bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting the Design and Development of a Personal Learning Environment
Authors: Fournier Helene , Kop Rita
Published: October 2011

After speculation in literature about the nature of Personal Learning Environments, research in the design and development of PLEs is now in progress. This paper reports on the first phase of the authors’ research on PLE, the identification process of what potential users would consider important components, applications, and tools in a PLE. The methodology included surveying “super-users” on their use of existing tools, applications and systems and their preferences in learning, in order to enhance the development of a PLE and reach a specification that potential learners will find useful and empowering in their learning. The research resulted in suggestions on factors affecting technology use and uptake, human factors and attitudes, and interface design that need to be factored in the design and development of a PLE.
Personal Smartphones in Primary School
Authors: Honegger Beat Döbeli , Neff Christian
Published: October 2011

This paper describes the goals and first results of an ongoing two year case study in a European primary school (5th primary class) where the teacher and all students were equipped with a personal smartphone. Students are allowed to use phone and internet services at no charge and to take home their smartphones after school. In this project the students have access to an internet connected computing device which can be used for reading, writing, calculating, drawing, taking photos, listening or recording audio, and communicating. Does this setting help to achieve the goals of the official school curriculum? How do personal smartphones in primary school influence teaching and learning, especially weekly planning (“Wochenplanunterricht”) and learning outside school? The paper describes the planning and introduction phase of the project as well as first best practice examples of using personal smartphones in and out of school after five months of use. The authors provide qualitative data from questionnaires with students and parents and quantitative data of phone and internet use. To date the results help to formulate specific research questions for further research and they encourage enlarging the case study to several classes in the near future.
Fostering Higher Knowledge Construction Levels in Online Discussion Forums
Authors: Hew Khe Foon , Cheung Wing Sum
Published: October 2011

Prior research has suggested that higher levels of knowledge construction (e.g., where opinions are argued, challenged, or negotiated) have rarely been demonstrated in student online discussions. In this study, the authors replicate prior research on group size, discussion duration, and student facilitation techniques to examine the influence of these factors on the attainment of higher level knowledge construction. Data were collected from 12 online discussion forums involving undergraduate students and students’ reflection logs. Analysis of the data confirms a significant positive correction between higher level knowledge construction occurrences and group size. No correlation is found between the discussion duration and the occurrences of higher level knowledge construction. Further analysis between the higher and lower performing forums suggests that a certain critical mass, which appears to be a group size of about 10 participants, may be required to direct the discussion to advanced levels of knowledge construction. In addition, results show that students in higher performing forums used the facilitation technique of pointing, highlighting unanswered or unresolved issues statistically significantly more than their counterparts in lower performing forums.
Improving Collaborations in the Neuroscientist Community
Authors: Mirbel Isabelle , Crescenzo Pierre
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the authors present an approach called SATIS (Semantically AnnotaTed Intentions for Services), relying on intentional process modeling and semantic web technologies and models, assists collaboration among the members of the neurosciences community. The main expected result of this work is to derive and share semantic web service specifications from a neuroscientist’s point of view to operationalise image analysis pipelines with web services.
E-Performance Systems
Authors: Al-Raisi Abdulaziz , Amin Saad , Tahir Saad
Published: October 2011

Organizations are looking for solutions to manage and maximize the performance of their workforce. They recognize that there has been a shift in the business environment from a tangible asset economy to an intangible asset economy. The value of a company is comprised of employee knowledge, brand, and intellectual capital rather than inventories, goods, and machinery. As a result of this, organizations are relying on the technological solutions to monitor and improve employee performance and productivity. Several technological solutions such as Electronics Performance Management Systems (e-PMS) are being used by many organisations to monitor the performance. This paper attempts to assess the impact of e-PMS in the organisational change. A model is proposed based on empirical results.
Using Markov Decision Process Model with Logic Scoring of Preference Model to Optimize HTN Web Services Composition
Authors: Xu Jiuyun , Chen Kun , Reiff-Marganiec Stephan
Published: October 2011

Automatic Web services composition can be achieved using AI planning techniques. HTN planning has been adopted to handle the OWL-S Web service composition problem. However, existing composition methods based on HTN planning have not considered the choice of decompositions available to a problem, which can lead to a variety of valid solutions. In this paper, the authors propose a model of combining a Markov decision process model and HTN planning to address Web services composition. In the model, HTN planning is enhanced to decompose a task in multiple ways and find more than one plan, taking into account both functional and non-functional properties. Furthermore, an evaluation method to choose the optimal plan and experimental results illustrate that the proposed approach works effectively. The paper extends previous work by refining a number of aspects of the approach and applying it to a realistic case study.
Recruited Macrophages Control Dissemination of Group A Streptococcus from Infected Soft Tissues
Authors: Mishalian Inbal , Ordan Merav , Peled Amnon , Maly Alexander , Eichenbaum Miriam B. , Ravins Miriam , Aychek Tegest , Jung Steffen , Hanski Emanuel
Published: October 2011

