bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary arterial calcification in rheumatoid arthritis: comparison with the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Giles Jon T , Szklo Moyses , Post Wendy , Petri Michelle , Blumenthal Roger S , Lam Gordon , Gelber Allan C , Detrano Robert , Scott William W , Kronmal Richard A , Bathon Joan M
Published: March 2009

Introduction

Although cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are increased in rheumatoid arthritis, little is known about the burden of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in these patients.

Methods

Using computed tomography, coronary artery calcification was measured in 195 men and women with rheumatoid arthritis aged 45 to 84 years without clinical cardiovascular disease and compared with 1,073 controls without rheumatoid arthritis enrolled in the Baltimore cohort of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Results

The prevalence of coronary calcification (Agatston score > 0) was significantly higher in men, but not women, with rheumatoid arthritis after adjusting for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors (prevalence ratio = 1.19; P = 0.012). Among participants with prevalent calcification, those with rheumatoid arthritis had adjusted mean Agatston scores 53 units higher than controls (P = 0.002); a difference greater for men than women (P for interaction = 0.017). In all analyses, serum IL-6 attenuated the association between rheumatoid arthritis and coronary calcification, suggesting its role as a potential mediator of enhanced atherosclerosis. Notably, increasing severity of rheumatoid arthritis was associated with a higher prevalence and extent of coronary calcification among both men and women with rheumatoid arthritis, and for all age categories. The largest percentage difference in coronary arterial calcification between rheumatoid arthritis patients and their nonrheumatoid arthritis counterparts was observed in the youngest age category.

Conclusions

Increasing rheumatoid arthritis disease severity was associated with a higher prevalence and greater extent of coronary artery calcification, potentially mediated through an atherogenic effect of chronic systemic inflammation. Gender and age differences in association with coronary calcification suggest that preventive measures should be emphasized in men with rheumatoid arthritis, and considered even in younger rheumatoid arthritis patients with low levels of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Rheumatoid cachexia is associated with dyslipidemia and low levels of atheroprotective natural antibodies against phosphorylcholine but not with dietary fat in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Elkan Ann-Charlotte , Håkansson Niclas , Frostegård Johan , Cederholm Tommy , Hafström Ingiäld
Published: March 2009

Introduction

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of traditional risk factors. The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between diet, body composition, lipids and atheroprotective natural antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) in patients with RA.

Methods

A total of 80 RA patients (76% women), mean age (standard deviation (SD)) 61.4 (12) years and median disease duration of 6 years, were assessed by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), fatty acid profile in adipose tissue and whole-body dual energy x ray absorptiometry (DXA). Rheumatoid cachexia was defined as fat free mass index below the 25th percentile and fat mass index above the 50th percentile of a reference population. Blood lipids, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and anti-PC levels were determined.

Results

The mean body mass index for the women and men was 25.0 and 27.0, respectively. Central obesity was found in 57% of the women (waist circumference >80 cm) and in 89% of the men (waist circumference >94 cm). In all, 18% of the women and 26% of the men had rheumatoid cachexia. These patients had significantly higher total cholesterol (P < 0.033), LDL (P < 0.029), and trendwise oxLDL (P = 0.056) as well as lower anti-PC IgM (P = 0.040), higher frequency of hypertension (69%) and metabolic syndrome (25%) than those without. The patients reported a high dietary intake of saturated fat, which partly correlated with fatty acid composition in adipose tissue and significantly with disease activity. However, patients with or without cachexia did not differ with respect to dietary fat intake or intake of Mediterranean-like diet. Additionally, patients on a Mediterranean-like diet had high levels of anti-PC (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

About one in five patients with low-active RA displayed rheumatoid cachexia. This condition was associated with high levels of LDL cholesterol, low levels of atheroprotective anti-PC and high frequency of hypertension, which is of interest in the context of CVD in RA. The cachexia could not be related to diet fat intake. However, patients on a Mediterranean-like diet had high anti-PC levels in spite of similar frequency of cachexia. High anti-PC levels may provide some protection against CVD.
Role of [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Scan in the Follow-Up of Lymphoma
Authors: Luigi Zinzani Pier , Stefoni Vittorio , Tani Monica , Fanti Stefano , Musuraca Gerardo , Castellucci Paolo , Marchi Enrica , Fina Mariapaola , Ambrosini Valentina , Pellegrini Cinzia , Alinari Lapo , Derenzini Enrico , Montini Giancarlo , Broccoli Alessandro , Bacci Francesco , Pileri Stefano , Baccarani Michele
Published: March 2009

Purpose

In lymphoma, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is routinely used for initial staging, early evaluation of treatment response, and identification of disease relapse. However, there are no prospective studies investigating the value of serial FDG-PET over time in patients in complete remission.

Patients and Methods

All patients with lymphoma who achieved the first complete remission were prospectively enrolled onto the study and scheduled for serial FDG-PET scans at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months; further scans were then carried out on an annual basis. Overall, the population included 421 patients (160 patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma [HL], 183 patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [NHL], and 78 patients with indolent follicular NHL). All patients had a regular follow-up evaluation, including complete clinical and laboratory evaluation, and final assessment of any suspect FDG-PET findings using other imaging procedures (computed tomography [CT] scan) and/or biopsy and/or clinical evolution. FDG-PET findings were reported as positive for relapse, inconclusive (when equivocal), or negative for relapse.

