bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors of earthquake inpatient death: a case control study
Authors: Wen Jin , Shi YingKang , Li YouPing , Wang Li , Cheng Lan , Gao Zhan , Li Ling
Published: March 2009

Introduction

At 2:28 p.m. on 12 May, 2008, a devastating earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale hit Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province in southwest China, and resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. To date, few epidemiological studies have been conducted on the determinants of the mortality of patients hospitalised after an earthquake. This paper is aimed at identifying the contributing factors of mortality and providing a clinical reference for the management of those injured in earthquakes.

Methods

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted. Cases included all deaths (n = 36) due to earthquake injuries in the West China Hospital. Controls were the quake survivors from the same hospital by at a ratio of four survivors to one death matched for sex and age. Data sources included death certificates and medical records. A conditional logistic regression was performed to assess the odds ratio (OR) of variables used in the study. A chi-squared test for trend was performed to reveal the possible relations between risk factor (variable) number and case fatality.

Results

People with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) had the greatest risk of death (adjusted OR = 253.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.9 to 7208.6), followed by patients with multiple system organ failure (MSOF; adjusted OR = 87.8, 95% CI = 3.9 to 1928.3). Prior major disease and infection significantly increased the risk of earthquake-related death (adjusted OR = 14.9, 95% CI = 1.9 to 119.0; adjusted OR = 13.7, 95% CI = 1.8 to 103.7; respectively). The number of fatal cases increased as the risk factor numbers also increased.

Conclusions

Severe TBI, infection, MSOF and prior major disease are the significant determinants of earthquake-related inpatient death in the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Future research with a large sample size including macro- and micro-level factors is needed.
Patients With Initially Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: Is There a Possibility of Cure?
Authors: Adam René , Wicherts Dennis A. , de Haas Robbert J. , Ciacio Oriana , Lévi Francis , Paule Bernard , Ducreux Michel , Azoulay Daniel , Bismuth Henri , Castaing Denis
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Although oncosurgical strategies have demonstrated increased survival in patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CLM), their potential for cure is still questioned. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term outcome after combining downsizing chemotherapy and rescue surgery and to define prognostic factors of cure.

Patients and Methods

All patients with initially unresectable CLM who underwent rescue surgery and had a minimum follow-up of 5 years were included. Cure was defined as a disease-free interval ≥ 5 years from last hepatic or extrahepatic resection until last follow-up.

Results

Mean age of 184 patients who underwent resection (April 1988 through July 2002) was 56.9 years. Patients had a mean number of 5.3 metastases (bilobar in 76%), associated to extrahepatic disease in 27%. Surgery was possible after one (74%) or more (26%) lines of chemotherapy. Five- and 10-year overall survival rates were 33% and 27%, respectively. Of 148 patients with a follow-up ≥ 5 years, 24 patients (16%) were considered cured (mean follow-up, 118.6 months), six (25%) of whom were considered cured after repeat resection of recurrence. Twelve “cured” patients (50%) had a disease-free interval more than 10 years. Cured patients more often had three or fewer metastases less than 30 mm (P = .03) responding to first-line chemotherapy (P = .05). Multivariate analysis identified maximum size of metastases less than 30 mm at diagnosis, number of metastases at hepatectomy three or fewer, and complete pathologic response as independent predictors of cure.

Conclusion

Cure can be achieved overall in 16% of patients with initially unresectable CLM resected after downsizing chemotherapy. In addition to increased survival, this oncosurgical approach has real potential for disease eradication.
DVD Reviews
Authors: O'Brien Daniel
Published: March 2009

Les Maitres du temps (1982) France/Hungary Director Rene Laloux Screenplay Moebius (Jean Giraud), Rene Laloux Dialogue Jean-Patrick Manchette Based on the novel L'Orphelin de perdide by Stefan Wul Executive Producers Michel Gillet, Miklos Salunsinsky
Animation Designer Moebius Music Jean-Pierre Bourtayre, Pierre Tardy, Christian Zanesi With (voice only) Jean Valmont (Jaffar), Michel Elias (Silbad), Frederic Legros (Piel), Yves-Marie (Matton), Monique Thierny (Belle), Sady Rebbot (Claude), Patrick Baujin (Jad), Pierre
Tourneur (Yula), Alain Cuny (Xul) Runtime 76 minutes DVD UK, 2007 Produced and Distributed by Eureka Entertainment Ltd (region 2) Aspect Ratio 1.85:1 Sound Mix Mono 1.0 Extras New high-definition restoration in original aspect ratio. Newly translated optional
English subtitles. Theatrical trailer. 16-page booklet with Rene Laloux interviews and artwork.

