bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma concentrations of vitamin D metabolites in pubertal girls with anorexia nervosa
Authors: AARSKOG D. , AKSNES L. , MARKESTAD T. , TRYGSTAD O.
Published: October 2009

Plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25-(OH)2D) and vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) were measured in 12 pubertal girls (aged 10-18 yr) with anorexia nervosa in relapse. The results were compared with similar data obtained in 81 healthy girls representing all stages of puberty. The patients with anorexia nervosa had significantly lower 1,25-(OH)2D levels (71 vs. 124 pmol/l; p<0.0005), and significantly higher 24,25-(OH)2D levels (6.0 vs. 3.2 nmol/l; p<0.0005), whereas the 25-OHD concentrations were similar in the two groups (85.7 vs. 86.7 nmol/l). The molar ratios of 24,25-(OH)2D to 25-OHD, which reflects the relative activity of the 24-hydroxylation, were significantly higher in the anorectics (6.6 % vs. 3.6 %; p<0.0005). The mean level of DBP did not differ between the two groups, and accordingly the calculated "free-fraction of 1,25-(OH)2 D" was significantly lower in the anorectic patients (p<0.0005). It appears that the regulatory mechanisms of the vitamin D endocrine system are altered in the patients with anorexia nervosa at puberty resulting in a relative decrease of the plasma concentration of 1,25-(OH)2D and increase of the 24,25-(OH)2D concentration.

Key words: Anorexia nervosa, vitamin D metabolism, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D binding protein
Thyroid cell MHC class II antigens:
Authors: Davies T. F. , Roman S. H. , Mackenzie W. A. , Goldsmith N. , Dower S. M. , Piccinini L. A.
Published: October 2009

Abstract. An association exists between certain MHC polymorphisms and autoimmune thyroid disease in animals and humans. The observation of MHC class II antigen expression by the thyroid suggests that such associations may have mechanistic explanations at the level of the thyroid cell. Such class II antigen expression, rather than being a constitutive property of thyroid epithelium, appears to be primarily mediated by lymphokine secretion from intrathyroidal T lymphocytes and a variety of agents, for example TSH and TSH receptor antibodies, may amplify such lymphokine action. Thyroid cell class II antigens participate in activation and amplification of T cells and are involved in presentation of thyroid antigen to the immune system. The relationship between these local immune interactions and the initial events leading to the development of autoimmune thyroid disease requires a more fundamental understanding of the workings of the immune system at the site of antigenic stimulation.
The thyroid microenvironment in autoimmune thyroid disease: Effects of TSH and lymphokines on thyroid lymphocytes and thyroid cells
Authors: McLachlan S. M. , Pegg C. A. S. , Atherton M. C. , Middleton S. L. , Dickinson A. , Clark F. , Smith B. Rees
Published: October 2009

Abstract. Thyroid lymphocytes synthesize thyroid autoantibodies in close proximity to thyroid cells and consequently soluble mediators such as TSH and interleukins (IL) 1 and 2 may have unforeseen effects on lymphocytes and thyrocytes, respectively. Investigations of thyroid autoantibody synthesis by thyroid lymphocytes in vitro showed that TSH did not affect microsomal (Mic) antibody production, but thyroglobulin (Tg) antibody synthesis was decreased, probably as a result of complexing between Tg antibody and Tg secreted by small numbers of thyrocytes in the cell suspension. IL-1 and IL-2 partially mimicked the inhibitory effects on spontaneous autoantibody synthesis induced by Pokeweed mitogen (PWM) in cultures of thyroid lymphocytes. This inhibition may require a number of soluble mediators released by T cells in response to the mitogen; however, depletion studies indicated that the cell type responsible for PWM inhibition is unlikely to be a suppressor T cell and may be an NK cell. IL-1 and IL-2 had little effect on the viability of thyrocyte monolayers in an 18 h assay, but antibody dependent cells cytotoxicity (ADCC) using blood lymphocytes and thyroid autoantibody positive sera was demonstrated; further, the cytotoxicity appeared to be due to Mic antibodies. It is possible that IL-1 and/or IL-2 (as well as other cytokines) may affect thyroid cells after longer periods of exposure, either by altering them functionally or by direct damage. However, assuming that NK cells are present in sufficient numbers in the gland, ADCC could play a major role in the development of hypothyroidism in Hashimoto's disease.
TSH receptor structure
Authors: Chan John , Santisteban Pilar , De Luca Michele , Isozaki Osamu , Grollman Evelyn , Kohn Leonard
Published: October 2009

