bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of seawater intrusion in Manukan Island, East Malaysia
Authors: Mangala Praveena Sarva , Harun Abdullah Mohd , Zaharin Aris Ahmad , Mokhtar Mazlin , Bidin Kawi
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to define the current and potential extent of seawater intrusion in Manukan Island under different scenarios of varying recharge and pumping rates. The calibrated model was also used to predict the extent of seawater intrusion in low lying area of Manukan Island for two years with all conditions assumed to remain the same as those in December 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

Different scenarios of varying recharge and pumping rates based on threats received by Manukan Island were investigated. El‐Nino events and overpumping are represented by varying recharge and pumping rates. Simulation was done using SEAWAT‐2000, the latest modeling software available in groundwater modeling that couples flow and transport together.

Findings

The seawater‐freshwater mixing ratio moves landwards after two years of simulation in Scenario 1. In order to control overpumping in this study area, Scenario 2 has resulted in backward movement of the 1.4 percent seawater‐freshwater mixing ratio toward the coast after two years of prediction. The current contamination of the coastal aquifers by seawater intrusion will be more severe with an impact of El‐Nino events on groundwater resources depletion in Scenario 3. Reductions of pumping and recharge rates in Scenario 4 have worsened the seawater intrusion problem. With the aid of artificial recharge in Scenario 5, highest hydraulic heads and lowest chloride concentration were observed.

Practical implications

The sustainable groundwater management selected for Manukan Island's current situation will be Scenario 2. In view of the effects of El‐Nino events in the future, Scenario 5 can be implemented to restore groundwater resources. The numerical model has showed the groundwater condition during El‐Nino events and overpumping illustrated that simulation modeling is an excellent tool to understand the behavior and management of an aquifer system. The output of simulation modeling via numerical model provides a framework toward groundwater management. Thus, current study output with similar approach which will restore groundwater (artificial recharge and reduction of pumping rate) can be applied in other small islands of similar hydrogeological condition and stresses for the purpose of groundwater resource protection.

Originality/value

Briefly, these findings will effectively contribute to water policy analysis, planning and management in the study area to combat current as well as future seawater intrusion problem.
A services perspective for text message coupon customization
Authors: Bacile Todd J. , Goldsmith Ronald E.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that text message mobile coupons are marketing communications that are becoming more service‐like in nature. As such, mobile coupons will benefit from firm‐generated service customization strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment compared a mobile coupon with a customized versus non‐customized delivery time. A sample of 244 undergraduate students from a large southeastern US university completed an online questionnaire. The between‐subject design randomly assigned participants to the custom or non‐custom condition. Results were assessed with MANCOVA.

Findings

Customizing the delivery time of a mobile coupon improved attitude toward and intention to use the coupon, as well as attitude toward and purchase intent with the firm.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on only one mobile coupon campaign in one product category, while measuring attitudes and intentions, not actual purchase behavior. The sample is also limited by having student participants. Future research should examine these limitations.

Practical implications

The paper provides practitioners with an alternative view of mobile coupons. Whereas traditional paper coupons are mass marketing communications, mobile coupons should be viewed similar to an important service to consumers. Allowing consumers to customize these communications, similar to how consumers customize important service offerings, will enhance the coupon and image of the firm.

Originality/value

This study is the first to suggest that mobile coupons be guided by services marketing theory. This is also the first study to suggest and empirically assess the customization of marketing communications as a firm‐generated strategy designed to enhance mobile coupons. Customization in this context is a co‐production activity.
THE STRUCTURE OF LIVING MALIGNANT CELLS DEMONSTRABLE BY ULTRA‐VIOLET MICROSCOPY
Authors: Ludford R. J. , Smiles J.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS.

Ultra‐violet micrographs have been taken of living, actively growing cells from a variety of sarcomas and carcinomas, employing wave‐lengths of 2570 Å. and 2750 Å. Considerable absorption is exhibited by

the nucleoli and chromatin of the cell nuclei;

the mitochondria and smaller cytoplasmic granules (microsomes); and

the ground cytoplasm.

Sarcoma cells in comparison with stromal fibroblasts are larger. Their nuclei have bigger nucleoli and more chromatin. Their cytoplasm has a greater mitochondrial and microsomal content, and absorbs more intensely. There is a close correlation between rate of growth and the amount of intracellular substances which absorb radiations of wave‐lengths of 2570 Å and 2750 Å. The fastest‐growing cells exhibit the most intense absorption. Attention is directed to the complexity of the cytoplasmic structure of living malignant cells which is revealed by the ultra‐violet micrographs. Any technique that is employed for demonstrating the intracellular localization of nucleotides which fails to retain the structural integrity of the mitochondria and microsomes is open to serious criticism.
I.—THE ABERRATIONS OF MICROSCOPE OBJECTIVES AND THEIR VARIATIONS WITH SMALL DEPARTURES PROM OPTIMUM WORKING CONDITIONS
Authors: Bracey R. J.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Two methods of testing microscope object‐glasses are described and classified as “Static” and “Kinematic.” The effects of residual aberrations are demonstrated and then a quantitative relation between the factors at the disposal of the microscopist and the residual aberration is given. A definition of “Sensitivity” follows with numerical values for certain lenses. The effects of variations of cover‐glass thickness and refractive index and variation of immersion‐oil refractive index are discussed with the aid of the concept of sensitivity.
VIII.—OPTICAL CONDITIONS FOR QUANTITATIVE ULTRA‐VIOLET MICROSPECTROSCOPY
Authors: King R. J. , Roe E. M. F.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

