bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Privatization of Public Services: Organizational Reform Efforts in Public Education and Public Health
Authors: Gollust Sarah E. , Jacobson Peter D.
Published: September 2006

The public health and the public education systems in the United States have encountered problems in quality of service, accountability, and availability of resources. Both systems are under pressure to adopt the general organizational reform of privatization. The debate over privatization in public education is contentious, but in public health, the shift of functions from the public to the private sector has been accepted with limited deliberation.

We assess the benefits and concerns of privatization and suggest that shifting public health functions to the private sector raises questions about the values and mission of public health. Public health officials need to be more engaged in a public debate over the desirability of privatization as the future of public health.
Treatment for Cigarette Smoking Among Depressed Mental Health Outpatients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hall Sharon M. , Tsoh Janice Y. , Prochaska Judith J. , Eisendrath Stuart , Rossi Joseph S. , Redding Colleen A. , Rosen Amy B. , Meisner Marc , Humfleet Gary L. , Gorecki Julie A.
Published: September 2006

Objectives. Using a brief contact control, we tested the efficacy of a staged care intervention to reduce cigarette smoking among psychiatric patients in outpatient treatment for depression.

Methods. We conducted a randomized clinical trial that included assessments at baseline and at months 3, 6, 12, and 18. Three hundred twenty-two patients in mental health outpatient treatment who were diagnosed with depression and smoked ≥1 cigarette per day participated. The desire to quit smoking was not a prerequisite for participation. Staged care intervention participants received computerized motivational feedback at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months and were offered a 6-session psychological counseling and pharmacological cessation treatment program. Brief contact control participants received a self-help guide and referral list of local smoking-treatment providers.

Results. As we hypothesized, abstinence rates among staged care intervention participants exceeded those of brief contact control participants at months 12 and 18. Significant differences favoring staged care intervention also were found in occurrence of a quit attempt and stringency of abstinence goal.

Conclusion. The data suggest that individuals in psychiatric treatment for depression can be aided in quitting smoking through use of staged care interventions and that smoking cessation interventions used in the general population can be implemented in psychiatric outpatient settings.
The Nature of Subjective Cognitive Complaints of Older Adults
Authors: Newson Rachel S. , Kemps Eva B.
Published: September 2006

The current study investigated the nature of subjective cognitive complaints of older adults in relation to a broad array of individual cognitive functions known to decline with age. A 60-item questionnaire was developed to examine: 1) whether older adults experience problems with these cognitive functions (problems with cognition); 2) the extent to which these problems have changed over time (changes in cognition); and 3) whether these cognitive decrements interfere with their daily functioning (difficulties with cognition). The cognitive functions examined were attention, processing speed, working memory, executive function, and memory. One hundred eight-two community-dwelling adults (aged 65–92 years) completed the questionnaire. While participants reported problems with, and changes in, each cognitive function, working memory was recorded as most problematic and demonstrated the most change. Yet, although older adults experience problems with cognition and report changes in cognitive functioning over time, these did not necessarily produce difficulties in daily life. This points to the existence of support mechanisms that may assist older adults in cognitively demanding situations.
Congenital Heart Disease and Pregnancy
Authors: Wallis Helen , Thorne Sara
Published: September 2006

Patients with congenital heart disease who wish to become pregnant offer a challenge to obstetricians, cardiologists and anesthetists. Although no large randomized trials exist to support the management of this emerging population, small prospective and retrospective studies provide valuable data on the likely success of pregnancy and the risks involved. Recently, there is emerging consensus on the management of this specialized group of patients, and this article aims to provide the practitioner with an overview of patient needs and the issues to be addressed. All patients with congenital heart disease wishing to consider pregnancy should be referred for specialist assessment prior to conception. Maternal risk, fetal risk and recurrence risk in the fetus should all be addressed. Most women with congenital heart disease can undergo pregnancy without significant risk. However, for some women the risk of maternal death is high, including those with: severe aortic stenosis, impaired left ventricular function, pulmonary hypertension and Marfan syndrome with dilated aortic root. All patients should be offered a detailed 20-week fetal cardiac scan and, in certain cases, prepregnancy genetic counseling. Most patients can deliver vaginally, with cesarean section reserved for obstetric indications or patients in whom straining at delivery could be potentially fatal (i.e., those with Marfan syndrome, aortic aneurysm, severe fixed left heart obstruction, or the acutely unwell mother). Antibiotic prophylaxis should be given routinely in labor to all patients in whom dental prophylaxis is indicated.
Application of pyrolysis-capillary gas chromatography with NPD detection in thermal degradation of polyphosphazenes study
Authors: Paulsdorf Jürgen , Wiemhöfer Hans-Dieter , Orinák Andrej , Zámostný Petr , Bělohlav Zdeněk , Baxter David
Published: September 2006

