bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of cytochrome P-450 concentration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains
Authors: Matuo Míriam Cristina Sakuragui , Kikuchi Irene Satiko , Pinto Terezinha de Jesus Andreoli
Published: November 2010

Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been widely used in mutagenicity tests due to the presence of a cytochrome P-450 system, capable of metabolizing promutagens to active mutagens. There are a large number of S. cerevisiae strains with varying abilities to produce cytochrome P-450. However, strain selection and ideal cultivation conditions are not well defined. We compared cytochrome P-450 levels in four different S. cerevisiae strains and evaluated the cultivation conditions necessary to obtain the highest levels. The amount of cytochrome P-450 produced by each strain varied, as did the incubation time needed to reach the maximum level. The highest cytochrome P-450 concentrations were found in media containing fermentable sugars. The NCYC 240 strain produced the highest level of cytochrome P-450 when grown in the presence of 20 % (w/v) glucose. The addition of ethanol to the media also increased cytochrome P-450 synthesis in this strain. These results indicate cultivation conditions must be specific and well-established for the strain selected in order to assure high cytochrome P-450 levels and reliable mutagenicity results.
Antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects of hydroethanolic extract from Macrosiphonia velame (A. St.-Hil.) M. Arg. in animal models
Authors: Ribeiro Reginaldo Vicente , Silva Regilane Matos da , Lima Joaquim Corsino da Silva , Martins Domingos Tabajara de Oliveira
Published: November 2010

Macrosiphonia velame (Apocynaceae), popularly known as "velame-branco", is mainly used for treating inflammatory conditions. The antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects of the hydroethanolic extract of the xylopodium from M. velame (HEMv) were evaluated using several animal models. HEMv showed low acute oral toxicity with LD50 of 4.176 ± 218.5 mg/kg in mice. In tests of carrageenan and dextran-induced paw edema and carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats, and croton oil-induced cutaneous dermatitis in mice, HEMv presented systemic and topical antiinflammatory activities. In experiments of nociception induced by acetic acid, formalin and capsaicin in mice, the HEMv evidenced an antinociceptive effect, being active against both inflammatory and neurogenic pain. Additionally, the HEMv prevented brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. It is likely that the pharmacologic mechanism of HEMv may involve the inhibition of different mediators of the inflammatory response, such as histamine, serotonin, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. A preliminary phytochemical study was also undertaken on HEMv, which revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, pentacyclic triterpenoids, saponins, coumarins, catechins, tannins, and alkaloids. Taken together, these results suggest that M. velame extract has antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic properties and further validate the traditional use of this plant in inflammatory conditions.
Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Leucas cephalotes (Roxb.ex Roth) Spreng
Authors: Baburao Bhukya , Reddy Anreddy Rama Narsimha , Kiran Gangarapu , Reddy Yellu Narsimha , Mohan Gottumukkala Krishna
Published: November 2010

The whole plant of the methanolic extract from Leucas cephalotes was screened for invitro antioxidant (using the DPPH method), invivo analgesic (using hot plate test in mice) and anti-inflammatory (using rat paw edema test) activities. The methanolic extract of Leucas cephalotes (MELC) scavenged the DPPH radicals in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 value to scavenge DPPH radicals was found to be 421.3µg/ml. A significant (p<0.0005) analgesic activity was observed at 60 min with 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg exhibited maximum activity. The maximum anti-inflammatory response was produced at 3 hr and 2 hr with doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. These results suggest that the methanolic extract from Leucas cephalotes exerts significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which were comparable with standard drugs.
Relationship between oxidative stress and diabetic osteopenia in premenopausal rats
Authors: Duarte Valéria Morgiana Gualberto , Rodrigues Alanna de Sousa , Rezende Luciana Augusto de , Ramos Ana Maria de Oliveira , Souza Rodrigo Medeiros de , Freire Neto Francisco Paulo , Medeiros Aldo da Cunha , Brandão Neto José , Almeida Maria das Graças , Rezende Adriana Augusto de
Published: November 2010

The relationship between lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defense and diabetic osteopenia remains unclear. This study evaluated the relationship among lipid peroxidation index, antioxidant defense parameters and bone metabolism in a premenopausal diabetic model using measures including thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances concentration (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content in brain homogenates, histomorphometric analysis, biomechanical testing and bone mineral density (BMD). Female Wistar rats with regular estrous cycle were divided into two groups: Group 1: control rats (n = 15) and Group 2: diabetic rats (n = 15). Diabetes was induced by alloxan and confirmed by glycemia >250 mg/dL. The lipid peroxidation index, measured by TBARS concentration, showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in diabetic animals in comparison to control animals. However, the antioxidant parameter measured by GSH content, was significantly lower (p<0.05) in diabetic animals. Histomorphometric analysis showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in femoral trabecular separation together with a significant decrease (p<0.05) in trabecular thickness, and reduced trabecular bone volume in diabetic rats. Moreover, biomechanical testing and BMD values were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the diabetic group. Thus, our results demonstrated that increased lipid peroxidation and altered antioxidant defense could be related to the development of oxidative stress and diabetic osteopenia in premenopausal rats.
Graphic-Output Temperature Data Loggers for Monitoring Vaccine Refrigeration: Implications for Pertussis
Authors: McColloster Patrick , Vallbona Carlos
Published: November 2010

