bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the addition of a modifier in the supercritical dyeing of polyester
Authors: Banchero Mauro , Manna Luigi , Ferri Ada
Published: December 2010

The aim of the work was to investigate the effect of an ethanol addition in the dyeing of a commercial polyethylene terephthalate yarn with supercritical carbon dioxide. The equilibrium uptake in the yarn and the partition coefficients of three azo dyes between the polymer and the fluid phases were experimentally measured under different working conditions and compared with the data obtained without any modifier. It was found that the presence of the modifier increases the dye concentration in the yarn and the solubility of the dye in the supercritical phase, allowing good dyeing results to be obtained under less severe working conditions. The partition coefficient data were also satisfactorily regressed with a semi‐empirical correlation, available in the literature for a different system and here adapted to the partition of a dye between a fibre and a supercritical bath.
Changing colours: now you see them, now you don’t
Authors: Dawson Timothy L
Published: December 2010

Nature offers a range of colour displays which are relatively short‐lived and which were for many centuries little understood. Today we can explain most which arise from diffraction and reflection effects on rays of sunlight, various atmospheric ionisation phenomena and many colour effects resulting from biochemical reactions, although less is understood about some of the strange psychedelic patterns and colours which our brains can sometimes produce. The practical purposes to which certain fluorescent, thermochromic and photochromic dyes can be put, including their presently limited textile applications, are illustrated.
Relationship between photofading and chemical structure of disperse azo dyes on nylon fabric†
Authors: Okada Yasuyo , Hihara Toshio , Hirose Mie , Morita Zenzo
Published: December 2010

The initial rates of photofading for 30 disperse azo dyes on nylon fabric upon exposure to a carbon arc in air have been analysed by formulating a kinetic equation that describes azo scission via the disproportionation reactions and intramolecular H‐transfer by two kinds of hydrazinyl radicals and the conversion of a nitro group to a nitroso group via the disproportionation reaction of nitrosyl hydroxide radicals. The five reaction rate constants are discussed in terms of the heats of reaction by calculating the heats of formation for the reactants, intermediates and products of each reaction using the PM5 method. Phenylazo‐ and thiazoleazo‐N,N‐substituted anilines and phenylazo‐pyridones exhibited large rate constants of multiple terms, while phenylazo‐phenols had the highest light fastness and very small rate constants for the disproportionation reactions of hydrazinyl radicals. Photofading on nylon fabric was primarily controlled by the thermal reactions of photo‐induced monohydrogenated dye radicals, which occurred via one or two primary multiple routes.
Modification of polyester fabric by chemical/thermal treatment to improve dyeing ability
Authors: Raslan Wafaa M , Bendak Ahmed , Khalil Eid M , Fawzi Thanaa
Published: December 2010

Attempts were made to enhance the dyeability of polyester fabric by thermal treatment or combined chemical/thermal treatment in hot air or in steam, either slack or under load. Ethanolamine, hydrazine hydrate, ethylene glycol and a benzophenone derivative were applied to the fabric by padding technique prior to the thermal treatment. The dyeability of polyester fabric was found to be improved at nearly boiling without using carriers and/or high‐temperature/high‐pressure techniques. The rate of dyeing of chemically/thermally treated polyester fabric was found to increase. Differential thermal analysis of the polyester samples was interpreted in terms of dyeability improvement. The glass transition temperature of the treated fabric was found to decrease compared with the untreated one, resulting in an enhancement in the dyeability of polyester fabric with disperse dye.
Equilibrium and kinetic studies of the cationic dye removal capability of a novel biosorbent Tamarindus indica from textile wastewater
Authors: Khorramfar Shooka , Mahmoodi Niyaz Mohammad , Arami Mokhtar , Gharanjig Kamaladin
Published: December 2010

In this paper, the use of tamarind hull biosorbent (Tamarindus indica) has been investigated to remove cationic dyes from textile eflluent. Basic Violet 6 and Basic Red 18 were used as cationic dye models. The surface characteristics of tamarind hull were investigated using Fourier Transform–infrared and scanning electron microscopy. The influence of process variables such as adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration and pH were studied. The presence of fuctional groups such as hydroxy and amine groups onto the tamarind hull surface were proved by Fourier Transform–infrared analysis. Data were evaluated for compliance with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The results indicated that the data for adsorption of Basic Violet 6 and Basic Red 18 onto tamarind hull fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm model. Also, the adsorption kinetics of Basic Violet 6 and Basic Red 18 on biosorbent was studied. The rates of sorption were found to conform to pseudo‐second‐order kinetics with good correlation. Results indicated that tamarind hull could be used as a biosorbent to remove cationic organics from contaminated watercourses.
Compounding fibre grade polyethylene terephthalate with a hyperbranched additive and studying its dyeability with a disperse dye
Authors: Khatibzadeh Marziyeh , Mohseni Mohsen , Moradian Siamak
Published: December 2010

