bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual compression mammography using computed radiography
Authors: Brettle D , Thompson J , Parkin G , Cowen A
Published: July 2009

Thank you for the opportunity to reply to the letter by Highnam et al which related to our technical note [1] on dual compression mammography. We would like to make it clear that our work aimed to utilize the novel acquisition properties of computed radiography to develop a viable, direct digital, clinical technique which did not increase patient dose relative to a single, conventional examination.
A system for remote monitoring of a hospital linear accelerator
Authors: Jennings C S
Published: July 2009

Linear accelerators are complex machines with many parameters affecting the quality of the treatment beam delivered. A high level of technical support is required but this can be difficult to achieve if the linear accelerator is at a centre distant from a medical physics department. This paper describes a solution to this problem whereby a newly installed linear accelerator at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital is remotely monitored from the Royal Hospital, Wolverhampton. The system enables run-up procedures to be completed by guiding radiographers at Shrewsbury through a series of steps. It consists of electronic hardware connected to the linear accelerator, under the control of a computer. The machine parameters are read and tested against preset tolerances. The monitoring system has been installed and is in routine use. The benefits have been shown to be: a saving in staff time and travel costs, the satisfactory completion of run-up procedures, a higher level of efficiency in the medical physics service provided and effective quality control. Finally, some future developments are presented. These include the development of a real time remote monitoring system that constantly monitors the linear accelerator, allowing the Medical Physics Department access to the machine parameters at any time.
Late aggressive meningioma following prophylactic cranial irradiation for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Stein M E , Kuten A , Rasmi A-R
Published: July 2009

There is an increasing number of reports concerning the induction of late brain tumours in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The overwhelming majority of these patients received aggressive combined modality treatment, including systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy (methotrexate) and prophylactic cranial irradiation [1]. The late appearing tumours include mainly astrocytomas of various grades, glioblastoma muliforme and meningiomas. Most of these tumours exhibit malignant histological features (pleomorphism, high cellularity, atypical mitoses) and an aggressive behaviour (multiplicity and recurrence), necessitating repeated resections and even re-irradiation [1–3]. The aetiology of these induced brain tumours is not solely related to radiation therapy components (total dose, daily fractionation) but also to prolonged exposure to neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents and, possibly, to inherent genetic susceptibility.
Magnetic resonance imaging-guided pre-operative breast localization using a “freehand technique”
Authors: Brenner R J
Published: July 2009

Dr Coulthard should be commended for proposing an alternative technique for freehand localization of MR identified lesions that cannot be seen on mammogram or ultrasound. His technique is another accurate and efficient approach to solving the same problem, obviating the need for dedicated MR localization devices in this procedure. Other methods with added equipment, less sophisticated than devices which have also been proposed for tissue sampling, have been described. We reported our case noting the simplicity and accuracy of the approach with no additional devices [1].
Radiation protection supervisors
Authors: Finch A
Published: July 2009

The radiation protection supervisor (RPS) is a position required by the Ionising Radiation Regulations of 1985 [1]. This position continues a role which was a requirement of the previous UK regulations prior to European directives.
The significance of low grade right iliac fossa uptake on 99Tcm-HMPAO labelled white cell scans
Authors: Small J H , Wraight E P , Freeman A H , Miles K A
Published: July 2009

Technetium-99m HMPAO labelled white cell scanning is now an accepted method for assessing the activity of inflammatory bowel disease. However, false positive results have been demonstrated. This study was conducted to assess the significance of low grade uptake on 99Tcm-HMPAO labelled white cell scans in the right iliac fossa (RIF) in the context of possible inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 32 patients over a period of 1 year had low grade RIF uptake as the predominant abnormality, 20 of these had no prior diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. Only one case in this group was subsequently diagnosed as having Crohn's disease. Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (NLHP) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were also associated with low grade RIF uptake. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
Calcified pancreas and bile ducts from schistosomiasis
Authors: Fataar S , Al Ansari A G , Bassiony H , Satyanath S , Rudwan M
Published: July 2009

Schistosomiasis is one of the commonest parasitic diseases affecting mankind. Egyptian schistosomiasis (mansoni and haematobium) is capable of producing fibrosis and/or calcification, resulting in striking radiological features in target organs. Our two cases with biliary and pancreatic calcification provide a combination of features not documented previously.
The Impact of Methodological Approach on Cost Findings in Comparison of Epoetin Alfa with Darbepoetin Alfa
Authors: Song Xue , Long Stacey R , Marder William D , Sullivan Sean D , Kallich Joel
Published: July 2009

Background:

Two erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa, are approved for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in patients with cancer. Randomized controlled trials indicate that the drugs are similarly efficacious, but that the duration of clinical benefit (DCB) ranges from 2 to 7 days for epoetin alfa and from 7 to 21 days for darbepoetin alfa, depending on dose. Given equivalent efficacy, payers are increasingly interested in understanding the cost differences for these 2 drugs.

Objective:

To examine the impact of different methodological approaches on the cost comparison between epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa users, with cancer from a payer perspective.

