bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Mimesis: Aristotle's Poetics in the Medieval Mediterranean
Authors: Mallette Karla
Published: August 2009

La imagen que un solo hombre puede formar es la que no toca a ninguno. … El tiempo, que despoja los alcázares, enriquece los versos.

—Jorge Luis Borges, “La busca de Averroes” (586)

The image that a single man can form touches no one. … Time, which despoils fortresses, enriches poetry.

How should literary historians aiming to describe literary traditions that predated the modern nation use the methodological tool kit developed contemporaneously with the European nationalisms? Can philology be separated from the logic of the nation and from the teleological vanishing point—the languages and literatures of (for instance) modern France, Spain, or Italy—that has traditionally provided a rationale for readings of medieval literature (and jobs for philologists)? Medieval literary historians have known for some time that we must get out of the habit of thinking in terms of the national literatures that would emerge centuries after the texts we study were written. And we have absorbed the lesson that the nineteenth-century philologists on whose shoulders we stand worked (frequently, if not systematically) under the influence of the nationalizing movements emerging as they wrote, so that their pronouncements on medieval texts must be read with appropriate caution. We have not, however, yet produced new geographic and historical formulations to replace the narrative that traces the origin of the modern European nations to a medieval Latin Christian crucible.
Of Pigs and Parchment: Medieval Studies and the Coming of the Animal
Authors: Holsinger Bruce
Published: August 2009

For Jorge Luis Borges, local color was overrated. In “the argentine writer and tradition” (1951), borges responded to the charges of critics who valued indigenous traditions and themes above all else; for Borges, just as Shakespeare could draw on Scandinavian history and Racine from the memories of the ancient world, so the Argentine writer should be permitted to mine the veins of the Western European tradition for the rich ore of literary art (Frisch 43). When the national writer does wish to produce a “truly native” text, he suggests, this should be accomplished with great subtlety, even to the extent of obscuring altogether the indigenous hues of local color in favor of an unspoken affiliation with the authorial homeland. A prime example of this technique, he avows, can be found in the Koran:

A few days ago, I discovered a curious confirmation of the way in which what is truly native can and often does dispense with local color; I found this confirmation in Gibbon'sDecline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Gibbon observes that in the Arab book par excellence, the Koran, there are no camels; I believe that if there ever were any doubt as to the authenticity of the Koran, this lack of camels would suffice to prove that it is Arab. It was written by Mohammed, and Mohammed, as an Arab, had no reason to know that camels were particularly Arab; they were, for him, a part of reality, and he had no reason to single them out, while the first thing a forger, a tourist, or an Arab nationalist would do is bring on the camels, whole caravans of camels on every page; but Mohammed, as an Arab, was unconcerned; he knew he could be Arab without camels. I believe that we Argentines can be like Mohammed; we can believe in the possibility of being Argentine without abounding in local color. (181)
Expert Consensus on the Management of Erlotinib-Associated Cutaneous Toxicity in the U.K.
Authors: Thatcher Nicholas , Nicolson Marianne , Groves Richard W. , Steele Jeremy , Eaby Beth , Dunlop Joyce , McPhelim John , Nijjar Rajinder , Ukachukwu Ijeoma ,   U.K. Erlotinib Skin Toxicity Management Consensus Group
Published: August 2009

Rash has been reported in up to 76% of patients with lung cancer who have received the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI) erlotinib. It has also been observed in patients treated with other agents that have a similar mode of action.

Erlotinib-associated skin toxicity typically presents as a papulopustular, follicular, acneiform rash. In most cases, it is mild, transient, and well tolerated, but in 8%–12% of patients, it may be sufficiently severe and persistent to necessitate intervention. Increasingly strong data suggest that the incidence and severity of skin toxicity may be predictive of response and survival in patients treated with erlotinib. This has prompted some clinicians to consider “treatment to rash” (i.e., increasing the dosage until a rash appears) as a rational management strategy.

In 2007, an international consensus was developed for the management of EGFRI-associated skin toxicity. Subsequently, a multidisciplinary group (the U.K. Erlotinib Skin Toxicity Management Consensus Group) met to validate and modify the international recommendations for U.K. use, with specific reference to erlotinib. Although many aspects of the international consensus were approved by the group as being relevant for the U.K., certain parts were modified. The resulting expert opinion is a practical and workable version of the international proposal that considers all applicable national issues regarding the management of erlotinib-associated skin toxicity.
Using an Existing Data Set to Answer New Research Questions: A Methodological Review
Authors: Doolan Daniel M. , Froelicher Erika S.
Published: August 2009

The vast majority of the research methods literature assumes that the researcher designs the study subsequent to determining research questions. This assumption is not met for the many researchers involved in secondary data analysis. Researchers doing secondary data analysis need not only understand research concepts related to designing a new study, but additionally must be aware of challenges specific to conducting research using an existing data set. Techniques are discussed to determine if secondary data analysis is appropriate. Suggestions are offered on how to best identify, obtain, and evaluate a data set; refine research questions; manage data; calculate power; and report results. Examples from nursing research are provided. If an existing data set is suitable for answering a new research question, then a secondary analysis is preferable since it can be completed in less time, for less money, and with far lower risks to subjects. The researcher must carefully consider if the existing data set’s available power and data quality are adequate to answer the proposed research questions.
Hydrophilic anthropogenic markers for quantification of wastewater contamination in ground-and surface WATERS
Authors: Kahle Maren , Buerge Ignaz J. , Müller Markus D. , Poiger Thomas
Published: August 2009