Abstract. When solubilized, radiolabelled membrane preparations from FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells are applied to TSH affinity columns, two separate peaks of protein can be eluted by high salts/high pH and low pH buffers, respectively. Immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibodies to the TSH receptor shows that both peaks contain proteins related to the TSH receptor. If extracts were from cells grown without TSH, one peak has a ~ 300 K and the other a ~ 70 K protein the 70 K protein can be derived from the purified 300 K protein in vitro. A 50 and 20 K protein can be derived from the 70 K protein. If extracts are from cells grown with TSH, the peaks contain a multiplicity of additional immunoprecipitable bands of ~ 200, 175, 130, 90, 50, 20 K etc. These bands are shown to result from the ability of TSH to increase the synthesis (3–4-fold) and degradation (2–3-fold) of the 300 and 70 K proteins. The 300/70 K protein fractions are reactive with monoclonal autoimmune thyroid stimulating antibodies and contain a specific disialo ganglioside. The ganglioside migrates near GM2, i.e., like a lower order ganglioside, and contains fucose. In translation experiments, the monoclonal antibodies to the TSH receptor identify a single mRNA component which produces a protein of ~ 220 K. This protein is not present in thyroid cells which have no functional TSH receptor and which cannot be surface labelled with monoclonal antibodies to the TSH receptor. The data thus indicate that the multiplicity of TSH binding proteins demonstrated in many labs may be breakdown products of a receptor which is synthesized by a single message but has both 330 and 70 K forms and is tightly complexed with a specific thyroid ganglioside. The 70 K form is composed of ~ 50 and ~ 20 K fragments seen in TSH cross-linking studies.
About the porcine TSH receptor
Authors: Farid Nadir R. , Fahraeus-van Ree Goverdina
Published: October 2009

Abstract. Using a number of immunologic and biochemical approaches, we have identified a number of [125I]bTSH binding peptides with Mr ~45 000, 66 000– 70 000, ~ 95 000; larger conjugates capable of binding the hormone have not been excluded. A conservative interpretation of the data suggest a basic receptor unit of Mr ~ 95 000 of which Mr 45 000 and 66 000–70 000 are proteolytic products of membrane-bound proteases. The association of two intact subunits by strong non-covalent forces may generate more than 3 TSH binding sites.
Properties of thyrotropin receptor on cloned hybrid human thyroid cells
Authors: Rémy Jean-Jacques , Salamero Jean , Charreire Jeannine
Published: October 2009

Abstract. Purification of the thyrotropin (TSH) binding sites from cloned human thyroid cells (GEJ) was performed after biosynthetic labelling of the cells, affinity chromatography on a human TSH-sepharose column and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulphate (PAGE-SDS). The relative molecular mass (Mr) of the GEJ cell TSH receptor (TSH-R) was approximately 48 000. This was confirmed by crosslinking [125I]TSH to GEJ binding sites with two homo-bifunctional agents: dimethyl suberimidate and disuccinimidyl suberate. Moreover, the absence of a dithiothreitol effect demonstrated that the TSH binding site on GEJ cells is formed by a single chain lacking disulphide bonds.
Polarized properties of thyroid cells: A study with cultured porcine cells
Authors: Mauchamp Jean , Chabaud Odile , Chambard Marianne , Gerard Corinne , Penel Claude , Verrier Bernard
Published: October 2009

Abstract. In primary culture porcine cells form polarized cell layers. We have designed culture conditions in which we can have access to only one side of the cell layer, either the apical or the basal surface. In addition, using culture chambers with permeable bottom we can have access to either side of the cell layer which separates two compartments. Using these organized systems we have shown that the iodide concentrating mechanism and the TSH-reseptor adenyl cyclase complex are localized on the basolateral domain of the thyroid cell plasma membrane. We also demonstrated the existence on the apical surface of an amiloride sensitive sodium uptake. Finally we observed that about 10% of newly synthesized thyroglobulin appears to be secreted directly into the basal compartment, 90% being secreted in the apical compartment.
Thyrotropin (TSH) stimulates cell growth and DNA synthesis in monolayer cultures of human thyrocytes independent of the adenylate-cyclase system
Authors: Goretzki Peter E. , Koob Rainer , Koller Christine , Röher Hans-Dietrich
Published: October 2009

Abstract. Monolayer cultures of human thyrocytes from normal thyroids (n = 13), thyroid adenomas (n = 8), differentiated (n = 7), poorly and undifferentiated (n = 5) thyroid cancers as well as thyroid cancer metastases (n = 2) were established to assess the significance of TSH and cAMP on cell growth and DNA synthesis. Cell growth was stimulated by 0.1 IU bTSH/ml and inhibited by 1.0 IU bTSH/ml (P < 0.01), while dibutyryl-cAMP (dbcAMP) failed to show any effect on cell growth at the concentrations (10–5; 10–3 mol/l), tested. Neither did the adenylate-cyclase inhibitor dideoxy-adenosine (ddA) (2 × 10–5 mol/l) stimulate thyrocyte growth. DNA synthesis, however, measured indirectly by [3H]thymidine incorporation, was stimulated not only by TSH 2–12-fold, but also by ddA 1.3–7-fold (P <0.01), and was not affected by dbcAMP. TSH had no effect on [3H]thymidine incorporation in fibroblasts and c-cells from c-cell carcinomas. The stimulatory effect of TSH on thyrocyte growth and DNA synthesis was unpredictable in thyrocytes from cancerous tissues (n = 14) with no obvious correlation to tumour differentiation or stage. Thus, we showed that TSH is a promotor for cell growth and DNA synthesis in monolayer cultures of human thyrocytes from normal and adenomatous human thyroid tissues with no obvious correlation to the AC system. This TSH effect is unpredictable, however, in thyrocytes from human thyroid cancer.
Adenylate cyclase stimulation and [3H]thymidine incorporation in human thyroid tissues and thyrocyte cultures: The effect of IgG preparation from patients with different thyroid disorders
Authors: Goretzki Peter E. , West Michael , Koob Rainer , Koller Christine , Joseph K. , Röher Hans-Dietrich
Published: October 2009

