bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of advanced cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas with non‐pegylated liposomal doxorubicin – Consensus of the lymphoma group of the Working Group Dermatologic Oncology
Authors: Assaf Chalid , Becker Jürgen C. , Beyer Marc , Cozzio Antonio , Dippel Edgar , Klemke Claus‐Detlev , Kurschat Peter , Weichenthal Michael , Stadler Rudolf
Published: January 2013

Background:

Systemic treatment with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is an established second‐line treatment of advanced cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is currently unavailable, therefore, clinical studies investigating the efficacy of non‐pegylated liposomal formula (NPLD) have been analyzed.

Methods:

Since clinical trials comparing PLD and NPLD in CTCL do not exist, the clinical use of NPLD including safety and efficiency profile in other types of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma were analyzed.

Results:

Clinical trials show a comparable efficacy of NPLD and PLD in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. The dosage of NPLD used in the treatment of systemic lymphoma within polychemotherapy regimens was 50 mg/m2 every three weeks. Overall response was 75–95%, including a complete remission rate of 65–80% and 2‐ and 3‐year overall survival rates of 55–75%. These data indicate that the non‐pegylated formula of doxorubicin has a similar antitumor effect as the pegylated one but shows reduced cardiotoxicity. The palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia frequently observed in PLD has not been observed with the use of the NPLD.

Conclusions:

The clinical use of NPLD in the treatment of CTCL is reasonable. In analogy to the clinical trials of NPLD in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma a dosage of 50 mg/m2 every three weeks is recommended for the treatment of CTCL.
Greater potency of darbepoetin‐α than erythropoietin in suppression of serum hepcidin‐25 and utilization of iron for erythropoiesis in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Shoji Shigeichi , Inaba Masaaki , Tomosugi Naohisa , Okuno Senji , Ichii Mitsuru , Yamakawa Tomoyuki , Kurihara Satoshi
Published: January 2013

Background

The potency of darbepoetin‐α (DPO‐α) to improve anemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients is greater than that of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO).

Design and methods

To assess the potency of DPO‐α to mobilize iron from body stores in comparison with rHuEPO in HD patients without apparent inflammation or infection, serum iron, transferrin saturation (TSAT), ferritin, and hepcidin‐25 were measured serially. This study included (i) a long‐term crossover study for 3 yr to compare the effects of the two erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA) on serum iron, TSAT, and ferritin, and (ii) a short‐term crossover study for 8 wk to examine their effects on serum hepcidin‐25 in HD patients.

Results

The long‐term crossover study demonstrated that the change of ESA from rHuEPO to DPO‐α significantly decreased serum ferritin while serum iron and TSAT remained unchanged, while DPO‐α as well as rHuEPO maintained hemoglobin level in the target range between 10.0 and 11.0 g/dL. Furthermore, in the short‐term crossover study, area under the percent suppression of serum hepcidin‐25 time curve for the first 7 d during the DPO‐α treatment period was significantly greater than that during the rHuEPO period (348.0 ± 92.4 vs. 178.4 ± 131.5%.day P = 0.030). The greater suppression of hepcidin‐25 by DPO‐α may facilitate iron mobilization, resulting in diminution of body iron stores without any significant effect on serum iron utilizable for erythropoiesis.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that DPO‐α has a greater advantage than rHuEPO in that it facilitates iron mobilization from body stores into bone marrow to induce effective erythropoiesis and thus could protect against possible harmful effects caused by excessive iron stores in the body.
Long‐term molecular remission with lenalidomide treatment of relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Spina Francesco , Rezzonico Francesca , Farina Lucia , Corradini Paolo
Published: January 2013

Lenalidomide is effective against relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We report the first case of long‐term molecular remission with continuous lenalidomide treatment in a young patient with CLL relapsed to multiple treatments. Minimal residual disease was assessed by nested polymerase chain reaction on bone marrow samples with patient‐specific primers. A 20‐yr‐old patient with standard‐risk CLL was treated with lenalidomide after multiple relapses and achieved a 4 yr long complete molecular response with minimal toxicities. Published biologic data support that lenalidomide induces an immune‐mediated control of CLL, and our case suggests that long‐term treatment with lenalidomide is effective at a molecular level in patients with relapsed CLL.
The future of soil invertebrate communities in polar regions: different climate change responses in the Arctic and Antarctic?
Authors: Nielsen Uffe N. , Wall Diana H.
Published: January 2013

The polar regions are experiencing rapid climate change with implications for terrestrial ecosystems. Here, despite limited knowledge, we make some early predictions on soil invertebrate community responses to predicted twenty‐first century climate change. Geographic and environmental differences suggest that climate change responses will differ between the Arctic and Antarctic. We predict significant, but different, belowground community changes in both regions. This change will be driven mainly by vegetation type changes in the Arctic, while communities in Antarctica will respond to climate amelioration directly and indirectly through changes in microbial community composition and activity, and the development of, and/or changes in, plant communities. Climate amelioration is likely to allow a greater influx of non‐native species into both the Arctic and Antarctic promoting landscape scale biodiversity change. Non‐native competitive species could, however, have negative effects on local biodiversity particularly in the Arctic where the communities are already species rich. Species ranges will shift in both areas as the climate changes potentially posing a problem for endemic species in the Arctic where options for northward migration are limited. Greater soil biotic activity may move the Arctic towards a trajectory of being a substantial carbon source, while Antarctica could become a carbon sink.
The biodisposition and hypertrichotic effects of bimatoprost in mouse skin
Authors: Woodward David F. , Tang Elaine S.‐H. , Attar Mayssa , Wang Jenny W.
Published: January 2013

