bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of high‐brightness flat field‐emission lamp with a special electrode system for block dimming BLUs for LCDs
Authors: Wang Hong‐Xing , Jiang Nan , Harazono Hideki , Hiraki Hirohisa , Harada Yoshiko , Haba Masanori , Nakamoto Masayuki
Published: March 2009

Abstract— A flat field‐emission lamp (FFEL) has been developed that utilizes a specially designed electrode structure and an unique nanostructure carbon electron emitter called a carbon nanometer electron exit (CNX) emitter. CNX emitters have been developed on metal‐wire substrates with a special plasma chemical‐vapor‐deposition technique. Field electron emission from CNX emitters has been investigated in a vacuum of 2×10−4 Pa by using a diode configuration with an A–K space of 1 mm, which shows that an emission current of 5.7 A/cm2 can be obtained at an electrical‐field strength of 2.2 V/μm. Then, the emission‐current stability was also carried out to investigate the CNX‐emitter lifetime. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro‐Raman spectrum was used to characterize the CNX film. Furthermore, the design of the special diode emission system was optimized by simulating the electron orbits with a commercial software, the result of which indicates that the emission system was used to effectively extract electrons from the emitter and control the local block dimming. And, also, a simple FFEL structure was used to illustrate the simulation results. Finally, a 7‐in. FFEL has been successfully fabricated, demonstrating a luminance of 15,000 cd/m2 with an anode voltage of 6 kV.
Fabrication of anti‐reflection coatings on plastics using the spraying layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly technique
Authors: Chunder Anindarupa , Etcheverry Kenneth , Wadsworth Samuel , Boreman Glenn D. , Zhai Lei
Published: March 2009

Abstract— Anti‐reflection (AR) coatings on plastic substrates have been extensively investigated with the development of large‐area LCD and LED displays. A robust AR coating on plastics requires strong adhesion to the substrate, precise thickness and refractive index, and abrasion resistance. In this paper, abrasion‐resistant AR coatings were fabricated on polycarbonate substrates using the layer‐by‐layer spraying deposition of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and silica nanoparticles. The adhesion between the substrates and coatings was enhanced by treating the polycarbonate surfaces with aminopropyltrimethoxylsilane (APTS). The porous low‐refractive‐index PAH/silica‐nanoparticles multilayers were constructed by the layer‐by‐layer spraying of PAH and silica‐nanoparticles aqueous solutions onto the functionalized substrates. The subsequent treatment of the porous coatings with tetrahydroxylsilane leads to stable abrasion‐resistant AR coatings. The resultant AR coatings can reduce the reflection from 5 to 0.3%. The reported technique provides a cost‐effective method for large‐scale production of AR coatings on plastic substrates.
Effect of tributyltin on testicular development in Sebastiscus marmoratus and the mechanism involved
Authors: Zhang Jiliang , Zuo Zhenghong , He Chengyong , Cai Jiali , Wang Yuqing , Chen Yixin , Wang Chonggang
Published: March 2009

Organotin compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT), that have been used as antifouling biocides can induce masculinization in female mollusks. However, few studies addressing the effects of TBT on fishes have been reported. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of TBT at environmentally relevant concentrations (1,10, and 100 ng/L) on testicular development in Sebastiscus marmoratus and to gain insight into its mechanism of action. After exposure for 48 d, the gonadosomatic index had decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Although the testosterone levels in the testes were elevated and the 17β-estradiol levels were decreased, spermatogenesis was suppressed. Moreover, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity (which is used as a Sertoli cell marker) was decreased in a dose-dependent manner after TBT exposure, and serious interstitial fibrosis was observed in the interlobular septa of the testes in the 100 ng/L TBT test group. Increases in the retinoid × receptors and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ expression and the progressive enlargement of lipid droplets in the testes were observed after TBT exposure. Estrogen receptor α levels in the testes of the fish exposed to TBT decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The reduction of estrogen receptor α mRNA resulted from the decrease of 17β-estradiol levels, and the progressive enlargement of lipid droplets may have contributed to the dysfunction of the Sertoli cells, which then disrupted spermatogenesis.
Toxicity of Trace Metals in Soil as Affected by Soil Type and Aging After Contamination: Using Calibrated Bioavailability Models to Set Ecological Soil Standards
Authors: Smolders Erik , Oorts Koen , Van Sprang Patrick , Schoeters Ilse , Janssen Colin R. , McGrath Steve P. , Mclaughlin Mike J.
Published: March 2009