Abstract. Primary cell cultures of normal and adenomatous human thyroid tissues were incubated with TSH or ammonium sulphate precipited IGG fractions (1 mg/ml) of sera from patients with different thyroid diseases (Graves' disease: active n = 7 in remission n = 12; thyroid autonomy n = 39; simple euthyroid goitre n = 15) and were compared to controls (n = 26). [3H]thymidine incorporation in primary thyrocyte cultures demonstrated a typical bell shape curve after incubation with EGF and TSH with a maximal effect at 10–100 μIU/ml. This effect, however, was inconsistent and positive only in 2 of 7 primary cultures. Only TSH positive cultures were used for IgG studies. 16–28% of IGG fractions from sera of thyroid patients caused high (more than X + 5 sd of controls) stimulation of [3H]thymidine incorporation. Dose response curves of IgG fractions of 19 additional patients (Graves' disease in remission n = 15; thyroid autonomy n = 4) showed an increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation at 0.1 mg protein/ml for 10 patients and at low concentrations of 10–5 mg/ml for 5 patients. There was a good correlation (r = 0.72) (P < 0.0001) between positive findings in TSH-binding inhibition (TBII) and AC-stimulation (TSI) IGG fractions but none between stimulation of [3H]thymidine incorporation and any other thyroid specific immunoglobulin nor thyroid function nor any other available data. Immunoglobulins stimulating [3H]thymidine incorporation differ therefore from TBII and TSI. The growth effect of these immunoglobulins, however, has yet to be determined.
Extrathyroidal synthesis and biologic action of thyroid receptor antibody (TRAb) in Graves' disease
Authors: Paschke R. , Heinze H. G. , Teuber J. , Schmeidl R. , Usadel K. H.
Published: October 2009

Abstract. In a patient with Graves' disease who underwent thyroidectomy with subsequent radioiodine therapy thyroid receptor antibody could be detected by radioligand assay. No thyroid tissue could be detected by 131I-scintiscanning. Thyroglobulin was repeatedly negative. Biologic activity of this patients serum could be demonstrated in the nude mice bio assay. 131I-incorporation and secretion of human thyroglobulin could be stimulated by injecting thymusdysplastic nude mice with transplants of thyroid tissue from a patient with Graves' disease with the athyroid patients serum. These results demonstrate evidence for extrathyroidal production and biological actiivty of TRAb in vivo.
THE EFFECT OF PROLONGED ADMINISTRATION OF RELAXIN ON SOME FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF THE NON-PREGNANT MOUSE AND RAT UTERUS
Authors: Wiqvist Nils
Published: October 2009

Motility and tone of the non-pregnant rat and mouse uterus were studied in vitro and in vivo as influenced by relaxin.

In the in vitro experiments the following functional qualities were recorded:

frequency,

mean amplitude,

uterine work (total amplitude × load applied to the frontal writing levers),

tone.

The in vivo experiments included:

recording of the spontaneous uterine motility in rats at a low constant intrauterine pressure.

volume-pressure curves from the rat uterus by using a constant infusion devise and a strain gauge pressure transducer.

Uterine work of the mouse uterus in vitro after a single subcutaneous injection of relaxin in saline was markedly reduced for a period of one hour but reached normal values 3–6 hours after the injection. The motility inhibiting effect could also be elicited by subcutaneous injection of relaxin in repository suspension.

Frequency, mean amplitude, uterine work and tone of the oestradiol-progesterone pretreated rat uterus in vitro was not significantly altered after prolonged administration of relaxin in a repository suspension.

Uterine sensitivity to oxytocin in vitro and in vivo was not definitely influenced by prolonged action of relaxin.

Uterine distensibility, as evaluated from volume-pressure curves, was markedly enhanced after prolonged pretreatment with relaxin. It is suggested that the increased distensibility may be due to the hypertrophy of the uterus induced by relaxin but also an actual modification of its functional properties in this respect.

The necessity of distinguishing the immediate motility inhibiting effect of relaxin from prolonged action of this substance on the uterus is emphasized.
A Highly Active Palladium(I) Dimer for Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Colacot Thomas J.
Published: October 2009