Studies on bimatoprost were performed with two objectives: (i) to determine whether bimatoprost possesses hair growth‐stimulating properties beyond eyelash hypertrichosis and (ii) to investigate the biodisposition of bimatoprost in skin for the first time. Bimatoprost, at the dose used clinically for eyelash growth (0.03%) and given once daily for 14 days, increased pelage hair growth in C57/black 6 mice. This occurred as a much earlier onset of new hair growth in shaved mice and the time taken to achieve complete hair regrowth, according to photographic documentation and visual assessment. Bimatoprost biodisposition in the skin was determined at three concentrations: 0.01%, 0.03% and 0.06%. Dose‐dependent Cmax values were obtained (3.41, 6.74, 12.3 μg/g tissue), and cutaneous bimatoprost was well maintained for 24 h following a single dose. Bimatoprost was recovered from the skin only as the intact molecule, with no detectable levels of metabolites. Thus, bimatoprost produces hypertrichosis as the intact molecule.
Sedimentary facies and biofacies of theTorinosuLimestone in theTorinosu area,KochiPrefecture,Japan
Authors: Ohga Hiromichi , Kołodziej Bogusław , Nose Martin , Schmid Dieter U. , Takayanagi Hideko , Iryu Yasufumi
Published: January 2013

TheTorinosuLimestone represents carbonate platform deposits in a foreland basin, the sedimentary setting of which is highly different from those of well‐knownLateJurassic reefs in the westernTethys that developed on shelf areas of continental margins and intra‐Tethyan platforms. Sedimentological and paleontological analyses were conducted on a 55.5 m‐thickUpperJurassic–LowerCretaceous (Tithonian–Berriasian) carbonate sequence (TorinosuLimestone) at theEasternHitotsubuchiQuarry,KochiPrefecture,SouthwestJapan. The carbonate sequence is composed of two sections that are separated by a subaerial exposure surface. Two and three depositional units have been defined in the lower and upper sections, respectively, based on changes in lithology and the biotic composition of the carbonates; they are numbered from 1 to 5, in ascending order. Calcified demosponges (stromatoporoids and a chaetetidChaetetopsis crinita) are abundant in three units (2, 3, and 5), in which microencrusters (mostlyLithocodium aggregatumandBacinella irregularis) and microbialites are also common to abundant. Although most of them are para‐allochthonous,in‐situbranching stromatoporoids are found on and above the subaerial exposure surface (unit 3). Corals are less common, poorly diverse, and primarily represented by the familyMicrosolenidae. Siliciclastic grains occur in all units, but they are particularly common in units 1 and 4. The co‐occurrence of theLithocodium–Bacinellaassociation, which is typical of oligotrophic or moderately mesotrophic shallow‐water environments, with microsolenids, which are indicative of high nutrient levels and/or low‐light intensity due to high turbidity, suggests repeated changes in nutrient levels associated with terrigenous input. Based on lithology, biotic composition, and succession, we infer that sea‐level changes and related terrigenous input controlled the sedimentary environment of the studied carbonate sequence.
Altered species interactions at forest edges: contrasting edge effects on bumble bees and their phoretic mite loads in temperate forest remnants
Authors: Ewers Robert M. , Bartlam Scott , Didham Raphael K.
Published: January 2013

The way in which species interactions are altered at habitat edges is an emerging concern in conservation biology, with some theories predicting edge‐affected habitats to be less stable and exhibit intensified species interactions relative to interior habitats. One little‐studied interaction is phoresy, where an individual of one species attaches itself to an individual of another species for the purpose of dispersal. Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are important crop pollinators around the world and at least 10 species of phoretic mites have been associated with various bumble bee species.

Here, we investigated changes in the abundance of the introduced European B. terrestris across forest‐grassland edges in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, and concomitant changes in the phoretic mite loads on these mobile pollinators.

Bumble bees penetrated up to 250 m inside forest fragments, with abundance declining with distance from the anthropogenic matrix habitat. By contrast, phoretic mite loads increased towards the forest interior. Overall, phoretic mite loads on B. terrestris were greatest in the forest canopy, suggesting that this species interaction is intensified in natural habitat compared to that in the anthropogenic land use surrounding forest fragments.

Our data indicate that phoretic loads on bumble bees are elevated in forest canopies. The functional significance of altered bumble bee – mite interactions for pollination services at forest edges remains to be tested.
Motivational interviewing and exercise programme for community‐dwelling older persons with chronic pain: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Tse Mimi MY , Vong Sinfia KS , Tang Shuk Kwan
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine the effectiveness of an integrated motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme on pain, physical and psychological function, quality of life, self‐efficacy, and compliance with exercise for community‐dwelling older persons with chronic pain.

Background

Chronic pain is common among older persons. Indeed, motivation for managing pain is poor, and may cause negative consequences. Motivational interviewing maybe effective in treating chronic pain.

Design

Single‐blinded randomised control study.

