bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The occultural significance of The Da Vinci Code
Authors: Partridge Christopher
Published: June 2008

The popularity of books such asThe Da Vinci Codeis interesting in that it would seem to support surveys indicating at least a general level of public interest in the spiritual and the paranormal. More specifically, an analysis of the dominant ideas articulated inThe Da Vinci Codesuggests that it is a book reflecting key themes within western occulture which have become central to the shift from religion to spirituality in western societies: the sacralization of the self; the turn from transcendence to immanence; the emergence of the sacred feminine; the focus on nature and the premodern; and a conspiracist suspicion of the prevailing order and dominant institutions, particularly the Church.
Religion, philosophy, and convergence culture online: ABCs Lost as a study of the processes of mediatization
Authors: Clark Lynn Schofield
Published: June 2008

Following Henry Jenkinss argument (2006) that online fan discussions contribute to collective intelligence that then feeds into the creative processes of the media industries, this article explores the ways in which online fans of the ABC television programme Lost discussed the
religious and philosophical references of the programme as well as the directions the series seemed to follow as a result. By considering the ways in which both popular entertainment producers and fans of popular entertainment contribute to the emergent norms of plural religious and cultural
representation in media and expectations regarding the plural religious environment more generally, this article adds to our understandings of the processes through which the mediatization of religion is occurring.
Animated animism the global ways of Japans national spirits
Authors: Srensen Lars-Martin
Published: June 2008

This article discusses the tremendous global success of Japanese anime, its uses and negotiations of Japanese religious and nationalist mythology, and the way these features are appropriated domestically and abroad. Emphasis is given to the works of Hayao Miyazaki, whose films have
been categorized as de-assuring Japaneseness and as promoting an environmentalist agenda. It is discussed whether the indigenous religion, Shinto, which has historically served as a vehicle for nationalism, can be applied to progressive ends unproblematically. The article argues that while
the intended meaning of Miyazakis films may be to further ecological awareness, another concern of Miyazakis, namely to promote traditional cultural values, puts his work at risk of being construed along the lines of contemporary Japanese nationalism. Finally, the broader workings behind the
global success of those apparently highly culture-specific films are discussed.
Born again heathenism enchanted worlds on film
Authors: Grodal Torben
Published: June 2008

The article discusses films with fantastic elements using evolutionary psychology. The fascination with the fantastic on film is a by-product of different evolutionary mental adaptations, like the interest in causality with the purpose of control, that create interest in fantastic violation of naturalist expectations; the horror fear of being preyed upon by powerful agents (animals or other humans) and the fear of contamination from dead bodies; and the need to enforce moral supervision and submission to powerful others to enhance group cohesion, and these functions get a powerful emphasis by invention of supernatural agents. The prominence of supernaturalism in media is not necessarily linked to an increase in religious interest vis--vis science but could also be caused by a diminished heresy control allowing media to exploit a range of innate dispositions of being intrigued by different supernatural phenomena that might be called heathen because it often reuses all kinds of folk superstitions.
Forms of the intangible: Carl Th. Dreyer and the concept of transcendental style
Authors: Tybjerg Casper
Published: June 2008

The book Transcendental Style in Film, written in 1972 by future film director Paul Schrader, offers perhaps the most extensive analysis of how a particular film style might have a specifically religious significance. The article provides a critical discussion of Schraders theory,
with a particular focus on the films of Carl Th. Dreyer. Schraders ideas are compared to alternative explanations of the same stylistic features provided by David Bordwell and Torben Grodal. The article concludes that while Schrader identifies a number of pertinent stylistic features, the
transcendental film is better understood as a subset of the art film mode. Torben Grodals description of the intertwined effect of a salient (often abstract) style and thematic content indicative of higher meaning, coupled with the contribution of a suitably disposed spectator, is, the article
argues, more plausible than Schraders analysis.
Virtual reality as a spiritual experience: a perspective from the cognitive science of religion
Authors: Hornbeck Ryan G , Barrett Justin L
Published: June 2008

Virtual reality (VR) is often described as a gateway to a religious or spiritual experience but why? In this article, using theories and evidence taken from the cognitive science of religion (CSOR), we hypothesize that human minds may interact with VR-hosted phenomena in a manner highly similar to that in which they interact with supernatural concepts. Specifically, we note that both VR inputs and supernatural concepts contain information that (1) contradicts the intuitive set of expectations we bring to an ontological category of phenomena (for example, natural objects, animals) and (2) allows us to draw a superabundance of inferences from our social cognitive mechanisms with minimal effort. We then summarize these points by illustrating a common VR phenomenon virtual touch wherein counterintuitive representations and strategic information coalesce to create an emotionally salient experience that is itself counterintuitive and by some accounts spiritual-like.
Understanding superpowers in contemporary television fiction
Authors: Petersen Line Nybro
Published: June 2008

