bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newly Identified HIV Infections in Correctional Facilities, United States, 2007
Authors: VanHandel Michelle , Beltrami John F. , MacGowan Robin J. , Borkowf Craig B. , Margolis Andrew D.
Published: March 2012

We used Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HIV Counseling and Testing System data from 2007 to determine the percentage and characteristics of persons newly identified as HIV-positive in US correctional facilities. The newly identified HIV positivity was 0.7%, and 30% of detainees newly identified with HIV were categorized as having low-risk heterosexual contact or no acknowledged risk. Correctional facilities should provide detainees with routine opt-out HIV testing, unless the prevalence of previously undiagnosed HIV infection has been documented to be less than 0.1%.
A Global Analysis of Groundwater Recharge for Vegetation, Climate, and Soils
Authors: Kim John H. , Jackson Robert B.
Published: March 2012

Because groundwater is an essential resource for people and ecosystems, a better understanding is needed of the fundamental controls on recharge and its interactions with vegetation change. We analyzed >600 estimates of groundwater recharge to obtain the first global analysis of recharge and vegetation types. Globally, croplands had the highest proportion of water input (WI = precipitation + irrigation) that become recharge, followed by grasslands, woodlands, and scrublands (average proportional recharge: 0.11, 0.08, 0.06, and 0.05, respectively; P < 0.0001). A stepwise regression model revealed that WI had the strongest association with recharge overall, followed by vegetation type, potential evapotranspiration (PET), saturated hydraulic conductivity based on soil texture (Ks), and seasonality of rainfall (R2 = 0.29, 0.16, 0.12, 0.06, and 0.01, respectively; P < 0.0001). Recharge increased with increasing WI, Ks, and seasonality of rainfall and decreased with increasing PET. Relative differences in recharge among vegetation types were larger in drier climates and clayey soils, indicating greater biological control on soil water fluxes under these conditions. To further test the relationship between recharge and vegetation, we compared global synthesis data to our parallel field estimates of recharge in paired grasslands, croplands, and woodlands across the Argentinean Pampas and the southwestern United States. Our field estimates of recharge were similar to, and followed the same pattern of, recharge under vegetation types in the synthesis data, suggesting that land‐use changes will continue to alter recharge dynamics and vadose zone processes globally. The results of this study highlight the implications of land‐use management for sustainable groundwater use and should also help test and improve recharge estimates in large‐scale water balance and climate models.
Spatial and Temporal Monitoring of Water Content in Weathered Granitic Bedrock Using Electrical Resistivity Imaging
Authors: Yamakawa Yosuke , Kosugi Ken'ichirou , Katsura Shin'ya , Masaoka Naoya , Mizuyama Takahisa
Published: March 2012

Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) as an effective method to evaluate water flow processes through bedrock in a hillslope in a headwater catchment was validated by invasive hydrometric observations. Distributions of increases and decreases in electrical resistivities ρ relative to a reference ρ profile (Δρ) corresponded well with the increases and decreases in volumetric water content θ (Δθ) calculated from the directly observed pressure head ψ using tensiometers and borehole wells. This demonstrates the applicability of time‐lapse ERI measurement for qualitatively evaluating the spatial and temporal variations in θ (i.e., wetting and drying processes) for not only soil mantles but also for bedrock in a natural hillslope. There was a reasonable correlation (R2 = 0.69 to 0.77) between each average θ and ρ in regions assumed to have different degrees of weathering, indicating the potential of ERI for quantitatively evaluating moisture conditions within an entire natural hillslope, including bedrock, based on field‐scale calibrations with invasive methods. Fluctuations in groundwater tables in boreholes within bedrock along the survey line and discharge from two differently sized catchments including the study slope were both successfully reflected in the temporal variation in mean ρ in the regions located just above and below the groundwater tables. This indicates the potential of ERI for estimating groundwater levels and runoff from a watershed based on temporal ρ monitoring within an entire slope, including the bedrock; such estimations may be more difficult to achieve with invasive methods in many mountain slopes.
Vadose Zone Biodegradation of Benzene Vapors in Repacked and Undisturbed Soil Cores
Authors: Kristensen Andreas H. , Hosoi Chisato , Henriksen Kaj , Loll Per , Moldrup Per
Published: March 2012

Bench testing of petroleum biodegradation rates in vadose zone soils is typically associated with errors because transport conditions in laboratory systems are different from those found in the vadose zone. This work addressed the effect of soil structure and gas transport properties on hydrocarbon biodegradation in the unsaturated zone and we present a novel method for measuring biodegradation rates in intact and undisturbed soil columns of 100 cm3. To determine whether soil structure and gas diffusivity, defined as the ratio of the gas diffusion coefficient in soil to that in free air (Dp/D0), influence the outcome of aerobic benzene biodegradation experiments, measurements using identical sandy soils were performed on (i) undisturbed 100‐cm3 core samples; (ii) sieved (2‐mm) and repacked 100‐cm3 core samples; and (iii) soil samples (10 g) prepared as slurry microcosms. While slurry reactor experiments changed the first‐order rate constant (kw,1) significantly compared with undisturbed core samples, this was not the case for soil cores that had been sieved and repacked. This suggests that soil structure on a millimeter scale does not affect aerobic biodegradation in relatively unstructured sandy soils. Within differently textured soil cores, the biodegradation rate was found to increase with gas diffusivity when Dp/D0 < 0.02. This establishes gaseous O2 and petroleum vapor diffusion and distribution in soil profiles as a controlling factor for natural biodegradation of petroleum vapors.
Small Root Biomass Effect on the Dielectric Properties of Soil
Authors: Parsekian Andrew D. , Slater Lee , Schäfer Karina V. R.
Published: March 2012