Methods:

Episodes of care (episode) were constructed for cancer patients treated with ESAs, using MarketScan claims data. Episodes started with the first ESA claim and ended on the last ESA claim or the claim before a 42-day or longer gap in ESA therapy. Each episode was augmented with an estimated DCB based on the last dose in the episode. Cost was reimbursed amount observed in the claims database. Adjusted weekly cost was estimated using generalized linear models to control for difference in clinical and demographic differences across epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa episodes.

Results:

Episodes were created in 324 darbepoetin alfa and 342 epoetin alfa users. Darbepoetin alfa users tended to be younger, had more comorbidities, and had advanced cancer (all p < 0.001). After accounting for DCB, the average weekly cost of darbepoetin alfa was significantly lower than that of epoetin alfa ($619 vs $940; p < 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, darbepoetin alfa had lower costs than epoetin alfa in the base case and all alternative approaches.

Conclusions:

To reduce the risk of potential bias, DCB and different patient characteristics should be taken into account when using retrospective claims data to conduct cost comparisons between agents that have significant differences in dosing schedule.
The Epothilones: How Pharmacology Relates to Clinical Utility
Authors: Michaud Laura Boehnke
Published: July 2009

Objective:

To review the pharmacologic properties of a novel class of chemotherapeutic agents, the epothilones, and to summarize findings from recent clinical trials investigating the various epothilones in cancer therapy.

Data Sources:

Literature searches were conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, and the abstract search engines for the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Association for Cancer Research annual meetings (all searches through November 2008). Primary search terms included epothilone, BMS-247550, ixabepilone, EPO906, patupilone, sagopilone, and ZK-EPO.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Publications were given priority for inclusion if they discussed structural or pharmacologic properties of the epothilones as a class or if they included preclinical or clinical data for epothilones currently in clinical development.

Data Synthesis:

The epothilones are a novel class of microtubule-stabilizing agents (MSAs). Epothilones are structurally and pharmacologically distinct from taxanes, but the exact ways in which the pharmacophores of the 2 classes differ has not been firmly established. A number of natural, semisynthetic, and fully synthetic epothilones are in various stages of clinical development. These agents differ from each other and from existing MSAs; these differences influence potency, stability, and solubility. Ixabepilone is currently approved to treat multidrug-resistant metastatic breast cancer and has demonstrated efficacy in earlier stages of breast cancer and in several other tumor types. Patupilone and sagopilone are currently under clinical investigation and have each shown promise in a number of treatment settings and tumor types. All 3 agents appear to be associated with manageable toxicities, but no class-wide toxicity profile exists for the epothilones and dose-limiting toxicities differ among the agents.

Conclusions:

The epothilones have demonstrated significant potential for addressing the growing therapeutic challenge of taxane resistance, and the ever-increasing pool of information regarding structure–activity relationships of these MSAs will help to optimize microtubule-targeted chemotherapy.
Application of STOPP and START Criteria: Interrater Reliability Among Pharmacists
Authors: Ryan Cristin , O'mahony Denis , Byrne Stephen
Published: July 2009

Background:

Inappropriate prescribing is a well-documented problem in older people. The new screening tools, STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Peoples' Prescriptions) and START (Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment) have been formulated to identify potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential errors of omissions (PEOs) in older patients. Consistent, reliable application of STOPP and START is essential for the screening tools to be used effectively by pharmacists.

Objective:

To determine the interrater reliability among a group of clinical pharmacists in applying the STOPP and START criteria to elderly patients' records.

Methods:

Ten pharmacists (5 hospital pharmacists, 5 community pharmacists) were given 20 patient profiles containing details including the patients' age and sex, current medications, current diagnoses, relevant medical histories, biochemical data, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Each pharmacist applied the STOPP and START criteria to each patient record. The PIMs and PEOs identified by each pharmacist were compared with those of 2 academic pharmacists who were highly familiar with the application of STOPP and START. An interrater reliability analysis using the κ statistic (chance corrected measure of agreement) was performed to determine consistency between pharmacists.

Results:

The median κ coefficients for hospital pharmacists and community pharmacists compared with the academic pharmacists for STOPP were 0.89 and 0.88, respectively, while those for START were 0.91 and 0.90, respectively.

Conclusions:

Interrater reliability of STOPP and START tools between pharmacists working in different sectors is good. Pharmacists working in both hospitals and in the community can use STOPP and START reliably during their everyday practice to identify PIMs and PEOs in older patients.
Mussolini, charisma and decision-making
Authors: Musiedlak Didier
Published: July 2009

Mussolini's authority was established on the basis of a complex system of rivalries that existed between different agencies (political, personal, party, senior administration, traditional and parallel bureaucracies, business, etc.) which brought the competition into a political market.
In this market, the Duce and the Fascist Party each with their own respective infrastructures controlled access to resources and exchange mechanisms that determined the quality of the actors. Mussolini was perfectly aware of this, and he managed it by favouring the most faithful and loyal
of groups. At the same time, he had to be vigilant not to dilute his charismatic authority by becoming merely the organisation's leader: such work required the continuous intensification of his myth. All these operations inevitably led to a process of deregulation that upset the decision-making
process.
The Fascist elites, government and the Grand Council
Authors: Adinolfi Goffredo
Published: July 2009