Hydrophilic, persistent markers are useful to detect, locate, and quantify contamination of natural waters with domestic wastewater. The present study focused on occurrence and fate of seven marker candidates including carbamazepine (CBZ), 10,11-dihydro-10,11-dihydroxycarbamazepine (DiOH-CBZ), primidone (PMD), crotamiton (CTMT), N-acetyl-4-aminoantipyrine (AAA), N-formyl-4-aminoantipyrine (FAA), and benzotriazole (BTri) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), lakes, and groundwater. In WWTPs, concentrations from 0.14 μg/L to several micrograms per liter were observed for all substances, except CTMT, which was detected at lower concentrations. Loads determined in untreated and treated wastewater indicated that removal of the potential markers in WWTPs is negligible; only BTri was partly eliminated (average 33%). In lakes, five compounds, CBZ, DiOH-CBZ, FAA, AAA, and BTri, were consistently detected in concentrations of 2 to 70 ng/L, 3 to 150 ng/L, less than the limit of quantification to 30 ng/L, 2 to 80 ng/L, and 11 to 920 ng/L, respectively. Mean per capita loads in the outflows of the lakes suggested possible dissipation in surface waters, especially of AAA and FAA. Nevertheless, concentrations of CBZ, DiOH-CBZ, and BTri correlated with the actual anthropogenic burden of the lakes by domestic wastewater, indicating that these compounds are suitable for quantification of wastewater contamination in lakes. Marker candidates were also detected in a number of groundwater samples. Carbamazepine concentrations up to 42 ng/L were observed in aquifers with significant infiltration of river water, receiving considerable wastewater discharges from WWTPs. Concentration ratios between compounds indicated some elimination of BTri and DiOH-CBZ during subsurface passage or in groundwater, while CBZ and PMD appeared to be more stable and thus are promising wastewater markers for groundwater. The wastewater burden in groundwater, estimated with the markers CBZ and PMD, reached up to 6%.
Successful Combination of an Organically Crosslinked Polymer System and a Rigid-Setting Material for Conformance Control in Mexico
Authors: Deolarte Carlos , Vasquez Julio , Soriano Eduardo , Santillan Arturo
Published: August 2009

The Cantarell field, a mature reservoir offshore Mexico, presents significant water-management problems because the hydrocarbon production comes from a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir. Controlling water production in the Cantarell field becomes more critical because of its limited water-handling facilities. This paper presents the field application of two systems widely used in the petroleum industry for water control: (1) an organically crosslinked polymer (OCP) system and (2) a rigid-setting-material (RSM) system.

The OCP system is based on a copolymer of acrylamide and t-butyl acrylate (PAtBA) crosslinked with polyethyleneimine (PEI). To date, more than 100 jobs have been performed in Mexico with this system to address conformance problems such as water coning/cresting, high-permeability streaks, gravel-pack isolation, fracture shutoff, and casing-leak repair. This system can penetrate deep into the matrix of the rock or fractures to provide a more efficient water shutoff. The RSM system is a rigid "cement-like" setting material that has a right-angle set. Unlike cement, the RSM system is capable of rapidly developing highly compressive strength to avoid losing the treatment to the formation before setting and will not invade the formation. The RSM system is for near-wellbore applications.

Several case histories are presented in this paper to show the application of these two water-shutoff systems together. The OCP system was used for deep matrix/fracture penetration, while the RSM system was used as a tail-in because of its fast-setting properties (to avoid overdisplacement of the OCP system) and its capability to stop gas migration. These advanced water-control technologies have extended the well life and profitability of the treated wells. In the past, many of these wells were abandoned because of the limited water-handling facilities.
Venezuela's Barrio Adentro: An Alternative to Neoliberalism in Health Care
Authors: Muntaner Carles , Salazar René M. Guerra , Benach Joan , Armada Francisco
Published: August 2009

Throughout the 1990s, all Latin American countries but Cuba implemented health care sector reforms based on a neoliberal paradigm that redefined health care less as a social right and more as a market commodity. These reforms were couched in the broader structural adjustment of Latin American welfare states as prescribed by international financial institutions since the mid-1980s. However, since 2003, Venezuela has been developing an alternative to this neoliberal trend through its health care reform program, Misión Barrio Adentro (Inside the Neighborhood). In this article, the authors review the main features of the Venezuelan health care reform, analyzing, within their broader sociopolitical and economic contexts, previous neoliberal health care reforms that mainly benefited transnational capital and domestic Latin American elites. They explain the emergence of the new health care program, Misión Barrio Adentro, examining its historical, social, and political underpinnings and the central role played by popular resistance to neoliberalism. This program not only provides a compelling model of health care reform for other low- to middle-income countries but also offers policy lessons to wealthy countries.
Sense of Humor and Survival among a County Cohort of Patients with End-Stage Renal Failure: A Two-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Svebak Sven , Kristoffersen Bjørn , Aasarød Knut
Published: August 2009

Objective:

To explore the significance of sense of humor for survival in a county cohort of patients diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. This diagnosis is a life-threatening condition that calls upon coping skills and regular dialysis.

