bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestic politics and foreign policy change in small states
Authors: Doeser Fredrik
Published: June 2011

The article sets out to further an understanding of how domestic politics can impact on foreign policy change in small states. The case of interest is the change that occurred in the foreign policy of Denmark when its government managed to put an end to the ‘footnote policy’ in mid-1988. The main conclusion is that changes in two particular domestic political factors, in terms of political party opposition and public opposition, facilitated a change in foreign policy for the Danish government. Changes in party and public opposition created opportunities for the government to use foreign policy change as a strategy to increase its political power on the domestic scene. In this case of foreign policy change, domestic political factors and external forces were equally important.
Public administration PhD programmes in Italy: comparing different disciplinary approaches
Authors: Cepiku Denita
Published: June 2011

PhD programmes in public administration (PA), although contributing to the development of the human side of the public sector and being responsible for the production of the producers of knowledge, are less investigated than other levels of education. Recent comparative research ascribes differences to the countries’ administrative cultures. The article aims at reviewing the ‘state of play’ of PA doctoral education in Italy, building on the hypothesis that differences in the nature, direction and intensity of change are also influenced by the different disciplinary approaches. The primary source of evidence is semi-structured interviews with the directors of 14 PhD programmes representing different disciplines, conducted from January to May 2010. Common challenges include the insufficient and unpredictable funding, the small scale problem, the pressure to internationalize and the lack of interdisciplinarity. The article argues that major differences exist among disciplines in terms of international openness and related strategies, relevance of curricula training and collaboration strategies. The survey provides a first evaluation of past reforms and raises some open issues: PhDs in PA are now characterized by more structured programmes that are held back by their small size; collaboration strategies are emerging although they are hindered by administrative burdens and autarchic behaviour.

Points for practitioners

The results have several policy and operational implications: they provide benchmark information to PA PhD directors on the state of the art of the strategies adopted to cope with current and future challenges. Having adopted the disciplinary rather than the country focus makes the conclusions potentially relevant also for other countries. Doctoral programmes (and doctorate holders) are increasingly considering the wider job market. For PhD programmes in PA this will require more attention to the public sector needs and the establishment of different forms of cooperation. On the other hand, in the public sector, attempts should be made to make the most of people holding doctoral degrees. Furthermore, as ‘the world of practice has crept into the inner sanctum of academia: doctoral research’ (Pollitt, 2006: 258), public managers attending PhD programmes (or willing to do so) may find interesting insights on the types and expected developments of doctoral education according to the different disciplines. Finally, the survey offers useful indications to policy-makers and public managers engaged in the reform of the higher education.
Differences in emotional intelligence between effective and ineffective leaders in the public sector: an empirical study
Authors: Kotzé Martina , Venter Ian
Published: June 2011

The literature supporting leadership as the most important factor related to organizational success or failure is burgeoning. To a large extent, this may explain why so much research focuses on factors influencing leadership effectiveness. A crucial aspect of leadership research is to determine why some individuals perform effectively in leadership roles while others demonstrate mediocre or low levels of effectiveness. Once measures of individual characteristics have been validated within a relevant context, they become useful sources of information for selecting, placing, and promoting people into leadership positions. The aim of this study was to determine if there are statistically significant differences in emotional intelligence between effective and ineffective leaders. The sample included 114 leaders at the middle management level in a public sector institution in South Africa. Each leader’s effectiveness was rated by themselves (self-rating), as well as by four subordinates, thus involving 570 participants. The EQ-i® was used as a measure of emotional intelligence, while Spangenberg and Theron’s Leadership Behaviour Inventory was used to determine leadership effectiveness. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that the effective leaders scored significantly higher on the total emotional intelligence measure. They also scored significantly higher on two emotional intelligence composite scales (Interpersonal EQ and Stress Management EQ) and six sub-scales (Self-actualization, Empathy, Social Responsibility, Stress Tolerance, Problem-solving, and Optimism).

Points for practitioners

The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness seems to warrant organizational consideration of the possible inclusion of emotional intelligence, among other competencies, as a selection and promotion criterion for future leaders. Job analyses and the subsequent identification of job competencies can be used in order to determine, among others, the emotional intelligence requirements of specific leadership tasks, duties, and behaviours at different managerial levels within the organization. Based on such predetermined criteria, valid measures of emotional intelligence could be included as part of the selection and promotion process, along with other desirable individual attributes, such as verbal and numerical abilities, personality attributes, and specific managerial and leadership competencies required for effective leadership specifically within public sector institutions. Leadership development courses may also include programmes to develop emotional intelligence competencies. Potential candidates nominated to attend these courses could be equipped with a vital understanding of their own emotional functioning as well as an awareness of their influence on their followers. The continuous provision of feedback, mentoring, and modelling is also a key consideration in the development of emotional intelligence.
The Life Sentence: Using a Narrative Approach in Group Psychotherapy with Offenders
Authors: Adshead Gwen
Published: June 2011