Gandahar (1988) France Director Rene Laloux Screenplay Raphael Cluzel Adaptation Rene Laloux Based on the novel Les Hommes-machines contre Gandahar by Jean-Pierre
Andrevon Executive Producer Leon Zuratas Animation Designer Philippe Caza Animation Director Kim Kwang Seung Music Gabriel Yared With (voice only) Pierre-Marie Escourrou (Sylvain), Catherine Chevalier (Airelle), Georges Wilson (Le Metamorphe), Anny Duperey (Ambisextra),
Jean-Pierre Ducos (Blaminhor), Christine Paris (Porte-Parole) Runtime 83 minutes DVD, UK, 2007 Produced and Distributed by Eureka Entertainment Ltd (region 2) Aspect Ratio 1.33:1 Sound Mix Mono 1.0 Extras New restored high-definition transfer of the French
version. Newly translated optional English subtitles. Rene Laloux's short film La Prisonniere (1988). 16-page booklet with Laloux interviews and artwork.
Book Reviews
Authors: Di Carmine Roberta , Manghani Sunil , Sadoff Ronald H
Published: March 2009

Imaging Blackness: Race and Racial Representation in Film Poster and Art, Audrey Thomas McCluskey (ed.), (2007) Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 82 pp., ISBN 9780253-217790 (pbk), $24.95

Bombay Cinema: An Archive of the City, Ranjani Mazumdar,
(2007) Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 312 pp., ISBN 978081664942 (pbk), $22.50

Hitchcock's Music, Jack Sullivan, (2006) New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 354 pp., ISBN-13: 9780300136180 (pbk), $20.00
Issues Related to the Public and Regulatory Acceptance of Performance Standards for Wastes Remaining on Hazardous Waste Sites
Authors: Barich JJ , Mason BJ
Published: March 2009

Stabilization/solidification is suitable as a permanent remedial measure for hazardous waste sites whenever the performance standards fulfill regulatory requirements and public expectations. The acceptability of performance standards is a function of the compliance points selected for the site, the test methods specified to evaluate the performance of the stabilized waste, and the analytical procedures (models) used to relate test data to performance standards at the compliance points.

Performance standards derive from natural resource or health risk assessments and from the identification and analysis of regulatory requirements. Performance standards also include the minimal acceptable engineering and geotechnical properties of the stabilized waste. The compliance points are the locations where and frequencies when monitoring occurs. Test methods range from fully peer reviewed and approved to nonstandard. Data acquired with approved methods is easier to defend. Nonstandard test methods may address more directly site-specific requirements. Analytical models are used frequently to interpret data. Models range from simple (for example, multiplication by unity) to complex.

Issues related to the regulatory and public acceptance of stabilization or solidification performance standards are discussed.
Fixation of Residues from Special Hazardous Waste Incinerators for Shallow Land Disposal
Authors: Assmann D , Brodda B-G
Published: March 2009

The residues from special waste incineration (slag, filter dust, and the reaction products from off-gas purification—the salts) must be stored at special dumps since they are highly polluted with heavy metals. The extraction rate of heavy metals out of unfixed filter dusts and salts is very high. Therefore, salts can only be stored underground. On the other hand, getting licenses to build such special dumps is very difficult. A fixation of boiler ash (a special filter dust) or salts with water glass and aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) hardener reduces the leachability of heavy metal so well that these fixed residues can be dumped together with municipal or commercial and industrial refuse rather than in an underground repository.
Release of Toxic Elements from Solidified Wastes: A Mathematical Model
Authors: Medici F , Merli C , Scoccia G , Volpe R
Published: March 2009

A mathematical model to predict the release of toxic elements immobilized in different cementitious matrices is presented. This model has been obtained on the basis of previous experimental tests carried out adopting a dynamic leaching test proposed by the American Nuclear Society. During the tests, lithium and bivalent copper have been used as tracers; different types of cementitious matrices and lime-pozzolan mortars have been tested. To correlate the release of these two elements with the intrinsic properties of the matrix and of the immobilized element system, a statistical approach has been used. The final semiempirical model obtained has been very satisfactory for the prediction of contaminant loss from cementitious immobilizing matrices.
Cementation of Borate Waste by Adding Slaked Lime
Authors: Kim J-H , Kim H-Y , Park H-H , Suh I-S
Published: March 2009

With regard to the cementation of the evaporator concentrate from pressurized water reactors, this study identifies the operating conditions giving properly coherent waste forms of a high volume reduction factor, high compressive strength, and good workability without the development of freestanding water. Simulated waste specimens prepared by varying the mixing ratios of simulated borate waste [boric acid (H3BO3) 12% by weight, pH 9], Portland cement, and slaked lime were tested. The results appear in a three-phase diagram depicting the proper blending necessary to yield final products possessing a compressive strength of over 15 MPa and a volume reduction factor above 0.65.

The solubility of sodium borate is higher than that of H3BO3, and cementation of a concentrated borate solution (24 wt% H3BO3, pH 9) was therefore also tested. The region of over 15 MPa of compressive strength with a volume reduction factor of over 0.6 based on the waste volume was identified. By increasing the H3BO3 concentration in the waste from 12 to 24 wt%, the actual volume was reduced by an additional factor of about two.
Generalized Acid Neutralization Capacity Test
Authors: Isenburg J , Moore M
Published: March 2009