Method:

All patients receiving dialysis in the county of Sør-Trøndelag during February of one year (N=52) were invited. Forty-one completed the survey and had complete data (78.9%). Predictors were related to survival status two years later. Three blocks of predictors were tested: 1) age, gender and education; 2) duration of disease, number of dialyses per week, and co-morbidity; and 3) quality of life and sense of humor. Confounding effects of variables in blocks one and two were controlled for using Cox survival analysis.

Results:

Nineteen patients (46.3 %) died over the 2-year observation period. Survival decreased with higher age at time of survey ( p <.044), but was not significantly predicted by variables in block two. A highly significant increase in survival was due to the psychological variables of block three ( p <.001) essentially accounted for by sense of humor ( p <.005). Those who scored above the median in sense of humor increased their odds for survival by on average 31%.

Conclusions:

Sense of humor appeared to mediate better coping and, therefore, protected against detrimental effects of disease-related stressors upon survival.
Combining Fischer-Tropsch (FT) and Hydrocarbon Reactions under FT Reaction Conditions: Model Compound and Combined-Catalyst Studies
Authors: Mena Subiranas Alba , Schaub Georg
Published: August 2009

The main objectives of the further downstream operations (product upgrading) of Fischer-Tropsch products are to i) improve yields and selectivities of the desired fractions, and ii) improve fuel properties to meet the fuel product specifications. The present study addresses the combination of low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis (with Co or Fe catalysts) and hydrocarbon modification reactions (hydroprocessing) in one reactor.In addition to earlier results with Pt/ZSM-5 in a dual-layer configuration in a fixed-bed reactor (Mena et al. 2007), the objective of the present investigation was to study the influence of CO during hydroprocessing and oligomerisation reactions of hydrocarbon model compounds (1-octene, ethene/propene) on two different bifunctional catalysts (Pt/ZSM-5, Pt/Beta). In addition, the influence of the catalyst-bed configuration for the combination FT synthesis and hydrocarbon reactions was investigated (dual layer/physical mixture).The achieved results indicate a potential of combining FT and hydrocarbons reactions in one reactor. Hydrogenation, isomerisation, cracking and oligomerisation reactions take place on a Pt/zeolite catalyst at FTS temperatures and in the presence of CO and H2O. The most critical point of this combination seems to be the deleterious effect of CO on the cracking reactions of isomers. For that reason, the wax fraction (C21+) was only partially cracked. The experimental results also indicate that the type of zeolite and the catalyst-bed configuration have an influence on the diesel/gasoline ratio obtained. It seems that the final fuel products will be a mixture of gasoline and diesel fuel and C1 to C5 compounds, as long as no diesel-selective hydroprocessing catalyst is found.
Selective Oxidation of Ethylene in an Industrial Packed-Bed Reactor: Modelling, Analysis and Optimization
Authors: Galan Omar , Gomes Vincent G , Romagnoli Jose , Ngian Kian F
Published: August 2009

This work is focused on the modelling, analysis and optimization of industrial ethylene oxide production in a packed bed reactor. The aim is to identify the critical variables that maximize the reactor productivity in an existing facility without compromising personnel safety and equipment integrity. The chemical reactions involved are highly exothermic making the internal temperature control of this unit a challenging task. Temperature excursions at dangerous levels have been experienced due to variations in composition and temperature of fresh feed to the reactor. Therefore, the prediction of dynamic temperature and composition profiles in the reactor are important for its safe operation. The model we developed incorporates catalyst deactivation and the effect of an inhibitory agent: 1,2-dichloroethene. The model predictions were found to be in good agreement with the plant data. Our model-based optimization studies show that the optimal set point for the inlet coolant temperature is suitable for preventing reactor hot spots and maximizing ethylene oxide selectivity. The heat integration aspects of the process were addressed.
CFD Modeling of Flow Pattern and Phase Holdup of Three Phase Fluidized Bed Contactor
Authors: Muthiah Perumalsamy , Ponnusamy Kalaichelvi , T.K. Radhakrishnan
Published: August 2009

The present work has been carried out to characterize the dynamics of three-phase flow in cylindrical fluidized bed, run under homogeneous bubble flow and heterogeneous flow conditions using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation. The investigation has been done to study the flow pattern of three-phase fluidized bed along with parametric studies. The simulations were performed for air-water-glass beads in a fluidized bed of H = 0.6 m, Di = 0.1 m and ds = 0.05 m to study the flow pattern. Eulerian-Eulerian, three-phase simulations with k-? turbulence for liquid phase were carried out using the flow simulation software CFD-6.2.16, with a focus on characterizing the dynamics properties of gas-liquid-solid flows. Detail study of the flow pattern in three-phase fluidized bed has been carried out and the flow pattern has been presented in the form of contour plots. The results presented are useful for understanding the dynamics of gas-liquid-solid flows in fluidized bed and provide a basis for further development of CFD model for three phase systems.
C. elegans as Model for the Study of High Glucose– Mediated Life Span Reduction
Authors: Schlotterer Andreas , Kukudov Georgi , Bozorgmehr Farastuk , Hutter Harald , Du Xueliang , Oikonomou Dimitrios , Ibrahim Youssef , Pfisterer Friederike , Rabbani Naila , Thornalley Paul , Sayed Ahmed , Fleming Thomas , Humpert Per , Schwenger Vedat , Zeier Martin , Hamann Andreas , Stern David , Brownlee Michael , Bierhaus Angelika , Nawroth Peter , Morcos Michael
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

Establishing Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for glucose toxicity–mediated life span reduction.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

C. elegans were maintained to achieve glucose concentrations resembling the hyperglycemic conditions in diabetic patients. The effects of high glucose on life span, glyoxalase-1 activity, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and on mitochondrial function were studied.