In this article, I will discuss a narrative approach to psychodynamic group work with offenders. Drawing on my experience of running groups for offenders in a high secure psychiatric hospital, I will argue that (a) identity is created in narratives and stories and (b) that psychodynamic therapies allow people to change their narratives of themselves; and (c) that this is particularly significant when the story that must be told is one that involves a violent crime. I will try and set out how offender patients come with ‘cover’ stories, which are thin, and incoherent, and explore how dialogue in groups can facilitate changes of narrative and thus transform a thin story into something richer and more self-reflective.
Strength prediction of tensile loaded graphite fiber-reinforced aluminum composites containing circular holes
Authors: Jun Su  , Huasong Gou  , Yan Li  , Gaohui Wu  , Guoqin Chen
Published: June 2011

The residual strength of fiber-reinforced aluminum composite (Grf/Al) with circular holes was investigated and predicted by four prediction methods, including PSC, AVC, DZC, and the ECGM. The ‘knee’ points in stress—strain curve and fracture surfaces of Grf/Al with holes were analyzed. In order to apply the ECGM method, the apparent fracture energy of Gr f/Al was determined through notched three-point bending test, which was 4.1 kJ/m2. All four models provided prediction with good accuracy while the ratio of diameter/width of Grf/Al specimen ranged from 0.05 to 0.2. Furthermore, ECGM showed better accuracy than DZC while predicting the residual strength at the whole range (0.05—0.5).
Connecting Power
Authors: Patil Dhanraj A. , Dhere Amar M. , Pawar Chandrashekhar B.
Published: June 2011

This article provides an in-depth review of rural electrification efforts in India; specifically it deals with the limitations of the definition of village electrification and the quantitative dilemma between village and household electrification. However, this article revolves around three main claims about Maharashtra’s first community bio-mass rural electrification project at Lonarwadi village in western Maharashtra: (a) The project has mainly benefited both the rural middle and below poverty line (BPL) class people. (b) Bio-mass electricity plays a modest role in supporting economically productive and education-related activities, particularly it reduces the everyday drudgery and pressure on women, but ‘connective’ applications such as television, radio and cellular telephone charging often receive a higher priority. (c) Bio-mass electrification is more closely tied to indoor lighting, education, health and increased television use, more rural-urban communication. Finally, it also shows the appropriate renewable technology movement and management for sustainable development.
The Development of Alpaca Entrepreneurship
Authors: Alonso Abel Duarte
Published: June 2011

In recent decades, small rural entrepreneurs in Western Australia have contributed to the development and emergence of several rural industries, including wine and olives. Although still in their growing phase, these sectors have achieved some success and gained recognition both within and beyond the state’s borders. However, to date very little is known about other rural sectors and activities that, as the case of alpaca ownership/breeding are rela-tively new to Australia. Moreover, academic or industry studies discussing the objectives of alpaca breeders, or challenges they face within their sector is non-existent. Using face-to-face, but predominantly telephone interviews, this study investigates these aspects from a group of 32 Western Australian alpaca owners. The developmental stage of this emerging rural activity is identified in the findings, with 59.3 per cent of respondents breeding alpacas as a business or as part of a business. While there is general consensus that the scope for attaining commercial benefits in breeding and marketing alpacas exists, identifying marketing channels for both animals and their products (fibre) is a concern among respondents. Addressing this aspect appears critical for the future development of this nascent activity, particularly in view of increasing competition from more owners, alpacas and fibre.
Musical tempo stability in mental practice: A comparison of motor and non-motor imagery techniques
Authors: Johnson Randolph B.
Published: June 2011

The ability to maintain steady tempos using two different mental practice techniques was assessed through measurement of excerpt duration fluctuations. Ten musicians of various voice and instrument types participated in a two-part experiment. First, I recorded participants’ metronomic performances of lyrical and technical excerpts, which were selected from their repertoire. Next, participants mentally rehearsed their two excerpts over a total of 12 trials. Participants attempted to imagine a steady tempo that reflected the tempo of their actual performance. During each trial, participants heard a 3-second prompt from their recorded performance; following the prompt, each participant continued to mentally rehearse the respective excerpt while using one of two strategies. Participants engaged in two types of mental practice: non-motor imagery and motor imagery. At the end of each trial, participants rang a call bell to indicate each imagined excerpt’s ending articulation. Analysis of the magnitude and direction of excerpt duration discrepancies showed no significant differences in mean tempo accuracy when using the two different mental practice strategies. Non-motor and motor imagery exhibited differences of tempo variance across the two excerpt types: non-motor imagery was more consistent internally across a broad range of tempos. I also observed two significant interactions between successive mental rehearsals: musical sophistication and excerpt note density. In addition, repeated mental rehearsals of a musical tempo seem to settle into a more precise tempo; and motor imagery might provide support for this phenomenon. Both motor and non-motor forms of imagery may have specific applications to different goals in the mental rehearsal of musical tempo.
The role of body movement in learning to play the shaker to a samba rhythm: An exploratory study
Authors: Matsumura Kohei , Yamamoto Tomoyuki , Fujinami Tsutomu
Published: June 2011

