bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inverse Dynamics Analysis of the Pelvic Limbs in Labrador Retrievers With and Without Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
Authors: Ragetly Chantal A. , Griffon Dominique J. , Mostafa Ayman A. , Thomas Jason E. , Hsiao‐Wecksler Elizabeth T.
Published: March 2010

Objectives:To quantify net joint moments, joint powers, and joint reaction forces (JRF) across the hock, stifle, and hip joints in Labrador Retrievers with and without cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease. To investigate differences in joint mechanics between normal, CCL deficient, and contralateral pelvic limbs.

Study Design:Cross‐sectional clinical study.

Animals:Clinically normal (n=14) and CCL‐deficient (n=9) Labrador Retrievers.

Methods:Each limb was analyzed separately and classified as normal, CCL‐deficient or sound contralateral limb. Kinematic, ground reaction force (GRF), and morphometric data were combined in an inverse dynamic approach to compute hock, stifle and hip net moments, powers and JRF, while trotting.

Results:Vertical and braking GRF and JRF were significantly decreased in CCL‐deficient limbs. In affected limbs, extensor moments at the hock and hip, flexor moment at the stifle and power in all 3 joints were less than normal. Kinetics also identified a greater joint moment and power of the contralateral limbs compared with normal, particularly of the stifle extensor muscles group.

Conclusion:Lameness resulting from CCL disease affected predominantly reaction forces during the braking phase and the extension during push‐off. A greater contribution of the contralateral limbs to propel the dog forward was identified.

Clinical Relevance:Reductions in joint motion, loads, and muscle contraction were interpreted as modifications adopted to reduce or avoid painful mobilization of the injured stifle joint. The increased joint moment and power of the contralateral compensating side may correlate with the lameness observed, but also with the predisposition of contralateral limbs to CCL deficiency in dogs.
A case‐control study of factors associated with resolution of hepatitis C viremia in former blood donors (CME)
Authors: Tobler Leslie H. , Bahrami Shrein H. , Kaidarova Zhanna , Pitina Lubov , Winkelman Valarie K. , Vanderpool Sandra K. , Guiltinan Anne M. , Cooper Stewart , Busch Michael P. , Murphy Edward L.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Nucleic acid testing (NAT) is performed on blood collected in the United States allowing for the classification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody–positive donors into resolved and chronic hepatitis C infections. We report a case‐control study of factors associated with HCV resolution.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood donors with resolved (HCV antibody positive, RNA negative defined as “cases”) or chronic (HCV antibody positive, RNA positive defined as “controls”) based on their index donation HCV test results were enrolled. Participants completed a risk factor, symptoms, and treatment questionnaire followed by HCV antibody, HCV RNA, and liver biochemical testing.

RESULTS: We enrolled 100 cases and 202 controls. In a multivariate logistic regression model, significant independent effects for spontaneous viral clearance were observed for African American (inverse; odds ratio [OR], 0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01‐0.87), autologous blood donation (OR, 4.70; 95% CI, 2.02‐10.94), alcohol intake (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.13‐5.03), and transfusion before May 1990 (inverse; OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14‐0.91). Cases admitting injection drug use had shorter time since first injection than did controls. Forty‐nine index RNA positive controls received antiviral therapy and 25 (51%) were RNA negative at enrollment; surprisingly several RNA‐negative cases received liver biopsies and/or antiviral treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: We document the role donor screening plays in the identification, subsequent medical evaluation, and treatment among individuals who presumably did not know that they were at risk for HCV infection. Additionally, we confirmed race/ethnicity as a determinant of clearance and suggest infectious dose and route of infection may play a role in clearance.
Transfusion premedication to prevent acute transfusion reactions: a retrospective observational study to assess current practices
Authors: Fry Jessica L. , Arnold Donald M. , Clase Catherine M. , Crowther Mark A. , Holbrook Anne M. , Traore Aicha N. , Warkentin Theodore E. , Heddle Nancy M.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: The use of premedication to prevent acute transfusion reactions has been estimated to occur in 50% to 80% of transfusions. While this practice has some biologic rationale, few clinical studies have been performed to assess the efficacy of this practice, and the methodologic quality of these studies is variable. The primary objective of this study was to describe current practices regarding transfusion premedication to prevent febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions, mild allergic transfusion reactions, and transfusion‐associated circulatory overload.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted an observational retrospective chart review of a stratified random sample of 324 transfusions that took place over a 6‐month period. Data were abstracted from medical records and then scanned into a database for analysis. We calculated inter‐ and intraobserver agreement on key abstracted data to estimate assessment error. A two‐phase adjudication process was used to determine whether or not medications given before the time of each transfusion were intended as premedications.

RESULTS: Of the transfusions sampled, 1.6% (95% confidence interval, 0.4‐3.9) were associated with premedication medications to prevent an acute transfusion reaction. Inter‐ and intraobserver reliability in the abstraction of key data points was good. Good agreement in adjudicator classification of outcomes was achieved only when adjudicators were provided with patient source documents.