Polyphosphazenes represent a unique class of polymers with a backbone composed of alternating phosphorous and nitrogen atoms. The thermal behaviour and decomposition of a variety of polyphosphazenes depends on the type of side groups present. Especially those that bear aryloxy side groups, possess a high temperature stability as well as excellent flame resistance. Pyrolysis-capillary gas chromatography has been used in a study of three polyphosphazene samples for thermal stability characterisation. Degradation products were detected with three single detectors for flame ionisation (FID), nitrogen-phosphorous sensitivity (NPD) and mass spectrometry (MSD) at different pyrolysis temperatures ranging from 300°C up to 800°C. The NPD responses for phosphorous or nitrogen fragments of polyphosphazenes have been used for the construction of degradation product schemes and the examination of the thermal stability of the polyphosphazene’s backbone. Partial identification of the degradation products present in the gaseous phase was achieved by MSD. The polyphosphazenes thermal degradation conversion rates were at a maximum at 450–500°C. At various pyrolysis temperatures, the calculated N/P peak area ratio is a function of the degree of polyphosphazene-N=P-chain degradation, and reflective of the nitrogen — phosphorous detector sensitivity. NPD proved to be suitable tool for characterization of polyphospazene thermal stability.
Sympathetic nervous system and neurotransmitters: their possible role in neuroimmunomodulation of multiple sclerosis and some other autoimmune diseases
Authors: Markelov Vladimir , Trushin Maxim
Published: September 2006

Multiple sclerosis is still a disease without a cure. Although intensive research efforts have led to the development of drugs that modify the activity of the disease, most of them have various side effects and are expensive. At the same time it is becoming apparent that some remedies usually used to treat somatic and psychic disorders also have immunomodulating properties, and may help manage multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. We describe here the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the neuro-immune interaction in multiple sclerosis and other immune diseases with increased cellular immunity as well as neurochemical disturbances that take place in these disorders.
Osteoblast differentiation of NIH3T3 fibroblasts is associated with changes in the IGF-I/IGFBP expression pattern
Authors: Abdallah Basem
Published: September 2006

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) are essential regulators for osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. It has been reported that Dexamethasone (Dex), an active glucocorticoid (GC) analogue, synergizes the stimulatory effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) on osteoblast differentiation in the mouse fibroblastic cell line NIH3T3. I investigated whether this stimulatory effect is associated with changes in the expression pattern of the IGF/IGFBP system. Quantitative real-time PCR technology was used to quantify the gene expression levels of the IGF-system during osteoblast differentiation and in response to 1,25(OH)2D3 or Dex alone under serum-containing and serum-free culture conditions. Interestingly, NIH3T3 was shown to express high mRNA levels of IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP-5, and low levels of both IGFBP-2 and-6. During osteoblast differentiation (days 6-12), IGF-I mRNA was repressed by more than 60%, while the transcript of IGFBP-5 was markedly up-regulated, by more than 50-fold. Similarly, treatment with Dex alone resulted in a dose-and time-dependent increase in the expression of IGFBP-5 and a decrease in IGF-I mRNA. Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 alone increased the mRNA levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-6 by around 4-and 7-fold, respectively, in a dose-and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, my data demonstrated that osteoblast differentiation of NIH3T3 is associated with changes in the expression pattern of IGFs/IGFBPs, which are regulated by glucocorticoid in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3. Modulation of the IGF/IGFBP levels by glucocorticoid might suggest important roles for the IGF-system in mediating the osteoblast differentiation of the NIH3T3 cell line.
Changes in trehalase activity and trehalose level during Ascaris suum (Nematoda) embryogenesis
Authors: Dmitryjuk M. , Żółtowska K. , Kubiak K. , Głowińska A.
Published: September 2006

The levels of trehalose and the activity of trehalase during the development of Ascaris suum eggs were investigated. The level of trehalose in the zygote was high (2.96 ± 0.07 mg/g). During cleavage of eggs, it decreased (0.91 ± 0.35 mg/g). A higher concentration of the sugar was recorded at the blastula and during gastrulation, but it did not reach the uncleaved eggs level. In the early motile larvae, the concentration of trehalose was high (4.58 ± 2.01 mg/g). It decreased with development of L1 larvae (3.10 ± 1.47 mg/g). A rapid increase in trehalose reserves was observed between the L1 and L2 stages. The highest content of trehalose was found in invasive L2 larvae (5.78 ± 1.39 mg/g).

The activity of trehalase at the zygote stage was high (560.22 ± 322.31 U/mg). It decreased at the beginning of cleavage. It was the lowest at the 4–6-cell stage (189.76 ± 114.97 U/mg). An increase in the enzyme activity occurred after reaching the blastula stage (348.44 ± 343.34 U/mg). The highest trehalase activity was recorded during the L1 larvae stage (635.72 ± 251.16 U/mg). The activity of that enzyme was about three times lower in the invasive stage larvae than in the L1 larvae.
Foraging height levels and the risk of gastro-intestinal tract parasitic infections of wild ungulates in an African savannah eco-system
Authors: Apio A. , Plath M. , Wronski T.
Published: September 2006