The Pd(I) dimer [Pd(μ-Br)(tBu
3
P)]
2
is one of the best third-generation cross-coupling catalysts
for carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom coupling reactions. Information on its characterisation and handling are presented, including its decomposition mechanism in the presence of oxygen. The catalytic activity of [Pd(μ-Br)(tBu
3
P)]
2
is higher than either (tBu
3
P)Pd(0) or the in situ generated catalyst system based on Pd
2
(dba)
3
with tBu
3
P. Examples of suitable reactions for which the Pd(I) dimer offers superior performance are given.
A Case of Agonadism Associated With Y‐Chromosome Rearrangement: Cytogenetic and Molecular Studies
Authors: Cui Ying‐Xia , Shi Yi‐Chao , Liu QI , Xia Xin‐Yi , Lu Hong‐Yong , Shao Hai‐Feng , Jia LI , Yao Bing , Ge Yi‐Feng , Li Xiao‐Jun , Huang Yu‐Feng
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Testicular regression syndrome (MIM273250) is characterized primarily by absence of gonads in a person of XY karyotype. Phenotypes range from complete female external genitalia (primary or “true” agonadism) to male phenotype with anorchia (testicular regression). Phenotypic differences depend on the stage of embryo development during which testes degenerate. No conclusive mapping can be concluded for the phenotype. We describe a novel case of primary agonadism with a karyotype of 46,X,der(Y)(pter→q11.23::pter→p11.31 or p11.2:). Transcriptional analysis revealed little expression of USP9Y and UTY genes on the Y chromosome in our case, which would explain her phenotypes of agonadism with short stature.
Total Sperm per Ejaculate of Men: Obtaining a Meaningful Value or a Mean Value With Appropriate Precision
Authors: Amann Rupert P. , Chapman Phillip L.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: We retrospectively mined and modeled data to answer 3 questions. 1) Relative to an estimate based on ∼20 semen samples, how imprecise is an estimate of an individual's total sperm per ejaculate (TSperm) based on 1 sample? 2) What is the impact of abstinence interval on TSperm and TSperm/h? 3) How many samples are needed to provide a meaningful estimate of an individual's mean TSperm or TSperm/h? Data were for 18–20 consecutive masturbation samples from each of 48 semen donors. Modeling exploited the gamma distribution of values for TSperm and a unique approach to project to future samples. Answers: 1) Within‐individual coefficients of variation were similar for TSperm or TSperm/h abstinence and ranged from 17% to 51%; average ∼34%. TSperm or TSperm/h in any individual sample from a given donor was between −20% and +20% of the mean value in 48% of 18–20 samples per individual. 2) For a majority of individuals, TSperm increased in a nearly linear manner through ∼72 hours of abstinence. TSperm and TSperm/h after 18–36 hours' abstinence are high. To obtain meaningful values for diagnostic purposes and maximize distinction of individuals with relatively low or high sperm production, the requested abstinence should be 42–54 hours with an upper limit of 64 hours. For individuals producing few sperm, 7 days or more of abstinence might be appropriate to obtain sperm for insemination. 3) At least 3 samples from a hypothetical future subject are recommended for most applications. Assuming 60 hours' abstinence, 80% confidence limits for TSperm/h for 1, 3, or 6 samples would be 70%–163%, 80%–130%, or 85%–120% of the mean for observed values. In only ∼50% of cases would TSperm/h for a single sample be within −16% and +30% of the true mean value for that subject. Conclusions: Pooling values for TSperm in samples obtained after 18–36 or 72–168 hours' abstinence with values for TSperm obtained after 42–64 hours is inappropriate. Reliance on TSperm for a single sample per subject is unwise.
Fifty‐ two—Week Treatment With Diet and Exercise Plus Transdermal Testosterone Reverses the Metabolic Syndrome and Improves Glycemic Control in Men With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes and Subnormal Plasma Testosterone
Authors: Heufelder Armin E. , Saad Farid , Bunck Mathijs C. , Gooren Louis
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Men with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) often have low testosterone levels. Elevating low testosterone levels may improve features of the MetS and glycemic control. In a single blind, 52‐week randomized clinical trial, the effects of supervised diet and exercise (D&E) with or without transdermal testosterone administration on components of the MetS in hypogonadal men with the MetS and newly diagnosed T2D were assessed. A total of 32 hypogonadal men (total testosterone <12.0 nmol/L) with newly diagnosed T2D and with the MetS as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III and the International Diabetes Federation received supervised D&E, but 16 received it in combination with testosterone gel (50 mg) once daily (n = 16). No glucose‐lowering agents were administered prior to or during the study period. Outcome measures were components of the MetS as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III and the International Diabetes Federation. Serum testosterone, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations, and the waist circumference improved in both treatment groups after 52 weeks of treatment. Addition of testosterone significantly further improved these measures compared with D&E alone. All D&E plus testosterone patients reached the HbA1c goal of less than 7.0%; 87.5% of them reached an HbA1c of less than 6.5%. Based on Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, 81.3% of the patients randomized to D&E plus testosterone no longer matched the criteria of the MetS, whereas 31.3% of the D&E alone participants did. Additionally, testosterone treatment improved insulin sensitivity, adiponectin, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein. Addition of testosterone to supervised D&E results in greater therapeutic improvements of glycemic control and reverses the MetS after 52 weeks of treatment in hypogonadal patients with the MetS and newly diagnosed T2D.
Evaluation of plant-wide WWTP control strategies including the effects of filamentous bulking sludge
Authors: Flores-Alsina Xavier , Comas Joaquim , Roda Ignasi Rodríguez , Poch Manel , Gernaey Krist V. , Jeppsson Ulf
Published: October 2009

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the effect of filamentous bulking sludge on the predicted performance of simulated plant-wide WWTP control strategies. First, as a reference case, several control strategies are implemented, simulated and evaluated using the IWA Benchmark Simulation Model No. 2 (BSM2). In a second series of simulations the parameters of the secondary settler model in the BSM2 are automatically changed on the basis of an on-line calculated risk of filamentous bulking, in order to mimic the effect of growth of filamentous bacteria in the plant. The results are presented using multivariate analysis. Including the effects of filamentous bulking in the simulation model gives a—more realistic—deterioration of the plant performance during periods when the conditions for development of filamentous bulking sludge are favourable: compared to the reference case where bulking effects are not considered. Thus, there is a decrease of the overall settling velocity, an accumulation of the total suspended solids (TSS) in the middle layers of the settler with a consequent reduction of their degree of compaction in the bottom. As a consequence there is a lower TSS concentration in both return and waste flow, less biomass in the bioreactors and a reduction of the TSS removal efficiency. The control alternatives using a TSS controller substantially increase the food to microorganisms (F/M) ratio in the bioreactor, thereby reducing both risk and effects of bulking sludge. The effects of ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−) and reject water control strategies are rather poor when it comes to handling solids separation problems.
Effect of feed characteristics on the organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus removal in an activated sludge system treating piggery slurry
Authors: González C. , García P. A. , Muñoz R.
Published: October 2009