We conducted the first US study using graphic-output temperature data loggers in quantifying cold chain failure. Fifty-four vaccine refrigerators of a county outpatient health system were studied. Forty-eight percent maintained temperatures of 2°C to 8°C and 24% had protracted periods of temperatures less than 0°C. The correlation between the percentage of refrigerators with freezing temperatures and the pertussis rate for each health region was r = 0.76. The findings suggest that improper vaccine storage may have contributed to recent increases in pertussis rates.
Spatial Access to Syringe Exchange Programs and Pharmacies Selling Over-the-Counter Syringes as Predictors of Drug Injectors' Use of Sterile Syringes
Authors: Cooper Hannah L. F. , Des Jarlais Don C. , Ross Zev , Tempalski Barbara , Bossak Brian , Friedman Samuel R.
Published: November 2010

Objectives. We examined relationships of spatial access to syringe exchange programs (SEPs) and pharmacies selling over-the-counter (OTC) syringes with New York City drug injectors’ harm reduction practices.

Methods. Each year from 1995 to 2006, we measured the percentage of 42 city health districts’ surface area that was within 1 mile of an SEP or OTC pharmacy. We applied hierarchical generalized linear models to investigate relationships between these exposures and the odds that injectors (n = 4003) used a sterile syringe for at least 75% of injections in the past 6 months.

Results. A 1-unit increase in the natural log of the percentage of a district's surface area within a mile of an SEP in 1995 was associated with a 26% increase in the odds of injecting with a sterile syringe; a 1-unit increase in this exposure over time increased these odds 23%. A 1-unit increase in the natural log of OTC pharmacy access improved these odds 15%.

Conclusions. Greater spatial access to SEPs and OTC pharmacies improved injectors’ capacity to engage in harm reduction practices that reduce HIV and HCV transmission.
Soil Water Repellency Index Prediction Using the Molarity of Ethanol Droplet Test
Authors: Moody David R. , Schlossberg Maxim J.
Published: November 2010

The profound impact of soil water repellency (WR) on vadose zone processes makes accurate characterization of this phenomenon paramount. Numerous WR measurement techniques exist, each having advantages and disadvantages with regard to laboriousness, resolution, and accuracy. The molarity of ethanol droplet (MED) test quantifies WR as the lowest ethanol concentration permitting droplet penetration within 5 s, or alternatively, the 90° liquid surface tension of the infiltrating droplet (γND). This method is simple and rapid but poorly represents soil wetting behavior across measurement intervals. Although time consuming, water/ethanol sorptivity ratio calculation of the repellency index (R) generates a continuous, linear scale of WR that intrinsically isolates the effect of WR on infiltration. This study compared MED and R measurements of sand samples displaying varying degrees of WR. Each technique was performed at 20°C and 1.78 kPa H2O vapor pressure using duplicate subsamples of oven‐dried (55°C) sands. A nonlinear association between R and γND or MED was observed. Regressing log10 R by γND revealed a statistically significant model, yet the 95% log10 R prediction interval included values less than the theoretical lower limit of R Alternatively, regressing log10 R by MED generated the following model (P < 0.0001, r2 = 0.727): log10 R = 0.705 + 0.5144(MED), capable of predicting R within the operation bounds of R theory. While the predicted R values are distributed across a wide interval, their availability offers cautious users an intuitive scale for enhanced interpretation of more commonly generated MED data.
Insights from Independent Evapotranspiration Estimates for Closing the Energy Balance: A Grassland Case Study
Authors: Wohlfahrt Georg , Irschick Christoph , Thalinger Bettina , Hörtnagl Lukas , Obojes Nikolaus , Hammerle Albin
Published: November 2010

When using the eddy covariance (EC) method for measuring the ecosystem–atmosphere exchange of sensible and latent heat, it is not uncommon to find that these two energy fluxes fall short of the available energy by 20 to 30%. As the causes for the energy imbalance are still under discussion, it is currently not clear how the energy balance should be closed. The objective of this study was to use independent measurements of evapotranspiration (ET) for empirically devising how to best close the energy balance. To this end, the ET of a temperate mountain grassland was quantified during two measurement campaigns using both an open‐ and a closed‐path EC system, lysimeters, and an approach scaling up leaf‐level stomatal conductance to canopy‐level transpiration. Our study showed that both EC systems underestimated ET measured independently by lysimeters and the upscaling approach. The best correspondence with independently measured ET was achieved by assigning the entire energy imbalance to ET and by adjusting the ET according to the average energy balance ratio during the first and second measurement campaigns, respectively. Due to a large spatial variability in ET during the first measurement campaign and given large differences in spatial scale between the EC and the independent methods, we are more confident with the comparison of approaches during the second measurement campaign and thus recommend forcing energy balance closure by adjusting for the average energy balance ratio.
Field‐Scale Soil Moisture Pattern Mapping using Electromagnetic Induction
Authors: Martínez Gonzalo , Vanderlinden Karl , Giráldez Juan Vicente , Espejo Antonio J. , Muriel José Luis
Published: November 2010

Soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) responds to time‐variable soil properties, such as soil water content (θ), and can therefore be used to characterize the spatial and temporal dynamics of θ at the field scale. When clay content is high and uniform and the θ range small, however, it is not clear whether ECa maps can be used for this purpose. A soil management experiment established in a Vertisol in 1982 was surveyed for ECa on 13 occasions to capture changing soil conditions and to determine the sources of this variability. Less variation with time was found in subsoil than in topsoil ECa patterns, especially within the conventional tillage (CT) plots, in areas with shallow soil, and along the drainage network. Using the 13 ECa relative difference data sets as variables, principal component (PC) analysis showed that the first three PCs explained 90% of their total variance. The time‐stable or mean ECa pattern was significantly correlated with PC1 and could also be associated with topography, soil depth, and soil structure but could not be related to a single survey. Topography and soil management could be associated with PC2 and PC3, respectively. Time‐stable θ patterns, inferred from 26 surveys, revealed topographical and management characteristics and showed significant relationships (P < 0.001) with ECa–derived patterns like soil porosity and infiltration caused by soil management, topography, and rainfall. Electromagnetic induction sensors were useful for mapping soil spatial variability and changing soil conditions due to management effects and external forcing in uniform clay soils.
Understanding Heat Transfer in the Shallow Subsurface Using Temperature Observations
Authors: Rutten Martine M. , Steele-Dunne Susan C. , Judge Jasmeet , van de Giesen Nick
Published: November 2010

In this study, we analyzed the potential of distributed soil temperature and soil moisture observations for identifying the spatiotemporal variability of near‐surface water and energy fluxes. We studied the soil energy balance using soil moisture and temperature data collected during the Second Microwave Water and Energy Balance Experiment (MicroWEX‐2) in Florida. We found that heat transfer in the shallow subsurface could not be explained by conduction. Sinks and sources of energy in each soil layer were quantified using an inversion approach to the heat diffusion equation. We investigated the extent to which the sinks and sources could be explained by advection and phase change. From our analysis, it seems that, for dry days, advection is a comparatively minor contributor to heat transfer and that phase change plays a more significant role. Yet vapor diffusion rates, required for sustaining phase changes and thus evaporation in the soil large enough to explain the sinks and sources, were beyond the plausible range. We concluded that soil moisture and temperature observations can yield quantitative information on the surface energy balance and heat partitioning. There is a lack of understanding of heat transfer in the shallow subsurface, however, that hampers the translation of soil temperature and moisture observations to water and energy fluxes.
Estimating Soil Hydraulic Properties from Infrared Measurements of Soil Surface Temperatures and TDR Data
Authors: Steenpass Christian , Vanderborght Jan , Herbst Michael , Šimůnek Jirka , Vereecken Harry
Published: November 2010

The spatiotemporal development of soil surface temperatures (SST) depends on water availability in the near‐surface soil layer. Because the soil loses latent heat during evaporation and water available for evaporation depends on soil hydraulic properties (SHP), the temporal variability of SST should contain information about the near‐surface SHP. The objective of this study was to investigate the uncertainties of SHP derived from SST. The HYDRUS‐1D code coupled with a global optimizer (DREAM) was used to inversely estimate van Genuchten–Mualem parameters from infrared‐measured SST and time domain reflectometry (TDR)‐measured water contents. This approach was tested using synthetic and real data, collected during September 2008 from a harrowed silty loam field plot in Selhausen, Germany. The synthetic data illustrated that SHP can be derived from SST and that additional soil water content measurements reduce the uncertainty of the estimated SHP. Unlike for the synthetic experiment with a vertically homogeneous soil profile, a layered soil profile had to be assumed to derive SHP from the real data. Therefore, the uncertainty of SHP derived from real data was considerably larger. Water retention curves of undisturbed soil cores were similar to those estimated from SST and TDR data for the deeper undisturbed soil. The retention curves derived from SST and TDR data for the harrowed topsoil layer were typical for a coarse‐textured soil and deviated considerably from the retention curves of soil cores, which were typical for a fine‐textured soil and similar to those from the subsoil.
Relaxation–Relaxation Experiments in Natural Porous Media with Portable Halbach Magnets
Authors: Haber Agnes , Casanova Federico , Haber-Pohlmeier Sabina , Blümich Bernhard
Published: November 2010

