bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a protective effect of polyphenols-containing foods on cardiovascular health: an update for clinicians
Authors: Habauzit Vèronique , Morand Christine
Published: December 2011

Growing evidence suggests that polyphenols could be serious candidates to explain the protective effects of plant-derived foods and beverages. Based on current studies, a general consensus has been achieved to sustain the hypothesis that the specific intake of foods and beverages containing relatively high concentrations of flavonoids may play a meaningful role in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk through an improvement in vascular function and a modulation of inflammation. This review aims at providing an update on the effects of the consumption of polyphenols-rich foods on intermediate clinical markers of CVD in humans, namely cholesterolemia, blood pressure, endothelial function and platelet function. To date, on the basis of clinical studies, the demonstration is particularly convincing for flavonoids from cocoa-derived products and to a lesser extent for those of tea. While additional studies in this area are clearly needed, incorporating plant foods that are rich in flavanols in the diet of healthy individuals could help to reduce CVD risk. For flavonoids from fruits such as berries, pomegranate, grapes or citrus fruits and those from beverages such as red wine or coffee, the evidence is so far inconclusive. This is primarily due to the limited number and the weakness of experimental designs of the studies performed with these dietary sources. Future long-term well-designed investigations with polyphenols-rich foods but also with isolated phenolic compounds would provide valuable information to establish public health recommendations on polyphenols, taking into account both the nature of the compounds and the optimal dose, for cardiovascular health protection.
Peck's Porch Picnic Parties, or The Bishop's Committee for Books and Documents
Authors: Warren Gudrun
Published: December 2011

In the late 1940s, the need to establish the existence of historic books and documents in the parishes of the Diocese of Norwich was recognized. The Bishop of Norwich formed the Bishop's Committee for Books and Documents to undertake this survey work. Lists of parochial records and liturgical books were compiled, often revealing forgotten or unrecognized treasures. The sale of the Shipdham parish library occurred before the foundation of the Committee, but the Committee has subsequently facilitated the preservation of other important collections including those at Swaffham and Great Yarmouth. The work provided a model for the Parochial Registers and Records Measure (1978) of General Synod. The Committee continues today, providing a forum for co-operation between the Diocese of Norwich, Norfolk County Record Office, Norwich Cathedral Library, and local historians. This article is developed from a paper given at the Parochial Libraries Conference, 2010.
GAL1-SceI directed site-specific genomic (gsSSG) mutagenesis: a method for precisely targeting point mutations in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Piccirillo Sarah , Wang Hsiao-Lin , Fisher Thomas J , Honigberg Saul M
Published: December 2011

Background

Precise targeted mutations are defined as targeted mutations that do not require the retention of other genetic changes, such as marker genes, near the mutation site. In the yeast, S. cerevisiae, there are several methods for introducing precise targeted mutations, all of which depend on inserting both a counter-selectable marker and DNA bearing the mutation. For example, the marker can first be inserted, and then replaced with either a long oligonucleotide carrying the mutation (delitto perfetto) or a PCR fragment synthesized with one primer containing the mutation (SSG mutagenesis).

Results

A hybrid method for targeting precise mutation into the genomes uses PCR fragments as in SSG mutagenesis together with a CORE cassette devised for delitto perfetto that contains the homing endonuclease SceI. This method, termed gsSSG mutagenesis, is much more efficient than standard SSG mutagenesis, allowing replacements to be identified without extensive screening of isolates. In gsSSG, recombination between the PCR fragment and the genome occurs equally efficiently regardless of the size of the fragment or the distance between the fragment end and the site of marker insertion. In contrast, the efficiency of incorporating targeted mutations by this method increases as the distance between the mutation and the marker insertion site decreases.

Conclusion

gsSSG is an efficient way of introducing precise mutations into the genome of S. cerevisiae. The frequency of incorporating the targeted mutation remains efficient at least as far as 460 bp from the insertion site meaning that a single insertion can be used to create many different mutants. The overall efficiency of gsSSG can be estimated based on the distance between the mutation and the marker insertion, and this efficiency can be maximized by limiting the number of untargeted mutations. Thus, a single insertion of marker genes plus homing endonuclease cassette can be used to efficiently introduce precise point mutations through a region of > 900 bp.
Folic acid modified gelatine coated quantum dots as potential reagents for in vitro cancer diagnostics
Authors: Gérard Valérie A , Maguire Ciaran M , Bazou Despina , Gun'ko Yurii K
Published: December 2011

Background

Gelatine coating was previously shown to effectively reduce the cytotoxicity of CdTe Quantum Dots (QDs) which was a first step towards utilising them for biomedical applications. To be useful they also need to be target-specific which can be achieved by conjugating them with Folic Acid (FA).

Results

The modification of QDs with FA via an original "one-pot" synthetic route was proved successful by a range of characterisation techniques including UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy, fluorescence life-time measurements, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The resulting nanocomposites were tested in Caco-2 cell cultures which over-express FA receptors. The presence of FA on the surface of QDs significantly improved the uptake by targeted cells.