The adaptation of the Cooke, Troughton & Simms ultra‐violet microscope for quantitative absorption measurements at a limited number of wave‐lengths in the ultra‐violet is described. Measurements have been made on model absorbing systems to investigate the variation of absorption values due to changes of the optical conditions (e.g., condenser and objective numerical aperture, field stop diameter and use of quartz monochromat at wave‐lengths differing from that for which it was computed).
DIRECT ULTRA‐VIOLET AND ULTRA‐VIOLET NEGATIVE PHASE‐CONTRAST MICROGRAPHY OF BACTERIA FROM THE STOMACHS OF THE SHEEP
Authors: Smiles J. , Dobson Marjorie J.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Bacteria from the stomachs of sheep have been examined by direct ultra‐violet and ultra‐violet negative phase‐contrast micrographs. These micrographs show details in the rumen organisms which were poorly or not received by visual light methods. In the abomasum, the acid‐stomach of the sheep, signs of disorganization and disintegration of the bacteria were evident. Material which absorbed strongly in 2749 Å. wavelength was often seen to be concentrated at the edge of the. cells and sometimes in internal granules in the cells in the abomasum. Loss in rigidity and rupture of the cell walls were also often seen in these cells. Some of these degenerative changes appeared to start in the omasum of the sheep. In the rumen the presence of strongly absorbing material outside the cell membranes in some bacteria was marked. In some cases it took the form of a fringe; in others it crept between the septa dividing two units as an apparently homogeneous layer.
G.—APPLICATION OF THE SILVER‐FEULGEN REACTION IN ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Authors: Jurand A. , Deutsch K. , Dunn A. E. G.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

The silver‐Feulgen method has been used to determine the localization of desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in animal cells. Silver granules of colloidal size are deposited mainly in the nuclei, indicating the distribution of DNA. In some cells they are also found to a smaller extent in the cytoplasm. It is hoped that quantitative estimates of the DNA content of different cell nuclei during the development of the cell will be possible.
SOME APPLICATIONS OF THE ULTRA‐VIOLET AND INTERFERENCE MICROSCOPES IN ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Authors: Cosslett Anna
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

An ultra‐violet microscope of high resolution, using radiation of wavelength 2570 Å, is described. This makes it useful to the electron microscopist for giving information about the concentration of nucleic acids in different parts of an organism. Three different types of application are described. Firstly, a comparison of ultra‐violet pictures with electron micrographs of identical bacteria (Mycobacterium phlei); secondly, a comparison of light microscope pictures of Feulgen‐stained organisms (Streptomyces cœlicolor) with ultra‐violet pictures as well as with electron micrographs of these bacteria at the same stage of growth. The third application concerns a comparative study in the ultra‐violet and electron microscopes of locust testis in order to assist in interpreting the electron microscope picture of the nucleus in these cells.

The interference microscope was used for measuring accurately the thickness and refractive index of thin sections. A special grid for mounting thin sections to be measured in the interference microscope was designed. The method was used to investigate the effect of the electron beam on thin sections of four different embedding materials (Methacrylate, Araldite, Vestopal, Aquon). It was found that all sections become thinner, the loss of thickness ranging from 25–60 per cent according to the nature of the material and the amount of irradiation.
THE ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF CENTRIOLE, FLAGELLUM AND CILIUM
Authors: Gatenby J. Brontë
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

The electron microscopy of centriole and flagellum is reviewed, and gaps in our knowledge indicated.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON NUCLEAR STRUCTURE IN CARTILAGE CELLS
Authors: Rigal W. M. , Little K.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

On comparing the electron‐microscope appearance of, and the sites of tritiated thymidine uptake within, the nuclei of cartilage cells in the growing epiphysis, a corresponding pattern of distribution of electron‐dense material and isotope was found. Similarly, cells capable of tritiated thymidine uptake, and in which metaphase arrests can be produced with colchicine, were found to have electron‐dense nuclei on examination in the electron microscope. When the pattern of tritiated thymidine was changed by the prior administration of growth hormone to the animal, the distribution of electron‐dense nuclei showed the same changes.

During the active phase, direct physical connections were observed to exist between the nuclei and surroundings of the cartilage cells. The effect of vitamin C deficiency was to inhibit the formation of endoplasmic reticulum, while leaving the connections between the nucleus and exterior of the cell intact.

