bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic knee stiffness and swelling in a Zimbabwean adolescent
Authors: Mangeya N , Mafukidze A T , Makunike-Mutasa R , Makoni A , Miller R F , Corbett E L , Ferrand R A
Published: December 2008

A 12-year-old Zimbabwean girl presented with tuberculous monoarthritis. She was moderately wasted, stunted and sexually immature. These clinical findings lead to the diagnosis of underlying HIV infection, which was thought to have been acquired from mother-to-child transmission.
An unusual case of vulval lump: tumour of anogenital mammary-like glands
Authors: Sundaram S S , Gomez M , Harindra V
Published: December 2008

We describe a 37-year-old woman who presented with a painless vulval lump of eight months duration. Excision biopsy revealed a benign lesion thought to be derived from mammary-like glands, which are well-documented in the anogenital region but under-recognized among genitourinary medicine practitioners. Our case highlights the importance of having a low threshold for biopsy of atypical vulval lesions.
Acute syphilitic interstitial orchitis mimicking testicular malignancy in an HIV-1 infected man diagnosed by Treponema pallidum polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Varma R , Baithun S , Alexander S , Goh B T
Published: December 2008

We report a case of acute epididymo-orchitis due to early infectious syphilis, mimicking as testicular malignancy in an undiagnosed HIV-positive individual. He presented with a mass on his testicle and simultaneously had serology consistent with early syphilis. It could not be distinguished from a malignancy, which necessitated urgent orchidectomy. Histology showed endarteritis but no evidence of gummatous involvement. Although treponemes were not detected by staining, the diagnosis was confirmed by the first reported use of Treponema pallidum polymerase chain reaction in a testicular specimen in the UK.
HIV opt-out increases HIV testing in low-risk patients
Authors: Price H , Birchall J , Newey C , Smith F , Waters A M , Mandalia S , Sullivan A K
Published: December 2008

We audited the effect of introducing HIV opt-out in a genitourinary medicine clinic in central London, UK. We found that opt-out increased the rate at which HIV testing was offered to low-risk patients and that more tests were done.
Are home sampling kits for sexually transmitted infections acceptable among men who have sex with men?
Authors: Llewellyn Carrie , Pollard Alex , Smith Helen , Fisher Martin
Published: December 2008

Objective:

There is an urgent need to increase opportunistic screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in community settings, particularly for those who are at increased risk including men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this qualitative study was to explore whether home sampling kits (HSK) for multiple bacterial STIs are potentially acceptable among MSM and to identify any concerns regarding their use. This study was developed as part of a formative evaluation of HSKs.

Methods:

Focus groups and one-to-one semi-structured interviews with MSM were conducted. Focus group participants (n = 20) were shown a variety of self-sampling materials and asked to discuss them. Individual interviewees (n = 24) had experience of the self-sampling techniques as part of a pilot clinical study. All data were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a framework analysis approach.

Results:

The concept of a HSK was generally viewed as positive, with many benefits identified relating to increased access to testing, enhanced personal comfort and empowerment. Concerns about the accuracy of the test, delays in receiving the results, the possible lack of support and potential negative impact on ‘others’ were raised.

Conclusion:

The widespread acceptability of using HSKs for the diagnosis of STIs could have important public health impacts in terms of earlier diagnosis of asymptomatic infections and thus a decrease in the rate of onward transmission. In addition, HSKs could potentially optimize the use of genitourinary medicine services and facilitate patient choice.
‘We can't get anything done because…’: Making sense of ‘barriers’ to Practice-based Commissioning
Authors: Checkland Kath , Coleman Anna , Harrison Stephen , Hiroeh Urara
Published: December 2008

Objectives:

To investigate the issues raised by participants as ‘barriers’ to the development of Practice-based Commissioning (PBC) in ‘early adopter’ sites in England.

Methods:

Detailed case studies of five PBC consortia in three Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Data collection included interviews with a wide range of respondents (46 in total), including general practitioners, PCT employees, Local Authority employees and patient representatives, observation of many different types of meetings (68 in total), and analysis of documents tabled at meetings and circulated at other times.

Results:

It has been claimed that progress in developing PBC has been slow. Our respondents articulated a number of factors that they felt were holding them back, which could have been identified as ‘barriers’ preventing change. The issues raised were consistent across our sites (lack of time, resources and personnel, and difficult relationships with the PCT), but observation suggested that these issues arose out of very different organizational ‘sensemaking’, and as a result the apparent ‘barriers’ had different meanings in different organizational contexts.

Conclusion:

Weick's concept of ‘organizational sensemaking’ provides a useful framework within which to explore the problems encountered when implementing policy. Observational methods are a powerful tool in understanding sensemaking. The variations in sensemaking that we observed suggest that the use of ‘barrier’ metaphors in descriptions of implementation problems risks homogenizing the portrayal of situations that differ greatly in reality. This implies that top-down or centrally driven solutions to such situations will often be inappropriate.
How to find research before publication
Authors: Light Kate , Misso Kate , Stirk Lisa
Published: December 2008

Such is the pace of research today that by the time a study has been published it may already be out of date. Add to this the fact that much research never makes it to publication and policymakers may rightly feel uneasy basing their decisions entirely on published papers. Tracking down unpublished material, however, can be challenging. Thankfully there are now a number of resources that specialize in bringing these invisible trials and projects into the limelight.

