bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Pressurized Vane Shear Apparatus
Authors: Messerklinger S. , Zumsteg R. , Puzrin A. M.
Published: January 2011

The new vane shear test apparatus enables shear strength investigations of fine-grained soils at different pressures and shear velocities, such as those acting in a working chamber of an Earth pressure balance tunnel boring machine. The main conceptual innovation is the application of a confining pressure onto the test specimen while the vane shear test is performed. This allows for the exploration of pressure dependency on the shear strength of fine-grained soils, e.g., conditioned with foams and polymers. The technical innovation is that the torque sensor is located inside the pressure chamber. This permits for accurate torque measurement by excluding friction at contact areas and sealed insertions. The new vane shear test apparatus is a fast and reliable device to measure the shear strength of any fine-grained soils with soft consistency. In this paper pressure and rate-dependent shear strength data of kaolinite and illite clays and of “conditioned soils” made of kaolinite and illite clays mixed with foam and polymer additives are presented and the applicability of the apparatus is validated.
Effects of Secondary Phase Particle Dissolution on the In-Reactor Performance of BWR Cladding
Authors: Valizadeh S. , Ledergerber G. , Abolhassan S. , Jädernäs D. , Dahlbäck M. , Mader E. V. , Zhou G. , Wright J. , Hallstadius L.
Published: January 2011

Although the complete mechanisms are not yet fully understood, it is well established that the secondary phase particle (SPP) size distribution and chemical composition have a crucial affects in the reactor corrosion rate and hydrogen uptake in boiling water reactor (BWR) cladding. To further study these effects, different selected fuel rod assemblies with standard LK3 cladding materials that have been irradiated in KernKraftwerk Leibstadt (KKL) for three, five, six, seven, and nine annual cycles were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM analysis of the samples showed that the average size of SPPs increases as the small SPPs are dissolved during irradiation. After three cycles the Fe–Cr bearing SPPs have been identified as completely amorphous over the whole range of examined samples and the Fe–Ni bearing SPPs remained crystalline. The EDX analyses of several Fe–Ni bearing precipitates show that the Fe/Ni ratio stays more or less constant for the irradiated material at 1.5 to 1.6 and drops to about 1 after fast fluence of 17.9×1021 n/cm2 (>1 MeV) for nine cycles sample. Results from this study confirms that the increased oxide thickness, the higher hydrogen content, and the accelerated growth of the rods at rod average burnup of 78 MWd/kgU goes along with a change in the appearance of SPPs by TEM.
Volksgemeinschaft. Potenzial und Grenzen eines neuen Forschungskonzepts
Authors: Kershaw Ian
Published: January 2011

Vorspann

Ian Kershaw, einer der bedeutendsten NS-Forscher unserer Zeit, bezieht Stellung. Er äußert sich zur Debatte über das Konzept „Volksgemeinschaft“, das seit längerem die Gemüter bewegt. Kershaw verkennt nicht, dass sich hier neue Chancen eröffnen, die Dynamik und das verbrecherische Potenzial des Dritten Reiches zu erfassen. Zugleich warnt er aber auch davor, die Reichweite des Konzepts zu überschätzen; es sei nicht präzise genug und verleite dazu, die Vielfalt des NS-Staates zu verfehlen.
Dutch National Registry of GH Treatment in Adults: patient characteristics and diagnostic test procedures
Authors: van Nieuwpoort I C , van Bunderen C C , Arwert L I , Franken A A M , Koppeschaar H P F , van der Lelij A J , Twisk J W R , Boers M , Drent M L
Published: January 2011

Objective

The Dutch National Registry of GH Treatment in Adults was established in 1998 as an initiative of the Ministry of Health. The main goals were to gain more insight into long-term efficacy, safety, and costs of GH therapy (GHT) in adult GH-deficient (GHD) patients in The Netherlands.

Methods

Baseline patient characteristics and diagnostic test procedures were evaluated.

Results

Until January 2009 in roughly 10 years, 2891 patients (1475 men and 1416 women, mean age 43.5±16.5 years) were registered. GHD was of childhood-onset (CO) in over 20% of the patients and of isolated in 11%. The most common causes of GHD were pituitary tumors and/or their treatment, craniopharyngiomas, and idiopathic GHD. In 85% of the patients, a GH stimulation test was performed, in the majority an insulin tolerance test (ITT) (49%) or a combined GHRH–arginine test (25%). In 12% of the patients, IGF1 levels were ≤−2 s.d. combined with two or more additional pituitary hormone deficits, and in 2%, it concerned patients with CO-GHD continuing GHT in adulthood. Over the years, the test of first choice shifted from ITT toward GHRH–arginine test.