The main effect of colchicine was to remove the connections between the nucleus and its surroundings, while the nucleolus was frequently enlarged. (The central part of the nucleolus is normally connected directly with a large cytoplasmic inclusion.) Individual chromosomes are rarely seen in cartilage, even after the administration of colchicine, although after this treatment chromosomes were frequently found in marrow cells.
SOME NEW AND INTERESTING MASTOGLOIA FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN AREA AND THE FAR EAST
Authors: Voigt Manfred
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

After some general remarks concerning the interpretation of certain structural markings of Mastogloia, which have hitherto often been neglected, but which must now be considered as being of value in separating otherwise similar species, some new Mastogloia are described, in the first part from collections made in the Mediterranean area. The second part comprises descriptions of a number of Mastogloia species from the Far East, omitted from previous papers owing, mostly, to the fact that specimens suitable for photomicrographic reproduction had not been found when these were published.

In order to facilitate reference, the species are again arranged in alphabetical order.
Quality‐of‐care framework in urological cancers: where do we stand?
Authors: Wang Tim T. , Ahmed Kamran , Khan Mohammed Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar
Published: November 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Provision of high‐quality care necessitates the identification and measurement of relevant quality indicators. Urological surgery currently does not have a validated quality‐of‐care framework to guide surgical quality improvement.

This article aims to delineate quality of care processes, current status of quality indicators for major urological cancers as well as recommend a provisional framework for evaluation of quality for urological procedures.

Growing demands for patient safety, lower cost and quality of care have resulted in several initiatives of quality measurement across urological surgery. Although candidate indicators have been proposed in various procedures, the field still lacks a valid quality framework. Better understanding of the interplay between patient selection, surgical expertise, preoperative‐, intraoperative, postoperative processes and outcomes is needed. Consensus needs to be achieved in which validated structural, process and outcomes measures to employ, how this data should be collected, which agencies to share this data with and how to use this data to effect change in health policy. Compliance with quality framework needs to be continuously audited with its outcomes frequently benchmarked against international standards. Pursuit of quality improvement schemes require significant investment and need to be weighed against current budgetary constraints.
Ustekinumab in clinical practice: response depends on dose and previous treatment
Authors: Ruiz Salas V. , Puig L. , Alomar A.
Published: November 2011

Objectives  To evaluate the efficacy of ustekinumab in a series of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis treated according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) label and to identify factors such as dose, baseline PASI or previous treatment potentially related to therapeutic outcome.

Methods  Retrospective review of the clinical records from 36 consecutive patients treated with ustekinumab during at least 36 weeks at a single referral center. Candidates for treatment had a PASI ≥ 10 or a BSA ≥ 10 and either failure to respond to, or a contraindication to, or intolerance to some systemic or another biologic treatment. The main outcome measures were PASI improvement with respect to baseline at weeks 12 and 24 (prior to the third injection of ustekinumab).

Results  Overall 75%, 69%, and 86% patients achieved PASI75 response rates at weeks 12, 24 and 36, respectively. Patients weighing ≤ 100 kg and treated with 45 mg doses had better PASI 50, PASI75 and PASI90 response rates than heavier patients (treated with 90 mg) at every point in time, and the differences were statistically significant at week 24. PASI75 response rates at week 24 were significantly better in patients with no prior exposure to TNFα blocking agents (85% vs. 50%, P = 0.0235).

Conclusions  In clinical practice, ustekinumab is effective both in biologic‐naÿve patients and as salvage therapy when other biological treatments have failed. The response rates prior to the third injection in our series were better in patients weighing ≤ 100 kg and in those without previous exposure to biologics.
Ghrelin in the fetal pancreas – a digital quantitation study
Authors: HASSELBY JANE PREUSS , MAROUN LISA LETH , FEDERSPIEL BIRGITTE HARTNACK , VAINER BEN
Published: November 2011

Hasselby JP, Maroun LL, Federspiel BH, Vainer B. Ghrelin in the fetal pancreas – a digital quantitation study. APMIS 2011.

Ghrelin is a hormone produced by specialized neuroendocrine cells located in the fetal pancreas. In the adult, ghrelin has multiple effects, but in the fetus the role of ghrelin and the distribution of ghrelin‐producing cells is not well documented. The aim of this study was to describe and quantitate the number of ghrelin positive cells in the pancreas during gestation. The material consisted of pancreatic tissue from 19 fetuses at different gestational ages. Immunohistochemical staining was performed, and the expression was quantitated using an automated digital image analysis system. The results showed ghrelin‐producing cells as scattered single cells in ductular structures and acini throughout the gestation. From midgestation they were also found in the periphery of the islets as a rim of cells. A tendency towards a high ghrelin expression during early gestation and a stable expression from midgestation to term was observed. In conclusion, the effects of fetal ghrelin are not fully understood, but the varying distribution of ghrelin positive cells indicates different effects of ghrelin during development.
“Obama system:” A new easy, safe, and economical technique for laparoscopic single‐port surgery
Authors: Soma T , Sugano M , Ito T , Kiguchi G , Tanaka T , Hattori Y
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Various approaches to laparoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS) have been developed to reduce pain and other complications, promote recovery, and improve cosmetic outcomes, particularly relative to conventional open or laparoscopic surgery. Three‐port procedures for LESS have been reported to be superior to single‐port access, but they usually require expensive, technically sophisticated instruments. To avoid these problems, we have developed a modified procedure for performing LESS with a single port, referred to as the “Obama system.”

