bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance to dopamine agonists in prolactinoma is correlated with reduction of dopamine D2 receptor long isoform mRNA levels
Authors: Shimazu Satoko , Shimatsu Akira , Yamada Shozo , Inoshita Naoko , Nagamura Yuko , Usui Takeshi , Tsukada Toshihiko
Published: December 2011

Objective

Dopamine agonists normalize prolactin (PRL) levels and reduce tumour size in responsive prolactinoma. However, several cases have shown resistance to dopamine agonists upon initial treatment. Infrequently, prolactinoma initially responds, but then becomes refractory to prolonged treatment (secondary resistance). We investigated the possible mechanisms of resistance to dopamine agonists.

Subjects and methods

Twelve cases of prolactinoma were surgically resected and classified according to the responsiveness of PRL levels and tumour size to dopamine agonists: good responders (n=5), poor responders (n=5), or secondary resistance (n=2). We examined the expression of dopamine D2receptor (D2R) isoform (short: D2S and long: D2L) mRNA and protein. We investigated DNA methylation patterns in the promoter region of theDRD2gene.

Results

The predominant D2R isoform expressed in prolactinoma was D2L. Levels of D2L mRNA were significantly lower in secondary resistance and poor responders than in good responders. Expression of D2R protein was variable among cases. Almost no CpG sites of theDRD2gene promoter region were methylated.

Conclusion

Resistance of prolactinoma to dopamine agonists is correlated with a reduction in D2L isoform mRNA levels. Silencing of theDRD2gene by methylation in the promoter region is unlikely to play a role in dopamine agonist resistance in prolactinoma.
Task delegation to physician extenders--some comparisons.
Authors: Glenn J K , Goldman J
Published: December 2011

This study uses a task delegation questionnaire to compare 1973 physician extender practices in seven primary care-oriented sites with a physician attitude survey made in 1969. One additional site using no physician extenders was included as a control. The study involves both major types of physician extenders (physician assistants and nurse practitioners) in ambulatory practices with at least one year of experience in using such personnel. With minor exceptions, actual task delegation patterns conform with the 1969 attitudes of physicians as to which tasks "could and should" be delegated to physician extenders.
Physicians' patient referrals to a nurse practitioner in a primary care medical clinic.
Authors: Connelly S V , Connelly P A
Published: December 2011

A survey of interns and residents in a Primary Care Medical Care Medical Clinic disclosed that these physicians have a very favorable impression of nurse practitioners' potential contributions to health care delivery, yet refer patients to the nurse practitioner to a much lesser degree than would have been expected on the basis of their attitudes.
Design and methods in a multi-center case-control interview study.
Authors: Hartge P , Cahill J I , West D , Hauck M , Austin D , Silverman D , Hoover R
Published: December 2011

We conducted a case-control study in ten areas of the United States in which a total of 2,982 bladder cancer patients and 5,782 population controls were interviewed. We employed a variety of existing and new techniques to reduce bias and to monitor the quality of data collected. We review here many of the design elements and field methods that can be generally applied in epidemiologic studies, particularly multi-center interview studies, and explain the reasons for our selection of the methods, instruments, and procedures used.
The effects of high voltage transmission lines on the health of adjacent resident populations.
Authors: Haupt R C , Nolfi J R
Published: December 2011

A community health survey of 438 individuals was taken to detect health problems related to high voltage electrical transmission among an adjacent residential population. Results revealed no significant or consistent relationships between exposure to a high-voltage DC power line and the perceived health problems that were measured. The sample was not, however, large enough to draw statistically significant conclusions regarding possible health effects with a very low incidence.
Fitting Regression Models for Sustainable Management of Non-Timber Forest Products in Forests and Private Lands: A Case Study from Mid-Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Pandit Bishnu Hari , Ghimire Laxman
Published: December 2011

This study examines the constraining factors for sustainable management of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in both community and private forests in Dang, Rolpa and Pyuthan Districts of mid-western Nepal. Four CFUGs were selected from each of the study districts, and NTFP inventory was done. A total of 259 households were randomly sampled for household data collection. Two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held in each district and Key Informant survey was done to assess preliminary information and data. Two regression models were fi tted to investigate the causes of sustainable management of NTFPs. The report revealed that Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) cultivation initiated by local farmers in the past have indicated that farmers have planted some species of NTFPs (such as Cinnamon tamala, Swertia, Zanthoxylum, Sapindus) in their farmlands and other community forest lands in the study districts. A regression analysis of constraining factors explored in a household survey revealed that cultivation of NTFP species is significantly influenced by household labour force engaged in cultivation in agriculture on marginal lands and their affiliation with community based local institutions (R2 = 56%). While constraining factors for sustainable management of NTFP in government and community forests are distance from home to forest, food production; active labour force, training on forest management, and household labour force involved in agriculture (R2 = 66%). Recommendations are made for sustainable management of NTFPs in forest and private lands.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v4i0.5532The Initiation Vol.4 2011 14-27
Status of Critically Endangered Vultures in Dang Deukhuri Foothill Forests and West Rapti Wetlands
Authors: Shrestha Bishnu Prasad , Devkota Bishnu Prasad
Published: December 2011