Results

PET enabled documentation of lymphoma relapse in 41 cases at 6 months, in 30 cases at 12 months, in 26 cases at 18 months, in 10 cases at 24 months, and in 11 cases at more than 36 months. All 36 patients with inconclusive positive PET underwent biopsy; only 12 (33%) of 36 patients had a concomitant suggestion of positivity on CT. A lymphoma relapse was diagnosed in 24 (66%) of 36 patients.

Conclusion

Our results confirm FDG-PET as a valid tool for follow-up of patients with HL and NHL. In patients with inconclusive positive results, histologic confirmation plays an important role in identifying true relapse.
Prospective, Randomized Trial of Two Different Modalities of Flushing Central Venous Catheters in Pediatric Patients With Cancer
Authors: Cesaro Simone , Tridello Gloria , Cavaliere Mara , Magagna Laura , Gavin Patrizia , Cusinato Riccardo , Zadra Nicola , Franco Zanon Giovanni , Zanesco Luigi , Carli Modesto
Published: March 2009

Purpose

There are limited prospective data on whether the method of flushing affects the complication rate of tunnelled central venous catheters (CVCs).

Patients and Methods

During a 25-month period, 203 pediatric patients who had newly placed Broviac-Hickman CVCs were randomly assigned to standard flushing with heparin solution or to experimental flushing with normal saline via a positive-pressure cap.

Results

Two hundred twenty-one complications were recorded among 75,249 CVC-days (2.94 per 1,000 CVC-days). A higher incidence of CVC occlusion (83 v 41 episodes; P = .0002) and bacteremia (24 v 9; P = .01) were found in the experimental arm. The cumulative probability of developing at least one CVC complication was higher in the experimental arm than in the standard arm (65.1% [95% CI, 55% to 75%] v 43.8% [95% CI, 34% to 54%], respectively; P = .01). No difference was found in either the cause or the frequency of premature removal of CVCs between the two study arms. After a median follow-up of 360 days (range, 4 to 1,073), CVC survival was similar: 77% (95% CI, 66% to 84%) for the experimental arm and 69% (95% CI, 53% to 80%) for the standard arm (P = .7). The factors associated with the occurrence of CVC complication were a diagnosis of leukemia/lymphoma, double-lumen CVC, and experimental flushing. The only factor significantly associated with premature removal of a CVC was a diagnosis of leukemia/lymphoma (hazard rate, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.7).

Conclusion

An increased complication rate was found with normal saline flushing, but additional investigation is warranted to clarify whether it is related to saline use or to once-a-week flushing.
Lines is required for normal operation of Wingless, Hedgehog and Notch pathways during wing development
Authors: Benítez Elvira , Bray Sarah J. , Rodriguez Isabel , Guerrero Isabel
Published: March 2009

The regulatory Lines/Drumstick/Bowl gene network is implicated in the integration of patterning information at several stages during development. Here, we show that during Drosophila wing development, Lines prevents Bowl accumulation in the wing primordium, confining its expression to the peripodial epithelium. In cells that lack lines or over-expressing Drumstick, Bowl stabilization is responsible for alterations such as dramatic overgrowths and cell identity changes in the proximodistal patterning owing to aberrant responses to signaling pathways. The complex phenotypes are explained by Bowl repressing the Wingless pathway, the earliest effect seen. In addition, Bowl sequesters the general co-repressor Groucho from repressor complexes functioning in the Notch pathway and in Hedgehog expression, leading to ectopic activity of their targets. Supporting this model, elimination of the Groucho interaction domain in Bowl prevents the activation of the Notch and Hedgehog pathways, although not the repression of the Wingless pathway. Similarly, the effects of ectopic Bowl are partially rescued by co-expression of either Hairless or Master of thickveins, co-repressors that act with Groucho in the Notch and Hedgehog pathways, respectively. We conclude that by preventing Bowl accumulation in the wing, primordial Lines permits the correct balance of nuclear co-repressors that control the activity of the Wingless,Notch and Hedgehog pathways.
Effects of changes in the physical properties of the central elastic artery on haemodynamic characteristics during ageing
Authors: Shin S-H , Park Y-B
Published: March 2009

The change in blood pressure during the ageing process depends on the changes in the physical properties of the arterial system. The conventional method of studying ageing, i.e. observing a focus group of people, requires long periods of time and also makes it difficult to separate the ageing effect from the effects of complex geriatric diseases. Therefore, a computer simulation was used to analyse how physical property changes in the central elastic artery during the ageing process affect the blood pressure and input impedance of the blood vessels. An increase in the arterial stiffness and an increase in the wall thickness increased the systolic pressure and the pulse pressure. An increase in the lumen diameter decreased the mean pressure. The pulse wave velocity and shape were changed in the central elastic artery group but were not changed outside this group. Also, the input impedance at a low frequency was increased in the central elastic artery group but was not changed outside this group. In this study, the way in which changes in specific physical properties of the artery affect the haemodynamic characteristics during ageing was analysed.
A prospective examination of perceived stress as a mediator of the relationship between life‐events and QOL following breast cancer
Authors: Beatty Lisa , Lee Christina , Wade Tracey D.
Published: March 2009

Objectives This study prospectively investigated the relationship between life‐events, perceived stress, and quality of life (QOL) following breast cancer diagnosis, using the bio‐behavioural model of cancer stress as a framework.

