bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population and territory as elements of political power in international relations
Authors: Isakovic Zlatko
Published: October 2010

This paper deals with population and territory as elements of political power of international relations actors. The first part is devoted to the population, i.e. its quantitative (number of people) and qualitative characteristics, i.e. structure, etc. The second part of the paper deals with basic characteristic of the territory (its size, quality, and geographical position). The quality is determined primarily according to economic values of the area. Geographic position depends of neighbors and borders. In the concluding part of the paper it is stressed that mutual comparison between area and number of population is relatively easy, while comparison becomes much harder when one takes into account the qualitative characteristics of the both elements of political power. The relation between population and territory is in the fact that people need room, i.e. space for their living. People are those who in wars and negotiations and other peaceful ways determine quantities and qualities of territories of their states. There is the open question of a price (human lives, health, living standards, etc.) worth to be paid for a territory if it is perceived by political decision makers as the national or similar interest. People are those who by their ideas, work and behavior in general directly influence number of population members and utilize and perceive space in certain ways. People are subjective factors of political power in general. First action of the modern specialized and global information-telecommunication technology is in the changed comprehending of categories of space and time. Communications are one of important preconditions and conditions of social integration and capability for survival in general of people on certain territory. The Earth became much smaller, linked and perceived by majority of its population as the universal, whole and only domicile and shelter. During the 20th century communication deterritorialization appeared and one could predict that this development will be continued in this century. People will become more and more nomads, and their ideas and goods will move more and more quickly and in greater numbers. The link between population and territory will be weakened, and state territories will be less and less relevant. However, human life will not loose its spatiality. People will remain the subjective element of international and other relations, and cloning - if becomes mass phenomenon - will begin to represent, beside others things, negation of people?s individuality and, in this way, their subjectivity.
Questions from an analysis of ethnic distributions in the former Yugoslavia
Authors: Hammel Eugene , Mason Carl , Stevanovic Mirjana
Published: October 2010

Ethnic diversity in the former Yugoslavia, measured as informational entropy increased in most regions at the level of the naselje, the opstina, and the region, 1961-1991 (no useful data for Slovenia, Macedonia, and Kosovo in 1991). Vojvodina is the most diverse region, Slovenia the least. An exception to the increase is Kosovo-Metohija, where diversity decreased 1961-1981 driven by already serious interethnic conflict. There is some diminution of the increase in diversity in some regions in 1991, possibly because of refugee flows in anticipation of the impending violence. This rather broad and steady increase in diversity leads to questions about the view that pre-existing ethnic hatreds among broad segments of the population led to the ethnic fracturing and collapse of Yugoslavia. Instead it suggests that this fracturing may instead have been the result of competition between political leaders, stimulated by serious economic difficulties, leading them to emphasize ethnicity in their search for popular support. From this the authors support the view that the collapse of Yugoslavia was from the top downward, not from the bottom upward.
Escape from poverty: Obstacles preventing NGOs from becoming fully fledged service providers in the area of social protection in Serbia
Authors: Boskovic Aleksandar
Published: October 2010

The paper deals with possible solutions of problems affecting particularly vulnerable parts of the population - the elderly, poor, and refugees, among others. In order to fully realize the potential for providing services for the unprivileged, it is necessary to establish full cooperation between civil sector and non-governmental organizations, and government agencies. The paper covers some issues that explain lack of cooperation between these sectors and offers some recommendations for the immediate future.
Is the number of registered abortions in Serbia realistic?
Authors: Rasevic Mirjana
Published: October 2010

Ever since the 1990's the number of registered abortions in Serbia has been decreasing from year to year. Are the abortion data of the Public Health Institute complete? In other words, has there been a qualitative shift in the sphere of reproductive behavior of Serbia's population in the last two decades? This paper deals with the raised question in three ways. First, in an indirect way, by analyzing whether a radical change in birth control since the 1990's has been possible, having in mind the complexity of the abortion issue in Serbia, as well as the broad social context regarding the last decade of the last century and beginning of this one. The second way deals more directly with the quality of the official data on abortions. Namely, the great decrease in the number of induced abortions, theoretically observed, may be a consequence of the increased level of births, or possibly acceleration in the birth control transition from the use of traditional and inefficient contraception to the usage of modern and efficient methods and means for conception control. For this reason, population fertility trends were analyzed, with a special review on the time period from the 1990's till present day and the results of the available surveyed researches on the structure of contraception usage in order to determine whether objective assumptions exist for the decrease in the number of induced abortions or not. The third way to reach an answer to the raised question in the title was attempted by estimating the scope of induced abortions. In that sense, relevant literature was consulted and the Westoff method chosen for calculating the rate of total abortions in Serbia (excluding Kosovo and Metohia) in the year 2006. After examining the set task from all three sides, there seemed to be no doubt that the official data on the number of abortions in Serbia are not realistic. The basic reason for incomplete official data on abortions seems to be the fact that in most cases induced abortions performed in private health clinics are not included. Moreover, nurses, namely doctors often experience the filling out of prescribed forms for registration of fetal death as unnecessary, imposed, an additional obligation, without sensing the meaning and not understanding the significance of data as such. The abortion problem in Serbia is serious, complex and demands solving. This assumes the carrying out of many measures, including solving the matter of induced abortions registration. Determination of the realistic number of abortions in a community is very important, because in that way attention is drawn to this health and social problem and enables evaluation of actions to be taken for its alleviation. It remains that the state is to pay due attention to the problem of abortions in Serbia and to put private health clinics in which gynecologists perform abortions under control, as well as to promote the role and significance of statistics among health workers. .
Potential directions of the 'town-to-town' migration in Vojvodina
Authors: Savic Mirko
Published: October 2010

