bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal pathways towards sustainable blue food systems in the aquaculture sector
Authors: Poto Margherita Paola , Morel Mathilde , Elvevoll Edel , Fauchald Ole Kristian , Eskeland Schütz Sigrid , Quist Sofie Elise , Schøning Lena
Published: February 2024

The workshop, organized by Mathilde Morel on January 10th 2024, as a part of her PhD project and preparatory work for her PhD midway presentation, aimed to convene experts within the realm of blue food systems with the overarching objective of exploring viable pathways toward sustainability transitions. The reason for this inquiry stems from the escalating recognition that contemporary food systems are increasingly linked to adverse environmental and socioeconomic repercussions, contributing substantially to approximately 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This imperative for change is driven by numerous factors, including the climate crisis, rapid urbanization, evolving dietary preferences, and the expansion of the global population. Consequently, a foundational shift towards food systems characterised by diminished environmental impacts and carbon footprints becomes imperative. Furthermore, aligning with the Agenda 2030, there is an urgent call for expeditious adoption of a more resource-efficient bioeconomy within the world's food systems. Within this context, the integration of sustainable blue food systems, particularly in food producing sectors such as aquaculture, emerges as a critical facet of the solution. Despite the prevailing inclination towards augmenting sea-based food consumption through diverse blue growth strategies, it is crucial to ensure that unsustainable practices inherent in land-based food systems, are not replicated in marine environments. To actualize sustainable blue food systems in the aquaculture sector, the realization of resilient, equitable, and enduring solutions is paramount. The anticipated outcome of this investigative endeavour is rooted in the understanding that the application of legal and regulatory mechanisms can wield substantial influence in the transition process. Such mechanisms are integral to the formulation of comprehensive aquaculture management strategies that strike a judicious balance between safeguarding, rehabilitation, and utilization. The workshop constitutes a key touch base activity and outcome for the project SECURE, UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
The quality and reliability of patient education regarding sound therapy videos for tinnitus on YouTube
Authors: Huang Chao , Lan Hongli , Jiang Fan , Huang Yu , Lai Dan
Published: February 2024

Background

Numerous online videos are available on sound therapy as a treatment modality for tinnitus, but it is uncertain if these videos are adequate for patient education. This study aims to evaluate the quality and reliability of tinnitus sound therapy videos on YouTube for patient education.

Methods

YouTube videos were searched using keywords related to “tinnitus sound therapy”. The top 100 videos were analyzed after excluding those were repetitive, irrelevant, less than 3 min, or not in English. After categorising the videos based on their authorship and content, the video power index (VPI) was relied to determine their popularity. The DISCERN questionnaire (DISCERN), the Global Quality Score (GQS), the Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria (JAMA), and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) were utilized to evaluate the quality, transparency, and patient education.

Results

Over half (56%) of the videos were published by professional organizations. A total of 93% of them contained sound only. Only 17% followed the recommendations of the Clinical Management of Tinnitus Guidelines, and 3% provided literature referenced by the video. A variety types of sound were used, among which music accounting for 35%. The videos were highly popular with an average views of 7,335,003.28 ± 24,174,764.02 and an average VPI of 4,610.33 ± 11,531.10. However, their quality was poor (the median scores: 38/80 for DISCERN, 2/5 for GQS, 1/4 for JAMA, and 50%/100% for PEMAT). There was a negative correlation between the popularity of the videos and their quality, indicated by PEMAT: −0.207, DISCERN: −0.307, GQS: −0.302, and JAMA: −0.233. Several dimensions of the videos require improvement, especially actionability, treatment options, and transparency with lacks of 100%, 63%, and 75% respectively.

Conclusion

The tinnitus sound therapy videos available on YouTube exhibit low quality. Nevertheless, they also hold potential for health education if refined and utilized suitably.
Mapeamento de atores do ecossistema de inovação da cidade de Timon – Maranhão e suas potencialidades
Authors: Machado Herus Orsano , Feitosa Aryadynna Santos , De Menezes Domingos Albano Matos , Ferreira Antônio Vinícius Oliveira , Chaym Carlos Dias , Buarque Brenno , De Sousa Elisângela Alves , Da Silva Neto Raimundo Beserra
Published: February 2024

Os ecossistemas de inovação são formados por diferentes atores de uma determinada região que, através de sua interatividade, buscam o desenvolvimento econômico, social e regional por meio de fomentos – proporcionando, assim, a criação e/ou fortalecimento de empreendimentos e novos negócios. A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo mapear os atores do ecossistema de inovação da cidade de Timon – Maranhão (Brasil), identificando suas potencialidades. Os procedimentos metodológicos sustentam-se em pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. A bibliográfica buscou gravitar em torno das questões conceituais e dos principais modelos sobre ecossistema de empreendedorismo e inovação existentes na literatura. A documental, por sua vez, objetivou pesquisar e coletar dados secundários de indicadores da cidade, junto a órgãos governamentais, base de dados, agências de fomento e pesquisa, relatórios e estudos técnicos, notícias em portais, entre outros. Com base nos dados coletados, foi possível identificar e mapear os atores existentes de um ecossistema de inovação na cidade de Timon (MA), identificando as suas áreas de atuações e suas potencialidades, categorizando-os. Os resultados evidenciaram a presença de diversos atores que compõem esse ecossistema, porém constatou-se a ausência de interatividade entre eles e de outros atores importantes como startups, aceleradoras, incubadoras, parques tecnológicos, investidores, dentre outros. Em contrapartida, percebeu-se o surgimento recente de diversos espaços makers e de inovação, e de iniciativas governamentais com intuito de estimular a cultura do empreendedorismo e da inovação na região, assim como a participação de instituições universitárias nesse processo. Portanto, buscou-se estudar o ecossistema de inovação da cidade para entender os seus atores e as suas potencialidades, contribuindo para o seu desenvolvimento econômico e fortalecimento regional.
Políticas ambientais acerca das unidades de conservação no Brasil: desafios das gestões e políticas das áreas protegidas
Authors: Da Silva Antonio Jorge Barbosa , De Souza Maria Cláudia da Silva Antunes
Published: February 2024

Objetivo geral é avaliar as legislações pertinentes as Unidades de conservação (UCs) e Manaus com a finalidade de compreender suas garantias legais. Os materiais usados para construção do projeto foram legislações que tratam sobre as UC, Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, áreas protegidas do Brasil. As UCs são também consideradas como importantes instrumentos para pesquisa, educação ambiental e na geração de modelos sustentáveis para o desenvolvimento econômico regional. Ou seja, a proteção da geodiversidade faz-se presente entre os objetivos de criação das UCs, bem como a interpretação ambiental, através de atividades de educação ambiental e o turismo, pelo fato de essa atividade poder propiciar o desenvolvimento econômico regional. Além do mais, a abordagem aplicada foi bibliográfica e documental, enriquecida com os dispositivos legais e entendimentos jurisprudenciais aplicáveis à espécie. A realização dessa pesquisa torna-se importante por evidenciar como as políticas públicas estão sendo geridas nas comunidades de Manaus, bem como estão sendo administrados os recursos públicos destinados a essa população, ou seja, oferece um acompanhamento e verificação das ações da gestão pública na execução das políticas públicas.
O impacto dos serviços de inspeção para a geração de renda na agricultura familiar do Maranhão
Authors: Mesquita Fabiola Ewerton Kamakura , De Mattos Junior José Sampaio
Published: February 2024

O presente artigo tem como objetivo examinar a situação sanitária do Maranhão, enfatizando os Serviços de Inspeção, principalmente o Municipal (S.I.M.), que se configura como fator relevante para o avanço das cadeias produtivas agroindustriais e para o desenvolvimento da economia local por meio da geração de emprego e renda e da garantia de qualidade dos produtos de origem animal da agricultura familiar. Os procedimentos utilizados foram a pesquisa bibliográfica e documental com vistas à obtenção de dados do Governo do Estado do Maranhão, da Agência Estadual de Defesa Agropecuária do Maranhão (AGED), do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento e do Mistério da Cidadania. A análise dos dados confirmou a fragilidade dos municípios para implantação dos serviços de inspeção, bem como para o cumprimento das normas sanitárias já existentes e das condições para que os produtores pudessem desenvolver as atividades relacionadas ao beneficiamento dos produtos de origem animal. A conclusão é de que são necessárias políticas públicas, nas escalas estadual e nacional, para estimular os gestores públicos municipais a fortalecer o sistema de inspeção.
Palavras-chave: Agricultura familiar; geração de emprego e renda; Maranhão; políticas públicas; serviço de inspeção.
A lógica da ação coletiva e o processo de construção do Plano Diretor de Oiapoque/AP
Authors: Ferreira Simone Dias , Ferreira José Francisco de Carvalho , Tostes José Alberto
Published: February 2024

O estudo da cidade perpassa uma diversidade de processos que envolvem o planejamento urbano (tendo o Plano Diretor Municipal como principal instrumento da política urbana), o modelo de desenvolvimento e as ações coletivas dos agentes sociais que influenciam sua organização. O objetivo do artigo é analisar os aspectos relacionados à ação coletiva no processo de construção do Plano Diretor de Oiapoque. Este artigo baseou-se em pesquisa descritiva e exploratória, adotando procedimentos que incluíram pesquisas bibliográfica, documental e de campo. Um dos principais resultados indica que a trajetória de elaboração do Plano Diretor de Oiapoque consiste em uma ação inacabada, que se estende pelo período de onze anos de tentativas sem sucesso. Como evidências caracterizou-se a ação coletiva (descrevendo-se o perfil dos agentes envolvidos no processo de elaboração do Plano Diretor) e se identificaram os problemas da ação coletiva no município, como a baixa articulação entre a administração municipal e a sociedade. Este fato, em especial, parece dever-se à desconfiança nutrida pelos agentes sociais em vista da fragmentação dos interesses coletivos. De forma que os pequenos grupos sociais que acabaram sendo criados tendem a privilegiar seus próprios interesses, fragilizando as ações coletivas em Oiapoque/AP.
Palavras-chave: Ação coletiva; cidade; desenvolvimento; Oiapoque; planejamento urbano; Plano Diretor.
Movimento Pró-Agricultura Orgânica Ivoti: uma construção coletiva
Authors: Weber Cristiano , De García Nunes Tiago , Da Silva Della Vechia Renato
Published: February 2024

O propósito deste artigo é discorrer sobre os movimentos sociais agroecológicos, suas tendências, desafios e características. Em um momento inicial contextualiza-se a importância dos movimentos agroecológicos e suas contribuições na construção coletiva de conceitos como soberania alimentar. Abordar-se-á a agricultura orgânica (ou de base agroecológica) como via alternativa ao atual modelo de produção agrícola neoliberal, demonstrando ser possível atingir a sustentabilidade no setor agrícola. Tratar-se-á, também, das políticas públicas que favorecem a agricultura orgânica em nível municipal com a inclusão de produtos orgânicos na merenda escolar, como meio de desenvolver essa atividade e forma de consolidar uma política pública. O método consiste em uma reflexão teórico-abstrata, com uma análise empírica sobre o Movimento Pró-Agricultura Orgânica Ivoti, que desembocou em uma política pública a partir de lei municipal. Conclui-se o artigo indicando que a produção orgânica, além de ser uma das formas mais sustentáveis de produzir alimentos de qualidade, ainda é uma luta necessária, um processo social que está em movimento.
Palavras-chave: Agricultura orgânica; Movimento Pró-Agricultura Orgânica Ivoti; movimentos sociais agroecológicos; políticas públicas; produtos orgânicos.
Exploring the Effect of Humic Acid on Chlorophyll Levels in Japanese Mint under Drip and Flood Irrigation Amidst Water and Nutrient Constraints
Authors: Baurai Rupanjali , Singh Gurvinder , Raverkar K.P. , Bhatnagar Amit , Chaturvedi Sumit
Published: February 2024

A field experiment on Mentha (Mentha arvensis L.) was conducted during the spring seasons of 2022 and 2023 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The objective was to investigate the impact of foliar spray of humic acid on SPAD values under conditions of limited water and nutrients. The experiment comprised two drip irrigation levels (80% and 100% of crop evapotranspiration) and four nutrient management practices. These practices included: 25% NPK basal + 75% NPK fertigation, 50% NPK basal + 50% NPK fertigation, No basal + 75% NPK fertigation + three foliar sprays of humic acid at 0.3%, and 25% NPK basal + 50% NPK fertigation + three foliar sprays of humic acid at 0.3%. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replicates (factorial), and an extra control was included. The control followed conventional practices, where the crop received recommended doses of fertilizers (N: P2O5: K2O @ 120:60:40 kg/ha) and was irrigated at an IW: CPE ratio of 1.2 with a 5 cm irrigation depth. Significantly higher SPAD values were observed when the crop was irrigated at 100% ETc level of drip irrigation and with nutrient management practices involving foliar application of humic acid, compared to 80% ETc level of drip irrigation and total NPK supply through chemical fertilizers, respectively. At harvest, crops irrigated at 100% ETc level recorded SPAD readings that were 11.1% and 18% higher than those irrigated at 80% ETc level during 2022 and 2023, respectively. The humic acid application helped to maintain the SPAD values even after a 25% reduction in nutrient dosage. SPAD values for control were significantly lower than the combination of best nutrient management practices with either 80 or 100% ETc level of drip irrigation.
The Influence of Social and Economic Motivational Factors in the Performance of Health Professionals Involved in Mental Health Care in Douala, Littoral Region of Cameroon
Authors: Chiamanji Emmanuel Nforlem , Ndamukong-Nyanga Judith Lum , Ijang Nju Curly
Published: February 2024

Aim: Social and economic motivational factors can influence the performance of health workers. This and has special importance in mental health. In low and middle-income countries, health professionals are essential for the delivery of mental health interventions. However, inadequate mental health professional’s performance is a very widespread problem. Motivation is a prerequisite for better organizational performance. Motivation involves the biological, economic, social and cognitive forces that activate behavior. In everyday usage, the term “motivation” is frequently used to describe why a person does something. It is the driving force behind human actions. Thus this study seeks to investigate the extent to which motivational factors influence the performance of health professionals involved in mental health care in Douala, Littoral Region of Cameroon.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional and analytical study design was adopted to investigate the extent to which motivational factors influence the performance of 210 mental health workers.

Place and Duration of Study: It involved five mental health institutions in Douala, from May 2022 to August 2022.

Methodology: A snowball sampling technique purely based on referrals and a purposive sampling technique to select the participants was used. Pilot test was done on 6 mental health workers in Minds Clinic Buea using a Crobach’s Alpha formula to calculate and the value 0.985 was gotten to prove the validity and reliability of the research tools. Data was collected quantitatively and qualitatively with the use of self-administered, well-structured questionnaire and face to face interview was applied to collect data, and analyzed with SPSS version 23.0.

Results: Results revealed that social (rs=0.406), economic (rs=0.248), cognitive (rs=0.471) and biological (rs=0.263) motivational factors influenced the performance of health professionals involved in mental health care and consequently improve the quality of mental health care. Spearman’s rank correlation revealed that motivational factors improved work performance. Also, motivational factors have a significant relationship with performance at a two tail test. Moreover, there was general consensus among the management staff that the general motivation packages and strategies are yielding desired results and this has positively affected the moral and performance of staff.

Conclusion: Overall the findings of the study suggest that to improve the performance of health professionals involved in mental health care in Douala Littoral Region of Cameroon there is the need to carefully define motivational factors that are reliable and strategically relevant ensuring that they are free from criterion contamination and deficiency.
Murine Asthma Models
Authors: Regal Jean F.
Published: August 2004

Immunotoxicity can take the form of an enhanced immune response or hypersensitivity. Asthma is one possible consequence of hypersensitivity in the lung, with characteristics that include reversible airway obstruction, eosinophil infiltration into the lung, and airway hyperresponsiveness to agonists such as methacholine. In toxicology, two primary areas of investigation prompt the measurement of the asthmatic response in an animal: (1) identification of chemicals or proteins that cause asthma, i.e., respiratory allergens, and (2) identification of exposures that will exacerbate existing asthma. An ovalbumin‐induced asthma model can be used to identify exposures that exacerbate existing asthma. A protocol for the sensitization and challenge of mice with ovalbumin is described; it leads to the asthma symptoms of airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophil infiltration. Assessment of airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine uses whole body plethysmography in conscious unrestrained mice. Bronchoalveolar lavage of the mouse determines the extent of cellular infiltration into the airspace. Removal of lung lobes and assay of eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase provides a measure of the numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils, respectively, in the lung. Depending on the experimental goals, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue can also be used for isolation of RNA, and measurement of cytokines, chemokines, antibodies, and inflammatory mediators.
Overview of Cell Fractionation
Authors: Castle J. David
Published: August 2004

This discussion unit describes the most common methods for cell fractionation which provides the essential ingredients for the increasing number of cell‐free assays now being used in test‐tube reconstructions of complex cellular events involving intercompartmental interactions. Gel filtration separates on the basis of size, centrifugation separates on the basis of size and density, and electrophoresis separates on the basis of surface charge density. Centrifugation is the most widely used procedure in cell fractionation and is the only approach commonly used to separate crude tissue homogenates (often having quite large volumes) into subfractions as starting material for more refined purification procedures. Therefore, this overview focuses primarily on fractionation of organelles by centrifugation.
Purification of Organelles from Mammalian Cells
Authors: Castle J. David
Published: August 2004

The protocols in this unit illustrate a range of different procedures that have been used to fractionate tissue homogenates. They emphasize different fractionation techniques that have been used for rat liver, an abundant tissue that has been a favorite of many investigators and has served as the source of many organelle preparations of excellent purity. For selected procedures, other examples have been given using other tissue sources (e.g., glandular tissues that maintain protein storage granules for regulated secretion) or, where particularly favorable, cultured cells. The basis (or goal) of each separation and the merits and limitations of each procedure are summarized to provide a guide for selecting among the various approaches. The large number of protocols include specific details relevant to a particular sample cell type (and in many cases a particular organelle).
Applications for Chemical Probes of Proteolytic Activity
Authors: Bogyo Matthew , Baruch Amos , Jeffery Douglas A. , Greenbaum Doron , Borodovsky Anna , Ovaa Huib , Kessler Benedikt
Published: August 2004

Recent genome sequencing projects have identified new peptidases in multiple organisms, many with unknown functions, suggesting the need for new tools to study these enzymes. This unit outlines selection and use of small‐molecule and protein‐based probes to covalently modify peptidases in complex cellular environments. These activity‐based probes (ABPs) have been designed based on well characterized peptidase inhibitor scaffolds, but make use of new techniques to greatly enhance their utility for studying families of related peptidases. In particular, ABPs can be used to track activity of peptidases in crude cell extracts, intact cells, and in vivo, allowing rapid purification and identification of labeled targets. They can be used with libraries of small molecules to rapidly assess potency and selectivity of compounds in complex, physiologically relevant samples. Probe selection, probe tagging using reporters, labeling of recombinant targets, crude protein extracts, and peptidase targets in cell culture systems, affinity purification of targets, and inhibitor screening using affinity probes are outlined.
Characterization of CGRP Receptor Binding
Authors: Conner Alex C. , Hay Debbie L. , Poyner David R.
Published: August 2004

CGRP receptor binding may be measured using homogenates of cell membranes or intact cells. Here a microcentrifugation‐based assay is described that utilizes radioiodinated CGRP in displacement studies to determine the binding parameters for any ligand that interacts with CGRP receptors. A similar assay is described for binding to cultured cells. The protocols may be adapted for other radioligands or for filtration‐based assays. The main problems with CGRP binding assays can usually be traced to degradation of the radioligand or displacing ligands. Also, some cell lines fail to express CGRP receptors after extensive passage. CGRP binding assays provide a rapid and easy approach for distinguishing between receptors for CGRP and related peptides such as adrenomedullin and amylin.
Models of Muscle Pain: Carrageenan Model and Acidic Saline Model
Authors: Radhakrishnan Rajan , Bement Marie K. Hoeger , Skyba David , Sluka Kathleen A. , Kehl Lois J.
Published: August 2004

Carrageenan or acidic saline injected unilaterally into the gastrocnemius muscle or triceps muscle produces a robust and long‐lasting hyperalgesia in rats and mice, which is reversible with systemic administration of opioid or anti‐inflammatory drugs. This unit describes detailed protocols for inducing and measuring hyperalgesia, and provides information on validation of these models. These models are useful for assessing new compounds for their analgesic activity in muscular pain.
Quantified Assessment of Terminal Density and Innervation
Authors: Finkelstein David I. , Stanic Davor , Parish Clare L. , Drago John , Horne Malcolm K.
Published: August 2004

Stereological methods allow for the determination of cell numbers, terminal densities, and, subsequently, the estimation of terminal arbor size within a given brain nucleus. This unit provides an explanation for determining the terminal arbor size of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway in rodents. In contrast to previously used single‐axon reconstructions, these stereological methods allow for quick and easy determination of terminal arbor size.
Traumatic Brain Injury in the Rat Using the Fluid‐Percussion Model
Authors: Ling Geoffrey S.F. , Lee Eleanor Y. , Kalehua Audrey N.
Published: August 2004

Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability, particularly among young adults. During closed head trauma, the injury process is initiated by the impact of the brain against the inner table of the calvarium. Subsequently, there is prompt initiation of a complex biochemical, cellular, and physiological injury cascade that may take days to complete. From a functional standpoint, this culminates in neurologic dysfunction and, if severe, death. This unit describes an impact‐induced brain trauma model in rats which replicates nonpenetrating head injury. It does not model either penetrating or ischemic brain injuries.
Databases and Web Sites for Neurogenetics
Authors: Brody Thomas , Odenwald Ward
Published: August 2004

The goal of neurogenetics is an understanding of the genetic basis of brain structure and function. Neurogenetics deals with multiple areas of investigation, including the genetic basis of neural induction, patterning, cell fate specification, neuron maturation, axonal and dendritic organization, synapse function, and learning and behavior. This appendix provides links to databases and other Web sites used by neurobiologists for recovery of information about genes involved in neural development and neuron function. Special care has been taken to curate sites involving model organisms, since neurogenetics relies heavily on comparative genomics to establish gene function.
Probing RNA Structure and Function by Nucleotide Analog Interference Mapping
Authors: Cochrane Jesse C. , Strobel Scott A.
Published: August 2004

Nucleotide analog interference mapping (NAIM) can be used to simultaneously, yet individually, identify structurally or catalytically important functional groups within an RNA molecule. Phosphorothioate‐tagged nucleotides and nucleotide analogs are randomly incorporated into an RNA of interest by in vitro transcription. The phosphorothioate tag marks the site of substitution and identifies sites at which the modification affects the structure or function of the RNA molecule. This technique has been expanded to include identification of hydrogen bonding pairs (NAIS), ionizable functional groups, metal ion ligands, and the energetics of protein binding (QNAIM). The analogs, techniques, and data analysis used in NAIM are described here.
Analysis of RNA by Northern and Slot Blot Hybridization
Authors: Brown Terry , Mackey Karol , Du Tingting
Published: August 2004

Specific sequences in RNA preparations can be detected by blotting and hybridization analysis using techniques very similar to those originally developed for DNA. Fractionated RNA is transferred from an agarose gel to a membrane support (northern blotting); unfractionated RNA is immobilized by slot or dot blotting. The resulting blots are studied by hybridization analysis with labeled DNA or RNA probes. Northern blotting differs from Southern blotting largely in the initial gel fractionation step. Because they are single‐stranded, most RNAs are able to form secondary structures by intramolecular base pairing and must therefore be electrophoresed under denaturing conditions if good separations are to be obtained. Denaturation is achieved either by adding formaldehyde to the gel and loading buffers or by treating the RNA with glyoxal and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) prior to loading. The Basic Protocol describes blotting and hybridization of RNA fractionated in an agarose‐formaldehyde gel. Alternate Protocols describe the glyoxal/DMSO method for denaturing gel electrophoresis and slot‐blot hybridization of RNA samples. Stripping hybridization probes from blots can be done under three different sets of conditions; these methods are outlined in a Support Protocol.
SNP Genotyping using Sequenom MassARRAY 7K Platform
Authors: Gabriel Stacey , Ziaugra Liuda
Published: August 2004

Many high‐throughput single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping technologies are currently available. The method for SNP genotyping described in this unit is based on the commercially available Sequenom MassARRAY platform which offers several attractive features for users desiring an accurate SNP genotyping assay. The assay described is based on primer extension and offers two levels of specificity. First a locus‐specific PCR reaction takes place, followed by a locus‐specific primer extension reaction (homogeneous Mass Extend, or hME assay) in which an oligonucleotide primer anneals immediately upstream of the polymorphic site being genotyped. The extension of the primer is according to the sequence of the variant site and can be a single complementary base or a series of complementary bases. Through the use of MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, the mass of the extended primer is determined. The preparation of probe and genomic DNA is also described in this unit.
Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Point Mutations Using Allele‐Specific Oligonucleotides
Authors: Napolitano Nichole M. , Rohlfs Elizabeth M. , Heim Ruth A.
Published: August 2004

This unit describes high‐throughput mutation analysis using hybridization with pooled allele‐specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probes. The approach can be used to screen one gene for many allelic mutations or to screen several loci for several allelic mutations each. Because tetramethyl ammonium chloride (TMAC) is added to the hybridization solution, the melting temperature of each oligonucleotide is independent of G–C content and oligonucleotides of the same length can be hybridized simultaneously. The pooled probes will give a positive hybridization signal from any PCR‐amplified DNA sample containing a sequence complementary to any of the ASOs in the pool of oligonucleotide sequences. If many PCR‐amplified samples are spotted onto a single membrane, multiple individuals can then be screened simultaneously for many mutant sequences. This multiple ASO hybridization technique is appropriate only for circumstances when hybridization with any one of the pooled probes is expected to be uncommon.
Protein Truncation Test
Authors: Vossen Rolf , den Dunnen Johan T.
Published: August 2004

The protein truncation test detects mutations at the protein level that lead to premature translation termination. The method has evolved considerably since is original publication in this manual. This thoroughly revised unit describes what is now the preferred method for performing the protein truncation test. Transcription and translation are performed in separate reactions; during translation, biotin‐labeled or N‐terminally tagged proteins are synthesized. The translation products are detected on immunoblots via chemiluminescence. An Alternate Protocol using coupled in vitro transcription/translation and radiolabeled proteins is also presented.
Assessment of Telomere Length, Phenotype, and DNA Content
Authors: Schmid Ingrid , Jamieson Beth D.
Published: August 2004

Telomere sequences at the end of chromosomes control somatic cell division; therefore, telomere length in a given cell population provides information about its replication potential. This unit describes a method for flow cytometric measurement of telomere length in subpopulations using fluorescence in situ hybridization of fluorescently‐labeled probes (Flow‐FISH) without prior cell separation. After cells are stained for surface immunofluorescence, antigen‐antibody complexes are covalently cross‐linked onto cell membranes before FISH with a telomere‐specific probe. Cells with long telomeres are included as internal standards. Addition of a DNA dye permits exclusion of proliferating cells during data analysis. DNA ploidy measurements of cells of interest and internal standard are performed on separate aliquots in parallel to Flow‐FISH. Telomere fluorescence of G0/1 cells of subpopulations and internal standards obtained from Flow‐FISH are normalized for DNA ploidy and telomere length in subsets of interest is expressed as a fraction of the internal standard telomere length.
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation for Determining the Association of Proteins with Specific Genomic Sequences In Vivo
Authors: Aparicio Oscar , Geisberg Joseph V. , Struhl Kevin
Published: August 2004

Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is a powerful and widely applied technique for detecting the association of individual proteins with specific genomic regions in vivo. Live cells are treated with formaldehyde to generate protein‐protein and protein‐ DNA cross‐links between molecules in close proximity on the chromatin template in vivo. DNA sequences that cross‐link with a given protein are selectively enriched and reversal of the formaldehyde cross‐link permits recovery and quantitative analysis of the immunoprecipitated DNA. As formaldehyde inactivates cellular enzymes essentially immediately upon addition to cells, ChIP provides snapshots of protein‐protein and protein‐ DNA interactions at a particular time point, and hence is useful for kinetic analysis of events occurring on chromosomal sequences in vivo. In addition, ChIP can be combined with microarray technology to identify the location of specific proteins on a genome‐wide basis. This unit describes the ChIP protocol for Saccharomyces cerevisiae; however, it is also applicable to other organisms.
Preparation of Cytogenetic Specimens from Tissue Samples
Authors: Bayani Jane , Squire Jeremy A.
Published: August 2004

Cytogenetic specimens are prepared from short‐term primary cultures established from tissue samples or from established cell lines. Cultures that are (80% confluent are treated with Colcemid to enrich for cells in mitosis. Cells are then swollen hypotonically and fixed before slides are prepared. Preparing good metaphase spreads is technically challenging, This unit provides a good discussion of the factors that go into making a good preparation.
Ionic Liquids for the Convenient Synthesis of Functional Nanoparticles and Other Inorganic Nanostructures
Authors: Antonietti Markus , Kuang Daibin , Smarsly Bernd , Zhou Yong
Published: August 2004

Ionic liquids are a new class of organic solvents with high polarity and a preorganized solvent structure. Very polar reactions can be carried out in these liquid in the absence of or with a controlled amount of water, and crystalline nanoparticles can be synthesized conveniently at ambient temperatures. The pronounced self‐organization of the solvent is used in the synthesis of self‐assembled, highly organized hybrid nanostructures with unparalleled quality. The extraordinary potential of ionic liquids in materials synthesis is described in this minireview and a physicochemical explanation is given.
Study on processing of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/polypropylene blends
Authors: Liu Gongde , Chen Yingzi , Li Huilin
Published: August 2004

The processing of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by the addition of polypropylene (PP) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) was investigated. The results show that the addition of PP improves the processability of UHMWPE more effectively than does the addition of HDPE. UHMWPE/PP blends can be effectively processed with a twin‐roller and general single‐screw extruder. In the extrusion of UHMWPE/PP blends, PP is enriched at the surface of the blend adjacent to the barrel wall, thus increasing the frictional force on the wall; the conveyance of the solid down to the channel can then be carried out. The melt pool against the active flight flank exerts a considerable pressure on the UHMWPE powder in the passive flight flank, which overcomes the hard compaction of UHMWPE. The PP penetrates into the gaps between the particles, acting as a heat‐transfer agent and adhesive, thus enhancing the heat‐transfer ability in the material. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 977–985, 2004
Chitosan‐coated paper: Effects of nisin and different acids on the antimicrobial activity
Authors: Vartiainen Jari , Motion Rose , Kulonen Heikki , Rättö Marjaana , Skyttä Eija , Ahvenainen Raija
Published: August 2004

Chitosan coatings prominently improved both the gloss and oxygen barrier properties of paper. The gloss value in the machine direction was increased as a function of added chitosan. An oxygen‐permeability value of 1.1 cm3/m2 d was obtained when 6.9 g/m2 chitosan was applied to 80 g/m2 copy paper. In addition, the effects on the mechanical properties were positive, but not significant. The water‐vapor permeability of the paper increased as a result of the chitosan coating. Chitosan dissolved in 1.6, 3.2, and 6.4% lactic acid showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, whereas acetic and propionic acids (1.6, 3.2, and 6.4%) did not produce any notable activity. Nisin (0.08 g/L) did not enhance the antimicrobial activity of coatings prepared from chitosan dissolved in different acids. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 986–993, 2004
Interpenetrating polymer networks based on polyol modified castor oil polyurethane and poly(2‐ethoxyethyl methacrylate): Synthesis, chemical, mechanical, thermal properties, and morphology
Authors: Sanmathi C. S. , Prasannakumar S. , Sherigara B. S.
Published: August 2004

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of glycerol modified castor oil polyurethane (GC‐PU) and poly(2‐ethoxyethyl methacrylate) poly(2‐EOEMA) were synthesized using benzoyl peroxide as initiator and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) as crosslinker. GC‐PU/poly (2‐EOEMA) interpenetrating polymer networks were obtained by transfer molding. The novel GC‐PU/poly (2‐EOEMA) IPNs are found to be tough films. These IPNs are characterized in terms of their resistance to chemical reagents thermal behavior (DSC, TGA) and mechanical behavior, including tensile strength, Young's modulus, shore A hardness, and elongation. The morphological behavior was studied by scanning electron microscopy. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1029–1034, 2004
Study on the structure of nylon 6 films iodinated before forming. II. Investigation of the crystallization behavior through thermal analysis
Authors: Jeong Won Young , Kang Young Ah , Lee Yang Hun
Published: August 2004

Two kinds of amorphous nylon 6 films iodinated before forming from the powders iodinated with 0.2N and 1.0N I2/KI aqueous solutions were prepared by a melt‐press, and isothermally treated at 20 to 80°C for 1 day to 20 days. Thermal analyses were performed to investigate mainly the crystallization behavior on the treatment. The DSC thermograms for the treated films exhibit three temperature‐groups of endothermic peaks at 60 ∼ 70°C, 105 ∼ 120°C, and higher than 150°C, which may be associated with the melting of the complex crystal, the relaxed γ‐crystal, and the relaxed α‐crystal, respectively. The film containing less I2/KI and treated at the higher temperature exhibits the peaks associated with the more stable type of crystal. The peak temperature generally increases with the treating temperature and time. On the occasion of there being two peaks associated with the γ‐crystal and the α‐crystals, ΔH for the α‐crystal increases while that for the γ‐crystal decreases with increasing the treating time. The TG curves indicate two temperature‐zones of weight loss by the volatilization of I2 from I5− and the decompositions of I3− and nylon 6. With increasing treating temperature, the % weight loss by the volatilization of I2 decreases, and consequently the temperature of the weight loss by the decomposition of nylon 6 increases. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1062–1069, 2004
Endovascular repair of carotid artery aneurysm with Jostent covered stent: Initial experience and one‐year result
Authors: Chan Albert W. , Yadav Jay S. , Krieger Derk , Abou‐Chebl Alex
Published: August 2004

Treatment for symptomatic extracranial carotid artery aneurysm is evolving and we describe two cases of successful endovascular treatment of distal internal carotid aneurysm using Jostent, a balloon‐expandable coronary polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered stent. Both patients remained symptom‐free at 1 year after the procedure and patency of the stents was maintained. We conclude that endovascular treatment of carotid artery aneurysm with Jostent is feasible and safe and may be more preferable than conventional strategies. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:15–20. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acceptance and community building in schools through increased dialogue and discussion
Authors: Northfield Shawn , Sherman Ann
Published: August 2004

Stories of two students remind teachers that their actions, interactions and responses can encourage students to understand the need for strong, supportive relationships. Scott and Jason needed their teachers to help them find ways to be accepted and develop a confidence in their own identity, ways that helped them find their place on the landscape of their classroom setting. Strategies described here include open classroom discussions about the ways we relate to each other in classrooms, on the playground and in society. Open dialogues and discussions about the way we relate to each other, and about the things we need to feel confident about in relating to each other, can promote the type of relationships in classrooms that create a supportive, accepting atmosphere.
Street children in contemporary Greece
Authors: Altanis Panagiotis , Goddard Jim
Published: August 2004

This article gives an overview of the problem of street children in Greece, within the context of global research on street children. The article draws on preliminary findings from recent research on street children in the urban centre of Athens. This is an under‐researched area, with weak policy responses to a problem associated with recent patterns of European migration (in the Greek case, chiefly from Albania). Methods used include observational research and in‐depth interviews with street children, policy actors and professionals.
Mothers and child care: policies, values and theories
Authors: Duncan Simon , Edwards Rosalind , Reynolds Tracey , Alldred Pam
Published: August 2004

Government expansion of child care services is based on the assumption that both parents are employed (the adult worker model) and make cost‐benefit calculations in choosing child care (the rational economic choice model). This paper addresses this assumption, based on research examining mothers' assessments of appropriate child care. These assessments involve complex moral and emotional decisions around their own and their children's needs, and differ between social groups. On this basis, we conclude that the assumptions underlying current child care expansion policy are inadequate, and that the mere expansion of services is not enough.
Parental views of surveillance for early speech and language difficulties
Authors: Glogowska Margaret , Campbell Rona
Published: August 2004

Objective: To investigate parents' experiences of surveillance for early talking difficulties.

Design: Qualitative study nested within a randomised controlled trial.

Setting: Interviews with the parents of 20 children identified as having early difficulties.

Results: Most parents were in favour of surveillance of children's language. Parents do not totally welcome surveillance, however, as it also potentially medicalises their children's early lives. The study also revealed that many of the parents felt stigmatised by their children's difficulties.

Conclusions: Listening to parents' accounts can increase professionals' understanding of their responses to monitoring of their child's development and referral to specialist services.
Evaluation of two pairs of chiral stationary phases: Effects from the length of the achiral spacers
Authors: Thunberg Linda , Allenmark Stig , Friberg Annika , Ek Fredrik , Frejd Torbjörn
Published: August 2004

Two pairs of chiral stationary phases (CSPs) with different C2‐symmetric central parts were prepared and evaluated by chromatography of a series of structurally different racemates. Within each pair, the selectors on which the CSPs are based had different lengths of their achiral spacers. The CSPs based on selectors with short spacers showed higher enantioselectivity than the phases incorporating long spacers. On one pair of the phases, a study of the influence from different retention modifiers was performed for a series of benzodiazepinones. This demonstrated the importance of the polymer structure formed from the selectors with different spacer lengths for the enantiodiscriminating ability of the CSPs. Chirality 16:614–624, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of hydrochloric acid in the treatment of central venous catheter infections in children with cancer
Authors: Barbaric Draga , Curtin Julie , Pearson Lyra , Shaw Peter J.
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND

The use of central venous catheters (CVCs) in pediatric cancer patients is associated with substantial risk of producing sepsis. The treatment of catheter‐related infections has generally consisted of antibiotic administration with or without catheter removal. The authors report the first published experience using intraluminal hydrochloric acid (HCl) instillation as an adjunct to systemic antimicrobials in the management of catheter‐related infections in children with cancer.

METHODS

All episodes of intraluminal instillation of 2 M HCl in oncology patients at The Children's Hospital at Westmead between December 1994 and August 2000 were reviewed. Episodes of HCl use were identified from a prospectively maintained infection data base. Successful treatment was defined as no recurrence of infection and no need for CVC removal in the 100 days after HCl administration.

RESULTS

Forty‐two episodes of HCl instillation were evaluated that occurred in children in whom blood cultures remained positive despite 48 hours of appropriate, systemic antibiotics and formed the basis of this review. All patients had in situ a surgically placed, subcutaneously tunneled CVC. The combination of systemic antibiotic therapy and HCl instillation was successful in eradicating infection in 67% of infection episodes in this patient cohort. The catheter salvage rate was 83% in patients with isolated Gram‐negative infections, 75% in patients with isolated fungemia, and 50% in patients with isolated Gram‐positive infections.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that HCl instillation is a useful adjunct to systemic antibiotic therapy, enabling both catheter salvage and eradication of antibiotic‐refractory catheter‐related infection. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.