bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preclinical sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease in French blood donors: an epidemiologic model‐based study
Authors: Pillonel Josiane , Brandel Jean‐Philippe , Léon Lucie , Salomon Dominique , Haïk Stéphane , Capek Isabelle , Vaillant Véronique , Coste Joliette , Alpérovitch Annick
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: A recent case‐control study showed that transfusion recipients were at an increased risk of developing sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD), suggesting that blood donors with silent preclinical sCJD could transmit the sCJD agent. We therefore estimated the annual number of French blood donors expected to have preclinical sCJD at the time of donation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We developed a mathematical model to estimate the number of blood donors who would subsequently develop sCJD, under various assumptions about how long their blood might be infective before clinical onset. The model used distributions by age group and sex for sCJD cases, blood donor population, French general population, and mortality in the general population.

RESULTS: Using 1999 to 2008 data, modeling showed that, each year, a mean of 1.1 (standard deviation [SD], 0.3) donors were within 1 year of sCJD onset at the time of blood donation, 6.9 (SD, 0.5) donors were within 5 years, 18.0 (SD, 0.6) were within 10 years, and 33.4 (SD, 1.1) were within 15 years.

CONCLUSION: Few donors are expected to be in the late preclinical stage of sCJD at the time of blood donation. This result and that of the worldwide absence of any epidemic increase in sCJD over the years indicate that this risk of transfusion‐transmitted sCJD, if any, is likely to be very low.
Introduction to periodontal epidemiology
Authors: Garcia Raul , Dietrich Thomas
Published: December 2011

There is growing interest in, and appreciation of, the importance of epidemiological science in furthering our understanding of periodontal diseases. There is also interest in applying modern epidemiological methods to identify periodontal disease risk factors, prognostic factors and the long‐term outcomes of care, as well as periodontal–systemic associations. This volume combines critical reviews of selected areas of contemporary interest with targeted methodologically focused articles, in order to provide a valuable reference text to guide readers in their own critical assessment of new scientific findings, as well as to assist investigators in the design and analysis of their own original research in periodontal epidemiology. The 11 review articles that comprise this volume were selected with this goal in mind. They aim to inform readers on the methodological rigor that needs to be applied, both in the design of epidemiological studies and interpretation of their results, and the limitations to the inferences that may be drawn from epidemiological studies. Despite its various limitations, the field of periodontal epidemiology is expected to continue to grow in importance and relevance. There remains a need for well‐designed, carefully analyzed and correctly interpreted observational studies, including longitudinal cohort studies and case–control studies, in order to adequately understand both the causes of periodontal disease and the associations between periodontal disease and systemic disease in populations.
Nutrition, dietary guidelines and optimal periodontal health
Authors: Kaye Elizabeth K.
Published: December 2011

Dietary nutrients may serve as antioxidants, co‐enzymes in energy production and metabolic processes, and components of tissue structures that keep the body’s systems functioning properly and maintain good overall health, including oral health. Nutrients that are thought to be especially important for maintaining the periodontium have been the focus of epidemiological studies for many years. However, such research has not consistently found significant associations between periodontal disease incidence or prevalence and the intake levels of these and other nutrients. To date, there is insufficient evidence that current dietary intake recommendations and guidelines need to be changed in order to promote optimal periodontal health. It is important to consider the range of nutrient intakes or biomarkers in any given study population and how they relate to recommended levels when evaluating the evidence. This information is often lacking in studies of nutritional associations in periodontal research. A number of methodological issues may arise in terms of study design, data collection and analysis of dietary data, and these may affect the interpretation of epidemiological study results and the ability to draw inferences and reach conclusions about appropriate dietary recommendations. These issues are critically reviewed.
Analytic epidemiology and periodontal diseases
Authors: Heaton Brenda , Dietrich Thomas
Published: December 2011

The validity of epidemiological and clinical observations is paramount, not only for scientific advancement but also in evidence‐based practice. Concern regarding validity with respect to the design and conduct of analytic epidemiological studies is often under‐appreciated, partly as a consequence of our focus on randomized experimental designs as the highest standard of ‘proof’ in clinical science. We review the design, conduct and interpretation of rigorous analytic epidemiological study designs, with specific reference to periodontology. We give special emphasis to intrinsic validity and the use of focused aims to re‐frame the perspective on the strength of evidence in reviews of the literature. Specifically, we draw on the periodontal research literature to provide an overview of the appropriate design and conduct of cohort studies, including randomized designs, case–control and cross‐sectional studies. The concepts of selection bias, information bias and confounding are explored for each study design, both in general terms and with respect to a critical review of the literature on the epidemiology of periodontal diseases.
Association of KIR2DS4 and its variant KIR1D with syphilis in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhuang Y.‐L. , Zhu C.‐F. , Zhang Y. , Song Y.‐H. , Wang D.‐J. , Nie X.‐M. , Liu Y. , Ren G.‐J.
Published: December 2011