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes diverse infections in humans, ranging from mild to life-threatening invasive diseases, such as necrotizing fasciitis (NF), a rapidly progressing deep tissue infection. Despite prompt treatments, NF remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, even in previously healthy individuals. The early recruitment of leukocytes is crucial to the outcome of NF; however, although the role of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in host defense against NF is well established, the role of recruited macrophages remains poorly defined. Using a cutaneous murine model mimicking human NF, we found that mice deficient in TNF-α were highly susceptible to s.c. infections with GAS, and a paucity of macrophages, but not PMNs, was demonstrated. To test whether the effects of TNF-α on the outcome of infection are mediated by macrophages/monocytes, we systemically depleted C57BL/6 mice of monocytes by pharmacological and genetic approaches. Systemic monocyte depletion substantially increased bacterial dissemination from soft tissues without affecting the number of recruited PMNs or altering the bacterial loads in soft tissues. Enhanced GAS dissemination could be reverted by either i.v. injection of monocytes or s.c. administration of peritoneal macrophages. These experiments demonstrated that recruited macrophages play a key role in defense against the extracellular pathogen GAS by limiting its spread from soft tissues.
Gender Effects on Plasma and Brain Copper
Authors: Quinn Joseph F. , Harris Christopher , Kaye Jeffrey A. , Lind Babett , Carter Raina , Anekonda Thimmappa , Ralle Martina
Published: October 2011

The effect of gender on systemic and brain levels of copper is relatively understudied. We examined gender effects in mice and human subjects. We observed a trend to higher serum copper levels in female compared to male LaFerla “triple transgenic” (1399 ± 233 versus 804 ± 436 ng/mL, P = 0.06) mice, and significantly higher brain copper levels in female‐ versus male wild‐type mice (5.2 ± 0.2 versus 4.18 ± 0.3 ng/mg wet wt, P = 0.03). Plasma copper was significantly correlated with brain copper in mice (R2 = 0.218; P = 0.038). Among human subjects with AD, both plasma copper (1284 ± 118 versus 853 ± 81 ng/mL, P = 0.005) and cerebrospinal fluid copper (12.8 ± 1 versus 10.4 ± 0.7 ng/mL, P = 0.01) were elevated in women compared to men. Among healthy control subjects, plasma copper (1008 ± 51 versus 836 ± 41 ng/mL; P = 0.01) was higher in women than in men, but there was no difference in cerebrospinal fluid copper. We conclude that gender differences in copper status may influence copper‐mediated pathological events in the brain.
Multiple Patterns ofFHITGene Homozygous Deletion in Egyptian Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Ismail Heba M. S. , Medhat Amina M. , Karim Amr M. , Zakhary Nadia I.
Published: October 2011

Fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene encodes a putative tumour suppressor protein. Loss of Fhit protein in cancer is attributed to different genetic alterations that affect theFHITgene structure. In this study, we investigated the pattern of homozygous deletion that target the FHIT gene exons 3 to 9 genomic structure in Egyptian breast cancer patients. We have found that 65% (40 out of 62) of the cases exhibited homozygous deletion in at least one FHIT exon. The incidence of homozygous deletion was not associated with patients’ clinicopathological parameters including patients’ age, tumour grade, tumour type, and lymph node involvement. Using correlation analysis, we have observed a strong correlation between homozygous deletions of exon 3 and exon 4 (P<0.0001). Deletions in exon 5 were positively correlated with deletions in exon 7 (P<0.0001), Exon 8 (P<0.027), and exon 9 (P=0.04). Additionally, a strong correlation was observed between exons 8 and exon 9 (P<0.0001).We conclude thatFHITgene exons are homozygously deleted at high frequency in Egyptian women population diagnosed with breast cancer. Three different patterns of homozygous deletion were observed in this population indicating different mechanisms of targetingFHITgene genomic structure.
People, dogs and wild game: evidence of human-animal relations from Middle Neolithic burials and personal ornaments in northern Italy
Authors: Bernabò Brea Maria , Mazzieri Paola , Micheli Roberto
Published: October 2011

In order to review evidence of human-animal relations, the paper offers an overview of the customs and funerary traditions of the Square Mouthed Pottery culture, between c. 5000 and 4300 calBC. We focus on the importance of domestic and wild animals on the basis of an analysis of grave-goods, funerary rites and personal ornaments. We also consider recent discoveries of peculiar offerings of animals and some dog burials. The evidence testifies to a diffusion of a wild component, symbolically emphasising the importance of the hunter identity in a society where subsistence actually depends primarily on domestic animals. Therefore, a contrast is drawn between the everyday and the symbolic worlds.
Empty graves in LBK cemeteries – indications of special burial practises
Authors: Lenneis Eva
Published: October 2011