The biomass attributed to fine and small roots contained within soils is challenging to quantify in situ. We examined the effect of fine roots on the bulk dielectric properties of soil to explore the potential for assessing volumetric root content using ground‐penetrating radar (GPR). We found a positive relationship between fine root content and bulk dielectric permittivity in relatively dry sand. We fit the data with a mixing model that accounted for the mineral, air, and root components of the sample. Our results indicate that changes in volumetric root content can be detected by GPR under such simple, controlled conditions; however, the presence of pore water, along with its spatial variability and the inherent structural heterogeneity of soils, will probably render detection of fine root biomass from a GPR measurement very challenging in the field.
Natural Capital, Ecosystem Services, and Soil Change: Why Soil Science Must Embrace an Ecosystems Approach
Authors: Robinson D.A. , Hockley N. , Dominati E. , Lebron I. , Scow K.M. , Reynolds B. , Emmett B.A. , Keith A.M. , de Jonge L.W. , Schjønning P. , Moldrup P. , Jones S.B. , Tuller M.
Published: March 2012

Soil is part of the Earth's life support system, but how should we convey the value of this and of soil as a resource? Consideration of the ecosystem services and natural capital of soils offers a framework going beyond performance indicators of soil health and quality, and recognizes the broad value that soil contributes to human wellbeing. This approach provides links and synergies between soil science and other disciplines such as ecology, hydrology, and economics, recognizing the importance of soils alongside other natural resources in sustaining the functioning of the Earth system. We articulate why an ecosystems approach is important for soil science in the context of natural capital, ecosystem services, and soil change. Soil change is defined as change on anthropogenic time scales and is an important way of conveying dynamic changes occurring in soils that are relevant to current political decision‐making time scales. We identify four important areas of research: (i) framework development; (ii) quantifying the soil resource, stocks, fluxes, transformations, and identifying indicators; (iii) valuing the soil resource for its ecosystem services; and (iv) developing decision‐support tools. Furthermore, we propose contributions that soil science can make to address these research challenges.
Role of Surface Roughness in Chemical Detachment of Colloids Deposited at Primary Energy Minima
Authors: Shen Chongyang , Wang Lian-Ping , Li Baoguo , Huang Yuanfang , Jin Yan
Published: March 2012

This study theoretically and experimentally examined effects of surface roughness on detachment of colloids deposited under favorable chemical conditions on reduction of solution ionic strength. A superposition approach based on elemental geometric models was developed to estimate variation of Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) interaction energies between a colloid and a rough surface under different solution chemistries. Theoretical analysis showed that most colloids attached at rough surfaces via primary‐minimum association are irreversible on reduction of solution ionic strength because primary minima are deeper and the detachment energy barriers are greater at lower ionic strength. A fraction of colloids initially attached at tips of nanoscale protruding asperities, however, will detach from a rough surface at low ionic strength because the net force acting on the colloids can become repulsive (i.e., calculated DLVO interaction energy curves show monotonic decreases of interaction energies with separation distance at low ionic strength). Column experiments were conducted with 1156‐nm polystyrene latex particles and rough sand (300–355‐μm diameter) to examine the detachment of colloids initially deposited at primary minima. Experimental results confirmed that a fraction of colloids are released at low ionic strengths. Our theoretical and experimental results are consistent with literature observations, adding convincing evidence to challenge the usual belief that colloids attached at primary minima are irreversible on reduction of solution ionic strength. Although the importance of surface heterogeneity on colloid deposition has been widely recognized, our study implies that surface heterogeneity also plays a critical role in colloid detachment under both favorable and unfavorable conditions.
Water Content and Soil Type Effects on Accelerated Leaching after Slurry Application
Authors: Kramers G. , Holden N.M. , Brennan F. , Green S. , Richards K.G.
Published: March 2012