Conclusion

Nearly, 2900 patients were included in the nationwide surveillance database of the Dutch National Registry of GH Treatment in Adults until January 2009. Baseline patient characteristics are comparable to that reported previously. In 85% of these patients, the diagnosis of GHD was established by provocative testing, particularly an ITT or a combined GHRH–arginine test, with an evident increase in the percentage of GHRH–arginine tests being performed in the last years.
Targeted ablation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor in osteocytes impairs bone structure and homeostatic calcemic responses
Authors: Powell William F , Barry Kevin J , Tulum Irena , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Harris Stephen E , Bringhurst F Richard , Divieti Pajevic Paola
Published: January 2011

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a major physiologic regulator of calcium, phosphorous, and skeletal homeostasis. Cells of the osteoblastic lineage are key targets of PTH action in bone, and recent evidence suggests that osteocytes might be important in the anabolic effects of PTH. To understand the role of PTH signaling through the PTH/PTHrP receptors (PPR) in osteocytes and to determine the role(s) of these cells in mediating the effects of the hormone, we have generated mice in which PPR expression is specifically ablated in osteocytes. Transgenic mice in which the 10 kb-Dmp1 promoter drives a tamoxifen-inducible Cre-recombinase were mated with animals in which exon 1 of PPR is flanked by lox-P sites. In these animals, osteocyte-selective PPR knockout (Ocy-PPRcKO mice) could be induced by administration of tamoxifen. Histological analysis revealed a reduction in trabecular bone and mild osteopenia in Ocy-PPRcKO mice. Reduction of trabeculae number and thickness was also detected by micro-computed tomography analysis whereas bone volume fraction (BV/TV%) was unchanged. These findings were associated with an increase in Sost and sclerostin expression. When Ocy-PPRcKO mice were subjected to a low-calcium diet to induce secondary hyperparathyroidism, their blood calcium levels were significantly lower than littermate controls. Moreover, PTH was unable to suppress Sost and sclerostin expression in the Ocy-PPRcKO animals, suggesting an important role of PTH signaling in osteocytes for proper bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis.
The Fitness Cost of Rifampicin Resistance inPseudomonas aeruginosaDepends on Demand for RNA Polymerase
Authors: Hall Alex R , Iles James C , MacLean R Craig
Published: January 2011

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics usually incurs a fitness cost in the absence of selecting drugs, and this cost of resistance plays a key role in the spread of antibiotic resistance in pathogen populations. Costs of resistance have been shown to vary with environmental conditions, but the causes of this variability remain obscure. In this article, we show that the average cost of rifampicin resistance in the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is reduced by the addition of ribosome inhibitors (chloramphenicol or streptomycin) that indirectly constrain transcription rate and therefore reduce demand for RNA polymerase activity. This effect is consistent with predictions from metabolic control theory. We also tested the alternative hypothesis that the observed trend was due to a general effect of environmental quality on the cost of resistance. To do this we measured the fitness of resistant mutants in the presence of other antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and carbenicillin) that have similar effects on bacterial growth rate but bind to different target enzymes (DNA gyrase and penicillin-binding proteins, respectively) and in 41 single-carbon source environments of varying quality. We find no consistent effect of environmental quality on the average cost of resistance in these treatments. These results show that the cost of rifampicin resistance varies with demand for the mutated target enzyme, rather than as a simple function of bacterial growth rate or stress.
Speaking Out About the Social Implications of Science: The Uneven Legacy of H. J. Muller
Authors: Carlson Elof Axel
Published: January 2011

H. J. Muller (1890–1967) was unusual as a scientist because he spoke out on numerous occasions about the uses and abuses of genetics in society. In this article, I follow Muller's efforts to do so and the consequences that they had on his career, his productivity as a research scientist, and his reputation. The shifting sites of Muller's work—which ranged from Columbia University to Texas, from Berlin to Moscow and Leningrad, from Madrid to Edinburgh, and from Amherst to Indiana University—made his activism unusual. Muller paid a price for his activism, and his reputation today is still marred by what most historians would consider risky judgments and reversals of position about genetics and society. My analysis is not a defense but rather an evaluation of the circumstances that led him to these positions and an analysis of the consequences of challenging society when scientists believe their science is being ignored or abused.
Two‐ and 13‐week Inhalation Toxicities of Indium‐tin Oxide and Indium Oxide in Rats
Authors: Nagano Kasuke , Gotoh Kaoru , Kasai Tatsuya , Aiso Shigetoshi , Nishizawa Tomoshi , Ohnishi Makoto , Ikawa Naoki , Eitaki Yoko , Yamada Kenichi , Arito Heihachiro , Fukushima Shoji
Published: January 2011

Two‐ and 13‐week Inhalation Toxicities of Indium‐tin Oxide and Indium Oxide in Rats: Kasuke Nagano, et al. Japan Bioassay Research Center, Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association—

Objectives

Two‐ and 13‐week inhalation toxicities of indium‐tin oxide (ITO) and indium oxide (IO) were characterized for risk assessments of workers exposed to ITO.

Methods

F344 rats of both sexes were exposed by inhalation to ITO or IO aerosol for 6 h/day, 5 day/wk for 2 wk at 0, 0.1, 1, 10 or 100 mg/m3or 13 wk at 0, 0.1or 1 mg/m3. An aerosol generator and inhalation exposure system was constructed.

Results

Blood and lung contents of indium were elevated in a dose‐related manner in the ITO‐ and IO‐exposed rats. ITO and IO particles were deposited in the lung, mediastinal lymph node and nasal‐associated lymphoid tissue. Exposures to ITO and IO induced alveolar proteinosis, iniltrations of alveolar macrophages and inlammatory cells and alveolar epithelial hyperplasia in addition to increased lung weight. ITO affected the lung more severely than IO did. Fibrosis of alveolar wall developed and some of these lesions worsened at the end of the 26‐week post‐exposure period.