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry is particularly suitable for the study of water dynamics in natural porous media like soils. The recent development of one‐ and two‐dimensional correlation Laplace NMR experiments provides new tools to investigate exchange processes between different pore classes. In particular, dynamic information can be retrieved by two‐dimensional NMR relaxation exchange, where ideally an initial NMR relaxation environment is correlated with a final relaxation environment of molecules migrating from one environment to the other within a so‐called NMR mixing time τm In this work, transverse relaxation–relaxation (T2–T2) exchange experiments were performed on water‐saturated soil samples at a low and inhomogeneous magnetic field with a simple, portable Halbach magnet at a proton Larmor frequency of 21.85 MHz. The relaxation curves were analyzed by inverse Laplace transformation and yielded two‐dimensional T2 relaxation distribution functions from which the exchange pathways between different relaxation sites could be unraveled. Whereas fine sand exhibited long relaxation times and weak exchange of water molecules between the pores, two different silt loams were characterized by the exchange of water between pores with fast relaxation times and multisite exchange with increasing τm The measured exchange dynamics were characterized by T2 relaxation times in the range of 5 ms. They were caused by molecular diffusion of mobile water molecules between pores.
Sensitivity of Latent Heat Fluxes to Initial Values and Parameters of a Land‐Surface Model
Authors: Schwinger Jörg , Kollet Stefan J. , Hoppe Charlotte M. , Elbern Hendrik
Published: November 2010

A tangent linear version of the complex soil–vegetation–atmosphere transfer model Community Land Model has been developed and its ability to reproduce relevant sensitivities of the modeled soil moisture and latent heat flux (LE) evolution to a number of different parameters on a short time scale (3 d) was analyzed. To this end, a series of idealized experiments for different soil moisture states and three different soil types was conducted. We found that the tangent linear model performs well for a large range of conditions. Situations in which the linear approximation potentially fails were connected with the occurrence of saturation and with the highly nonlinear parameterization of water availability to plants. The sensitivity of LE with respect to the model's initial soil moisture state was calculated and compared with the LE sensitivity to soil texture, leaf area index (LAI), and vegetation roughness length. These sensitivities were found to be highly variable with soil type and soil moisture. Our results confirm that soil texture and LAI are key parameters that have a dominant influence on modeled LE under specific environmental conditions. As a preparatory study to soil data assimilation developments, the results also serve to quantify model uncertainties due to limited knowledge of forcing processes and model parameters.
Analysis of the Agreement of Soil Hydraulic Properties Obtained from Multistep‐Outflow and Evaporation Methods
Authors: Schelle H. , Iden S.C. , Peters A. , Durner W.
Published: November 2010

Accurate knowledge of the soil hydraulic properties is necessary to simulate water flow and solute transport in unsaturated soils. The multistep‐outflow and evaporation methods are frequently used transient experimental methods for the simultaneous determination of the water retention and hydraulic conductivity functions in the laboratory. Despite the wide application of the two methods, relatively little attention has been paid to verifying the agreement of soil hydraulic properties obtained from them. Our objective was to compare the soil hydraulic properties obtained from the inversely evaluated multistep‐outflow method with those received from a simplified evaporation method. We conducted outflow and evaporation experiments on two different soil types and compared the soil hydraulic functions obtained from both experiments. Parameter estimation was performed by applying parametric models of different complexity and flexibility and a free‐form approach to avoid parameterization errors. We found that the two methods gave very similar results when the observed processes in the experiments could be well described by the applied models. Problems arose in cases where parametric models were not able to fit the observations of one or both experimental types. This illustrates the necessity of avoiding parameterization errors in the soil hydraulic properties when results of different experiments are compared. The measurement ranges of the two methods where the results are reliable are noticeably different. Extrapolation of hydraulic functions to the moisture range not covered by the experiments is a potential source of error for flow predictions. It is crucial to acknowledge that such errors cannot be identified by applying one of the methods alone.
Patterns in Soil–Vegetation–Atmosphere Systems: Monitoring, Modeling, and Data Assimilation
Authors: Vereecken H. , Kollet S. , Simmer C.
Published: November 2010

In this special issue, we present recent scientific work that analyzes the role of patterns in soil–vegetation–atmosphere (SVA) systems over a wide range of scales ranging from the pore scale up to mesoscale catchments. Specific attention is given to the development of novel data assimilation methods, noninvasive measurement techniques that allow mapping spatial patterns of state variables and fluxes, and two‐way coupling of models in a scale‐consistent way. “Patterns in Soil–Vegetation–Atmosphere Systems” is also the research topic of a collaborative research center (TR32) between the universities of Aachen, Bonn, and Cologne and the Forschungszentrum Jülich. In this center, which is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, on the basis of an international evaluation, scientists covering a broad range of earth science disciplines are working together. During June 11–12, 2010 the center organized its first international workshop in Aachen. The contributions presented in this special issue of Vadose Zone Journal include contributions from the collaborative research center and external contributions, both from Germany and worldwide.
Potentially Modifiable Factors Affecting the Progression of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Torres Vicente E. , Grantham Jared J. , Chapman Arlene B. , Mrug Michal , Bae Kyongtae T. , King Bernard F. , Wetzel Louis H. , Martin Diego , Lockhart Mark E. , Bennett William M. , Moxey-Mims Marva , Abebe Kaleab Z. , Lin Yan , Bost James E.
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives

The Consortium for Radiologic Imaging Studies of Polycystic Kidney Disease (CRISP) was created to identify markers of disease progression in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Linear mixed models were utilized to model effects of baseline parameters on changes in natural-log (ln)-transformed total kidney volume (TKV) and iothalamate clearance (GFR) across time in CRISP participants (creatinine clearance at entry >70 ml/min). Stepwise selection was used to obtain a final main effect model.