After a short overview of LBK burial rites, I propose a definition of empty graves, dis- tinguishing them from cenotaphs. Until now, empty graves have been found only in twelve LBK graveyards, comprising an average of 10.2% within these cemeteries, which seem to cluster in some regions and to be absent in others, which might be due in part to bad soil conditions for preserving skeletons. The proportion of empty graves within the graveyards varies considerably and is highest in Lower Austria/Moravia and Bavaria. Some 53% of the empty graves yielded no finds, 45% some ceramic remains and 10% stone tools only, or in addition (Fig. 3). There are never remains of ornaments, indicating that when the corpses were disinterred they were still securely wrapped in winding sheets. The open questions remain as to what kind of ritual treatment these bodies underwent next, and where the human remains were finally reburied.
Ceramics in the burial rites of the Neolithic-Early Bronze Age in the Ukrainian steppe
Authors: Kotova Nadezhda , Spitsyna Larissa
Published: October 2011

Numerous Neolithic/Bronze Age burials have provided important information about the appearance and development of the tradition of using pottery in burial rites among the Pontic steppe population. The first pottery has been dated to the first period of the Azov-Dnieper culture (5950– 5300 calBC). The small sherds found in graves were the remains of broken vessels used during funeral feasts on the surfaces of cemeteries. During the Early Eneolithic the sacrificial sites of the Azov-Dnieper culture became larger and included numerous broken pots, which were made especially for funeral feasts. Under the influence of the Balkans, the population of Sredniy Stog Eneolithic began to place vessels in graves, and continued to use pottery during funeral feasts near graves. The Middle and Late Eneolithic populations retained these traditions.
Neolithic anthropocentrism: the principles of imagery and symbolic manifestation of corporeality in the Balkans
Authors: Naumov Goce
Published: October 2011

The body in the Neolithic was used as adequate symbolic medium which on the one hand strengthened the crucial features of individuals, while on the other was capable to explicate the essential function of particular objects and constructions. As result to this also the concept of imagery hybridism was deployed which incorporate human body within more complex segments of visual culture and symbolic communication. Considering the variety of human representations it can be deduced that anthropocentrism was one of the main visual principles in the Neolithic Balkans which established corporality as major cognitive reference in explication of human agency and its role in understanding the fundamental symbolic processes.
Hamzan Tepe in the light of new finds
Authors: Çelik Bahattin
Published: October 2011

In this study, findings from the site at Hamzan Tepe will be evaluated, and the similarities and dissimilarities emphasized by a comparison with the nearby PPN sites. In particular, the focus is on the unearthing of two round planned buildings by treasure hunters as a new discovery and the presence of these two building as the first round planned civic architecture elements in the Urfa region.
Mesolithic fish and fishermen of the Lower Danube (Iron Gates)
Authors: Dinu Alexandru
Published: October 2011

This study analyzes the importance of fishing as part of the survival strategies of the Mesolithic and Early Neolithic groups of the Danube Iron Gates. It considers the species of fish present in the archaeological record of the Iron Gates sites, ecology, and possible fishing tools and techniques, in order to determine if the quantities caught during favorable seasons could have also insured food reserves for the winter. The author concludes that the presence of large species like sturgeon may be misleading with regard to how intensively these fish were caught, and that besides common species such as carp and catfish, the bulk of the harvest was mainly of smaller species that had fewer chances of being well preserved in the archaeological record.
The way we bury our dead. Reflections on mortuary ritual, community and identity at the time of the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition
Authors: Nilsson Stutz Liv
Published: October 2011