Design A longitudinal, self‐report design was used.

Methods Three waves of data from 10,543 mid‐aged Australian women (aged 45–50 at Survey 1) were collected over 5 years as part of a population‐based survey. From this group a subsample (N=140) were identified who did not have breast cancer at Survey 1, but who subsequently developed breast cancer. Random regression growth curve analyses were used to investigate whether perceived stress mediated the relationship between initial life‐events and change in QOL functioning overtime.

Results Prospective evidence was generated for each of the three criteria for testing mediation. As the number of life‐events before breast cancer increased, women were significantly more likely to experience corresponding increases in perceived stress over the 5‐year period. As the level of perceived stress before breast cancer increased, women were more likely to experience deteriorations overtime in role emotional, role physical, vitality, bodily pain, physical functioning, and social functioning. As the number of life‐events before breast cancer increased, women were at significant risk of experiencing deteriorations overtime in bodily pain, social functioning, role emotional, and vitality. Mediational analyses revealed that perceived stress fully mediated the relationship between initial life‐events and two QOL domains; role‐emotional and social functioning.

Conclusion Results partially supported the bio‐behavioural model of cancer stress, but the model does not appear to fit the data as well as predicted, and may require revision.
Evaluation of a Proposed Drift Reduction Technology High-Speed Wind Tunnel Testing Protocol
Authors: Hoffmann W. Clint , Fritz Bradley K. , Lan Y.
Published: March 2009

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated the development of protocols for for measuring spray drift reduction technologies (DRTs) related to the application of agricultural protection chemicals. The DRT Program is an EPA-led initiative program to “achieve improved environmental and human health protection through drift reduction by accelerating the acceptance and use of improved and cost-effective application technologies.” The first step in implementing the DRT program is to develop a set of protocols, standard operating procedures, and data quality assurance steps so that the results from any trials or research conducted are scientifically valid and repeatable. A protocol for measuring spray droplet spectra via laser diffraction equipment in a high speed wind tunnel (air velocities>160 kph (100 mph)) was tested. Following the proposed protocol, five reference nozzles were evaluated with spray solutions of deionized water, water + 9 % isopropanol, and water + 0.25 % of a nonionic surfactant. Each of the nozzle and spray solution combinations were evaluated in 160, 193, and 225 kph (100, 120, and 140 mph) airstreams, as well as under static (0 kph) conditions. The results of these atomization studies showed that there were significant differences in droplet spectra between the spray solutions and from the different air velocities. Based on the time to complete the tests, the author suggest using a ±5 % standard deviation values as criteria for accepting atomization tests results.
Solidification/Stabilization: Is It Always Appropriate?
Authors: Wiles CC , Barth E
Published: March 2009

The findings of recent research and evaluation efforts are assessed to determine whether solidification/stabilization (S/S) has been properly and appropriately applied for different types of hazardous wastes. Results from these studies are mixed and, as a result, the need for proper test procedures and for treatability studies is emphasized. Technical guidance is given for assessing the appropriateness of using S/S for any specific wastes.
Laboratory Evaluation of Stabilization/Solidification Technology for Reducing the Mobility of Heavy Metals in New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site Sediment
Authors: Myers TE , Zappi ME
Published: March 2009

Sediment samples from the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site, New Bedford, MA, were stabilized/solidified using the following binders: portland cement, Portland cement with a proprietary additive, and a proprietary binder system. Comparison of contaminant masses released during sequential batch leaching of stabilized/solidified sediment and untreated sediment showed that stabilization/solidification reduced the leachability of some but not all metals investigated. The amounts of metal leached from stabilized/solidified sediment relative to the mass leached from untreated sediment were reduced by factors of 10 to 37, 1.2 to 2.6, 4.3 to 28, and 9.0 to 14 for cadmium, chromium, lead, and zinc, respectively. Copper and nickel, however, were mobilized by stabilization/solidification. The amounts of copper and nickel leached from stabilized/solidified sediment relative to the mass leached from untreated sediment were increased by factors of 20 to 23 and 9.6 to 17 for copper and nickel, respectively. Desorption isotherm analysis of sequential batch leach data showed that solidification/stabilization processing of this sediment altered the mechanisms controlling metal leaching.
The first percutaneous aortic valve implantation in Hungary
Authors: Fontos Géza , Piróth Zsolt , Szőke Sándor , Tóth Gábor , Vincze Dóra , Szegedi Margit , Szüts Krisztina , Temesvári András , Hódi Gabriella , Székely László , Olev Luha , Andréka Péter
Published: March 2009

Panaszos aortabillentyű-szűkületben szenvedő betegek számára a billentyűcsere felbecsülhetetlen prognosztikai előnyt jelent. A thoracotomia, az aortotomia és a szívmotor alkalmazásából adódó morbiditás és mortalitás alternatív megoldások kereséséhez vezetett. A transzkatéteres endovascularis aortabillentyű-beültetéssel szerzett kezdeti tapasztalatok igazolták az eljárás megvalósíthatóságát és hatékonyságát, az akkori eszközökkel azonban a beavatkozás meglehetősen nehézkes volt. Időközben az eszközök és a beültetés technikája látványos fejlődésnek indultak, az operatőrök is egyre gyakorlottabbakká váltak. Megjelentek a ballonnal kinyitható és az önmaguktól kinyíló endoprotézisek, a perkután transfemoralis és a transapicalis megközelítés is megtalálni látszik a helyét előnyös és kedvezőtlen tulajdonságaiknak köszönhetően. A beavatkozás sikeraránya és klinikai kimenete folyamatosan javul. A közelmúltban zárult tanulmányok azt mutatják, hogy a magas kockázatú, idős betegeknél, a perkután módszer morbiditása és mortalitása a hagyományos sebészi technikáénál lényegesen kedvezőbb. Több mint egy év alapos előkészületeit követően, a Gottsegen György Országos Kardiológiai Intézetben 2008. november 11-én, Kelet-Közép-Európában először sikeres perkután aortabillentyű-beültetést végeztünk két idős, kritikus aortabillentyű-szűkületes betegnél. A betegek hétnapos kezelés után, nagyon jó általános állapotban hagyták el az intézetet.
A diophantine problem in ℤ[1 + \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage{bbm} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \(\sqrt d\) \end{document})/2]
Authors: Franušić Zrinka
Published: March 2009

We characterize the existence of infinitely many Diophantine quadruples with the propertyD(z) in the ring ℤ[1 +\documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage{bbm} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} $$\sqrt d$$ \end{document})/2], wheredis a positive integer such that the Pellian equationx2−dy2= 4 is solvable, in terms of representability ofzas a difference of two squares.
Asymptotic behavior of the extended Jensen equation
Authors: Moslehian Mohammad
Published: March 2009

We introduce the extended Jensen equation \documentclass{aastex}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
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\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{pifont}
\usepackage{stmaryrd}
\usepackage{textcomp}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\usepackage{portland,xspace}
\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}
\usepackage{bbm}
\pagestyle{empty}
\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}
\begin{document}
$$q^n f\left( {\frac{{x_1 + ....x_{q^n } }}
{{q^n }}} \right) = \sum\limits_{i = 1}^{q^n } {f(x_i )} ,$$
\end{document} where
q
> 1 and
n
are fixed positive integers. We investigate the stability and the asymptotic behavior of the above extended Jensen equation and prove that if 0 <
p
< 1 and
f
is a mapping from a normed space into a Banach space with
f
(0) = 0 which
p
-asymptotically satisfies the above equation, then it is
p
-asymptotic close to a linear mapping.
Combinatorial problems in the Enomoto-Katona space
Authors: Quistorff Jörn
Published: March 2009

Let
n, k
∈ ℕ with 2
k
≦
n
and
X
be an
n
-set. The Enomoto-Katona space \documentclass{aastex}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
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\usepackage{textcomp}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\usepackage{portland,xspace}
\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}
\usepackage{bbm}
\pagestyle{empty}
\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}
\begin{document}
$$\mathcal{R}: = \left\{ {\{ A,B\} \subseteqq \left( {_k^X } \right)\left| {A \cap } \right.B = \not 0} \right\},$$
\end{document} consisting of all unordered pairs of disjoint
k
-element subsets of
X
and equipped with \documentclass{aastex}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{bm}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{pifont}
\usepackage{stmaryrd}
\usepackage{textcomp}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\usepackage{portland,xspace}
\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}
\usepackage{bbm}
\pagestyle{empty}
\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}
\begin{document}
$$d^\mathcal{R}$$
\end{document}({
A,B
}, {
S,T
}) ≔ min {|
A
\
S
|+|
B
\
T
|,|
A
\
T
|+|
B
\
S
|}, is considered. The proof of the triangle inequality for \documentclass{aastex}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{bm}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{pifont}
\usepackage{stmaryrd}
\usepackage{textcomp}
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\usepackage{portland,xspace}
\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}
\usepackage{bbm}
\pagestyle{empty}
\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}
\begin{document}
$$d^\mathcal{R}$$
\end{document} is simplified. Upper bounds on the coding type problem, i.e. the determination of the maximum cardinality of a code consisting of unordered pairs of subsets far away from each other, are improved. The sphere packing problem, i.e. the determination of the maximum number of disjoint balls of a prescribed radius, is introduced and discussed. It is less closely connected to the first problem than it is in the most important spaces of coding theory.
Briefing: Cottage Pool reservoir distress, September, 2008
Authors: Jones Tony
Published: March 2009

The author's journey to the British Dam Society conference at Warwick took an interesting diversion via Brockton, Shropshire, following a phone call from Paul Clare, Mouchel's engineer working for Shropshire County Council.
Joint ICE North West and British Dam Society evening meeting: flood detention reservoirs
Authors: Robertshaw Andrew
Published: March 2009

On 20 November 2008 a joint meeting of the Institution of Civil Engineers' North West region and the British Dam Society (BDS) was held at the University of Manchester on the subject of flood detention reservoirs.
Whitemoor and Ramsden reservoirs
Authors: Howlett Paul , Robertshaw Andrew
Published: March 2009

On 25 September 2008 British Waterways and Yorkshire Water Services opened up their sites at Whitemoor and Ramsden reservoirs respectively for technical visits by members of the British Dam Society.
Iroko studs connecting limecrete slabs to glulam beams
Authors: Sebastian W. , Tideswell S. , Mills R.
Published: March 2009

New work on fabrication and testing of limecrete slab–glulam beam hybrids using novel headed studs of the hardwood iroko for slab–beam composite action, is presented. Connection schemes comprising vertical iroko studs and notches in the beams, or only inclined iroko studs, are described. Longitudinal shear testing shows the inclined stud connections to be of high initial stiffness, high strength and some ductility. Static and dynamic test data suggest that the notch/vertical stud combined connections are near-rigid. A test-verified nonlinear finite-element (FE) program reveals that, relative to the case of no composite action, the inclined iroko studs increased the hybrid member's stiffness and strength by 138% and 87% respectively. The need for further research on activating connector ductility to benefit the hybrid member's overall failure behaviour is discussed.
Microarray analysis of polychlorinated biphenyl mixture–induced changes in gene expression among Atlantic tomcod populations displaying differential sensitivity to halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Carlson Erik A. , Roy Nirmal K. , Wirgin Isaac I.
Published: March 2009

Several populations of fishes inhabiting contaminated Atlantic Coast estuaries exhibit resistance to early life-stage (ELS) toxicities induced by halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons such as coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These toxicities include mortality, circulatory failure, edema, and craniofacial malformations. The mechanisms behind resistance to halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon toxicity in these populations are unknown. First and second generation Atlantic tomcod Microgadus tomcod embryos derived from the Hudson River ([HR]; New York, USA) population are highly resistant to PCB-induced cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) expression and ELS toxicity when compared to embryos of Miramichi River ([MR]; New Brunswick, Canada) and Shinnecock Bay ([SB]; New York, USA) origin. The present study sought to identify novel genes involved in population differences in response to PCB exposure using custom microarrays. Microarray probes consisted of unsequenced inserts of randomly picked clones from a tomcod cardiac cDNA library. Tomcod embryos from three populations (HR, MR, and SB) were exposed to two doses of an environmentally relevant mixture of coplanar PCBs and screened for dose- and population-specific patterns of gene expression. Clones displaying significant differences between populations exposed to the high dose of PCBs were identified by DNA sequencing. Of the 28 identified nonribosomal protein clones, none displayed expression patterns highly similar to CYP1A (altered in MR and SB, but not in HR). However, several transcripts representing biomarkers of cardiomyopathy in mammals (cardiac troponin T2, cathepsin L, and atrial natriuretic peptide) were differentially altered among the three tomcod populations by PCBs. Although the present study did not identify any novel genes associated with PCB resistance in tomcod, several potential molecular biomarkers of PCB exposure were revealed.
A passive sampler based on solid-phase microextraction for quantifying hydrophobic organic contaminants in sediment pore water
Authors: Maruya Keith A. , Zeng Eddy Y. , Tsukada David , Bay Steven M.
Published: March 2009

Sediment-quality assessment often is hindered by the lack of agreement between chemical and biological lines of evidence. One limitation is that the bulk sediment toxicant concentration, the most widely used chemical parameter, does not always represent the bioavailable concentration, particularly for hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) in highly contaminated sediments. In the present study, we developed and tested a pore-water sampler that uses solid-phase microextraction (SPME) to measure freely dissolved (bioavailable) HOC concentrations. A single polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-coated SPME fiber is secured in a compact, protective housing that allows aqueous exchange with whole sediment while eliminating direct contact with sediment particles. Fibers with three PDMS coating thicknesses were first calibrated for 12 model HOCs of current regulatory concern. Precalibrated samplers were exposed to spiked estuarine sediment in laboratory microcosms to determine the time to equilibrium and the equilibrium concentrations across a range of sediment contamination. Time to equilibrium ranged from 14 to 110 d, with 30 d being sufficient for more than half the target HOCs. Equilibrium SPME measurements, ranging from 0.009 to 2,400 ng/L, were highly correlated with but, in general, lower than HOC pore-water concentrations determined independently by liquid–liquid extraction. This concept shows promise for directly measuring the freely dissolved concentration of HOCs in sediment pore water, a previously difficult-to-measure parameter that will improve our ability to assess the impacts of contaminated sediments.
Long-range transport of organic chemicals in the environment
Authors: Scheringer Martin
Published: March 2009

The long-range transport (LRT) of organic chemicals in the environment is reviewed, with particular focus on the role of environmental fate and transport models and the relationship between model results and field data. Results from generic multimedia box models, spatially resolved multimedia box models, and atmospheric transport models are highlighted, including conceptual investigations of cold-trap effect and global fractionation as well as results for particular chemicals, such as hexachlorocyclohexanes, DDT, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroocctanoic acid, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Comparison of model results to field data shows that in many cases environmental fate models provide a good description of the distribution dynamics observed in the field, with deviations between measured and modeled concentrations around a factor of five. Sorption to atmospheric aerosols as a key process influencing the LRT of semivolatile organic chemicals (SOCs) is discussed, and the need for more measurements of the aerosol–air partitioning of SOCs and of the reactivity of particle-bound chemicals is pointed out. Key findings from field campaigns measuring legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as well as new POPs are summarized. Finally, the relationship between science and politics in the field of POPs is addressed. Research into the LRT of organic chemicals has always occurred in interaction with political activities aiming to reduce the emissions of POPs. Since the late 1990s, the Stockholm Convention and the Aarhus Protocol on POPs have formed an important political context for research concerning POPs; the implementation of these international treaties creates a demand for ongoing research into the LRT of organic chemicals.
Influence of pH, Hardness, Dissolved Organic Carbon Concentration, and Dissolved Organic Matter Source on the Acute Toxicity of Copper toDaphnia Magnain Soft Waters: Implications for the Biotic Ligand Model
Authors: Ryan Adam C. , Tomasso Joseph R. , Klaine Stephen J.
Published: March 2009

The influence of pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, water hardness, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) source on the acute toxicity of copper were investigated with standardized 48-h Daphnia magna toxicity tests. Toxicity tests were conducted according to a four-factor complete factorial design. Nominal factor levels were as follows: pH 6 and 8; DOC, 2.5 and 10 mg/L; hardness, 10, 20, and 40 mg/L as CaCO3; and two DOM sources (collected from the Black River and Edisto River, SC, USA). The experimental design resulted in 24 different factor level combinations. Results indicated that all factors had significant effects on copper toxicity. Furthermore, a strong interactive effect of DOC concentration and pH was detected. Because the biotic ligand model (BLM) has become a widely used tool for predicting toxicity and interpreting toxicity test results, its performance with these data was evaluated. Seventy percent of BLM predictions were within twofold of the observed median lethal concentrations. However, BLM parameters could be adjusted to improve model performance with this data set. This analysis suggested that in soft waters, the CuOH+ complex binds more strongly with the biotic ligand and that the competitive effect of hardness cations should be increased. The results of the present study may have implications for application of the BLM to some types of surface waters. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of BLM performance with all available data should be performed, and necessary updates to model parameters should be made to produce the most robust and widely applicable model.
Defining the biomethane potential (BMP) of solid organic wastes and energy crops: a proposed protocol for batch assays
Authors: Angelidaki I. , Alves M. , Bolzonella D. , Borzacconi L. , Campos J. L. , Guwy A. J. , Kalyuzhnyi S. , Jenicek P. , van Lier J. B.
Published: March 2009

The application of anaerobic digestion technology is growing worldwide because of its economic and environmental benefits. As a consequence, a number of studies and research activities dealing with the determination of the biogas potential of solid organic substrates have been carrying out in the recent years. Therefore, it is of particular importance to define a protocol for the determination of the ultimate methane potential for a given solid substrates. In fact, this parameter determines, to a certain extent, both design and economic details of a biogas plant. Furthermore, the definition of common units to be used in anaerobic assays is increasingly requested from the scientific and engineering community. This paper presents some guidelines for biomethane potential assays prepared by the Task Group for the Anaerobic Biodegradation, Activity and Inhibition Assays of the Anaerobic Digestion Specialist Group of the International Water Association. This is the first step for the definition of a standard protocol.
Solar photoassisted advanced oxidation process of azo dyes
Authors: Prato-Garcia D. , Buitrón G.
Published: March 2009

Advanced oxidation processes assisted with natural solar radiation in CPC type reactors (parabolic collector compound), was applied for the degradation of three azo dyes: acid orange (AO7), acid red 151 (AR151) and acid blue 113 (AB113). Fenton, Fenton like and ferrioxalate-type complexes showed to be effective for degrade the azo linkage and moieties in different extensions. Initially, the best dose of reagents (Fe3 + -H2O2) was determined through a factorial experimental design, next, using response surface methodologies, the reagent consumption was reduced up to 40%, maintaining in all cases high decolourisation percentages (>98%) after 60 min. of phototreatment. In this work, it was also studied the effect of concentration changes of the influent between 100–300 mg/L and the operation of the photocatalytic process near neutral conditions (pH 6.0–6.5) by using ferrioxalate type complex (FeOx).
Discussion on the application of UV/H2O2, O3 and O3/UV processes as technologies for sewage reuse considering the removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products
Authors: Kim I. H. , Yamashita N. , Kato Y. , Tanaka H.
Published: March 2009