Methods

Older persons with chronic pain (n = 56) were recruited from two elderly community centres. They were blinded from the group allocation. The programme was conducted by an motivational interviewing‐trained physiotherapist and registered nurses. Participants in the experimental group received an 8‐week integrated motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme, while the control group received regular activities in the centre. Motivational interviewing used open‐ended questions to encourage participants to express and recognise their pain and behaviours and professional feedback was given accordingly. Pain intensity, pain self‐efficacy, anxiety, happiness, depression, mobility and quality of life were measured before and after the motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme. Attendance and compliance rate of the programme was calculated in the experimental group.

Results

Significant improvements in pain intensity, pain self‐efficacy, anxiety, happiness and mobility after the motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme (all p < 0·05) for experimental group, while no significant improvement in control group except on the happiness scale. Regarding group differences in the outcome measures, the change scores on pain intensity, state anxiety and depression were significantly better in the experimental group.

Conclusion

Motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme is effective in improving pain, physical mobility, psychological well‐being and self‐efficacy for community‐dwelling older persons with chronic pain.

Relevance to clinical practice

Motivational interviewing is a feasible counselling technique whose content can be modified based on target group to change maladaptive behaviours, elicit ambivalences and enhance self‐efficacy for making changes. Thus, promoting motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme to older persons with pain is effective and important.
The effect of oral training on vital signs of premature infants
Authors: Fan Ya‐Chi , Chung Shih‐Chi , Yang Peng‐Hong , Hung Chao‐Chia , Li Hsiao‐Juan
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to develop an applicable oral training protocol and test its effects on vital sign stabilisation in premature infants.

Background

Oral training improves the feeding behaviour of premature infants. However, the inconsistencies of oral training procedures in previous studies obscure the interventional effect of oral training on vital sign stabilisation in premature infants.

Design

True experimental design.

Methods

Sixty premature infants with a gestational age <33 weeks were recruited and randomly assigned to the oral training or control group.

Results

Heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation tended to improve in the oral training group compared to those in the control group. However, the intergroup differences with respect to vital signs before and after feeding were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Further studies comparing protocols with different measurement points and durations are suggested.
MEASURING CRACK COCAINE AND ITS IMPACT
Authors: FRYER ROLAND G. , HEATON PAUL S. , LEVITT STEVEN D. , MURPHY KEVIN M.
Published: January 2013

Numerous social indicators turned negative for Blacks in the 1980s and rebounded a decade later. We explore whether crack cocaine explains these patterns. Absent a direct measure, we construct a crack prevalence index using multiple proxies. Our index reproduces spatial and temporal patterns described in ethnographic accounts of the crack epidemic. It explains much of the 1980s rise in Black youth homicide and more moderate increases in adverse birth outcomes. Although our index remains high through the 1990s, crack's deleterious social impact fades. Changes over time in behavior, crack markets, and the user population may have mitigated crack's damaging impacts. (JEL K42, J15, I30)
SCHOOL QUALITY AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE: EVIDENCE FROM THE HOUSING MARKET
Authors: CARRILLO PAUL , CELLINI STEPHANIE R. , GREEN RICHARD K.
Published: January 2013

In this article, we investigate the relationship between school quality and information disclosure in housing markets. When presented with the option of identifying their local public school in a real estate listing, we find that sellers with homes assigned to higher‐performing schools are more likely to provide this information. We find more evidence of selective disclosure in 2001–2002 than in 2006–2007, when the costs of gathering and disclosing information on school assignments and quality were lower. Furthermore, we find more evidence of strategic behavior among sellers of large single‐family units that presumably appeal to families with children. After controlling for school quality, information disclosure does not appear to affect housing prices. Taken together, our results support the findings of the education literature on the importance of school quality capitalization in residential real estate and they provide the first evidence of strategic information disclosure in housing markets. (JEL L15, I20, R31)
Conjuring up Traditions: Atmospheres, Eras and Family Christmases
Authors: Mason Jennifer , Muir Stewart
Published: January 2013

Despite some macro level concern with the concepts of tradition and ‘detraditionalization’, sociologists for the most part have paid relatively little attention to the everyday realities of family traditions as they are experienced and narrated in people's lives. Based on a qualitative study of ‘Family Backgrounds and Everyday Lives’, this article explores people's experiences and narratives of family Christmases, and examines how traditions are conjured up and evoked in multidimensional, embodied, emplaced and sensory ways. The article argues that in recognizing and conjuring up family practices and happenings as ‘traditions’, people create a vivid and potent sense of generational eras, atmospheres and family styles. These have a moral currency that matters – sometimes quite profoundly – in people's lives, and are the subject of debate and negotiation between, as well as within, generations. Christmas traditions, it is argued, are central in the constitution of eras not least because they enable the bundling up of time – past, present and anticipated for descendant generations – into packages of generalized ‘time out of time’, characterized by distinctive atmospheres, and around which memories can coalesce and about which stories can be told. These atmospheric eras – more than broad or macro understandings of ‘tradition’ – are central in how generational dynamics and personal family histories take shape, and how memories are ‘indexed’ in and through time.
Witnesses to History: Children's Views of Race and the 2008 United States Presidential Election
Authors: Patterson Meagan M. , Pahlke Erin , Bigler Rebecca S.
Published: January 2013

