7.79) and 2.91(1.29–6.53) respectively. After adjustment for CRP and insulin, ALT and GGT were still predictive of incident diabetes. When the model was further adjusted for anthropometric, blood pressure and metabolic factors, only ALT was independently associated with diabetes [OR = 3.18 (1.02–9.86)]. No difference was found between the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the models with and without ALT (0.820 and 0.802 respectively, P = 0.4)

Conclusion

ALT is associated with incident type 2 diabetes independent of classic risk factors. However, its addition to the classic risk factors does not improve the prediction of diabetes.
Job satisfaction trends during nurses' early career
Authors: Murrells Trevor , Robinson Sarah , Griffiths Peter
Published: June 2008

Background

Job satisfaction is an important component of nurses' lives that can impact on patient safety, productivity and performance, quality of care, retention and turnover, commitment to the organisation and the profession. Little is known about job satisfaction in early career and how it varies for different groups of nurses. This paper investigates how the components of job satisfaction vary during early career in newly qualified UK nurses.

Methods

Nurses were sampled using a combined census and multi-stage approach (n = 3962). Data were collected by questionnaire at 6 months, 18 months and 3 years after qualification between 1998 and 2001. Scores were calculated for seven job satisfaction components and a single item that measured satisfaction with pay. Scores were compared longitudinally and between nursing speciality (general, children's, mental health) using a mixed model approach.

Results

No single pattern across time emerged. Trends varied by branch and job satisfaction component. Rank order of job satisfaction components, from high to low scores, was very similar for adult and child branch nurses and different for mental health. Nurses were least satisfied with pay and most satisfied with relationships at 6 and 18 months and with resources (adult and child) and relationships (mental health) at 3 years. Trends were typically upwards for adult branch nurses, varied for children's nurses and downwards for mental health nurses.

Conclusion

The impact of time on job satisfaction in early career is highly dependent on specialism. Different contexts, settings and organisational settings lead to varying experiences. Future research should focus on understanding the relationships between job characteristics and the components of job satisfaction rather than job satisfaction as a unitary construct. Research that further investigates the benefits of a formal one year preceptorship or probationary period is needed.
The human anti-IL-1β monoclonal antibody ACZ885 is effective in joint inflammation models in mice and in a proof-of-concept study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Alten Rieke , Gram Hermann , Joosten Leo A , Berg Wim B van den , Sieper Joachim , Wassenberg Siegfrid , Burmester Gerd , van Riel Piet , Diaz-Lorente Maria , Bruin Gerardus JM , Woodworth Thasia G , Rordorf Christiane , Batard Yannik , Wright Andrew M , Jung Thomas
Published: June 2008

Introduction

IL-1β is a proinflammatory cytokine driving joint inflammation as well as systemic signs of inflammation, such as fever and acute phase protein production.

Methods

ACZ885, a fully human monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the bioactivity of human IL-1β, was generated to study the potent and long-lasting neutralization of IL-1β in mechanistic animal models as well as in a proof-of-concept study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Results

The mouse IL-1 receptor cross-reacts with human IL-1β, and it was demonstrated that ACZ885 can completely suppress IL-1β-mediated joint inflammation and cartilage destruction in mice. This observation prompted us to study the safety, tolerability and pharmacodynamic activity of ACZ885 in RA patients in a small proof-of-concept study – the first to be conducted in humans. Patients with active RA despite treatment with stable doses of methotrexate were enrolled in this dose escalation study. The first 32 patients were split into four cohorts of eight patients each (six were randomly assigned to active treatment and two to placebo). ACZ885 doses were 0.3, 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg, administered intravenously on days 1 and 15. To explore efficacy within 6 weeks of treatment, an additional 21 patients were randomly assigned to the 10 mg/kg cohort, resulting in a total of 20 patients dosed with 10 mg/kg and 15 patients treated with placebo. There was clinical improvement (American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria) at week 6 in the 10 mg/kg treatment group; however, this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.085). A statistically significant reduction in disease activity score was observed after 4 weeks in the 10 mg/kg group. Onset of action was rapid, because most responders exhibited improvement in their symptoms within the first 3 weeks. C-reactive protein levels decreased in patients treated with ACZ885 within 1 week. ACZ885 was well tolerated. Three patients receiving ACZ885 developed infectious episodes that required treatment. No anti-ACZ885 antibodies were detected during the study.