Conclusions

The modification with folic acid enabled to achieve a significant cellular uptake and cytotoxicity towards a selected cancer cell lines (Caco-2) of gelatine-coated TGA-CdTe quantum dots, which demonstrated good potential for in vitro cancer diagnostics.
Short- and long-term reproductive effects of prenatal and lactational growth restriction caused by maternal diabetes in male rats
Authors: Amorim Elaine MP , Damasceno Débora C , Perobelli Juliana E , Spadotto Raquel , Fernandez Carla DB , Volpato Gustavo T , Kempinas Wilma DG
Published: December 2011

Background

A suboptimal intrauterine environment may have a detrimental effect on gonadal development and thereby increases the risk for reproductive disorders and infertility in adult life. Here, we used uncontrolled maternal diabetes as a model to provoke pre- and perinatal growth restriction and evaluate the sexual development of rat male offspring.

Methods

Maternal diabetes was induced in the dams through administration of a single i.v. dose of 40 mg/kg streptozotocin, 7 days before mating. Female rats presenting glycemic levels above 200 mg/dL after the induction were selected for the experiment. The male offspring was analyzed at different phases of sexual development, i.e., peripuberty, postpuberty and adulthood.

Results

Body weight and blood glucose levels of pups, on the third postnatal day, were lower in the offspring of diabetic dams compared to controls. Maternal diabetes also provoked delayed testicular descent and preputial separation. In the offspring of diabetic dams the weight of reproductive organs at 40, 60 and 90 days-old was lower, as well as sperm reserves and sperm transit time through the epididymis. However the plasma testosterone levels were not different among experimental groups.

Conclusions

It is difficult to isolate the effects directly from diabetes and those from IUGR. Although the exposure to hyperglycemic environment during prenatal life and lactation delayed the onset of puberty in male rats, the IUGR, in the studied model, did not influenced the structural organization of the male gonads of the offspring at any point during sexual development. However the decrease in sperm reserves in epididymal cauda and the acceleration in sperm transit time in this portion of epididymis may lead to an impairment of sperm quality and fertility potential in these animals. Additional studies are needed in attempt to investigate the fertility of animals with intrauterine growth restriction by maternal diabetes and possible multigenerational effects.
Factors affecting the use of a realtime telemetry system in emergency medical services
Authors: Kim Ki Young , Kim Yun Kwon , Lee Kang Hyun , Yong Suk Joong
Published: December 2011

We investigated the factors that affected the use of a realtime telemetry system (RTS) in emergency ambulances. During the study, a total of 7144 patients were transported to a hospital in the city of Wonju via ambulance. In 466 of these cases (7%), the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) used the RTS. Based on the Elaboration Likelihood Model, we extracted variables from the run records, such as the qualifications of the EMT, level of the patient's consciousness and the transport time. The results indicated that EMTs with higher levels of expertise were more likely to use the RTS when the level of patient consciousness was low, regardless of transport time. Conversely, EMTs with low levels of expertise were more likely to use the RTS when the transport time from scene to hospital was long and were less likely to use the RTS when the transport time was short. There appear to be several ways of improving RTS usage in the pre-hospital situation.
Costs and financial benefits of video communication compared to usual care at home: a systematic review
Authors: Peeters José M , Mistiaen Patriek , Francke Anneke L
Published: December 2011

We conducted a systematic review of video communication in home care to provide insight into the ratio between the costs and financial benefits (i.e. cost savings). Four databases (PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE LIBRARY, CINAHL) were searched for studies on video communication for patients living at home (up to December 2009). Studies were only included when data about the costs of video communication as well as the financial benefits were presented. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. Nine studies, mainly conducted in the US, met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality was poor, except for one study. Most studies (8 of the 9) did not demonstrate that the financial benefits were significantly greater than the costs of video communication. One study – the only one with a high methodological quality – found that costs for patients who received video communication were higher than for patients who received traditional care. The review found no evidence that the cost of implementing video communication in home care was lower than the resulting financial benefits. More methodologically well conducted research is needed.
Distribution of GFRA1-expressing spermatogonia in adult mouse testis
Authors: Grasso Margherita , Fuso Andrea , Dovere Lisa , de Rooij Dirk G , Stefanini Mario , Boitani Carla , Vicini Elena
Published: December 2011