Methods

From January 2009 through December 2010, we performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in 61 patients. Conventional LC with three ports was performed in 39 patients, LESS with a SILS Port was performed in 4 patients, and modified LESS was performed using the Obama system in 18 patients. The operative results were compared.

Results

LC was successfully completed in all 61 patients, with no postoperative complications. The mean operating time was 102.3 min (C‐reactive protein [CRP] ≤ 2) and 160.1 min (CRP > 2) in the 39 patients who underwent conventional LC, 108.3 min (CRP ≤ 2) in the 4 patients who underwent LESS with a SILS Port, and 116.5 min (CRP ≤ 2) and 186.5 min (CRP > 2) in the 18 patients who underwent LESS using the Obama system. No morbidity or mortality was associated with any technique.

Conclusion

The Obama system is easier to use and more efficient and reliable than any other technique currently available for LESS. This system is expected to greatly contribute to the further development and wider acceptance of LESS.
Exercise normalizes altered expression of proteins in the ventral hippocampus of rats subjected to maternal separation
Authors: Daniels Willie M. U. , Marais Lelanie , Stein Dan J. , Russell Vivienne A.
Published: November 2011

Many studies have reported on the detrimental effects of early life adversity and the beneficial effects of exercise on brain function. However, the molecular mechanisms that underpin these various effects remain poorly understood. The advent of advanced proteomic analysis techniques has enabled simultaneous measurement of protein expression in a wide range of biological systems. We therefore used iTRAQ proteomic analysis of protein expression to determine whether exercise counteracts the detrimental effects of early life adversity in the form of maternal separation on protein expression in the brain. Rat pups were subjected to maternal separation from postnatal day 2 to 14 for 3 h day−1 or normally reared. At 40 days of age, half of the rats in each group (maternal separation and normally reared) were allowed to exercise voluntarily (access to a running wheel) for 6 weeks and the remainder kept as sedentary control animals. At 83 days of age, rats were killed and the ventral hippocampus was dissected for quantitative proteomic (iTRAQ) analysis. The iTRAQ proteomic analysis identified several proteins that had been altered by maternal separation, including proteins involved in neuronal structure, metabolism, signalling, anti‐oxidative stress and neurotransmission, and that many of these proteins were restored to normal by subsequent exposure to voluntary exercise in adolescence. Our data show that a broad range of proteins play a role in the complex consequences of adversity and exercise.
Analysis and Modeling of a Pneumatic Servo System Based on Backstepping Design
Authors: Lu Chia-Hua , Hwang Yean-Ren , Shen Yu-Ta , Wang Tzu-Yu
Published: November 2011

Air motors have often been utilized in industrial servo systems in the automation industry due to their advantages such as small volume, low cost, light weight, convenience of operation, and no overheating problems. Recently, the development of control technology has improved, making the requirements for control precision higher than ever before. Accurate control performance in pneumatic systems is facilitated by the implementation of nonlinear control techniques. The purpose of this study is to analyze the behavior of a biaxial pneumatic table motion system with a vane-type air motor, and to design a backstepping sliding mode controller for this system. A proportional integral derivative controller compared with this new backstepping design. The tracking circle error and tracking error of the two axes are noted. The experimental results show that accurate tracking circle trajectory performance can be achieved with the proposed controller.
Daphnia magna, a Host for Evaluation of Bacterial Virulence
Authors: Le Coadic Marion , Simon Marianne , Marchetti Anna , Ebert Dieter , Cosson Pierre
Published: November 2011

We show that
Daphnia magna
can be used to assess acute virulence of pathogens relevant to human health, such as
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
or
Photorhabdus asymbiotica
. Analysis of bacterial mutants suggests that
P. aeruginosa
uses similar mechanisms to infect
Daphnia
and other hosts.
Distinct Roles of β-Galactosidase Paralogues of the Rumen Bacterium Mannheimia succiniciproducens
Authors: Lee Eun-Gyeong , Kim Seonghun , Oh Doo-Byoung , Lee Sang Yup , Kwon Ohsuk
Published: November 2011

Mannheimia succiniciproducens
, a rumen bacterium belonging to the family
Pasteurellaceae
, has two putative β-galactosidase genes,
bgaA
and
bgaB
, encoding polypeptides whose deduced amino acid sequences share 56% identity with each other and show approximately 30% identity to the
Escherichia coli
gene for LacZ. The
M. succiniciproducens bgaA
(
MsbgaA
) gene-deletion mutant was not able to grow on lactose as the sole carbon source, suggesting its essential role in lactose metabolism, whereas the
MsbgaB
gene-deletion mutant did not show any growth defect on a lactose medium. Furthermore, the expression of the
MsbgaA
gene was induced by the addition of lactose in the growth medium, whereas the
MsbgaB
gene was constitutively expressed independently of a carbon source. Biochemical characterization of the recombinant proteins revealed that MsBgaA is more efficient than MsBgaB in hydrolyzing
o
-nitrophenyl-β-
d
-galactopyranoside and
p
-nitrophenyl-β-
d
-galactopyranoside. MsBgaA was highly specific for the hydrolysis of lactose, with a catalytic efficiency of 46.9 s
−1
mM
−1
. However, MsBgaB was more efficient for the hydrolysis of lactulose than lactose, and the catalytic efficiency was 10.0 s
−1
mM
−1
. Taken together, our results suggest that the β-galactosidase paralogues of
M. succiniciproducens
BgaA and BgaB play a critical role in lactose metabolism and in an unknown but likely specific function for rumen bacteria, respectively.
Deletion of σ
54
(
rpoN
) Alters the Rate of Autolysis and Biofilm Formation in Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Iyer Vijayalakshmi S. , Hancock Lynn E.
Published: November 2011