If you would like to alert readers to useful web pages or suggest topics for this column, please send details to:
The Early Impact Program: Strengthening Child Competencies
Authors: Larmar Stephen
Published: December 2008

Challenging behaviours in young children impact upon schools and families and can lead to more serious challenges in adolescence and adulthood. In the last decade, there has been an increasing trend towards the development of early intervention and prevention programs that serve to draw on child competencies to ameliorate some of the factors that may increase a child's susceptibility to ongoing challenging behaviours. This article reports on a recently evaluated program titled the Early Impact (EI) Program. Some of the unique features of the program are examined, including the home and school components of the intervention that emphasise the strength-based philosophy that underpins the program. A summary of key findings of a recent evaluation of the EI program are also presented that highlight the program's effectiveness and utility for early childhood practitioners working with at-risk children in regular school communities. Finally, recommendations for specific practices in the implementation of intervention programs as well as areas for future research are identified that would serve to extend the current body of knowledge focussing on effective early intervention and prevention frameworks for young children and their families.
Using the University Student Depression Inventory to Investigate the Effect of Demographic Variables on Students' Depression
Authors: Khawaja Nigar G. , Duncanson Krystle
Published: December 2008

Depression is a problem in the student population and may impact students of any age, gender and ethnicity. Previous studies have indicated student demographic characteristics are associated with depression; however, these studies have not utilised scales specifically designed to measure depression in the student population. The aim of the present study was to use the recently developed University Student Depression Inventory (USDI; Khawaja & Bryden, 2006) to examine the effect of demographic factors on student depression. Australian university students ( N = 287) completed the USDI and a demographic form that measured student age, gender, ethnicity, year-level, faculty, enrolment status, relationship status, employment-status, satisfaction with their financial position and accommodation. A series of t tests and one-way ANOVAs indicated depression was higher among females, students enrolled part-time, students working full-time, and those enrolled in the Faculty of Law. Students who were satisfied with their financial position and accommodation were significantly less depressed than those who were unsatisfied. The findings highlight the varying effect of different demographic factors on depression using the USDI. These findings are important for identifying and developing strategies to assist those student groups who may be at a greater risk of developing depression.
Re-evaluating the Significance of Phonemic Awareness and Phonics in Literacy Teaching: The Shared Role of School Counsellors and Teachers
Authors: Wilson Julie , Colmar Susan
Published: December 2008

This article examines recent research and developments relating to the role of phonemic awareness and phonics in early literacy education and the relevance of these findings for school counsellors and teachers. It defines and reviews the role of phonemic awareness and phonics in theoretical models of reading processes, including whole-language, code-based and balanced literacy programs, to determine the varying degrees of significance attributed to these components in early reading instruction. It critically reviews recent national and international government research, reports and recommendations to examine how phonemic awareness and phonics are conceptualised and translated into educational policy. In doing so, the article highlights the need for establishing a comprehensive and explicit theoretical and practical framework for the teaching of phonemic awareness and phonics, and a thorough analysis of the range of traditional and contemporary methods of teaching phonemic awareness and phonics in the classroom. The importance of school counsellors having a greater understanding of research about contemporary best practices in literacy education, and a key role, in partnership with teachers, in ensuring such knowledge is put into practice, is emphasised.
Fulminare i nemici: Silla, Postumio e l′ars fulguratoria
Authors: Marastoni Silvia
Published: December 2008

Riassunto

Bellona è la divinità che, come una furia, spinge Silla a vendicarsi dei nemici. Essa lo aiuta in due momenti cruciali della sua ascesa politica : nell′88 a. C, mentre Silla sta per marciare contro Roma, essa, in sogno, gli porge i fulmini coi quali eliminare gli avversari politici. Questo episodio non può essere disgiunto dalla successiva proscrizione dei dodici mariani nemici di Roma. In seguito, nell′83 a. C., alla vigilia della seconda marcia su Roma, uno schiavo invasato di Ponzio Telesino, annuncia a Silla la vittoria e l′incendio del Campidoglio. Entrambi gli episodi sono accomunati dalla presenza della dea, assimilata alla macedonica Atena Areia o Alkidemos, che distrugge scagliando fulmini. Si riscontrano anche gli influssi della disciplina fulgurale etrusca; inoltre, possono essere individuati alcuni tratti che rimandano allo schema delle defixiones politiche greche.
Improved Method for Determining Antibiotic Susceptibility of Flavobacterium columnare Isolates by Broth Microdilution
Authors: Darwish Ahmed M. , Farmer Bradley D. , Hawke John P.
Published: December 2008