The 2008 presidential election presented a unique opportunity to examine children's attention to racial issues in politics. We conducted interviews with 6‐ to 11‐year‐old children (70 boys, 60 girls; 29 African Americans, 58 European Americans, 43 Latinos) within 3 weeks prior to and after the election. Interview questions concerned knowledge, preferences, and perceptions of others’ attitudes concerning the election, views of the implications of the election for race relations, and personal aspirations to become president. Results indicated that children were highly knowledgeable about Obama's status as the first African American president. Most children felt positively about the presence of an African American candidate for president, although a few children showed clear racial prejudice. Overall, children expected others to show racial ingroup preferences but simultaneously endorsed the optimistic view that Obama's race was a slight asset in his bid for the presidency. Older children were somewhat more likely to view Obama's race as negatively impacting his chances of being elected than younger children. African American and Latino children were more interested in becoming president than European American children; aspiration rates did not change from pre‐ to post‐election.
The seminiferous epithelial cycle and microanatomy of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and southern hairy‐nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) testis
Authors: Oishi Motoharu , Takahashi Mei , Amasaki Hajime , Janssen Tina , Johnston Stephen D.
Published: January 2013

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and southern hairy‐nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) are iconic Australian fauna that share a close phylogenetic relationship but there are currently no comparative studies of the seminiferous epithelial cell or testicular microanatomy of either species. Koala and wombat spermatozoa are unusual for marsupials as they possess a curved stream‐lined head and lateral neck insertion that superficially is similar to murid spermatozoa; the koala also contains Sertoli cells with crystalloid inclusions that closely resemble the Charcot–Bottcher crystalloids described in human Sertoli cells. Eighteen sexually mature koalas and four sexually mature southern hairy‐nosed (SHN) wombats were examined to establish base‐line data on quantitative testicular histology. Dynamics of the seminiferous epithelial cycle in the both species consisted of eight stages of cellular association similar to that described in other marsupials. Both species possessed a high proportion of the pre‐meiotic (stages VIII, I – III; koala – 62.2 ± 1.7% and SHN wombat – 66.6 ± 2.4%) when compared with post‐meiotic stages of the seminiferous cycle. The mean diameters of the seminiferous tubules found in the koalas and the SHN wombats were 227.8 ± 6.1 and 243.5 ± 3.9 μm, respectively. There were differences in testicular histology between the species including the koala possessing (i) a greater proportion of Leydig cells, (ii) larger Sertoli cell nuclei, (iii) crystalloids in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm, (iv) a distinctive acrosomal granule during spermiogenesis and (v) a highly eosinophilic acrosome. An understanding of the seminiferous epithelial cycle and microanatomy of testis is fundamental for documenting normal spermatogenesis and testicular architecture; recent evidence of orchitis and epididymitis associated with natural chlamydial infection in the koala suggest that this species might be useful as an experimental model for understanding Chlamydia induced testicular pathology in humans. Comparative spermatogenic data of closely related species can also potentially reflect evolutionary divergence and differences in reproductive strategies.
Impact of a temporary stoma on patients' everyday lives: feelings of uncertainty while waiting for closure of the stoma
Authors: Danielsen Anne K , Soerensen Erik E , Burcharth Kirsten , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine patients′ experiences of impact of a temporary stoma on their everyday life. Furthermore, we wanted to generate new knowledge and comprehension of learning how to live with a temporary stoma.

Background

There are many aspects, largely unexplored, that may influence patients′ adaptation to life with a stoma. Amongst these, being in a temporary state is relatively unexplored and may have a restrictive impact on patients′ adaptation.

Design

Focus group interviews conducted with seven patients with temporary stoma were set up with a hermeneutic phenomenological perspective.

Methods

Data were processed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The creation of a temporary stoma led to feelings of uncertainty related to being in an undecided situation. Stoma creation led to feelings of stigma and worries about disclosure. Patients proposed group‐based patient education with lay educators with a stoma to make sure that information about the stoma was based on real‐life experiences.

Conclusions

Creation of a temporary stoma was linked to uncontrollable feelings of uncertainty. Professionals should assist patients with focus on coping strategies, as they are associated with positive re‐evaluation of the situation. Introducing a coherent and structured learning environment involving both lay educators with a stoma and group‐based learning would be useful.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses and other health professionals should support patients in problem‐focused coping strategies. These strategies may be supported when patients have a high sense of coherence. Furthermore, patients′ disclosure of the stoma as a way to master feelings of stigma should be facilitated. Stoma education is central for patients, and group‐based learning that involves lay educators with a stoma is seen as a way to empower patients with temporary stomas.
The development and psychometrical evaluation of a set of instruments to evaluate the effectiveness of diabetes patient education
Authors: Duprez Veerle , De Pover Marleen , De Spiegelaere Marc , Beeckman Dimitri
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To develop a set of psychometrically sound instruments to assess knowledge, self‐management and self‐efficacy of diabetic patients. Furthermore, a survey to evaluate the satisfaction about diabetes education for patients was developed and tested.

Background

Treatment and secondary prevention of diabetes require a complex combination of care components. Patients' education has been accepted to improve diabetes knowledge, self‐management and self‐efficacy. Psychometrically sound instruments are needed to measure these patient‐centred outcomes.

Design

Psychometric instrument validation.