Results

TKV increased from year to year, whereas GFR uncorrected for body surface area (BSA) decreased only at year 6. Higher lnTKV and urine sodium excretion (UNaV), lower serum HDL-cholesterol, and younger age at baseline associated with greater lnTKV growth from baseline to year 3 and to year 6. Higher lnTKV at baseline associated with greater GFR decline from year 1 to year 3 and to year 6. Higher BSA and 24-hour urine osmolality at baseline associated with greater GFR decline from year 1 to year 6. Higher UNaV and lower serum HDL-cholesterol at baseline associated with greater GFR decline from year 1 to year 6 by univariate analysis only. Associations seen during year 1 to year 6 (not seen during year 1 to year 3) reflect the time lag between structural and functional disease progression.

Conclusions

Serum HDL-cholesterol, UNaV, and 24-hour urine osmolality likely affect ADPKD progression. To what extent their modification may influence the clinical course of ADPKD remains to be determined.
Folic Acid Therapy and Cardiovascular Disease in ESRD or Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Qin Xianhui , Huo Yong , Langman Craig B. , Hou Fanfan , Chen Yundai , Matossian Debora , Xu Xiping , Wang Xiaobin
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives

The efficacy of folic acid therapy to lower homocysteine (Hcy) levels in an effort to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with ESRD or advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD; creatinine clearance, <30 ml/min) remains inconclusive. We conducted a meta-analysis of relevant randomized trials to further examine this issue.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This meta-analysis included 3886 patients with ESRD/ACKD from seven qualified randomized trials using folic acid therapy and with CVD reported as one of the end points.

Results

When pooling the seven trials, folic acid therapy reduced the risk of CVD by 15% (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.96; P = 0.009). A greater beneficial effect was observed among those trials with a treatment duration >24 months (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.98; P = 0.02), a decrease in Hcy level >20% (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.95; P = 0.007), and no or partial folic acid fortification (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.99; P = 0.04). The beneficial effect also was seen when Hcy levels decreased >20%, even in the presence of folic acid fortification (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.99; P = 0.04). In the corresponding comparison groups, the estimated RRs were attenuated and insignificant.

Conclusions

Folic acid therapy can reduce CVD risk in patients with ESRD/ACKD by 15%. A greater beneficial effect was observed among those trials with no or partial folic acid fortification or a decrease in Hcy level >20% regardless of folic acid fortification.
Decreased Cumulative Access Survival in Arteriovenous Fistulas Requiring Interventions to Promote Maturation
Authors: Lee Timmy , Ullah Ahsan , Allon Michael , Succop Paul , El-Khatib Mahmoud , Munda Rino , Roy-Chaudhury Prabir
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives

New arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are frequently unsuitable for hemodialysis because of AVF nonmaturation. Aggressive endovascular or surgical interventions are often undertaken to salvage nonmaturing AVFs. The effect of early interventions to promote AVF maturation on subsequent long-term AVF outcomes is unknown.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We evaluated 173 hemodialysis patients from two academic centers who received a new AVF. Of these, 96 (56%) required no further intervention, 54 (31%) required one intervention, and 23 (13%) required two or more interventions to achieve suitability for dialysis. We calculated AVF survival and frequency of postmaturation interventions in each group.

Results

Cumulative AVF survival (access cannulation to permanent failure) in patients with two or more versus one versus zero interventions before maturation was 68% versus 78% versus 92% at 1 year, 57% versus 71% versus 85% at 2 years, and 42% versus 57% versus 75% at 3 years. Using Cox regression analysis with interventions before maturation, age, sex, race, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, access site, and obesity in the model, intervention before maturation (two or more) was the only factor associated with cumulative AVF survival. The number of interventions required to maintain patency after maturation was 3.51 ± 2.20 versus 1.37 ± 0.31 versus 0.76 ± 0.10 per year in patients with two or more versus one versus zero interventions before maturation.

Conclusions

Compared with AVF that mature without interventions, AVF that require interventions have decreased cumulative survival and require more interventions to maintain their patency for hemodialysis.
Multifocal Vulvar Smooth Muscle Tumor with an Unusual Intravascular Growth Pattern and Multiple Local Recurrences in a 10-Year-Old Child: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Harrington Alexandra , Bell Emily , Suchi Mariko , Behmaram Behnaz , Uyar Denise
Published: November 2010