A simple and reproducible microdilution method was developed to test the susceptibility of the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare to antibiotics in vitro. The testing was conducted at 28°C for 44–48 h at two dilutions of Mueller–Hinton broth (DMHB) using a standardized inoculum, a reference isolate of Escherichia coli ATCC25922 as a quality control organism, positive and negative control wells, and standardized custom made microtiter plates. The E. coli ATCC25922 and F. columnare ATCC23463 (the species type strain) had significantly better growth in DMHB at 1:5 (4 g/L) than at 1:7 (3 g/L). The E. coli ATCC25922 was found to be acceptable as a reference isolate and produced minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values similar to those in the range published by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute derived using standard Mueller–Hinton broth. The new method was used to determine the MIC of 23 F. columnare isolates (representing the three genotypes of the species) to enrofloxacin, ampicillin, oxytetracycline, erythromycin, florfenicol, flumequine, ormetoprim/sulfadimethoxine, and oxolinic acid.
Organizações sociais e agroecologia: construção de identidades e transformações sociais
Authors: Bauer Márcio André Leal , Mesquita Zilá
Published: December 2008

No presente trabalho, procuramos discutir as transformações ocorridas no espaço da agricultura familiar pós-Revolução Verde, especialmente a partir do movimento contestatório engendrado por organizações sociais que defendem o ideário agroecológico. Inicialmente, procurou-se compreender como a identidade a e realidade social são construídas e reconstruídas socialmente. Utilizou-se uma abordagem fenomenológica para investigar como se dá a ruptura com a realidade convencional e a transição para a agroecologia. Com base nas evidências empíricas, é possível dizer que a agroecologia participa da ressignificação positiva da identidade social dos agricultores. Entretanto, o reconhecimento da nova identidade passa pelo questionamento da realidade dominante a partir de crises vividas pelos agricultores. Sua manutenção requer partilhá-la intersubjetivamente com um grupo ou organização.
Estrutura de capitais comparada: Brasil e mercados emergentes
Authors: Leal Ricardo Pereira Câmara
Published: December 2008

Este artigo analisa comparativamente o padrão da estrutura de capitais de empresas em mercados emergentes por meio de uma discussão analítica da literatura que emprega amostras de empresas de vários países e as analisam conjuntamente de forma seccional. A influência de fatores explicativos em relação ao país é comparada ao poder explicativo do setor de atividades e de fatores da firma. O artigo oferece diversos fatos estilizados identificados a partir dessa revisão da literatura. De forma geral, os fatores da firma parecem dominar os fatores do país, que, nem por isso, deixam de ter importância. Já os fatores do setor de atividade são pouco importantes. O endividamento dos mercados emergentes aumentou ao longo dos anos e a proteção ao credor e ao investidor tem um impacto favorável sobre ele. As hipóteses de M&M são apenas parcialmente sustentadas pela evidência empírica em mercados emergentes.
Cotton Injury and Yield as Affected by Simulated Drift of 2,4-D and Dicamba
Authors: Marple Molly E. , Al-Khatib Kassim , Peterson Dallas E.
Published: December 2008

Experiments were conducted at Manhattan, KS in 2005 and 2006 to evaluate cotton response to simulated 2,4-D and dicamba drift rates at different stages of growth and multiple applications of 2,4-D. Cotton was treated with 2,4-D and dicamba at 0, 1/200, and 1/400 of the use rate (561 g ae/ha) when plants were at the three- to four-leaf, 8-, 14-, or 18-node growth stages. Injury symptoms after 2,4-D and dicamba application were more severe at the three- to four-leaf stage compared with other stages with greatest injury from 2,4-D. In general, plants partially recovered from 2,4-D and dicamba injury symptoms, and only 2,4-D applied at the 1/200 rate reduced fiber yield. In a separate study, cotton was treated with 2,4-D at 0, 1/400, 1/800, and 1/1,200 of the use rate for one, two, or three applications. Yield reduction increased as herbicide rate increased from 1/1,200 to 1/400 and the number of applications increased from one to three. In both studies, plants partially or fully recovered from injury symptoms and recovery was greater with dicamba than 2,4-D. Correlation coefficient analysis showed that visual injury ratings later in the growing season are a good predictor of yield reduction (R2= 0.58).
A Comparison of Weed Control in Herbicide-Resistant, Herbicide-Tolerant, and Conventional Corn
Authors: Burke Ian C. , Thomas Walter E. , Allen Jayla R. , Collins Jim , Wilcut John W.
Published: December 2008