Piggery wastewater is characterized by its high content in nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as by a low C/N ratio. This type of wastewater is traditionally spread to croplands (with its subsequent leaching to groundwater) or rarely discharged into natural water bodies, which ultimately cause severe episodes of eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems. In this context, activated sludge systems constitute a robust and efficient treatment option. The performance of an activated sludge process using a pre-denitrification configuration treating both sieved and flocculated swine slurry at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 7.7 days was evaluated. In order to avoid bacterial wash-out, sludge from the settler was recirculated to the anoxic tank to accomplish denitrification. Once the biomass was acclimatized, the reactor was fed with swine slurry containing 19, 2.6, and 0.27 g/L of total chemical oxygen demand (COD), total Kjeldhal nitrogen (TKN), and soluble P, respectively. Nitrogen removal showed a clear dependency on the influent composition. When the influent TKN/total COD and soluble COD/total COD ratios were respectively 0.12–0.15 and 0.7, the reactor exhibited good removal efficiencies (up to 99 and 91 for N-NH4+, TKN, respectively) while PO43− was removed up to 65%. However, when the influent TKN/total COD ratio rose to 0.26 and soluble COD/total COD decreased to 0.3, the denitrification process was severly hindered concomitant with and accumulation of nitrite. Nevertheless, organic matter degradation was not affected by influent composition. At the last stage of the experiment, removals of dissolved phosphorus fell to 40% when the redox potential (ORP) profile showed a constant value of −400 mV, likely due to phosphate released from bacterial slugde.
Using remotely sensed imagery to estimate potential annual pollutant loads in river basins
Authors: He Bin , Oki Kazuo , Wang Yi , Oki Taikan
Published: October 2009

Land cover changes around river basins have caused serious environmental degradation in global surface water areas, in which the direct monitoring and numerical modeling is inherently difficult. Prediction of pollutant loads is therefore crucial to river environmental management under the impact of climate change and intensified human activities. This research analyzed the relationship between land cover types estimated from NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) imagery and the potential annual pollutant loads of river basins in Japan. Then an empirical approach, which estimates annual pollutant loads directly from satellite imagery and hydrological data, was investigated. Six water quality indicators were examined, including total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), suspended sediment (SS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). The pollutant loads of TN, TP, SS, BOD, COD, and DO were then estimated for 30 river basins in Japan. Results show that the proposed simulation technique can be used to predict the pollutant loads of river basins in Japan. These results may be useful in establishing total maximum annual pollutant loads and developing best management strategies for surface water pollution at river basin scale.
Kinetics of the sonophotocatalytic degradation of orange G in presence of Fe3 +
Authors: Madhavan Jagannathan , Grieser Franz , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: October 2009

The degradation and mineralization of orange G (OG) in aqueous solution by means of ultrasound irradiation at a frequency of 213 kHz and its combination with Fe3 +  were investigated. The effect of Fe3 +  concentration on the degradation efficiency was studied. The degradation of the dye followed first-order like kinetics under the conditions examined. A comparison study on the hybrid technique of sonophotocatalytic degradation in the presence of Fe3 +  (SonoFenton) with the individual techniques of photocatalysis and sonolysis was also performed. A slight synergistic enhancement in the degradation of the dye was observed during the sonophotocatalytic oxidation of OG using Fe3 + . The total organic carbon (TOC) measurements, carried out in order to evaluate the mineralization efficiency of OG using sonolysis, photocatalysis and sonophotocatalysis, showed a synergetic effect of combining sonolysis and photolysis.
A Rapid Determination Method of Chemical Oxygen Demand in Printing and Dyeing Wastewater Using Ultraviolet Spectroscopy
Authors: Kong Huoliang , Wu Huifang
Published: October 2009

A rapid method to determine chemical oxygen demand (COD) in printing and dyeing wastewater using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy was developed in this study. The UV method has several advantages compared to the chemical method, such as shortened analysis time, convenience, no requirement of expensive and toxic reagents, and good reproducibility. It was established that the magnitude of COD and, to a certain extent, pH and suspended solids of the sample have effects on the accuracy and precision of the method. The results showed the fitting range of CODCr (COD determined by the dichromate method) was 0 to 360 mg/L−1 And the pH ranged from 2.45 to 9.22. If the UV365 (UV absorbance at 365 nm) is measured and is subtracted from UV254 (UV absorbance at 254 nm), then the effects of suspended solids was eliminated. A control experiment of CODCr determination using the rapid method and the standard dichromate method was carried out, which validated the former.
“Proof” in Pictures: Visual Evidence and Meaning Making in the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Controversy
Authors: Winn Wendy
Published: October 2009