RESULTS

High glucose conditions reduced mean life span from 18.5 ± 0.4 to 16.5 ± 0.6 days and maximum life span from 25.9 ± 0.4 to 23.2 ± 0.4 days, independent of glucose effects on cuticle or bacterial metabolization of glucose. The formation of methylglyoxal-modified mitochondrial proteins and ROS was significantly increased by high glucose conditions and reduced by mitochondrial uncoupling and complex IIIQo inhibition. Overexpression of the methylglyoxal–detoxifying enzyme glyoxalase-1 attenuated the life-shortening effect of glucose by reducing AGE accumulation (by 65%) and ROS formation (by 50%) and restored mean (16.5 ± 0.6 to 20.6 ± 0.4 days) and maximum life span (23.2 ± 0.4 to 27.7 ± 2.3 days). In contrast, inhibition of glyoxalase-1 by RNAi further reduced mean (16.5 ± 0.6 to 13.9 ± 0.7 days) and maximum life span (23.2 ± 0.4 to 20.3 ± 1.1 days). The life span reduction by glyoxalase-1 inhibition was independent from the insulin signaling pathway because high glucose conditions also affected daf-2 knockdown animals in a similar manner.

CONCLUSIONS

C. elegans is a suitable model organism to study glucose toxicity, in which high glucose conditions limit the life span by increasing ROS formation and AGE modification of mitochondrial proteins in a daf-2 independent manner. Most importantly, glucose toxicity can be prevented by improving glyoxalase-1–dependent methylglyoxal detoxification or preventing mitochondrial dysfunction.
Infrared observations and finite element modeling of a laser transmission welding process
Authors: Mayboudi L. S. , Birk A. M. , Zak G. , Bates P. J.
Published: August 2009

Laser transmission welding (LTW), a technique to join thermoplastic components, involves a laser beam passing through a laser-transmitting part and then being absorbed by the laser-absorbing part at the weld interface. To form a strong bond, it is important that the weld interface be exposed to sufficient heat to melt the polymer without degrading it. A lap-joint geometry was investigated and the interaction between a stationary laser beam and the plastic was observed using a thermal imaging camera. Several coatings on the surface observed by the camera were evaluated. Time histories and temperature distribution on the sample surface transverse to the joint interface were obtained. Soot-coated surface was found to heat up in response to the scattered laser light, providing means for estimation of the scattered light intensity. The LTW welding process was modeled in three dimensions using a commercial finite element solver. This thermal model addresses the heating and cooling stages in a laser welding process in detail, including the effects of laser beam profile and laser beam scattering in a semicrystalline material. The model matched well the temperature distributions obtained by thermal imaging observations on the laser-absorbing part.
The age-dependent induction of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in the human semitendinosus skeletal muscle
Authors: Park Soo , Kim Ha , Lee Jung , Yoon Kyoung , Chang Mun , Park Seong
Published: August 2009

To assess the dependence on age of the expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins in the human semitendinosus muscle, we measured the expression levels of several apoptosis-related genes, including apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assays. We found that the DNA fragmentation was proportional to the age of the tissues sample donors. The expression levels of AIF were significantly elevated (by 10 to 25%) in semitendinosus tissue samples from older individuals, but the Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and HSP 70 levels remained almost constant. This data suggests that the morphological and functional changes observed in aged human semitendinosus muscle correlates with the apoptosis of muscle cells through the induction of AIF.
The Evaluation of Miscibility of Poly(vinyl Chloride) and Poly(ethylene Oxide) Blends by DSC, Refractive Index and XRD Analyses
Authors: Ramesh S. , Arof A. K.
Published: August 2009

The miscibility of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blends was investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), refractive index measurements and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The negative Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, χ12 from the melting point depression of PEO by the blending of PVC shows that the interaction between PVC/PEO occurs. A refractive index measurement was performed to show that the miscibility of PVC/PEO blends occurs not only in solid form but also in solution form. The linear variation with composition of the refractive index of the polymer blend solutions in THF at 28°C, 40°C and 50°C indicates the miscibility of PVC with PEO. The shift in peaks in XRD of PEO by the blending of PVC is a characteristic evidence of complexation between PVC and PEO.
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulator placement using high-field interventional magnetic resonance imaging and a skull-mounted aiming device: technique and application accuracy
Authors: Starr Philip A. , Martin Alastair J. , Ostrem Jill L. , Talke Pekka , Levesque Nadja , Larson Paul S.
Published: August 2009

Object

The authors discuss their method for placement of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes using interventional MR (iMR) imaging and report on the accuracy of the technique, its initial clinical efficacy, and associated complications in a consecutive series of subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS implants to treat Parkinson disease (PD).