Total concentrations of metals in soil are poor predictors of toxicity. In the last decade, considerable effort has been made to demonstrate how metal toxicity is affected by the abiotic properties of soil. Here this information is collated and shows how these data have been used in the European Union for defining predicted-no-effect concentrations (PNECs) of Cd, Cu, Co, Ni, Pb, and Zn in soil. Bioavailability models have been calibrated using data from more than 500 new chronic toxicity tests in soils amended with soluble metal salts, in experimentally aged soils, and in field-contaminated soils. In general, soil pH was a good predictor of metal solubility but a poor predictor of metal toxicity across soils. Toxicity thresholds based on the free metal ion activity were generally more variable than those expressed on total soil metal, which can be explained, but not predicted, using the concept of the biotic ligand model. The toxicity thresholds based on total soil metal concentrations rise almost proportionally to the effective cation exchange capacity of soil. Total soil metal concentrations yielding 10% inhibition in freshly amended soils were up to 100-fold smaller (median 3.4-fold, n = 110 comparative tests) than those in corresponding aged soils or field-contaminated soils. The change in isotopically exchangeable metal in soil proved to be a conservative estimate of the change in toxicity upon aging. The PNEC values for specific soil types were calculated using this information. The corrections for aging and for modifying effects of soil properties in metal-salt-amended soils are shown to be the main factors by which PNEC values rise above the natural background range.
Application of life cycle thinking in multidisciplinary multistakeholder contexts for cross-sectoral planning and implementation of sustainable development projects
Authors: Thabrew Lanka , Ries Robert
Published: March 2009

Development planning and implementation is a multifaceted and multiscale task mainly because of the involvement of multiple stakeholders across sectors and disciplines. Even though top-down sectoral planning is commonly practiced, bottom-up cross-sectoral planning involving all relevant stakeholders in a transdisciplinary learning environment has been recognized as a better option, especially if the goal is to drive development projects toward sustainable implementation (Rowe and Fudge 2003; Müller et al. 2005; Global Development Research Center 2008). Even though many planning approaches have this goal, there are limited decision frameworks that are suitable for achieving consensus among stakeholders from multiple disciplines with sectoral objectives and priorities. In most instances, the upstream and downstream effects of development decisions are not thoroughly investigated or communicated with the relevant stakeholders, strongly affecting cross-sectoral integration in the real world (Wiek, Brundiers, et al. 2006). This article presents methodological aspects of developing a stakeholder based life cycle assessment framework (SBLCA) for upstream–downstream decision analysis in a multistakeholder development planning context. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated using simple examples extracted from a pilot case study conducted in Sri Lanka for sustainable posttsunami reconstruction at a village scale. The applicability of SBLCA in specific planning stages, how it promotes transdisciplinary learning and cross-sectoral stakeholder integration in phases of project cycles, and how local stakeholders can practice life cycle thinking in their village development planning and implementation are discussed.
Impoverished Women With Children and No Welfare Benefits: The Urgency of Researching Failures of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program
Authors: Hildebrandt Eugenie , Stevens Patricia
Published: March 2009

In the United States, the numbers of impoverished women with children and no cash safety net are increasing and constitute an emerging population. Many have exhausted cash benefits from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the work-based welfare program that replaced Aid to Families With Dependent Children in 1996. We examine empirical evidence about poverty and use of welfare programs in the United States, jobs for women on welfare, the consequences of leaving welfare, health disparities disproportionate to those of the general population, and outcomes for children of needy families. It is important that public health researchers investigate the experiences of the families for whom Temporary Assistance for Needy Families has failed.
Loneliness as a Sexual Risk Factor for Male Mexican Migrant Workers
Authors: Muñoz-Laboy Miguel , Hirsch Jennifer S. , Quispe-Lazaro Arturo
Published: March 2009

HIV/AIDs risk among migrant workers is often examined through individual determinants with limited consideration of social context. We used data from systematic ethnographic observations, structured interviews (n = 50), and life history interviews (n = 10) to examine the relationship between loneliness and HIV/AIDS risk for recently arrived (within the last 3 years) male Mexican migrant workers in New York City. Higher levels of loneliness were strongly associated with frequency of sexual risk behavior (r = 0.64; P = .008). From our ethnographic observations, we found that loneliness was a dominant element in workers' migration experience and that 2 different kinds of social spaces served as supportive environments for dealing with loneliness: bars or dance clubs and Catholic churches. Loneliness should be addressed as a critical factor in reducing HIV/AIDS risk among Mexican male migrant workers.
Association Between Neighborhood Context and Smoking Prevalence Among Asian Americans
Authors: Kandula Namratha R. , Wen Ming , Jacobs Elizabeth A. , Lauderdale Diane S.
Published: March 2009

Objectives. To study neighborhood-level determinants of smoking among Asian Americans, we examined 3 neighborhood factors (ethnic enclave, socioeconomics, and perceived social cohesion) and smoking prevalence in a population-based sample.

Methods. We linked data from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey to tract-level data from the 2000 Census. We used multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the associations between smoking and neighborhood-level factors, independent of individual factors.

Results. Twenty-two percent of 1693 Asian men and 6% of 2174 Asian women reported current smoking. Women living in an Asian enclave were less likely to smoke (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08, 0.88). Among men, higher levels of perceived neighborhood social cohesion were associated with lower odds of smoking (AOR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.61, 0.91).