This case study focuses on images in three Science articles on the ivory-billed woodpecker, whose rediscovery was recently heralded. Because the primary piece of evidence is a frustratingly fuzzy four-second video, two groups of authors ultimately disagree on its interpretation and the same still video images that are used to argue for the sighting are used to argue against it. Given that the authors are making taxonomic arguments, images that closely resemble reality are employed. These images, like all images, are coded, and this analysis seeks to unlock these visual codes to reveal how meaning is made at the site of production, the site of the image, and the site of the audience. It also exposes how meaning making at the site of the image fueled the controversy.
Impact of Chronic Anticholesterol Therapy on Development of Microvascular Rarefaction in the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Goodwill Adam G. , Frisbee Stephanie J. , Stapleton Phoebe A. , James Milinda E. , Frisbee Jefferson C.
Published: October 2009

Objective: The obese Zucker rat (OZR) model of the metabolic syndrome is partly characterized by moderate hypercholesterolemia, in addition to other contributing comorbidities. Previous results suggest that vascular dysfunction in OZR is associated with chronic reduction in vascular nitric‐oxide (NO) bioavailability and chronic inflammation, both frequently associated with hypercholesterolemia. As such, we evaluated the impact of chronic cholesterol‐reducing therapy on the development of impaired skeletal muscle arteriolar reactivity and microvessel density in OZR and its impact on chronic inflammation and NO bioavailability.

Materials and Methods: Beginning at seven weeks of age, male OZR were treated with gemfibrozil, probucol, atorvastatin, or simvastatin (in chow) for 10 weeks. Subsequently, plasma and vascular samples were collected for biochemical/molecular analyses, while arteriolar reactivity and microvessel network structure were assessed by using established methodologies after 3, 6, and 10 weeks of drug therapy.

Results: All interventions were equally effective at reducing total cholesterol, although only the statins also blunted the progressive reductions to vascular NO bioavailability, evidenced by greater maintenance of acetylcholine‐induced dilator responses, an attenuation of adrenergic constrictor reactivity, and an improvement in agonist‐induced NO production. Comparably, while minimal improvements to arteriolar wall mechanics were identified with any of the interventions, chronic statin treatment reduced the rate of microvessel rarefaction in OZR. Associated with these improvements was a striking statin‐induced reduction in inflammation in OZR, such that numerous markers of inflammation were correlated with improved microvascular reactivity and density. However, using multivariate discriminant analyses, plasma RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted), interleukin‐10, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were determined to be the strongest contributors to differences between groups, although their relative importance varied with time.

Conclusions: While the positive impact of chronic statin treatment on vascular outcomes in the metabolic syndrome are independent of changes to total cholesterol, and are more strongly associated with improvements to vascular NO bioavailability and attenuated inflammation, these results provide both a spatial and temporal framework for targeted investigation into mechanistic determinants of vasculopathy in the metabolic syndrome.
The Health Tsunami: Non-Communicable Diseases - MDG Plus and Bangladesh
Authors: Hussain Syed Md Akram
Published: October 2009

DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v38i2.3570Bangladesh Medical Journal 38(2) 2009 37-38
Etiology and Outcome of Acute Hepatic Failure - A Study of 40 Cases
Authors: Islam N , Abdullah ABM , Zaman A
Published: October 2009

Acute hepatic failure (ALF) is a medical emergency and infrequently presented in the hospitals and may be associated with high mortality rate. Its etiology shows considerable geographical variations. The viral causes are the most common worldwide, [whilst acetaminophen (Paracetamol) induced hepatotoxicity forms the most common precipitant in many developed countries.] A total forty (40) patients of ALF were studied during the period of January 2003 to July 2004 to evaluate the etiology and outcome. The patients were admitted in different tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh. The patients were selected randomly by the diagnostic criteria. The selected patients presented with jaundice and hepatic encephalopathy of varying grades. Almost all the cases the causative agents were viruses. Among these, the hepatitis E virus (HEV) was the top most causative agent followed by hepatitis B virus (HBV) in this study. Despite good effort of conservative treatment, the mortality rate was 77.5%. The mortality rate was higher in grade-III and grade-IV encephalopathy patients whereas the prognosis is better in grade-I and grade-II encephalopathy patients.   DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v38i2.3575 Bangladesh Medical Journal 38(2) 2009 56-59
Correction: Hong, K. et al. Actinomycetes for Marine Drug Discovery Isolated from Mangrove Soils and Plants in China. Mar. Drugs 2009, 7, 24–44
Authors: Hong Kui , Gao An-Hui , Xie Qing-Yi , Gao Hao , Zhuang Ling , Lin Hai-Peng , Yu Hai-Ping , Li Jia , Yao Xin-Sheng , Goodfellow Michael , Ruan Ji-Sheng
Published: October 2009

We found an error in our paper published in Marine Drugs [1]. [...]
Event Management and Group Communications: The Case of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens
Authors: Papagiannopoulos P. , Xenikos D. G. , Vouddas P.
Published: October 2009

