bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Playing chicken on the Nile? The implications of microdam development in the Ethiopian highlands and Egypt's New Valley Project
Authors: Waterbury John , Whittington Dale
Published: October 2009

How Egypt and Ethiopia will defend or promote their interests in the Nile basin has recently become clearer. Egypt will again seek to create ‘facts on the ground’, this time a large new land reclamation and settlement scheme called the New Valley Project. Ethiopia too will create facts by proceeding with water resources development in the Blue Nile basin, including the construction of low‐cost microdams. If Egypt and Ethiopia pursue these two unilateral initiatives, they may find themselves on a collision course that both may have difficulty changing. The challenge facing the Nile riparian countries is to find a balance between the upstream countries' support for the principle of ‘equitable use’, and Egypt's and Sudan's support for the principle of ‘no appreciable harm’. Of all the riparian states, Egypt has the most to gain from the establishment of a basin‐wide framework for water resources development. It can ill afford a future in which upstream riparians take unilateral action with respect to water development projects. If Egypt would reduce its existing water use by 5 billion m3 and scale back or abandon the plans for the New Valley Project, there would be enough water available to strike a deal that would bring Ethiopia and other upstream riparians into the framework of a comprehensive Nile Waters Agreement.
Renewable energy and sustainable development in the Pacific Islands: an issue of international aid
Authors: Yu Xiaojiang , Taplin Ros
Published: October 2009

This paper discusses international aid issues related to energy supply and sustainable development in the Pacific Islands. Certain foreign donors have focused their aid to the region mainly on poverty alleviation, and have failed to support critical sectors, such as the energy sector, which is one of the main driving forces in socio‐economic development. As an example, this paper analyses the international aid program of Australia for renewable energy in the Pacific Island region. It is recommended that, in future, foreign aid take up the challenge of promoting recipient countries' capabilities in sustainable development. A key strategy to be adopted by foreign aid should be strengthening recipients' energy sectors, particularly renewable energy systems. It is argued that this approach will assist the long‐term socio‐economic development and environmental management of the region.
Engaging the community at the Tampakan Copper Project: a community case study in resource development with indigenous people
Authors: Davis Stephen L.
Published: October 2009

There is little doubt that one of the most significant challenges facing the mining industry today is how to deal with sociocultural issues, particularly those concerning indigenous groups who are potentially affected by mineral developments. No longer is a project's success dependent on technical and economic considerations alone. Community issues are now an integral component of overall project risk. For the mining industry, therefore, the establishment of positive, strong and transparent relationships with local communities is more than just a moral imperative; it makes good business sense. A case study of WMC's Tampakan Copper Project in the Philippines provides an illustration of how mining companies are developing their capacity to deal with sociocultural concerns.
Environmental, developmental and financial risks of tropical timber plantation investment funds
Authors: Scholtens L. J. R.
Published: October 2009

This paper examines economic development and the environment within a market‐based approach through financial instruments that incorporate a considerable array of risks. It investigates how financial markets combine finance and sustainable development by analyzing investment funds participating in tropical forest plantations. These funds project high expected returns and carry huge financial risks, especially country risk, price risk, and credit risk. Environmental and developmental risks do not appear to be very large, as most plantations are established on former farmland and as the quantitative impact of the plantations seems limited.
Utility of non‐timber forest products in a small watershed in the Indian Himalayas: the threat of its degradation
Authors: Singh Gopal S.
Published: October 2009

This study discusses the use of non‐timber forest products (NTFP), especially medicinal plants, by traditional communities in the western Himalaya, India. The great socio‐cultural diversity and ecological complexity of the region is also matched by an unusually large variety of forest species being used. A wide range of plants, comprising herbs, shrubs and trees are used for different domestic purposes, such as food, fodder, materials for construction and handicrafts. Wild plants also play a vital role in providing primary health care in the region. In earlier times, forest products were harvested only on a subsistence basis. However, in recent decades, factors such as rising market demand, increasing population pressure, and changes in socio‐cultural and socio‐economic values have led to overharvesting. It is now estimated that most of the useful wild herbs in the region are overexploited and some of them have become locally extinct. Government forestry policies have, in the past, exclusively emphasized plantation and management of trees and have, unfortunately, ignored non‐timber products, as these are usually of comparatively lesser economic importance. However, it is suggested that proper management of NTFP will help upgrade rural economies. Recommended policies to this effect include empowerment of local communities and their involvement in development plans as well as strengthening of indigenous knowledge. To foster sustainable use of NTFP, the following steps are also suggested: integrating traditional and scientific knowledge; safeguarding regeneration potential; cultivating wild species, making appropriate changes to extraction processes used; and establishing more transparency in prices and marketing channels.
Mining and sustainable development: considerations for minerals supply
Authors: Lambert Ian B.
Published: October 2009

Sustainable development involves meeting the needs of human societies while maintaining viable biological and physical Earth systems. The needs include minerals: metals, fuels, industrial and construction materials. There will continue to be considerable demand for virgin mineral resources, even if levels of recycling and efficiency of use are optimal, and rates of population growth and globalisation decrease significantly. This article aims to stimulate debate on strategic issues for minerals supply. While the world has considerable stocks of mineral resources overall, international considerations of the environmental and social aspects of sustainable development are beginning to result in limitations on where mining will be conducted and what types of deposits will be mined. Current and emerging trends favour large mines in parts of the world where mining can be conducted within acceptable limits of environmental and social impact. Finding new deposits that meet such criteria will be all the more challenging given a disturbing global decline in the rate of discovery of major economic resources over the last decade, and the decreasing land area available for exploration and mining.