Population of Vojvodina is showing the characteristics of late demographic transition. The main characteristics of that phase are low mortality rate, slow decrease of fertility rate, increased number of older people etc. This phase is connected to fourth development phase of migrations with significant migrations from one city to another and inside the city area. The purpose of this paper is to define the basic characteristics of potential internal migrations in the region of Vojvodina between cities, most of all towards Novi Sad as economic, political and cultural center. The sample of 2.000 respondents was formed and survey was conducted in the 15 largest cities in the region. The data were analyzed with methods of descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis (rank correlation and MDS analysis). Basic conclusions are that theory of transitional migration is confirmed in Vojvodina, the size of the city is not the only factor for potential migration movements and Novi Sad is by far the most desired destination for significant portion of population in the region, especially of population aged between 20 and 40 years because around 40% of that cohort wish to move to Novi Sad. That will cause significant urban, economic and social problems, not only in the city of Novi Sad but also in the cities where immigrants are coming from. .
The Portal Theory Supported by Venous Drainage–Selective Fat Transplantation
Authors: Rytka Julia M. , Wueest Stephan , Schoenle Eugen J. , Konrad Daniel
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE

The “portal hypothesis” proposes that the liver is directly exposed to free fatty acids and cytokines increasingly released from visceral fat tissue into the portal vein of obese subjects, thus rendering visceral fat accumulation particularly hazardous for the development of hepatic insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In the present study, we used a fat transplantation paradigm to (artificially) increase intra-abdominal fat mass to test the hypothesis that venous drainage of fat tissue determines its impact on glucose homeostasis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Epididymal fat pads of C57Bl6/J donor mice were transplanted into littermates, either to the parietal peritoneum (caval/systemic venous drainage) or, by using a novel approach, to the mesenterium, which confers portal venous drainage.

RESULTS

Only mice receiving the portal drained fat transplant developed impaired glucose tolerance and hepatic insulin resistance. mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines was increased in both portally and systemically transplanted fat pads. However, portal vein (but not systemic) plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6 were elevated only in mice receiving a portal fat transplant. Intriguingly, mice receiving portal drained transplants from IL-6 knockout mice showed normal glucose tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that the metabolic fate of intra-abdominal fat tissue transplantation is determined by the delivery of inflammatory cytokines to the liver specifically via the portal system, providing direct evidence in support of the portal hypothesis.
Looking for the right human capital proxy
Authors: Kubík Rudolf
Published: October 2010

Looking for the right human capital proxy

This paper aims to test different approaches of human capital stock approximation. It faces one of the main questions in explaining link between human capital and economic growth. It tries to step forward in answering what is the best proxy of human capital. It starts from Barro & Lee and Cohen & Soto datasets which are expanded by Mincerian approach to human capital measurement and educational structure of population as a human capital proxy. The original dataset covering 73 countries within 1960-1990 is being re-tested and results from panel data regression analyses are compared with expanded dataset.
Human Capital and Innovativeness as Means to Bridging Development Gaps. Poland and the Czech Republic as Case Studies
Authors: Bal-Woźniak Teresa
Published: October 2010

Human Capital and Innovativeness as Means to Bridging Development Gaps. Poland and the Czech Republic as Case Studies

The aim of this article is to analyze the innovative achievements of selected economies: Polish and Czech. This issue is of fundamental significance for all post socialist countries. Post communist heritage in form of homo sovieticus is really far from innovative performance. The author assumed that innovativeness is the component of human capital whilst the conceptions of innovativeness were dealt with as the development challenge and the criterion of efficiency for contemporary economies, creating the opportunity to speed up the pace of narrowing the development gap. It is reflected in the title of the study. The methodological basis and data source are Knowledge Assessment Methodology (KAM 2009) and European Innovation Scorecard (EIS 2009). The fulfillment of this aim, in the author's opinion, relied on presenting the coordination of innovative actions of managing entities and underlining the growing significance of network structures. On the basis of the conducted empirical analysis encompassing the years 2003-2008, there was observed, mostly in Poland and to smaller extent in the Czech Republic, a low level of innovativeness and its unsatisfactory dynamics, as well as poor use of relatively numerous human capital for attaining goals. In the conclusion part of the article, there were presented problems connected with the necessity of consequent impact on the quality of human capital and level of innovativeness. In order to overcome barriers, the author postulates to establish a pro-innovative institutional order and indicates the need for systemic attitude towards these reforms.
Obstetric hospitalizations among Italian women, regular and irregular immigrants in North‐Eastern Italy
Authors: Fedeli Ugo , Alba Natalia , Lisiero Manola , Zambon Francesco , Avossa Francesco , Spolaore Paolo
Published: October 2010