The presence of the supernatural is a recurrent component in contemporary television fiction series. From Buffy the Vampire Slayer (19972003), to Charmed (19982006), and Heroes (2006), audiences follow the narratives of otherwise ordinary characters that are attributed
extraordinary abilities. Naturally, superheroes have been the focus of research within different fields, offering understandings within the framework of psychology and anthropology (Bettelheim 1976; Barrett 2004; Boyer 2002) or sociology, and as cultural myth (Partridge 2004 and 2005; Lawrence
and Jewett 2002). The article argues that the salience of superpowers should not solely be understood through a sociological framework or as a common psychological feature in humans, but rather that both approaches are relevant when attempting to grasp the phenomenon. Thus, the article attempts
to uncover questions of gratification and fascination for audiences on a mental, as well as on a societal level.
Rethinking the role of the Portuguese Communist Party in the transition to democracy
Authors: Lisi Marco
Published: June 2008

Lying within the ambit of the theory on transition studies and party development, this article focuses on the political mobilisation and organisational development of the Portuguese Communist Party between 1974 and 1976. Using in-depth interviews and quantitative data, this paper demonstrates
that the constraints and the opportunities at the institutional level particularly with respect to the role of the Armed Forces Movement (MFA Movimento das Foras Armadas) are a key element towards achieving an understanding of the party's strategy during the different phases of democratisation.
The main conclusions underline two points: the first is the importance of the distribution of power within the MFA in influencing the role played by the PCP in the transition, while the second is the subordination of the social power to the institutional integration.
Portugal and the German Democratic Republic during the Carnation Revolution
Authors: Wagner Tilo
Published: June 2008

This paper will show how Portugal and the GDR developed international relations in the political aftermath of 25 April 1974. During the two year transitional period following the military coup, bilateral contacts, especially those between the two communist parties (PCP and SED) went
through three different phases. The first, in which the immediate goals of the Portuguese communists determined the course of the international relations; the second, in which the SED became an active player in the revolutionary process; and the third, which was marked by the sudden withdrawal
of East German support for the PCP.
The military, 25 April and the Portuguese transition to democracy
Authors: Rezola Maria Incia
Published: June 2008

On 25 April 1974 the Armed Forces Movement (MFA Movimento das Foras Armadas) rose against the dictatorial regime that had governed Portugal for 48 years. This event was the beginning of a turbulent transition process that was to culminate in the approval of a new constitution in April
1976 and in the instauration of a Western style pluralist democracy. There are many political scientists and historians who note the original and unexpected nature of this transition; however, there are very many different interpretations with respect to the roles played by each of the actors
in the process: the armed forces, the parties and political movements and the social forces/movements. The aim of this paper is to clarify this matter through an examination of the principal events of the revolution.
Families in Europe
Authors: Torres Anlia , Mendes Rita , Lapa Tiago
Published: June 2008

Analysing data from the European Social Survey, in this article we try to capture the main features of European families. Accounting for the changing trends of the last forty years in family arrangements, practices and values we also discuss some theoretical and methodological issues raised by the exercise of comparing countries. General configurations like family size, composition of the household, living arrangements and marital status are identified and analysed by clustering European countries. The insertion of men and women in the labour market, fertility rates and the hours of work of parents are another central focus of discussion. Our results tend to contradict some stereotypes. The majority of Europeans are formally married or living together, conjugal disruption is transitory for the divorced and the separated tend to return to conjugality. With modern ideals family is, for all European countries and with very similar averages, the most valued dimension of personal life.
Accuracy in clinical chemistry – who will kiss Sleeping Beauty awake?
Authors: Thienpont Linda M.
Published: July 2008

Triggered by recent criticism from parties outside the clinical chemistry community on poor analytical accuracy of measurement procedures used for evaluating the calcium-parathyroid hormone-vitamin D axis, I argue, in this opinion paper, strongly in favor of prioritizing the establishment of accuracy. I make a proposal on how the clinical chemistry profession could tackle the challenges focused at the conceptual, technical, and organizational level. The profession should “rehearse” the basic concepts of measurement, because they need to be understood before one can look for pragmatic solutions when a purist's approach cannot be realized in a foreseeable time. This is illustrated for the measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). To solve problems encountered at the technical level of establishing reference measurement systems, in particular when this is not possible according to the point of view of purism, the profession should have the courage to agree on pragmatic solutions, without neglecting, however, the technical progress. This is exemplified by way of a solution for measurement of FT4 in serum water and TSH. Because the technical question is also inseparably connected to the specification of the analytical quality required for measurements, I propose that the profession sets realistic specifications for calibration tolerance, limits for batch acceptance, linearity, etc. Last but not least, I call upon organizing and implementing the accuracy process with utmost care, i.e., in a concerted action with all parties involved in patient care. The driving force towards accuracy should come from the test developers, while the lead should be taken by the clinical chemistry community, itself being guided by the clinical professions.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1220–2.
Region of variability for concave univalent functions
Authors: Bhowmik Bappaditya , Ponnusamy Saminathan
Published: June 2008

