bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Basis of Williams-Beuren Syndrome: TFII-I Regulated Targets Involved in Craniofacial Development
Authors: Makeyev Aleksandr V. , Bayarsaihan Dashzeveg
Published: May 2010

Objective

The aim of this study is to identify gene targets of TFII-I transcription factors involved in craniofacial development.

Design

Recent findings in individuals with Williams-Beuren syndrome who show facial dysmorphism and cognitive defects have pointed to TFII-I genes ( GTF2I and GTF2IRD1) as the prime candidates responsible for these clinical features. However, TFII-I proteins are multifunctional transcriptional factors regulating a number of genes during development, and how their haploinsufficiency leads to the Williams-Beuren syndrome phenotype is currently unknown.

Results

Here we report the identification of three genes with a well-established relevance to craniofacial development as direct TFII-I targets. These genes, craniofacial development protein 1 ( Cfdp1), Sec23 homolog A ( Sec23a), and nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 1 ( Nsd1), contain consensus TFII-I binding sites in their proximal promoters; the chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that TFII-I transcription factors are recruited to these sites in vivo.

Conclusions

The results suggest that transcriptional regulation of these genes by TFII-I proteins could provide a possible genotype-phenotype link in Williams-Beuren syndrome.
A New Yardstick for Rating Dental Arch Relationship in Patients with Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Ozawa Terumi Okada , Shaw William C. , Katsaros Christos , Kuijpers-Jagtman Anne Marie , Hagberg Catharina , Ronning Elisabeth , Semb Gunvor
Published: May 2010

Objective

To develop yardsticks for assessment of dental arch relationship in young individuals with repaired complete bilateral cleft lip and palate appropriate to different stages of dental development.

Participants

Eleven cleft team orthodontists from five countries worked on the projects for 4 days. A total of 776 sets of standardized plaster models from 411 patients with operated complete bilateral cleft lip and palate were available for the exercise.

Statistics

The interexaminer reliability was calculated using weighted kappa statistics.

Results

The interrater weighted kappa scores were between .74 and .92, which is in the “good” to “very good” categories.

Conclusions

Three bilateral cleft lip and palate yardsticks for different developmental stages of the dentition were made: one for the deciduous dentition (6-year-olds’ yardstick), one for early mixed dentition (9-year-olds’ yardstick), and one for early permanent dentition (12-year-olds’ yardstick).
Treatment of Plagiocephaly with Helmet Molding Therapy: Do Actual Results Mimic Perception?
Authors: Katzel Evan B. , Koltz Peter F. , Sbitany Hani , Girotto John A.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Actual and perceived improvements from helmet molding therapy for deformational plagiocephaly are demonstrated here. Effective communication of these data by craniofacial teams can help avoid unrealistic expectations and inform parents of expected outcomes.

Methods

Parents of 61 patients with plagiocephaly were asked to rate their children's head shape and ear position before and after helmet therapy (a score of 1 being abnormal and 10 being normal). Topographic laser head scans for an aged-matched cohort of 91 patients with deformational plagiocephaly were acquired. Cephalic ratio, overall symmetry ratio, radial symmetry index, ear offset, and left and right oblique were recorded before and after molding. The cranial vault asymmetry index (CVSI) score was calculated.

Results

Parent ratings before and after molding, respectively, were head shape 2.99 ± 1.50 (mean ± SD) versus 7.88 ± 1.64 (p < .0001) and ear position 3.75 ± 2.5 versus 7.73 ± 2.34 (p < 0.0001). Measurements before and after molding were cephalic ratio 0.89 ± 0.07 versus 0.87 ± 0.08 (p < .0001), overall symmetry index 0.87 ± 0.05 versus 0.90 ± 0.04 (p < .0001), radial symmetry index 59.9 ± 26.9 mm versus 46.3 ± 25.1 mm (p < .0001), CVSI 7.2 ± 3.75 versus 4.8 ± 2.8 (p < .0001), and ear offset 5.7 versus 5.5 mm (p = .58).

Conclusions

Helmet molding produces reproducible changes in head shape. Despite relatively small actual changes on topographic laser imaging, parents perceive a large correction in head shape and ear position following helmet molding. Craniofacial teams can use these data and head scans before helmet molding to provide parents with realistic expectations for the outcome of their child's helmet molding therapy.
John Stephenson's Cleft Palate
Authors: Furlow Leonard T.
Published: May 2010

An account of the history surrounding the first successful surgical repair of a cleft palate, with excerpts from the patient's narrative.
Propagule redirection: Habitat availability reduces colonization and increases recruitment in reef fishes
Authors: Stier Adrian C. , Osenberg Craig W.
Published: May 2010