Conclusions

Persistent pulmonary lesions including alveolar proteinosis and macrophage iniltration occurred after 2‐ and 13‐week inhalation exposures of rats to ITO and IO. Fibrosis of alveolar wall developed later. These lesions occurred after ITO exposure at the same concentration as the current occupational exposure limit in the USA and at blood indium levels below the biological exposure index in Japan for indium.
Adjunct Corticosteroids in Children Hospitalized With Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Weiss Anna K. , Hall Matthew , Lee Grace E. , Kronman Matthew P. , Sheffler-Collins Seth , Shah Samir S.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if systemic corticosteroid therapy is associated with improved outcomes for children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

METHODS:

In this multicenter, retrospective cohort study we used data from 36 children's hospitals for children aged 1 to 18 years with CAP. Main outcome measures were length of stay (LOS), readmission, and total hospitalization cost. The primary exposure was the use of adjunct systemic corticosteroids. Multivariable regression models and propensity scores were used to adjust for confounders.

RESULTS:

The 20 703 patients whose data were included had a median age of 4 years. Adjunct corticosteroid therapy was administered to 7234 patients (35%). The median LOS was 3 days, and 245 patients (1.2%) required readmission. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was associated with shorter LOS overall (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.24 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18–1.30]). Among children who received treatment with β-agonists, the LOS was shorter for children who had received corticosteroids compared with children who had not (adjusted HR: 1.36 [95% CI: 1.28–1.45]). Among children who did not receive β-agonists, the LOS was longer for those who received corticosteroids compared with those who did not (adjusted HR: 0.85 [95% CI: 0.75–0.96]). Corticosteroids were associated with readmission of patients who did not receive concomitant β-agonist therapy (adjusted odds ratio: 1.97 [95% CI: 1.09–3.57]).

CONCLUSIONS:

For children hospitalized with CAP, adjunct corticosteroids were associated with a shorter hospital LOS among patients who received concomitant β-agonist therapy. Among patients who did not receive this therapy, systemic corticosteroids were associated with a longer LOS and a greater odds of readmission. If β-agonist therapy is considered a proxy for wheezing, our findings suggest that among patients admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of CAP, only those with acute wheezing benefit from adjunct systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Recurrent Fever Syndromes in Patients After Recovery From Kawasaki Syndrome
Authors: Broderick Lori , Tremoulet Adriana H. , Burns Jane C. , Bastian John F. , Hoffman Hal M.
Published: January 2011

The recurrence of fever in a child with a history of Kawasaki syndrome (KS) poses a dilemma for clinicians who must consider the possibility of recurrent KS. In this report we present the cases of 4 patients who presented with classical symptoms of KS, were successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, and later experienced a reappearance of inflammatory symptoms in a pattern consistent with a recurrent fever syndrome. The association of these syndromes within the same patient suggests that some patients may have a genetic propensity toward altered immune responses and autoinflammatory syndromes. We propose that these 2 syndromes exist within a family of febrile disorders related to innate immune dysregulation.
Closely Spaced Pregnancies Are Associated With Increased Odds of Autism in California Sibling Births
Authors: Cheslack-Postava Keely , Liu Kayuet , Bearman Peter S.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether the interpregnancy interval (IPI) is associated with the risk of autism in subsequent births.

METHODS:

Pairs of first- and second-born singleton full siblings were identified from all California births that occurred from 1992 to 2002 using birth records, and autism diagnoses were identified by using linked records of the California Department of Developmental Services. IPI was calculated as the time interval between birth dates minus the gestational age of the second sibling. In the primary analysis, logistic regression models were used to determine whether odds of autism in second-born children varied according to IPI. To address potential confounding by unmeasured family-level factors, a case-sibling control analysis determined whether affected sibling (first versus second) varied with IPI.

RESULTS:

An inverse association between IPI and odds of autism among 662 730 second-born children was observed. In particular, IPIs of <12, 12 to 23, and 24 to 35 months were associated with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for autism of 3.39 (3.00–3.82), 1.86 (1.65–2.10), and 1.26 (1.10–1.45) relative to IPIs of ≥36 months. The association was not mediated by preterm birth or low birth weight and persisted across categories of sociodemographic characteristics, with some attenuation in the oldest and youngest parents. Second-born children were at increased risk of autism relative to their firstborn siblings only in pairs with short IPIs.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that children born after shorter intervals between pregnancies are at increased risk of developing autism; the highest risk was associated with pregnancies spaced <1 year apart.
Idolatry, Paganism, and Trust in Nature
Authors: Taylor Bron
Published: January 2011

Since nature is the wellspring of all life, I suggest that, in contrast to the Abrahamic view, a type of idolatry of nature is valuable to humanity, even though it need not involve perceptions of or beliefs in non-material divine beings. Indeed, a spirituality that considers nature to be intrinsically valuable and sacred and that advances kinship ethics with non-human organisms and expresses a deep sense of humility about the human place in the biosphere is growing rapidly in the world, largely outside of explicitly Pagan subcultures.
Response to Michael York’s “Idolatry, Ecology and the Sacred as Tangible”
Authors: Morgan Mogg
Published: January 2011