Methods

The first phase included a systematic literature review to develop the instruments. Content validity was evaluated using a two‐round Delphi procedure involving diabetes experts. The content validity of the instruments was excellent. In a second phase, a convenience sample of 188 diabetic patients in two hospitals in one specific care region in Belgium participated in the psychometric evaluation. The criterion‐related validity and internal consistency reliability were evaluated.

Results

The study produced a 21‐item knowledge instrument, reflecting knowledge about ‘glycemic control’ and ‘medico‐social management aspects’. The self‐management instrument included 32 statements, reflecting ‘treatment and compliance’ and ‘general lifestyle’. The self‐efficacy instrument included 30 items, reflecting ‘nutrition’, ‘treatment’ and ‘regimen’. The patient satisfaction survey included 36 items, reflecting satisfaction about the relationship among the diabetes specialist, the diabetes educator, podiatrist and dietician.

Conclusions

An instrument set with sound psychometric characteristics was developed to assess knowledge, self‐management and self‐efficacy of diabetic patients. Future studies should focus on the association between the instrument outcomes and clinical patient outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice

The current instrument can support the design of educational interventions and training programmes and reduce inconsistencies in the information that patients receive. Furthermore, the instruments can be used for benchmarking the quality of diabetic patient education.
‘Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation’: Political Orientations and Activities of a Cohort of Canadian University Students in the Mid‐Sixties
Authors: Grayson J Paul
Published: January 2013

While Canadian scholars have documented some of the beliefs and behaviours of student activists in the 1960s, little has been said of the ‘average’ Canadian university student. As a result, this article deals with the political orientations and activities of students who entered Glendon College, York University, in 1963 and who graduated by 1967. It will be shown that upon entry to the university this cohort of students was primarily Liberal. Despite fundamental changes that were occurring at a macro‐social level, by and large, the distribution of students’ political orientations was the same in 1967 as it had been in 1963. The virtual absence of collective action with a political objective was consistent with this reality.
Alternate‐day fasting diet improves fructose‐induced insulin resistance in mice
Authors: Beigy M. , Vakili S. , Berijani S. , Aminizade M. , Ahmadi‐Dastgerdi M. , Meshkani R.
Published: January 2013

Increased fructose consumption is linked to insulin resistance, weight gain, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Although the advantages of several dietary restriction regimens have been demonstrated, the effects of alternate‐day fasting (ADF) on fructose‐induced insulin resistance have not yet been studied. This study is based on a new modification on ADF by combining the fructose‐rich solution (10% w/v) and regular mice diet. Mice were randomly allocated into four groups: ADF50% (50% restriction in chow food intake but ad libitum fructose drink), ADF100% (100% restriction for chow food but ad libitum fructose drink), control (ad libitum chow food intake plus tap water) and daily food and fructose (DFF) (had free access to both chow and fructose solution). Biweekly fasting blood sugar (FBS), glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were conducted. All groups gained weight during the study (p < 0.05). Body weights of DFF and control groups did not differ from that of ADF groups, but ADF50% gained more (p < 0.01) weights than ADF100% through the study. Total calorie intake (feed + fast days) of ADF50% was higher than that of ADF100% (p < 0.001) and control (p < 0.03). In addition, ADF groups consumed more energy than the control and DFF groups in feed (ad libitum) days (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, the mean FBS levels in the control and ADF100% groups were similar and significantly lower in relation to that of DFF and ADF50% groups (p < 0.01). Measurements of area under the curve in GTT and ITT revealed that the ADF100% group was more insulin‐sensitive than the DFF and ADF50% groups. In conclusion, these data suggest that the ADF100% improves fructose‐induced insulin resistance in mice.
Stretch‐dependent sensitization of post‐junctional neural effectors in colonic muscles
Authors: Won K.‐J. , Sanders K. M. , Ward S. M.
Published: January 2013

Background  The colon undergoes distension‐induced changes in motor activity as luminal contents or feces increase wall pressure. Input from enteric motor neurons regulates this motility. Here we examined stretch‐dependent responses in circular muscle strips of murine colon.

Methods  Length ramps (6–31μm s−1) were applied in the axis of the circular muscle layer in a controlled manner until 5 mN isometric force was reached.

Key Results  Length ramps produced transient membrane potential hyperpolarizations and attenuation of action potential (AP) complexes. Responses were reproducible when ramps were applied every 30 s. Stretch‐dependent hyperpolarization was blocked by TTX, suggesting AP‐dependent release of inhibitory neurotransmitter(s). Atropine did not potentiate stretch‐induced hyperpolarizations, but increased compliance of the circular layer. Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine (l‐NNA) inhibited stretch‐dependent hyperpolarization and decreased muscle compliance, suggesting release of NO mediates stretch‐dependent inhibition. Control membrane potential was restored by the NO donor sodium nitorprusside. Stretch‐dependent hyperpolarizations were blocked by l‐methionine, an inhibitor of stretch‐dependent K+ (SDK) channels in colonic muscles. Loss of interstitial cells of Cajal, elicited by Kit neutralizing antibody, also inhibited responses to stretch. In presence of l‐NNA and apamin, stretch responses became excitatory and were characterized by membrane depolarization and increased AP firing. A neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist inhibited this stretch‐dependent increase in excitability.