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum spirochaete bacterium. The killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) gene family encodes cell surface receptors that are found on natural killer (NK) cells and certain T‐cell subsets. NK cells are fast‐acting effector lymphocytes of innate immunity that respond to infection. The activity of NK cells depends on the dynamic balance of activating and inhibitory signals that are transmitted through respective receptors including KIRs. KIR2DS4 is the only activating KIR gene in KIR haplotype A. KIR1D is a partial deletion KIR2DS4 variant encoding protein devoid of transmembrane region. Up to now, there is no knowledge of association of KIR2DS4 and its variant KIR1D with syphilis in a population that belongs to KIR gene haplotype A. Polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP) method was used to genotype KIR genes in 190 patients with syphilis and 192 healthy controls. The gene frequencies of KIR2DS4 and KIR1D were analysed for the association with syphilis in patients and healthy controls who belong to KIR gene haplotype A. The gene frequency of KIR1D/KIR1D in patients with syphilis classified as haplotype A was 16.85% and was significantly higher than that in the control group (6.59%) (P = 0.032). However, there was no significant difference for the gene frequencies of KIR2DS4/KIR2DS4 and KIR2DS4/KIR1D between the two groups (P > 0.05). KIR1D/KIR1D was found in association with susceptibility to syphilis in the Chinese Han population that belongs to KIR gene haplotype A.
Associations of IL‐23R polymorphisms with ankylosing spondylitis in East Asian population: a new case–control study and a meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen C. , Zhang X. , Li J. , Wang Y.
Published: December 2011

Interleukin‐23 receptor (IL‐23R) has been confirmed to be associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Caucasian. However, whether they are associated with AS in East Asian population remains unidentified. Here, we conducted a new case–control study investigating this relationship in Chinese Han population and then performed a meta‐analysis in East Asian population. The Chinese Han study included 200 cases and 200 controls. Genotyping was completed using the chip‐based matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Allelic associations were analysed using contingency tables. In the meta‐analysis, 1384 cases and 1710 controls from five different studies and the new Chinese Han study were combined using Review Manager software Version 5.1.1. Mantel–Haenszel test was used to calculate fixed effects pooled ORs. No association with AS was observed in the Chinese Han study. Meta‐analysis showed that no SNP was significantly associated with AS in East Asian population. In conclusion, we found no evidence for association between IL‐23R and AS in East Asian population. Major attention should be paid to other genes belonged to IL‐23 signalling pathway network in the future.
Type I interferonopathies: a novel set of inborn errors of immunity
Authors: Crow Yanick J.
Published: December 2011

The concept of grouping Mendelian disorders associated with an upregulation of type I interferon is not currently recognized in the medical literature. Here, we argue that such a concept has scientific validity and clinical utility. Specifically, we discuss a group of conditions, including Aicardi–Goutières syndrome, spondyloenchondrodysplasia, and cases of systemic lupus erythematosus with complement deficiency, in which an upregulation of type I interferons is apparently central to their pathogenesis. We believe that these diseases can usefully be considered to represent a novel set of inborn errors of immunity, and that the recognition of such diseases as type I interferonopathies will have significance in the development and use of targeted therapies.
The demographics of primary immunodeficiency diseases across the unique ethnic groups in Iran, and approaches to diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Rezaei Nima , Mohammadinejad Payam , Aghamohammadi Asghar
Published: December 2011

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders that cause individuals to be prone to a variety of clinical manifestations, such as infections, autoimmunity, and malignancies. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment of these disorders can reduce morbidity and mortality and provide a relatively high quality of life. In Iran, recent advances in clinical immunology and in the identification of immunodeficiencies have led to reductions in diagnostic delay and severe complications in patients with PIDs. Autosomal recessive and multifactorial types of PID seem to be more common in Iran because of high rates of consanguine marriages and, probably, the genetic background of its ethnic groups. These facts necessitate special diagnostic and treatment approaches, but at the same time reveal an opportunity to observe novel phenotypes and genetic defects.
Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease
Authors: Marsh Rebecca A. , Filipovich Alexandra H.
Published: December 2011

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease are rare, fatal, inherited immune deficiency disorders. Both diagnoses are used to describe patients who are affected by several known or presumed genetic mutations that, in common, predispose patients to the development of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Many pivotal advances have been made in recent years with regard to our understanding and treatment of these diseases. Here, we will describe the genetic and functional bases of these diseases, highlight their clinical manifestations, and discuss current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
NOTES ON A BOAR HUNT (PFS 2323)
Authors: GARRISON MARK
Published: December 2011

The seal applied to tablet NN 2458 from the Persepolis Fortification archive, PFS 2323, is a large seal that bears a striking image of a boar hunt, remarkable both for its design and exceptional execution. This article briefly examines the specifics of the scene on PFS 2323 and reviews the glyptic evidence for boar hunts in the Achaemenid period.
Nonlinear Behavior of Preloaded Bolted Joints Under a Cyclic Separating Load
Authors: Yang Xianjie , Nassar Sayed A. , Wu Zhijun , Meng Aidong
Published: December 2011

The nonlinear plastic deformation behavior of a clamped bolted joint model under a separating service load is investigated using analytical, finite element, and experimental techniques. An elastic-plastic model is used for the bolt material while the joint material remains in the linear elastic range. Both the analytical and finite element analysis (FEA) models investigate the variation in the tension of a preloaded bolt due to a separating service load that acts with an offset from the bolt center. Experimental verification is provided for both the analytical and finite element results on the bolt tension variation, clamp load variation and the clamp load loss caused by the incremental plastic bolt elongation under cyclic separating force.
Prediction of Extreme Tether Tension for a TLP by the AUR and ACER Methods
Authors: Naess A. , Stansberg C. T. , Batsevych O.
Published: December 2011