Grazing herbivores mainly feed at low feeding height levels, while browsers select food items above ground level. Previous studies on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) nematode parasite burdens of African ungulates have suggested that browsing species hereby minimise the risk of infection with parasites. Here, we investigated the influence of feeding height levels on the pasture larval contamination level (PCL) in a natural African savannah eco-system in Queen Elizabeth National Park, western Uganda. The prevalence and mean abundance of infectious GIT nematode larvae on the pasture were used as measures of pasture contamination. Vegetation samples were examined following standard larval isolation, concentration and counting techniques. We found the feeding height level to be significantly related to the occurrence of infectious GIT nematode larvae, and the contamination was highest at low feeding levels. There was no statistically significant seasonal variation in the prevalence or mean abundance of the contamination of pastures with nematode larvae.
First record of three nematode species in Slovakia with new data on their morphology
Authors: Lišková M.
Published: September 2006

During a survey of the nematode fauna of river bank vegetation in the central and south eastern regions of the Slovakia three species were found which are all new records for the country viz. Aulolaimus nannocephalus Andrássy, 1972, Hemicycliophora aberrans Thome, 1955 and Paratylenchus paramonovi Bagaturia & Solovyova in Solovyova, 1972.
Tb3Sc2Al3O12-TbScO3 eutectic self-organized microstructure for metamaterials and photonic crystals application
Authors: Kołodziejak K. , Turczyński S. , Diduszko R. , Klimek L. , Pawlak D.
Published: September 2006

Eutectics are the materials with foreseen application in the field of photonic crystals and metamaterials. In this paper, the dependence on chemical composition of the microstructures of terbium-scandium-aluminium gamet and terbium-scandium perovskite (Tb3Sc2Al3O12-TbScO3) eutectics has been studied. The growth of the eutectic rods by the micro-pulling down method is presented, using compositions with several different volume fractions of the garnet and the perovskite phases, VTSAG:VTSP = 4, 3, 2, 1, 1/2. The phases have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectrometry. The relationship between the lattice constant of individual phases and the chemical composition is presented. The unidirectional growth of microrods has been also investigated by electron backscattering diffraction.
Near field imaging in microwave regime using double layer split-ring resonator based metamaterial
Authors: Guven K. , Ozbay E.
Published: September 2006

A planar metamaterial structure consisting of two layers of split-ring resonator (SRR) arrays is demonstrated to form the image of a point source with subwavelength resolution. The source frequency is swept through the resonance gap of the metamaterial layers and the lateral field intensity distribution is recorded on the transmission side of the metamaterial. When the source is tuned to the resonance frequency of SRRs, the metamaterial acts as a high permeability medium and a distinct image with subwavelength resolution in the lateral direction is obtained. Increasing the distance between the individual SRR layers reduces the interlayer coupling, and the intensity and spatial resolution of the image decrease rapidly.
Towards focusing using photonic crystal flat lens
Authors: Fabre N. , Fasquel S. , Legrand C. , Mélique X. , Muller M. , François M. , Vanbésien O. , Lippens D.
Published: September 2006

We report on the numerical simulation and fabrication of a two-dimensional flat lens based on negative refraction in photonic crystals. The slab acting as a lens is made of an hole array (operating at the wavelength of 1.5 μm) etched in a InP/InGaAsP/InP semiconductor layer. We first study the key issues for the achievement of a negative refractive index taking advantage of folding of dispersion branches with main emphasis in dispersion properties rather than the opening of forbidden gaps. The diffraction and refraction regimes are analysed according to the comparison of the wave-vector with respect to the relevant dimensions of the hole array. In the second stage, we illustrate technological challenges in terms of e-beam lithography on a sub-micron scale and deep reactive ion etching for an indium phosphide based technology.
Energy transport in plasmon waveguides on chains of metal nanoplates
Authors: Saj W. , Antosiewicz T. , Pniewski J. , Szoplik T.
Published: September 2006

An interest in energy transport in 3D chains of metal nanoparticles is oriented towards future applications in nanoscale optical devices. We consider plasmonic waveguides composed of silver nanoplates arranged in several geometries to find the one with the lowest attenuation. We investigate light propagation of 500-nm wavelength along different chains of silver nanoplates of subwavelength length and width and wavelength-size height. Energy transmission of the waveguides is analysed in the range of 400–2000 nm. We find that chain of short parallel nanoplates guides energy better than two electromagnetically coupled continuous stripes and all other considered nonparallel structures. In a wavelength range of 500–600 nm, this 2-μm long 3D waveguide transmits 39% of incident energy in a channel of λ × λ/2 cross section area.
Consistency of magnitude estimations with conceptual data dimensions used for sonification
Authors: Walker Bruce N.
Published: September 2006

In two experiments listeners assessed how sounds represented data, as might be used in sonification. In Experiment 1, 209 undergraduates used magnitude estimation to define the relationship between three sound attributes (frequency, tempo, modulation index) and 10 data dimensions (size, temperature, pressure, velocity, number of dollars, urgency, proximity, attractiveness, danger, mass). Polarities and slopes (i.e. power function exponents) are reported and compared to predictions from the literature. In Experiment 2, 226 new participants demonstrated polarities and slopes are stable across a direct replication. Results show that listener expectations depend on both sound and data dimensions in use. While there are some unanimous expectations across listeners, there are also differences due to different mental models formed by participants, which may relate to listening experience. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flashbulb memories are special after all; in phenomenology, not accuracy
Authors: Talarico Jennifer M. , Rubin David C.
Published: September 2006

