bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiocarbon wiggle matching of Swedish lake varves reveals asynchronous climate changes around the 8.2 kyr cold event
Authors: SNOWBALL IAN , MUSCHELER RAIMUND , ZILLÉN LOVISA , SANDGREN PER , STANTON TANIA , LJUNG KARL
Published: June 2010

Snowball, I., Muscheler, R., Zillén, L., Sandgren, P., Stanton, T. & Ljung, K. 2010: Radiocarbon wiggle matching of Swedish lake varves reveals asynchronous climate changes around the 8.2 kyr cold event. Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 720–733. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00167.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.

A series of nine radiocarbon measurements obtained at increments of 50 years was used to wiggle match varved sediments in Lake Kälksjön (west central Sweden) to the calendar year time scale provided by the tree‐ring‐derived radiocarbon calibration curve. The anchor point for a series of 400 varves known to span the ‘8.2 kyr cold event’ was derived from a combination of correlation analysis, Monte Carlo statistics and Bayesian age modelling. The GRIP and NorthGRIP ice‐cores were matched to the same absolute time scale by comparing 10Be data and tree‐ring Δ14C. The radiocarbon‐based wiggle match, organic carbon measurements, mineral magnetic parameters and XRF data reconstruct a distinct period of enhanced erosion in Kälksjön's catchment between 8066 ± 25 and 7920 ± 25 cal. yr BP. Prior to human impact, the increased erosion in the boreal environment is assigned to increased winter precipitation in the form of snow, which caused spring meltwater discharge to intensify. Our results suggest that the abrupt onset of increased winter precipitation in west central Sweden started at least 50 years after the onset of the ‘8.2 kyr cold event’ as defined by oxygen isotope data from Greenland. The study highlights the value of synchronized time scales in the reconstruction of abrupt climate changes based on proxy data.
Evolutionary Distinctiveness, Threat Status, and Ecological Oddity in Primates
Authors: REDDING DAVID W. , DeWOLFF CURT V. , MOOERS ARNE Ø.
Published: June 2010

Abstract: The EDGE (evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered) conservation program (http://www.edgeofexistence.org) uses a composite measure of threat and phylogenetic isolation to rank species for conservation attention. Using primates as a test case, we examined how species that rank highly with this metric represent the collective from which they are drawn. We considered the ecological and morphological traits, including body mass, diet, terrestriality, and home range size, of all 233 species of primates. Overall, EDGE score and the level of deviance from the mean of 20 different ecological, reproductive, and morphological variables were correlated (mean correlationr =0.14, combinedp =1.7 × 10−14). Although primates with a high EDGE score had characteristics that made them seem odd, they did not seem to express more ancestral characteristics than expected. Sets of primate species with high EDGE scores will, therefore, collectively capture a broader than expected range of the biology of the clade. If similar patterns hold in other groups, the EDGE metric may be useful for prioritizing biodiversity for conservation.
Conservation Planning when Costs Are Uncertain
Authors: CARWARDINE JOSIE , WILSON KERRIE A. , HAJKOWICZ STEFAN A. , SMITH ROBERT J. , KLEIN CARISSA J. , WATTS MATT , POSSINGHAM HUGH P.
Published: June 2010

Abstract: Spatially explicit information on the financial costs of conservation actions can improve the ability of conservation planning to achieve ecological and economic objectives, but the magnitude of this improvement may depend on the accuracy of the cost estimates.Data on costs of conservation actions are inherently uncertain.For example, the cost of purchasing a property for addition to a protected‐area network depends on the individual landholder's preferences, values, and aspirations, all of which vary in space and time, and the effect of this uncertainty on the conservation priority of a site is relatively untested.We investigated the sensitivity of the conservation priority of sites to uncertainty in cost estimates.We explored scenarios for expanding (four‐fold) the protected‐area network in Queensland, Australia to represent a range of vegetation types, species, and abiotic environments, while minimizing the cost of purchasing new properties.We estimated property costs for 17, 790 10 × 10 km sites with data on unimproved land values.We systematically changed property costs and noted how these changes affected conservation priority of a site.The sensitivity of the priority of a site to changes in cost data was largely dependent on a site's importance for meeting conservation targets.Sites that were essential or unimportant for meeting targets maintained high or low priorities, respectively, regardless of cost estimates.Sites of intermediate conservation priority were sensitive to property costs and represented the best option for efficiency gains, especially if they could be purchased at a lower price than anticipated.Thus, uncertainty in cost estimates did not impede the use of cost data in conservation planning, and information on the sensitivity of the conservation priority of a site to estimates of the price of land can be used to inform strategic conservation planning before the actual price of the land is known.
Estimating the Value of Non‐Use Benefits from Small Changes in the Provision of Ecosystem Services
Authors: DUTTON ADAM , EDWARDS‐JONES GARETH , MACDONALD DAVID W.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  The unit of trade in ecosystem services is usually the use of a proportion of the parcels of land associated with a given service. Valuing small changes in the provision of an ecosystem service presents obstacles, particularly when the service provides non‐use benefits, as is the case with conservation of most plants and animals. Quantifying non‐use values requires stated‐preference valuations. Stated‐preference valuations can provide estimates of the public's willingness to pay for a broad conservation goal. Nevertheless, stated‐preference valuations can be expensive and do not produce consistent measures for varying levels of provision of a service. Additionally, the unit of trade, land use, is not always linearly related to the level of ecosystem services the land might provide. To overcome these obstacles, we developed a method to estimate the value of a marginal change in the provision of a non‐use ecosystem service—in this case conservation of plants or animals associated with a given land‐cover type. Our method serves as a tool for calculating transferable valuations of small changes in the provision of ecosystem services relative to the existing provision. Valuation is achieved through stated‐preference investigations, calculation of a unit value for a parcel of land, and the weighting of this parcel by its ability to provide the desired ecosystem service and its effect on the ability of the surrounding land parcels to provide the desired service. We used the water vole (Arvicola terrestris) as a case study to illustrate the method. The average present value of a meter of water vole habitat was estimated at UK£12, but the marginal value of a meter (based on our methods) could range between £0 and £40 or more.
Scurvy in a 10‐Year‐Old Boy
Authors: Cole John A. , Warthan Molly M. , Hirano Stefanie A. , Gowen Clarence W. , Williams Judith V.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Scurvy, or hypovitaminosis C, is an uncommon condition that exists today primarily within certain unique populations—particularly the elderly subjects, patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities or psychiatric illnesses, or others with unusual dietary habits. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient in the human body, and is important in synthesizing collagen factor whose faulty production is responsible for most of the clinical manifestations of scurvy. These clinical manifestations can include dystrophic or corkscrew hairs, gingival hyperplasia, and weakened blood vessel walls, causing bleeding in the skin, joints, and other organs. Although rare in the Unites States, the presence of scurvy should not be forgotten because of its presence among susceptible populations. Moreover, with its diagnosis, treatment and cure is one of the simplest in modern medicine. We report a case of scurvy in a 10‐year‐old autistic child.
Extensive Airway Hemangiomas in Two Patients Without Beard Hemangiomas
Authors: SUH KI‐YOUNG , ROSBE KRISTINA W. , MEYER ANNA K. , FRIEDEN ILONA J.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Airway hemangiomas are most often seen in association with cutaneous hemangiomas involving the “beard area.” We report two unusual cases of extensive airway hemangiomas developing in patients with facial hemangiomas predominantly involving the upper face, emphasizing the need to consider the possibility of airway hemangiomas even in the absence of “beard area” hemangiomas.
Transport and Piezoresistive Characteristics of Ruthenium‐Doped Bismuth–Borosilicate Glass Thin Films Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Totokawa Masashi , Tani Toshihiko , Azuma Hirozumi , Takeichi Akihiro , Asahi Ryoji
Published: June 2010

Ruthenium‐doped bismuth–borosilicate glass thin films were grown by pulsed laser deposition as a material with a chemical structure equivalent to that of the functional region in a thick‐film resistor (TFR) with piezoresistivity. X‐ray diffraction and electron energy‐loss spectroscopy analyses indicated that the thin films were in amorphous and contained both trivalent and tetravalent states of ruthenium after annealing in air. Analyses of transport properties verified that the electrical conduction in the film was via variable range hopping with a hole carrier. Furthermore, one of the films exhibits piezoresistive sensitivity six times as that of the TFR; the sensitivity has a strong correlation with the spatial extension of the wave function in the localized electronic states.
The Synthesis of Pure‐Phase Bismuth Ferrite in the Bi–Fe–O System Under Hydrothermal Conditions without a Mineralizer
Authors: Gajović Andreja , Šturm Sašo , Jančar Boštjan , Šantić Ana , Žagar Kristina , Čeh Miran
Published: June 2010

Bismuth ferrite, BiFeO3 (BFO), was synthesized in a hydrothermal process without the introduction of any metal cations, other than Fe3+ and Bi3+. For this purpose, a strong organic hydroxide was used for the precipitation of the bismuth and iron salts. With the aim to study the molar range for the production of BFO in the Bi–Fe–O system under hydrothermal conditions, the complexity of the phases appearing after the reaction was investigated. Pure‐phase BFO was achieved in the case of a hydrothermal treatment after the coprecipitation of a solution of bismuth and iron salts containing an equimolar ratio of Bi3+ and Fe3+ ions. Various iron and bismuth compounds having different morphologies were achieved by changing the Bi3+:Fe3+ ratios in the reaction, but no other bismuth iron oxide phases were observed. To obtain a complete picture of the compounds, we compared the results from transmission electron microscopy with those from X‐ray powder diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The dielectric properties of the pure BFO and a multiphase system were compared. The pure BFO shows a higher dielectric permittivity than the multiphase system and is comparable with the values reported in the literature.
Pozzolanic Activity of Diatomaceous Earth
Authors: Jud Sierra Eva , Miller Sean A. , Sakulich Aaron R. , MacKenzie Kenneth , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: June 2010

Lime–diatomaceous earth cement pastes were fabricated at room temperature starting with a mixture of diatomaceous earth (DE), lime, and water. The cementing phase, associated with the pozzolanic reaction of the diatom skeletons with lime, was identified as calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gel using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The FTIR and NMR results revealed that the C–S–H gel is mainly composed of silica dreierketten in all lime pastes using three different types of DE.
Fabrication of a Photocatalytic Ceramic by Doping Si‐, P‐, and Zr‐Modified TiO2Nanopowders in Glaze
Authors: Zeng Zhichao , Peng Cheng , Hong Ye , Lu Ying , Wu Jianqing
Published: June 2010

A novel method was developed to prepare photocatalytic ceramics with modified TiO2and low‐temperature glaze. Si‐, P‐, and Zr‐modified TiO2nanopowders were synthesized through sol–gel and hydrothermal methods in advance. Photocatalytic ceramics were prepared by doping the modified TiO2in the glaze. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope were used to characterize the as‐synthesized TiO2powders and photocatalytic ceramics. Experimental results showed that Si, P, and Zr modification could effectively improve the thermal stability of anatase TiO2. The prepared photocatalytic ceramics based on the modified TiO2exhibited high photocatalytic activity.
A school‐based fluoride mouth rinsing programme in Sarawak: a 3‐year field study
Authors: Chen Catherine Jean‐Ai , Ling Kwok Sung , Esa Rashidah , Chia Jit Chie , Eddy Andrew , Yaw Siew Lian
Published: June 2010

Chen CJ‐A, Ling KS, Esa R, Chia JC, Eddy A, Yaw SL. A school‐based fluoride mouth rinsing programme in Sarawak: a 3‐year field study. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 310–314. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Background:  This study was undertaken to assess the impact of fluoride mouth rinsing on caries experience in a cohort of schoolchildren 3 years after implementation.

Methods:  270 children aged 8–9 years from four schools in Sarawak were selected at baseline. Baseline data was collected to ensure that the selected schools did not differ significantly. Children from two schools rinsed with 0.2% sodium fluoride under supervision, while those from the other schools did not.

Results:  After 3 years, 242 schoolchildren remained in the study. At the end of the study, the mean DMFT for the test group was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.93–2.67) while the mean DMFT for the control group was 4.01 (95% CI, 3.39–4.63). The mean DMFS for the test group was 3.40 (95% CI, 2.68–4.12) while the mean DMFS for the control group was 6.67 (95% CI, 5.47–7.87). After 3 years, 24.2% of those in the test group remained caries free compared to 11.5% in the control group. The risk of developing caries decreased 0.52 times among the children from the ‘test’ group exposed to the fluoride mouth rinsing programme as compared to the unexposed ‘control’ group (RR = 0.48, 95% CI, 0.26–0.85).

Discussion and conclusion:  The findings show that a school‐based weekly 0.2% sodium fluoride mouth rinsing programme is an effective caries preventive measure and should be implemented in fluoride‐deficient areas as a means of reducing the prevalence of dental caries in these communities.
The Unfolding Story of the Second Demographic Transition
Authors: Lesthaeghe Ron
Published: June 2010

This article presents a narrative of the unfolding of the Second Demographic Transition (SDT) since the theory was first formulated in 1986. The first part recapitulates the foundations of the theory, and documents the spread of the SDT to the point that it now covers most European populations. Also for Europe, it focuses on the relationship between the SDT and the growing heterogeneity in period fertility levels. It is shown that the current positive relationship between SDT and TFR levels is not a violation of the SDT theory, but the outcome of a “split correlation” with different sub‐narratives concerning the onset of fertility postponement and the degree of subsequent recuperation in two parts of Europe. The second part of the article addresses the issue of whether the SDT has spread or is currently spreading in industrialized Asian countries. Evidence gathered for Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan is presented. That evidence pertains to both the macro‐level (national trends in postponement of marriage and parenthood, rise of cohabitation) and the micro‐level (connections between individual values orientations and postponement of parenthood). Strong similarities are found with SDT patterns in Southern Europe, except for the fact that parenthood is still very rare among Asian cohabiting partners.
Demography, Education, and Democracy: Global Trends and the Case of Iran
Authors: Lutz Wolfgang , Cuaresma Jesús Crespo , Abbasi‐Shavazi Mohammad Jalal
Published: June 2010

Reconstructions and projections of populations by age, sex, and educational attainment for 120 countries since 1970 are used to assess the global relationship between improvements in human capital and democracy. Democracy is measured by the Freedom House indicator of political rights. Similar to an earlier study on the effects of improving educational attainment on economic growth, the greater age detail of this new dataset resolves earlier ambiguities about the effect of improving education as assessed using a global set of national time series. The results show consistently strong effects of improving overall levels of educational attainment, of a narrowing gender gap in education, and of fertility declines and the subsequent changes in age structure on improvements in the democracy indicator. This global relationship is then applied to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Over the past two decades Iran has experienced the world's most rapid fertility decline associated with massive increases in female education. The results show that based on the experience of 120 countries since 1970, Iran has a high chance of significant movement toward more democracy over the following two decades.
Productivity of Older Workers: Perceptions of Employers and Employees
Authors: Van Dalen Hendrik P. , Henkens Kène , Schippers Joop
Published: June 2010

What determines the perceived productivity of the older worker and how does this perception compare to the perception of the productivity of the younger worker? In this study we present evidence based on data from Dutch employers and employees. Productivity perceptions are affected by one's age and one's position in the hierarchy. The young favor the young, the old favor the old, and employers value the productivity of workers less than employees do. However, there are also remarkable similarities across employers and employees. By distinguishing the various dimensions that underlie the productivity of younger and older workers, we tested whether soft qualities and abilities—e.g., reliability and commitment—are just as important as hard qualities—cognitive and physically based skills—in the eyes of both employers and employees. It appears that both employers and employees, young and old, view hard skills as far more important than soft skills.
The Household Registration System and Migrant Labor in China: Notes on a Debate
Authors: Chan Kam Wing
Published: June 2010

The household registration (hukou) system in China, classifying each person as a rural or an urban resident, is a major means of controlling population mobility and determining eligibility for state‐provided services and welfare. Established in the late 1950s, it was initially used to bar rural‐to‐urban migration. After the late 1970s reforms, an inflow of rural migrant workers was allowed into the cities to meet labor demands in the burgeoning export industries and urban services without, however, changing the migrants' registered status, thus precluding their access to subsidized housing and other benefits available to those with urban registration. While there have been many calls for reforming this system, progress has been limited. Proposed reforms have attracted increasing academic and media attention.
Structural and Mechanistic Aspects of Mn‐oxo and Co‐based Compounds in Water Oxidation Catalysis and Potential Applications in Solar Fuel Production
Authors: Hou Harvey J.M.
Published: June 2010

To address the issues of energy crisis and global warming, novel renewable carbon‐free or carbon‐neutral energy sources must be identified and developed. A deeper understanding of photosynthesis is the key to provide a solid foundation to facilitate this transformation. To mimic the water oxidation of photosystem II oxygen evolving complex, Mn‐oxo complexes and Co‐phosphate catalytic material were discovered in solar energy storage. Building on these discoveries, recent advances in solar energy conversion showed a compelling working principle by combing the active Mn‐oxo and Co‐based catalysts in water splitting with semiconductor hetero‐nanostructures for effective solar energy harnessing. In this review the appealing systems including Mn‐oxo tetramer/Nafion, Mn‐oxo dimer/TiO2, Mn‐oxo oligomer/WO3, Co‐Pi/Fe2O3, and Co‐Pi/ZnO are summarized and discussed. These accomplishments offer a promising framework and have a profound impact in the field of solar fuel production.
Molecular Functions of Oxygen‐Evolving Complex Family Proteins in Photosynthetic Electron Flow
Authors: Ifuku Kentaro , Ishihara Seiko , Sato Fumihiko
Published: June 2010

Oxygen‐evolving complex (OEC) protein is the original name for membrane‐peripheral subunits of photosystem (PS) II. Recently, multiple isoforms and homologs for OEC proteins have been identified in the chloroplast thylakoid lumen, indicating that functional diversification has occurred in the OEC family. Gene expression profiles suggest that the Arabidopsis OEC proteins are roughly categorized into three groups: the authentic OEC group, the stress‐responsive group, and the group including proteins related to the chloroplast NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) complex involved in cyclic electron transport around PSI. Based on the above gene expression profiles, molecular functions of the OEC family proteins are discussed together with our current knowledge about their functions.
EFFECT OF MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH ON THE STABILITY OF FISH MINCE GELS SUBJECTED TO MULTIPLE FREEZE‐THAWING
Authors: TUANKRIANGKRAI SASIKUNYA , BENJAKUL SOOTTAWAT
Published: June 2010

Effects of modified tapioca starch (hydroxypropylated distarch phosphate) at various levels (0, 1, 2 and 3% w/w) on the chemical, physical, textural and sensory properties of bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) mince gels subjected to different freeze‐thaw cycles (zero, one, three and five) were investigated. Breaking force, deformation and expressible moisture content of the control mince gels (without modified starch) increased with increasing freeze‐thaw cycles (P < 0.05). The protein solubility study revealed that disulfide bond was formed in the gel as the freeze‐thaw cycles increased (P < 0.05). However, the addition of 1% modified starch could reduce those changes and rendered the gel subjected to five freeze‐thaw cycles with the highest score for texture, appearance and overall liking. Scanning electron microscopic study indicated that mince gel added with 1% modified starch had the finer matrix with smaller strands compared with the control mince gel at all freeze‐thaw cycles used.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

During frozen storage, surimi or mince gels are susceptible to the textural changes associated with losses in water‐holding capacity. As a consequence, the rubbery texture is generally formed, leading to lower acceptability. The addition of modified starch, particularly hydroxypropylated distarch phosphate, at the appropriate level could minimize such an alteration and could maintain the quality of gel products during the extended frozen storage.
Pre‐pandemic planning survey of healthcare workers at a tertiary care children’s hospital: ethical and workforce issues
Authors: Cowden Jessica , Crane Lori , Lezotte Dennis , Glover Jacqueline , Nyquist Ann‐Christine
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: Cowden et al. (2010). Pre‐pandemic planning survey of healthcare workers at a tertiary care children’s hospital: ethical and workforce issues. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 4(4), 213–222.

Background  Prior to the development of written policies and procedures for pandemic influenza, worker perceptions of ethical and workforce issues must be identified.

Objective  To determine the relationship between healthcare worker (HCW) reporting willingness to work during a pandemic and perception of job importance, belief that one will be asked to work, and sense of professionalism and to assess HCW’s opinions regarding specific policy issues as well as barriers and motivators to work during a pandemic.

Methods  A survey was conducted in HCWs at The Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, from February to June 2007. Characteristics of workers reporting willingness to work during a pandemic were compared with those who were unwilling or unsure. Importance of barriers and motivators was compared by gender and willingness to work.

Results Sixty percent of respondents reported willingness to work (overall response rate of 31%). Belief one will be asked to work (OR 4·6, P < 0·0001) and having a high level of professionalism (OR 8·6, P < 0·0001) were associated with reporting willingness to work. Hospital infrastructure support staffs were less likely to report willingness to work during a pandemic than clinical healthcare professionals (OR 0·39, P < 0·001). Concern for personal safety, concern for safety of family, family’s concern for safety, and childcare issues were all important barriers to coming to work.

Conclusions  Educational programs should focus on professional responsibility and the importance of staying home when ill. Targeted programs toward hospital infrastructure support and patient and family support staff stressing the essential nature of these jobs may improve willingness to work.
Utilisation of plasma exchange in the treatment of digital infarcts in Wegener’s granulomatosis
Authors: LEUNG Albert , SUNG Chee B. , KOTHARI Gargi , MACK Christopher , FONG Christopher
Published: June 2010

Digital ischemia is a rare manifestation of Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) with previous management approaches based on the hypotheses of thromboembolic phenomenon and vasospasm. WG is an autoimmune, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐predominant small‐to‐medium‐vessel necrotising vasculitis which mainly affects the pulmonary–renal system. We report on a patient with WG presenting with digital infarction. We successfully treated this patient who had digital infarcts refractory to cyclophosphamide, steroids and vasodilator agents, with plasma exchange.
Atmospheric impact of bioenergy based on perennial crop (reed canary grass, Phalaris arundinaceae, L.) cultivation on a drained boreal organic soil
Authors: SHURPALI NARASINHA J. , STRANDMAN HARRI , KILPELÄINEN ANTTI , HUTTUNEN JARI , HYVÖNEN NIINA , BIASI CHRISTINA , KELLOMÄKI SEPPO , MARTIKAINEN PERTTI J.
Published: June 2010

Marginal organic soils, abundant in the boreal region, are being increasingly used for bioenergy crop cultivation. Using long‐term field experimental data on greenhouse gas (GHG) balance from a perennial bioenergy crop [reed canary grass (RCG), Phalaris arundinaceae L.] cultivated on a drained organic soil as an example, we show here for the first time that, with a proper cultivation and land‐use practice, environmentally sound bioenergy production is possible on these problematic soil types. We performed a life cycle assessment (LCA) for RCG on this organic soil. We found that, on an average, this system produces 40% less CO2‐equivalents per MWh of energy in comparison with a conventional energy source such as coal. Climatic conditions regulating the RCG carbon exchange processes have a high impact on the benefits from this bioenergy production system. Under appropriate hydrological conditions, this system can even be carbon‐negative. An LCA sensitivity analysis revealed that net ecosystem CO2 exchange and crop yield are the major LCA components, while non‐CO2 GHG emissions and costs associated with crop production are the minor ones. Net bioenergy GHG emissions resulting from restricted net CO2 uptake and low crop yields, due to climatic and moisture stress during dry years, were comparable with coal emissions. However, net bioenergy emissions during wet years with high net uptake and crop yield were only a third of the coal emissions. As long‐term experimental data on GHG balance of bioenergy production are scarce, scientific data stemming from field experiments are needed in shaping renewable energy source policies.
Investigation on structure and properties of arc-evaporated HfAlN hard coatings
Authors: Franz R. , Mitterer C. , Lechthaler M. , Polzer C.
Published: June 2010

HfAlN hard coatings were synthesized by cathodic arc evaporation from Hf0.75Al0.25 targets at different bias voltages and N2 pressures. Structural investigations by x-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the formation of a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure with a change in the preferred orientation depending on the energetic growth conditions. This change in the crystal structure did not significantly influence the mechanical properties, e.g., hardness, where values ranging from 24 to 26 GPa were measured. The obtained fcc phase is stable up to 1000 °C as no significant changes in the crystal structure could be observed after annealing in vacuum. Similar experiments in ambient air and subsequent analysis of the coatings by XRD and Raman spectroscopy revealed an onset temperature for oxidation in the range of 700–800 °C and the formation of monoclinic HfO2 as the dominating oxide phase. Ball-on-disk tests at different temperatures were performed in order to evaluate the tribological properties. The coefficient of friction ranged from 0.8 to 1.2 depending on the testing temperature while the best wear performance was obtained in the temperature range of 300–500 °C.
RNA-Based Gene Therapy for HIV with Lentiviral Vector–Modified CD34
+
Cells in Patients Undergoing Transplantation for AIDS-Related Lymphoma
Authors: DiGiusto David L. , Krishnan Amrita , Li Lijing , Li Haitang , Li Shirley , Rao Anitha , Mi Shu , Yam Priscilla , Stinson Sherri , Kalos Michael , Alvarnas Joseph , Lacey Simon F. , Yee Jiing-Kuan , Li Mingjie , Couture Larry , Hsu David , Forman Stephen J. , Rossi John J. , Zaia John A.
Published: June 2010

Transfected stem cells transplanted into patients with HIV infection resulted in sustained RNA expression of introduced genes in blood cells for up to 2 years.
A Key Role for Caveolin
Authors: Ahmad Shama
Published: June 2010

Decreased expression of caveolin-1 causes pathological growth of fibroblasts in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Authors: Morozov Alexei
Published: June 2010

Ras pathway activation through chromosomal translocations involving RAF defines another group of patients who may benefit from RAF inhibitors.
There is no alternative medicine
Authors: Louhiala Pekka
Published: June 2010

The term ‘alternative medicine’ is a misnomer because it suggests that there are two kinds of medicine alternative to each other. Although commonly used, the term is problematic. It escapes a meaningful definition, and ‘alternative medicine’ cannot be clearly differentiated from ‘conventional medicine’. The nature of ‘alternative’ in ‘alternative medicine’ is anything but clear. In addition, bundling all the so-called alternative therapies under one heading is misleading. Due to the purely rhetoric nature of the ‘alternativity’, there seems to be no such thing as ‘alternative medicine’ in any meaningful sense.
Does treatment modality affect vasospasm distribution in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: differential use of intra-arterial interventions for cerebral vasospasm in surgical clipping and endovascular coiling populations
Authors: Cooke Daniel , Seiler Douglas , Hallam Danial , Kim Louis , Jarvik Jeffrey G , Sekhar Laligam , Ghodke Basavaraj
Published: June 2010

Object

Endovascular treatment of cerebral vasospasm consists primarily of transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA) and intra-arterial (IA) vasodilator administration, the former restricted to use within the distal internal carotid and proximal intracerebral arteries. Our objective was to characterize clinical and angiographic features of those patients undergoing TBA and IA vasodilator treatments, particularly as it related to the aneurysm treatment modality.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients admitted for aneurysmal SAH undergoing IA treatment for cerebral vasospasm (n=73) examining clinical and angiographic variables. Continuous and ordinal means were examined with Mann–Whitney and Student t tests while nominal values were examined with χ2/Fisher's exact tests. Multivariate logistic and linear regression included admission Glasgow coma scale, age, number of aneurysms and number of vasospastic vessels.

Results

Those patients receiving IA vasodilator in isolation (n=16) were older (45.9 vs 59.1 years, p=0.001) and more frequently had vasospasm involving the anterior cerebral artery alone (0.0% vs 31.3%, p <0.001). The use of an IA vasodilator alone or in combination with TBA more frequently occurred in the coiled population (32.3% vs 50.1%, p=0.021).

Conclusion

TBA and IA vasodilators are safe and effective means to treat cerebral vasospasm. Their use for proximal and distal vasospasm, respectively, and in tandem for diffuse disease, suggests regional differences in cerebral vasospasm between surgical clipping and endovascular coiling populations with coiled patients more often having distal vasospasm. Craniotomy and/or hemorrhagic evacuation performed during open surgery may contribute to this difference.
Anomalous vertebral artery origins: the first and second reports of two variants
Authors: Hsu Daniel P , Alexander Ashley D , Gilkeson Robert C
Published: June 2010

We present two cases of aberrant origins of vertebral arteries. Case 1 is of a patient undergoing evaluation of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm stent graft. Computed tomography (CT) angiogram revealed an aberrant right vertebral artery that subsequently joined a second right vertebral artery that had the typical origin off the right subclavian artery. This represents an unusual anatomic variation not previously reported in the literature. Case 2 is of a patient being evaluated for thoracic aorta injury. CT angiogram of the chest revealed a five-vessel aortic arch with aberrant origin of the bilateral vertebral arteries distal to the left subclavian artery.
Endovascular treatment of basilar artery occlusion by manual aspiration thrombectomy
Authors: Jankowitz Brian T , Aleu Aitziber , Lin Ridwan , Jumaa Mouhammad , Kanaan Hilal , Kostov Dean , Hammer Maxim , Uchino Ken , Wechsler Larry R , Horowitz Michael , Jovin Tudor G
Published: June 2010

Background and purpose

Basilar artery occlusion remains one of the most devastating subtypes of stroke. Intravenous and intra-arterial therapy have altered the natural history of this disease; however, clinical results remain poor. Therefore, exploring more aggressive and innovative management is warranted.

Methods

Six consecutive patients presenting with a basilar artery occlusion were treated with the same general algorithm of intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy with the Merci retrieval system. If complete recanalization was not achieved after two passes, manual syringe aspiration through a 4.3F catheter was employed.

Results

All interventions utilizing aspiration thrombectomy resulted in recanalization, with five out of six cases displaying TIMI3/TICI3 flow and one patient resulting in complete recanalization of the basilar artery with persistent thrombus in one P2 segment (TIMI2/TICI2B). All patients survived, with five out of six independent in activities of daily living at 3 months (mRS 0–2).

Conclusions

Our small case series indicates that aspiration thrombectomy performed manually through a 4.3F catheter can facilitate recanalization of basilar artery occlusion with acceptable clinical outcomes.
Relative cost comparison of embolic materials used for treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Simon Scott D , Reig Adam S , James Robert F , Reddy Prasad , Mericle Robert A
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Embolization of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms can be associated with excessive expense, especially for large/giant aneurysms. Depending on the material used, endovascular treatment may be cost prohibitive. The goal of this study was to evaluate therelativecost of various embolic agents.

Methods

Utilizing software available athttp://www.angiocalc.com, theoretical aneurysm volumes were calculated using aneurysm diameters ranging from 3 to 25 mm increasing in 1 mm increments. For each volume, the software calculated the length of coil needed to fill each size of aneurysm to a consistent, standardized and desirable packing density (25% coil:aneurysm volume). Each theoretical aneurysm was embolized by filling volume in a consistent, standardized, step-wise fashion. The cost of liquid embolics was calculated by adding the cost of 1.5 ml vials of Onyx HD 500 required to fill each volume. The embolic agents were then grouped into seven categories depending on the coil type and the cost of each aneurysm size was averaged.

Results

The average embolization with small outer diameter (0.010 inches) helical coils ranged between $714 for a 3 mm aneurysm to $113 009 for a 25 mm aneurysm, and between $2855 and $157 245 for small diameter spherical coils. Large outer diameter (>0.010 inches) helical coils cost between $2195 and $34 034 and large diameter spherical coils cost between $2195 and $86 957. Bioactive coils ranged between $1984 and $172 179, liquid embolic $5950 and $35 700, and hydrocoils $1295 and $32 873.

Conclusions

Larger outer diameter helical coils, hydrocoils and liquid embolics provide a relative cost savings compared with standard, spherical or bioactive coils when aneurysm size, shape, packing density and embolic agent were controlled and standardized. This cost differential increases as the size of the aneurysm increases.
Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula presenting as an enhancing lesion of the medulla
Authors: Patsalides Athos , Tzatha Efstathia , Stübgen Joerg-Patrick , Shungu Dikoma C , Stieg Philip E , Gobin Y Pierre
Published: June 2010

A case of atypical clinical and imaging manifestations of an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is reported. A 53-year-old man presented with orthostatic syncope and tingling of the fingertips of both hands, and the initial imaging findings were interpreted as brainstem mass. A catheter angiogram confirmed the presence of an intracranial DAVF with venous drainage around the brainstem and spinal cord. The lesion was treated by endovascular embolization and the patient remains asymptomatic 9 months after treatment.
Results of epistaxis embosurgery using detachable platinum fibered coils
Authors: Lesley Walter S , Rangaswamy Rajesh , Patel Delip V
Published: June 2010

Background

Safety and efficacy outcomes are lacking for embosurgery of the distal internal maxillary artery (IMax) using detachable platinum fibered coils (DPFCs) in patients with uncontrollable epistaxis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients treated October 2006 through May 2009 with a diagnosis of uncontrollable or recurrent epistaxis managed by DPFC. Inclusion criteria included patients with epistaxis complicating open or endoscopic nasal surgery, or patients with the following covariant risk factors: aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, ibuprofen or hypertension. Patients were excluded if particulates, liquid glue or non-permanent embolics were used as adjuvants. Medical record review and follow-up for 1 month were performed on all patients to determine treatment results and complications.

Results

A cohort of 20 patients meeting enrollment criteria was comprised of 13 men and 7 women with a mean age of 63 years (range 35–85 years). Epistaxis etiologies included recent nasal surgery (N=2) while all patients (N=20) had one or more covariant epistaxis risk factors. 17 patients underwent bilateral IMax embolization. Three patients had unilateral IMax embosurgery in which two patients had a remote history of contralateral IMax open ligation for previous epistaxis. 95% of the cohort remained free of recurrent nose bleeding requiring medical or surgical intervention. 95% of the patients had no complications while one patient (5%) had transient unilateral facial pain. There was no procedure-related death, blindness or stroke. One patient died during follow-up from unrelated causes.

Conclusion

DPFC embosurgery is effective and safe in managing uncontrollable epistaxis.
Intra-arterial abciximab for the treatment of thrombus formation during coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Linfante Italo , Etezadi Vahid , Andreone Vincenzo , DeLeo Michael , Alehashemi Sara , Shaw Kate , Wakhloo Ajay
Published: June 2010

Background and purpose

Thrombus formation during endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms occurs in 2.9%–6% of patients. Use of IIb/IIIA inhibitors such as abciximab or eptifibatide intravenously has been reported in management of this complication. Because the intra-arterial infusion of IIb/IIIA inhibitors may require lower doses to achieve thrombolysis, it may reduce the risk of haemorrhage. Therefore, we retrospectively analyze our database and review the literature.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively acquired database of patients with ruptured or unruptured aneurysm treated intra-arterially for thrombus formation during endovascular coil embolization between July 2005 and August 2008. Patient demographics, aneurysmal characteristics, procedural, clinical outcome and complications were recorded.

Results

From July 2005 to August 2008, out of 184 patients who underwent coil embolization, 19 patients (15 smokers, 14 female, mean age 52) developed intraprocedural thrombus formation and received intra-arterial abciximab treatment. Mean aneurysm size was 6.6 mm±4.9 mm; neck size was 3.8 mm±2.1 mm. Eight (42.1%) aneurysms were ruptured. Most aneurysms (63.1%) were in anterior communicating and middle cerebral arteries. Thrombus was visualized in all cases by angiogram and treated intra-arterially with a mean dose of 10.5 mg±4.2. There were no periprocedural hemorrhagic complications. No deaths or other complications occurred during follow-up.

Conclusion

Thrombus formation during coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms occurred more in women and smokers. Low doses of intra-arterial abciximab may be effective in the thromboembolic complications occurring during endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers of the fungal plant pathogen Sclerotinia trifoliorum
Authors: Njambere Evans Nyaga , Vandemark George , Chen Weidong
Published: June 2010

Sclerotinia trifoliorum is an important pathogen of forage legumes and some grain legumes. Attempts to study its population biology using microsatellite markers developed for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Sclerotinia subarctica resulted in no amplification or low levels of polymorphism. This study reports the development and characterization of 33 microsatellite loci developed from a microsatellite-enriched library of S. trifoliorum. Based on a population of 42 isolates of S. trifoliorum, these microsatellite markers are highly polymorphic, with a mean of 6.5 alleles per locus (range 3–12) and a mean expected heterozygosity of 0.63 (range 0.26–0.9). Based on locations of these marker sequences in the S. sclerotiorum genome, these microsatellite loci are dispersed throughout the genome. However, 50% (265 of 528) of pairwise comparisons of the 33 microsatellite loci had significant linkage disequilibrium, which could be explained by the mixed mating systems (homothallism and heterothallism) and clonal reproduction of S. trifoliorum. Thirty of the 33 loci were successfully applied to S. sclerotiorum, and 28 loci were polymorphic. However, only 10 loci are applicable to Sclerotinia minor and 1 locus to Sclerotinia homoeocarpa . These markers are therefore useful for population structure assessment, QTL mapping, and ecological analyses in S. trifoliorum and potentially in other Sclerotinia species.
Associations of SRAP markers with dried-shrink disease resistance in a germplasm collection of sea buckthorn (Hippophae L.)
Authors: Li He , Ruan Cheng-Jiang , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Liu Bao-Quan
Published: June 2010

Sea buckthorn ( Hippophae L.) is a woody, outcrossing dioecious pioneer plant, being widely planted as a new berry crop with rich nutritional and medicinal compounds. This long-juvenile and long-lived woody plant can be more difficult to cultivate than other crop plants. Dried-shrink disease (DSD) is a dangerous pathogen that destroys sea buckthorn and halts commercial production. We estimated variability of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers in 77 accessions of 22 sea buckthorn cultivars to seek markers associated with DSD resistance and help to identify potential breeding cultivars. Seventeen SRAP primer combinations generated 289 bands, with a mean of 17 bands per primer combination. At a Dice coefficient of 0.852, the dendrogram generated with 191 polymorphic bands clustered 73 accessions of Hippophae rhamnoides into 2 groups and 4 accessions of Hippophae salicifolia into 1 group. Eleven SRAP markers (Me1-Em3600, Me1-Em1680, Me2-Em1650, Me2-Em1950, Me3-Em61300, Me2-Em6320, Me2-Em6400, Me1-Em2600, Me1-Em11200, Me1-Em11700, Me2-Em2250) were significantly correlated with DSD resistance (P < 0.001). These markers provide a viable option for breeding programs that select lineages with DSD resistance, especially when no other genetic information, such as linkage maps and quantitative trait loci, are available.
Numerical investigation of the response of expansion anchors used to attach helical pile connectors to concrete foundations
Authors: El Sharnouby M.M. , El Naggar M.H.
Published: June 2010

This paper evaluates the performance of expansion anchors used to attach helical pile connectors to foundations. The anchors’ response to pullout loads was evaluated using nonlinear finite element analysis with the aid of the commercial software, Abaqus. The connector capacity under horizontal movement of the foundation for different anchor diameters, embedment depths, and anchors’ spacing is reported. It was found that the pre-tension load had no influence on the anchor ultimate capacity, but affected the anchor response at service load levels and the displacement at failure. Under pullout loading, increasing the anchor diameter resulted in a more brittle response, but did not affect the ultimate capacity when the concrete tensile strength dominated the response. No interaction between anchors was observed for spacing ≥ 1.67 times the anchor’s embedment depth. A modification to the helical pile connector configuration is proposed.
Case study of a synchronous hydraulic jack-up system for constructing high-rise residential buildings
Authors: Seo Jangwoo , Yoo Wi Sung , Lee Ung-Kyun , Kim Chunhak , Kang Kyung-In , Cho Hunhee
Published: June 2010

In recent years, contractors have frequently needed to apply innovative technologies to fulfil architects’ creative and intricate designs. They have often encountered abnormal construction conditions. One of the challenging and difficult process is the lifting of a heavy structure called the sky transfer truss (STT), especially if undertaking such a lift is not prevalently experienced. This can result in hazards, accidents, schedule delays, and financial losses to contractors. Traditionally, this structure is fabricated at elevation using scaffolds; however, this approach is costly, time-consuming, and labour-intensive. We introduce a procedure for lifting a 600 metric ton structure that has been fabricated on the ground with a synchronous hydraulic jack-up system. We also discuss the technical difficulties of integrating such a structure into a housing facility. This note addresses several challenging issues: high-accuracy fabrication, design of preventing interference and deformation, and the development of a construction procedure. The case study may be helpful for the flexible construction of extended designs and for the use of a jack-up system in lifting heavy structures of massive sizes and weights.