Rhythm is an essential element of music, but how we acquire it has not been investigated in detail. Some argue that learners acquire rhythms mentally, and others argue that body movements are involved. This study, therefore, investigated how body movements affect the rhythmic performances of learners in the course of rhythm acquisition. We used accelerometers to measure the arm and lumbar accelerations of 17 participants who took samba lessons regularly for 10 months. Detailed analyses revealed that all learners who learnt to play the shaker to a samba rhythm exhibited samba-like rhythmic patterns in both lumbar and arm movements. This indicates that the coordination contributing to the lumber movement has something to do with the acquisition of samba rhythm, and this is consistent with the argument that body movements are involved in acquiring rhythms.
The legacy of music education methods in teacher education: The metanarrative of Dalcroze Eurhythmics as a case
Authors: Juntunen Marja-Leena , Westerlund Heidi
Published: June 2011

The article examines the role and relevance of certain so-called music education methods used in current educational practice. As different pedagogical approaches and teaching methods aim at good and educative experiences, they suggest an ideal story of success and a direction of growth for the self of the music learner. In this article, these ideal stories are seen as embodying the normative metanarratives of music education. As an example, the article constructs a metanarrative of Dalcroze pedagogy. Jaques-Dalcroze’s texts are analysed as articulating a certain conception of the human being, alongside ideals as to how the competencies of human beings are developed through music and within music education. The article then discusses how methodological metanarratives as normative frames for representing success stories may be used in today’s teacher education in developing teachers’ cultural metacognition and in leading the profession towards a critical narratology, to enrich the reflective practice of future teachers.
Forward modeling for marine sediment characterization using chirp sonars
Authors: Rakotonarivo Sandrine , Legris Michel , Desmare Rozenn , Sessarégo Jean-Pierre , Bourillet Jean-François
Published: June 2011

This paper investigates the forward modeling of chirp-sonar data for the quantitative characterization of marine subbottom sediment between 1 and 10 kHz. The forward modeling, based on a transfer function approach, included impacts of layering or impedance mismatch, attenuation, roughness, and transitional layers, i.e., continuous impedance variations. The presented approach provided the best compromise between the number of available geoacoustic parameters from chirp-sonar data and the subbottom modeling accuracy. The forward model was tested on deep-sea chirp-sonar data acquired at a central frequency of 3.5 kHz. Comparisons between synthetic and experimental seismograms showed good agreement for the first 15 m of buried layers. Performance of the inversion using this forward model was also examined through sensitivity analysis. The results suggested that estimations of layer thickness, impedance, and transitional layer thickness were robust, whereas roughness and attenuation estimations were subject to wavelength and layer thickness conditions.
Proteolytically cleaved MLL subunits are susceptible to distinct degradation pathways
Authors: Yokoyama Akihiko , Ficara Francesca , Murphy Mark J. , Meisel Christian , Naresh Alpana , Kitabayashi Issay , Cleary Michael L.
Published: June 2011

The mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) proto-oncogenic protein is a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase that is produced by proteolytic cleavage and self-association of the respective functionally distinct subunits (MLLN and MLLC) to form a holocomplex involved in epigenetic transcriptional regulation. On the basis of studies in Drosophila it has been suggested that the separated subunits might also have distinct functions. In this study, we used a genetically engineered mouse line that lacked MLLC to show that the MLLN–MLLC holocomplex is responsible for MLL functions in various developmental processes. The stability of MLLN is dependent on its intramolecular interaction with MLLC, which is mediated through the first and fourth plant homeodomain (PHD) fingers (PHD1 and PHD4) and the phenylalanine/tyrosine-rich (FYRN) domain of MLLN. Free MLLN is destroyed by a mechanism that targets the FYRN domain, whereas free MLLC is exported to the cytoplasm and degraded by the proteasome. PHD1 is encoded by an alternatively spliced exon that is occasionally deleted in T-cell leukemia, and its absence produces an MLL mutant protein that is deficient for holocomplex formation. Therefore, this should be a loss-of-function mutant allele, suggesting that the known tumor suppression role of MLL may also apply to the T-cell lineage. Our data demonstrate that the dissociated MLL subunits are subjected to distinct degradation pathways and thus not likely to have separate functions unless the degradation mechanisms are inhibited.
Supramolecular Spherical β-Cyclodextrin32-dendrimer: Inclusion Properties and Supramolecular Structure
Authors: Takashima Yoshinori , Oka Tatsuhiko , Yoshida Shogo , Yamaguchi Hiroyasu , Harada Akira
Published: June 2011

G3-6βCD32, which has 32 β-cyclodextrins functionalized on the surface of a polyamidoamine dendrimer, was prepared as a multivalent host molecule. G3-6βCD32 showed selective recognition behaviors for guest polymers. Using guest recognition sites on the surface, a supramolecular bilayer sphere was prepared in aqueous solutions. The molecular recognition properties and structure of G3-6βCD32 are reminiscent of a virus structure.
Regioselective Approach to Multisubstituted Benzenes
Authors: Seo Hana , Ohmori Ken , Suzuki Keisuke
Published: June 2011