A suggested extension of his thesis taking account of the fact that in the classical world the dialectic concerning “idolatry” occurs very much in an Egyptian context rather than the Hindu sources on which Michael York focuses.
Meta-evaluation of baseline studies of the Brazilian Family Health Strategy Expansion Project: a participatory and formative approach
Authors: Figueiró Ana Cláudia , Hartz Zulmira Maria de Araújo , Thuler Luiz Claudio Santos , Dias André Luiz Freitas
Published: January 2011

A participatory, formative meta-evaluation of baseline studies in Brazil is presented. International standards recommended by associations of evaluators were used, along with "specificity" criteria built up using the terms of reference for proposals for the selection of studies. The methodological approach combined a "peer review" of baseline study reports, with a participatory (self) assessment for "primary" evaluators, the average of which provided the final score. Results revealed a classification of "good" and "very good" for the set of standards. The differences between the attribution of scores further highlight the importance of taking into account multiple points of view. Given the lack of pre-existing standards for the reports, the absence of standards and the incipient nature of evaluation focusing on utility, this meta-evaluation does not adequately reflect the quality or potential utility of the baseline studies, however, it will certainly contribute to overcoming these limitations and improving future impact studies of the Brazilian Family Health Strategy Expansion Project (PROESF).
Acolhimento às crianças na atenção primária à saúde: um estudo sobre a postura dos profissionais das equipes de saúde da família
Authors: Ribeiro Liliane da Consolação Campos , Rocha Regina Lunardi , Ramos-Jorge Maria Letícia
Published: January 2011

Trata-se de estudo descritivo transversal, realizado com 384 responsáveis por crianças cadastradas em seis equipes de saúde da família. Foi utilizado o Instrumento de Avaliação da Atenção Primária (PCATool). Em relação às crianças, 52,9% eram do sexo feminino, 55,5% menores de 3 anos, 71,6% viviam com o pai e a mãe. O serviço de referência para o atendimento foi a unidade de saúde da família 77,6%. Em relação ao acolhimento/postura, 74,2% consideram que o profissional entende o que ele diz e pergunta, e 79,2% respondem da forma que o cuidador da criança entende. Para 77,2% dos responsáveis sempre que precisam conversar com o profissional eles conseguem, e 73,8% se sentem à vontade para falar com o profissional. A partir destes resultados pode-se inferir que o acolhimento/postura nestes serviços tem permitido uma interação usuário- profissional satisfatória, imprescindível para um atendimento à saúde com qualidade.
Neighborhood sociodemographic and environmental contexts and self-rated health among Brazilian adults: a multilevel study
Authors: Cremonese Cleber , Backes Vanessa , Olinto Maria Teresa Anselmo , Dias-da-Costa Juvenal Soares , Pattussi Marcos Pascoal
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sociodemographic and environmental contexts on self-rated health. A population-based cross-sectional study with a random sample of 38 neighborhoods (census tracts) and 1,100 adults was carried out. Data analysis used multilevel logistic regression. Data from the Brazilian Census of 2000, mean income, years of study of the head of household and mean number of residents per tract were R$955 (SD = 586), 8 years (SD = 3), and 746 residents (SD = 358) respectively. Higher prevalences of fair/poor self-rated health were found in neighborhoods with greater populations and lower income/schooling levels. After control for individual variables, the odds for fair/poor self-rated health was twice as high in more populous (OR = 2.04; 95%CI: 1.15-3.61) and lower-income neighborhoods (OR = 2.29; 95%CI: 1.16-4.50) compared to less populous, higher-income ones. Self-rated health depends on individual characteristics and the sociodemographic context of neighborhoods.
The Dynamics of Voter Preferences in the 2010 Congressional Midterm Elections
Authors: Panagopoulos Costas
Published: January 2011

This article examines campaign dynamics and the evolution of voter preferences for congressional candidates during the 2010 midterm election cycle. Using national pre-election polls of registered voters, I show that there was meaningful change in voter preferences over the course of the campaign and that support for Democratic contenders declined considerably between early March and Election Day. The evidence I present also reveals growing support for Republican contenders was linked to developments during the campaign period. Specifically, the erosion in Obama approval, deterioration in national economic conditions and the passage of the health reform legislation appeared to fuel the Democratic downturn.
The 2010 Midterm Elections: An Overview
Authors: Busch Andrew E.
Published: January 2011

This paper addresses three key questions related to the midterm elections of 2010: What happened? Why? And what difference does it make? Republicans made historic gains in the U.S. House and in state elections while making strong gains in the U.S. Senate. They benefited from an economic and issue environment that strongly favored them; in the House they also benefited from the overexposure of Democrats. Republican Senate gains were limited partly because Democrats were not overexposed there and partly due to factors specific to individual races, particularly candidate quality. A number of key demographics moved against Democrats, and the elections were marked by the emergence of a new popular movement in the form of the Tea Party which helped mobilize Republicans and conservative independents. The election results are best understood as a repudiation of Democratic rule, though a simple economic explanation is not sufficient. The long-term importance of the 2010 elections will depend on the interaction of important contingencies with the underlying alignment of the electorate, the character of which remains uncertain.
(withdrawed paper)
Authors: n.a. n
Published: January 2011

(withdrawed paper)
Synthesis and characterization of oxidomolybdenum(V) and dioxidomolybdeum(VI) complexes derived from isonicotinoyl(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)hydrazide
Authors: Nair Harikumaran , Thankamani D.
Published: January 2011