The aim of this article is to analyse the composition of the Italian political elite during the 21-year Fascist regime (192243). Even today the writings on this subject, which have always been circumscribed by the axioms state/party (Gentile 2002; Aquarone 1995) and authoritarianism/totalitarianism
(Collotti 2004; Gentile 2002; Tarchi 2003), have not managed to find a synthesis to define the regime's true nature. It is our belief that an empirical study of the political elite can help to define these questions.
Neurotrophin NT3 promotes ovarian primordial to primary follicle transition
Authors: Nilsson Eric , Dole Gretchen , Skinner Michael K
Published: July 2009

Neurotrophins are growth factors that are known to have a role in promoting cell survival and differentiation. The focus of the current study is to examine the role of neurotrophins in regulating ovarian primordial follicle development. Ovaries from 4-day old rats were placed into organ culture and cultured for 10 days in the absence or presence of neurotrophin-3 (NT3), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), or nerve growth factor (NGF). Treatment of ovaries with NT3 resulted in a significant (P<0.01) increase in primordial follicle development (i.e. primordial to primary follicle transition). Treatment with BDNF at high doses of 100–250 ng/ml also significantly (P<0.01) increased primordial follicle development, but NGF had no effect. Immunohistochemical studies determined that NT3 was present in granulosa cells, interstitial tissue, and in the oocytes of primordial and primary follicles. The NT3 receptor NTRK3 was present in oocytes at all stages of development. Analysis of ovaries that contain predominantly primordial follicles demonstrated the transcripts for NT3, NTRK3, NGF, and the BDNF/neurotrophin-4 (NT4) receptor NTRK2 are expressed, while BDNF, NT4, and the NGF receptor NTRK1 are not detectable. Inhibition of the NTRK3 receptor with the tyrphostin AG 879 resulted in oocyte death and a significant (P<0.01) reduction in follicle pool size. Inhibition of the NTRK receptors with K252a slowed primordial to primary follicle transition. A microarray analysis demonstrated that a small number of genes were differentially expressed after NT3 treatment. Observations indicate that the neurotrophin NT3, acting through the NTRK3 receptor in oocytes, promotes the primordial to primary follicle transition.
Alterations in some blood coagulation parameters in naturally occurring cases of canine babesiosis
Authors: Rafaj Renata , Matijatko Vesna , Kiš Ivana , Kučer Nada , Živičnjak Tatjana , Lemo Niksa , Žvorc Zdravko , Brkljačić Mirna , Mrljak Vladimir
Published: July 2009

Changes in coagulation parameters were studied in dogs naturally infected withBabesia canis canis(n = 30), and haemostasis was evaluated and compared to values obtained from healthy dogs (n = 29). To date, there have not been any studies examining the dynamics of thrombin-antithrombin complex formation in cases of canine babesiosis. Coagulation parameters evaluated before (day 0) and on days 1, 2, and 3 after treatment with imidocarb (6 mg/kg inj. s.c.) included the determination of platelet counts, the formation of thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and antithrombin III (AT III) activity. TAT complexes were significantly elevated in animals with babesiosis on days 0 and 2 (mean 49.7 and 87.7 μg/L vs. control, 7.2 μg/L). AT III activity was significantly decreased at all time-points examined. There were no differences in PT. On days 2 and 3 the APTT was significantly shortened in the infected dogs when compared to control animals (means of 21.3 and 19.2 s vs. control, 30.0 s). Our analysis demonstrated that infected dogs had significant thrombocytopenia during the course of the study (mean day 0 − 29 × 109/L, day 1 − 48 × 109/L, day 2 − 47 × 109/L and day 3 − 87 × 109/L, vs. control −259 × 109/L). These data suggest that babesiosis in dogs compromise primary and secondary haemostasis and that induction of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurs in canine babesiosis.
Effects of energy restriction on thyroid hormone metabolism in chickens
Authors: Győrffy Andrea , Sayed-Ahmed Ahmed , Zsarnovszky Attila , Frenyó Vilmos , Decuypere Eddy , Bartha Tibor
Published: July 2009

Energy restriction induces changes in thyroid hormone economy in the form of a complex adaptation mechanism, in order to conserve energy storage and protein reserves. In the present work, thyroid hormone serum concentrations, hepatic deiodinase enzyme activities and hepatic deiodinase mRNA expression were examined after feed restriction and fasting. We demonstrate that during energy restriction, T
3
concentration is lowered due to a decreased T
4
activation and increased T
3
inactivation. We show that hepatic type-I deiodinase (D1) is not affected by energy restriction, however, hepatic D2 is decreased on both transcriptional and enzyme activity levels. Furthermore, hepatic D3 is increased after feed restriction in the liver. We also show that the hypothalamic feedback is not involved in the changes in serum T
3
and T
4
concentrations. Our data indicate that D2 enzyme contributes to the special hormone-exporting role of the chicken liver and this enzyme can be modulated by feed restriction.
Novel monoclonal antibodies recognise guinea fowl thrombocytes
Authors: Bódi Ildikó , Nagy Nándor , Sinka Lídia , Igyártó Botond-Zoltán , Oláh Imre
Published: July 2009