The applicability of O3, UV/H2O2 and O3/UV treatment processes as technologies for water reuse considering pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) removal was investigated. Electrical energies required for the effective removal of various PPCPs in secondary effluent were 0.09 kWh/m3, 0.54 kWh/m3 and 1.09 kWh/m3 for O3, UV/H2O2 and O3/UV treatments, respectively, showing that O3 treatment is the most cost-effective treatment option for the PPCPs removal. O3 treatment showed the effective PPCPs removal at O3 dose of 6 mg/L; however, the formation of bromate is expected for O3 treatment using O3 dose of more than 4 mg/L. In particular, bromate formation will be a critical issue when the reclaimed water is used for direct/indirect potable reuses. Therefore, in order to suppress the bromate formation as well as achieve the effective PPCPs removal, O3/UV treatment will be recommended. UV/H2O2 treatment will be also a profitable treatment method because no bromate will be formed during the process. The evaluation for ecological risk of PPCPs by the applied processes showed that all the processes could decrease the ecological risk caused by parent PPCPs considerably. This means that the investigated treatment processes can play an important role in reducing unpredictable side effects caused by PPCPs in the aquatic environment.
Life and activities of Danilo Zulevic (1937 - 1998)
Authors: Dimitrijevic Milan
Published: March 2009

The life and scientific and professional activities of Danilo Zulevic (1937 - 1998), research fellow of the Belgrade Astronomical Observatory, are presented, followed by the Bibliography of his works, the list of bibliographical items wherein his name is mentioned and the list of his name?s citations in the Science Citation Index.
Studies of relativistic effects with radioastron space mission
Authors: Zakharov A.F.
Published: March 2009

In the review we discuss possible studies of GR phenomena such as gravitational microlensing and shadow analysis with the forthcoming RadioAstron space mission. It is well-known that gravitational lensing is a powerful tool in the investigation of the distribution of matter, including that of dark matter (DM). Typical angular distances between images and typical time scales depend on the gravitational lens masses. For the microlensing, angular distances between images or typical astrometric shifts are about 10-5 ? 10-6 as1. Such an angular resolution will be reached with the space-ground VLBI interferometer, Radioastron. The basic targets for microlensing searches should be bright point-like radio sources at cosmological distances. In this case, an analysis of their variability and a reliable determination of microlensing could lead to an estimation of their cosmological mass density. Moreover, one could not exclude the possibility that non-baryonic dark matter could also form microlenses if the corresponding optical depth were high enough. It is known that in gravitationally lensed systems, the probability (the optical depth) to observe microlensing is relatively high; therefore, for example, such gravitationally lensed objects, like CLASS gravitational lens B1600+434, appear the most suitable to detect astrometric microlensing, since features of photometric microlensing have been detected in these objects. However, to directly resolve these images and to directly detect the apparent motion of the knots, the Radioastron sensitivity would have to be improved, since the estimated flux density is below the sensitivity threshold, alternatively, they may be observed by increasing the integration time, assuming that a radio source has a typical core - jet structure and microlensing phenomena are caused by the superluminal apparent motions of knots. In the case of a confirmation (or a disproval) of claims about microlensing in grav?itational lens systems, one can speculate about the microlens contribution to the gravitational lens mass. Astrometric microlensing due to Galactic Macho's action is not very important because of low optical depths and long typical time scales. Therefore, the launch of the space interferometer Radioastron will give excellent new facilities to investigate microlensing in the radio band, allowing the possibility not only to resolve microimages but also to observe astrometric microlensing. Shadows around supermassive black holes can be detected with the RadioAstron space interferometer. .
Effects of Rosuvastatin and Atorvastatin on LDL and HDL Particle Concentrations in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rosenson Robert S. , Otvos James D. , Hsia Judith
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of statin therapy on lipoprotein particle concentrations in patients with the metabolic syndrome. Changes in lipoprotein particle concentration may predict the risk of coronary heart disease more accurately than lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients with dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome (n = 318) were randomly assigned in a double-blind study comparing 10 mg rosuvastatin (RSV), 10 mg atorvastatin, or placebo daily for 6 weeks. From weeks 6 to 12, patients in the RSV and placebo groups received 20 mg RSV, whereas the ATV group increased their dose to 20 mg daily. Lipoprotein particle concentrations were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, LDL cholesterol was measured by β-quantification, and other lipoproteins were measured by standard methods at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Lipoprotein levels were compared by analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

Statins reduced LDL particle concentration less than LDL cholesterol (−30 to −38 vs. −38 to −51%). Reductions were greater with RSV than with ATV (P < 0.05 for LDL particle concentration and P < 0.001 for LDL cholesterol). Most patients attained LDL cholesterol <2.59 mmol/l (100 mg/dl) at 12 weeks (80% with RSV and 59% with ATV; P = 0.003), but only 27% of patients receiving RSV and 19% receiving ATV attained the goal of LDL particle concentration <1,000 nmol/l (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with the metabolic syndrome, statin-induced changes in LDL cholesterol do not accurately reflect changes in LDL particle concentration. Consequently, despite attainment of LDL cholesterol goals, these patients may retain considerable residual coronary heart disease risk.
Korovkin-type theorems and applications
Authors: Mahmudov Nazim
Published: March 2009