Conclusions. The association between contextual factors and smoking differed for men and women. For women, living in an Asian enclave may represent cultural behavioral norms. For men, neighborhood trust and cohesiveness may buffer stress. Smoking prevention and cessation interventions among Asian Americans may be more effective if they address contextual factors.
Public Health Workforce Enumeration
Authors: Gebbie Kristine M. , Raziano Amanda , Elliott Sterling
Published: March 2009

Comprehensive data on the public health workforce are fundamental to workforce development throughout the public health system. Such information is also a critical data element in public health systems research, a growing area of study that can inform the practice of public health at all levels. However, methodologic and institutional issues challenge the development of comparable indicators for the federal, state, and local public health workforce.

A 2006–2007 Association of State and Territorial Health Officials workforce enumeration pilot project demonstrated the issues involved in collecting workforce data. This project illustrated key elements of an institutionalized national system of workforce enumeration, which would be needed for a robust, recurring count that provides a national picture of the public health workforce.
Reduction in Suicide Mortality Following a New National Alcohol Policy in Slovenia: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Pridemore William Alex , Snowden Aleksandra J.
Published: March 2009

Objectives. We assessed the impact on suicide mortality of a new national policy in Slovenia that limits the availability of alcohol.

Methods. We obtained monthly total, male, and female suicide counts in Slovenia between January 1997 and December 2005 and then employed autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) techniques to model the effect of the alcohol policy (implemented in March 2003).

Results. There was a significant decrease in the total number of monthly suicides following the policy's implementation. Subsequent analyses revealed this association to be caused solely by the impact on male suicides. Specifically, there was an immediate and permanent reduction of 3.6 male suicides per month (95% confidence interval = −0.4, −6.9), or approximately 10% of the preintervention average. The policy had no statistically significant effect on female suicides.

Conclusions. Our results show the effectiveness of this specific policy in reducing male suicides in Slovenia and also hint at the potential of public policy in reducing the public health burden of alcohol-related harm more generally.
Age and Workers' Perceptions of Workplace Safety: A Comparative Study
Authors: Gyekye Seth Ayim , Salminen Simo
Published: March 2009

The study examined the relationship between age and I) safety perception; ii) job satisfaction; iii) compliance with safety management policies; and (iv) accident frequency. Participants were Ghanaian industrial workers ( N = 320) categorized into 4 age groups: 19–29 years; 30–39 years; 40–50 years; and 51 years and above. Workplace safety perception was assessed with Hayes, Perander, Smecko, and Trask's (1998) 50-item Work Safety Scale (WSS): a scale that effectively captures the dimensions identified by safety experts to influence perceptions of workplace safety. ANOVA was used to test for differences in the mean scores of the 4 groups. Post Hoc analysis revealed differences of statistical significance between the 2 younger cohorts and the 2 older cohorts. The results indicated a positive association between age and safety perception. Older workers had the best perceptions on safety, indicated the highest level of job satisfaction, were the most compliant with safety procedures, and recorded the lowest accident involvement rate. From a practical perspective, understanding age-related perceptions of workplace safety would benefit management's decisions regarding workers' adaptability, general work effectiveness, accident frequency, implementation of safety management policies, and handling of age-related accident characteristics.
Self-Reported Consequences of Intoxication among College Students: Implications for Harm Reduction Approaches to High-Risk Drinking
Authors: Usdan Stuart , Martin Ryan , Mays Darren , Cremeens JEnnifer , Weitzel Jessica Aungst , Bernhardt Jay
Published: March 2009

Although large scale national surveys provide extensive data about the nature and frequency of alcohol use among American college students, survey research on alcohol does not provide detailed information on the context of college alcohol consumption that may contribute to drinking-related negative consequences. This research sought to gather specific information on the contexts in which alcohol use occurs among college students through a series of focus groups. Participants described specific incidents of heavy drinking, alcohol consumption patterns, drinking locations and environments, co-drinkers, and associated consequences experienced from drinking. Results indicated that participants often experienced negative consequences from alcohol use if they consumed shots of hard liquor or if they participated in drinking games and/or “pre-gamed.” In addition, negative consequences were more common during specific events/special occasions. An implication of these findings is the possibility of reducing negative alcohol-related consequences by tailoring health promotion/harm reduction efforts specifically toward excessive drinking of hard liquor and excessive “pre-gaming.”
Arrack Drinking Patterns among Muslim, Hindu, Santal, and Oraon Communities in the Rasulpur Union of Bangladesh: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
Authors: Uddin Emaj
Published: March 2009