This paper introduces two novel monoclonal antibodies, designated GTr1 and GTr2, which recognise guinea fowl thrombocyte surface antigen(s). The antibodies were tested in embryos and adult birds. GTr1 and GTr2 staining emerged at embryonic days 12 and 7, respectively. After embryonic day 12 there was no difference in staining pattern between the two monoclonal antibodies. The isotype of the antibodies is IgG1. The antibodies did not react with any other haematopoietic cells of guinea fowl, and there was no species cross-reaction with chicken, turkey and quail. The antibodies can be used in interspecies chimeric and parabiotic experiments to identify cells of guinea fowl origin.
Crosstalk between coagulation and inflammation in mastitis and metritis in dairy cows
Authors: Bobowiec Ryszard , Wessely-Szponder Joanna , Hola Piotr
Published: July 2009

Coagulation and inflammation are closely related as part of the mechanisms of host defence during a severe infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between thrombin as a factor in both the coagulative and inflammatory processes and neutrophil secretory function on the basis of lactoferrin (LF), elastase and myeloperoxidase release in the course of mastitis and metritis in cows. Thrombin generation was measured on the basis of hydrolysis of SAR-PRO-ARG-pNA and lactoferrin concentration was estimated by an ELISA method. The greatest thrombin generation was observed in the metritis group (1.18 ± 0.62 IU). The level of LF was the highest in the group of cows with mastitis (0.74 ± 0.55 mg/ml) in the first phase of the disease. In the second phase of the diseases the level of serum LF in cows with mastitis diminished to the value of 0.41 ± 0.16 mg/ml, whereas in cows with metritis the level of LF increased to 0.51 ± 0.17 mg/ml. This study reveals that the excessive production of thrombin not only causes hypercoagulatory disorders but also exaggerates neutrophil function by the release of some enzymes which may play a destructive role during disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). These enzymes also inhibit anticoagulative systems, thus potentially worsening the course of the disease.
Biomechanics, functional patterns, and disparity in Late Devonian arthrodires
Authors: Anderson Philip S. L.
Published: July 2009

Studies of ecological structure and diversity over time in extinct groups have always been challenged by the inability to observe the behavior of fossil taxa directly. The only available evidence for function, behavior, and interactions between taxa is the morphological characteristics of the preserved fossils. Recent studies on modern groups have shown that morphological analyses may give misleading results in terms of ecological pattern and diversity. An alternative approach is to focus on functionally relevant aspects of morphology through a paleobiomechanical paradigm. The purpose of this research is to examine variation in the lower jaw morphology in Late Devonian arthrodire placoderms and develop biomechanical metrics that can be used to quantify functional diversity among this fossil group. Nine functionally relevant morphological characters were collected for 94 isolated arthrodire inferognathals from the Gogo Formation in Western Australia and the Cleveland Shale in Ohio. These data were used to address aspects of functional morphology, biomechanical disparity, and ecological structure in arthrodire placoderms from the Late Devonian. Results were compared with results from previous morphometric work on the same set of jaws.

Statistical tests show a significant difference in functional characters between the two faunas. The differences may be related to phylogenetic differences between faunas, as the two major clades of arthrodire taxa included in this study are almost completely segregated between faunas. Average pairwise disparity analyses of the mechanical characters indicate that there is no significant difference in overall functional diversity between the Cleveland Shale and Gogo Reef arthrodire faunas. This result is at odds with previous results that show overall morphological disparity to be much higher in the Cleveland Shale. Clustering patterns within a multivariate function-space show tightly constrained functional groups of taxa independent of phylogenetic or shape-based morphological similarity. These functional groups illustrate a level of ecological diversity in Late Devonian arthrodires that is comparable to that in certain modern faunas.

Further statistical analysis of the morphological and functional disparity of these Late Devonian taxa shows a disjoint between the two measures. Model I regression analysis of and Spearman rank-correlation analysis of average pairwise morphological and functional disparity measures indicate no significant relationship between morphological and functional disparity among the jaws used in this study. Although function is obviously derived from morphology, these results show that morphological shape analysis is not necessarily a good proxy for eco-functional diversity.
The teeth of the “toothless”: novelties and key innovations in the evolution of xenarthrans (Mammalia, Xenarthra)
Authors: Vizcaíno Sergio F.
Published: July 2009