This paper discusses how archaeologists can approach ways in which the ritual treatment of the dead body was a means of reproducing a sense of identity and community in the past. The approach combines a theoretical framework grounded in practice and body theory with a methodological approach based on taphonomic analysis. This framework is introduced to analyze the mortuary practices at the Mesolithic cemeteries of Skateholm I and II, Vedbæk, Bøgebakken and Zvejnieki. Beyond the immediate context, the study seeks to reflect on how similarities and differences noticeable over time and space may provide an insight into changing identity processes.
Lagrangian coherent structures in tropical cyclone intensification
Authors: Rutherford B. , Dangelmayr G. , Montgomery M. T.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Recent work has suggested that tropical cyclones intensify via a pathway of rotating deep moist convection in the presence of enhanced fluxes of moisture from the ocean. The rotating deep convective structures possessing enhanced cyclonic vorticity within their cores have been dubbed Vortical Hot Towers (VHTs). In general, the interaction between VHTs and the system-scale vortex, as well as the corresponding evolution of equivalent potential temperature θe that modulates the VHT activity, is a complex problem in moist helical turbulence. To better understand the structural aspects of the three-dimensional intensification process, a Lagrangian perspective is explored that focuses on the localized stirring around VHTs and their vortical remnants, as well as the evolution and stirring of θe. Recently developed finite-time Lagrangian methods are limited in the three-dimensional turbulence and shear associated with the VHTs. In this paper, new Lagrangian techniques developed for three-dimensional velocity fields are summarized and we apply these techniques to study VHT and θe phenomenology. Our primary findings are that VHTs are coherent Lagrangian vortices that create a turbulent mixing environment. Associated with the VHTs are hyperbolic structures that modulate the aggregation of VHTs and their vortical remnants. Although the azimuthally-averaged inflow is responsible for the inward advection of boundary layer θe, the Lagrangian coherent structures are found to modulate the convection emanating from the boundary layer by stirring θe along organized attracting boundaries. Extensions of boundary layer coherent structures grow above the boundary layer during episodes of convection are responsible for organizing the remnants of the convective vortices. These hyperbolic structures form initially as boundaries between VHTs, but persist above the boundary layer and outlive the VHTs to eventually form the primary eyewall as the vortex attains maturity.
3-D imaging and quantification of graupel porosity by synchrotron-based micro-tomography
Authors: Enzmann F. , Miedaner M. M. , Kersten M. , von Blohn N. , Diehl K. , Borrmann S. , Stampanoni M. , Ammann M. , Huthwelker T.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The air bubble structure is an important parameter to determine the radiation properties of graupel and hailstones. For 3-D imaging of this structure at micron resolution, a cryo-stage was developed. This stage was used at the tomography beamline of the Swiss Light Source (SLS) synchrotron facility. The cryo-stage setup provides for the first time 3-D-data on the individual pore morphology of ice particles down to infrared wavelength resolution. In the present study, both sub-mm size natural and artificial ice particles rimed in a wind tunnel were investigated. In the natural rimed ice particles, Y-shaped air-filled closed pores were found. When kept for half an hour at −8 °C, this morphology transformed into smaller and more rounded voids well known from literature. Therefore, these round structures seem to represent an artificial rather than in situ pore structure, in contrast to the observed y-shaped structures found in the natural ice particles. Hence, for morphological studies on natural ice samples, special care must be taken to minimize any thermal cycling between sampling and measurement, with least artifact production at liquid nitrogen temperatures.
Identifying the causes of differences in ozone production from the CB05 and CBMIV chemical mechanisms
Authors: Saylor R. D. , Stein A. F.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. An investigation was conducted to identify the mechanistic differences between two versions of the carbon bond gas-phase chemical mechanism (CB05 and CBMIV) which consistently lead to larger ground-level ozone concentrations being produced in the CB05 version of the National Air Quality Forecasting Capability (NAQFC) modeling system even though the two parallel forecast systems utilize the same meteorology and base emissions and similar initial and boundary conditions. Box models of each of the mechanisms as they are implemented in the NAQFC were created and a set of 12 sensitivity simulations was designed. The sensitivity simulations independently probed the conceptual mechanistic differences between CB05 and CBMIV and were exercised over a 45-scenario simulation suite designed to emulate the wide range of chemical regimes encountered in a continental-scale atmospheric chemistry model. Results of the sensitivity simulations indicate that two sets of reactions that were included in the CB05 mechanism, but which were absent from the CBMIV mechanism, are the primary causes of the greater ozone production in the CB05 version of the NAQFC. One set of reactions recycles the higher organic peroxide species of CB05 (ROOH), resulting in additional photochemically reactive products that act to produce additional ozone in some chemical regimes. The other set of reactions recycles reactive nitrogen from less reactive forms back to NO2, increasing the effective NOx concentration of the system. In particular, the organic nitrate species (NTR), which was a terminal product for reactive nitrogen in the CBMIV mechanism, acts as a reservoir species in CB05 to redistribute NOx from major source areas to potentially NOx-sensitive areas where additional ozone may be produced in areas remote from direct NOx sources.
Controls on hydrologic similarity: role of nearby gauged catchments for prediction at an ungauged catchment
Authors: Patil S. , Stieglitz M.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Prediction of streamflows at ungauged catchments requires transfer of hydrologic information (e.g., model parameters, hydrologic indices, streamflow values) from gauged (donor) to ungauged (receiver) catchments. One of the most reliable metrics for selection of ideal donor catchments is the spatial proximity between donor and receiver catchments. However, it is not clear whether information transfer among nearby catchments is suitable across a wide range of climatic and geographic regions. We examine this issue using the data from 756 catchments within the continental United States. Each catchment is considered ungauged in turn and daily streamflow is simulated through distance-based interpolation of streamflows from neighboring catchments. Results show that distinct geographic regions exist in US where transfer of streamflow values from nearby catchments is useful for retrospective prediction of daily streamflow at ungauged catchments. Specifically, the high predictability catchments (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency NS > 0.7) are confined to the Appalachian Mountains in eastern US, the Rocky Mountains, and the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. Low predictability catchments (NS < 0.3) are located mostly in the drier regions west of Mississippi river, which demonstrates the limited utility of gauged catchments in those regions for predicting at ungauged basins. The results suggest that high streamflow similarity among nearby catchments (and therefore, good predictability at ungauged catchments) is more likely in humid runoff-dominated regions than in dry evapotranspiration-dominated regions. We further find that higher density and/or closer distance of gauged catchments near an ungauged catchment does not necessarily guarantee good predictability at an ungauged catchment.
A minimal model for reconstructing interannual mass balance variability of glaciers in the European Alps
Authors: Marzeion B. , Hofer M. , Jarosch A. H. , Kaser G. , Mölg T.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. We present a minimal model of the glacier surface mass balance. The model relies solely on monthly precipitation and air temperatures as forcing. We first train the model individually for 15 glaciers with existing mass balance measurements. Based on a cross validation, we present a thorough assessment of the model's performance outside of the training period. The cross validation indicates that our model is robust, and our model's performance compares favorably to that from a less parsimonious model based on seasonal sensitivity characteristics. Then, the model is extended for application on glaciers without existing mass balance measurements, and cross validated using the 15 glaciers above, in order to measure its performance on glaciers not included in the model training. This cross validation indicates that the model retains considerable skill even when applied on glaciers without mass balance measurements. As an exemplary application, the model is then used to reconstruct time series of interannual mass balance variability, covering the past two hundred years, for all glaciers in the European Alps contained in extended format of the world glacier inventory. Based on this reconstruction, we present a spatially detailed attribution of the glaciers' mass balance variability to temperature and precipitation variability.
Ice shelf flexures modeled with a 2-D elastic flow line model
Authors: Konovalov Y. V.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Ice shelf flexures modeling was performed using a 2-D finite-difference elastic model, which takes into account sub-ice-shelf sea water flow. The sub-ice water flow was described by the wave equation for the sub-ice-shelf pressure perturbations (Holdsworth and Glynn, 1978). In the model ice shelf flexures result from variations in ocean pressure due to changes in prescribed sea levels. The numerical experiments were performed for a flow line down one of the fast flowing ice streams of the Academy of Sciences Ice Cap. The profile includes a part of the adjacent ice shelf. The numerical experiments were carried out for harmonic incoming pressure perturbations P' and the ice shelf flexures were obtained for a wide spectrum of the pressure perturbations frequencies, ranging from tidal periods down to periods of a few seconds (0.004..0.02 Hz). The amplitudes of the ice shelf deflections obtained by the model achieve a maxima at about T ≈ 165 s in concordance with previous investigations of the impact of waves on Antarctic ice shelves (Bromirski et al., 2010). The explanation of the effect is found in the solution of the corresponding eigenvalue problem revealing the existence of a resonance at these high frequencies.
Modification of the Trap Door Technique to Treat Venous Aneurysms in Arteriovenous Fistulae
Authors: Kapoulas Konstantinos C. , Georgakarakos Efstratios I. , Georgiadis George S. , Lazarides Miltos K.
Published: October 2011