Transcription initiation is a critical step in bacterial gene regulation and is often controlled by transcription regulators. The alternate sigma factor (σ
54
) is one such regulator that facilitates activator-dependent transcription initiation and thus modulates the expression of a variety of genes involved in metabolism and pathogenesis in bacteria. This study describes the role of σ
54
in the nosocomial pathogen
Enterococcus faecalis
. Biofilm formation is one of the important pathogenic mechanisms of
E. faecalis
, as it elevates the organism's potential to cause surgical site and urinary tract infections. Lysis of bacterial cells within the population contributes to biofilm formation by providing extracellular DNA (eDNA) as a key component of the biofilm matrix. Deletion of
rpoN
rendered
E. faecalis
resistant to autolysis, which in turn impaired eDNA release. Despite the significant reduction in eDNA levels compared to the parental strain, the
rpoN
mutant formed more robust biofilms as observed using laser scanning confocal microscopy and Comstat analysis, indicating and emphasizing the presence of other matrix components. Initial adherence to a polystyrene surface was also enhanced in the mutant. Proteinase K treatment at early stages of biofilm development significantly reduced the accumulation of biofilm by the
rpoN
mutant. In conclusion, our data indicate that other factors in addition to eDNA might contribute to the overall composition of the enterococcal biofilm and that the regulatory role of σ
54
governs the nature and composition of the biofilm matrix.
Human Mycobacterium bovis Infections in London and Southeast England
Authors: Stone M. J. , Brown T. J. , Drobniewski F. A.
Published: November 2011

Variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) and spoligotyping analyses were used to assess transmission of
Mycobacterium bovis
between humans. VNTR was more discriminatory than spoligotyping. Low case numbers, despite a substantial animal reservoir, and resolution of all isolates provided no evidence of recent human-to-human transmission or recent significant infection from animals.
Preparation of (K0.50Na0.50)NbO3 Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics by Mechanical Activation Assisted Method
Authors: Hao Jigong , Zhai Jiwei , Li Yongxiang
Published: November 2011

A study concerning the synthesis of (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 was carried out using an economical mechanical activation route from stoichiometric K2CO3/Na2CO3/Nb2O5 mixture. A pure perovskite phase was obtained by a thermal treatment at 500 °C from the activated mixture, and this temperature is 300–350 °C lower than that required in solid-state reactions. By using the refined powders derived from mechanically activated route, dense (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 ceramics with enhanced properties were obtained. Its room temperature P
r, d
33, k
p, and d
S/d
E reached up to 29–37 µC/cm2, 127–135 pC/N, 32–35%, and 222–248 pm/V, respectively, suggesting that the mechanical activation assisted method would be an attractive approach for the industrial fabrication of KNN-based ceramics.
Atypical Ca2+ currents in chromaffin cells from SHR and WKY rat strains result from the deficient expression of a splice variant of the α1D Ca2+ channel
Authors: Segura-Chama Pedro , Rivera-Cerecedo Claudia V. , González-Ramírez Ricardo , Felix Ricardo , Hernández-Guijo Jesús M. , Hernández-Cruz Arturo
Published: November 2011

Ca2+ currents ( ICa) recorded from adrenal chromaffin cells (CCs) of spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats are similar to one another, but different from those recorded in other rodent species. ICa in WKY/SHR CCs comprises an early, transient ( ICae) and a late, sustained component ( ICas). In Wistar CCs, ICae is absent, and ICas is of greater amplitude. Activation and steady-state inactivation of ICae and ICas in WKY/SHR CCs suggest the recruitment of at least two populations of Ca2+ channels with different voltage dependence and kinetics. In WKY/SHR CCs, ICae is inhibited by nifedipine, enhanced by BAY K 8644, is not blocked by the mibefradil analog NNC 55–0396, and displays Ca2+-dependent inactivation and fast deactivation kinetics, suggesting that it results from the opening of L-type rather than T-type Ca2+ channels. ICae properties suggest that it originates from the opening of Ca2+ channels formed with the short splice variant (CaV1.342A). RT-PCR showed that expression of CaV1.342A mRNA is similar in both Wistar and WKY/SHR, but that the long variant (CaV1.342) is virtually absent in WKY/SHR. Thus ICae corresponds to the recruitment of CaV1.342A channels, unmasked by the absence of CaV1.342 channels. Studies in WKY CCs do not report major functional alterations, despite the unusual expression pattern of CaV1.3 splice variants. It remains to be established if more subtle functional alterations exist, and if the atypical splicing pattern of CaV1.3 could be related to the functional and behavioral alterations reported in WKY/SHR rats, including their susceptibility to develop hypertension.
Composition, structure, and mechanical properties of hemp fiber reinforced composite with recycled high-density polyethylene matrix
Authors: Lu Na , Swan Robert H , Ferguson Ian
Published: November 2011

Hemp fiber composites with recycled high-density polyethylene matrix were prepared in various compositions ranging from 20 to 40% of fiber volume fraction. The fiber–matrix interface was improved using 5% by weight NaOH-treated hemp fiber in each composite system. The surface morphology and chemical compound of hemp fiber after chemical treatment were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This study indicated that hemp fiber-recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) composites could achieve maximum tensile strengths on the order of 60 MPa. Among the tested samples, the composites with 40% of fiber volume fraction demonstrated the best mechanical properties with regard to tensile strength, elastic modulus, and flexural strength and modulus.
Spatial Distribution of Putative Growth Factors in the Guinea Pig Placenta and the Effects of These Factors, Plasma, and Bile on the Growth and Chemotaxis of Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Burrough E. R. , Wu Z. , Sahin O. , Zhang Q. , Yaeger M. J.
Published: November 2011

The pregnant guinea pig is an effective model for studying abortifacient Campylobacter spp, and previous experiments have demonstrated that C. jejuni IA3902 has a marked predilection for the subplacenta while sparing the placental disc in this species. In the study described here, the growth and chemotaxis of IA3902 and a reference strain (NCTC 11168) are compared in the presence of subplacental and placental factors, as well as bile and plasma, from pregnant and nonpregnant guinea pigs. Both strains grew better in subplacental versus placental disc tissue extracts at 24 hours; however, only IA3902 maintained this enhancement at 48 hours. Histochemistry and lectin histochemistry were used to localize mucin, iron, and l-fucose within the placental unit. Mucin was most abundant in subplacental lacunae, the junctional zone, and visceral yolk sac placenta, while iron was most abundant in the placental disc, and l-fucose-containing surface glycans were limited to the visceral yolk sac placenta. These 3 individual factors, along with progesterone and estradiol, were evaluated for effects on growth and chemotaxis of C. jejuni. Mucin, iron, and l-fucose were growth promoting, while l-fucose was also chemoattractive for both strains. Progesterone, estradiol, and pregnant guinea pig plasma did not affect growth or chemotaxis, and no difference was observed when bile from pregnant and nonpregnant animals was compared. These findings demonstrate the presence of specific factors within the guinea pig placental unit that drive chemotaxis and enhance growth of C. jejuni, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying the fetoplacental tropism observed with this strain.
Assessment of pharmaceutical waste management at selected hospitals and homes in Ghana
Authors: Sasu Samuel , Kümmerer Klaus , Kranert Martin
Published: November 2011

The practice of use and disposal of waste from pharmaceuticals compromises the safety of the environment as well as representing a serious health risk, as they may accumulate and stay active for a long time in the aquatic environment. This article therefore presents the outcome of a study on pharmaceutical waste management practices at homes and hospitals in Ghana. The study was conducted at five healthcare institutions randomly selected in Ghana, namely two teaching hospitals (hospital A, hospital B), one regional hospital (hospital C), one district hospital (hospital D) and one quasi-governmental hospital (hospital E). Apart from hospital E which currently has a pharmaceutical waste separation programmr as well as drug return programme called DUMP (Disposal of Unused Medicines Program), all other hospitals visited do not have any separate collection and disposal programme for pharmaceutical waste. A survey was also carried out among the general public, involving the questioning of randomly selected participants in order to investigate the household disposal of unused and expired pharmaceuticals. The results from the survey showed that more than half of the respondents confirmed having unused, left-over or expired medicines at home and over 75% disposed of pharmaceutical waste through the normal waste bins which end up in the landfills or dump sites.
Effect of combined occupational exposure to noise and organic solvents on hearing
Authors: Metwally Fateheya Mohamed , Aziz Hisham Mohamed , Mahdy-Abdallah Heba , ElGelil Khaled Said Abd , El-Tahlawy Eman M
Published: November 2011

Noise exposure has been commonly regarded as the main hazard of occupational hearing loss. Recent studies indicate that several chemicals, including organic solvents have ototoxic effects. This study aimed at evaluating the hearing of workers exposed to both noise and a mixture of organic solvents at concentrations anticipated as safe. The study comprised three groups. The first one included 70 workers exposed to noise only, the second group consisted of 93 workers exposed to organic solvents and noise, and the control group included 59 individuals exposed to neither noise nor organic solvents. The three groups were matched for age, socioeconomic status, and smoking habit. The results of this study revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two exposed groups as regards the duration of exposure. There was a highly statistically significant difference between the two exposed groups as regards the different types of hearing loss (conductive deafness, sensory neural hearing loss, and mixed type) compared with the control one. Our study reported that sensory neural hearing loss occurred earlier in subjects with combined exposure to noise and solvents at a mean duration of exposure (16.38 ± 9.44 years) compared to (24.53 ± 9.59 years) the subjects with sole exposure to noise. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant regarding this type of hearing impairment ( p < 0.05). There was a positive significant correlation between hearing impairment and duration of exposure in the two exposed groups. As regards the results of the environmental monitoring, both noise exposure levels (dB) and levels of different organic solvents measured (mg/m3) in different work departments were less than the levels recommended by Egyptian Environmental Law No. 4 for 1994. It is recommended that in the case of combined exposure, noise and solvent levels should be lowered than the permissible limits recommended for either alone.
High-resolution wear analysis of a ball-on-disc contact using low-activity radioactive isotopes
Authors: Corniani E , Jech M , Wopelka T , Ditroi F , Franek F , Pauschitz A
Published: November 2011