In mice and other mammals, spermatogenesis is maintained by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), a cell population belonging to undifferentiated type A spermatogonia. In the accepted model of SSC self-renewal, Asingle (As) spermatogonia are the stem cells, whereas paired (Apaired (Apr)) and chained (Aaligned (Aal)) undifferentiated spermatogonia are committed to differentiation. This model has been recently challenged by evidence that As and chained (Apr and Aal), undifferentiated spermatogonia are heterogeneous in terms of gene expression and function. The expression profile of several markers, such as GFRA1 (the GDNF co-receptor), is heterogeneous among As, Apr and Aal spermatogonia. In this study, we have analysed and quantified the distribution of GFRA1-expressing cells within the different stages of the seminiferous epithelial cycle. We show that in all stages, GFRA1+ chained spermatogonia (Apr to Aal) are more numerous than GFRA1+ As spermatogonia. Numbers of chained GFRA1+ spermatogonia are sharply reduced in stages VII–VIII when Aal differentiate into A1 spermatogonia. GFRA1 expression is regulated by GDNF and in cultures of isolated seminiferous tubules, we found that GDNF expression and secretion by Sertoli cells is stage-dependent, being maximal in stages II–VI and decreasing thereafter. Using qRT-PCR analysis, we found that GDNF regulates the expression of genes such asTex14, Sohlh1andKit(c-Kit) known to be involved in spermatogonial differentiation. Expression ofKitwas upregulated by GDNF in a stage-specific manner. Our data indicate that GDNF, besides its crucial role in the self-renewal of stem cells also functions in the differentiation of chained undifferentiated spermatogonia.
Mosaic 7q31 Deletion Involving FOXP2 Gene Associated With Language Impairment
Authors: Palka Chiara , Alfonsi Melissa , Mohn Angelika , Cerbo Renato , Franchi Paolo Guanciali , Fantasia Donatella , Morizio Elisena , Stuppia Liborio , Calabrese Giuseppe , Zori Roberto , Chiarelli Francesco , Palka Giandomenico
Published: December 2011

We report on a 10-year-old patient with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and mild dysmorphic features. Although multiple karyotypes were reported as normal, a bacterial artificial chromosome array comparative genomic hybridization revealed the presence of a de novo 14.8-Mb mosaic deletion of chromosome 7q31. The deleted region involved several genes, including FOXP2, which has been associated with CAS. Interestingly, the deletion reported here was observed in about 50% of cells, which is the first case of mosaicism in a 7q31 deletion. Despite the presence of the deletion in only 50% of cells, the phenotype of the patient was not milder than other published cases. To date, 6 cases with a deletion of 9.1-20 Mb involving the FOXP2 gene have been reported, suggesting a new contiguous gene deletion syndrome characterized mainly by CAS caused by haploinsufficiency of the genes encompassed in the 7q critical region. This report suggests that children found with a deletion involving the FOXP2 region should be evaluated for CAS and that analysis of the FOXP2 gene including array comparative genomic hybridization should be considered in selected patients with CAS. Mosaic deletions in this area may also be considered as causative of CAS.
Corticosteroid Pulse Combination Therapy for Refractory Kawasaki Disease: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Ogata Shohei , Ogihara Yoshihito , Honda Takashi , Kon Shinya , Akiyama Kazumasa , Ishii Masahiro
Published: December 2011

Objective:

This study examined the clinical efficacy and safety of intravenous methylprednisolone-pulse plus intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) combination therapy (IVMP+IVIG) for the initial treatment of patients predicted to have refractory Kawasaki disease (KD).

Methods:

One hundred twenty-two patients with KD were studied at Kitasato University. Refractory KD was predicted at diagnosis using the Egami score, and the patients were randomly divided to receive either IVMP+IVIG or IVIG alone. The Egami score is used to predict refractory KD patients before treatment using the patient’s age, days of illness, platelet count, C-reactive protein, and alanine aminotransferase level (cutoff: ≥3 points; 78% sensitivity and 76% specificity).

Results:

Forty-eight patients (39.3%) were predicted to have refractory KD on the basis of the Egami score. The predicted IVIG responders (n = 74) received the standard therapy. The 48 predicted refractory KD patients were randomly assigned to a single-IVIG group (n = 26) or an IVMP+IVIG group (n = 22). Nineteen of the 22 patients (86.4%) in the IVMP+IVIG group had a prompt defervescence compared with 6 of the 26 patients (23.1%) in the single-IVIG group. The number of patients who had a z score ≥2.5 at 1 month was significantly higher in the single-IVIG group than in the IVMP+IVIG group. No serious adverse events were observed in either treatment group.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that IVMP+IVIG therapy is safe and effective for KD patients predicted as refractory.
A novel community-based water recreation area for schistosomiasis control in rural Ghana
Authors: Kosinski Karen Claire , Crocker Jonathan J. , Durant John L. , Osabutey Dickson , Adjei Michael N. , Gute David M.
Published: December 2011

Primary prevention of schistosome infection has received little attention of late. We describe a novel water recreation area (WRA) to reduce Schistosoma haematobium infection rates in Adasawase, Ghana. Urogenital schistosomiasis is a water-based parasitic disease that affects over 100 million people worldwide, primarily children in the rural tropics. The disease is contracted via dermal contact with contaminated water. Widespread distribution of praziquantel is presently used to control morbidity, but chemotherapy does not confer immunity and reinfection can have severe health impacts. In 2008, an estimated 44% of school-aged children in Adasawase had S. haematobium eggs in their urine. Recreational contact with water was the primary transmission route. In collaboration with community members, a novel WRA was constructed. The WRA is groundwater and rainwater fed and serves more than 100 children at any given time. It was constructed from local materials and labor, designed to last more than 30 years, and minimizes exposure to S. haematobium. One year after construction, the annual incidence of S. haematobium infection dropped from 18.6% in 2009 to 4.6% in 2010, respectively (p < 0.001). Given the promising evidence, the data will be examined more rigorously to characterize factors that influence water contact and infection risk.
Fluoride removal from drinking water in Senegal: laboratory and pilot experimentation on bone char-based treatment
Authors: Sorlini Sabrina , Palazzini Daniela , Collivignarelli Carlo
Published: December 2011