CONCLUSIONS: Premedication use was infrequent and much less common than previously reported. Improved methods of capturing transfusion premedication, which likely require prospective assessments, are needed for future research studies.
Determinants of Exercise‐Induced Increase of Mitral Regurgitation in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Pecini Redi , Hammer‐Hansen Sophia , Dalsgaard Morten , Gøtze Jens Peter , Hassager Christian , Køber Lars
Published: March 2010

Background: Mechanisms behind exercise‐induced increase of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease have been described earlier. We describe the determinants of exercise‐induced changes in MR in patients with non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTACS). Methods: Forty‐five consecutive patients (mean ± SD age 64 ± 10 years, 37 men) with NSTACS underwent exercise echocardiography on a supine bicycle the day before angiography. The exercise was started with a load of 10 W with increments of 10 W every minute until symptoms developed or a max load of 100 W. Effective regurgitation orifice (ERO) was measured at rest and at peak exercise. Results: Twelve patients had more than trace MR at rest with ERO 8 ± 5 (mean ± SD), range: 3–18 mm2. In these patients, ERO increased during exercise to 13 ± 6 (mean ± SD), range: 6–23 mm2 corresponding to an increase of 70% from rest (P = 0.001). Seven other patients developed new MR during exercise with ERO at peak exercise of 8 ± 4 mm2 (mean ± SD), range: 4–14 mm2. All these patients had significant increase in wall motion score index (WMSI) of 0.14 ± 0.18 (mean ± SD), P = 0.006, while in the 25 patients without MR at rest or during exercise, WMSI remained unchanged, −0.02 ± 0.08 (mean ± SD), P = 0.2. Conclusion: Exercise‐induced increases of MR in patients with NSTACS are related to worsening of regional wall motions. (Echocardiography 2010;27:567‐574)
Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve in the Absence Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Role of Mitral Leaflet Elongation and Papillary Muscle Displacement
Authors: Izgi Cemil , Akgun Taylan , Men Ebubekir Emre , Feray Hasan
Published: March 2010

We report a 15‐year‐old patient who presented with exercise dyspnea and limitation of physical activity. Echocardiography revealed significant left ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve. The wall thickness of the left ventricle was within normal limits. Elongation of the mitral leaflets and anterior displacement of the posteromedial papillary muscle were apparent in the echocardiographic examination. These two factors have been previously demonstrated to play a central role in the occurrence of SAM in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The present case validates that such intrinsic abnormalities of the mitral valve can cause significant SAM even in the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E36‐E38)
Multiferroic Properties of Nanocrystalline PbTiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Wang Min , Tan Guo‐Long , Zhang Qingjie
Published: March 2010

Nanocrystalline PbTiO3 (PTO) powders in a perovskite structure have been synthesized by the sol–gel process using lead acetate, glycerin, and titanium (IV) isopropoxide as precursors. PTO ceramics were obtained by sintering the powders at temperatures ranging from 600° to 1000°C. The structure and morphology of the ceramics have been determined by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The PTO powder calcined at 450°C shows weak ferromagnetism at room temperature. The PTO ceramics sintered at various temperatures exhibit coexistence of ferroelectricity and weak ferromagnetism at room temperature. Enhancement in the magnetic moment and ferroelectricity with a reduction in the grain size of PTO ceramics was observed. This result facilitates the possibilities of new perovskite electromagnetic devices at the nanoscale level.
Influence of Crystallization on the Luminescence Characteristics of Pr3+ Ions in PbO–Sb2O3–B2O3 Glass System
Authors: Satyanarayana Tallam , Brik Michail G. , Venkatramaiah Nutalapati , Kityk Iwan V. , Plucinski Kazimierz J. , Ravikumar Vandana , Veeraiah Nalluri
Published: March 2010

PbO–Sb2O3–B2O3 glasses mixed with different concentrations of Pr2O3 (ranging from 0 to 0.6 mol%) were crystallized. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The XRD studies have revealed the presence of Pb5Sb2O8, Pb3(SbO4)2, PbB4O7, β‐PrSbO4, Pr3SbO7, and Pr3Sb5O12 crystalline phases. Optical absorption (in the visible and NIR regions) and fluorescence spectra of these samples have been recorded at room temperature. The Judd–Ofelt theory could successfully be applied to characterize the absorption and luminescence spectra of Pr3+ ions in these samples. From the luminescence spectra, various radiative properties like transition probability A, branching ratio βr, and the radiative lifetime τr for various emission levels originating from the 3P0 level of Pr3+ ion in the glasses glass ceramic samples have been evaluated. The radiative lifetime of the 3P0→3H6 transition is measured and the quantum efficiency has been estimated. The crystallization causes to improve the luminescence efficiency to a large extent. The changes observed in the radiative properties due to crystallization have been discussed in the light of varying co‐ordinations of antimony ions in the glass network.
Monolithic Glass Scaffolds with Dual Porosity Prepared by Polymer‐Induced Phase Separation and Sol–Gel
Authors: Vueva Yuliya , Gama Ana , Teixeira Alexandra V. , Almeida Rui M. , Wang Shaojie , Falk Matthias M. , Jain Himanshu
Published: March 2010