Methods

A skull-mounted aiming device (Medtronic NexFrame) was used in conjunction with real-time MR imaging (Philips Intera 1.5T). Preoperative imaging, DBS implantation, and postimplantation MR imaging were integrated into a single procedure performed with the patient in a state of general anesthesia. Accuracy of implantation was assessed using 2 types of measurements: the “radial error,” defined as the scalar distance between the location of the intended target and the actual location of the guidance sheath in the axial plane 4 mm inferior to the commissures, and the “tip error,” defined as the vector distance between the expected anterior commissure–posterior commissure (AC-PC) coordinates of the permanent DBS lead tip and the actual AC-PC coordinates of the lead tip. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS III), in the off-medication state.

Results

Twenty-nine patients with PD underwent iMR imaging–guided placement of 53 DBS electrodes into the STN. The mean (± SD) radial error was 1.2 ± 0.65 mm, and the mean absolute tip error was 2.2 ± 0.92 mm. The tip error was significantly smaller than for STN DBS electrodes implanted using traditional frame-based stereotaxy (3.1 ± 1.41 mm). Eighty-seven percent of leads were placed with a single brain penetration. No hematomas were visible on MR images. Two device infections occurred early in the series. In bilaterally implanted patients, the mean improvement on the UPDRS III at 9 months postimplantation was 60%.

Conclusions

The authors' technical approach to placement of DBS electrodes adapts the procedure to a standard configuration 1.5-T diagnostic MR imaging scanner in a radiology suite. This method simplifies DBS implantation by eliminating the use of the traditional stereotactic frame and the subsequent requirement for registration of the brain in stereotactic space and the need for physiological recording and patient cooperation. This method has improved accuracy compared with that of anatomical guidance using standard frame-based stereotaxy in conjunction with preoperative MR imaging.
Registration of ‘Ashtabula’ Soybean
Authors: Helms T. C. , Nelson B. D. , Goos R. J.
Published: August 2009

‘Ashtabula’ soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. No. CV‐500, PI 655938) was first tested as ND02‐2367 and was released in January 2009 by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, North Dakota State University to provide producers with a Maturity Group 0 conventional cultivar (0.4), generally adapted as a full‐season cultivar from 46 to 48° N latitude. Ashtabula was evaluated by the North Dakota State University soybean breeding program in advanced yield trials for a total of 24 location‐years that included 2005 to 2008. Testing for iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) was conducted in 2005 at four sites located in eastern North Dakota, based on three replicates per site. Screening for resistance to race 4 of Phytophthora sojae (M.J. Kaufmann & J.W. Gerdemann) was conducted using the hypocotyl‐injection method. Ashtabula was released because it has resistance to race 4 of Phytophthora sojae, high yield in North Dakota environments, lodging resistance, and tolerance to iron deficiency.
Registration of ‘CIM‐496’ Cotton
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Idrees , Ali Ch. Rehmat , Afzal Muhammad , -ur- Rahman Mehboob
Published: August 2009

‘CIM‐496’ cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (Reg. No. CV‐125, PI 657627, Pak 024263) was developed by the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, Pakistan, and released in 2005 for general cultivation as a part of investigations oriented toward evolving high‐yielding cotton cultivars that are resistant to the cotton leaf curl virus disease (CLCuD). The cultivar was developed through crossing CIM‐425 with 755‐6/93. CIM‐496 was tested in multiple trials conducted by various public agencies, as well as by CCRI Multan. In varietal trials conducted for three successive normal cotton‐growing seasons (2000–2002) at three different sites, CIM‐496 outyielded significantly all the standard varieties included in the present study. In zonal trials arranged at 26 different sites, the seed cotton yield (SCY) of CIM‐496 was 11.1% and 9.8% more than checks ‘CIM‐473’ and ‘CIM‐499’, respectively. In the National Coordinated Varietal Trial (NCVT), CIM‐496 produced more SCY than the standards for two consecutive years (2003 and 2004). CIM‐496 is resistant to the Multan strain of CLCuD and also possesses a higher lint percentage compared with the existing commercial varieties. The commercial cultivation of this cultivar has substantially contributed in sustaining cotton production in Pakistan and can also be used as valuable genetic resource in future cotton breeding programs.
Registration of ‘Camelot’ Wheat
Authors: Baenziger P. S. , Graybosch R. A. , Nelson L. A. , Klein R. N. , Baltensperger D. D. , Xu L. , Wegulo S. N. , Watkins J. E. , Jin Y. , Kolmer J. , Hatchett J. H. , Chen M.-S. , Bai G.
Published: August 2009

‘Camelot’ (Reg. No. CV‐1036, PI 653832) hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed cooperatively by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station and the USDA–ARS and released in 2008. In addition to researchers at the releasing institutions, USDA–ARS researchers at Manhattan, KS, and St. Paul, MN, participated in the development of Camelot. Camelot was selected from the cross KS91H184/‘Arlin’ Sib//KS91HW29/3/NE91631/4/VBF0168 that was made in 1995. Camelot was selected as an F3:4 line (F3–derived line in the F4 generation) in 1999, and in 2001 it was assigned experimental line number NE01604. Camelot was released because of its superior grain yield performance, disease resistance, and end‐use quality under nonirrigated production in Nebraska and adjacent states.
Leptin Concentrations in Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood in Relation to Maternal Weight, Birth Weight and Weight of the Placenta
Authors: Ishrat S , Rahman MW , Rahman MR , Hussain MZ , Jahan S
Published: August 2009

Objective: Leptin is a hormone which regulates adipose tissue mass of the body. Substantial increase of leptin during pregnancy and detection of leptin and leptin receptor in placenta have led to the speculation that leptin is a gestational hormone with a possible role in regulation of fetal growth. The study was done to find out whether maternal and cord blood leptin correlate with birthweight and weight of the placenta. Materials and methods: A prospective cross sectional study was undertaken in the Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from January 2005 to June 2005. The study was carried out on 39 pairs of mothers and newborns. Maternal venous blood was sampled just before delivery. Cord blood was obtained, birth weight and placental weight measurements were taken just after delivery of the baby. Serum leptin levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Maternal serum leptin was 24.50 ng/ml (range- 13.15-45.60 ng/ml) and cord serum leptin was 6.50 ng/ml (range- 2.02-12.30 ng/ml). There was no correlation between maternal leptin and birth weight or between maternal leptin and placental weight. Cord leptin was significantly correlated with birth weight but not with placental weight. There was no correlation between maternal and cord blood leptin. There was no significant gender differences in cord blood leptin concentrations. Conclusions: There may be an important role of leptin in regulation of fetal growth and development. Placenta may not be a major source of leptin in maternal and feto-placental circulation. Maternal leptin cannot be a reliable marker of fetal growth. Keywords: Serum leptin, birth weight, placental weight   doi: 10.3329/bjog.v23i1.3049 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(1) : 3-7
Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum from a Ruptured Superficial Uterine Vessel in Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Nahar Khairun , Begum Hamida , Khatun Mahmuda
Published: August 2009

Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in third trimester of pregnancy is a very rare but lethal condition which demands prompt diagnosis and management for the survival of both mother and fetus. A 30 years old multipara woman presented at 34 weeks of pregnancy with acute abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock. Emergency exploratory laparotomy was done; an asphyxiated baby was born by cesarean section. One of multiple engorged superficial vessels on posterior surface of the uterus was found bleeding actively, which was then sutured. Post operative recovery of the patient was good.   doi: 10.3329/bjog.v23i1.3055   Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(1) : 32-34
Abstracts from other journals: Vol.23(1)
Authors: Begum Firoza
Published: August 2009

doi: 10.3329/bjog.v23i1.3057Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(1) : 38-39
Properties of Strandboard Panels Manufactured from Eastern Redcedar
Authors: Hiziroglu Salim
Published: August 2009

This study evaluated physical and mechanical properties of experimental strandboard panels with random flake alignment manufactured from eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) logs. Panels were made at two density levels of 0.65 g/cm3 and 0.78 g/cm3 using phenol formaldehyde adhesive applied at a rate of 8%. Mechanical properties including modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture, and internal bond strength of the panels in addition to their thickness swelling characteristics were evaluated. As expected, mechanical properties of the samples improved with increasing panel density. Thickness swelling of the samples for 2- and 24-h water soaking test ranged from 6.32% to 18.41%. Both physical and mechanical properties of the panels showed acceptable results, comparable to those found in past studies using other species to manufacture similar types of product. Based on initial findings of this study it appears that eastern redcedar, which is an under-utilized invasive resource, has potential as a raw material for structural panel manufacture.
Cytotoxic Evaluation of Elastomeric Dental Impression Materials on a Permanent Mouse Cell Line and on a Primary Human Gingival Fibroblast Culture
Authors: Boraldi Federica , Coppi Chiara , Bortolini Sergio , Consolo Ugo , Tiozzo Roberta
Published: August 2009

The need for clinically relevant in vitro tests of dental materials is widely recognized. Nearly all dental impression materials are introduced into the mouth just after mixing and allowed to set in contact with the oral tissues. Under these conditions, the materials may be toxic to cells or may sensitize the tissues. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the potential cytotoxicity of new preparations of elastomeric dental impression materials: A) four vinylpolysiloxanes: Elite H-D Putty and Elite H-D Light Body (Zhermack, Badia Polesine, Rovigo, Italy); Express Putty and Express Light Body (3M ESPE AG Seefeld, Germany) and B) two polyethers: Impregum Penta and Permadyne Penta L (3M ESPE AG Seefeld, Germany). The cytotoxicity of these impression materials were examined using two different cell lines: Balb/c 3T3 (permanent cell line) and human gingival fibroblasts (primary cell line) and their effects were studied by indirect and direct tests. The direct tests are performed by placing one sample of the impression materials in the centre of the Petri dishes at the time of the seeding of cells. The cell growth was evaluated at the 12th and 24th hours by cell number. The indirect tests were performed by incubating a square of 1 cm diameter impression material in 5 mL of medium at 37 °C for 24 hours (“eluates”). Subconfluent cultures are incubated with “eluates” for 24 hours. The MTT-formazan production is the method used for measuring the cell viability. The results indicate that: a) polyether materials are cytotoxic under both experimental conditions; b) among vinylpolysiloxanes, only Express Light Body (3M ESPE AG Seefeld, Germany) induces clear inhibition of cellular viability of Balb/c 3T3 evaluated by direct and indirect tests and c) the primary cell line is less sensitive to the toxic effect than the permanent cell line.
Synthesis of Heteroaromatic Compounds by Oxidative Aromatization Using an Activated Carbon/Molecular Oxygen System
Authors: Kawashita Yuka , Hayashi Masahiko
Published: August 2009