In Senegal there are four regions where fluoride concentration in drinking water exceeds the World Health Organization guide value of 1.5 mg/L. This generates permanent damages to the teeth (dental fluorosis) and to the skeleton (skeletal fluorosis). A safe, efficient, simple and low-cost effective defluoridation technique is not available yet and needs to be developed in order to prevent the occurrence of fluorosis. This experimental research was carried out in order to define an appropriate technology for fluoride removal from groundwater in Senegal. Batch tests and filtration tests at laboratory and pilot scale were carried out using animal bone char as adsorbent material for fluoride removal. Possible influencing parameters, such as specific ions in Senegalese drinking water, were investigated and the best process conditions were defined for the application in Senegal. The results attest to the efficacy of bone char in removing fluoride from Senegalese water: at pilot scale the mean specific adsorption was 2.7 mg F−/g of bone char, corresponding to a total treated volume of 4,000 L and a filter life of nearly three months.
The role of social networks on the uptake of household water filters by women in self-help groups in rural India
Authors: Trinies Victoria , Freeman Matthew C. , Hennink Monique , Clasen Thomas
Published: December 2011

Household water treatment and safe storage (HWTS) has been shown to improve drinking water quality and prevent disease. Efforts to scale up HWTS among vulnerable populations have been limited, partly due to an incomplete understanding of the socio-cultural influences on decision-making around uptake of HWTS. In-depth interviews were conducted with women in self-help groups in rural India who were exposed to a HWTS promotional campaign to investigate the influence of social networks on uptake of a household water filter. Results show discussion of the water filter amongst self-help group members, other peers, and family members allows social network members to share their opinions and purchasing intentions. This exposure is shown to shape individuals' opinions of the filter and establish purchasing norms within social networks. Within this cultural context, for high cost products like water filters, women needed to negotiate purchase with other household decision-makers. These results suggest that promoters of healthful durables like water filters must not only ensure product availability and financing, but also encourage platforms for discussion, recognize the socio-economic norms that develop around who adopts new technologies, and reach out to multiple actors in families and communities that influence individuals' behaviors and control household purchasing decisions.
Boron removal by activated carbon and microfiltration for pre-treatment of seawater desalination
Authors: Kang Joon-Seok , Eusebio Ramon Christian , Kim Han-Seung
Published: December 2011

This study aimed to enhance boron removal through powdered activated carbon adsorption (PAC) and application of a micro-filtration (MF) process as a pretreatment of a seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) process. Batch and continuous experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of membrane filtration as well as PAC addition on boron removal in reconstituted seawater. In batch test, two kinds of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber membrane, Module A and Module B, were used to assess the influence of pH and PAC on boron removal, whereas in continuous mode, two MF systems with submerged PVDF flat-sheet membrane were run in parallel. Modules A and B obtained the highest percentage boron removal at pH 9 in the batch experiment with an average value of 47.33%, and their concentration of boron was further reduced after addition of PAC increasing the removal to 51.33 and 69.33%, respectively. For the continuous operation, PAC addition decreased the boron concentration by 20–30 and 40% in the reactor and effluent, respectively. On the other hand, only 5% reduction was obtained inside the reactor and 30–40% in the effluent for the system without PAC. Thus, operating the system at high pH with PAC addition could enhance the performance of the adsorption-MF system, which can be used as a pretreatment for the SWRO process.
Questioning Technology in the Development of a Resilient Higher Education
Authors: Hall Richard , Winn Joss
Published: December 2011

This article considers the impact that peak oil and climate change may have on the future of higher education. In particular, it questions the role of technology in supporting the provision of a higher education which is resilient to a scenario both of energy depletion and the need to adapt to the effects of global warming. One emerging area of interest from this future scenario might be the role of technology in addressing more complex learning futures, and more especially in facilitating individual and social resilience, or the ability to manage and overcome disruption. However, the extent to which higher education practitioners can utilise technology to this end is framed by their approaches to the curriculum, and the sociocultural practices within which they are located. The authors discuss how open education might enable learners to engage with uncertainty through social action within a form of higher education that is more resilient to economic, environmental and energy-related disruptions. It asks whether more open higher education can be (re)claimed by users and communities within specific contexts and curricula, in order to engage with an increasingly uncertain world.
Lights, Camera, Lesson: Teaching Literacy through Film
Authors: Lipiner Michael
Published: December 2011

This in-depth case study explores a modern approach to education: the benefits of using film, technology and other creative, non-conventional pedagogical methods in the classroom to enhance students' understanding of literature. The study explores the positive effects of introducing a variety of visual-based (and auditory-based) teaching methods to learners within an urban high school English language arts inclusion classroom. The study group reads literature, analyses films and works on various creative assignments, such as incorporating music lyrics, using computer technology and creating art. The study outlines supplemental assignments designed to have students respond critically to literature within a creative learning environment. As a result, the students' grades improve, and they are able to stay connected with the readings. The case study also references similar professional case studies, authors and educational theorists.
Complexities of Gaming Cultures: Adolescent Gamers Adapting and Transforming Learning
Authors: Merkel Liz , Sanford Kathy
Published: December 2011