Various multisubstituted benzenes were synthesized in highly chemo- and regioselective manners via nucleophilic aromatic substitution and ortho-metalation from 1,3,5-trifluorobenzene.
The evolution of laparoscopic antireflux surgery and its influence on postoperative stay
Authors: Cartlidge C W J , Stewart G D , De Beaux A C , Paterson-Brown S
Published: June 2011

Laparoscopic fundoplication is an established treatment for refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. This study aims to compare the outcome of two laparoscopic antireflux techniques in a regional specialist unit. A sequential audit was carried out on patients undergoing laparoscopic Nissen (LN: performed May 1994 to November 2000) or laparoscopic anterior (LA: performed March 2001 to December 2004) fundoplication. Patient satisfaction was assessed by postal questionnaire. The cohorts undergoing each operation were also divided into two chronological groups of 51 patients, to study the effect of possible learning curve progression on the number of nights spent in the hospital postoperatively. In all, 142/204 (70%) questionnaires were returned from patients with follow-up ranging from 5 to 40 months postoperation. Overall, 102/142 (72%) reported a good or excellent outcome. Patients who underwent LA had a higher rate of antacid medication use (LN 17.4% versus LA 34.2%, P = 0.036) but there was a higher score for inability to belch following LN (LN 2.03 versus LA 1.53, P = 0.034). When comparing the chronologically divided cohorts, LN was associated with a significantly longer hospital stay than LA ( P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). There was a significant decrease in hospital stay from the first to second group of 51 LNs ( P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test) and a further significant reduction in hospital stay from the first 51 to second 51 LAs (P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). In conclusion, both procedures provide good symptom control. Increased requirement for acid suppression following LA and inability to belch following LN, may suggest more long-term durability of the LN wrap. The decrease in the number of nights spent in hospital may be related to the procedure performed but seems more likely to be an effect of increasing volume of surgical experience.
Bile vomiting in paediatrics: what do we really know?
Authors: Clark K , Thomas K , Herd F , Nanthakumaran S , Driver Cp
Published: June 2011

Bile vomiting is clinically significant in neonates and children, indicating intestinal obstruction until proven otherwise. The aim of this study was to assess whether nursing staff within a children's hospital were able to accurately identify bilious vomiting and if a deficiency existed, whether educational posters could rectify this problem. A primary audit was conducted in the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital evaluating the ability of nursing staff to identify bile vomit and its significance. Educational posters were distributed and a secondary audit was conducted after six months to complete the audit cycle. The second audit also compared the knowledge of different medical professionals. In the primary audit, 41% of nurses selected the colour yellow, compared with 18% of nurses in the second audit with approximately 70% selecting dark-green. Thirty-three percent of nurses in the primary audit confirmed intestinal obstruction as the cause of bile vomiting, compared with 64% of nurses in the secondary audit. In conclusion, this study identified a deficiency in the recognition of bile vomiting among nurses, but demonstrates that the use of educational posters can significantly improve knowledge. This can be beneficial in the early recognition of this potential surgical emergency.
Thrombolysis of acute ischaemic stroke in a district general hospital: are we doing enough?
Authors: Tan A J H , Cronan J , Walters D P
Published: June 2011

Thrombolysis of acute ischaemic stroke is safe, efficacious and licensed for use in the UK. To date, few studies have looked at the rates of thrombolysis within a district general hospital setting. The aim of the study was to identify whether local thrombolysis protocols for stroke are adhered to; the rate of thrombolysis and strategies for implementation focused at improving the provision of thrombolysis of patients with acute ischaemic stroke. The methodology involved in this was a retrospective study within a district general hospital in the South of England. Data on patients admitted between 15 April 2008 and 14 April 2009 including demographics, use of the local thrombolysis protocol and reasons for non-thrombolysis were collected and analysed. Out of a total of 599 patients with a primary presentation of acute stroke, 18 were considered for thrombolysis. Six patients out of these 18 were thrombolysed without complications. Four out of these six patients had an improved National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) post-thrombolysis and one eventually died due to the extensiven ess of the stroke sustained, despite a slightly improved NIHSS. The rate of thrombolysis of acute ischaemic stroke is low in this hospital (1.001%). Various measures will need to be considered for implementation in order to improve the provision of this service.
Do waiting list initiatives discriminate in favour of those in a higher socioeconomic group?
Authors: Wood Gavin C A , Howie Colin
Published: June 2011

