bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Environmental Tobacco Smoke From Smoker Parents on Gingival Pigmentation in Children and Young Adults: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Sridharan Srirangarajan , Ganiger Kavita , Satyanarayana Aparna , Rahul Aparna , Shetty Shreya
Published: December 2010

Background: Non‐smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) absorb nicotine and other compounds just as smokers do, and as the exposure to ETS increases, the level of these harmful compounds in the body also increases. The ill effects of ETS range from gingival pigmentation to lung cancer and death. The exposure to ETS is difficult to quantitatively measure and has been approximated by self‐reported estimates, primarily of the smoking history of spouses. However, the documentation of gingival pigmentation in non‐smokers is meager and has remained contentious. We aimed to assess the effects of ETS from smoker parents on gingival pigmentation in children and young adults and assess the urine cotinine levels in these individuals.

Methods: A total of 153 non‐smoking participants with ≥1 smoker parent were randomly selected from the outpatient Department of Periodontics, Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences and Postgraduate Research Center, Bangalore, India. These participants were divided into three groups based on age, and the smoking history of parents was established by an interview with participants and parents. The degree of gingival pigmentation of participants was assessed by using the gingival pigmentation index and a standardized digital oral photograph. A urine analysis was conducted to assess levels of cotinine. The κ statistic was performed for interexaminer agreement, and χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analyses.

Results: The prevalence of gingival pigmentation in passive smokers was statistically significant (P <0.05). Increased levels of urinary cotinine were observed in all three groups with the highest levels in group 3 (19 to 24 years old).

Conclusion: This study depicts the effects of ETS on gingival melanin pigmentation.
Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis: A Three‐Generation Case and Pathogenic Mechanism Research on Progress of the Disease
Authors: Shi Jiejun , Lin Weiwei , Li Xiaojun , Zhang Feng , Hong Xutao
Published: December 2010

Background: Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare benign disorder characterized by progressive overgrowth of gingiva. Although the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of HGF are explicit, the pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. The goal of this article is to describe a three‐generation HGF case and discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and inheritance of the disease. The known cellular and molecular features of HGF are also emphasized.

Methods: Family and medical histories of the patients were recorded, and a series of preliminary examinations, including clinical, histologic, radiographic, and gene examination, were performed to make a diagnosis and learn about the genetic characteristics. An all‐quadrant flap surgery was performed to remove excess gingiva, and orthodontic treatment was undertaken to help tooth eruption. Recent advances were reviewed for further knowledge of genetic, cellular, and molecular features of HGF.

Results: The patient's manifestations and examinations showed a typical HGF characteristic. There was no recurrence after surgery, and the premolars and molars erupted to bite plane. Genetic studies have found several gene mutations involved in HGF. Only the son‐of‐sevenless‐1 gene is identified. Multiple molecular factors, such as transforming growth factor‐β and matrix metalloproteinases, participate in HGF, regulating the extracellular matrix.

Conclusions: Surgical intervention is the usual treatment of HGF, but patients still have to deal with the risk of recurrence. Once the correlations between gene mutations, molecular changes, histology, and clinical situation are clear, they can be applied to clinical application, providing novel methods for disease prognosis and diagnosis and targets for disease prevention and treatment.
Impacts of climate change on headstream runoff in the Tarim River Basin
Authors: Xu Hailiang , Zhou Bin , Song Yudong
Published: December 2010

The impacts of climate change on annual runoff were analyzed using hydrologic and meteorological data collected by 8 meteorological stations and 15 hydrological stations in the headstream of the Tarim River Watershed from 1957 to 2005. The long-term trend of climate change and hydrological variations were determined by parametric and non-parametric tests. The results show that the increasing scale of precipitation is less than the scale of rising temperature. The change and response of hydrological process have their own spatial characteristics in the tributaries of a headstream. Precipitation and temperature do not increase simultaneously in the hydro- and meteo-stations located in the headstream. The temperature and runoff displayed certain relations, and a relationship also existed between precipitation and runoff. The annual runoff of the Aksu and Kaidu rivers was consistent with an increasing trend in temperature and precipitation during the past 50 years; temperature increases have a greater effect on annual runoff. These results suggest that with the increase of temperature in the Tarim River Watershed, the glacier in the headstreams would melt gradually which results in runoff increase in several headstreams. However, glacier meltwater would be exhausted due to continual glacier shrinkage, and the increased trend of runoff in the headstreams would also slow or lessen. Thus, regional water resources shortage problems are still serious and have become a major feature in the Tarim River Watershed.
A New Protection Scheme for Distribution Network with Distributed Generations Using Radial Basis Function Neural Network
Authors: Zayandehroodi Hadi , Mohamed Azah , Shareef Hussain , Mohammadjafari Marjan
Published: December 2010

Distributed generations (DGs) have been increasingly connected on the distribution networks that will have the unfavorable impact on the traditional protection methods because the distribution system is no longer radial in nature and is not supplied by a single main power source. This paper presents a new automated protection method using radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) for a distribution system with DG units. In the proposed method, the fault type is determined first by normalizing the fault currents of the main source. For implementing fault location considering various types of faults, two staged RBFNNs have been developed. The first RBFNN is used for determining the fault distance from each power source and the second RBFNN is used for identifying the faulty line. To isolate the fault, another RBFNN has been developed for determining which circuit breakers (CBs) that must be open or close. Several case studies have been made to verify the accuracy of the method to specify the fault location and protection of the system in distribution networks with DGs. The predicted results showed that the proposed RBFNN based protection method can accurately determine the location of faults and isolate the faulted line in the test power system.
The link between government spending, consumer confidence and consumption expenditures in emerging market countries
Authors: Özerkek Yasemin , Çelik Sadullah
Published: December 2010

The impact of government spending on private consumption is extensively
studied in the literature. However, the main theme of these studies is the
possible crowding-in or crowding-out impact of government spending on
consumer spending. This paper attempts to introduce a new variable to this
well-known literature by investigating the existence of a relationship
between government expenditure, consumer spending and consumer confidence for
a group of emerging market countries. We examine whether a change in consumer
confidence causes any change in government spending. Moreover, we analyze
whether there is a feedback from government spending and private consumption
to consumer confidence. Our empirical findings demonstrate the important role
of consumer confidence on government spending and private consumption
expenditures.
Financial services liberalization in transition countries and the role of the WTO
Authors: Prica Ivana , Petrovic-Vujacic Jelica
Published: December 2010

While a bulk of economic theoretical and empirical research deals with
various aspects of financial liberalization, there is far less research
devoted to the measurement of financial liberalization. In this paper we
calculate an index of financial liberalization in 18 transition countries in
the Central, Eastern and South-East Europe (CESE) and the Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS). This index was previously developed in works of
Aaditya Mattoo (1999) to measure financial liberalization that the WTO member
countries have committed to. We make a slight modification to scaling to take
into account the specific aspects of CESE and CIS countries and also apply
the index to a non- WTO member (Serbia) using its currently applied regime.
In this paper we will examine the influence of the General Agreement on Trade
in Services (GATS) framework on liberalization commitments in financial
services sector in the target countries.
Point and Click: Theoretical and Phenomenological Reflections on the Digitization of Early Childhood Education
Authors: Mangen Anne
Published: December 2010

This article presents some theoretical-methodological reflections on the current state of the art of research on information and communication technology (ICT) in early childhood education. The implementation of ICT in preschool has triggered considerable research activity on the educational potential of digital technologies. Numerous projects and studies are being carried out in several disciplines; however, there is little or no interdisciplinary exchange. In this article, the author presents and justifies a theoretical-methodological alternative — namely, piecemeal theorizing. Piecemeal theorizing consists in posing precisely formulated questions at different levels of generality, the pursuit of which will necessarily lead the researcher(s) in several disciplinary directions. The author suggests a mode of research conducted by multidisciplinary and piecemeal theorizing of precisely defined and demarcated questions at different levels of granularity, hence accumulating partial answers resulting in theory development and scientific progress — however incremental — in the field. By drawing on theories and perspectives from fields such as cognitive neuroscience, media psychology and phenomenology, we might be in a position to better address some fundamental and largely unaddressed questions pertaining to the potential impact of digital technology on children's learning. Specifically, the article focuses on one such question — namely, the particular intangibility of the digital — and reflects on the potential implications of this intangibility for learning and literacy development. The aim is thence to provide an alternative conceptual, theoretical and epistemological framework for studying the experiential impact of digital technology on preschoolers' literacy development.
On sums related to the numerator of generating functions for the kth power of Fibonacci numbers on sums related to the numerator of generating functions for the kth power of Fibonacci numbers
Authors: Pražák Pavel , Trojovský Pavel
Published: December 2010

New results about some sums s
n(k, l) of products of the Lucas numbers, which are of similar type as the sums in [SEIBERT, J.—TROJOVSK Ý, P.: On multiple sums of products of Lucas numbers, J. Integer Seq. 10 (2007), Article 07.4.5], and sums σ(k) = $$
\sum\limits_{l = 0}^{\tfrac{{k - 1}}
{2}} {(_l^k )F_k - 2l^S n(k,l)}
$$ are derived. These sums are related to the numerator of generating function for the kth powers of the Fibonacci numbers. s
n(k, l) and σ(k) are expressed as the sum of the binomial and the Fibonomial coefficients. Proofs of these formulas are based on a special inverse formulas.
Realization and GCD-existence theorem for generalized polynomials
Authors: Skula Ladislav
Published: December 2010

It is shown, that in the ring F
ℚ[I] of generalized polynomials with several indeterminates from the set I over the field F and with rational exponents, each two elements have a greatest common divisor. On the other hand, this ring is Bezout only if I = O/ or I is a singleton.

The arithmetic of the ring F
ℚ[I] is transferred to the ring (V, F)[z] of generalized polynomials with one indeterminate z over F with exponents from the vector space V over ℚ. It is proved that the rings F
ℚ[I] and (V, F)[z] are isomorphic provided dimV = cardI. It follows, for example, that the rings (ℝ, F)[z] and (ℂ, F)[z] of generalized polynomials with one indeterminate with real and complex exponents are isomorphic.
Korovkin type approximation theorem for BBH type operators via J-convergence
Authors: Aktuğlu Hüseyin , Özarslan Mehmet
Published: December 2010

This paper provides a Korovkin type approximation theorem for a class of positive linear operators including Bleimann-Butzer and Hahn operators via J-convergence.
Alkaloids from Stems of Esenbeckia leiocarpa Engl. (Rutaceae) as Potential Treatment for Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Cardoso-Lopes Elaine Monteiro , Maier James Andreas , Silva Marcelo Rogério da , Regasini Luis Octávio , Simote Simone Yasue , Lopes Norberto Peporine , Pirani José Rubens , Bolzani Vanderlan da Silva , Young Maria Cláudia Marx
Published: December 2010

Esenbeckia leiocarpa Engl. (Rutaceae), popularly known as guarantã, goiabeira, is a native tree from Brazil. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the ethanol stems extract afforded the isolation of six alkaloids: leiokinine A, leptomerine, kokusaginine, skimmianine, maculine and flindersiamine. All isolated compounds were tested for acetyl cholinesterase inhibition, in vitro and displayed anticholinesterasic activity. The alkaloid leptomerine showed the highest activity (IC50 = 2.5 mM), similar to that of the reference compound galanthamine (IC50 = 1.7 mM). The results showed for the first time the presence of alkaloids leptomerine and skimmianine in E. leiocarpa (Engl.) with potent anticholinesterasic activity.
An Efficient Management System for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ma Yi-Wei , Chen Jiann-Liang , Huang Yueh-Min , Lee Mei-Yu
Published: December 2010

Wireless sensor networks have garnered considerable attention recently. Networks typically have many sensor nodes, and are used in commercial, medical, scientific, and military applications for sensing and monitoring the physical world. Many researchers have attempted to improve wireless sensor network management efficiency. A Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)-based sensor network management system was developed that is a convenient and effective way for managers to monitor and control sensor network operations. This paper proposes a novel WSNManagement system that can show the connections stated of relationships among sensor nodes and can be used for monitoring, collecting, and analyzing information obtained by wireless sensor networks. The proposed network management system uses collected information for system configuration. The function of performance analysis facilitates convenient management of sensors. Experimental results show that the proposed method enhances the alive rate of an overall sensor node system, reduces the packet lost rate by roughly 5%, and reduces delay time by roughly 0.2 seconds. Performance analysis demonstrates that the proposed system is effective for wireless sensor network management.
Myocardial Motion Analysis for Determination of Tei-Index of Human Heart
Authors: Chen Shengyong , Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Houxiang , Guan Qiu , Du Yahui , Yao Chunyan , Zhang Jianwei
Published: December 2010

The Tei index, an important indicator of heart function, lacks a direct method to compute because it is difficult to directly evaluate the isovolumic contraction time (ICT) and isovolumic relaxation time (IRT) from which the Tei index can be obtained. In this paper, based on the proposed method of accurately measuring the cardiac cycle physical phase, a direct method of calculating the Tei index is presented. The experiments based on real heart medical images show the effectiveness of this method. Moreover, a new method of calculating left ventricular wall motion amplitude is proposed and the experiments show its satisfactory performance.
Choronyms and Oeconyms in the Village of Čadrg. An Element of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Ivančič Kutin Barbara
Published: December 2010

V prispevku so popisana ledinska imena v vasi Čadrg na Tolminskem, ki so na podlagi orto foto načrta postavljena v kontekst fizičnega prostora. Ta način (metoda) nazorno kaže, kako veliko je (bilo) bogastvo tovrstnega izročila na relativno majhnem območju, ki pa se zaradi spremenjenega načina življenja hitro pozablja. V prispevku so bila popisana tudi hišna imena, saj je velik delež ledinskih imen povezan prav z njimi. Nekatera od nabranih imen, hišnih in ledinskih, so bila orisana z utrinki iz pripovednega izročila.
***
This article inventories the choronyms in the village of Čadrg in the Tolmin region. These are presented in the context of their physical location based on an orthophoto image. This method clearly shows the richness of this heritage – which is rapidly being forgotten because of changing lifestyle – in a relatively small area. The article also catalogues oeconyms (house names) because many of the choronyms are connected with these. Some of the collected choronyms and oeconyms are described with anecdotes from narrative tradition.
Internet – The Virtual Matchmaker
Authors: Djordjević Jadranka
Published: December 2010

One of internet aims is to connect people worldwide, regardless of their geographical position. Communication possibilities of the internet are endless and can be examined from various aspects. This paper deals with the role of internet communication (chat and email) in interpersonal relationships. We analyze different web sites in order to learn more about this type of communication and its role in love affairs/relationships.
***
Število obiskovalcev interneta, konkretno klepetalnic, iz dneva v dan narašča. Mnogi se zatekajo vanje z željo, da bi spoznali fanta ali dekle, vendar pa je število zakonskih zvez, v katerih sta se partnerja spoznala prek interneta, v primerjavi s številom obiskovalcev zelo majhno. Raziskovanja internetne komunikacije sem se lotila, da bi ugotovila, zakaj prihaja do takšnega nesorazmerja. V prispevku govorim o internetu, konkretno o klepetalnicah in elektronski pošti kot online posrednikoma pri spoznavanju partnerjev za ljubezensko zvezo, in pokažem, kakšna je perspektiva 'virtualnih' poznanstev in ljubezni.
Cutting Edge: NKp80 Uses an Atypical Hemi-ITAM To Trigger NK Cytotoxicity
Authors: Dennehy Kevin M. , Klimosch Sascha N. , Steinle Alexander
Published: December 2010

The human NK cell receptor NKp80 stimulates cytotoxicity upon engagement of its genetically linked ligand AICL. However, the mechanisms underlying NKp80-mediated signaling are unknown. In this study, we dissected NKp80 signaling using the NK cell line NK92MI. We demonstrated that NKp80, but not NKp80 mutated at tyrosine 7 (NKp80/Y7F), is tyrosine phosphorylated. Accordingly, NKp80/Y7F, but not NKp80/Y30F or NKp80/Y37F, failed to induce cytotoxicity. NKp80 phosphopeptides comprising the hemi-ITAM–like sequence surrounding tyrosine 7 bound Lck- and Syk-family kinases; accordingly, cross-linking of NKp80, but not NKp80/Y7F, induced Syk phosphorylation. Moreover, inhibition of Syk kinase, but not ZAP-70 kinase, impaired cytotoxic responses through NKp80. Atypical residues in the hemi-ITAM–like motif of NKp80 cause an altered stoichiometry of phosphorylation but did not substantially affect NK cytotoxicity. Altogether, these results show that NKp80 uses an atypical hemi-ITAM and Syk kinase to trigger cellular cytotoxicity.
Adenosine Potentiates Human Lung Mast Cell Tissue Plasminogen Activator Activity
Authors: Sereda Michal J. , Bradding Peter , Vial Catherine
Published: December 2010

We investigated whether adenosine, a potent contributor to the regulation of pulmonary function, can modulate human lung mast cell (HLMC) fibrinolytic activity. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activity and tPA transcript expression levels from a human mast cell line (HMC-1) and HLMC were monitored following adenosine application. Adenosine potentiated mast cell tPA activity and tPA gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. Adenosine effects were abolished in the presence of adenosine deaminase. HMC-1 cells and HLMC predominantly expressed adenosine A2A and A2B receptor transcripts (A2B ≈ A2A > A3 >> A1). Pharmacological and signaling studies suggest that the A2A receptor is the major subtype accounting for adenosine-induced mast cell tPA activity. Finally, the supernatant from HMC-1 cells and HLMC treated with adenosine (for 24 h) significantly increased fibrin clot lysis, whereas ZM241385, an A2A receptor antagonist, abolished this effect. To our knowledge, this study provides the first data to demonstrate the potentiating effect of adenosine on mast cell tPA activity and fibrin clot lysis.
Kinesin 5B Is Necessary for Delivery of Membrane and Receptors during FcγR-Mediated Phagocytosis
Authors: Silver Kristen E. , Harrison Rene E.
Published: December 2010

FcγR-mediated phagocytosis is a cellular event that is evolutionary conserved to digest IgG-opsonized pathogens. Pseudopod formation during phagocytosis is a limiting step in managing the uptake of particles, and in this paper, we show that the conventional kinesin is involved in both receptor and membrane delivery to the phagocytic cup. Expression of a mutant kinesin isoform (GFP dominant negative mutant of kinesin H chain [EGFP-Kif5B-DN]) in RAW264.7 cells significantly reduced binding of IgG–sheep RBCs when macrophages were faced with multiple encounters with opsonized particles. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of EGFP-Kif5B-DN–expressing cells challenged with two rounds of IgG–sheep RBCs showed sparse, extremely thin pseudopods. We saw disrupted Rab11 trafficking to the phagocytic cup in EGFP-Kif5B-DN–transfected cells. Our particle overload assays also implicated phagosome membrane recycling in pseudopod formation. We observed reduced phagosome fission and trafficking in mutant kinesin-expressing cells, as well as reduced cell surface expression of FcγRs and Mac-1 receptors. In conclusion, anterograde trafficking via kinesin is essential for both receptor recycling from the phagosome and delivery of Rab11-containing membrane stores to effect broad and functional pseudopods during FcγR-mediated phagocytosis.
Distinct Roles for the A2B Adenosine Receptor in Acute and Chronic Stages of Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Zhou Yang , Schneider Daniel J. , Morschl Eva , Song Ling , Pedroza Mesias , Karmouty-Quintana Harry , Le Thuy , Sun Chun-Xiao , Blackburn Michael R.
Published: December 2010

Adenosine is an extracellular signaling molecule that is generated in response to cell injury where it orchestrates tissue protection and repair. Whereas adenosine is best known for promoting anti-inflammatory activities during acute injury responses, prolonged elevations can enhance destructive tissue remodeling processes associated with chronic disease states. The generation of adenosine and the subsequent activation of the adenosine 2B receptor (A2BR) is an important processes in the regulation of both acute and chronic lung disease. The goal of this study was to examine the contribution of the A2BR in models of bleomycin-induced lung injury that exhibit varying degrees of acute and chronic injury. Intratracheal bleomycin exposure results in substantial acute lung injury followed by progressive fibrosis. In this model, genetic removal of the A2BR resulted in enhanced loss of barrier function and increased pulmonary inflammation, with few differences in indexes of pulmonary fibrosis. These results support an anti-inflammatory role for this receptor in this model of acute lung injury. In contrast, systemic exposure of mice to bleomycin resulted in modest acute lung injury together with progressive pulmonary fibrosis. In this model, the effects of A2BR removal on acute lung injury were negligible; however, there were substantial reductions in pulmonary fibrosis, supporting a profibrotic role for this receptor. A2BR-dependent regulation of IL-6 production was identified as a potential mechanism involved in the diminished pulmonary fibrosis seen in A2BR knockout mice exposed to i.p. bleomycin. These studies highlight the distinct roles of A2BR signaling during acute and chronic stages of lung injury.
Blocking of α4β7 Gut-Homing Integrin during Acute Infection Leads to Decreased Plasma and Gastrointestinal Tissue Viral Loads in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Ansari Aftab A. , Reimann Keith A. , Mayne Ann E. , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Stephenson Susan T. , Wang Rijian , Wang Xinyue , Li Jichu , Price Andrew A. , Little Dawn M. , Zaidi Mohammad , Lyles Robert , Villinger Francois
Published: December 2010

Intravenous administration of a novel recombinant rhesus mAb against the α4β7 gut-homing integrin (mAb) into rhesus macaques just prior to and during acute SIV infection resulted in significant decrease in plasma and gastrointestinal (GI) tissue viral load and a marked reduction in GI tissue proviral DNA load as compared with control SIV-infected rhesus macaques. This mAb administration was associated with increases in peripheral blood naive and central memory CD4+ T cells and maintenance of a high frequency of CCR5+CD4+ T cells. Additionally, such mAb administration inhibited the mobilization of NK cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells characteristically seen in the control animals during acute infection accompanied by the inhibition of the synthesis of MIP-3α by the gut tissues. These data in concert suggest that blocking of GI trafficking CD4+ T cells and inhibiting the mobilization of cell lineages of the innate immune system may be a powerful new tool to protect GI tissues and modulate acute lentiviral infection.
Antibiotic Treatment of Dogs and Cats during Pregnancy
Authors: Rebuelto Marcela , Loza María Elena
Published: December 2010

The use of pharmacological agents in pregnant females poses a major clinical challenge due to the marked physiological changes that may modify the pharmacokinetics of drugs and to the potential effects on the fetus. The purpose of this paper is to review briefly our knowledge on the use of antibacterial drugs during pregnancy and to provide information for the judicious selection of an antimicrobial treatment for use in pregnant bitches and queens. The risk to the fetus is a result of the ability of a drug to reach the fetal circulation and to produce toxic effects. The placenta functions as a barrier that protects the fetus due to the presence of transporters and metabolising enzymes; however, during pregnancy, the presence and activity of both enzymes and transporters may change. Antimicrobial agents that have been shown to be safe for use during pregnancy include betalactams, macrolides, and lincosamides. Pharmacotherapy during pregnancy in all species may affect adversely the developing fetus; therefore, it should be avoided when possible.
Attitudes towards and experience of employment equity
Authors: Oosthuizen Rudolf M. , Naidoo Vasantha
Published: December 2010

Orientation: The demography of the South African work force has changed considerably since the implementation of Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. There is no clarity in the literature on employees’ attitudes towards and experiences of employment equity (EE).Research purpose: The purpose of this research was to contribute to the EE debate by qualitatively identifying and exploring employees’ attitudes towards and experiences of EE in the South African work context.Research design, approach and method: Twenty-one organisations were included in the study and 105 interviews conducted.Main findings: The results indicated that employees at management level perceived government as an EE ‘watchdog’. Furthermore, reverse discrimination and racism were demarcated as the main experience of non-management employees. For previously disadvantaged employees, the main concerns were lack of training and development, whereas for the non-previously disadvantaged the primary concerns were reverse discrimination, racism and victimisation.Pratical/managerial implications: Future research may be that the results can benefit from contrasting, (1) the perspectives of previously disadvantaged management versus previously advantaged management to (2) the perspectives of previously disadvantaged non-management versus previously advantaged non-management. Furthermore, it will be valuable to include other industries in the private and public sector in future samples.Contribution/value-add: The contribution of the research is building and/or supporting the current knowledge base of employees’ attitudes towards and experiences of EE in the South African work context. Proactive measures should be taken to ensure that the majority of previously disadvantaged and the non-previously disadvantaged groups benefit from EE legislation. The introduction of holistic human resource management practices that complement target setting, could overcome the stumbling blocks currently being experienced in the effective implementation of EE.
Poetically Africa dwells: A dialogue between Heidegger�s understanding of language as the house of Being and African Being-with (ubuntu) as a possible paradigm for postfoundational practical theology in Africa
Authors: Meylahn Johann-Albrecht
Published: December 2010

The search for new paradigms and perspectives for practical theology in South Africa begins with the context, South Africa. What perspectives are given and what perspectives respond to the call of this context when this African context is brought into dialogue with the thoughts of a thinker who has to a large extent determined the paradigm of postmodern Western thought? This article was inspired by the hope that such a dialogue will reveal unique outcomes that could offer perspectives and possible paradigms for doing postfoundational practical theology in South Africa. I specifically brought into dialogue Heidegger�s understanding of language and the poetics of Being, with ubuntu, interpreted as Being-with [mit-Sein] and how African ubuntu can be interpreted as being of language � poetically Africa dwells-with-others. This dialogue in Africa with Africa, on and of the house of Being, can only but �gift� practical theology with new perspectives and paradigms, because practical theology can be understood as a critical theological reflection on the word event (language event) in the various sub-disciplines of practical theology (homiletics, pastorate, liturgics and diaconical ministry), responding to the Word event of Scripture as the written said in answer to the Divine saying.I have reflected on this dialogue, not as an outsider objectifying Africa or postmodernism, but as one born in Africa (as-one-in-Africa) whose mother tongue (house of Being) is that of middle Europe. Theology has always been most creative at the intersection or intercessions of paradigms of thought, that is, Jerusalem�Athens, Jerusalem�Athens�Alexandria, Jerusalem�Athens�Alexandria�Rome, et cetera. The time has come for southern Africa to be part of this intersection and these intercessions, to offer perspectives and paradigms for practical theology.
Classical Algebraic Geometry
Authors: Eisenbud David , Schreyer Frank-Olaf , Vakil Ravi , Voisin Claire
Published: December 2010

Algebraic geometry studies properties of specific algebraic varieties, on the one hand, and moduli spaces of all varieties of fixed topological type on the other hand. Of special importance is the moduli space of curves, whose properties are subject of ongoing research. The rationality versus general type question of these and related spaces is of classical and also very modern interest with recent progress presented in the conference. Certain different birational models of the moduli space of curves and maps have an interpretation as moduli spaces of singular curves and maps. For specific varieties a wide range of questions was addressed, including extrinsic questions (syzygies, the k-secant lemma) and intrinsic ones (generalization of notions of positivity of line bundles, closure operations on ideals and sheaves).
Trend and characteristics of atmospheric emissions of Hg, As, and Se from coal combustion in China, 1980–2007
Authors: Tian H. Z. , Wang Y. , Xue Z. G. , Cheng K. , Qu Y. P. , Chai F. H. , Hao J. M.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Emissions of hazardous trace elements in China are of great concern because of their negative impacts on local air quality as well as on regional environmental health and ecosystem risks. In this paper, the atmospheric emissions of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and selenium (Se) from coal combustion in China for the period 1980–2007 are estimated on the basis of coal consumption data and emission factors, which are specified by different categories of combustion facilities, coal types, and the equipped air pollution control devices configuration (Dust collectors, FGD, etc.). Specifically, multi-year emission inventories of Hg, As, and Se from 30 provinces and 4 economic sectors (thermal power, industry, residential use, and others) are evaluated and analyzed in detail. Furthermore, the gridded distribution of provincial-based Hg, As, and Se emissions in 2005 at a resolution of 1° × 1° is also plotted. It shows that the calculated national total atmospheric emissions of Hg, As, and Se from coal combustion have rapidly increased from 73.59 t, 635.57 t, and 639.69 t in 1980 to 305.95 t, 2205.50 t, and 2352.97 t in 2007, at an annually averaged growth rate of 5.4%, 4.7%, and 4.9%, respectively. The industrial sector is the largest source for Hg, As, and Se, accounting for about 50.8%, 61.2%, and 56.2% of the national totals, respectively. The share of power plants is 43.3% for mercury, 24.9% for arsenic, and 33.4% for selenium, respectively. Also, it shows remarkably different regional contribution characteristics of these 3 types of trace elements, the top 5 provinces with the heaviest mercury emissions in 2007 are Shandong (34.40 t), Henan (33.63 t), Shanxi (21.14 t), Guizhou (19.48 t), and Hebei (19.35 t); the top 5 provinces with the heaviest arsenic emissions in 2007 are Shandong (219.24 t), Hunan (213.20 t), Jilin (141.21 t), Hebei (138.54 t), and Inner Mongolia (127.49 t); while the top 5 provinces with the heaviest selenium emissions in 2007 are Shandong (289.11 t), Henan (241.45 t), Jiangsu (175.44 t), Anhui (168.89 t), and Hubei (163.96 t). Between 2000 and 2007, provinces always rank at the top five largest Hg, As, and Se emission sources are: Shandong, Hebei, Shanxi, Henan, and Jiangsu, most of which are located in the east and are traditional industry-based or economically energy intensive areas in China. Notably, Hg, As, and Se emissions from coal combustion in China begin to grow at a more moderate pace since 2005. Emissions from coal-fired power plants sector began to decrease though the coal use had been increasing steadily, which can be mainly attributed to the increasing use of wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) in power plants, thus the further research and control orientations of importance for these hazardous trace elements should be the industrial sector.
Ground-based remote sensing of an elevated forest fire aerosol layer at Whistler, BC: implications for interpretation of mountaintop chemistry
Authors: McKendry I. G. , Gallagher J. , Campuzano Jost P. , Bertram A. , Strawbridge K. , Leaitch R. , Macdonald A. M.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. On 30 August 2009, intense forest fires in interior British Columbia (BC) coupled with winds from the east and northeast resulted in transport of a broad forest fire plume across southwestern BC. The physico-chemical and optical characteristics of the plume as observed from Saturna Island (AERONET), CORALNet-UBC and the Whistler Mountain air chemistry facility were consistent with forest fire plumes that have been observed elsewhere in continental North America. However, the importance of three-dimensional transport in relation to the interpretation of mountaintop chemistry observations is highlighted on the basis of deployment of both a CL31 ceilometer and a single particle mass spectrometer (SPMS) in a mountainous setting. The SPMS is used to identify the biomass plume based on levoglucosan and potassium markers. Data from the SPMS are also used to show that the biomass plume was correlated with nitrate, but not correlated with sulphate or sodium. This study not only provides baseline measurements of biomass burning plume physico-chemical characteristics in western Canada, but also highlights the importance of lidar remote sensing methods in the interpretation of mountaintop chemistry measurements.
The influence of solar variability and the quasi-biennial oscillation on sea level pressure
Authors: Roy I. , Haigh J. D.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. We investigate an apparent inconsistency between two published results concerning the temperature of the winter polar stratosphere and its dependence on the state of the Sun and the phase of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO). We find that the differences can be explained by the use of the authors of different pressure levels to define the phase of the QBO. We identify QBO and solar cycle signals in sea level pressure (SLP) data using a multiple linear regression approach. First we used a standard QBO time series dating back to 1953. In the SLP observations dating back to that time we find at high latitudes that individually the solar and QBO signals are weak but that a temporal index representing the combined effects of the Sun and the QBO shows a significant signal. This is such that combinations of low solar activity with westerly QBO and high solar activity with easterly QBO are both associated with a strengthening in the polar modes; while the opposite combinations coincide with a weakening. This result is true irrespective of the choice of QBO pressure level. By employing a QBO dataset reconstructed back to 1900, we extended the analysis and also find a robust signal in the surface SAM; though weaker for surface NAM. Our results suggest that solar variability, modulated by the phase of QBO, influences zonal mean temperatures at high latitudes in the lower stratosphere and subsequently affect sea level pressure near the poles. Thus a knowledge of the state of the Sun, and the phase of the QBO might be useful in surface climate prediction.
Functioning of the planktonic ecosystem of the Rhone River plume (NW Mediterranean) during spring and its impact on the carbon export: a field data and 3-D modelling combined approach
Authors: Auger P. A. , Diaz F. , Ulses C. , Estournel C. , Neveux J. , Joux F. , Pujo-Pay M. , Naudin J. J.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Low-salinity water (LSW, Salinity < 37.5) lenses detached from the Rhone River plume under specific wind conditions tend to favour the biological productivity and potentially a transfer of energy to higher trophic levels on the Gulf of Lions (GoL). A field cruise conducted in May 2006 (BIOPRHOFI) followed some LSW lenses by using a lagrangian strategy. A thorough analysis of the available data set enabled to further improve our understanding of the LSW lenses' functioning and their potential influence on marine ecosystems. Through an innovative 3-D coupled hydrodynamic-biogeochemical modelling approach, a specific calibration dedicated to river plume ecosystems was then proposed and validated on field data. Exploring the role of ecosystems on the particulate organic carbon (POC) export and deposition on the shelf, a sensitivity analysis to the particulate organic matter inputs from the Rhone River was carried out from 1 April to 15 July 2006. Over such a typical end-of-spring period marked by moderate floods, the main deposition area of POC was identified alongshore between 0 and 50 m depth on the GoL, extending the Rhone prodelta to the west towards the exit of the shelf. Moreover, the main deposition area of terrestrial POC was found on the prodelta region, which confirms recent results from sediment data. The averaged daily deposition of particulate organic carbon over the whole GoL is estimated by the model between 40 and 80 mgC/m2, which is in the range of previous secular estimations. The role of ecosystems on the POC export toward sediments or offshore areas was actually highlighted and feedbacks between ecosystems and particulate organic matters are proposed to explain paradoxical model results to the sensitivity test. In fact, the conversion of organic matter in living organisms would increase the retention of organic matter in the food web and this matter transfer along the food web could explain the minor quantity of POC of marine origin observed in the shelf sediments. Thus, the effective carbon deposition on the shelf might be strongly dependent on the zooplankton presence in the GoL. Owing to their fertilizing ability in phosphorus, the LSW lenses could then have indirectly a negative impact on the carbon deposition on the shelf by favouring the development of large phytoplankton fuelling in turn zooplankton communities. The effective carbon deposition would then be delayed out of the GoL, unless a novel transfer of matter occurs toward higher trophic levels further in the open sea through small pelagic fishes.
Characteristics and Health of Turkey Husbandry in Ouaké, North-Benin
Authors: Attakpa E. Y. , Aplogan L. G. , Akossou A. Y. J. , Bosma R. H.
Published: December 2010

Sanitary constraints of raising turkey in north-west Benin were studied by using a survey and Haemagglutination Inhibition Test (HIT) to detect antibodies of Newcastle Disease (ND) and Avian Influenza (AI). We tested 85 serums from 7- to 24-month-old turkeys raised in 19 farms. ND prevalence rate was 54% but reactions on four sub-types of AI were negative. Mortality rates varied from 55 to 100% for 0–30 day-old flocks; 30% for 1- to 4-month-old; and 15% for older turkeys. Next to ND, probable causes of mortality are Fowl pox, Gumboro disease, scabies, coccidiosis, histomonosis, capillariosis and colibacillosis. Only one farmer who fed and vaccinated the poults, and provided clean housing for them got a lower mortality rate of 11% in turkeys less than 4-month-old. The question remains why most farmers do not apply these simple practices: are they unaware or are the technologies not profitable?
Effects of aging on the composition and metabolism of adipose tissue in the rat
Authors: Gellhorn Alfred , Benjamin William
Published: December 2010

The sections in this article are:
Spectroscopic Analysis of Cotton Treated with Neutralized Maleinized Soybean Oil
Authors: Ford Ericka N. J. , Mendon Sharathkumar K. , Rawlins James W. , Thames Shelby F.
Published: December 2010

Water‐soluble vegetable oil derivatives were synthesized and investigated as biobased reagents for cellulosic textiles. Maleinized soybean oil (MSO), having an acid value of 156 mg KOH/g, was neutralized with ammonium hydroxide to render it water soluble. Infrared spectroscopy indicated the formation of ester linkages during the cure of MSO treated textiles. Therefore, the formation of anhydride and amide intermediates upon heating ammonia neutralized MSO were investigated. Construction of the cyclic anhydride was observed as a pathway to esterification; however, amidation was not observed among this ammonia neutralized MSO. Neutralization of MSO with ethanolamine and triethylamine yielded secondary and tertiary amides but not esters at 160 °C.
Optimization of the Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction of Wheat Germ Oil Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Li Huijing , Song Chunlei , Zhou Huiming , Wang Na , Cao Dawei
Published: December 2010

A process of aqueous enzymatic extraction of wheat germ was carried out by a multi‐enzyme preparation consisting of cellulase, pentosanase, neutrase and fungal amylase (CPNF, 2:1:2:1 w/w/w/w). Hydro‐thermal heating (at 112 °C for 60 min) was more effective than oven‐drying regarding emulsified oil yield. Wheat germ was ground with a rate of 10,000 rpm for 90 s. The adding level (w/w) of multi‐enzyme preparation of CPNF was 1.6%. Response surface methodology was used to obtain the desired data in the process optimization. The optimal set of variables was water to wheat germ ratio (v/wt, mL/g) of 3.46, pH of 5.24, temperature of 48.49 °C and time of 6 h. The emulsified oil yield was 86.74% at the optimal levels of the tested factors. Compared with organic solvent extracted oil, the content of free fatty acid of AEE extracted oil was higher and the color was slightly darker, while the peroxide value was lower and the oxidative stability was higher owing to high content of α‐tocopherol. This technique for recovering oil from fresh wheat germ with enzymes is a significant improvement in both oil yield and quality over the traditional organic solvent process.
Tibial fractures after tibial tubercle osteotomies for patellar instability: A comparison of three osteotomy configurations
Authors: Luhmann Scott J. , Fuhrhop Sara , O'Donnell June C. , Gordon J. Eric
Published: December 2010

Purpose

Tibial tubercle osteotomies (TTOs) are a seemingly straightforward technique; however problems with bony union, implant failure, wound infections, and fractures have been reported in the literature.

Methods

A database search identified all patients who had a TTO performed for patellofemoral instability between 1 March 2000 and 30 July 2008 by a single surgeon. The TTO technique was modified twice during the study period (December 2003 and June 2007, respectively), thereby creating three similar patient cohorts.

Results

TTOs were performed in 101 knees (90 patients), in which 34 knees (29 patients) received the blunt technique (TTO-B), 32 knees (30 patients) the sloped technique (TTO-S), and 35 knees (31 patients) the greenstick technique (TTO-G). Mean age of the patients (75 females, 15 males) was 16.0 years (range 12.2–20.2 years). Overall, six patients had complications, namely, six tibia fractures and no nonunions, for an overall complication rate of 5.9%. In the TTO-B group, four patients had four tibia fractures for an overall bony complication rate of 11.8%. In the TTO-S group, two patients had two delayed unions which developed into tibia fractures for an overall bony complication rate of 6.2%. There were no complications (0%) in the TTO-G group. No correlation was identified between TTO screw size and complications. The caudal aspect of the osteotomy was the location of the tibia fracture in five knees and the caudal screw in 1 knee, at a mean of 11 weeks postoperatively. All fractures were treated only with splint or cast immobilization and protected weight-bearing.

Conclusion

The overall bony complication rate was 5.9% for the TTOs in this study. Utilizing the TTO-G technique with rigid two-screw, bicortical fixation the complication rate could be lowered to 0%. Avoidance of periosteal stripping, and secondary cortical devascularization at the caudal aspect of the TTO appears to optimize bony consolidation, thereby minimizing fractures.

Clinical relevance

Bony complications are an infrequent problem after TTO. Greensticking the distal end of the TTO can minimize postoperative tibia fractures. Running and sports should not be permitted until complete cortical healing is documented on the lateral radiograph.