Increased habitat availability or quality can alter production of habitat‐dependent organisms in two contrasting ways: (1) by enhancing input of new colonists to the new sites (the Field‐of‐Dreams Hypothesis); and (2) by drawing colonists away from existing sites (the Propagule Redirection Hypothesis), and thus reducing the deleterious effects of density. We conducted a field experiment on coral reef fishes in Moorea, French Polynesia, to quantify how differing levels of habitat availability (controlling for quality) increased and/or redirected colonizing larval fish. Focal reefs without neighboring reefs received two to four times more settlers than reefs with adjacent habitat, demonstrating that increased habitat redirected larval fish. At the scale of the entire reef array, total colonization increased 1.3‐fold in response to a sixfold increase in reef area (and a 2.75‐fold increase in adjusted habitat availability). Thus, propagules were both increased and redirected, a result midway between the Field‐of‐Dreams and Propagule Redirection Hypotheses. A recruitment model using our data and field estimates of density‐dependent recruitment predicts that habitat addition increases recruitment primarily by ameliorating the negative effects of competition at existing sites rather than increasing colonization at the new sites per se. Understanding long‐term implications of these effects depends upon the interplay among habitat dynamics, population connectivity, colonization dynamics, and density dependence.
Move it or lose it? The ecological ethics of relocating species under climate change
Authors: Minteer Ben A. , Collins James P.
Published: May 2010

Managed relocation (also known as assisted colonization, assisted migration) is one of the more controversial proposals to emerge in the ecological community in recent years. A conservation strategy involving the translocation of species to novel ecosystems in anticipation of range shifts forced by climate change, managed relocation (MR) has divided many ecologists and conservationists, mostly because of concerns about the potential invasion risk of the relocated species in their new environments. While this is indeed an important consideration in any evaluation of MR, moving species across the landscape in response to predicted climate shifts also raises a number of larger and important ethical and policy challenges that need to be addressed. These include evaluating the implications of a more aggressive approach to species conservation, assessing MR as a broader ecological policy and philosophy that departs from longstanding scientific and management goals focused on preserving ecological integrity, and considering MR within a more comprehensive ethical and policy response to climate change. Given the complexity and novelty of many of the issues at stake in the MR debate, a more dynamic and pragmatic approach to ethical analysis and debate is needed to help ecologists, conservationists, and environmental decision makers come to grips with MR and the emerging ethical challenges of ecological policy and management under global environmental change.
Challenges Associated with Classifying Urban Meteorological Stations: The Oklahoma City Micronet Example
Authors: Schroeder Amanda J. , Basara Jeffrey B. , Illston Bradley G
Published: May 2010

During 2007-2008, a dense network of meteorological stations was deployed across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area to collect real-time, research-quality observations of atmospheric variables throughout the urban environment: the Oklahoma City Micronet (OKCNET). Because surface characteristics can be vastly different between rural and urban areas as well as throughout a city, significant variability exists in the local microclimates observed by meteorological stations deployed in an urban area. As such, documenting the characteristics near any site (i.e., metadata) is critical to fully understand the overall representativeness of the site and the associated evolution of atmospheric conditions. To date, a universal classification system for urban meteorological stations does not exist. Thus, this study utilized four different methodologies to classify OKCNET sites and increase the metadata for the individual sites and the overall network. The results demonstrated that while each classification system had specific merits, significant challenges existed in establishing consistent metadata for the sites due to (a) limitations associated with the methodologies and (b) the heterogeneity of surface conditions. In particular, stations deployed within the transition zones form urban to suburban and suburban to rural posed the greatest challenges in establishing consistent metadata for the sites.
Laser conversion of electrical properties for silicon carbide device applications
Authors: Sengupta D. K. , Quick N. R. , Kar A.
Published: May 2010

A direct conversion technique has been demonstrated to produce highly conductive tracks on silicon carbide by irradiating it with a laser beam. It is found that laser irradiation of insulating silicon carbide substrates decreases its resistivity from 1011 to 10−4 Ω cm. Scanning electron microscopy of laser-irradiated α-silicon carbide substrate reveals dispersed globules on the irradiated track. The atomic force microscopic images of the tracks indicate the conversion of larger structures into smaller, more round-shaped structures suggesting the formation of globules. However, laser irradiation of silicon carbide conductors in the presence of pure oxygen transforms the conducting track into an insulator. The effect of annealing on the electrical properties of the laser-generated conducting tracks is also examined. This technique provides a means of directly writing conducting and insulating tracks on silicon carbide to produce electronic devices for high temperature applications.
Alloy development by laser cladding: An overview
Authors: Sexton C. L. , Byrne G. , Watkins K. G.
Published: May 2010

The ever increasing and often conflicting demands made on engineering materials for suitable physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, have led engineers to take an increased interest in surface coating techniques for material protection. Laser cladding has shown that high quality, distortion free, clad, or alloyed layers can be deposited successfully on base materials. The blown powder laser cladding technique has been established and is used to produce analogs of bulk high alloy materials as hardfacing wear resistant coatings on plane carbon steel substrates. This article shows that a small selection of cladding materials is used in a wide range of cladding applications. An overview is given on how the cladding process is used to generate alloys quickly from powder mixtures of metals and ceramics. Consideration is then given to the variable composition laser cladding technique.
Development of a weld quality monitoring system in CO2 laser welding by using photodiodes
Authors: Park Hyunsung , Rhee Sehun
Published: May 2010