Several novel complexes of oxidomolybdenum(V) and dioxidomolybdenum(VI) were
synthesized with the Schiff base, 3- methoxy
salicylaldehydeisonicotinoylhydrazone (HL) derived from 3- methoxy
salicylaldehyde and isonicotinoylhydrazide. The complexes were characterized
by elemental analyses, molar conductance and magnetic susceptibility, as well
as IR, 1H-NMR, Fmass and UV-Vis spectral studies. The complexes have the
general formulae [MoO(L)XCl] and [MoO2(L)X], where X=NO3 or ClO4. The IR
spectra of these complexes indicate that the ligand (HL) acts as a
monoanionic tridentate chelating agent. The spectra indicate the monodentate
mode of coordination for the nitrate and perchlorate groups. The X-ray
diffraction studies of [MoO(L)NO3Cl] correspond to an orthorhombic crystal
lattice with unit cell dimensions a = 15.49 ?, b = 12.44 ? and c = 10.11 ?.
All the complexes were found to have distorted octahedral geometry. Thermal
studies of the complex [MoO2(L)NO3] showed that it was stable up to 240 ?C,
above which it started to decompose. The optimized geometry of ligand and one
of its complexes, [MoO(L)NO3Cl], have been obtained by a molecular mechanics
method. Antibacterial studies of the present complexes show that the
oxidomolybdenum(V) complexes were more potent bactericides than the ligand
and the dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complexes.
An environmentally benign one-pot synthesis of 1,2-dihydro-1-arylnaphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine-3-one derivatives catalysed by phosphomolybdic acid
Authors: Chaskar Atul , Vyavhare Vimal , Padalkar Vikas , Phatangare Kiran , Deokar Hrushikesh
Published: January 2011

A phosphomolybdic acid catalysed novel method for the synthesis of
1,2-dihydro-1-arylnaphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine-3-one derivatives by a one-pot,
three-component reaction of ?-naphthol, aromatic aldehydes and urea in
excellent yields is described.
X-ray structure and cytotoxic activity of a picolinate ruthenium(II)-arene complex
Authors: Ivanovic Ivanka , Grguric-Sipka Sanja , Gligorijevic Nevenka , Radulovic Sinisa , Roller Alexander , Tesic Zivoslav , Keppler Bernhard
Published: January 2011

A ruthenium(II)-arene complex with picolinic acid, [(?6-pcymene)
RuCl(pico)]?H2O, was prepared by the reaction of [(?6-pcymene) RuCl2]2 with
picolinic acid in a 1:2 molar ratio in 2-propanol. The compound was
characterized by elemental analysis, and IR and NMR spectroscopy. X-ray
diffraction analysis showed that the molecule adopts a ?three-leg
piano-stool? geometry, which is common for this type of complexes. The
cytotoxic activity of the complex was tested in two human cancer cell lines
HeLa (cervix) and Femx (melanoma) by MTT assay. The IC50 values were at 82.0
and 36.2 ?M for HeLa and Femx cells, respectively.
In-line digital holography for the study of localized corrosion and dynamic processes of electrochemical reactions
Authors: Chen Shenhao
Published: January 2011

Digital holographic reconstruction has been used to map the transient
concentration field within the diffusion layer, detect the dynamic processes
of localized corrosion, such as pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion and
scratch corrosion crack. It has been used with an attempt to identify the
actual mechanism through observing the dynamic changes of the diffusion layer
near the electrode/electrolyte interface during anodic processes of copper.
MTD-comsia modelling of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Authors: Duda-Seiman Daniel , Speranţa Avram , Mancaş Silvia , Careja Valentin , Duda-Seiman Corina , Putz Mihai , Ciubotariu Dan
Published: January 2011

The 3D quantitative structure-activity relationship for a series of
hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors based on the
pyrrolylethyl-tetrahydropyranone scaffold was examined using the Minimal
Topological Difference (MTD) method and comparative molecular similarity
index analysis (CoMSIA). The studied compounds were of the
tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-[2-(1H)-pyrrol-1-yl]ethyl-2H-pyran-2-one type. In
clinical practice, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are usually referred to by
the generic name statins. The analysis performed using the MTD method showed
that voluminous substituents produce a significant biological activity ( 2
R2CV=0.677>0.5; SEECV=0.319 ), while the CoMSIA method added useful
information regarding the influence of the steric, electrostatic,
hydrophobic, hydrogen bond donor, and acceptor properties on biological
activity (R2CV=0.60; r2=0.98).
The Spread of Aggressive Corporate Tax Reporting: A Detailed Examination of the Corporate-Owned Life Insurance Shelter
Authors: Brown Jennifer L.
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the spread of aggressive corporate tax reporting by modeling a firm’s decision to adopt the corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) shelter. Prior studies identify firm characteristics associated with aggressive tax reporting (Desai and Dharmapala 2006; Frank et al. 2009) and tax shelter participation (Wilson 2009; Lisowsky 2010). This study examines whether social environment factors explain the pattern of tax shelter adoption. Building on theory related to the diffusion of innovations and institutional isomorphism, I hypothesize direct and indirect ties between prior and potential shelter adopters influence the spread of shelter use. I find that network ties via board interlocks increase the likelihood of adopting the COLI shelter. I also find weak evidence that COLI use spreads geographically. However, I find no evidence that the spread of COLI use is concentrated among a particular set of audit firms or industries.
Can Linguistic Predictors Detect Fraudulent Financial Filings?
Authors: Goel Sunita , Gangolly Jagdish , Faerman Sue R. , Uzuner Ozlem
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT: Extensive research has been done on the analytical and empirical examination of financial data in annual reports to detect fraud; however, there is scant research on the analysis of text in annual reports to detect fraud. The basic premise of this research is that there are clues hidden in the text that can be detected to determine the likelihood of fraud. In this research, we examine both the verbal content and the presentation style of the qualitative portion of the annual reports using natural language processing tools and explore linguistic features that distinguish fraudulent annual reports from nonfraudulent annual reports. Our results indicate that employment of linguistic features is an effective means for detecting fraud. We were able to improve the prediction accuracy of our fraud detection model from initial baseline results of 56.75 percent accuracy, using a “bag of words” approach, to 89.51 percent accuracy when we incorporated linguistically motivated features inspired by our informed reasoning and domain knowledge.
Photoluminescence and photocatalytic activity of zinc tungstate powders
Authors: Gigorjeva Larisa , Millers Donats , Grabis Jānis , Jankoviča Dzidra
Published: January 2011