Conclusions and Inferences  Our data show that stretch‐dependent responses in colonic muscles require tonic firing of enteric inhibitory neurons, but reflex activation of neurons does not appear to be necessary. NO causes activation of SDK channels, and stretch of muscles further activates these channels, explaining the inhibitory response to stretch in colonic muscle strips.
Role of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthases in the guinea pig ileum myenteric plexus during in vitro ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Giaroni C. , Marchet S. , Carpanese E. , Prandoni V. , Oldrini R. , Bartolini B. , Moro E. , Vigetti D. , Crema F. , Lecchini S. , Frigo G.
Published: January 2013

Background  Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to abnormalities in motility, namely delay of transit, caused by damage to myenteric neurons. Alterations of the nitrergic transmission may occur in these conditions. This study investigated whether an in vitro I/R injury may affect nitric oxide (NO) production from the myenteric plexus of the guinea pig ileum and which NO synthase (NOS) isoform is involved.

Methods  The distribution of the neuronal (n) and inducible (i) NOS was determined by immunohistochemistry during 60 min of glucose/oxygen deprivation (in vitro ischemia) followed by 60 min of reperfusion. The protein and mRNA levels of nNOS and iNOS were investigated by Western‐immunoblotting and real time RT‐PCR, respectively. NO levels were quantified as nitrite/nitrate.

Key Results  After in vitro I/R the proportion of nNOS‐expressing neurons and protein levels remained unchanged. nNOS mRNA levels increased 60 min after inducing ischemia and in the following 5 min of reperfusion. iNOS‐immunoreactive neurons, protein and mRNA levels were up‐regulated during the whole I/R period. A significant increase of nitrite/nitrate levels was observed in the first 5 min after inducing I/R and was significantly reduced by Nω‐propyl‐l‐arginine and 1400 W, selective inhibitors of nNOS and iNOS, respectively.

Conclusions & Inferences  Our data demonstrate that both iNOS and nNOS represent sources for NO overproduction in ileal myenteric plexus during I/R, although iNOS undergoes more consistent changes suggesting a more relevant role for this isoform in the alterations occurring in myenteric neurons following I/R.
Impact of protamine dose on activated clotting time and thromboelastography in infants and small children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Gautam Nischal K. , Schmitz Michael L. , Harrison Dale , Zabala Luis M. , Killebrew Pamela , Belcher Ryan H. , Prodhan Parthak , Mckamie Wesley , Norvell Daniel C.
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To study the effect of two protamine‐dosing strategies on activated clotting time (ACT) and thromboelastography (TEG).

Background

Protamine dosage based on neutralizing heparin present in the combined estimated blood volumes (EBVs) of the patient and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) pump may result in excess protamine and contributes toward a coagulopathy that can be detected by ACT and TEG in pediatric patients.

Methods

A total of 100 pediatric patients 1 month to ≤5 years of age undergoing CPB were included in this retrospective before/after design study. Combined‐EBV group consisted of 50 consecutive patients whose protamine dose was calculated to neutralize heparin in the combined EBVs of the patient and the pump. Pt‐EBV group consisted of the next 50 consecutive patients whose protamine dose was calculated to neutralize heparin in the patient's EBV.

Results

Baseline and postprotamine ACTs were similar between groups. Postprotamine heparin assay (Hepcon) showed the absence of residual heparin in both groups. Postprotamine kaolin‐heparinase TEG showed that R was prolonged by 7.5 min in the Combined‐EBV group compared with the Pt‐EBV group (mean R of 20.17 vs 12.4 min, respectively, P < 0.001). Increasing doses of protamine were associated with a corresponding, but nonlinear increase in R. There was no significant difference in the changes for K, alpha, and MA between the groups.

Conclusion

Automated protamine titration with a protamine dosage based on Pt‐EBV can adequately neutralize heparin as assessed by ACT while minimizing prolonging clot initiation time as measured by TEG.
Changing pattern of antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori in children during 20 years in Jinju, South Korea
Authors: Seo Ji‐Hyun , Jun Jin‐Su , Yeom Jung Sook , Park Ji Sook , Youn Hee‐Shang , Ko Gyung‐Hyuck , Baik Seung‐Chul , Lee Woo‐Kon , Cho Myung‐Je , Rhee Kwang‐Ho
Published: January 2013

Background

The antimicrobial resistance capability of Helicobacter pylori is one of the critical factors in the failure to treat this pathogen. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changing pattern of primary antibiotic resistance rates in children in the southern central part of South Korea from 1990 to 2009.

Methods

H. pylori strains were isolated from children who had undergone upper endoscopy at Gyeongsang National University Hospital, including 58 children from 1990–1994 and 33 children from 2005–2009. The susceptibility of H. pylori strains to erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, metronidazole, furazolidone, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and rifabutin was tested using the serial twofold agar dilution method.

Results

The resistance rate to erythromycin increased significantly from 13.8% in 1990–1994 to 33.3% in 2005–2009 (P = 0.032). Clarithromycin resistance increased from 6.9% to 18.2%. Metronidazole resistance decreased from 32.8% to 27.3%. The minimum inhibitory concentration of azithromycin and erythromycin showed definite shifts to higher concentrations in 2005–2009 compared with the strains sampled in 1990–1994 (P = 0.021 and P = 0.025, respectively). The frequency of both macrolide‐ and metronidazole‐resistant strains was 13.8% in 1990–1994 and 15.2% in 2005–2009. No associations were detected between multidrug‐resistant strains and the two study periods.

