bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Corn to Preemergence and Postemergence Applications of Saflufenacil
Authors: Soltani Nader , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: September 2009

Saflufenacil (BAS 800H) is a new herbicide being developed by BASF for PRE broadleaf weed control in corn. Field studies were conducted at two Ontario locations in 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the tolerance of field corn to PRE and POST (spike and two- to three-leaf corn) applications of saflufenacil at 50, 100, and 200 g ai/ha with and without an adjuvant (surfactant blend + solvent [petroleum hydrocarbons]; 1% v/v). Saflufenacil applied PRE reduced corn height by as much as 12% with the highest rate of 200 g/ha; however, corn yield was not affected. When saflufenacil was applied without an adjuvant to corn at the spike stage, injury was as much as 12%, 7 d after treatment (DAT). However, corn height and yield were not affected. Saflufenacil applied POST to two- to three-leaf corn at 50 to 200 g/ha without an adjuvant resulted in as much as 25% injury and reduced corn height 31% but did not affect yield. Adding an adjuvant to POST applications of saflufenacil caused as much as 4 and 99% injury, reduced corn height 13 and 77%, and reduced corn yield 0 and 59% when applied to corn at the spike and at the two- to three-leaf stages, respectively. Based on these results, saflufenacil applied PRE can be safely used in corn at rates up to 200 g/ha. Saflufenacil applied to corn at the spike and two- to three-leaf stage at 50 or 100 g/ha without an adjuvant demonstrated acceptable corn tolerance and may allow for the use of saflufenacil beyond the proposed PRE use pattern. In contrast, applying saflufenacil POST with an adjuvant to spike and two- to three-leaf stage corn resulted in unacceptable injury and yield losses in field corn.
Development of a Laboratory Bioassay and Effect of Soil Properties on Sulfentrazone Phytotoxicity in Soil
Authors: Szmigielski Anna M. , Schoenau Jeff J. , Johnson Eric N. , Holm Frederick A. , Sapsford Ken L. , Liu Juxin
Published: September 2009

Sulfentrazone is a phenyl triazolinone herbicide used for control of certain broadleaf and grass weed species. Sulfentrazone persists in soil and has residual activity beyond the season of application. A laboratory bioassay was developed for the detection of sulfentrazone in soil using root and shoot response of several crops. Shoot length inhibition of sugar beet was found to be the most sensitive and reproducible parameter for measurement of soil-incorporated sulfentrazone. The sugar beet bioassay was then used to examine the effect of soil properties on sulfentrazone phytotoxicity using 10 different Canadian prairie soils. Concentrations corresponding to 50% inhibition (I50values) were obtained from the dose–response curves constructed for the soils. Sulfentrazone phytotoxicity was strongly correlated to the percentage organic carbon (P = 0.01) and also to percentage clay content (P = 0.05), whereas correlation with soil pH was nonsignificant (P = 0.21). Because sulfentrazone phytotoxicity was found to be soil dependent, the efficacy of sulfentrazone for weed control and sulfentrazone potential carryover injury will vary with soil type in the Canadian prairies.
Perspectives and Attitudes on the Use of Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Trastuzumab in Older Adults with HER-2+ Breast Cancer: A Survey of Oncologists
Authors: Hurria Arti , Wong F. Lennie , Pal Sumanta , Chung Cathie T. , Bhatia Smita , Mortimer Joanne , Somlo George , Hurvitz Sara , Villaluna Doojduen , Naeim Arash
Published: September 2009

Background.

Substantial evidence supports the use of adjuvant trastuzumab with chemotherapy for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2+ breast cancer; however, a lesser amount of data is available to guide use of this therapy in older patients and in those with significant medical comorbidities. The goal of the current study was to understand how patient age and health status impact oncologists’ decisions to recommend adjuvant therapy in older women with HER-2+ breast cancer.

Methods.

Medical oncologists (n = 151) participated in an online survey regarding treatment recommendations for a hypothetical patient of varying age and health status with tumor stage 2, nodal stage 2, estrogen receptor–negative, HER-2+ breast cancer. Survey respondents recommended either chemotherapy plus trastuzumab, chemotherapy alone, trastuzumab alone, or no therapy. The effect of age and health status on therapeutic recommendations was assessed.

Findings.

As the hypothetical patient’s age increased or health status deteriorated, oncologists were less likely to recommend a combination of chemotherapy plus trastuzumab. In contrast, oncologists were more likely to recommend either trastuzumab alone or no therapy for patients with advanced age and deteriorating health status. Chemotherapy alone was recommended by only 7.5% of respondents, on average.

Interpretation.