Sol–gel‐derived SiO2–CaO–P2O5 porous glass monoliths with a dual hierarchical pore structure including both macropores of ∼20–200 micrometers and mesopores ∼5–20 nanometers in size are prepared in the presence of the drying control chemical additive formamide, for a possible application as scaffolds in bone tissue regeneration. While the mesopores are intrinsic to the sol–gel processing, the interconnected macropores are achieved through a polymer‐induced phase separation together with the sol–gel transition, by adding a water‐soluble polymer, poly(ethylene oxide), to the precursor sol. The textural nanopore structure is controlled through solvent exchange procedures and the addition of urea. The overall pore size distribution obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry was found to shift to larger pore sizes when formamide is added. In vitro tests are used to evaluate the bioactivity. The cell‐support function of the resultant scaffolds is also assessed in vitro using osteoblast‐like cells cultured for 2 days. The results show that the scaffold has a significant bioactivity and a good ability to support the attachment of MC3T3 preosteoblast cells.
Synthesis and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Novel Temperature Stable High Q, Li2ATi3O8 (A=Mg, Zn) Ceramics
Authors: George Sumesh , Sebastian Mailadil Thomas
Published: March 2010

Li2ATi3O8 (A=Mg, Zn) ceramics are prepared by the conventional solid‐state ceramic route, and the phase purity, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties are investigated. Li2MgTi3O8 ceramics show ɛr=27.20, Qu×f=42 000 GHz, and τf=(+) 3.2 ppm/°C, and Li2ZnTi3O8 ceramics have ɛr=25.6, Qu×f=72 000 GHz, and τf=(−) 11.2 ppm/°C, respectively, when sintered at 1075°C/4 h.
Rapid, Low‐Temperature Synthesis of β‐SiC Nanowires from Si and Graphite
Authors: Zhu Hui‐Ling , Han Fu‐Dong , Lun Ning , Qi Yong‐Xin , Bai Yu‐Jun , Bi Jian‐Qiang , Meng Xiang‐Lin , Zhang Bo , Wang Yun , Liu Jiu‐Rong , Fan Run‐Hua
Published: March 2010

β‐SiC nanowires were synthesized at a temperature as low as 150°C by the reaction of Si and graphite induced by an additional reaction between Na and S. Characterization by X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, IR spectra, and Raman spectra demonstrates the formation of curly β‐SiC nanowires with several millimeters in length and 50–70 nm in diameter. Also, a prominent peak at 387 nm is observed in the visible photoluminescence emission. Besides the temperature, the molar ratio of S to Si (or graphite) has significant influence on the synthesis of SiC at relatively low temperatures.
Child Sexual Abuse: Seven Years in Practice
Authors: Bahali Kayhan , Akçan Ramazan , Tahiroglu Aysegul Y. , Avci Ayse
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to determine the socio‐demographic characteristics of sexually abused children. The records of 101 cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) were retrospectively evaluated. Socio‐demographic characteristics of the victims, type of sexual abuse, and psychiatric diagnosis were studied. Of the victims, 56.4% (n = 57) were female and 43.6% (n = 44) were male. The mean age was 9.57 ± 3.5, with a range of 4–17 years. Ninety‐three (92.1%) of the victims had been admitted as part of the legal process. The majority (66.3%) of the victims had been abused by an acquaintance, while 33.7% had been abused by a stranger. Anal or vaginal penetration was reported in 48.5% of the cases. Post‐traumatic stress disorder was the most common (54.5%) psychiatric diagnosis established after sexual abuse. Descriptive data related to the abused children and an understanding of the consequences of CSA will help authorities in planning prevention.
The Role of Postmortem Cardiac Markers in the Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction*
Authors: Batalis Nick I. , Marcus Bradley J. , Papadea Christine N. , Collins Kim A.
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Sudden cardiac deaths because of acute myocardial infarction (MI) constitute a significant percentage of the caseload for death investigators, coroners, and forensic pathologists. Clinicians use cardiac markers, highly sensitive and specific for myocardial damage, to screen living patients for acute MI; however, to this point, the utility of these markers in the autopsy setting has not been fully established. The current study included 10 decedents, five who died of acute MI, and five subjects who died of noncardiac disease. Samples of pericardial fluid and blood from multiple sites were tested for creatine kinase, creatinine kinase MB, and troponin‐I. Three main conclusions were drawn: the levels of cardiac markers from all patients are significantly higher than the reference range for living patients, there are significant differences in cardiac marker levels between samples from different anatomic locations, and only three cardiac marker/anatomic site combinations were significantly different between the control and study groups.
Flapless implant surgery in the edentulous jaw based on three fixed intraoral reference points and image‐guided surgical templates: accuracy in human cadavers
Authors: Widmann Gerlig , Zangerl Antoniette , Keiler Martin , Stoffner Rudolf , Bale Reto , Puelacher Wolfgang
Published: March 2010

Objectives: In edentulous patients, accurate and stable positioning of a surgical template is impeded by the mobile mucosal tissue. The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of flapless computer‐assisted template‐guided surgery in an edentulous human cadaver specimen using three fixed oral reference points (FRP) for fixation of the registration mouthpiece and the consecutive surgical template.

Material and methods: Oral implants were planned on the computed tomography (CT) of an edentulous human cadaver specimen. Surgical templates have been fabricated using a multipurpose navigation system. Both the registration mouthpiece and consecutive surgical template were supported via three FRP. Study implants were inserted through the guide sleeves and the accuracy was evaluated on a post‐surgical CT of the cadaver jaws fused with the pre‐surgical planning CT. A Matlab script enabled comparison of the planned surgical path with the study implants.