To attract responsible exploration and mining, governments of mining nations will need to provide: regional‐scale geo‐scientific datasets as required to attract and guide future generations of exploration; resource access through multiple and sequential land use regimes, and frameworks for dealing with indigenous peoples' issues; and arrangements for consideration of mining proposals and regulation of mines that ensure responsible management of environmental and social issues.

The minerals industry will need to continue to pursue advances in technologies for exploration, mining, processing, waste management and rehabilitation, and in public reporting of environmental and social performance.
Investigation of the Relationship Between Stimulus Parameters and a Human Muscle Contraction Force During Stimulation of the Gastrocnemius Muscle
Authors: Kaczmarek Piotr , Huber Juliusz , Lisiński Przemysław , Witkowska Alicja , Kasiński Andrzej
Published: October 2009

The article presents the results of investigations on the influence of biphasic stimulus parameters such as duration and stimulus interphase interval (IPI) on a gastrocnemius muscle contraction force. Seven healthy volunteers participated in this experiment, and 24 different stimuli patterns were tested. Special attention was paid to the comfort level of a sensory perception while the electrostimulation was applied. During the test, an optimal stimulus pattern evoking contraction at the level over 15% maximum voluntary contraction force and preserving a good comfort perception reported by all of the participants was investigated. It was found that bursts of pulses with width 175 µs and the IPI from 50 to 1000 µs satisfied these criteria. Moreover, it was observed that the increase of the IPI duration generated a significantly stronger contraction force in comparison with the stimulation with the standard biphasic pulses (IPI = 0 µs) having the same amplitude, frequency, and pulse duration. This shows that the modulation of the IPI might be a potentially useful support for the standard force‐control methods and may find an application in neuromuscular electrical stimulation systems.
Ductular Cholestasis, an Unusual Form of Intrahepatic Cholestasis, Associated With Cardiogenic Shock and Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Mohedano‐Gómez Alberto , Pérez‐Vela José L. , Renes‐Carreño Emilio , De‐Andrés Carolina Ibarrola , Corres‐Peiretti María A. , Arribas‐López Primitivo , Gutierrez‐Rodriguez Julián , Perales‐Rodríguez‐De‐Viguri Narciso
Published: October 2009

Ventricular assist devices have been shown to be effective in advanced heart failure selected patients. They often have borderline end‐organ function, what facilitates organ dysfunction. Liver failure is difficult to manage and leads to increased morbidity and mortality. We report a case of ductular cholestasis, an unusual cholestatic hepatic failure with untractable coagulopathy, developed during the use of a magnetic levitation centrifugal pump, implanted as a bridge to heart transplantation, in a patient with cardiogenic shock (as an end‐stage disease of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy). We discussed the pathophysiology of this entity and the possible related factors, including the assist device. Preemptive interventions have been advocated as the primary way of treatment. Preoperative optimization of heart function and avoidance of visceral hypoperfusion and sepsis may play a major role.
Changes in Plasma Amino Acids During Extracorporeal Liver Support by Fractionated Plasma Separation and Adsorption
Authors: Rifai Kinan , Das Anibh , Rosenau Jens , Ernst Thomas , Kretschmer Ulrich , Haller Hermann , Fliser Danilo , Manns Michael Peter
Published: October 2009

In patients with liver failure, amino acid dysbalance is common and associated with hepatic encephalopathy. Prometheus is a newly designed extracorporeal liver support system based upon fractionated plasma separation and adsorption (FPSA). We evaluated the influence of FPSA on plasma amino acid patterns in patients with liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy. We studied nine patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, and concomitant renal failure. A single session of FPSA therapy for 5 ± 1 h was performed in all patients. Twenty‐six different plasma amino acids were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography before and after FPSA treatment. Total amino acids as well as Fischer index were calculated. Additionally, a variety of clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed. Before FPSA was started, plasma levels of most amino acids were elevated. Plasma ammonia levels correlated with glutamine levels (P < 0.04). During FPSA, plasma levels of nearly all amino acids significantly decreased except for branched‐chain amino acids. The Fischer index improved without reaching statistical significance. FPSA therapy tends to normalize plasma amino acids in patients with combined liver and renal failure. This may contribute to positive pathophysiologic effects, especially on hepatic encephalopathy. However, the clinical significance of these findings needs to be further evaluated.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Blade Tip Clearances on Hemodynamic Performance and Blood Damage in a Centrifugal Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Wu Jingchun , Paden Bradley E. , Borovetz Harvey S. , Antaki James F.
Published: October 2009