Vultures play a highly important ecological role through the rapid consumption of animal carcasses. Of 22 vulture species in the world, eight species are found in Nepal. The study was carried out in Dang Deukhuri valley with objectives of assessing present population status of critically endangered vultures and conservation threats to these vultures. To study population status, direct survey and repeated absolute count methods were used; population size estimated through Jacknife technique; nest occupancy determined by nest census method. Similarly, interview/household surveys were conducted to assess the present food availability and livestock condition; conservation threats to vultures. The range of absolute population size of the critically endangered vultures; Gyps bengalensis, Gyps tenuirostris and Sarcogyps calvus were found 44, 21 and 18 respectively in Dang Deukhuri valley. The major threat to vultures is diclofenac contamination of livestock carcasses and other threats are habitat destruction, disturbance & hunting, lack of awareness, food shortage, poisoning and pesticide use in the area.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v4i0.5533The Initiation Vol.4 2011 28-34
Prospects of Promoting NTFPs for Livelihood Improvement
Authors: Pyakurel Biraj
Published: December 2011

This research entitled, “Prospects of Promoting NTFPs for Livelihood Improvement” was carried out in Habeli Community Forest of Nuwakot district with the specific objectives of assessing the status of NTFPs in the study area, studying the local people’s knowledge about NTFPs, their attitude towards collection and domestication, assessing the role of NTFPs to household economy and existing market system of NTFPs. Altogether 30 households were sampled to carry out the research and the information regarding biophysical and socio economic condition, perception towards NTFPs and their domestication were collected through various PRA and RRA tools like Household Survey, Group Discussion, and Key Informant Survey (KIS). People were generally familiar with the NTFPs and their importance and were slowly heading towards NTFPs domestication although on a small scale. The respondents have been utilizing their agricultural land to grow NTFPs like Asparagus racemosus, Emblica officinalis and other species like Dendrocalamus strictus and Arundinaria intermedia that were grown naturally on the farmlands and were also willing to domesticate more NTFPs having higher market value such as Swertiachirayita in the upcoming days. Altogether of 34 NTFPs of 28 different families were documented in the study area where most of them were in their wild stage. The C.F has the immense opportunity of promoting NTFPs in future which is at the rapid conservation stage right now. The geographical and climatic conditions are also favorable to grow NTFPs that may lead towards the initiation of forest based small scale enterprise that can eventually generate employment and income. NTFPs promotion has become essential in all parts of the country so research on this subject matter can create a milestone in the economic upliftment of the country. The future research on promotion of NTFPs, local manufacturing of NTFPs, distribution ecology and reproductive biology of NTFPS also has the great potentiality.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v4i0.5535The Initiation Vol.4 2011 46-55
Tiger Conservation Initiatives in Nepal
Authors: Karki Jhamak Bahadur , Jnawali Shanta Raj , Gurung Ghana , Pandey Megh B , Upadhyay Gopal P
Published: December 2011

Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is an icon of Asia’s natural heritage and ecological integrity. Tiger along with one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) and wild elephant (Elephas maximus) in the lowlands and snow leopard (Uncia uncia), musk deer (Muschus sp.) in mountain have been serving as a flagship species to derive worldwide conservation attention not only to benefit them but also to facilitate the survival of other associated species. However, their number is decreasing rapidly. Owing to this, various initiatives have been taken both at national and international level. This article reviews about the different initiatives taken so far and the ways forth.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v4i0.5537The Initiation Vol.4 2011 56-68
Importance of high altitude wetlands for protection of avian diversity in the Hindu Kush Himalayas
Authors: Baral Hem S , Bhandari Bishnu B
Published: December 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v4i0.5541 The Initiation Vol.4 2011 96-102
Forest Certification, its Scheme and Process
Authors: Acharya Bishnu
Published: December 2011

Forest Certification (FC) is a process of certifying any forest by an independent party. During the 80’s when forest was heavily destructed, the need of the forest certification was felt, and was accepted worldwide. he interest for FC varies as per the needs of the people and/or organizations involved. Various organizations are involved in the certification process, major ones being Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Program for the Endorsement of the Forest Certification (PEFC) and other process vary from country to country. This article deals with the certification bodies, process involved and the responsibilities of the stakeholders.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v4i0.5546The Initiation Vol.4 2011 125-132
Albanian students’ motives for preferring certain real-life situations for learning mathematics
Authors: Kacerja Suela
Published: December 2011