A method is developed to measure the neutralizing capacity of various generic binders. The method, termed the generalized acid neutralization capacity (GANC) test, is based on modifications to Environment Canada Method No. 7, Acid Neutralization Capacity, combined with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method No. 1311, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure. The GANC test is a single batch procedure that utilizes leachants normally ranging in acidity from 0 to 6 equivalents of acid per kilogram of solids. After 48 h of contact, the pH of the leachate is measured. The leachate can also be analyzed for alkalinity, hardness, and metals concentration. Plotting pH values versus equivalents per kilogram of solids defines the alkaline behavior of a sample. The more equivalents a binder neutralizes, the greater its buffering capacity and effectiveness in diminishing metals mobility, but too much alkalinity can also be harmful. Examples are given of the application of GANC test results and concepts to metal-spiked samples and to lead-contaminated soils from a Superfund site.
Methods of Evaluating Explosive Reactivity of Explosive-Contaminated Solid Waste Substances
Authors: Bajpayee TS , Mainiero RJ
Published: March 2009

The Bureau of Mines has developed test procedures and criteria for evaluating explosive reactivity of explosive-contaminated solid waste substances generated by U.S. Army ammunition plants. These substances are produced as explosive-contaminated sludge from wastewater treatment plants, residues from the burning of munitions and explosives on open ground, and residues from deactivation furnaces. The characterization of explosive reactivity is a prerequisite for disposal of such waste materials, which may be contaminated with primary explosives, propellants, or pyrotechnic materials. The Bureau has proposed two tests for this purpose. These tests were developed to evaluate the explosive reactivity as defined in Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 261.23(a)(6) and (7). These are gap and internal ignition tests, which determine the sensitivity to shock and thermal stimuli, respectively. This paper also includes gap and internal ignition reference data for typical blasting agents, high explosives, propellants, and marginally reactive substances. These reference data were used to establish test criteria. The Bureau has evaluated over 400 samples of contaminated soil, sludge, and burning residues using these two test methods.
Dynamic Compaction of Nuclear Waste Deposits
Authors: Lukas RG , Schexnayder C
Published: March 2009

This paper discusses the use of dynamic compaction to densify miscellaneous materials that have become contaminated with low-level radioactive materials which were buried in trenches and covered with soil. After densification, the ground was compressed approximately 12.7% and cone penetration resistance readings were approximately four to six times higher than before densification. The type of equipment used for dynamic compaction, the grid spacing and number of drops at each location, and safety procedures used during the dynamic compaction operations are discussed in this paper. Environmental considerations are excluded from this paper.
From Underground to Multiplex: An Interview With Todd Haynes
Authors: MacDonald Scott
Published: March 2009

In this interview, director Todd Haynes discusses the influence on his films (notably Superstar, Poison, Dottie Gets Spanked, Far from Heaven, and I'm Not There) of the avant-garde tradition from Jean Genet to Stan Brakhage to Leslie Thornton to Sally Potter.
Variability in the Diagnostic Labeling of Nonbacterial Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: A Multicenter Study of Children Who Presented to the Emergency Department
Authors: Mansbach Jonathan M. , Espinola Janice A. , Macias Charles G. , Ruhlen Michael E. , Sullivan Ashley F. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. The diagnostic labeling of presumed nonbacterial lower respiratory tract infection is unclear. Our objective was to identify patterns of specific diagnoses and treatments that were given to children who presented with lower respiratory tract infection to US academic emergency departments.

METHODS. Data were collected on all children who were aged <2 years and had lower respiratory tract infection symptoms during a similar 2- to 3-week winter period at 4 pairs of emergency departments from the same state or region. The children were identified by using relevant International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes in the primary diagnosis field. Data were collected by using standardized chart review forms for the index emergency department visit and also for 1 month before through 1 year after the index visit.

RESULTS. Among the 928 children who presented with lower respiratory tract infection symptoms, 676 (73%) were younger than 12 months and 624 (67%) had a primary diagnosis of bronchiolitis. When comparing the assigned diagnoses between emergency department pairs, bronchiolitis was the more common diagnosis at certain hospitals, whereas asthma, cough, and wheeze were more frequent at others. Independent predictors of corticosteroid treatment were visiting specific emergency departments, older age, an asthma diagnosis (compared with bronchiolitis), documented history of wheezing, observed wheezing during the index visit, eosinophil values >4%, previous use of corticosteroids, and parental history of asthma.

CONCLUSIONS. For children who are age <2 years and present to an emergency department with lower respiratory tract infection symptoms, there is large variability in the assigned diagnosis. Children who present to emergency departments that more commonly diagnose lower respiratory tract infection as “asthma” are more likely to receive corticosteroids. As clinicians, we need to develop evidence- and outcome-based definitions for lower respiratory tract infections to guide diagnosis and treatment better.
CD133-Expressing Stem Cells Associated with Ovarian Metastases Establish an Endothelial Hierarchy and Contribute to Tumor Vasculature
Authors: Kusumbe Anjali P. , Mali Avinash M. , Bapat Sharmila A.
Published: March 2009