An important challenge facing the design of turbodynamic ventricular assist devices (VADs) intended for long‐term support is the optimization of the flow path geometry to maximize hydraulic performance while minimizing shear‐stress‐induced hemolysis and thrombosis. For unshrouded centrifugal, mixed‐flow and axial‐flow blood pumps, the complex flow patterns within the blade tip clearance between the lengthwise upper surface of the rotating impeller blades and the stationary pump housing have a dramatic effect on both the hydrodynamic performance and the blood damage production. Detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses were performed in this study to investigate such flow behavior in blade tip clearance region for a centrifugal blood pump representing a scaled‐up version of a prototype pediatric VAD. Nominal flow conditions were analyzed at a flow rate of 2.5 L/min and rotor speed of 3000 rpm with three blade tip clearances of 50, 100, and 200 µm. CFD simulations predicted a decrease in the averaged tip leakage flow rate and an increase in pump head and axial thrust with decreasing blade tip clearances from 200 to 50 µm. The predicted hemolysis, however, exhibited a unimodal relationship, having a minimum at 100 µm compared to 50 µm and 200 µm. Experimental data corroborate these predictions. Detailed flow patterns observed in this study revealed interesting fluid dynamic features associated with the blade tip clearances, such as the generation and dissipation of tip leakage vortex and its interaction with the primary flow in the blade‐blade passages. Quantitative calculations suggested the existence of an optimal blade tip clearance by which hydraulic efficiency can be maximized and hemolysis minimized.
Hemodynamic Changes in a Model of Chronic Heart Failure Induced by Multiple Sequential Coronary Microembolization in Sheep
Authors: Schmitto Jan Dieter , Coskun Kasim Oguz , Coskun Sinan Tolga , Ortmann Philipp , Vorkamp Tobias , Heidrich Florian , Sossalla Samuel , Popov Aron‐Frederik , Tirilomis Theodor , Hinz José , Heuer Jan , Quintel Michael , Chen Frederick Yen‐Ching , Schöndube Friedrich Albert
Published: October 2009

Although a large variety of animal models for acute ischemia and acute heart failure exist, valuable models for studies on the effect of ventricular assist devices in chronic heart failure are scarce. We established a stable and reproducible animal model of chronic heart failure in sheep and aimed to investigate the hemodynamic changes of this animal model of chronic heart failure in sheep. In five sheep (n = 5, 77 ± 2 kg), chronic heart failure was induced under flouroscopic guidance by multiple sequential microembolization through bolus injection of polysterol microspheres (90 µm, n = 25.000) into the left main coronary artery. Coronary microembolization (CME) was repeated up to three times in 2 to 3‐week intervals until animals started to develop stable signs of heart failure. During each operation, hemodynamic monitoring was performed through implantation of central venous catheter (central venous pressure [CVP]), arterial pressure line (mean arterial pressure [MAP]), implantation of a right heart catheter {Swan‐Ganz catheter (mean pulmonary arterial pressure [PAPmean])}, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and cardiac output [CO]) as well as pre‐ and postoperative clinical investigations. All animals were followed for 3 months after first microembolization and then sacrificed for histological examination. All animals developed clinical signs of heart failure as indicated by increased heart rate (HR) at rest (68 ± 4 bpm [base] to 93 ± 5 bpm [3 mo][P < 0.05]), increased respiratory rate (RR) at rest (28 ± 5 [base] to 38 ± 7 [3 mo][P < 0.05]), and increased body weight 77 ± 2 kg to 81 ± 2 kg (P < 0.05) due to pleural effusion, peripheral edema, and ascites. Hemodynamic signs of heart failure were revealed as indicated by increase of HR, RR, CVP, PAP, and PCWP as well as a decrease of CO, stroke volume, and MAP 3 months after the first CME. Multiple sequential intracoronary microembolization can effectively induce myocardial dysfunction with clinical and hemodynamic signs of chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy. The present model may be suitable in experimental work on heart failure and left ventricular assist devices, for example, for studying the impact of mechanical unloading, mechanisms of recovery, and reverse remodeling.
The Work/Health Insurance Nexus: A Weak Link for Mexican‐Origin Men*
Authors: Angel Ronald J. , Angel Jacqueline L. , Montez Jennifer Karas
Published: October 2009

Objectives. The employment‐based health insurance system of the United States means that those individuals who are disadvantaged in the labor market are also disadvantaged in terms of health insurance coverage. The Mexican‐origin population has historically been disadvantaged in both domains. We examine the extent to which low rates of health insurance coverage among Mexican‐origin adult male workers are the result of overrepresentation in the types of employment in which coverage is low for everyone.

Methods. We use logistic regression models to analyze data from 80,827 employed Mexican‐origin, African‐American, and non‐Hispanic white men in the 2004 and 2006 Current Population Surveys.