In 2007, the authors' ethnographic research study of 11 adolescent gamers began in a response to social concern regarding adolescent (dis)engagement in school literacy practices. Since then, the authors' ongoing research has revealed the importance of understanding and knowing more about individual gamers' ways of knowing, and also about the overlapping and nested culture(s) they create and to which they belong. What is being observed is a culture working deep within the values of complexity science, allowing for the novelty and unpredictability of emergence to occur. The values of complex systems exhibited by these young people serve to disturb values of traditional linear thinking about schooling, and demonstrate the deep and sophisticated learning occurring outside of school.
Arsenic-Doped High-Resistivity-Silicon Epitaxial Layers for Integrating Low-Capacitance Diodes
Authors: Sakic Agata , Scholtes Tom L. M. , Boer Wiebe de , Golshani Negin , Derakhshandeh Jaber , Nanver Lis K.
Published: December 2011

An arsenic doping technique for depositing up to 40-μm-thick high-resistivity layers is presented for fabricating diodes with low RC constants that can be integrated in closely-packed configurations. The doping of the as-grown epi-layers is controlled down to 5 × 1011 cm−3, a value that is solely limited by the cleanness of the epitaxial reactor chamber. To ensure such a low doping concentration, first an As-doped Si seed layer is grown with a concentration of 1016 to 1017 cm−3, after which the dopant gas arsine is turned off and a thick lightly-doped epi-layer is deposited. The final doping in the thick epi-layer relies on the segregation and incorporation of As from the seed layer, and it also depends on the final thickness of the layer, and the exact growth cycles. The obtained epi-layers exhibit a low density of stacking faults, an over-the-wafer doping uniformity of 3.6%, and a lifetime of generated carriers of more than 2.5 ms. Furthermore, the implementation of a segmented photodiode electron detector is demonstrated, featuring a 30 pF capacitance and a 90 Ω series resistance for a 7.6 mm2 anode area.
Design of a Lightweight, Cost Effective Thimble-Like Sensor for Haptic Applications Based on Contact Force Sensors
Authors: Ferre Manuel , Galiana Ignacio , Aracil Rafael
Published: December 2011

This paper describes the design and calibration of a thimble that measures the forces applied by a user during manipulation of virtual and real objects. Haptic devices benefit from force measurement capabilities at their end-point. However, the heavy weight and cost of force sensors prevent their widespread incorporation in these applications. The design of a lightweight, user-adaptable, and cost-effective thimble with four contact force sensors is described in this paper. The sensors are calibrated before being placed in the thimble to provide normal and tangential forces. Normal forces are exerted directly by the fingertip and thus can be properly measured. Tangential forces are estimated by sensors strategically placed in the thimble sides. Two applications are provided in order to facilitate an evaluation of sensorized thimble performance. These applications focus on: (i) force signal edge detection, which determines task segmentation of virtual object manipulation, and (ii) the development of complex object manipulation models, wherein the mechanical features of a real object are obtained and these features are then reproduced for training by means of virtual object manipulation.
Primary Pyomyositis of the Pelvis in Children: A Retrospective Review of 8 Cases
Authors: Bertrand Styles L. , Lincoln Eric D. , Prohaska Matthew G.
Published: December 2011

Primary pyomyositis of the pelvic musculature is a condition rarely seen in temperate climates, although its frequency has been increasing in the United States. The condition should be considered in the initial differential diagnosis of an adolescent presenting with fever, difficulty ambulating, and hip pain. This is a retrospective review of 8 cases of primary pelvic pyomyositis in patients aged 18 years or younger who were treated at the Children’s Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. The site of infection was the obturator internus in the majority of the cases (5). The site was the gluteus, iliopsoas, and iliacus in 1 case each. Four patients who were diagnosed early responded to intravenous antibiotics with no need for further intervention. Two patients required incision and drainage of an abscess combined with antibiotics. Two patients had prolonged hospital courses requiring intensive unit care and mechanical ventilation. Blood cultures were positive in 87.5% of patients, and all patients presented with elevated acute phase reactants.

One of the most difficult diagnostic aspects of presentation is an inconclusive symptom profile. It is noteworthy that patients with pelvic pyomyositis may present with limited range of motion in a specific plane (the motion placing the infected muscle on stretch) vs global limited range of motion of the joint as is commonly seen in septic arthritis. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent systemic illness and complications associated with this condition. Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium is helpful to diagnose and guide treatment.
Flexion Contracture Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Risk Factors and Outcomes
Authors: Goudie Stuart T. , Deakin Angela H. , Ahmad Aftab , Maheshwari Rohit , Picard Frederic
Published: December 2011