Recruitment and localization of endothelial precursors within tumors is a potential area for the development of therapeutics, because their functional contribution to tumor vasculature is realized to be important for cancer cell survival. However, the exact nature of the recruited cell type and cellular events orchestrating the entire phenomenon remains obscure. We report that human ovarian cancer is frequently associated with cells expressing the stem cell surface marker CD133. We further show that these CD133-expressing cells are nontumorigenic in nature, and they augment tumor development through their vasculogenic potential. This cell population is attracted by cancer stem cells (CSCs) and retains a direct physical association within the CSC-derived spheroids. Our study further delineates the contribution of these vasculogenic CD133+ stem cells, termed by us as endothelial stem cells (EnSCs) to the developing tumor vasculature during disease progression. In support of their being stem cells, the EnSCs have a capability of establishing an entire endothelial cell hierarchy. We conclude that such EnSCs play a crucial role in ensuring the development of long-term tumor vasculature to complement CSC-driven tumor development and disease progression.
The biology of activin: recent advances in structure, regulation and function
Authors: Xia Yin , Schneyer Alan L
Published: March 2009

Activin was discovered in the 1980s as a gonadal protein that stimulated FSH release from pituitary gonadotropes and was thought of as a reproductive hormone. In the ensuing decades, many additional activities of activin were described and it was found to be produced in a wide variety of cell types at nearly all stages of development. Its signaling and actions are regulated intracellularly and by extracellular antagonists. Over the past 5 years, a number of important advances have been made that clarify our understanding of the structural basis for signaling and regulation, as well as the biological roles of activin in stem cells, embryonic development and in adults. These include the crystallization of activin in complex with the activin type II receptor ActRIIB, or with the binding proteins follistatin and follistatin-like 3, as well as identification of activin's roles in gonadal sex development, follicle development, luteolysis, β-cell proliferation and function in the islet, stem cell pluripotency and differentiation into different cell types and in immune cells. These advances are reviewed to provide perspective for future studies.
Permissive action of protein kinase C-ζ in insulin-induced CD36- and GLUT4 translocation in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Luiken Joost J F P , Ouwens D Margriet , Habets Daphna D J , van der Zon Gerard C M , Coumans Will A , Schwenk Robert W , Bonen Arend , Glatz Jan F C
Published: March 2009

Insulin stimulates cardiac long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) and glucose uptake via translocation of human homolog of rat fatty acid translocase (CD36) and GLUT4 respectively, from intracellular membrane compartments to the sarcolemma, a process dependent on the activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase. To identify downstream kinases of insulin signaling involved in translocation of CD36 and GLUT4 in the heart, we tested i) which cardiac protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms (α, δ, ε or ζ) are activated by insulin, and ii) whether PKC isoform-specific inhibition affects insulin-stimulated substrate uptake in the heart. Insulin-stimulated LCFA and glucose uptake were completely blunted by inhibition of PKC-ζ, but not by inhibition of conventional or novel PKCs. Concomitantly, translocation of CD36 and GLUT4 to the sarcolemma was completely blunted upon inhibition of PKC-ζ. However, insulin, in contrast to the diacylglycerol-analog phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), did not induce membrane-attachment of the conventional and novel PKCs-α, -δ, and -ε. PKC-ζ was already entirely membrane-bound in non-stimulated cells, and neither insulin nor PMA treatment had any effect on the subcellular localization of PKC-ζ. Furthermore, insulin treatment did not change phosphorylation of PKC-α, -δ, and -ζ or enzymatic activity of PKC-ζ towards a PKC-ζ substrate peptide. It is concluded that PKC-ζ, but not any other PKC isoform, is necessary for insulin-induced translocation of GLUT4 and CD36. However, PKC-ζ is already fully active under basal conditions and not further activated by insulin, indicating that its role in insulin-stimulated uptake of both glucose and LCFA is permissive rather than regulatory.
Non-linear analysis of strengthened RC beams with web openings
Authors: Madkour H.
Published: March 2009

This paper aims to clarify the non-linear behaviour of strengthened reinforced concrete beams with rectangular web openings. The non-linear behaviour has been investigated by introducing a new numerical implementation of damage-non-linear elastic theory. The proposed theoretical approach will analyse the efficiency of applying carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates as an external strengthening technique in a three-dimensional domain in order to determine the effective and economic strengthening configuration. More attention has been paid to explaining the computational algorithm used in the non-linear analysis. The main investigated parameters are the opening height and the strengthening configurations using CFRP in the vicinity of the web opening. The numerical results have been displayed and validated against the available experimental results in the literature. Furthermore, the modes of failure corresponding for each strengthening scheme have also been introduced.
Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Resource-Limited Settings: The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Experience
Authors: Spensley Allison , Sripipatana Tabitha , Turner Abigail Norris , Hoblitzelle Chuck , Robinson Joanna , Wilfert Catherine
Published: March 2009

Objectives. In September 1999, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation initiated a multicountry, service-based programmatic effort in the developing world to reduce perinatally acquired HIV infection. We review 6½ years of one of the world's largest programs for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV.

Methods. Each PMTCT facility records patient data in antenatal clinics and labor and delivery settings about counseling, testing, HIV status, and antiretroviral prophylaxis and submits the data to foundation staff.

Results. More than 2.6 million women have accessed foundation-affiliated services through June 2006. Overall, 92.9% of women who received antenatal care or were eligible for PMTCT services in labor and delivery have been counseled, and 82.8% of those counseled accepted testing. Among women identified as HIV positive, 75.0% received antiretroviral prophylaxis (most a single dose of nevirapine), as did 45.6% of their infants.