The UK has a publicly funded health care system with open access to all. In the past, demand for services overwhelmed the resources available. Recent government initiatives have attempted to address this. To achieve shorter waiting times (and guaranteed waiting times), access to additional services has been purchased from the private sector under short-term initiatives, often at sites firth of the home health board. There has been a suspicion that patients from higher socioeconomic groups have benefited differentially from this by rapid access to private health care facilities, due to ease of transport. The aim of this study was to analyse whether a patient's socioeconomic group influenced their access to, and place of, surgery. Patients undergoing a primary total hip or knee arthroplasty in a single health region over a three-year period were identified and their social group was determined by postcode address. Analysis of 3888 patients operated on in four different treatment centres comparing the distribution of patients according to their social group, revealed no bias in the provision of treatment. The study group was comparable to the control population in that health region. In conclusion, the introduction of health policies to reduce time to orthopaedic treatment within one health board area has not resulted in patient bias.
The role of a paediatric day surgery unit at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow between 1993 and 2006
Authors: Perry Nicole , Brownlee Ewan , Young David , Carachi Robert
Published: June 2011

A retrospective analysis was carried out on all day surgery admissions at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Sick Children between 1993 and 2006. The aim of the study was to analyse the total number of operations per day, month and year; specialties involved; and age range of the children admitted, to examine how these factors changed over the 13-year study period. We also studied the specific operations performed in 2006 by each specialty.
Antidepressants for mothers: What are we prescribing?
Authors: Kean Laura Jane , Hamilton Jane , Shah Premal
Published: June 2011

Prescribing in the perinatal period is based on a risk-benefit analysis, in the context of a limited evidence base, composed primarily of case series and reports. Mothers with depressive illness often present first in the community and effective treatment is paramount for the well being of both mother and child. We aimed at investigating current prescribing practices among general practitioners (GPs) of antidepressants to mothers presenting in first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. This qualitative study was conducted by way of postal survey to 78 GPs within South Central Edinburgh catchment area. All responses were anonymous and confidential. We discovered inconsistent prescribing patterns among GPs to both pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Only one GP suggested consulting clinical guidelines when making prescribing choices. There was no mention of the continuation of an antidepressant from pregnancy into breastfeeding as a reason of choice. Inconsistent prescribing patterns among GPs could have implications for the well being of mother and child, and may be reflective of an underlying educational need among GPs.
A 45-year-old man presenting with anterior compartment syndrome three weeks following conservative treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture
Authors: Van Niekerk Michael , Jawad Farrah , Huntley James S , Mccowan Stuart
Published: June 2011

Compartment syndrome complicating a ruptured Achilles tendon has previously been reported in a surgically treated patient. However – to our knowledge – this is the first report of compartment syndrome following conservative treatment. A 45-year-old man ruptured his Achilles tendon and elected to have treatment in an equinus cast. Three weeks later, he developed compartment syndrome and despite fasciotomy, required surgical debridement of his anterior compartment. Delay in both diagnosis and subsequent fasciotomy resulted in a poor outcome. Any suspicion of compartment syndrome mandates early compartmental pressure monitoring. The exact aetiology is uncertain but we speculate that the equinus position of his ankle combined with weight-bearing, was a major contributing factor.
Use of Theatre Time In Elective Orthopaedic Surgery: Where Does the Time Go?
Authors: Hickey B A , Chandratreya A P
Published: June 2011

With an annual NHS budget of more than ?1 billion in England and Wales, theatre running costs are one of the most expensive hospital resources. 1 For most hospitals they are also the largest source of revenue. 2 It is therefore apparent that the efficient running of cases and lists should be given high priority. Studies into the use of theatre time in elective orthopaedic surgery have previously shown that 25% of theatre time is effectively wasted due to late starts, early finishes and inefficiency. 3 This study explores the time spent within the operating theatre, an area that has not been considered in other studies of efficiency in elective orthopaedic surgery.
Removal of Ruthenium from Aqueous Solution by Clinoptilolite
Authors: Kabiri-Tadi Mahboobeh , Faghihian Hossein
Published: June 2011

Ruthenium compounds are highly toxic and carcinogenic. In the present study, clinoptilolite was used in the removal of Ru species from aqueous solutions. Clinoptilolite is a good choice of sorbents because it is naturally abundant and therefore cheap. After the process where Ru was removed from the aqueous solution, the clinoptilolite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. The influence of pH, contact time, and temperature on the adsorption of Ru was investigated and the optimum conditions were found to be 2 h of contact time and pH = 2. Pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order, Elovich, and intra-particle diffusion models were used to analyze the adsorption-rate data. The pseudo second-order model was found to be the best kinetics model in terms of matching the experimental results obtained. Adsorption isotherms were constructed to assess the maximum adsorption capacity of clinoptilolite. The Langmuir model fitted the data reasonably well in terms of regression coefficients. Adsorption studies were also performed at different temperatures to calculate the thermodynamic parameters. The numerical value of ΔG0 decreased with increasing temperature, indicating that adsorption is favored at higher temperatures. The positive values of ΔH0 corresponded to the endothermic nature of the adsorption processes. The proposed method of removal is applicable at an industrial scale.
Character and Amount of I-S Mixed-Layer Minerals and Physical-Chemical Parameters of Two Ceramic Clays from Westerwald, Germany: Implications for Processing Properties
Authors: Petrick Kerstin , Diedel Ralf , Peuker Miriam , Dieterle Matthias , Kuch Paul , Kaden René , Krolla-Sidenstein Peter , Schuhmann Rainer , Emmerich Katja
Published: June 2011

The industrial assessment of ceramic clays commonly consists of the determination of just two parameters, the particle-size distribution and the chemical composition; other parameters may also be important, however. The aim of the present study was to show that a careful determination of the mineralogical phase content provides valuable additional information on the processing behavior of ceramic clays.