This article reports on a qualitative investigation of Albanian students’ motives for preferring certain real-life situations to be used in school mathematics, and possible connections of these motives to characteristics and issues within Albanian society. It is based on realistic interviews with students from Grades 8 and 9 in a school in the district of Shkodra in northern Albania. Interviews were conducted after students experienced five teaching units which dealt with mathematics embedded in real-life situations. Results are expressed in terms of contextmechanism-outcome configurations as proposed by critical realist theory. Most of the resultsare supported by those from a previous quantitative study which found that students prefer real-life situations which deal with computer games, being productive in a job, community development, and recreation, physical exercise and sport. An important mechanism uncovered in this study was the role of the mathematics that the topic introduced; degree of difficulty of the mathematics influenced the choice of preferred contexts by students. Preferences expressed by students are therefore to be considered with care.
Comparative Evaluation of Turmeric and Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash in Prevention of Plaque Formation and Gingivitis: A Clinical and Microbiological Study
Authors: Chaudhari AU , Karhadkar VM , Waghmare PF , Jamkhande AS
Published: December 2011

Aim

To compare the efficacy of turmeric mouthwash and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in prevention of gingivitis and plaque formation.

Materials and methods

A total of 100 randomly selected subjects visiting the Department of Periodontology at Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Dental College and Hospital, were considered for the study. The gingival index (GI) by Loe and Silness was recorded which was followed by Turesky- Gilmore-Glickman modification of Quigley Hein plaque index (TQHPI) at 0, 14 and 21 days. Individuals who gave an informed consent, subjects in the age group of 25 to 35 years with having fair and poor gingival index scores and a score >1 for plaque index, were included in the study.

Results

Results showed statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in mean plaque index (PI) with chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash when compared with turmeric mouthwash. No significant difference in mean gingival index (GI) was seen when chlorhexidine mouthwash was compared with turmeric mouthwash. Significant reduction in total microbial count (p < 0.05) was observed in both the groups. No significant difference was observed in total microbial count when chlorhexidine mouthwash was compared with turmeric mouthwash.

Conclusion

From the above observations, it can be concluded that chlorhexidine gluconate as well as turmeric mouthwash can be effectively used as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control methods in prevention of plaque and gingivitis. Chlorhexidine gluconate has been found to be more effective when antiplaque property was considered.

Clinical significance

From this study, it could be stated that turmeric is definitely a good adjunct to mechanical plaque control. Further studies are required on turmeric based mouthwash to establish it as a low cost plaque control measure.

How to cite this article

Waghmare PF, Chaudhari AU, Karhadkar VM, Jamkhande AS. Comparative Evaluation of Turmeric and Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash in Prevention of Plaque Formation and Gingivitis: A Clinical and Microbiological Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2011;12(4): 221-224.
The Free Rotated Papilla Autograft—A Bilaminar Procedure for the Coverage of Multiple Shallow Gingival Recessions: A Biometric Evaluation
Authors: Koganti Vijay Prasad , Chandrashekhar L , Srinivas SD , Kumar M Kiran
Published: December 2011

The present clinical study was attempted to evaluate biometrically the predictability of free rotated papilla autograft for multiple shallow gingival recessions.

Materials and methods

Fifteen systemically healthy patients with multiple gingival recessions underwent the procedure the probing depth, percentage of root coverage width of keratinized gingiva, width of attached gingiva were recorded at baseline 3 and 12 months.

Results

All parameters significantly improved from baseline to 12 months. The mean probing depth 1 mm ± 0 mm at baseline which was increased to 1.175 ± 0.245 mm at the end of 3 months and remained same at 12 months. The mean gingival recession was 2.35 ± 0.516 mm at baseline which was improved to 0.425 ± 0.245 mm at the end of 3 months and remained same at 12 months. The mean width of keratinized gingiva was 1.157 ± 0.245 mm at baseline which was improved to 3.15 ± 0.489 mm at the end of 3 months and remained same at 12 months. The mean width of attached gingiva 0.175 ± 0.245 mm at baseline which was improved to 1.975 ± 0.415 mm at the end of 3 months and remained same at 12 months.

Conclusion

The mucogingival surgery resulted in achieving high degree of success and predictability as well as an excellent esthetic outcome.

Clinical significance

Free rotated papilla autograft is a predictabe treatment modality for multiple shallow gingival recessions.

How to cite this article

Koganti VP, Chandrashekhar L, Srinivas SD, Kumar MK. The Free Rotated Papilla Autograft— A Bilaminar Procedure for the Coverage of Multiple Shallow Gingival Recessions: A Biometric Evaluation. J Contemp Dent Pract 2011;12(4):245-251.
Understanding Critical Reading in an ESL Class in Singapore
Authors: MACKNISH CYNTHIA JEAN
Published: December 2011