Conclusions

The antibiotic resistance rates of H. pylori in Jinju had a different pattern to other regions. The antibiotic resistance rates of H. pylori showed geographic variation, and local data should be provided as a guideline for treating H. pylori infection.
Post‐treatment of up‐flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor effluents in activated sludge process‐based system for anionic surfactants
Authors: Mungray A. K. , Murthy Z. V. P.
Published: January 2013

This paper presents the performance of two full‐scale up‐flow anaerobic sludge blanket–activated sludge process (UASB‐ASP)‐based sewage treatment plants (STPs) (surface and diffused aeration‐based activated sludge processes as post‐treatment units). Performance of this combination is compared with UASB–polishing ponds and UASB–ozonation‐based STPs. Post‐treatment units removed 89 and 92% of anionic surfactants (AS) by surface and diffused aeration, respectively. Finally, 0.61 and 0.23 mg/L of AS were discharged from post‐treatment steps after overall reduction of 90–92%. Final concentrations from UASB‐ASP‐based STPs were low compared with UASB–polishing ponds (3.60–4.91 mg/L) and UASB–ozonation (1.52 and 0.53 mg/L). Overall, UASB‐ASP‐based STPs were working efficiently for the removal of organics in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) (84%) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (93%), but they need further modifications for the removal of AS up to the level of risk quotient [risk quotient (RQ)] ≤ 1 for no risk to aquatic environment.
Univariate Artificial Neural Network in Forecasting Demand of Low Cost House in Petaling Jaya
Authors: Bakhary Norhisham , Yahya Khairulzan , Ng Chin Nam
Published: January 2013

Kebelakangan ini ramai penyelidik mendapati ‘Artificial Neural Network’ (ANN) untuk digunakan dalam berbagai bidang kejuruteraan awam. Banyak aplikasi ANN dalam proses peramalan menghasilkan kejayaan. Kajian ini memfokuskan kepada penggunaan siri masa ‘Univariate Neural Network’ untuk meramalkan permintaan rumah kos rendah di daerah Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Dalam kajian ini, beberapa kes bagi sesi latihan dan ramalan telah dibuat untuk mendapatkan model terbaik bagi meramalkan permintaan rumah. Nilai RMSE yang paling rendah yang diperolehi bagi tahap validasi adalah 0.560 dan nilai MAPE yang diperolehi adalah 8.880%. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan kaedah ini memberikan keputusan yang boleh diterima dalam peramalan permintaan rumah berdasarkan data masa lalu.

Kata kunci: Univariate Neural Network, permintaan rumah kos rendah, RMSE, MAPE

Recently researchers have found the potential applications of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in various fields in civil engineering. Many attempts to apply ANN as a forecasting tool has been successful. This paper highlighted the application of Time Series Univariate Neural Network in forecasting the demand of low cost house in Petaling Jaya district, Selangor, using historical data ranging from February 1996 to Appril 2000. Several cases of training and testing were conducted to obtain the best neural network model. The lowest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) obtained for validation step is 0.560 and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) is 8.880%. These results show that ANN is able to provide reliable result in term of forecasting the housing demand based on previous housing demand record.

Key words: Time Series Univariate Neural Network, low cost housing demand, RMSE, MAPE
Flow Regime Identification Using Neural Network–Based Electrodynamic Tomography System
Authors: Rahmat Mohd. Fua’ad , Ahmed Sabit Hakilo
Published: January 2013

Proses tomografi adalah suatu teknik membina imej yang murah, cekap dan sesuai untuk proses di industri yang kini semakin diguna pakai untuk tujuan pemantauan proses dan pengukuran. Mekanisme pengesanan dalam proses tomografi bergantung kepada bahan aliran dalam paip industri sama ada pepejal, gas atau cecair. Dalam kertas kerja ini, proses yang terlibat adalah pengaliran pepejal kering dalam paip mengikut arah graviti dan mekanisme pengesanan yang digunakan ialah penderia elektrodinamik. Pengenalpastian rejim aliran daripada pengukuran penderia adalah dengan menggunakan rangkaian neural yang akan mengenal pasti aliran pepejal sama ada dalam aliran penuh, suku separuh dan tiga suku.

Kata kunci: Proses tomografi, rangkaian neural, penderia elektrodinamik, pengenalpastian

Process tomography is a low cost, efficient and non-invasive industrial process imaging technique. It is used in many industries for process imaging and measuring. Provided that appropriate sensing mechanism is used, process tomography can be used in processes involving solids, liquids, gases, and any of their mixtures. In this paper, the process to be imaged and measured involves solid particles flow in gravity drop system. Electrical charge tomography or electrodynamic tomography is a tomographic technique using electrodynamic sensors. This paper presents the flow regime identification using neural network.

Keywork: Process tomography; neural network; electrodynamic sensor; identification
On Monitoring of Liquid/Gas Flow Using Ultrasonic Tomography
Authors: Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Rahiman Mohd. Hafiz Fazalul , Ng Wei Nyap , Chan Kok San
Published: January 2013

In this paper, 16–pairs of ultrasonic sensors have been used. The system is capable of visualising the internal characteristics of liquid and gas flow, and provides the concentration map of the corresponding liquid and gas flow. The investigations were based on the transmission and reception of ultrasonic sensors that were mounted circularly on the surface of test pipe. Three experiments were carried out on the test pipe to simulate the horizontal flow of liquid (water) and gas (air) with three static conditions. The results showed that as the distance between the transmitting sensor and receiving sensor increases, the ultrasound will consume a longer travel time to reach to the target.