There are conformal maps
Mercerian theorems involving Cesàro and Hölder means of positive order
Authors: Beekmann Wolfgang , Russell Dennis C.
Published: June 2008

For a sequence–to–sequence transformation defined by a matrix
Effect of Cysteine vs. Histidine on the Electronic Structure of Zn2+Upon Complex Formation
Authors: Aziz Emad F. , Eberhardt W. , Eisebitt S.
Published: June 2008

The local electronic structure at Zn2+ions during complex formation with histidine and cysteine has been studied by near edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy at the Zn L-edge. At pH ≅ 5 both histidine and cysteine have carboxylate and amino groups able to form complexes with cations in solution such as Zn2+. Compared to histidine, cysteine has an extra thiolate group which can chelate Zn2+. This investigation shows that histidine is chelating the Zn2+ion mainly via the amino group, while cysteine chelates primarily via the thiolate group. The nature of the empty molecular orbitals involved in the transitions has been analyzed using density functional theory including the solvent effects. By comparing the calculated results with the experimental observations, we conclude that histidine affects primarily the Zn2+electronic states of d-symmetry, while cysteine affects both s- and d-states. This mechanism is important for understanding the zinc sulfhydryl bond in zinc finger proteins, where cysteine and histidine in the protein are chelating Zn2+.
Water Interactions with Crystalline Polymers with Large Dipoles
Authors: Dowben P. A. , Rosa Luis G. , Ilie C. C.
Published: June 2008

We compare the interactions of water with the ferroelectric copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) – trifluoroethylene (TrFE)) and poly(methylvinylidenecyanide) (PMCV), a strongly dipole ordered polymer. At the microscopic scale, dipole interactions matter and affect the surface chemistry at these polymer surfaces, as does lattice strain caused by water absorption. Light polarization dependent photo-assisted thermal desorption helps demonstrate that water desorption from surface and bulk can be influenced by the formation of electronic metastable states. Changes in local dipole orientation and the formation of long lived metastable states affect the strength of the coupling between the dipoles of water molecules and the dipoles of the copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride – trifluoroethylene) but these effects were not observed for poly(methylvinylidenecyanide).
A Quantitative Comparison of the Photophysical Properties of Selected Quantum Dots and Organic Fluorophores
Authors: Gould Travis J. , Bewersdorf Joerg , Hess Samuel T.
Published: June 2008

Quantum dots (QDs) are becoming an increasingly popular fluorescent probe in biological imaging and single molecule applications. With advantages and disadvantages over traditional organic fluorophores, quantitative characterization of the photophysical properties of QDs is a required task for optimizing their performance. For example, maximizing the number of collected photons is essential for high-quality fluorescence imaging and yet is often a limiting factor in biological applications. Using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), we compare important photophysical properties (count rates, photobleaching quantum yields, dark state occupancy and dark-state-to-bright-state interconversion rates, among others) of typical commercial CdSe/ZnS QDs against commonly used organic fluorophores relevant to biological applications. Two-photon action cross sections are measured using a novel version of the reference method in a laser-scanning confocal microscope geometry. FCS results for QDs show a correlation between reduced brightness, high fraction of molecules in dark states, and slow interconversion rates between the bright state and dark state(s) consistent with previous work. We confirm large two-photon action cross sections (103−104 GM) and broad two-photon excitation spectra that suggest QDs as advantageous probes for multicolor multiphoton imaging. FCS results show Alexa546 is a particularly bright probe suited for use when probe size is a limitation. While superior in count rate to Alexa555, Alexa546 bleaches faster when used in one-photon excitation.
A “Surface” Model for the Treatment of Local Vibrations in Macromolecular Systems
Authors: Schmidt Parbury
Published: June 2008

The accurate theoretical and computational treatment of chemical dynamics and reactivity generally makes use of quantum mechanical analyses of the anharmonic motions of atoms within molecular systems. As reactive dynamics are inherently anharmonic, special potential energy functions that can address the issue are required. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to discuss a model potential energy function that may accurately represent both local molecular anharmonic and discrete harmonic motions while incorporating the collective harmonic dynamics of the rest of a macromolecule in a parametric form. The model is approximately analogous to a small molecule chemisorbed on or embedded in an elastic surface. As the embedding region in the macromolecule in which the local group resides is generally highly anisotropic, the usual development of continuum elasticity theory is not straightforward. Instead, this approach adopts a local surface model with anisotropic points of attachment between the surface and atoms of the local group. The dynamics of the points of attachment, i.e., anchor pseudo-atoms in a cavity, are proposed to be treated phenomenologically to yield local force constants as fitting parameters to represent the effect of the collective motion ofthe remainder of the macromolecule. A potential energy function of this type should be useful for the analysis of local reactive dynamics in macromolecular systems, such as a reactive polymer or an enzyme. Extension of the model to a closed cavity may also be useful for the treatment of local discrete effects of solvent coordination on solute spectra and dynamics.
CO2 Adlayers on the Mixed Terminated ZnO(10-10) Surface Studied by He Atom Scattering, Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Ab Initio Electronic Structure Calculations
Authors: Kotsis K. , Stodt D. , Staemmler V. , Kovacik R. , Meyer B. , Traeger Franziska , Langenberg D. , Strunskus Th. , Kunat M. , Wöll Christof
Published: June 2008

He-atom scattering (HAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS and NEXAFS), periodic density functional theory and quantum chemical ab initio cluster calculations have been used for characterizing the adsorption of CO2 on the mixed terminated ZnO(10-10) surface. The HAS data allow to identify three different structural phases of CO2 in the monolayer regime: A high-density (1×1) phase at low temperature, a lower density (2×1) phase at higher temperatures, and in addition an incommensurate phase (which has not been reported before) with a slightly lower coverage and a 2.3-fold periodicity at surface temperatures above 270 K. XPS and NEXAFS measurements performed for the two low-coverage phases show that CO2 is adsorbed in form of a carbonate species. This is supported by the ab initio calculations for CO2 adsorbed on ZnO(10-10). The calculated XP and NEXAFS spectra agree with the experimental data and are only compatible with an adsorbed carbonate species, the presence of physisorbed CO2 can be excluded. In addition, the calculations demonstrate that X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) is a sensitive method to distinguish between linear CO2 and carbonate.
Metallization of Organic Monolayers: Electroless Deposition of Cu onto Cross-Linked Aromatic Self-Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Nottbohm Christoph T. , Turchanin Andrey , Gölzhäuser Armin
Published: June 2008

We demonstrate the metallization of amino-terminated, cross-linked biphenylthiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) via Pd catalysed electroless deposition (ELD) of Cu. Angle resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy were used for characterization. Lateral cross-linking and generation of terminal amino groups are induced by irradiation with low energy electrons. The cross-linked SAM suppresses the ELD of Cu onto the Au substrate. By the immobilization of Pd atoms to the terminal amino groups, catalytic sites are created in cross-linked areas. These sites then facilitate the electroless deposition of Cu on top of the SAM.
High Resolution Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy on Perfect and Defective Oxide Surfaces
Authors: Wang Yuemin
Published: June 2008

High resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) is a powerful method for the study of vibrational and electronic excitations at solid surfaces and has been extensively applied to metal single crystal surfaces. As a result of experimental difficulties, unfortunately, much less information is available on adsorbate vibrations at oxide surfaces. This review focuses on recent results showing the successful application of HREELS to study adsorption and reaction of molecules on metal oxide single crystal surfaces. The chemical reactivity of perfect surfaces is first investigated systematically using HREELS combined with thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the interaction of adsorbates with surface defects (in particular oxygen vacancies) can also be monitored by vibrational spectroscopy.
Development of a risk-based environmental management tool for drilling discharges. Summary of a four-year project
Authors: Singsaas Ivar , Rye Henrik , Frost Tone Karin , Smit Mathijs GD , Garpestad Eimund , Skare Ingvild , Bakke Knut , Veiga Leticia Falcao , Buffagni Melania , Folium Odd-Arne , Johnsen Ståle , Moltu Ulf-Einar , Reed Mark
Published: June 2008

This paper briefly summarizes the ERMS project and presents the developed model by showing results from environmental fates and risk calculations of a discharge from offshore drilling operations. The developed model calculates environmental risks for the water column and sediments resulting from exposure to toxic stressors (e.g., chemicals) and nontoxic stressors (e.g., suspended particles, sediment burial). The approach is based on existing risk assessment techniques described in the European Union technical guidance document on risk assessment and species sensitivity distributions. The model calculates an environmental impact factor, which characterizes the overall potential impact on the marine environment in terms of potentially impacted water volume and sediment area. The ERMS project started in 2003 and was finalized in 2007. In total, 28 scientific reports and 9 scientific papers have been delivered from the ERMS project (http://www.sintef.no/erms).
Estimation of bioavailability of metals from drilling mud barite
Authors: Neff Jerry M
Published: June 2008

Drilling mud and associated drill cuttings are the largest volume wastes associated with drilling of oil and gas wells and often are discharged to the ocean from offshore drilling platforms. Barite (BaSO4) often is added as a weighting agent to drilling muds to counteract pressure in the geologic formations being drilled, preventing a blowout. Some commercial drilling mud barites contain elevated (compared to marine sediments) concentrations of several metals. The metals, if bioavailable, may harm the local marine ecosystem. The bioavailable fraction of metals is the fraction that dissolves from the nearly insoluble, solid barite into seawater or sediment porewater. Barite-seawater and barite-porewater distribution coefficients (Kd) were calculated for determining the predicted environmental concentration (PEC; the bioavailable fraction) of metals from drilling mud barite in the water column and sediments, respectively. Values for Kdbarite-seawater and Kdbarite-porewater were calculated for barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, lead, and zinc in different grades of barite. Log Kdbarite-seawater values were higher (solubility was lower) for metals in the produced water plume than log Kdbarite-porewater values for metals in sediments. The most soluble metals were cadmium and zinc and the least soluble were mercury and copper. Log Kd values can be used with data on concentrations of metals in barite and of barite in the drilling mud-cuttings plume and in bottom sediments to calculate PECseawater and PECsediment.
Guidance for evaluating in vivo fish bioaccumulation data
Authors: Parkerton Thomas F , Arnot Jon A , Weisbrod Anne V , Russom Christine , Hoke Robert A , Woodburn Kent , Traas Theo , Bonnell Mark , Burkhard Lawrence P , Lampi Mark A
Published: June 2008

Currently, the laboratory-derived fish bioconcentration factor (BCF) serves as one of the primary data sources used to assess the potential for a chemical to bioaccumulate. Consequently, fish BCF values serve a central role in decision making and provide the basis for development of quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPRs) used to predict the bioaccumulation potential of untested compounds. However, practical guidance for critically reviewing experimental BCF studies is limited. This lack of transparent guidance hinders improvement in predictive models and can lead to uninformed chemical management decisions. To address this concern, a multiple-stakeholder workshop of experts from government, industry, and academia was convened by the International Life Sciences Institute Health and Environmental Sciences Institute to examine the data availability and quality issues associated with in vivo fish bioconcentration and bioaccumulation data. This paper provides guidance for evaluating key aspects of study design and conduct that must be considered when judging the reliability and adequacy of reported laboratory bioaccumulation data. Key criteria identified for judging study reliability include 1) clear specification of test substance and fish species investigated, 2) analysis of test substance in both fish tissue and exposure medium, 3) no significant adverse effects on exposed test fish, and 4) a reported test BCF that reflects steady-state conditions with unambiguous units. This guidance is then applied to 2 data-rich chemicals (anthracene and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) to illustrate the critical need for applying a systematic data quality assessment process. Use of these guidelines will foster development of more accurate QSPR models, improve the performance and reporting of future laboratory studies, and strengthen the technical basis for bioaccumulation assessment in chemicals management.
Towards the assessment and management of contaminated dredged materials
Authors: Agius Suzanne J , Porebski Linda
Published: June 2008

Environment Canada's Disposal at Sea Programme hosted the Contaminated Dredged Material Management Decisions Workshop in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on 28–30 November 2006. The workshop brought together over 50 sediment assessment and management experts from academic, industrial, and regulatory backgrounds and charged them with drafting a potential framework to assess contaminated dredged materials and compare the risks of various disposal alternatives. This article summarizes the recommendations made during the workshop concerning the development of sediment assessment tools, the interpretation of these tools, and the essential attributes of a comparative risk assessment process. The major outcomes of the workshop include a strong recommendation to develop a national dredging or sediment management strategy, a potential decision-making framework for the assessment of dredged materials and comparative risk assessment of disposal options, and the expansion of minimum sediment characterization requirements for nonroutine disposal permit applications.
Demonstration of a landscape-scale approach for predicting acute copper toxicity to larval fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) in surface waters
Authors: Van Genderen Eric J , Klaine Stephen J
Published: June 2008

Watersheds have historically been used as the appropriate spatial classification unit for managing water resources. However, geology, soil type, predominant vegetation, and climate have obvious influences on water quality and are not constrained by watercourses or political boundaries. This concept has evolved for several decades and developed the concept of ecoregions and other spatial schemes. While this approach to water resource management has considered the interaction between water quality and biological integrity (aquatic community structure and assemblage), it has not been applied in the context of predicting aquatic toxicity. As such, a previously published study providing a chemical and toxicological data set consisting of 24 sampling sites in South Carolina, USA, and was used to develop empirical models for predicting acute copper (Cu) toxicity to larval fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Moreover, numerous spatial classifications (hydrologic units, ecoregions, stream order, adjacent land use, and proximity to certain land uses) and seasonality were used to delineate sites and develop empirical models based on these different classifications. An independent sampling and testing regime was implemented to determine the performance of the empirical models and whether certain classifications could be used to extrapolate toxicity data across spatial landscapes. Additionally, a computational model (biotic ligand model [BLM]) for deriving site-specific water quality criteria for Cu also was used as a reference for current regulatory application. Empirical models based on delineations of stream order, hydrologic unit, and downstream distance to urbanization accurately predicted at least 60% of the observed Cu toxicity values within the supplemental data set. Delineations based on adjacent land use, ecoregions, and seasons were not as useful for predicting acute Cu toxicity but demonstrated better performance than the BLM.
Sediment ingestion rates in waterfowl (Anatidae) and their use in environmental risk assessment
Authors: Beyer W Nelson , Perry Matthew C , Osenton Peter C
Published: June 2008

When waterfowl (Anatidae) ingest sediment as they feed, they are exposed to the environmental contaminants in those sediments. The rate of ingestion may be key to assessing environmental risk. Rates of sediment ingestion were estimated as from <2% to 22% in 16 species of waterfowl collected in the northeastern United States. The piscivorous red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator) ingested sediment at the lowest rate and the benthos-feeding canvasback (Aythya valisineria) at the highest rate. Sediment ingestion rates were related to diet and to the sediments where waterfowl fed. Waterfowl ingested the least sediment from hard-bottomed habitats with fast-moving water and ingested the most sediment from soft-bottomed areas with slow-moving water. Understanding the greater hazards from contaminants associated with low-flow habitats may help in prioritizing sites to be remediated. The tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus), which ingests sediment at an estimated 8.4% of its diet, dry weight, is suggested as a potential generic model for use in environmental risk assessments designed to protect waterfowl.
Use of Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad in Root Coverage of Severe Gingival Recession Defect
Authors: El Haddad Sally A. , Abd El Razzak Mona Y. , El Shall Mohammad
Published: July 2008

Background: Gingival recession in its localized or generalized form is an undesirable condition resulting in root exposure. Sites exhibiting Miller Class IV gingival recession are not suitable for treatment with surgical root coverage techniques, and their prognoses are very poor with current techniques. The aim of this case report is to establish a new technique for the root coverage of severe gingival recession defects (Miller Class IV) by providing a new source of enough tissue with good blood supply using the pedicled buccal fat pad (PBFP).

Methods: The PBFP was mobilized through an incision in the base of the buccal flap at the level of the upper second molar; the vascularized flap was secured to the buccal surface of the upper first molar tooth and premolar teeth and sutured with the wound margins.

Results: A clinically significant amount of keratinized gingiva that covered the root recession defect was obtained. Epithelialization of the buccal fat pad was completed after 6 weeks, with formation of healthy‐looking keratinized mucosa in the anatomic site of the keratinized gingiva.

Conclusions: The PBFP technique is simple and easy to handle. It may also be considered a novel application with promising results for the root coverage of severe gingival recession defects (Miller Class IV) that may provide a considerable amount of keratinized tissue used for root coverage of the upper posterior molar teeth.
An Oxidized Implant Surface May Improve Bone‐to‐Implant Contact in Pristine Bone and Bone Defects Treated With Guided Bone Regeneration: An Experimental Study in Dogs
Authors: Gurgel Bruno César de Vasconcelos , Gonçalves Patrícia Furtado , Pimentel Suzana Peres , Nociti Francisco Humberto , Sallum Enilson Antonio , Sallum Antonio Wilson , Casati Marcio Zaffalon
Published: July 2008

Background: The aim of the present study was to histometrically evaluate bone healing in the absence of bone defects and in the presence of surgically created bone defects treated by guided bone regeneration at oxidized and turned implant surfaces.

Methods: Three months after dental extractions, standardized buccal dehiscence defects (height: 5 mm; width: 4 mm) were surgically created following implant site preparation in the mandible of 10 dogs. Oxidized‐surface implants (OSI) and turned‐surface implants (TSI) were inserted bilaterally, and the bone defects were treated by guided bone regeneration. After 3 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed, blocks were dissected, and undecalcified sections were obtained and processed for histometric analysis. The percentage of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone density (BD) was evaluated inside the threads on the buccal (regenerated bone) and lingual sides (pristine bone) of the implants. Data were evaluated using two‐way analysis of variance (P <0.05).

Results: New bone formation could be observed in OSI and TSI in the region of the defect creation. The BIC values observed in OSI for pristine and regenerated bone were 57.03% ± 21.86% and 40.86% ± 22.73%, respectively. TSI showed lower values of BIC in pristine bone (37.39% ± 23.33%) and regenerated bone (3.52% ± 4.87%). The differences between OSI and TSI were statistically significant. BD evaluation showed no statistically significant differences between OSI and TSI in pristine and regenerated bone.

Conclusion: The oxidized implant surface promoted a higher level of BIC than the turned implant surface at pristine and regenerated bone.
Effect of Periodontitis on Insulin Resistance and the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats
Authors: Watanabe Keiko , Petro Benjamin J. , Shlimon Alan E. , Unterman Terry G.
Published: July 2008

Background: Studies indicate that an association exists between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or obesity, with chronic inflammation hypothesized as the common denominator. The purpose of this study was to determine the causal effect of periodontitis and the concomitant impact of diet on the onset of insulin resistance (IR) and T2DM using a rat model system that simulates human obesity and T2DM.

Methods: Twenty‐eight, 5‐week‐old female Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF, fa/fa) rats were divided into four groups of seven animals: high‐fat fed–periodontitis (HF/P), high‐fat fed–no periodontitis (HF/C), low‐fat fed–periodontitis (LF/P), and low‐fat fed–no periodontitis (LF/C). Periodontitis was induced by ligature placement. Fasting plasma insulin and glucose levels were measured, and glucose tolerance tests were performed to assess glucose homeostasis, IR, and the onset of T2DM. The level of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), leptin, triglycerides, and free fatty acids were determined in week 13 at sacrifice.

Results: HF/P rats developed more severe IR compared to HF/C rats (P <0.01) and LF/P or LF/C rats (P <0.001) as measured by fasting insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment analysis. The onset of severe IR occurred ∼3 weeks earlier in HF/P rats compared to HF/C rats. HF/P rats developed impaired (110 to 125 mg/dl) and frank fasting hyperglycemia (>125 mg/dl) 2 weeks earlier than HF/C rats. There was no difference in the severity and onset of IR and T2DM between LF/P and LF/C rats. The level of TNF‐α was significantly higher in HF/P rats compared to HF/C rats (P <0.01).

Conclusion: Periodontitis accelerated the onset of severe IR and impaired glucose homeostasis in high‐fat fed ZDF rats.
Periodontal Disease Early in Pregnancy Is Associated With Maternal Systemic Inflammation Among African American Women
Authors: Horton Amanda L. , Boggess Kim A. , Moss Kevin L. , Jared Heather L. , Beck James , Offenbacher Steven
Published: July 2008

Background: Maternal periodontal disease is a chronic oral infection with local and systemic inflammatory responses and may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study determined whether maternal periodontal disease in early pregnancy is associated with elevated serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and whether maternal race influences the relationship between maternal periodontal disease and systemic inflammatory responses.

Methods: A secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from the Oral Conditions and Pregnancy study was conducted. Healthy women at <26 weeks of gestation underwent an oral health examination and had blood collected. Periodontal disease was categorized by clinical criteria, and maternal serum was analyzed for CRP levels using highly sensitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. An elevated CRP level was defined as >75th percentile. Demographic and medical data were obtained from the women's charts. Chi‐square and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine maternal factors associated with an elevated CRP. An adjusted odds ratio (OR) for elevated CRP levels was calculated and stratified by race and periodontal disease category.

Results: The median (interquartile) CRP level was 4.8 (0.6 to 15.7) μg/ml, and an elevated CRP level (>75th percentile) was 15.7 μg/ml. African American race and moderate/severe periodontal disease were significantly associated with elevated CRP levels. When stratified by race, moderate/severe periodontal disease remained associated with an elevated CRP level among African American women (adjusted OR: 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2 to 8.5) but not among white women (adjusted OR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.2 to 3.6) after adjusting for age, smoking, parity, marital status, insurance status, and weight.

Conclusion: Among African American women, moderate/severe periodontal disease is associated with elevated CRP levels early in pregnancy.
First Laboratory Perforating Tests in Coal Show Lower-Than-Expected Penetration
Authors: Snider P. M. , Walton I. C. , Skinner T. K. , Atwood D. C. , Grove B. M. , Graham C.
Published: July 2008

Worldwide Coal Bed Methane (CBM) resources are huge, estimated at 3,000 to 9,000 Tcf. The worldwide production from CBM is dominated by US production of 1.6 Bcf/year, where an estimated 20,000 wells are in production from CBM reservoirs. Wyoming's Powder River Basin (PRB) alone has 12,000 wells in production, with an estimated 50,000 more wells to be drilled in the next 10–15 years. The production rate from CBM reservoirs is low, perhaps 50–100 mcf/day. Various completion methods are being evaluated and new technologies are being developed with the aim of increasing production rates.

Considering this interest and activity level, little attention has been paid to the CBM completion fundamentals. Perforating is a critical part of this process, especially considering the PRB development migration from single-coal, open-hole completions into multi-zone, cased-hole completions Whereas the industry has substantial knowledge of perforating characteristics in sandstones and, to a lesser extent, carbonates, almost nothing is known about perforating in coal. Predictions of perforation characteristics, such as depth of penetration, are based on correlations developed for sandstones.

This paper will describe the first known laboratory-testing program to investigate shaped charge penetration in coal targets. We will describe mechanical properties of the coals tested, and penetration results for different shaped charges (of different designs), shot at various stress conditions. CT scan and cutaway imaging of the perforation tunnels will also be discussed. Tests were conducted under dry and saturated conditions.

The preliminary experiments reported here indicate that shaped charge penetration in coal is significantly less than expected, considering the target's density and strength. The authors will provide insight into what may be the reasons for these unexpected results and recommend a path forward for shaped charge testing, designs, predictive tools, and how to optimize CBM completions.
Tubing Buckling—The Rest of the Story
Authors: Mitchell Robert F.
Published: July 2008

The need to improve completion reliability has prompted a second, deeper look at the analysis of tubing buckling. The conventional-buckling analysis is assumed to hold "far from the packer", but what happens "near" the packer?

The original development by Lubinski and Woods used the method of virtual work to determine a constant pitch helix. All attempts to connect a constant pitch helix to boundary conditions, such as a packer, have failed. The conventional wisdom says that the virtual work solution applies "far from the packer". How far is this, and what happens between the packer and this point? Even worse is the case of tapered strings. The generally accepted answer to the tapered string problem is a "stacked" set of Lubinski solutions, with each solution far from the interconnection of the different sized tubulars (1962).

Perhaps there are nonconstant pitch solutions? Because the buckling-differential Eq. is nonlinear, it is not surprising that no other analytic solutions have been discovered until recently. Once these solutions are known, the initial value problem can be posed and solved. Two possible boundary conditions are considered in this study: a cantilever boundary condition to model a packer, and a "pinned" boundary condition to model a centralizer. For the first time, analytic solutions were found for both problems, and interestingly, both solutions converged rapidly to Lubinski's constant pitch solution at a specified distance from the boundary. For this reason, many of the original Lubinski calculations remain essentially correct, (such as length change and contact forces). Alternatively, the bending moment near the boundary exceeds the bending moment calculated from the Lubinski solution by approximately 20%. For this reason, conventional pipe-buckling stress analysis must be revised. Further applications of these solutions allow different sized tubulars to be interconnected, solving the tapered-string problem for the first time. An additional, useful result is the solution to the helix "reversal" problem.

The principal applications for these solutions are the stress analysis and design of tubing and casing strings. The boundary solutions are simple formulas, suitable for spreadsheet or hand calculations.
Comparison of ELISA for Fusarium, Visual Screening, and Deoxynivalenol Analysis of Fusarium Head Blight for Barley Field Nurseries
Authors: Hill N. S. , Neate S. M. , Cooper B. , Horsley R. , Schwarz P. , Dahleen L. S. , Smith K. P. , O'Donnell K. , Reeves J.
Published: July 2008

Breeding for resistance to Fusarium head blight {FHB; caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe [teleomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein) Petch]} is complicated because there is no accurate method for quantifying the disease organism. Most breeders rely on visual scoring for FHB and deoxynivalenol (DON) analysis to assess disease severity, but both DON and visual scoring are subject to error. The objective of this study was to compare a Fusarium‐specific quantifiable enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to DON and visual assessment of FHB. A doubled‐haploid mapping population was grown in two environments and breeding lines in the North American Barley Scab Evaluation Nursery (NABSEN) were grown at four locations. Both experiments used a randomized complete block design and were analyzed for Fusarium by ELISA, DON, and visually scored for FHB. ELISA values for the doubled‐haploid lines were consistent over years, and lines that were low in ELISA were also low in DON. Broad sense heritability was greater for ELISA (0.48) than DON (0.19) or visual scores of disease (0.29) in the NABSEN study. Numbers of locations and replications necessary to screen for disease were calculated for ELISA, DON, and FHB. ELISA required one‐third to one‐fourth as many replications and locations as did DON or FHB. Temperature and osmotic potential had little effect on mycelial antigen used for ELISA in vitro, but both affected DON. ELISA is a practical alternative to combined visual scores and DON analysis for breeders interested in improving FHB resistance.
Genetic Gain in Fiber Properties of Upland Cotton under Varying Plant Densities
Authors: Schwartz Brian M. , Smith C. Wayne
Published: July 2008

Competition from foreign grown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and artificial fibers have increased the demand for improved fiber quality. The genetic potential for effecting change in many traits can be judged by previous gains from selection. Nine upland cotton cultivars developed over the past century were grown during 2004 and 2005 in five plant densities to evaluate varying levels of interplant competition on genetic gain estimates for high volume instrument fiber properties. The rates of genetic gain since 1905 among this set of genotypes for fiber length and strength were significantly higher under the greatest planting densities, implying that genetic gains for these characteristics have been made for tolerance to interplant competition as well as for the fiber trait per se. Both fiber elongation and uniformity index appear to be largely unaffected by the stresses of increased interplant competition. Plant density impacted genetic gain in micronaire but cultivars were essentially unchanged over the century, reflecting that the market demands fiber micronaire to be within a range that neither maximizes nor minimizes this trait. Caution should be practiced in the interpretation of these data since the capability to objectively measure these traits has been widely available to breeders only since the 1980s and because selection pressure for these traits has been sporadic with little concentrated effort to maximize or minimize each characteristic.