This article reports on the understandings and practice of critical reading in a postsecondary English as a second language (ESL) reading class for mainland Chinese students in Singapore. Despite the challenges of defining critical reading in practice and overcoming assumptions about Chinese students' lack of criticality, as well as the lack of attention paid to critical reading in the ESL course, helping the students read critically was considered a meaningful and necessary endeavor—both for students' future academic studies and for their reading proficiency in general. To investigate what critical reading would look like in this context, and whether it could be developed, a small‐scale action research study was conducted. The study focused on the emergence of critical reading discourse in peer group discussions of texts. Findings show that, despite some limitations, the students engaged in critical reading discourse when they were provided with scaffolding and opportunities to practice.
Generalizability Theory as Evidence of Concerns About Fairness in Large‐Scale ESL Writing Assessments
Authors: HUANG JINYAN
Published: December 2011

Using generalizability theory, this study examined both the rating variability and reliability of English as a second language (ESL) students' writing in two provincial examinations in Canada. This article discusses expected and unexpected similarities and differences related to rating variability and reliability between the two testing programs. As expected, there was more desired but less unwanted variation in ESL and native‐English‐speaking (NES) students' writing scores in Province B than in Province A. But unexpectedly, the results demonstrated systematic differences between ESL and NES students in terms of rating variability. Further, there were lower reliabilities in ESL students' scores in comparison to NES students' scores. These findings raise potential concerns about the fairness of large‐scale ESL writing assessments.
Micrometeorological processes driving snow ablation in an Alpine catchment
Authors: Mott R. , Egli L. , Grünewald T. , Dawes N. , Manes C. , Bavay M. , Lehning M.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Mountain snow covers typically become patchy over the course of a melting season. The snow pattern during melt is mainly governed by the end of winter snow depth distribution and the local energy balance. The objective of this study is to investigate micro-meteorological processes driving snow ablation in an Alpine catchment. For this purpose we combine a meteorological boundary-layer model (Advanced Regional Prediction System) with a fully distributed energy balance model (Alpine3D). Turbulent fluxes above melting snow are further investigated by using data from eddy-correlation systems. We compare modeled snow ablation to measured ablation rates as obtained from a series of Terrestrial Laser Scanning campaigns covering a complete ablation season. The measured ablation rates indicate that the advection of sensible heat causes locally increased ablation rates at the upwind edges of the snow patches. The effect, however, appears to be active over rather short distances of about 4–6 m. Measurements suggest that mean wind velocities of about 5 m s−1 are required for advective heat transport to increase snow ablation over a long fetch distance of about 20 m. Neglecting this effect, the model is able to capture the mean ablation rates for early ablation periods but strongly overestimates snow ablation once the fraction of snow coverage is below a critical value of approximately 0.6. While radiation dominates snow ablation early in the season, the turbulent flux contribution becomes important late in the season. Simulation results indicate that the air temperatures appear to overestimate the local air temperature above snow patches once the snow coverage is low. Measured turbulent fluxes support these findings by suggesting a stable internal boundary layer close to the snow surface causing a strong decrease of the sensible heat flux towards the snow cover. Thus, the existence of a stable internal boundary layer above a patchy snow cover exerts a dominant control on the timing and magnitude of snow ablation for patchy snow covers.
Policy Alternatives in Soviet Environmental Protection
Authors: Ziegler Charles E.
Published: December 2011

A number of developments over the past decade or so illustrate the increasing salience of environmental problems for Soviet policy makers. In the mid-1960s, controversy over the potential pollution of Lake Baikal appears to have stimulated and legitimized environmental protection as an issue for discussion in the Soviet press. The output of scholarly books and articles by philosophers, economists, biologists, physicists, and sociologists reflects the broad range of organizations concerned with these questions. Support is also evident in high places-Brezhnev's report to the 25th Party Congress in 1976 emphasized the importance of environmental protection and announced that 11 billion rubles would be allocated for the purpose during the tenth five-year plan.3 N.K. Baibakov, Chairman of the State Planning Committee recently outlined planned capital investments of 1.8 billion rubles for the implementation of environmental protection measures in 1981.4 Greater organizational commitment is evident in the elevation of the former Hydrometeorology Service attached to the Council of Ministers to a State Committee on Hydrometeorology and Oversight of the Environment. The committee's director, Dr. Iu. Izrael, claimed his organization had approximately 10,000 personnel working on environmental problems as of early 1979.
Change and Reform of the League of Communists in Yugoslavia
Authors: Seroka Jim
Published: December 2011

The Yugoslav League of Communists is currently undergoing a period of self-examination and change which may be as profound and important as the period which accompanied Tito's break with Stalin in 1948. Unlike the Tito-Stalin dispute, the current crisis in the Party does not have direct foreign policy or international security implications and does not pit a weak David - Yugoslavia - against a mighty Goliath ~ the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, the discussions in Yugoslav society and in the Party about the proper behavior and role of the Party will have profound implications for the future development of the country and for its social stability.
Workers at War: Factory Workers and Labor Policy in the Siege of Leningrad
Authors: Bidlack Richard
Published: December 2011