Results. The results suggest that although such overrepresentation contributes to low rates of coverage among Mexican‐origin workers, even within employment sectors, industries, and occupations, Mexican‐origin workers are less likely to have coverage than non‐Hispanic whites or African Americans.

Conclusions. These results make it clear that the health insurance vulnerability of the Mexican‐origin population reflects multiple barriers to coverage in addition to those related to employment.
Nativity Status and Depressive Symptoms Among Hispanic Young Adults: The Role of Stress Exposure*
Authors: Tillman Kathryn Harker , Weiss Ursula Keller
Published: October 2009

Objective. This article documents nativity differentials in depressive symptoms among Hispanics during their initial years of adulthood and explores how ethnicity, sociodemographic characteristics, and exposure to stressful life events and changes in social roles help explain those differentials.

Methods. Data are drawn from a large‐scale two‐wave community study of stress, psychiatric well‐being, and substance use disorders among young adults. Our analytic sample includes 553 Hispanic respondents and we employ multivariate regression techniques.

Results. Regardless of age at immigration, foreign‐born women experience greater declines in depressive symptoms than native‐born women during early adulthood. This advantage is explained by differences in perceptions of discrimination, family‐based stress, and social role changes. The association between nativity and depressive symptoms is not conditioned by ethnicity, but ethnicity does condition the association between stressful events and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions. The findings suggest that mental health treatment and prevention efforts should focus more heavily on stress exposure.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration Among Low‐Income Inner‐City Mothers*
Authors: Lee Helen J. , Elo Irma T. , McCollum Kelly F. , Culhane Jennifer F.
Published: October 2009

Objectives.Despite the promotion of breastfeeding as the “ideal” infant feeding method by health experts, breastfeeding continues to be less common among low‐income and minority mothers than among other women. This article investigates how maternal sociodemographic and infant characteristics, household environment, and health behaviors are related to breastfeeding initiation and duration among low‐income, inner‐city mothers, with a specific focus on differences in breastfeeding behavior by race/ethnicity and nativity status.

Methods.Using data from a community‐based, longitudinal study of women in Philadelphia, PA (N=1,140), we estimate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models to predict breastfeeding initiation and duration.

Results.Both foreign‐born black mothers and Hispanic mothers (most of whom were foreign born) were significantly more likely to breastfeed their infants than non‐Hispanic white women, findings that were partly explained by foreign‐born and Hispanic mothers' prenatal intention to breastfeed. In contrast to previous studies, we also found that native‐born black women were more likely to breastfeed than non‐Hispanic white women.

Conclusion.Our findings suggest that when poor whites and African Americans are similarly situated in an inner‐city context, the disparity in their behavior with respect to infant feeding is not as distinct as documented in national surveys. Breastfeeding was much more common among low‐income immigrant black women than among white or native‐born black mothers.
Policies/Programs for Reducing Health Inequalities by Tackling Nonmedical Determinants of Health in the United Kingdom*
Authors: Murty Sharanya , Franzini Luisa , Low M. David , Swint J. Michael
Published: October 2009

Objective. To conduct a review of the policies and programs targeting the nonmedical determinants of health inequalities implemented at a national level in the United Kingdom.

Methods. Two U.K. Department of Health reports were used to identify policies/programs that were solely targeted toward alleviating the nonmedical causes of health inequalities. A review of gray literature was conducted to obtain detailed information about each policy/program.

Results. Several national‐level policies and large‐scale programs directed toward nonmedical determinants of health, primarily poverty, unemployment, lifecourse, housing and environment, and social exclusion, have been implemented in the United Kingdom. Several of these policies/programs have been shown to successfully improve population health status in national evaluations.

Conclusions. In the United States, there is currently an impetus to investigate health disparities and to provide recommendations for future policy action. This review can inform the national debate and provide guidelines to develop policy recommendations.
Discrepancy between Gradients Derived by Cardiac Catheterization and by Doppler Echocardiography in Aortic Stenosis: How Often Does Pressure Recovery Play a Role?
Authors: Parameswaran Anoop C. , Reisner Dave , Amanullah Aman
Published: October 2009