Consistency of flashbulb memories (FBMs) of the 11th September terrorist attacks and of everyday memories (EDMs) of the preceding weekend do not differ, in both cases declining over the following year for a group of Duke University undergraduates. However, ratings of recollection, vividness and other phenomenological properties were consistently higher for FBMs than for EDMs across time. Belief in the accuracy of memory was initially high for both memories, but declined over time only for EDMs. These findings confirm that FBMs are not extraordinarily accurate, but they may systematically differ from EDMs in other meaningful ways. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical and experimental study of airflow through clothing around body parts
Authors: Brasser Paul
Published: September 2006

The air flow profile around a cylinder, covered with textile, was analyzed both theoretically and experimentally. A model was deduced, which describes the air flow through and underneath clothing that is covering a body part. In the air profile model presented here, the body part is represented by a cylinder. The model was validated by conducting pressure measurements around the cylinder, both with and without clothing. These pressure profiles were used to calculate the velocity profile around the cylinder, which was then compared to the theoretically predicted velocity profile. There is a good agreement between the measurements and the model. The model was also used to validate an empirical formula, which is used at present, that described the air velocity through the clothing as a function of the wind velocity. A correction factor for this formula is proposed. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Slow‐mode induced pulsing in trickle‐bed reactors at elevated temperature
Authors: Aydin Bora , Fries Donata , Lange Rüdiger , Larachi Faïçal
Published: September 2006

Periodic operation, as a process intensification measure for trickle beds, is still tepidly greeted by industry despite numerous benefits underlined in the literature. This state of aloofness is partly ascribed to the paucity of experimental data acquired under elevated temperature and pressure, which, in practice, most catalytic reactions are subjected to. Currently, the hydrodynamics of trickle bed periodic operation at elevated temperature and pressure remains by and large an uncharted territory. This study specifically approaches from a hydrodynamic perspective the pros and cons of slow‐mode induced pulsing for Newtonian and non‐Newtonian power‐law liquids at elevated temperature and moderate pressure. Four morphological features of the liquid holdup periodic pattern were analyzed: shock wave breakthrough, shock wave decay times, shock wave plateau, and shock wave breakthrough amplitude. The shock wave decay and breakthrough times were found to shorten, while correspondingly the shock wave plateau to lengthen, with increasing pressure and temperature. Conversely, the breakthrough amplitude of the shock wave underwent palpable collapse the higher the temperature (and/or pressure). The collapse of the bursting pulses with increasing temperatures and pressures was the result of the reduction of base and pulse liquid holdup levels, delivery of liquid cargo from pulse to baseline flow, and occurrence of dispersive hydrodynamic effects with a tendency to flatten the pulses. Qualitatively, similar effects of temperature and pressure were equally observed whether Newtonian or non‐Newtonian liquids were used. The less sensational contrasts prevailing between base and pulse holdups might question the opportunity for implementing induced pulsing strategies in high‐temperature, high‐pressure tall trickle beds. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Craniofacial and dental phenotype of Smith–Magenis syndrome
Authors: Tomona Natalia , Smith Ann C.M. , Guadagnini Jean Pierre , Hart Thomas C.
Published: September 2006

The aim of this study was to assess and characterize dental and craniofacial findings in individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS). Extraoral and intraoral examination including dental and craniofacial radiographs and three‐dimensional facial photoimaging were performed for 15 cases between ages 4 and 19 years old. Tooth agenesis (13/15 cases) affecting primarily the mandibular second premolars and taurodontism (13/15 cases) were common findings. Dilaceration of the tooth roots was present in one‐third of the cases. At least one dental anomaly was present in each case. These findings occur with greater frequency than in the general population (P < 0.001). An age‐related increase in decayed and restored teeth was found. Poorer oral hygiene, increased dental plaque, and increased gingival inflammation progressed from childhood to teenage years. Radiographic findings suggest the prognathic appearance is not caused by excessive mandibular growth. Other findings including protrusion of the mandibular anterior teeth, increased bony chin size, and macroglossia were noted, which may contribute to the prognathic appearance. The high prevalence of dental anomalies (>90%) further expands the phenotype and indicates that dental evaluation may aid in the diagnosis of SMS. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A newly recognized polyosteolysis/hyperostosis syndrome
Authors: Kantaputra Piranit N. , Limwongse Chanin , Koolvisoot Ajchara , Ausawamongkolkul Apichart , Tayavitit Somsiri
Published: September 2006