A hyperbranched polymer which comprised a polyesteramide structure was used to study improvements in dyeability of fibre grade polyethylene terephthalate films. The optical measurements of the dyed samples showed that, by increasing the percentages of the dendritic additive, K/S as a dye uptake parameter changed in the presence or absence of a carrier. The amount of chroma increased while the hue did not change significantly. The dyeability of the prepared samples was attributed to the decrease in glass transition temperature and the lower crystallinity of the polymer, as studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Thus, a new fibre grade polyethylene terephthalate, which is dyeable, could be obtained, with less need to use a toxic carrier compound.
Comparison of chromatic adaptation transforms used in textile printing sample preparation
Authors: Đorđević Dejana , Javoršek Andrej , Hladnik Aleš
Published: December 2010

As image‐capturing devices, such as scanners or digital cameras, normally describe data in RGB colour space, it is impossible to get a complete raw spectral description of a sample’s colour. Device characterisation enables conversion of RGB values to corresponding XYZ tristimulus values of a sample. For transformation of tristimulus values from one illuminant to another, chromatic adaptation transforms should be used. Within our research, chromatic adaptation transforms were implemented in the field of digital textile printing of textile substrate with reactive dyes. Five chromatic adaptation transforms were investigated and their performance was assessed with cluster analysis. Results showed that the lowest mean colour differences were generated with the D50‐D65 illuminant pair, followed by D50‐A and D65‐A. The same performance ranking of different chromatic adaptation transforms was obtained for both D50‐A and D65‐A illuminant pairs. The Bradford method showed the best results irrespective of the examined illuminant pair combination.
Decolorisation of aqueous reactive dye Remazol Red 3B by electrocoagulation
Authors: Kobya Mehmet , Demirbas Erhan , Sözbir Mustafa
Published: December 2010

The present study demonstrated the applicability of the electrocoagulation method for the removal of reactive dye, Remazol Red 3B, in a batch study. Iron electrode material was used as a sacrificial electrode in monopolar parallel mode in this study. The effects of the initial pH, current density, conductivity, initial concentration of dye and electrolysis time on the removal of Remazol Red 3B were investigated to determine optimum operating conditions. High decolorisation efficiency (>99%) for Remazol Red 3B dye solution was obtained with optimal value of process parameters, such as 15 mA cm−2 of current density, 10 min of electrolysis time, pH 6 and 500 mg l−1 dye concentration. The energy consumption, electrode consumption and operating costs under optimum operating conditions were calculated as 3.3 kW h kg dye−1, 1.2 kg Fe kg dye−1 and 0.6 € m−3, respectively.
Studies in catalytic wet air oxidation as a process to destroy CI Basic Yellow 11 in aqueous stream over platinum catalyst
Authors: Ovejero Gabriel , Rodríguez Araceli , Vallet Ana , García Juan
Published: December 2010

Catalytic wet air oxidation of CI Basic Yellow 11 and ink‐plant wastewater was studied in a batch reactor. A platinum catalyst, supported on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, was employed. Compared with the results in the wet air oxidation of CI Basic Yellow 11 and ink‐plant wastewater, the platinum‐supported catalyst showed high activity for total oxygen carbon and toxicity removal at temperatures between 120 and 180 °C and total pressures of 30–50 bars, and it has been demonstrated that the activity depended strongly on the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst characterisations show no significant difference before or after reaction.
Phenotypes of Two Generations of Sporobolus airoides Seedlings Derived from Acroptilon repens‐invaded and Non‐invaded Grass Populations
Authors: Bergum Karin E. , Hild Ann L. , Mealor Brian A.
Published: December 2010

Although the ecological impacts of invasive species are well known, the evolutionary impacts on recipient native grass communities are not. We suggest that remnant native plants may provide desirable seed sources for restoration and native plant production. Native populations exposed to the selective pressures associated with exotic invasion may retain traits that increase their ability to coexist with invasive species. Two generations of Sporobolus airoides Torr. (Alkali sacaton) plants derived from lineages collected from within long‐term invaded areas of Acroptilon repens (L.) DC (Russian knapweed) and from adjacent non‐invaded areas were propagated in a greenhouse to evaluate generational changes in phenotypic traits from the production environment. Given the difference in invasion history of the two populations, we hypothesized that invaded and non‐invaded subpopulations would differ phenotypically. Phenotypic measurements revealed that invaded subpopulations had greater vegetative growth, whereas non‐invaded subpopulations had increased sexual reproduction. Phenotypic expression changed from the first to the second generation, predominantly in the invaded subpopulation. Generational phenotypic shifts are disadvantageous for native seed production which requires a standard product to sell commercially. However, phenotypic variation may improve field seed survival. This research demonstrates the potential value of targeting post‐invasion remnant grass populations for restoration.
Ground Beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Assemblages of Restored Semi‐natural Habitats and Intensively Cultivated Fields in Northern China
Authors: Liu Yunhui , Axmacher Jan C. , Wang Changliu , Li Liangtao , Yu Zhenrong
Published: December 2010