We present a modification of the “trap door” technique to treat true venous aneurysms which complicate vascular access arteriovenous fistula. The technique provides wide exposure of the aneurysm, facilitating aneurysmoraphy and permitting the exploitation of any adequate venous length for autologous reconstruction of the venous outflow. Furthermore, by precluding the proximity of the newly-reconstructed venous segments to the incised skin, their level of compromise from tissue scarring or infection is prevented.
Respiratory Arrest Due to Hematoma Caused by Thyreocervical Trunk Branch Laceration and Confluence of Sinuses Perforation
Authors: Sakan Sanja , Baronica Robert , Basic-Jukic Nikolina , Stern-Padovan Ranka , Tonkovic Dinko
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Central venous catheterization plays an important role in the treatment of emergency patients who require renal replacement therapy. Emergency patients with end-stage renal disease are at high risk for development of complications because of coagulation disorders, tissue, and organ changes due to uremia, anatomic variations, and obstruction of the large central veins. Complications associated with catheter placement can be mechanical, infectious, and thrombotic, and may occur during or following insertion of central venous catheterization which is a life-saving procedure for patients.

Case presentation

We report a case of respiratory arrest in a 76-year-old woman suffering from end-stage renal disease for 14 years, because of large soft tissue subcutaneous hematoma in the right upper thoracic outlet. The rapid development of hematoma was a consequence of arterial bleeding from the branch of the thyreocervical trunk. Laceration of the thyreocervical trunk branch during central venous catheterization is a rare complication. Later diagnostic images revealed catheter perforation of confluence of sinuses which also complicated this case. We briefly discuss signs, symptoms, and management of the patient.

Conclusion

Although arterial puncture of the carotid artery during the Seldinger technique is well-known life-threatening complication which can be recognized by light red pulsatile blood during aspiration, smaller arteries such as the thyreocervical trunk branch can be punctured during the procedure and lead to serious complications.
Fourth Annual Logistics Faculty Salary Survey
Authors: Manuj Ila , Yazdanparast Atefeh , Farris M. Theodore , Wilson Jerry W.
Published: October 2011

While the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International conducts an annual survey of business school faculty and administrative salaries, the standard reporting does not specify salary figures for logistics (and related areas such as supply chain management) faculty. Since the growth in the number of logistics faculty positions has continued to exceed the output of doctoral programs in the field for more than a decade, it is logical to assume that logistics faculty salaries, at all levels, are increasing. However, without factual data, questions such as what salary should a new logistics PhD expect, and what should an administrator budget for a logistics faculty position, cannot be answered satisfactorily. Moreover, everyone expects and wants to be adequately compensated. However, for the specific discipline of logistics and supply chain management (SCM), the data on average compensation across different ranks, institutions, and other such factors is not available. In order to provide such factual data, the authors have developed a survey to collect annual data on logistics and supply chain faculty salaries. This year’s survey was the fourth in the past five years.
Improving Freight Roadway Transportation with Dedicated Truck Lanes: Opportunities and Issues
Authors: Bucklew Keith J.
Published: October 2011

Dedicated truck lanes are a concept with inherent characteristics that can be the solution to a significant portion of the freight roadway transportation issues. The separation of trucks and automobiles through revised design configurations and operational features could reduce congestion, enhance mobility, and improve safety for all users of the infrastructure. This article examines the major issues of truck freight mobility and the need to develop roadway infrastructure differently to serve the complex supply chains and our economy. A public‐private partnership can be the financial engine to support this project with the necessary capital to fund the infrastructure. The benefits to the public are many and such a project can serve as the catalyst and cornerstone to a new way forward for freight mobility.
Performance Study of Solar Air Heater Having Absorber Plate with Half-Perforated Baffles
Authors: Maheshwari B. K. , Karwa Rajendra , Gharai S. K.
Published: October 2011

The paper presents a detailed mathematical model for performance prediction of a smooth duct solar air heater validated against the experimental results. Experimental study on a solar air heater having absorber plate with half-perforated baffles on the air flow side shows thermal efficiency enhancement of 28%–45% over that of the smooth duct solar air heater, which is attributed to the heat transfer enhancement (of the order of 180%–235%) due to the perforated baffles attached to the absorber plate and reduction in the mean temperature of the absorber plate by 20°C–25°C as compared to the temperature of absorber plate of smooth duct air heater. Using the mathematical model, the performance plot for the baffled duct air heater has been presented, and the effect of the variation of ambient parameters on the predicted thermal efficiency has been studied.
Encuestas con encuestador y autoadministradas por internet. ¿Proporcionan resultados comparables?
Authors: Díaz de Rada Igúzquiza Vidal
Published: October 2011

Este trabajo analiza si los resultados obtenidos con encuestas presencialesy telefónicas son equivalentes a los recogidos por una encuesta a través deinternet. De las once variables analizadas, en cinco existen diferencias significativasen la tasa de respuesta parcial, más alta en la encuesta por internet.Todas las variables presentan diferencias cuando se considera la distribuciónde respuestas según la modalidad de encuesta, aunque las encuestasadministradas consiguen unas respuestas más similares que cuando estasse comparan con las autoadministradas. Los que responden encuestasadministradas creen que las encuestas les pueden beneficiar y destacan lasinceridad de los entrevistados, obteniendo siempre la encuesta presencialunas posiciones más favorables. Los que han respondido la encuesta porinternet declaran una mayor confianza en las encuestas, mayor seguimientode las noticias sobre estas, y una mayor creencia en su utilidad.
Removal of Debris and Smear Layer in Curved Root Canals Using Self-Adjusting File with Different Operation Times – A Scanning Electron Microscope Study
Authors: YİĞİT ÖZER Senem , ADIGÜZEL Özkan , KAYA Sadullah
Published: October 2011

Aim: Debridement during root canal treatment is mandatory and it is provided by means of chemomechanical instrumentation and irrigation methods. This article analysis the debridement capacity of a novel system, SAF and its special irrigation device when used with different operation times in curved root canals.
Methodology: 30 mesiobuccal root canals of maxillary molars were instrumented using SAF. Teeth were divided into three groups. In Group 1, 10 new SAF files were used for operation for 4 minutes. In Group 2, the 4-min previously used SAF files were operated in the same manner. In Group 3, the 8-min previously used SAF files were operated. During SAF operation 2.6 % NaOCl and 17 % EDTA were used alternately in all groups. Debris and smear layer removal were evaluated for the apical thirds under scanning electron microscope.
Results: Non-used, 4-min preused, and 8-min preused SAF efficiently removed debris and smear layer in the apical thirds. There were no significant difference among the groups in terms of debridement.
Conclusions: When SAF is operated in curved root canals with continous flow of irrigation it results in debris and smear-free canal walls in the critical apical thirds within 12 minutes.
 
 
How to cite this article: Yiğit Özer S, Adıgüzel Ö, Kaya S. Removal of debris and smear layer in curved root canals using self-adjusting file with different operation times - A scanning electron microscope study. Int Dent Res 2011;1:1-6.
 
Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.
The Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in Late Adult Rats
Authors: ACUN KAYA Filiz , GÜNDÜZ ARSLAN Seher , KAYA Can Ayhan , ARSLAN Hüseyin , HAMAMCI Orhan
Published: October 2011

Aim: To evaluate the levels of  interleukin1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the samples of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) taken from the late adult rats during the orthodontic tooth movement and to  evaluate the responses to orthodontic treatment . 

Methodology: In experiment 19 adult (120 days) Spraque-Dawley rats were used. Approximately 15 g force applying open coil spring was applied actively between the upper incisors of the rats. Before and after the activation on the 3rd and 7th and 10th days GCF samples were taken from the vestibular surfaces of appliance fixed teeth using periopaper®. Then the samples were biochemically analyzed. For the statistical analysis of working days of each cytokines repetitive variance analysis technique  was used.

Results: The levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were the highest in the 3rd day and started to decrease on the 7th and 10th days.

Conclusions: The cytokine levels of orthodontic force applied teeth in late adult rats are compatible with the levels of studies in young rats. 

 

How to cite this article: Acun Kaya F, Gündüz Arslan S , Kaya CA, Arslan H, Hamamcı O. The Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in Late Adult Rats. Int Dent Res 2011;1:7-12.
Contemporary Permanent Luting Agents Used in Dentistry: A Literature Review
Authors: SÜMER Ebru , DEĞER Yalçın
Published: October 2011

Dental cements are widely used in dentistry.  Base material, temporary filling material and luting agents can all have different clinical applications. Different types of cement have also been developed for various orthodontic and endodontic treatments.

In literature it is still argued that there is not ideal cement answering all purposes yet, so different materials are required for the comprehensive patient treatments and it is not always that easy to make the best choice.

The aim of this article is to provide a clinically relevant discussion of contemporary permanent luting agents, in order to enhance the dentist’s ability to make proper cementation choices and application.

How to cite this article: Sümer E, Değer Y. Contemporary Permanent Luting Agents Used in Dentistry: A Literature Review. Int Dent Res 2011;1:26-31.

Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.
Equilibrium swelling studies and dye sorption characterization of AAm/SA hydrogels cross‐linked by PEGDMA and semi‐IPNs with PEG
Authors: ÜzüM ÖMer Bariş , Karadag Erdener
Published: October 2011

Here, a novel ternary semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (semi‐IPNs) were prepared by introducing poly (ethylene glycol), (PEG) into acrylamide/sodium acrylate, (AAm/SA) hydrogels. Water uptake and dye sorption properties of AAm/SA hydrogels and AAm/SA/PEG semi‐IPNs were investigated as a function of chemical composition of the hydrogels. Inclusion of hydrophilic monomer in the acrylamide hydrogels caused high swelling capacity and better absorbency for cationic dye molecules. FTIR spectroscopy was used to identify the presence of different repeating units in the semi‐IPNs. For swelling characterization, swelling experiments were performed in water at 25°C, gravimetrically. Some swelling and diffusion characteristics were calculated for different semi‐IPNs and hydrogels prepared under various formulations. AAm/SA hydrogels and AAm/SA/PEG semi‐IPNs were used in experiments on sorption of water‐soluble cationic dye such as “Janus Green B'' (JGB). For sorption of JGB, the polymeric systems were studied by batch sorption technique at 25°C. Hydrogels and semi‐IPNs developed in this study may serve as a potential device for super water retainer and sorbent for removal of some agents and dye molecules. The utilization of these types of materials, in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, biotechnology, environment, separation, purification, and immobilization makes hydrogels more popular. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: 141–153, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20245
Novel pyridine‐based poly(urethane‐urea) elastomers with several different cross‐linkers in the hard segment structure
Authors: Oprea S. , Potolinca V. O. , Buruiana E. C.
Published: October 2011

Linear and cross‐linked poly(urethane‐urea) elastomers were synthesized from hydroxyl‐terminated polyether and 1,6‐hexane diisocyanate with different 2‐amino‐3‐hydroxypyridine content or cross‐linkers, by solution polymerization. The polymers were characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopic method. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed good thermal stability (10% weight loss temperatures are in the range of 340–370°C). The obtained poly(urethane‐urea) elastomers also exhibited good mechanical properties with tensile strength of 10–22 MPa and elongation at break of 600%–1100%. It was found that a high content of 2‐amino‐3‐hydroxypyridine moiety within the hard segments of the linear poly(urethane‐urea) leads to decreased mechanical properties (such as the stress at break). Aside from the effect of the chemical cross‐links, the cross‐linker structure enhanced or disrupted the physical cross‐links, which determined high variation of the mechanical properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 31: 364–373, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20259
Mixed convection in a doubly stratified micropolar fluid saturated non‐Darcy porous medium
Authors: Srinivasacharya D. , RamReddy Ch.
Published: October 2011

The effects of thermal and solutal stratification on mixed convection along a vertical plate embedded in a micropolar fluid saturated non‐Darcy porous medium are analysed. The nonlinear governing equations and their associated boundary conditions are initially cast into dimensionless forms by pseudo‐similarity variables. The resulting system of equations is then solved numerically using the Keller‐box method. The numerical results are compared and found to be in good agreement with previously published results as special cases of the present investigation. The velocity, microrotation, temperature and concentration profiles are shown for different values of the coupling number, non‐Darcy parameter, mixed convection parameter, thermal and solutal stratification parameters. The numerical values of the skin friction, wall couple stress, heat and mass transfer rates for different values of governing parameters are also tabulated. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Efficient Multi‐component Synthesis of Highly Substituted Imidazoles Utilizing P2O5/SiO2 as a Reusable Catalyst
Authors: Shaterian Hamid Reza , Ranjbar Mohammad , Azizi Kobra
Published: October 2011