The latest developments in information and communication technologies (ICT) revolutionize the way security, reliability, and efficiency of administration action is assured in large-scale events. This report draws from the experience of the 2004 Olympic Games and models the use of ICT
for wireless group communications in the operations management. We examine (1) the structure and the information content of the communication routes for management, (2) the criteria for selection of a wireless telecommunications technology appropriate for the event, and (3) the reproducibility
of important work parameters related to communications during typical operations or emergency conditions. We present data from the Athens Olympic Games, where the wireless communication systems successfully served the administration needs of the Olympics community, which included staff, organizations,
and firms in the multinational events.
University Students' Attitudes towards Cell Phone Learning Environment
Authors: Muhanna Wafa' N. , Abu-Al-Sha'r Awatif M.
Published: October 2009

This study aims at investigating Jordanian university undergraduate and graduate students' attitudes towards the learning environment where cell phones are used as learning tools in classroom. To achieve this goal, the researchers distributed two questionnaires among two groups of two different levels of randomly chosen university students at the Faculty of Educational Sciences at Al-al-Bayt University. The first one addresses 30 undergraduate students, 12 male and 18 female. The other addresses 20 graduates, 7 male and 13 female. The study comprised two independent variables, level and gender, as covariates. The findings indicate that undergraduates are more favorable to cell phone environment than graduate students. The study also reveals that cell phone has more influence on male students than on female students.
The psychometrical properties of translated versions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey
Authors: Marais Carin , Mostert Karina , Rothmann Sebastiaan
Published: October 2009

Orientation: The investigation of the psychometric properties of translated versions of a burnout measure.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of translated versions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey (MBI-GS) and the Cognitive Weariness Scale.Motivation for the study: To adhere to Section 8 of the Employment Equity Act, Act No. 55 of 1998 (p. 7), which stipulates that ‘Psychological testing and other similar assessments are prohibited unless the test or assessment being used (a) has been scientifi cally shown to be valid and reliable, (b) can be applied fairly to all employees, and (c) is not biased against any employee or group.’Research design, approach and method: The current study follows the quantitative research tradition. This study was conducted with a convenience sample of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS; N = 685). The questionnaires were translated into Afrikaans and Setswana and were administered together with the original English version.Main findings: The results indicated that a four-factor model, consisting of Exhaustion, Cynicism, Professional Effi cacy, and Cognitive Weariness or Burnout, fi tted the data best. The scales did not show measurement invariance for Afrikaans, Setswana and English samples. The reliabilities of the Exhaustion and Professional Effi cacy subscales were acceptable in the three samples.Practical/managerial implications: The implication of the results of the study under review is that the adapted MBI-GS scores obtained by the English, Afrikaans and Setswana home language speaking participants were not comparable in terms of the different translations of the instrument. Therefore, separate norms have to be developed to assess the extent of burnout experienced by the English, Afrikaans and Setswana home language speaking members of the SAPS who participated in the study. As the translated versions of the adapted MBI-GS are clearly not equivalent, more studies are needed to minimise the semantic differences existing between the different translations of the instrument.Contribution/Value-add: To date, no research regarding burnout has been conducted in South Africa within the different language groups by means of translated measuring instruments.
A Representation Theorem for Archimedean Quadratic Modules on ∗-Rings
Authors: Cimprič Jakob
Published: October 2009

We present a new approach to noncommutative real algebraic geometry based on the representation theory of C*-algebras. An important result in commutative real algebraic geometry is Jacobi's representation theorem for archimedean quadratic modules on commutative rings. We show that this theorem is a consequence of the Gelfand–Naimark representation theorem for commutative C*-algebras. A noncommutative version of Gelfand–Naimark theory was studied by I. Fujimoto. We use his results to generalize Jacobi's theorem to associative rings with involution.
Generalized Eigenfunctions and a Borel Theorem on the Sierpinski Gasket
Authors: Okoudjou Kasso A. , Rogers Luke G. , Strichartz Robert S.
Published: October 2009

We prove there exist exponentially decaying generalized eigenfunctions on a blow-up of the Sierpinski gasket with boundary. These are used to show a Borel-type theorem, specifically that for a prescribed jet at the boundary point there is a smooth function having that jet.
A New Tautological Relation in via the Invariance Constraint
Authors: Arcara D. , Lee Y.-P.
Published: October 2009

A new tautological relation of in codimension 3 is derived and proved, using an invariance constraint from our previous work.
Connections on a Parabolic Principal Bundle, II
Authors: Biswas Indranil
Published: October 2009

In Connections on a parabolic principal bundle over a curve, I we defined connections on a parabolic principal bundle. While connections on usual principal bundles are defined as splittings of the Atiyah exact sequence, it was noted in the above article that the Atiyah exact sequence does not generalize to the parabolic principal bundles. Here we show that a twisted version of the Atiyah exact sequence generalizes to the context of parabolic principal bundles. For usual principal bundles, giving a splitting of this twisted Atiyah exact sequence is equivalent to giving a splitting of the Atiyah exact sequence. Connections on a parabolic principal bundle can be defined using the generalization of the twisted Atiyah exact sequence.
Points of Small Height on Varieties Defined over a Function Field
Authors: Ghioca Dragos
Published: October 2009

We obtain a Bogomolov type of result for the affine space defined over the algebraic closure of a function field of transcendence degree 1 over a finite field.
On the X-ray Number of Almost Smooth Convex Bodies and of Convex Bodies of Constant Width
Authors: Bezdek K. , Kiss Gy.
Published: October 2009