Inall of Soviet history from October 1917 to the end of 1989, two events or greatest challenges to the existence of the regime and, one might argue, have had the greatest impact on subsequent political, diplomatic, social, and economic developments. An entire generation of Western historians has revised and deepened our understanding of the Revolution and Civil War period; however, a scholarly re-examination of the conflagration of 1941-45 and its impact is still in the initial stages.
Regime Transition in a Disintegrating Yugoslavia: The Law-of-Rule vs. The Rule-of-Law
Authors: Cohen Lenard J.
Published: December 2011

Democratic transition -- that indeterminate phase between the end of an authoritarian regime and the consolidation of democratic rule -- is always a difficult and challenging period for the members of a society. In the case of Yugoslavia, problems of democratization during the early 1990's were complicated by particularly intense ethnic and inter-regional conflicts, leading eventually to an armed struggle with a very high loss of life, and widespread societal disruption. Indeed, by early 1992 the "Yugoslav crisis" had led to the disintegration of the country, and the emergence of a number of successor states.
Economic Linkage in German-Polish Relations, 1918-1939
Authors: Newnham Randall E.
Published: December 2011

German-Polish relations in the interwar years (1918-1939) were of great importance, not only in shaping those countries’ future but the future of Europe, and indeed the world. Not surprisingly, then, the history of those troubled years has been studied by a number of scholars. Most of these studies, however, have focused on the “high politics” of the period, relegating economic ties to the margins of the story. This work uses a different approach. It focuses on Germany’s efforts to influence Poland through economic sanctions and incentives. It examines these efforts in light of political science theories of economic linkage, focusing on six separate cases. These case studies show that the “softer” tactic of economic incentives was in fact quite effective. For example, in contrast to the Weimar Republic, the Nazi regime employed economic incentives, and was surprisingly effective at building a positive relationship with Warsaw before 1939.This study aims to shed new light not only on interwar German-Polish ties, but on the role of economic linkage in international relations in general.
The Americanization of the Soviet Living Newspaper
Authors: Mally Lynn
Published: December 2011

This article examines the migration of a Soviet agitational theatrical form from Russia to the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. The Soviet living newspaper, or zhivaia gazeta, began during the Russian Civil War as a method to act out a pro-Soviet version of the news for mainly illiterate Red Army soldiers. During the 1920s, it evolved into an experimental form of agitprop theater that attracted the interest of foreigners, who hoped to develop new methods of political theater in their own countries. In the United States, the living newspaper format was first adopted by American communist circles. Eventually, the depression-era arts program, the Federal Theatre Project (FTP), incorporated an expanded and altered version as part of its many offerings. Living newspapers eventually became one of the FTP’s most celebrated and criticized performance genres. The political content of American living newspapers was a major factor in the government’s elimination of the FTP in 1939.
The Czech Republic in the World: Conflicting Loyalties, Organizational Memberships, and Changed National Images
Authors: Peterson James W.
Published: December 2011

Czech foreign policy in the post-Cold War period bears three significant imprints. First, a country that had been torn by conflicting loyalties solved that dilemma by firmly positioning itself in the orbit of the West. Second, NATO and the EU became the organizational anchors of that western orbit. Third, fresh images of the possibility of choice and control over history replaced past national images of submission to dependence and fate. Thus, new loyalties, organizations, and images interacted to create a different foreign policy chemistry. That chemistry could enable the Czech Republic to move from its protected Central European base to a purposeful international role in a proactive way.
Nationalism, Ethnotheology and Mysticism in Interwar Romania
Authors: Clark Roland
Published: December 2011

Scholarship on Christian mysticism underwent a renaissance in Romania between 1920 and 1947, having a lasting impact on the way that Romanian theologians and scholars think about Romanian Orthodoxy Christianity in general, and mysticism in particular. Fascist and ultra-nationalist political and intellectual currents also exploded into the Romanian public sphere at this time. Many of the same people who were writing mystical theology were also involved with ultra-nationalist politics, either as distant sympathizers or as active participants. This paper situates the early work of the renowned theologian Dumitru Stăniloae within the context of mystical fascism, nationalist apologetics, and theological pedagogy in which it was originally produced. It shows how a new academic discipline formed within an increasingly extremist political climate by analyzing the writings of six key men whose work significantly shaped Romanian attitudes towards mysticism: Nae Ionescu, Mircea Eliade, Lucian Blaga, Nichifor Crainic, Ioan Gh. Savin, and Dumitru Stăniloae. The contributions of these thinkers to Romanian theology are not dismissed once their nationalism is noted, but they are contextualized in a way that allows twenty-first century thinkers to move beyond the limitations of these men and into fresh ways of thinking about the divine-human encounter.
Poly(L‐lactic acid)/silicone dioxide nanocomposites prepared via in situ melt polycondensation of L‐lactic acid in the presence of acidic silica sol: Dispersion stability of nanoparticles during dehydration/oligomerization
Authors: Ma Zhaoqin , Wu Linbo , Peng Bo
Published: December 2011

In this work, the stability of nanoparticles during the dehydration/oligomerization (D/O) stage in situ melt polycondensation of L‐lactic acid to prepare poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA)/SiO2 nanocomposite was studied. The change in the appearance of the reaction mixture was tracked, and the resultant oligo(L‐lactic acid) (OLLA)/SiO2 and PLLA/SiO2 nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, 1H‐NMR, and light transmittance. The electric double layer and the grafted OLLA chains provided static and steric stabilities during the early and late phases, respectively. However, there existed an intermediate transitional phase with weak stability when the static stability was weakened, but sufficient steric stability had not yet been established; this led to soft or hard aggregation, depending on the SiO2 loading and agitation conditions. At low or moderate SiO2 loading (<5–10%), the soft aggregation could be depressed with appropriate agitation conditions and redispersed with the aid of gradually established steric interaction energy. Consequently, well‐dispersed PLLA/SiO2 nanocomposites with SiO2 loadings of 5 and 10% were successfully prepared by in situ melt polycondensation with an arc stirrer at 400 and 600 rpm, respectively, during the D/O stage. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Polymerizations of hexamethylcyclosiloxane catalyzed by metal sulfonate/acid chloride combinations
Authors: Qayouh Hicham , Lahcini Mohammed , Six Jean‐Luc , Kricheldorf Hans R.
Published: December 2011

Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3) was polymerized in bulk at 100°C, and the conversion was monitored by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. Various metal triflates, which were inactive as neat salts, were combined with chlorosilanes, chlorostannanes, phenyl phosphonyl chloride, and carboxylic acid chlorides, which were also inactive when added alone. Most 1 : 1 combinations proved to produce active catalysts for the ring‐opening polymerization of D3. When the anions of sodium salts were varied alkylsulfonates and the sulfates were more reactive than the triflate. The samarium triflate/diphenyldichlorosilane combination was found to be the most reactive catalyst on the basis of the triflate ions. Regardless of the catalyst combination, the main reaction products in the early stages of all polymerizations were octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5). The polymerization mechanism is discussed. The reactive catalyst combinations also polymerized D4 at 100°C. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Creep behavior of glass‐fiber‐reinforced nylon 6 products
Authors: Tohmyoh Hironori , Ito Yusuke , Eguchi Kazuteru , Daido Wataru , Utsunomiya Jiro , Nakano Yoshikatsu
Published: December 2011

The creep properties, that is, the velocity constant, activation energy, stress index, and time index, of a test piece (TP) cut from a glass‐fiber‐reinforced nylon 6 product were successfully determined by a compression creep test. In the determination of the creep properties, the experimental creep curves for the TP were fitted by finite element analysis (FEA). Fiber‐reinforced nylon 6 beams with different fiber orientations were also prepared, and their creep properties were successfully determined by a combination of the bending creep test and the corresponding analysis. The creep behavior of the press‐fit component composed of a metal collar and a fiber‐reinforced nylon 6 product was predicted by FEA with the determined creep properties of the TP. The predicted retention forces were in good agreement with the experimental ones. The effects of the fiber orientation on the long‐term reliability of the press‐fit component are also discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of atmospheric pressure helium plasma on felting and low temperature dyeing of wool
Authors: Panda Prasanta Kumar , Rastogi Deepali , Jassal Manjeet , Agrawal Ashwini K.
Published: December 2011

Wool fabrics were treated with atmospheric pressure helium glow discharge plasma in an attempt to improve felting and dyeing behavior with cold brand reactive dyes using cold pad‐batch method at neutral pH. On glow plasma treatment, the hydrophilicity of wool surface and its resistance toward felting was greatly improved without any significant damage to the cuticle layer. The color strength of the plasma treated dyed wool on the surface (in terms of K/S) was found to be nearly double of the color strength of dyed untreated wool fabric. However, the corresponding total dye uptake of the treated wool increased by a much lower value of 40%–50%. The reason behind this altered dyeing behavior was investigated by studying the dye kinetics using infinite bath and surface characteristics using SEM and SIMS. It was found that the glow plasma treatment greatly transformed the chemical surface of the wool fibers. It resulted in uniform removal of hydrophobic cuticular layer, which resulted in better diffusion of the dye molecules into the fiber, and formation of hydrophilic NH2 groups near the surface, which helped in anchoring the dye molecules close to the surface giving higher color strength than expected. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Alendronate in the prevention of collapse of the femoral head in nontraumatic osteonecrosis: A two‐year multicenter, prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Chen Chung‐Hwan , Chang Je‐Ken , Lai Kuo‐An , Hou Sheng‐Mou , Chang Chih‐Hao , Wang Gwo‐Jaw
Published: December 2011

Objective

Osteonecrosis is one of the major debilitating skeletal disorders. Most patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head eventually need surgery, usually total hip arthroplasty (THA), within a few years of onset. Previous studies showed that alendronate has a pharmacologic effect in reducing osteoclast activity and that it significantly reduced the incidence of collapse of the femoral head in the osteonecrotic hip. The purpose of this study was to determine the cumulative incidence of THA in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head and the time‐to‐event after treatment with alendronate versus placebo during the study period.

Methods

A 2‐year multicenter, prospective, randomized, double‐blind study was performed. From June 2005 to December 2006, 64 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the alendronate or placebo group. In patients with bilateral hip osteonecrosis who met the inclusion criteria, both hips were counted in the analyses. Five patients were excluded from the analysis because they did not comply with any of the study regimens. Seven patients were ineligible because they were not diagnosed as having stage IIC or stage IIIC disease according to the University of Pennsylvania system. Thus, a total of 52 patients (65 hips) were assessed in this study. Disease progression was evaluated by radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Harris Hip Score and the Short Form 36 health survey were used to rate hip function and quality of life, respectively.

Results

There was no significant difference in radiographic and MRI data between the 2 study groups. Four of 32 hips in the alendronate treatment group underwent THA, while 5 of 33 hips in the placebo group had THA (P = 0.837). No differences were noted in disease progression, Harris Hip Scores, or Short Form 36 scores between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Alendronate has no obvious effect on preventing the necessity for THA, reducing disease progression, or improving life quality.
Supercritical Fractionation of Rosemary Extracts to Improve the Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Vicente G. , García‐Risco M. R. , Fornari T. , Reglero G.
Published: December 2011

A supercritical CO2 pilot plant was employed to extract rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves and to thoroughly study the effect of time on the yield, composition and antioxidant activity of the different fractions produced. Six extraction assays were carried out, varying the fractionation procedure using a two‐stage depressurization system coupled to the extractor vessel. The concentration of the main antioxidant compound in rosemary, i.e. carnosic acid, and the DPPH test were employed to evaluate the antioxidant power of the different fractions obtained. The goal was to develop a new fractionation scheme comprising two different periods of time, in which exhaustive extraction of the essential oil from the plant matrix was achieved while recovery of the antioxidant compounds was maximized.
C6–C8 Bridged Epothilones: Consequences of Installing a Conformational Lock at the Edge of the Macrocycle
Authors: Zhan Weiqiang , Jiang Yi , Sharma Shubhada , Brodie Peggy J. , Bane Susan , Kingston David G. I. , Liotta Dennis C. , Snyder James P.
Published: December 2011

A series of conformationally restrained epothilone analogues with a short bridge between the methyl groups at C6 and C8 was designed to mimic the binding pose assigned to our recently reported EpoA–microtubule binding model. A versatile synthetic route to these bridged epothilone analogues has been successfully devised and implemented. Biological evaluation of the compounds against A2780 human ovarian cancer and PC3 prostate cancer cell lines suggested that the introduction of a bridge between C6–C8 reduced potency by 25–1000 fold in comparison with natural epothilone D. Tubulin assembly measurements indicate these bridged epothilone analogues to be mildly active, but without significant microtubule stabilization capacity. Molecular mechanics and DFT energy evaluations suggest the mild activity of the bridged epo‐analogues may be due to internal conformational strain.
Barium Bis(dimethylsilyl)amide – Adduct vs. Oxo Formation
Authors: Michel Olaf , Törnroos Karl W. , Maichle‐Mössmer Cäcilia , Anwander Reiner
Published: December 2011

Silylamide [Ba{N(SiHMe2)2}2]n reacts with 1,10‐phenanthroline (Phen) in toluene to give the donor adduct [Ba{N(SiHMe2)2}2(Phen)]2. X‐ray structure analysis revealed a dimeric solid‐state structure with two bridging silylamido ligands and Ba···SiH β‐agostic interactions, which are most pronounced for the terminal silylamido ligands. Treatment of [Ba{N(SiHMe2)2}2]n with GaMe3 did not lead to the isolation of putative Lewis acid adduct [Ba(μ‐{N(SiHMe2)2})(μ‐Me)(GaMe2)] but resulted in the soluble, low aggregated barium oxo complex [Ba(μ4‐O)(GaMe3)2(toluene)]2, which is reminiscent of inverse crown ethers.
Brief review of regression‐based and machine learning methods in genetic epidemiology: the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 experience
Authors: Dasgupta Abhijit , Sun Yan V. , König Inke R. , Bailey‐Wilson Joan E. , Malley James D.
Published: December 2011

Genetics Analysis Workshop 17 provided common and rare genetic variants from exome sequencing data and simulated binary and quantitative traits in 200 replicates. We provide a brief review of the machine learning and regression‐based methods used in the analyses of these data. Several regression and machine learning methods were used to address different problems inherent in the analyses of these data, which are high‐dimension, low‐sample‐size data typical of many genetic association studies. Unsupervised methods, such as cluster analysis, were used for data segmentation and, subset selection. Supervised learning methods, which include regression‐based methods (e.g., generalized linear models, logic regression, and regularized regression) and tree‐based methods (e.g., decision trees and random forests), were used for variable selection (selecting genetic and clinical features most associated or predictive of outcome) and prediction (developing models using common and rare genetic variants to accurately predict outcome), with the outcome being case‐control status or quantitative trait value. We include a discussion of cross‐validation for model selection and assessment, and a description of available software resources for these methods. Genet. Epidemiol. 35:S5–S11, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population‐based and family‐based designs to analyze rare variants in complex diseases
Authors: Kazma Rémi , Bailey Julia N.
Published: December 2011

Genotyping of rare variants on a large scale is now possible using next‐generation sequencing. Sample selection is a crucial step in designing the genetic study of a complex disease, and knowledge of the efficiency and limitations of population‐based and family‐based designs can help researchers make the appropriate choice. The nine contributions to Group 5 of Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 evaluate population‐based and family‐based designs by comparing the results obtained with various methods applied to the mini‐exome simulations. These simulations consisted of 200 replicates composed of unrelated individuals and eight extended pedigrees with genotypes and various phenotypes. The methods tested for association with a population‐based and/or a family‐based design, tested for linkage with a family‐based design, or estimated heritability. We summarize the strengths and weaknesses of both designs. Although population‐based designs seem more suitable for detecting the effect of multiple rare variants, family‐based designs can potentially enrich the sample in rare variants, for which the effect would be concealed at the population level. However, as of today, the main limitation is still the high cost of next‐generation sequencing. Genet. Epidemiol. 35:S41–S47, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The monocarboxylate transporter family—Structure and functional characterization
Authors: Halestrap Andrew P.
Published: December 2011

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) catalyze the proton‐linked transport of monocarboxylates such as L‐lactate, pyruvate, and the ketone bodies across the plasma membrane. There are four isoforms, MCTs 1–4, which are known to perform this function in mammals, each with distinct substrate and inhibitor affinities. They are part of the larger SLC16 family of solute carriers, also known as the MCT family, which has 14 members in total, all sharing conserved sequence motifs. The family includes a high‐affinity thyroid hormone transporter (MCT8), an aromatic amino acid transporter (T‐type amino acid transporter 1/MCT10), and eight orphan members yet to be characterized. MCTs were predicted to have 12 transmembrane helices (TMs) with intracellular C‐ and N‐termini and a large intracellular loop between TMs 6 and 7, and this was confirmed by labeling studies and proteolytic digestion. Site‐directed mutagenesis has identified key residues required for catalysis and inhibitor binding and enabled the development of a molecular model of MCT1 in both inward and outward facing conformations. This suggests a likely mechanism for the translocation cycle. Although MCT family members are not themselves glycosylated, MCTs1–4 require association with a glycosylated ancillary protein, either basigin or embigin, for their correct translocation to the plasma membrane. These ancillary proteins have a single transmembrane domain and two to three extracellular immunoglobulin domains. They must remain closely associated with MCTs1–4 to maintain transporter activity. MCT1, MCT3, and MCT4 bind preferentially to basigin and MCT2 to embigin. The choice of binding partner does not affect substrate specificity or kinetics but can influence inhibitor specificity. © 2011 IUBMB Life, 2011
Diffusion tensor imaging of the anal canal at 3 tesla: Feasibility and reproducibility of anisotropy measures
Authors: Goh Vicky , Tam Emily , Taylor N. Jane , Stirling J. James , Simcock Ian C. , Jones Robert Glynne , Padhani Anwar R.
Published: December 2011

Purpose:

To assess the feasibility and reproducibility of 3‐tesla diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the anal canal.

Materials and Methods:

DTI was performed in 25 men with no clinical history of anal canal disease undergoing MRI for prostate cancer. Analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA), relative anisotropy (RA), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were determined for the epithelial/subepithelial layer, internal sphincter, external sphincter, and puborectalis. The directionality of diffusion was recorded from color‐coded tractography maps. Obturator internus and gluteus maximus served as reference muscles. Mean (SD) of values for FA, RA, and ADC were compared using analysis of variance. Intra and inter‐rater agreement and test reproducibility (n = 5) was assessed by Bland‐Altman statistics.

Results:

Mean (SD) for the epithelial/subepithelial layer, internal, external sphincter, and puborectalis were as follows: FA: 0.283 (0.099); 0.337 (0.049); 0.415 (0.072); and 0.407 (0.062), respectively. RA: 0.241 (0.094); 0.292 (0.050); 0.371 (0.083); 0.361 (0.067), respectively; and ADC: 1.49 (0.23); 1.59 (0.19); 1.51 (0.28); and 1.54 (0.29) × 10−3mm2/s, respectively. Good overall intra and inter‐rater agreement and test–retest reproducibility was noted (coefficient of variation of 4.8–19.4% and 5.9–12.9%, respectively).

Conclusion:

Anisotropy is evident in the anal canal with good inter‐rater agreement and test reproducibility. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:820–826. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.