With limited evidence-based data for the treatment of older women with early-stage HER-2+ breast cancer, medical oncologists recommend a diverse array of therapeutic approaches. With increasing age and declining health status they were less likely to recommend chemotherapy plus trastuzumab and more likely to recommend single-agent trastuzumab or no therapy.
A Geologically Based Markov Chain Model for Simulating Tritium Transport With Uncertain Conditions in a Nuclear-Stimulated Natural Gas Reservoir
Authors: Ye M. , Cooper C. A. , Chapman J. B. , Gillespie D. , Zhang Y.
Published: September 2009

Nuclear-stimulation technology, which used subsurface nuclear detonation to increase permeability of tight natural gas reservoirs, was evaluated in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Rulison site, located in the Piceance basin, Colorado, is one of three sites in the US where the technology was tested. An increase in exploration and production for natural gas in the basin has led to a need to quantify the extent of radionuclide (mainly tritium) migration after the detonation and potential migration under likely production scenarios. To meet this need, a numerical model was developed to simulate gas flow and tritium transport toward a hypothetical production well. A crucial problem in the model development is that limited on-site data are too sparse to quantify uncertainty of subsurface properties. This problem is partly resolved by using indirect data and information, such as parameter measurements from a nearby site and geological information regarding lithofacies geometry. In particular, a geologically based Markov chain model was developed to simulate spatial distribution of the sandstone lithofacies.

This paper presents an application of the numerical model for simulating tritium transport from the nuclear chimney toward the production well at a likely location producing at a rate typical for the basin. The results show that under the circumstances considered in this paper, tritium will not reach the production well with a confidence level of 95%. The results also show that the lithofacies structure is more critical in controlling tritium transport than parameters of the sandstone and hydraulically fractured sandstone. The parameters become important only when the connectivity of sandstone lenses exists to support tritium transport from the chimney to the production well. The developed modeling framework can be updated as additional subsurface data are collected. The framework can be used to support establishment of drilling restrictions that protect public health and the environment for different production well scenarios.
Under-Rig-Floor Openhole Logging in the Gulf of Thailand—Engineering Design of the Oil Industry's First Simultaneous Openhole Wireline Logging and Drilling Operation
Authors: Upchurch Eric R. , Graves Kyle S.
Published: September 2009

Chevron Thailand, on average, drills 12,000-ft measured depth/ 8,200-ft total vertical depth wells in about 4.5 days. The factor that most contributes to this level of performance is the "offlin- ing" of as many drilling rig activities as possible. In our drilling operation, almost all pipe handling and cementing operations are performed offline (i.e., off the critical operations path and therefore simultaneous to other activities on the rig). We have now taken the next logical step in performing offline operations. In May 2007, Chevron Thailand introduced the world's first simultaneous openhole wireline logging and drilling operation on Seadrill RT-7 (a tender-assist drilling rig) and presently, is deploying the same system on additional tender-assist and jackup rigs.

This paper describes the concept of offline openhole wireline logging and the engineering design of the components that make this new concept an operational reality. The paper also discusses the engineering required to integrate the unique offline openhole logging components with existing rig systems (for both tender-assist and jackup rigs). This complex integration of newly designed components with existing rig systems is the path by which Chevron Thailand is setting a new performance standard in offshore drilling. The benefits of this new system have proven to be significant in improving Chevron Thailand's already world-class drilling performance.
Virulence factors and their mechanisms of action: the view from a damage–response framework
Authors: Casadevall Arturo , Pirofski Liise-anne
Published: September 2009

The virulence factor concept has been a powerful engine in driving research and the intellectual flow in the fields of microbial pathogenesis and infectious diseases. This review analyzes virulence factors from the viewpoint of the damage–response framework of microbial pathogenesis, which defines virulence factor as microbial components that can damage a susceptible host. At a practical level, the finding that effective immune responses often target virulence factors provides a roadmap for future vaccine design. However, there are significant limitations to this concept, which are rooted in the inability to define virulence and virulence factors in the absence of host factors and the host response. In fact, this concept appears to work best for certain types of bacterial pathogens, being less well suited for viruses and commensal organisms with pathogenic potential.
Virulence factor–activity relationships: workshop summary
Authors: De Leon Ricardo
Published: September 2009

The concept or notion of virulence factor–activity relationships (VFAR) is an approach for identifying an analogous process to the use of qualitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) for identifying new microbial contaminants. In QSAR, it is hypothesized that, for new chemical contaminants, their potential acute or chronic toxicity may be reasonably estimated on the basis of structural relationships to other known toxic contaminants. Thus the parallel that is being attempted for pathogenic microorganisms is that known virulence factors may be used as predictors for identifying undiscovered pathogens and microbial causes of emerging diseases. Advances in molecular biology, genomics and proteomics have led the Committee on Drinking Water Contaminants of the National Research Council, as requested by the EPA, to recommend the VFAR approach as a potentially more systematic and scientific process for the selection of microorganisms for inclusion in the Contaminant Candidate List (CCL).
Trihalomethane formation potential in selected drinking waters of Lebanon
Authors: Semerjian L. , Dennis J. , Ayoub G.
Published: September 2009

Laboratory-scale simulated distribution system trihalomethane (SDS-THM) tests were conducted on selected public drinking water sources to predict as well as evaluate trihalomethane formations under controlled laboratory conditions. Varying concentrations of SDS-total trihalomethane at any time (SDS-TTHMT) (2.68–85.78 μg/L) were detected in the two simulated water sources. Evaluating the impact of each test variable on attained SDS-TTHMT levels revealed that for both water sources, the majority of samples exhibited higher SDS-TTHMT levels in the presence of higher chlorine doses. For the two sources, 85 to 87.5 percent of the sample pairs exhibited higher SDS-TTHMT levels at higher incubation temperatures. Incubation periods at which maximum THM levels were attained varied with water source type as well as pH values. All comparable samples exhibited SDS-TTHMT values higher (1.41 and 7.07 folds) than actual surveyed TTHM levels. Statistically, SDST-TTHM showed significant correlations with applied chlorine dose at the 0.05 level, and with TOC, bromides, contact time, and temperature at the 0.01 level. The predictive model, formulated using multiple regression approaches, exhibiting the highest coefficients of determination was logarithmic for the laboratory simulated THM database (r2=0.70; p<0.001) with a very high significance level (<0.01 level).
Controlled field studies on soil aquifer treatment in a constructed coastal sandfill
Authors: Chua Lloyd H. C. , Leong Melvin C. M. , Lo Edmond Y. M. , Reinhard Martin , Robertson Alexander P. , Lim T. T. , Shuy E. B. , Tan S. K.
Published: September 2009

A controlled artificial recharge experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of soil aquifer treatment during percolation of secondary and tertiary (ultrafiltered) treated wastewater through the shallow vadoze zone of a newly constructed coastal sandfill. The sandfill is a reclaimed land constructed from marine sand dredged from the seabed. To obtain 1-D flow, a stainless steel column was driven to a depth of 2.5 m, penetrating the phreatic surface. Wastewater was percolated through the column under fully-saturated and unsaturated conditions. Infiltration rates, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and ultra-violet absorption (UVA) were monitored. The wastewaters were recharged at similar infiltration rates of approximately 5.5 m/day and 3.5 m/day under fully-saturated and unsaturated conditions, respectively. In both cases, clogging occurred 40 days after the start of recharge, under saturated conditions. For secondary treated wastewater, DOC concentration (mg/l) reduced by 28% and 13% under unsaturated and saturated conditions, respectively. The corresponding UVA reduction was 19.4% and 14.1%. Similar reductions in DOC were observed for the tertiary treated wastewater; however, the reduction in UVA was higher; 28% and 22% under unsaturated and saturated conditions, respectively. On an mass removal (mg/m2 DOC) basis, DOC reduction appeared to be more significant under unsaturated conditions. This is attributed to the presence of interstitial oxygen.
Hydraulic and biochemical analyses on full-scale sludge consolidation reed beds in Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Giraldi D. , Masciandaro G. , Peruzzi E. , Bianchi V. , Peruzzi P. , Ceccanti B. , Iannelli R.
Published: September 2009

The management of sewage sludge has recently become one of the most significant challenges in wastewater management. Reed bed systems appear to be an efficient and economical solution for sludge management in small wastewater treatment plants. Four years ago, one of the holding companies for water and wastewater in central Italy adopted this technology in 6 wastewater treatment plants. Hydraulic and biochemical analyses were performed on the most representative site to asses the behaviour of reed beds with regard to dewatering, mineralization and humification of disposed sludge. Moreover, daily water content analysis were performed in the interval between subsequent sludge loadings. Results indicated a decrease of sludge volume by about 93% on a yearly basis. Biochemical analysis highlighted that mineralization processes decrease over time due to a rapid decrease of microbial activity and labile substrates, such as DHase enzyme and water-soluble carbon and ammonium, respectively. Moreover, a significant interrelationship between the parameters linked with mineralization was found: after two years of operation, the process of mineralization of organic matter is still predominant in the humification of organic matter. Daily water content data were used to define a semi empirical equation describing the dynamics of the dewatering process. Overall, the use of sludge reed beds resulted feasible, ecologically sustainable and cost-effective.
Post-treatment of effluents from anaerobic digesters by the Anammox process
Authors: Vázquez-Padín J. R. , Figueroa M. , Fernández I. , Mosquera-Corral A. , Campos J. L. , Méndez R.
Published: September 2009

The application of the Anammox process was studied under two different approaches for the post-treatment of anaerobic digester supernatants: two independent units, the combined SHARON-Anammox system, performed in a chemostate and a SBR, respectively, and, a single unit system composed by an air pulsing SBR to carry out the CANON process. The technology based on the combination of the SHARON-Anammox process was used to treat the effluent of an anaerobic digester from a fish canning industry. The presence of organic matter in the influent caused fluctuations in the efficiency of the SHARON unit and an optimal nitrite to ammonium ratio was not achieved in this system to feed the Anammox reactor. Nevertheless an overall percentage of nitrogen removal of 40–80% was obtained when the Anammox reactor operated at nitrite limited conditions. In those periods when the effluent from the SHARON unit contained a NO2−-N/NH4+-N molar ratio higher than 1.3 the Anammox process lost its stability due to nitrite accumulation. The effluent from an anaerobic digester placed at a WWTP was treated by a CANON system operated at room temperature (20–24°C). This system was developed from a nitrifying air pulsing reactor working at limiting dissolved oxygen conditions which was inoculated with Anammox biomass. A quick start-up of the system was observed and the reactor reached a nitrogen removal rate of 0.25 g N/(L d) 40 days after inoculation. The maximum nitrogen removal rate reached 0.5 g N/(L d). These results indicate the feasibility of the treatment of effluents from psychrophilic anaerobic digesters using the Anammox process.
Anaerobic sequencing batch reactor as an alternative for the biological treatment of wine distillery effluents
Authors: Donoso-Bravo Andrés , Rosenkranz Francisca , Valdivia Viviana , Torrijos Michel , Ruiz-Filippi Gonzalo , Chamy Rolando
Published: September 2009

The goal of this study was to assess the effect of different modes of operation and configurations of Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactors (ASBRs) treating phenolic wastewater. Several lab-scale reactors were used in the mesophilic range. The reactors were fed with synthetic wastewater with a COD of 5 g/L using phenol as a carbon source (variable concentration) and glucose as a co-substrate. One and two-phase (hydrolytic/acidogenic–methanogenic) systems in batch and fed-batch operation were evaluated. The one-stage reactor operated by the fed batch (which was the only configuration using phenol as a sole carbon source), presented better results for the removal of phenol, reaching 100% removal in 10 days at a concentration of 210 mg/L. The two-stage configuration had removal percentages near 100%, but the methanogenic reactor presented greater degradation of the remaining phenol not removed in the hydrolytic/acidogenic reactor. ASBRs might be a feasible alternative to treat this type of effluent due to their operational flexibility.
Simulation of combined rapid gravity filtration and backwash models
Authors: Han S. J. , Fitzpatrick C. S. B. , Wetherill A.
Published: September 2009

Publisher's note. We regret that an incorrect version of this article was used in production; the correct final version is printed below.
The Complexity of Generalized Satisfiability for Linear Temporal Logic
Authors: Bauland Michael , Schneider Thomas , Schnoor Henning , Schnoor Ilka , Vollmer Heribert
Published: September 2009

In a seminal paper from 1985, Sistla and Clarke showed that satisfiability
for Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) is either NP-complete or PSPACE-complete,
depending on the set of temporal operators used. If, in contrast, the set of
propositional operators is restricted, the complexity may decrease. This paper
undertakes a systematic study of satisfiability for LTL formulae over
restricted sets of propositional and temporal operators. Since every
propositional operator corresponds to a Boolean function, there exist
infinitely many propositional operators. In order to systematically cover all
possible sets of them, we use Post's lattice. With its help, we determine the
computational complexity of LTL satisfiability for all combinations of temporal
operators and all but two classes of propositional functions. Each of these
infinitely many problems is shown to be either PSPACE-complete, NP-complete, or
in P.
The Safe Lambda Calculus
Authors: Blum William , Ong C. -H. Luke
Published: September 2009

Safety is a syntactic condition of higher-order grammars that constrains
occurrences of variables in the production rules according to their
type-theoretic order. In this paper, we introduce the safe lambda calculus,
which is obtained by transposing (and generalizing) the safety condition to the
setting of the simply-typed lambda calculus. In contrast to the original
definition of safety, our calculus does not constrain types (to be
homogeneous). We show that in the safe lambda calculus, there is no need to
rename bound variables when performing substitution, as variable capture is
guaranteed not to happen. We also propose an adequate notion of beta-reduction
that preserves safety. In the same vein as Schwichtenberg's 1976
characterization of the simply-typed lambda calculus, we show that the numeric
functions representable in the safe lambda calculus are exactly the
multivariate polynomials; thus conditional is not definable. We also give a
characterization of representable word functions. We then study the complexity
of deciding beta-eta equality of two safe simply-typed terms and show that this
problem is PSPACE-hard. Finally we give a game-semantic analysis of safety: We
show that safe terms are denoted by `P-incrementally justified strategies'.
Consequently pointers in the game semantics of safe lambda-terms are only
necessary from order 4 onwards.
Cut-Simulation and Impredicativity
Authors: Benzmueller Christoph , Brown Chad E. , Kohlhase Michael
Published: September 2009

We investigate cut-elimination and cut-simulation in impredicative
(higher-order) logics. We illustrate that adding simple axioms such as Leibniz
equations to a calculus for an impredicative logic -- in our case a sequent
calculus for classical type theory -- is like adding cut. The phenomenon
equally applies to prominent axioms like Boolean- and functional
extensionality, induction, choice, and description. This calls for the
development of calculi where these principles are built-in instead of being
treated axiomatically.
Continuation-Passing Style and Strong Normalisation for Intuitionistic Sequent Calculi
Authors: Santo Jose Espirito , Matthes Ralph , Pinto Luis
Published: September 2009

The intuitionistic fragment of the call-by-name version of Curien and
Herbelin's \lambda\_mu\_{\~mu}-calculus is isolated and proved strongly
normalising by means of an embedding into the simply-typed lambda-calculus. Our
embedding is a continuation-and-garbage-passing style translation, the
inspiring idea coming from Ikeda and Nakazawa's translation of Parigot's
\lambda\_mu-calculus. The embedding strictly simulates reductions while usual
continuation-passing-style transformations erase permutative reduction steps.
For our intuitionistic sequent calculus, we even only need "units of garbage"
to be passed. We apply the same method to other calculi, namely successive
extensions of the simply-typed λ-calculus leading to our intuitionistic
system, and already for the simplest extension we consider (λ-calculus
with generalised application), this yields the first proof of strong
normalisation through a reduction-preserving embedding. The results obtained
extend to second and higher-order calculi.
Solving Simple Stochastic Games with Few Random Vertices
Authors: Gimbert Hugo , Horn Florian
Published: September 2009

Simple stochastic games are two-player zero-sum stochastic games with
turn-based moves, perfect information, and reachability winning conditions. We
present two new algorithms computing the values of simple stochastic games.
Both of them rely on the existence of optimal permutation strategies, a class
of positional strategies derived from permutations of the random vertices. The
"permutation-enumeration" algorithm performs an exhaustive search among these
strategies, while the "permutation-improvement" algorithm is based on
successive improvements, \`a la Hoffman-Karp. Our algorithms improve previously
known algorithms in several aspects. First they run in polynomial time when the
number of random vertices is fixed, so the problem of solving simple stochastic
games is fixed-parameter tractable when the parameter is the number of random
vertices. Furthermore, our algorithms do not require the input game to be
transformed into a stopping game. Finally, the permutation-enumeration
algorithm does not use linear programming, while the permutation-improvement
algorithm may run in polynomial time.
Two-Way Unary Temporal Logic over Trees
Authors: Bojanczyk Mikolaj
Published: September 2009

We consider a temporal logic EF+F^-1 for unranked, unordered finite trees.
The logic has two operators: EF\phi, which says "in some proper descendant \phi
holds", and F^-1\phi, which says "in some proper ancestor \phi holds". We
present an algorithm for deciding if a regular language of unranked finite
trees can be expressed in EF+F^-1. The algorithm uses a characterization
expressed in terms of forest algebras.
Oxidative Coupling of Propane with a Two-Layered Catalyst Bed Reactor
Authors: Horie Takafumi , Sato Yusuke , Aida Takashi , Nishiyama Satoru , Ohmura Naoto
Published: September 2009

To realize process intensification, active species like radicals and their mass transfer need to be considered. A two-layered catalyst bed reactor was used to investigate the participation of radicals in two different reaction processes. Two-layered catalyst bed (2LCB), mixed catalyst beds (MCB) and separated catalyst beds (SCB) were compared in oxidative coupling of propane. The dependency on the contact time for the concentration of propylene in the effluent was almost constant at experimental conditions. However, that of benzene with 2LCB and MCB was higher than SCB, especially at a lower flow rate. The quartz sand layer for SCB between the catalyst beds prevented the highly active intermediate generated in the first layer from being transferred in the gas phase to the second layer. This result supports the idea of the participation of the active intermediate in the direct coupling to benzene.
Modeling of Phase and Chemical Equilibrium on the Quaternary System Acetic Acid, n-Butanol, Water and n-Butylacetate
Authors: Mandagaran Beatriz A. , Campanella Enrique A.
Published: September 2009

The correlation of the data for phase and chemical equilibrium in acetic acid-n-butanol-water-n-butylacetate is presented. The azeotropic properties, the topological structure and the existence of a reactive azeotrope are discussed. The data are correlated by Hayden-O'Connell second virial coefficients and NRTL. Chemical equilibrium constant has a strong influence on the reactive azeotrope.
History of Foot Ulcer Increases Mortality Among Individuals With Diabetes
Authors: Iversen Marjolein M. , Tell Grethe S. , Riise Trond , Hanestad Berit R. , Østbye Truls , Graue Marit , Midthjell Kristian
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

To compare mortality rates for individuals with diabetes with and without a history of foot ulcer (HFU) and with that for the nondiabetic population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This population-based study included 155 diabetic individuals with an HFU, 1,339 diabetic individuals without an HFU, and 63,632 nondiabetic individuals who were all followed for 10 years with mortality as the end point.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, a total of 49.0% of diabetic individuals with an HFU died, compared with 35.2% of diabetic individuals without an HFU and 10.5% of those without diabetes. In Cox regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, education, current smoking, and waist circumference, having an HFU was associated with more than a twofold (2.29 [95% CI 1.82–2.88]) hazard risk for mortality compared with that of the nondiabetic group. In corresponding analyses comparing diabetic individuals with and without an HFU, an HFU was associated with 47% increased mortality (1.47 [1.14–1.89]). Significant covariates were older age, male sex, and current smoking. After inclusion of A1C, insulin use, microalbuminuria, cardiovascular disease, and depression scores in the model, each was significantly related to life expectancy.

CONCLUSIONS

AN HFU increased mortality risk among community-dwelling adults and elderly individuals with diabetes. The excess risk persisted after adjustment for comorbidity and depression scores, indicating that close clinical monitoring might be warranted among individuals with an HFU, who may be particularly vulnerable to adverse outcomes.
Comments on Howe: The Never-Ending Education Science Debate: I’m Ready to Move On
Authors: Tillman Linda C.
Published: September 2009

The usefulness of positivist traditions in education research has been debated for some time, and there continue to be various epistemological and methodological camps regarding the question of what constitutes “good” or “real” research. The importance of educating all children necessitates that we think about what are the most effective and most appropriate methods for investigating specific problems, including methods that are outside positivist traditions. The author of this response to Howe (2009) addresses Howe’s critique of the education science question, points out what is missing in Howe’s critique, and considers the implications for conducting research that is critical to the education of all children, particularly those who traditionally have been underrepresented and under-served in the U.S. public education system.
CHR Forum
Authors: Cook Terry
Published: September 2009

Abstract:

Historians and archivists approach the documentary past differently, as they consider, respectively, the ‘archive’ (singular) and ‘archives’ (plural). The former focuses on issues of power, memory, and identity centred upon the initial inscription of a document (or series of documents). The latter concentrates on the subsequent history of documents over time, including the many interventions by archivists (and others) that transform (and change) that original archive into archives. Despite making good common cause in lobbying over public policy, and initially sharing values based on objective, scientific history, the two professions have drifted apart in recent decades. This essay explores the reasons for this divergence by analyzing the history of the two professions and highlighting resulting misconceptions that blind both to deeper nuances of the multiple contexts surrounding records that may enhance their understanding and use. It concludes that archives are not unproblematic storehouses of records awaiting the historian, but active sites of agency and power. Until recently, it has been in the interests of both professions to deny (or at least not interrogate) the subjectivity of archives. Both professions could benefit significantly, therefore, from a renewed partnership centred upon the history of the record to produce better history.
Assessing AIM: A Study of Grade 8 Students in an Ontario School Board
Authors: Mady Callie , Arnott Stephanie , Lapkin Sharon
Published: September 2009

This mixed-method study examines the proficiency in and perceptions of French language learning of Grade 8 students who were exposed to an instructional approach called the Accelerative Integrated Method (AIM). Six AIM classes (n = 125) and six non-AIM classes (n = 135) were observed and their students tested using a four-skills French as a second language (FSL) test package (Harley, Lapkin, Scane, Hart, & Trépanier, 1988). A larger sample of students (N = 439) initially completed a questionnaire about their attitudes towards French, and a sub-sample (n = 94) also participated in a semi-structured interview exploring their perceptions of their French proficiency and learning experiences. Analysis of the FSL test package and questionnaire results revealed no significant differences in French proficiency or attitude towards French between the AIM and non-AIM groups. Interviews offered explanations for observed student and teacher practices, providing insight into student perceptions of their French skill development and the pedagogical method they had experienced. The implications for core French pedagogy and future research are discussed.
The Future of Intensive French in Canada
Authors: Netten Joan , Germain Claude
Published: September 2009

This article examines the oral proficiency in French of students in core French, intensive French (IF), and post-IF to determine the effectiveness of these programs. Between 2003 and 2009, students in nine jurisdictions were assessed using the New Brunswick Middle School Scale (MSS). Students were tested prior to beginning IF (multiple grade levels in four jurisdictions), after completing the intensive portion of IF (Grades 4, 5, and 6 in nine jurisdictions), and at the end of the school year for those in post-IF (two jurisdictions). Students who had experienced only core French did not achieve spontaneous communication, while average MSS scores showed the IF students did. Post-IF students maintained and improved their oral proficiency. Reasons for the results are proposed. The article concludes with comments on the future of IF and the need for changes in the school system if linguistic duality is to become a reality.
Muslinoma and muslin-induced foreign body inflammatory reactions after surgical clipping and wrapping for intracranial aneurysms: imaging findings and clinical features
Authors: Yoon Min A. , Kim Eunhee , Kwon Bae-Ju , Kim Jeong Eun , Kang Hyun-Seung , Park Jae Hyo , Sohn Chul-Ho , Kim Ji-Hoon , Lee Dong Hoon
Published: September 2009

Object

Reinforcement of aneurysms with additional wrapping is an alternative procedure if the aneurysm cannot be completely clipped. Wrapping with muslin (cotton gauze) rarely incites foreign body inflammatory reactions. In this study, the authors describe the clinical and radiological features of muslinomas or muslin-induced foreign body reactions that can develop after treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

Over a 3-year period, 5 patients with muslinomas underwent treatment at the authors' institution. All patients underwent aneursym clipping and wrapping, and were subsequently readmitted with acute or subacute neurological symptoms. Clinical and imaging features on diffusion weighted MR images and cerebral angiography images were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' clinical course and follow-up imaging studies were also evaluated.

Results

In all 5 cases, muslinomas were seen as rim-enhancing inflammatory masses around the clipped aneurysms with perilesional edema visible on MR images at the time of clinical deterioration. The MR images also demonstrated adhesive arachnoiditis with a sterile intracranial abscess in 3 patients, optic neuropathy in 2, parent artery narrowing in 2, and a resultant acute ischemic infarction in 1 patient. Follow-up imaging revealed resolution of both the perilesional edema and adhesive arachnoiditis but no significant changes in the muslinomas. All patients underwent conservative management and fully recovered, but during the follow-up period, 2 patients experienced clinical and radiological relapses.

Conclusions

When a patient with a history of wrapping of an aneurysm presents with acute neurological symptoms and an enhancing intracranial mass in the region of the surgical site on MR imaging, a muslin-induced foreign body inflammatory reaction should be considered in the differential diagnosis, and careful clinical and radiological follow-up is advised.
Therapeutic management of intracranial dural arteriovenous shunts with leptomeningeal venous drainage: report of 53 consecutive patients with emphasis on transarterial embolization with acrylic glue
Authors: Guedin Pierre , Gaillard Stephan , Boulin Anne , Condette–Auliac Stephanie , Bourdain Frederic , Guieu Stephanie , Dupuy Michel , Rodesch Georges
Published: September 2009

Object

There is a strong correlation between the venous drainage pattern of intracranial dural arteriovenous shunts (ICDAVSs) and the affected patients' clinical presentation. The ICDAVSs that have cortical venous reflux (CVR) (retrograde leptomeningeal drainage: Borden Type 2 and 3 lesions) are very aggressive and have a poor natural history. Although the necessity of treatment remains debatable in ICDAVSs that drain exclusively into a sinus (Borden Type 1), lesions with CVR must be treated because of the negative effects of the retrograde venous drainage. Surgery, radiosurgery, and embolization have been proposed for management of these lesions, but endovascular therapy is considered the most appropriate therapeutic strategy in ICDAVSs. New embolic materials, such as Onyx, have been recently developed and are considered to represent a kind of “gold standard” for embolization of these lesions. The purpose of this study is to emphasize the importance of transarterial embolization using acrylic glue in the therapeutic management of ICDAVSs with CVR, and to compare the results the authors obtained using this treatment with those reported in the literature for Onyx treatment of the same type of dural shunts.

Methods

The clinical and radiological records of 53 consecutive patients suffering from ICDAVSs with CVR (Borden Types 2 or 3) were reviewed. All cases were managed with the same angiographic and therapeutic protocol. Localization of the lesions, their clinical symptoms, their angioarchitecture, their therapeutic management, and the results were analyzed.

Results

Fourteen ICDAVSs were located at the superior sagittal sinus and/or convexity veins, 13 at the transverse and sigmoid sinuses, 10 at the tentorium, 5 in the anterior cranial fossa, 4 at the foramen magnum, 3 at the torcula, 2 at the straight sinus, and 1 at the vein of Galen. One patient presented with an infantile form of ICDAVS with multiple shunts. Hemorrhage had occurred in 36% of cases. Forty-three patients underwent transarterial embolization (42 with acrylic glue). Complete closure of the fistula was obtained in 34 patients. Suppression of the CVR with partial occlusion of the main shunt was achieved in all other cases. No mortality or permanent morbidity was observed in this series.

Conclusions

Intracranial dural arteriovenous shunts can be safely managed by transarterial embolization, which can be considered in most instances as an effective first-intention treatment. Acrylic glue still allows a cheap, fast, and effective treatment with high rates of cures that compare favorably to those obtained with new embolic materials.
Male Breast Cancer- Report of Two Cases
Authors: Uddin M Dayem , Hannan ABM Abdul
Published: September 2009

Male breast cancer is rare. It accounts for 0.2% of all cancers, and 1% all breast cancers. Most patients present late for several reasons, including the absence of early signs and symptoms, and reduced awareness of the existence of such pathology among patients and physicians, Reporting these cases from among the Bangladeshi population, we tried to observe any differences in clinical manifestation from those reported in the literature, and aimed to increase the value assigned to male breast as a source of pathology among patients and physicians as well.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3226 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 80-82
Andropause: The Male Climacterium
Authors: Kabir M Rizaul , Al-Amin MA , Siddique M Afsar
Published: September 2009

Andropause is a clinical condition characterized by a partial deficiency of androgens in blood and/or a decreased sensitivity in target tissues. This state of hypogonadism leads to a decline of physical energy, an altered state of well-being, a sexual dysfunction and various metabolic alterations. These issues may have deleterious effects on muscle mass, bone density, lipid profile and eventually cognitive functions. The diagnosis of andropause depends mainly on clinical features and laboratory investigations. Awareness about this condition may help to diagnosis it earlier.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v21i1.3228 TAJ 2008; 21(1): 87-92
A U.S. Partnership with India and Poland to Track Acute Chemical Releases to Serve Public Health
Authors: Ruckart Perri Zeitz , Orr Maureen , Pałaszewska-Tkacz Anna , Dewan Aruna , Kapil Vikas
Published: September 2009

We describe a collaborative effort between the U.S., India, and Poland to track acute chemical releases during 2005-2007. In all three countries, fixed facility events were more common than transportation-related events; manufacturing and transportation/ warehousing were the most frequently involved industries; and equipment failure and human error were the primary contributing factors. The most commonly released non-petroleum substances were ammonia (India), carbon monoxide (U.S.) and mercury (Poland). More events in India (54%) resulted in victims compared with Poland (15%) and the U.S. (9%). The pilot program showed it is possible to successfully conduct international surveillance of acute hazardous substances releases with careful interpretation of the findings.
Identification of a Benzamide Derivative that Inhibits Stress-Induced Adrenal Corticosteroid Synthesis
Authors: Xu Jing , Lecanu Laurent , Tan Matthew , Greeson Janet , Papadopoulos Vassilios
Published: September 2009

Elevated serum glucocorticoid levels contribute to the progression of many diseases, including depression, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Here we show that the benzamide derivative N-[2-(4-cyclopropanecarbonyl-3-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-1-(tert-butyl-1H-indol-3-yl-methyl)-2-oxo-ethyl]-4-nitrobenzamide (SP-10) inhibits dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP)-induced corticosteroid synthesis in a dose-dependent manner in Y-1 adrenal cortical mouse tumor cells, without affecting basal steroid synthesis and reduced stress-induced corticosterone increases in rats without affecting the physiological levels of the steroid in blood. SP-10 did not affect cholesterol transport and metabolism by the mitochondria but was unexpectedly found to increase 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A, low density lipoprotein receptor, and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) expression. However, it also markedly reduced dbcAMP-induced NBD-cholesterol uptake, suggesting that this is a compensatory mechanism aimed at maintaining cholesterol levels. SP-10 also induced a redistribution of filamentous (F-) and monomeric (G-) actin, leading to decreased actin levels in the submembrane cytoskeleton suggesting that SP-10-induced changes in actin distribution might prevent the formation of microvilli–cellular structures required for SRBI-mediated cholesterol uptake in adrenal cells.
Dairy-Rich Diets Augment Fat Loss on an Energy-Restricted Diet: A Multicenter Trial
Authors: Zemel Michael B. , Teegarden Dorothy , Van Loan Marta , Schoeller Dale A. , Matkovic Velimir , Lyle Roseann M. , Craig Bruce A.
Published: September 2009

A 12-week randomized controlled multi-center clinical trial was conducted in 106 overweight and obese adults. Diets were designed to produce a 2,093 kJ/day energy deficit with either low calcium (LC; ~600 mg/day), high calcium (HC; ~1,400 mg/day), or high dairy (HD; three dairy servings, diet totaling ~1,400 mg/day). Ninety-three subjects completed the trial, and 68 met all a priori weekly compliance criteria. Both HC and HD contained comparable levels of calcium, but HC was only ~30% as effective as HD in suppressing 1,25-(OH)2D and exerted no significant effects on weight loss or body composition compared to LC. In the group that met compliance criteria, HD resulted in ~two-fold augmentation of fat loss compared to LC and HC (HD: -4.43 ± 0.53 kg; LC: -2.69 ± 0.0.53 kg; HC: -2.23 ± 0.73kg, p < 0.025); assessment of all completers and an intent-to-treat analysis produced similar trends. HD augmentated central (trunk) fat loss (HD: -2.38 ± 0.30 kg; HC: -1.42 ± 0.30 kg; LC: -1.36 ± 0.42 kg, p < 0.05) and waist circumference (HD: -7.65 ± 0.75 cm; LC: -4.92 ± 0.74 cm; LC: -4.95 ± 1.05 cm, p < 0.025). Similar effects were noted among all subjects completing the study and in an intent-to-treat analysis. These data indicate that dairy-rich diets augment weight loss by targeting the fat compartment during energy restriction.
Monitoring Healthy Metabolic Trajectories with Nutritional Metabonomics
Authors: Collino Sebastiano , Martin François-Pierre , Kochhar Sunil , Rezzi Serge
Published: September 2009

Metabonomics is a well established analytical approach for the analysis of physiological regulatory processes via the metabolic profiling of biofluids and tissues in living organisms. Its potential is fully exploited in the field of “nutrimetabonomics” that aims at assessing the metabolic effects of active ingredients and foods in individuals. Yet, one of the greatest challenges in nutrition research is to decipher the critical interactions between mammalian organisms and environmental factors, including the gut microbiota. “Nutrimetabonomics” is today foreseen as a powerful approach for future nutritional programs tailored at health maintenance and disease prevention.
Aerosol Optical Depth Measured at Different Coastal Boundary Layers and Its Links with Synoptic-Scale Features
Authors: Ponczkowska Agnieszka , Zielinski Tymon , Petelski Tomasz , Markowicz Krzysztof , Chourdakis Giorgos , Georgoussis Giorgos
Published: September 2009

This paper presents the results of measurements of aerosol optical properties which were made between 2006 and 2008 within the framework of various international projects in different locations such as Spitsbergen, northern Norway and Crete. The investigations were made under different baric topography conditions and in various seasons of the year which facilitated the investigations of spatial and temporal dependencies between upper troposphere mass state and spectral variations of aerosol properties. The results of aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements showed significant episodes during which jet stream events (300 hPa surface) over the Arctic were present. The mean spectral characteristics of AOD from “before” and “after” the event differ by 0.14 versus the “during” phase of the episode. The macrometeorological relative topography charts shown also the relationships between the 500 hPa, close sea-level pressure SLP (1,000 hPa) charts surfaces and the attenuation caused by aerosol scattering and absorption in vertical profiles during the afternoon hours.
Potential Challenges Faced by the U.S. Chemicals Industry under a Carbon Policy
Authors: Bassi Andrea , Yudken Joel
Published: September 2009

Chemicals have become the backbone of manufacturing within industrialized economies. Being energy-intensive materials to produce, this sector is threatened by policies aimed at combating and adapting to climate change. This study examines the worst-case scenario for the U.S. chemicals industry when a medium CO2 price policy is employed. After examining possible industry responses, the study goes on to identify and provide a preliminary evaluation of potential opportunities to mitigate these impacts. If climate regulations are applied only in the United States, and no action is taken to invest in advanced low- and no-carbon technologies to mitigate the impacts of rising energy costs, the examination shows that climate policies that put a price on carbon could have substantial impacts on the competiveness of the U.S. chemicals industry over the next two decades. In the long run, there exist technologies that are available to enable the chemicals sector to achieve sufficient efficiency gains to offset and manage the additional energy costs arising from a climate policy.