A combination of historical, functional, and biomechanical constraints has shaped the masticatory apparatus of fossil and extant xenarthrans. Among the more notable features are the teeth: hypselodont; commonly reduced in size, complexity, and number; separated by short diastema; and composed of osteodentine. Enamel is absent, as are the cuspal patterns of other mammals. A comprehensive revision of teeth and other features of the masticatory apparatus of xenarthrans reveals that previous generalizations underestimate the morphological diversity and adaptive possibilities developed within the clade. The great diversity of forms suggests several such possibilities ranging from specialized myrmecophagous species to carrion feeders or predators among animalivores; selective browsers to bulk grazers among herbivores; and omnivores. In some cases xenarthrans represent less extreme versions of patterns developed in other major clades of mammals (marsupials, afrotheres, euarchontoglires, and laurasiatheres) clearly predetermined by a tribosphenic dental morphology, whereas in others they represent unique novelties indicative of particular biological roles. The combination of tooth features that characterize xenarthrans might be seen as the key innovation for the ecologic diversity developed at least since the Oligocene, breaking the mold of the tribosphenic condition that constrained the evolution of the other major clades of mammals.
Estimating the effects of sampling biases on pterosaur diversity patterns: implications for hypotheses of bird/pterosaur competitive replacement
Authors: Butler Richard J. , Barrett Paul M. , Nowbath Stephen , Upchurch Paul
Published: July 2009

Pterosaurs were the first flying vertebrates and formed important components of terrestrial and marginal marine ecosystems during the Mesozoic. They became extinct during the latest Cretaceous (latest Maastrichtian), at, or near, the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary, following an apparent decline in diversity in the Late Cretaceous. This reduction in species richness has been linked to the ecological radiation of birds in the Early Cretaceous and the proposal that birds competitively excluded pterosaurs from many key niches. However, although competition is often posited as a causal mechanism for many of the clade-clade replacements observed in the fossil record, these hypotheses are rarely tested. Here we present a detailed examination of pterosaur diversity through time, including both taxic and phylogenetically corrected diversity estimates and comparison of these estimates with a model describing temporal variation in the number of pterosaur-bearing formations (a proxy for rock availability). Both taxic and phylogenetic diversity curves are strongly correlated with numbers of pterosaur-bearing formations, suggesting that a significant part of the signal contained within pterosaur diversity patterns may be controlled by geological and taphonomic megabiases rather than macroevolutionary processes. There is no evidence for a long-term decline in pterosaur diversity through the Cretaceous, although a reduction in morphological, ecological, and phylogenetic diversity does appear to have occurred in the latest Cretaceous. Competitive replacement of pterosaurs by birds is difficult to support on the basis of diversity patterns.
paleoPhylo: free software to draw paleobiological phylogenies
Authors: Ezard Thomas H. G. , Purvis Andy
Published: July 2009

Paleobiological phylogenies often contain contrasting biological information to phylogenies based on extant species. Available software is primarily based on a present-day view of the world, however. Here, we present freeware to visualize phylogenies that is more suitable for the needs of paleobiologists, providing flexibility in how stratigraphic uncertainty, the geological timescale, and ancestor-descendant relationships are depicted.
Multigenerational exposure of the estuarine sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) to 17β-Estradiol. II. Population-level effects through two life cycles
Authors: Raimondo Sandy , Hemmer Becky L. , Goodman Larry R. , Cripe Geraldine M.
Published: July 2009

The evaluation of multigeneration, population-level impacts is particularly important in the risk assessment of endocrine-disrupting compounds, because adverse effects may not be evident during the first generation of exposure. Population models were developed for the sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) exposed to 17β-estradiol (E2) for two complete generations (F1 and F2) to determine population-level effects of multigenerational exposure to a model estrogen. Stage-structured matrix models were used to determine interactions between treatment and the number of generations exposed. Reproduction was significantly reduced in both the 0.08 and 0.2 μg E2/L treatments in both generations, and embryo and larval stages experienced reduced survival at 0.2 μg/L in the second generation only. However, increased female to male sex ratio in these treatments compensated for the loss in reproductive output, and significant population-level effects only occurred in the 0.2 μg E2/L treatment of the F2 population. The F2 population in the 0.2 μg E2/L treatment also had an altered, stable stage distribution relative to the control population of both generations and the F1 population in the 0.2 μg E2/L treatment, resulting in additional population-level effects. These results demonstrate that continued exposure to E2 had compounding effects on sheepshead minnow populations and that long-term exposures may be necessary to understand the risk that exposures to environmental estrogens pose to native populations. Although population-level effects did not occur in the F1 generation, a risk decision based on F1 organism-level effects would be protective of the population exposed for two generations.
Digital Soil‐Class Mapping from Proximal and Remotely Sensed Data at the Field Level
Authors: Triantafilis John , Kerridge Belinda , Buchanan Sam M.
Published: July 2009