Preferential flow is a well recognized mechanism for the accelerated leaching of nutrients and pollutants through soil, contributing to the contamination of surface‐ and groundwater bodies. This study assessed the risks associated with slurry spreading and the potential effects of preferential flow, under natural rainfall, on four soil types with contrasting textures under wet and dry initial conditions. Breakthrough patterns of bromide were analyzed to quantify water flow patterns, and the data were compared to leachate nutrient composition. Bovine slurry, spiked with bromide, was applied to lysimeters (3 per treatment and 4 soil types) each under wet and dry initial soil conditions. Bromide served well as an indicator of the potential occurrence of preferential flow. Preferential flow was found to be most likely to occur in the soil with the finest texture under wet initial conditions and least likely in the soil with the coarsest texture. Leaching of relatively high concentrations of total reactive phosphorous was found to occur simultaneously with bromide under wet initial conditions, but no other relationships were observed between nutrients and bromide. Dye was applied to one lysimeter of each soil type at the end of the experiment to compare qualitative information about the infiltration mechanisms. Preferential flow was found to occur primarily in the form of macropore flow. Water quality considerations must be taken into account when promoting the spreading of organic manures on wet soils in early spring to improve nutrient efficiency. The land application of slurry at agronomic rates related to crop requirements restricts nutrient leaching.
Quantification of Microstructural Changes in Salorthidic Fluvaquents Using Rheological and Particle Charge Techniques
Authors: Markgraf W. , Moreno F. , Horn R.
Published: March 2012

Salorthidic Fluvaquents originating from Seville, Andalusia, were sampled and subjected to rheological and particle charge investigations. Structural changes in a managed and a natural site under pasture were compared based on physicochemical laboratory analyses, scanning electron microscopy, particle charge density (PCD) measurements, and rheological tests. An uncultivated site located at the riparian zone of the Guadalquivir River showed a natural fluvio‐marine‐affected development. A regular influx and exchange of salts in the groundwater, especially in the form of NaCl and calcite, dominate soil genetic processes. In contrast, drainage of the saline‐sodic soils for cultivation, furrow irrigation, and phosphogypsum fertilization have led to a modification of the salinity gradients throughout the reclaimed soil profile. Sodium ions on the exchangers were released due to the Ca amendment, which led to a decreased exchangeable Na+ concentration (exchangeable Na percentage [ESP] < 15) in the topsoil. The soil microstructure of the carbonate‐rich and clayey soil remained stable, and surface sealing and crusting were reduced, particularly in the Ap horizon. Results from PCD measurements, derived zeta potential, ζ, and the rheological parameters loss factor tanδ and integral z were consistent. Comparing reclaimed and natural conditions, the rheological parameters integral z and ζ potential showed a linear correlation to ESP and the cation ratio of soil structural stability. This was indicated by increased integral z values and ζ potentials, showing a trend toward stable agglomeration and increased microstructural strength in the case of the ameliorated reclaimed topsoil. Phosphogypsum amelioration was appraisal as successful using approach.
Pore‐Scale Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Colloid Retention at the Secondary Energy Minimum
Authors: Qiu Charmaine Q. , Han Jie , Gao Hui , Wang Lian-Ping , Jin Yan
Published: March 2012

Mechanistic understanding of colloid retention and transport in porous media is important in many environmental processes and applications. In this study, we characterized and quantified colloid retention under unfavorable attachment conditions through modeling coupled with pore‐scale experiments, focusing on the effects of solution ionic strength and interstitial flow speed. A computational approach was developed to simulate the motion of colloids suspended in pore‐scale flow through a network of grain packing in a bounded channel. Simulation results showed that colloids could only be retained at the secondary energy minimum (SEmin) due to the presence of the high repulsive energy barrier (above 1500 kT). The fraction of colloids that can move into the SEmin well and be subsequently retained by the attractive van der Waals force is controlled by the competition of hydrodynamic transport along the streamline and Brownian shifting across the streamline. The tangential hydrodynamic force could slowly drive retained colloids toward the rear stagnation region along the surface, leading to accumulation of retained colloids. The retention at SEmin is dynamically irreversible when the SEmin depth reaches about −4 kT. These mechanistic insights explain well the dependence of the retention ratio on flow speed at a given ionic strength as well as the saturation of the retention ratio with ionic strength at a prescribed flow speed. Furthermore, for a given ionic strength, there is a critical flow speed below which Brownian motion dominates the colloid retention rate, leading to a very strong dependence of surface coverage on flow speed. These simulation results were confirmed by experimental confocal‐microscopy observations in capillary porous channels as well as by other published results, supporting the mechanistic findings.
Effects of Land Cover and Fertilization Method on Water Flow and Solute Transport in Five Lysimeters: A Long‐Term Study Using Stable Water Isotopes
Authors: Stumpp C. , Stichler W. , Kandolf M. , Šimůnek J.
Published: March 2012

