bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antihypertensive prescription in pediatric dialysis: A practitioner survey by the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium study
Authors: LIN Jen‐Jar , MITSNEFES Mark M. , SMOYER William E. , VALENTINI Rudolph P.
Published: July 2009

Previous studies have indirectly suggested the prescription of antihypertensive medications may contribute to blood pressure control in dialysis patients. Before exploring this largely unknown field, it is necessary to examine if there is diversity in antihypertensive prescription for dialysis patients. The questionnaire by the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium was mailed to members of American Society of Pediatric Nephrology holding faculty positions in North America and Puerto Rico. Eighty‐three (23.9%) of the mailed 357 surveys were analyzable. End‐organ damage (43.2% respondents), interdialytic blood pressure levels (35.1%), achievement of dry weight (29.7%), duration of action of medications (25.7%), and underlying diseases (24.3%) were considered as the most important factor(s) in determining antihypertensive medications. For both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients, dihydropyridine‐calcium channel blockers and angiotensin enzyme inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed medications. On scheduled hemodialysis days, 66.7% respondents withheld morning medications. Among them, two‐thirds did not withhold all medications; they preferred withholding direct vasodilators (63.2%) > dihydropyridine‐calcium channel blockers (50%) > β‐blockers (25%) > angiotensin enzyme inhibitors (21.9%). 60.7% respondents gave medications back postdialysis and 66.1% held medications only for morning dialysis. For nocturnal peritoneal dialysis patients, 85.9% and 91.1% respondents did not avoid certain medications in the evening and morning, respectively. For continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients, 10.8% respondents preferred giving medications in the morning while 74.3% had no preference. Antihypertensive prescription is quite diverse among pediatric nephrologists and its clinical significance requires further studies.
A 26plex Autosomal STR Assay to Aid Human Identity Testing*†
Authors: Hill Carolyn R. , Butler John M. , Vallone Peter M.
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  A short tandem repeat multiplex assay has been successfully developed with 25 autosomal loci plus the sex‐typing locus amelogenin for a total of 26 amplified products in a single reaction. Primers for the loci were designed so that all of the amplicons present were distributed from 65 base pairs (bp) to less than 400 bp within a five‐dye chemistry design with the fifth dye reserved for the sizing standard. A multiplex design strategy was developed to overcome challenges encountered in creating this assay. The limits of the multiplex were tested, resulting in the successful amplification of a wide range of genomic DNA sample concentrations from 2 ng to as low as 100 pg with 30 cycles of PCR. The 26plex has the potential to benefit the forensic community for reference sample testing and complex relationship evaluation.
Effect of platelet‐rich plasma on bone healing of autogenous bone grafts in critical‐size defects
Authors: Nagata Maria J. H. , Melo Luiz. G. N. , Messora Michel R. , Bomfim Suely R. M. , Fucini Stephen E. , Garcia Valdir G. , Bosco Alvaro F. , Okamoto Tetuo
Published: July 2009

Aim: This study histologically analysed the effect of autogenous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), prepared according to a new semiautomatic system, on healing of autogenous bone (AB) grafts placed in surgically created critical‐size defects (CSD) in rabbit calvaria.

Material and Methods: Sixty rabbits were divided into three groups: C, AB and AB/PRP. A CSD was created in the calvarium of each animal. In Group C (control), the defect was filled by blood clot only. In Group AB (autogenous bone graft), the defect was filled with particulate autogenous bone. In Group AB/PRP (autogenous bone graft with platelet‐rich plasma), it was filled with particulate autogenous bone combined with PRP. All groups were divided into subgroups (n=10) and euthanized at 4 or 12 weeks post‐operatively. Histometric and histologic analyses were performed. Data were statistically analysed (anova, t‐test, p<0.05).

Results: Group C presented significantly less bone formation compared with Group AB and AB/PRP in both periods of analysis (p<0.001). At 4 weeks, Group AB/PRP showed a statistically greater amount of bone formation than Group AB (64.44 ± 15.0%versus 46.88 ± 14.15%; p=0.0181). At 12 weeks, no statistically significant differences were observed between Groups AB and AB/PRP (75.0 ± 8.11%versus 77.90 ± 8.13%; p>0.05). It is notable that the amount of new bone formation in Group AB/PRP at 4 weeks was similar to that of Group AB at 12 weeks (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Within its limitation, the present study has indicated that (i) AB and AB/PRP significantly improved bone formation and (ii) a beneficial effect of PRP was limited to an initial healing period of 4 weeks.
Xerostomia in Sjögren's syndrome and lupus erythematosus: a comparative histological and immunofluorescence study of minor salivary glands alterations
Authors: Fernandes Juliana Dumêt , Nico Marcello Menta S. , Aoki Valéria , Bologna Sheyla , Romiti Ricardo , Levy‐Neto Mauricio , Lourenço Sílvia Vanessa
Published: July 2009

Background: Xerostomia is a symptom that can be triggered by chronic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and lupus erythematosus (LE). Many authors regard most cases of salivary hypofunction in LE to secondary SS. Others believe that salivary changes in patients with LE might reflect a multisystem presentation of the disease. The present study compared histopathological and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) alterations in salivary glands of patients with xerostomia and diagnosis of LE or SS.

Methods: Twenty‐eight salivary gland biopsies from patients with xerostomia and diagnosed with LE or SS were submitted to histopathological and DIF exams.

Results: From the 28 patients, 16 had SS and 12 had LE. In SS, a moderate to intense sialadenitis was detected, with infiltration and destruction of excretory salivary ducts. In LE, mild/moderate sialadenitis with thickening and hyalinization of the ductal basement membrane was observed. DIF revealed that 50% of SS patients presented intercellular ductal IgA deposits, whereas 58% of LE patients showed deposits of IgG in the ductal basement membrane.

Conclusions: Alterations in salivary glands of LE patients may be a specific manifestation of the disease (lupus sialadenitis), reflecting its multisystemic presentation, instead of an association of secondary SS and LE.

Fernandes JD, Nico MMS, Aoki V, Bologna S, Romiti R, Levy‐Neto M and Lourenço SV. Xerostomia in Sjögren's syndrome and lupus erythematosus: a comparative histological and immunofluorescence study of minor salivary glands alterations.
Severe architectural disorder is a potential pitfall in the diagnosis of small melanocytic lesions
Authors: Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Plaza Jose A. , Diwan A. Hafeez , Prieto Victor G.
Published: July 2009

Background: Little is known about the significance of severe architectural disorder in small melanocytic lesions with features of dysplastic nevi (DN).

Methods: Using previously reported criteria, 355 consecutive DN were scored for architectural disorder and cytologic atypia. The DN were classified according to their size as small (equal or less than 3 mm) or large (greater than 3 mm).

Results: Of these 136 (38.3%) DN were classified as small. Grades of architectural disorder and cytologic atypia were equally distributed in small and large DN. Forty lesions were diagnosed as dysplastic nevi with severe architectural disorder (DNSAD). Thirteen DNSAD were small; of these, 84.6% were junctional. DN showing only mild to moderate architectural disorder were found to be predominantly compound. DN with severe cytologic atypia were mainly large (8/10 cases) with no particular type (junctional or compound) predominance. Seven cases displayed both severe architectural disorder and severe cytologic atypia; only one of these cases (a junctional lesion) measured less than 3 mm.

Conclusions: Small melanocytic lesions displaying severe architectural disorder are mainly junctional and tend to show only mild cytologic atypia. Caution is needed when interpreting the degree of architectural disorder in these small melanocytic lesions, in order to avoid overdiagnosis of melanoma.

Torres‐Cabala CA, Plaza CA, Hafeez Diwan A, Prieto VG. Severe architectural disorder is a potential pitfall in the diagnosis of small melanocytic lesions.
The development of an ePortfolio for life‐long reflective learning and auditable professional certification
Authors: Kardos R. L. , Cook J. M. , Butson R. J. , Kardos T. B.
Published: July 2009

Recent legislative changes, that affect all healthcare practitioners in New Zealand, have resulted in mandatory audits of practitioners who are now required to provide evidence of competence and continued professional development in the form of a professional portfolio. These changes were the motivation for our development of an electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) suitable for both undergraduate and life‐long learning. Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) students, studying to qualify as Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists, and BOH teaching staff (who held registrations in Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy and Dentistry) trialled the use of a personal ePortfolio for advancing their academic and professional development. The ePortfolio enables BOH students to collect evidence of their achievements and personal reflections throughout their 3 years of undergraduate study, culminating in registration and the award of an Annual Practising Certificate (APC). The ePortfolio was designed to allow users to store information and then select appropriate material to be displayed or published, thus assisting health practitioners to present high‐quality evidence of their participation and achievements, and to meet the professional requirements for their APC.
Computer literacy and attitudes of dental students and staff at the University of the West Indies Dental School
Authors: Smith W. , Bedayse S. , Lalwah S. L. , Paryag A.
Published: July 2009

Introduction:  The University of the West Indies (UWI) Dental School is planning to implement computer‐based information systems to manage student and patient data. In order to measure the acceptance of the proposed implementation and to determine the degree of training that would be required, a survey was undertaken of the computer literacy and attitude of all staff and students.

Methodology:  Data were collected via 230 questionnaires from all staff and students.

Results:  A 78% response rate was obtained. The computer literacy of the majority of respondents was ranked as ‘more than adequate’ compared to other European Dental Schools. Respondents < 50 years had significantly higher computer literacy scores than older age groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, respondents who owned an email address, a computer, or were members of online social networking sites had significantly higher computer literacy scores than those who did not (P < 0.05). Sex, nationality and whether the respondent was student/staff were not significant factors. Most respondents felt that computer literacy should be a part of every modern undergraduate curriculum; that computer assisted learning applications and web‐based learning activity could effectively supplement the traditional undergraduate curriculum and that a suitable information system would improve the efficiency in the school's management of students, teaching and clinics.

Conclusion:  The implementation of a computer‐based information system is likely to have widespread acceptance among students and staff at the UWI Dental School. The computer literacy of the students and staff are on par with those of schools in the US and Europe.
A composite index for determining the impact of oral ulcer activity in Behcet’s disease and recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Mumcu G. , Sur H. , Inanc N. , Karacayli U. , Cimilli H. , Sisman N. , Ergun T. , Direskeneli H.
Published: July 2009

Background:  Although number, frequency and healing time of oral ulcers and pain are generally used for clinical practice and studies in Behcet’s disease (BD) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), no standardized activity index is currently present to monitor clinical manifestations associated with oral ulcers. The aim of this study was to develop a standardized composite index (CI) to assess oral ulcer activity in BD and RAS.

Methods:  In this cross‐sectional study, 121 patients with BD and 45 patients with RAS were included. Sixty‐five percentage of BD and 68.9% of RAS patients were in active stage during the previous 3 months. The developed CI included the presence of oral ulcers, ulcer‐related pain and functional status and was evaluated in patients with both active and inactive disease for content validity.

Results:  Composite index score was observed to be higher in active patients with RAS (6.94 ± 2.19) compared with active BD patients (6.01 ± 2.04) (P = 0.04). The number of oral ulcers and healing time of oral ulcers were significantly higher in RAS compared with BD (P = 0.018, P = 0.001 respectively). CI score correlated with the number of oral ulcers in both BD and RAS (P = 0.000, P = 0.002 respectively). CI score was ‘0’ for inactive patients without oral ulcer in BD and RAS.

Conclusions:  The presented CI as an oral ulcer activity index seems to be a reliable and suitable tool for evaluating the clinical impact and disease‐specific problems in BD and RAS.
Expression of IFN‐γ before and after treatment of oral lichen planus with 0.1% fluocinolone acetonide in orabase
Authors: Youngnak‐Piboonratanakit Pornpan , Dhanuthai Kittipong , Thongprasom Kobkan , Luckprom Pimporn , Sarideechaigul Wilairat , Luangjarmekorn Lakana , Azuma Miyuki
Published: July 2009

Background:  Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic inflammatory mucosal disease in which T‐cell‐mediated immune responses are implicated in the pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 0.1% fluocinolone acetonide in orabase (FAO) on the in situ expression of IFN‐γ in patients with OLP.

Methods:  Twenty OLP patients were enrolled in this study. Biopsy specimens and serum samples were obtained before and 1‐month after the treatment with 0.1% FAO. In situ expression and serum levels of IFN‐γ were determined using immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively.

Results:  The number of IFN‐γ‐positive mononuclear cells in OLP lesions before the treatment was significantly higher as compared with that after the treatment. Similarly, the mean number of total mononuclear cells was clearly decreased after the treatment. However, the serum levels of IFN‐γ were not detectable.

Conclusions:  Our results suggest that IFN‐γ expression in OLP tissue may involve in the immunopathogenesis and the treatment with 0.1% FAO had an immunomodulating effect on the decrease of IFN‐γ.
The proximity between C‐termini of dimeric vacuolar H+‐pyrophosphatase determined using atomic force microscopy and a gold nanoparticle technique
Authors: Liu Tseng‐Huang , Hsu Shen‐Hsing , Huang Yun‐Tzu , Lin Shih‐Ming , Huang Tsu‐Wei , Chuang Tzu‐Han , Fan Shih‐Kang , Fu Chien‐Chung , Tseng Fan‐Gang , Pan Rong‐Long
Published: July 2009

Vacuolar H+‐translocating inorganic pyrophosphatase [vacuolar H+‐pyrophosphatase (V‐PPase); EC 3.6.1.1] is a homodimeric proton translocase; it plays a pivotal role in electrogenic translocation of protons from the cytosol to the vacuolar lumen, at the expense of PPi hydrolysis, for the storage of ions, sugars, and other metabolites. Dimerization of V‐PPase is necessary for full proton translocation function, although the structural details of V‐PPase within the vacuolar membrane remain uncertain. The C‐terminus presumably plays a crucial role in sustaining enzymatic and proton‐translocating reactions. We used atomic force microscopy to visualize V‐PPases embedded in an artificial lipid bilayer under physiological conditions. V‐PPases were randomly distributed in reconstituted lipid bilayers; approximately 43.3% of the V‐PPase protrusions faced the cytosol, and 56.7% faced the vacuolar lumen. The mean height and width of the cytosolic V‐PPase protrusions were 2.8 ± 0.3 nm and 26.3 ± 4.7 nm, whereas those of the luminal protrusions were 1.2 ± 0.1 nm and 21.7 ± 3.6 nm, respectively. Moreover, both C‐termini of dimeric subunits of V‐PPase are on the same side of the membrane, and they are close to each other, as visualized with antibody and gold nanoparticles against 6×His tags on C‐terminal ends of the enzyme. The distance between the V‐PPase C‐terminal ends was determined to be approximately 2.2 ± 1.4 nm. Thus, our study is the first to provide structural details of a membrane‐bound V‐PPase dimer, revealing its adjacent C‐termini.
The use of synthetic linear tetrapyrroles to probe the verdin sites of human biliverdin‐IXα reductase and human biliverdin‐IXβ reductase
Authors: Franklin Edward M. , Browne Seamus , Horan Anne M. , Inomata Katsuhiko , Hammam Mostafa A. S. , Kinoshita Hideki , Lamparter Tilman , Golfis Georgia , Mantle Timothy J.
Published: July 2009

Many vertebrate species express two enzymes that are capable of catalysing the reduction of various isomers of biliverdin. Biliverdin‐IXα reductase (BVR‐A) is most active with its physiological substrate biliverdin‐IXα, but can also reduce the three other biliverdin isomers IXβ, IXδ and IXγ. Biliverdin‐IXβ reductase (BVR‐B) catalyses the reduction of only the IXβ, IXδ and IXγ isomers of biliverdin. Therefore, the activity of BVR‐A can be measured using biliverdin‐IXα as a specific substrate. We now show that the dimethyl esters of biliverdin‐IXβ and biliverdin‐IXδ are substrates for BVR‐B, but not for BVR‐A. This provides a useful method for specifically assaying the activity of both BVR‐A and BVR‐B in crude mixtures, using biliverdin‐IXα for BVR‐A and the dimethyl ester of either biliverdin‐IXβ or biliverdin‐IXδ for BVR‐B. Human BVR‐A has been suggested as a pharmacological target for neonatal jaundice. Because of the absence of a crystal structure with biliverdin bound to BVR‐A, we have investigated indirect ways of examining tetrapyrrole binding. In the present study, we report that a number of sterically locked conformers of 18‐ethylbiliverdin‐IXα are substrates for human BVR‐A, and discuss the implications for the biliverdin binding site. The oxidation of bilirubin‐IXα ditaurate to biliverdin‐IXα ditaurate is also described. We show that biliverdin‐IXα ditaurate is a substrate for human BVR‐A and discuss the possibility of using a competing substrate, which is reduced to a water soluble and excretable rubin, as a prototypic inhibitor of BVR‐A.
Role of Endocannabinoid System in the Ventral Hippocampus of Rats in the Modulation of Anxiety‐Like Behaviours
Authors: Roohbakhsh Ali , Keshavarz Samaneh , Hasanein Parisa , Rezvani Mohammad Ebrahim , Moghaddam Akbar Hajizadeh
Published: July 2009

Abstract: The effects of unilateral intra‐ventral hippocampus injection of URB597, a fatty acid amid hydrolase inhibitor, and AM251, a selective CB1receptor antagonist, on anxiety‐related behaviours using elevated plus‐maze test of anxiety were evaluated in the present study. Possible involvement of GABAergic system in those effects of URB597 was also evaluated. Injection of URB597 at the doses of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 μg/rat showed significant anxiogenic‐like effects at 0.1 and 1 μg/rat. However, intra‐ventral hippocampus injection of AM251 at the doses of 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 μg/rat did not produce any significant effect in the elevated plus‐maze. The ineffective doses of selective GABAAreceptor antagonist, bicuculline (2 μg/rat) and selective GABABreceptor antagonist, phaclofen (1 μg/rat) on anxiety‐related behaviours were also injected with URB597 (0.1 μg/rat). The present data showed that neither bicuculline nor phaclofen affected the anxiogenic‐like effects of URB597. The results showed that injection of URB597 into the ventral hippocampus may be anxiogenic and GABAergic system may not be involved in its anxiogenic‐like effects.
The Role of Human CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 Variants in Pioglitazone MetabolismIn Vitro
Authors: Muschler Eugen , Lal Jawahar , Jetter Alexander , Rattay Anke , Zanger Ulrich , Zadoyan Gregor , Fuhr Uwe , Kirchheiner Julia
Published: July 2009

Abstract: The cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2C8 appears to have a major role in pioglitazone metabolism. The present study was conducted to further clarify the role of individual CYPs and of theCYP2C8/9polymorphisms in the primary metabolism of pioglitazonein vitro. Pioglitazone (2–400 μM) was incubated with isolated cytochrome P450 enzymes or human liver microsomes, some of them carrying either theCYP2C8*3/*3genotype (and also theCYP2C9*2/*2genotype) or theCYP2C8*1/*1genotype (five samples each). The formation of the primary pioglitazone metabolite M‐IV was monitored by HPLC. Enzyme kinetics were estimated assuming a single binding site. Mean intrinsic clearance of pioglitazone to the metabolite M‐IV was highest for CYP2C8 and CYP1A2 with 58 pmol M‐IV/min/nmol CYP P450/μM pioglitazone each, 53 for CYP2D6*1, 40 for CYP2C19*1, and 34 for CYP2C9*2, respectively. CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9*1, CYP2C9*3, CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 did not form quantifiable amounts of M‐IV.CYP2C8*1/*1microsomes (25 ± 4 pmol M‐IV/min/mg protein/μM pioglitazone) showed lower intrinsic clearance of pioglitazone thanCYP2C8*3/*3microsomes (35 ± 9,p = 0.04). In all samples, metabolite formation showed substrate inhibition, while pioglitazone did not inhibit CYP2C8‐mediated paclitaxel metabolism. CYP2C8, CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 are major CYPs forming M‐IVin vitro. The higher activity of CYP2C8*3/CYP2C9*2 microsomes may result from a contribution of CYP2C9*2, or from differences in CYP2C8 expression. The evidence for substrate‐specific inhibitory effects of pioglitazone on CYP2C‐mediated metabolism needs to be tested in further studies.
Brewing practices to maximise levels of catechins and other compounds with functional properties in Azorean green tea infusions: comparison with composition of canned green tea drinks
Authors: Petisca Catarina , Melo Armindo , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O. , Pinho Olívia
Published: July 2009

The influence of infusion time, temperature and water characteristics on catechins, gallic acid, theophylline and caffeine levels of Azorean green tea infusions was evaluated in two samples of green tea presenting different compositions to optimise brewing practices and maximise levels of compounds with functional properties in infusions. Additionally, the compounds under study were quantified in commercial canned green tea drinks and levels compared with composition of home‐made infusions. An enhancement of epigallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin and epicatechin gallate levels, the catechins with higher antioxidant activity, was observed as water pH decreased and infusion time increased. No correlations were found between the levels of gallic acid, theophylline and caffeine of tea infusions, and water pH. The industry of canned green tea drinks produces beverages with a composition of catechins and other bioactive compounds similar to that of home‐made acidified green tea with 10‐min infusion.
Towards Sustainable Agriculture: Current Debates
Authors: Robinson Guy M.
Published: July 2009

This paper examines the concept of sustainable agriculture, drawing upon recent geographical literature to illuminate key debates. It recognises that there are various constraints upon the creation of a widely accepted practical definition of sustainable agriculture and that there are different viewpoints regarding the future realisation of sustainability. Here some of the principal ramifications of ecocentric aspects of sustainable agriculture in the Developed World are discussed. These include the advance of formally accredited organic farming and differences between ‘committed’ and ‘pragmatic’ organic farmers. Examples are given of the relationships between conventional agri‐food chains, organic farming and a ‘reconnection’ between farmers and consumers. Recent research is summarised with respect to work on ‘relocalisation’, production of ‘quality’ foods, ‘embeddedness’ and the emergence of new forms of sustainable consumption.
Estimates of the impact of a future influenza pandemic in China
Authors: Yu Hongjie , Feng Luzhao , Peng Zhibin , Feng Zijian , Shay David K. , Yang Weizhong
Published: July 2009

Background  The next influenza pandemic will create a surge in demand for health resources in China, with its current population of >1·3 billion persons and under‐developed medical care and public health system. However, few pandemic impact data are available for China.

Objectives  We estimated the effects of a future influenza pandemic in China by examining pandemic scenarios of varying severity and described the time distribution of cases during a first wave.

Methods  We used a Monte‐Carlo simulation model and death rates, hospitalizations and outpatient visits for 1918‐ and 1968‐like pandemic scenarios and data from the literature or experts’ opinion to estimate four health outcomes: deaths, hospitalizations, outpatient medical visits and clinical illness for which medical care was not sought. For each of the two scenarios we estimated outcomes by week using a normal distribution.

Results  We estimated that a 1968 scenario in China would result in 460 000–700 000 deaths, 1·94–2·27 million hospitalizations, 111–117 million outpatient visits and 192–197 million illnesses for which medical care was not sought. Fifty‐two percent of hospitalizations occurred during the two‐peak weeks of the first wave. We estimated that patients at high‐risk of influenza complications (10–17% of the population) would account for 61–75% of all deaths. For a 1918 scenario, we estimated that 4·95–6·95 million deaths, 20·8–22·7 million hospitalizations and 101–108 million outpatient visits could occur.

Conclusion  Even a 1968 pandemic scenario will pose substantial challenges for the medical and public health system in China, and planning to manage these challenges is essential.
Short Arms and Talking Eggs: Why We Should No Longer Abide the Nativist–Empiricist Debate
Authors: Spencer John P. , Blumberg Mark S. , McMurray Bob , Robinson Scott R. , Samuelson Larissa K. , Tomblin J. Bruce
Published: July 2009

Abstract—The nativist–empiricist debate and the nativist commitment to the idea of core knowledge and endowments that exist without relevant postnatal experience continue to distract attention from the reality of developmental systems. The developmental systems approach embraces the concept of epigenesis, that is, the view that development emerges via cascades of interactions across multiple levels of causation, from genes to environments. This view is rooted in a broader interpretation of experience and an appreciation for the nonobvious nature of development. This systems approach is illustrated here with examples from studies of imprinting, spatial cognition, and language development, revealing the inadequacies of the nativist–empiricist debate and the inconvenient truths of development. Developmental scientists should no longer abide the nativist–empiricist debate and nativists’ ungrounded focus on origins. Rather, the future lies in grounding science in contemporary theory and developmental process.
Preaching to the Converted? From Constructivism to Neuroconstructivism
Authors: Karmiloff‐Smith Annette
Published: July 2009

Abstract—It is argued that neuroconstructivism offers the strongest middle ground between nativism and empiricism, and that two domain‐general mechanisms—statistical learning and associative learning—do not suffice to explain alone the intricacies of brain development and emergent domain specificity.
The Importance of Learning About Knowing: Creating a Foundation for Development of Intellectual Values
Authors: Kuhn Deanna
Published: July 2009

Abstract— How does understanding of knowledge and knowing develop and why is it important? This article argues that it provides a critical foundation for the development of intellectual values, which in turn are central to educational outcomes. Because evidence indicates that this development does not routinely occur in the absence of specific efforts to support it, developmentalists need to join educators in seeking to identify the kinds of experiences that can best provide this support.
Improving the Numerical Understanding of Children From Low‐Income Families
Authors: Siegler Robert S.
Published: July 2009

Abstract— Children from low‐income backgrounds enter school with much less mathematical knowledge than their more affluent peers. These early deficits have long‐term consequences; children who start behind generally stay behind. This article describes how a theoretical analysis of the development of number sense gave rise to an intervention that reduces this gap by producing large, rapid, and broad improvements in the mathematical competence of low‐income preschoolers. Roughly, an hour of playing a simple, inexpensive, linear number board game produces gains in numerical magnitude comparison, number line estimation, counting, and numeral identification. Reasons for these large gains are discussed.
Defining the Components of the Research Pipeline
Authors: Kleinman Michael S. , Mold James W.
Published: July 2009

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has proposed that research moves from “bench to bedside” through a Pipeline consisting of distinct research categories bridged by bidirectional translation. The original NIH Pipeline has now been expanded to include practice‐ and community‐based research. We developed operational definitions for the elements along the expanded NIH Pipeline. The proposed definitions were pilot‐tested and refined using the Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects (CRISP) and the Secure Internet‐Linked Web Technologies (SILK) database containing funding information for individual NIH awards. Using our definitions, two reviewers independently agreed on the categorization of 94% of 866 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)‐funded projects, and 99% of projects could be placed into a single research category.
“Choice” in Filial Care Work: Moving beyond a Dichotomy
Authors: FUNK LAURA M. , KOBAYASHI KAREN M.
Published: July 2009

Les auteures analysent le concept du «choix» dans le travail des aidants naturels filiaux. Dans la documentation théorique et empirique sur le travail des aidants naturels, une dichotomie entre le «choix» et l'«obligation» est considérée comme une construction sociale. Néanmoins, cette dichotomie ne reflète pas adéquatement les expériences familiales de fourniture de soins; par exemple, le choix et l'obligation ne constituent pas des motivations mutuellement exclusives. Ils sont plutôt «relationnels», «contextuels» et manifestes dans l'interaction entre des macro et des microcontextes. La dichotomie choix‐obligation est également idéologique. Sur le plan de la politique morale, elle fait la promotion du déchargement de la responsabilité des gouvernements sur les familles, elle obscurcit la complexité des relations filiales et peut même promouvoir l'ambivalence psychologique.

In this paper, we discuss the concept of “choice” in filial care work. A dichotomy between choice and obligation is constructed in theoretical and empirical literature on filial care work. However, this dichotomy does not adequately reflect family caregiving experiences; for instance, choice and obligation are not mutually exclusive motivations. Rather, choice and obligation are “relational” and “contextual” and manifest in the interaction between macro‐ and micro‐contexts. The choice‐obligation dichotomy is also ideological. At the moral‐political level, it promotes the downloading of responsibility by governments to family, obscures the complexity of filial relationships, and may even promote psychological ambivalence.
3D Numerical Simulation of the Transient Thermal Behavior of a Simplified Building Envelope Under External Flow
Authors: Barmpas F. , Bouris D. , Moussiopoulos N.
Published: July 2009

Understanding building envelope performance and thermal mass effects is becoming increasingly important under the scope of low energy building construction and energy conservation. In the present paper, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics methodology is presented for the numerical simulation of the flow and heat transfer that determine the thermal behavior of simplified building envelopes. This is dominated by a conjugate heat transfer approach, which involves conduction, convection, solar heat gains, ambient temperature variation, and the effects of thermal radiation losses to the sky. Validation results include comparison both with measurements from fundamental laboratory studies of heat transfer from surface mounted cubes and with numerical results from well established commercial building energy simulation software. Numerical issues, such as temporal and spatial discretization, are addressed, and parametric studies are performed with regard to the effect of external flow Reynolds number and temperature variation in the building envelope, depending on the individual orientation of the external walls with respect to the flow and on the thermal properties of the building materials. Results from the parametric studies performed indicate that the transient three-dimensional calculations provide important information regarding the effect of external flow properties, such as the approaching flow temperature, velocity, and direction on the thermal behavior of the building envelope. In addition, it has been clearly demonstrated that the methodology is also capable of taking into account the complex effects of parameters such as the building material properties.
Beating Betz: Energy Extraction Limits in a Constrained Flow Field
Authors: Jamieson Peter M.
Published: July 2009

Experiments with diffusers and other flow concentrating devices have shown that the power performance coefficient Cp of an energy extraction device, defined in relation to the area of flow intercepted at the device, may exceed the Betz limit. “Beating Betz,” in that sense, has been long established but no theory has existed to define in a generalized way what ideal limit may apply to Cp in such situations. Recent analysis has resolved this. This indicates that, irrespective of the presence of flow concentration systems or other influences that perturb the flow but do not in themselves extract energy, there is a universal ideal limit of energy extraction. This is found to be 89 of the upstream kinetic energy in the streamtube associated with the energy extraction. Moreover, the familiar Betz equations for power and thrust coefficients can be generalized in a simple way to express this. Although this work has been developed in the context of wind energy, it will be apparent that the results are of general significance for any application of ducted rotors or propellers in a fluid stream.
Development and Validation of a CFD Technique for the Aerodynamic Analysis of HAWT
Authors: Gómez-Iradi S. , Steijl R. , Barakos G. N.
Published: July 2009

This paper demonstrates the potential of a compressible Navier–Stokes CFD method for the analysis of horizontal axis wind turbines. The method was first validated against experimental data of the NREL/NASA-Ames Phase VI (Hand, et al., 2001, “Unsteady Aerodynamics Experiment Phase, VI: Wind Tunnel Test Configurations and Available Data Campaigns,” NREL, Technical Report No. TP-500-29955) wind-tunnel campaign at 7 m/s, 10 m/s, and 20 m/s freestreams for a nonyawed isolated rotor. Comparisons are shown for the surface pressure distributions at several stations along the blades as well as for the integrated thrust and torque values. In addition, a comparison between measurements and CFD results is shown for the local flow angle at several stations ahead of the wind turbine blades. For attached and moderately stalled flow conditions the thrust and torque predictions are fair, though improvements in the stalled flow regime are necessary to avoid overprediction of torque. Subsequently, the wind-tunnel wall effects on the blade aerodynamics, as well as the blade/tower interaction, were investigated. The selected case corresponded to 7 m/s up-wind wind turbine at 0 deg of yaw angle and a rotational speed of 72 rpm. The obtained results suggest that the present method can cope well with the flows encountered around wind turbines providing useful results for their aerodynamic performance and revealing flow details near and off the blades and tower.
Methods for Controlling a Wind Turbine System With a Continuously Variable Transmission in Region 2
Authors: Rex Andrew H. , Johnson Kathryn E.
Published: July 2009

Variable speed operation enables wind turbine systems to increase their aerodynamic efficiency and reduce fatigue loads. An alternative to the current electrically based variable speed technologies is the continuously variable transmission (CVT). A CVT is a transmission whose gear ratio can be adjusted to take on an infinite number of settings within the range between its upper and lower limits. CVT research in wind turbine applications predicts an improvement in output power and torque loads compared with fixed-speed machines. Also, a reduction in the harmonic content of the currents is anticipated by eliminating the power electronics. This paper develops a model that combines a CVT model with the FAST wind turbine simulator for simulating the system’s performance in MATLAB/SIMULINK. This model is useful for control development for a variable-speed wind turbine using a CVT. The wind turbine with CVT is simulated using two controllers: a proportional-integral controller and a nonlinear torque controller of the type commonly used in the wind industry.
Urban Building Energy Planning With Space Distribution and Time Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Fu Lin , Zheng Zhonghai , Di Hongfa , Jiang Yi
Published: July 2009

It is important to deal with energy saving in buildings of one city level, and plan the energy system from one building to one city level. We strongly suggest conducting urban building energy planning (UBEP) in the urban planning field in China. There are two main characteristics of an urban building energy system. First, the terminal building energy demand is dynamically timely. Second, the energy demand, energy sources supply, energy equipments, and networks of heating, cooling, gas, and electricity, are distributed in an urban space. It is meaningful to conduct an innovative urban energy planning with space distribution and time dynamic simulation. Therefore, an UBEP simulation tool, developed by our research group, is introduced. Finally, a case of energy planning in Beijing City in 2010 for heating and air conditioning system is dynamically simulated and analyzed. To meet the same building energy demand in Beijing, such as heating, air conditioning, gas, and electricity, different energy equipments, such as boiler, combined heating and power, combined cooling, heating, and power system, and heat pump based on different energy sources, such as coal, gas, and electricity, should be planned alternatively. Also, an optimum urban energy system with high energy efficiency and low environmental emission can be achieved. This simulation tool contains most models of heating and cooling energy systems in China. We can validate the models with statistical data from previous or present simulation, and the simulation results in future planning can serve as guidance for the construction of municipal energy infrastructure. We can conclude that simulation in time dimension shows the characteristics of dynamic load in each nodes of the energy flow. The objective is to present the comparison of different scenarios and optimize the planning schemes.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Mixing in a Horizontal Hot-Water Storage Tank
Authors: Aviv A. , Morad S. , Ratzon Y. , Ziskind G. , Letan R.
Published: July 2009

Thermal mixing and stratification are explored experimentally in a horizontal cylindrical tank, which simulates a storage of water heated by a solar collector. The tank is 70 cm long and 24 cm in diameter. The study is conducted in a transient mode, namely, the tank is filled with hot water, which in the course of operation is replaced by the tap water in a stratified way or by mixing. The flow rates of 2 l/min, 3 l/min, 5 l/min, and 7 l/min are explored. Temperature of hot water is usually about 55°C, while the tap water is about 20°C. In the experiments, both flow visualization and temperature measurements are used. The effects of port location and deflector installation are examined. The experimental results are presented in a dimensionless form, as the normalized outlet temperature versus dimensionless time. Three-dimensional transient numerical simulations, done using the FLUENT 6 software, provide an additional insight in the process of mixing inside the tank.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Freezing and Melting Processes in a Bed of Spherical PCM Capsules
Authors: MacPhee David , Dincer Ibrahim
Published: July 2009

The solidification and melting processes in a spherical geometry are investigated in this study. The capsules considered are filled with de-ionized water, so that a network of spheres can be thought of as being the storage medium for an encapsulated ice storage module. ANSYS GAMBIT and FLUENT 6.0 packages are used to employ the present model for heat transfer fluid (HTF) past a row of such capsules, while varying the HTF inlet temperature and flow rate, as well as the reference temperatures. The present model agrees well with experimental data taken from literature and was also put through rigorous time and grid independence tests. Sufficient flow parameters are studied so that the resulting solidification and melting times, exergy and energy efficiencies, and exergy destruction could be calculated. All energy efficiencies are found to be over 99%, though viscous dissipation was included. Using exergy analysis, the exergetic efficiencies are determined to be about 75% to over 92%, depending on the HTF scenario. When the HTF flow rate is increased, all efficiencies decrease, due mainly to increasing heat losses and exergy dissipation. The HTF temperatures, which stray farther from the solidification temperature of water, are found to be most optimal exergetically, but least optimal energetically. The main reason for this, as well as the main mode of loss exergetically, is due to entropy generation accompanying heat transfer, which is responsible for over 99.5% of exergy destroyed in all cases. The results indicate that viewing the heat transfer and fluid flow phenomena in a bed of encapsulated spheres, it is of utmost importance to assess the major modes of entropy generation; in this case from heat transfer accompanying phase change.
Optical Design of a Novel Two-Stage Solar Trough Concentrator Based on Pneumatic Polymeric Structures
Authors: Bader R. , Haueter P. , Pedretti A. , Steinfeld A.
Published: July 2009

An innovative concept for fabricating solar trough concentrators based on pneumatic polymer mirrors supported on precast concrete frames is presented. Optical aberration is corrected by means of a secondary specular reflector in tandem with a primary cylindrical concentrator. The optimal design is formulated for maximum solar flux concentration. The Monte Carlo ray-tracing technique is applied to determine the effect of reflective surface errors and structural beam deformations on the performance of the combined primary and secondary concentrating system. The numerical results are validated with field measurements on a 49.4 m length, 7.9 m width sun-tracking prototype system. Theoretical maximum solar concentration ratio is 151 suns; the measured one with a flat secondary reflector was 55 suns.
Study of a Quench Device for the Synthesis and Hydrolysis of Zn Nanoparticles: Modeling and Experiments
Authors: Abu Hamed Tareq , Venstrom Luke , Alshare Aiman , Brülhart Marc , Davidson Jane H.
Published: July 2009

The synthesis and hydrolysis of zinc nanoparticles are carried out in a tubular reactor. A key component of the reactor is a coaxial jet quench device. Three coaxial and multi-inlet confined jets mix Zn(g), steam, and argon to produce and hydrolyze zinc nanoparticles. The performance of the quench device is assessed with computational fluid dynamics modeling and measurements of hydrogen conversion and particle size and composition. Numerical data elucidate the impact of varying jet flow rates on temperature and velocity distributions within the reactor. Experiments produce hydrogen conversions of 61–79%. Particle deposition on sections of the reactor surface above 650 K favors hydrolysis. Residence time for in-flight particles is less than 1 s and these particles are partially hydrolyzed.
Convergence Failure and Stall Hysteresis in Actuator-Disk Momentum Models Applied to Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
Authors: McIntosh S. C. , Babinsky H. , Bertényi T.
Published: July 2009

The application of actuator-disk momentum models to highly loaded vertical axis rotors (large tip speed ratios/solidities) frequently results in a convergence failure of the iterative method employed and the production of nonphysical erratic solutions. It is suggested that this convergence failure is due to an inflection in Glauert’s empirical fit for streamwise momentum loss versus disk blockage. The erratic solutions are found to be due to the presence of multiple roots occurring near stall between the blade-element and the momentum models. A new method is proposed that employs a graphical root finding scheme coupled with knowledge of a blade’s flow history to correctly identify the turbine’s operating point, regardless of disk loading.
Audio-visual identification of place of articulation and voicing in white and babble noise
Authors: Alm Magnus , Behne Dawn M. , Wang Yue , Eg Ragnhild
Published: July 2009

Research shows that noise and phonetic attributes influence the degree to which auditory and visual modalities are used in audio-visual speech perception (AVSP). Research has, however, mainly focused on white noise and single phonetic attributes, thus neglecting the more common babble noise and possible interactions between phonetic attributes. This study explores whether white and babble noise differentially influence AVSP and whether these differences depend on phonetic attributes. White and babble noise of 0 and −12dB signal-to-noise ratio were added to congruent and incongruent audio-visual stop consonant-vowel stimuli. The audio (A) and video (V) of incongruent stimuli differed either in place of articulation (POA) or voicing. Responses from 15 young adults show that, compared to white noise, babble resulted in more audio responses for POA stimuli, and fewer for voicing stimuli. Voiced syllables received more audio responses than voiceless syllables. Results can be attributed to discrepancies in the acoustic spectra of both the noise and speech target. Voiced consonants may be more auditorily salient than voiceless consonants which are more spectrally similar to white noise. Visual cues contribute to identification of voicing, but only if the POA is visually salient and auditorily susceptible to the noise type.