bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Heart Block Secondary to Section Concomitant Use of Metoprolol and Fluoxetine in a Case of Chronic Depression and Systemic Hypertension: A Case Report
Authors: Khurana Kashish , Acharya Sourya , Sadh Kamaldeep , Pantbalekundri Nikhil , Toshniwal Saket
Published: March 2024

Bradyarrhythmia can be brought on by intrinsic or extrinsic causes that disrupt the cardiac conduction system, with iatrogenic drug usage being the most common extrinsic cause. Atrioventricular (AV) block is frequently brought on by beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, anti-arrhythmics, and digoxin. The first course of treatment for heart block involves stopping the problematic medications. Psychotropic medications have the potential to cause cardiotoxic adverse effects that affect the heart. In a patient with a pre-existing cardiac disorder, psychotropic drugs can manifest with dangerous arrhythmias. It is yet unknown what intricate processes cause these effects. A variety of arrhythmias may be brought on by or made worse by many commonly used drugs. Hereby, the authors present a case report of 56-year-old hypertensive male, a known case of chronic depression with chest heaviness. The Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed Complete Heart Block (CHB) with Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB). The patient was on fluoxetine and beta-blockers for his mental illness and hypertension. Three days after withholding the drugs, the CHB resolved, and his baseline ECG remained as RBBB. The present case highlights the interaction of drugs leading to CHB in present patient. Therefore, the importance of a detailed drug history in such cases becomes imperative.
Effect of Carbon Dioxide Pneumo-peritoneum in Coagulation Profile of Patients undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Singh Chabungbam Gyan , Singh Keisham Lokendra , Chanu Arambam Nejoobala , Mandal Arup , Singh Kshetrimayum Raju , . Rongsenneken , Khan Mohd Aquilur Rahman , Shah Mohamad Shahjuddin
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) is done under general anaesthesia with the patient in a reverse Trendelenburg position and with pressurised carbon dioxide in the peritoneum. This can induce venous stasis in the lower extremities and may affect the balance in the coagulation and fibrinolysis system, thereby thrombo-embolic complications. Aim: To investigate the effects of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on the coagulation system of patients undergoing LC. Materials and Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was carried out from January 2021 to June 2021 among patients aged 18 to 60 years who attended the Surgery Department at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, India and were diagnosed with gallstone disease and subsequently underwent LC. Independent variables like age, sex, religion, pre-operative prothrombin time, platelet count, activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), and International Normalised Ratio (INR). Outcome variables comprised complications, postoperative prothrombin time, platelet count, aPTT, and INR. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) version 21.0. Paired t-tests were employed to test the association between mean values of post-operative and pre-operative PT, aPTT, INR, etc. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study enrolled 71 patients who encountered LC with carbon dioxide pneumo-peritoneum, including 18 male and 54 female patients. Maximum number of patients (28, 38.9%) fell into the 41 to 50 years age group. There was no significant difference in the mean value of prothrombin time (p=0.150) and INR (p=0.437) measured between the pre-operative and postoperative periods. Conclusion: LC is a safe procedure without clinically significant changes in the coagulation profile.
Safety and Efficacy of Nebulised Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Topical Anaesthesia in Patients Undergoing Endobronchial Ultrasound under Moderate Sedation: A Randomised Double-blinded Controlled Study
Authors: Rashid Afreen , Shah Mohammad Akbar , Mir Shafat A , Sofi Khalid , Jehangir Majid , Mehfooz Nazia
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Anaesthetic sedatives are widely used for bronchoscopy and Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) to ensure patient cooperation and minimise patient discomfort. Dexmedetomidine is an α2 adrenergic agonist used for sedation. Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of nebulised dexmedetomidine in EBUS. Materials and Methods: In this randomised doubleblinded controlled study, conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology and Pulmonary Medicine at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India from 2020 to 2022, 52 patients aged between 18 and 70 years undergoing EBUS were included. Patients were randomly assigned to the study group (S) and the control group (C). Group C received nebulised lidocaine (2%) 10 mL for 10- 15 minutes in a sitting position. Group S received nebulised lidocaine (2%) 8 mL + Dexmedetomidine 2 mL (1 mcg/kg) for 10-15 minutes in a sitting position. Haemodynamic parameters, cough severity scores, patient and operator satisfaction scores, Midazolam requirements, and any complications were recorded and compared. The data were analysed statistically using the Student’s t-test and Chi-square test, whichever was feasible. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The demographic parameters including the mean age (years) of 46.3±14.01 in Group C vs. 44.5±14.35 in Group S, mean weight (kg) of 61.6±8.27 in Group C vs. 63.5±10.06 in Group S, and male/female ratio of 12/14 in Group C vs. 9/17 in Group S were comparable. Haemodynamic parameters were better postnebulisation in Group S compared to Group C. The authors observed that the incidence of coughing was significantly higher in Group C compared to Group S (73.1% vs. 46.2%). It was found that Group C had a significantly higher requirement for midazolam doses compared to Group S (53.8% vs. 19.2%). When the patient satisfaction score assessed on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was analysed, it was found that Group S patients were highly satisfied compared to Group C patients, and the difference was highly significant (p-value <0.05). No drug or procedure-related complications were observed in the two groups. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that nebulised dexmedetomidine-lidocaine was well-tolerated during bronchoscopies under moderated sedation and was associated with stable Haemodynamics, decreased incidence of severe coughing, and a lower consumption of sedation drugs.
Assessing the Impact of GST on Profitability: Insights from Education, Hospitality, and Logistics Sectors
Authors: Ambast Ranjeet Kumar , Gupta Amit , Bhadouria Shailendra Singh
Published: March 2024

Goods and Services Tax (GST) has made a revolutionary impact on all sectors of the economy, impacting their overall financial performance. The study has focused on the role of GST on the financial performance of service sector entities namely, education, hospitality, and logistics, with special emphasis on profitability. Employing analysis of secondary data and in-depth interpretation, the study attempts to understand the role of GST deployment on company profits, examining both pre-GST and post-GST scenarios. By scrutinizing trends and patterns in profitability data and comparing performance before and after GST enactment, this study focuses on the sector-specific effects of the tax reform on profitability. The study adopts a quantitative approach to assess the role of the GST on the financial performance of service sector companies, with a specific focus on profitability. Data was checked for normality. Subsequently, Correlation & Paired t-tests were done using R-Studio. The analysis of the education, hospitality, and logistic sectors post-GST implementation reveals diverse impacts on mean profit changes. The study will help develop customized policies for each sector that promote sustainable development amidst changing tax legislation.
Physico-Chemical Parameters and Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Some Domestic Water Sources in Pankshin LGA of Plateau State Nigeria
Authors: Chukwu Anthonia C  , Zipporah Duguryil P  , Lubis Sati , Gambo Nanbol N  , Denji Kitka B
Published: March 2024

Due to human activity and other natural influences, drinking water is seldom found in 100% pure forms in nature. Drinking polluted water is a major source of sickness in underdeveloped nations. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and standard methodologies for the investigation of water and wastewater were followed in the analysis of the collected water samples, which were conducted using automated instrumental methods. The obtained results indicated that the samples used had the following ranges of concentrations: SO42- ranges from ND to 19.00 mg/L; NO3-  ranges from 4.40 to 100.32 mg/L; PO42- from 2.02-11,34 mg/L; pH 6.64 to 7.70; Cd from 0.0020 ± 0.001 to 0245 ± 0.01 mg/L; Ni, from 0.0074 ± 0.003 to 0.848 ± 0.021 mg/L; Cr, ND to 0.386 ± 0.082 mg/L; Pb ND to 0.428 ± 0.003 mg/L; total bacteria count TaBC, 4 x 102 to 3.3 x 104 CFU/mL. Most of the physicochemical parameters were above acceptable limits. The bacteriological study of the water samples also revealed that the water samples were all polluted with bacteria and coliforms. From the foregoing, these drinking water sources, therefore require treatment before consumption to minimize or avoid the incidences of water-related diseases.
Student Academic Record Systems and their Security Issues
Authors: Nawusu Yakubu Abdul-Wahab , Danaa Abukari Abdul Aziz , Mumin Diyawu , Ismail Shiraz
Published: March 2024

Student academic records are an invaluable resource for universities and colleges worldwide, yet, their safekeeping is still a major concern for many of these institutions. The security measures currently applied to protect academic record systems are deemed unsatisfactory. This paper surveys the security issues relating to students’ academic records delving into existing students’ academic records systems, cybersecurity challenges and measures to deal with the security concerns. The paper proposes a practical security model, the PIEM model, to address these security issues aimed at empowering academic institutions to build and maintain strongly protected academic record systems for capturing, storing and retrieving student academic data. The work underscores the urgent need of educational institutions to exert extra efforts to securely maintain students’ academic records and facilitate easy access and use by the various educational actors.
Assessment of Land Suitability for Coconut Cultivation in Southern Karnataka, India
Authors: Kabber Avinash , Kumar K.S. Anil , Harsha B.R.
Published: March 2024

The assessment of land suitability for a specific use is a vital part of land use planning and agricultural development. The basic feature of land suitability evaluation is the comparison of the requirement of land uses with resources offered by the land. A study was conducted to evaluate the land suitability for coconut cultivation in southern Karnataka with a prime focus on increasing the productivity of coconut by way of promoting its cultivation in areas which show high and moderate suitability, and restricting at marginally suitable areas. For this seven soil pedons were selected on the map of coconut-growing areas, delineated with the help of land resource map and report of Karnataka state, generated at 1: 2,50,000 scale by ICAR-NBSS & LUP, Bangalore and were located at Krishnarajapete, Arasikere, Beltangadi, Brahmavara, Hosadurga, Turuvekere and Gubbi representing the density of coconut-growing areas in different agro-climatic zones. Land suitability was evaluated following FAO [1] guidelines. Land suitability assessment of major coconut-growing areas of southern Karnataka indicated that Krishnarajapete and Arasikere have moderately suitable lands with moderate limitations while others have marginally suitable lands with severe limitations for coconut cultivation.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Neem Cake and Bio-Agents on Early Blight (Alternaria solani) of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)
Authors: Devagoud Thadaka , Simon Sobita
Published: March 2024

Early blight is the important disease of tomato because it causes huge economic loss to the farmer every year. Alternaria solani cause early blight of tomato and it is considered weed of field because of its wide adaptability under different environment. Use of fungicides for the management of disease in crop puts a large number of negative health and environmental effects therefore, the urgent need for a more sustainable and ecological approach to manage disease without fungicides. To avoid relying solely on chemicals and to identify a viable alternative component,this experiment was conducted to conclude the Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Neem cake and bio-agents on early blight (Alternaria solani) of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) by soil application with Neem cake @ 250kg/ha and seedling treatment with bio agents in single and combination viz Pseudomonas fluorescens @10g/lit, Bacillu thuringiensis @10g/lit, Trichoderma viride @10g/lit, Pseudomonas fluorescens@5g/lit +Bacillus thuringiensis @5g/lit, Pseudomonas fluorescens@5g/lit + Trichoderma viride @5g/lit and Trichoderma viride @ 5g/lit + Bacillus thuringiensis @5g/lit both in-vivo and in-vitro for their effectiveness to manage early blight of tomato caused by Alternaria solani .All the treatments were found significantly reduced the severity of the disease and increased growth parameters, Among all the treatments Neem cake@250kg/ha+ Pseudomonas fluorescens @5g/lit + Trichoderma viride @ 5g/lit followed by Neem cake@250kg/ha + Trichoderma viride @5g/lit + Bacillus thuringiensis @5g/lit were significantly superior over other treatments in reducing early blight infection and also in increasing growth parameters of the crop. For in-vitro studies only bio agents were selected among the treatments Pseudomonas fluorescens + Trichoderma viride showed highest mycelia inhibition (89.3%) followed by Trichoderma viride + Bacillus thuringiensis (86.6%). The highest cost benefit ratio was obtained with Neem cake 250kg/ha + Pseudomonas fluorescens @5g/lit + Trichoderma viride @5g/lit treatment (1:3.85). while other treatments also showed significantly effective for the checking of disease intensity and yield over control in the field condition.
Advancements in Enhancing Oil Quality in Rapeseed and Mustard: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sachan Dhruvendra Singh , Naimuddin Shaik Khaja , Patra Darshana , Subha L. , Senthilkumar T. , Chittibomma Karthik , Khan Nadeem , Prasad S V Bhavani
Published: March 2024

Rapeseed and mustard are important oilseed crops cultivated worldwide for their high oil content and versatile applications in food, feed, and industrial sectors. The quality of oil derived from these crops is influenced by various genetic, environmental, and agronomic factors. Breeding efforts aimed at improving oil quality traits in rapeseed and mustard have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their impact on market value, nutritional attributes, and industrial utility. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of breeding strategies and methodologies employed to enhance oil quality traits in rapeseed and mustard. We explore the genetic basis of oil quality traits, including fatty acid composition, erucic acid content, glucosinolate content, and tocopherol content, and discuss the importance of these traits for different end-uses. Furthermore, we highlight the role of molecular markers, genomics-assisted breeding, and biotechnological approaches in accelerating the breeding process and achieving targeted improvements in oil quality. The review also addresses the challenges and constraints associated with breeding for oil quality in rapeseed and mustard, including genotype-environment interactions, trait stability, and regulatory considerations. Additionally, we discuss emerging trends and future prospects in oil quality breeding, such as genome editing, metabolic engineering, and precision breeding, which offer novel avenues for achieving desired oil quality profiles while addressing sustainability and consumer preferences. Overall, this review underscores the significance of breeding for oil quality in rapeseed and mustard and provides insights into the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in this field. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches and harnessing the power of modern breeding tools and technologies, rapeseed and mustard breeders can continue to drive innovation and deliver oilseed crops with enhanced nutritional value, functional properties, and market competitiveness.
A Broken Connection: A Screenplay about Psychosocial Problem Effects on People Living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Gunawan Charlie
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the impact of environmental behavior on individuals living with HIV/AIDS and its association with Psychosocial Problems. It focuses on the negative behavior which is exhibited by the environment towards individuals with HIV/AIDS, which can lead to adverse psychosocial outcomes. Psychosocial problems encompass the interaction between an individual's psychological well-being, social environment, and daily functioning, influenced by their environment and life events. The study acknowledges that external behavior plays a significant role in shaping internal behavior, and stressful events arising from negative external behavior can affect a person's internal well-being. The research centers on people who experience Psychosocial Problems as a result of rejection from family, friends, and society due to their HIV status. This work uses Social Cognitive theory to analyze the link of the effect of Psychosocial Problems with People Living with HIV/AIDS. As a result, this work highlights the profound impact of negative environmental behavior on individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Also, emphasize the need for supportive and accepting environments to mitigate psychosocial challenges in both psychological states in PLHIV.
Milk composition varies in relation to the presence and abundance of Balantidium coli in the mother in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Hinde Katherine
Published: January 2007

Primate infants require extensive maternal investment, and lactation is the most expensive aspect of this investment. However, the relationship between maternal condition and milk composition has been largely uninvestigated in primates. To better understand this relationship, I collected mid‐lactation milk samples from 46 captive multiparous rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) at the Caribbean Primate Research Center, Sabana Seca Field Station, Puerto Rico. The maternal variables assessed were age, weight, weight for crown–rump length (CRL), and presence of parasites. Additionally the analysis included infant age, weight, and sex. Protein concentration in milk showed little interindividual variation, whereas fat had a high variance. Mothers without the lower intestinal parasite Balantidium coli had a significantly higher fat concentration in milk than mothers with B. coli, but other parasite species (Trichuris trichiura and Strongyloides fulleborni) were not associated with milk fat concentration. Females with younger infants had a higher fat concentration in their milk than mothers with older infants; however, the association between B. coli and milk fat remained significant after controlling for infant age. These results, obtained from a well fed captive population, indicate that even small differences among mothers are associated with milk composition. Am. J. Primatol. 69:625–634, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Liss, Inc.
Lateral bias to the leading limb in an olfactory social signal by male ring‐tailed lemurs
Authors: Mertl‐Millhollen Anne S.
Published: January 2007

Because ring‐tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) show handedness during feeding, I investigated whether they also show lateral preference in the limbs used by males during scent marking. During a bout of marking, a male alternates a variable number of shoulder rubs and arm marks. It is a complex social signal that has both olfactory and visual components and is frequently part of intrasexual agonistic interactions. I used all‐occurrences behavior sampling, manually recorded all totally visible bouts, and required a minimum of 50 bouts per animal. The subjects included six wild and four group‐living captive male lemurs. I considered limb usage to be lateralized for each individual lemur if the frequency of use of one side was significantly above chance as determined by binomial z‐scores at P<.05. I measured consistency of lateral preference by calculating handedness index (HI) scores for each individual. Overall, I recorded 1,583 bouts of scent marking, and 66% of the bouts began with shoulder rubbing. Eight of the 10 males showed a significant, moderately strong lateral preference for the lead limb in the first shoulder rub performed in a bout, and for six of these eight the preferred lead limb for shoulder rubbing was the left one. Six of the 10 males showed a significant but weak lateral preference in the first arm mark, and five of these preferred the opposite limb to that used for the first shoulder rub. Although the preferences were not at the population level, eight of the 10 lemurs showed a lateral bias in the lead limb used for a component of this complex social signal. Am. J. Primatol. 69:635–640, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ovarian morphometrics in TP53‐deficient mice
Authors: Alexander Brenda M. , Van Kirk Edward A. , Naughton Leann M.A. , Murdoch William J.
Published: January 2007

The objective of these investigations was to characterize ovarian responses to hormonal stimulation in TP53‐deficient mice. TP53‐deficient (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice were induced to ovulate with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin followed by human chorionic gonadotropin. Effect of estradiol on ovarian morphology was determined in induced and control mice implanted with estradiol‐containing or placebo pellets. Blood was collected and mice were killed 7 days following implantation. Preserved ovaries were serially sectioned and stained. Numbers of follicles (all classifications) decreased with ovulation induction, but did not differ between WT and KO mice. Numbers of corpora lutea (CL) were less in ovulation‐induced KO mice treated with estradiol compared to WT mice. Area of individual CL and serum concentrations of progesterone were greater in ovulation‐induced KO mice given estradiol compared to WT mice. Ovulation‐induced KO mice had more, larger hemorrhagic follicles than similarly treated WT mice, but hemorrhagic follicles were not influenced by estradiol. Proliferation of ovarian surface epithelial cells did not differ between KO and WT mice induced to ovulate and given estradiol. Ovaries from TP53 gene knockout mice (n = 4) induced to ovulate and given a 21‐day estradiol implant three times over 58 days were observed for precursor lesions. There was no indication of precursor lesions in any TP53 KO or WT mouse. TP53 status did not influence recruitment of follicles, but TP53 deficiency hindered the ability of human chorionic gonadotropin to cause ovulation. Anat Rec, 290:59–64, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential organelle movement on the actin cytoskeleton in lily pollen tubes
Authors: Lovy‐Wheeler Alenka , Cárdenas Luis , Kunkel Joseph G. , Hepler Peter K.
Published: January 2007

We have examined the arrangement and movement of three major compartments, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, and the vacuole during oscillatory, polarized growth in lily pollen tubes. These movements are dependent on the actin cytoskeleton, because they are strongly perturbed by the anti‐microfilament drug, latrunculin‐B, and unaffected by the anti‐microtubule agent, oryzalin. The ER, which has been labeled with mGFP5‐HDEL or cytochalasin D tetramethylrhodamine, displays an oscillatory motion in the pollen tube apex. First it moves apically in the cortical region, presumably along the cortical actin fringe, and then periodically folds inward creating a platform that transects the apical domain in a plate‐like structure. Finally, the ER reverses its direction and moves basipetally through the central core of the pollen tube. When subjected to cross‐correlation analysis, the formation of the platform precedes maximal growth rates by an average of 3 s (35–40°). Mitochondria, labeled with Mitotracker Green, are enriched in the subapical region, and their movement closely resembles that of the ER. The vacuole, labeled with carboxy‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate, consists of thin tubules arranged longitudinally in a reticulate network, which undergoes active motion. In contrast to the mitochondria and ER, the vacuole is located back from the apex, and never extends into the apical clear zone. We have not been able to decipher an oscillatory pattern in vacuole motion. Because this motion is dependent on actin and not tubulin, we think this is due to a different myosin from that which drives the ER and mitochondria. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post silanization improves bond strength of translucent posts to flowable composite resins
Authors: Albaladejo Alberto , Osorio Raquel , Papacchini Federica , Goracci Cecilia , Toledano Manuel , Ferrari Marco
Published: January 2007

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of post silanization on the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) of translucent fiber posts to seven flowable composite resins used as core material. Seventy fiber posts were employed. In half of the posts, silanization was performed with Monobond‐S. A cylindrical plastic matrix was placed around the post and filled with different resins: UniFil Flow Experimental, UniFil Low Flow Plus Experimental, Venus Flow, Revolution Formula 2, Point 4 Flowable, X‐Flow, and Wave mv. Five posts were bonded per group. After polymerization, two longitudinal cuts were made on two opposite sides of the post at its outermost periphery. Then, each specimen was serially sectioned, obtaining 30–35 beams with 1‐mm2 cross‐sectional area. Each beam was tested in tension in an Instron machine at 0.5 mm/min. ANOVA and Student Newman Keuls tests were performed. The different resin composite materials and the post silanization procedure had a significant effect on MTBS. The application of a silane coupling agent increased MTBS of flowable composite resins to translucent posts. X‐flow and Point 4 attained the highest MTBS regardless of the silane treatment. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Fibroblastic interactions with high‐porosity Ti‐6Al‐4V metal foam
Authors: Cheung Serene , Gauthier Maxime , Lefebvre Louis‐Philippe , Dunbar Michael , Filiaggi Mark
Published: January 2007

A novel metallic Ti‐6Al‐4V foam in development at the National Research Council of Canada was investigated for its ability to foster cell attachment and growth using a fibroblast cell culture model. The foam was manufactured via a powder metallurgical process that could produce interconnected porosity greater than 70%. Cell attachment was assessed after 6 and 24 h, while proliferation was examined after 3 and 7 days. Ingrown fibroblasts displayed a number of different morphologies; some fibroblasts were spread thinly in close apposition with the irregular surface, or more often had several anchorage points and extended in three dimensions as they spanned pore space. It was also demonstrated that fibroblasts were actively migrating through the porous scaffold over a 14‐day period. In a 60‐day extended culture, fibroblasts were bridging and filling macropores and had extensively infiltrated the foams. Overall, it was established that this foam was supportive of cell attachment and proliferation, migration through the porous network, and that it was capable of sustaining a large cell population. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Comparative study on the clinical and virological characteristics among patients with single occult hepatitis B virus (HBV), single occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) and occult HBV and HCV dual infection
Authors: Castillo Inmaculada , Rodríguez‐Iñigo Elena , López‐Alcorocho Juan Manuel , Bartolomé Javier , Pardo Margarita , Carreño Vicente
Published: January 2007

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) and occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are two recently described different forms of HBV and HCV infections. This work compares the clinical, virologic, and histologic characteristics of patients with occult dual infection to those of patients with single occult HBV or HCV infection. Seventy‐six patients with abnormal liver function tests of unknown etiology (serum HBsAg, anti‐HCV, HBV‐DNA, and HCV‐RNA negative) were included in the study. Viral genomes were tested in liver by real‐time PCR and confirmed by in situ hybridization. Of the 76 patients, 17 had occult HBV infection (intrahepatic HBV‐DNA positive, HCV‐RNA negative), 35 had occult HCV infection (intrahepatic HCV‐RNA positive, HBV‐DNA negative) and 24 occult dual infection (intrahepatic HCV‐RNA and HBV‐DNA). No differences among the three groups were found regarding clinical and epidemiologic data. The median load of intrahepatic genomic and antigenomic HCV‐RNA strands was similar between single occult HCV infection and occult HBV and HCV dual infection. The percentage of HCV‐infected hepatocytes did not differ between these groups. In occult single HBV infection, intrahepatic levels of HBV‐DNA and percentage of HBV‐infected hepatocytes were similar to the group of patients with occult dual infection. Finally, no differences were found in histological liver damage among the three groups. In conclusion, liver disease in patients with occult dual infection was not more severe than in patients with single occult HBV or occult HCV infection. Moreover, in occult dual infection there is no a reciprocal inhibition of the viral genomes. J. Med. Virol. 79:236–241, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between mutations in HIV‐1 RNase H domain and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors resistance mutations in naïve and pre‐treated HIV infected patients
Authors: Roquebert Bénédicte , Wirden Marc , Simon Anne , Deval Jérome , Katlama Christine , Calvez Vincent , Marcelin Anne‐Geneviève
Published: January 2007

Recent studies have highlighted the need of investigating the in vivo role of ribonuclease H (RNase H) in nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) resistance. The prevalence of RNase H mutations in naive and in NRTI pre‐treated patients in regimen failure were compared and some specific associations between NRTI resistance mutations and RNase H mutations were determined. Four positions were mutated more frequently in pre‐treated patients than in naive patients: L469T/I/M/H, T470P/S/E/K, A554T/L/K, and K558R/G/E. Mutations at position K558 were also associated with the number of thymidine analog mutations (TAMs). These results suggest that these mutations could play a role in NRTI resistance. J. Med. Virol. 79:207–211, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein isolated from patients with hepatitis C infection induce altered cellular lipid metabolism
Authors: Napolitano Mariarosaria , Giuliani Alessandro , Alonzi Tonino , Mancone Carmine , D'Offizi Gianpiero , Tripodi Marco , Bravo Elena
Published: January 2007

Several abnormalities of lipid metabolism, including hypo‐β‐lipoproteinemia and liver steatosis are associated with infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV). The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating lipoproteins of patients with HCV infection could directly cause alterations of lipid cellular metabolism. To this end the metabolic response of human monocyte‐derived macrophages (HMDM) to very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), measuring the cholesteryl ester (CE) and triglyceride (TG) production was analyzed. Lipoproteins were isolated from 18 patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV‐VLDL and HCV‐LDL) and from normal healthy donors (ct‐VLDL and ct‐LDL). In comparison to ct‐lipoproteins, HCV‐lipoproteins induced significant differences in HMDM CE and TG production. HCV‐VLDL decreased CE and TG production; while HCV‐LDL induced an increased TG synthesis. The present findings suggest that HCV infection modifies VLDL and LDL molecular composition, affecting cellular lipid metabolism, thus promoting intracellular lipid accumulation and hypo‐β‐lipoproteinemia. J. Med. Virol. 79:254–258, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A framework for testing meso‐mediational relationships in Organizational Behavior
Authors: Mathieu John E. , Taylor Scott R.
Published: January 2007

We advance a framework for testing mediational relationships that traverse levels of analysis. We differentiate mediation that functions within levels, as well as different forms of meso‐mediation that operate downward across levels of analysis. We discuss the preconditions and evidential basis for these meso‐mediational type relationships. We then provide an empirical example that illustrates the different types of mediation and conclude with recommendations and extensions for studying more complex meso‐mediational organizational phenomena. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amphiphilic Multi‐Arm Star‐Block Copolymers for Encapsulation of Fragrance Molecules
Authors: Ternat Céline , Kreutzer Georg , Plummer Christopher J. G. , Nguyen Tuan Q. , Herrmann Andreas , Ouali Lahoussine , Sommer Horst , Fieber Wolfgang , Velazco Maria Inés , Klok Harm‐Anton , Månson Jan‐Anders E.
Published: January 2007

Novel amphiphilic multi‐arm star‐block copolymers with a hyperbranched core, a hydrophobic inner shell, and a hydrophilic outer shell have been prepared from a commercial hyperbranched polyester macroinitiator by ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone, followed by atom transfer radical polymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate (tBuA). Hydrolysis of the tert‐butyl groups was then used to convert the poly(tBuA) blocks to poly(acrylic acid), resulting in stable amphiphilic core‐shell structures with significantly higher degrees of functionality than reported so far in the literature. A strong correlation between the maximum concentration of selected hydrophobic guest molecules and the concentration of amphiphilic star‐block copolymer in aqueous solution was observed by 1H NMR, demonstrating the capacity of these copolymers to encapsulate and disperse significant loadings (up to about 27 wt.‐%) of volatile hydrophobic molecules such as fragrances in water.

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Ring‐Opening Homo‐ and Copolymerization of Cis/Trans‐3‐oxa‐4‐oxobicyclo‐ and Cis/Trans‐4‐oxa‐3‐oxobicyclo[5.4.0]undecane
Authors: Kerep Patrick , Ritter Helmut
Published: January 2007

Ring‐opening polymerization of the bicyclic lactone mixture 2, cis/trans‐3‐oxa‐4‐oxo‐ and cis/trans‐4‐oxa‐3‐oxobicyclo[5.4.0]undecane with Sn(Oct)2 as a catalyst was investigated for the first time (Scheme 1). The lactones were obtained by Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of cis/trans‐2‐decalone 1 (Scheme 2). Additionally, copolymerization of 2 with ε‐caprolactone in different ratios was performed. GPC measurements and 1H NMR spectroscopy proved that 2 was quantitatively incorporated into the polymer, leading to polycaprolactone with cyclohexane moieties in its backbone. $\overline M _{\rm n}$ values were up to 25 000 with $\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ ≤ 2.4. DSC measurements revealed a linear dependence of the melting points and the glass transition temperatures of the polymers on the feed of the bicyclic lactone 2. Additionally, the time dependence of the cis/trans ratio of the residual monomers was followed during the course of polymerization reaction by gas chromatography. The crystallinity of the resulting copolymers was investigated via polarization microscopy. Finally, it was shown that the mixture of 2 with ε‐caprolactone could be selectively polymerized with lipase. Only ε‐caprolactone was converted, while 2 remained unreacted in the residue.

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On optimality of one‐bug‐look‐ahead policies for a software testing model
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyue , Du Donglei , Ray Thomas G.
Published: January 2007

The optimality of the One‐Bug‐Look‐Ahead (OLA) software release policy proposed by Morali and Soyer (Nav Res Logist 50 (2003), 88–104) is re‐examined in this paper. A counterexample is constructed to show that OLA is not optimal in general. The optimal stopping approach is then called upon to prove that OLA possesses weaker sense of optimality under conditional monotonicity and the strong sense of optimality holds under a more restrictive sample‐wise monotonicity condition. The NTDS data are analyzed for illustration, and OLA is shown to be robust with respect to model parameters. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007.
Modeling of a Pneumatic Hybrid Actuator using an Exponential Approach for Approximation of the Valve‐Actuator Behaviour
Authors: Dhanu Singh M. , Liem K. , Neumann R. , Kecskeméthy A.
Published: January 2007

The present paper describes a mathematical model for the control of a hybrid actuator consisting of a fluidic muscle and a linear pressure spring which is inflated by a proportional directional control valve in 3/3‐way function. The device is applied for physical simulation of arbitrary force/displacement relationships.

The mathematical model of the system fluidic muscle/valve consists of the approximation of the pressure time‐history by an exponential function. The coefficients of the exponential function are identified from corresponding measurement and Least Squares minimization. The advantages of this approximation are that the differential equation for the pressure becomes simple and the computations more efficient. This makes the approach suitable for model‐based control. The paper shows that with the proposed model sufficient accuracy can be achieved such as to have a good mathematical model for feedback linearization. For later use the device can be employed in fields of biomechanics as well as in general environments such as motion simulations. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Molecular transport of aromatic hydrocarbons through lignin‐filled natural rubber composites
Authors: Mathew Thomas V. , Kuriakose Sunny
Published: January 2007

The diffusion and transport of organic solvents through lignin‐filled natural rubber composites have been studied in the temperature range 25–45°C. The diffusion of aromatic solvents through these samples were studied with special reference to the effect of filler concentration, penetrant size, and temperature. Transport coefficients such as diffusion, permeation, and sorption coefficients were estimated. The van't Hoff relationship was used to determine the thermodynamic parameters. The first order kinetic rate constant has been evaluated. A correlation between theoretical and experimental sorption results was evaluated. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:15–22, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Spirometric pulmonary function in 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children
Authors: Pesant Caroline , Santschi Miriam , Praud Jean‐Paul , Geoffroy Mario , Niyonsenga Théophile , Vlachos‐Mayer Helen
Published: January 2007

Forced expiratory maneuvers are routinely used in children, 6 years of age and older for the diagnosis and follow‐up of respiratory diseases. Our objective was to establish normative data for an extensive number of parameters measured during forced spirometry in healthy 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children. Children aged between 3 and 5 years were tested in 11 daycare centers. Usual parameters, including FEV1, FVC, PEF, FEF25–75, FEF25, FEF50, FEF75, and Aex were measured and analyzed in relation to sex, age, height, and weight. In addition, the same analysis was performed for FEV0.5 and FEV0.75. One hundred sixty‐four children were recruited for testing including 87 girls and 77 boys. Thirty‐five were 3 years old, 63 were 4 years old, and 66 were 5 years old. Overall, 143 children (87%) accepted to perform the test and 128 children (78%) were able to perform at least two technically acceptable expiratory maneuvers. Analyses using different regression models showed that height was the best predictor for every parameter. In conclusion, the present study confirms that most healthy 3–5 years old children can perform valid forced expiratory maneuvers. In agreement with other studies, we found that height is the most important single predictor of various parameters measured on forced spirometry. The present study is the first to establish normative values for FEV0.75, as well as to demonstrate that Aex can be easily performed in the majority of children aged 3–5 years. These are likely important parameters of lung function in this age range. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:263–271. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of essential oil from Hedychium coronarium
Authors: Joy Beena , Rajan Akhila , Abraham Emilia
Published: January 2007

The essential oil from fresh and dried rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium on GC‐MS analysis resulted in the identification of 44 and 38 constituents representing 93.91% and 95.41%, respectively. The major components of the essential oil from fresh and dried Hedychium coronarium rhizome were 1,8‐cineole (41.42%, 37.44%), β‐pinene (10.39%, 17.4%) and α‐terpineol (8.8%, 6.7%). The aromatic oil has antifungal as well as antibacterial effects. The antimicrobial activities of the essential oil were individually evaluated against four microorganisms, including two bacteria and two fungi. It was found that the antimicrobial activity was higher in the fresh sample than the dried. Both samples showed a better activity against Trichoderma sp. and Candida albicans than against the bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving robot navigation through self‐supervised online learning
Authors: Sofman Boris , Lin Ellie , Bagnell J. Andrew , Cole John , Vandapel Nicolas , Stentz Anthony
Published: January 2007

In mobile robotics, there are often features that, while potentially powerful for improving navigation, prove difficult to profit from as they generalize poorly to novel situations. Overhead imagery data, for instance, have the potential to greatly enhance autonomous robot navigation in complex outdoor environments. In practice, reliable and effective automated interpretation of imagery from diverse terrain, environmental conditions, and sensor varieties proves challenging. Similarly, fixed techniques that successfully interpret on‐board sensor data across many environments begin to fail past short ranges as the density and accuracy necessary for such computation quickly degrade and features that are able to be computed from distant data are very domain specific. We introduce an online, probabilistic model to effectively learn to use these scope‐limited features by leveraging other features that, while perhaps otherwise more limited, generalize reliably. We apply our approach to provide an efficient, self‐supervised learning method that accurately predicts traversal costs over large areas from overhead data. We present results from field testing on‐board a robot operating over large distances in various off‐road environments. Additionally, we show how our algorithm can be used offline with overhead data to produce a priori traversal cost maps and detect misalignments between overhead data and estimated vehicle positions. This approach can significantly improve the versatility of many unmanned ground vehicles by allowing them to traverse highly varied terrains with increased performance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Field penetration into amorphous‐carbon films: consequences for field‐induced electron emission
Authors: Forbes Richard G. , Xanthakis J. P.
Published: January 2007

The phenomenon of low‐macroscopic‐field (LMF) electron emission is sometimes exhibited by thin films of non‐metallic materials. Both wide‐band‐gap semiconductors and hopping conductors such as amorphous carbon exhibit this phenomenon, and its origin has been under discussion for some years. This paper first uses a simple theory to discuss field penetration into hopping conductors with a high density of localised states near the charge‐neutrality level. This theory is physically similar to widely used existing theories, in that it assumes continuous charge distributions and uses the one‐dimensional Poisson's equation. The theory suggests that little field penetration occurs, and that models of LMF emission based on uniform barrier lowering are not viable. Unexpected self‐consistency difficulties are also created for some types of local‐field‐enhancement model. A re‐assessment of the validity of this simple field‐penetration theory suggests the following. Contrary to a basic assumption of this type of theory, the granularity of the screening charge distribution is a dominant feature of the physics associated with LMF emission from nanoscale‐sized emission sites on thin films of hopping conductors. The authors think that the screening is carried out by discrete charges in localised states, although details are not clear. This conclusion is potentially very far‐reaching. In particular, new forms of field‐penetration theory may be required before definitive decisions can be made about the self‐consistency of some models of local field enhancement. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automobile exhaust catalysis at the atomic scale: atom‐probe investigations on platinum alloys
Authors: Bagot P. A. J. , Cerezo A. , Smith G. D. W. , de Bocarmé T. Visart , Godfrey T. J.
Published: January 2007

A dedicated three‐dimensional atom‐probe has been fitted with anin situhigh pressure/temperature reaction cell. This was used for studying the interaction of gases with Pt‐alloy surfaces typical of those employed in automotive exhaust catalysis. The reactions of nitric oxide (NO) and oxygen (O2) on Pt and Pt–17.4 at.% Rh FIM specimens were explored, revealing a range of surface restructuring and segregation effects, which depend sensitively on catalyst composition, orientation, temperature and gas chemistry. Specifically, we observed that exposure of Pt–Rh to either NO or O2at 422–473 K and 10 mbar induced Rh surface segregation uniformly over the surface. However, on raising the temperature to 573 K or higher, the Pt–Rh{111} surface remained Rh‐enriched but the Pt–Rh{001} surface became severely Rh‐depleted. We attribute this observation to the possible diffusion of Rh species across the specimen apex, indicating that segregation occurs in directions both normal and parallel to the surface in Pt–Rh catalysts. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aspects of the observation of clusters in the 3‐dimensional atom probe
Authors: Cerezo A. , Davin L.
Published: January 2007

The maximum separation method is a useful technique for the identification of solute clusters within 3‐dimensional atom probe (3DAP) data. However, the method requires the selection of appropriate parameters that will correctly identify solute clusters without incorrectly identifying random variation in solute atom separations as being due to cluster formation. A simple analytical approach has been used to estimate the apparent number of clusters that would be expected using the maximum separation method in a random solute distribution of a given overall composition. Results of the analytical model have been found to give a good match with tests where the maximum separation method has been applied to randomised experimental 3DAP data. The model allows calculation of suitable parameters for accurate identification of clusters under a range of different conditions. A Poisson probability distribution has been used to formalise the errors involved in the measurement of the number densities of clusters or precipitates within 3DAP data. This approach also allows an upper limit for the precipitate density to be defined in cases where no precipitates are observed within a volume of analysis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.