Objective. Italy has become an important host country for economic immigrants. The study is aimed at providing a descriptive analysis of obstetric hospitalizations among Italian and immigrant women in North‐Eastern Italy. Design. Population‐based registry descriptive study. Setting. Veneto Region, Italy. Methods. All obstetric hospitalizations in 2006–2007 were extracted from the regional archive of hospital discharge records (n = 144,698). Discharges for vaginal delivery, cesarean section, threatened abortion and other antepartum diagnoses, miscarriages, and induced abortions were identified among residents with Italian or foreign citizenship, and irregular immigrants. Hospitalization rates for the above diagnostic categories were computed for Italian and foreign Veneto residents. Main outcome measures. Delivery rates, proportion of cesarean sections, hospitalization rates for antepartum hospitalizations, miscarriage, induced abortion, and hospitalization rate ratios of immigrants versus Italian women. Results. Among Italian women, regular and irregular immigrants, the percentages of teenage deliveries were 0.7, 2.9, and 8.4%; the ratios of miscarriages to deliveries were 0.16, 0.15 and 0.35; the ratios of induced abortions to deliveries were 0.13, 0.24 and 0.81, respectively. Regular immigrants accounted for 10% of population aged 15–49 and for 20% of deliveries. The age‐related increase in miscarriage risk was steeper among regular immigrants. The induced abortions to deliveries ratio peaked among Italians aged <25 and regular immigrants aged ≥35 years. 40% of Italians and 30% of regular immigrants sought care outside nearest hospitals. Conclusions. Wide differences in reproductive behavior, health status, and patterns in the access to health services exist between Italians, regular and irregular immigrants even though they represent three connected populations.
Severe acute maternal morbidity and mode of delivery in the Netherlands
Authors: van Dillen Jeroen , Zwart Joost J. , Schutte Joke , Bloemenkamp Kitty W.M. , van Roosmalen Jos
Published: October 2010

Objective. To evaluate the risk of severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM) related to mode of delivery. Design. Prospectively nationwide population based cohort study. Setting. All 98 maternity units in the Netherlands. Population. All pregnant women in the Netherlands. Methods. Cases were collected during a 2‐year period. Incidence was assessed for all cases and for a subgroup of cases in which a direct relation between SAMM and mode of delivery was possible. In the latter group, all cases not clearly related to mode of delivery were excluded. Incidence of cesarean section (CS) compared to (attempted) vaginal delivery was calculated, and risk of SAMM after previous CS was assessed. Main outcome measures. Incidence of SAMM by mode of delivery; odds ratios (OR). Results. The incidence of SAMM possibly related to mode of delivery was 6.4/1,000 during elective CS compared to 3.9/1,000 during attempted vaginal delivery (OR 1.7: 95% CI 1.4–2.0). Women with a previous CS were at increased risk for SAMM in their present pregnancy (OR 3.0: 95% CI 2.7–3.3). Conclusion. CS in a previous as well as present pregnancy increased the risk of SAMM. The risk remained increased after excluding those cases where SAMM was not clearly related to mode of delivery.
Synthesis of Spiro(indenepyrazole) and Indenotriazinone Derivatives from 4-substituted Thiosemicarbazides and (1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-Inden-2-Ylidene)Propanedinitrile
Authors: Hassan Alaa A. , El. Din Ahmed M. Nour , Latif Fathy F. Abdel , Mostafa Sara M. , Bräse Stefan
Published: October 2010

In a multistep reaction, N-substituted-5′-amino-4′-cyano-1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-spiro[indene-2,3′-pyrazole]-2′(1 H) carbothioamides (63–71 %) and 4-substituted-3-thioxo-3 H-indeno[1,2- e][1,2,4] triazin-9(4 H)-ones (17–26 %) have been formed, from a series of 4-substituted thiosemicarbazides 1a–f with (1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1 H-inden-2-ylidene)propanedinitrile 3 in aerated ethyl acetate. Rationales of these conversions involving the nucleophilic reactions and condensation are presented.
A Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Stilbenes under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Li Xia-Bing , Wang Li , Zhang Xi-Quan , Gu Hong-Mei , Guo Jian , Li Bao-Lin
Published: October 2010

A highly stereoselective synthesis of stilbenes ( trans-1,2-diarylethylenes) was achieved under solvent-free conditions from aryl-aldehydes and aromatic substances bearing an activated methyl group in the presence of anhydrous K2CO3and poly(ethylene glycol). This method avoided the need for completely anhydrous condition and use of a noxious organic solvent.
Synthesis of Tetracyclic 8-Aza-Naphthalen-9-Ones and Oxa-Naphthalen-9-One
Authors: Soman Shubhangi S. , Thaker Tirth H.
Published: October 2010

Bromination of 1-methylbenzo[f]chromen-3-one with N-bromosuccinimide gives 2-bromo-1-methylbenzo[f]chromen-3-one which, on condensation with different primary aromatic amines, gives tetracyclic aza-naphthalen-9-ones. Condensation of 2-bromo-1-methylbenzo[f]chromen-3-one with different secondary cyclic amines also gives tetracyclic oxa-naphthalen-9-one. The formation of 8-aza-naphthalen-9-one and 7,8-dioxa-naphthalen-9-one is confirmed by their single crystal analyses.
Spectroscopic and Thermal-Gravimetric Investigation of two New Rhenium (V) Ionic Liquid Complexes
Authors: AlHokbany Noura S. , Mahfouz Refaat M.
Published: October 2010