Function and satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are partially linked to postoperative range of motion (ROM). Fixed flexion contracture is a recognized complication of TKA that reduces ROM and is a source of morbidity for patients. This study aimed to identify preoperative risk factors for developing fixed flexion contracture following TKA and to quantify the effect of fixed flexion contracture on outcomes (Oxford knee score 12–60 and patient satisfaction) at 2 years. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data for 811 TKAs were retrospectively reviewed. At 2 years postoperatively, the incidence of fixed flexion contracture was 3.6%. Men were 2.6 times more likely than women to have fixed flexion contracture (
P
=.012), and patients with preimplant fixed flexion contracture were 2.3 times more likely than those without to have fixed flexion contracture (
P
=.028). Increasing age was associated with an increased rate of fixed flexion contracture (
P
=.02). Body mass index was not a risk factor (
P
=.968). Incidence of fixed flexion contracture for those undergoing computer navigated TKA was 3.9% compared with 3.4% for those having conventional surgery (
P
=.711). Patients with fixed flexion contracture had poorer outcomes with a median [interquartile range] Oxford Knee Score of 25 [15] compared with 20 [11] for those without (
P
=.003) and lower patient satisfaction (
P
=.036). These results support existing literature for incidence of fixed flexion contracture after TKA, risk factors, and outcomes, indicating that these figures can be extrapolated to a wide population. They also clarify a previously contentious point by excluding body mass index as a risk factor.
The Leakage Detection Method of Water Supply System by Regional Model
Authors: Zou Hong Li
Published: December 2011

The losing ratio of leakage in the process of water supply is about 10%-30% in total. However, the existing water supply system has no rational planning and distribution. On the other hand, it is growing fast. It is a challenge to check the leakage in whole water supply network. This paper tries to present a solution to ensure that the regional network runs reasonably and safely, which is building a regionalization of the detected model.
Fatigue Behavior of Medium Carbon Steel by Symmetric Bending Ultrasonic Frequency Method
Authors: Tang Wei Wei , Wang Hong , Dai Jin Gan
Published: December 2011

The S-N curves of medium carbon steel(MCS) are determined by the ultrasonic symmetric bending fatigue system (20 KHz). The results show that two S-N curves of MCS display the characteristic of “continually decreasing type” up to 109 cycles and exhibit no traditional horizontal plateau beyond 106 cycles. When the fatigue cycles are over 109, fatigue failure do occurs. By comparison of the two curves of 2mm thick and 5mm thick MCS, the results show that in the high-cycle stage(107cycles), size effect has no significant impact on fatigue Properties. This can also be explained by the theory of crack initiation, in high cycle stage, fatigue crack initiation exists in the sample surface, and in ultra-high-cycle stage, fatigue crack initiation exists in internal initiation.
Towards a Magnetic Articulated Needle
Authors: Wang Yi Zhong , Zhou Zong Guo , Chen Yong Hua , Huang Hua Fang
Published: December 2011

In order to reach the deep of a human body, steerable needle is usually used in minimally invasive surgeries. For increasing the steerability and steering accuracy, a novel magnetic articulated needle is proposed in this paper. The proposed needle consists of a magnetic head, articulations, and sections. A magnetic force is generated on the needle head by adding an external magnetic field, which is used to manipulating the needle’s inserting path. The generated magnetic force and the motion of such a needle are analyzed for understanding the steering of the needle. The proposed needle is more easily to be controlled to avoid obstacles in human body while inserting.
Bioremediation of PCBs-Contaminated Soil Using Halophilic Bacteria
Authors: Zhao Zhe , Zhuo Sheng Guang
Published: December 2011

This experiment extracted a halophilic bacteria from the deep sea-bed mud to carry out bioremediation of PCB-contaminated soil under different nitrogen source, permeability, humidity, temperature and salinity. The experimental results showed that during the 20-day soil natural bioremediation, there were little change in the concentration of PCB1260. The PCBs degradation rate was 26.03% in 20d when the soil water content was 60% of field capacity, room temperature, beef extract 0.5g•kg-1, standing, soil salinity 0.2g•kg-1. When the soil temperature increased to 30°C, the PCBs degradation rate was up to 89.21%. After submerging treatment, the degradation rate was 19.45% in 20d. Adding nitrogen-contained nutrition and proper soil stirring aided the growth of B2.6, enhanced the metabolic activities of indigenous microorganisms, and accelerated the natural degradation of soil PCBs. The PCBs degradation rate was up to 38.97% when the soil salinity was 1g•kg-1.
Graft Modification of Collagen with Acrylonitrile in Concentrated Zinc Chloride Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhang Zhao Huan , Sun Run Jun , Zhang Zhao Hua , Wang Yao Wu
Published: December 2011

Graft modification is a common means to improve performance of natural polymers. Graft modification of collagen with acrylonitrile in zinc chloride aqueous solution was developed to apply in improvement moisture absorption of synthetic fiber. Polymerization yield, graft ratio and graft efficiency increase at first and then decline following monomer concentration, they reach the top when monomer concentration is 7.0 wt%. Graft ratio and graft efficiency increase at first and then decline following initiator concentration, they reach the top when initiator concentration is 0.2 wt%. Polymerization yield consistently rises with the increasing initiator concentration. Polymerization yield, graft ratio and graft efficiency drop with the increasing collagen concentration. The optimal reaction conditions are: reaction time , 90min; reaction temperature, 60°C; monomer concentration, 7.0 wt%; initiator concentration, 0.2 wt%.
Hydrothermal Treatment and its Influence on the Structure of Nitrogen Doped Titania
Authors: Shu Zhan , Zeng Tao , Liu Hou Juan
Published: December 2011