ZnWO4 powders with grain size in range 20 nm–10 µm have been synthesized by a simple combustion method and subsequent calcinations. The photocatalytic activities of powders were tested by degradation of methylene blue solution under UV light. The luminescence spectra and luminescence decay kinetics were studied and luminescence decay time dependence on average powder-grain size was obtained. The correlation between self-trapped exciton luminescence decay time and photocatalytic activity of ZnWO4 powders was shown. A model explaining the excitonic luminescence decay time correlation with photocatalytic activity was proposed.
Labeling and tracking human amniotic epithelial cells with green fluorescent protein in an adeno-associated virus vector
Authors: Huang Xiangjun , Luo Hongwu , Huang Fei , Liu Xun
Published: January 2011

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) are a recently identified type of stem cell. Thanks to their ready availability and the lower risk of teratoma formation, hAECs have been studied and tested for a variety of human disease treatments and tissue reconstruction efforts. This aim of this study was to establish a stable tracking system to further monitor hAECs in vivo after transplantation. hAECs were isolated from the placentas of patients who visited the Hunan Province Maternity and Child Care Hospitals between Jan 2008 and Jan 2009. Using the classic transfection/infection technique, we successfully introduced green fluorescent protein (GFP) into cultured hAECs with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. The initial preparation of the AAV-GFP virus stock was titrated using HT1081 cells, and further used for the infection of hAECs. GFP+ hAECs preserve the capacity of differentiation into hepatocytelike cells with the expression of cytokeratin-18 (CK18) and albumin (ALB). AAV-GFP virus-infected hAECs were transplanted through the spleen into severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice via hepatectomy. Four weeks later, the GFP and human albumin expressions were examined in multiple organs through immunoflourence staining. In culture, over 50% of the hAECs were GFP-positive 3 days after infection. Following transplantation, AAV-GFPinfected hAECs survived and continued to express GFP in the host for up to 4 weeks. These cells were primarily found in the spleen and liver, expressing human albumin. This study provides a feasible and stable system to track hAECs. It may prove useful to further identify their biological characteristics after transplantation and to elucidate their beneficial roles for therapeutic purposes.
Surgical Outcome Of Spontaneous Intracerebral Haematoma Through Keyhole Craniectomy
Authors: Hossain M , Ahmed SU , Ansary SAA , Islam SMK
Published: January 2011

Management of spontaneous intracerebral haematoma (SICH) is divided into two groups - medical and surgical interventions. Although surgical management is controversial, it can be life saving when patient is deteriorating. Surgical techniques varies from large craniotomy, burr hole aspiration, stereotactic & endoscopic evacuation of haematoma. Forty eight patient of SICH were treated surgically using keyhole craniectomy technique, small craniectomy of 2-2.5 cm diameter. Surgical outcome assessed by Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS). Post-operative CT scan was done in all cases. Good recovery was achieved in 2 cases (4%), moderate disability in 20 cases (42%), 5 patients remain in vegetative state. Good evacuation of haematoma was seen in 42 patients except 6 cases deteriorated by post-operative CT scan. Surgical evacuation of SICH through keyhole technique is minimally invasive, safe and can achieve desired result. Patient with a GCS > 9 prior to surgery demonstrate a better outcome with this minimally invasive method. DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v5i2.6824Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2010;5(2):60-62
Ventricular Tachycardia - Life Threatening Cardiac Arrhythmia - A Case Report
Authors: Ali SY , Ali MY , Rahman MM , Islam MM
Published: January 2011