Conclusion

ACZ885 administration to methotrexate-refractory patients resulted in clinical improvement in a subset of patients. Additional studies to characterize efficacy in RA and to determine the optimal dose regimen appear warranted.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00619905.
Showcase Scheduling at Fred Astaire East Side Dance Studio
Authors: Lejeune Miguel A. , Yakova Nevena
Published: June 2008

The Fred Astaire East Side Dance Studio in New York City holds ballroom dancing showcases at least twice a year to provide its students with an environment for socializing, practice, and improvement. The most important part of organizing a showcase is constructing the dance-presentations timetable. The number of participants is increasing each year; thus, this task, which has been performed manually, requires a great deal of management time and effort. To construct its summer 2007 showcase, the studio's management expressed interest in using a computer-based tool that would significantly expedite the schedule construction process and deliver a more coherent and efficient showcase program. The tool we developed is rooted in the coding of algorithms and integer-programming optimization models. Because it is Excel-based, it is user-friendly; however, it also considers the various constraints and requirements posed by the dance studio's management, instructors, and students. We successfully implemented the scheduling tool to generate the summer 2007 showcase timetable. The management spent considerably less time preparing this schedule than it had in constructing previous schedules manually. Therefore, it was able to allocate more time to other important activities, such as teacher training, dance instruction, sales, marketing, and client communication.
Optimal Backlogging Over an Infinite Horizon Under Time-Varying Convex Production and Inventory Costs
Authors: Ghate Archis , Smith Robert L.
Published: June 2008

We consider an infinite horizon production planning problem with nonstationary, convex production and inventory costs. Backlogging is allowed, unlike as in related previous work, and inventory cost is interpreted as backlogging cost when inventory is negative. We create finite horizon truncations of the infinite horizon problem and employ classic results on convex production planning to derive a closed-form formula for the minimum forecast horizon. We show that optimal production levels are monotonically increasing in the length of horizon, leading to solution convergence and a rolling horizon procedure for delivering an infinite horizon optimal production plan. The minimum forecast horizon formula is employed to illustrate how cost parameters affect how far one must look into the future to make an infinite horizon optimal decision today.
Marine fish spermatozoa: racing ephemeral swimmers
Authors: Cosson Jacky , Groison Anne-Laure , Suquet Marc , Fauvel Christian , Dreanno Catherine , Billard Roland
Published: June 2008