On a laser weld production line, a slight alteration of the welding condition produces many defects. The defects are monitored in real time in order to prevent continuous occurrence of defects, to reduce the loss of material, and to guarantee good quality. The measurement system consists of three photodiodes to detect the plasma and spatter signals in CO2 laser welding. For high speed CO2 laser welding, such as laser tailored welded blanks, an on-line weld quality monitoring system was developed by using fuzzy multifeature pattern recognition. Weld qualities are classified as optimal heat input, little low heat input, low heat input, and focus misalignment. Then the result of the final weld quality is estimated good or bad.
Nematodes of Cithariniella (Pharyngodonidae) from freshwater fishes in Senegal, with a key to species
Authors: Koubková B. , Baruš V. , Hodová I.
Published: May 2010

Three nematode species of Cithariniella (Pharyngodonidae), C. citharini, C. khalili, and C. gonzalesi, were recorded from the recta of squeaker (Mochokidae: Siluriformes) and citharinid (Citharinidae: Characiformes) fishes from Senegal, West Africa. Morphological characteristics obtained by scanning electron microscopy (form of oral aperture and cephalic papillae, presence of lateral alae, distribution and form of cloacal papillae, simple or paired papillae on tail of males, eggs with numerous long filaments on each pole in females) correspond well to the generic diagnosis and represent species differences. The shape and size of the cephalic papillae and lips were identified as a new determination feature. C. gonzalesi is reported for the first time from Senegal and its host, Paradistichodus dimidiatus, represents a new host record. A tentative simple key for differentiating C. citharini, C. khalili, C. gonzalesi and C. petterae is provided based upon these results.
Speed of Visual Sensorimotor Processes and Conductivity of Visual Pathway in Volleyball Players
Authors: Zwierko Teresa , Osinski Wieslaw , Lubinski Wojciech , Czepita Damian , Florkiewicz Beata
Published: May 2010

Speed of Visual Sensorimotor Processes and Conductivity of Visual Pathway in Volleyball Players

Volleyball is a dynamic game which requires a high level of visual skills. The first aim of this study was to investigate the several aspects of reaction times (RT) to visual stimuli in volleyball players (12) compared to non-athletic subjects (12). By using the tests included in the Vienna Test System (Schuhfried, Austria), simple reaction time (SRT), choice reaction time (CRT) and peripheral reaction time (PRT) were examined. The second aim of this study was to assess the neurophysiological basis of early visual sensory processing in both examined groups. We measured two sets of pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (VEPs) during monocular central field stimulation (Reti Scan, Roland Consult, Germany). The latencies of waves N75, P100 and N135 were determined. We observed significantly shorter (p<0.05) total reaction time to stimuli appearing in the central and peripheral field of vision in the volleyball players compared to non-athletes. With regard to SRT and CRT the main differences between the groups appeared in pre-motor reaction times. Volleyball players had shorter VEPs P100 wave latencies (p<0.05) than the non-athlete group. The results indicate faster signal transmission in visual pathways in athletes than in non-athletes. This fact can be attributed to the effect of rapid visual-activity-demanding sports on the central nervous system.
Relationship between Jump Test Results and Acceleration Phase of Sprint Performance in National and Regional 100m Sprinters
Authors: Habibi Abdolhamid , Shabani Mehrzad , Rahimi Esmaeil , Fatemi Rouhollah , Najafi Abdolrahman , Analoei Hossein , Hosseini Morad
Published: May 2010

Relationship between Jump Test Results and Acceleration Phase of Sprint Performance in National and Regional 100m Sprinters

The purpose of this research was to identify the relationship between jump test results and acceleration phase of sprint performance in national and regional 100m sprinters. Fifteen male (age 21.89 ± 3.26 years; body height 1.72.66 ± 3.20 m; body mass 61.35 ± 11.40 kg; 100 m personal best: 11.67 + 0.46 s {11.00 - 12.19}) track sprinters at a national and regional competitive level performed 10 m sprints from a block start. Anthropometric dimensions, along with squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), continuous straight legged jump (SLJ), single leg hop for distance, and single leg triple hop for distance measures of power were also tested. Pearson correlation analysis revealed the single leg hop for distance with front and back leg (respectively, r = -0.74 and r = -0.76; p = 0.021 and p = 0.017), and the single leg triple hop for distance with front and/or back leg (respectively, r = -0.84 and r = -0.89; p = 0.004 and p = 0.001), generated capabilities to be strongly related to sprint performance. Further linear regression analysis predicted an increase in the single leg hop for distance with front and back leg of 10 cm, to both resulted in a decrease of 0.07 s in 10 m sprint performance. Further, an increase in the single leg triple hop for distance with front and/or back leg of 10 cm was predicted to result in a 0.08 s reduction in 10 m sprint time. The results of this study seem to suggest that the ability to gain more distance with the single leg hop and the single leg triple hop for distance to be good indicators for predicting sprint performance over 10 m from a block start.
The Factor Structure of Chosen Kinematic Characteristics of Take-Off in Ski Jumping
Authors: Vodicar Janez , Jost Bojan
Published: May 2010

The Factor Structure of Chosen Kinematic Characteristics of Take-Off in Ski Jumping

With a sample of 29 of the best Slovenian ski jumpers, a research project was carried out with the purpose of determining the structure relation of chosen dynamic and kinematic variables during the take-off of ski jumpers. The experiment was performed in August 2008 on the jumping hill in Hinterzarten, Germany (K=95m). The subjects jumped seven times without breaks between rounds. The analysis was done on variables that determine the technique of take-off in ski jumping (in-run velocity - km/h, vertical take-off velocity - m/s, precision of take-off - cm). The criteria variable was the length of the jump (m). The variability of the long distance of the jumps was significantly strong. The reliability of all used multi-item variables was high and satisfactory in most variables (in-run velocity - 0.98, vertical take-off velocity - 0.98, precision of take-off - 0.85, length of the jump - 0.95). The factor analysis produced an independent latent structure (explanation of variance = 93.3%) of five specific factors (1. in-run velocity connected to distance jumped (39.8 % of VAR.), 2. vertical take-off velocity strongly connected to distance jumped (26.0 % of VAR.), 3. precision of take-off partly connected to distance jumped (14.9 % of VAR.), 4. precision of take-off in the 7th round (6.7 % of VAR.), 5. precision at take-off in the 4th round (5.7 % of VAR.). The present factor structure confirms the hypothetical model of three independent motor tasks to be optimally realized in the take-off of the ski jumper. Criteria variables influencing the length of jumps were mainly associated with the first two factors, which confirm the basic hypothesis that the length of the jump reflects the overall output quality of the first two factors. The accurancy factor of take-off affects the length of the jumps indirectly and latently through these two fundamental factors.
Aerobic Capacity of Elderly Women Engaged in Controlled Physical Activity
Authors: da Cunha Rubens , de Assunção Ferreira Márcia , Bezerra Jane , Guerra Ialuska , Dantas Estélio
Published: May 2010

Aerobic Capacity of Elderly Women Engaged in Controlled Physical Activity

The objective of this study was to evaluate the aerobic capacity of elderly participants in the family health program at Health Municipal Secretary, who were submitted to a regular program of physical exercise. This experimental study had a sample size of 98 hypertensive elderly women. The sample was divided randomly into an experimental group (EG; n=58, age: 67±6 years) and a control group (CG; n=40; age: 70±6 years). Aerobic capacity was evaluated by a six-minute walking test (WT6). The intervention program was conducted three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), between 17:00 and 17:45 hours, with an intensity that varied from 55% to 75% of the theoretical maximum heart rate. Student's paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests were utilised in the intra-group analysis (for homogenous or heterogeneous distributions of the data, respectively). An ANOVA two-way parametric test was used to evaluate the inter-group data followed by the Scheffe post hoc test. A value of p<0.05 was adopted for statistical significance. The results revealed an increase in distance travelled in the EG in the post-test relative to the pretest (Δ= 70.58 m; p<0.0001) and relative to the CG post-test (Δ= 116.58 m; p<0.0001). Furthermore, the CG travelled less distance in the post-test than in the pre-test (Δ= -0.78 m; p=0.003). Therefore, we infer that a walking regimen of controlled intensity improves the distance travelled by elderly women in the WT6 by increasing their aerobic capacity.
Anthropometric Profile of Male Amateur vs Professional Formula Windsurfs Competing at the 2007 European Championship
Authors: Cortell-Tormo Juan , Pérez-Turpin José , Cejuela-Anta Roberto , Chinchilla-Mira Juan , Marfell-Jones Michael
Published: May 2010

Anthropometric Profile of Male Amateur vs Professional Formula Windsurfs Competing at the 2007 European Championship

This study aimed to describe the current anthropometric profile of Formula Windsurf competitors during the 2007 European Championships and establish a set of reference values useful for future investigations on player selection, talent identification, and training programme development. Fourty-five male participants (mean age 30±9.77 years; body height 182.04±6.3 cm; body mass 81.67±7.35 kg) were selected for the anthropometric profile, including 15 which the International Windsurf Association had defined as professionals. The anthropometric profiles included measurements of skinfolds, segment lengths, breadths, and girths. Somatotype measurements were also calculated into the equation. The male professional windsurfers had larger length, breadth, and girth measurements than their amateur counterparts. The three somatotype components showed that both groups were predominantly mesomorphic, but the professionals were more ectomorphic than endomorphic, whereas the amateurs were slightly more endomorphic than ectomorphic. The descriptive analysis of the anthropometric data provide relevant information concerning the morphological indicators of competitive success in this sporting discipline.
Regional Concentration and Specialisation in Agricultural Activities in EU-9 Regions (1950-2000)
Authors: Van Leeuwen Eveline S. , Strijker Dirk , Terluin Ida J.
Published: May 2010

Both traditional (von Thünen) and modern (Hayami & Ruttan, Krugman) theories on land use suggest that productions with a high value added per unit of land tend to be located near urban centres. In this article it is tested to what extent these theoretical findings are confirmed by empirical data on agricultural land use and production for the EU-9. The focus is not only on the degree of concentration and specialisation, but also on their development over time. Growth and decline of agricultural productions are here related to the degree of rurality. It is found that high value productions indeed tend to be located in urban regions. It is also found that most specialisation patterns that already existed in 1950 are even stronger in 2000.
Next Generation DNA Sequencing and the Future of Genomic Medicine
Authors: Anderson Matthew W. , Schrijver Iris
Published: May 2010

In the years since the first complete human genome sequence was reported, there has been a rapid development of technologies to facilitate high-throughput sequence analysis of DNA (termed “next-generation” sequencing). These novel approaches to DNA sequencing offer the promise of complete genomic analysis at a cost feasible for routine clinical diagnostics. However, the ability to more thoroughly interrogate genomic sequence raises a number of important issues with regard to result interpretation, laboratory workflow, data storage, and ethical considerations. This review describes the current high-throughput sequencing platforms commercially available, and compares the inherent advantages and disadvantages of each. The potential applications for clinical diagnostics are considered, as well as the need for software and analysis tools to interpret the vast amount of data generated. Finally, we discuss the clinical and ethical implications of the wealth of genetic information generated by these methods. Despite the challenges, we anticipate that the evolution and refinement of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies will catalyze a new era of personalized medicine based on individualized genomic analysis.
Thin film of Poly(acrylic acid-co-allyl acrylate) as a Sacrificial Protective Layer for Hydrophilic Self Cleaning Glass
Authors: Lejnieks Jānis , Mourran Ahmed , Tillmann Walter , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin
Published: May 2010

Poly(acrylic acid-co-allyl acrylate) statistical copolymers were synthesized in a controlled manner in two steps: first tert.butyl acrylate and allyl acrylate were polymerized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and afterwords the tert.butyl protective groups were removed via hydrolysis. Samples of self cleaning glass (SCG) were coated with thin films of poly(acrylic acid-co-allyl acrylate) and cross-linked afterwards by UV irradiation (in the presence of a photoinitiator and an accelerator). Solution cast thin films were transparent and homogeneous before and after UV cross-linking. The irradiated samples were found to be hydrophilic (Θ < 20°) and water insoluble. The coating prevented the spontaneous hydrophobization of the SCG by residual silicon exhaled from the sealing material. The TiO2 photocatalyst that covers the glass surface was found to strip the protective coating. The rate of the photooxidation process was measured by IR spectroscopy. The real field performance of the protective coating was also tested.
Preparations and Characterizations of Luminescent Two Dimensional Organic-inorganic Perovskite Semiconductors
Authors: Zhang Sanjun , Audebert Pierre , Wei Yi , Al Choueiry Antoine , Lanty Gaëtan , Bréhier Antoine , Galmiche Laurent , Clavier Gilles , Boissière Cédric , Lauret Jean-Sébastien , Deleporte Emmanuelle
Published: May 2010

This article reviews the synthesis, structural and optical characterizations of some novel luminescent two dimensional organic-inorganic perovskite (2DOIP) semiconductors. These 2DOIP semiconductors show a self-assembled nano-layered structure, having the electronic structure of multi-quantum wells. 2DOIP thin layers and nanoparticles have been prepared through different methods. The structures of the 2DOIP semiconductors are characterized by atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The optical properties of theb DOIP semiconductors are characterized from absorption and photoluminescence spectra measured at room and low temperatures. Influences of different components, in particular the organic parts, on the structural and optical properties of the 2DOIP semiconductors are discussed.
Photochemical Transformations of Tetrazole Derivatives: Applications in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Frija Luís Miguel Teodoro , Ismael Amin , Cristiano Maria Lurdes Santos
Published: May 2010

Tetrazoles remain a challenge to photochemists. Photolysis leads to cleavage of the tetrazolyl ring, may involve various photodegradation pathways and may produce a diversity of photoproducts, depending on the structure and conformational flexibility of the substituents and the possibility of tautomerism. If the photochemistry of tetrazoles is considered within the frame of synthetic applications the subject is even more challenging, since the ultimate goal is to achieve selectivity and high yield. In addition, the photoproducts must remain stable and allow isolation or trapping, in order to be used in other reactions. This review summarises the photochemical transformations of tetrazole derivatives that can be used as effective synthetic routes to other compounds.
NSAIDs: Old Drugs Reveal New Anticancer Targets
Authors: Piazza Gary A. , Keeton Adam B. , Tinsley Heather N. , Whitt Jason D. , Gary Bernard D. , Mathew Bini , Singh Raj , Grizzle William E. , Reynolds Robert C.
Published: May 2010

There is compelling evidence that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors have antineoplastic activity, but toxicity from cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition and the suppression of physiologically important prostaglandins limits their use for cancer chemoprevention. Previous studies as reviewed here suggest that the mechanism for their anticancer properties does not require COX inhibition, but instead involves an off-target effect. In support of this possibility, recent molecular modeling studies have shown that the NSAID sulindac can be chemically modified to selectively design out its COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activity. Unexpectedly, certain derivatives that were synthesized based on in silico modeling displayed increased potency to inhibit tumor cell growth. Other experiments have shown that sulindac can inhibit phosphodiesterase to increase intracellular cyclic GMP levels and that this activity is closely associated with its ability to selectively induce apoptosis of tumor cells. Together, these studies suggest that COX-independent mechanisms can be targeted to develop safer and more efficacious drugs for cancer chemoprevention.
Effect of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Bone Healing
Authors: Cottrell Jessica , O’Connor J. Patrick
Published: May 2010

Nonspecific and COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) function by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase isoenzymes and effectively reduce pain and inflammation attributed to acute or chronic musculoskeletal pathologies. However, use of NSAIDs as an analgesic is thought to negatively contribute to bone healing. This review strived to provide a thorough unbiased analysis of the current research conducted on animals and humans regarding NSAIDs and their effect on bone healing. Specifically, this review discusses the role of animal models, dosing regiments, and outcome parameters when examining discrepancies about NSAIDS and their effects on bone regeneration. The role of COX-2 in bone regeneration needs to be better defined in order to further elucidate the impact of NSAIDs on bone healing.
A Highly Sensitive Enzyme-Amplified Immunosensor Based on a Nanoporous Niobium Oxide (Nb2O5) Electrode
Authors: Lee Chang-Soo , Kwon Dohyoung , Yoo Jeng Eun , Lee Byung Gun , Choi Jinsub , Chung Bong Hyun
Published: May 2010

We report on the development of an enzyme-amplified sandwich-type immunosensor based on a thin gold film sputtered on an anodic nanoporous niobium oxide (Au@Nb2O5) electrode. The electrocatalytic activity of enzymatically amplified electroactive species and a stable electrode consisting of Au@Nb2O5 were used to obtain a powerful signal amplification of the electrochemical immunobiosensor. The method using this electrochemical biosensor based on an Au@Nb2O5 electrode provides a much better performance than those based on conventional bulk gold or niobium oxide electrodes. Our novel approach does not require any time-consuming cleaning steps to yield reproducible electrochemical signals. In addition, the strong adhesion of gold films on the niobium oxide electrodes offers a very stable substrate during electrochemical biosensing. Cyclic voltammetry measurements indicate that non-specific binding of proteins to the modified Au@Nb2O5 surface is sufficiently low to be ignored in the case of our novel system. Finally, we demonstrated the ability of the biosensor based on an Au@Nb2O5 offering the enhanced performance with a high resolution and sensitivity. Therefore, it is expected that the biosensor based on an Au@Nb2O5 has great potential for highly efficient biological devices.
Location Estimation in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Spring-Relaxation Technique
Authors: Zhang Qing , Foh Chuan Heng , Seet Boon-Chong , Fong A. C. M.
Published: May 2010

Accurate and low-cost autonomous self-localization is a critical requirement of various applications of a large-scale distributed wireless sensor network (WSN). Due to its massive deployment of sensors, explicit measurements based on specialized localization hardware such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) is not practical. In this paper, we propose a low-cost WSN localization solution. Our design uses received signal strength indicators for ranging, light weight distributed algorithms based on the spring-relaxation technique for location computation, and the cooperative approach to achieve certain location estimation accuracy with a low number of nodes with known locations. We provide analysis to show the suitability of the spring-relaxation technique for WSN localization with cooperative approach, and perform simulation experiments to illustrate its accuracy in localization.
Comparative Study of Various Immune Parameters in Three Bivalve Species during a Natural Bloom of Dinophysis acuminata in Santa Catarina Island, Brazil
Authors: Mello Danielle Ferraz , Proença Luis Antonio de Oliveira , Barracco Margherita Anna
Published: May 2010

This study aimed to verify if Dinophysis acuminata natural blooms affected the immune system of three bivalves: the oyster, Crassostrea gigas, the mussel, Perna perna, and the clam, Anomalocardia brasiliana. Animals were obtained from a renowned mariculture farm in the southern bay of Santa Catarina Island during, and 30 days after (controls), an algal bloom. Various immunological parameters were assessed in the hemolymph of the animals: total and differential hemocyte counts, percentage of apoptotic hemocytes, protein concentration, hemagglutinating titer and phenoloxidase activity. The results showed that the mussel was the most affected species, with several altered immune parameters, whereas the immunological profile of clams and oysters was partially and completely unaffected, respectively.
Ventajas del reforzamiento de muros de bloques de tierra compactados (BTC), como opción para el rescate de viviendas rurales
Authors: Juárez L. A. , Caballero T. , Morales V.
Published: May 2010

Se realizó una investigación experimental en pilas de bloques de tierra compactados (BTC) reforzadas con malla hexagonal y malla electrosoldada para determinar la influencia del refuerzo, mediante ensayes de compresión axial, compresión diagonal y flexión lateral, según lo especifican las Normas Técnicas Complementarias para Mampostería (NTCM(1) y UNAM(2)) del DF, en México. En el ensayo a compresión axial, se determinó que la carga máxima admisible se incrementó significativamente en el grupo reforzado con malla electrosoldada (39%), no así la resistencia (4%). En el ensaye a compresión diagonal, el incremento en la carga máxima admisible y resistencia fue significativo para los dos grupos reforzados, de 90 a 125% y de 60 a 83% respectivamente. A flexión lateral los incrementos fueron altamente significativos para el grupo reforzado con malla electrosoldada. Aunque se determinaron los parámetros de diseño a compresión, cortante y flexión del BTC, es importante realizar mas ensayes para corroborar estos resultados.
Reproductive pattern of an exploited dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe 1834) (Pisces: Serranidae) population in the western Mediterranean
Authors: Reñones Olga , Grau Amalia , Mas Xavier , Riera Francesc , Saborido-Rey Fran
Published: May 2010

The reproductive parameters of the dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus, in the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean) were studied with a histological analysis of specimens caught by artisanal and recreational spear fisheries. The histological examination of the gonads showed that the dusky grouper spawning season extends from late spring to the end of summer with clear spawning peaks in July and August. The monthly variation of the hepatosomatic index (HSI) and the Le Cren condition index suggests that reserves for gonad development were obtained from the energy stored in the liver before spawning. Females reach maturation at 49 cm total length (TL) and 6 years, and transitional individuals start to occur before all females are matured. Males were the largest and oldest specimens but females were also present in the largest and oldest classes and there was a large sex, size and age overlap in the population. The fecundity data showed that the dusky grouper is a determinate spawner with asynchronous oocyte development. Potential fecundity ranged between 65 thousand and 8 million oocytes in females from 39 to 92 cm TL and from 6 to 42 years of age, with a mean relative fecundity of 334 x 103 oocytes kg-1. Females spawn an average of 10 batches during the spawning season, with a relative batch fecundity of 75 x 103 oocytes kg-1. Fecundity increased significantly with length, weight, age and HSI, while relative fecundity was only related to HSI. Based on the results obtained in the present study (long reproductive lifespan of females, influence of maternal attributes on fecundity and size at maturity) management measures for the species were evaluated.
Web-Based Education Accountability System and Organisational Changes
Authors: Ma Xueguang , Rada Roy
Published: May 2010

The learning and accountability needs in a teacher education department drove the development of a novel, web-based Education Accountability System (EAS). To fit the EAS with the organization, Actor-Network Theory (ANT) was used to guide the social and technological development. In the course of fitting the technology to the educational setting, a novel multi-dimensional perspective to ANT was formalized. Four dimensions of organizational culture, politics, process, and profession were used. Participant observation, field notes, and interviews were used to reveal how standard teacher education practices were created and recreated. Detailed translations occurring at multiple levels provided insight into the technical agency of the EAS and showed technology shaped the emergence of a socio-technical solution for a teacher education program.
Web-Based Interface Elements in Team Interaction and Learning
Authors: Chang Klarissa Ting-Ting , Lim John , Zhong Yingqin
Published: May 2010

As an important avenue of the learning community, the web has enabled interaction among learners and facilitated learning processes. This paper posits that a well-designed user interface will capably address limitations of web-based learning, and enhance team interactions and learning outcomes. It reports on an experiment that investigated the effect of interface elements on a set of interaction processes, attitudes, and learning outcomes. Availability of interface elements to engage and evaluate learning was found to promote participation, trust, and cooperation among learners. These process variables, as intervened by attitudinal factors, had significant impacts on outcome variables. Our findings provide support to a theoretical model that causally links four sets of variables: input (interface elements), processes, attitudes, and learning outcomes. The paper expounds on the implications of the findings, which have significant importance with respect to the emerging issues in web-based learning.
Use of Information Technology Investment Management to Manage State Government Information Technology Investments
Authors: Van Over David
Published: May 2010

The expenditures of funds on IT has continued to expand and a significant proportion of the expenditures are hidden, unaccounted for, or never evaluated in terms of the business value derived from the expenditure. This chapter focuses on the methods and means of creating a linkage between business requirements and the IT investments that can address those requirements. An ITIM framework is proposed, which addresses three key elements of ITIM: what decisions are to be made, who should make the decisions, and how decisions are to be made and monitored. ITIM is a management process that provides for the identification (pre selection), selection, control, and evaluation of business driven IT investments across the investment lifecycle. ITIM uses structured processes to minimize risks and maximize return on investments. Additionally, a high-level ITIM implementation plan is discussed.
IT Portfolio Management
Authors: Ho Luke , Atkins Anthony S.
Published: May 2010

This chapter provides an introduction to the advent of Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO) and its impact on portfolio management in modern day decision-making. Specifically, it outlines the use of the Application Portfolio Matrix (APM) by companies in formulating their strategic IT direction and why such techniques may be unsuitable for outsourcing decisions, which are inherently complex and multi-faceted in nature. Consequently, there is a need for alternative decision support tools to enable companies to determine how to “best-source” various aspects of their business. This chapter subsequently presents an analysis of ten outsourcing decision-making frameworks, identified from the literature, highlighting their commonalities, strengths, deficiencies and the potential misalignment between the theory and practice of outsourcing as determined by focus group discussions. This chapter gives a background introduction to the practitioner-driven Holistic Approach {Business, Information, Organizational} (HABIO) Framework, which adopts a holistic approach to outsourcing that examines underlying issues from the business, information (i.e. technical) and organizational perspectives. The framework adopts a “card/deck” analogy in its design, allowing for the flexibility and scalability required to accommodate the intricacies of heterogeneous outsourcing decisions in varying industry and context. The chapter outlines its application to two case studies, involving multi-million contracts from the finance and retail sectors, which is of particular interest to academics seeking accounts of current practices and practitioners seeking a systematic guide to ITO portfolio management.
A Scenarios-Based Methodology for IT Portfolio Planning
Authors: Loh Stanley , Saldaña Ramiro , Becker Leo Faller
Published: May 2010

One of the main topics in IT Portfolio Management, according to IT Governance models, is to plan and control information systems that are aligned with the company mission and objectives. The goal of the IT Portfolio Planning is to define which information systems are necessary and with which priority. In general, planning methodologies trace directions from a present point to a future and desired target. However, in many cases, companies can not control situations; events may occur that can not be avoided. A scenarios-based planning methodology can help managers to identify future events, their probability and consequences. A scenario represents a future situation that can not be controlled nor can be avoided. However, the study of future scenarios can help managers to plan reactions, so that company can create mechanisms for avoiding problems or for minimizing bad consequences. The goal of this chapter is to present an adaptation of the scenario-based methodology for IT and Information Systems Planning. The chapter will describe in details each step of the proposed methodology and discuss a study case. Steps include the identification of different scenarios and their corresponding antecedent events, the determination of probabilities and consequences of the events, how to calculate risks and how to plan Information Systems and IT resources to manage each scenario.
Strategic IT Portfolio Management for Development of Innovative Competences
Authors: Petrovic Dejan , Mihic Marko , Stošic Biljana
Published: May 2010

This chapter presents the concept of strategic information technology portfolio management for development of innovation competences in a project-oriented company. It is a specific type of portfolio management, called project portfolio management. The chapter begins with a strategic basis of projectoriented company, links it to the modern portfolio theory and then expands it into the IT project portfolio management (IT PPM). The role of the IT PPM is to ensure that the group of IT projects supports the achievement of the goals of the corporate strategy. The chapter takes into consideration the key aspects of IT - innovation relationship, and introduces the organizational support to the IT PPM – the Portfolio Management Office. An established PMO that is actively supported at the executive level can help solve problems with project auditing and initiative approval.
Challenges in Implementing Information Technology Plan
Authors: Abu-Taieh Evon M. O. , El Sheikh Asim A. , Abu-Tayeh Jeihan M.
Published: May 2010

The chapter will present the challenges in implementing information technology plan pertaining to two dimensions: literature and practical. The chapter will also suggest ways to rectify and deflect the negative impact of the challenges. In addition, the chapter will show some of the challenges’ manifestations shown in some case studies.
Examining the Approach Used for Information Technology Investment Decisions by Practitioners Responsible for IT Planning in Namibia
Authors: Naidoo Karna
Published: May 2010

Despite the technological progress made by organisations in Namibia, the impact of IT has not been studied. The existing definition of IT is not comprehensive enough to include all relevant IT expenditures. No return calculations are made, though managers are showing growing concern at the increasing IT costs. The purpose of this article is to determine what organisations in Namibia use as basis for investing in IT. In interviews with six organisations in Namibia, it was determined how they define and manage their investment in IT. Some conclusions can be drawn, the first being that organisations need to look at their definition of IT to include all aspects of IT like communication systems, maintenance, etc. the second implication is that somebody must be appointed to take responsibility for managing the IT investment.
Emerging Approaches to Evaluating the Usability of Health Information Systems
Authors: Kushniruk Andre W. , Borycki Elizabeth M. , Kuwata Shige , Ho Francis
Published: May 2010

It is essential that health information systems are easy to use, meet user information needs and are shown to be safe. However, there are currently a wide range of issues and problems with health information systems related to human-computer interaction. Indeed, the lack of ease of use of health information systems has been a major impediment to adoption of such systems. To address these issues, the authors have applied methods emerging from the field of usability engineering in order to improve the adoption of a wide range of health information systems in collaboration with hospitals and other healthcare organizations throughout the world. In this chapter we describe our work in conducting usability analyses that can be used to rapidly evaluate the usability and safety of healthcare information systems, both in artificial laboratory and real clinical settings. We then discuss how this work has evolved towards the development of software systems (“virtual usability laboratories”) capable of remotely collecting, integrating and supporting analysis of a range of usability data.