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) & ventricular fibrillation (VF) are the most common immediate life threatening complications after acute myocardial infarction. These complications occur in about 5-10% of patients who admitted in hospital and are thought to the major causes of death who die before reaching hospital and to take medical attention. Immediate defibrillation will usually restore sinus rhythm. Prompt pre-hospital resuscitation and defibrillation can save many more lives. Our patient, Mr. Abdul Malek, aged about 55years, hailing from west Naodoba, Jajira, Sariotpur, non-hypertensive, non-diabetic, smoker was admitted in MMW, FMCH on 23/03/10 with the complaints of chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating and vomiting. During admission his pulse and BP was non-recordable, ECG shows VT. Immediately the patient was transferred to CCU from MMW. Patient was kept in cardiac monitor and arranged for DC shock. After giving 200 joules DC shock patient reverted to sinus rhythm .His pulse was recordable and reasonable blood-pressure was regained. Then the patient was treated with antiplatelets, anti-coagulant, nitrates and prophylactic iv Lignocaine. Subsequently oral anti-arrhythmic drug Amiodarone was started. The recovery of the patient was un-eventful and was discharged after 10 days without any further complication. DOI: 10.3329/fmcj.v5i2.6828Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2010;5(2):72-73
Mysteries of Nature
Authors: Molnar Michael
Published: January 2011

The article examines a group photograph of the Psychiatry and Neurology section of the 66th Meeting of the Society of German Natural Scientists and Doctors in Vienna, 24–30 September 1894 which Sigmund Freud attended. The society's origins in Naturphilosophie are indicated and a number of the participants are identified on the photo. They and the events at the conference are related to Sigmund Freud's work at the time and to his gradual abandonment of anatomy and of heredity and degeneration as significant aetiological factors in the neuroses. Philosophical problems, such as how phenomena should be described and how ‘nature’ is conceptualized, are also considered in the light of their implications for Freud's life and thought at that period.
Medial humeral epicondylar lesions in the canine elbow
Authors: Samoy Y. , Gielen I. , Ryssen Van , de Bakker E.
Published: January 2011

A calcified fragment near the medial epicondyle of the humerus was originally described as an ununited medial epicondyle in 1966. Since then several papers reported similar lesions as a cause of elbow lameness. The aetiology and clinical significance of those lesions is poorly known. This paper gives an overview of the veterinary and human literature in an attempt to explain the aetiology and to suggest a diagnostic protocol and treatment plan.
Bilateral caudal superficial epigastric skin flap and perineal urethrostomy for wound reconstruction secondary to traumatic urethral rupture in a cat
Authors: Findji L. , Clarke B. S.
Published: January 2011

Use of a bilateral caudal superficial epigastric skin flap and perineal urethrostomy for reconstruction of a wound which occurred secondary to rupture of the distal urethra and extravasation of urine is reported. A 10-month-old male neutered Domestic Shorthaired cat was presented with a history of trauma, signs of pain of the hind quarters and anuria. Progression of the clinical signs, including anuria, lethargy, anorexia, and azotemia, prompted referral and investigation 108 hours following the initial injury. Retrograde urethrography indicated a rupture of the distal pelvic urethra with extravasation of urine subcutaneously. Development of extensive skin necrosis of the perineum and rump progressed leaving a large wound defect which was managed with wound debridement and dressing. The wound was closed using staged caudal superficial epigastric skin flaps and perineal urethrostomy as part of the reconstruction.
Have Low-Cost Carriers Influenced Tourism Demand and Supply? The Case of Alghero, Italy
Authors: Pulina Manuela , Cortés-Jiménez Isabel
Published: January 2011

This article analyzes how the introduction of low-cost carriers has influenced tourism activity in a European destination, namely the town of Alghero (Italy). This can be addressed via a multiple stage approach. Firstly, a descriptive analysis highlights the dynamics of tourism demand
and supply in the past three decades. Secondly, a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model with intervention variables is employed to highlight the influence that low-cost flights have had on the town of Alghero. Finally, the relationship between demand and supply is
analyzed via a Granger test. The findings indicate that low-cost carriers have influenced both domestic and international tourism demand, albeit to differing degrees. The article offers policy direction on how tourism infrastructures should be developed according to an economic and environmental
sustainability perspective.
A Revised Importance–Performance Analysis for Assessing Image: The Case of Cultural Tourism in Britain
Authors: Liu Yi-De
Published: January 2011

Destination image is critical to the success of any destination, particularly because of how it affects the level of satisfaction with the tourist experience. Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) and its revision were selected for destination positioning analysis in this study.
The first aim of this article is to extend the traditional IPA approach and provided an option for destination positioning analysis. The measurement of image related to cultural tourism has received little attention in the tourism literature. Consequently, in this exploratory research, the
first step is to conceptualize cultural tourism and determine the main attributes involved in its image measurement. Then, the scale developed was tested in an empirical manner. A questionnaire was used to examine the importance of 19 destination attributes for Taiwanese tourists who visited
Britain's cultural tourism attractions and to determine how they rated Britain's performance with respect to these attributes postvisitation. This information was subsequently incorporated into the traditional and revised IPA grids. Then implications for destination positioning were provided
by classifying the image attributes into factors so that the British destination management organizations can make better decisions about how to improve the perceived image. The result confirms the importance of tangible and Britain-specific cultural assets, such as authentic sights, historic
architecture, museums and galleries, literary and artistic sites, as well as British customs and way of life. They can be pull factors for tourists looking to do something quintessentially British. However, adequate resources have to be allocated to improve the welcome, gastronomy, as well
as the expense of visiting Britain, not only because they are the major weaknesses but also because tourists regard them as prerequisites. Moreover, attributes such as festivals/events and lively atmosphere can delight the tourists and strongly enhance overall satisfaction.
Effects of Residency and Entertainment Events on Quality, Satisfaction, and Future Intentions
Authors: Kim Kakyom , Weldon Ann-Marie , Malik Tarun
Published: January 2011

Entertainment shows/events are becoming an increasingly great interest to entertainment organizations as a useful basis for attracting and retaining visitors. A total of 8,446 individuals surveyed by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (Charlotte, NC) were used for analysis to
explore significant differences in three quality dimensions (the show, the services/areas, and the staff treatment), along with visitor satisfaction and future intentions 1) between local and nonlocal visitors and 2) across five different types of the entertainment shows/events (Concert, Comedy,
Broadway, Family, and Others). Results of multiple MANOVA procedures suggest significant differences in the quality dimensions, satisfaction, and future intentions between local and nonlocal visitors and across the different types of the entertainment shows/events. Accordingly, several implications
relevant to marketing efforts and actions needed are discussed for practitioners and researchers.
Previous Trip Satisfaction, Destination Images, and Probability of Future Visitation
Authors: Hyun Sunghyup Sean , Perdue Richard R.
Published: January 2011

This study extends the existing tourism literature by examining the relationship between previous trip satisfaction, destination image favorability, and repeat visitation intentions. The study involved a secondary analysis of data collected by a state destination marketing organization
in the Southeast US. Factor analysis was used to reduce 19 destination image measures into three factor scores. OLS Regression was used to examine the effects of previous trip satisfaction on repeat visitation intentions, while controlling for destination image favorability. The study concludes
that, when controlling for destination image favorability, previous trip satisfaction still has a substantive effect on repeat visitation intentions, implying a need for continued theoretical development understanding the effects of previous destination visitation on repeat behavior.
Initial McGill Experience with Fluorodeoxyglucose pet/ct Staging of Soft-Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Roberge D. , Hickeson M. , Charest M. , Turcotte R. E.
Published: January 2011

Background: Soft-tissue sarcoma spreads predominantly to the lung. The frequency with which positron-emission tomography (PET) detects metastases not already obvious by chest computed tomography (CT) or clinical examination is currently unclear. Methods: We retrospectively identified cases of soft-tissue sarcoma. Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumour were excluded, as were cases in which patients underwent imaging for follow-up, response assessment, or recurrence. Patients all had undergone diagnostic chest CT as part of their staging. Directed studies were requested to follow up on abnormal findings in the clinical history or physical examination. All charts and pre-treatment imaging were reviewed retrospectively. Results: From 2004 to 2008, 75 patients met the criteria for the present review. Their median age was 51 years. In 21% of cases, the primary tumour had been removed (by excisional biopsy or unplanned excision) before staging. Of the previously unresected primary tumours, 97% were avid for fluorodeoxyglucose. Of all tumours, 81% were intermediate or high grade (Fédération Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer grades 2–3). The primary tumour was stage T2b in 69% of cases. The most common primary site was a lower extremity (55%). The most common pathologic diagnoses were leiomyosarcoma (21%), liposarcoma (19%), and synovial sarcoma (17%). At the end of staging, 17% of patients were considered to have metastatic disease. Imaging by PET was negative for distant disease in 64 of the 75 cases. In 7 of the 64 cases, metastatic disease was evident on chest CT (negative predictive value: 88%). Imaging by PET was positive in 8 cases, with 5 of those already known to have metastases, 2 having pathologically proven false positives, and 1 being a new finding of a pulmonary metastasis (positive predictive value: 75%). The PET imaging was indeterminate in 3 patients (none of whom subsequently developed metastatic disease). Two incidental benign parotid tumours were found. Overall, only 1 patient was upstaged as a result of PET imaging (1.3%). In addition, PET did not alter the management of patients already know to have M1 disease (no new organ sites identified). Conclusions: Although PET may be helpful in specific circumstances, routine use of fluorodeoxyglucose PET imaging for detection of metastatic disease as part of the initial staging of soft-tissue sarcoma added little to imaging by chest CT and was unlikely to alter management in our series.
Arterial Embolization for Ruptured Adrenal Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Habib Mohammed , Tarazi I. , Batta M.
Published: January 2011

Background: Spontaneous rupture of adrenal pheochromocytoma is an extremely rare condition that can be lethal. Optimal treatment in these cases is still unclear. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of MEDLINE articles on ruptured pheochromocytomas to locate all research done on this topic. Based on the literature review and one additional case at European Gaza Hospital, we analyzed clinical presentations, hemorrhage site, tumour side, mortality rate, and treatment options. Results: In addition to our case, we identified 53 cases of ruptured pheochromocytoma. A review of all 53 cases revealed that 17 (32%) of the patients died, and that no mortality occurred among the 12 patients who received an alpha-blocker (to control high blood pressure) and fluid infusion therapy before surgery. Only 3 patients, including our case, underwent elective surgery after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Conclusions: Surgical treatment should be considered for ruptured pheochromocytoma. Surgical approaches involve either emergency or elective surgery. It has been reported that emergency surgery is commonly associated with a high mortality rate; no deaths were reported in patients who underwent elective surgery. We therefore consider that, if a patient has hemodynamic instability, TAE can be an effective and a safe procedure for achieving hemostasis and maintaining the patient in good condition until surgery can be performed.