The paper presents a study of the extreme value statistics related to measurements on a scale model of a large tension leg platform (TLP) subjected to random waves in a wave basin. Extensive model tests were carried out in three irregular sea states. Time series of the motion responses and tether tension were recorded for a total of 18 three hour tests (full scale). In this paper we discuss the statistics of the measured tether tension. The focus is on a comparison of two alternative methods for the prediction of extreme tether tension from finite time series records. One method is based on expressing the extreme value distribution in terms of the average upcrossing rate (AUR). The other is a novel method that can account for statistical dependence in the recorded time series by utilizing a cascade of conditioning approximations obtained by defining the average conditional exceedance rates (ACER). Both methods rely on introducing a specific parametric form for the tail part of the extreme value distribution. This is combined with an optimization procedure to determine the parameters involved, which allows prediction of various extreme response levels.
Atomic layer deposition of Pt growth template for orienting PbZrxTi1−xO3 thin films
Authors: Potrepka Daniel M. , Sanchez Luz M. , Polcawich Ronald G.
Published: December 2011

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) offers a method for sidewall growth due to its ability to deposit isotropic thin films. As a first step to provide underlying growth templates on sidewalls, proof-of-principal depositions were made on flat wafer surfaces using ALD Pt thin films deposited on: ALD HfO2, ALD Al2O3, and oxidized sputtered-Ti films. X-ray diffraction rocking curve full-width half maxima for 25 nm Pt films obtained after a rapid thermal anneal at 700 °C were 2.06°, 5.45°, and 7.84° on the TiO2, Al2O3, and HfO2 coatings, respectively. Sheet resistance decreased with Pt thickness (deposited onto TiO2/SiO2/Si): from 5 Ω/□ at 25 nm to 0.63 Ω/□ at 100 nm. A 500 ± 25 nm PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 film was deposited by a chemical solution deposition process onto 100 nm ALD Pt films deposited on the TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates. The 001 Lotgering factor derived from x-ray diffraction data was 0.56 for 001/100 oriented PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3.
Comment on “Preserved Feedforward But Impaired Top-Down Processes in the Vegetative State”
Authors: King Jean-Rémi , Bekinschtein Tristan , Dehaene Stanislas
Published: December 2011

Boly
et al
. (Reports, 13 May 2011, p. 858) investigated cortical connectivity patterns in patients suffering from a disorder of consciousness, using electroencephalography in an auditory oddball paradigm. We point to several inconsistencies in their data, including a failure to replicate the classical mismatch negativity. Data quality, source reconstruction, and statistics would need to be improved to support their conclusions.
Zoom!
Authors: Aiden Erez Lieberman
Published: December 2011

Exploring how the genome folds by using three-dimensional genome sequencing.
'Third Pole' Glacier Research Gets a Boost From China
Authors: Larson Christina
Published: December 2011

New research stations in Tibet and central Asian countries will monitor environmental changes around Himalayan glaciers.
A sphenoid wing meningioma presenting with intraparenchymal and intraventricular hemorrhage treated with endovascular embolization alone: case report and radiologic follow-up
Authors: Das Deep , Singh Vineeta
Published: December 2011

Haemorrhagic presentation of intracranial meningioma is rare, and meningiomas with both intraparenchymal hemorrhage and intraventricular extension have not been reported. An unusual case of a sphenoid wing meningioma that was treated with endovascular embolization alone is presented.
Whole and fractionated yellow pea flours modulate insulin, glucose, oxygen consumption, and the caecal microbiome in Golden Syrian hamsters
Authors: Marinangeli Christopher P.F. , Krause Denis , Harding Scott V. , Rideout Todd C. , Zhu Fuqin , Jones Peter J.H.
Published: December 2011

The objective was to evaluate the effects of whole and fractionated yellow peas on circulating lipids, glucose and insulin levels, energy expenditure, and body composition, as well as to assess their prebiotic actions in Golden Syrian hamsters. Forty-five hamsters consumed a hypercholesterolemic diet for 28 days, then were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: control (CON), whole pea flour (WPF), and fractionated pea flour (hulls only) (FPF). WPF and FPF were incorporated into the diets, replacing 10% of the cornstarch. WPF and FPF feeding produced negligible effects on circulating cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, both WPF (56.76 ± 9.22 pmol·L–1, p = 0.002) and FPF (89.27 ± 19.82 pmol·L–1, p = 0.032) reduced circulating insulin levels compared with the CON group (131.70 ± 17.70 pmol·L–1). Moreover, FPF decreased (p = 0.03) circulating glucose levels (6.26 ± 0.51 mmol·L–1) compared with CON (8.27 ± 0.81 mmol·L–1). Energy expenditure analysis revealed that hamsters consuming WPF demonstrated a higher (p = 0.036) oxygen consumption (2.00 ± 0.31 mL O2·g–1 lean body mass) vs. the CON group (1.56 ± 0.089 mL O2·g–1 lean body mass). Analysis of caecal digesta showed that WPF produced shifts in the abundance of microbial taxa with the most predominant changes occurring within the phylum Firmicutes. Yellow peas and their constituents should be investigated as future functional food ingredients that help prevent and manage lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
Effect of glycemic index and fructose content in lunch on substrate utilization during subsequent brisk walking
Authors: Sun Feng-Hua , Wong Stephen Heung-Sang , Chen Ya-Jun , Huang Ya-Jun , Hsieh Sandy Shen-Yu
Published: December 2011