Studies have shown very good correlation between Doppler‐derived gradients and gradients obtained by cardiac catheterization (cath) in aortic stenosis (AS). However, the phenomenon of pressure recovery may lead to significant overestimation of aortic valve (AV) gradients by Doppler echocardiography (echo). We hypothesized that echo‐derived gradients will be higher in mild–moderate AS because of pressure recovery. We studied 94 patients who had echo and cardiac caths in a span of 1 week. The mean age was 72 ± 13 years, 54% males, 79% had coronary artery disease, and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 45 ± 22%. The mean cardiac output and cardiac indices were 5.1 ± 1.4/2.7 ± 0.6 (l/mt), (l/m2), respectively. For those with mild AS, echo overestimated gradients in 9.5% of patients (4/42) by an average of 19 mmHg, thus misclassifying the degree of stenosis. In those with moderate AS, 14% (3/21) were misclassified as severe AS (gradient overestimation by an average of 13.6 mmHg). In those with severe AS, echo underestimated gradients in 13% (4/31) by an average of 22.7 mmHg. The aorta at the sinotubular junction was 2.8 cm in those patients with mild AS in whom gradients were overestimated by more than 20 mmHg compared to a sinotubular junction diameter of 3.12 cm in those with mild AS and no overestimation of gradients. The AV area/aortic root ratio was 0 .4 in those with mild AS and 0.2 in those with severe AS (P < 0.05).
Early Diagnosis of Right Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction by Tissue Doppler‐Derived Isovolumic Myocardial Acceleration in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Tayyareci Yelda , Tayyareci Gulsah , Tastan Cagla Pinar , Bayazit Pelin , Nisanci Yilmaz
Published: October 2009

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess validity of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)‐derived right ventricular (RV) myocardial systolic velocities in early detection of RV systolic dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Ninety COPD patients (50 pure COPD and 40 with right heart failure [RHF]) and 40 controls were enrolled. Respiratory function tests, conventional echocardiographic parameters, and TDI‐derived isovolumic myocardial acceleration (IVA), peak myocardial velocity during isovolumic contraction (IVV), peak velocity during systolic ejection (Sa) were measured. Results: All the TDI‐derived RV systolic velocities were impaired in COPD (P = 0.0001) compared to controls. IVA was the only parameter that could distinguish the patients with pure COPD and COPD with RHF (P = 0.0001). IVA was found to be significantly correlated with FEV1 (r = 0.41, P = 0.0001), FEV1/FVC (r = 0.43, P = 0.0001), pulmonary artery pressure (r =−0.34, P = 0.001), pulmonary flow acceleration time (r = 0.48, P = 0.0001), and tricuspid annular systolic excursion (r =−0.41, P = 0.0001). In addition, IVA ≤ 2.7 m/sec2 was able to predict COPD patients from controls with 81% sensitivity, 98% specificity and IVA ≤ 1.9 m/sec2 predicted COPD patients accompanied by RHF with 82% sensitivity, 77% specificity from patients without RHF. Conclusions: TDI‐derived RV IVA is a novel, noninvasive echocardiographic index which may be used in the assessment of subclinical RV dysfunction in patients with COPD.
Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries (CCTGA) Initially Presenting in the Sixth Decade
Authors: Bullock‐Palmer Renee P. , Rohen Andrew
Published: October 2009

Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) has become increasingly important in adult cardiology. A 54‐year‐old female presented with symptoms and signs of new onset heart failure. Echocardiography showed congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) with systolic dysfunction of the systemic right ventricle, ejection fraction was 15 to 20% and no other associated abnormalities. CCTGA is often missed in cardiology practice due to failure to recognize the abnormal position of the ventricles and the associated AV valves. One percent of patients with CCTGA are uncomplicated without VSD, PS or Ebstein's anomaly of the systemic AV valve; this was the case for our patient. Most patients present in early adulthood. The mechanism of systemic ventricular failure has been related to fibrosis due to oxygen supply and demand mismatch.
Peptization of Nanoparticulate Titania Sols Prepared Under Different Water–Alkoxide Molar Ratios
Authors: Colomer María T. , Guzmán Javier , Moreno Rodrigo
Published: October 2009

Particulate titania sols with water–alkoxide molar ratios (r) of r=30:1 ([Ti4+]=1.146M), r=50:1 ([Ti4+]=0.818M), r=75:1 ([Ti4+]=0.579M), and r=100:1 ([Ti4+]=0.459M), have been synthesized. Both hydrolysis and peptization temperatures were maintained at 35°C in all cases. HNO3 was used as a catalyst and its amount was calculated to maintain the H+/Ti molar ratio at 0.2. The combination of the data measured with optical techniques such as laser diffraction, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and multiple light scattering with a near‐infrared light allows us to follow up the evolution of the peptization process and to unequivocally establish a procedure to quantify its time. This time increases as the water–alkoxide molar ratio increases. Stable monomodal nanoparticulate TiO2·xH2O sols with an average particle size of ∼20 nm, as measured by DLS were obtained after peptization, except for r=30:1. However, TEM observations of the xerogels treated at 300°C for 1 h show primary particles of ∼10 nm. This suggests that the synthesized sols are formed by agglomerated particles and DLS measurements provide particle sizes larger than the actual primary size. The viscosity of the sols increases with the Ti concentration, but it is very low (<5 mPa·s), except that of the 30:1 sol, where a transient structured fluid is formed that breaks with time and by shearing. The sols have considerably long‐term stability when preserved cool (<10°C). The anatase phase is obtained as a major phase in the xerogels, although a small peak of brookite is also present. The xerogels calcined at 300°C for 1 h show traces of rutile at r values of 50:1 and 30:1. This fact confirms that the anatase–rutile transformation is produced at lower temperatures when the molar ratio is lower, i.e., when the Ti concentration increases.
Spectroscopic Assessments of Domain Texture in Barium Titanate: I. Confocal Raman Polarization Analysis
Authors: Pezzotti Giuseppe , Matsutani Atsuo , Zhu Wenliang
Published: October 2009

