bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educational, Economic and Social Influences on Cultural Heritage in Trinidad
Authors: Boufoy-Bastick Béatrice
Published: November 2009

This research presents traditional cultural heritage (CH) as a dynamic social process – a positive feedback loop enhancing cultural identity and institutional authority through a contested authoritative inclusion of the ‘objects' it comprises. It then focuses on one part of that process, the individuals' construction of their CH, and defines CH as the ‘transgenerational component of identity’. Research is cited to support a postmodernist and radical constructivist perspective of CH and to show how this definition evolves from such a perspective. This study qualitatively tests this perspective by using a representative household survey of Trinidadian respondents (n = 348) and showing economic, educational and social (EES) differences in how EES groups construct their CH. Also, interviews illustrate different personal constructions of CH. Four contributions of this research are its illuminating and applicable dynamic of traditional CH, its postmodern perspective and radical constructivist definition of CH, formally aligning it with current scientific discourse, and operationalising measurement of CH through authoritative inclusion of the ‘objects' it comprises.
Life Satisfaction Depending on Socio-Economic Status and Gender among Turkish Students
Authors: Eroğlu Susran Erkan , Bozgeyikli Hasan , Çalişir Vahit
Published: November 2009

This research was carried out using the survey method in an attempt to find out the relationship between the life satisfaction and socio-economic status (SES) of adolescents. The research was conducted among 275 young Turkish people chosen by the random sampling method. The research findings determined that there was a significant difference between the life satisfaction and SES of the respondent students. On the other hand, contrary to expectations, there was no significant difference according to the gender variable.
Perception or Confidence? Self-Concept, Self-Efficacy and Achievement in Mathematics: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kung Hsin-Yi
Published: November 2009

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study research of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement reported in 2003 that Taiwanese fourth- and eighth-graders' mathematics performance exceeded the international average; both groups ranked fourth from among all the participant countries. However, the Index of Students' Self-Confidence in Learning Mathematics was below the international average for both these groups. This study, coming at the end of the first year of a three-year project, explored Taiwanese students' mathematics learning at the high school level from a social cognitive perspective. Utilising structural equation modelling, it examined the relationships among mathematics self-concept, mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics achievement using a longitudinal design. The subjects included 2198 seventh- and tenth-graders from Taiwan. The results indicate a significant correlation between mathematics self-concept and mathematics self-efficacy as well as significant longitudinal effects. Mathematics achievement at Time 1 significantly predicted the mathematics self-concept, mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics achievement at Time 2, while mathematics self-concept and mathematics self-efficacy at Time 1 significantly predicted mathematics achievement at Time 2. The implications of these findings are discussed from the viewpoint of cultivating the students' interest and confidence in learning mathematics, and suggestions are provided for further research.
Predictors of Academic Achievement and Their Possible Applications
Authors: Lockshin Jeffrey , Zamkov Oleg
Published: November 2009

A significant amount of attention has been given to the predictors of academic achievement in higher education. However, the vast majority of articles have centred on entrance criteria and the learning approaches or personal habits of students. Investigations into how achievement depends on student efforts, being almost invariably based on subjective and unavoidably imprecise student self-evaluations, do not generally help the university determine how it can actually promote academic achievement. In this article, the authors construct models for the academic achievement of economics students in various subjects at their institution. These models include students' previous scores and objective information about their studies during the year, including marks for home assignments and tests; subjective information from the students is not used. The predictive power of these models is high, and the authors use them to formulate how the university can enhance academic achievement and improve the quality of studies: for example, improving student feedback; tailoring subjects to complement each other; determining the need for additional classes; identifying students who are in danger of failing; and giving instructors feedback on the efficacy of activities such as home assignments or the format of examination papers and marking.
Using a Computerised Graphics Package to Achieve a Technology-Oriented Classroom
Authors: Aladejana Francisca , Idowu Lanre
Published: November 2009

The present situation in Nigeria involves students of fine arts, a practical-oriented subject, being exposed to poor methods of teaching with consequent poor performances. This study examined the extent to which the use of a computerised graphics package could make the classroom technology-oriented and affect the performance of learners. This is predicated on the theoretical frameworks of constructivism and Gagne's learning theory. The research design is the pretest-posttest control group design. The research instruments are the Graphic Design Achievement Test designed from the Revised Minnesota Paper Form Board Test and CorelDraw 10. They were administered to 60 junior secondary school students selected using stratified random sampling. The results show a significant difference in the performance of students exposed to the computerised graphics package as those exposed to the computerised graphics package performed significantly better in graphics than those exposed to the conventional teaching methods.
Analysis of calcium carbonate for differentiating between pigments using terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Mizuno Maya , Fukunaga Kaori , Saito Shingo , Hosako Iwao
Published: November 2009