After a long period of spermatogenesis (several weeks to months), marine fish spermatozoa are delivered at male spawning in seawater (SW) at the same time as ova. In some fish species, as the ova micropyle closes quickly after release, these minute unicells, the spermatozoa, have to accomplish their task of reaching the micropyle within a very brief period (several seconds to minutes), for delivery of the haploid male genetic information to the ova. To achieve this goal, their high-performance motile equipment, the flagellum, must fully activate immediately on contact with the SW and then propel the sperm cell at an unusually high initial velocity. The cost of such ‘hyperactivity’ is a very rapid consumption of intracellular ATP that outstrips the supply. The spermatozoa become rapidly exhausted because mitochondria cannot compensate for this very fast flagellar energy consumption. Therefore, any spermatozoon ends up with two possibilities: either becoming exhausted and immotile or reaching the egg micropyle within its very short period of forward motility (in the range of tens of seconds) before micropyle closure in relation to both contact of SW and cortical reaction. The aim of the present review is to present step by step the successive events occurring in marine fish spermatozoa from activation until their full arrest of motility. The present knowledge of activation mechanisms is summarized, as well as a description of the motility parameters characterizing the motility period. As a complement, in vitro results on axonemal motility obtained after demembranation of flagella bring further understanding. The description of the sperm energetic content (ATP and other high energy compounds) and its evolution during the swimming period is also discussed. A general model aiming to explain all the successive cellular events occurring immediately after the activation is presented. This model is proposed as a guideline for understanding the events governing the sperm lifespan in the marine fish species that reproduce through external fertilization.
Working memory in Parkinson's disease patients: clinical features and response to levodopa
Authors: Beato Rogério , Levy Richard , Pillon Bernard , Vidal Christine , du Montcel Sophie Tezenas , Deweer Bernard , Bonnet Anne-Marie , Houeto Jean-Luc , Dubois Bruno , Cardoso Francisco
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical features of the working memory (WM) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and to test the effect of levodopa on WM. METHOD: The paradigm was based on the 'n-back' tasks, which enables to study the level of executive demand (three levels of difficulty) and the domain of the information being processed (spatial items, faces and letters). The effect of levodopa was studied by testing PD patients in "on" and "off" states. RESULTS: PD patients performed less well in WM tasks than controls. There was no interaction between groups and complexity. Levodopa therapy had a positive effect only on spatial WM tasks but no effect on complexity. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that impairment observed may result from a maintenance deficit within WM regardless the level of processing and levodopa therapy presents a positive effect on spatial WM.
The accuracy of diagnosis of major depression in patients with Parkinson's disease: a comparative study among the UPDRS, the geriatric depression scale and the Beck depression inventory
Authors: Tumas Vitor , Rodrigues Guilherme Gustavo Ricioppo , Farias Tarsis Leonardo Almeida , Crippa José Alexandre S.
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis of major depression in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) using the UPDRS, the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS15) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). METHOD: 50 consecutive patients with PD were evaluated. The diagnosis of major depression was made according to the DSM-IV criteria. RESULTS: We found a 24% prevalence of major depression. All depression scales were highly correlated but UPDRS depression item had the lowest diagnostic value. The GDS15 had the more appropriate "receiver operating characteristics" curve. The best cut-off scores for screening depression were 17/18 for BDI and 8/9 for GDS15. We did not find any correlation between the level of depression and intensity of motor symptoms, functional capacity and duration of the disease. CONCLUSION: GDS15 is better than the BDI and the UPDRS for screening depression in PD and depression is not related to the degree of parkinsonian symptoms.
Risk factors for dementia in a rural area of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Magalhães Manuela Oliveira de Cerqueira , Peixoto Josecy Maria de Souza , Frank Mônica Hupsel , Gomes Irênio , Rodrigues Bernardo Mota , Menezes Carla , Cardoso Eduardo , Carvalho Fernando , Aras Roque , Melo Ailton
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for dementia among the elderly in a rural area of Northeastern Brazil. METHOD: The subjects assessed were all 60 years old or older, and lived in a rural region of Bahia, a Northeastern State of Brazil. CAMDEX, a structured clinical evaluation protocol, was used for diagnosis, and applied at the home of the subjects. RESULTS: The risk factors identified were divided in accordance with socio-demographic characteristics, the presence of co-morbid conditions, and the use of medications. The variables with strong association with dementia were age, history of stroke, arterial hypertension, and sight impairment. CONCLUSION: Advanced age, arterial hypertension, and vascular brain injury were the main risk factors associated with dementia, which suggests that public health measures adopted to prevent and control modifiable risk factors can mitigate the prevalence of high rates of dementia.
Accident risk in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Souza Karla Teixeira , Guerreiro Marilisa M. , Guerreiro Carlos A.M.
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of accidents in patients with uncontrolled seizures, in seizure-free patients, and in patients with chronic headache. METHOD: This was a prospective longitudinal case-controlled study with interviews. A semi-structured questionnaire was used in the epilepsy and headache outpatient clinics of the Hospital das Clínicas of UNICAMP. RESULTS: Group I was composed of 48 patients with uncontrolled seizures, group II was composed of 24 seizure-free patients and group III was composed of 32 patients with headache. Thirty-nine patients (81%) in group I, 13 (54%) in group II, and 19 (59%) in group III reported accidents in the last two years. In the first group, 649 accidents (89%) were related to epileptic seizures and the average number of accidents not related to seizures was 1.7. The average number of accidents in groups II and III were both 2.4. CONCLUSION: Epileptic seizure was the most important factor determining the occurrence of accidents in people with epilepsy.
Long-term facial nerve clinical evaluation following vestibular schwannoma surgery
Authors: Veronezi Rafaela Julia Batista , Fernandes Yvens Barbosa , Borges Guilherme , Ramina Ricardo
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND: Facial function is important in accompaniment of patients operated on vestibular schwannoma (VS). OBJETIVE: To evaluate long term facial nerve function in patients undergoing VS resection and to correlate tumor size and facial function in a long-term follow-up. METHOD: Transversal study of 20 patients with VS operated by the retrosigmoid approach. House-Brackmann Scale was used preoperatively, immediately after surgery and in a long-term follow-up. Student t test was applied for statistic analysis. RESULTS: In the immediate postoperative evaluation, 65% of patients presented FP of different grades. Improvement of facial nerve function (at least of one grade) occurred in 53% in the long-term follow-up. There was statistically significant difference in facial nerve outcome in long-term follow-up when tumor size was considered (p<0.05). Conclusion: The majority of patients had improvement of FP in a long-term follow-up and tumor size was detected to be a factor associated with the postoperative prognostic.
O megaesôfago tratado cirurgicamente: perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes operados no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas entre 1989 e 2005
Authors: Oliveira Gustavo Carvalho de , Lopes Luiz Roberto , Andreollo Nelson Adami , Coelho Neto João de Souza
Published: June 2008