A variety of heteroaromatic compounds, such as substituted pyridines, pyrazoles, indoles, 2-substituted imidazoles, 2-substituted imidazoles, 2-arylbenzazoles and pyrimidin-2(1H)-ones are synthesized by oxidative aromatization using the activated carbon and molecular oxygen system. Mechanistic study focused on the role of activated carbon in the synthesis of 2-arylbenzazoles is also discussed. In the final section, we will disclose the efficient synthesis of substituted 9,10-anthracenes via oxidative aromatization.
Dietary Calcium and Dairy Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Mortality in aP2-Agouti and Wild-type Mice
Authors: Bruckbauer Antje , Zemel Michael  B.
Published: August 2009

Oxidative and inflammatory stress have been implicated as major contributors to the aging process. Dietary Ca reduced both factors in short-term interventions, while milk exerted a greater effect than supplemental Ca. In this work, we examined the effects of life-long supplemental and dairy calcium on lifespan and life-span related biomarkers in aP2-agouti transgenic (model of diet-induced obesity) and wild-type mice fed obesigenic diets until their death. These data demonstrate that dairy Ca exerts sustained effects resulting in attenuated adiposity, protection against age-related muscle loss and reduction of oxidative and inflammatory stress in both mouse strains. Although these effects did not alter maximum lifespan, they did suppress early mortality in wild-type mice, but not in aP2-agouti transgenic mice.
Using Non-experimental Data to Estimate Treatment Effects
Authors: Stuart Elizabeth A. , Marcus Sue M. , Horvitz-Lennon Marcela V. , Gibbons Robert D. , Normand Sharon-Lise T. , Brown C. Hendricks
Published: August 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Define the strengths and weaknesses of observational studies.

2.

List methods for the identification and control of bias in observational studies.

3.

Recognize propensity score matching methods.
Statistical Approaches to Modeling: Multiple Outcomes in Psychiatric Studies
Authors: Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Siddique Juned , Gibbons Robert , Normand Sharon-Lise
Published: August 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Review the role of multiple outcomes in psychiatric trials.

2.

Review different analytic strategies for analysis of multiple outcome measures.

3.

Discuss the best approach(s) to the simultaneous analysis of multiple outcome measures.
Molluscum Contagiosum: What's New and True?
Authors: Coloe Jacquelyn , Burkhart Craig N. , Morrell Dean S.
Published: August 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Discuss the natural course of molluscum contagiosum and the risk factors for developing the disease.

2.

Explain that patients with atopic dermatitis are at risk for developing severe molluscum contagiosum.

3.

Identify the various therapeutic approaches available and the indications for treating a child with molluscum contagiosum.
Vitiligo: Treatment Approach in Children
Authors: Isenstein Arin L. , Morrell Dean S. , Burkhart Craig N.
Published: August 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Describe the psychosocial impact of vitiligo in the pediatric population.

2.

Identify current treatment options for pediatric vitiligo.

3.

Explain the indications for referral of a child with vitiligo to a dermatologist.
When “No” Means No: Elderly Patients' Right to Refuse Treatment
Authors: Plawecki Lawrence H. , Amrhein David W.
Published: August 2009

In the complicated health care and legal system of the United States, all patients are endowed with certain rights. The American Hospital Association and the U.S. Supreme Court have each delineated certain rights to which patients who have the competence and mental capacity to make decisions for themselves are entitled. One such right especially important to geriatric patients is the right to refuse treatment. Prior to treatment, nurses are often charged with obtaining the informed consent of the patient. To do so, the nurse must evaluate the patient's competency and mental capacity while explaining the proposed treatment, the benefits and risks involved, and other available treatment options, and then accept either the patient's voluntary assent or refusal.
Cinemeducation: Teaching End-of-Life Issues Using Feature Films
Authors: DiBartolo Mary C. , Seldomridge Lisa A.
Published: August 2009

Given the rapidly escalating older adult population and the need to strengthen content on end-of-life care in nursing curricula, finding creative strategies to encourage student thinking about the dying process and personal choice in end-of-life care is a timely challenge for nurse educators. There is an evolving body of literature in a variety of disciplines on cinemeducation, or the use of films to promote learning and personal awareness. This article describes an innovative assignment incorporating feature films designed not only to enhance student knowledge of the stages and process of grief and the complexity of human reactions when facing end-of-life situations, but also to engage students in thinking about the importance of quality of life in palliative care. The assignment was given to students enrolled in a second-semester, junior-level advanced adult health nursing course. Faculty and student evaluations of the assignment are discussed, and suggestions for selecting films and structuring such an assignment are proposed.
Augmentation Plate Fixation for the Treatment of Femoral and Tibial Nonunion After Intramedullary Nailing
Authors: Birjandinejad Ali , Ebrahimzadeh Mohammad H. , Ahmadzadeh-Chabock Hosein
Published: August 2009

Nonunion after intramedullary nailing of femoral and tibial fractures, although infrequent, remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Augmentation plate fixation can be a reasonable choice in this situation. From 2003 to 2005, 38 patients (25 femoral nonunions and 13 tibial nonunions) were treated after intramedullary nailing with augmentation plate fixation, leaving the nail in situ, with or without autogenous cancellous bone graft. Patients were followed for at least 1 year postoperatively.