Phosphorus pentoxide supported on silica gel (P2O5/SiO2) has been used as an efficient and reusable catalyst for the one‐pot pseudo four‐component synthesis of 2,4,5‐trisubstituted imidazoles from benzil or benzoin, aldehydes, and ammonium acetate. It was also used for four‐component preparation of 1,2,4,5‐tetrasubstituted imidazoles from benzil or benzoin, aldehydes, primary amine, and ammonium acetate under thermal solvent‐free conditions. The remarkable features of this new procedure are high conversions, cleaner reaction, simple experimental and work‐up procedures and also the catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction mixture and reused several times without any loss of its activity.
A New Pyridoxal Derivative for Transamination of N‐Terminus of Proteins
Authors: Zhang Meijuan , Zhang Xuemei , Li Juan , Guo Qingxiang , Xiao Qin
Published: October 2011

A new pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate (PLP) derivative FHMDP was developed for the transamination of different peptides with three most hindered amino acid residues (Leu, Ile, Val) as their N‐terminus. Compared to the previously reported reactions of PLP derivatives, the N‐terminus transamination could be accomplished efficiently with the new compound.
Temperature‐induced Molecular Chain Motions of Styrenic Triblock Copolymers Studied by Intrinsic Fluorescence Spectra
Authors: Yuan Zhongke , Yang Dacheng , Fan Li
Published: October 2011

The temperature‐induced molecular chain motions of styrenic triblock copolymers (SBC), i.e. polystyrene‐block‐polybutadiene‐block‐polystyrene (SBS) and polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐butene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS), were studied by intrinsic fluorescence method. For SBS, the glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of B block and S block obtained by intrinsic fluorescence method were in good agreement with differential scanning calorimetry measurements (DSC). In the case of SEBS, an isoemission point was observed at about 310 nm at elevated temperatures, suggesting the slight conversion between the monomer and excimer emission. On this basis, the molecular chain motion of SEBS was monitored by both fluorescence intensity and excimer/monomer fluorescence ratio. Besides the Tgs of S block and EB blocks, a melting point (Tm) of weak crystalline in EB block was unambiguously determined by intrinsic fluorescence. Furthermore, it was found that the melting process directly led to the slight loosening of PS segments in interface and consequently the reduction of the amount of excimer. A reasonable mechanism was proposed to describe the molecular chain movements and phase transitions of SEBS upon heating. Moreover, the influence of temperature on the apparent activation energy of non‐radiative process (EaT) around Tg of S block was much stronger than that around Tg of B or EB blocks.
Characterization of cell lysis events on a microfluidic device for high‐throughput single cell analysis
Authors: Hargis Amy D. , Alarie Jean Pierre , Ramsey John Michael
Published: October 2011

A microfluidic device capable of rapidly analyzing cells in a high‐throughput manner using electrical cell lysis is further characterized. In the experiments performed, cell lysis events were studied using an electron multiplying charge coupled device camera with high frame rate (>100 fps) data collection. It was found that, with this microfluidic design, the path that a cell follows through the electric field affects the amount of lysate injected into the analysis channel. Elimination of variable flow paths through the electric field was achieved by coating the analysis channel with a polyamine compound to reverse the electroosmotic flow (EOF). EOF reversal forced the cells to take the same path through the electric field. The improved control of the cell trajectory will reduce device‐imposed bias on the analysis and maximizes the amount of lysate injected into the analysis channel for each cell, resulting in improved analyte detection capabilities.
Cellular senescence and tumor suppressor gene p16
Authors: Rayess Hani , Wang Marilene B. , Srivatsan Eri S.
Published: October 2011

Cellular senescence is an irreversible arrest of cell growth. Biochemical and morphological changes occur during cellular senescence, including the formation of a unique cellular morphology such as flattened cytoplasm. Function of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes are affected resulting in the inhibition of lysosomal and proteosomal pathways. Cellular senescence can be triggered by a number of factors including, aging, DNA damage, oncogene activation and oxidative stress. While the molecular mechanism of senescence involves p16 and p53 tumor suppressor genes and telomere shortening, this review is focused on the mechanism of p16 control. The p16‐mediated senescence acts through the retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway inhibiting the action of the cyclin dependant kinases leading to G1 cell cycle arrest. Rb is maintained in a hypophosphorylated state resulting in the inhibition of transcription factor E2F1. Regulation of p16 expression is complex and involves epigenetic control and multiple transcription factors. PRC1 (Pombe repressor complex (1) and PRC2 (Pombe repressor complex (2) proteins and histone deacetylases play an important role in the promoter hypermethylation for suppressing p16 expression. While transcription factors YY1 and Id1 suppress p16 expression, transcription factors CTCF, Sp1 and Ets family members activate p16 transcription. Senescence occurs with the inactivation of suppressor elements leading to the enhanced expression of p16.