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of glycemic index (GI) and fructose content in lunch on substrate utilization during subsequent brisk walking. Ten healthy young males completed 3 main trials in a counterbalanced crossover design. They completed 60 min of brisk walking at approximately 50% maximal oxygen consumption after consuming a standard breakfast and 1 of 3 lunch meals, i.e., a low GI meal without fructose (LGI), a low GI meal that included fructose beverage (LGIF), or a high GI meal (HGI). The 3 lunch meals were isocaloric and provided 1.0 g·kg–1 carbohydrate. Substrate utilization was measured using indirect respiratory calorimetry method. Blood samples were collected at certain time points. During the 2-h postprandial period after lunch, the incremental area under the blood response curve values of glucose and insulin were higher (p < 0.05) in the HGI trial than those in the LGI and LGIF trials (HGI vs. LGI and LGIF: glucose, 223.5 ± 24.4 vs. 92.5 ± 10.4 and 128.0 ± 17.7 mmol·min·L–1; insulin, 3603 ± 593 vs. 1425 ± 289 and 1888 ± 114 mU·min·L–1). During brisk walking, decreased carbohydrate oxidation was observed (p < 0.05) in the LGI trial than in the LGIF and HGI trials (LGI vs. LGIF and HGI: 60.8 ± 4.0 vs. 68.1 ± 6.0 and 74.4 ± 4.7 g). No difference was found in fat oxidation among the 3 trials (LGI vs. LGIF vs. HGI: 21.6 ± 2.3 vs. 19.2 ± 2.3 vs. 16.4 ± 2.2 g). It appeared that fructose content was an important influencing factor when considering the effect of different GI lunch meals on substrate utilization during subsequent moderate intensity exercise.
ON THE EXISTENCE OF MINIMAL β-POWERS
Authors: SHUR ARSENY M.
Published: December 2011

If all proper factors of a word u are β-power-free while u itself is not, then u is a minimal β-power. We consider the following general problem: for which numbers k,β, and p there exists a k-ary minimal β-power of period p? For the case β ≥ 2 we completely solve this problem. If the number β < 2 is relatively "big" w.r.t. k, we show that any number p can be the period of a minimal β-power. Finally, for "small" β we describe some sets of forbidden periods and provide a numerical evidence that for k ≥ 9 these sets are almost exhaustive.
A NOTE ON HOLOGRAPHIC SUPERCONDUCTORS WITH WEYL CORRECTIONS
Authors: MOMENI D. , SETARE M. R.
Published: December 2011

We study analytical properties of the holographic superconductors with Weyl corrections. We describe the phenomena in the probe limit neglecting backreaction of the spacetime. We observe that for the conformal dimension △+ = 3, the minimum value of the critical temperature [Formula: see text] at which condensation sets, can be obtained directly from the equations of motion as [Formula: see text], which is in very good agreement with the numerical value [Formula: see text] [Phys. Lett. B697, 153 (2011)]. This value of [Formula: see text] corresponds to the value of the Weyl's coupling γ = -0.06 in Table 1 of Phys. Lett. B697, 153 (2011). We calculate the [Formula: see text] for another Weyl's coupling γ = 0.02 and the conformal dimension △- = 1. Further, we show that the critical exponent is [Formula: see text]. We observe that there is a linear relation between the charge density ρ and the chemical potential difference μ-μ c qualitatively matches the numerical curves.
ENTANGLED STATE REPRESENTATION, NEW TWO-VARIABLE HERMITE-POLYNOMIAL-OPERATOR IDENTITIES FOR TWO-MODE QUADRATURE'S PHYSICAL QUANTITY CALCULATION
Authors: FAN HONG-YI , JIANG JIE-YU
Published: December 2011

By virtue of the entangled state representation and the technique of integration within an ordered product (IWOP) of operators we derive some new two-variable Hermite-polynomial-operator identities, their application for calculating moment and cumulant for two-mode quadratures in quantum field theory are presented. The new operator identities make all calculations neat and concise.
LEAKAGE POWER REDUCTION IN SRAM AT NANOSCALE
Authors: KUMAR K. SUNIL
Published: December 2011

In this work the impact of gate leakage on SRAM is described and two approaches for reducing gate leakage currents are examined in detail. In one approach, the supply voltage is reduced while in the other the potential of the ground node is raised. In both the approaches the effective voltage across SRAM cell is reduced in inactive mode using a dynamic self-controllable switch. Simulation results based on BPTM (Berkeley Predictive Technology Model) for 45 nm channel length device show that the scheme in which supply voltage level is reduced is more efficient in reducing gate leakage than the one in which ground node potential is raised. Results obtained show that 96% reduction in the leakage currents of SRAM can be achieved.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL, HIGH LUMINESCENT, BIOCOMPATIBLE CdTe QUANTUM DOT FLUOROPHORES FOR BIOIMAGING APPLICATIONS
Authors: CHAKRABORTY S. , GOGOI M. , KALITA E. , DEB P.
Published: December 2011

