bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High adherence and concordance within a clinical trial of antihypertensives
Authors: Horne Robert , Clatworthy Jane , Hankins Matthew ,   On behalf of the ASCOT Investigators
Published: July 2010

Objectives: To explore hypertensive patients’ beliefs about their condition and its treatment and their adherence within the context of a clinical trial. To assess the degree of concordance between patients’ beliefs about hypertension and the medical model of the condition.

Methods: This was a questionnaire-based study, involving 230 patients participating in the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT), a randomized controlled trial comparing two pharmaceutical approaches to the management of hypertension. A comparison group of 106 hypertensive patients who were screened for ASCOT but did not meet the entry criteria was also recruited. Outcome measures were beliefs about hypertension and antihypertensive medication, and adherence to medication (self-report and tablet count).

Results: Adherence to medication was higher than anticipated, with 45% participants reporting complete adherence over the 18-month study and a further 40% only rare non-adherence. Patients’ beliefs about their condition and treatment were generally concordant with the medical model of hypertension. High concordance was associated with high medication adherence (p<0.001).

Discussion: Clinical trial volunteers may have beliefs that are unusually concordant with the medical model of hypertension and may demonstrate atypically high adherence. This has implications for the transferability of trial findings to the general hypertensive population.
The Constituent Power of Architecture
Authors: Barshack Lior
Published: July 2010

The claim that law is grounded in representations of authority hardly requires justification. The article outlines one view of the power of representations of authority to subject society to the law, and attempts to shed light on the social significance of architecture as a medium of such representation. I will argue that representation sets apart the realms of the living and the dead while sustaining a complex relationship between the two realms. It houses the dead in a separate realm where they exercise authority over the living. Monumental architecture founds the authority of law, and the entire realm inhabited by the living, by relegating the dead to a separate sphere where they assume the position of ancestral lawgivers. Architecture can separate the living from the dead and anchor the rule of law by virtue of its claims to perpetuity and aesthetic form.
Feminism, Asylum and the Limits of Law
Authors: Hua Julietta
Published: July 2010

Gender-based asylum claims remain difficult to win, even when petitioners narrate their claims in conventional language that celebrates United States progressivism. Despite national anxiety over Islam and its portrayal as the anti-feminist, anti-“west” cause of terrorism, garnering asylum for female petitioners on the basis of their objection to Islamic laws, notably those around dress, are rarely if ever successful. Arguing that courts produce meanings around (racial) difference, this article examines a series of asylum appeals involving Iranian female petitioners in order to understand how the racialization of their brown female bodies negotiates the limits and contradictions of (asylum) law.
Coming to terms: a conflict analysis of the usage, in official and unofficial sources, of ‘security fence’, ‘apartheid wall’, and other terms for the structure between Israel and the Palestinian territories
Authors: Rogers Richard , Ben-David Anat
Published: July 2010

The official terms for the dividing wall are ‘security fence’ on the Israeli side and ‘apartheid wall’ on the Palestinian side. Both terms fuse two contextually charged notions to describe the construction project. Beyond the two official terms, the structure has been given other names by sources appearing in the media space (e.g. the International Court of Justice’s ‘West Bank wall’) or by news organizations covering the issue (e.g. ‘barrier wall’). Using data from Google News, which includes official NGO as well as news sources, this article offers a media monitoring method that also seeks to create conflict indicators from the shifting language employed by officials, journalists and others to describe the structure. The authors discovered that the Palestinians and Israelis choose their words differently: the Israelis are consistent (yet relatively alone) in the way they use their terms; the Palestinians adopt their terminology according to the setting, using different terms for the structure in diplomatic and international court settings than ‘at home’. Having identified ‘setting’ as an important variable in the study of language use as conflict indicator, the study also includes an analysis of diplomatic language in key debates on the obstacle at the UN Security Council. In all, it was found that, at particular moments in time, Israeli and Palestinian actors ‘come to terms’ most significantly around ‘separation wall’, coupling the Israeli left-of-centre adjective and the Palestinian noun, implying a peace-related arrangement distinctive from either side’s official position (as well as the current peace plans), and ultimately undesirable to those who share the term.
Madelung’s Deformity: Radial Opening Wedge Osteotomy and Modified Darrach Procedure Using the Ulnar Head as Trapezoidal Bone Graft
Authors: Kampa R. , Al-Beer A. , Axelrod T.
Published: July 2010

Surgery may be indicated in treating Madelung’s deformity and numerous techniques have been described. This study reports the early clinical and radiological results of a radial biplanar opening wedge osteotomy and modified Darrach procedure, using the excised ulnar head as a trapezoidal bone graft. Between 2000 and 2008, five adult wrists with symptomatic Madelung’s deformity underwent surgery. All patients were female, with an average age at surgery of 34 years. Assessment included range of movement, grip strength, DASH scores and radiological imaging. All patients improved both subjectively and objectively with regards to pain, functional range of movement, and appearance at mean follow-up of 55 months (range 14—113). All osteotomies united. One patient required removal of hardware for restricted rotation. This technique provided satisfactory results that are comparable to other studies, and avoids the use of iliac crest bone graft.
Biodistribution and retargeting of FX-binding ablated adenovirus serotype 5 vectors
Authors: Alba Raul , Bradshaw Angela C. , Coughlan Lynda , Denby Laura , McDonald Robert A. , Waddington Simon N. , Buckley Suzanne M. K. , Greig Jenny A. , Parker Alan L. , Miller Ashley M. , Wang Hongjie , Lieber Andre , van Rooijen Nico , McVey John H. , Nicklin Stuart A. , Baker Andrew H.
Published: July 2010

A major limitation for adenoviral transduction in vivo is the profound liver tropism of adenovirus type 5 (Ad5). Recently, we demonstrated that coagulation factor X (FX) binds to Ad5-hexon protein at high affinity to mediate hepatocyte transduction after intravascular delivery. We developed novel genetically FX-binding ablated Ad5 vectors with lower liver transduction. Here, we demonstrate that FX-binding ablated Ad5 predominantly localize to the liver and spleen 1 hour after injection; however, they had highly reduced liver transduction in both control and macrophage-depleted mice compared with Ad5. At high doses in macrophage-depleted mice, FX-binding ablated vectors transduced the spleen more efficiently than Ad5. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated transgene colocalization with CD11c+, ER-TR7+, and MAdCAM-1+ cells in the splenic marginal zone. Systemic inflammatory profiles were broadly similar between FX-binding ablated Ad5 and Ad5 at low and intermediate doses, although higher levels of several inflammatory proteins were observed at the highest dose of FX-binding ablated Ad5. Subsequently, we generated a FX-binding ablated virus containing a high affinity Ad35 fiber that mediated a significant improvement in lung/liver ratio in macrophage-depleted CD46+ mice compared with controls. Therefore, this study documents the biodistribution and reports the retargeting capacity of FX binding-ablated Ad5 vectors in vitro and in vivo.
Reduced susceptibility to selected synthetic pyrethroids in urban malaria vector Anopheles stephensi: a case study in Mangalore city, South India
Authors: Tiwari Satyanarayan , Ghosh Susanta K , Ojha Vijay P , Dash Aditya P , Raghavendra Kamaraju
Published: July 2010

Background

Synthetic pyrethroids are potent insecticides most commonly used in the vector control programme. These are applied for indoor residual sprays, space sprays and in impregnated bed nets. Resistance reduces the efficacy of insecticides. Thus, the susceptibility status of the target vector(s) is monitored routinely to select the effective ones. A study was undertaken in a malaria endemic coastal city Mangalore, Karnataka, South India, against the known malaria vector Anopheles stephensi.

Methods

The susceptibility status was assessed at diagnostic doses of DDT (4%), malathion (5%), deltamethrin (0.05%), cyfluthrin (0.15%), alphacypermethrin (0.10%), lambdacyhalothrin (0.05%) and permethrin (0.75%) using the standard WHO tube test method during October/November 2006.

Results

Anopheles stephensi was resistant to malathion by 54.9%, but tolerant to deltamethrin by 86.1%, cyfluthrin 95.5% and alphacypermethrin 90.6%, whereas it was susceptible to DDT by 98.1%, lambdacyhalothrin 98.6% and permethrin 100.0%, respectively. The KDT50 and KDT95 values for these insecticides also showed the similar responses.

Conclusion

Susceptibility of An. stephensi to DDT is an important finding as this has never been used in Mangalore city, whereas its rural counterpart Anopheles culicifacies is widely resistant to this insecticide. The study explores the selection and rotation of the appropriate insecticide molecule even within the same group for effective vector management.
Joubert Syndrome and related disorders
Authors: Brancati Francesco , Dallapiccola Bruno , Valente Enza Maria
Published: July 2010

Joubert syndrome (JS) and related disorders (JSRD) are a group of developmental delay/multiple congenital anomalies syndromes in which the obligatory hallmark is the molar tooth sign (MTS), a complex midbrain-hindbrain malformation visible on brain imaging, first recognized in JS. Estimates of the incidence of JSRD range between 1/80,000 and 1/100,000 live births, although these figures may represent an underestimate. The neurological features of JSRD include hypotonia, ataxia, developmental delay, intellectual disability, abnormal eye movements, and neonatal breathing dysregulation. These may be associated with multiorgan involvement, mainly retinal dystrophy, nephronophthisis, hepatic fibrosis and polydactyly, with both inter- and intra-familial variability. JSRD are classified in six phenotypic subgroups: Pure JS; JS with ocular defect; JS with renal defect; JS with oculorenal defects; JS with hepatic defect; JS with orofaciodigital defects. With the exception of rare X-linked recessive cases, JSRD follow autosomal recessive inheritance and are genetically heterogeneous. Ten causative genes have been identified to date, all encoding for proteins of the primary cilium or the centrosome, making JSRD part of an expanding group of diseases called "ciliopathies". Mutational analysis of causative genes is available in few laboratories worldwide on a diagnostic or research basis. Differential diagnosis must consider in particular the other ciliopathies (such as nephronophthisis and Senior-Loken syndrome), distinct cerebellar and brainstem congenital defects and disorders with cerebro-oculo-renal manifestations. Recurrence risk is 25% in most families, although X-linked inheritance should also be considered. The identification of the molecular defect in couples at risk allows early prenatal genetic testing, whereas fetal brain neuroimaging may remain uninformative until the end of the second trimester of pregnancy. Detection of the MTS should be followed by a diagnostic protocol to assess multiorgan involvement. Optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach, with particular attention to respiratory and feeding problems in neonates and infants. Cognitive and behavioral assessments are also recommended to provide young patients with adequate neuropsychological support and rehabilitation. After the first months of life, global prognosis varies considerably among JSRD subgroups, depending on the extent and severity of organ involvement.
The rheumatoid foot: a systematic literature review of patient‐reported outcome measures
Authors: Walmsley Steven , Williams Anita E , Ravey Mike , Graham Andrea
Published: July 2010

Background

The foot is often the first area of the body to be systematically affected by rheumatoid arthritis. The multidimensional consequences of foot problems for patients can be subjectively evaluated using patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). However, there is currently no systematic review which has focused specifically upon the PROMs available for the foot with rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this systematic review was to appraise the foot‐specific PROMs available for the assessment and/or evaluation of the foot affected with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

A systematic search of databases was conducted according to pre‐defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. PROMs identified were reviewed in terms of: conceptual bases, quality of construction, measurement aims and evidence to support their measurement properties.

Results

A total of 11 PROMs were identified and 5 papers that provided evidence for the measurement properties of some of the PROMs. Only one of the PROMs was found to be RA disease‐specific. The quality of construction, pretesting and presence of evidence for their measurement properties was found to be highly variable. Conceptual bases of many of the PROMs was either restricted or based on reductionist biomedical models. All of the PROMs were found to consist of fixed scales.

Conclusions

There is a need to develop an RA‐disease and foot‐specific PROM with a greater emphasis on a biopsychosocial conceptual basis, cognitive pre‐testing methods, patient preference‐based qualities and evidence to support the full complement of measurement properties.
Emergent factors in Eating Disorders in childhood and preadolescence
Authors: Sacrato Leonardo , Pellicciari Alessandro , Franzoni Emilio
Published: July 2010

We have reviewed the literature related to the current advances in comprehension of Eating Disorders (ED) in childhood and preadolescence. The state of art regarding the psychodynamic models concerning the onset of ED are explained. DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria are discussed, pointing out their little value in the characterization of early eating difficulties. Historic and new diagnostic classifications are displayed in detail. We provided a clearer description of subclinical patterns. Finally we focus on the key role of the paediatrician in detecting and managing parental concerns regarding feeding.
The PGE2 EP2 receptor and its selective activation are beneficial against ischemic stroke
Authors: Ahmad Muzamil , Saleem Sofiyan , Shah Zahoor , Maruyama Takayuki , Narumiya Shuh , Doré Sylvain
Published: July 2010

Background

The prostaglandin E2 EP2 receptor has been shown to be important in dictating outcomes in various neuroinflammatory disorders. Here, we investigated the importance of the EP2 receptor in short- and long-term ischemic outcomes by subjecting wildtype (WT) and EP2 knockout (EP2-/-) mice to two distinct and complementary stroke models [transient and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO and pMCAO)] and by using the EP2 receptor agonist ONO-AE1-259-01.

Methods

First, WT and EP2-/- mice were subjected to 90-min tMCAO with a monofilament followed by 4-day reperfusion. Second, WT mice were infused intracerebroventricularly with vehicle or ONO-AE1-259-01 45-50 min before being subjected to tMCAO. Finally, WT and EP2-/- mice were subjected to pMCAO and allowed to survive for an extended period of 7 days.

Results

Infarct volumes in EP2-/- mice were 55.0 ± 9.1% larger after tMCAO and 33.3 ± 8.6% larger after pMCAO than those in WT mice. Neurobehavioral deficits also were significantly greater in the EP2-/- mice. These results suggest that EP2 is beneficial and that activation is sustained for days after the stroke. We also found that pharmacologic activation of EP2 with 1.0- and 2.0-nmol doses of ONO-AE1-259-01 was sufficient to significantly reduce the infarct volume in WT mice compared with that in vehicle-treated controls (20.1 ± 3.9% vs. 37.1 ± 4.6%). This reduction correlated with improved neurologic scores. No significant effect on physiologic parameters was observed.

Conclusion

Together, our results reveal that pharmacologic stimulation of the EP2 receptor has an important beneficial role in cerebral ischemia and might be considered as an adjunct therapy for ischemic stroke.
Modulation of Prohormone Convertase 1/3 Properties Using Site-Directed Mutagenesis
Authors: Ozawa Akihiko , Peinado Juan R. , Lindberg Iris
Published: July 2010

Prohormone convertase (PC)1/3 and PC2 cleave active peptide hormones and neuropeptides from precursor proteins. Compared with PC2, recombinant PC1/3 exhibits a very low specific activity against both small fluorogenic peptides and recombinant precursors, even though the catalytic domains in mouse PC1/3 and PC2 share 56% amino acid sequence identity. In this report, we have designed PC2-specific mutations into the catalytic domain of PC1/3 in order to investigate the molecular contributions of these sequences to PC1/3-specific properties. The exchange of residues RQG314 with the SY sequence present in the same location within PC2 paradoxically shifted the pH optimum of PC1/3 upward into the neutral range; other mutations in the catalytic domain had no effect. Although none of the full-length PC1/3 mutants examined exhibited increased specific activity, the 66-kDa form of the RQG314SY mutant was two to four times more active than the 66-kDa form of wild-type PC1/3. However, stable transfection of RQG314SY into PC12 cells did not result in greater activity against the endogenous substrate proneurotensin, implying unknown cellular controls of PC1/3 activity. Mutation of GIVTDA243–248 to QPFMTDI, a molecular determinant of 7B2 binding, resulted in increased zymogen expression but no propeptide cleavage or secretion, suggesting that this mutant is trapped in the endoplasmic reticulum due to an inability to cleave its own propeptide. We conclude that many convertase-specific properties are attributable less to convertase-specific catalytic cleft residues than to convertase-specific domain interactions.
Microfinance Games
Authors: Giné Xavier , Jakiela Pamela , Karlan Dean , Morduch Jonathan
Published: July 2010

Microfinance banks use group-based lending contracts to strengthen borrowers' incentives for diligence, but the contracts are vulnerable to free-riding and collusion. We systematically unpack microfinance mechanisms through ten experimental games played in an experimental economics laboratory in urban Peru. Risk-taking broadly conforms to theoretical predictions, with dynamic incentives strongly reducing risk-taking even without group-based mechanisms. Group lending increases risk-taking, especially for risk-averse borrowers, but this is moderated when borrowers form their own groups. Group contracts benefit borrowers by creating implicit insurance against investment losses, but the costs are borne by other borrowers, especially the most risk averse. (JEL D82, G21, G31, O16)
Was the Wealth of Nations Determined in 1000 BC?
Authors: Comin Diego , Easterly William , Gong Erick
Published: July 2010

We assemble a dataset on technology adoption in 1000 BC, 0 AD, and 1500 AD for the predecessors to today's nation states. Technological differences are surprisingly persistent over long periods of time. Our most interesting, strong, and robust results are for the association of 1500 AD technology with per capita income and technology adoption today. We also find robust and significant technological persistence from 1000 BC to 0 AD, and from 0 AD to 1500 AD. The evidence is consistent with a model where the cost of adopting new technologies declines sufficiently with the current level of adoption. (JEL N10, O33, O47)
Implications of late complications from adhesions for preoperative informed consent
Authors: Rajab Taufiek Konrad , Ahmad Umar Naeem , Kelly Edward
Published: July 2010

The process of informed consent is a critical aspect of the doctor–patient relationship. Doctors have a professional duty to provide patients with sufficient information if a treatment is associated with a significant risk. NHS guidelines advise doctors to mention risks that occur more frequently than 1–2% or risks that are serious even if the likelihood is very small. In the case of abdominal and pelvic surgery, risks can broadly be divided into early and late complications. Early complications, such as bleeding and infection, have a close temporal relationship with the operation. Such complications are routinely mentioned during the consent process. In contrast, postoperative adhesions cause changes in the normal anatomy that can adversely affect function many years and even decades after the original operation, leaving patients at lifelong risk for late complications. These late adhesive complications, namely bowel obstruction, mechanical female infertility and chronic pain, are often neglected during the consent process. However, the risks to patients from late adhesive complications are serious and well in excess of the accepted threshold where it could be considered a breach in the duty of care not to inform patients. This is reflected by a number of claims against the NHS based on consent issues regarding late adhesive complications of surgery. Therefore, late complications of surgery from adhesions should be included in the pre-operative consent process. This would decrease litigation costs but more importantly also underpins the doctor–patient relationship.
Development and evaluation of a PDA-based teleradiology terminal in thyroid nodule diagnosis
Authors: Ninos Konstantinos , Spiros Kostopoulos , Glotsos Dimitris , Georgiadis Pantelis , Sidiropoulos Konstantinos , Dimitropoulos Nikolaos , Kalatzis Ioannis , Cavouras Dionisis
Published: July 2010

We developed a wireless personal digital assistant (PDA)-based teleradiology terminal which allowed a secure connection to the hospital's Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) through the DICOM protocol. Ten members of the hospital's medical staff completed a questionnaire about its mobility, usability, stability, performance and diagnostic efficiency in a real health-care environment. There was a high degree of satisfaction with the system's mobility (mean score 4.1, SD 1.0, on a five-point scale), usability (mean score 4.2, SD 1.1), stability (mean score 3.9, SD 0.4) and performance (mean score 4.2, SD 0.6). The system was evaluated as a tool for providing assistance in diagnosing thyroid nodules from ultrasound images. A total of 144 ultrasound images with thyroid nodules were assessed by an expert. Six image quality attributes were evaluated. The physician concluded that the ultrasound thyroid images on the PDA screen were of similar quality to those displayed on a diagnostic visual display unit screen. However, the expert found difficulties in diagnosing microcalcification, internal echo texture and vascularity. The PDA terminal provided rapid, secure and convenient portable access to PACS images and the image quality was sufficient for diagnostic interpretation of ultrasound images of the thyroid.
A Selective Critical but Constructive Desktop Appraisal of theAmerican Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA 6)
Authors: Bellamy Nicholas , Campbell Jane
Published: July 2010

This desktop review has been conducted, from the reviewers' perspective, to evaluate the merits, advantages and disadvantages of adopting the 6th edition of theAmerican Medical Association (AMA6) Guides for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.The reviewers do not make any recommendation as to whetherAMA6should or should not be adopted by any particular jurisdiction, but rather provide comment from the perspective of a critical but constructive appraisal of published material. The observations reported represent the opinions of the reviewers, based on their appraisal of selected sections ofAMA4,AMA5andAMA6and the associated literature.AMA6has become surrounded by considerable controversy. At the time of review, at least two jurisdictions in the United States have voted against adoption ofAMA6. While the paradigm shift away from the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Impairment, Disability and Handicap (ICIDH) framework to the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework has attempted to ‘move with the times’, andAMA6has attempted to reach higher levels of internal consistency and interrater and intrarater reliability, the methods used to achieve a radical change in theGuideshas come under criticism. It is quite difficult to distinguish between speculative and substantive criticism, because of paucity or obscurity in both source documents and subsequent commentary. A range of concerns have been identified.
Advancements in anemias related to chronic conditions
Authors: Guidi Gian Cesare , Lechi Santonastaso Clara
Published: July 2010

Anemia of chronic disease (ACD), the most frequent anemia among hospitalized patients, occurs in chronic inflammatory disorders, such as chronic infections, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Different causes contribute to ACD including diversion of iron traffic, diminished erythropoiesis, blunted response to erythropoietin, erythrophagocytosis, hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. A particular case of ACD is represented by anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD). ACD is characterized by hyposideremia and altered iron transport. Cytokines are implicated in the ACD by reducing erythropoiesis and increasing iron sequestration in the reticuloendothelial system. The regulation of iron absorption across the epithelium of the proximal small intestine is essential for maintaining body iron concentrations within a physiologically defined range. Hepcidin controls cellular iron efflux by binding to the iron export protein ferroportin, causing ferroportin to be phosphorylated and degraded in lysosomes. Finally, hepcidin inhibits iron release from the reticulo-endothelial system. Increased expression of hepcidin leads to decreased iron absorption and iron deficient anemia. Hepcidin, therefore, is a negative regulator of iron transport in plasma. Causes of anemia in patients with CKD are multifactorial, but the most well-known cause is inadequate erythropoietin production. In these patients, anemia increases the risk of either cardiovascular disease or renal failure.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1217–26.
The Lerch zeta function I. Zeta integrals
Authors: Lagarias Jeffrey C. , Winnie Li Wen-Ching
Published: July 2010

This is the first of four papers that study algebraic and
analytic structures associated to the Lerch zeta function.
This paper studies “zeta integrals” associated to the Lerch zeta function
using test functions, and obtains functional equations for them. Special cases include
a pair of symmetrized four-term functional equations
for combinations of Lerch zeta functions,
found by A. Weil, for real parameters

(
a
,
c
)

$(a,c)$
with

0
<
a
,
c
<
1

$0< a, c< 1$
.
It extends these functions to real

a

$a$
and

c

$c$
,
and studies limiting cases of these functions where at least one of

a

$a$
and

c

$c$

take the values 0 or 1. A main feature is that
as a function of three variables

(
s
,
a
,
c
)

$(s, a, c)$
, in which

a

$a$
and

c

$c$
are real,
the Lerch zeta function has discontinuities at integer values of

a

$a$
and

c

$c$
. For fixed

s

$s$
,
the function

(
s
,
a
,
c
)

$\zeta (s,a,c)$
is discontinuous on part of the boundary of the
closed unit square in the

(
a
,
c
)

$(a,c)$
-variables, and the
location and nature of these discontinuities depend on
the real part

(
s
)

$\Re (s)$
of

s

$s$
. Analysis of this behavior is used to determine
membership of these functions in

L
p

(

[
0
,
1
]

2

,
d
a

d
c
)

$L^p([0,1]^2, da\,dc)$

for

1

p
<

$1 \le p < \infty $
, as a function of

(
s
)

$\Re (s)$
. The paper also defines
generalized Lerch zeta functions associated to the oscillator representation,
and gives analogous four-term functional equations for them.
Effect of different soils and pH amendments on brown-rot decay activity in a soil block test
Authors: Little Nathan S. , Schultz Tor P. , Nicholas Darrel D.
Published: July 2010

The soil block test is the most widely employed laboratory method for determination of biocide efficacy in North America. However, surprisingly little is known about the effect of different soil properties and soil amendments on fungal decay. Four soils with different textures and chemical properties were obtained and characterized. These soils, with and without pH amendments, were submitted to one soil block decay study using untreated southern pine wood and two brown-rot fungi. A second study examined the effect of adding water-soluble calcium chloride to soils, or directly to wood, on brown-rot decay. Based on the results of the first study with a limited number of soils, changes in the specified properties of the soil are suggested. Generally, fungal decay was reduced by raising the soil pH for acidic soils by hydrated lime as specified in the standards, or by adding water-soluble acidic calcium chloride to basic soils.
The Euler Series Transformation and the Binomial Identities of Ljunggren, Munarini and Simons
Authors: Boyadzhiev Khristo N.
Published: July 2010

We point out that the curious identity of Simons follows immediately from Euler's series transformation formula and also from an identity due to Ljunggren. We also mention its relation to Legendre's polynomials. At the end we use the generalized Euler series transformation to obtain two recent binomial identities of Munarini.
A Multitude of Expressions for the Stirling Numbers of the First Kind
Authors: Katriel Jacob
Published: July 2010

It is shown that the Stirling numbers of the first kind can be expressed in the form
Flat Cyclotomic Polynomials of Order Four and Higher
Authors: Kaplan Nathan
Published: July 2010

In this article we prove a result about sets of coefficients of cyclotomic polynomials. We then give corollaries related to flat cyclotomic polynomials and establish the first known infinite family of flat cyclotomic polynomials of order four. We end with some questions related to flat cyclotomic polynomials of order four and five.
Ranking of Materials’ Erosion Resistance and of Erosion Test Methods’ Intensity by the Transient Response Method
Authors: Meged Y.
Published: July 2010

Modeling of cumulative erosion-time curves by the transient response method is based on the response curve of first-order servo systems to a step input. According to this model, it is possible to accurately model erosion-time curves by means of three parameters: Maximal erosion level, MDEF (MDE denotes mean depth of erosion) (μm), time constant, τ (h), and time lag (h). This method is adequate for ranking of materials by their erosion resistance and ranking of erosion test methods by their intensity. These rankings are performed for five metallic reference materials and seven erosion test methods for 22 erosion tests.
Application of indigenous inorganic sorbents in combination with membrane technology for treatment of radioactive liquid waste from decontamination processes
Authors: Dulama M. , Pavelescu M. , Deneanu N. , Dulama C. N.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of the work was to improve the process for treatment of liquid radioactive waste containing complexing agents, which are generated during the decontamination operations.

We performed some experiments using simulated waste solutions like secondary waste from the modified CANDEREM process (Canadian Decontamination and Remediation Process) and secondary waste from the modified CANDECON process (Canadian Decontamination Process).

To improve efficiency and economics of the process it was proposed to treat the waste by combining the sorption of radionuclides on natural inorganic sorbents (zeolites) with membrane filtration.

Standard procedures are applied to compare the sorption of radionuclides on different sorbent forms-determination of the ion exchange capacity, construction of sorption isotherms, determination of the distribution coefficients, and kinetics experiments.

To check the influence of converting the sorbents to various cationic forms on their sorption properties, distribution coefficients of 137Cs and 57Co on natural zeolites from local deposits converted to NH4
+, Na+ or H+ forms were determined. The results obtained show that the distribution coefficients of 137Cs on the materials converted to Na+ form are higher than for the remaining forms studied [1].

The parameters of Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich adsorption isotherms have been determined using sorption data. The Dubinin–Radushkevich model shows better correlation between the theoretical and experimental data for 137Cs sorption on natural zeolites from local deposits converted to NH4
+ and H+ forms than Langmuir and Freundlich equations.

Kinetic studies were carried out with various zeolite forms. The sorbents studied are natural zeolites from local deposits (Marsid-Romania).

The batch sorption kinetics has been tested for pseudo-second order reaction. The pseudo-second order model fits the experimental data well for all of the systems studied.
A Pathogenic Relationship Between a Regulator of the Actin Cytoskeleton and Serum Response Factor
Authors: Verdoni Angela M , Schuster Keaton J , Cole Brian S , Ikeda Akihiro , Kao Winston W , Ikeda Sakae
Published: July 2010

Cell hyperproliferation, inflammation, and angiogenesis are biological processes central to the pathogenesis of corneal disease, as well as other conditions including tumorigenesis and chronic inflammatory disorders. Due to the number of disease conditions that arise as a result of these abnormalities, identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes is critical. The avascular and transparent cornea serves as a good in vivo model to study the pathogenesis of cell hyperproliferation, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Corneal disease 1 (Dstncorn1) mice are homozygous for a spontaneous null allele of the destrin (Dstn) gene, which is also known as actin depolymerizing factor (ADF). These mice exhibit abnormalities in the cornea including epithelial cell hyperproliferation, stromal inflammation, and neovascularization. We previously identified that the transcription factor, serum response factor (SRF) and a number of its target genes are upregulated in the cornea of these mice. In this study, we show that conditional ablation of Srf in the corneal epithelium of a diseased Dstncorn1 cornea results in the rescue of the epithelial cell hyperproliferation, inflammation, and neovascularization phenotypes, delineating an epithelial cell-specific role for SRF in the development of all of these abnormalities. Our study also demonstrates that Dstn is genetically upstream of Srf and defines a new functional role for SRF as the master regulator of a hyperproliferative, inflammatory phenotype accompanied by neovascularization.
Dynamics of a Recurrent Buchnera Mutation That Affects Thermal Tolerance of Pea Aphid Hosts
Authors: Burke Gaelen R , McLaughlin Heather J , Simon Jean-Christophe , Moran Nancy A
Published: July 2010

Mutations in maternally transmitted symbionts can affect host fitness. In this study we investigate a mutation in an obligate bacterial symbiont (Buchnera), which has dramatic effects on the heat tolerance of pea aphid hosts (Acyrthosiphon pisum). The heat-sensitive allele arises through a single base deletion in a homopolymer within the promoter of ibpA, which encodes a universal small heat-shock protein. In laboratory cultures reared under cool conditions (20°), the rate of fixation (1.4 × 10−3 substitutions per Buchnera replication) is much higher than the previously estimated mutation rate for single base deletions in homopolymers in the Buchnera genome, implying a strong selective benefit. This mutation recurs in natural populations, but seldom reaches high frequencies, implying that it is only rarely favored by selection. Another potential source of physiological stress in pea aphids is infection by other microorganisms, including facultative bacterial symbionts, which occur in a majority of pea aphids in field populations. Frequency of the heat-sensitive Buchnera allele is negatively correlated with presence of facultative symbionts in both laboratory colonies and field populations, suggesting that these infections impose stress that is ameliorated by ibpA expression. This single base polymorphism in Buchnera has the potential to allow aphid populations to adapt quickly to prevailing conditions.
Effects of ammonium nitrate, wheat straw and Phylazonit MC bacterial fertilizer on the N supply of soil
Authors: Balla Kovács A.
Published: July 2010

An incubation experiment was set up to investigate the effects of NPK fertilizers, wheat straw and food waste compost in combination with Phylazonit MC biofertilizer on the changes in 0.01MCaCl2extractable nitrogen forms (NO3+-N, NH4+-N, organic-N fraction) of three types of soils. The quantities and changes in CaCl2-NH4+-N mainly depended on the adsorption capacity of soils. Higher CaCl2extractable NH4+-N values were measured in the calcareous chernozem and sandy soil with the application of NPK treatment, while in case of the chernozem soil with loamy texture no significant differences were found between the NPK and control treatments. NH4+immobilization appeared in pots given straw treatment. The quantity of CaCl2-NH4+-N changed within the incubation period, the direction and extent of the change were dependent of the production rates and consumption processes. In all soils the 0.01MCaCl2extractable NO3--N was the largest pool for plant nutrition. The highest CaCl2-NO3--N values were found in pots given NPK and combined NPK+straw treatments, while the lowest values were measured in straw-treated pots. Wheat straw, with higher C/N ratio caused a temporary immobilization, followed by remineralization. Food waste compost, with lower C/N ratio, proved to have a good N supplying capacity. The contrasted effect of straw and compost was more conspicuous in sandy soil, in which the original NO3--N content was the lowest. Higher CaCl2-organic N values were measured for pots treated with straw and with compost, as compared to the control. During the incubation period the amount of soluble organic-N changed, the direction and extent of the change depended on the soil type and treatments. The effect of Phylazonit MC was on the quantity of CaCl2extractable N fractions was not really expressed, and the significancy of the effect varied and was dependent of the soil type. Biofertilizer amendment increased the extractable NO3--N in sandy soil, decreased the negative effect of wheat straw, and it also might help in decomposing wheat straw and food waste compost. The application of Phylazonit MC in the calcareous chernozem caused a significantly higher amount of organic-N, especially in straw-treated pots.
Analysis of measured and estimated saturated hydraulic conductivities using HUNSODA
Authors: Fodor N. , Rajkai K.
Published: July 2010

Ten pedotransfer functions (PTF) estimating soil saturated hydraulic conductivity were investigated using the HunSODA database and the SOILarium 2.0 software. The predicting efficiency of the PTFs was investigated by using statistical indicators, such as the expected value of absolute as well as relative errors. The estimated values, along with measured values of two characteristic Hungarian sites were used in a model application for simulating infiltration during a heavy rainfall event. When choosing a pedotransfer function it is most safe to choose an empirical PTF or a PTF that was developed on a large base dataset applying a not-too-simple not-too-complex formula. Considering the uncertainty related to arbitrary choosing a PTF and using its estimation in a model application, it is more safer to measure than estimate the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil.
Truth in Nonfiction: Essays. David Lazar (Ed.) (2008)
Authors: Neile Caren Schnur
Published: July 2010

Truth in Nonfiction: Essays. David Lazar (Ed.) (2008) Iowa City: University of Iowa Press. pp.195 ISBN 978-1-58729-654-3
Pedagogical Applications of a Second Language Writing Model at Elementary and Middle School Levels
Authors: Kristmanson Paula Lee , Dicks Joseph , Le Bouthillier Josée
Published: July 2010

This article describes an action research project conducted at two public schools in an urban center in the province of New Brunswick in eastern Canada. The project involved the development of and experimentation with a model for the instruction of writing (ÉCRI – écriture cohérente et raisonnée en immersion) at both the elementary and middle-school levels. Research questions focused on gaining insight into best practices for teaching writing through practitioner dialogue in professional learning communities (PLCs), classroom observation and videotaping, teacher reflections, and stimulated recall. The data gathered were analyzed to determine similarities and differences between the implementation of the model in elementary and middle school settings as well as second-language and first-language learning contexts. Results of the study demonstrate the applicability of this multi-phase model at both levels and in both learning environments and the adaptations necessary to meet the needs of learners in these contexts.
A dimensão imaginária e intersubjetiva das organizações de saúde: implicações para o trabalho gerencial e para a mudança organizacional
Authors: Azevedo Creuza da Silva
Published: July 2010

Este artigo objetiva explorar caminhos teóricos para analisar a articulação entre a dinâmica intersubjetiva e a construção de processos de mudança em organizações públicas de saúde, discutindo particularmente o papel do gestor neste contexto. Para considerar o fenômeno organizacional, a perspectiva da psicossociologia francesa é apresentada, ganhando destaque a compreensão da dimensão imaginária, grupal e inconsciente das organizações. O trabalho gerencial, compreendido particularmente através da função de liderança, é tratado à luz de uma perspectiva grupal, de base psicanalítica, sendo ressaltado seu potencial estruturante para as organizações. Embora os gestores de organizações de saúde possam potencialmente propiciar o embate entre as forças dominantes do conformismo e as forças instituintes, que favorecem o vínculo e a mudança, a crise de natureza gerencial e assistencial que vivem os hospitais públicos leva a um esvaziamento das capacidades de intermediação social e psíquica desses gestores.
Una propuesta metodológica para la apropiación de costos de producción en la atención prenatal
Authors: Maeda Sayuri Tanaka , Ciosak Suely Itsuko , Egry Emiko Yoshikawa
Published: July 2010

La actual coyuntura económica brasileña trae consecuencias para el Estado en todas sus esferas, implicando en una cuidadosa planificación de sus administradores. Así, la aplicación adecuada de su presupuesto es uno de los objetivos primordiales anhelado por el sector salud. El presente estudio presentará una metodología para la apropiación de costos de la atención prenatal de bajo riesgo, que puede servir de subsidio para investigaciones científicas e intervención en la planificación y evaluación de costos. Esta apropiación se realizó teniendo como escenario la Salud de la Familia, al cual acuden las embarazadas de forma prioritaria. En la perspectiva de la cobertura universal a la que se propone el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS), el correcto estimado de los costos hará posible la contribución en la formulación presupuestaria y en la programación de recursos para garantizar una atención de calidad.
Associação entre deficiência de vitamina A e variáveis socioeconômicas, nutricionais e obstétricas de gestantes
Authors: Santos Emanuelle Natalee dos , Velarde Luis Guillermo Coca , Ferreira Vanessa Alves
Published: July 2010

Este estudo investigou a prevalência de cegueira noturna e sua associação com as variáveis socioeconômicas, nutricionais e obstétricas de 92 gestantes atendidas em um posto municipal de saúde da cidade de Diamantina, Alto Vale do Jequitinhonha (MG). Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se a entrevista preconizada pela OMS (1996) para o diagnóstico da cegueira noturna. Na análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste exato de Fisher e o de teste de Wilcoxon. Os resultados demonstraram uma prevalência maior de cegueira noturna nos distritos de Diamantina (15,38%) e cidades vizinhas (13,04%). Não foi encontrada associação significativa entre cegueira noturna e as variáveis socioeconômicas e obstétricas (p>0,05). No entanto, observou-se um menor consumo de vitamina A pelas gestantes com cegueira noturna (4,4%). Tais achados apontam a necessidade de realizar novas investigações acerca da deficiência de vitamina A, a fim de subsidiar ações de prevenção e combate a esse agravo neste grupo em particular.
Conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva sobre prevenção de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica
Authors: Pombo Carla Mônica Nunes , Almeida Paulo César de , Rodrigues Jorge Luiz Nobre
Published: July 2010

A Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica (PAVM) é a mais importante e comum infecção que acomete os pacientes críticos ventilados mecanicamente nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Este estudo, de natureza quantitativa, objetivou avaliar o conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde sobre a prevenção da PAVM em duas UTI de dois hospitais públicos de Fortaleza (CE), de junho a julho de 2006. Aplicou-se um questionário a 104 profissionais, utilizando a escala de conceitos de Likert, que serviu de parâmetro e referência para avaliação. Foram calculadas as médias e desvio padrão e analisou-se o conhecimento dos profissionais em relação à PAVM. Verificaram-se as associações entre o conhecimento sobre a prevenção da PAVM e as demais variáveis, por meio dos testes de χ2, de Fisher-Freeman-Halton, sendo fixado o nível de significância de 5%. Os resultados obtidos sugeriram que o conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde das duas UTI a respeito da prevenção da PAVM se mostrou insuficiente. Concluímos que, de maneira geral, independentemente da categoria profissional, o conhecimento sobre a PAVM e fatores de risco a ela associada foi apenas regular e que a preparação dos profissionais estava abaixo do esperado, sendo em algumas situações bastante preocupante.
Ocorrência de enteroparasitoses em portadores de transtornos mentais assistidos na Clínica de Repouso São Marcello em Aracaju (SE)
Authors: Souza Paula Andreza de Carvalho , Faro Cynthia Cristina Pagliari de , Pinheiro Malone Santos , Rezende Neto José Melquiades de , Brito Ana Maria Guedes de
Published: July 2010

A transmissão inter-humana, o baixo nível de higiene pessoal, o hábito de coprofagia, entre outros, contribuem para a disseminação de enteroparasitoses em portadores de transtornos mentais. No presente trabalho, verificou-se a ocorrência de enteroparasitas em portadores de transtornos mentais assistidos na Clínica de Repouso São Marcello, Aracaju (SE), no período de fevereiro a maio de 2006, bem como se rastreou os aspectos epidemiológicos de contágio. Para tanto, realizaram-se exames coproparasitológicos, sendo as amostras manipuladas pela técnica de Hoffmann, Pons ou Jannes (1932), e os dados epidemiológicos foram obtidos a partir de questionários aplicados aos responsáveis. Observou-se que 62,22% dos pacientes apresentaram-se infectados por pelo menos um parasito. Percebeu-se, também, uma inadequação no que se refere ao saneamento básico, moradia e hábitos de higiene pessoal. Este estudo realçou a importância de um monitoramento constante com relação às parasitoses e a observância insistente das condições que favorecem a transmissão.