Smooth muscle tumors of the vulva are rare entities with variable morphologic features and clinical behavior. Our report summarizes the case of a multifocal vulvar smooth muscle tumor of undetermined malignant potential with an unusual intravascular growth pattern and subsequent local recurrence in a 10-year-old girl, the youngest case reported to date, and reviews the specific pathologic findings of that category. Vulvar smooth muscle tumors of undetermined malignant potential represent a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic challenge. The histologic features of this case were predictive of local recurrence, although the significance of the intravascular growth pattern is still uncertain. The relationship of this multifocal, recurrent tumor to the clinical entity, vulvar leiomyomatosis, is unknown at this time.
Boxing Training for Patients With Parkinson Disease: A Case Series
Authors: Combs Stephanie A. , Diehl M. Dyer , Staples William H. , Conn Lindsay , Davis Kendra , Lewis Nicole , Schaneman Katie
Published: November 2010

Background and Purpose

A nontraditional form of exercise recently applied for patients with Parkinson disease (PD) is boxing training. The primary purpose of this case series is to describe the effects of disease severity and duration of boxing training (short term and long term) on changes in balance, mobility, and quality of life for patients with mild or moderate to severe PD. The feasibility and safety of the boxing training program also were assessed.

Case Descriptions

Six patients with idiopathic PD attended 24 to 36 boxing training sessions for 12 weeks, with the option of continuing the training for an additional 24 weeks (a seventh patient attended sessions for only 4 weeks). The 90-minute sessions included boxing drills and traditional stretching, strengthening, and endurance exercises. Outcomes were tested at the baseline and after 12, 24, and 36 weeks of boxing sessions (12-, 24-, and 36-week tests). The outcome measures were the Functional Reach Test, Berg Balance Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Timed “Up & Go” Test, Six-Minute Walk Test, gait speed, cadence, stride length, step width, activities of daily living and motor examination subscales of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale, and Parkinson Disease Quality of Life Scale.

Outcomes

Six patients completed all phases of the case series, showed improvements on at least 5 of the 12 outcome measures over the baseline at the 12-week test, and showed continued improvements at the 24- and 36-week tests. Patients with mild PD typically showed improvements earlier than those with moderate to severe PD.

Discussion

Despite the progressive nature of PD, the patients in this case series showed short-term and long-term improvements in balance, gait, activities of daily living, and quality of life after the boxing training program. A longer duration of training was necessary for patients with moderate to severe PD to show maximal training outcomes. The boxing training program was feasible and safe for these patients with PD.
Your Pillow May Not Guarantee a Good Night's Sleep or Symptom-Free Waking
Authors: Gordon Susan J. , Grimmer-Somers Karen
Published: November 2010

Purpose: To describe the performance of the pillow that participants usually slept on with respect to retiring and waking cervico-thoracic symptoms, pillow comfort, and sleep quality.

Methods: Participants (n=106) were systematically recruited for a field trial comparing their own pillow and five trial pillows. Participants provided daily retiring and waking symptom reports and sleep-quality and pillow-comfort ratings prospectively for 1 week on each pillow. Linear and logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between pillow use, age, gender, sleep quality, pillow comfort, and waking and temporal (overnight) symptom reports.

Results: No waking symptoms were reported by 42.5% of participants on their own pillow. Regular waking symptoms, failure to relieve retiring symptoms, uncomfortable pillows, and/or poor-quality sleep were reported by over 50% of participants. All participants who reported poor sleep quality also reported poor pillow comfort. Pillow-comfort reports were not related to any waking symptom report; however, reports of poor sleep quality were significantly related to waking cervical stiffness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=4.3 [Confidence Interval (CI): 1.3–15.6]) and scapula pain (AOR=6.1 [CI: 1.1–31.6]). Feather pillow users provided consistently low reports of pillow comfort and sleep quality.

Conclusion: Many participants appear to have made poor pillow choices, as poor sleep quality, low pillow comfort, and waking symptoms were common. Further research is required to understand why people choose particular pillows to sleep on, as well as to identify the best fit between person and pillow to optimize sleep quality and reduce waking symptoms.
“Sermons are dangerous things”: George Herbert, Richard Bernard, and the Politics of Preaching
Authors: Bell Susan J.A.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:

In early Stuart England the office and content of preaching were both important and controversial matters. In this time of the continuing reformation of the pastoral office, two manuals for pastors illustrate the ecclesiastical tension: George Herbert's Countrey Parson and Richard Bernard's Faithfull Shepheard. While the Calvinist Bernard and the conforming Herbert were both moderates and though their manuals show significant overlap, a comparison between the two works shows that Herbert developed a new and holistic understanding of the preaching office. Within his larger project of defending the English priesthood as a worthy profession, he situates the importance of the preached Word within the totality of the parson's ministerial duties. Moreover, the whole of pastoral presence and practice are seen as expressions of “sermon” and extensions of the preaching vocation.
Reformed Preaching and the Conundrum of Calvin's Example
Authors: Wilson Paul Scott
Published: November 2010

Abstract:

Reformed preaching is grounded in understandings of the nature and purpose of the Word of God found in various confessions and catechisms. Some of the reformers' hermeneutical practices continued Roman Catholic practice and some contrasted it. They had clearer understandings than are common today on the role of the Spirit in interpretation, the role of the hearers, and the purpose of preaching as salvation. Concerning the last, Calvin is particularly helpful: preaching is to present Jesus Christ and the centrality of the gospel, preaching is a sacrament, and preaching is inspired doctrine. His third and principal use of the law is essentially gospel. However, his sermons give a conflicting message, for Jesus Christ and the gospel are largely absent, and law and Christian duty seem foremost. Suggestions are offered to account for these differences and for preachers to benefit from the Reformed heritage.
Biblical Faith and Paths of Peace
Authors: Vennen Mark Vander
Published: November 2010

Abstract:

As well as providing statistics and information about current military conflict and inhumane weaponry, this article brings a biblical perspective to bear on the contemporary realities of peace and conflict. In the face of the most violent century on record (the twentieth century) and the unrelenting advancement of contemporary military technological development, the author argues that it is a mistake to privilege the narrow just war / pacifist polarity. In using it as the interpretive framework for understanding the multifaceted issues of human conflict, we tend to subvert a larger and more constructive engagement with the challenge of armed conflict and its resolution. Calvin's unremarkable adherence to the just war theory does not offer a contribution to contemporary peace-building. However, his anthropology, rooted in the positioning of humanity in relationship to the living God, can provide a theological undergirding for current peace-building approaches, including in the current conflict in Afghanistan.
Multimodal Network Analysis and Vulnerability Assessment of U.S.–Canadian Trade in Lake Erie Corridor
Authors: Turnquist Mark A. , Rawls Carmen
Published: November 2010

Canada is the largest trading partner of the United States. Much of the flow of goods between the two countries is focused in the area between Detroit, Michigan, and Buffalo, New York: the Lake Erie corridor. A multimodal network model allows assessment of the vulnerability of these trade flows to disruptions at one or more of the major bridges and tunnels that are the border-crossing points. The model was calibrated against observed freight flows at these major border crossings for 2007 and then used in a series of experiments to assess the impact of various facility disruption scenarios.
Identifying and Characterizing Truck Bottlenecks in the U.S. Mississippi Valley Region
Authors: Guo Jessica Y. , Gong Qi , Obernesser Andrew
Published: November 2010

Freight movements throughout the Mississippi Valley region of the United States are complicated by the presence of recurring bottlenecks along the highway network. To help the states in the region take appropriate action to address freight bottlenecks, a methodology was developed to identify, characterize, and prioritize the regional freight bottlenecks characterized by significant delays for trucks on a per mile basis. The proposed methodology uses data from the Highway Performance Monitoring System. A prioritized list of regional freight bottlenecks is generated for the Mississippi Valley region to stimulate dialogue among freight planners and operators and to provide a basis to devise optimal alleviation plans for the greatest benefits for the region. The analysis results are verified through a series of qualitative comparisons against bottlenecks identified by state transportation engineers and planners, freight carriers, and previous studies. The general agreement between the findings and these other sources of bottleneck information suggests that the proposed methodology can identify the most prevalent truck bottlenecks while revealing additional locations that warrant further investigation.
Analysis of Fuel Ethanol Transportation Activity and Potential Distribution Constraints
Authors: Das Sujit , Peterson Bruce , Chin Shih-Miao
Published: November 2010

An analysis is provided of fuel ethanol transportation activity and potential distribution constraints if the total 36 billion gal of renewable fuel use by 2022 is mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Ethanol transport by domestic truck, marine, and rail distribution systems from ethanol refineries to blending terminals is estimated with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's North American infrastructure network model. Most supply and demand data provided by EPA were geocoded, and the transportation infrastructure network was updated through use of available commercial sources. The percentage increases in ton-mile movements by rail, waterways, and highways in 2022 are estimated to be 2.8%, 0.6%, and 0.13%, respectively, compared with the corresponding 2005 total domestic flows by various modes. Overall, a significantly higher level of future ethanol demand would have a minimal impact on the transportation infrastructure. However, there will be spatial impacts, and a significant level of investment will be needed because of a considerable increase in rail traffic from refineries to ethanol distribution terminals.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in adults: a technique for dealing with the neural (opaque) floor
Authors: Grand Walter , Leonardo Jody
Published: November 2010

Object

An opaque (neural) floor of the third ventricle is considered an obstacle to safe penetration of the floor of the third ventricle in endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). The direct technique of endoscopic coring (“cookie cut”) of the opaque (neural) floor of the third ventricle is described in 41 cases among a total of 101 consecutive adult ETVs.

Methods

A 0° endoscope in a 4.6-mm irrigating sheath was used to press and core (“cookie cut”) a section of the tuber cinereum, thereby exposing the underlying membranes and vasculature. Thereafter, the endoscopic apparatus was used to penetrate the membrane into the prepontine space.

Results

Among 101 consecutive ETVs performed in adults, there were 41 instances of an opaque floor in which the coring technique was used. The basilar artery (BA) complex was in the intended path of penetration in 13 cases. There were no perioperative deaths or vascular injuries. No cases were aborted because of the opaque floor or the configuration of the BA complex. The clinical success rate in the opaque floor group was 80% (33 of 41 patients).

Conclusions

An opaque (neural) floor is frequently seen in adults during ETV. Removing the floor by the core (“cookie cut”) method is a safe means of revealing the underlying BA complex and membranous structures prior to penetration into the prepontine cistern. On occasion, the BA complex may be in the path of penetration, and one can maneuver the endoscope to displace the vasculature to successfully accomplish the ETV.
Advancing the Structural Use of Earth-based Bricks: Addressing Key Challenges in the East African Context
Authors: Obonyo Esther , Tate Derrick , Sika Vincent , Tia Mang
Published: November 2010

The research discussed in this paper is a subset of a bigger, NSF funded research project that is directed at investigating the use of sustainable building materials. The deployment context for the research is the hot and humid climate using selected cases from the East African region. The overarching goal for the research is advancing the structural use of earth-based technologies. Significant strides can be made through developing strategies for countering the adverse factors that affect the structural performance of the resulting wall, especially ones related to moisture dynamics. The research was executed in two phases. The first phase was a two-day NSF supported workshop which was held in Tanzania in July 2009. It provided a forum for sharing best practices in earth-based building technologies and developing a research and development roadmap. The priority research areas were broadly classified as optimizing the physio-mechanical properties of earth as a building material and managing socio-cultural impediments. In the second phase of the research, the authors collaborated with researchers from East Africa to conduct experimental work on the optimization of physio-mechanical properties. The specific research issues that have been addressed are: (1) characterizing the chemical reactions that can be linked to deterioration triggered by hygrothermal loads based on the hot and humid context, and; (2) developing a prototype for a simpler, portable, affordable and viable compressed brick production machine. The paper discusses the results from the characterization work that ultimately will be used to design bricks that have specific properties based on an understanding of how different stabilizers affect the hydration process. It also describes a cheaper, portable and more efficient prototype machine that has been developed as part of the follow-up research activities.
Comportements oraux et intériorisés dans le déchiffrage des syllabes au début de l'apprentissage de la lecture.
Authors: Leroy-Boussion A.
Published: November 2010

Oral and inner behaviour in syllabes decoding at the begining of learning to read -

Purpose : The young child, when he begins to learn to read, and when he tries to decode syllabes has a propensity to decompose verbaly the two terms of that syllabes. He first expresses aloud the sound /p/, then sound /a/, before expressing the syllabe-sound « pa ». This need of vocal extériorisation disappears progressively with age and school training. — Technique : We have studied by longitudinal method the regression of this exteriorised behaviour (continuous observation of 179 normal scholl children) during three consecutive years, from five to eight years old. This study has been done taking into account mental maturity level (Q.I.) and considering the different types of exteriorised behaviour : loud voice and intermediate behaviour (i. e. whispers, articulate motions of lips, quivering of lips). — Results : Perfect intériorisation (reading « at once » of syllabes without decomposition, without vocalization and without motions of mouth is reached at age of 7 years 1 month for forward children (Q.I. 139-110), ot 7 years 7 months for normal children (Q.I. 109-90) ; it is not yet reached for retarded children (Q.I. 89-70) at the end of our observation period. When children become older, the « intermediate » behaviour tends to remplace the loud voice behaviour.
Facilitation et freinage dans le travail scolaire.
Authors: Rousson Michel
Published: November 2010

Les élèves de 12 classes neuchâteloises ont complété trois phrases destinées à mesurer l'influence de l'environnement scolaire sur leurs attitudes à l'égard du travail.

Il apparaît que les éléments de freinage et de facilitation sont les mêmes pour toutes les catégories d'élèves (sexes, niveaux socio-économiques, « sur-réalisateurs » et « sous-réalisateurs »). En revanche, la « nature du travail » et les « barrières » (interrogation attendue par exemple) jouent un rôle dans l'effort que fait le sujet. De plus toute punition, blâme ou mauvaise note ainsi qu'un environnement physique difficile découragent l'élève.
Sur les notions d'enfance et de changement dans le débat entre rationalistes et empiristes.
Authors: Netchine Serge
Published: November 2010

Les thèmes du changement à long terme (enfance, développement) et à moyen ou à court terme (association d'idées, apprentissages, formation d'habitudes, dépassement des habitudes inadaptatives) sont utilisés quasi indifféremment dans les débats entre philosophes rationalistes et empiristes à l'âge classique.

Les psychologues reprennent ces thèmes tout en les différenciant et en les séparant pour des raisons méthodologiques. Mais ils tendent actuellement à les réunir à nouveau pour apporter une réponse aux questions soulevées dans chacun des deux secteurs.
Des situations émouvantes pour garçons de huit ans
Authors: Debot-Sevrin Marie-Rose , Strassart D.
Published: November 2010

Par une technique originale d'expérimentation (bandes dessinées), nous avons évoqué et présenté à des garçons de huit ans des situations supposées émouvantes pour eux. De leurs réponses, nous avons pu mettre en évidence des caractères qui rendent une situation spécifiquement émouvante. Nous avons aussi analysé les types des réponses qu'ils choisissent (conduites et réactions émotionnelles).