Quantum Dots (QDs) are recently emerging as the alternative to organic fluorescent probes in bio imaging applications. In the present study, CdTe QDs were prepared in aqueous phase using a stable tellurium source in presence of a capping agent capable of stabilizing and regulating its growth in the pH range of 6.0–8.0, such that it is amenable for use in biological systems. The spectroscopic and microstructural studies confirmed the formation of CdTe nanoparticles capped by mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) of average size 2.5 nm with narrow size distribution. These MSA– CdTe QDs have shown tunable fluorescence with high quantum yield, broad absorption and symmetric fluorescence spectra. Of the different QDs emitting varied luminescence, the yellow, orange and red QDs were taken up for further characterization, to assess their potential in bioimaging applications. The cytotoxicity assays in mammalian lymphocytes showed that these QDs have a very high order cell viability and low level of toxicity when incubated with varying QD concentrations (20–130 nm).
EFFECT OF Ag DOPING AND ADMIXING ON THE MAGNETOTRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF NANOPHASIC La0.7Ca0.3MnO3
Authors: SRIVASTAVA PANKAJ , SRIVASTAVA AMIT , SRIVASTAVA O. N. , SINGH D. P. , SIWACH P. K.
Published: December 2011

We report the comparative study on the effect of Ag doping and admixing on the structure and magnetotransport properties of nanophasic La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 (LCMO) manganite to resolve the ambiguous issue of Ag substitution at La -site in LCMO manganite. In this context two sets of samples were synthesized, (a) Ag doped La 0.7 Ca 0.3-x Ag x MnO 3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.3) and (b) chemically synthesized Ag nanoparticles admixed La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO + x wt.% Ag-NP , x = 0, 10, 15, 20, 30) and were annealed at 700°C in oxygen ambience. XRD study reveals that for Ag doped nanophasic LCMO samples, orthorhombic LCMO transforms to rhombohedral for x ≥ 0.10 while for Ag admixed LCMO no such transformation occurs, rather Ag is present as a secondary phase. Resistivity decreases for both types of samples, In the case of Ag admixed LCMO it is due to the metallic nature of silver while for Ag doped LCMO, increase in the number of holes as silver being mono valent may be the reason for decrease in resistivity. Both the insulator–metal (T IM ) and ferromagnetic–paramagnetic (T C ) transition temperatures increases with Ag . The corresponding increment in these parameters is ~100 K and ~50 K for 30% Ag doped and for Ag admixed (30%) it is ~60 K and ~15 K respectively than that of pure LCMO. Room temperature magnetoresistance (MR) values are higher (6.8% for x = 0.30) for Ag doped LCMO than that of undoped LCMO (~0.5%).
STRUCTURE AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF Co-DOPED SnO2 NANOWIRES
Authors: GOUTAM U. K. , SEN SHASHWATI , JAGANNATH  , SINGH A. K. , MUKUND R. , GUPTA S. K. , JAYAKUMAR O. D. , TYAGI A. K.
Published: December 2011

Co -doped SnO2 nanowires were grown by thermal evaporation of a mixture of Tin metal powder and CoCl2 · 6H2O in a tubular furnace. The growth occurs by vapor–solid growth mechanism. Nanowires grew along the sidewall of the alumina boat placed in the tubular furnace and the diameter of these nanowires (as was evident from scanning electron microscopy), was found to be in the range of 50 nm to 200 nm. Co was successfully doped in SnO2 lattice as revealed by X-ray diffraction data and was found to be in Co2+ state in the nanowires as detected by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy measurements. Room temperature magnetic measurements, carried out using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer, indicated ferromagnetic behavior of the nanowires indicating their potential for spintronics applications. With increasing Co doping (upto 1%), the lattice parameters of SnO2 decreased and the saturation magnetization increased, suggesting a strong structure-magnetic property relationship.
ELECTRICAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF PLASMA ENHANCED CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION SYNTHESIZED CRYSTALLINE CARBON NANOFERN
Authors: BANERJEE D. , JHA A. , CHATTOPADHYAY K. K.
Published: December 2011

Here crystalline carbon nanofern like structure has been synthesized by direct current plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Acetylene was used as carbon precursor and nickel acetate dissolved in ethanol has been used as the seed for the growth of carbon structure. The nanostructure of the as prepared sample was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. X-ray photo electron spectroscopic studies confirmed the presence of nickel in the sample. Band gap has been calculated from the UV-Vis spectroscopy. I–V characteristics measured at different temperatures showed nonlinear behavior and is explained.
ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION OF ZnO NANORODS AND NANOPARTICLES
Authors: BALAJI J. , BOOMINATHASELLARAJAN S. , SASIKALA N. T. , RAGHUPATHY BALA PRAVEEN CHAKKRAVARTHY
Published: December 2011