Calcium carbonate that is used as an art pigment exhibits strong absorption at approximately 3 THz. In this study, the authors investigated the relation between the absorption and the condition of calcium carbonate crystals. By employing terahertz time-domain spectrometer (0.5–4 THz), they verified that terahertz absorption energy depended on the crystal direction and crystal shape of the powder sample due to large birefringence. Further, the authors observed the difference in the crystal structure (calcite or aragonite) and the presence of impurities in natural calcium carbonate such as shells through terahertz absorbance spectra. The absorbance peak value of calcite at around 3 THz was four times as large as the peak value of aragonite. The absorbance spectral width increased because of the presence of these impurities. From the above observation, this study demonstrated that a certain kind of calcium carbonate crystal could be distinguished by terahertz spectroscopy.
Resection of malignant brain tumors in eloquent cortical areas: a new multimodal approach combining 5-aminolevulinic acid and intraoperative monitoring
Authors: Feigl Guenther C. , Ritz Rainer , Moraes Mario , Klein Jan , Ramina Kristofer , Gharabaghi Alireza , Krischek Boris , Danz Soeren , Bornemann Antje , Liebsch Marina , Tatagiba Marcos S.
Published: November 2009

Object

Several studies have revealed that the gross-total resection (GTR) of malignant brain tumors has a significant influence on patient survival. Frequently, however, GTR cannot be achieved because the borders between healthy brain and diseased tissue are blurred in the infiltration zones of malignant brain tumors. Especially in eloquent cortical areas, resection is frequently stopped before total removal is achieved to avoid causing neurological deficits. Interestingly, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been shown to help visualize tumor tissue intraoperatively and, thus, can significantly improve the possibility of achieving GTR of primary malignant brain tumors. The aim of this study was to go one step further and evaluate the utility and limitations of fluorescence-guided resections of primary malignant brain tumors in eloquent cortical areas in combination with intraoperative monitoring based on multimodal functional imaging data.

Methods

Eighteen patients with primary malignant brain tumors in eloquent areas were included in this prospective study. Preoperative neuroradiological examinations included MR imaging with magnetization-prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE), functional MR, and diffusion tensor imaging sequences to visualize functional areas and fiber tracts. Imaging data were analyzed offline, loaded into a neuronavigational system, and used intraoperatively during resections. All patients received 5-ALA 6 hours before surgery. Fluorescence-guided tumor resections were combined with intraoperative monitoring and cortical as well as subcortical stimulation to localize functional areas and fiber tracts during surgery.

Results

Twenty-five procedures were performed in 18 consecutive patients. In 24% of all surgeries, resection was stopped because a functional area or cortical tract was identified in the resection area or because motor evoked potential amplitudes were reduced in an area where fluorescent tumor cells were still seen intraoperatively. Grosstotal resection could be achieved in 16 (64%) of the surgeries with preservation of all functional areas and fiber tracts. In 2 patients presurgical hemiparesis became accentuated postoperatively, and 1 of these patients also suffered from a new homonymous hemianopia following a second resection.

Conclusions

The authors' first results show that tumor resections with 5-ALA in combination with intraoperative cortical stimulation have the advantages of both methods and, thus, provide additional safety for the neurosurgeon during resections of primary malignant brain tumors in eloquent areas. Nonetheless, more cases and additional studies are necessary to further prove the advantages of this multimodal strategy.
Continuous hypertension and tachycardia after resection of a hemangioblastoma behind the dorsal medulla oblongata: relationship to sympathetic overactivity at the neurogenic vasomotor center
Authors: Ideguchi Makoto , Kajiwara Koji , Yoshikawa Koichi , Kato Shoichi , Ishihara Hideyuki , Fujii Masami , Fujisawa Hirosuke , Suzuki Michiyasu
Published: November 2009

A very rare case of continuous hypertension and tachycardia after excision of a cerebellar hemangioblastoma at the dorsal medulla oblongata is presented. This 21-year-old man was admitted to the authors' hospital with a headache and dizziness. Radiological examination revealed a tumor located behind the dorsal medulla oblongata and compressing it substantially. The tumor was completely resected, but after the surgery the patient experienced prolonged hypertension and tachycardia. Postoperative MR imaging showed a small injury at the dorsocaudal medulla that was located at the caudal site of the nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS). Because the NTS has been reported to play a central role in cardiovascular regulation along with the rostral ventrolateral medulla, the authors considered it possible that the NTS injury was the cause of the prolonged elevation of sympathetic tone.
Ventricular enlargement due to acute hypernatremia in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Authors: Andres Robert H. , Pendharkar Arjun V. , Kuhlen Dominique , Mariani Luigi
Published: November 2009

Patients requiring CSF shunts frequently have comorbidities that can influence water and electrolyte balances. The authors report on a case involving a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in a patient who underwent intravenous hyperhydration and withdrawal of vasopressin substitution prior to scheduled high-dose chemotherapy regimen for a metastatic suprasellar germinoma. After acute neurological deterioration, the patient underwent CT scanning that demonstrated ventriculomegaly. A shunt tap revealed no flow and negative opening pressure. Due to suspicion of proximal shunt malfunction, the comatose patient underwent immediate surgical exploration of the ventricle catheter, which was found to be patent. However, acute severe hypernatremia was diagnosed during the procedure. After correction of the electrolyte disturbances, the patient regained consciousness and made a good recovery. Although rare, the effects of acute severe hypernatremia on brain volume and ventricular size should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure.
Nationwide study of decompressive surgery for malignant supratentorial infarction in the Czech Republic: utilization and outcome predictors
Authors: Bar Michal , Mikulik Robert , Školoudík David , Czerny Daniel , Lipina Radim , Klecka Lukas , Juran Vilem , Mraček Jan , Vondráčková Denisa , Hrabalek Lumir , Brzezny Richard , Dienelt Jan
Published: November 2009

Object

Decompressive surgery within 48 hours in patients younger than 60 years of age reduces mortality and morbidity from malignant supratentorial infarction. The goal of this study was to characterize the utilization of decompressive surgery in the Czech Republic in 2006.

Methods

This nationwide study was undertaken from September to December 2007 using a questionnaire sent to all neurosurgery departments in the Czech Republic. Diagnosis of brain infarction and decompressive surgery was based on discharge codes. Patient data were retrieved from hospital charts. Favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score ≤4 on the day of discharge from the hospital.

Results

Data were obtained from 15 of the 16 neurosurgery departments in the Czech Republic (94%) and from 39 patients (11 female [28%]). The average patient age was 52 ± 14 years (11 patients > 60), median time to surgery was 48 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 26–67 hours; 15 patients > 48 hours), median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 22 (IQR 16–30), median infarct volume was 341 cm3 (IQR 243–375 cm3), mean shift from the midline was 9.9 ± 4.1 mm, median duration of hospitalization was 19 days (IQR 13–30 days), and mean bone flap surface area was 75 cm2 (IQR 70–97 cm2). A favorable outcome was achieved in 19 patients (49%). The median number of procedures per site in 2006 was 1.5 (range 0–13 procedures). Five sites (31%) serving one-third of the entire population did not perform any decompressive surgery. No variable was a significant predictor of outcome in a multiple regression model.

Conclusions

In 2006 decompressive surgery was underutilized and occurred late in the clinical course in the Czech Republic. Revision of national guidelines is necessary to incorporate the latest data and ensure that the patients who can benefit most receive treatment.
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor of the pineal region in an adult
Authors: Takei Hidehiro , Adesina Adekunle M. , Mehta Vidya , Powell Suzanne Z. , Langford Lauren A.
Published: November 2009

An atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a highly malignant embryonal tumor most often occurring in the posterior fossa in children younger than 3 years of age. Adult cases of AT/RT are very rare, and 27 cases with a diagnosis of either AT/RT or (malignant) rhabdoid tumor have been reported to date. The authors report an adult case of an AT/RT occurring in the pineal region with molecular cytogenetic and immunohistochemical confirmation. A 33-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of headache and blurred vision progressing to diplopia, and was admitted emergently due to deteriorating mental status. An MR image showed a heterogeneously enhancing mass involving the posterior third ventricle and pineal region with mild hydrocephalus. She underwent a subtotal resection of the tumor and was then treated with chemoradiation. Thirteen months after surgery, she was still alive with radiological evidence of recurrence/residual lesions. Histological sections showed epithelioid cellular sheets of rhabdoid tumor cells with scattered mitotic figures. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely and strongly positive for epithelial membrane antigen and vimentin, and showed focal expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, pancytokeratin, and neurofilament protein. Loss of nuclear immunoreactivity for INI1 protein was observed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed monosomy 22. Histologically, this tumor consisted exclusively of epithelioid tumor cells with rhabdoid features. The differential diagnoses include rhabdoid glioblastoma, metastatic carcinoma, and rhabdoid meningioma. Molecular testing to identify monosomy 22 or deletions of the chromosome 22q11 containing the INI1/hSNF5 gene and/or immunohistochemical staining with INI1 antibody is of great importance for the diagnosis of this tumor.
Biblical Archaeology and the Politics of Nation-Building
Authors: Thompson Thomas L.
Published: November 2009

Since the time of the British mandate, Zionist and, later, Israeli politics of nation-building has strongly influenced ‘biblical archaeology’ and has significantly undermined the integrity of Israeli scholarship. Critiques from Yael Zerubavel and Keith Whitelam to Nadia Abu El-Haj and Raz Kletter have repeatedly pointed out the consistent nationalistic distortions that have infected the field. The efforts of critical scholars to write a history of Palestine independent of biblical perspectives have corrected such distortions since the 1980s and have raised considerable doubt concerning the legitimacy of the Judeo-ethnocentrism which dominates nationalist Israeli claims on the heritage of ancient Palestine and the Bible.
The Fallout from Israel's War on Gaza: A Turning Point in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict?
Authors: Ghanem As‘ad
Published: November 2009

In this article I argue that the Israeli War against Gaza of December 2008–January 2009 marked a historical crossroad in the annals of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. The article examines four arguments: first, the war as a test for the Israeli post-Oslo strategy: Israel believed that the Palestinian Bantustans should behave as ‘protectorate regimes’, otherwise they would be under massive Israeli attack. Second, the war as the second ‘open confrontation’ that was a result of Israel's loss of its historical military deterrence. Third, some of the Arab states, including the ‘protectorate regime’ in Ramallah are part of the Israeli (and American) alliance against what is considered as the ‘rejectionist regimes’. Forth, the war in Gaza is the formal beginning of the end of the PLO as the ‘sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people’.
Can a Single Amphibian Species Be a Good Biodiversity Indicator?
Authors: Sewell David , Griffiths Richard  A.
Published: November 2009

Although amphibians have been widely promoted as indicators of biodiversity and environmental change, rigorous tests are lacking. Here key indicator criteria are distilled from published papers, and a species that has been promoted as a bioindicator, the great crested newt, is tested against them. Although a link was established between the presence of great crested newts and aquatic plant diversity, this was not repeated with the diversity of macroinvertebrates. Equally, amphibians do not meet many of the published criteria of bioindicators. Our research suggests that a suite of indicators, rather than a single species, will usually be required.
Estimating Flow Resistance of Wetlands Using SAR Images and Interaction Models
Authors: Salvia Mercedes , Franco Mariano , Grings Francisco , Perna Pablo , Martino Roman , Karszenbaum Haydee , Ferrazzoli Paolo
Published: November 2009

The inability to monitor wetland drag coefficients at a regional scale is rooted in the difficulty to determine vegetation structure from remote sensing data. Based on the fact that the backscattering coefficient is sensitive to marsh vegetation structure, this paper presents a methodology to estimate the drag coefficient from a combination of SAR images, interaction models and ancillary data. We use as test case a severe fire event occurred in the Paraná River Delta (Argentina) at the beginning of 2008, when 10% of the herbaceous vegetation was burned up. A map of the reduction of the wetland drag coefficient is presented.
Selective Detection of Formaldehyde Gas Using a Cd-Doped TiO2-SnO2 Sensor
Authors: Zeng Wen , Liu Tianmo , Wang Zhongchang , Tsukimoto Susumu , Saito Mitsuhiro , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: November 2009

We report the microstructure and gas-sensing properties of a nonequilibrium TiO2-SnO2 solid solution prepared by the sol-gel method. In particular, we focus on the effect of Cd doping on the sensing behavior of the TiO2-SnO2 sensor. Of all volatile organic compound gases examined, the sensor with Cd doping exhibits exclusive selectivity as well as high sensitivity to formaldehyde, a main harmful indoor gas. The key gas-sensing quantities, maximum sensitivity, optimal working temperature, and response and recovery time, are found to meet the basic industrial needs. This makes the Cd-doped TiO2-SnO2 composite a promising sensor material for detecting the formaldehyde gas.
Molecular length distribution and the formation of smectic phases
Authors: Kapernaum Nadia , Hartley C Scott , Roberts Jeffrey C , Lemieux Robert P , Giesselmann Frank
Published: November 2009

The phase diagrams of two mixtures of chemically similar smectogenic mesogens strongly differing in molecular length were investigated. In these mixtures the nematic phase present in the pure short mesogen disappeared rapidly on the addition of the longer mesogen, while the smectic state was preserved. In the smectic state the smectic A phase was the much more stable phase as the smectic C phase disappeared quite rapidly as well. In these compounds the loss of the smectic C phase is accompanied by a decrease in smectic translational order and very small tilt angles. This leads to a concentration induced smectic C to smectic A transition. Thus smectic A seems to be the most stable phase to accommodate mesogenic molecules of substantially different length. These surprising results are of general interest for the understanding of the structure and dynamics of smectic phases, as the structure of these bidisperse smectics is signified by extensive out-of-layer fluctuations.
Histopathological Changes in Brain, Kidney and Liver of Mice following Intramuscular Administration of Krait Venom
Authors: Nanayakkara DP , Ratnayake RMP , Ranasinghe JG Shirani
Published: November 2009

Histopathological changes following krait (Bungarus) bites are not widely documented compared to other species of snakes. In this study, the histopathological changes in liver, kidney and brain tissues following intramuscular administration of venom of Bungarus ceylonicus and Bungarus caeruleus were studied. Serial dilutions of venom of the two species of snakes were injected to seven groups of mice after determination of protein concentrations. There were no macroscopically identifiable changes in any of the organs. Tissues were obtained for histological studies at 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h time intervals following injection of venom. Histopathological changes namely congestion, inflammation and necrosis were observed microscopically in the tissues of liver, brain and kidney. These changes were proportionate to the dose of venom and were maximum in the liver at the dose of 1.0 μg/mouse for B. caeruleus venom and at 2.0 μg/mouse for B. ceylonicus venom. Histopathological changes observed due to B. caeruleus and B. ceylonicus venom appeared within 1 h in all tissues. Congestion was moderate in the liver and kidney but was less marked in brain. Inflammatory infiltration was seen in the perivascular regions in liver and kidney and was mainly lymphocytic. Venom of B. ceylonicus produced histopathological changes in the brain tissue, but not B. caeruleus venom. Histopathological changes were intense with B. ceylonicus venom than with B. caeruleus venom. Necrosis was seen in the liver and brain only following administration of B. ceylonicus venom. No histopathological changes were observed in skeletal and cardiac muscle with either venom. Key words: Bungarus ceylonicus, Bungarus caeruleus, inflammatory infiltration, congestion, necrosis DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i1.1321 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (1): 1-10, 2009
Observations on Piper hymenophyllum Miq.: A Rare Wild Piper species in Sri Lanka
Authors: Edirisinghe RE
Published: November 2009

Of the five wild Piper species, Piper hymenophyullum Miq. is an extremely rare species in Sri Lanka and previous collections were limited to the two specimens deposited at Kew and the National Herbarium, Peradeniya. This paper discusses the recent observations on P. hymenophyullum from one of the isolated forest patches in Matale district. Key words: Piperaceae, Matale district, isolated forest DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i1.1324 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (1): 23-26, 2009
Occurance of Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum Leaf Spot on Hevea brasiliensis in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasinghe CK , Silva WPK , Nishantha Najith
Published: November 2009

Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum is a serious pathogen of tree crops in the tropics. It has been shown that rubber is also affected by this pathogen in Malaysia and China. This is the first report of the natural occurrence of Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum on Hevea brasiliensis in Sri Lanka. Key words: Leaf diseases, fungal pathogen, rubber DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i1.1325 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (1): 27-30, 2009
A spirited workplace: Employee perspectives on the meaning of workplace spirituality
Authors: Van Tonder Christian L. , Ramdass Priyal
Published: November 2009

Although views on the nature of workplace spirituality abound, the meaning of the concept and its relatedness to other organisational constructs are everything but clear. Using a qualitative approach, the current study set out to explore the meaning of workplace spirituality among a group comprising 31 employees of a South African manufacturing concern. The findings derived through content analysis align well with literature perspectives on the phenomenon. The findings however also reveal that employee awareness and understanding of workplace spirituality are limited.
Microstructural Engineering of Hydroxyapatite Membranes to Enhance Proton Conductivity
Authors: Liu Dongxia , Savino Keith , Yates Matthew Z.
Published: November 2009

A new approach to enhancing proton conductivity of ceramics is demonstrated by aligning proton conductive pathways and eliminating resistive grain boundaries. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) membranes are synthesized by multistage crystallization onto palladium. The synthesis involves three steps: electrochemical deposition of HAP seeds, secondary hydrothermal crystallization onto the seed layer to promote c‐axis growth normal to the substrate, and tertiary hydrothermal crystallization to promote a‐axis growth to fill the gaps between the aligned crystals. The c‐axis alignment with crystal domains spanning the membrane thickness significantly enhances proton conduction since protons are primarily transported along the c‐axes of HAP crystals. The novel HAP membranes display proton conductivity almost four orders of magnitude higher than traditional sintered HAP ceramics. The HAP membranes on palladium hydrogen membrane substrates hold promise for use in intermediate‐temperature fuel cells, chemical sensors, and other devices. The synthesis approach presented may also be applied to other ion‐conducting membrane materials to enhance transport properties.
Iridium‐Catalyzed Selective Synthesis of 4‐Substituted Benzofurans and Indoles via Directed Cyclodehydration
Authors: Tsuchikama Kyoji , Hashimoto Yu‐ki , Endo Kohei , Shibata Takanori
Published: November 2009

A directed cyclization‐dehydration cascade of α‐aryloxy ketones and α‐arylamino ketones was efficiently catalyzed by a cationic iridium‐BINAP complex, which afforded various types of 4‐substituted benzofurans and indoles in high yields with complete regioselectivity. The newly developed protocol also enabled the enantioselective preparation of chiral 4‐acetyloxindole using a chiral iridium catalyst.
A Coherent Mechanistic Rationale for Additive Effects and Autoinductive Behaviour in Proline‐Mediated Reactions
Authors: Zotova Natalia , Moran Antonio , Armstrong Alan , Blackmond Donna G.
Published: November 2009

Differences in the kinetic behaviour of aldol reactions compared to aminoxylation and amination reactions are rationalized by consideration of the rate‐determining step in each case. Both autoinductive behaviour and the rate‐enhancing effect of additives are attributed to an effect on the enamine formation step.
The effect of organo‐montmorillonite on the compatibility and properties of nylon 66/polypropylene blend
Authors: Yang Qing‐Quan , Guo Zhao‐Xia , Yu Jian
Published: November 2009

Nylon 66/polypropylene (PP) blends containing maleated polypropylene and organo‐montmorillonite (OMMT) have been prepared by melt compounding using a well‐dispersed master‐batch of nylon 6/OMMT nanocomposite as the source of OMMT. The effects of OMMT platelets on the compatibility and properties of the blends have been investigated. The blend morphology has been observed by the use of field emission scanning electron microscopy, showing a sharp decrease in domain size. The dispersion and location of OMMT have been investigated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. A high‐density occupation of OMMT at the interface (i.e. Nylon‐g‐PP interphase region) is revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis of the extraction residue after the removal of nylon phase by formic acid. A significant gain in stiffness is realized with the use of OMMT while the toughness of the material is maintained. The possible mechanism of compatibilization also is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Chemical modification of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) by the substitution with nucleophiles
Authors: Kameda Tomohito , Fukuda Yuuzou , Grause Guido , Yoshioka Toshiaki
Published: November 2009

The reaction of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with iodide, hydroxide, azide, and thiocyanate as nucleophiles (Nu) in ethylene glycol (EG) resulted in the substitution of Cl by Nu additional to the elimination of HCl, leading to the dehydrochlorination of the rigid PVC. High substitution rates were observed for hydroxide, azide and thiocyanate, while the addition of iodide accelerated predominately the elimination of HCl. The substitution by thiocyanate resulted at 150°C in both thiocyanate and isothiocyanate structures, whereas at 190°C, only isothiocyanate was observed in the polymer. The dehydrochlorination yield increased with an increasing molar SCN/Cl ratio, resulting in a maximum substitution at high molar SCN/Cl ratios. When EG was replaced by diethylene glycol (DEG) as solvent, the dehydrochlorination was found to be accelerated. It was assumed that DEG has a higher compatibility with PVC, making it easier to penetrate the rigid PVC particle. For triethylene glycol (TEG), the rapid dehydrochlorination resulted probably in the coverage of the surface of the PVC particle by methyl methacrylate/butadiene/styrene (MBS), preventing the penetration by the solution. The substitution/dehydrochlorination ratio decreased in the order of EG > DEG > TEG because of the declining polarity of the solvent, stabilizing the activated SN2 complex. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of new unsaturated polyesters containing cyclopentapyrazoline moiety in the main chain
Authors: Alkskas Ismail A. , El‐gnidi Bashir A. , Azam Faizul
Published: November 2009

3‐p‐Hydroxyphenyl‐6‐p‐hydroxybenzylidene cyclopentapyrazoline (III) and 3‐vanillyl‐7‐vanillylidene cyclopentapyrazoline (IV) were used as new starting materials for preparing new unsaturated polyesters. The polyesters were prepared by reacting (III) or (IV) with adipoyl, sebacoyl, isophthaloyl, and terephthaloyl dichlorides utilizing the interfacial polycondensation technique. The polyester samples have been characterized by elemental and spectral analyses. The polyesters have inherent viscosities of 0.55–0.97 dL/g. All the polyesters are semicrystalline and most of them are partially soluble in most common organic solvents but freely soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid. Their glass transition temperatures (Tg) range from 103.34 to 208.81°C, and the temperatures of 10% weight loss as high as 190 to 260°C in air, indicating that these aromatic polyesters have high Tg and excellent thermal stability. Doping with iodine dramatically raised the conductivity and produced dark brown colored semiconductive polymers with a maximum conductivity in the order of 3.1 × 10−7 Ω−1 cm−1. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Treatment of polycystic liver disease
Authors: van Keimpema L , Höckerstedt K
Published: November 2009

A range of options
Prevention of postoperative adhesion formation by individual and combined administration of 4 per cent icodextrin and dimetindene maleate
Authors: Tepetes K , Asprodini E K , Christodoulidis G , Spyridakis M , Kouvaras E , Hatzitheofilou K
Published: November 2009

Background

To date, no single method has been successful in eliminating peritoneal adhesion formation after major abdominal surgery. This study evaluated the individual and possible synergistic effect of a local intraperitoneal barrier, 4 per cent icodextrin, and an intravenously administered antihistamine drug, dimetindene maleate, in the prevention of adhesion development following surgical trauma.

Methods

De novo experimental adhesions were induced by standardized trauma of the peritoneum and large bowel in 120 New Zealand White rabbits. The animals were randomized into four groups receiving intraperitoneal saline, intraperitoneal 4 per cent icodextrin (60 ml), intravenous dimetindene maleate (0·1 mg/kg) and 4 per cent icodextrin–dimetindene in combination (n = 30 per group). Ten days later, adhesion scores and incidence were assessed by two independent surgeons. and surface area by computer-aided planimetry.

Results

Treatment with either icodextrin or dimetindene maleate significantly reduced adhesion scores and increased the incidence of adhesion-free animals in an equipotent manner. The effect of combined treatment on severity, incidence and surface area of adhesions was more pronounced than that of each drug administered separately.

Conclusion

Combined administration of 4 per cent icodextrin and dimetindene maleate may be used safely and efficaciously to prevent surgically induced adhesions.
Blinded randomized clinical trial of botulinum toxin versus isosorbide dinitrate ointment for treatment of anal fissure
Authors: Festen S , Gisbertz S S , van Schaagen F , Gerhards M F
Published: November 2009

Background

Nitric oxide donors such as isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) are considered the first choice of treatment for anal fissure. After reports of the successful treatment of such fissures with botulinum toxin, this randomized blinded trial compared botulinum toxin with ISDN in the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

Methods

Patients were randomized to receive an injection of botulinum in the internal anal sphincter and a placebo ointment, or a placebo injection and ISDN ointment. The primary endpoint was macroscopic fissure healing after 4 months.

Results

After 4 months macroscopic healing of the fissures was noted in 14 of 37 patients in the botulinum group and 21 of 36 in the ISDN group. Pain scores were lower among patients who received ISDN, although the difference was not significant. Side-effects were similar in the two groups.

Conclusion

In contrast with previous reports on botulinum toxin as a therapeutic agent for anal fissure, this study found no advantage over treatment with a nitric oxide donor as regards fissure healing and fissure-related pain.
Economic evaluation of a randomized clinical trial of hospitalversustelephone follow-up after treatment for breast cancer
Authors: Beaver K , Hollingworth W , McDonald R , Dunn G , Tysver-Robinson D , Thomson L , Hindley A C , Susnerwala S S , Luker K
Published: November 2009

Background

This was an economic evaluation of hospital versus telephone follow-up by specialist nurses after treatment for breast cancer.

Methods

A cost minimization analysis was carried out from a National Health Service (NHS) perspective using data from a trial in which 374 women were randomized to telephone or hospital follow-up. Primary analysis compared NHS resource use for routine follow-up over a mean of 24 months. Secondary analyses included patient and carer travel and productivity costs, and NHS and personal social services costs of care in patients with recurrent breast cancer.

Results

Patients who had telephone follow-up had approximately 20 per cent more consultations (634 versus 524). The longer duration of telephone consultations and the frequent use of junior medical staff in hospital clinics resulted in higher routine costs for telephone follow-up (mean difference £55 (bias-corrected 95 per cent confidence interval (b.c.i.) £29 to £77)). There were no significant differences in the costs of treating recurrence, but patients who had hospital-based follow-up had significantly higher travel and productivity costs (mean difference £47 (95 per cent b.c.i. £40 to £55)).

Conclusion

Telephone follow-up for breast cancer may reduce the burden on busy hospital clinics but will not necessarily lead to cost or salary savings.
High preoperative serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels predict poor clinical outcome after curative resection of gastric cancer
Authors: Vidal Ó , Metges J-P , Elizalde I , Valentíni M , Volant A , Molina R , Castells A , Pera M
Published: November 2009

Background

Tumour vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumour urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) are prognostic factors in gastric cancer but surgical specimens are required for testing. The prognostic value of preoperative serum VEGF (s-VEGF) and serum uPA (s-uPA) levels was evaluated in patients undergoing potentially curative (R0) gastric cancer resection.

Methods

Concentrations of s-VEGF and s-uPA were measured 97 patients with gastric cancer and 20 controls. Angiogenesis was measured in vitro based on human endothelial cell tube formation.

Results

Levels of s-VEGF were higher in patients with gastric cancer than controls (median 288 versus 189 pg/ml respectively; P = 0·002). They were associated with pathological tumour node metastasis (pTNM) stage, pT, pN, lymph node ratio and perineural invasion, and correlated with platelet counts. In multivariable analysis, s-VEGF over 320 pg/ml was the only preoperative predictor of both recurrence and disease-specific survival. Serum from patients with raised s-VEGF levels enhanced angiogenesis in vitro significantly more than serum from those with a s-VEGF level of 320 pg/ml or less.

Conclusion

High preoperative s-VEGF level is an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and survival after R0 resection of gastric cancer. This may provide a useful guide to decision making regarding neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies.
Short-term outcomes from a prospective randomized trial comparing laparoscopic and open surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Neudecker J , Klein F , Bittner R , Carus T , Stroux A , Schwenk W
Published: November 2009

Background

Randomized trials in low-risk populations have failed to show any benefit for laparoscopic compared with open colorectal resection in terms of morbidity. Furthermore, it is not known whether laparoscopic colorectal resection would yield advantages if randomization were revealed during surgery after a diagnostic laparoscopy.

Methods

Patients with cancer of the colon or upper rectum were randomly assigned to laparoscopic or open resection. All patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy to assess whether laparoscopic resection was feasible and the result of randomization was then revealed to the surgeon. Main endpoints were overall, general and surgical morbidity, and mortality.

Results

Some 679 patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy which led to the exclusion of 207; 250 patients were allocated to laparoscopic and 222 to open resection. Conversion to laparotomy occurred in 28 patients (11·2 per cent). There were no differences in morbidity (overall 25·2 versus 23·9 per cent) or mortality (1·2 versus 0·9 per cent) between laparoscopic and open groups. Postoperative hospital stay was shorter after laparoscopic resection (median (range) 10 (1–123) versus 12 (4–109) days; P = 0·032).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer is associated with increased operating time but does not decrease morbidity even in a moderate-risk population.
Advantage of a one-stop referral and management service for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Hafez H , Owen L W , Lorimer C F K , Bajwa A
Published: November 2009

Background

In 2005, 4003 deaths in England and Wales were attributed to ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA). This study examined the referral and management patterns of this condition within one English county.

Methods

West Sussex has a population of 811 000 and is served by five hospitals with two main vascular networks. Between January 2005 and December 2007, data for community and in-hospital RAAA interventions and deaths were obtained. Probability of intervention and outcome for each network were calculated.

Results

Of 341 RAAA, 228 (66·9 per cent) presented to hospital. The mean distance travelled to hospitals with a full on-site vascular service was 17·6 (95 per cent confidence interval 15·5 to 19·7) km (124 patients) compared with 11·0 (9·5 to 12·7) km (104 patients) to hospitals with a partial or no vascular service (P < 0·001). Patients managed by the network with a one-stop RAAA management policy had an odds ratio of 2·4 for undergoing surgery and 2·5 for surviving the operation (P = 0·001 and P = 0·017 respectively).

Conclusion

Patients with RAAA should be offered a one-stop emergency vascular service even if this involves further travel. Such a strategy offers significantly higher chance of intervention and survival from ruptured AAA.
Primary computed tomography survey for major trauma
Authors: Chan O
Published: November 2009

In this, the final leading article in the Journal's Trauma Series, Dr Otto Chan explains why primary survey by computed tomography should replace primary clinical survey.
Amyloid fibrils as a nanoscaffold for enzyme immobilization
Authors: Pilkington Sarah M. , Roberts Sarah J. , Meade Susie J. , Gerrard Juliet A.
Published: November 2009

Amyloid fibrils are a misfolded state, formed by many proteins when subjected to denaturing conditions. Their constituent amino acids make them ideally suited as a readily functionalized nanoscaffold for enzyme immobilization and their strength, stability, and nanometer size are attractive features for exploitation in the creation of new bionanomaterials. We report successful functionalization of amyloid fibrils by conjugation to glucose oxidase (GOD) using glutaraldehyde. GOD retained activity upon attachment and successful cross‐linking was determined using electrophoresis, centrifugation, sucrose gradient centrifugation, and TEM. The resulting functionalized enzyme scaffold was then incorporated into a model poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) film, to create a new bionanomaterial. The antibacterial effect of the functionalized film was then tested on E. coli, the growth of which was inhibited, demonstrating the incorporation of GOD antibacterial activity into the PVOH film. The incorporation of the GOD‐functionalized amyloid fibrils into PVOH provides an excellent ‘proof of concept’ model for the creation of a new bionanomaterial using a functionalized amyloid fibril scaffold. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Fast enzymatic saccharification of switchgrass after pretreatment with ionic liquids
Authors: Zhao Hua , Baker Gary A. , Cowins Janet V.
Published: November 2009

The pretreatment of cellulose using ionic liquids (ILs) has been shown to be an effective method for improving the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose; this technique affords a fast and complete saccharification of cellulose into reducing sugars (Dadi et al., Biotechnol Bioeng. 2006; 95:904–910; Liu and Chen, Chinese Sci Bull. 2006; 51:2432–2436; Zhao et al., J Biotechnol. 2009; 139:47–54). Motivated by these advances, this study examines the effect of IL‐pretreatment on the enzymatic hydrolysis of purified xylan (as a model system of hemicellulose) and switchgrass (as a real lignocellulose). The IL‐pretreatment resulted in no improvement in the hydrolysis of xylan. The likely reason is that pure xylan has a low degree of polymerization (DP), and is readily biodegraded even without any pretreatment. However, in real cellulosic materials (such as switchgrass), xylan is entrapped within the cellulosic matrix, and cannot be conveniently accessed by enzymes. Our data demonstrate that the IL‐pretreatment of switchgrass significantly improved the enzymatic saccharification of both cellulose (96% D‐glucose yield in 24 h) and xylan (63% D‐xylose yield in 24 h). The compositional analysis of switchgrass suggests a lower lignin content after IL‐pretreatment. In addition, the infrared spectrum of regenerated switchgrass indicates a lower substrate crystallinity, whereas the enzyme adsorption isotherm further implies that the regenerated substrate is more accessible to enzymes. This study has further confirmed that IL‐pretreatment is an effective tool in enhancing the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass, and allowing a more complete saccharification. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Antibody‐immobilized column for quick cell separation based on cell rolling
Authors: Mahara Atsushi , Yamaoka Tetsuji
Published: November 2009

Cell separation using methodological standards that ensure high purity is a very important step in cell transplantation for regenerative medicine and for stem cell research. A separation protocol using magnetic beads has been widely used for cell separation to isolate negative and positive cells. However, not only the surface marker pattern, e.g., negative or positive, but also the density of a cell depends on its developmental stage and differentiation ability. Rapid and label‐free separation procedures based on surface marker density are the focus of our interest. In this study, we have successfully developed an antiCD34 antibody‐immobilized cell‐rolling column, that can separate cells depending on the CD34 density of the cell surfaces. Various conditions for the cell‐rolling column were optimized including graft copolymerization, and adjustment of the column tilt angle, and medium flow rate. Using CD34‐positive and ‐negative cell lines, the cell separation potential of the column was established. We observed a difference in the rolling velocities between CD34‐positive and CD34‐negative cells on antibody‐immobilized microfluidic device. Cell separation was achieved by tilting the surface 20 degrees and the increasing medium flow. Surface marker characteristics of the isolated cells in each fraction were analyzed using a cell‐sorting system, and it was found that populations containing high density of CD34 were eluted in the delayed fractions. These results demonstrate that cells with a given surface marker density can be continuously separated using the cell rolling column. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010