Experiments were conducted at three North Carolina research stations in 2003 to evaluate weed control and corn yield in glyphosate-resistant, glufosinate-resistant, imidazolinone-tolerant, and conventional corn weed management systems. Late-season control of common lambsquarters, large crabgrass, and yellow nutsedge increased with metolachlor PRE compared with no PRE herbicide treatment. Common lambsquarters, pitted morningglory, entireleaf morningglory, spurred anoda, and tropic croton control was improved by a single early POST (EPOST) application regardless of herbicide system. Control of common lambsquarters, pitted morningglory, entireleaf morningglory, and spurred anoda was similar for glyphosate and glufosinate systems for each POST over-the-top (POT) herbicide system. A single EPOST application of imazethapyr plus imazapyr to imidazolinone-tolerant corn controlled common lambsquarters, pitted morningglory, entireleaf morningglory, and spurred anoda and was better than a single EPOST application of glyphosate, glufosinate, or nicosulfuron. Tropic croton was controlled ≥ 95% with glufosinate or glyphosate, applied once or twice, or in mixture with metolachlor. A single EPOST application of imazethapyr plus imazapyr or nicosulfuron did not control tropic croton. Common lambsquarters, entireleaf morningglory, large crabgrass, Palmer amaranth, and yellow nutsedge control was greater with a late-POST–directed (LAYBY) of ametryn than no LAYBY. Systems that did not include a POT herbicide system had the lowest percentage in the weed-free yield and the lowest yield. Treatments that included a POT system with or without a PRE treatment of metolachlor yielded within 5% of the weed-free treatment, regardless of herbicide system.
Control of Volunteer Potato (Solanum tuberosum) in Sweet Corn with Mesotrione Is Unaffected by Atrazine and Tillage
Authors: Boydston Rick A. , Collins Harold P. , Alva Ashok K.
Published: December 2008

Volunteer potato is a major weed pest of sweet corn in regions where winter soil temperatures fail to kill tubers left in the ground after harvest. Studies were conducted in 2004 to 2005 to determine the effect of combining atrazine with mesotrione applied POST on volunteer potato control and new tuber production in sweet corn. Mesotrione at 0.035, 0.07, and 0.1 kg/ha and atrazine at 0.3, 0.6, and 1.1 kg/ha were applied alone and in all possible combinations when volunteer potato ranged from 5 to 12 cm tall. Mesotrione applied alone at all rates, atrazine at 1.1 kg/ha, or mesotrione plus atrazine combinations reduced the number of new tubers produced to ≤ 1.1 per plant compared with 11 tubers per plant in nontreated checks. Potatoes treated with atrazine alone at 0.3 or 0.6 kg/ha produced 3.3 or 1.9 tubers per plant, respectively, which could lead to volunteer potato problems in the succeeding crop. Sweet corn yield was not affected by herbicide treatment in 2004 but was reduced in 2005 when atrazine was used alone at 0.3 or 0.6 kg/ha because of poor control of volunteer potato. Additional studies were conducted from 2004 to 2006 to determine volunteer potato control in sweet corn in reduced and conventional tillage and treated with fluroxypyr, mesotrione, or no herbicide. Volunteer potato control was improved and the number and weight of tubers was reduced 79 and 91%, respectively, in conventionally tilled plots treated with fluroxypyr compared with reduced-tillage plots. Control of volunteer potato with mesotrione was greater than 98% and reduced tuber number and weight greater than or equal to all other treatments regardless of tillage level.
Field-Scale Time of Weed Removal in Canola
Authors: Harker K. Neil , O'Donovan John T. , Clayton George W. , Mayko John
Published: December 2008

Field-scale experiments were conducted at several western Canada locations to determine the importance of early weed removal over variable landscapes. In eight of 10 cases, imidazolinone-resistant (IR) canola yield decreased linearly as herbicide application (15/15 g/ha imazamox/imazethapyr or 15/15 g/ha imazamox/imazethapyr plus 150 g/ha clopyralid) was delayed beyond the one- to two-leaf stage. In two of 10 cases, canola oil content also decreased as herbicide treatment was delayed. Canola yields at all environments (location by year combinations) averaged 2,073, 1,872, or 1,650 kg/ha when treated at the one- to two-, three- to five-, or six- to seven-leaf stage, respectively. Assuming canola prices from a low of $250/t to a high of $650/t, growers could lose $50 to $131/ha, respectively, by delaying herbicide application from the one- to two- to the three- to five-leaf stage, or $106 to $275/ha, respectively, by delaying herbicide application from the one- to two- to the six- to seven-leaf stage.
How to create appealing temporal color transitions?
Authors: Vogels Ingrid , Sekulovskig Dragan , Rijs Bartjan
Published: December 2008

Abstract— Many applications, such as AmbiLight TV and atmosphere creation with dynamic light, generate colored light that changes gradually from one color to another. However, there is not much scientific knowledge on how to create suitable color transitions. This study investigates what is perceptually the most optimal way to create a temporal color transition between two colors. The first experiment measured the ability to distinguish between two temporal color transitions. The reference transition was a linear interpolation between two colors in CIELab, the test transitions were arcs defined in different planes going through the linear transition. Discrimination thresholds ranged between 2.5 and 12.5 ΔEab, depending on the color pair, direction, and duration of the transition. In the second experiment, several perceptually different color transitions were compared. The most preferred transitions were a linear transition in CIELab and a linear transition in RGB. The results suggest that it is possible to design a general algorithm for temporal color transitions that is appreciated by human observers, independent of color pair and application.
Compact and efficient green lasers for mobile projector applications
Authors: Bhatia V. , Hempstead M. , Grochocinski J. , Sekiguchi N. , Okada A. , Loeber D.
Published: December 2008

Abstract— Efficient and very‐compact projectors embedded into mobile consumer‐electronic devices, such as handsets, media players, gaming consoles, and GPS units, will enable new consumer use and industry business models. A keystone component for such projectors is a green laser that is commensurately efficient and compact. A synthetic green‐laser architecture is described that can achieve efficiencies of 15%. The architecture consists of an infrared distributed Bragg reflector laser coupled into a second‐harmonic‐generation device for conversion to green.
Levels and temporal trends (1983–2003) of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecanes in seabird eggs from North Norway
Authors: Helgason Lisa B. , Polder Anuschka , Føreid Siri , Bæk Kine , Lie Elisabeth , Gabrielsen Geir W. , Barrett Robert T. , Skaare Janneche U.
Published: December 2008

The present study assessed temporal trends (1983–2003) of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabro-mocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in eggs of herring gulls (Larus argentatus), Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica), and black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) in North Norway. Generally, PBDE concentrations increased between 1983 and 1993 and then leveled out, although species-specific trends were reported. Levels of α-HBCD increased in all species throughout the 20-year period. Levels of nona-BDEs and BDE 209 ranged from nondetectable to parts per billion. Nevertheless, highly variable procedural blanks were reported for the nona-BDEs and BDE 209, which clearly illustrates the importance of including blanks repeatedly during determination of these compounds.
Reproductive health of bass in the Potomac, USA, drainage: Part 1. Exploring the effects of proximity to wastewater treatment plant discharge
Authors: Iwanowicz Luke R. , Blazer Vicki S. , Guy Christopher P. , Pinkney Alfred E. , Mullican John E. , Alvarez David A.
Published: December 2008

Intersex (specifically, testicular oocytes) has been observed in male smallmouth bass (SMB; Micropterus dolomieu) and other centrarchids in the South Branch of the Potomac River, USA, and forks of the Shenandoah River, USA, during the past five years. This condition often is associated with exposure to estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals in some fish species, but such chemicals and their sources have yet to be identified in the Potomac. In an attempt to better understand the plausible causes of this condition, we investigated the reproductive health of bass sampled up- and downstream of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent point sources on the Potomac River in Maryland, USA. Smallmouth bass were sampled from the Conococheague Creek and the Monocacy River, and largemouth bass (LMB; Micropterus salmoides) were collected near the Blue Plains WWTP on the mainstem of the Potomac River. Chemical analyses of compounds captured in passive samplers at these locations also were conducted. A high prevalence of intersex (82–100%) was identified in male SMB at all sites regardless of collection area. A lower prevalence of intersex (23%) was identified in male LMB collected at the Blue Plains site. When up- and downstream fish were compared, significant differences were noted only in fish from the Conococheague. Differences included condition factor, gonadosomatic index, plasma vitellogenin concentration, and estrogen to testosterone ratio. In general, chemicals associated with waste-water effluent, storm-water runoff, and agriculture were more prevalent at the downstream sampling sites. An exception was atrazine and its associated metabolites, which were present in greater concentrations at the upstream sites. It appears that proximity to effluent from WWTPs may influence the reproductive health of bass in the Potomac watershed, but inputs from other sources likely contribute to the widespread, high incidence of testicular oocytes.
Investigating aggregation in Suwannee River, USA, dissolved organic matter using diffusion-ordered nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Lam Buuan , Simpson André J.
Published: December 2008

Aggregation of the Suwannee River (USA) dissolved organic matter (SRDOM) is studied using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Diffusion-ordered spectroscopy identifies two distinct bands, one corresponding to smaller components and the other to larger components. At lower concentrations (500 ppm), the dissolved organic matter (DOM) is present mainly as small components; however, with increasing concentration, the larger components become more pronounced as a result of aggregation. Calibrations indicate the small materials behave in a manner similar to that of maltodextrins of approximately 180 to 950 Da or proteins of 100 to 1,000 Da. The aggregated species show behavior similar to that of maltodextrins of approximately 1,000 to 21,000 Da or proteins of 1,050 to 70,000 Da. The mean diffusivity of the aggregated components in SRDOM is consistent with that of maltodextrins of approximately 4,500 Da and proteins of approximately 8,000 Da at the highest concentration measured. At the lowest concentration (closest to environmental concentrations), little to no aggregation is observed. Diffusion profiles show an increase in large-molecular-weight material, with a simultaneous decrease in small-molecular-weight components with increasing DOM concentration. This suggests aggregates in SRDOM may be weak dispersive associations of low-molecular-weight material. Additionally, with a decrease in temperature, aggregates show faster diffusion, suggesting a tighter, more condensed arrangement. Further evidence supports DOM aggregation as conglomerations of numerous components in DOM rather than a more organized self-association. Carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM) play a prominent role in aggregation of SRDOM and, to a lesser extent, material-derived from linear terpenoids (MDLT). The role of lignin and carbohydrates is less clear, although at least some of the lignin is present as macromolecules and tends to show interactions with both the MDLT and CRAM components.
Cadmium ions and cadmium sulphide particles in γ-titanium dihydrogen phosphate. Synthesis, thermal behaviour and X-ray characterization
Authors: Ferragina Carla , Rocco Romolo , Patrono Pasquale , Petrilli Lucantonio
Published: December 2008

Layered compounds with CdS particles supported on the ion-exchanger, γ-titanium dihydrogen phosphate, were prepared by the stepwise reaction of the ion-exchanger and cadmium solution, followed by reaction with H2S gas. The CdS content on the ion-exchanger is dependent on the timeframe of the H2S gas flow. The materials obtained were layered, as shown by the X-ray measurements that exhibit both precursor and CdS diffraction peaks. The thermal treatment of the material obtained gives evidence of its stability (≤ 320°C) before the CdS decomposition, which occurs in a single step.
Spatial trends of petroleum hydrocarbons in water and sediments
Authors: Ololade Issac , Lajide Labunmi , Amoo Isiaka
Published: December 2008

Seasonal changes in petroleum hydrocarbons in water and streambed sediment from selected oil-related areas of Ondo State, Nigeria have been examined using gravimetric and infrared methods. The highest and lowest total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations (TPH) in water (sediments in brackets) gravimetrically were 3.49 mg L−1 (199.3) mg kg−1 and 0.003 mg L−1 (81.0) mg kg−1 while the concentrations found by IR were 24.0 mg L−1 (135.0 mg kg−1) and 14.0 mg L−1 (33.0 mg kg−1) respectively. The two seasons were positively correlated (α = 0.01) by both methods. The TPH level was well correlated with the sediment organic carbon (OC) during both seasons. The characteristic carbonyl (C=O) vibrations at 1650 cm−1 and 1700 cm−1 indicate oxidation of the oil residue. The study recommends further investigation into the type of organics present to evaluate their toxicity and appropriate remediation.
The Future of e-Learning in Medical Education: Current Trend and Future Opportunity
Authors: Kim Sara
Published: December 2008

A wide range of e-learning modalities are widely integrated in medical education. However, some of the key questions related to the role of e-learning remain unanswered, such as (1) what is an effective approach to integrating technology into pre-clinical vs. clinical training?; (2) what evidence exists regarding the type and format of e-learning technology suitable for medical specialties and clinical settings?; (3) which design features are known to be effective in designing on-line patient simulation cases, tutorials, or clinical exams?; and (4) what guidelines exist for determining an appropriate blend of instructional strategies, including online learning, face-to-face instruction, and performance-based skill practices? Based on the existing literature and a variety of e-learning examples of synchronous learning tools and simulation technology, this paper addresses the following three questions: (1) what is the current trend of e-learning in medical education?; (2) what do we know about the effective use of e-learning?; and (3) what is the role of e-learning in facilitating newly emerging competency-based training? As e-learning continues to be widely integrated in training future physicians, it is critical that our efforts in conducting evaluative studies should target specific e-learning features that can best mediate intended learning goals and objectives. Without an evolving knowledge base on how best to design e-learning applications, the gap between what we know about technology use and how we deploy e-learning in training settings will continue to widen.
AN ECONOMIC EVALUATION MODEL OF THE LOGISTIC SYSTEM BASED ON CONTAINER TRANSPORTATION
Authors: Vasiliauskas Aidas Vasilis , Barysienė Jurgita
Published: December 2008

Over the recent years, the use of containers in the transport system has dramatically increased. The rise of world containerisation is the result of the interplay of macroeconomic, microeconomic and policy‐oriented factors. World trade is facilitated through the elimination of trade barriers and the liberalisation and deregulation of markets. Market liberalisation revealed a demand for enhancing the development of logistics services throughout the world. In the conceptual metamorphosis of the transportation system, cargo movements are viewed in light of the total distribution system. Producers, commodity shippers, ocean, air and land carriers, ports, logistics managers, freight forwarders and consignees are involved in such a total system. The physical distribution of cargo, then, involves an integrated logistics system. This article examines of changes in the transport system that occurred during the last decades because of the invention and application of containers. Moreover, an economic model of evaluating the logistic system based on container transportation is discussed.
INTRODUCING DECISIVE DEVELOPMENT ORIENTATIONS INTO TRANSPORT MODELLING
Authors: Tanczos Katalin , Torok Arpad
Published: December 2008

To effectuate a consistent methodology for urban planning taking into consideration the viewpoints of land use and transportation, we need to approach the subject and consider complex social and economical aspects. To handle both of the above mentioned urban planning areas, we shall develop models able to pay attention to all of their restrictive factors within temporal properties.
In situ determination of aniline polymerization kinetics through near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: de Souza Fernando Gomes , Anzai Thiago Koichi , Rodrigues Marcus V. A. , Melo Príamo Albuquerque , Nele Márcio , Pinto José Carlos
Published: December 2008

This article describes a method for the determination of kinetic constants in aniline polymerizations performed in the presence of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid. The procedure was based on the measurement of light absorbances at 668 and 1026 nm. The absorption at 668 nm is related to pernigraniline formation and is ordinarily used for ultraviolet–visible kinetic studies. The absorption at 1026 nm is related to the second overtone of the NH bonds, which may be used to monitor the aniline consumption along the reaction time. Tzou and Gregory's empirical reaction model was used as a reference for kinetic studies. The best fits were obtained when the kinetic constants were evaluated at 1026 nm because of the lower noise/signal ratio in this spectral region and the smaller sensitivity to the pernigraniline/emeraldine transition during the last stages of the polymerization. The remarkable innovation supplied by this study is the possibility to study aniline polymerizations in situ in realistic reaction conditions, which will allow the use of concentrated monomer solutions, large reaction volumes, efficient cooling conditions, and agitation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Thermochromic core–shell nanofibers fabricated by melt coaxial electrospinning
Authors: Li Fengyu , Zhao Yong , Wang Sen , Han Dong , Jiang Lei , Song Yanlin
Published: December 2008

Microcapsule/nanocapsule and encapsulation techniques have great potential for devices of functional materials. Also, electrospinning has attracted great attention for the fabrication of microstructures and nanostructures. The fluidity after melting limits the application of phase‐transformation thermochromic materials. In this study, with the melt coaxial electrospinning technique, a phase‐transformation thermochromic material was encapsulated in poly(methyl methacrylate) nanofibers. A device of this phase‐transformation thermochromic material was realized. With a poly(methyl methacrylate) shell with good optical transmission and a thermoresponsive core made of crystal violet lactone, bisphenol A, and 1‐tetradecanol core, the fibers had good thermal energy management, fluorescent thermochromism, and reversibility. The fabrication of thermochromic core–shell nanofibers has further potential in the preparation of temperature sensors with good fluorescence signals and body‐temperature calefactive materials with intelligent thermal energy absorption, retention, and release. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The JIP3 scaffold protein UNC‐16 regulates RAB‐5 dependent membrane trafficking at C. elegans synapses
Authors: Brown Heather M. , Van Epps Heather A. , Goncharov Alexandr , Grant Barth D. , Jin Yishi
Published: December 2008

How endosomes contribute to the maintenance of vesicular structures at presynaptic terminals remains controversial and poorly understood. Here, we have investigated synaptic endosomal compartments in the presynaptic terminals of C. elegans GABAergic motor neurons. Using RAB reporters, we find that several subsynaptic compartments reside in, or near, presynaptic regions. Loss of function in the C. elegans JIP3 protein, UNC‐16, causes a RAB‐5‐containing compartment to accumulate abnormally at presynaptic terminals. Ultrastructural analysis shows that synapses in unc‐16 mutants contain reduced number of synaptic vesicles, accompanied by an increase in the size and number of cisternae. FRAP analysis revealed a slow recovery of RAB‐5 in unc‐16 mutants, suggestive of an impairment of RAB‐5 activity state and local vesicular trafficking. Overexpression of RAB‐5:GDP partially suppresses, whereas overexpression of RAB‐5:GTP enhances, the synaptic defects of unc‐16 mutants. Our data demonstrate a novel function of UNC‐16 in the regulation of synaptic membrane trafficking and suggest that the synaptic RAB‐5 compartment contributes to synaptic vesicle biogenesis or maintenance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009.
Calpain‐mediated degradation of G‐substrate plays a critical role in retinal excitotoxicity for amacrine cells
Authors: Nakazawa Toru , Shimura Masahiko , Mourin Ryu , Kondo Mineo , Yokokura Shunji , Saido Takaomi C. , Nishida Kohji , Endo Shogo
Published: December 2008

The role of neuronal N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated intracellular signaling has been elucidated in both physiological and pathological conditions. However, the details of relative vulnerability for excitotoxicity remain unknown. Retinal excitotoxicity is involved in various diseases leading to irreversible blindness. Here, we used the visual system and explored the mechanistic details of the NMDA‐elicited intracellular events, especially in the amacrine cells, which are the most vulnerable type of neuron in the retina. G‐substrate, a specific substrate of cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cGMP)‐dependent protein kinase, is colocalized with amacrine cells and acts as an endogenous inhibitor of protein phosphatase. To elucidate how G‐substrate was involved in NMDA‐induced amacrine cell death, the immunohistochemical analysis with G‐substrate antibody was performed following NMDA injury. In vivo, NMDA immediately decreased G‐substrate immunoreactivity, and the suppression of calpain activation using ALLN or calpain III, an inhibitor of calpain, blocked this decrease. In vitro, degraded fragments of G‐substrate were detected within 10 min after coincubation of G‐substrate and calpain. Moreover, G‐substrate knockout (G‐substrate−/−) mice were more susceptible to NMDA injury than wild‐type mice. ALLN did not have a neuroprotective effect in G‐substrate−/− mice. These data strongly suggest that calpain‐mediated loss of G‐substrate represents an important mechanism contributing to NMDA‐induced amacrine cell death. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soluble and particulate Co‐Cr‐Mo alloy implant metals activate the inflammasome danger signaling pathway in human macrophages: A novel mechanism for implant debris reactivity
Authors: Caicedo Marco S. , Desai Ronak , McAllister Kyron , Reddy Anand , Jacobs Joshua J. , Hallab Nadim J.
Published: December 2008

Immune reactivity to soluble and particulate implant debris remains the primary cause of aseptic inflammation and implant loosening. However, the intracellular mechanisms that trigger immune cells to sense and respond to exogenous nonbiological agents such as metal particles or metal ions released from orthopedic implants remain unknown. Recent studies in immunology have outlined the importance of the intracellular inflammasome complex of proteins in sensing danger/stress signals triggered by nonbiological agents in the cytosol of macrophages. We hypothesized that metal implant debris can activate the inflammasome pathway in macrophages that causes caspase‐1‐induced cleavage of intracellular pro‐IL‐1β into its mature form, resulting in IL‐1β secretion and induction of a broader proinflammatory response. We tested this hypothesis by examining whether soluble cobalt, chromium, molybdenum, and nickel ions and Co‐Cr‐Mo alloy particles induce inflammasome‐ mediated macrophage reactivity. Our results demonstrate that these agents stimulate IL‐1β secretion in human macrophages that is inflammasome mediated (i.e., NADPH‐, caspase‐1‐, Nalp3‐, and ASC‐dependent). Thus, metal ion‐ and particle‐induced activation of the inflammasome in human macrophages provides evidence of a novel pathway of implant debris‐induced inflammation, where contact with implant debris is sensed and transduced by macrophages into a proinflammatory response. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 847–854, 2009
Bio‐corrosion of stainless steel by osteoclasts—in vitro evidence
Authors: Cadosch Dieter , Chan Erwin , Gautschi Oliver P. , Simmen Hans‐Peter , Filgueira Luis
Published: December 2008

Most metals in contact with biological systems undergo corrosion by an electrochemical process. This study investigated whether human osteoclasts (OC) are able to grow on stainless steel (SS) and directly corrode the metal alloy leading to the formation of corresponding metal ions, which may cause inflammatory reactions and activate the immune system. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated long‐term viable OC cultures and evident resorption features on the surface of SS discs on which OC were cultured for 21 days. The findings were confirmed by atomic emission spectrometry investigations showing significantly increased levels of chromium, nickel, and manganese in the supernatant of OC cultures. Furthermore, significant levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, which are considered to be major mediators of osteolysis, were revealed in the same cultures by cytometric bead array analysis. Within the present study, it was shown that human osteoclast precursors are able to grow and differentiate towards mature OC on SS. The mature cells are able to directly corrode the metal surface and release corresponding metal ions, which induce the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines that are known to enhance osteoclast differentiation, activation, and survival. Enhanced corrosion and the subsequently released metal ions may therefore result in enhanced osteolytic lesions in the peri‐prosthetic bone, contributing to the aseptic loosening of the implant. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 841–846, 2009
Ketoprofen in topical formulation decreases the matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression and pulmonary metastatic incidence in nude mice with osteosarcoma
Authors: Kamei Setsuya , Sakayama Kenshi , Tamashiro Shinta , Aizawa Junichi , Miyawaki Joji , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Yamamoto Haruyasu , Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Masuno Hiroshi
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate whether ketoprofen (KP) in topical formulation affected the tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis of LM8 cells, which were inoculated subcutaneously into the back space of male nude mice. At 7 days after inoculation, the tumor was treated topically for 3 weeks with either a KP‐containing patch (KP group) or a placebo‐containing patch (placebo group). The pulmonary metastatic incidence was 100% in the placebo group and 60% in the KP group. The tumor mass of the KP group without pulmonary metastasis, termed the KP/metastasis(−) group, was smaller than that of the placebo group. Immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL), matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was performed. The tumors of the KP/metastasis(−) group contained fewer PCNA‐positive cells and many more TUNEL‐positive cells in comparison to the placebo group. In the placebo group, MMP‐2 and VEGF were extensively expressed within the tumor, whereas in the KP/metastasis(−) group the expression of these two proteins was very low. In conclusion, the topical treatment of osteosarcoma with KP decreased the expression of MMP‐2 and VEGF, thus resulting in the suppression of tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 909–915, 2009
Kinetics of the reaction of pure CO2 with N‐methyldiethanolamine in aqueous solutions
Authors: Camacho Fernando , Sánchez Sebastián , Pacheco Rafael , La Rubia M. Dolores , Sánchez Antonio
Published: December 2008

The process of pure carbon dioxide absorption is analyzed in aqueous solutions of N‐methyldiethanolamine (MDEA). The experiments were made in a stirred tank reactor with a plane and known interface area. The variables considered were the MDEA concentration within the range 0.1–3.0 M and the temperature in the interval 288–313 K. From the results, we deduce that the process takes place under isothermal conditions and moderately fast regime, with second‐order kinetics. We determined a reaction order of one with respect to the amine, and an expression for the kinetic constant valid throughout the entire range of temperatures and concentrations assayed ln k = 22.4 − 6243.5/T. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 204–214, 2009