Keywords: Ultrasonic, ultrasonic tomography, liquid and gas flow, flow measurement system
Adsorption of Toluene Using Low Cost Adsorbent
Authors: Hameed Bassim H. , Mohamed Abdul Rahman , Chong Hui Ying
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja ini membincangkan tentang kecekapan penjerap yang lebih murah, iaitu tayar getah terbuang (DRT), dalam menyingkirkan toluena daripada fasa akuas. Penjerapan toluena pada tayar getah terbuang dikaji menggunakan sistem berkelompok pada suhu 25°C dan 30°C. Daripada kajian ini, didapati toluena dapat disingkirkan sehingga 70% dengan menggunakan julat kepekatan awalan antara 50 mg/l hingga 300 mg/l. Dengan menggunakan model keseimbangan terlelurus, iaitu model Langmuir dan Freundlich, keupayaan penjerapan maksimum dapat ditentukan. Daripada data eksperimen, terbukti bahawa walaupun kedua–dua model isoterma Langmuir dan Freundlich boleh menjelaskan data isoterma, tetapi penjerapan toluena pada DRT dapat ditunjukkan dengan lebih baik oleh isoterma Freudlich. Bagi nilai K Freundlich, keupayaan penjerapan ialah 6.6374 mg/l dan 7.7535 mg/l, pada suhu 25°C dan 30°C. Nilai eksponen n Freudlich adalah lebih daripada satu untuk kedua–dua suhu.

Kata kunci: Toluena, penjerapan, isoterma, tayar getah terbuang, model isoterma Langmuir, model isoterma Freundlich

This paper discusses the effectiveness of a less expensive adsorbent, a discarded rubber tyre (DRT) in removing toluene from aqueuos phase. Adsorption of toluene on a DRT has been studied by using batch system at 25 and 30°C. It was found that up to 70% of toluene was removed for the range of toluene initial concentrations studied between 50–300 mg/l. Using linearized forms of equilibrium models, namely Langmuir and Freundlich models, the maximum adsorptive capacities were determined. It was evident from the experimental data that, although both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models could describe the isotherm data, the adsorption of toluene on a DRT was described well by the Freundlich isotherm. For Freundlich K values, sorption capacities were 6.6374 and 7.7535 mg/l at 25 and 30°C, respectively. The values of Freundlich exponent n were greater than one for both temperatures.

Key words: Toluene, adsoprtion, isotherms, discarded rubber tyre, Langmuir isotherm model, Freundlich isotherm model
Prediction of the Effect of Dimension, Particle Density, Temperature, and Inlet Velocity on Cyclone Collection Efficiency
Authors: Gimbun Jolius , Choong Thomas S. Y. , Fakhru’l–Razi A , Chuah T. G.
Published: January 2013

Kecekapan pengumpulan pemisah siklon bergantung kepada beberapa faktor seperti dimensinya, ketumpatan partikel dan suhu beroperasi. Sifat fizikal bendalir seperti ketumpatan dan kelikatan bendalir serta parameter operasi misalnya halaju masukan bendalir juga mempengeruhi kecekapan siklon. Artikel ini membandingkan ketepatan ramalan oleh empat model siklon iaitu Lapple[2], Koch dan Licht[3], Li dan Wang[4], dan Iozia dan Leith[5]. Kesemua ramalan terbukti memuaskan jika dibandingkan dengan data eksperimen yang sedia ada. Model Li dan Wang[4] menghasilkan ramalan yang lebih tepat berbanding tiga model lain dengan penyisihan hanya 3% daripada data eksperimen. Oleh yang demikian, model tersebut sesuai digunakan untuk menilai kecekapan silikon. Kecekapan silikon meningkat dengan berkurangnya diameter siklon, suhu beroperasi dan lebar masukan siklon. Sebaliknya, kecekapan siklon di dapati meningkat secara berkadar terus dengan peningkatan halaju masukan dan ketumpatan partikel.

Kata kunci: Kecekapan siklon, dimensi, halaju masukan, suhu

The collection efficiency of a cyclone separator depends on several factors including design parameters, such as dimensions of the cyclone separator, particle density, and operating temperature. The physical properties of fluid, namely the density and viscosity, and operating parameters such as the inlet velocity of the fluid into the cyclone and the outlet conditions also affect the cyclone efficiency. This paper compares the prediction accuracy of four cyclone collection models, namely Lapple[2], Koch and Licht[3], Li and Wang[4], and Iozia and Leith[5]. All the predictions proved to be satisfactory when compared with the presented experimental data. The Li and Wang model[4], predicts the cyclone collection efficiency much better than the other three models with a deviation of only 3% from the experimental data and therefore, it could be used in the evaluation of cyclone efficiency. The cyclone efficiency increases with decreasing cyclone body diameter, operating temperature, and cyclone inlet width. On the other hand, cyclone effiency increases proportionally with inlet velocity and particle density.

Keywords: Cyclone efficiency; dimension; inlet velocity; temperature