Conclusions. The foundation's experience has demonstrated that opt-out testing, supplying mothers with medication at time of diagnosis, and providing the infant dose early have measurably improved program efficiency. PMTCT should be viewed as an achievable paradigm and an essential part of the continuum of care.
Delivering sustainable urban water management: a review of the hurdles we face
Authors: Brown R. R. , Farrelly M. A.
Published: March 2009

Sustainable urban water management (SUWM) requires an integrated, adaptive, coordinated and participatory approach. Current urban water policies are beginning to reflect this understanding yet the rhetoric is often not translated to implementation. Despite the ‘new’ philosophy, urban water management remains a complex and fragmented area relying on traditional, technical, linear management approaches. Despite widespread acknowledgement of the barriers to change, there has been little systematic review of what constitutes the scope of such barriers and how these should be addressed to advance SUWM. To better understand why implementation fails to occur beyond ad hoc project interventions, an extensive literature review of observed and studied barriers was conducted. Drawing on local, national and international literature from the field of integrated urban water management and other similar fields, 53 studies were assessed, resulting in a typology of 12 barrier types. The analysis revealed the barriers are largely socio-institutional rather than technical, reflecting issues related to community, resources, responsibility, knowledge, vision, commitment and coordination. Furthermore, the meta-analysis demonstrated a paucity of targeted strategies for overcoming the stated institutional barriers. Evaluation of the typology in relation to capacity building suggests that these systemic issues require a sophisticated programme of change that focuses on fostering social capital, inter-sectoral professional development, and inter-organisational coordination.
Dialogue procedures for the management of odour related community conflicts
Authors: Sucker K.
Published: March 2009

In the German Guideline on Odour in Ambient Air (GOAA) statements about the degree of residential odour annoyance are based on the frequency of recognisable odours and hedonic tone. The use of olfactory standards to adequately estimate the annoyance impact is limited if, for example, worry about adverse health outcomes significantly influences the annoyance response of the population. This report introduces dialogue procedures as complementary measures to consider the complainants' subjective perceptions and worries adequately. At first, it is illustrated that odour exposure and number of odour complaints are not necessarily correlated. Then the “interest analysis” and the five steps of a dialogue procedure are presented. A dialogue procedure can be initiated in “quiet times” – where the focus is on trust building and on the development of adequate communication strategies to promote realistic risk reception – as well as in order to establish a successful conflict resolution process if the issue is complex and emotionally discussed. After that, two examples of handling odour complaints are shown. Finally, considerations applying dialogue procedures as a tool to advance odour annoyance mitigation are outlined.
Biodegradability of chlorophenol wastewater enhanced by solar photo-Fenton process
Authors: Kuo W. S. , Lin I. T.
Published: March 2009

The combination of solar irradiation and Fenton reagent have been used to enhance the biodegradability (BOD5/COD) of chlorophenol wastewater, including 2-chlorophenol (2-CP), 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). Results showed that the solar photo-Fenton process improved significantly the biodegradability of chlorophenol wastewater. Basically, increasing initial H2O2 dosage was much more beneficial for increasing biodegradability of wastewater than increasing initial Fe2 +  dosage. Among the conditions studied, the optimum condition of increasing biodegradability of chlorophenol wastewater was found with a [H2O2]0/[Fe2 + ]0/[chlorophenol]0 ratio of 10.0/0.2/1.0, 10.0/0.3/1.0, and 10.0/0.2/1.0 for 2-CP, 4-CP, and 2,4-DCP, respectively. As a result, the value of BOD5/COD was increased from 0 for untreated solution up to 0.231, 0.248, and 0.193 for 2-CP, 4-CP, and 2,4-DCP, respectively with a 15-min treatment. Under the operation of optimum conditions, the oxidative state of chlorophenol wastewater could be easily controlled into a higher biodegradability stage. The COD and TOC degradation efficiency could be in excess of 90% on the whole as the preoxidized chlorophenol solution was treated by a following batch-type biological unit. In the meanwhile, the microtoxicity of wastewater reduced more than 95%.
On phase segregation in nonlocal two-particle Hartree systems
Authors: Aschbacher Walter , Squassina Marco
Published: March 2009

We prove the phase segregation phenomenon to occur in the ground state solutions of an interacting system of two self-coupled repulsive Hartree equations for large nonlinear and nonlocal interactions. A self-consistent numerical investigation visualizes the approach to this segregated regime.
RNA interference against Biot2, a novel mouse testis — specific gene, inhibits the growth of tumor cells
Authors: Wang Chun-Ting , Zhang Peng , Wang Yong-Sheng , Ruan Xu-Zhi , Li Zhi-Yong , Peng Feng , Yang Han-Shuo , Wei Yu-Quan
Published: March 2009