Rhenium (V) ionic liquids of formula [BzEt3N][ReOCl3 (MBT)(tri)] and [Et3N][ReOCl3(amino)] (BzEt3N= benzyltriethyl-ammonuim, Et3N=triethylammonium, MBT=mercaptobenzothiazole, Tri=1, 2, 4-triazole and amino= amino thiazole) were synthesised by reaction between [BzEt3N][ReOCl4] and [Et3N][ReOCl4] precursors and free ligands, in the presence of triethylamine. These ionic liquid complexes have been characterised by elemental analysis, spectroscopy (IR, 1H–13C NMR, MS) and thermogravimetric studies. Geometry optimisation of [Et3N][ReOCl3(amino)] has been carried out using DFT and the predicted IR spectrum of the geometrically-optimised structure shows good agreement with experimental values.
A New Acetophenone Derivative and other Constituents from Senecio Vulgaris
Authors: Lai Peng Xiang , Ma Qing Lin , Row Kyung Ho
Published: October 2010

A new acetophenone derivative, 5-acetyl-2-(2-hydroxyisopropyl)-7-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, has been isolated from the whole plants of Senecio vulgaris. Its structure was established on the basis of spectroscopic methods.
An Efficient Synthesis of 2-formyl-1,4,5,8-Tetramethoxynaphthalene
Authors: Wang Rubing , Zheng Xiaogang , Zhou Wen , Peng Ying , Zhu Mengyuan , Li Shaoshun
Published: October 2010

An improved synthetic method of 2-formyl-1,4,5,8-tetramethoxynaphthalene in 73% overall yield is described. This method has several advantages compared with the reported synthesis: first, the reactant is cheaper and the yield is higher; second, the reaction condition is milder and the reagent used is more friendly to environment; third, the workup of each step is simpler; fourth, the protocol reported is more suitable for large-scale preparation.
Ethanolysis of Steroidal Epoxides Catalysed by Tetracyanoethylene
Authors: Uyanik Cavit , Koca Olcay
Published: October 2010

Ethanolysis of the epimeric androstane 4,5- and 5,6- epoxides catalysed by tetracyanoethylene is reported. In contrast to other reagents, these reactions involve the mild room temperature trans diaxial opening of the epoxides. The stereochemistry of three of the products was established by X-ray crystallography.
Synthesis of a Novel Series of Pyrimido- and Triazino[4,5-b] Quinolines
Authors: Said Said A. , Moustafa Ahmed H.
Published: October 2010

New tetrahydropyrimido[4,5- b]quinolines, hexahydropyrimido[4,5- b]quinolines, a thioxohexahydropyrimido[4,5- b] quinoline, an octahydropyrimido[4,5- b]quinoline and a tetrahydro[1,2,3]triazino[4,5- b]quinoline have been synthesised. A series of S-alkyltetrahydroprimido[4,5 -b]quinolines was obtained by the reaction of the thioxohexahydropy-rimido[4,5 -b]quinoline with allyl bromide, propargyl bromide or with epichlorohydrin. All newly synthesised compounds were characterised by IR, 1H, 13C NMR and elemental analysis.
Stability and Folding Behavior Analysis of Zinc-Finger Using Simple Models
Authors: Chang Shan , Jiao Xiong , Hu Jian-Ping , Chen Yan , Tian Xu-Hong
Published: October 2010

Zinc-fingers play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and mediating protein-protein interactions. In this article, two different proteins (Sp1f2 and FSD-1) are investigated using the Gaussian network model and anisotropy elastic network model. By using these simple coarse-grained methods, we analyze the structural stabilization and establish the unfolding pathway of the two different proteins, in good agreement with related experimental and molecular dynamics simulation data. From the analysis, it is also found that the folding process of the zinc-finger motif is predominated by several factors. Both the zinc ion and C-terminal loop affect the folding pathway of the zinc-finger motif. Knowledge about the stability and folding behavior of zinc-fingers may help in understanding the folding mechanisms of the zinc-finger motif and in designing new zinc-fingers. Meanwhile, these simple coarse-grained analyses can be used as a general and quick method for mechanistic studies of metalloproteins.
Mapping Irrigated Lands at 250-m Scale by Merging MODIS Data and National Agricultural Statistics
Authors: Pervez Md Shahriar , Brown Jesslyn F.
Published: October 2010

Accurate geospatial information on the extent of irrigated land improves our understanding of agricultural water use, local land surface processes, conservation or depletion of water resources, and components of the hydrologic budget. We have developed a method in a geospatial modeling framework that assimilates irrigation statistics with remotely sensed parameters describing vegetation growth conditions in areas with agricultural land cover to spatially identify irrigated lands at 250-m cell size across the conterminous United States for 2002. The geospatial model result, known as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Irrigated Agriculture Dataset (MIrAD-US), identified irrigated lands with reasonable accuracy in California and semiarid Great Plains states with overall accuracies of 92% and 75% and kappa statistics of 0.75 and 0.51, respectively. A quantitative accuracy assessment of MIrAD-US for the eastern region has not yet been conducted, and qualitative assessment shows that model improvements are needed for the humid eastern regions where the distinction in annual peak NDVI between irrigated and non-irrigated crops is minimal and county sizes are relatively small. This modeling approach enables consistent mapping of irrigated lands based upon USDA irrigation statistics and should lead to better understanding of spatial trends in irrigated lands across the conterminous United States. An improved version of the model with revised datasets is planned and will employ 2007 USDA irrigation statistics.
The Role of Geohydrology in the Determination of a Spatial Development Framework in the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site
Authors: Walt Izak J. van der , Pretorius Stephanus J. , Schoeman Carel B.
Published: October 2010

Surface water resources (the Vaal River and its tributaries) in the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site (VDWHS), South Africa, have been over extended and future development will rely solely on groundwater. Hence, being at a critical point in the water balance, groundwater resources in the VDWHS require careful management and protection to ensure sustainability and equitable access. An assessment of the geohydrological character of the VDWHS was therefore done in order to develop a groundwater resource management plan. Five groundwater resource management units were delineated and resource measures for each management unit were developed based on physical and anthropogenic attributes. Due to the importance of groundwater in the VDWHS, it was determined that geohydrology should play a major role in the alignment of the environmental, spatial and statutory development frameworks, in order to ensure good governance. A geohydrological-based land use management guideline and spatial development framework was developed to optimize the integration between the water sector, the environmental sector and land use and spatial planning sector. It was concluded that a geohydrological assessment needs to form the basis of all future land use management and spatial planning activities in the VDWHS.
Snow Precipitation and Snow Cover Climatic Variability for the Period 1971–2009 in the Southwestern Italian Alps: The 2008–2009 Snow Season Case Study
Authors: Terzago Silvia , Cassardo Claudio , Cremonini Roberto , Fratianni Simona
Published: October 2010

Snow cover greatly influences the climate in the Alpine region and is one of the most relevant parameters for the climate change analysis. Nevertheless, snow precipitation variability is a relatively underexplored field of research because of the lack of long-term, continuous and homogeneous time series. After a historical research aiming to recover continuous records, three high quality time series of snow precipitation and snow depth recorded in the southwestern Italian Alps were analyzed. The comparison between the climatological indices over the 30 years reference period 1971–2000 and the decade 2000–2009 outlined a general decrease in the amount of snow precipitation, and a shift in the seasonal distribution of the snow precipitation in the most recent period. In the analysis of the last decade snow seasons characteristics, the attention was focused on the heavy snowfalls that occurred in Piedmont during the 2008–2009 snow season: MODerate resolution Imager Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow cover products were used to evaluate snow cover extension at different times during the snow season, and the results were set in relation to the temperatures.
Major Differences in the Responses of Primary Human Leukocyte Subsets to IFN-β
Authors: van Boxel-Dezaire Anette H. H. , Zula Joana A. , Xu Yaomin , Ransohoff Richard M. , Jacobberger James W. , Stark George R.
Published: October 2010

Treatment of cell lines with type I IFNs activates the formation of IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 (STAT1/STAT2/IFN regulatory factor-9), which induces the expression of many genes. To study this response in primary cells, we treated fresh human blood with IFN-β and used flow cytometry to analyze phosphorylated STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, and monocytes. The activation of STAT1 was remarkably different among these leukocyte subsets. In contrast to monocytes and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, few B cells activated STAT1 in response to IFN-β, a finding that could not be explained by decreased levels of IFNAR2 or STAT1 or enhanced levels of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 or relevant protein tyrosine phosphatases in B cells. Microarray and real-time PCR analyses revealed the induction of STAT1-dependent proapoptotic mRNAs in monocytes but not in B cells. These data show that IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 or STAT1 homodimers are not the main activators of gene expression in primary B cells of healthy humans. Notably, in B cells and, especially in CD4+ T cells, IFN-β activated STAT5 in addition to STAT3, with biological effects often opposite from those driven by activated STAT1. These data help to explain why IFN-β increases the survival of primary human B cells and CD4+ T cells but enhances the apoptosis of monocytes, as well as to understand how leukocyte subsets are differentially affected by endogenous type I IFNs during viral or bacterial infections and by type I IFN treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis, hepatitis, or cancer.
The CDR-H3 Repertoire from TdT-Deficient Adult Bone Marrow Is a Close, but Not Exact, Homologue of the CDR-H3 Repertoire from Perinatal Liver
Authors: Schelonka Robert L. , Ivanov Ivaylo I. , Vale Andre M. , Szymanska Ewa , Zemlin Michael , Gartland G. Larry , Schroeder Harry W.
Published: October 2010

Compared with adult bone marrow (BM), the composition of the perinatal liver CDR-3 of the Ig H chain (CDR-H3) repertoire is marked by a paucity of N nucleotides and by enrichment for use of JH proximal DQ52 and DH proximal VH and JH gene segments. To test the extent to which these differences reflect limited perinatal TdT activity versus differences in the fetal/adult environment, we used the Hardy scheme to sort fractions B–F B lineage cells from TdT-deficient BALB/c adult BM. VH7183-containing VDJCμ transcripts from these cells were amplified, cloned, sequenced, and compared with transcripts from wild-type perinatal liver and adult BM. The pattern of VHDJH usage in TdT-deficient BM largely matched that of TdT-sufficient adult cells. What minor differences were detected in the pro-B cell stage tended to diminish with B cell maturation, suggesting strong environmental or Ag-driven pressure to achieve a specific range of VHDJH usage regardless of the extent of N nucleotide addition. However, although the patterns of VHDJH usage in the TdT-deficient B lineage cells paralleled that of wild-type adult cells, the length distribution, global amino acid composition, and charge distribution of the CDR-H3 repertoire proved to be a close, although not exact, homologue of the CDR-H3 repertoire first expressed by late pre-B cells in the TdT-insufficient perinatal liver. Thus, although differing in VH content, TdT-deficient mice appear to represent a good, although not perfect, model for testing the role of perinatal CDR-H3 limitations on late B cell development and Ab responses.
The Peritoneal Cavity B-2 Antibody Repertoire Appears To Reflect Many of the Same Selective Pressures That Shape the B-1a and B-1b Repertoires
Authors: Vale Andre M. , Tanner Jason M. , Schelonka Robert L. , Zhuang Yingxin , Zemlin Michael , Gartland G. Larry , Schroeder Harry W.
Published: October 2010

To assess the extent and nature of somatic categorical selection of CDR-3 of the Ig H chain (CDR-H3) content in peritoneal cavity (PerC) B cells, we analyzed the composition of VH7183DJCμ transcripts derived from sorted PerC B-1a, B-1b, and B-2 cells. We divided these sequences into those that contained N nucleotides (N+) and those that did not (N−) and then compared them with sequences cloned from sorted IgM+IgD+ B cells from neonatal liver and both wild-type and TdT-deficient adult bone marrow. We found that the PerC B-1a N− repertoire is enriched for the signatures of CDR-H3 sequences present in neonatal liver and shares many features with the B-1b N− repertoire, whereas the PerC B-1a N+, B-1b N+, and B-2 N+ repertoires are enriched for adult bone marrow sequence signatures. However, we also found several sequence signatures that were not shared with other mature perinatal or adult B cell subsets but were either unique or variably shared between the two or even among all three of the PerC subsets that we examined. These signatures included more sequences lacking N nucleotides in the B-2 population and an increased use of DH reading frame 2, which created CDR-H3s of greater average hydrophobicity. These findings provide support for both ontogenetic origin and shared Ag receptor-influenced selection as the mechanisms that shape the unique composition of the B-1a, B-1b, and B-2 repertoires. The PerC may thus serve as a general reservoir for B cells with Ag binding specificities that are uncommon in other mature compartments.
Evaluation of Neglected Idiopathic Ctev Managed by Ligamentotaxis Using Jess: A Long-Term Followup
Authors: Singh Ajai
Published: October 2010

Background. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the role of Ligamentotaxis in the management of neglected clubfeet managed by ligamentotaxis using Joshi's External Stabilisation System (JESS).Method & Material. Total 20 subjects (28 feet) were studied, which were corrected by differential ligamentotaxis using JESS. All were evaluated clinically, radiologically, podogrammically, and by Catterall Pirani Scoring System, both before and after the correction.Results. Severity of the deformities and clinical correction was assessed by Pirani score. All patients achieved good clinical results as per Pirani score, which was statistically significant. Radiological evaluation showed that all subjects achieved the normal range of values. The pre- and postcorrection difference in FBA was statistically significant.Conclusion. Differential distraction by fixator for the correction of neglected idiopathic CTEV is an effective and patient-friendly method of management.
Radioiodine is not the Preferred Choice of Treatment for Pediatric Graves' Disease
Authors: Reddy Sagili Vijaya Bhaskar
Published: October 2010

Radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation for treatment of hyperthyroidism in Pediatric Graves' disease is effective but limited literature exists regarding its long-term safety. There is no long-term prospective randomized controlled study on long-term safety of pediatric Graves' disease receiving RAI ablation. There are concerns regarding development of both thyroid and non-thyroidal malignancy, and primary hyperparathyroidism in subjects receiving RAI. Current evidences donot support routine use of RAI ablation in such situation. Surgery is a safe option.
Recurrent Para-aortic Paragangliomas
Authors: Antiel Ryan M , Porterfield John R , Farley David R
Published: October 2010

Episodic spells of headache, palpitations, and flushing may be the result of catecholamine-secreting tumors such as extra-adrenal paraganglia tissue – paragangliomas. Presentation, diagnostic implications, and radiographic imaging of paragangliomas are discussed within the context of a case presentation. Although the operative cure rate is high, the variable course of the disease requires life-long follow-up.
Nasal Rhinosporidiosis Revisited
Authors: Chandrashekharayya SH , Suligavi SS , Chougule Sachin , Doddamani SS
Published: October 2010