Diversity of ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) assemblages and sub‐assemblages was compared between reafforested woodland, grassland, and intensively cultivated fields at Chongli County in Northern China. An array of eight pitfall traps per plot was used to sample the beetles on four replicate plots for each habitat. Replanted conifer woodland and semi‐natural grassland harbored very similar beetle assemblages. These had significantly lower rarefied species numbers than the distinctly different assemblages recorded in cultivated fields, with differences in alpha diversity being less pronounced for large and predatory species. Carabid activity‐density levels were higher in both woodland and grassland than in fields, with this trend being most pronounced for predatory and large species. To conserve high levels of gamma diversity, it is important to maintain a mosaic of agricultural areas and semi‐natural habitats. The latter also form a potential source for predatory species important in pest control. It appears that woodland‐specific species are rare in the study area, or they have not been able to reach and colonize the newly established woodland sites. It can also be concluded that morphological and ecological traits allow important insights into underlying ecological principles of overall diversity patterns.
Assessing the Ecological Success of Restoration by Afforestation on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Jiao Juying , Zhang Zhenguo , Bai Wenjuan , Jia Yanfeng , Wang Ning
Published: December 2010

Afforestation has been accepted as a key measure for preventing soil erosion on the Chinese Loess Plateau for 40 years. In this study, we assessed the ecological success of afforestation by comparing afforested with pre‐afforested (croplands) and natural recovery sites in a typical watershed on the Loess Plateau. We evaluated the ecosystem response in terms of vegetation structure, plant diversity, and several key ecological processes of soil moisture, soil nutrients, and soil anti‐erodibility. Compared with the croplands, we found that the following indexes were significantly enhanced in afforested sites: vegetation structure and species diversity (species richness, Margalef index, Shannon–Wiener index, and Sorensen's similarity index), soil nutrients (organic carbon, total nitrogen, extractable ammonium nitrogen, available potassium, and available phosphorous), and soil anti‐erodibility indexes (water‐stable soil aggregates, mean weight diameter, and the ratio of soil structure dispersion). Afforestation offered few additional advantages when compared with natural recovery sites. More importantly, afforestation had significant negative effects on soil desiccation, with negative impacts on the long‐term sustainability of these ecosystems. In order to develop self‐sustaining and functional ecosystems, our results suggest that natural revegetation offers a more adaptive and appropriate method of ecological restoration on the Loess Plateau.
Fabrication of an Orbital Prosthesis Using a Noncontact Three‐Dimensional Digitizer and Rapid‐Prototyping System
Authors: Yoshioka Fumi , Ozawa Shogo , Okazaki Sachiko , Tanaka Yoshinobu
Published: December 2010

Conventionally, fabricating a facial prosthesis requires complicated steps and sophisticated skills. Particularly, the facial impression can be uncomfortable for the patient and can cause compression because of the weight of the material. The new approach presented in this report could simplify the fabrication of facial prostheses using a noncontact three‐dimensional digitizer and binder multinozzle inkjet printer, without computed tomography or making a conventional impression. Treatment time was reduced, and the patient expressed satisfaction after 6 months follow‐up.
Root cause analysis of transfusion error: identifying causes to implement changes
Authors: Elhence Priti , Veena S. , Sharma Raj Kumar , Chaudhary R. K.
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND: As part of ongoing efforts to improve transfusion safety, an error reporting system was implemented in our hospital‐based transfusion medicine unit at a tertiary care medical institute. This system is based on Medical Event Reporting System–Transfusion Medicine (MERS‐TM) and collects data on all near miss, no harm, and misadventures related to the transfusion process. Root cause analyses of one such innocuous appearing error demonstrate how weaknesses in the system can be identified to make necessary changes to achieve transfusion safety.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The reported error was investigated, classified, coded, and analyzed using MERS‐TM prototype, modified and adopted for our institute.

RESULTS: The consequent error was a “mistransfusion” but a “no‐harm event” as the transfused unit was of the same blood group as the patient. It was a high event severity level error (level 1). Multiple errors preceded the final error at various functional locations in the transfusion process. Human, organizational, and patient‐related factors were identified as root causes and corrective actions were initiated to prevent future occurrences.

CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the usefulness of having an error reporting system in hospitals to highlight human and system failures associated with transfusion that may otherwise go unnoticed. Areas can be identified where resources need to be targeted to improve patient safety.
Synergies between blood center and hospital quality systems
Authors: Rhamy Jennifer F.
Published: December 2010

Blood centers have expertise in following federally mandated standards and establishing rigorous quality systems. Medicare participating hospitals and their laboratories must be compliant with the requirements of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Following standards and experiencing unannounced surveys allow blood centers and hospitals to organize and strengthen their patient safety efforts and achieve high‐reliability operations. Blood centers provide essential services to hospitals and laboratories according to written contracts; therefore, blood centers need to understand the CMS requirements for blood administration activities and supplier management within these written agreements. Sharing expertise gained from experience with the US Food and Drug Administration and professional standard‐setting organizations may be an opportunity for blood centers to build deeper customer relationships and assist in the delivery of high‐quality patient care.
Banking cord blood stem cells: attitude and knowledge of pregnant women in five European countries
Authors: Katz Gregory , Mills Antonia , Garcia Joan , Hooper Karen , McGuckin Colin , Platz Alexander , Rebulla Paolo , Salvaterra Elena , Schmidt Alexander H. , Torrabadella Marta
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND: This study explores pregnant women's awareness of cord blood stem cells and their attitude regarding banking options in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed in six maternities. This anonymous and self‐completed questionnaire included 29 multiple‐choice questions based on: 1) sociodemographic factors, 2) awareness and access to information about cord blood banking, 3) banking option preferences, and 4) donating cord blood units (CBUs) to research.

RESULTS: A total of 79% of pregnant women had little awareness of cord blood banking (n = 1620). A total of 58% of women had heard of the therapeutic benefits of cord blood, of which 21% received information from midwives and obstetricians. A total of 89% of respondents would opt to store CBUs. Among them, 76% would choose to donate CBUs to a public bank to benefit any patient in need of a cord blood transplant. Twelve percent would choose a mixed bank, and 12%, a private bank. A total of 92% would donate their child's CBU to research when it is not suitable for transplantation.

CONCLUSION: The study reveals a strong preference for public banking in all five countries, based on converging values such as solidarity. Attitudes of pregnant women are not an obstacle to the rapid expansion of allogeneic banking in these EU countries. Banking choices do not appear to be correlated with household income. The extent of commercial marketing of cord blood banks in mass media highlights the importance for obstetric providers to play a central role in raising women's awareness early during their pregnancy with evidence‐based medical information about banking options.
Demographic Change and Its Public Sector Consequences
Authors: Wolf Douglas A. , Amirkhanyan Anna A.
Published: December 2010

It is widely believed that projected changes in the age structure of the U.S. population will create serious fiscal pressures at the federal level. Irrespective of any reforms undertaken at the federal level, these demographic trends also will have a direct impact on the way state and local governments operate. A review of recent population projections to 2020 reveals a great deal of heterogeneity in demographic trends at lower levels of government. Population aging will accompany overall population growth in some localities, and shrinkage in others. It also will coincide with a broad range of changes in the proportion of children under 18. The authors consider several responses to these demographic developments in the realm of public management: First, they consider major fiscal implications, which may prompt a range of managerial responses pertaining to the scope and mix of public services and the design of public programs. Second, they discuss the effects of demographic change on the composition of the state and local government workforce. Finally, the authors revisit the alleged “exogeneity” of demographic forces and suggest new and fruitful areas for future research.
Administration without Borders
Authors: Koppell Jonathan GS
Published: December 2010

To thrive in 2020, we must conceive of the field of public administration in the broadest possible terms. Phenomena that typically have been treated peripherally in our literature are emerging center stage in recent years, confirming that the “old” boundaries of our discipline do not reflect contemporary reality. After reviewing three key developments—the rise of mixed and nongovernmental institutions in public policy, the increasing importance of market mechanisms, and the assertion of meaningful global regulation—an argument is made for a broader reconception of “publicness” that goes hand in hand with the embrace of governance in lieu of administration.
Leading in the Shared‐Power World of 2020
Authors: Crosby Barbara C.
Published: December 2010

Imagine that citizens and public officials working together over the next decade are able to maximize the democratic potential of today’s shared‐power, “no‐one‐in‐charge” world and achieve more sustainable modes of living together on Earth. The article focuses on the development of shared or collaborative approaches to leadership, ideas for developing integrative leadership practices that harness new (and old) communications and information technologies, and means of feeding knowledge back and forth between academia and practitioners in order to produce practical wisdom for solving complex public problems.
The Future of National Service
Authors: Reingold David A. , Lenkowsky Leslie
Published: December 2010

Passage of the Serve America Act in 2009, reauthorizing the nation’s national and community service programs, represented an important milestone. It was the first time these programs and its parent government agency, the U.S. Corporation for National and Community Service, were reauthorized by Congress since the early 1990s. While advocates of national and community service have hailed the passage of this bill as evidence that these initiatives work and will play an increasingly important policy role, this level of enthusiasm is not well founded. The role that national and community service will play in public policy in the future is, at best, apt to be a modest one. The authors argue that national and community service will continue to underachieve and fall short of the claims made by advocates until it can gain true bipartisan support, clearly define program goals, and produce rigorous empirical evidence demonstrating the impact of these programs.
Practitioner's Perspective—Managing for 2020: An Exploration of Role Interdependence and Balance
Authors: Hayward Tansy
Published: December 2010