Two ceramic clays (W1 andW2) from theWesterwald area, Germany, were evaluated as being the same with respect to industrial screening criteria, but showed different processing properties. In order to elucidate the different behaviors, both clays were investigated comprehensively using a multi-method approach combining physical-chemical and mineralogical methods.

Different aggregation characteristics for the two clays were revealed by determining the grain-size distribution with and without Na-pyrophosphate as a dispersant. In addition, W1 showed a greater electrical conductivity and soluble-salt concentration which promoted dispersion behavior.

The phase content was identified both for bulk materials and for several grain-size fractions by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld analysis. The quantitative phase content was crosschecked with the chemical composition by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Additional information was gathered by thermal analysis, cation exchange capacity (CEC) measurements, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and optical microscopy. While bulk samples of W1 and W2 showed nearly the same mineralogical and chemical compositions, investigation of the clay-size fractions (0.6–2 μm, <0.6 mm) revealed differences in the composition of the 2:1 layer silicates. The percentages of smectite in the mixed-layer I-S, as well as the amount of kaolinite, discrete illite, and smectite were determined by one-dimensional XRD profile fitting (ODPF). Best-fitting results for W1 were achieved for a physical mixture of an illite-rich I-S mixed-layer mineral (R3 I(0.9)-S) with discrete smectite, whereas W2 was characterized by a greater proportion of smectite in the mixed-layer (R1 I(0.8)-S), without discrete smectite. Based on the different structural features of the swellable clays, a qualitative delamination model for the 2:1 layer silicates during processing of the clays was derived. The model provides a further approach, aside from aggregation characteristics, to help understand the clay-processing behavior, which was found to be different for the two ceramic clays investigated.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Properties of the Na- and Ca-Bentonites of Ordu (Ne Turkey)
Authors: Karakaya Muazzez Çelik , Karakaya Necati , Küpeli Şuayip
Published: June 2011

A number of different types of bentonite deposits formed by hydrothermal alteration and diagenetic processes are to be found in the Ordu area of the Eastern Black Sea region. The Ca- and Na-bentonite deposits are related to Upper Cretaceous tholeitic to calc-alkaline volcanites, predominantly dacite and andesite, and also include rhyodacite with lesser basalt and their pyroclastic equivalents. In the present study, dacite (PR1), perlite (PR2), moderately altered rocks (MPR), and Na- and Ca-bentonites were studied to describe and compare their mineralogical and geochemical properties and their conditions of formation by means of X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and chemical analytical techniques.

Ca-bentonites, except for smectite, contain opal-CT, feldspar, biotite, and rarely pyrite, while Na-bentonites contain smectite and less feldspar, opal-CT, kaolinite, and illite.

Progressive alteration of the PR2 caused depletion in K2O and Na2O and enrichment in MgO and CaO in all of the Ca-bentonite samples. Na2O was depleted in all of the Na-bentonites and in most of the MPR. The medium and heavy rare earth elements (MREE and HREE) show mass gain or mass loss in the Na-bentonites. The HREE show nearly immobile behavior in the Ca-bentonites. The rare earth elements (REE) and transition elements (TRE) mostly gained mass in the Ca-bentonites in contrast to Na-bentonites. Large-ion lithophile elements (LILE) are strongly depleted in all of the bentonites. The LREE, MREE, and HREE were strongly depleted in most of the MPR samples. TiO2, Lu, Tm, and Tb show immobile behavior in all samples.

PR1 exhibits a slightly positive Eu anomaly. Two MPR samples show slightly positive Eu anomalies (1.03, 1.13), and one Na-bentonite sample displays a slightly positive Eu anomaly (1.04). Most of the Nabentonites have weakly negative Eu anomalies, whereas perlite and the Ca-bentonite have a strongly negative Eu anomaly. The PR1, PR2, MPR, and Na-bentonite present a positive Ce anomaly, and the Ca-bentonite shows a moderately negative Ce anomaly. The Ca-montmorillonites are mainly hydrothermal in origin and derived from alteration of volcanoclastic material in situ and/or in the subaerial environment. The Na-montmorillonites formed by alteration and diagenesis of volcanoclastic material in the sedimentary basin.
Beta-amyloid oligomers: recent developments
Authors: Borutaite Vilmante , Morkuniene Ramune , Valincius Gintaras
Published: June 2011