A three‐dimensional quantitative Raman analysis of ferroelectric domain orientation is presented for single‐crystalline barium titanate (BaTiO3; BT). The analysis has been developed according to basic principles of polarized/confocal Raman spectroscopy and is aimed at visualizing in three dimensions the geometrical (local) distribution of domain c‐axis in the solid angle. In the first part of the paper, the relative intensity modulation of the BT Raman phonon modes has been theoretically modeled for a BT single crystal as a function of three Euler angles; then, the complete set of Raman tensor elements has been experimentally retrieved for the Ag, the B1, and the Eg vibrational modes of BT. The proposed polarized Raman algorithm is finally applied to the visualization of domain patterns in BT single crystal and the possibility of nondestructively visualizing domain textures in depth is shown; thus, we demonstrate that polarized Raman spectroscopy is a valuable and efficient tool for nondestructive in space assessments of domain orientation in ferroelectric materials.
Walk and Die: An Unusual Presentation of Head Injury
Authors: Veevers Abigail E. , Lawler William , Rutty Guy N.
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  We report three deaths in young adult males following closed blunt trauma to the head and face where the affected individuals were able to walk away from the incident, before subsequently collapsing and dying a short distance from the site of the assault. In each case, due to the rapidity of the posttrauma collapse, the pathologist was faced with a diagnostic difficulty at autopsy; the external examination revealed multiple injuries to the head and face, but internal examinations showed limited findings with no structural explanation for the death. We discuss possible mechanisms that could account for this scenario, the implications of alcohol consumption with a concussive head injury, and parallels that can be drawn with the so‐called “talk and die,”“talk and deteriorate,” and “second impact syndrome.” Finally, the possible role of so‐called “postexercise peril” is discussed in relation to these deaths.
Chronicling the Complexification of Negotiation Theory and Practice
Authors: Menkel‐Meadow Carrie
Published: October 2009

The essay reviews the content of twenty‐five years of Negotiation Journal, identifying themes and issues explored on its pages in the past, the current issues challenging the field's scholars and practitioners, and the issues likely to confront us in the future. It argues that while we in the field hoped for simple, elegant, and universal theories of negotiation and conflict resolution, the last twenty‐five years have demonstrated the increasing complexification of negotiation theory and practice, from increased numbers of parties and issues, and dilemmas of intertemporal commitments, ethics, accountability, and relationships of private action to public responsibility.
Twenty‐Five Years Ago and Twenty‐Five Years from Now: The Future of Public Dispute Resolution
Authors: Susskind Lawrence
Published: October 2009

Over the past twenty‐five years, public dispute resolution has emerged as an important area of practice — linked, in part, to ongoing efforts to promote deliberative democracy. As the field has evolved, however, the market for public dispute mediators has shifted. It is already possible to glimpse the further shifts and the new intellectual challenges likely to face the public dispute resolution field over the next twenty‐five years.
Nest site competition between cavity nesting passerines and golden paper wasps Polistes fuscatus
Authors: Stanback Mark , Mercandante Austin , Anderson Wesley , Burke Howell , Jameson Rebecca
Published: October 2009

Nest boxes provide sheltered nesting sites for both passerines and paper wasps. Although neither wasps nor birds appear to evict the other once one is fully established, it is unclear which is the dominant competitor at the onset of the breeding season. Using wire mesh, we excluded birds but not golden paper wasps Polistesfuscatus from alternating boxes along a transect through edge habitat in North Carolina from 2006 – 2008. If wasps dominate Carolina chickadees Poecile carolinensis and eastern bluebirds Sialia sialis during the early spring (all have similar nest initiation dates), we would expect wasps to settle in both box types at equal frequencies. However, if birds dominate wasps, we would expect wasp nests to be concentrated in “bird‐proof” boxes. We found wasps in bird‐proof boxes significantly more often than in bird‐accessible boxes, indicating that secondary‐cavity nesting birds are able to exclude wasps from available nest sites. Additionally, we found that during the period of nest initiation, birds usurp wasps more often than vice versa.
The relationship between volatile sulphur compounds, tongue coating and periodontal disease
Authors: Calil C , Liberato FL , Pereira AC , De Castro Meneghim M , Goodson JM , Groppo FC
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  The purpose of the present study was to observe the casual levels of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) in volunteers with different clinical scores of tongue coating, periodontal pockets depth and Gingival Bleeding Index. Seventy‐two subjects who attended for the first time at the dental clinic of the University were randomly selected for intra‐oral and periodontal examinations. Systemic and dental histories were also obtained. The subjects were unaware of all procedures. The level of VSC was assessed by using a portable sulphide monitor (Halimeter®; Interscan Co., Chatsworth, CA, USA). High tongue coating levels were related with more VSC counts (multivariate anova, P = 0.01). No statistically significant relation (multiple linear regression, P > 0.05) was observed among the VSC levels considering age, bleeding and periodontal pockets sites (depth >4 mm). We concluded that the tongue coating was one of the main factors influencing the VSC levels.
The influence of a hydrogen peroxide and glycerol containing mouthrinse on plaque accumulation: a 3‐day non‐brushing model
Authors: Hoenderdos NL , Rosema NAM , Slot DE , Timmerman MF , Van Der Velden U , Van Der Weijden GA
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Aim:  To evaluate the inhibition of plaque growth by an experimental mouthrinse (BioXyl®) based on hydrogen peroxide/glycerol.

Design:  It was a double‐blind, randomized study involving 40 volunteers in good general health. At the start of the trial, all participants received a dental prophylaxis to remove all plaque deposits. During the next 3 days subjects refrained from any mechanical oral hygiene procedure, except for the allocated mouthrinse being either the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 0.013% H2O2/0.004% glycerol) or the placebo without H2O2. At the third day of appointment, plaque levels were assessed at six sites per tooth.

Results:  The test group had a mean overall plaque score of 2.66 and the placebo group of 2.70. The difference in plaque scores between the two groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:  The results of this pilot study showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the H2O2/glycerol group and the placebo group with respect to plaque inhibition within this study design.
Dental hygiene students’ part‐time jobs in dental practices in the Netherlands
Authors: Poorterman JHG , Dikkes BT , Brand HS
Published: October 2009

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2009.00415.x Poorterman JHG, Dikkes BT, Brand HS. Dental hygiene students’ part‐time jobs in dental practices in the Netherlands.

Abstract:  Objective:  Many students have paid employment while studying. In the Netherlands, the Individual Health Care Professions Act (IHCP Act) allows dental hygiene students to work under certain conditions in a dental practice. The aim of the study was to determine how many dental hygiene students have part‐time job employment in dental practice and which professional tasks they carry out. We also asked the dental hygiene students their opinion of the IHCP Act.

Methods:  All the enrolled dental hygiene students (n = 341) at a School of Health in the Netherlands received a questionnaire by email.

Results:  The response was 52% (176 students). Of the responding students, 75% had paid employment in addition to their study. A proportion of the students (35%) worked in a dental practice. The median number of hours worked per week was eight. Study year, age and prior education were positively related to working part‐time in dental practice. Activities frequently performed were giving oral hygiene instruction, fluoride applications, scaling and root planning, providing chair side assistance and giving local anaesthesia. Although the self‐reported knowledge about the IHCP Act was high, almost half of the students expressed the need for more detailed legal information.

Conclusions:  Many dental hygiene students work in a dental practice, taking over a number of tasks usually performed by the dentist. More information in the dental hygiene curriculum about the requirements of the IHCP Act seems desirable.
Intranasal fentanyl in 1–3‐year‐olds: A prospective study of the effectiveness of intranasal fentanyl as acute analgesia
Authors: Cole Joanne , Shepherd Michael , Young Phillip
Published: October 2009

The primary objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of intranasal fentanyl analgesia in children aged 1–3 years with acute moderate to severe pain presenting to the ED. We also aimed to gather information on the safety and acceptability of intranasal fentanyl in this age group. Two paediatric ED enrolled children aged 1–3 years, with acute moderate or severe pain. Intranasal fentanyl was administered (1.5 µg/kg) via a mucosal atomiser device using a 50 µg/mL solution of fentanyl. Physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturations and level of consciousness) were measured at regular intervals. Objective pain assessment was completed using the Faces, Legs, Arms, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) score. Forty‐six children presenting with acute moderate to severe pain were included. The median FLACC score before intranasal fentanyl administration was 8 (interquartile range [IQR] 5–10), decreasing to 2 (IQR 0–4) 10 min post fentanyl (P < 0.0001) and 0 (IQR 0–2) 30 min post fentanyl (P < 0.0001). A clinically significant decrease in FLACC scores was seen in 93% of children 10 min post fentanyl administration and 98% of children 30 min post fentanyl. Intranasal fentanyl delivery using a mucosal atomiser was well tolerated by all children. There were no adverse drug reactions or adverse events detected. Intranasal fentanyl is an effective, safe and well‐tolerated mode of analgesia for children aged 1–3 years with moderate to severe pain.
Knowledge and attitude towards paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation among the carers of patients attending the Emergency Department of the Children's Hospital at Westmead
Authors: Cu Jonathan , Phan Phuong , O'Leary Fenton M
Published: October 2009

The present study aimed to describe the knowledge and attitudes of parents and carers in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on infants and children. A self‐administered questionnaire distributed to a convenience sample of parents and carers attending the Emergency Department of The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia from February to March 2008. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of previous cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, willingness and confidence to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on infants and children compared with adults, and an objective assessment of knowledge of current resuscitation guidelines. A total of 348 parents and carers were surveyed; 53% had received previous cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, 75% prior to the previous year. There was no significant difference on their willingness to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on an adult versus a child (75.6% and 75.8% respectively, P= 0.870). However, 81% were willing to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a relative whereas only 64% were willing to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a stranger (P < 0.001). Respondents were moderately confident in delivering cardiopulmonary resuscitation to a collapsed child; mean score of 2.9 on 5‐point Likert scale. Only 11% of respondents knew the correct rate for chest compressions and the ratio of compressions to ventilations; 8% had performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a real situation. Parents and carers are willing to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, especially on family members. However, their knowledge of the current guidelines was poor. More public education is required to update those with previous training and to encourage those who haven't to be trained.
Paediatric emergency medicine in the developing world: The Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Furyk Jeremy S
Published: October 2009

Malawi is a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa and is one of the poorest countries in the world. Life expectancy, infant and under five mortality statistics are appalling relative to the developed world. This article describes the experience of an emergency physician from Australia in a Paediatric Accident and Emergency department in Blantyre, Malawi.
Sexual Arousal by Higher- and Lower-Ranking Partner: Manifestation of a Mating Strategy?
Authors: Jozifkova Eva , Konvicka Martin
Published: October 2009

Background

High hierarchical status is associated with increased reproduction success in mammals. However the subordinate males are not totally eliminated from reproduction due to mate choice and alternative male strategies. Thus; the sexual arousal by higher-ranking or lower-ranking partner in humans may represent a proximate mechanism for realizing a reproductive strategy.

Aim

To evaluate possible connection between mating strategy and sexual arousal by lower-ranking and higher-ranking partner.

Materials and Methods

Markers of possible reproductive success (the number and gender of relatives and self-reported attractiveness) were evaluated by questionnaire-based study on students (110 men and 195 women, aged 19 to 29, mean age 22.5 ± 2.10SD).

Main Outcome Measure

The correlation between markers of reproductive success and the sexual arousal by lower- and higher-ranking partner.

Results

Arousal by lower-ranking partner correlated positively with proportion of males in relatives (Spearman’s r, males: 0.219*; females: 0.161*) and with self-reported attractiveness (males: r = 0.223*); arousal by higher-ranking partner correlated positively with self-attractiveness (females: r = 0.191*).

Discussion

We found markers of reproductive success despite of reduced number of offspring in nowadays population.

Conclusion

The sexual arousal by lower- and/or higher-ranking partner appears to be a manifestation of a successful reproductive strategy, e.g. behavior connected to natural human behavior. Moreover, the sexual arousal by overemphasized hierarchy (e.g. dominant-slave play) considered to be a part of sadomasochistic sex (or so called BDSM) may represent an overemphasised manifestation of this reproductive strategy. *P < 0.05.
Thermal Cycle Reliability of Glass/Ceramic Composite Gas Sealing Materials
Authors: Suda Seiichi , Matsumiya Masahiko , Kawahara Koichi , Jono Kaori
Published: October 2009

We have developed glass/ceramic composite seals composed of glass precursors (NS particles) and ceramic precursors (S particles). The composite seals exhibited low gas permeability at room temperature −650°C, irrespective of the fusion profiles. However, short‐term fusion led to the formation of pores in the seals and the pores in the seals depressed the thermal cycle durability. As for the NS/S composite ratios, the addition of S particles obviously improved the thermal cycle durability, but excess addition will bring about delamination at the seal/substrate interface. Appropriate NS/S ratios as well as an adequate fusion profile would result in composite seals with high strength and adhesion.
The Effect of Different Surface Finishing Procedures on Surface Roughness and Fracture Toughness in All‐Ceramic Restorations
Authors: Yondem Isa , Inan Ozgur
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different surface treatments on the flexural strength of four different ceramic specimens. The four ceramic systems investigated in this study were lithium disilicate reinforced, zirconium oxide reinforced, glass‐infiltrated alumina reinforced, and feldspathic ceramic. For the first group, grinding burs, for the second group polishing kit and for the third group glazing procedures were applied for surface treatment. Surface roughness, mean fracture toughness, and a SEM were used to describe surface features. The surface treatments affected the flexural strength and surface roughness of the ceramic systems evaluated.
A new-age determination for γ2 Velorum from binary stellar evolution models
Authors: Eldridge John J.
Published: October 2009

We derive a new age for the γ2 Velorum binary by comparing recent observations to our set of binary models. We find that it is very unlikely that the stars have not interacted, which implies that previous estimates of the age from single-star models of 3.5 ± 0.4 Myr are incorrect. We prefer an older age of 5.5 ± 1 Myr that agrees with the age of other lower mass stars in the Vela OB association. We also find that our favoured binary model shows the components of the binary have interacted in a Case B, post-main-sequence, mass-transfer event. During the mass-transfer event, the envelopes of both components are radiative and therefore the damping of tidal forces is relatively weak. This explains why the binary is still eccentric after mass transfer.