All 25 femoral nonunions healed with solid union (100% union rate), but 2 of 13 tibial nonunions remained symptomatic and did not achieve union (84.6% union rate) at a mean 4.78 months postoperatively (range, 1–6 months). No serious complications were encountered at 1-year follow-up. We suggest augmentation plate fixation for femoral and tibial nonunion after intramedullary nailing.
Publication Rates for Hip Surgery-Related Abstracts Presented at National and International Meetings
Authors: Whitehouse M.R. , Atwal N.S. , Blom A.W.
Published: August 2009

Presentation at national and international meetings is a useful way to disseminate new information. Publication in a peer-reviewed journal remains the gold standard. We analyzed the publication rates of oral presentations from the British and European Hip Society, British Orthopaedic Association, and European Federation of Orthopaedics and Traumatology between 2003 and 2006. Multiple databases were used to identify publication of work presented as an abstract at these meetings. The publishing journal, time until publication, impact factor of publishing journal, and rate of publication identified by each database were analyzed.

The overall mean publication rate across the 4 meetings was 23.4%; there were no significant differences between the meetings. Google Scholar (
P
<.01) and Medline (
P
<.05) identified significantly more publications than EMBASE. There were no significant differences between the mean impact factors of the publishing journals (
P
=.18).

There were no significant differences in abstract publication rate or impact factor between meetings. The overall mean subsequent publication rates for presented abstracts related to hip surgery was low, and data presented but not yet published should be treated with caution. Google Scholar and Medline are superior to EMBASE for identification of peer-reviewed research.
Labor-Related Sacral Stress Fracture Presenting as Lower Limb Radicular Pain
Authors: Thein Ran , Burstein Gideon , Shabshin Nogah
Published: August 2009

In contrast to radicular pain during pregnancy, the incidence of postpartum radicular pain is rare. Sacral stress fractures are unusual but important causes for low-back and buttock pain and even postpartum radicular pain. To date, only 10 postpartum sacral stress fractures have been reported in the literature, with two descriptions of radicular pain as the presenting symptom.

A 36-year-old woman, 7 days after her second delivery, presented with symptoms of spontaneous acute claudicating in conjunction with a left-leg radicular pain for 5 days. Imaging studies revealed a left sacral stress fracture. Bone mineral density was normal. The patient reported no pelvic, back, or radicular pain during the pregnancy, and had no history of menstrual irregularities, previous fracture, eating disorder, trauma, or endocrine or metabolic diseases. No smoking or use of anticoagulation drugs was reported. Her obstetric and labor history showed no other risk factors. Epidural analgesia was used. Treatment consisted of toe-touch walking with crutches for 2 months, followed by full weight bearing, which resolved nearly all her symptoms.

Clinicians should consider sacral fracture as a diagnostic possibility in postpartum and pregnant patients with lower back and/or buttock pain with or without radicular pain. Bone scintigraphy and computed tomography are considered harmful for the fetus. Magneitc resonance imaging, which is more suitable for pregnancy, is more sensitive than bone scintigraphy in revealing stress injuries of the bone. Physical examination and proper radiologic evaluation are the main keys for revealing the pathology.
Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastases to Bone After a 33-Year Remission
Authors: Parada Stephen A. , Franklin Jillian M. , Uribe Paul S. , Manoso Mark W.
Published: August 2009

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2% of all cancers. Metastases to bone occur 35% to 40% of the time, second in prevalence of metastases only to the lungs. These metastases are highly destructive, hypervascular tumors known to be difficult to manage. This article reports a unique case in which a patient was disease free for 33 years from initial nephrectomy for treatment of primary renal cell carcinoma to discovery of metastatic disease to the pelvis. Search for an unknown primary was performed, consisting of a complete blood count; chemistry; alkaline phosphatase; calcium, serum and urine protein electrophoresis; immunoglobulin levels; prostate specific antigen; liver function tests; bone scan; and chest, abdomen, and pelvis computed tomography scans. This workup was negative for any other primary source of malignancy, and the patient's remaining kidney was found to be free from any tumor burden. The patient successfully underwent excisional biopsy of the lesion, which proved to be vascular in nature, consistent with the final pathology of renal cell carcinoma. The longest amount of time from completion of treatment for the primary renal cell carcinoma to discovery of the first metastatic disease has previously been reported at 22.3 years. Mean interval between primary treatment and discovery of metastases has been defined as 3.0±5.4 years. This article highlights the need for advanced medical workup as well as maintaining a high clinical suspicion in patients with remote histories of primary malignancies who present with bony lesions.