Recent studies point to a critical role of soluble β-amyloid oligomers in the pathogenesis of one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD). Beta-amyloid peptides are cleavage products of a ubiquitously expressed protein, the amyloid precursor protein. Early studies suggested that accumulation of extracellular β-amyloid aggregates are the most toxic species causing synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss in particular regions of the brain (neurobiological features underlying cognitive decline of the AD patients). In recent years, a shift of pardigm occurred, and now there is accumulating evidence that soluble oligomeric forms of the peptide are the most toxic to neuronal cells. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the toxic effects of amyloid-β oligomers, their physico-chemical properties and the possible pathways of their formationin vitroandin vivo.
Performance of the Roche Total Mycophenolic Acid® assay on the Cobas Integra 400®, Cobas 6000® and comparison to LC-MS/MS in liver transplant patients
Authors: Decavele An-Sofie C. , Favoreel Niels , Heyden Fien Vander , Verstraete Alain G.
Published: June 2011

Background: Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressant for which therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is performed for optimal prophylaxis and avoidance of toxicity in transplant patients. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is ideally suited for TDM of MPA. There have been several method comparisons of the Roche Total MPA assay, but none have been performed with respect to liver transplant patients.

Methods: We validated the Roche Total MPA assay on the Cobas Integra 400 and Cobas 6000 and compared it to a validated LC-MS/MS (API 2000™) method. Fifty-five EDTA plasma samples from liver transplant patients were measured with the Roche assay on these platforms and compared to the LC-MS/MS results.

Results: Validation of the LC-MS/MS, Cobas Integra 400 and 6000 was performed with good results. The LC-MS/MS/Integra 400/Cobas 6000 were linear up to 30, 15 and 17 mg/L, respectively. Imprecision was <10% for LC-MS/MS and <7% for the Roche assay on both platforms. The samples showed good agreement with LC-MS/MS. Passing-Bablok regression analysis showed Cobas Integra (mg/L)=1.02×LC-MS/MS (mg/L)–0.50 and Cobas 6000 (mg/L)=0.98×LC-MS/MS–0.47.

Conclusions: The Roche Total Mycophenolic Acid-assay is suitable for measuring total MPA in plasma from liver transplant patients and is a good alternative for LC-MS/MS.
Alterations of the preoperative coagulation profile in patients with acute appendicitis
Authors: Li Jianxin , Liu Yan , Yin Weihua , Zhang Chuanzhou , Huang Jinhe , Liao Chaoyu , Nie Liping , Zhou Yu , Xiao Ping
Published: June 2011

Background:Acute appendicitis (AA) is usually associated with a systemic inflammatory response that often leads to activation of coagulation. However, limited data about coagulation changes in AA are available.

Methods:Results of preoperative coagulation testing in 702 patients with confirmed AA and 697 patients undergoing minor elective surgery (control) during the same period were analyzed retrospectively. Coagulation activity of factors VII, IX (FVII:C, FIX:C) and the concentration of plasma endotoxin from 40 patients with AA and 15 control subjects were measured.

Results:Compared with control subjects, prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (Fib) and endotoxin increased (all p<0.01), FVII:C decreased (p<0.05), and thrombin time shortened (p<0.01) significantly in patients with AA, which showed trends with increasing severity of disease. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of Fib for discriminating complicated appendicitis or acute perforated appendicitis from enrolled patients were larger than those for leukocyte parameters. The concentration of endotoxin correlated negatively with FVII:C (r=−0.860, p<0.001), positively with PT (0.713, <0.001), and FVII:C negatively with PT (−0.729, <0.001) in individuals that were evaluated. The change in activated partial thromboplastin time and difference in FIX:C among patients with various pathological types of appendicitis were not significant.

Conclusions:Endotoxin-induced activation of the extrinsic coagulation pathway was present in patients with AA. Fib may be useful as a potential indicator for excluding complicated appendicitis.
Histological alterations in the ultimobranchial gland of teleost Heteropneustes fossilis in response to chlorpyrifos treatment
Authors: Srivastav Ajai Kumar , Srivastava Sanjay Kumar , Mishra Diwakar , Srivastav Sunil Kumar
Published: June 2011

In this study, an experiment was performed on Heteropneustes fossilis for short-term (1.76 mg/L chlorpyrifos, i.e., 0.8 of 96-h LC50) and long-term (0.44 mg/L chlorpyrifos, i.e., 0.2 of 96-h LC50) exposure. The fish were sacrificed after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h in the short-term experiment and after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days in the long-term experiment. On these intervals, blood was collected and analysis of serum calcium was done. Ultimobranchial glands were also fixed for histological study. The serum calcium levels of H. fossilis exhibit a decline after 24 h following exposure to chlorpyrifos. This decrease continues until the end of the experiment (96 h). The serum calcium levels of chronically exposed fish exhibit a decrease on day 7. Thereafter, the levels continue to fall progressively until the end of the experiment (28 days). The ultimobranchial gland of chlorpyrifos treated fish exhibits no histological change up to 48 h. After 72 h, there is a decrease in the staining response of cytoplasm of the ultimobranchial cells. The nuclear volume of these cells is slightly decreased. After 96 h following chlorpyrifos exposure, these changes become exaggerated. In chlorpyrifos-treated fish there is no change in the histological structure of the ultimobranchial gland up to 14 days. After 21 days, the cytoplasm of ultimobranchial cells stain feebly and the nuclear volume of these cells exhibits a decrease. Following 28 days treatment, the nuclear volume of these cells records a further decrease and the gland depicts vacuolization and degeneration at certain areas.
Hexavalent chromium and its effect on health: possible protective role of garlic (Allium sativum Linn)
Authors: Das Kusal K. , Dhundasi Salim A. , Das Swastika N.
Published: June 2011