We report a newly recognized bone disorder consisting of polyostotic expansile osteolysis affecting long bones and iliac bones; hyperostosis of the skull, thoracic cage, and medial portion of both clavicles; pectus carinatum; gigantiform synovial masses of the elbows and knees; atrial septal defect; cardiomegaly; unilateral cryptorchidism; and mental deficiency. Affected bones can be grouped into four general types of skeletal pathology: (1) expansile osteolysis, (2) osteolysis without expansion, (3) expansion without osteolysis, and (4) hyperostosis. Some bones remained unaffected. We have named the condition “polyosteolysis/hyperostosis syndrome.” It is clearly at variance with any previously reported bone disorder, including familial expansile osteolysis, juvenile Paget disease, and McCune–Albright syndrome (and polyostotic fibrous dysplasia). Because our patient shared some features in common with juvenile Paget disease, we thought that mutational analysis of TNFRSF11B was indicated, even though our patient had some manifestations not found in juvenile Paget disease. Direct sequencing failed to identify a TNFRSF11B mutation. Because the parents of our propositus were first cousins suggests that polyosteolysis/hyperostosis syndrome may possibly have autosomal recessive inheritance. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SIX3 mutations with holoprosencephaly
Authors: Ribeiro Lucilene Arilho , El‐Jaick Kenia B. , Muenke Maximilian , Richieri‐Costa Antonio
Published: September 2006

Here, we report six Brazilian patients with holoprosencephaly caused by SIX3 mutations. Missense mutations were more common than frameshift mutations. Comparison of patients with missense versus frameshift mutations was essentially unremarkable. Our cases suggest that SIX3 mutations result in a more severe phenotype than other gene mutations for holoprosencephaly. One patient had a double SIX3 mutation, which has not been reported previously. In our SIX3 mutations, three were transmitted by the paternal side, two were transmitted by the maternal side, and one was a de novo event. Mutations in normal parents with severe involvement of their offspring does not allow prediction of phenotypic severity, which makes genetic counseling difficult. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Holoprosencephaly‐like phenotype: Clinical and genetic perspectives
Authors: Richieri‐Costa A. , Ribeiro Lucilene Arilho
Published: September 2006

We report 22 patients with normal neuropsychological development and a holoprosencephaly‐like (HPE‐like) phenotype screened for SHH, SIX3, TGIF, and GLI2. These patients were divided into two groups: (1) 6 patients with SHH and GLI2 mutations and (2) 16 patients with no detectable mutations. We discuss the phenotypic manifestations, evolution of the phenotype, and neuroimaging in the two groups. Conclusions about the HPE‐like phenotype include (1) initial appearance as an unusually wide, and very severe unilateral cleft lip‐palate in some cases; (2) variability with the expression of minor anomalies in some cases, such as single maxillary central incisor; (3) identifiable mutations in some cases and absence of mutations in others; (4) essentially normal MRI in the most cases (pituitary tumor in two cases and choroid fissure cyst in one case in Group 1; empty sella turcica in one case in Group 2); (5) intelligence within the normal range; and (6) familial aggregation in some instances. Implications include (1) thorough examination of family members for minor anomalies; (2) MRI and developmental assessment for the proband; and (3) molecular analysis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contiguous gene syndrome of holoprosencephaly and hypotrichosis simplex: Association with an 18p11.3 deletion
Authors: Kantaputra Piranit N. , Limwongse Chanin , Tochareontanaphol Chintana , Mutirangura Apiwat , Mevatee Umnat , Praphanphoj Verayuth
Published: September 2006

We report a patient with a unique combination of features, including microcephaly; mental retardation; poorly developed frontal lobes; hypoplastic pituitary gland; hypothyroidism; alopecia universalis; single maxillary central incisor; taurodontism; median palatal ridge; longitudinally grooved nails; and scoliosis. His unbalanced karyotype was found to be 45,XY,der(15;18)(q10;q10). The constellation of anomalies appears to represent a contiguous gene syndrome caused, at least in part, by deletion of TGIF and the gene responsible for hereditary hypotrichosis simplex. The phenotype of our patient differs other reported patients with del(18p). Possible explanations include (1) the effects of a different deleted region, (2) a positional effect caused by a gene close by, or (3) by interruption of a different gene resulting from chromosomal translocation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A pathological approach to anomalies of the posterior fossa
Authors: Siebert Joseph R.
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Both clinical and postmortem diagnoses of posterior fossa anomalies remain difficult to make and to corroborate. This is particularly true for Dandy‐Walker malformation and variant. Difficulties arise for a variety of reasons, including technical and methodological ones, but also because the conditions may overlap anatomically with others, most notably mega cisterna magna, Blake's pouch cyst, and posterior fossa (arachnoid) cysts. Family counseling is difficult and complicated not only by diagnostic uncertainties but by the highly variable prognosis. METHODS: In this study, a systematic pathologic approach to study of the posterior fossa is put forth. The benefits of postmortem imaging and in situ and ex situ examination of posterior fossa contents are demonstrated. RESULTS: Normative data for cerebellar width (transverse cerebellar diameter) and height and vermian width and height are derived for the fetal period. These data will help workers recognize changes in these structures, particularly hypoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Basic morphologic definitions of posterior fossa anomalies are advanced, in the hopes that better agreement can be reached between clinical and pathologic diagnoses and that better patient and family care will result. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 76:674–684, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pediatric perspective on prenatal counseling for myelomeningocele
Authors: Doherty Daniel , Shurtleff David B.
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Over the past 35 years, advances in the prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida using ultrasound and laboratory testing have increased the number of patients seeking prenatal counseling. METHODS: Traditionally, this counseling has been provided by practitioners with little direct experience in the care of individuals with spina bifida across their life span. RESULTS: Physicians experienced in the care of children with spina bifida are able to provide information that is not available from other sources. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides a broad overview of many of the issues encountered during prenatal counseling sessions and emphasizes the additional value of the pediatric perspective during the process of informed decision making or preparation for an the birth of an affected child. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 76:645–653, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the cranial base in amnion rupture sequence involving the anterior neural tube: Implications regarding recurrence risk
Authors: Jones Kenneth Lyons , Robinson Luther K. , Benirschke Kurt
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Amniotic bands can cause disruption of the cranial end of the developing fetus, leading in some cases to a neural tube closure defect. Although recurrence for unaffected parents of an affected child with a defect in which the neural tube closed normally but was subsequently disrupted by amniotic bands is negligible; for a primary defect in closure of the neural tube to which amnion has subsequently adhered, recurrence risk is 1.7%. In that primary defects of neural tube closure are characterized by typical abnormalities of the base of the skull, evaluation of the cranial base in such fetuses provides an approach for making a distinction between these 2 mechanisms. This distinction has implications regarding recurrence risk. METHODS:The skull base of 2 fetuses with amnion rupture sequence involving the cranial end of the neural tube were compared to that of 1 fetus with anencephaly as well as that of a structurally normal fetus. The skulls were cleaned, fixed in 10% formalin, recleaned, and then exposed to 10% KOH solution. After washing and recleaning, the skulls were exposed to hydrogen peroxide for bleaching and photography. RESULTS: Despite involvement of the anterior neural tube in both fetuses with amnion rupture sequence, in Case 3 the cranial base was normal while in Case 4 the cranial base was similar to that seen in anencephaly. CONCLUSIONS: This technique provides a method for determining the developmental pathogenesis of anterior neural tube defects in cases of amnion rupture sequence. As such, it provides information that can be used to counsel parents of affected children with respect to recurrence risk. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 76:688–691, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tracking the prevention of folic acid–preventable spina bifida and anencephaly
Authors: Bell Karen N. , Oakley Godfrey P.
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: The fortification of wheat flour with folic acid prevents most cases of spina bifida and anencephaly by raising serum folate levels among women capable of bearing children, as does encouraging women to consume folic acid supplements prior to pregnancy. Unfortunately, surveillance is conducted in few countries where the need is greatest. METHODS: A method for assessing the prevention of these birth defects is presented that combines fortification program information with country case prevalence estimates. RESULTS: This approach suggests that about 70% of all cases could be prevented within a year of implementation of fortification programs, were it not for the inertia of regulatory agencies. CONCLUSIONS: Professional researchers and clinicians can help combat this situation by becoming advocates for child health in their respective countries. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 76:654–657, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biodegradable cationic polyester as an efficient carrier for gene delivery to neonatal cardiomyocytes
Authors: Xu Peisheng , Li Shi‐Yan , Li Qun , Ren Jun , Van Kirk Edward A. , Murdoch William J. , Radosz Maciej , Shen Youqing
Published: September 2006

Viral‐mediated gene delivery has been explored for the treatment and protection of cardiomyocytes, but so far there is only one report using cationic polymer for gene delivery to cardiomyocytes in spite of many advantages of polymer‐mediated gene delivery. In this study, a cationic poly(β‐amino ester) (PDMA) with a degradable backbone and cleavable side chains was synthesized by Michael addition reaction. The toxicity of PDMA to neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCMs) was significantly lower than that of polyethyleneimine (PEI). PDMA formed stable polyplexes with pEGFP. The dissociation of the polyplexes could be triggered by PDMA degradation, and the dissociation time was tunable via the polymer/pEGFP ratio. In vitro transfection showed that PDMA was an effective and low toxic gene delivery carrier for NMCMs. The PDMA/pEGFP polyplexes transfected EGFP gene to NMCMs with about 28% efficiency and caused little death. In contrast, a significant portion of cardiomyocytes cultured with PEI/pEGFP died. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Degradation of phenol by aerobic granules and isolated yeast Candida tropicalis
Authors: Adav Sunil S. , Chen Ming‐Yuan , Lee Duu‐Jong , Ren Nan‐Qi
Published: September 2006

Aerobic granules effectively degrade phenol at high concentrations. This work cultivated aerobic granules that can degrade phenol at a constant rate of 49 mg‐phenol/g·VSS/h up to 1,000 mg/L of phenol. Fluorescent staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) tests demonstrated that an active biomass was accumulated at the granule outer layer. A strain with maximum ability to degrade phenol and a high tolerance to phenol toxicity isolated from the granules was identified as Candida tropicalis via 18S rRNA sequencing. This strain degrades phenol at a maximum rate of 390 mg‐phenol/g·VSS/h at pH 6 and 30°C, whereas inhibitory effects existed at concentrations >1,000 mg/L. The Haldane kinetic model elucidates the growth and phenol biodegradation kinetics of the C. tropicalis. The fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and CLSM test suggested that the Candida strain was primarily distributed throughout the surface layer of granule; hence, achieving a near constant reaction rate over a wide range of phenol concentration. The mass transfer barrier provided by granule matrix did not determine the reaction rates for the present phenol‐degrading granule. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96:844–852. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alginate microparticles as novel carrier for oral insulin delivery
Authors: Reis Catarina Pinto , Ribeiro António J. , Neufeld Ronald J. , Veiga Francisco
Published: September 2006

Alginate microparticles produced by emulsification/internal gelation were investigated as a promising carrier for insulin delivery. The procedure involves the dispersion of alginate solution containing insulin protein, into a water immiscible phase. Gelation is triggered in situ by instantaneous release of ionic calcium from carbonate complex via gentle pH adjustment. Particle size is controlled through the emulsification parameters, yielding insulin‐loaded microparticles. Particle recovery was compared using several washing protocols. Recovery strategies are proposed and the influence on particle mean size, morphology, recovery yield (RY), encapsulation efficiency, insulin release profile, and structural integrity of released insulin were evaluated. Spherical micron‐sized particles loaded with insulin were produced. The recovery process was optimized, improving yield, and ensuring removal of residual oil from the particle surface. The optimum recovery strategy consisted in successive washing with a mixture of acetone/hexane/isopropanol coupled with centrifugation. This strategy led to small spherical particles with an encapsulation efficiency of 80% and a RY around 70%. In vitro release studies showed that alginate itself was not able to suppress insulin release in acidic media; however, this strategy preserves the secondary structure of insulin. Particles had a mean size lower than the critical diameter necessary to be orally absorbed through the intestinal mucosa followed by their passage to systemic circulation and thus can be considered as a promising technology for insulin delivery. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96:977–989. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Benchmarking instructional costs and productivity: The Kansas study
Authors: Sumner K. Patricia , Brewer Regina G.
Published: September 2006

This chapter discusses the development and implementation of the Kansas Study of Instructional Costs and Productivity, which collects and reports data on community college instructional costs and faculty workloads. The project provides data for both intra‐ and inter‐institutional comparisons about how much community college faculty teach and the cost of that instruction at the discipline level.
Uses of Kansas study data at state system and institutional levels
Authors: Malo George E. , Weed Ellen J.
Published: September 2006

This chapter describes how the Kansas Study of Community College Instructional Costs and Productivity can be used in state, institutional, and regional accreditation contexts.
Assessing expectations and perceptions of the campus experience: The Noel‐Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory
Authors: Bryant Julie L.
Published: September 2006

This chapter describes the content and implementation of the Noel‐Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory and explains its importance and utility for community colleges.
Identifying what matters to students: Improving satisfaction and defining priorities at Santa Fe Community College
Authors: Kress Anne M.
Published: September 2006

This chapter describes Santa Fe Community College's use of the Noel‐Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory to guide iterative development of institutional improvements associated with student satisfaction.
Benchmarking effective educational practice
Authors: McClenney Kay M.
Published: September 2006

Using results from the Community College Survey of Student Engagement, community colleges can benchmark their performance with peer institutions on key indicators related to teaching, learning, and retention. This chapter offers an overview of the benchmarks and a focus on the challenges ahead.
The National Community College Benchmark Project
Authors: Juhnke Ralph
Published: September 2006

The National Community College Benchmark Project (NCCBP) provides community colleges with a system to report data on key learning outcomes and indicators of institutional effectiveness and to compare their data with national norms and data from selected peer institutions. This chapter describes the development, current features, and anticipated enhancements of the NCCBP.
Using benchmark and assessment data to facilitate institutional change
Authors: Manning Terri M. , Bostian Brad
Published: September 2006

This chapter discusses how Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) has used data from the National Community College Benchmark Project. Analysis of project benchmark data led to a review of high course‐withdrawal rates and CPCC withdrawal policies as well as their effects on student program completion and within‐term retention. As a result, the college implemented a volunteer pilot study to attempt to lower withdrawal rates through the use of creative classroom strategies.
A combined artificial neural network/residual bilinearization approach for obtaining the second‐order advantage from three‐way non‐linear data
Authors: Olivieri Alejandro C.
Published: September 2006

Three‐way instrumental data offer the second‐order advantage to analysts, a property of great utility in the field of complex sample analysis in the presence of unsuspected components as potential interferents. The available multivariate methodologies for obtaining this advantage are all based on linear models, and hence they are not applicable to spectral information behaving in a non‐linear manner with respect to target analyte concentrations. This work describes the combination of a back‐propagation artificial neural network model with a technique known as residual bilinearization, applicable to second‐order spectral information. The joint model allows one to efficiently extract analyte concentrations from intrinsically non‐linear data, even in the presence of unsuspected constituents. Simulations have been performed by mimicking deviations from linearity brought about by: (1) exponential relationship between fluorescence and concentration, (2) kinetic evolution of responsive reaction products and (3) analytes acting as reaction catalysts. In all of these cases, successful prediction of the analyte concentrations was achieved on large test sample sets, which included the presence of overlapping components not included in the training step. The new method not only obtains the second‐order advantage, but also correctly retrieves the contribution of the unsuspected components to the total test sample signals. The comparison with a multivariate methodology based on partial least‐squares regression with second‐order advantage shows that the presently described method displays better predictive ability. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A reliable approach of frequency analysis and its application for oscillating chemical systems
Authors: Lu Xiaoquan , Chen Jing , Wang Rui , Wang Lan , Liu Hongde
Published: September 2006

In this paper, a named oscillation frequency spectrum (OFS) was developed for the frequency analysis of oscillating signal. Various complexing oscillating chemical reactions, which have been widely applied to analytical determination, were examined. The OFS extracted frequency information of these systems successfully and distinguished their respective frequency characteristics clearly. The details were such that the Belousov‐Zhabotinskii (B‐Z) system had three frequency peaks and the Cu(II)‐catalyzed system had two. Every periodic signal had a special OFS. Even if the frequency values of two different signals were identical, their OFS figures were distinct. The OFS realized the extraction and calculation for the multifrequency characteristic of oscillating chemical system accurately. It followed that OFS could be used to analyze the frequency of periodic signal with accuracy and was suitable for many areas. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of a Functional C2‐Symmetrical Bidentate Diphenylphosphonite DIOP Derivative and Its Conversion into the Corresponding π‐Acidic Bis(pentafluorophenyl) and Bis(p‐tetrafluoropyridyl) Compounds
Authors: Hoge Berthold , Panne Patricia
Published: September 2006

The reaction of a C2‐symmetric diiodo compound, 1,4‐dideoxy‐1,4‐diiodo‐2,3,‐O‐isopropyliden‐L‐threitole, with [K([18]crown‐6)]P(CN)2 led to the generation of a corresponding bidentate dicyanophosphorus derivative. The in situ reaction with excess methanol and phenol yielded the corresponding bidentate dimethyl‐ and diphenylphosphonites, respectively. The isolated liquids were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. The bidentate diphenylphosphonite ligand (a diphenoxyphosphane derivative) represents one of the very few functional bidentate phosphane derivatives: a DIOP [(2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4,5‐diyl)bis(methylene)]bis(diphenylphosphane) modification, in which the phenyl groups at the phosphorus atoms are replaced by functional phenoxy groups. Treatment of the bidentate diphenylphosphonite derivative with C6F5MgBr and p‐C5NF4MgBr allowed the isolation and full characterization of the comparable bidentate bis(pentafluorophenyl) and bis(p‐tetrafluoropyridyl)phosphanes. The ligand properties of the novel bidentate ligand systems were evaluated through the synthesis and vibrational investigation of their tetracarbonyl–molybdenum and cyclopentadienyl–iron complexes. The π acidity of the synthesized ligands increases in the order methoxy‐<phenoxy‐<pentafluorophenyl‐<p‐tetrafluoropyridyl phosphane.
Syntheses, Structures, and Anion‐Binding Properties of Two Novel Calix[2]benzo[4]pyrroles
Authors: Cafeo Grazia , Kohnke Franz H. , White Andrew J. P. , Garozzo Domenico , Messina Angela
Published: September 2006

Calix[2]benzo[4]pyrrole m‐6 and p‐6, each containing two dipyrromethane moieties and two m‐phenylene or p‐phenylene units, respectively, were readily synthesised from pyrrole, 1,3‐ and 1,4‐bis(1,1′‐dimethylhydroxymethyl)benzene, (m‐4 and p‐4, respectively) and acetone. Macrocycles m‐6 and p‐6 were tested as receptors for a selection of anions, such as acetate, dihydrogenphosphate and fluoride. The X‐ray structures of m‐6 and p‐6 and those of the complexes m‐6⋅F−, m‐6⋅Cl− and m‐6⋅CH3COO− (with an nBu4N+ counterion) were also determined.
Anion‐Binding Properties of the Tripyrrolemethane Group: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Denekamp Chagit , Suwinska Kinga , Salman Hussein , Abraham Yael , Eichen Yoav , Ben Ari J.
Published: September 2006

Tripyrrolemethane‐ and bistripyrrolemethane‐containing systems were recently reported to be efficient and selective hosts for anions. Nevertheless, the basic intrinsic properties of tripyrrolemethane as a ligand for anions have not yet been explored. Here we report the study of the anion‐binding properties of the tripyrrolemethane group. We applied a combined experimental and theoretical approach to determine the affinity of the tripyrrolemethane system for different anions in the gas phase, in solution and in the crystalline state. In the crystal, the tripyrrolemethane group forms a number of different complexes with the bromide ion, some involving the participation of more than one ligand species. Despite the very similar basicity of fluoride and dihydrogen phosphate, the tripyrrolemethane ligand exhibits a clear preference for the fluoride anion in solution, which indicates an anion‐binding system and not merely deprotonation. Although the affinity of the tripyrrolemethane ligand for other ions was negligible in solution, gas‐phase studies show that complexation with larger halide ions is favoured over complexation with fluoride.