N-doped titania was synthesized by a one step hydrothermal method, which is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The samples prepared by hydrothermal method demonstrate higher photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of methylene blue under xenon lamp which has similar spectra to solar light, and also is much superior to that of the commercial P25. In addition, the samples prepared by hydrothermal treatment could severely influence the crystal lattice structure. Morever, N-doped titania can further enhacnce the photocatalytic activity effectively, and hydrothermal treatment is a very suitable method for the synthesis of N-doped titania. This excellent performance could endow the as-prepared P-doped titania potential in purifying wastewater.
Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Adsorption of Copper Ions from Aqueous Solutions onto Carboxymethylcellulose Sulfate
Authors: Yu Yan , Huang Feng Yuan
Published: December 2011

Batch experiments were carried out to study the adsorption characteristics of Cu(II) onto Carboxymethylcellulose Sulfate(CMC-S). Previous studies had shown that Acidic/neutral pH was favorable to the adsorption of Cu(II). The Kinetic and thermodynamic analysis were performed in detail. Kinetic studies indicated that Cu(II) adsorption on CMC-S in the system followed the pseudo-second order kinetics. Moreover, the experimental equilibrium data was analyzed using the linearized form of Langmuir, and the Langmuir isotherm was found to provide the best theoretical correlation of the experimental data for the adsorption of Cu(II). The monolayer adsorption capacity was determined to be 127 mg of Cu(II) per gram of CMC-S at 25°C. Thermodynamic analysis showed that adsorption process obeys an exothermic path of the negative value of and spontaneous with negative value of .
Growth-Induced Stress in Hard Coating
Authors: Huang Zi Qian , Xie Qing Lian , Huang Guo Hua , Li Pei Lan
Published: December 2011

Coating and gradient structure can improve the quality of products, but growth-induced stress generates in the forming process of the coating and the gradient structure due to the existence of the defects and metastable phase. The existence of growth-induced stress can conversely affect the quality of the product, even lead to cracking and product failure. This paper shows the model of stress calculation according to the crystal structure’s defect theory.
Numerical Simulation of 2D Flood Fliud on Unstructured Grid
Authors: Pan Y.L. , Wei W.L. , Liu Y.L.
Published: December 2011

This paper is concerned with a mathematical model for simulating hydrodynamics of 2D flood flows with the WENO scheme and the Finite Volume Method on unstructured grid. The time discretization uses the Runge-Kutta TVD scheme. By using the proposed model, we calculated the flow property of dam-break, and obtained the flow velocity field distributions. The calculated results show that the WENO scheme has higher accuracy and better stability, and has the ability to automatically capture shock waves, and may suppress the oscillations of numerical solution. This model can effectively simulate the hydrodynamics of 2D river flow with irregular boundaries.
Nutrient Removal from Polluted River Water by Using Vertical and Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Shi En , She Zong Lian , Xie Tian , Wu Jian , Fu Xiao Hui
Published: December 2011

The main purpose of this study was to treat organic pollutants, nitrogen and phosphorus in polluted river water by the use of constructed wetland (CW) systems. A laboratory experiment research was conducted on subsurface flow constructed wetland systems operated in vertical flow (VF) and horizontal flow (HF) mode. The systems were unplanted and hydraulic retention times were identically 2.7 days. The average removal efficiencies for HFCW and VFCW were NH+ 4-N 64.9% and 75.2%, NO- 3-N 92.3% and 40.1%, COD 97.5% and 90.1%, TP 94.6% and 96.2%, respectively. The removal of NH+ 4-N and NO- 3-N in the different CW units were in order of VFCW (drained) > VFCW (flooded) > HFCW and HFCW > VFCW (flooded) > VFCW (drained), respectively. When the water level in the VFCW was changed, an obvious fluctuation of the effluent NH+ 4-N and NO- 3-N concentrations was observed.
Polymerization of Lactide Catalyzed by Diketiminato Iron (II) Alkoxide Complex
Authors: Li Yong Fei , Wu Qin , Gao Mei Li
Published: December 2011

Lactide polymerization were carried out by using diketiminato iron (II) alkoxide complexes HC(C(CH3)N-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2FeOiPr as catalyst. The iron (II) alkoxide complex bearing bulky isopropyl ortho substituents showed moderate activity for the rac-lactide polymerization, and gave the polylactide (PLA) with high molecular weight. In the microstructures of polymers generated with the iron (II) catalyst, no stereoslective polymerization of rac-lactide has been detected. Results have shown that the conversion of lactide depend on the iron complex/monomer feed ratio and the reaction temperature.
Screening of Lactobacillus delbruekii Subsp. Bulgaricus with Weak Post-Acidification Capacity by Natural and Induced Mutation
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Zhang Lan Wei , Han Xue
Published: December 2011