Land cover and agricultural management practices can significantly influence soil structure. However, little is known about how fertilizer applications and land cover affect soil hydrology and groundwater recharge over long time periods. The objective of this study was to use stable water isotopes as environmental tracers to provide additional information required for better understanding of water flow and solute transport processes in the unsaturated zone influenced by land cover and type of fertilizer applications. Five lysimeters containing undisturbed soil monoliths from the same agricultural field site were investigated over a period of 5 yr. Liquid cattle slurry and solid animal manure were applied to the maize (Zea mays L.) and winter rye (Secale cereale L.) lysimeters. The grass–clover lysimeter was treated with mineral fertilizer. Quantitative influence of land cover and type of fertilizer application on water flow and solute transport was evaluated for all lysimeters using a modified version of HYDRUS‐1D. The highest drainage was observed in the maize lysimeter treated with cattle slurry, and the lowest in the grass lysimeter treated with mineral fertilizer. Pronounced differences in water contents and estimated saturated hydraulic conductivities between the lysimeters were restricted to the upper 25 to 30 cm of the soil. In particular, the lysimeters treated with animal manure had higher porosities, indicating a higher content of organic matter. Main differences in discharge between the lysimeters were observed in spring and during the plant growth periods, indicating the importance of nonuniform, patchy infiltration patterns during snow melt and of root water uptake, respectively. Mean water flow velocities, transit times, and effective water contents were estimated from the stable water isotope data, providing evidence on the impact of land cover and type of fertilizer application. We found smaller mean transit times in the maize lysimeters and for soils with liquid cattle slurry applications. Simulations indicate that numerical modeling can reproduce the general trend of water flow and isotope transport. Despite differences in mean transit times, fitted dispersivities were all in the same range, suggesting similar soil structures in the five lysimeters. However, more data for calibration and more information about heterogeneous infiltration would be required to improve the model accuracy. In general, stable water isotopes clearly contributed an added value, elucidating differences in mean flow parameters between the lysimeters. Thus, they provided evidence of the impacts of land cover and fertilizer applications, which are not obvious from water balance and mean discharge rates alone.
Three‐Dimensional Multiphase Segmentation of X‐Ray CT Data of Porous Materials Using a Bayesian Markov Random Field Framework
Authors: Kulkarni Ramaprasad , Tuller Markus , Fink Wolfgang , Wildenschild Dorthe
Published: March 2012

Advancements in noninvasive imaging methods such as X‐ray computed tomography (CT) have led to a recent surge of applications in porous media research with objectives ranging from theoretical aspects of pore‐scale fluid and interfacial dynamics to practical applications such as enhanced oil recovery and advanced contaminant remediation. While substantial efforts and resources have been devoted to advance CT technology, microscale analysis, and fluid dynamics simulations, the development of efficient and stable three‐dimensional multiphase image segmentation methods applicable to large data sets is lacking. To eliminate the need for wet–dry or dual‐energy scans, image alignment, and subtraction analysis, commonly applied in X‐ray micro‐CT, a segmentation method based on a Bayesian Markov random field (MRF) framework amenable to true three‐dimensional multiphase processing was developed and evaluated. Furthermore, several heuristic and deterministic combinatorial optimization schemes required to solve the labeling problem of the MRF image model were implemented and tested for computational efficiency and their impact on segmentation results. Test results for three grayscale data sets consisting of dry glass beads, partially saturated glass beads, and partially saturated crushed tuff obtained with synchrotron X‐ray micro‐CT demonstrate great potential of the MRF image model for three‐dimensional multiphase segmentation. While our results are promising and the developed algorithm is stable and computationally more efficient than other commonly applied porous media segmentation models, further potential improvements exist for fully automated operation.
Lunar Tides and the Long-Term Variation of the Peak Latitude Anomaly of the Summer Sub-Tropical High Pressure Ridge over Eastern Australia
Authors: R.G. Wilson Ian
Published: March 2012

This study looks for evidence of a correlation between long-term changes in the lunar tidal forces and the interannual to decadal variability of the peak latitude anomaly of the summer (DJF) subtropical high pressure ridge over Eastern Australia (L) between 1860 and 2010. A simple “resonance” model is proposed that assumes that if lunar tides play a role in influencing L, it is most likely one where the tidal forces act in “resonance” with the changes caused by the far more dominant solar-driven seasonal cycles. With this type of model, it is not so much in what years do the lunar tides reach their maximum strength, but whether or not there are peaks in the strength of the lunar tides that re-occur at the same time within the annual seasonal cycle. The “resonance” model predicts that if the seasonal peak lunar tides have a measurable effect upon L then there should be significant oscillatory signals in L that vary in-phase with the 9.31 year draconic spring tides, the 8.85 year perigean spring tides, and the 3.80 year peak spring tides. This study identifies
significant peaks in the spectrum of L at 9.4 (+0.4/-0.3) and 3.78 (± 0.06) tropical years. In addition, it shows that the 9.4 year signal is in-phase with the draconic spring tidal cycle, while the phase of the 3.8 year signal is retarded by one year compared to the 3.8 year peak spring tidal cycle. Thus, this paper supports the conclusion that long-term changes in the lunar tides, in combination with the more dominant solar-driven seasonal cycles, play an important role in determining the observed inter-annual to decadal variations of L.
Airway Compromise Due to Wound Hematoma Following Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Palumbo Mark A , Aidlen Jessica Pelow , Daniels Alan H , Thakur Nikhil A , Caiati Joseph
Published: March 2012

One of the most serious adverse events associated with anterior cervical spine surgery is wound hematoma resulting in airway compromise. The reported incidence of this postoperative complication has varied from 0.2% to 1.9%. Obstruction of the airway secondary to bleeding presents a challenging clinical scenario given the rapidity of onset, distorted anatomy of the upper respiratory tract, urgent need to act and potential for catastrophic consequences. This high-risk, life-threatening clinical scenario requires specialized knowledge and a well-designed treatment protocol to achieve a positive outcome. In this review, we report a case of airway compromise secondary to wound hematoma following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, followed by a review of relevant literature, anatomy, etiologic factors and diagnostic considerations. We also propose guidelines for the prevention and management of postoperative airway obstruction due to wound hematoma.
Eculizumab for Dense Deposit Disease and C3 Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Bomback Andrew S. , Smith Richard J. , Barile Gaetano R. , Zhang Yuzhou , Heher Eliot C. , Herlitz Leal , Stokes M. Barry , Markowitz Glen S. , D’Agati Vivette D. , Canetta Pietro A. , Radhakrishnan Jai , Appel Gerald B.
Published: March 2012

Background and objectives

The principle defect in dense deposit disease and C3 glomerulonephritis is hyperactivity of the alternative complement pathway. Eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to C5 to prevent formation of the membrane attack complex, may prove beneficial.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In this open-label, proof of concept efficacy and safety study, six subjects with dense deposit disease or C3 glomerulonephritis were treated with eculizumab every other week for 1 year. All had proteinuria >1 g/d and/or AKI at enrollment. Subjects underwent biopsy before enrollment and repeat biopsy at the 1-year mark.

Results

The subjects included three patients with dense deposit disease (including one patient with recurrent dense deposit disease in allograft) and three patients with C3 glomerulonephritis (including two patients with recurrent C3 glomerulonephritis in allograft). Genetic and complement function testing revealed a mutation in CFH and MCP in one subject each, C3 nephritic factor in three subjects, and elevated levels of serum membrane attack complex in three subjects. After 12 months, two subjects showed significantly reduced serum creatinine, one subject achieved marked reduction in proteinuria, and one subject had stable laboratory parameters but histopathologic improvements. Elevated serum membrane attack complex levels normalized on therapy and paralleled improvements in creatinine and proteinuria.

Conclusions

Clinical and histopathologic data suggest a response to eculizumab in some but not all subjects with dense deposit disease and C3 glomerulonephritis. Elevation of serum membrane attack complex before treatment may predict response. Additional research is needed to define the subgroup of dense deposit disease/C3 glomerulonephritis patients in whom eculizumab therapy can be considered.
Development and Validation of the Sports Fan Ethnocentrism Scale
Authors: Hu Anne Wan-Ling , Bedford Olwen
Published: March 2012

Our main purpose in this study was to develop a sports fan ethnocentrism (SFE) scale and test whether or not SFE impacts sports viewing motivations and behaviors. First, 3 rounds of the Delphi technique (Gupta & Clarke, 1996) were applied to develop items for the scale. Then, using
quota sampling by region, gender, and age we obtained 900 valid surveys from Major League Baseball (MLB) viewers in Taiwan. We then conducted structural equation modeling with viewing time and motivations to confirm construct validity. The characteristics of Taiwanese SFE were found to be
as follows: a) SFE is a positive common value in spectator sports that support local athletes; b) Taiwanese MLB viewers generally possess SFE; and c) SFE had an indirect impact on viewing behavior via interest in sports. The results illustrated positive aspects of SFE and suggest that fans
may support their own team without feeling hostility toward those from other countries.
Hate crimes: American and Balkan experience
Authors: Ciric Jovan
Published: March 2012

In the nineties of the last century it was noticed in the U.S.A. that
suddenly the number of crimes with violence in the inter-racial and
inter-ethnical conflicts rose. Also the phenomenon of ignition of churches,
religious and sacral objects, especially in the south of the U.S.A., objects
which were used by black people, was recorded. Directly in relation to that -
the term ?hate crimes? then arose in science and became outspread very
quickly, primarily in criminology. Several events, and above all the murder
of a young homosexual in Wyoming influenced for both the violence and the
crimes commited towards the homosexuals and all due to the prejudices towards
this sexual minority to be included in this term. Today, this term is used
not only in the U.S.A. and not only in a criminological sense, but also in a
purely legal sense to denote the crimes which were carried out under the
influence of hate towards a correspondent racial, ethnical or sexual
minority. This term is linked also to the terminology and thus the problems
which are related to the ?hate speech?. The author of this paper writes about
how this term arose in the first place and which problems emerge related to
hate crimes and primarily in relation to the issues of expansion of democracy
and tolerance, and also education, primarily among the police force and the
young population. The author also ascertains that only with the law, no great
effects in the battle against this phenomenon can be achieved and that before
the criminal-legal intervention some other measures have to be approached,
like the creation of an atmosphere of tolerance and the education of the
citizens about the phenomenon of hate crimes.
Expansion of hate: Essential features of mass hate crimes
Authors: Tripkovic Milena
Published: March 2012

The main purpose of the article is to advance the notion of ?mass hate
crimes?, a phenomenon that is to be located at the junction of hate crime and
mass murder. The construction of such a notion can help us understand the
phenomenon more clearly, as it elucidates some of the features of hate crimes
that have not been noticed so far or have been overlooked. The main argument
being made based on the examination of three such cases in the period
1989-2011, is that mass hate crimes, being at the same time mass murders and
hate crimes, are in fact a graver phenomenon than both crimes that comprise
it. Though important, such findings may have an even further goal of
revisiting and contesting our ideas about hate crimes and the measures we
employ to fight them.
Correlates of Age Onset of Type 2 Diabetes Among Relatively Young Black and White Adults in a Community
Authors: Nguyen Quoc Manh , Xu Ji-Hua , Chen Wei , Srinivasan Sathanur R. , Berenson Gerald S.
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE

The risk factors for middle-age onset of type 2 diabetes are well known. However, information is scant regarding the age onset of type 2 diabetes and its correlates in community-based black and white relatively young adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective cohort study consisted of normoglycemic (n = 2,459) and type 2 diabetic (n = 144) adults aged 18–50 years who were followed for an average of 16 years.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of the onset of type 2 diabetes was 1.6, 4.3, 3.9, and 3.4 per 1,000 person-years for age-groups 18–29, 30–39, and 40–50 and total sample, respectively. Incidences of diabetes increased with age by race and sex groups (P for trend ≤0.01); higher in black females versus white females and blacks versus whites in total sample (P < 0.05). In a multivariable Cox model, baseline parental diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 5.24) and plasma insulin were significantly associated with diabetes incidence at the youngest age (18–29 years); black race, BMI, and glucose at age 30–39 years; female sex, parental diabetes (HR 2.44), BMI, ratio of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol (TG/HDL-C ratio), and glucose at age 40–50 years; and black race, parental diabetes (HR 2.44), BMI, TG/HDL-C ratio, and glucose in whole cohort. Further, patients with diabetes, regardless of age onset, displayed a significantly higher prevalence of maternal history of diabetes at baseline (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In relatively young adults, predictability of baseline cardiometabolic risk factors along with race, sex, and parental history of diabetes for the onset of type 2 diabetes varied by age-group. These findings have implications for early prevention and intervention in relatively young adults.
Impact of Insulin Resistance on HCV Treatment Response and Impact of HCV Treatment on Insulin Sensitivity Using Direct Measurements of Insulin Action
Authors: Brandman Danielle , Bacchetti Peter , Ayala Claudia E. , Maher Jacquelyn J. , Khalili Mandana
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE

Insulin resistance, as measured by surrogate markers, is associated with lower response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy and may improve with HCV eradication. We prospectively evaluated the impact of directly measured insulin resistance and abnormal glucose metabolism on achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) with HCV therapy and assessed whether SVR results in improved insulin sensitivity and fasting glucose.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 50 noncirrhotic, nondiabetic, HCV-infected patients (27 untreated, 23 treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin, nonrandomized) underwent clinical and histologic evaluation and 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Insulin sensitivity was assessed directly with insulin suppression test by measuring steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during a 240-min infusion of octreotide, glucose, and insulin. Of the subjects, 43 had at least one follow-up evaluation.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics were median age 48, 57% male, and 52% white. SVR was achieved in 61% (14 of 23) of treated subjects. SVR was independently associated with HCV genotypes 2 and 3 (odds ratio 8.8 [95% CI 1.2–61.7]) but was not strongly associated with insulin sensitivity. When controlling for elapsed time between measurements, being on interferon, and BMI, SSPG decreased by 36 mg/dL (−88 to 16) in those with SVR and decreased by 28 mg/dL (−93 to 38) in those without SVR, compared with the untreated group. BMI (coefficient 9.1 per 5 units; 95% CI 5.3–12.9) and interferon use (coefficient 56; 95% CI 6.8–105) were associated with SSPG.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin resistance does not appear to be strongly associated with SVR. HCV therapy may improve insulin resistance regardless of virologic response; however, BMI and interferon use were clearly associated with insulin resistance.
Cardiometabolic Risk Profiles and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Individuals With Prediabetes Identified by Fasting Glucose, Postchallenge Glucose, and Hemoglobin A1c Criteria
Authors: Marini Maria A. , Succurro Elena , Castaldo Ersilia , Cufone Sabrina , Arturi Franco , Sciacqua Angela , Lauro Renato , Hribal Marta L. , Perticone Francesco , Sesti Giorgio
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated whether cardiometabolic risk profiles differ for subjects identified as having prediabetes by A1C, fasting glucose (FPG), or 2-h postchallenge glucose (2-PG) criteria.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Atherosclerosis risk factors, oral glucose tolerance test, and ultrasound measurement of carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) were analyzed in 780 nondiabetic individuals.

RESULTS

Poor agreement existed for A1C and FPG criteria for identification of subjects with prediabetes (κ coefficient = 0.332). No differences in cardiometabolic risk profiles were observed among the three groups of individuals with prediabetes by A1C only, FPG only, and both A1C and FPG. Poor agreement also existed for A1C and 2-PG criteria for identification of individuals with prediabetes (κ coefficient = 0.299). No significant differences in cardiometabolic risk factors were observed between IGT-only and individuals with prediabetes by A1C and 2-PG. Compared with subjects with prediabetes identified by A1C only, IGT-only individuals exhibited a worse cardiometabolic risk profile, with significantly higher systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, 2-h postchallenge insulin, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and carotid IMT, and lower HDL cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that considerable discordance between A1C, FPG, and 2-PG exists for the identification of individuals with prediabetes and that the cardiometabolic risk profile of these individuals varies by metabolic parameter, with 2-PG showing the stronger association with cardiometabolic risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis than FPG or A1C.
Preconcentration procedures for the determination of chromium using atomic spectrometric techniques: A review
Authors: Zhao Xiaowei , Song Naizhong , Zhou Weihong , Jia Qiong
Published: March 2012

Chromium is one of the regulated toxic metals in the environment. Naturally, this element exists mainly in two oxidation: Cr(III) and Cr(VI). In general, Cr(VI) is more toxic than Cr(III). Cr(VI) affects human physiology, accumulates in the food chain and causes severe health problems ranging from simple skin irritation to lung carcinoma. Hence, the determination of chromium traces as well as its speciation in environmental samples is a very important task. In recent years, several preconcentration methods such as coprecipitation, liquid-liquid extraction, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, cloud point extraction, and solid phase extraction have been developed and widely used. The aim of this study is to review the recent literature (mainly last 5 years) on the preconcentration technologies those have been used in chromium removal before the determination step by atomic spectrometric techniques. Their advantages and limitations in application are also evaluated.
Aflatoxin species: their health effects and determination methods in different foodstuffs
Authors: Bakırdere Sezgin , Bora Selin , Bakırdere E. , Aydın Fırat , Arslan Yasin , Komesli O. , Aydın Işıl , Yıldırım Emrah
Published: March 2012

Carcinogenic and mutagenic properties of aflatoxin species are known in literature. Their intake over a long time period might be health-dangerous for human even at trace levels. It is well known that different foodstuffs can be contaminated by aflatoxin species through growing and storage. Due to the serious health effects, sensitive determination of aflatoxin species in any matrices related with the human being is very crucial at trace levels. In literature, there are sensitive techniques to analyze the different samples for the contents of their aflatoxin species. Each technique has some advantages and disadvantages over the other techniques. This review aims to summarize the different health effects of aflatoxin species, development of analytical techniques and applications of developed techniques in a variety of matrices.
Removal of ammonia emissions from waste air in a biotrickling filter: pilot-scale demonstration in real conditions
Authors: Zápotocký Luboš , Šváb Marek
Published: March 2012

This study was aimed at testing the possibility of using a biotrickling filter for the treatment of waste air resulting from animal farming. For this purpose, a laboratory and pilot biotrickling filter with a moving bed were constructed. In the first case, the removal of ammonia emissions from waste air, by means of ammonia nitrogen utilization by present micro-organisms under laboratory conditions, was tested. The mass load of the biotrickling filter was gradually increased by slowly increasing the ammonia concentration. In the second case, the pilot biotrickling filter with a moving bed was installed inside a pig farm and it was tested under real operation conditions. In the first case, the highest value of the laboratory biotrickling filter’s elimination capacity was 6.2 gNH3 m−3 of filling h−1. The elimination capacity of the pilot filter was 1.6 gNH3 m−3 of filling h−1. The source of carbon for the present micro-organisms was a 1% sucrose solution, which simulated waste water with high content of CODCR. [
New serinolic amino-s-triazines by chemoselective amination of cyanuric chloride and their (pro)diastereomerism in restricted rotational phenomena
Authors: Moldovan Oana , Lameiras Pedro , Henon Eric , Popa Flavia , Martinez Agathe , Harakat Dominique , Sacalis Carmen , Ramondenc Yvan , Darabantu Mircea
Published: March 2012

The highly chemoselective preparation of new elaborated N-unsymmetrically substituted chlorodiamino-s-triazines and melamines, seen as building-blocks for iterative synthesis, is reported. It consisted of amination of cyanuric chloride with commercial C-2-substituted 2-aminopropane-1,3-diols (“serinols”), playing the role as “open-chain” unit and enantiopure (1S,2S)-2-amino-1-(4-nitrophenyl)propane-1,3-diols (“p-nitrophenylserinols”) based amino-1,3-dioxanes (“closed-chain” unit). Issued from the restricted rotation about C(s-triazine)-N(exocyclic) partial double bonds, seen as axes of (pro)diastereomerism, a global four-component rotational equilibrium involving the title compounds is discussed based on DFT computation and (VT) NMR data. Depending on π-deficiency of the s-triazine core, an (un)synchronised deblocking of the generated rotational diastereomers was observed. They are discussed as influence of intra-vs. intermolecular NH...OH (dynamic) interactions occurring in the “open-chain” unit and the anancomeric, axial vs. equatorial, amino-anchorage of the “closed-chain” unit.
The photocatalytic degradation of 17α-ethynylestradiol by pure and carbon nanotubes modified TiO2 under UVC illumination
Authors: Kralchevska Radina , Milanova Maria , Bistan Mirjana , Pintar Albin , Todorovsky Dimitar
Published: March 2012

Commercial product Degussa TiO2 P25, sol-gel produced TiO2 and TiO2 modified by carbon nanotubes addition (5% of the TiO2 mass) are tested as photocatalysts for the degradation of endocrine disrupting compound 17α-ethynylestradiol (1 µM aqueous solution). The molecular and crystal structure, phase composition, crystallite size, specific surface area, pore average diameter, their area and volume distribution, morphology, IR and UV/Vis spectra of the catalysts are characterized. HPLC is used for estrogen analysis. The sorption ability and photocatalytic activity (measured by degradation rate constant and percentage of the pollutant conversion) of the catalysts under UV (17 W, emission maximum at 254 nm) irradiation is determined. Full destruction of the pollutant is reached after 30 min irradiation in presence of Degussa P25. The performance of some of the catalysts is compared with literature data for their activity under 365 nm-illumination.
Spectroscopic and magnetic properties of Cu(II) complexes with selected biologically important ligands
Authors: Świsłocka Renata , Kalinowska Monika , Ferenc Wiesława , Sarzyński Jan , Lewandowski Włodzimierz
Published: March 2012

The aim of this work was to study the spectroscopic and magnetic properties of copper(II) o-, m-, p-aminobenzoates, o-, m-, p-methoxybenzoates and o-, m- and p-nitrobenzoates. The complexes were synthesized and their compositions were evaluated by elementary analysis. The infrared and Raman spectra for Cu(II) aminobenzoates, methoxybenzoates and nitrobenzoates were recorded and assigned. The obtained data were compared with those previously published for aminobenzoic, methoxybenzoic and nitrobenzoic acids and their sodium salts. The structures of Cu(II) o-, m-, p-aminobenzoates, o-, m-, p-methoxybenzoates and o-, m- and p-nitrobenzoates as well as the change in the electronic charges distribution caused by Cu(II) complex formation were discussed.
Distal trisomy 10q24 due to maternal 10;22 translocation, third case in the same family
Authors: Tasdemir Pelin , Zamani Ayse , Demirel Sennur , Acar Aynur
Published: March 2012

Distal trisomy 10q is a well delineated but a rare syndrome with characteristic phenotypic features. We present clinical and cytogenetic data on a 7 day-old girl with distal 10q trisomy (10q24→qter), due to maternal t(10;22) reciprocal translocation. Her karyotype showed an unbalanced translocation between chromosomes 10 and 22, resulting in trisomy of the distal part of the long arm of chromosome 10q24.
Cross-cultural Adaptation and Measurement Properties of an Italian Version of the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI)
Authors: Cacchio Angelo , Paoloni Marco , Griffin Sharon H. , Rosa Francesco , Properzi Gianfranco , Padua Luca , Padua Roberto , Carnelli Franco , Calvisi Vittorio , Santilli Valter
Published: March 2012

Study Design

Clinical measurement study.

Objectives

To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) into Italian, and to evaluate its measurement properties in patients with shoulder instability secondary to a first-time traumatic anterior dislocation.

Background

The WOSI was developed for English-speaking patients. To date, no Italian version of the WOSI exists.

Methods

The WOSI was cross-culturally adapted to Italian according to established guidelines. Sixty-four (16 women, 48 men) patients with unilateral shoulder anterior instability were prospectively recruited for the purposes of this study. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness of the WOSI were evaluated.

Results

The Italian version of the WOSI showed a high degree of internal consistency, with a Cronbach alpha of .93 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91, 0.96). The test-retest reliability was high for both short-term (3 days, 64 patients) and medium-term (14 weeks, 20 patients) test-retest, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.90, 0.97) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.95), respectively. The WOSI was more closely correlated to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire than to the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (r = 0.794 and 0.113, respectively). The receiver-operating-characteristic curve analysis revealed that the WOSI was more responsive than the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (P = .03), with an area under the curve of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.97) for the WOSI and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61, 0.88) for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire.

Conclusion

The Italian version of the WOSI is a valid, reliable, and responsive tool that can be used to measure function in Italian-speaking patients with shoulder instability due to a first-time traumatic anterior dislocation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(6):559–567, Epub 8 March 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3827
Current Concepts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Criterion-Based Rehabilitation Progression
Authors: Adams Douglas , Logerstedt David , Hunter-Giordano Airelle , Axe Michael J. , Snyder-Mackler Lynn
Published: March 2012

Synopsis

The management of patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction should be evidence based. Since our original published guidelines in 1996, successful outcomes have been consistently achieved with the rehabilitation principles of early weight bearing, using a combination of weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing exercise focused on quadriceps and lower extremity strength, and meeting specific objective requirements for return to activity. As rehabilitative evidence and surgical technology and procedures have progressed, the original guidelines should be revisited to ensure that the most up-to-date evidence is guiding rehabilitative care. Emerging evidence on rehabilitative interventions and advancements in concomitant surgeries, including those addressing chondral and meniscal injuries, continues to grow and greatly affect the rehabilitative care of patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The aim of this article is to update previously published rehabilitation guidelines, using the most recent research to reflect the most current evidence for management of patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The focus will be on current concepts in rehabilitation interventions and modifications needed for concomitant surgery and pathology.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 5. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(7):601–614, Epub 8 March 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3871