Biot2 is a novel murine testis-specific gene that was first identified using the SEREX technique, and named by our laboratory. Using conventional RT-PCR and real time RT-PCR, we tested the expression profile of Biot2 in normal tissues and various murine tumor cell lines. Using RNA interference, we studied the biological function of Biot2 in tumorigenesis. We applied various types of growth assay, such as the in vitro MTT, colony-forming and BrdU incorporation assays, along with in vivo tumorigenicity assays, to reveal its inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. The results revealed that the Biot2 transcript was detected only and strongly in the testis tissues and abundantly in five types of murine cancer cell line. Treating B16 murine melanoma, LL/2 murine Lewis lung carcinoma and CT26 murine colorectal adenocarcinoma with special shRNA targeting Biot2 can significantly reduce the proliferation rate of these three tumor cell lines in vitro, as measured by the MTT, colony-forming and BrdU incorporation assays. The tumorigenicity of the CT26 cells transfected with special shRNA targeting Biot2 was also decreased distinctly in vivo compared with the control. It was therefore concluded that Biot2 plays a key role in tumorigenesis and could be a potential target for biotherapy.
Dielectric spectroscopy of liquid crystals. Theoretical model of ITO electrodes influence on dielectric measurements
Authors: Perkowski P.
Published: March 2009

Indium tin oxide (ITO) layers are widely used to make electrodes in measuring cells, because these layers are transparent and electrooptical investigations can be performed using such prepared cells. It was found during the dielectric spectroscopy measurements, performed for smectic liquid crystalline mixture, that it is not possible to detect some important relaxation modes in paraelectric SmA*, ferroelectric SmC*, and antiferroelectric SmCA* phases for the frequencies higher than 300 kHz. The measuring cell does not allow to measure relaxations, because its own dielectric behaviour covers the dielectric response of a liquid crystalline medium. One can observe the spurious contribution for high frequency part of the dielectric spectrum, due to the finite resistance of ITO layers. The theoretical model was introduced, which shows how to calculate relaxations related to liquid crystals from dielectric response of the empty and filled measuring cell. The proof of strong influence of cell properties on effective (measuring) values of dielectric permittivities was shown.
Semi-empirical Algorithm for the Retrieval of Ecology-Relevant Water Constituents in Various Aquatic Environments
Authors: Korosov Anton  A. , Pozdnyakov Dmitry  V. , Folkestad Are , Pettersson Lasse  H. , Sørensen Kai , Shuchman Robert
Published: March 2009

An advanced operational semi-empirical algorithm for processing satellite remote sensing data in the visible region is described. Based on the Levenberg-Marquardt multivariate optimization procedure, the algorithm is developed for retrieving major water colour producing agents: chlorophyll-a, suspended minerals and dissolved organics. Two assurance units incorporated by the algorithm are intended to flag pixels with inaccurate atmospheric correction and specific hydro-optical properties not covered by the applied hydro-optical model. The hydro-optical model is a set of spectral cross-sections of absorption and backscattering of the colour producing agents. The combination of the optimization procedure and a replaceable hydro-optical model makes the developed algorithm not specific to a particular satellite sensor or a water body. The algorithm performance efficiency is amply illustrated for SeaWiFS, MODIS and MERIS images over a variety of water bodies.
Disproportionate Hyperproinsulinemia, β-Cell Restricted Prohormone Convertase 2 Deficiency, and Cell Cycle Inhibitors Expression by Human Islets Transplanted into Athymic Nude Mice: Insights into Nonimmune-Mediated Mechanisms of Delayed Islet Graft Failure
Authors: Davalli Alberto M. , Perego Lucia , Bertuzzi Federico , Finzi Giovanna , La Rosa Stefano , Blau Adam , Placidi Claudia , Nano Rita , Gregorini Luisa , Perego Carla , Capella Carlo , Folli Franco
Published: March 2009

To learn more about nonimmune-mediated islet graft failure, we transplanted different preparations (preps) of isolated human islets under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic nude mice. One month after the implantation of 1,000 or 2,000 islets, grafts were harvested for morphological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analysis. Only a single islet prep cured the diabetes out of all the recipients, while the remaining preps showed only partial function after the implantation of 2,000 islets. Transplanted mice showed high circulating proinsulin levels but, with the exclusion of those bearing curative grafts, relatively low mature insulin levels. Engrafted β-cells showed positive carboxypeptidase E (CPE) and prohormone convertase 1 (PC1) staining, while prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) was undetectable. In contrast, PC2 was abundantly expressed by engrafted α-cells. Moreover, engrafted β-cells did not show evidence of replication, and preapoptotic β-cells, with intra- and extracellular amyloid deposition, were detected with electron microscopy. Cell cycle inhibitors p16INK4, p21WAF1, and p27Kip1 were abundantly expressed in the islet grafts and showed a predominant nuclear localization. In conclusion, diabetic nude mice transplanted with human islets showed disproportionate hyperproinsulinemia and graft evidence of β-cell restricted PC2 depletion, amyloid deposition and β-cell death, and lack of β-cell replication with nuclear translocation of p27Kip1 and p21WAF1 that together may contribute to delayed graft failure.
POSSIBILITIES OF BUSES ON ALTERNATIVE FUEL IN PUBLIC URBAN TRANSPORT IN BELGRADE
Authors: Petrović Jelica , Ivković Ivan , Vujačić Ivan , Žeželj Srećko
Published: March 2009

The accelerated development of transport and transport technology is significantly contributing to air pollution by motor vehicle emissions in large urban environments. The analysis of mass public transport in Belgrade, the transportation supply, the transport services delivered, the number of passengers transported, clearly concludes that by investing in its capacity, significant progress in the preservation of the city environment can be achieved. The paper analyzes the economic and environmental aspects of the modernization and renewal of the public bus subsystem as the major bearer of the transport supply through the use of alternative fuels, natural gas and biodiesel. Santrauka Didėjantys transporto ir transporto technologijų vystymosi tempai gerokai padidina oro užterštumą urbanizuotose teritorijose. Analizuojama viešojo transporto (autobusų) modernizacijos bei atkūrimo, naudojant alternatyvų kurą (natūralias dujas ir biodyzeliną), galimybe ekonominiais ir aplinkosaugos aspektais.
Data Integration Realizes the Promise of Multidisciplinary Efforts
Authors: Bashore William M.
Published: March 2009

The use of multidisciplinary teams for reservoir management is becomingcustomary throughout the industry. Technology improvements in the areas ofintegrated database systems and data visualization environments are assistingthese asset-based teams. However, integration in the full sense, where data ofdiverse type, quantity, quality, resolution, and relationship are combinedappropriately to condition models upon which decisions are made, is far lessglobally applied. Much of this deficiency is due to a lack of knowledge aboutavailable integration technologies, minimal understanding and appreciation forthe power of the application of these technologies, and inaccessiblity to toolsembodying these technologies for performing many levels of integration. Examples of such integration are given to promote awareness that technologiesdo exist and are commercially available and to facilitate realizing the synergyfrom multidisciplinary efforts.

Introduction

As the focus of the oil and gas industry shifts from exploration for newreserves to the exploitation of existing fields, much discussion has centeredon realizing the potential of multidisciplinary reservoir characterization. Thecentral theme is that each applied discipline in the geosciences and inreservoir engineering is observing the same reservoir except in different ways. If a reconciliation of these different observations can be achieved, then theresulting model of the reservoir should be better, and possibly quitesignificantly, than any model produced solely by an individual discipline.

If this synergy of multidisciplinary integration is to have its promisedeffect on the description of the reservoir, on the distribution of hydrocarbonswithin it, and on the movement of the fluids as the reservoir is produced, thenorganizations and the technologies they employ should be tailored to achievingsuch results. In fact, extensive efforts are underway within many companies inresponse to the paradigm shift of resources from exploration to production.
Integrating 3D Seismic and Geostatistics; Building a 3D Model of a Tertiary Deltaic and Shallow Marine Deposit, Malay Basin, Offshore Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Yarus Jeffrey M. , Yang Kexian , Sriisraporn Somchai , Chuemthaisong Nutthawut , Sangwongwanich Kanit
Published: March 2009

This paper will present a practical implementation of geostatisticalmethodologies through a case study in the Malay Basin of the Gulf of Thailand. The field is Tertiary in age and has been identified as a tide dominated deltawith associated shallow marine deposits. The reservoir consists of eightsequences defined from well logs, borehole images, core data and 3D seismic. The conceptual model derived from the data reveals adetailed reservoir facies architecture consisting of a tide dominated clastic shallow marine and deltaicenvironment. Distinctive sedimentological structure and texture in eachsedimentological facies can be observed from well data. Seismic attributeimages extracted for individual sedimentological layers provided important information about the distribution pattern of the facies. These data were usedto construct a complex 3D-reservoir model utilizing the principles ofstochastic modeling. The final upscaled models preserved the criticalheterogeneities and were prepared for fluid flow studies.

Introduction

Geostatistical approaches have become popular over the last few yearsbecause they have proven to be very successful in modeling complex hydrocarbonreservoirs. In addition to its ability to use both quantitative and qualitative data, and incorporate geologic or geophysical trends including seismicattribute data, geostatistics provides a rigorous framework for assessing theuncertainties of model results. The modeling process is neither simple norfast, but results provide for a better understanding of reservoir heterogeneityits implications on field development.

Seismic Integration and 3D Modeling

In order to get a best understanding of the complicated reservoir faciesarchitecture, an integrated study was carried out based on seismic data, welllogs, borehole image, core data and previous studies of regional geology. Different geostatistical techniques were used to incorporate the geologicalinformation into the 3D geological computer model.
Shallow Water Flows: A Problem Solved or a Problem Emerging
Authors: Alberty Mark W.
Published: March 2009

In the 15 years since the first shallow water flow (SWF) was observed in thedeep water Gulf of Mexico, operators have developed a suite of strategies andproducts to combat SWF's. Shallow water flows are geopressured sands that are drilled before the well design will allow the drilling system to typically behydraulically closed to provide an overbalanced environment.

Early efforts in combating SWF's were focused upon the hydraulic isolationof the encountered pressure in the sands when a marine riser was not present toprovide a hydrostaticly over-balanced environment to run and cement casing. Tools and strategies developed or employed to combat this problem included SWFcement formulations, external casing packers, annular shut-off seals andvalves.

As fields moved from discovery to development, the effects of the erosion ofsand associated with the under-balanced drilling of shallow geopressured sandsbecame a paramount concern. A new set of tools and strategies were develop tocombat this new manifestation of shallow water flows which included the use ofoversized marine risers, drilling with weighted mud and returns to theseafloor, and, yet to be deployed, rotating subsea BOP stacks and dual gradientdrilling systems.

Subtlety hidden amongst these major developments are indications of problemsthat have the potential to widen the difficulties that burden exploration anddevelopment in shallow water flow environments. The need to drill to deepertargets will increase the need to set 20" casing deeper which makesformerly benign SWF areas potentially high risk areas. The need to set casingdeeper places geopressured sands above the tail cement where hydraulicisolation is much less reliable due to cement contamination and channeling. Theerosion of sand at isolated well locations leaves cavities unfilled with cementthat provide no lateral support to casing, reducing the capacity of casing to bear vertical strain. The erosion of sand and release of geopressured brineproduces compaction which disturbs the strength of overly soils and increasesthe potential of narrowing the pore pressure fracture gradient window.
CDH1 Genotype Exploration in Women With Hereditary Lobular Breast Cancer Phenotype
Authors: Corso Giovanni , Marino Elena , Zanzottera Cristina , Oliveira Carla , Bernard Loris , Macis Debora , Figueiredo Joana , Pereira Joana , Carneiro Patrícia , Massari Giulia , Barberis Massimo , De Scalzi Alessandra Margherita , Taormina Sergio Vincenzo , Sajjadi Elham , Sangalli Claudia , Gandini Sara , D’Ecclesiis Oriana , Trovato Cristina Maria , Rotili Anna , Pesapane Filippo , Nicosia Luca , La Vecchia Carlo , Galimberti Viviana , Guerini-Rocco Elena , Bonanni Bernardo , Veronesi Paolo
Published: April 2024

Importance

Pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline CDH1 variants are associated with risk for diffuse gastric cancer and lobular breast cancer (LBC) in the so-called hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) syndrome. However, in some circumstances, LBC can be the first manifestation of this syndrome in the absence of diffuse gastric cancer manifestation.

Objectives

To evaluate the frequency of germline CDH1 variants in women with the hereditary LBC (HLBC) phenotype, somatic CDH1 gene inactivation in germline CDH1 variant carriers’ tumor samples, and the association of genetic profiles with clinical-pathological data and survival.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This single-center, longitudinal, prospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2021, with follow-up until January 31, 2023. Women with LBC seen at the European Institute of Oncology were included. Testing for germline CDH1, BRCA1, and BRCA2 genes was performed. Somatic profiling was assessed for germline CDH1 carriers.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Accurate estimates of prevalence of germline CDH1 variants among patients with HLBC and the association of somatic sequence alteration with HLBC syndrome. The Kaplan-Meier method and a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model were applied for overall and disease-free survival analysis.

Results

Of 5429 cases of primary LBC, familial LBC phenotype accounted for 1867 (34.4%). A total of 394 women with LBC were tested, among whom 15 germline CDH1 variants in 15 unrelated families were identified. Among these variants, 6 (40.0%) were P/LP, with an overall frequency of 1.5% (6 of 394). Of the 6 probands with P/LP CDH1 LBC, 5 (83.3%) had a positive family history of BC and only 1 (16.7%) had sporadic juvenile early-onset LBC. No germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants were identified in CDH1 carriers. An inactivating CDH1 mechanism (second hit) was identified in 4 of 6 explored matched tumor samples (66.7%) in P/LP germline carriers. The P/LP CDH1 LBC variant carriers had a significantly lower age at diagnosis compared with the group carrying CDH1 variants of unknown significance or likely benign (42.5 [IQR, 38.3-43.0] vs 51.0 [IQR, 45.0-53.0] years; P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, P/LP germline CDH1 variants were identified in individuals not fulfilling the classic clinical criteria for HDGC screening, suggesting that identification of these variants may provide a novel method to test women with LBC with early age at diagnosis and/or positive family history of BC.
M2 Macrophage‐Derived Exosomes Inhibiting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps for Ischemic Stroke Therapy
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Qing Hongrui , Li Ran , Li Xue , Guo Xing , Zhou Shaobing
Published: April 2024

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are highly associated with inflammatory response and vascular injury after ischemic stroke. As the primary degrader of NETs, DNase 1 is limited by easy deactivation and low efficiency of crossing the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). Here, CD206+ M2‐like macrophages‐derived exosomal (M2exo) system is developed for DNase 1 delivery to achieve enhanced ischemic stroke therapy. The nanoplatform can cross the BBB through transcytosis of exosomes, subsequently clearing NETs by DNase 1 to inhibit inflammatory factors release and prevent vascular injury. Moreover, M2exo induces the polarization of M1 microglia to M2 phenotype, alleviating neuroinflammation via producing anti‐inflammatory cytokines. This nanoplatform exhibits significant efficiency in reducing brain infarct area, improving long‐term neurologic outcomes, and promoting BBB remodeling. The mechanism for the synergistic effect from M2exo and DNase 1 is unveiled at the genetic level through transcriptome analysis. This work provides a paradigm for improving the effectiveness of ischemic stroke therapy.