Rhinosporidiosis is a rare chronic granulomatous disease caused by rhinosporidium seeberi. Nasal rhinosporidiosis presents with nasal mass, nasal obstruction and epistaxis. In this study, we present our experience in 17 patients of rhinosporidiosis. Diagnosis was made on clinicopathological features. Different clinical presentations, management by surgical, combined with medical line of treatment are discussed with review of literature
Chronic Rinosinusitis and Nasal Polyposis in Nepal
Authors: Singh Ishwar , Sherstha Amar , Gautam Dej , LNU Ojasvini
Published: October 2010

Chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis is more common in the age group of 18 to 25 years. Urban population and housewives are more commonly affected. Common complains were headache and nasal blockage in 80% and 76.6% cases respectively. Polyps were common clinical finding in one third of cases. Subjective complete relief was seen in 83.3% of cases after FESS. Eight cases had minor postoperative complications
Ectopic Meningioma of Frontoethmoid Region
Authors: Mishra P , Sharma Anjani , Grover Mohnish
Published: October 2010

Meningiomas arise from arachnoid cells. They can occur at intracranial or extracranial sites. Extracranial meningiomas are very rare tumors. They may arise from nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, middle ear, and subcutaneous tissues. The ectopic meningiomas of paranasal sinuses do not have any communication with intracranial meninges. They usually occurs in young males. Imaging studies shows no bone erosion or intracranial extension. Primary surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The present case is reported due to its rarity and presentation at an unusual age.
Intractable Sneezing: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Singh RK , Varshney Saurabh , Bist SS
Published: October 2010

Sneezing is usually the physiologic response to nasal irritation but intractable paroxysmal sneezing is very uncommon. Various causative factors have been identified in the literature; these include psychologic problems, cervical lymphadenitis, epilepsy, and allergy. Majority of cases of intractable sneezing are reported among adolescents and are psychogenic in origin. We report one young lady with intractable paroxysmal sneezing in whom the removal of psychogenic stressors resulted in complete remission. The sneezing was continuous but did not occur while talking or sleeping, and did not respond to antihistamines, steroids and bronchodilators. The authors discuss the patients’ treatment and outcomes and the pathophysiology of intractable paroxysmal sneezing.
Button Cell Causing Septal Perforation in a Child
Authors: Bhatia Rajat
Published: October 2010

A button battery inserted in the nose of children is an unusual foreign body which is capable of causing extensive tissue damage, resulting from electrical and chemical burns. We report a case of an ignored button battery in the nose of a 4 years old presenting with unilateral discharge and bleeding along with pain in the left nasal cavity. The foreign body was removed using endoscope but it had perforated the septum by the time. We report this case to emphasise the hazards of button battery impaction and the value of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications.
Frontoethmoid Osteoma with Bilateral Nasal Polyposis: A Rare Coexistence
Authors: LNU Rijuneeta , Singh Jagveer
Published: October 2010

Osteoma and nasal polyposis are common benign conditions seen by ENT practitioner, however it is very rare that both of them present together. Osteoma is the most common neoplasm of the nose and paranasal sinuses. It is commonly asymptomatic, being an incidental finding 1% of plain sinus radiographs and 3% CT scans of sinus. In an extensive review of english literature, we could not find any case reported having large osteoma with bilateral nasal polyposis. We found only two reported cases of osseous metaplasia in cases of nasal polyps but not ivory osteoma hence bilateral nasal polyposis can radiologically have association with osteoma and should be investigated and treated accordingly.