Results: In five maxillary and three mandibular edentulous human cadaver specimens, a total of 51 implants (35 implants in the maxilla and 16 implants in the mandible) have been placed. The mean±standard deviation total error (Euclidean distance)/lateral error (normal deviation) were 1.1±0.6/0.7±0.5 mm at the implant base and 1.2±0.7/0.9±0.7 mm at the implant tip. The mean angular error was 2.8±2.2°.

Conclusions: Flapless surgery based on FRP‐supported image‐guided surgical templates may provide similar accuracy as reported for tooth‐supported surgical templates or surgical navigation.

To cite this article:
 Widmann G, Zangerl A, Keiler M, Stoffner R, Bale R, Puelacher W. Flapless implant surgery in the edentulous jaw based on three fixed intraoral reference points and image‐guided surgical templates: accuracy in human cadavers. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 835–841. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01884.x
Associative effects of supplementing rice straw‐based diet with cornstarch on intake, digestion, rumen microbes and growth performance of Huzhou lambs
Authors: ZHANG Xian‐Dong , WANG Jia‐Kun , CHEN Wei‐Jian , LIU Jian‐Xin
Published: March 2010

Thirty‐six male Hu lambs consuming a rice straw‐based diet were used in a 60‐day trial to study the associative effects of cornstarch supplementation on intake, digestion, ruminal microbial population and growth performance. All animals were fed rice straw ad libitum together with 160 g/day of rapeseed meal and supplemented with cornstarch at levels of 0 (control), 60, 120 or 180 g/day, respectively. Increment of supplementary cornstarch showed little influence on rice straw intake. Optimal growth performance and highest apparent digestibility of organic matter was achieved in the 120 g/day cornstarch group (P < 0.05), while the digestibilities of neutral detergent fiber and crude protein were significantly decreased by 180 g/day cornstarch (P < 0.05). Similar results were observed for carboxymethyl cellulose activity and relative populations of cellulolytic bacteria (Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogene). Blood urea nitrogen was reduced by supplementary cornstarch, indicating enhanced protein utilization efficiency. Carcass traits were all significantly improved by supplementary cornstarch. These results suggested that proper amounts of starch supplementation (within 0.5% BW) has little adverse effect on forage utilization, but could effectively improve growth performance. High levels of cornstarch, however, would decrease cellulase activity and populations of cellulolytic bacteria, and hence the digestibility of forage.
Feeding of different levels of metabolite combinations produced byLactobacillus plantarumon growth performance, fecal microflora, volatile fatty acids and villi height in broilers
Authors: LOH Teck C. , THANH Nguyen T. , FOO Hooi L. , HAIR‐BEJO Mohd , AZHAR Bin K.
Published: March 2010

The effects of feeding different dosages of metabolite combination ofL. plantarumRS5, RI11, RG14 and RG11 strains (Com3456) on the performance of broiler chickens was studied. A total of 504 male Ross broilers were grouped into 7 treatments and offered different diets: (i) standard corn‐soybean based diet (negative control); (ii) standard corn‐soybean based diet +100 ppm neomycin and oxytetracycline (positive control); (iii) standard corn‐soybean based diet + 0.1% metabolite combination ofL. plantarumRS5, RI11, RG14 and RG11 strains (Com3456); (iv) standard corn‐soybean based diet + 0.2% of Com3456; (v) standard corn‐soybean based diet + 0.3% of Com3456 (vi) standard corn‐soybean based diet + 0.4% of Com3456 and (vii) standard corn‐soybean based diet + 0.5% of Com3456. Supplementation of Com3456 with different dosages improved growth performance, reducedEnterobacteriaceaeand increased lactic acid bacteria count, and increased villi height of small intestine and fecal volatile fatty acid concentration. Treatment with 0.4% and 0.2% Com3456 had the best results, especially in terms of growth performance, feed conversion ratio and villi height among other dosages. However, the dosage of 0.2% was recommended due to its lower concentration yielding a similar effect as 0.4% supplementation. These results indicate that 0.2% is an optimum level to be included in the diets of broiler in order to replace antibiotic growth promoters.
SLA typing using the PCR‐SSP method and establishment of the SLA homozygote line in pedigreed SNU miniature pigs
Authors: YEOM Su‐Cheong , PARK Chung‐Gyu , LEE Byeong‐Chun , LEE Wang‐Jae
Published: March 2010

Seoul National University (SNU) miniature pigs represent a closed colony with 24 founder pigs and a well preserved pedigree. Characterization using mRNA sequence analysis was conducted for 6 swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) loci in parental or founder pigs, and 17 defined alleles were detected. Based on these complete coding sequences, 17 sequence specific primers (SSPs) were designed for polymorphic sites. To validate the specificity of each allele SSP, the PCR‐SSP was conducted with defined allele clones as templates. PCR‐SSP was conducted with the hot start polymerase and touch‐down PCR. The parental or found SNU miniature pigs showed overall SLA class I and II heterozygotes. Using the established PCR‐SSP method, we conducted SLA typing for breeding stock including 2 pedigreed pigs and identified the novel SLA class II homozygote haplotye (DRA*0201, DRB1*0403, DQA*0102 and DQB1*0701) and 2 SLA homozygote pig lines: SLA class I Hp‐3.0 and class II Hp‐0.3, and SLA class I Hp‐2.0 and class II Hp‐0.2. We thought that our PCR‐SSP SLA typing method could be applicable for new SLA homozygote line establishment by assignment and scheduled breeding.
The New Cathedral of Oakland, California
Authors: Martin John Hilary
Published: March 2010

After an earthquake destroyed the Cathedral of Oakland, California (pop. 450,000) in 1989, it was decided to erect a new one on a different site. After much planning a new, quite striking building was constructed, but one that was to be the centre of a complex of building hosting other church ministries. The building and plan has been much admired by architects, liturgists and theologians. This short article explores how well this building complex will help parishioners to pray and serve needs of the local church.
Human Reason, the Inclination to Procreation and Education of Offspring, and Society
Authors: O’Reilly Kevin E.
Published: March 2010

St Thomas's hylomorphic anthropology grounds his famous statement of the precepts of the natural law in the Summa Theologiae. When we come to the third precept of the natural law, namely man's inclination to good according to the nature of his reason, we enter into the realm of politics. On account of the incarnate nature of human reason, the other natural human inclinations are also imbued with political significance. Right reason, which is also incarnate reason, tells us that procreation and marriage have an intrinsic mutual ordination to each other. Heterosexual marriage is the unique locus in which children can both be procreated and be given the upbringing and education which is their right. Since society has a special purchase on children in order to ensure its future – and its future well-being – heterosexual marriage ought to enjoy a special legal status and protection. The corollary is that society can only undermine the conditions of its own well-being if it tries to tamper with the meaning of marriage as heretofore understood by granting gay unions the legal rights and duties of heterosexual marriage.
Whose self? Which unification? Augustine's anthropology and the psychology-theology debate
Authors: Hampson Peter J. , Hoff Johannes
Published: March 2010

The aim of this essay is to bring the philosophical theology of St Augustine, and in particular his anthropology, into fuller dialogue with contemporary psychology, and to examine how psychology and theology might benefit from such an engagement. A further aim is to show that intra-psychic accounts of Augustine's Confessions are insufficient on cultural-psychological, philosophical and theological grounds. To the extent that the modern concept of ‘pure nature’ is incompatible with Augustine's philosophical theology, attempts to develop naturalistic intra-individual, psychological accounts of spiritual change will necessarily be limited once the full ‘ecstatic’ orientation of human existence is factored out. The picture of the person that emerges from naturalistic accounts of any mystical theologian may be plausible within the framework of a classical modern, post Cartesian concept of scientific rationality, and potentially useful for some purposes, but it will be over simplified and never wholly sufficient to account for the potentialities of human existence.
The Politics of Biblical Interpretation: A ‘Criticism of Criticism’
Authors: Morrow Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2010

Following Joseph Ratzinger's call for a ‘criticism of criticism’, this article situates the history of modern biblical criticism in its political context within the centuries long church state conflict. Beginning with Medieval Muslim polemical literature, this article traces through history the politically and theologically motivated philological analyses and hostility toward spiritual exegesis which formed the foundation upon which eighteenth and nineteenth century biblical criticism built. Rather than the result of some objective scientific enterprise, the methods modern Bible scholars employed often served state politics as well as other prior commitments.
Drought, drying and climate change: Emerging health issues for ageing Australians in rural areas
Authors: Horton Graeme , Hanna Liz , Kelly Brian
Published: March 2010

Older Australians living in rural areas have long faced significant challenges in maintaining health. Their circumstances are shaped by the occupations, lifestyles, environments and remoteness which characterise the diversity of rural communities. Many rural regions face threats to future sustainability and greater proportions of the aged reside in these areas.

The emerging changes in Australia's climate over the past decade may be considered indicative of future trends, and herald amplification of these familiar challenges for rural communities. Such climate changes are likely to exacerbate existing health risks and compromise community infrastructure in some instances.

This paper discusses climate change‐related health risks facing older people in rural areas, with an emphasis on the impact of heat, drought and drying on rural and remote regions. Adaptive health sector responses are identified to promote mitigation of this substantial emerging need as individuals and their communities experience the projected impact of climate change.
Nursing profession in Iran: An overview of opportunities and challenges
Authors: FARSI Zahra , DEHGHAN‐NAYERI Nahid , NEGARANDEH Reza , BROOMAND Soheila
Published: March 2010

Aim:  Iran's health‐care system has witnessed profound changes in the last decades. Despite its progress, the system has currently faced many challenges in one of the important subsystems, nursing. The present review article aimed to present an overview of the opportunities and challenges of the Iranian nursing system, based on recent literature.

Methods:  A broad search of the English and Persian‐language literature was carried out, incorporating both electronic and manual components from 1999 to 2009. The results of the investigations among the searched literature are summarized.

Results:  The major challenges are nursing shortages, job dissatisfaction, poor social position of nurses, the gap between theory and practice, lack of community‐based nursing care, lack of an appropriate student recruiting system, and shortages in the nursing educational curriculums.

Conclusion:  The authors believe that media, political and public support play a pivotal role in improving the image of nursing in society, increasing motivation among Iranian nurses, and promoting the sociocultural climate and the welfare of nurses, which will result in higher levels of quality of care as well as greater patient satisfaction.
Identification and Cloning of Differentially Expressed Genes Involved in the Interaction Between Potato and Phytophthora infestans using a Subtractive Hybridization and cDNA‐AFLP Combinational Approach
Authors: Henriquez Maria Antonia , Daayf Fouad
Published: March 2010

Using a subtractive hybridization (SH)/cDNA‐AFLP combinational approach, differentially expressed genes involved in the potato‐Phytophthora infestans interaction were identified. These included genes potentially controlling pathogenesis or avr genes in P. infestans as well as those potentially involved in potato resistance or susceptibility to this pathogen. Forty‐one differentially expressed transcript‐derived fragments (TDFs), resulting from the interaction, were cloned and sequenced. Two TDFs, suggested as potential pathogenicity factors, have sequence similarity to N‐succinyl diaminopimelate aminotransferase and a transcriptional regulator, TetR family gene, respectively. Two other TDFs, suggested as potential avr genes, have sequence similarity to an EST sequence from Avr4/Cf‐4/Avr9/Cf‐9 and a P. infestans avirulence‐associated gene, respectively. Genes’ expression and origin were confirmed using Southern blots, Northern blots and qRT‐PCR. I.e., potential resistance gene DL81 was induced at 12 hpi in the moderately resistant cultivar, whereas it was down‐regulated as early as 6 hpi in the susceptible cultivar. On the other hand, DL21 was induced at 6 hpi (3.38‐fold) in response to the highly aggressive isolate (US8) and strongly up‐regulated thereafter (25.13‐fold at 120 hpi.), whereas it was only slightly up‐regulated in response to the weakly aggressive isolate US11 (3.82‐fold at 96 hpi), suggesting its potential involvement as a susceptibility gene.
Hydrogen Sulfide Alleviates Aluminum Toxicity in Germinating Wheat Seedlings
Authors: Zhang Hua , Tan Zhu‐Qin , Hu Lan‐Ying , Wang Song‐Hua , Luo Jian‐Ping , Jones Russell L.
Published: March 2010

Protective role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on seed germination and seedling growth was studied in wheat (Triticum) seeds subjected to aluminum (Al3+) stress. We show that germination and seedling growth of wheat is inhibited by high concentrations of AlCl3. At 30 mmol/L AlCl3 germination is reduced by about 50% and seedling growth is more dramatically inhibited by this treatment. Pre‐incubation of wheat seeds in the H2S donor NaHS alleviates AlCl3‐induced stress in a dose‐dependant manner at an optimal concentration of 0.3 mmol/L. We verified that the role of NaHS in alleviating Al3+ stress could be attributed to H2S/HS− by showing that the level of endogenous H2S increased following NaHS treatment. Furthermore, other sodium salts containing sulfur were ineffective in alleviating Al3+ stress. NaHS pretreatment significantly increased the activities of amylases and esterases and sustained much lower levels of MDA and H2O2 in germinating seeds under Al3+ stress. Moreover, NaHS pretreatment increased the activities of guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase and decreased that of lipoxygenase. NaHS pretreatment also decreased the uptake of Al3+ in AlCl3‐treated seed. Taken together these results suggest that H2S could increase antioxidant capability in wheat seeds leading to the alleviation of Al3+ stress.
Early Intervention With Intravenous or Pulse Oral Vitamin D Therapy Is More Effective in the Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Taniguchi Masatomo , Tokumoto Masanori , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Hirakata Hideki , Iida Mitsuo
Published: March 2010

The K/DOQI clinical practice guidelines recommend vitamin D therapy should be started when the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) exceeds 300 pg/mL in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. To examine whether the effect of vitamin D therapy on mineral metabolism and parathyroid gland growth varies according to the stage of secondary hyperparathyroidism and iPTH level, 47 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism received either intravenous or pulse oral vitamin D therapy. The patients were divided into two groups based on the iPTH level at the start of vitamin D therapy: the P<300 group (N = 23) with iPTH <300 pg/mL; and the P≥300 group (N = 24) with iPTH ≥300 pg/mL. We examined serial changes in several serum mineral parameters and parathyroid gland volume and the cumulative incidence of parathyroidectomy in the first two years. Serum calcium, phosphorus, calcium–phosphorus product, and iPTH levels of the P≥300 group were significantly higher than those of the P<300 group, and could not be maintained within the target ranges set by the K/DOQI guidelines. In contrast, the serum levels of phosphorus, calcium–phosphorus product, and iPTH were maintained within the target ranges and the parathyroid gland did not enlarge in the P<300 group. The cumulative incidence of parathyroidectomy in the P≥300 group was significantly higher than in the P<300 group. Early intervention with intravenous or pulse oral vitamin D therapy at serum iPTH <300 pg/mL can control serum phosphorus, calcium–phosphorus product, and PTH levels to the target ranges and slow the progression of secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Microscopic calculation of the equation of state of nuclear matter and neutron star structure
Authors: Gandolfi S. , Illarionov A. Yu. , Fantoni S. , Miller J. C. , Pederiva F. , Schmidt K. E.
Published: March 2010

We present results for neutron star models constructed with a new equation of state for nuclear matter at zero temperature. The ground state is computed using the auxiliary field diffusion Monte Carlo (AFDMC) technique, with nucleons interacting via a semiphenomenological Hamiltonian including a realistic two-body interaction. The effect of many-body forces is included by means of additional density-dependent terms in the Hamiltonian. In this Letter, we compare the properties of the resulting neutron star models with those obtained using other nuclear Hamiltonians, focusing on the relations between mass and radius, and between the gravitational mass and the baryon number.
Thick gas discs in faint dwarf galaxies
Authors: Roychowdhury Sambit , Chengalur Jayaram N. , Begum Ayesha , Karachentsev Igor D.
Published: March 2010

We determine the intrinsic axial ratio distribution of the gas discs of extremely faint MB < −14.5 dwarf irregular galaxies. We start with the measured (beam corrected) distribution of apparent axial ratios in the Hi 21-cm images of dwarf irregular galaxies observed as part of the Faint Irregular Galaxy GMRT Survey (FIGGS). Assuming that the discs can be approximated as oblate spheroids, the intrinsic axial ratio distribution can be obtained from the observed apparent axial ratio distribution. We use a variety of methods to do this, and our final results are based on using Lucy's deconvolution algorithm. This method is constrained to produce physically plausible distributions, and also has the added advantage of allowing for observational errors to be accounted for. While one might a priori expect that gas discs would be thin (because collisions between gas clouds would cause them to quickly settle down to a thin disc), we find that the Hi discs of faint dwarf irregulars are quite thick, with mean axial ratio 〈q〉∼ 0.6. While this is substantially larger than the typical value of ∼0.2 for the stellar discs of large spiral galaxies, it is consistent with the much larger ratio of velocity dispersion to rotational velocity (σ/vc) in dwarf galaxy Hi discs as compared to that in spiral galaxies. Our findings have implications for studies of the mass distribution and the Tully–Fisher relation for faint dwarf irregular galaxies, where it is often assumed that the gas is in a thin disc.
On the angular momentum transport due to vertical convection in accretion discs
Authors: Lesur Geoffroy , Ogilvie Gordon I.
Published: March 2010

The mechanism of angular momentum transport in accretion discs has long been debated. Although the magnetorotational instability appears to be a promising process, poorly ionized regions of accretion discs may not undergo this instability. In this Letter, we revisit the possibility of transporting angular momentum by turbulent thermal convection. Using high-resolution spectral methods, we show that strongly turbulent convection can drive outward angular momentum transport at a rate that is, under certain conditions, compatible with observations of discs. We find, however, that the angular momentum transport is always much weaker than the vertical heat transport. These results indicate that convection might be another way to explain global disc evolution, provided that a sufficiently unstable vertical temperature profile can be maintained.
The hard state of black hole candidates: XTEJ1752−223
Authors: Muñoz-Darias T. , Motta S. , Pawar D. , Belloni T. M. , Campana S. , Bhattacharya D.
Published: March 2010

We present a 2-day long Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer observation and simultaneous Swift data of the bright X-ray transient XTEJ1752–223. Spectral and timing properties were stable during the observation. The energy spectrum is well described by a broken power law with a high-energy cut-off. A cold disc (∼0.3 keV) is observed when Swift/X-Ray Telescope data are considered. The fractional root mean square amplitude of the aperiodic variability (0.002–128Hz) is 48.2 ± 0.1 per cent, and it is not energy dependent. The continuum of the power density spectrum can be fitted by using four broad-band Lorentzians. A high-frequency (∼21Hz) component and two weak quasi-periodic oscillation-like features are also present. Time lags between soft and hard X-rays roughly follow the relation Δt∝ν−0.7, with delays dropping from ∼0.5 (0.003Hz) to ∼0.0015 (≥10 Hz) s. Our results are consistent with XTEJ1752–223 being a black hole candidate, with all timing and spectral components very similar to those of Cyg X-1 during its canonical hard state.
The SARS algorithm: detrending CoRoT light curves with Sysrem using simultaneous external parameters
Authors: Ofir Aviv , Alonso Roi , Bonomo Aldo Stefano , Carone Ludmila , Carpano Stefania , Samuel Benjamin , Weingrill Jörg , Aigrain Suzanne , Auvergne Michel , Baglin Annie , Barge Pierre , Borde Pascal , Bouchy Francois , Deeg Hans J. , Deleuil Magali , Dvorak Rudolf , Erikson Anders , Mello Sylvio Ferraz , Fridlund Malcolm , Gillon Michel , Guillot Tristan , Hatzes Artie , Jorda Laurent , Lammer Helmut , Leger Alain , Llebaria Antoine , Moutou Claire , Ollivier Marc , Päetzold Martin , Queloz Didier , Rauer Heike , Rouan Daniel , Schneider Jean , Wuchterl Guenther
Published: March 2010

Surveys for exoplanetary transits are usually limited not by photon noise but rather by the amount of red noise in their data. In particular, although the CoRoT space-based survey data are being carefully scrutinized, significant new sources of systematic noises are still being discovered. Recently, a magnitude-dependant systematic effect was discovered in the CoRoT data by Mazeh et al. and a phenomenological correction was proposed. Here we tie the observed effect to a particular type of effect, and in the process generalize the popular Sysrem algorithm to include external parameters in a simultaneous solution with the unknown effects. We show that a post-processing scheme based on this algorithm performs well and indeed allows for the detection of new transit-like signals that were not previously detected.
MOISTURE ADSORPTION ISOTHERMS OF FREEZE‐DRIED AND AIR‐DRIED MEXICAN RED SAUCE
Authors: ESCOBEDO‐AVELLANEDA ZAMANTHA , PÉREZ‐PÉREZ MARÍA CRISTINA , BÁRCENAS‐POZOS MARÍA EUGENIA , WELTI‐CHANES JORGE
Published: March 2010

Water adsorption isotherms of Mexican red sauce, dehydrated by freeze‐drying and air‐drying, were obtained at 25, 35 and 45C and water activity (aw) ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 using a gravimetric static method. Experimental data were fitted with the Brunover, Emmett, and Teller (BET), Guggenheim, Anderson, and Boer (GAB), Peleg, Halsey, Henderson, Khun and Oswin models. The obtained isotherms belong to type II, according to BET classification. Adsorption capacity was affected by temperature only at aw below to 0.50 and both products were more hygroscopic to lower temperature. The used drying method affected the moisture adsorbed by the sauce in all the range of aw. Adsorption data were best fitted with the Peleg model. GAB and BET monolayer moisture content varied from approximately 0.11 to 0.19 g water/g ds. The net isosteric heat of adsorption increased with decreasing moisture content and was found to be dependent of the drying method used, being between 0 and 45 kJ/mol.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The study and understanding of moisture adsorption isotherms of dried products is of fundamental importance to preserve the quality of food systems. Dried products can gain moisture from the surrounding environment, affecting their stability, sensorial and physicochemical characteristics and decreasing product quality. Knowledge of water adsorption isotherms and isosteric heat of adsorption are of great importance in the design of food preservation process based in moisture control. Adsorption properties of Mexican red sauce could be utilized to select the best storage and package conditions and to evaluate and to optimize energy requirements during the drying process of the product.
A geospatial approach to assessing microbiological water quality risks associated with irrigation abstraction
Authors: Knox J. W. , Tyrrel S. F. , Daccache A. , Weatherhead E. K.
Published: March 2010

All crops that are eaten raw can present a microbiological risk to consumers. Disease outbreaks in the United Kingdom and United States have illustrated that ready‐to‐eat crops can be a vehicle for the transmission of gastrointestinal disease. Irrigation water has been implicated as a possible source of microbiological contaminants. Over two‐thirds of irrigation water applied to UK salad crops is abstracted from rivers and streams. Many of these are subject to a continuous input of faecal contamination from sewage treatment works as well as intermittent inputs from livestock and sewer overflows. In this paper, we show how geospatial techniques can help to assess the relationships between treated effluent discharges and abstractions and thus provide a new insight into local‐scale assessments of irrigation water quality. The extent to which the approach can inform risk assessments and decision‐making at the farm scale is demonstrated using a case‐study catchment in eastern England.
Modulation and metamodulation of synapses by adenosine
Authors: Ribeiro J. A. , Sebastião A. M.
Published: March 2010

The presence of adenosine in all nervous system cells (neurones and glia) together with its intensive release following insults makes adenosine as a sort of ‘regulator’ of synaptic communication, leading to the homeostatic coordination of brain function. Besides the direct actions of adenosine on the neurosecretory mechanisms,to tuneneurotransmitter release, adenosine receptors interact with other receptors as well as with transporters as part of its attemptto fine‐tunesynaptic transmission. This review will focus on examples of the different ways adenosine can use to modulate or metamodulate synapses, in other words, to trigger or brake the action of some neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, to cross‐talk with other G protein‐coupled receptors, with ionotropic receptors and with receptor kinases as well as with transporters. Most of these interactions occur through A2A receptors, which in spite of their low density in some brain areas, such as the hippocampus, may function as amplifiers of the signalling of other mediators at synapses.
The future: genes, physical activity and health
Authors: Booth F. W. , Laye M. J.
Published: March 2010

The assigned title for the Lindhard presentation was to examine the future of genes, physical activity and health. The current review is a summary of this presentation. Caution is expressed that technology is improving so rapidly that a future view is limited to a few years as opposed to the 100 years passing since Lindhard’s achievements. The near futuristic opportunities and challenges for four major topic topics are reviewed here. Concerns are expressed over current usage of the terms ‘control’ group and ‘non‐responders’ in exercise research. Our view is that ‘control’ needs to be differentiated between its usage for treatments of exercise to restore natural functions in individuals with less than healthy levels of physical activity and the inherited genome’s expectation for physical activity levels to maintain normal function. For the second discussed topic, it is proposed that the term ‘non‐responders’ should be replaced by the term ‘low sensitivity’ as there may be no such human who is a non‐responder to every exercise adaptation. The third futuristic topic is exercise prescription as envisioned for individualized medicine. However, numerous limitations and challenges exist to truly optimal exercise medicine at the level of one individual. Finally, preventative physical activity medicine is discussed. Physical activity as a therapy now exists to prevent most of the chronic diseases. The future needs to understand the molecular basis for how the body becomes dysfunctional when its level of physical activity does not match the norm of physical activity that selected our inherited genome.