Hexavalent chromium or chromium (VI) is a powerful epithelial irritant and a confirmed human carcinogen. This heavy metal is toxic to many plants, aquatic animals, and bacteria. Chromium (VI) which consists of 10%–15% total chromium usage, is principally used for metal plating (H2Cr2O7), as dyes, paint pigments, and leather tanning, etc. Industrial production of chromium (II) and (III) compounds are also available but in small amounts as compared to chromium (VI). Chromium (VI) can act as an oxidant directly on the skin surface or it can be absorbed through the skin, especially if the skin surface is damaged. The prooxidative effects of chromium (VI) inhibit antioxidant enzymes and deplete intracellular glutathione in living systems and act as hematotoxic, immunotoxic, hepatotoxic, pulmonary toxic, and nephrotoxic agents. In this review, we particularly address the hexavalent chromium-induced generation of reactive oxygen species and increased lipid peroxidation in humans and animals, and the possible role of garlic (Allium sativum Linn) as a protective antioxidant.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the ethanolic extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius in rats and mice
Authors: Onasanwo Samuel A. , Oyagbemi Ademola A. , Saba Adebowale B.
Published: June 2011

Background: Ethanolic leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius was evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Methods: The analgesic activity of the extract was assayed by the formalin-induced paw licking test, acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and hot plate test, whereas its anti-inflammatory activity was determined by its effects on carrageenan-induced paw edema.

Results: The extract of C. aconitifolius prolonged the reaction time of mice to pain in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal analgesic effect of the extract was obtained when the extract was administered 90 min before pain stimulation in the hot plate test. The extract of C. aconitifolius (100 or 200 mg/kg b.w.) inhibited acetic acid-induced irritation of paws of rats comparably with that of indomethacin (10 mg/kg b.w.) and had significantly lower mean number of lickings of paws than the control rats (p<0.05). Carrageenan-induced edema was markedly inhibited (p<0.05) by the extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) when compared with control rats. Inhibition of writhing movement in rats administered with the extract was lower (p<0.05) than rats administered with indomethacin but its effect was dose-dependent.

Conclusions: Our investigations show that C. aconitifolius possesses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities that should be explored.
A Novel Method of Inverse Multiplexing for Ultra Long Span Transmission
Authors: Ruan Hao , Gan Chaoqin
Published: June 2011

A novel method of inverse multiplexing is proposed. This method is suitable for design of ultra long span optical transmission system. In this scheme, IFFT acts as a key device to realize inverse multiplexing. A 40 Gbit/s system based on the scheme is simulated to evaluate its performance with experimental results given.
Generation of Non-Uniform Pulses by an Eight Microstructured Optical Fiber Laser
Authors: Ennejah Tarek , Bahloul Faouzi , Attia Rabah
Published: June 2011

Mode locking mechanisms in fiber laser have been an active and rich research field in optical communication. In this paper we study the behaviour of an 8FL (eight fiber laser) totally made out of MOF (Microstructured Optical Fiber). We demonstrate that even output from a fiber laser is not necessarily uniform. Due to its ring cavity and NALM (Non linear Amplifying Loop Mirror) transmission properties, the laser generates randomly different non-uniform output pulses. It follows three states of operation: single, bound and multiple pulses were observed. We report the formation of bound pulses where side peaks are higher than the central one. We report also the formation of bound and multiple pulses which damage their bindings and alter their pulses width and separations.
Transmission of 2.5 Gbit/s Spectrum-sliced WDM System for 50 km Single-mode Fiber
Authors: Ahmed Nasim , Aljunid Sayed Alwee , Ahmad R. Badlisha , Fadil Hilal Adnan , Rashid Mohd Abdur
Published: June 2011

The transmission of a spectrum-sliced WDM channel at 2.5 Gbit/s for 50 km of single mode fiber using an system channel spacing only 0.4 nm is reported. We have investigated the system performance using NRZ modulation format. The proposed system is compared with conventional system. The system performance is characterized as the bit-error-rate (BER) received against the system bit rates. Simulation results show that the NRZ modulation format performs well for 2.5 Gbit/s system bit rates. Using this narrow channel spectrum-sliced technique, the total number of multiplexed channels can be increased greatly in WDM system. Therefore, 0.4 nm channel spacing spectrum-sliced WDM system is highly recommended for the long distance optical access networks, like the Metro Area Network (MAN), Fiber-to-the-Building (FTTB) and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH).