bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges of managing coastal areas through climate change
Authors: Chanan Amit P. , Ghetti Isabelle B. , Kandasamy Jaya Kumar
Published: June 2011

In Australia the strongest natural fluctuation of climate from year to year is the El Niño southern oscillation. La Niña years are associated with an increased probability of wetter and cooler conditions, whereas El Niño years are drier and hotter then normal. For an urbanised coastal council such as Kogarah there are a number of impacts associated with climate change. For instance, the risk of flooding may be increased due to more intense rainfalls coupled with rising sea levels. Coastal councils may also experience increased coastal flooding and erosion due to increased storm surges and rising sea levels. Water restrictions are already in place due to severe droughts, and it is predicted that councils will have limited water supply available for the irrigation needed to provide parks and well-maintained sporting facilities for the community. Given that the science of climate change is not an exact science there are obvious technical and sociopolitical challenges to be addressed. This paper shares Kogarah Council's experiences in dealing with these challenges and provides a snapshot of programmes currently being implemented in response to climate change. By investing in proactive measure to reduce risk and vulnerability it is possible to build resilience to climate change.
Implementing bike-sharing systems
Authors: dell'Olio Luigi , Ibeas Angel , Moura Jose Luis
Published: June 2011

The last decade has seen a substantial increase in the perception of the bicycle as a realistic transport alternative to the car. Bicycle-sharing schemes are now a reality in many European cities. They can be large scale or small scale and their use is clearly on the increase. The sharing systems are initially free and then start to charge in order to cover the system running costs and the maintenance of the bicycles. This paper proposes a complete methodology for introducing bike-sharing systems. A methodology is proposed for calculating the potential demand for bicycle use and the willingness to pay of future users for faster journey times, as well as a location model for fixing the bicycle pick-up and drop-off stations made with the help of a geographical information system. The proposed methodology determines the personal profile of the system users, the maximum tariffs to charge in order to guarantee a good take-up, the best system to introduce and the optimum locations of the docking stations, which will depend on certain predetermined criteria.
The processes that determine the fate of pesticides in soil
Authors: Djurovic Rada
Published: June 2011

Pesticides are an inevitable part of the environment, because due to the
intensive use their remains are frequently detected in nature, particularly
in the soil. Regardless the way pesticides get into the soil, their further
fate will depend on many factors. Given the complexity of interactions of
pesticides and soil, and the fact that the intensity of interaction of the
same compound with different soil types is different, the studies of the
influence of most important soil parameters on the mentioned interactions
are becoming more numerous. In this paper are presented the processes that
determine the fate of pesticides in the soil, as well as the factors that
affect these processes. A special emphasis is placed on the adsorption
processes, since they determine the concentration of free fraction of
pesticide molecules, i.e. of pesticide quantity that may participate in
detoxification processes including degradation and mobility.
The Effectiveness of Private Voucher Education
Authors: Lara Bernardo , Mizala Alejandra , Repetto Andrea
Published: June 2011

In this article the authors analyze the effect of private voucher education on student academic performance using new data on Chilean students and a novel identification strategy. Most schools in Chile provide either primary or secondary education. The authors analyze the effect of private voucher education on students who are forced to enroll at a different school to attend secondary education once graduated from primary schooling—structural switches. Moreover, the data set the authors use in this article contains information on previous academic achievement and thus allows them to identify differences in students’ unobservable characteristics. Using a number of propensity-score-based econometric techniques and the changes-in-changes estimation method, the authors find that private voucher education leads to small, sometimes not statistically significant differences in academic performance. The estimated effect of private voucher education amounts to about 4% to 6% of one standard deviation in test scores. In contrast, the literature on Chile based on cross-sectional data had previously found positive effects of about 15% to 20% of one standard deviation.
Antarctic sea-ice altimetry: scale and resolution effects on derived ice thickness distribution
Authors: Weissling B.P. , Ackley S.F.
Published: June 2011

Three ice type regimes at Ice Station Belgica (ISB), during the 2007 International Polar Year SIMBA (Sea Ice Mass Balance in Antarctica) expedition, were characterized and assessed for elevation, snow depth, ice freeboard and thickness. Analyses of the probability distribution functions showed great potential for satellite-based altimetry for estimating ice thickness. In question is the required altimeter sampling density for reasonably accurate estimation of snow surface elevation given inherent spatial averaging. This study assesses an effort to determine the number of laser altimeter ‘hits’ of the ISB floe, as a representative Antarctic floe of mixed first- and multi-year ice types, for the purpose of statistically recreating the in situ-determined ice-thickness and snow depth distribution based on the fractional coverage of each ice type. Estimates of the fractional coverage and spatial distribution of the ice types, referred to as ice ‘towns’, for the 5 km2 floe were assessed by in situ mapping and photo-visual documentation. Simulated ICESat altimeter tracks, with spot size ~70m and spacing ~170 m, sampled the floe’s towns, generating a buoyancy-derived ice thickness distribution. 115 altimeter hits were required to statistically recreate the regional thickness mean and distribution for a three-town assemblage of mixed first- and multi-year ice, and 85 hits for a two-town assemblage of first-year ice only: equivalent to 19.5 and 14.5 km respectively of continuous altimeter track over a floe region of similar structure. Results have significant implications toward model development of sea-ice sampling performance of the ICESat laser altimeter record as well as maximizing sampling characteristics of satellite/airborne laser and radar altimetry missions for sea-ice thickness.
Sr, Nd and Pb stable isotopes of surface dust on Ürümqi glacier No. 1 in western China
Authors: Nagatsuka Naoko , Takeuchi Nozomu , Nakano Takanori , Kokado Emi , Li Zhongqin
Published: June 2011

Stable-isotopic ratios of strontium (Sr), neodymium (Nd) and lead (Pb) provide a means of identifying a geological source of substances and are used as tracers of elements in biological and geochemical processes. We analyzed these isotopic ratios of surface dust (cryoconite) collected on Ürümqi glacier No. 1 , Tien Shan, China. The dust was separated chemically into five fractions (four minerals and organic matter), and the isotopic ratios of each fraction were measured. The Sr and Nd isotopic ratios in the fractions extracted with ultrapure water (saline minerals), hydrogen peroxide solution (organic matter) and acetic acid (carbonate minerals) were low and invariable, whereas those extracted by hydrochloric acid (phosphate minerals) and the residual fraction (silicate minerals) were higher. The difference was likely due to the original source of each fraction. The isotopic ratios of the surface dust collected from different sites showed no significant difference, suggesting that they were spatially uniform across the glacier. The isotopic ratios of the silicate fraction were closer to those of desert sand reported in China than those of the soil and bedrock around the glacier. This suggests that the silicate minerals on the glacier were derived from distant deserts. The isotopic ratios in saline, carbonate and phosphate fractions were also close to those of evaporites and apatite in that desert region, suggesting that these minerals were also derived from that source. The Sr isotopic ratios in the organic fraction were closer to ratios in the saline and carbonate fractions rather than the silicate or phosphate fractions and may therefore reflect the isotopic ratios of the elements when they are incorporated into living microbes on the glacier.
Cyanobacterial communities on Qiyi glacier, Qilian Shan, China
Authors: Segawa Takahiro , Takeuchi Nozomu
Published: June 2011

Cyanobacterial communities on a glacier in the Qilian Shan, western China, were investigated using microscopic as well as 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer gene analyses. Microscopy revealed that there were abundant cyanobacteria on the entire glacier surface and their community consisted mainly of three morphological types. Low-cycle 16S rRNA gene sequences from six clone libraries were grouped into a total of eight cyanobacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs), defined as 16S rRNA sequences with similarity of 99%. Although the cyanobacterial community based on morphological types displayed no significant differences among the study sites on the glacier, the community based on OTU groups varied among sites. This inconsistency may be due to simple morphology which might hide a large genetic variability. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the OTU groups included the orders Oscillatoriales, Chroococcales and unclassified, and the majority of OTUs were Oscillatoriales. From the source environments of the cyanobacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences of each OTU on the glacier estimated by BLAST search (>97% similarity), 39.9% were from soil, 38.2% from fresh water and 1.7% from snow and ice environments. Based on geographical records in the database, all cyanobacterial OTUs were matched to those recorded from the Arctic and Antarctica. The results suggest that the cyanobacterial communities on the glacier are common in cold regions of the world and are likely not to be specialized members of the snow and ice biota but also inhabitants of soil and freshwater environments.
Introducción al procesado pulvimetalúrgico del titanio
Authors: Esteban P. G. , Bolzoni L. , Ruiz-Navas E. M. , Gordo E.
Published: June 2011

El desarrollo de las nuevas tecnologías de extracción de titanio, que producen titanio elemental directamente en forma de polvo, sitúan a la pulvimetalurgia en un puesto estratégico para la fabricación de componentes de titanio. La disminución de coste del material base, junto a la economía de los procesos pulvimetalúrgicos, hacen más viable la diversificación de la industria del titanio, lo que permitiría alcanzar volúmenes de producción capaces de popularizar el metal y estabilizar su precio. En este trabajo se muestran algunas de las técnicas pulvimetalúrgicas empleadas para la fabricación de componentes de titanio a partir de los dos enfoques clásicos de mezcla de polvos elementales y el uso de polvos prealeados. Se describen entre otras las técnicas de prensado y sinterización convencional o compactación isostática en frío y caliente, que tratan de competir con las técnicas de procesado convencional, y se muestran algunas aplicaciones actuales y potenciales.
Oxidación a 1123 K de sistemas multicapa AISI 304-Ni/Al-Al2O3/TiO2 depositados mediante proyección por llama
Authors: Habib K. A. , Saura J. J. , Ferrer C. , Damra M. S. , Cervera I.
Published: June 2011

El comportamiento a oxidación de recubrimientos cerámicos alúmina/titania (97/3, 87/13, 60/40) usando una capa de anclaje Ni-Al se ha estudiado mediante una termobalanza. Ambas capas se han depositado sobre un acero inoxidable AISI 304 utilizando la técnica de proyección llama (FS). El acero recubierto se ha calentado desde la temperatura ambiente hasta 1.123 K a 40 K min–1, se ha oxidado al aire durante 50 h, y luego se ha enfriado hasta la temperatura ambiente a 40 K min–1. La ganancia en masa se atribuye a la oxidación de la capa de enganche Ni-Al. La cinética DW·S–1 (mg.mm–2) vs. tiempo (horas) se ha ajustado a una ley parabólica para todas las muestras. La composición superficial de la capa cerámica y la sección transversal del sistema multicapa se han analizado mediante las técnicas de Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido (SEM), Espectroscopia de Energías Dispersivas de Rayos X (EDX), Difracción de Rayos X (XRD) antes y después del proceso de oxidación. Los recubrimientos 97/3 y 87/13 han presentado una estructura estable tras el proceso de deposición por proyección por llama y esta estructura tampoco ha evolucionado después de la oxidación, mientras la mayor parte del recubrimiento 60/40 ha cambiado a una estructura metaestable después la deposición y finalmente ha evolucionado a una estructura más estable después de la oxidación con alto contenido de microagrietamiento. El microanálisis mediante SEM y EDX de las secciones transversales han mostrado una oxidación significativa en la capa de enganche y una débil precipitación intergranular en el material base AISI 304.
Lesion Distribution and Epidemiology ofMycobacterium bovisin Elk and White-Tailed Deer in South-Western Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Shury Todd K. , Bergeson Doug
Published: June 2011

Surveillance forMycobacterium bovisin free-ranging elk (Cervus elaphus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from south-western Manitoba was carried out from 1997 to 2010 to describe the lesions, epidemiology, and geographic distribution of disease. Tissues were cultured from animals killed by hunters, culled for management, blood-tested, or found opportunistically. Period prevalence in elk was approximately six times higher than deer, suggesting a significant reservoir role for elk, but that infected deer may also be involved. Prevalence was consistently higher in elk compared to deer in a small core area and prevalence declines since 2003 are likely due to a combination of management factors instituted during that time. Older age classes and animals sampled from the core area were at significantly higher risk of being culture positive. Positive elk and deer were more likely to be found through blood testing, opportunistic surveillance, and culling compared to hunting. No non-lesioned, culture-positive elk were detected in this study compared to previous studies in red deer.
Imaging Impulsivity in Parkinson's Disease and the Contribution of the Subthalamic Nucleus
Authors: Ray Nicola , Antonelli Francesca , Strafella Antonio P.
Published: June 2011

Taking risks is a natural human response, but, in some, risk taking is compulsive and may be detrimental. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is thought to play a large role in our ability to inhibit responses. Differences between individuals' ability to inhibit inappropriate responses may underlie both the normal variation in trait impulsivity in the healthy population, as well as the pathological compulsions experienced by those with impulse control disorders (ICDs). Thus, we review the role of the STN in response inhibition, with a particular focus on studies employing imaging methodology. We also review the latest evidence that disruption of the function of the STN by deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease can increase impulsivity.
The Relationship between Physical Health and Psychological Well-Being among Oldest-Old Adults
Authors: Cho Jinmyoung , Martin Peter , Margrett Jennifer , MacDonald Maurice , Poon Leonard W.
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical health and psychological well-being among oldest-old adults. Structural equation modeling was performed to examine health influences on psychological well-being among 306 octogenarians and centenarians from the Georgia Centenarian Study. Latent variables were created to reflect subjective health, as measured by self-ratings of health and objective health, as measured by physical health impairment (i.e., health problems, past and present diseases, hospitalization) and biomarkers (i.e., hemoglobin and albumin). Psychological well-being was measured by positive and negative affect. There were significant direct effects of subjective health on affect and significant indirect effects of objective health through subjective health on positive affect and negative affect. Subjective health took the role of a mediator between objective health and psychological well-being. These results highlight the status and perceptions of health as a critical indicator for well-being in extreme old age.
Role of cAMP Signaling in the Survival and Infectivity of the Protozoan Parasite,Leishmania donovani
Authors: Biswas Arunima , Bhattacharya Arijit , Das Pijush K.
Published: June 2011

Leishmania donovani, while invading macrophages, encounters striking shift in temperature and pH (from 22°C and pH 7.2 to 37°C and pH 5.5), which act as the key environmental trigger for differentiation, and increases cAMP level and cAMP-mediated responses. For comprehensive understanding of cAMP signaling, we studied the enzymes related to cAMP metabolism. A stage-specific and developmentally regulated isoform of receptor adenylate cyclase (LdRACA) showed to regulate differentiation-coupled induction of cAMP. The soluble acidocalcisomal pyrophosphatase, Ldvsp1, was the major isoform regulating cAMP level in association with LdRACA. A differentially expressed soluble cytosolic cAMP phosphodiesterase (LdPDEA) might be related to infection establishment by shifting trypanothione pool utilization bias toward antioxidant defense. We identified and cloned a functional cAMP-binding effector molecule fromL. donovani(a regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, LdPKAR) that may modulate metacyclogenesis through induction of autophagy. This study reveals the significance of cAMP signaling in parasite survival and infectivity.
Computational Approach to Identify Enzymes That Are Potential Therapeutic Candidates for Psoriasis
Authors: Park Daeui , Jeong Hyoung Oh , Kim Byoung-Chul , Ha Young Mi , Young Chung Hae
Published: June 2011

Psoriasis is well known as a chronic inflammatory dermatosis. The disease affects persons of all ages and is a burden worldwide. Psoriasis is associated with various diseases such as arthritis. The disease is characterized by well-demarcated lesions on the skin of the elbows and knees. Various genetic and environmental factors are related to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In order to identify enzymes that are potential therapeutic targets for psoriasis, we utilized a computational approach, combining microarray analysis and protein interaction prediction. We found 6,437 genes (3,264 upregulated and 3,173 downregulated) that have significant differences in expression between regions with and without lesions in psoriasis patients. We identified potential candidates through protein-protein interaction predictions made using various protein interaction resources. By analyzing the hub protein of the networks with metrics such as degree and centrality, we detected 32 potential therapeutic candidates. After filtering these candidates through the ENZYME nomenclature database, we selected 5 enzymes: DNA helicase (RUVBL2), proteasome endopeptidase complex (PSMA2), nonspecific protein-tyrosine kinase (ZAP70), I-kappa-B kinase (IKBKE), and receptor protein-tyrosine kinase (EGFR). We adopted a computational approach to detect potential therapeutic targets; this approach may become an effective strategy for the discovery of new drug targets for psoriasis.
When neighbours are not neighbours: A social-scientific reading of the parable of the friend at midnight (Lk 11:5–8)
Authors: Van Eck Ernest
Published: June 2011

This article presents a social-scientific interpretation of the parable of the friend at midnight. As starting point, attention is given to the history of the interpretation of the parable, as well as to its integrity and authenticity. A social-scientific reading of the parable is then presented. The parable is read against the socio-economic and political backdrop of firstcentury Palestine village life in which friendship, hospitality, limited good and reciprocity played an important role. The interpretation of the parable hinges on the understanding of [foreign font omitted] [shamelessness] Luke 11:8. Therefore, special attention is given to honour as a pivotal value in first-century Palestine. The parable tells the story of an alternative world, a world wherein neighbours are kin and practice general reciprocity. The gist of the parable is that when neighbours do not act as neighbours, then nothing of God’s kingdom becomes visible.
‘On Earth as it is in Heaven …’ The heavenly sanctuary motif in Hebrews 8:5 and its textual connection with the ‘shadowy copy’ of LXX Exodus 25:40
Authors: Steyn Gert J.
Published: June 2011

This study investigates the explicit quotation from Exodus 25:40 in Hebrews 8:5 where the motif of the earthly sanctuary, understood to be modelled on that of the heavenly sanctuary in some circles of early Judaism and early Christianity, is to be found. Hebrews’ application and interpretation of Exodus 25:40 – in light of the terms [foreign font omitted] [example or plan or copy] (foreign font omitted [model or design or archetype] by Philo) and [foreign font omitted [shadow] – is studied within the context of Hebrews 8:1–5. The purpose of this investigation is to explore the possible Graeco- Jewish background(s) of the ‘heavenly sanctuary’ motif in Hebrews 8:5, the presence of its key terminology and some of its intertextual occurrences in, amongst others, the Testament of Levi and Colossians 2:17.
The beautiful infant and Israel’s salvation
Authors: Loader James A.
Published: June 2011

The motif from the Exodus story of Moses as a beautiful infant is considered on several levels. Firstly, the immediate context of Exodus 2 in the Hebrew Bible and in the Septuagint is investigated. Exodus 2 is then related to the reception of the tradition in the New Testament and Jewish sources as well as in a patristic reading and one from the Reformation. The article concludes that the motif of Moses’ beauty is part of a relatively infrequent but nevertheless well-established constellation. It is submitted that this finding contributes to a reappraisal of the idea that the motif of beauty has no place in Israel’s texts of deliverance and an investigation of the contrary hypothesis is called for.
Experimental evidence of the compatibility of the cumulative electromagnetic energy release data, with the hierarchical models for the catastrophic fracturing process
Authors: Mastrogiannis D. , Hadjicontis V. , Mavromatou C.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. In this paper, we performed experiments of uniaxial compression of granite samples and recorded time series of electromagnetic pulses during the evolution of the catastrophic fracturing process. The cumulative energy release of the electromagnetic emission (EME) up to the critical point at the moment of rupture was then calculated. It was shown, that the validity of the proposed hierarchy models for the catastrophic fracturing process of composite materials, in analogy to critical phenomena, can be experimentally established not only via acoustic emission data, but via electromagnetic emission data as well. The above conclusion could be a useful tool for the improvement of the earthquake prediction method, based on precursory electromagnetic signals.
North Atlantic 20th century multidecadal variability in coupled climate models: sea surface temperature and ocean overturning circulation
Authors: Medhaug I. , Furevik T.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Output from a total of 24 state-of-the-art Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models is analyzed. The models were integrated with observed forcing for the period 1850–2000 as part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report. All models show enhanced variability at multi-decadal time scales in the North Atlantic sector similar to the observations, but with a large intermodel spread in amplitudes and frequencies for both the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The models, in general, are able to reproduce the observed geographical patterns of warm and cold episodes, but not the phasing such as the early warming (1930s–1950s) and the following colder period (1960s–1980s). This indicates that the observed 20th century extreme in temperatures are due to primarily a fortuitous phasing of intrinsic climate variability and not dominated by external forcing. Most models show a realistic structure in the overturning circulation, where more than half of the available models have a mean overturning transport within the observed estimated range of 13–24 Sverdrup. Associated with a stronger than normal AMOC, the surface temperature is increased and the sea ice extent slightly reduced in the North Atlantic. Individual models show potential for decadal prediction based on the relationship between the AMO and AMOC, but the models strongly disagree both in phasing and strength of the covariability. This makes it difficult to identify common mechanisms and to assess the applicability for predictions.
The Shattered Dream. The Prophecies of Joel: A Bridge between Ezekiel and Haggai?
Authors: Ganzel Tova
Published: June 2011

Using a linguistic-topical examination, this article suggests that Joel’s prophecies reflect the historical reality in the land of Israel immediately following Cyrus’ Declaration (538 BCE); namely, the early days of the restoration period, preceding the building of the Temple, and perhaps even of the altar. From this perspective Joel fills the lacuna in prophetic literature between Ezekiel, whose latest prophecies date to c. 570 BCE, and Haggai and Zechariah, whose earliest prophecies date to the second year of Darius’ reign, 520 BCE.
Comparison With David as a Means of Evaluating Character in the Book of Kings
Authors: Frisch Amos
Published: June 2011

Comparison with David is a literary device employed throughout the book of Kings as a way to assess the kings whose deeds are recounted in the book (both kings of Judah and at least Jehu of Israel). Explicit comparisons to David are linked to literary allusions to him and understood as a single basic phenomenon. The comparisons also include a sophisticated system of inverted analogies (among David, Solomon and Jeroboam).
Biblical Hebrew Wayyiqtol: A Dynamic Definition
Authors: Andrason Alexander
Published: June 2011

A concise, non-reductionist and non-taxonomist synchronically valid definition of the Biblical Hebrew wayyiqtol is based on findings of evolutionary linguistics and panchronic methodology. The author demonstrates the following: all semantic and functional properties (such as taxis, aspectual, temporal, modal and discourse-pragmatic values) of the wayyiqtol may be unified and rationalized as a single dynamic category: advanced portions of the anterior and simultaneous trajectories developed within the three temporal spheres and, additionally, contextualized by the incorporation of an originally independent lexeme with a coordinative-consecutive force.
Faces in Motion: Age‐Related Changes in Eyewitness Identification Performance in Simultaneous, Sequential, and Elimination Video Lineups
Authors: Humphries Joyce E. , Holliday Robyn E. , Flowe Heather D.
Published: June 2011

The identification performance of children (5 to 6 years, n = 180; 9 to 10 years, n = 180) and adults (n = 180) was examined using three types of video lineup procedures: simultaneous, sequential and elimination. Participants viewed a videotaped staged theft and then attempted to identify the culprit from a target‐present or target‐absent video lineup. Correct identifications in simultaneous and elimination video lineups did not differ as a function of age. The sequential video lineup was associated with a reduction in correct identifications for both child groups compared with adults. With respect to the target‐absent lineup condition, the video elimination lineup was associated with an increase in correct rejection rates for adult witnesses. Age was also significantly associated with accuracy. Differences in correct rejection rates were observed between adults and children and also between the two child groups. Implications and future directions are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are biofilms associated with an inflammatory response in chronic rhinosinusitis?
Authors: Wood Andrew James , Fraser John , Swift Simon , Amirapu Satya , Douglas Richard George
Published: June 2011

Background:

Bacterial biofilms have been identified on the sinonasal mucosa of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) but also on control samples. Their role in the disease pathogenesis is unproven. The objective of this study was to further evaluate the role of biofilms in CRS by assessing whether they are associated with an inflammatory response.

Methods:

Mucosal samples were collected from 18 patients with CRS and 7 normal subjects. Bacteria on the mucosal surface were identified by Gram stain. Immune cells were identified by Giemsa stain and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The number of local immune cells was recorded beneath areas of the mucosal surface both colonized with and free from bacteria.

Results:

In CRS patients, biofilms that were directly opposed to a disrupted epithelial layer were associated with more T lymphocytes (p = 0.01), and more macrophages (p = 0.003) than areas of mucosa without bacteria present. Biofilms associated with but not directly opposed to the epithelium were not associated with raised numbers of immune cells.

Conclusion:

Not all surface bacterial colonies are associated with a particular inflammatory response in CRS. Biofilms adherent to a disrupted epithelial layer are associated with higher numbers of immune cells and therefore appear to have a role in the pathogenesis of CRS. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Medical therapy vs surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: a prospective, multi‐institutional study
Authors: Smith Timothy L. , Kern Robert C. , Palmer James N. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Chandra Rakesh K. , Chiu Alexander G. , Conley David , Mace Jess C. , Fu Rongwei F. , Stankiewicz James A.
Published: June 2011

Background:

Evidence evaluating the comparative effectiveness of various treatments for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is insufficient. This study evaluates outcomes in patients who failed initial medical management and elect a subsequent treatment option, either continued medical management or endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) coupled with continued medical management.

Methods:

Adult subjects were prospectively enrolled into a nonrandomized, multi‐institutional cohort. Baseline characteristics and objective clinical findings were collected. Primary outcome measures included 2 disease‐specific quality‐of‐life (QOL) instruments: the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) and Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS). Bivariate and multivariate analyses compared QOL improvement by treatment type, as well as differences in antibiotic and oral steroid utilization and work/school productivity.

Results:

Subjects (n = 180) were enrolled between March 2009 and April 2010. Patients electing medical management (n = 55) reported significantly better baseline QOL on 1 instrument relative to surgery patients (CSS symptom [p = 0.019] and total scores [p = 0.010]). Surgical patients (n = 75) reported significantly more improvement than medically managed patients (RSDI, p = 0.015; CSS, p < 0.001). Surgical patients reported significantly fewer oral antibiotics (p = 0.002), oral steroids (p = 0.042), and missed days of work/school (p < 0.001) following ESS. After adjustment, more frequent improvement was found within the surgical cohort as measured by the RSDI physical (78.7% vs 56.4%; odds ratio [OR], 3.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–9.87; p = 0.027), CSS symptom (80.6% vs 57.4%; OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.06–6.66; p = 0.038), medication (49.3% vs 29.6%; OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 0.96–5.64; p = 0.060), and total scores (76.4% vs 53.7%; OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 0.86–5.59; p = 0.099).

Conclusion:

Patients electing ESS experienced significantly higher levels of improvement in several outcomes. Further investigation with a larger cohort is warranted as treatment selection bias may confound the magnitude of improvement experienced with each treatment. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
The impact of osteitis on disease severity measures and quality of life outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Bhandarkar Naveen D. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: June 2011

Background:

The significance of osteitis in the management of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has yet to be clearly understood and clinical outcomes data for these patients is lacking. Osteitis has been characterized by inflammatory infiltrate, osteoneogenesis, and bony sclerosis with remodeling. In this study we sought to determine if osteitis negatively impacts quality‐of‐life (QOL) or clinical outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods:

A total of 190 adult patients with CRS were prospectively enrolled. Osteitis was characterized by quantifiable bony thickening on sinus computed tomography (CT). Baseline measures and postoperative outcomes were evaluated using endoscopy exam, olfactory testing, and 2 validated disease‐specific QOL surveys: the Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS) and Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate differences between patients with and without osteitis.

Results:

Patients with osteitis (n = 79) had higher prevalence of nasal polyposis and prior ESS (both p < 0.001) and significantly worse baseline CT, endoscopy, and olfactory scores (all p < 0.001) than patients without osteitis. There was no difference in baseline QOL scores between patients with and without osteitis. Following ESS, there were significant improvements in all QOL measures in both groups; however, patients without osteitis were more likely to exhibit clinically meaningful improvement on physical RSDI subscale scores, independent of other clinical factors (79.0% vs 62.3%; odds ratio [OR]: 3.85, p = 0.011).

Conclusion:

Osteitis is associated with worse baseline measures of disease severity and inflammation. Our data suggest that whereas patients with osteitis improve after ESS, the presence of osteitis is associated with a reduced chance of improvement in some outcome measures. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Modified endoscopic medial maxillectomy for recalcitrant chronic maxillary sinusitis
Authors: Wang Eric W. , Gullung Jessica L. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: June 2011

Background:

Modified endoscopic medial maxillectomy (MEMM) is an accepted alternative treatment for benign sinonasal neoplasms. Its use as definitive treatment for inflammatory disease of the maxillary sinus has yet to be adequately explored. We evaluate the efficacy of MEMM for chronic maxillary sinusitis and attempt to identify factors that predispose patients for failure.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of 46 patients who underwent a total of 61 medial maxillectomies for recurrent chronic maxillary sinusitis from 2003 to 2010 was performed. Data was collected regarding patient demographics, prior therapies, and exudative cultures.

Results:

Complete resolution of disease was achieved in 37 of 46 patients (80%). Four patients required additional topical medical management prior to resolution of their inflammatory disease. When the culture was negative, resolution of disease was seen in 90% of patient. However if P. aeruginosa was cultured, the rate of disease resolution dropped to 75%. Similarly if S. aureus was culture, only 56% of patient demonstrated complete disease resolution. Of patients who had previous Caldwell‐Luc procedures, 73% were successfully salvaged. No revision surgeries were required. The mean follow‐up time was 35 months.

Conclusion:

MEMM is an effective and acceptable alternative treatment for chronic maxillary sinusitis refractory to standard medical treatment and endoscopic surgical treatment. Cultures positive for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus may be associated with worse outcomes. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Update on bacterial detection methods in chronic rhinosinusitis: implications for clinicians and research scientists
Authors: Feazel Leah M. , Frank Daniel N. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R.
Published: June 2011

Background:

The exact etiologic role of microbes in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear, due in part to inconsistencies and difficulties of microbiological detection. However, methodological advances now permit comprehensive analysis of microbial communities of the sinonasal region. This review summarizes recent developments in microbial detection technologies as exemplified by their application in the study of CRS.

Recent Findings:

A variety of novel methods for specimen collection, microbial culture, cultivar identification, and microscopic analysis of CRS specimens have been used in recent studies. Moreover, the advent of culture‐independent methodologies based on the detection of microbial nucleic acids has greatly expanded the range of microorganisms, including fastidious species, that can be assayed. Many techniques use biochemical interactions to identify nucleic acids as markers for specific species.

Technological innovations in microbiology have radically improved the sensitivity and accuracy of microbial detection and identification in CRS specimens. Further application of these microbiological tools to CRS research should provide greater insight into the roles of microbial pathogens and commensals in sinus health and disease. Ultimately, translation of research results into clinical diagnostic technology will improve patient outcomes in this chronic disease. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Desensitizing mice to ovalbumin through subcutaneous microsphere immunotherapy (SMITH)
Authors: Reisacher William R. , Liotta Dara , Yazdi Sara , Putnam David
Published: June 2011

Background:

We investigated whether subcutaneously‐injected, biodegradable, poly (D,L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres loaded with ovalbumin (OVA) were able to down‐regulate the T helper 2 (TH2) response in mice that were sensitized to this protein, and whether this response was dose‐dependent.

Methods:

PLGA microspheres were created using a double emulsion technique. Female BALB/c mice were sensitized to OVA and then assigned to receive subcutaneous microsphere immunotherapy (SMITH) using either blank microspheres (n = 4), low‐dose OVA‐loaded microspheres (n = 5), or high‐dose OVA‐loaded microspheres (n = 5). Antigen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in serum was measured at day 0 (prior to sensitization), day 14 (prior to immunization), and days 28 and 42 (after immunization).

Results:

All mice were successfully sensitized to OVA. In the group receiving blank microspheres, there was a continual rise in antigen‐specific IgE from Day 14 to Day 42, which was statistically significant. In the group receiving low‐dose OVA‐loaded microspheres, there was a statistically significant drop in the antigen‐specific IgE levels from Day 14 to Day 28, but overall no significant change in IgE level when looking at the Day 14 to Day 42 interval. A similar pattern of antibody level changes was seen in the group receiving high‐dose OVA‐loaded microspheres, but the decrease from Day 14 to Day 28 was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that SMITH has the ability to downregulate the production of antigen‐specific IgE in a food allergy model, and this observation in our study was not dose‐dependent. Its potential use in the treatment of IgE‐mediated allergic disease warrants further investigation. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Selektive Reduktion von Carbonsäurederivaten durch katalytische Hydrosilylierung
Authors: Addis Daniele , Das Shoubhik , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: June 2011

Im letzten Jahrzehnt wurde eine Reihe nützlicher katalytischer Reduktionen von Carbonsäurederivaten mit Hydrosilanen entwickelt. Mit der richtigen Kombination von Silan und Katalysator sind dabei Chemoselektivitäten möglich, die mit herkömmlichen metallorganischen Hydriden oder Hydrierungskatalysatoren nicht erreicht werden können. Zum Beispiel können Amide und Ester in der Gegenwart von Ketonen oder sogar Aldehyden selektiv reduziert werden. Wir glauben, dass katalytische Hydrosilylierungen künftig häufiger in komplexen organischen Synthesen eingesetzt werden, da die Syntheseprozeduren einfach auszuführen sind und die Reaktivität des Silans präzise abgestimmt werden kann. Bisher wurde das Synthesepotential dieser Prozesse eindeutig unterschätzt. Sie kommen sogar für industrielle Anwendungen in Frage, da preiswerte und leicht verfügbare Silane, wie z. B. Polymethylhydrosiloxan, auch in größerem Maßstab eingesetzt werden können.
Selective Reduction of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives by Catalytic Hydrosilylation
Authors: Addis Daniele , Das Shoubhik , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: June 2011

In the last decade, an increasing number of useful catalytic reductions of carboxylic acid derivatives with hydrosilanes have been developed. Notably, the combination of an appropriate silane and catalyst enables unprecedented chemoselectivity that is not possible with traditional organometallic hydrides or hydrogenation catalysts. For example, amides and esters can be reduced preferentially in the presence of ketones or even aldehydes. We believe that catalytic hydrosilylations will be used more often in the future in challenging organic syntheses, as the reaction procedures are straightforward, and the reactivity of the silane can be fine‐tuned. So far, the synthetic potential of these processes has clearly been underestimated. They even hold promise for industrial applications, as inexpensive and readily available silanes, such as polymethylhydrosiloxane, offer useful possibilities on a larger scale.
Direct data‐driven control of linear time‐delay systems
Authors: Formentin S. , Corno M. , Savaresi S. M. , Del Re L.
Published: June 2011

This paper presents an extension of the Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning (VRFT) methodology dedicated to linear time‐delay systems with known delay and unknown dynamics. The standard VRFT is not well suited for systems with dominant time‐delay as it yields high order controllers. The proposed direct approach, relying on a Smith Predictor structure, guarantees the same level of performance as the standard VRFT but with lower order controllers. The joint direct data‐driven design of the controller and the predictor is facilitated by the introduction of an ad‐hoc optimization initialization. Effectiveness and robustness to uncertainty in the time‐delay estimation are shown in a vehicle dynamics control problem.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Expression of biologically active human insulin‐like growth factor 1 in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds via oleosin fusion technology
Authors: Li Wei , Li Linguo , Li Kunlan , Lin Juan , Sun Xiaofen , Tang Kexuan
Published: June 2011

Novel protein expression in plant‐based systems has become an important tool in producing and studying therapeutic proteins. Among many plant‐based systems developed so far, oleosin fusion technology is one of the most cost‐effective and convenient methods. In this study, an important therapeutic protein, human insulin‐like growth factor 1 (hIGF‐1), was expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds via this technology. The plant bias codon usage‐optimized hIGF‐1 gene was fused to the C‐terminal of A. thaliana 18.5 kDa oleosin gene, and the fusion gene driven by an oleosin promoter was transferred into A. thaliana ecotype Col‐0. The accumulation of oleosin–hIGF‐1 fusion protein in transgenic seeds was up to 0.75% of total seed protein (TSP) and the expression level of hIGF‐1 was 0.17% of the TSP, which was eight times higher than previously reported using other plant‐based hIGF‐1 production systems. The biological activity of the hIGF‐1 as an oleosin–hIGF‐1 fusion protein in vitro was demonstrated by using human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.
Maternal use of hot tub and major structural birth defects
Authors: Duong Hao T. , Shahrukh Hashmi Syed , Ramadhani Tunu , Canfield Mark A. , Scheuerle Angela , Kim Waller Dorothy ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND

Previous studies on the associations between hot tub use during early pregnancy and birth defects have found an increased risk of neural tube defects, but no increase in risk of cardiac defects. No previous studies have assessed the association between maternal hot tub use and other types of noncardiac birth defects.

METHODS

We included mothers of infants with birth defects (n = 10,825) and mothers of infants without birth defects (n = 6795) who participated in the multisite National Birth Defects Prevention Study between 1997 and 2005. Odds ratios were adjusted for maternal ethnicity and education.

RESULTS

Analysis of 17 birth defects revealed that mothers of infants with gastroschisis and anencephaly were significantly more likely to report any use of a hot tub in early pregnancy: adjusted odd ratios were 1.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–2.17) and 1.68 (95% CI, 1.05–2.70), respectively. Among the mothers who reported using a hot tub more than once in the exposure period and remaining in it for more than 30 min, we found significantly elevated odds ratios (≥2.0) for esophageal atresia, omphalocele, and gastroschisis and a nonsignificant elevation (≥2.0) for spina bifida and anencephaly.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that women who use hot tubs more than once during early pregnancy and for long periods of time have an increased risk of certain birth defect phenotypes, particularly anencephaly and gastroschisis. Because of multiple statistical tests and small sample sizes, we cannot exclude the possibility that some of these elevated associations may be due to chance. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognitive and physiological responses in humans exposed to a TETRA base station signal in relation to perceived electromagnetic hypersensitivity
Authors: Wallace Denise , Eltiti Stacy , Ridgewell Anna , Garner Kelly , Russo Riccardo , Sepulveda Francisco , Walker Stuart , Quinlan Terence , Dudley Sandra , Maung Sithu , Deeble Roger , Fox Elaine
Published: June 2011

Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) technology (“Airwave”) has led to public concern because of its potential interference with electrical activity in the brain. The present study is the first to examine whether acute exposure to a TETRA base station signal has an impact on cognitive functioning and physiological responses. Participants were exposed to a 420 MHz TETRA signal at a power flux density of 10 mW/m2 as well as sham (no signal) under double‐blind conditions. Fifty‐one people who reported a perceived sensitivity to electromagnetic fields as well as 132 controls participated in a double‐blind provocation study. Forty‐eight sensitive and 132 control participants completed all three sessions. Measures of short‐term memory, working memory, and attention were administered while physiological responses (blood volume pulse, heart rate, skin conductance) were monitored. After applying exclusion criteria based on task performance for each aforementioned cognitive measure, data were analyzed for 36, 43, and 48 sensitive participants for these respective tasks and, likewise, 107,125, and 129 controls. We observed no differences in cognitive performance between sham and TETRA exposure in either group; physiological response also did not differ between the exposure conditions. These findings are similar to previous double‐blind studies with other mobile phone signals (900–2100 MHz), which could not establish any clear evidence that mobile phone signals affect health or cognitive function. Bioelectromagnetics 33:23–39, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.