There has been a single case reported in the Spanish literature though. In current case report, we present a case of patient with bilateral nasal polyposis accompanied with unilateral frontoethmoid osteoma.
Night-time chemistry above London: measurements of NO3 and N2O5 from the BT Tower
Authors: Benton A. K. , Langridge J. M. , Ball S. M. , Bloss W. J. , Dall'Osto M. , Nemitz E. , Harrison R. M. , Jones R. L.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy (BBCEAS) has been used to measure the sum of concentrations of NO3 and N2O5 from the BT (telecommunications) Tower 160 m above street level in central London during the REPARTEE II campaign in October and November 2007. Substantial variability was observed in these night-time nitrogen compounds: peak NO3+N2O5 mixing ratios reached 800 pptv, whereas the mean night-time NO3+N2O5 was approximately 30 pptv. Additionally, [NO3+N2O5] showed negative correlations with [NO] and [NO2] and a positive correlation with [O3]. Co-measurements of temperature and NO2 from the BT Tower were used to calculate the equilibrium partitioning between NO3 and N2O5 which was always found to strongly favour N2O5 (NO3/N2O5=0.01 to 0.04). Two methods are used to calculate the lifetimes for NO3 and N2O5, the results being compared and discussed in terms of the implications for the night-time oxidation of nitrogen oxides and the night-time sinks for NOy.
The influence of biomass burning and transport on tropospheric composition over the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Equatorial Africa during the West African monsoon in 2006
Authors: Williams J. E. , Scheele M. P. , van Velthoven P. F. J. , Thouret V. , Saunois M. , Reeves C. E. , Cammas J.-P.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Biomass burning (BB) in southern Africa is the largest emission source of CO and O3 precursors within Africa during the West African Monsoon (WAM) between June and August. The long range transport and chemical processing of such emissions thus has the potential to exert a dominant influence on the composition of the tropical troposphere over Equatorial Africa (EA) and the Tropical Atlantic Ocean (TAO). We have performed simulations using a three-dimensional global chemistry-transport model (CTM) to quantify the effect that continental transport of such BB plumes has on the EA region. BB emissions from southern Africa were found to exert a significant influence over the TAO and EA between 10° S–20° N. The maximum concentrations in CO and O3 occur between 0–5° S near the position of the African Easterly Jet – South as placed by the European Centre for Medium range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) meteorological analysis data. By comparing co-located model output with in-situ measurements we show that the CTM fails to capture the tropospheric profile of CO in southern Africa near the main source region of the BB emissions, as well as the "extreme" concentrations of both CO and O3 seen between 600–700 hPa over EA around 6° N. For more northerly locations the model exhibits high background concentrations in both CO and O3 related to BB emissions from southern Africa. By altering both the temporal resolution and the vertical distribution of BB emissions in the model we show that changes in temporal resolution have the largest influence on the transport of trace gases near the source regions, EA, and in the outflow towards the west of Central Africa. Using a set of trajectory calculations we show that the performance of the CTM is heavily constrained by the ECMWF meteorological fields used to drive the CTM, which transport biomass burning plumes from southern Africa into the lower troposphere of the TAO rather than up towards the middle troposphere at 650 hPa. Similar trajectory simulations repeated using an updated meteorological dataset, which assimilates additional measurement data taken around EA, show markedly different origins for pollution events and highlight the current limitations in modelling this tropical region.
Direct and semi-direct impacts of absorbing biomass burning aerosol on the climate of southern Africa: a Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory GCM sensitivity study
Authors: Randles C. A. , Ramaswamy V.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Tropospheric aerosols emitted from biomass burning reduce solar radiation at the surface and locally heat the atmosphere. Equilibrium simulations using an atmospheric general circulation model (GFDL AGCM) indicate that strong atmospheric absorption from these particles can cool the surface and increase upward motion and low-level convergence over southern Africa during the dry season. These changes increase sea level pressure over land in the biomass burning region and spin-up the hydrologic cycle by increasing clouds, atmospheric water vapor, and, to a lesser extent, precipitation. Cloud increases serve to reinforce the surface radiative cooling tendency of the aerosol. Conversely, if the climate over southern Africa were hypothetically forced by high loadings of scattering aerosol, then the change in the low-level circulation and increased subsidence would serve to decrease clouds, precipitation, and atmospheric water vapor. Surface cooling associated with scattering-only aerosols is mitigated by warming from cloud decreases. The direct and semi-direct climate impacts of biomass burning aerosol over southern Africa are sensitive to the total amount of aerosol absorption and how clouds change in response to the aerosol-induced heating of the atmosphere.
A model study on the influence of overshooting convection on TTL water vapour
Authors: Hassim M. E. E. , Lane T. P.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Overshooting deep convection that penetrates into the Tropical Tropopause Layer (TTL) is thought to have an important role in regulating the water vapour content of this region. Yet, the net effect of such convection and the dominant mechanisms remain unclear. This study uses two idealised three-dimensional cloud-resolving model simulations to examine the influence of overshooting convection on water vapour when it penetrates into two different TTL environments, one supersaturated and the other subsaturated with respect to ice. These simulations show that the overshooting convection plays a direct role in driving the ambient environment towards ice saturation through either net moistening (subsaturated TTL) or net dehydration (supersaturated TTL). Moreover, in these cases the extent of dehydration in supersaturated conditions is greater than the moistening in subsaturated conditions. With the aid of modelled passive tracers, the relative roles of transport, mixing and ice microphysics are assessed; ultimately, ice sublimation and scavenging processes play the most important role in defining the different TTL relative humidity tendencies. In addition, significant moistening in both cases is modelled well into the subsaturated tropical lower stratosphere (up to 450 K), even though the overshooting turrets only reach approximately 420 K. It is shown that this moistening is the result of jumping cirrus, which is induced by the localised upward transport and mixing of TTL air following the collapse of the overshooting turret.
Constraints on interactions between aerosols and clouds on a global scale from a combination of MODIS-CERES satellite data and climate simulations
Authors: Ma X. , von Salzen K. , Cole J.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Satellite-based cloud top effective radius retrieved by the CERES Science Team were combined with simulated aerosol concentrations from CCCma CanAM4 to examine relationships between aerosol and cloud that underlie the first aerosol indirect (cloud albedo) effect. Evidence of a strong negative relationship between sulphate, and organic aerosols, with cloud top effective radius was found for low clouds, indicating both aerosol types are contributing to the first indirect effect on a global scale. Furthermore, effects of aerosol on the cloud droplet effective radius are more pronounced for larger cloud liquid water paths. While CanAM4 broadly reproduces the observed relationship between sulphate aerosols and cloud droplets, it does not reproduce the dependency of cloud top droplet size on organic aerosol concentrations nor the dependency on cloud liquid water path. Simulations with a modified version of the model yield a more realistic dependency of cloud droplets on organic carbon. The robustness of the methods used in the study are investigated by repeating the analysis using aerosol simulated by the GOCART model and cloud top effective radii derived from the MODIS Science Team.