O megaesôfago é uma das manifestações da doença de Chagas, cujo tratamento cirúrgico ó o que apresenta melhores resultados. Neste estudo retrospectivo, avaliou-se o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes operados no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade de Campinas entre 1989 e 2005, quanto a: naturalidade e procedência, provável local de contágio, idade, grau do megaesôfago, etiologia, duração da disfagia e sua evolução, outras doenças associadas e modalidade cirúrgica adotada. O método foi a análise de 390 prontuários desses doentes, junto ao Serviço de Arquivo Médico do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade de Campinas. Os resultados permitiram estabelecer: as regiões endêmicas dos pacientes chagásicos atendidos nesse Serviço, a naturalidade/procedência e a caracterização do grupo. Após análise detalhada, foram obtidas a média de idade = 47 anos, e a duração média da disfagia = 9,47 anos. Observa-se que: a) em 84,4% dos pacientes a disfagia instalou-se progressivamente; b) 306 (78,5%) pacientes apresentaram etiologia chagásica; c) em 48% deles, houve prevalência do grau 2 (48%); d) 89,8% dos pacientes foram submetidos à cardiomiotomia; e) houve associações freqüentes a gastrites, esofagites, megacólon, hipertensão arterial e cardiopatias.
First case of human latrodectism in Venezuela
Authors: Kiriakos Demetrio , Núñez Paola , Parababire Yasmely , García Marianne , Medina Jenny , Sousa Leonardo De
Published: June 2008

The first case of envenoming by Latrodectus geometricus in Venezuela is described. The accident occurred at the victim's home, in Aragua de Barcelona, Anzoátegui State. The 31-year-old female victim was bitten twice on the left scapular region, in quick succession (within seconds). She developed a hyperactive state of the central, autonomic and peripheral nervous systems with minor local symptoms.
Desenvolvimento e crescimento populacional de Alabama argillacea em algodoeiro de fibra branca e colorida
Authors: Santos Roberta Leme dos , Torres Jorge Braz , Bastos Cristina Schettino
Published: June 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento e a reprodução do curuquerê-do-algodoeiro [Alabama argillacea (Hübner)], em cultivares de algodoeiro de fibras branca (BRS 201 e Acala 90) e verde (BRS Verde). O experimento consistiu de três tratamentos (cultivares), com dez repetições em laboratório e oito em campo, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Em laboratório, as lagartas do curuquerê foram alimentadas com folhas das cultivares, enquanto no campo, as posturas foram confinadas sobre as plantas e monitoradas até completar a geração. A cultivar BRS 201 ocasionou: prolongamento da fase larval de dois dias, em comparação às outras cultivares, em laboratório e no campo; menor sobrevivência da fase larval, em laboratório; menor peso de pupas e produção de ovos, em laboratório e campo. O crescimento populacional do curuquerê-do-algodoeiro, estimado após quatro gerações sucessivas, mostrou que uma fêmea fertilizada tem capacidade de produzir 1.776,6, 47,19 e 6,51 indivíduos em Acala 90, BRS Verde e BRS 201, respectivamente. O menor desempenho no desenvolvimento e na reprodução do curuquerê, criado na cultivar BRS 201, é importante no controle desta praga no campo.
Detection of siderophores in endophytic bacteria Methylobacterium spp. associated with Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca
Authors: Lacava Paulo Teixeira , Silva-Stenico Maria Estela , Araújo Welington Luiz , Simionato Ana Valéria Colnaghi , Carrilho Emanuel , Tsai Siu Mui , Azevedo João Lúcio
Published: June 2008

The objective of this work was to study the production of siderophores by endophytic bacteria Methylobacterium spp., which occupy the same ecological niche as Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) in citrus plants. The siderophore production of Methylobacterium strains was tested according to chromeazurol agar assay test (CAS), Csáky test (hydroxamate-type) and Arnow test (catechol-type). In addition, the ability of Xfp to use siderophores, in vitro, produced by endophytic bacteria as source of iron, was evaluated. All 37 strains of Methylobacterium spp. tested were CAS-positive for siderophore production. Methylobacterium spp. produced hydroxamate-type, but not catechol-type siderophores. In vitro growth of Xfp was stimulated by the presence of supernatant siderophores of endophytic Methylobacterium mesophilicum.