Effective agronomic management at the field level requires an understanding of the spatial distribution of soil because edaphological processes are a function of interrelationships among the physical and chemical properties. In precision agriculture, these interrelationships need to be considered to create soil management classes. In order to identify management classes, the age‐old questions associated with soil classification are problematic: what properties need to be included and at what intensity; what repeatable methods can be employed and how many classes are present? To answer the first question with regards to farm‐scale studies requires the collection of high‐density soil data, which is often cost prohibitive. Therefore, ancillary information such as proximal sensing electromagnetic induction (EM) and remotely sensed data, with digital numbers (DN) in Red, Green, and Blue, are increasingly being used. To answer the second and third questions requires an exhaustive investigation of a quantitative method that is amenable to optimal selection of the number of classes in a data set. In this paper, we propose using ancillary data as a surrogate for soil properties to identify soil management classes by invoking the fuzzy k‐means (FKM) algorithm. Using the fuzziness performance index (FPI) and normalized classification entropy (NCE), we identify k = 4 classes and a fuzziness exponent (ϕ) = 1.4 for further investigation. The classes form sensible soil management zones across a strongly sodic irrigated field. Fuzzy canonical analysis show the EM38 and EM31 contribute most to the discrimination of Vertosols and Dermosols based on texture and mineralogy, whilst Red and Green DN contribute to the discrimination of Vertosols based on larger organic matter content. Using ANOVA we conclude that the implementation of the FKM algorithm to classify proximal and remotely sensed ancillary data, produced soil management classes relevant to differential gypsum requirement (GR).
Assessing the Necessity of Surface‐Applied Preplant Nitrogen Fertilizer in Rice Systems
Authors: Linquist Bruce A. , Hill James E. , Mutters Randall G. , Greer Christopher A. , Hartley Christopher , Ruark Matthew D. , van Kessel Chris
Published: July 2009

California rice (Oryza sativaL.) growers typically use two forms of preplant N fertilizer: aqua NH3applied 7 to 10 cm below the soil surface (subsurface N) and surface‐applied N. The rational for applying about 25% of the total N rate to the surface is to provide a readily available N source for young rice seedlings; however no research has been done to verify this. On‐farm field studies were conducted over a 3‐yr period (12 site‐years) with the specific objectives of determining when rice begins to use subsurface N and to compare the efficiency of surface and subsurface applied N. Rice seedlings began accumulating subsurface N within 2 wk after sowing at some sites. When a portion of the N rate was applied to the surface, early season plant biomass and N uptake was higher than when all of the fertilizer‐N was applied subsurface. In contrast, grain yields were higher when all of the N fertilizer was applied subsurface. Averaged across all sites, the fertilizer‐N recovery efficiency of surface‐applied N was 38% compared to 53% when only subsurface N was applied. As aqua NH3is less expensive than NH4+based fertilizers and the application of surface N requires an additional field operation, there is no justification to recommend the practice of applying surface N fertilizer in these rice systems. Instead, all of the preplant N should be applied subsurface as aqua NH3
Defoliation Management of Bahiagrass Germplasm Affects Dry Matter Yield and Herbage Nutritive Value
Authors: Interrante S. M. , Sollenberger L. E. , Blount A. R. , White U. R. , Liu K. , Coleman S. W.
Published: July 2009

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) cultivars are daylength sensitive and have minimal cool‐season production. A new bahiagrass breeding line is less daylength sensitive and more cold tolerant, but its dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value responses to defoliation treatments are unknown. A 3‐yr field experiment studied effects of two stubble heights (4 and 8 cm) and two harvest frequencies (7 and 21 d) on diploids ‘Pensacola’, ‘Tifton 9’, and the less photoperiod‐sensitive, cold‐adapted (PCA) Cycle 4 bahiagrass; and the tetraploids ‘Argentine’ and Tifton 7. Stubble height had minimal effect on responses measured. When harvested every 7 d, Cycle 4 had the lowest and Argentine the greatest yield (8.4 vs. 11.8 Mg DM ha−1). When harvested every 21 d, Cycle 4 yield was similar to the other diploids (10.6 Mg DM ha−1) and less than the tetraploids (12.6 Mg DM ha−1). Cycle 4 yield distribution was similar to other diploids and generally greater in spring but less in summer than the tetraploids. Across defoliation treatments, Cycle 4 in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) averaged 546 to 562 g kg−1 and was greater than all entries in 2006 and all but Tifton 9 in 2005. These data indicate that Cycle 4 was less productive than other bahiagrasses when harvested every 7 d during the warm season, as productive as other diploids at 21‐d harvest intervals, and slightly more digestible than other currently used bahiagrasses. Inferior yield under frequent harvest may imply less defoliation tolerance, thus persistence of PCA Cycle 4 should be studied further.
How to Measure the Effectiveness of U.S. Merger Policy
Authors: Carlton Dennis W
Published: July 2009

Despite the frequent disputes about whether antitrust policy toward mergers is either too lax or too stringent and despite the importance of mergers to the U.S. economy, U.S. policymakers lack any systematic quantitative study of the effectiveness of U.S. merger policy. Dennis Carlton proposes a way out.
Foxo1 Links Hyperglycemia to LDL Oxidation and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Dysfunction in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Tanaka Jun , Qiang Li , Banks Alexander S. , Welch Carrie L. , Matsumoto Michihiro , Kitamura Tadahiro , Ido-Kitamura Yukari , DePinho Ronald A. , Accili Domenico
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes. Generation of oxidized LDLs and reduced nitric oxide (NO) availability because of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) dysfunction are critical events in atherosclerotic plaque formation. Biochemical mechanism leading from hyperglycemia to oxLDL formation and eNOS dysfunction is unknown.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We show that glucose, acting through oxidative stress, activates the transcription factor Foxo1 in vascular endothelial cells.

RESULTS

Foxo1 promotes inducible NOS (iNOS)-dependent NO-peroxynitrite generation, which leads in turn to LDL oxidation and eNOS dysfunction. We demonstrate that Foxo1 gain-of-function mimics the effects of hyperglycemia on this process, whereas conditional Foxo1 knockout in vascular endothelial cells prevents it.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings reveal a hitherto unsuspected role of the endothelial iNOS-NO-peroxynitrite pathway in lipid peroxidation and eNOS dysfunction and suggest that Foxo1 activation in response to hyperglycemia brings about proatherogenic changes in vascular endothelial cell function.
IGF2 is Highly Expressed in Pediatric Undifferentiated Sarcomas and Reveals Two Distinct Cytoplasmic Trafficking Patterns
Authors: Somers Gino R. , Ho Michael , Pienkowska Malgorzata , Shlien Adam , Malkin David , Ackerley Cameron , Zielenska Maria
Published: July 2009

Pediatric undifferentiated soft tissue sarcomas (USTSs) are tumors composed of primitive mesenchymal cells. As such, they form an attractive model for studying the early events in sarcoma development. In an effort to better understand the critical molecular aberrations leading to sarcoma development, gene expression array analysis and post-array validation techniques were applied to several USTSs; the results were consistent with upregulation of the excitatory components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway. Particularly high expression of the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) ligand was seen and confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry performed using antibodies against IGF2 revealed overexpression of the IGF2 protein in 19 of 21 (90%) USTSs and revealed 2 distinct staining patterns, 1 in which there was diffuse cytoplasmic staining (16/19) and 1 in which there was punctate perinuclear positivity (3/19). Using ultrastructural immunogold localization of IGF2, it was determined that IGF2 was primarily localized to Golgi-derived vesicles and multivesicular bodies in tumor cells showing the punctate pattern, and to both the cytoplasm and plasma membrane of tumor cells showing the diffuse pattern. The results suggest that upregulation of the IGF pathway in pediatric USTSs is a critical early event in the development of sarcomas. Furthermore, findings from the immunocytochemical and immunogold analyses confirm the presence of 2 different cytoplasmic trafficking patterns and storage motifs of IGF2 within this type of tumor. Given that in one subcellular pattern the IGF2 protein does not appear to reach the membrane, these findings may have functional significance.
Matrix Summaries Improve Research Reports: Secondary Analyses Using Published Literature
Authors: Zientek Linda Reichwein , Thompson Bruce
Published: July 2009

Correlation matrices and standard deviations are the building blocks of many of the commonly conducted analyses in published research, and AERA and APA reporting standards recommend their inclusion when reporting research results. The authors argue that the inclusion of correlation/covariance matrices, standard deviations, and means can enhance findings in education and psychology by permitting secondary researchers to (a) conduct commonly utilized traditional univariate and multivariate analyses not initially performed in primary studies, (b) produce effect sizes and other statistics not included in prior published literature, and (c) conduct analyses once difficult to perform. Furthermore, meta-analytic thinking is encouraged when researchers have the ability to conduct the same analyses on multiple studies and then compare these findings across studies.
An Educational Psychology Success Story: Social Interdependence Theory and Cooperative Learning
Authors: Johnson David W. , Johnson Roger T.
Published: July 2009

The widespread and increasing use of cooperative learning is one of the great success stories of social and educational psychology. Its success largely rests on the relationships among theory, research, and practice. Social interdependence theory provides a foundation on which cooperative learning is built. More than 1,200 research studies have been conducted in the past 11 decades on cooperative, competitive, and individualistic efforts. Findings from these studies have validated, modified, refined, and extended the theory. From the theory, procedures for the teacher’s role in using formal and informal cooperative learning and cooperative base groups have been operationalized. Those procedures are widely used by educators throughout the world. The applications have resulted in revisions of the theory and the generation of new research.
One‐Way Nested Large‐Eddy Simulation over the Askervein Hill
Authors: Golaz Jean‐Christophe , Doyle James D , Wang Shouping
Published: July 2009

Large‐eddy simulation (LES) models have been used extensively to study atmospheric boundary layer turbulence over flat surfaces; however, LES applications over topography are less common. We evaluate the ability of an existing model – COAMPS®‐LES – to simulate flow over terrain using data from the Askervein Hill Project. A new approach is suggested for the treatment of the lateral boundaries using one‐way grid nesting. LES wind profile and speed‐up are compared with observations at various locations around the hill. The COAMPS‐LES model performs generally well. This case could serve as a useful benchmark for evaluating LES models for applications over topography.
Neurological mortality among U.S. veterans of the Persian Gulf War: 13‐year follow‐up
Authors: Barth Shannon K. , Kang Han K. , Bullman Tim A. , Wallin Mitchell T.
Published: July 2009

Background

This study focuses on long‐term mortality, specifically brain cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS) of 621,902 veterans who served in the 1990–1991 Persian Gulf War (GW), and 746,248 non‐GW veterans.

Methods

Follow‐up began with the date the veteran left the GW theater or May 1, 1991 and ended with the date of death or December 31, 2004. Cox proportional hazard models were used for analyses.