The X-ray numbers of some classes of convex bodies are investigated. In particular, we give a proof of the X-ray Conjecture as well as of the Illumination Conjecture for almost smooth convex bodies of any dimension and for convex bodies of constant width of dimensions 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Hamiltonian Properties of Generalized Halin Graphs
Authors: Malik Shabnam , Qureshi Ahmad Mahmood , Zamfirescu Tudor
Published: October 2009

A Halin graph is a graph H = T ∪ C, where T is a tree with no vertex of degree two, and C is a cycle connecting the end-vertices of T in the cyclic order determined by a plane embedding of T. In this paper, we define classes of generalized Halin graphs, called k-Halin graphs, and investigate their Hamiltonian properties.
Indecomposable Coverings
Authors: Pach János , Tardos Gábor , Tóth Géza
Published: October 2009

We prove that for every k > 1, there exist k-fold coverings of the plane (i) with strips, (ii) with axis-parallel rectangles, and (iii) with homothets of any fixed concave quadrilateral, that cannot be decomposed into two coverings. We also construct for every k > 1 a set of points P and a family of disks in the plane, each containing at least k elements of P, such that, no matter how we color the points of P with two colors, there exists a disk D ∈ all of whose points are of the same color.
Boundary Behavior of Solutions of the Helmholtz Equation
Authors: Hirata Kentaro
Published: October 2009

This paper is concerned with the boundary behavior of solutions of the Helmholtz equation in ℝn. In particular, we give a Littlewood-type theorem to show that the approach region introduced by Korányi and Taylor (1983) is best possible.
Lipschitz Type Characterizations for Bergman Spaces
Authors: Wulan Hasi , Zhu Kehe
Published: October 2009

We obtain new characterizations for Bergman spaces with standard weights in terms of Lipschitz type conditions in the Euclidean, hyperbolic, and pseudo-hyperbolic metrics. As a consequence, we prove optimal embedding theorems when an analytic function on the unit disk is symmetrically lifted to the bidisk.
Enantioselective Organocatalytic Conjugate Addition of Aldehydes to α,β‐Unsaturated Thiol Esters
Authors: Zhu Shaolin , Wang You , Ma Dawei
Published: October 2009

The first example of an organocatalytic asymmetric Michael addition of aldehydes to α,β‐unsaturated thiol esters promoted by chiral diphenylprolinol silyl ether is presented. The reaction occurs with good yields, diastereoselectivity and excellent enantioselectivity.
New Indenylidene‐Schiff Base‐Ruthenium Complexes for Cross‐Metathesis and Ring‐Closing Metathesis
Authors: Vila Ana M. Lozano , Monsaert Stijn , Drozdzak Renata , Wolowiec Stanislaw , Verpoort Francis
Published: October 2009

We here report on the stability and catalytic activity of new indenylidene‐Schiff base‐ruthenium complexes 3a–f through representative cross‐metathesis (CM) and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) reactions. Excellent activity of the new complexes was found for the two selected RCM reactions; prominent conversion was obtained compared to the commercial Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst 2. Moreover, excellent results were obtained for a standard CM reaction. Higher conversions were achieved with one of the indenylidene catalysts compared with Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst. Unexpectedly, an isomerization reaction was observed during the CM reaction of allylbenzene. To the best of our knowledge, isomerization reactions in this model CM reaction in closed systems have never been described using first generation catalysts, including the Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst. The first model CM reactions as well as the RCM reactions have been monitored using 1H NMR. The course of the CM reaction of 3‐phenylprop‐1‐ene (8) and cis‐1,4‐diacetoxybut‐2‐ene (9) was monitored by GC. The isomerization reaction was studied by means of GC‐mass spectrometry and in situ IR spectroscopy. All catalysts were structurally characterized by means of 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy.
Synthesis of 2,3‐Diarylbenzo[b]thiophenes via Nickel‐Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling and Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Arylation
Authors: Miyasaka Mitsuru , Hirano Koji , Satoh Tetsuya , Miura Masahiro
Published: October 2009

We report a new approach to 2,3‐diarylbenzo[b]thiophenes based on the nickel‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling/palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative arylation sequence of 3‐chloro‐2‐methoxycarbonylbenzo[b]thiophenes, which are readily accessible from the corresponding cinnamic acids. In addition, this methodology can be applied to the concise synthesis of π‐extended 2,3,6,7‐tetraarylbenzo[1,2‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophenes. Their optical properties are also described.
Direct Amide Synthesis from Alcohols and Amines by Phosphine‐Free Ruthenium Catalyst Systems
Authors: Ghosh Subhash Chandra , Muthaiah Senthilkumar , Zhang Yao , Xu Xiangya , Hong Soon Hyeok
Published: October 2009

Amides are synthesized directly from alcohols and amines in high yields using an in situ generated catalyst from easily available ruthenium complexes such as the (p‐cymene)ruthenium dichloride dimer, [Ru(p‐cymeme)Cl2]2, or the (benzene)ruthenium dichloride dimer, [Ru(benzene)Cl2]2, an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand, and a nitrogen containing L‐type ligand such as acetonitrile. The phosphine‐free catalyst systems showed improved or comparable activity compared to previous phosphine‐based catalytic systems. The in situ generated catalyst from [Ru(benzene)Cl2]2, an NHC ligand, and acetonitrile showed excellent activity toward reactions with cyclic secondary amines such as piperidine and morpholine.