Arrack is produced from palm and date juice which is commonly consumed by the lower class of all religious communities in rural Bangladesh. Previous studies could not cross-culturally investigate arrack drinking patterns. The present study examined and compared arrack drinking patterns among the Muslim, Hindu, Santal, and Oraon communities' drinkers in the Rasulpur union of Bangladesh. A total of 391 arrack drinkers (Muslim n = 109, Hindu n = 103, Santal n = 89, Oraon n = 90) selected by cluster random sampling were intensively interviewed by Arrack Drinking Patterns Questionnaire (ADPQ) with open-ended questions. The results of Pearson's Chi-Squire test revealed that arrack drinking patterns significantly differed among the communities' drinkers. The results of Spearman's Bivariate Correlation Coefficients (rs) also indicated that the patterns of arrack drinking of the communities' drinkers were significantly inter-correlated with each other.
“I Come Because I Can”: Stories of Hope from the Cancer Drop in
Authors: Watts Jacqueline H.
Published: March 2009

Hospices are now the established institutionalized home of specialist palliative care practice in the United Kingdom. Despite attempts to widen access, the dominant patient group continues to be cancer sufferers. A multidisciplinary approach to the support of patients characterizes this field of health care, with both skilled professionals and volunteers attending to patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Day care, as one type of provision within hospice services, has its own practice territory with wide variations now well documented in the literature. This article reports on a participant observation study that explored the day care provision of a community hospice trust located in southern England. Drawing on the concepts of palliative care and hope in the lives of terminally ill people, findings suggest that this facility helps to counter the isolating effects of cancer and that self-comparison acts as motivation to attend day care, contributing to hope for continued survival.
How They Died, Time since Loss, and Bereavement Outcomes
Authors: Feigelman William , Jordan John R. , Gorman Bernard S.
Published: March 2009

This analysis explores associations between differing death circumstances and the course of bereavement among a sample of 540 bereaved parents. Comparisons were made between parents whose children died by suicide ( n = 462), those losing children from other traumatic death circumstances ( n = 54), and others whose children died from natural causes ( n = 24). Results were mixed, showing suicide survivors with more grief difficulties and other mental health problems on some criteria, though most findings showed no substantive differences between these subgroups. Results also showed, in the first years after loss, repeated suicide attempts and prior negative relationships with the decedent were associated with greater grief difficulties. However, as more time passed, all death circumstance differences were overshadowed by the importance of the time span since loss. This data also suggested that between 3 and 5 years usually marks the turning point, when acute grief difficulties accompanying a suicide loss begin to subside.
Management of Challenges of Conjugal Loss among Chinese Widowers: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Woo Ivan M. H. , Chan Cecilia L. W. , Chow Amy Y. M. , Ho Rainbow T. H.
Published: March 2009

This study presents an exploration of significant coping strategies for Chinese widowers' healthy adjustment to conjugal loss. The informants, 17 Chinese widowers, were asked to share strategies they have adopted to achieve healthy adjustment to spousal loss. The results reveal that loss-orientation coping, consisting of: 1) emotion-focused coping; 2) social coping; and 3) meaning-focused coping, was the key strategy in dealing with challenges posed by the past. Restoration-orientation coping, consisting of: 1) problem-focused coping; 2) social coping; 3) future-focused coping and 4) meaning-focused coping; was the key to managing challenges posed by present and future needs. It is hoped that insights from this study will inform social workers' practice with Chinese widowers experiencing poor adjustment to conjugal loss.
Critical Spiritual Pedagogy: Reclaiming Humanity through a Pedagogy of Integrity, Community, and Love
Authors: Ryoo Jean J. , Crawford Jenifer , Moreno Dianna , McLaren Peter
Published: March 2009

American public schools today continue to segregate, alienate, and disempower non-dominant students through the use of culturally oppressive curricula and pedagogical practices. Through portraiture, this article illustrates how such educational issues are rooted in the fact that non-dominant students are often denied their humanity in schools. Building on a rich theoretical tradition of critical theory and critical pedagogy, this article challenges the complicit routines of mainstream educational practices by introducing the idea of critical spiritual pedagogy (CSP). Critical spiritual pedagogy is a method of teaching and learning that is rooted in three central concepts: spirituality, humanity, and power. It acknowledges the way students and teachers are exploited, fragmented, and Othered in schools while advocating for curricular and educational practices that are based in love and integrity in an interdependent classroom community. The authors propose that CSP can be used as a tool for teachers and students to reclaim their humanity and briefly discuss the implications this has for teacher practice, national curricula, and educational research and policy.
Discourses of Inclusion: A Critique
Authors: Dunne Linda
Published: March 2009

This article presents aspects of a study that drew on Foucault's notion of discourse as practice to critically consider prevailing discourses of inclusion in education. An aim was to take the seemingly self-evident object of inclusion and to interrogate and question it as a potentially normalising, hegemonic discourse and as a universalising concept. The study considered how the contemporary discourse(s) of inclusion is constructed and constituted in education, and critically explored its potential effects. A multi-method research approach was adopted to address the question: whose interests are served by the way that inclusion is spoken about and (re)presented in schools? A range of educationalists, including teachers, teaching assistants and lecturers engaged in professional development programmes, were invited to give their views and interpretation of ‘inclusion’ in written form, via an online discussion board facility or as a visual representation in the form of a drawing that was then discussed. The multi-textual responses were analysed and a critical reading of the data revealed various discourses that interacted and reverberated around the themes of ‘policy’, ‘othering’ and ‘self’. The ramifications of these are discussed and it is suggested that newly emergent (entrepreneurial) discourses of ‘self’ are compatible with neo-liberal forms of governance.
Lifelong Learning under New Labour: An Orwellian Dystopia?
Authors: Taylor Richard
Published: March 2009

Lifelong learning is now seen, universally, as a key component of both a dynamic and efficient economy, and a participatory, democratic society. This article analyses New Labour's lifelong learning policy in the decade 1997 to 2007 in Britain and discusses some of the themes and perspectives of George Orwell in this policy context. The argument of this article can be stated briefly: that both the detailed record and the ideology underlying New Labour's policy formulation for lifelong learning have proved to be fundamentally flawed – politically, intellectually and morally; that a part of the reason for this inadequacy lies in New Labour's dismissive attitude to history in general and the history and ideology of the Labour movement and socialism more particularly; and that this approach, deriving intellectually in part from the postmodern climate of the times, has resulted amongst other things in the reconceptualisation ideologically of several important policy areas, and the deliberate distortion of ideas and terminology. The connection between the second and third points above, and the critiques offered by Orwell in some of his essays, is clear, as is illustrated later in the article.
The Narrative of a Happy Childhood: On the Presumption of Parents' Power and the Demand for Integrity
Authors: Levering Bas , Ramaekers Stefan , Smeyers Paul
Published: March 2009

Educational situations, in the context of the family as well as in the context of the school, can be conceived in terms of power relations. Often the focus of interest is the outcome of the educator's involvement with the child. Though in general the instrumental way of thinking, in which a certain state of human well-being is an end to be reached, has been criticised, it seems to be presupposed by parents who express that what they want is that their children are happy. This may either refer to well-being later on in life or to the earlier period of childhood itself. The article questions the assumptions that lie behind both narratives of happiness. By using examples from literature it is made clear that much more than control, the person of the educator him or herself and what they stand for is at stake. Thus the concept of integrity and what this amounts to in the context of child-rearing are highlighted.
Surplus Value of Hip Adduction in Leg-Press Exercise in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Song Chen-Yi , Lin Yeong-Fwu , Wei Tung-Ching , Lin Da-Hon , Yen Tzu-Yu , Jan Mei-Hwa
Published: March 2009

Background

A common treatment for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is strength (force-generating capacity) training of the vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO). Hip adduction in conjunction with knee extension is commonly used in clinical practice; however, evidence supporting the efficacy of this exercise is lacking.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the surplus effect of hip adduction on the VMO.

Design

This study was a randomized controlled trial.

Setting

The study was conducted in a kinesiology laboratory.

Participants

Eighty-nine patients with PFPS participated.

Intervention

Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: hip adduction combined with leg-press exercise (LPHA group), leg-press exercise only (LP group), or no exercise (control group). Training consisted of 3 weekly sessions for 8 weeks.

Measurements

Ratings of worst pain as measured with a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS-W), Lysholm scale scores, and measurements of VMO morphology (including cross-sectional area [CSA] and volume) were obtained before and after the intervention.

Results

Significant improvements in VAS-W ratings, Lysholm scale scores, and VMO CSA and volume were observed after the intervention in both exercise groups, but not in the control group. Significantly greater improvements for VAS-W ratings, Lysholm scale scores, and VMO volume were apparent in the LP group compared with the control group. There were no differences between the LP and LPHA groups for any measures.

Limitations

Only the VMO was examined by ultrasonography. The resistance level for hip adduction and the length of intervention period may have been inadequate to induce a training effect.

Conclusions

Similar changes in pain reduction, functional improvement, and VMO hypertrophy were observed in both exercise groups. Incorporating hip adduction with leg-press exercise had no impact on outcome in patients with PFPS.
A method to remotely measure temperature change in a lithium niobate crystal using birefringence
Authors: Sando Daniel , Jaatinen Esa
Published: March 2009

We present a non-contact method of determining temperature change in a lithium niobate crystal. The technique has the advantage of being simple to implement and offers a precision at least as good as conventional temperature measurement methods over large ranges (∼ 200 K). A novel application of this technique involves measuring temperature in different regions of the crystal simultaneously, which could be useful for determining stresses and heat diffusion parameters. The technique could be successfully applied to monitor crystal temperature for thermal fixing of holograms or related applications.
Contested Terrains: Ethnic and Gendered Spaces in the Harbour Grace Affray
Authors: Keough Willeen G.
Published: March 2009

This article explores the negotiation of ethnicity between English Protestants and Irish Catholics in nineteenth-century Conception Bay, Newfoundland. Focusing on a particular moment of ethno-religious tension, a ritual staking of claim in the 1880s, it demonstrates that ethnicity was re-imagined through processes that drew selectively from Old World narratives, yet was very much shaped by local circumstances. The essay argues that ethnicity was not always driven by elites, but that popular classes also invoked ethnic difference for their own self-interests – in this case, as they jostled for position during economic decline. It also examines the gendered nature of participation in the affray, particularly the contrast between the institutional, predominantly male involvement of popular-class English Protestants and the communal, gender-inclusive response of popular-class Irish Catholics – a difference that reflected dissimilar positioning of women in family economies and divergent ethnic understandings of respectable womanhood.
A ‘War on Pollution’? Canadian Responses to the Automotive Emissions Problem, 1970–80
Authors: Anastakis Dimitry
Published: March 2009

By the early 1970s air pollution from cars had reached such problematic levels in North America that ordinary citizens, environmentalists, and governments called for the regulation of emissions from automobiles. Though Canada's auto sector operated within a continentally integrated industry, Canada developed its own automobile emission standards that were significantly less stringent than regulations imposed by the United States on their own automobiles. Canadian policy makers justified these lower standards by citing economic concerns, national differences, and fuel consumption concerns. In the first great postwar test of continental integration and environmental regulation, there was no regulatory ‘race to the bottom’ or loss of sovereignty, which critics of free trade agreements have claimed will occur as continentalization and harmonization takes hold. Instead, Canadians exercised their national right to allow their automobiles to spew three, five, and even seven times the amount of pollutants that us cars did.
Intraoperative biplanar rotational angiography during neurovascular surgery
Authors: Dehdashti Amir R. , Thines Laurent , Da Costa Leodante B. , terBrugge Karel G. , Willinsky Robert A. , Wallace M. Christopher , Tymianski Michael
Published: March 2009

Object

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the authors' initial experience with the integration of high-resolution rotational and biplanar angiography during neurovascular operative procedures.

Methods

Eight patients with intracerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and aneurysms underwent surgical treatment of their lesions in a combined endovascular surgical suite. After initial head positioning, preoperative biplane and rotational angiography was performed. Resection of the AVM or clipping of the aneurysm was then performed. Further biplane and rotational 3D angiograms were obtained intraoperatively to confirm satisfactory treatment.

Results

One small residual AVM identified intraoperatively necessitated further resection. One aneurysm was clipped during endovascular inflation of an intracarotid balloon for temporary proximal control. The completeness of treatment was confirmed on intraoperative 3D rotational angiography in all cases, and there were no procedure-related complications.

Conclusions

Intraoperative rotational angiography performed in an integrated biplane angiography/surgery suite is a safe and useful adjunct to surgery and may enable combining endovascular and surgical procedures for the treatment of complex vascular lesions.
Avoiding the ventricle: a simple step to improve accuracy of anatomical targeting during deep brain stimulation
Authors: Zrinzo Ludvic , van Hulzen Arjen L. J. , Gorgulho Alessandra A. , Limousin Patricia , Staal Michiel J. , De Salles Antonio A. F. , Hariz Marwan I.
Published: March 2009

Object

The authors examined the accuracy of anatomical targeting during electrode implantation for deep brain stimulation in functional neurosurgical procedures. Special attention was focused on the impact that ventricular involvement of the electrode trajectory had on targeting accuracy.

Methods

The targeting error during electrode placement was assessed in 162 electrodes implanted in 109 patients at 2 centers. The targeting error was calculated as the shortest distance from the intended stereotactic coordinates to the final electrode trajectory as defined on postoperative stereotactic imaging. The trajectory of these electrodes in relation to the lateral ventricles was also analyzed on postoperative images.

Results

The trajectory of 68 electrodes involved the ventricle. The targeting error for all electrodes was calculated: the mean ± SD and the 95% CI of the mean was 1.5 ± 1.0 and 0.1 mm, respectively. The same calculations for targeting error for electrode trajectories that did not involve the ventricle were 1.2 ± 0.7 and 0.1 mm. A significantly larger targeting error was seen in trajectories that involved the ventricle (1.9 ± 1.1 and 0.3 mm; p < 0.001). Thirty electrodes (19%) required multiple passes before final electrode implantation on the basis of physiological and/or clinical observations. There was a significant association between an increased requirement for multiple brain passes and ventricular involvement in the trajectory (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Planning an electrode trajectory that avoids the ventricles is a simple precaution that significantly improves the accuracy of anatomical targeting during electrode placement for deep brain stimulation. Avoidance of the ventricles appears to reduce the need for multiple passes through the brain to reach the desired target as defined by clinical and physiological observations.
Intravenous mesenchymal stem cell therapy for traumatic brain injury
Authors: Harting Matthew T. , Jimenez Fernando , Xue Hasan , Fischer Uwe M. , Baumgartner James , Dash Pramod K. , Cox Charles S.
Published: March 2009

Object

Cell therapy has shown preclinical promise in the treatment of many diseases, and its application is being translated to the clinical arena. Intravenous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has been shown to improve functional recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Herein, the authors report on their attempts to reproduce such observations, including detailed characterizations of the MSC population, non–bromodeoxyuridine-based cell labeling, macroscopic and microscopic cell tracking, quantification of cells traversing the pulmonary microvasculature, and well-validated measurement of motor and cognitive function recovery.

Methods

Rat MSCs were isolated, expanded in vitro, immunophenotyped, and labeled. Four million MSCs were intravenously infused into Sprague-Dawley rats 24 hours after receiving a moderate, unilateral controlled cortical impact TBI. Infrared macroscopic cell tracking was used to identify cell distribution. Immunohistochemical analysis of brain and lung tissues 48 hours and 2 weeks postinfusion revealed transplanted cells in these locations, and these cells were quantified. Intraarterial blood sampling and flow cytometry were used to quantify the number of transplanted cells reaching the arterial circulation. Motor and cognitive behavioral testing was performed to evaluate functional recovery.

Results

At 48 hours post–MSC infusion, the majority of cells were localized to the lungs. Between 1.5 and 3.7% of the infused cells were estimated to traverse the lungs and reach the arterial circulation, 0.295% reached the carotid artery, and a very small percentage reached the cerebral parenchyma (0.0005%) and remained there. Almost no cells were identified in the brain tissue at 2 weeks postinfusion. No motor or cognitive functional improvements in recovery were identified.

Conclusions

The intravenous infusion of MSCs appeared neither to result in significant acute or prolonged cerebral engraftment of cells nor to modify the recovery of motor or cognitive function. Less than 4% of the infused cells were likely to traverse the pulmonary microvasculature and reach the arterial circulation, a phenomenon termed the “pulmonary first-pass effect,” which may limit the efficacy of this therapeutic approach. The data in this study contradict the findings of previous reports and highlight the potential shortcomings of acute, single-dose, intravenous MSC therapy for TBI.
Evaluation of new radiolucent polymer headholder pins for use in intraoperative computed tomography
Authors: Ardeshiri Ardeshir , Radina Christian , Edlauer Martin , Ardeshiri Ardavan , Riepertinger Alfred , Nerlich Andreas , Tonn Jörg-Christian , Winkler Peter A.
Published: March 2009

Object

With the introduction of intraoperative CT (iCT) scanning, neurosurgeons can now obtain images of the brain during surgery, offering the possibility of intraoperative resection control and monitoring of potential intraoperative complications. The combination of iCT with neuronavigation makes it possible to update the reference scans intraoperatively when necessary. However, the headholder pins normally used for iCT scanning still show artifacts. In the present study, new polymer pins, producing nearly no artifacts in laboratory tests, are compared with the usual pins with regard to their mechanical and artifact behavior to evaluate their potential use in the clinical routine.

Methods

Pins made of different materials (titanium, Macor, silicon nitride, zirconium oxide, sapphire, polyetheretherketone, and polyparaphenylene copolymer) were used for the fixation of 10 cadaveric heads. Special force sensors measured the fixation pressure of the pins, and histological analysis revealed the penetration depth. Computed tomography scans of a head phantom, fixed with the different pins, were obtained to reveal artifact behavior.

Results

All pins were biocompatible. Pins did not differ significantly in fixation pressures and mechanical behavior. Penetration depths were comparable (maximum 1.4 mm) and did not cause opening of the diploe. Polymer pins made of polyparaphenylene showed the best results in artifact behavior in CT scans.

Conclusions

The authors' results demonstrate that the new polymer pins are comparable in their mechanical behavior to the usual pins but superior in artifact behavior. Therefore, their use in the clinical routine of iCT scanning will be beneficial for the surgeon.
Predictors and outcome of seizures after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Yang Tzu-Ming , Lin Wei-Che , Chang Wen-Neng , Ho Jih-Tsun , Wang Hung-Chen , Tsai Nai-Wen , Shih Yi-Ting , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: March 2009

Object

Seizures are an important neurological complication of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A better understanding of the risk factors of seizures following ICH is needed to predict which patients will require treatment.

Methods

Two hundred and forty-three adult patients were enrolled in this 1-year retrospective study. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between baseline clinical factors and the presence or absence of seizure during the study period.

Results

Seizures occurred in 20 patients with ICH, including acute symptomatic seizures in 9 and unprovoked seizures in 11. None progressed to status epilepticus during hospitalization. After a minimum 3-year follow-up period, the mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 3.8 ± 1.1 for patients who had had seizures and 3.5 ± 1.3 for those who had not. The multiple logistic regression model demonstrated that the mean ICH volume was independently associated with seizures, and any increase of 1 mm3 in ICH volume increased the seizure rate by 2.7%.

Conclusions

Higher mean ICH volumes at presentation were predictive of seizure, and the presence of late seizures was predictive of developing epilepsy. Most seizures occurred within 2 years of spontaneous ICH over a minimum of 3 years of follow-up.
Phytochemical and Biological Investigations of Acokanthera spectabilis
Authors: Shanta Tamanna Ferdous , Rahman Mohammad S , Kabir Shaila , Kabir ANM Hamidul , Begum Bilkis , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: March 2009

doi: 10.3329/dujps.v7i2.2177 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 7(2): 187-189, 2008 (December)
A novel method for the synthesis of 6-bromo-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine using microwave irradiation
Authors: Biradar Shankarappa , Bhovi Venkatesh , Bodke Yadav , Bhavanishankar Rajesh
Published: March 2009

A simple and novel route to the synthesis of imidazopyridines was developed. The present work involves the synthesis of 6-bromo-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine (3) by using microwave irradiation. The synthesized compound (3) was well characterized by NMR, IR, LCMS and elemental analysis.
Synthesis of 3-{4-[4-(Benzylideneamino)benzenesulfonyl]- phenyl}-2-phenylquinazolin-4(3H)-one
Authors: Thilagavathi R. , Kavitha Helen , Arulmozhi R. , Babu Sunil Manohar
Published: March 2009

The present work describes the synthesis of a Schiff base, 3-{4-[4-(benzylideneamino) benzenesulfonyl]phenyl}-2-phenylquinazolin-4(3H)-one from a novel quinazolinone, 3-[4-(4 aminobenzenesulfonyl)phenyl]-2-phenylquinazolin-4(3H)-one. The quinazolinone was prepared by reacting 2-phenyl-4H-3,1 benzoxazin-4-one with dapsone. The structure of the synthesized Schiff base is confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and elemental analysis.-
Correction: Kotali, A. et al. 7-Hydroxy-8-acetylcoumarin N-1-(Carboxymethyl)pyridinium Chloride Hydrazone. Molbank 2008, M571.
Authors: Kotali Antigoni , Lafazanis Ioannis S. , Harris Philip A.
Published: March 2009

We found the following error in our paper published in Molbank recently [1]. In the Scheme the positive charge should be at the nitrogen atoms and the negative charge should be at the chlorine atoms. The correct Scheme is shown below: [...]
Calcium Orthophosphate Cements and Concretes
Authors: Dorozhkin Sergey V.
Published: March 2009

In early 1980s, researchers discovered self-setting calcium orthophosphate cements, which are a bioactive and biodegradable grafting material in the form of a powder and a liquid. Both phases form after mixing a viscous paste that after being implanted, sets and hardens within the body as either a non-stoichiometric calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) or brushite, sometimes blended with unreacted particles and other phases. As both CDHA and brushite are remarkably biocompartible and bioresorbable (therefore, in vivo they can be replaced with newly forming bone), calcium orthophosphate cements represent a good correction technique for non-weight-bearing bone fractures or defects and appear to be very promising materials for bone grafting applications. Besides, these cements possess an excellent osteoconductivity, molding capabilities and easy manipulation. Furthermore, reinforced cement formulations are available, which in a certain sense might be described as calcium orthophosphate concretes. The concepts established by calcium orthophosphate cement pioneers in the early 1980s were used as a platform to initiate a new generation of bone substitute materials for commercialization. Since then, advances have been made in the composition, performance and manufacturing; several beneficial formulations have already been introduced as a result. Many other compositions are in experimental stages. In this review, an insight into calcium orthophosphate cements and concretes, as excellent biomaterials suitable for both dental and bone grafting application, has been provided.
Optimization of a PVC Membrane for Reference Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Lai Chao-Sung , Lue Cheng-En , Yang Chia-Ming , Dawgul Marek , Pijanowska Dorota G.
Published: March 2009

For the miniaturization of ISFET sensing systems,the concept of a REFET with low ion sensitivity is proposed to replace the conventional reference electrodes through the arrangement of a quasi reference electrode and a differential readout circuit. In this study, an ion-unblocking membrane was used as the top layer of a REFET. To optimize the REFET performance, the influences of the silylating process, different plasticizers, and the composition of the PVC cocktails were investigated. A low sensitivity (10.4 ± 2.2 mV/pH) and high linearity (99.7 ± 0.3 %) in the range from pH 2.2 to pH 11.6 was obtained for the REFET with a 60˚wt.% DNP/(DNP + PVC) membrane. To evaluate the long term stability, the drift coefficient was estimated, and for the best REFET, it was –0.74 mV/h. Two criteria for assessing the lifetime of REFETs were used, namely the increase in pH sensitivity to a value higher than 15 mV/pH and the degradation of linearity below 99 %. For the best REFET, it was approximately 15 days.