Let {T
n} be a sequence of linear operators on C[0,1], satisfying that {T
n (e
i)} converge in C[0,1] (not necessarily to e
i) for i = 0,1,2, where e
i = t
i. We prove Korovkin-type theorem and give quantitative results on C
2[0,1] and C[0,1] for such sequences. Furthermore, we define King’s type q-Bernstein operator and give quantitative results for the approximation properties of such operators.
Molecular organization and aggregation in Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett films of azo dye/liquid crystal mixtures
Authors: Inglot K. , Martyński T. , Bauman D.
Published: March 2009

A study of azo dye/liquid crystal mixtures in monolayers formed at air-water (Langmuir films) and air-solid substrate (Langmuir-Blodgett films) interfaces was performed. Three azo dyes with various molecular structure and two liquid crystal materials: 4-octyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (8CB) and trans-4-octyl(4′-cyanophenyl)-cyclohexane (8PCH) were used. The morphology of Langmuir films was monitored by means of a Brewster angle microscope (BAM). Moreover, a surface pressure and electronic absorption spectra of the monolayer spread on the water surface of dye/liquid crystal mixtures as a function of a mean molecular area were simultaneously recorded. In addition, the absorption for Langmuir-Blodgett films deposited on quartz plates was measured. Information about intermolecular interactions in the mixtures of the nonamphiphilic dye and the liquid crystal with polar terminal group was obtained. Conclusions about the formation of self-aggregates between dye molecules have been drawn. The influence of the dye molecular structure and its concentration on aggregates’ geometry was found.
A Remark on the Interpretation of Pooling Results
Authors: Zieliński Wojciech
Published: March 2009

A Remark on the Interpretation of Pooling Results

A multinomial distribution (-1, π1), (0, π2), (1, π3), π1+ π2+ π3= 1 is observed. Suppose thatn1values -1,n2values 0 andn3values 1 (n=n1+n2+n3) were observed. The construction of the confidence region for the vector (π1, π2, π3) is given. Theoretical considerations are illustrated by an example of the results of a pool.
Risk factors for postoperative systemic complications in elderly patients with brain tumors
Authors: Asano Kenichiro , Nakano Takahiro , Takeda Tetsuji , Ohkuma Hiroki
Published: March 2009

Object

In elderly patients with brain tumors, the prevention of postoperative systemic complications is extremely important, and identification of the risk factors would be useful for planning therapy. The authors investigated ways to avoid postoperative complications by identifying risk factors.

Methods

The study population included 84 patients, 70 years of age or older, who underwent surgical brain tumor removal. The following independent factors were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses: sex, age, preoperative underlying diseases and complications, histopathological findings, preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score, preoperative whole blood hemoglobin (Hb) level, preoperative serum total protein (TP) level, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, change in Hb level (difference between pre- and postoperative values), and change in TP level (difference between pre- and postoperative values). The cutoff values for significant independent factors were also determined.

Results

Overall, 35 (41.7%) of the 84 patients had a total of 56 postoperative systemic complications. Univariate analysis identified the preoperative KPS score, intraoperative blood loss, change in Hb level, and change in TP level as risk factors for postoperative complications, and multivariate analysis extracted the following risk factors: the preoperative KPS score (p = 0.0450, OR 4.020), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.0104, OR 6.571), and change in Hb levels (p = 0.0023, OR 9.301). The cutoff values were: KPS score < 80%, intraoperative blood loss ≥ 350 ml, and change in Hb level ≥ 2.0 g/dl.

Conclusions

In elderly patients with brain tumors, low preoperative KPS score, high intraoperative blood loss, and a large difference between pre- and postoperative Hb levels are significant risk factors for postoperative systemic complications.
Osler vindicated: glioma of the leg center with Jacksonian epilepsy; removal and cure, with a 50-year follow-up
Authors: Feindel William
Published: March 2009

On December 14, 1883, William Osler, then pathologist at the Montreal General Hospital, presented the specimen of a brain with an almond-sized glioma beneath the right motor cortex to the Montreal Medico-Chirurgical Society. The brain specimen was from a young woman who had suffered from intermittent Jacksonian seizures for 14 years and had eventually died in status epilepticus. Aware of the pioneering removal of a tumor from the cortex reported on in 1885 by Bennett and Godlee, Osler wrote of his case, “this was an instance in which operation would have been justifiable and possibly have been the means of saving life.”

In 1953, a young man with Jacksonian attacks that began in his foot underwent removal of a Grade I glioma from the central fissure. The operation was performed in an awake craniotomy during which cortical mapping was used to define the motor and sensory cortices. Treatment with focal radiation followed, and afterward the patient became seizure-free, stopped taking anticonvulsant medication, and has led an active life over the past 50 years.

Reference is made to the experiences of Sherrington, Cushing, and Penfield with cortical stimulation in the awake patient under regional anesthesia as an effective aid to surgery for epileptogenic lesions, tumors, and vascular malformations. Their technique allows for maximal resection with minimal neurological deficits. Over the past 20 years, this approach has been adopted effectively in many neurosurgical centers.