This article examines three roles that local governments play: convening community, providing service, and creating and enforcing regulation. The author uses the concept of polarity management to explore how local governments can strike a balance among these roles, and explores how individual employees and organizations can disrupt that balance by favoring individual roles. Particular focus is placed on local government deficiency in employing the community convener or community engagement role.
Understanding the Role of the Manager in Organizational Performance and Community Engagement
Authors: Berry Frances Stokes
Published: December 2010

We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

—Albert Einstein
Practitioner's Perspective—Improving Sourcing Decisions
Authors: Breul Jonathan D.
Published: December 2010

Federal departments and agencies increasingly rely on services to accomplish their missions. “Sourcing” refers to how government departments and agencies obtain the services they need to solve their mission delivery requirements and how those decisions are reached. Determining whether to obtain required services using federal employees or contracts with the private sector is an important legal, policy, economic, and strategic decision. The impact of decisions on the total federal workforce, both in house and those under contract, is profound. This article describes the issue of “sourcing,” provides definitions and distinctions regarding some often confusing (and confused) terms, and suggests the possibility of new forms of sourcing. The author concludes that sourcing should not be subject to a rigid pursuit of sterile, ideological orthodoxy. Instead, sourcing requires a reasoned and thoughtful approach, tempered with pragmatism. The proper balance of these characteristics will vary across agencies because each has a different mission, structure, funding mix, and workforce.
What if Hurricane Katrina Hit in 2020? The Need for Strategic Management of Disasters
Authors: McGuire Michael , Schneck Debra
Published: December 2010

What would another Hurricane Katrina bring in 2020? Is government at all levels ready for such an event? This essay argues that learning to manage actions supporting disaster response and recovery operations consistently and effectively requires strategic, not reactive, thinking. It adopts a framework based in issues focused thinking, externally focused management, and opportunity‐seeking behavior to examine the complex mix of individuals, organizations, and actions involved in response and recovery. The authors conclude that strides have been made since Katrina, but the development of greater strategic capacity is a necessary prerequisite to effective disaster management in the future.

Wise and fortunate indeed is that community that has so analyzed its problems and needs, and has so prepared to make use of catastrophe should it come by plans for carrying out programs of improvements, that the aftermath of tragedy finds its victims as well cared for as humanly possible and in addition some tangible new advance in the equipment and life of the community.

—John Gaus, 1947
The Suspect Handmaiden: The Evolution of Politics and Administration in the American State
Authors: Moynihan Donald P. , Ingraham Patricia W.
Published: December 2010

Scholars of an earlier era predicted a more secure role for the administrative state in American political culture. This vision overlooked a historical irony that governs the relationship between politics and administration. For American society, the administrative state is a suspect handmaiden. Citizens have looked to public administration to enable extraordinary growth while simultaneously distrusting it. In recent decades, these contradictory trends have grown. The growth of the state, increased polarization, and political attacks on government have produced a set of values, perspectives, and capabilities that often do not mesh with one another or with many governmental activities. As a result, we find outdated mechanisms of accountability, politicization, and a broader illegitimacy that threatens the capacity of the state to act effectively.

Guest editors’ note: In 1942, the University of Chicago Press published a book edited by Leonard D. White titled The Future of Government in the United States. Each chapter in the book presents predictions concerning the future of U.S. public administration. In this article, Donald P. Moynihan and Patricia W. Ingraham examine the predictions of V. O. Key in his famous essay on politics and administration published in that book, comment on whether Key’s predictions were correct, and look to the future to examine public administration in 2020.
The Future of Strategic Planning in the Public Sector: Linking Strategic Management and Performance
Authors: Poister Theodore H.
Published: December 2010

While it has become ubiquitous in the public sector over the past 25 years, strategic planning will need to play a more critical role in 2020 than it does at present if public managers are to anticipate and manage change adroitly and effectively address new issues that are likely to emerge with increasing rapidity. This article argues that making strategy more meaningful in the future will require transitioning from strategic planning to the broader process of strategic management, which involves managing an agency’s overall strategic agenda on an ongoing rather than an episodic basis, as well as ensuring that strategies are implemented effectively. Complementing this move to more holistic strategic management, we need to shift the emphasis of the performance movement from a principal concern with measurement to the more encompassing process of performance management over the coming decade in order to focus more proactively on achieving strategic goals and objectives. Finally, agencies will need to link their strategic management and ongoing performance management processes more closely in a reciprocating relationship in which strategizing is aimed largely at defining and strengthening overall performance while performance monitoring helps to inform strategy along the way.

Guest editors’ note: In 1942, the University of Chicago Press published a book edited by Leonard D. White titled The Future of Government in the United States. Each chapter in the book presents predictions concerning the future of U.S. public administration. In this article, Theodore H. Poister examines John Vieg’s predictions on the future of government planning published in that book, comments on whether Vieg’s predictions were correct not, and then looks to the future to examine public administration in 2020.
Highlights and Summaries of the 11th International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists
Authors: KANESHIRO EDNA S. , CUSHION MELANIE T. , MARCIANO‐CABRAL FRANCINE , WEISS LOUIS M. , XIAO LIHUA
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT. The 11th in the series of International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists (IWOP‐11) was held in August 2010 on the Big Island of Hawaii. These meetings are devoted to agents of infections that cause serious problems in AIDS patients and other individuals with defective immune systems. International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists serves as a forum for exchange of current research information on Pneumocystis, Cryptosporidium and the Microsporidia, Toxoplasma, free‐living amoebae, kinetoplastid flagellates and other pathogens that are particularly pathogenic in immunodeficient hosts. Studies on interactions between host and pathogen, especially host responses, were highlighted in this year's symposium. The lack of in vitro cultivation methods for luxuriant growth of Pneumocystis, Cryptosporidium and the Enterocytozoon bieneusi remains a major hindrance to understanding the basic biology of these organisms and precludes genetic manipulations. However, slow but steady progress is being achieved by hard work including data mining of some completed or partially completed genome sequencing of several IWOP organisms. Of great concern is evidence for dramatic decline in research funding for these pathogens and the lack of appreciation by the larger scientific community concerning the state of art and challenges faced by researchers working on these organisms that can provide critical insight into emerging and reemerging pathogens.
Single‐Cell Isolation and Cloning of Tetrahymena thermophila Cells with a Fluorescence‐Activated Cell Sorter
Authors: MORI KOTARO , KASHIWAGI AKIKO , YOMO TETSUYA
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT. We developed a method for cloning cells of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila in chemically defined medium (CDM) using a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter (FACS). Although T. thermophila is a model unicellular eukaryote, two major technical difficulties remain in its cloning. First, T. thermophila fails to proliferate from low density in CDM, particularly if the inoculum contains single cells. Second, general cloning methods are time consuming and have low throughput. Here, we modified the CDM by addition of bovine serum albumin that helped growth from an inoculum with a density of 10 cell/ml (1 cell/100 μl). In addition, we applied a FACS for isolation of single cells. We showed that it is possible to separate cell populations based on the presence or absence of phagocytosed fluorescent beads and to isolate single cells in a modified CDM by FACS. Our techniques allow the direct isolation of single cells and facilitate the establishment of clonal strains.
Re‐Evaluation on the Diversity of the Polyphyletic Genus Metaurostylopsis (Ciliophora, Hypotricha): Ontogenetic, Morphologic, and Molecular Data Suggest the Establishment of a New Genus Apourostylopsis n. g.
Authors: SONG WEIBO , WILBERT NORBERT , LI LIQIONG , ZHANG QIANQIAN
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT. The urostylid genus Metaurostylopsis Song et al., 2001 was considered to be a well‐outlined taxon. Nevertheless, recent evidence, including morphological, ontogenetic, and molecular information, have consistently revealed conflicts among congeners, regarding their systematic relationships, ciliature patterns, and origins of ciliary organelles. In the present work, the morphogenetic and morphogenetic features were re‐checked and compared, and the phylogeny of nominal species was analysed based on information inferred from the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SS rRNA) gene sequence. In addition, the binary divisional process in a new isolate of Metaurostylopsis struederkypkeae Shao et al., 2008 is described. All results obtained reveal that the genus is a polyphyletic assemblage whose nominal congeners fall into three clades within the core Urostylida, based on SS rRNA gene sequences. These three clades not match the groups inferred from morphological/morphogenetical evidences. Some conflicting data from molecular and ontogenetic studies also indicate that single‐gene information might not be consistently reliable in detecting the phylogenetic relationships among closely related groups and comprehensive multi‐gene analyses are necessary to give a more exact evaluation for this divergent assemblage. According to our new understandings, five forms are confirmed to be true Metaurostylopsis. The morphotype Metaurostylopsis sinica Shao et al., 2008 should be excluded from the genus and represents a distinct type, and, thus, a new genus Apourostylopsis n. g. with it as the type specie, i.e. Apourostylopsis sinica (Shao et al., 2008) n. comb.
Metabolic and performance effects of warm‐up intensity on sprint cycling
Authors: Wittekind A. , Beneke R.
Published: December 2010

Warm‐up is generally considered beneficial for performance, although the reduction in anaerobic glycolytic metabolism may be detrimental to sprinting. This study examined the effect of warm‐up intensity on metabolism and performance in sprint cycling. The mean power was determined during a 1‐min sprint on 11 trained males preceded by easy (WE), moderate (WM) or hard (WH) warm‐up and a 10‐min recovery. Aerobic, anaerobic glycolytic and phosphocreatine energy provision to the sprint was determined from oxygen uptake and lactate production. Blood lactate concentration before the sprint increased with the warm‐up intensity (WE: 1.2±0.3; WM: 2.0±0.3; WH: 4.2±0.9 mmol/L, P<0.001), with WH reducing the increase in lactate production during exercise vs WE (WE: 11.6±1.6; WM: 10.9±1.9; WH: 9.2±1.4 mmol/L, P<0.05). Despite the lower relative anaerobic glycolytic energy provision in WH vs WE (WH: 38±5; WM: 36±6; WE: 34±3%, P<0.05), the mean power was unaffected (WE: 516±28; WM: 521±26; WH: 526±34 W, P>0.05) due to increased oxygen uptake in WH during the sprint (WE: 3.2±0.4; WM: 3.3±0.3; WH: 3.4±0.4 liters, P<0.05). This study supports a warm‐up‐induced reduction in glycolytic rate, although sprint performance, at least of a long duration, may be maintained due to increased oxygen utilization.
Transient idiopathic dystonia in infancy
Authors: Calado Rita , Monteiro José Paulo , Fonseca Maria José
Published: December 2010

Aim: Review of transient idiopathic dystonia cases to improve knowledge on this entity, in relation to frequency, characterization and evolution.

Methods: Retrospective review and characterization of clinical cases seen in paediatric neurology consultation, diagnosed with transient idiopathic dystonia, between February 2001 and June 2009, using clinical files complemented with photographic records and updated information through the physician.

Results: Thirteen infants were referred to the paediatric neurology consultation over a period of 8 years, for asymmetric tone, posture and movements of the upper limb with onset before 6 months, with spontaneous favourable evolution and disappearance without sequelae, although the reason for referral was, in most cases, the suspicion of a hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Conclusion: Transient changes of tone, posture and movement can be observed during the first months of life. Differential diagnosis is extensive and complex, based on a careful history and neurological examination. Distinction between neurological, neuromuscular and orthopaedic pathology is difficult, particularly at the onset of clinical manifestations. The cases presented are similar to those previously reported by Willemse and Deonna, classified as transient idiopathic dystonia of childhood. Pathophysiology is unknown; some findings support a genetic susceptibility to functional imbalance in brain neurotransmitters and synaptogenesis.
Assessment of Color Parameters of Composite Resin Shade Guides Using Digital Imaging versus Colorimeter
Authors: YAMANEL KIVANC , CAGLAR ALPER , ÖZCAN MUTLU , GULSAH KAMRAN , BAGIS BORA
Published: December 2010

Purpose:  This study evaluated the color parameters of resin composite shade guides determined using a colorimeter and digital imaging method.

Materials and Methods:  Four composite shade guides, namely: two nanohybrid (Grandio [Voco GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany]; Premise [KerrHawe SA, Bioggio, Switzerland]) and two hybrid (Charisma [Heraeus Kulzer, GmbH & Co. KG, Hanau, Germany]; Filtek Z250 [3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany]) were evaluated. Ten shade tabs were selected (A1, A2, A3, A3,5, A4, B1, B2, B3, C2, C3) from each shade guide. CIE Lab values were obtained using digital imaging and a colorimeter (ShadeEye NCC Dental Chroma Meter, Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan). The data were analyzed using two‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test.

Results:  Overall, the mean ΔE values from different composite pairs demonstrated statistically significant differences when evaluated with the colorimeter (p < 0.001) but there was no significant difference with the digital imaging method (p = 0.099). With both measurement methods in total, 80% of the shade guide pairs from different composites (97/120) showed color differences greater than 3.7 (moderately perceptible mismatch), and 49% (59/120) had obvious mismatch (ΔE > 6.8). For all shade pairs evaluated, the most significant shade mismatches were obtained between Grandio‐Filtek Z250 (p = 0.021) and Filtek Z250‐Premise (p = 0.01) regarding ΔE mean values, whereas the best shade match was between Grandio‐Charisma (p = 0.255) regardless of the measurement method.

Conclusion:  The best color match (mean ΔE values) was recorded for A1, A2, and A3 shade pairs in both methods. When proper object‐camera distance, digital camera settings, and suitable illumination conditions are provided, digital imaging method could be used in the assessment of color parameters. Interchanging use of shade guides from different composite systems should be avoided during color selection.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The shade guides of nanohybrid and hybrid composites do not give consistent color match with exception of A1, A2, and A3 shade pairs.

(J Esthet Restor Dent 22:379–390, 2010)
SELF‐ADHESIVE RESIN CEMENTS
Authors: Burgess John O. , Ghuman Taneet , Cakir Deniz , Swift, Jr. Edward J.
Published: December 2010

Regular readers will note that we depart from our normal Critical Appraisal format in this issue of the Journal. This particular Critical Appraisal resembles an expanded Ask the Expert feature and addresses the topic of self‐adhesive resin cements through a series of brief reviews of several clinically relevant issues.
The Next Generation of Glioma Biomarkers: MGMT Methylation, BRAF Fusions and IDH1 Mutations
Authors: Von Deimling Andreas , Korshunov Andrey , Hartmann Christian
Published: December 2010

For some, glioma biomarkers have been expected to solve common diagnostic problems in routine neuropathology service caused by insufficient material, technical shortcomings or lack of experience. Further, biomarkers should predict patient outcome and direct optimal therapy for the individual patient. Unfortunately, current biomarkers still fall somewhat short of these grand expectations. While there has been some progress, it has generally been slow and in small steps. In this review, the newest set of glioma biomarkers: O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation, BRAF fusion and IDH1 mutation are discussed. MGMT methylation is well established as a prognostic/predictive marker for glioblastoma; however, technical questions regarding testing remain, it is not currently utilized widely in guiding patient management, and it has proven to be of no assistance in diagnostics. In contrast, BRAF fusion and IDH1 mutation analyses promise to be very helpful for classifying and grading gliomas, while their potential predictive value has yet to be established.
Molecular Diagnostics in Embryonal Brain Tumors
Authors: Eberhart Charles G.
Published: December 2010

Embryonal brain tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms united by the presence of poorly differentiated stem‐like cells. Molecular details are increasingly being used to separate them into biologically and clinically meaningful groups. For medulloblastoma, integrated mRNA expression profiling and DNA analysis by a number of research groups defines 4–6 distinctive molecular variants. A subset with prominent Wnt activity is associated with good clinical outcomes and classic histology. Medulloblastomas showing a Hedgehog gene expression signature are frequently of the desmoplastic/nodular subtype. Interestingly, Hedgehog activity is found in tumors arising either in infants or older teenagers and adults. The association of clinically aggressive medulloblastoma with MYC expression, large cell/anaplastic change and high levels of photoreceptor differentiation transcripts has also been noted in several studies. Immunohistochemical analysis of just one or two genes per molecular medulloblastoma variant may be sufficient for accurate classification, and this would be of great practical utility if validated. Advances have also been made in the classification of central nervous system (CNS) Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (PNET), as several groups have identified an amplicon at chromosome 19q13.41–42, which appears to define a unique PNET subtype associated with prominent true rosettes, young age and very poor outcomes.
The Use of Global Profiling in Biomarker Development for Gliomas
Authors: Sulman Erik P. , Aldape Ken
Published: December 2010

The diffuse gliomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies with highly variable outcomes and diagnosis is largely based on the histological appearance of the tumors. Tumor classification according to cello type and grade provides some prognostic information. However, the diversity of gliomas, within tumor type and grade categories, has made prognostic determinations based purely on clinicopathologic variables difficult. There is an increasing body of data suggesting a significant amount of molecular diversity accounts for the heterogeneity of clinical observations, such as response to treatment and time to progression. The last decade has witnessed an explosive advance in our knowledge of the molecular genetics of brain tumors, due in large part to the availability of high‐throughput profiling techniques, including new sequencing methodologies as well as multidimensional profiling by the Cancer Genome Atlas project. The large amount of data generated by these efforts has enabled the identification of prognostic and predictive factors and helping to identify pathways that are driving tumor growth. Identification of biomarkers, especially when coupled to clinical trials of newer targeted therapies, will enable better patient stratification and individualization of treatment.
An Efficient and Robust Design for Transshipment Networks
Authors: Lien Robert W. , Iravani Seyed M. R. , Smilowitz Karen , Tzur Michal
Published: December 2010

Transshipment, the sharing of inventory among parties at the same echelon level of a supply chain, can be used to reduce costs. The effectiveness of transshipment is in part determined by the configuration of the transshipment network. We introduce chain configurations in transshipment settings, where every party is linked in one connected loop. Under simplifying assumptions we show analytically that the chain configuration is superior to configurations suggested in the literature. In addition, we demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of chain configurations for more general scenarios and provide managerial insights regarding preferred configurations for different problem parameters.
Measuring Corporate Social Performance: An Efficiency Perspective
Authors: Chen Chien‐Ming , Delmas Magali
Published: December 2010

Aggregation of corporate social performance (CSP) metrics poses a major challenge to researchers and practitioners. This study provides a critical evaluation of current aggregation approaches and proposes a new methodology based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) to compute a CSP index. DEA is independent of subjective weight specifications and provides an efficiency index to benchmark the CSP of firms. Using CSP data from 2190 firms in three major industries from the Kinder, Lydenberg, and Domini, Inc. database in 2007, our study presents the first application of the DEA model for CSP and ordinal data and opens up a new path for future empirical CSP research.