Results

Adjusted mortality rate ratios (aRR) of GW veterans compared to non‐GW veterans were not statistically significant for brain cancer (aRR = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73, 1.11), MS (aRR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.23, 1.63), Parkinson's disease (aRR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.17, 2.99), or ALS (aRR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.62). GW veterans potentially exposed to nerve agents for 2 or more days and GW veterans exposed to oil well fire smoke were at increased risk for brain cancer mortality (aRR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.25, 5.87; aRR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.00, 3.27; respectively).

Conclusions

The risk of death due to ALS, MS, Parkinson's disease, and brain cancer was not associated with 1991 GW service in general. However, GW veterans potentially exposed to nerve agents at Khamisiyah, Iraq, and to oil well fire smoke had an increased risk of mortality due to brain cancer. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:663–670, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parents' safety beliefs and childhood agricultural injury
Authors: Larson‐Bright Muree , Gerberich Susan G. , Masten Ann S. , Alexander Bruce H. , Gurney James G. , Church Timothy R. , Ryan Andrew D. , Renier Colleen M.
Published: July 2009

Background

This study examined potential associations between parental safety beliefs and children's chore assignments or risk of agricultural injury.

Methods

Analyses were based on nested case–control data collected by the 1999 and 2001 Regional Rural Injury Study‐II (RRIS‐II) surveillance efforts. Cases (n = 425, reporting injuries) and controls (n = 1,886, no injuries; selected using incidence density sampling) were persons younger than 20 years of age from Midwestern agricultural households. A causal model served as the basis for multivariate data analysis.

Results

Decreased risks of injury (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI]) were observed for working‐aged children with “moderate,” compared to “very strict” parental monitoring (0.60; 0.40–0.90), and with parents believing in the importance of physical (0.80; 0.60–0.95) and cognitive readiness (0.70, 0.50–0.90, all children; 0.30, 0.20–0.50, females) when assigning new tasks. Parents' safety beliefs were not associated with chore assignments.

Conclusions

Parents' safety beliefs were associated with reduced risk of childhood agricultural injury; the association was not mediated by chore assignments. Am. J. Ind. Med. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:724–733, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Organotin(IV) tryptophanylglycinates: potential non‐steroidal antiinflammatory agents; crystal structure of dibutyltin(IV) tryptophanylglycinate
Authors: Nath Mala , Singh Hitendra , Kumar Parvinder , Kumar Ashok , Song Xueqing , Eng George
Published: July 2009

Diorganotin(IV) derivatives of tryptophanylglycine (H2Trp–Gly) with general formula R2Sn(Trp–Gly), where R = Me,n‐Bu, Ph andn‐Oct, and triorganotin(IV) derivatives R′3Sn(HTrp–Gly) where R′ = Me,n‐Bu and Ph, have been synthesized and structurally characterized in the ‘solid state as well as in solution on the basis of various spectroscopic techniques, viz. FT‐IR, multinuclear1H,13C and119Sn NMR,119Sn Mössbauer and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. These investigations suggest that tryptophanylglycine in R2Sn(Trp–Gly) acts as dianionic tridentate coordinating through carboxylate oxygen [C(O)O−], amino nitrogen (NH2) and N−peptide, while in the case of R′3Sn(HTrp–Gly), the ligand acts as monoanionic bidentate coordinating through C(O)O−and NH2. This is further confirmed by the single‐crystal X‐ray structure ofn‐Bu2Sn(Trp–Gly) which shows that two butyl groups and peptide nitrogen (N−peptide) are in the equatorial positions, while the two axial positions are occupied by the carboxylic oxygen [C(O)O−] and the amino nitrogen (NH2) atom from the same ligand molecule in the distorted trigonal–bipyramidal geometry around tin. The anti‐inflammatory (using the carrageenan‐induced paw edema bioassay in rats), cardiovascular activities and acute toxicity (LD50) of some of these compounds have been examined. All of the studied R2Sn(Trp–Gly) and Ph3Sn(HTrp–Gly) exhibit very high anti‐inflammatory activities comparable to that of phenylbutazone along with high safety margin (LD50> 400 mg kg−1) with no side effects on the cardiovascular system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthetic hydrotalcites from different routes and their application as catalysts and gas adsorbents: a review
Authors: Othman M. R. , Helwani Z. , Martunus  , Fernando W. J. N.
Published: July 2009

In this paper, widely accepted methods of hydrotalcite preparation such as co‐precipitation, urea hydrolysis, hydrothermal, sol–gel, microwave irradiation, steam activation and solvothermal have been selected and reviewed. Our review indicates that the nature of the divalent cations, the synthesis method, the calcination temperature and the nature of the interlayer species are determinant factors in shaping the surface properties of the layered double hydoxides. The basic strength of the surface base site and structural changes produced in the mixed oxides can be adjusted conveniently by varying the Al content during the synthesis. The combination of sol–gel with microwave irradiation during the gelling and crystallization steps has also been found to increase the surface area of the hydrotalcite‐like compound. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.