A simple route involving the reaction between zinc powder and water under controlled pH and temperature was used to prepare ZnO nanorods (see Panchakarla et al.). Zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared also using sol–gel method starting from zinc acetate precursor (as per Zang et al.). Thin films were prepare from both nanorods and nanoparticles by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) in aqueous media (see Dogan et al., Wang et al., Lommens et al., Tang et al. and Besra et al.). To have a uniform microstructure in the deposited films, the aqueous suspension was stabilized using an anionic surfactant. The effect of voltage and pH on the rate of electrophoretic deposition from nano zinc oxide colloid was studied in detail. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and UV-Vis Spectroscopy were used to characterize Zno thin films after sintering.
ULTRAFINE ZnO NANOWIRES GROWN ON PATTERNABLE Pd CATALYST AND THEIR SOURCE-ENERGY DEPENDENT PHOTOLUMINESCENCE
Authors: BHUVANA T. , KULKARNI G. U.
Published: December 2011

Patterned arrays of ZnO nanostructures have been obtained from a solution based method using Pd nanoparticles as catalyst. The catalyst nanoparticles were patterned using a direct-write e-beam lithography process. Within 10 minutes in an aqueous solution of zinc nitrate and triethyamine borane at 80°C, fine nanowires of ZnO with diameter around 10 nm were produced on patterned Pd nanoparticles. Longer duration in the precursor solution led to formation of ZnO fibril-like structures. Photoluminescence measurements revealed that the nanostructures exhibited a blue shift for the emission peak at 390 nm, when the excitation energy was increased, unlike bulk ZnO . This is attributed to the discrete defect states present in confined nanostructures.
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES STUDY OF SOL–GEL SYNTHESIZED COBALT-DOPED ANATASE TiO2 NANOPOWDER
Authors: CHOUDHURY BISWAJIT , CHOUDHURY AMARJYOTI , SINGH RAJENDRA K
Published: December 2011

Co doped TiO2 nanopowder has been synthesized by a simple sol–gel route. XRD and TEM analysis confirms anatase phase of TiO2 with crystallite and particle sizes of 10 and 15 nm respectively. Presence of Co is confirmed by EDX. FTIR shows a slight shift in the Ti-O bonding vibration to lower frequency suggesting dopant incorporation on Ti site. For magnetic measurements the sample with dopant amount x = 0.075 is annealed both in vacuum and air. Weak ferromagnetism and a blocking temperature of 39 K is obtained for vacuum annealed sample while ferromagnetism is lost in the air annealed sample and shows only paramagnetic behavior. Temperature dependent magnetic measurements for air annealed sample shows antiferromagnetic behavior with a Neel temperature of 36.51 K. Here we report that oxygen vacancy and cobalt aggregates is a key factor for inducing ferromagnetism–superparamagnetism in vacuum annealed sample. Appearance of Neel temperature reveals the presence of antiferromagnetic Co3O4 which is the oxidation results of metallic Co or cobalt clusters present on host TiO2 surface.
ULTRAFAST DYNAMICS OF GOLD NANORODS: TUNING BETWEEN PHOTO-BLEACHING AND PHOTO-INDUCED ABSORPTION
Authors: ANIJA M. , KUMAR SUNIL , KAMARAJU N. , TIWARI NEHA , KULKARNI S. K. , SOOD A. K.
Published: December 2011

We report ultrafast electron dynamics in gold nanorods investigated using 80 fs laser pulses centered at 1.57 eV. Five types of nanorod colloidal suspensions in water having their longitudinal surface plasmon peak (E LSP ) on either side of the laser photon energy (EL) have been studied. For E LSP > EL, photo-induced absorption with single decay time constant is observed. On the other hand, for E LSP < EL, photo-bleaching is observed having bi-exponential decay dynamics; the faster one between 1–3 ps and slower one between 7 ps to 22 ps both of them increasing almost linearly with the difference |EL – E LSP |. These time constants increase linearly with the pump intensity. Simulations have been carried out to understand the interplay between photo-bleaching and photo-induced absorption.
SWELLING DESWELLING STUDIES AFTER FREEZE–THAW TREATMENT OF NANOSILICA REINFORCED POLY (VINYL ALCOHOL)-BASED ORGANIC–INORGANIC HYBRID HYDROGEL
Authors: BHUNIA TRIDIB , GOSWAMI LUNA , CHATTOPADHYAY DIPANKAR , BANDYOPADHYAY ABHIJIT
Published: December 2011

Aqueous nanosilica sol (particle size range: 9–13 nm, pH: 9.0) was added at various low concentration range (0.5–2 wt.%) into aqueous poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) of different molecular weight (98% hydrolyzed, 20 wt.%) (pH: 5.0) at room temperature under constant stirring to synthesize organic-inorganic hybrid hydrogels in presence of sodium lauryl sulphate as a silica dispersant. Buffer tablets were added to arrest the pH at 9.0 (to prevent any silica aggregation due to change in pH). The resultant hybrids were cast on Teflon sheets and dried in an oven at 50°C to drive out all the unbound water. Those films were then subjected to freese-thaw treatment continuously for 5 h. The freese-thawed films appeared opaque. The swelling-de swelling experiments with the hydrogels were carried out in distilled water at room temperature and consequently allowed to de-swell naturally. Those observations were correlated with the microstructures of the hybrid hydrogels.
Ethyl pyruvate ameliorates albuminuria and glomerular injury in the animal model of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Ju Kyung Don , Shin Eun Kyoung , Cho Eun Jin , Yoon Hyun Bae , Kim Hyo Sang , Kim Hwajung , Yang Jaeseok , Hwang Young-Hwan , Ahn Curie , Oh Kook-Hwan
Published: December 2011

Pyruvate is an endogenous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance. The present study was implemented to investigate the protective effect of ethyl pyruvate (EP) against the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy in an in vivo and in vitro model. Diabetic rats were prepared by injecting streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). Those that developed diabetes after 72 h were treated with EP (40 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Diabetic rats without pyruvate treatment and nondiabetic rats were used for control. As an in vitro experiment, rat mesangial cells cultured primarily from Sprague-Dawley rats were treated in high-glucose (HG; 50 mM) or normal-glucose (NG; 5 mM) conditions and with or without pyruvate. Pyruvate-treated diabetic rats exhibited decreased albuminuria and attenuated NADPH-dependent reactive oxygen species generation. Immunohistochemistry showed reduced laminin, type IV collagen, and fibronectin deposition in the glomeruli compared with nontreated diabetic rats. Parallel changes were shown in tissue mRNA and protein expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, transforming growth factor-β1, laminin, fibronectin, and type IV collagen in the kidney. Concordantly, protective effects were also exhibited in the mesangial cell culture system. These findings suggest that pyruvate protects against kidney injury via NADPH oxidase inhibition. The present study established that activation of NADPH oxidase plays a crucial role in diabetes-induced oxidative stress, glomerular hypertrophy, and ECM molecule expression. Pyruvate exhibited a renoprotective effect in the progression of experimental diabetic nephropathy. Future research is warranted to investigate the protective mechanism of pyruvate more specifically in relation to NADPH oxidase in diabetic nephropathy.
Soluble thrombomodulin reduces inflammation and prevents microalbuminuria induced by chronic endothelial activation in transgenic mice
Authors: Rajashekhar Gangaraju , Gupta Akanksha , Marin Abby , Friedrich Jessica , Willuweit Antje , Berg David T. , Cramer Martin S. , Sandusky George E. , Sutton Timothy A. , Basile David P. , Grinnell Brian W. , Clauss Matthias
Published: December 2011

Chronic kidney disease pathogenesis involves both tubular and vascular injuries. Despite abundant investigations to identify the risk factors, the involvement of chronic endothelial dysfunction in developing nephropathies is insufficiently explored. Previously, soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), a cofactor in the activation of protein C, has been shown to protect endothelial function in models of acute kidney injury. In this study, the role for sTM in treating chronic kidney disease was explored by employing a mouse model of chronic vascular activation using endothelial-specific TNF-α-expressing (tie2-TNF) mice. Analysis of kidneys from these mice after 3 mo showed no apparent phenotype, whereas 6-mo-old mice demonstrated infiltration of CD45-positive leukocytes accompanied by upregulated gene expression of inflammatory chemokines, markers of kidney injury, and albuminuria. Intervention with murine sTM with biweekly subcutaneous injections during this window of disease development between months 3 and 6 prevented the development of kidney pathology. To better understand the mechanisms of these findings, we determined whether sTM could also prevent chronic endothelial cell activation in vitro. Indeed, treatment with sTM normalized increased chemokines, adhesion molecule expression, and reduced transmigration of monocytes in continuously activated TNF-expressing endothelial cells. Our results suggest that vascular inflammation associated with vulnerable endothelium can contribute to loss in renal function as suggested by the tie2-TNF mice, a unique model for studying the role of vascular activation and inflammation in chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, the ability to restore the endothelial balance by exogenous administration of sTM via downregulation of specific adhesion molecules and chemokines suggests a potential for therapeutic intervention in kidney disease associated with chronic inflammation.
Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis in a Child with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Ghedira Besbes L. , Haddad S. , Gabsi A. , Hassine M. , Ben Meriem Ch. , Guediche M. N.
Published: December 2011

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a renal disorder characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuninemia, edema and hypercholesterolemia. Nephrotic syndrome in children is known to be associated with an hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic complications. However cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is very rare. Here we report a seven-year-old child with steroid-dependent idopathic nephrotic syndrome resulting from a minimal change disease, developed multiple cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, presenting with headache, left sixth nerve palsy, and papilledema. The diagnosis of CSVT was established by cranial computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance angiography. He gradually recovered after anticoagulant therapy. CSVT is very rare in nephrotic children. The diagnosis of CSVT should be considered in any patient with nephrotic syndrome who develops neurologic symptoms. This report highlights the importance of suspecting and recognizing this potentially life threatening complication and initiating early treatment.
3‐Adic System and Chaos
Authors: Wang Lidong , Li Yingnan , Liao Li
Published: December 2011

Let (Z(3), τ) be a 3‐adic system. we prove in (Z(3), τ) the existence of uncountable distributional chaotic set of A(τ), which is an almost periodic points set, and further come to a conclusion that τ is chaotic in the sense of Devaney and Wiggins.
Huntington’s Disease: Current Epidemiology and Pharmacological Management in UK Primary Care
Authors: Sackley Catherine , Hoppitt Thomas J. , Calvert Melanie , Gill Paramjit , Eaton Benjamin , Yao Guiqing , Pall Hardev
Published: December 2011

Background: Recent debate suggests Huntington’s disease (HD) may be more prevalent than previously reported. In addition, relatively little is known about current disease management. This study aims to provide epidemiological data and describe the pharmacological management of HD in the United Kingdom. Methods: A primary care research database was accessed to identify incident and prevalent HD cases between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2008. Patients with Read codes denoting a definite diagnosis or possible diagnosis, and undiagnosed patients with a positive family history were identified. A subset of patients with a definite diagnosis and prescribed medication indicating symptom onset was also identified. Epidemiological data were estimated. Pharmacological prescriptions to HD patients from 2004 to 2008 were identified, and prescription frequencies were grouped according to the British National Formulary categories. Results: HD incidence estimates ranged from 0.44 to 0.78 per 100,000 person-years, and HD prevalence ranged from 5.96 to 6.54 per 100,000 of the population. Forty-four percent of pharmacological prescriptions targeted the central nervous system. Nearly half of the HD patients were prescribed antidepressants, and over 40% were prescribed analgesics. Conclusions: Although prevalence estimates fell short of figures suggested in recent debate, it is feasible that the true prevalence may be much higher than previously reported. Pharmacological management appears to rely heavily on central nervous system drugs and nutrition support. Many of these drugs are prescribed to HD patients for reasons other than the medication’s primary use. Further work is required to evaluate the impact of alternative management strategies, such as therapist intervention, counselling, and organisation support, on the patients’ quality of life.
Can Built and Social Environmental Factors Encourage Walking among Individuals with Negative Walking Attitudes?
Authors: Joh Kenneth , Nguyen Mai Thi , Boarnet Marlon G.
Published: December 2011

We investigate whether the design of the built environment encourages walking above and beyond individuals’ attitudes toward walking. With data from a regional travel survey, we use regression analyses to examine differences in neighborhood walking trips among residents with positive and negative attitudes toward walking. The results show that built and social environment factors have a differential impact on walking trips depending on a person’s walking attitudes. Therefore, strategies to promote positive walking attitudes should be pursued in tandem with land use policies to encourage neighborhood walking.
Health inequalities experienced by children and young people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Allerton Lindsay A. , Welch Vicki , Emerson Eric
Published: December 2011

This literature review aimed to synthesize evidence on the prevalence and determinants of health conditions and impairments among children and young people with intellectual disability in the United Kingdom. Several databases were systematically searched for studies conducted with children under the age of 18 living in the United Kingdom and published in 2010–11. Evidence from a 2002 and a 2010 literature review on health inequalities among individuals of all ages with intellectual disability was also reviewed. We conclude there is an increased prevalence of a number of health conditions and impairments among children with intellectual disability and evidence that these health inequalities are associated with several preventable environmental determinants.
Determinants of Fruits and Vegetables Consumption Among Persons With Doctor-Diagnosed Chronic Diseases
Authors: Nepal Vishnu P. , Mgbere Osaro , Banerjee Deborah , Arafat Raouf
Published: December 2011

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the factors associated with fruits and vegetables consumption pattern among persons with doctor-diagnosed chronic diseases. Method: The authors examined cross-sectional, random-digit-dialed health survey data collected in 2008 in Houston, Texas, a city with a diverse ethnic population. The survey sample, which was designed to represent all households with telephones, was drawn using standard list–assisted random-digit-dialing methodology from telephone exchanges that serve the study area. A total of 1001 households were interviewed, and data obtained were subjected to both bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Findings from this study indicate that fruits and vegetables consumption for persons with single chronic disease was significantly predicted ( R2 = 0.83) by the participants’ age, educational level, and insurance status. None of the covariates considered in the study were significant predictors of fruits and vegetables consumption pattern among persons who had multiple chronic diseases. But when the subpopulation with any number of chronic diseases was considered, only gender ( P < .05) and marital status ( P < .001) were noted as the significant predictors of fruits and vegetables ( R2 = 0.34). Conclusion: More public health efforts are needed to make individuals with chronic diseases aware of the importance of consumption of fruits and vegetables. Clinicians and health care professionals should be encouraged to emphasize the importance of consumption of fruits and vegetables in their routine practice to the patients with chronic disease(s), especially to those who are unmarried and male.
The value of tools to assess pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Gupta H. , Ghimire G. , Naeije R.
Published: December 2011

Pulmonary hypertension is a common but complex clinical problem. When suspected in an appropriate clinical setting or detected incidetally, an array of investigative tools are employed with an intent to confirm the diagnosis, define aetiology, evaluate the functional and haemodynamic impairment, define treatment options, monitor the therapy, and establish long-term prognosis. However, no single tool provides comprehensive information that encompasses the aforementioned aims. Therefore, judicious use of these tools is of paramount importance, in order to maximise outcome and cost-effectiveness, while minimising risks and redundancies. Furthermore, a number of promising tools and techniques are emerging rapidly in the arena of pulmonary hypertension. These tools augment our understanding of pathophysiology and natural history of pulmonary hypertension. There is, therefore, increasing need for validating these emerging paradigms in multicentre trials. In this review, we focus on the tools commonly used to evaluate pulmonary arterial hyertension and also define some of the new approaches to pulmonary arterial hypertension.