In this study, an advanced wear volume measuring technique making use of the radioisotope concentration method is applied to a ball-on-disc experiment, which allows highly precise online wear volume measurements and distinguishes among different wear regimes. Furthermore, the adhesive transfer of material from the activated specimen to the counteracting body was investigated with this method; it appears to be a promising technique for evaluating oil-protective capability. The experiments were carried out in a model tribometer following the ASTM D 6425 standard. A polyalphaolefin with zincdithiophosphate was used as lubricant. Two series of reciprocating sliding tests were conducted with different frequencies, 50 and 100 Hz. Results show a frequency-dependent running-in behaviour though the applied load was identical and constant. Using this precise online technique, a more accurate lifetime prediction can be estimated for applications like rolling bearings to which ASTM D 6425 refers.
Green nanotribology
Authors: Gebeshuber I C
Published: November 2011

This concept paper analyses current nanotribology regarding its potential to go green, and presents promises and possible pitfalls of such an approach. It introduces the basic aspects of green nanotribology: nanosurfaces, nanoagents, and nanoprocesses. These basic aspects are analysed in light of three questions: How can processes get more environmentally sustainable with nanotribology? How to prevent processes to turn worse because of adverse chemical reactions? And, how to prevent that the resulting green nanotribology is not only upfront ‘green’ and negative impact on the environment and organisms and ecosystems is only transferred to other layers? Biological best-practice green nanotribological systems, structures, and processes are identified and serve as an inspiration to address the above questions and establish a path towards green nanotribology, sustainable, efficient, and innovative.
Fiscal Equalization, Tiebout Competition, and Incentives for Efficiency in a Federalist Country
Authors: Widmer Philippe , Zweifel Peter
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this article is twofold. First, it measures the efficiency in the provision of public goods by local jurisdictions applying data envelopment analysis (DEA). Second, it relates efficiency scores to a fiscal equalization scheme designed to mitigate the negative consequences of Tiebout competition. The data come from the twenty-six cantons of Switzerland (2000–2004), a country characterized by marked federalism. Results show the equalization scheme to indeed have a negative influence on performance, resulting in an efficiency–equity trade-off. However, substitution of earmarked payments by lump-sum payments as part of the 2008 reform is likely to enhance cantonal performance.
Borders and status-functions: An institutional approach to the study of borders
Authors: Cooper Anthony , Perkins Chris
Published: November 2011

This article develops an institutional understanding of borders. Drawing on constitutive constructivism and theories of practical communication we argue that bordering as a process is a form of sorting through the imposition of status-functions on people and things, which alters the perception of that thing by setting it within a web of normative claims, teleologies and assumptions. Studying any border, therefore, extends to include the rule structure that constitutes it as well as the sources of that structure’s legitimacy. Furthermore, rule structures are both restrictive and facilitative and importantly they overlap while retaining different sources of legitimacy: actors bring different constitutive perspectives on the border depending on the particular rule structure they are drawing on in order to make legitimate claims about what that border produces. This recognition sensitizes analysis to the interplay between different sense-making regimes and their authoritative underpinnings. Methodologically it points researchers towards the practical and discursive methods actors use when making arguments about what a particular border can and does do.
Power and truth
Authors: Haugaard Mark
Published: November 2011

In the literature, the power debate is divided between modern and postmodern positions. The former hold that power and truth are opposites, while the latter view them as mutually constitutive. These debates mix epistemological, normative and sociological claims. Using classical sociological methods, strict criteria for valid functional explanations are set out and the relationship between power and truth is explained in these terms. It is argued that agents use truth to create local social capital for themselves, which has the unintended functional effect of reinforcing the effectiveness and stability of social systems. This entails an account of authority as a performative act that meets with a felicitous reaction by others.
Hard and soft news: A review of concepts, operationalizations and key findings
Authors: Reinemann Carsten , Stanyer James , Scherr Sebastian , Legnante Guido
Published: November 2011

Over 30 years, a large body of research on what is often called ‘hard’ and ‘soft news’ has accumulated in communication studies. However, there is no consensus about what hard and soft news exactly is, or how it should be defined or measured. Moreover, the concept has not been clearly differentiated from or systematically related to concepts addressing very similar phenomena – tabloidization and ‘infotainment’. Consequently, the results of various studies are hard to compare and different scientific discourses on related issues remain unconnected. Against this backdrop, this article offers a conceptual analysis of the concept based on studies in English and other languages. We identify key dimensions of the concept and make suggestions for a standardized definition and multi-dimensional measurement of harder and softer news. In doing so, we propose to distinguish thematic, focus and style features as basic dimensions that – in their combination – make up harder and softer types of news.
Multimodal communication and identities options in an intergenerational art class
Authors: Heydon Rachel M
Published: November 2011

This case study of multimodal pedagogies within an intergenerational (IG) art class addresses questions about the learning opportunities that were created therein and what the fixing of participants’ ideas within a semiotic chain said about their facility with communicative modes and media, interests, and identity options. Key findings include: when compared to the adults’ work, the children’s use of media was more elaborate, experimental, and less inhibited and their designs more complex; the content of the children’s communication was multifaceted, and future-looking while some of the adults’ were constrained by limited identity options related to their position in the life course; and the class’s multimodal pedagogies provided occasion for the exploration of modes and media with support for working through key communicational decisions.
Successive outbreaks of Group A streptococcus (GAS) in care of the elderly settings; lessons learned
Authors: Inkster T , Wright P , Kane H , Paterson E , Dodd S , Slorach J
Published: November 2011

Group A streptococcal (GAS) outbreaks in care of the elderly settings are rare. We describe two successive outbreaks involving care of the elderly patients. The first outbreak involved 18 patients and the second involved six patients and two healthcare workers. We describe the difficulties encountered controlling GAS outbreaks in care of the elderly settings and how the lessons learned from the first outbreak influenced management of the second incident. Stringent infection control measures including isolation until completion of treatment and re-screening for evidence of eradication were required to bring outbreak one under control. These measures were adopted early in outbreak two and we suspect that these measures and the rapid identification of carriers brought this second outbreak under control quickly.
Absolute determination of the orientational order quality in a columnar discotic liquid crystal
Authors: Ndao M. , Lefort R. , Huber P. , Zanotti J.-M. , Frick B. , Schoenhals A. , Morineau D.
Published: November 2011

Simple NMR techniques can provide an absolute quantification of the quality of the orientational order of discotic columnar phases, provided the anisotropic local magnetic interactions are thoroughly characterized. For the prototypical discotic liquid crystal hexapentoxy-triphenylene, we measure the 13C chemical shift anisotropy of the triphenylene carbons, and use this result to analyze the orientational order, that occurs through a first order phase transition from the high temperature liquid phase, and is almost saturated (order parameter close to 0.85).
Paranoia como catástrofe social: sobre o problema da gênese de categorias clínicas
Authors: Safatle Vladimir
Published: November 2011

Trata-se de discutir as relações entre a constituição da paranoia como categoria clínica e experiências estético-sociais de crise. Esta é uma maneira de se perguntar sobre as relações que categorias clínicas tecem com processos e valores advindos dos campos da política e da estética.
Ultrasonographic analysis of senile cataractous lens of dogs and its correlation to phacoemulsification
Authors: Martins B.C , Ribeiro A.P , Ortiz J.P.D , Lisbão C.B.S , Souza A.L.G , Brooks D , Laus J.L
Published: November 2011

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-assisted ultrasound analysis of senile dogs cataractous lens and identify its correlation to phacoemulsification surgical parameters. Simultaneous A- and B- mode ultrasonic evaluation of the lens was performed on 15 dogs with cataract. A computer-assisted image analysis was used to objectively calculate the lens echogenicity. Following ultrasonographic examination the cataracts were removed by phacoemulsification and the ultrasonographic and phacoemulsification findings were compared to identify possible correlations. Lens echogenicity obtained by the computer-assisted ultrasonographic analysis correlated to the phacoemulsification time, such that the whiter the ultrasound image, the longer was the phacoemulsification time. The B-mode ultrasonography was helpful for the prediction of lens opacity location, but not predictive of lens hardness.
Produção do híbrido "cachadia" em diferentes densidades de estocagem em sistema de recirculação de água
Authors: Faria P.M.C , Luz R.K , Prado S.A , Turra E.M , Jorge T.B.F , Lana A.M.Q , Teixeira E.A
Published: November 2011

Avaliou-se o efeito da densidade de estocagem na produção de "cachadia" (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum x Leiarius marmoratus) em sistema de recirculação de água. Nas duas primeiras fases, com duração de 27 e 40 dias e usando animais com média de peso inicial de 31 e 57g, respectivamente, foram testados 20, 40, 60 e 80 peixes/m³. Na terceira e quarta fase, usando peixes com média de peso de 169 e 399g durante 41 e 99 dias, respectivamente, foram testados 10, 20, 30 e 40 peixes/m³. A taxa de sobrevivência foi acima de 92%, sem diferenças significativas entre tratamentos. Verificou-se redução no ganho de peso diário com redução com o incremento da densidade na segunda e na quarta fase experimental. A biomassa final apresentou relação direta com a densidade em todas as fases. Taxas de conversão alimentar entre 0,8 e 1,3:1 foram registradas. O "cachadia" atingiu 1,1kg em 207 dias de cultivo, mostrando-se promissor para a piscicultura intensiva.