bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Examination of the Normal Fetal Heart
Authors: Toscano Alessandra , Pasquini Luciano , Iacobelli Roberta
Published: July 2010

The heart, anatomically and embryologically, is a segmented structure. The atria, the ventricles and the
great arteries are the three major fundamental components. The heart should be examined echocardiographically
by Sequential Segmental Analysis from the venous to the arterial poles following the blood flow. Each segment is
evaluated independently considering not only the segmental situs (or location into the body) but also the
connections of each heart segment to the others. A systematic approach by Sequential Segmental Analysis is a
cornerstone of fetal cardiac study. First step is the identification of fetal heart position followed by the
identification of position of the heart in relation to the body and the anatomic study of each cardiac chamber, and
finally, the study of cardiac rhythms and function. The heart can be observed in infinity of planes, but few
sections are the basis of fetal cardiac study. The examination starts with abdominal cross-sectional view for the
identification of the viscero-atrial situs. Then the transthoracic four-chamber view should be obtained. This view
allows to obtains a large amount of informations specially regarding the atria and ventricles, atrioventricular
valves, interatrial and interventricular septum. Ventriculo-arterial connections are well identified by a gentle
sweep towards the fetal neck, left ventricular outflow tract and ascending aorta are first visualized and, by further
sweeping, also right ventricular outflow tract, branch pulmonary arteries and ductus arteriosus are correctly
identified. The three vessel view give us information regarding left or right location of aortic arch. Short axis of
the heart is evaluated from the cavo-atrial and ventricular segments to the ductal and aortic arches. Finally the
study of heart rate and rhythm and of myocardial function ends the fetal heart examination.
Analysis of Acquired Volumes: Methodological Approach
Authors: R DeVore Greggory
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this paper is to review how 3D/4D echocardiographic images can be manipulated to
maximize the information regarding cardiac structure to improve the diagnostic yield of congenital heart defects. The
following topics are discussed: (1) the differences between 3D and 4D ultrasound; (2) basic imaging principles of fourdimensional
ultrasound when using spatial-temporal image correlation, real-time volume display, and matrix array
technology; (3) analysis of acquired volumes using X,Y and Z rotation, the transverse sweep, the spin technique,
tomographic imaging, rendering, inversion, and B-flow. The conclusion is that while the 3D and 4D volumes are easy to
acquire, the user must understand the number of tools available to enhance the examination of the fetal heart.
3D Live Echocardiography with Matrix Probes
Authors: Taddei Fabrizio , Franceschetti Laura , Farina Giuliano , Grisolia Gianpaolo
Published: July 2010

Real-time four-dimensional (4D) echocardiography is the examination of the fetal heart in the three
spatial dimensions plus motion.The matrix probe’s technology allows direct volume scanning by electronically
interrogation of a region of interest and acquisition of a pyramidal volume of ultrasonographic data. This
technology has the potential to minimize motion artifacts associated with 3D/4D ultrasonography with a
satisfactory spatial resolution.The system allows beam steering and focusing in the 3D volume dataset, making it
possible to simultaneously examine two different planes of section of the same structure, in real-time, without
resolution loss (Live xPlane imaging). The system achieves a pyramidal volume of data, creating a new real-time
3D moving imaging mode called Live 3D Volume Imaging, without the use of software-reconstructed section
planes. Combination with Doppler techniques creates a new imaging option: Full Volume 3D imaging. The
technique of Thick Slice Live Volume Imaging allows high resolution and contrast-enhanced images The strength
of this technology is the easiness in obtaining real-time images of the heart, the high volumetric frame rate and
the opportunity to obtain scanning planes with the same axial and lateral resolution. These features improve the
overall understanding of anatomical structure arrangement. Matrix technology could be very useful in congenital
cardiac clinical applications: real-time 3D echocardiography shows instantaneous rendered images of the beating
fetal heart with complex pathologies in one complete heart cycle, and application of this modality allows its
spatial location in the heart and its temporal location in the cardiac cycle.
African Tropical Plant Gums: Grossly Unexploited Carriers or Adjuncts in Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: C. Okore Vincent
Published: July 2010

A volume of attention is currently being drawn to the potentials inherent in African
tropical plants as sources of bioactive substances and drug carriers as well as adjuncts in the
formulation of drug delivery systems. One group of such carriers or adjuvants consists of
polymeric plant metabolites, which can hydrate into gels or mucilages. These are generally
known as plant gums. Although gums obtained from African tropical plants have been known
for a very long time, their extraction, purification and utilization in pharmaceutical
formulations are still at rudimentary stages. There appears to be greater industrial preference
for synthetic or semi-synthetic hydrogels as vehicles, carriers and excipients in
pharmaceutical, cosmetic or food products. But because of the naturalness of biopolymers of
plant origin, with associated inertness and safety, more interest has to be shown, particularly
by the pharmaceutical industry, towards the employment of plant gums as drug carriers, or
adjuncts, in drug dosage forms. This article seeks to draw attention to some African tropical
plant gums, obtained from different plant species, which have been shown, via laboratory
studies, to exhibit potential applicability in the development of drug delivery systems.
Application of Modified Tropical Starches in Drug Delivery
Authors: C. Ibezim Emmanuel
Published: July 2010

Starches are carbohydrate polymeric substances mostly structurally composed of
straight-chain amylose units with branched chain amylopectin. They are synthesized within the
plant by the chemical interlinking of hundreds and thousands of individual glucose units to form
long-chain molecules, and treatment with acid or enzymes can break the starch down to its
constituent glucose molecules. They form the major food reserve materials in plants especially in
the seeds and tubers. Starches have found wide uses in various segments of life, especially
agricultural, pharmaceutical, food and chemical sectors and are reportedly the most important
hydrocolloids both on a weight and money basis. Over the years, it has been possible to
structurally modify starches to achieve an improvement in their utility in the various segments of
their application. Such modifications impart new properties, improve some of the inherent
properties, or repress and modify some of their other properties. The modification involves a
change in the functional properties of the starch, which may manifest as changes in granule size,
colour, flavour, odour, moisture content, flowability and dispersibility in different media, among
others. Several techniques have been employed in modification of starches including heating,
hydrolysis (acid or alkali), oxidation with oxidizing chemicals, addition of chemicals that will
result in the introduction of new chemical groups and/or changes in the size, shape and structure of
the starch molecules, extrusion cooking and cross-linking. In the pharmaceutical sector, modified
starches have found great use in the development of conventional and novel drug delivery systems.
They have specifically been utilized as efficient binders in tablet and granule formulations,
disintegrants in tablet formulations, diluents in tablet, granule, capsule and powder formulations;
and matrices for specialized (sustained, targeted, regulated) drug delivery systems.
Natural Biopolymers in Gene Therapy Delivery
Authors: S. Nworu Chukwuemeka , C. Nwanegbo Edward , O. Esimone Charles
Published: July 2010

Effective delivery of therapeutic genes to target cells is an essential goal of all
innovative gene therapy endeavours and recombinant vaccine technology. Current use of viral
vectors in achieving this goal has been associated with minimal success and plethora of
unwanted adverse events. As a result, there is an ongoing search for suitable vector platforms
for the delivery of therapeutic genes to target cells. Such agent should be easily manipulated to
accommodate small and large gene inserts and safely deliver Transgenes. This will ensure
effective expression of the gene in target cells. The resulting optimal expression of this gene
may correct defective or deficient gene in individuals receiving gene therapy. This chapter
examines the applications of biopolymers as non-viral gene delivery vectors either alone or as
copolymers.
Biopolymer Cross-links: Strategies for Improving Drug Release and Delivery
Authors: C. Ofokansi Kenneth
Published: July 2010

Cross-links are bonds that link one polymer chain to another. These bonds can
either be covalent or ionic in nature. In polymer science, the use of cross-links to promote a
difference in a polymer’s physical properties is referred to as cross-linking. When polymer
chains are linked together by cross-links, they lose some of their ability to move as individual
polymer chains. For example, a liquid polymer, which possesses freely flowing chains can be
turned into a “solid” or “gel” by cross-linking the chains together. Cross-linking inhibits close
packing of the polymer chains, preventing the formation of crystalline regions. The restricted
molecular mobility of a cross-linked structure limits the extension of the polymer material
under loading. This means that when a polymer is stretched, the cross-links prevent the
individual chains from sliding past each other. In the process, the chains may straighten out,
but once the stress is removed they return to their original position and the object returns to its
original shape. It is a well known fact that polymers with a high enough degree of crosslinking
have “memory”. With this “memory”, such cross-linked polymers can be exploited for
a number of useful purposes including modifications for improved drug delivery and release.
Several reports have indicated that the cross-linking density, molecular weight, electrical
charge of polymers and other factors might have a profound effect on the release rate of drugs
from polymer-based multiparticulate drug delivery systems. Among these factors, the
modification of the cross-linking density is expected to be the most useful for optimizing the
release rate of drugs, including peptides, from such systems. Alteration of the cross-linking
conditions almost always results in changes in the cross-linking density of biopolymers. Both
the prolongation of the cross-linking reaction time and an increase in concentrations of crosslinking
agent have been reported to increase the cross-linking density of gelatin and other
biopolymers. These reports suggest that polymers with desirable cross-linking density could
be obtained by optimizing the conditions of the cross-linking reaction. The cross-linking
density of polymers such as alginate and collagen could also be altered by modifying the
cross-linking reaction time and the concentration of the cross-linking agent. In fact, previous
reports have demonstrated that as the cross-linking density became higher, the amount of
insulin released from gelatin microspheres in the initial phase decreased. A burst release of
insulin, however, was also reported for gelatin microspheres with a low cross-linking density
because of the structural weakness of such microspheres. This chapter will, therefore, focus on
how drug delivery and release can be improved and/or controlled by altering the cross-linking
density of biopolymers using well known polymers as illustrations. Optimization of this
technique would be useful when designing biopolymer-based multiparticulate systems for
drug delivery.
The Role of Perfectionism in Student Suicide: Three Case Studies from the UK
Authors: Bell Jo , Stanley Nicky , Mallon Sharon , Manthorpe Jill
Published: July 2010

A number of studies have investigated the relationship between suicide and perfectionism but none to our knowledge have been based on studies of completed suicides. This article aims to provide important insight into the potency that certain profiles of perfectionism can claim in the path to suicide by presenting three case studies from a U.K. study of student suicide. Collectively, these case studies provide theoretical support for existing frameworks and are consistent with other literature which emphasizes those forms of perfectionism that engender severe self-criticism and self-doubt and fear of failure as most destructive.
COLIBROS: Educational operating system
Authors: Rakic Predrag , Zivanov Zarko , Hajdukovic Miroslav
Published: July 2010

This paper gives an overview of educational operating system called COLIBROS. It is small, object oriented, library operating system, based on micro-kernel concepts, supporting high level concurrency and synchronization primitives. In fact, COLIBROS is simplified operating system kernel accompanied with hardware emulation layer that emulates keyboard, monitor, disk and interrupt mechanism. A concurrent COLIBROS program behaves like stand alone program executing in emulated environment, in our case as plain GNU/Linux process. Encapsulating all critical concepts in host operating system user space makes COLIBROS development and debugging easier and more user friendly.
Personalizing the dynamic information resources in a self organized web system using CAS and MAS
Authors: Rattrout Amjad , Assaf Rasha , Al-Dahoud Ali
Published: July 2010

The Web is a constantly growing dynamic environment where the components are changed in non-linear ways. These components represent the targets to researches in order to better understand the behavior of the Web, where the owners and the users in this environment exist as out factors. Web page Usage information is the term which describes ways and methods of using the Web. Various factors affect the use of the diversity of the resources in the Web, The non-linear way of its growth, and the evolution in the methods for how we build the Web pages which eventually leads to reflecting the users? interests. Personalizing the results of search engines are created to meet the users need for information on the Web. Generally, the researchers seek user?s satisfaction through utilizing these search engines to serve the user. One of the most efficient methods in this domain is the use of semantic measure algorithms to personalize and recognize the outputs of the information resources according to the users' needs. The Web is represented as three aspects: Content, Structure, and Usage. Three components can lead to a personalized Web in order to reinforce the semantic value. This paper will present a model that uses new Web Usage information to see the effects on the semantic values, and how it will help us achieve a robust well personalized and organized Web. It will consider the Usage space as the field of our research as we will simulate this environment in the MAS ?Multi Agents System? and CAS ?Complex Adaptive System ?paradigm.
The impact of cold deformation, annealing temperatures and chemical assays on the mechanical properties of platinum
Authors: Trumic B. , Stankovic D. , Ivanovic A.
Published: July 2010

In order to form the necessary data base on platinum and platinum metals, certain tests were carried out on platinum samples of different purity of 99.5%, 99.9% and 99.99%. The degree of cold deformation, annealing temperature and chemical assays were tested as well as their impact on the mechanical properties of platinum. The Vickers hardness (HV) values were determined with different deformation degree, starting from annealing temperatures for platinum of different purity and tensile strength (Rm), flow limit (Rp0,2) and elongation (A) in the function of annealing temperatures and annealing time at a constant deformation degree.
Study on the pelletizing of sulfate residue with magnetite concentrate in grate-kiln system
Authors: Shufeng Y. , Jingshe L. , Yan-Qi S.
Published: July 2010

The experiment on the feasibility of pelletizing with magnetite concentrate and the wasted sulfate residue was carried out, to research the performance of pellet in grate-kiln system and simulate the grate-kiln pelletizing process in the micro-pellet roasting simulation system in laboratory, and the process experiments on preheating and roasting sections were conducted. The results show that in order to obtain pellet with good performance and the magnetite concentrate should be over 20 in mass percent, the suitable pelletizing time is about 10 min and moisture is around 12.5%. Also, according to the process parameters of drying and preheating sections obtained from experiment, it will be successful to use magnetite concentrate and the wasted sulfate residue for pelletizing, which exploits a new way for the use of sulfate residue.
A novel optical granulometry algorithm for ore particles
Authors: Junhao Y. , Xiubin Z. , Jie Q.
Published: July 2010

This paper proposes a novel algorithm to detect the particle size distribution of ores with irregular shapes and dim edges. This optical granulometry algorithm is particularly suitable for blast furnace process control, so its result can be used directly as a reliable basis for control system dynamics optimization. The paper explains the algorithm and its concept, as well as its method, which consists of five steps to detect ore granularity and distribution. A series of comparative experiments under industrial environments proved that this novel algorithm, compared with conventional ones, improves the accuracy of granulometry.
Iteration factors in the line formation problem with frequency dependent source function
Authors: Kuzmanovska-Barandovska O.
Published: July 2010

In this paper some iteration factors families introduced previously to solve the pure line transfer problem are generalized to the case when the back- ground continuum is taken into account. The convergence properties of these factors are discussed when they are applied to the solution of the two-level atom line transfer problem in a constant and variable property media.
An Analysis of IRS Concerns with Conservation Easement Charitable Deductions
Authors: Swift Kenton D.
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT: Over the past 30 years conservation easements have become an increasingly popular tool available to private landowners for protecting endangered natural areas, scenic properties, and working farms and forests. In addition, the charitable contribution deduction allowed for qualified conservation easement contributions has grown from an obscure and technical type of contribution to one of the most popular and significant types of charitable deductions available to taxpayers. Conservation easement contributions have also created a tugging match between those who write federal tax law and those who enforce it. Congress has generally looked on conservation easements favorably, and has increased the tax benefits of such contributions over time, while the IRS has listed contributions of conservation easements as an important source of tax evasion. This conflict leaves taxpayers in the middle, faced with the necessity of carefully planning qualifying conservation easement contributions in this difficult environment. The purpose of this article is to identify critical tax planning issues for those considering conservation easement transactions in light of IRS concerns.
Effect of Nitration of Organic Materials on Nitrogen Availability and Yield of Tomato in Soilless Culture
Authors: Kaniszewski Stanisław , Dyśko Jacek , Kowalczyk Waldemar , Wojtysiak Jan , Wrocławski Zbigniew , Dziedziczak Katarzyna
Published: July 2010

Effect of Nitration of Organic Materials on Nitrogen Availability and Yield of Tomato in Soilless Culture

In the cultivation of horticultural plants in greenhouses the most commonly used substrate is rockwool, while organic substrates are used in an unprocessed state. Cultivation in organic substrates, after they have been suitably processed, also makes it possible to obtain high yields at levels similar to those in rockwool cultures. Fibrous organic substrates, due to the wide C:N ratio, are characterized by high biological sorption towards nitrogen, causing N deficiency during the initial period of plant growth. In 2007-2009, a study was conducted, the aim of which was to determine the effect of nitration of fibrous organic substrates (sawdust, rye straw, flax shives) with nitric acid on nitrogen availability and the yields produced by tomato plants. The process of nitration of the organic substrates was carried out with the use of 10% HNO3. The appropriate pH of the substrates after the process of nitration was obtained by washing the substrates with water. As a result of nitration the levels of nitrogen fixed in lignin compounds and simpler polysaccharides increased to about 2%. Nitration of the organic substrates increased nitrogen availability to plants in the first five weeks of culture. Subsequently, the N-NO3 content in the nutrient solution collected from the nitrated substrates was at the same level as for the nonnitrated substrates. The yields produced by tomato plants depended on both the nature of the substrate and whether or not it had been nitrated with nitric acid. The most useful organic substrate for soilless culture, retaining good structure during the growing period, was the substrate of sawdust. The substrate of straw was found to undergo quick biodegradation, therefore its usefulness for soilless culture was low. The highest yield of tomato was obtained from the cultures on rockwool and on the nitrated sawdust substrate; the lowest yield was produced on the straw substrate.
The Effect of Foliar Nutrition with Urea, Molybdenum, Sucrose and Benzyladenine on Yield and Some Organic Compounds of Carrot Storage Roots
Authors: Smoleń Sylwester , Sady Włodzimierz
Published: July 2010

The Effect of Foliar Nutrition with Urea, Molybdenum, Sucrose and Benzyladenine on Yield and Some Organic Compounds of Carrot Storage Roots

The Kazan F1 carrot was cultivated in years 2004-2005 in open-work containers sized 60×40×20 cm filled in with silt loam and located on the open field under shade providing fabric. The following combinations of experiments were arranged: (1) control - without foliar nutrition, and foliar nutrition with: (2) urea, (3) solution of urea+Mo, (4) urea+Mo+BA (benzyladenine BA), (5) urea+Mo+BA+sucrose, (6) BA in the concentration of 5 mg·dm-3 and (7) BA in the concentration of 10 mg·dm-3. In combinations 2-5 the following concentrations of components in solutions were applied: urea and sucrose each in 20 g·dm-3, molybdenum 1 mg·dm-3, benzyladenine 5 mg·dm-3. Foliar nutrition was applied three times. In both years of study the greatest mass of storage roots and whole plant (haulm + root) was determined after spraying with benzyladenine in 5 mg·dm-3 concentration. Plants with urea+Mo+BA+sucrose foliar nutrition were characterized by a comparable mass of roots and whole plant but only in 2005. In both years of study plants treated with urea only had the lowest root mass and the highest content of phenolic compounds and the lowest (in 2004 and the means from 2004-2005) content of soluble sugars in roots. Foliar nutrition with urea+Mo+BA+sucrose and spraying with benzyladenine exclusively in both applied concentrations caused a significant increase in the content of sugars (in 2004 and the means from 2004-2005) as well as carotenoids (except for combination no. 7 - in 2005 and the means from 2004-2005) in storage roots.
Influence of Auxin Bioregulators on Physiological Changes and Shelf-Life of Tomatoes
Authors: Olaiya Charles
Published: July 2010

Influence of Auxin Bioregulators on Physiological Changes and Shelf-Life of Tomatoes

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) is one of the most popular and extensively consumed vegetable crops worldwide. Their highly perishable nature poses great limitation to their marketability over long distances. We have earlier demonstrated that the 100 mg·L-1 concentration of the bioregulators Indoleacetic acid (IAA), indole butyric acid (IBA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) is suitable for tomato growth under field conditions. We have also reported the effects of these bioregulators on tomato fruit yield and postharvest quality. In this study, the shelf - life and associated physiological changes of fruits of five bioregulator - treated tomato genotypes in practical conditions of storage time and temperature were investigated. Seeds of the tomato genotypes namely NHLy 11, NHLy 12, NHLy 13, NHLy 15 and NHLy 16 were subjected to treatments with 100 mg·L-1 concentrations of the bioregulators IAA, IBA, NAA and distilled water (control) before planting. The fruits were harvested at the orange - red ripe stage. Sensory and visual fruit changes were determined and deterioration level measured during storage trials for up to ten days in order to evaluate their quality. The results revealed that the bioregulator - treated tomato genotypes generally exhibited better storage features than those of controls, with the NAA - treated NHLy 12 genotype having the highest storability index of 6.00 after ten days of storage. The present findings show that treating tomatoes with bioregulators, especially the ones used in this work improves their storage at ambient conditions.
Unusual development of sandur sedimentary succession, an example from the Pleistocene of S Poland
Authors: Salamon Tomasz , Zieliński Tomasz
Published: July 2010

Unusual development of sandur sedimentary succession, an example from the Pleistocene of S Poland

An atypical lithological development of outwash deposits in the Carpathians Foreland (S Poland) shows lower and middle parts of the sedimentary succession that are characterized by sinuous palaeochannels. This channel facies consists of laterally accreted sands derived from side bars. The sedimentary environment was a proglacial system of anabranching channels, presumably of anastomosed type. The outwash channel pattern was most probably controlled by the raising base level of the fluvial system. Both proglacial and extraglacial waters were dammed by a sandur within a small upland valley. Aggradation and progradation of the glaciofluvial deposits resulted in progressive rising of the dammed lake level. The low hydraulic gradient of the outwash streams resulted in a sinuous planform as well as a low-energy style of deposition. Afterwards, the rising lake water was drained off through a low watershed and the entire valley became filled with outwash sediments. The bedrock morphology thus became buried and a typical unconfined sandur with a braided channel network developed during the last phase of the glaciomarginal sedimentation (upper part of the sedimentary succession under study).
A Comparison of Physical Characteristics and Swing Mechanics Between Golfers With and Without a History of Low Back Pain
Authors: Tsai Yung-Shen , Sell Timothy C. , Smoliga James M. , Myers Joseph B. , Learman Kenneth E. , Lephart Scott M.
Published: July 2010

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study using a cross-sectional design.

Objectives

To examine the kinematics and kinetics of the trunk and the physical characteristics of trunk and hip in golfers with and without a history of low back pain (LBP).

Background

Modified swing patterns and general exercises have been suggested for golfers with back pain. Yet we do not know what contributes to LBP in golfers. To create and validate a low back-specific exercise program to help prevent and improve back injuries in golfers, it may be valuable to understand the differences in biomechanical and physical characteristics of golfers with and without a history of LBP.

Methods

Sixteen male golfers with a history of LBP were matched by age and handicap with 16 male golfers without a history of LBP. All golfers underwent a biomechanical swing analysis, trunk and hip strength and flexibility assessment, spinal proprioception testing, and postural stability testing.

Results

The group with a history of LBP demonstrated significantly less trunk extension strength at 60°/s and left hip adduction strength, as well as limited trunk rotation angle toward the nonlead side. No significant differences were found in postural stability, trunk kinematics, and maximum spinal moments during the golf swing.

Conclusion

Deficits observed in this study may affect a golfer's ability to overcome the spinal loads generated during the golf swing over time. Exercises for improving these physical deficits can be considered, although the cause-effect of LBP in golfers still cannot be determined. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(7):430–438. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3152
Preference-Based Quality of Life of End-Stage Ankle Arthritis Treated with Arthroplasty or Arthrodesis
Authors: Slobogean Gerard P. , Younger Alastair , Apostle Kelly L. , Marra Carlo A. , Wing Kevin , Penner Murray , Daniels Tim , Glazebrook Mark
Published: July 2010

Background: Health state values, or “utilities,” are an important preference-based measure of quality of life used by health economists. This study describes the utilities reported by a multicenter cohort of subjects with end-stage ankle arthritis treated with ankle arthrodesis or total ankle arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: Subjects with end-stage ankle arthritis were enrolled in a multicenter prospective cohort study. All subjects received either ankle arthrodesis or total ankle arthroplasty. Participants completed baseline SF-36 outcome evaluations preoperatively and at 1-year followup. Preference-based quality of life was assessed using health state values (HSVs) derived from the SF-36 (SF-6D transformation). Results: 107 subjects were included. The mean baseline SF-6D health state value for the TAA group was 0.67 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.69) and 0.66 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.68) for the arthrodesis group. At 1-year followup, the mean reported health state value was 0.73 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.76) for the total ankle arthroplasty group and 0.73 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.76) for the ankle arthrodesis group. The 1-year followup results approach age- and gender-matched US population norms. Health state values poorly correlated with age, however, significant differences between genders were detected. Conclusion: These data demonstrate an improvement in preference-based quality of life following ankle arthroplasty or arthrodesis. The results also provide necessary data that can be used in future cost-effectiveness analyses.

Level of Evidence: II, Prospective Comparative Study
Modified Plantar Plate Tenodesis for Correction of Claw Toe Deformity
Authors: Lui T. H. , Chan L. K. , Chan K. B.
Published: July 2010

Background: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the modified plantar plate tenodesis for correction of claw toe deformity. Materials and Methods: Modified plantar plate tenodesis was performed in ten fresh frozen cadaveric feet with claw toe deformity of the second toe. The plantar plate of the second metatarsophalangeal joint was anchored to the extensor digitorum longus tendon by a figure-of-eight suture. The figure-of-eight construct and the relationship of the digital nerve and the suture were studied. A clinical study was conducted to study the operative times, degree of correction and the improvement of AOFAS score between groups with the original plantar plate tenodesis (Group 1) and modified technique (Group 2). Any neural injury if present was also noted. Result: In the cadaveric study, the claw toe deformity was corrected and no nerve injury occurred in any specimen. There was flexor tendon tethering by the suture in 2 specimens. In the clinical study, the average operative time was 51 minutes for Group 1 and 31 minutes for Group 2. The improvement in AOFAS score averaged 44 in Group 1 and 43 in Group 2. The corrective power of the sagittal plane deformity at the metatarsophalangeal joint averaged 25 degrees in Group 1 and 23 degrees in Group 2. Conclusion: Plantar plate tenodesis was effective in correction of flexible claw second toe deformity by stabilization of the attenuated plantar plate. The modified technique allowed easier retrieval of the suture and shorter operative time. However, it may result in tethering of the flexor tendon.

Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective, Case Control Therapeutic Study
Ankle Block Implemented Through Two Skin Punctures
Authors: Hromádka Rastislav , Barták Vladislav , Popelka Stanislav , Pokorný David , Jahoda David , Sosna Antonín
Published: July 2010

Background: Recently, peripheral nerve blocks have increasingly been used in orthopedic surgery. The foot block is an alternative for anesthesia in cases of forefoot and midfoot operations. We propose a modification of the block technique due to potential difficulties concerning the tibial nerve. Materials and Methods: The spatial position of the tibial nerve in the neurovascular bundle, proximal to entering the tarsal tunnel and sural nerve behind lateral malleolus was measured on 60 dissected preparations. Modification of the block technique was proposed. A tibial nerve block was administered by inserting a needle, at an area above the upper edge of the heel bone, tangential to the Achilles tendon. The needle was then withdrawn and redirected to the frontal plane and inserted through the tissue, anterior to the Achilles tendon and laterally behind the lateral malleolus to block the sural nerve. A block of the saphenous nerve superficial and deep peroneal nerves was implemented by needle insertion subcutaneously two centimeters proximal to the crest of the ankle joint. The technique was then evaluated in the clinical part of the study in 84 operative procedures. Results: The tibial nerve is located 21.1 mm ± 2.1 mm from the medial aspect of the Achilles tendon and 11.6 mm ± 1.3 mm deep in the neurovascular bundle. The distance from the posterior margin of the lateral malleolus to the sural nerve is 18.3 mm ± 1.9 mm. We achieved a 93% success rate in implementation of the complete foot block in 84 operations. Conclusion: The technique, proposed in the anatomical portion of the study and evaluated in the clinical part, had a similar success rate when compared to techniques published in the literature. Though comparable to currently used techniques, this technique provides easier positioning of a patient and a complete block of the foot can be done with two skin injection sites.

Level of Evidence: IV, Case Series
Ilizarov Wound Closure Method for Traumatic Soft Tissue Defects
Authors: Bibbo Christopher , Karnik Subash S. , Albright Justin T.
Published: July 2010

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
The Value of “Experience” and the Labour Market Entry of New Immigrants to Canada
Authors: Hall Peter V. , Sadouzai Tulin
Published: July 2010

We use data from three waves of the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada to compare how pre-immigration experience in hi-tech and regulated occupations affects employment outcomes. While differences do decline over time, those with experience in an unregulated hi-tech occupation are more likely to be employed sooner in a matching and/or full time job. Immigrants with hi-tech occupational experience are more likely to have their foreign experience accepted, possibly due to the transferability of these skills and the absence of institutional barriers. These findings indicate important sectoral, regulatory, and institutional differences in the treatment of pre-immigration experience, with policy implications.
What about a Disability Rights Act for Canada? Practices and Lessons from America, Australia, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Prince Michael J.
Published: July 2010

The Harper government and most national political parties are committed to a federal act for dealing with accessibility rights for persons with disabilities. The purpose of this article is to identify progressive lessons from countries with similar legislation for consideration by Canadian authorities. Countries surveyed are the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. While disability rights legislation is widely accepted to be a necessary policy initiative in light of ongoing barriers and exclusion, experience suggests that such laws are far from a sufficient response to promote access. Other policy instruments required include supportive employment programs, tax incentives, and the direct provision of basic supports.
Neurotoxic Alkaloids: Saxitoxin and Its Analogs
Authors: Wiese Maria , D’Agostino Paul M. , Mihali Troco K. , Moffitt Michelle C. , Neilan Brett A.
Published: July 2010

Saxitoxin (STX) and its 57 analogs are a broad group of natural neurotoxic alkaloids, commonly known as the paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs). PSTs are the causative agents of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and are mostly associated with marine dinoflagellates (eukaryotes) and freshwater cyanobacteria (prokaryotes), which form extensive blooms around the world. PST producing dinoflagellates belong to the genera Alexandrium, Gymnodinium and Pyrodinium whilst production has been identified in several cyanobacterial genera including Anabaena, Cylindrospermopsis, Aphanizomenon Planktothrix and Lyngbya. STX and its analogs can be structurally classified into several classes such as non-sulfated, mono-sulfated, di-sulfated, decarbamoylated and the recently discovered hydrophobic analogs—each with varying levels of toxicity. Biotransformation of the PSTs into other PST analogs has been identified within marine invertebrates, humans and bacteria. An improved understanding of PST transformation into less toxic analogs and degradation, both chemically or enzymatically, will be important for the development of methods for the detoxification of contaminated water supplies and of shellfish destined for consumption. Some PSTs also have demonstrated pharmaceutical potential as a long-term anesthetic in the treatment of anal fissures and for chronic tension-type headache. The recent elucidation of the saxitoxin biosynthetic gene cluster in cyanobacteria and the identification of new PST analogs will present opportunities to further explore the pharmaceutical potential of these intriguing alkaloids.
MODELING OF DEFECTS IN ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION DEVICES OPERATING IN EXTREME CONDITIONS
Authors: Bogorosh Alexander , Voronov Sergey , Larkin Sergey , Karachiun Vladimir , Vishniakov Nikolaj , Novickij Jurij , Ščekaturovienė Danutė
Published: July 2010

An investigation of the corrosive and mechanical destruction of microelectronic objects such as multipurpose sensors and navigating devices used in the airspace industry in extreme conditions such as variable temperature, pressure and environmental composition is described. The appearance and growth of micro cracks and other defects in metallic parts and conductors of micro devices due to external actions are investigated. The structural features of defect‐testing devices improved on the basis of magnetic modulation sensitive iron elements are analyzed. Mathematical modeling for the most characteristic types of defects is performed and the forecast growth of defects within 6 % accuracy is achieved.

Santrauka

Atlikti mikroelektronikos objektų, eksploatuojamų ekstremaliomis sąlygomis bei esant kintamoms temperatūroms, slėgiui, darbinės aplinkos sudėčiai, irimo tyrimai, tarp jų – mikroįtrūkimų ir kitų defektų atsiradimo bei augimo mikroprietaisų metalinėse dalyse ir laidininkuose. Pagerinti prietaisų, gaminamų fero-moduliacinių elementų pagrindu ir skirtų mikroprietaisų defektų kontrolei, konstruktyviniai sprendimai. Sudarytas matematinis modelis, leidžiantis analizuoti būdingiausių rūšių defektus ir iki 6 % tikslumu prognozuoti defektų plitimą.
An Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Disease with Hyper-IgE-emia Develops in Mice Carrying a Spontaneous Recessive Point Mutation in theTraf3ip2(Act1/CIKS) Gene
Authors: Matsushima Yoshibumi , Kikkawa Yoshiaki , Takada Toyoyuki , Matsuoka Kunie , Seki Yuta , Yoshida Hisahiro , Minegishi Yoshiyuki , Karasuyama Hajime , Yonekawa Hiromichi
Published: July 2010

Spontaneous mutant mice that showed high levels of serum IgE and an atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin disease were found in a colony of the KOR inbred strain that was derived from Japanese wild mice. No segregation was observed between hyper-IgE-emia and dermatitis in (BALB/c × KOR mutant) N2 mice, suggesting that the mutation can be attributed to a single recessive locus, which we designated adjm (atopic dermatitis from Japanese mice). All four adjm congenic strains in different genetic backgrounds showed both hyper-IgE-emia and dermatitis, although the disease severity varied among strains. Linkage analysis using (BALB/c × KOR-adjm/adjm) N2 mice restricted the potential adjm locus to the 940 kb between D10Stm216 and D10Stm238 on chromosome 10. Sequence analysis of genes located in this region revealed that the gene AI429613, which encodes the mouse homologue of the human TNFR-associated factor 3-interacting protein 2 (TRAF3IP2) protein (formerly known as NF-κB activator 1/connection to IκB kinase and stress-activated protein kinase/Jun kinase), carried a single point mutation leading to the substitution of a stop codon for glutamine at amino acid position 214. TRAF3IP2 has been shown to function as an adaptor protein in signaling pathways mediated by the TNFR superfamily members CD40 and B cell-activating factor in epithelial cells and B cells as well as in the IL-17–mediated signaling pathway. Our results suggest that malfunction of the TRAF3IP2 protein causes hyper-IgE-emia through the CD40- and B cell-activating factor-mediated pathway in B cells and causes skin inflammation through the IL-17–mediated pathway. This study demonstrates that the TRAF3IP2 protein plays an important role in AD and suggests the protein as a therapeutic target to treat AD.
IgE Transcripts in the Circulation of Allergic Children Reflect a Classical Antigen-Driven B Cell Response and Not a Superantigen-Like Activation
Authors: Kerzel Sebastian , Rogosch Tobias , Struecker Benjamin , Maier Rolf F. , Zemlin Michael
Published: July 2010

Allergic asthma is the most frequent chronic disorder in childhood. Although IgE is a central effector molecule in allergic diseases, the nature of the IgE response is still under debate. The objective of our study was to clarify whether the IgE repertoire in the circulation of allergic children represents a classical Ag-driven and oligoclonal B cell response, a superantigen-like activation of a subset of B cells, or a polyclonal B-1 cell expansion. Using a highly sensitive RT-PCR method, we amplified, cloned, and sequenced IgE H chain transcripts from 13 children with allergic asthma. We gained 1366 functional IgE sequences, which currently represent the most extensive collection of human IgE transcripts. Compared to IgM transcripts from the same children, the somatic mutation rate was significantly enhanced in IgE transcripts (21‰ versus 72‰; p < 0.001), which renders a polyclonal B-1 response unlikely. Moreover, IgE sequences displayed significantly enhanced Ag selection and hence were indicative of a classical Ag-driven immune response with affinity maturation (p < 0.001). In contrast to several recent studies, the usage pattern of variable gene segment of the H Ig chain in IgE transcripts followed the germline complexity, arguing against a superantigen-like interaction. We conclude that IgE transcripts in the circulation of children with allergic asthma reflect a classical adaptive B-2 cell response. This study provides reference data for a better characterization of the IgE response under immunomodulating therapies, such as anti-IgE therapy or allergen-specific immunotherapy.
XBP-1 Couples Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress to Augmented IFN-β Induction via a cis-Acting Enhancer in Macrophages
Authors: Zeng Ling , Liu Yi-Ping , Sha Haibo , Chen Hui , Qi Ling , Smith Judith A.
Published: July 2010

Perturbation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) results in a conserved stress response called the unfolded protein response (UPR). Macrophages undergoing a UPR respond to LPS with log-fold increased production of IFN-β, a cytokine with diverse roles in innate and adaptive immunity. In this study, we found that thapsigargin-induced ER stress augmented recruitment of IFN regulatory factor-3, CREB binding protein/p300, and transcriptional machinery to the murine ifnb1 promoter during LPS stimulation. Although full synergistic IFN-β production requires X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1), this UPR-regulated transcription factor did not appreciably bind the ifnb1 promoter. However, XBP-1 bound a conserved site 6.1 kb downstream of ifnb1, along with IFN regulatory factor-3 and CREB binding protein only during concomitant UPR and LPS stimulation. XBP-1 physically associates with p300, suggesting a mechanism of multimolecular assembly at the +6.1 kb site. Luciferase reporter assays provide evidence this +6 kb region functions as an XBP-1–dependent enhancer of ifnb1 promoter activity. Thus, this study identifies a novel role for a UPR-dependent transcription factor in the regulation of an inflammatory cytokine. Our findings have broader mechanistic implications for the pathogenesis of diseases involving ER stress and type I IFN, including viral infection, ischemia-reperfusion injury, protein misfolding, and inflammatory diseases.
An Allelic Variant of Crry in the Murine Sle1c Lupus Susceptibility Interval Is Not Impaired in Its Ability To Regulate Complement Activation
Authors: Tchepeleva Svetlana N. , Thurman Joshua M. , Ruff Katherine , Perkins Stephen J. , Morel Laurence , Boackle Susan A.
Published: July 2010

The Sle1c subinterval on distal murine chromosome 1 confers loss of tolerance to chromatin. Cr2, which encodes complement receptors 1 and 2 (CR1/CR2; CD35/CD21), is a strong candidate gene for lupus susceptibility within this interval based on structural and functional alterations in its protein products. CR1-related protein/gene Y (Crry) lies 10 kb from Cr2 and encodes a ubiquitously expressed complement regulatory protein that could also play a role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Crry derived from B6.Sle1c congenic mice migrated at a higher m.w. by SDS-PAGE compared with B6 Crry, as a result of differential glycosylation. A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the first short consensus repeat of Sle1c Crry introduced a novel N-linked glycosylation site likely responsible for this structural alteration. Five additional single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the signal peptide and short consensus repeat 1 of Sle1c Crry were identified. However, the cellular expression of B6 and B6.Sle1c Crry and their ability to regulate the classical pathway of complement were not significantly different. Although soluble Sle1c Crry regulated the alternative pathway of complement more efficiently than B6 Crry, as a membrane protein, it regulated the alternative pathway equivalently to B6 Crry. These data fail to provide evidence for a functional effect of the structural alterations in Sle1c Crry and suggest that the role of Cr2 in the Sle1c autoimmune phenotypes can be isolated in recombinant congenic mice containing both genes.