To derive new starter culture strains with weak post-acidification capacity,Lactobacillus delbruekii subsp. bulgaricusLY were screened by natural screening and inducing screening treated with ultraviolet and diethyl sulfate. Then treated strains were inoculated into low pH MRS medium and skim milk at 37°C for 24h, respectively. The mutants that could grow in skim milk but did not grow in low pH MRS medium were selected strains with weak post-acidification capacity. The mutants were preserved and their generation stabilities were tested. The natural screening, diethyl sulfate and ultraviolet treated mutants showed 5.1%, 5.9% and 11.9% lower post-acidification capacity than original strain at 25°C, respectively. The mutants showed genetically stable post-acidification capacity.
Studies on Chemical Constituents from the Aerial Parts of Saururus chinensis
Authors: Luo Yong Ming , Zhang Zhong Li , Zuo Yue Ming
Published: December 2011

To investigate into the active chemical constituents of Sanrurus chinensis． Repeated silica gel column chromatography was used in the isolation and purification; determination and spectral analysis were adopted to identify the chemical structures． Nineteen chemical compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Saururus chinensis and identiﬁed as sauchinone (1),sauchinone A (2), licarin B (3),saucernetin(4), Saucerneol I(5), Kaemferol(6), Kaemferol- 3-O-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)glucopyranoside(7), luteolin(8), quecretin (9), quecretin-7-O-β- D-glueopyranoside (10), quecretin-7-O -α-D-glueopyranoside (11), ursolic acid(12), ellagic acid(13), p-hydroxybenzoic acid(14), gallic acid(15), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (16) , caffeic acid(17), stearic acid (18) and β-sitosterol (19).
Ab Initio Investigation of the Influence of Single Intrinsic Defect on the Structure, Bulk Moduli and Electronic Properties of V-Doped ZnO
Authors: Wang Qing Bo , Zhou Cui
Published: December 2011

We researched the effect of single intrinsic defect of the structure and electronic properties of V-doped ZnO. After vanadium (V) atom replaced one zinc atom, lattice constants and bulk modulus increased slightly 1.2% and as high as 8.9%, respectively. The total energy showed that oxygen defect inclined to stay at a position far from V atom but zinc defect likely to localize at a position near V atom. The electronic density state of pure ZnO was semiconductor behavior. Vanadium doping introduced a spin-polarization around Fermi-level. The 3d orbital of V split into triplet-state ta (antibonding state), dual-state e (nonbonding state) and triplet-state tb (bonding state) in the wurtzite ZnO crystal field. The ta state hybridized with O2p state above Fermi-level, which made Zn15VO16 underwent a semiconductor-halfmetal transition. Vanadium substitution moved the electronic density states to lower energy. Oxygen defect had little effects on V-doped ZnO while zinc defect moved the density of states to higher energy. Our paper provided a reference for the preparation and application of V-doped ZnO.
Synthesis and Photochromism Properties of a Novel Hybrid Diarylethene
Authors: Liu Wei Jun , Wang Wei Ping , Fan Cong Bin , Liu Gang
Published: December 2011

A novel unsymmetrical diarylethene derivative 1-[2-methyl-5-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-thienyl]-2-[2-methyl-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-thienyl]hexafluorocyclopentene (1a) was designed and successfully synthesized. The properties of the compound, including photochromic and electrochemical properties of the diarylethene were also investigated systematically. The results showed that this compound exhibited reversible photochromism, reversible cyclization and cycloreversion reactions upon alternating irradiation with UV and visible light both in solution and in PMMA film, and its absorption maxima were observed at 606 nm in methanol and at 613 nm in PMMA amorphous film, respectively, upon irradiation with 297 nm UV light. Besides, the electrochemcial switching property can be potential use for electrochemistry data storage.
Synthesis and Properties of a Novel Photochromic Compound with a 1,3-Dioxolane
Authors: Cui Shi Qiang , Xu Dan Dan , Pu Shou Zhi
Published: December 2011

A novel unsymmetrical diarylethene derivative 1-[2,4-dimethyl- isoxazol-3-yl]-2-[2-methyl-5-(2-(1,3-dioxolane))-3-thienyl] perfluorocyclopentene (1a) was synthesized successfully. The properties of the compound, including photochromic and fluorescence properties of the diarylethene were investigated systematically. The color of diarylethene 1a changed from colorless to pink upon irradiation with 297 nm UV light, in which absorption maxima were observed at 496 nm in hexane and at 510 nm in PMMA film, respectively. In hexane solution, compound 1 showed good fluorescence switching characters with 305 nm light excited.
Technology of CO2 Capture and Purification from Electric Plant and Boiler Emission Gases for CO2 Injection EOR
Authors: Zhang Xin Jun , Li Qing Ling , Li Qing Fang , Zhang Jian , Chu Guang Wen
Published: December 2011

CO2 injection is a very promising and effective technology for promoting oil recovery ratio. But the lack of high pureness CO2 resources restricts the popularization and application of this technology. It is an effective approach to resolve such problem by capturing and purifying CO2 from electric plant and boiler emission gases. Shengli oil field of SINOPEC has researched on high efficiency absorbent, key equipment, capture and purification technique, and forms a technology of CO2 Capture and Purification. This technology not only helps to obtain the CO2 needed by EOR, increasing the economic income, but also to store the CO2 into the abandoned oil wells, preventing the CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere.