bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Opportunities for Improving Community College Student Success
Authors: Goldrick-Rab Sara
Published: September 2010

Many of the democratizing opportunities provided by community colleges are diminished in the eyes of policy makers by inadequate rates of success. In particular, large proportions of students who enter community colleges do not persist for longer than a semester, complete a program, or attain a credential. This review critically examines academic and policy research in search of explanations, emphasizing what is known about challenges stemming from three levels of influence: the macro-level opportunity structure; institutional practices; and the social, economic, and academic attributes students bring to college. It provides examples of how factors operating at each level affect rates of success at key times, including the initial transition to college, the experience of remedial education, and persistence through credit-bearing coursework. The article also discusses potential and ongoing reforms that could increase rates of community college success by addressing one or more areas of influence (the macro, the institutional, or the individual). It is concluded that increasing success in the open-access, public 2-year sector requires reforms directed at multiple levels and cannot be achieved with either student- or institution-focused incentives alone.
Argument to Foster Scientific Literacy
Authors: Cavagnetto Andy R.
Published: September 2010

The goal of scientific literacy has led to a steady increase in argument-based interventions in science education contexts. It has been suggested that student participation in argument develops communication skills, metacognitive awareness, critical thinking, an understanding of the culture and practice of science, and scientific literacy. Although argument does influence communication skills, metacognition, and critical thinking, not all forms of argument promote an understanding of scientific practice and, subsequently, scientific literacy. This study of 54 articles from the research literature examines how argument interventions promote scientific literacy. Articles were classified across three domains to determine structural patterns of the various argument interventions: (a) the nature of the argument activity, (b) the emphasis of the argument activity, and (c) the aspects of science included in the argument activity. The structures of the interventions suggest that researchers approach learning of argument through immersion, teaching the structure of argument, and emphasizing the interaction of science and society. Immersion-oriented interventions utilized argument as an integrated component to student investigations. Argument structure interventions taught the structure of argument separate from investigations and asked students to apply it across various explanatory activities. Science- and society-based interventions used socioscientific issues to contextualize and provide purpose for argument. The three orientations toward argument instruction are discussed in light of the epistemic nature of science and scientific literacy. The orientations can serve as an opportunity to refine understanding of argument interventions, particularly with regard to the pursuit of scientific literacy.
The Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Among Children Attending Urban and Rural Hospitals
Authors: Alam Mohd Shamsul , Khatoon Soofia , Rima Rezoana , Afrin Sabina
Published: September 2010

Objectives: This study was conducted to a) find out and compare the period prevalence of HBsAg in children attending outdoor and indoor of an urban and a rural hospital b) determine the risk factors for Hepatitis B surface antigen positivity. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and twenty three children were included in this study. Among them 162 attended an urban hospital and 161 attended a rural hospital. Collected sera were examined for HBsAg by ELISA method in a standard laboratory. Results: Among the 162 urban children 17 (10.5%) were found to be HBsAg positive and among the 161 rural children 6 (3.7%) were found to be HBsAg positive. This difference is statistically significant (P value < 0.05). In urban area, 12 (16.2%) school aged, 3 (6%) pre-school children and 2 (5.5%) infants were found to be HBsAg positive. In rural area, more pre-school (6%) than school children (2.8%) were found to be HBsAg positive. In urban area, 11.5% male children and 9.5% female children were found to be HBsAg positive and in rural area, 5.2% male and 2.8% female children were to be HBsAg positive. Among 17 HBsAg positive cases who attended urban hospital, 11 (19.6%) had past history of jaundice and 6 (5.6%) had no past history of Jaundice (P value < 0.05). Among those 17 HBsAg positive cases, 13 (14.6%) had past history of inoculation within last 6 months and 4 (5.5%) had no such history. This difference is also statistically significant (P value < 0.005). Conclusion: Prevalence of positive HBsAg marker is fairly high in urban children (10.5%). Prevalence of HBsAg has no age and sex prediction. More sero-positive children in urban area have previous history of jaundice and history of inoculation in last 6 months, but no one in rural area had history of jaundice or inoculation within last 6 months. Key word: Serosurvilance; Hepatitis B virus. N.B. This publication is based on a dissertation DOI: 10.3329/bjch.v30i1.6178 Bangladesh J Child Health 2006; VOL 30 (1/2/3): 17-21
A Simple Analytical Approach to Simulate Underbalanced- drilling in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs—The Effect of Short Overbalanced Conditions and Time Effect
Authors: Salimi Siroos , Ghalambor Ali , Tronvoll Johan , Andersen Knut Inge
Published: September 2010

This paper describes an analytical approach to investigate the nature of short overbalanced conditions and time effects during underbalanced drilling (UBD) in a naturally fractured reservoir. This study uses an analytical model which is developed for kinetic invasion of mud into the fractures. The model is based on fluid flow between two parallel plates, which is further extended to model the fluid flow in a fractured formation. The effect of short overbalanced pressure and the time effect during UBD as well as the aspects of well productivity and flow efficiency are explained. This model is an Excel-based program and provides a fast and convenient tool for analysis and evaluation of drilling conditions (mud properties, time, and pressure of drilling) in a fractured formation. The model can also predict the impact of the fracture and mud properties on the depth of invasion in the fractured formations.
Coordination and Cooperation Problems in Network Good Production
Authors: Knigge Antonie , Buskens Vincent
Published: September 2010

If actors want to reach a particular goal, they are often better off forming collaborative relations and investing together rather than investing separately. We study the coordination and cooperation problems that might hinder successful collaboration in a dynamic network setting. We develop an experiment in which coordination problems are mainly due to finding partners for collaboration, while cooperation problems arise at the investment levels of partners who have already agreed to collaborate. The results show that as costs of forming links increase, groups succeed less often in solving the coordination problem. Still, if subjects are able to solve the coordination problem, they invest in a suboptimal way in the network good. It is mostly found that if cooperation is successful in terms of investment, it is due to subjects being able to monitor how much their partners invest. Moreover, subjects deal better with the coordination and cooperation problems as they gain experience.
Mutual Solubility Study in Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Tocopherols from Crude Palm Oil Using CO2 Solvent
Authors: Davarnejad Reza , Ahmad Zainal , Sata Suhairi A. , Moraveji Mostafa Keshavarz , Ahmadloo Farzaneh
Published: September 2010

In this article, the mutual solubility of tocopherols from crude palm oil was studied using carbon dioxide as a solvent at the temperatures of 80, 100 and 120 ºC. Each sample from the phase equilibrium unit contained two parts. The liquid part was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) in order to measure the tocopherol composition and, on the other hand, the vapor phase was conducted in an expansion vessel in order to measure the pressure increment during the expansion process. Two phase equilibrium data was calculated using the liquid phase composition and pressure increments during the expansion process. Results showed that the maximum solubility of tocopherols was around 2.27% at a temperature of 120 ºC and at pressure of 5.44 MPa.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Inclusion Complex of Dicationic Ionic Liquid and β-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Subramaniam Puvaneswary , Mohamad Sharifah , Alias Yatimah
Published: September 2010

The supramolecular structure of the inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with 1,1’,2,2’-tetramethyl-3,3’-(p-phenylenedimethylene) diimidazolium dibromide (TetraPhimBr), a dicationic ionic liquid, has been investigated. The inclusion complex with 1:1 molar ratio was prepared by a kneading method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, 1H NMR and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the formation of the inclusion complex. The results showed that the host-guest system is a fine crystalline powder. The decomposition temperature of the inclusion complex is lower than that of its parent molecules, TetraPhimBr and β-CD individually.
Retro-MoRFs: Identifying Protein Binding Sites by Normal and Reverse Alignment and Intrinsic Disorder Prediction
Authors: Xue Bin , Dunker A. Keith , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: September 2010

Many cell functions in all living organisms rely on protein-based molecular recognition involving disorder-to-order transitions upon binding by molecular recognition features (MoRFs). A well accepted computational tool for identifying likely protein-protein interactions is sequence alignment. In this paper, we propose the combination of sequence alignment and disorder prediction as a tool to improve the confidence of identifying MoRF-based protein-protein interactions. The method of reverse sequence alignment is also rationalized here as a novel approach for finding additional interaction regions, leading to the concept of a retro-MoRF, which has the reversed sequence of an identified MoRF. The set of retro-MoRF binding partners likely overlap the partner-sets of the originally identified MoRFs. The high abundance of MoRF-containing intrinsically disordered proteins in nature suggests the possibility that the number of retro-MoRFs could likewise be very high. This hypothesis provides new grounds for exploring the mysteries of protein-protein interaction networks at the genome level.
Reactive Oxygen Species Enhance TLR10 Expression in the Human Monocytic Cell Line THP-1
Authors: Kim Donghee , Kim Yeon Ju , Koh Hyun Sook , Jang Tae Yang , Park Hyo Eun , Kim Jae Young
Published: September 2010

We investigated TLR10 expression in human monocytes, THP-1 cells, cultured in hypoxia (3% O2). Levels of both TLR10 mRNA and protein in THP-1 cells cultured in hypoxia were significantly higher than those cultured in normoxia (20% O2). We examined intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in hypoxic cells, and TLR10 expression in cells treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), to determine whether the increase in TLR10 expression observed with hypoxia was due to an increase in intracellular ROS levels. We found that the level of intracellular ROS in cells subject to hypoxia was significantly higher than in normoxia. Experiments with ROS synthesis inhibitors revealed that hypoxia induced ROS production is mainly due to NADPH oxidase activity. TLR10 mRNA expression was increased by treatment with H2O2 at concentrations ranging from 50 to 250 μM. We screened the TLR10 promoter and found putative binding sites for transcription factors (TFs), such as NF-κB, NF-AT and AP-1. Next, we examined TF activities using a luciferase reporter assay. Activities of NF-κB, NF-AT and AP-1 in the cells treated with H2O2 were significantly higher than in untreated cells. The experiment with TF inhibitors revealed that ROS-induced upregulation of TLR10 expression is mainly due to NF-κB activation. Overall, our results suggest that hypoxia or ROS increase TLR10 expression in human monocytes and the transcriptional activities of NF-κB are involved in this process. Therefore, it is suggested that ROS produced by various exogenous stimuli may play a crucial role in the regulation of expression and function of TLR10 as second messengers.
Stem Cells for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Wu Yong-Ping , Chen Wei-Shan , Teng Chong , Zhang Ning
Published: September 2010

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by neurodegenerative changes or apoptosis of neurons involved in networks, leading to permanent paralysis and loss of sensation below the site of the injury. Cell replacement therapy has provided the basis for the development of potentially powerful new therapeutic strategies for a broad spectrum of human neurological diseases. In recent years, neurons and glial cells have successfully been generated from stem cells, and extensive efforts by investigators to develop stem cell-based brain transplantation therapies have been carried out. We review here notable previously published experimental and preclinical studies involving stem cell-based cell for neurodegenerative diseases and discuss the future prospects for stem cell therapy of neurological disorders in the clinical setting. Steady and solid progress in stem cell research in both basic and preclinical settings should support the hope for development of stem cell-based cell therapies for neurological diseases.
Convenient Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel Amino Acid Coupled Triazoles
Authors: El Rayes S. M.
Published: September 2010

This study describes a promising one-pot synthesis of [2-(5-benzyl-4-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-thio)-acetyl]-amino acid methyl esters 6a-h and dipeptides 10a-e, which were successfully synthesized starting from amino acid esters 5a-h, 9a-e and azides 4, 8a,b, respectively. On the other hand, azide 4 underwent Curtius rearrangement to the corresponding isocyanate, which subsequently reacted with selected aliphatic amine and/or aniline derivatives to give the corresponding urea derivatives 11 and 12a,b. Reactions of the isocyanate with secondary amines gave amide derivatives 13a,b. The structural elucidation of products is reported and some of the products were also screened for their antimicrobial activity.
Endogenous Matrix-Derived Inhibitors of Angiogenesis
Authors: Sund Malin , Nyberg Pia , Eikesdal Hans Petter
Published: September 2010

Endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis are proteins or fragments of proteins that are formed in the body, which can inhibit the angiogenic process. These molecules can be found both in the circulation and sequestered in the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding cells. Many matrix-derived inhibitors of angiogenesis, such as endostatin, tumstatin, canstatin and arresten, are bioactive fragments of larger ECM molecules. These substances become released upon proteolysis of the ECM and the vascular basement membrane (VBM) by enzymes of the tumor microenvironment. Although the role of matrix-derived angiogenesis inhibitors is well studied in animal models of cancer, their role in human cancers is less established. In this review we discuss the current knowledge about these molecules and their potential use as cancer therapeutics and biomarkers.
Chemically Induced Dynamic Nuclear Polarization during the Thermolysis of Alkoxyamines: A New Approach to Detect the Occurrence of H-Transfer Reactions
Authors: Edeleva Maria , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Bertin Denis , Gigmes Didier , Guillaneuf Yohann , Bagryanskaya Elena
Published: September 2010

Thermal decomposition of alkoxyamines in the presence of scavengers was found to proceed with the formation of chemically induced nuclear polarization detected by 1H NMR. The distinctive Chemically Induced Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (CIDNP) features were studied using the example of three alkoxyamines: 4-nitrophenyl 2-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yloxy)-2-methylpropanoate (1a), 4-nitrophenyl 2-(2,2-diphenyl-3-phenylimino-2,3-dihydroindol-1-yloxy)-2-methylpropanoate (2a) and 4-nitrophenyl 2-(2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-4-phenyl-2H-imidazol-1-oxy)-2-methylpropanoate (3a) in the presence of PhSH. The analysis of CIDNP signs of methacrylate protons allows us to conclude on the occurrence of hydrogen atom transfer reaction in geminate radical pair formed in alkoxyamine thermolysis. Thus, CIDNP is a fast and sensitive method to detect the occurrence of intra/intermolecular hydrogen transfer in alkoxyamine thermolysis.
A Comparison of AMSR-E/Aqua Snow Products with in situ Observations and MODIS Snow Cover Products in the Mackenzie River Basin, Canada
Authors: Tong Jinjun , Velicogna Isabella
Published: September 2010

Since 2002, global snow water equivalent (SWE) estimates have been generated using Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E)/Aqua data. Accurate estimates of SWE are important to improve monitoring and managing of water resources in specific regions. SWE and snow map product accuracy are functions of topography and of land cover type because landscape characteristics have a strong influence on redistribution and physical properties of snow cover, and influence the microwave properties of the surface. Here we evaluate the AMSR-E SWE and derived snow map products in the Mackenzie River Basin (MRB), Canada, which is characterized by complex topography and varying land cover types from tundra to boreal forest. We compare in situ snow depth observations and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow cover maps from January 2003 to December 2007 with passive microwave remotely sensed SWE from AMSR-E and derived snow cover maps. In the MRB the mean absolute error ranges from 12 mm in the early winter season to 50 mm in the late winter season and overestimations of snow cover maps based on a 1 mm threshold of AMSR-E SWE varies from 4% to 8%. The optimal threshold for AMSR-E SWE to classify the pixels as snow ranges from 6 mm to 9 mm. The overall accuracy of new snow cover maps from AMSR-E varies from 91% to 94% in different sub-basins in the MRB.
Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor Photodetectors
Authors: Lin Chu-Hsuan , Liu Chee Wee
Published: September 2010

The major radiation of the Sun can be roughly divided into three regions: ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. Detection in these three regions is important to human beings. The metal-insulator-semiconductor photodetector, with a simpler process than the pn-junction photodetector and a lower dark current than the MSM photodetector, has been developed for light detection in these three regions. Ideal UV photodetectors with high UV-to-visible rejection ratio could be demonstrated with III-V metal-insulator-semiconductor UV photodetectors. The visible-light detection and near-infrared optical communications have been implemented with Si and Ge metal-insulator-semiconductor photodetectors. For mid- and long-wavelength infrared detection, metal-insulator-semiconductor SiGe/Si quantum dot infrared photodetectors have been developed, and the detection spectrum covers atmospheric transmission windows.
A Bankruptcy Problem Approach to Load-shedding in Multiagent-based Microgrid Operation
Authors: Kim Hak-Man , Kinoshita Tetsuo , Lim Yujin , Kim Tai-Hoon
Published: September 2010

A microgrid is composed of distributed power generation systems (DGs), distributed energy storage devices (DSs), and loads. To maintain a specific frequency in the islanded mode as an important requirement, the control of DGs’ output and charge action of DSs are used in supply surplus conditions and load-shedding and discharge action of DSs are used in supply shortage conditions. Recently, multiagent systems for autonomous microgrid operation have been studied. Especially, load-shedding, which is intentional reduction of electricity use, is a critical problem in islanded microgrid operation based on the multiagent system. Therefore, effective schemes for load-shedding are required. Meanwhile, the bankruptcy problem deals with dividing short resources among multiple agents. In order to solve the bankruptcy problem, division rules, such as the constrained equal awards rule (CEA), the constrained equal losses rule (CEL), and the random arrival rule (RA), have been used. In this paper, we approach load-shedding as a bankruptcy problem. We compare load-shedding results by above-mentioned rules in islanded microgrid operation based on wireless sensor network (WSN) as the communication link for an agent’s interactions.
Planning and Decision Support Tools for the Integrated Water Resources Management in Vietnam
Authors: Jolk Christian , Greassidis Sandra , Jaschinski Sylvia , Stolpe Harro , Zindler Björn
Published: September 2010

Within the German-Vietnamese joint research project “Integrated Water Resources Management Vietnam”, Planning and Decision Support Tools on a regional scale are being developed. A Water Balance Tool is utilized to calculate and assess water demands and compares these with the quantity of water resources to identify surpluses or deficits. The sensitivity of water resources and the contamination potential are combined to display water quality aspects within a Contamination Risk Tool. A resulting evaluation is carried out with a Ranking Tool. It identifies areas with high priority need for action. The Planning and Decision Support Tools are being discussed with Vietnamese institutions and authorities.
A molecular phylogeny and classification of Verbenaceae
Authors: Marx Hannah E. , O'Leary Nataly , Yuan Yao‐Wu , Lu‐Irving Patricia , Tank David C. , Múlgura María E. , Olmstead Richard G.
Published: September 2010

• Premise of the study: Verbenaceae consist of trees, shrubs, lianas, and herbs distributed primarily in Latin America, where they occur in a wide array of ecosystems. A second center of diversity exists in Africa. Competing morphology‐based classifications that rely on different traits conflict in significant ways. A broad phylogenetic study was undertaken to assess those classifications and to examine the historical geography of the family.

• Methods: Analysis of seven chloroplast DNA regions for 109 species, representing all genera except one monotypic genus, provide inference into evolutionary relationships in Verbenaceae.

• Key results: The phylogeny shows that none of the traditional classifications reflect phylogenetic relationships very well. Eight clades are recognized as tribes (Casselieae, Citharexyleae, Duranteae, Lantaneae, Neospartoneae trib. nov., Petreeae, Priveae, and Verbeneae). Two genera, Dipyrena and Rhaphithamnus, remain unplaced in these larger clades. Petreeae, which consist of Neotropical lianas, are sister to the rest of the family. Lantaneae and Verbeneae together form a derived clade that comprises approximately two‐thirds of the species in Verbenaceae.

• Conclusions: We present a new tribal classification, including one new tribe, Neospartoneae trib. nov., to accommodate three small genera of Argentine species (Diostea, Neosparton, and Lampaya). Phylogenetic inference suggests a South American origin for Verbenaceae, with approximately six colonization events having given rise to the Old World species.
Development and characterization of microsatellite loci for Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae)1
Authors: Sexton G. J. , Frere C. H. , Dieters M. J. , Godwin I. D. , Prentis P. J.
Published: September 2010

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed to characterize genetic variation and population subdivision in Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss. (Meliaceae).

• Methods and Results: Microsatellite loci were identified from genomic DNA sequences generated using the 454 GS‐FLX titanium platform. Primers were designed for 67 tri‐ and tetranucleotide repeats, of which 20 were selected for 2 multiplexes based on amplification success and band size. Eleven of these loci showed polymorphism in two populations of Khaya senegalensis and amplified in individuals from across the species range.

• Conclusions: These new microsatellite loci will be useful for investigation of the evolutionary and conservation genetics of Khaya senegalensis.
A Rare Adverse Skin Reaction after 8 Gy of Radiation Therapy to the Thoracic Spine: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mitera G. , Chan G. , Mah K. , Law R. , DeAngelis C. , Dent R. , Chow E.
Published: September 2010

A 60-year-old woman with breast cancer metastatic to the bones experienced no adverse skin reaction at the lumbar spine after a single 8-Gy photon-beam fraction prescribed to a depth of 5 cm. However, a subsequent treatment to the thoracic spine using the same dose, fractionation, and technique resulted in skin erythema and permanent hyperpigmentation. After careful investigation, no differences were identified in her concurrent use of possibly radiosensitizing medications during the various radiotherapy treatments nor in possible errors of treatment planning and radiation delivery. To our knowledge, this is the first case report to document that, with similar medications, a previous skin response to a given radiotherapy dose, fraction, and technique may not be predictive of subsequent skin response to similar radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy for Multiple Myeloma with Skin Involvement
Authors: Nguyen S.K.A. , Dagnault A.
Published: September 2010

Multiple myeloma metastatic to the skin is a rare occurrence that usually reflects a high tumour burden. Here, we report the case of a woman with known multiple myeloma who developed cutaneous lesions on the right leg. Limited-field radiation treatment was successfully used to decrease her tumour bulk. Unfortunately, the patient died of complications related to systemic treatment a few months after developing the cutaneous involvement.
Primary Central Nervous System T-Cell Lymphoma in Aids Patients: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Latta S. , Myint Z.W. , Jallad B. , Hamdi T. , Alhosaini M.N. , Kumar D.V. , Kheir F.
Published: September 2010

According to the published data, most primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLS) are B-cell lymphomas; primary T-cell lymphomas are rare. In a search of the MEDLINE database, we found only 6 cases of primary T-cell PCNSL. Here, we present the case of a 43-year-old man with AIDS, not on highly active antiretroviral therapy, who presented with focal neurologic symptoms and was found on magnetic resonance imaging to have multiple brain lesions. A biopsy showed T-cell lymphoma, and the patient was subsequently treated with whole-brain radiation, to marked clinical response. Reported cases from the literature of primary T-cell PCNSL in AIDS patients are summarized in this review.
Association of Lipid Metabolism with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Tania M. , Khan M. A. , Song Y.
Published: September 2010

Defects in lipid metabolism have been found to be linked to several diseases, among which atherosclerosis, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are the most important. Although cancer is chiefly a genetic disease, dietary lipid intake and metabolism are related to some cancer risks, including the risk for ovarian cancer. Higher intake of dietary lipids, systemic lipid metabolism malfunction, and abnormal serum lipid levels are somehow related to ovarian cancer. Overexpression of some lipid metabolic enzymes are also found in ovarian cancer. In this review article, we summarize the relationships between lipid intake, lipid metabolism, and ovarian cancer.
The Terry Fox Research Institute’s Atlantic Dialogue on Patient-Centred Care in a Personalized Treatment World
Authors: Curwin K. , Johnston M. , Sutcliffe S.
Published: September 2010

The words “personalized medicine” are used daily now in cancer care and research conversations. But what do those words really mean to us as patients, caregivers, physicians, managers of the health system, or researchers? Do we know how personalized medicine will affect us over the next decade? Are we prepared?Those and other questions are part of a continuing conversation that the Terry Fox Research Insti-tute is having with the Canadian public in 2010 as part of its public research and outreach project, The Pan-Canadian Dialogue Series on Cancer: Let’s Get Personal. The first dialogue was held in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, April 12, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope. It featured speakers and panellists from Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Three core issues framed the Atlantic discussion: cancer and population health, cancer and the health system, and the science behind cancer care.
Building a Data Infrastructure for Conducting Research in Ukraine
Authors: Lucas Randolph , Destefanis Pablo , Hollingsworth Craig , Ardini-Poleske Mary-Anne , DeCain Martha
Published: September 2010

This report describes the IT infrastructure and health information exchange system (HIES) software developed for the International Consortium for Applied Radiation Research (ICARR) project. The research was conducted under a cooperative agreement funded by the US Department of Energy in collaboration with RTI International, Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and the Research Centre for Radiation Medicine in Ukraine. The ICARR research consortium was formed to study how the human body responds to primarily low-level nuclear radiation exposure. A major component of the project was the creation of a cohort of workers hired to secure the deteriorating object shelter that surrounds Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant reactor #4. These consenting workers provided medical data and biological samples to the consortium for research testing. A significant challenge to the project was setting up an information technology system for data capture, data transmission, and information sharing among the international consortium partners. This paper describes how project goals and the research environment shaped the IT solution that was successfully deployed within nine months of contract award.
Attribute Assignment to a Synthetic Population in Support of Agent-Based Disease Modeling
Authors: Cajka James , Cooley Philip , Wheaton William
Published: September 2010

Communicable-disease transmission models are useful for the testing of prevention and intervention strategies. Agent-based models (ABMs) represent a new and important class of the many types of disease transmission models in use. Agent-based disease models benefit from their ability to assign disease transmission probabilities based on characteristics shared by individual agents. These shared characteristics allow ABMs to apply transmission probabilities when agents come together in geographic space. Modeling these types of social interactions requires data, and the results of the model largely depend on the quality of these input data. We initially generated a synthetic population for the United States, in support of the Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study. Subsequently, we created shared characteristics to use in ABMs. The specific goals for this task were to assign the appropriately aged populations to schools, workplaces, and public transit. Each goal presented its own challenges and problems; therefore, we used different techniques to create each type of shared characteristic. These shared characteristics have allowed disease models to more realistically predict the spread of disease, both spatially and temporally.
A PROPOSED SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE FOR CONFIRMING HIGH PRECISION GNSS ANTENNA OFFSETS
Authors: Zubinaitė Vilma , Preiss George
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this research was to independently investigate and determine confirmatory calibration procedures for GNSS antennas. This paper focuses on the aspect of simplified techniques for confirming high precision GNSS antenna offsets. In the other words, the aim is to verify GNSS antenna offset parameters ‐ results, which will be used to find the consequences on ground positions of orbital distortions caused by solar activity. It is well known that the computation of GNSS observations using high precision GNSS antennas requires knowledge of the relevant antenna phase centre offsets. These offsets are the distance in three dimensions from the antenna's physical centre to the point in space at which the antenna ‘measures’ position. The calibration processes used by manufacturers appear to vary, and, where receivers of different models are to be used together, it is essential that the calibration parameters used are all produced using the same methods and by the same authoritative sources. Meanwhile, with the growth in the use of high precision GNSS systems, the likelihood of antennas being accidentally mishandled is possibly higher than previously. Finally, it is noted that it has long been the practise for surveyors to check their instruments to ensure that they are properly calibrated. In the modern electronic age, however, it seems that this practise has been allowed to lapse as far as GNSS instrumentation is concerned.

With the above in mind, it has been decided to attempt to create a simplified procedure for calibrating high precision GNSS antennas. The aim is that it will be possible for the average surveyor to check his antenna without great effort or trouble. The objective can also be described as finding a simplified field procedure to determine whether a specific antenna's offset parameters are within reasonable agreement with published figures.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje analizuojamas supaprastintas metodas, kuriuo galima aprobuoti aukšto tikslumo globalines navigacines palydovines sistemos (GNPS) antenos nukrypimus. Siekiama patinkrinti GNPS antenos nukrypimo parametrus ‐ rezultatus, kurie bus naudojami nustatant GNPS palydovo orbitos iškraipymu padarinius. Nagrinejama procedūra, kai siekiama nustatyti, ar konkrečios GNPS antenos kalibravimo parametrai yra pagristi, palyginti su publikuotais duomenimis. Analizuojama problema yra aktuali, kai GNPS matavimams naudojamos aukšto tikslumo GNPS antenos ir reikalingos žinios, susijusios su antenos fazes centro nukrypimais.
ANALYSIS OF MICROSCOPIC DATA UNDER HETEROGENEOUS TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
Authors: Chunchu Mallikarjuna , Kalaga Ramachandra Rao , Seethepalli Naga Venkata Satish Kumar
Published: September 2010

Collecting microscopic data is difficult under heterogeneous traffic conditions. This data is essential when modelling heterogeneous traffic at a microscopic level. In this paper, microscopic data collected under heterogeneous traffic conditions using a video image processing technique is presented. Data related to heterogeneous traffic such as vehicle composition in the traffic stream, a lateral distribution of vehicles, lateral gaps and longitudinal gaps have been collected. The lateral distribution of vehicles on a ten‐meter wide road has been analyzed with a specific emphasis on motorized two‐wheeler movement. Using trajectory data, an attempt to examine the gap maintaining the behaviour of vehicles under different traffic conditions has been made. Empirical relationships between the lateral gap and area occupancy have been proposed for various vehicle combinations. The influence of difference in the lateral positions of leading and following vehicles on the longitudinal gap has been analyzed.
LONGER COMBINATION VEHICLES AND ROAD SAFETY
Authors: Grīslis Aivis
Published: September 2010

The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between the features of Longer Combination Vehicles (LCVs) and road safety issues. LCVs are road vehicles that exceed dimensions of a typical or standard heavy truck‐trailer or tractor‐semitrailer combination vehicles in length or length and weight. The systematization of LCVs is done. Several areas, which are likely to benefit through LCVs, are listed and described. The analysis of literature review is made in the areas where additional problems may be encountered using LCVs. Several engineering factors such as resistance to rollover, swept‐path parameters, vehicle capabilities of accelerating and maintaining speed as well as braking performance are analyzed. Several research projects on traffic accident analysis have been looked through to compare their conclusions about traffic safety of LCVs. The analysis of discussions related to LCVs traffic safety issues is provided. Some transportation experts and community groups have conflicting views about road safety issues of LCVs. The opinions and related arguments of both parties are discussed in this paper. Several technical improvements in designing LCVs and the importance of driver training programs are described.
Le conte. Une parole virtuelle qui s'actualise
Authors: Chouvier Bernard , Morhain Yves
Published: September 2010

Résumé La réflexion proposée se centre sur la teneur psychique du conte qui permet de le différencier d’un autre récit et de s’interroger sur la substance interne qui l’anime et lui confère l’authenticité d’une parole symboliquement pleine. Le conte, récit virtuel exigerait la voix d’un conteur pour le faire vivre et le faire advenir en tant que parole porteuse de sens capable d’exister en dehors même de la subjectivité qui l’incarne. À travers les différentes constantes et fonctions du conte, liées à des forces affectives, au plaisir et à la magie, il s’agit de montrer que le conte permet le déploiement de contenus psychiques à portée symbolique par la mise en scène de personnages imaginaires dans des espaces-temps insaisissables. Tel le rêve, jeu de langage, le conte offre un mode résolutoire des conflits internes, répond à son rôle psychique premier d’apprivoisement des terreurs archaïques, ouvre à un processus de maturation et constitue ainsi une médiation culturelle privilégiée pour des sujets autistes, psychotiques et à pathologie limite dans une tentative de restaurer une vie fantasmatique et imaginaire défaillante et d’ouvrir à la symbolisation.
Managing Common Foot Problems in Older Adults
Authors: Anderson Jane , White Kathleen G. , Kelechi Teresa J.
Published: September 2010

Foot problems related to aging or disease processes such as nail fungus or arthritis often go unrecognized and untreated, and can lead to considerable dysfunction. Multiple contributing factors, such as repetitive stress and structural changes in the foot, further compromise function. Effective topical management approaches for xerosis, fissures, hyperkeratotic lesions, and fungal infections can lessen the severity of symptoms. However, when recalcitrant, such as long-standing onychomycosis, prescription medications may be warranted. These medications are not without serious side effects and should be used with caution in older adults. New methods that pose fewer risks, such as film-forming solutions and photodynamic therapy, are emerging to treat skin and toenail infections. Several nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatment approaches are presented in this article.
Effects of Solid Hyaluronic Acid Film on Postoperative Fibrous Scar Formation After Strabismus Surgery in Animals
Authors: Takeuchi Kimio , Nakazawa Mitsuru , Metoki Tomomi , Yamazaki Hitoshi , Miyagawa Yasuhiro , Ito Tadashi
Published: September 2010

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of solid hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose film on the formation of wound adhesion after strabismus surgery on rabbit eyes.

Methods:

The authors performed strabismus surgery on rabbit eyes with hyaluronic acid film applied under and above the muscles. Histological examination was performed 90 days postoperatively using Masson trichrome staining. The length of adhesion tissues in the operated area was quantitatively compared between film-treated and control eyes.

Results:

Hyaluronic acid film significantly prevented the formation of adhesions between muscle, conjunctiva, and sclera after strabismus surgery (
t
test,
P
< .05).

Conclusion:

The current results indicate that hyaluronic acid film can inhibit the formation of postoperative adhesion around conjunctiva, muscle, and sclera to some extent. The authors conclude that this substance offers potential benefits for ophthalmic surgery, not only with strabismus surgery but also procedures such as scleral buckle.
Real Food Matters for Health
Authors: Crocker Susan H.V.
Published: September 2010

Human health, an enigma that has been a part of human existence from its origins, is founded on the intake of food. Holistic health is concerned with issues of the body, soul/mind, and spirit. Using concepts from ecology, this article explores the relationships between food, nutrients, whole food diets, and health. An analysis of studies linking whole food to health and depressive disorders are presented in an attempt to move food and diets into mainstream mental health discussions. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that real food matters for the health of all and is of vital consequence for improving the chronic conditions plaguing modern society’s mental health.
Depression Among Adolescent Mothers Enrolled in a High School Parenting Program
Authors: Meadows-Oliver Mikki , Sadler Lois S.
Published: September 2010

Depressive symptoms in adolescent mothers have been associated with a variety of negative outcomes for both the adolescent mother and her child. The purpose of this article is to describe the dimensions of the Beck Depression Inventory
®
–II and to provide a discussion of how depression may appear in adolescent mothers. This descriptive study involved 45 adolescent mothers in a high school-based parent support program. The average score on the depression inventory for the adolescent mothers was 12.27 (
SD
= 8.57). One third (
n
= 15) of the adolescent mothers displayed depressive symptoms. All of the adolescent mothers reported experiencing increased symptoms related to loss of energy, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, and tiredness/fatigue. It is important for nurses working with adolescent mothers to understand that what may be perceived as a normal adaptation to motherhood may in fact be a deeper emotional issue such as depression.
Causes of Decentration After Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy
Authors: Cakmak Hasan Basri , Cagil Nurullah , Simavli Huseyin , Serefli Sirin , Simsek Saban
Published: September 2010

Background and Objective:

To determine important factors causing decentration after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK).

Patients and Methods:

A total of 223 cases (446 eyes) were evaluated after LASEK using corneal topography to determine the amount of decentration. Decentration and pupillary offset values and their components on the nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior axes were analyzed with the
t
test and the two-way repeated measures analysis of variance test in patients with myopia or hypermetropia. Correlation analysis between the amount of decentration and the possible determinative variables (age, gender, spherical refractive error, magnitude of astigmatism, spherical equivalent, average keratometry, mesopic pupil diameter, decentration, and pupillary offset) were performed.

Results:

Although decentration up to 0.99 mm was observed, mean decentration was 0.26 ± 0.16 mm. Alternatively, pupillary offset values were higher and the mean pupillary offset was 0.28 ± 0.16 mm. In myopia, mean total decentration was significantly less than hyperopia (
P
= .001). The inferior component of decentration was higher than the other locations in both myopia and hypermetropia. The nasal component of pupillary offset was highest among others. When all cases were included in the analysis, Pearson correlation analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between decentration and presence of hyperopia (r = 0.162 and
P
=.001) and amount of pupillary offset (r = 0.296 and
P
= .001).

Conclusion:

Mean decentration was higher in hyperopia than in myopia. Most of the decentration may be attributed to inferior decentration. Pupillary offset values were the factor most significantly correlated to the amount of decentration in all cases.
Task, Teams and Time
Authors: Pozzi Francesca , Persico Donatella
Published: September 2010

This chapter advocates the idea that the structuring techniques generally used to support students in online collaborative activities can be described in terms of three main dimensions, that we call the “three Ts”: Task, Teams and Time. The chapter presents an explorative study, aiming to investigate the differences between the behavior of three groups of students performing activities based on three techniques which differ as to the levels of structuredness of Task, Teams and Time. While the first group was not given instructions on how to structure the work, the second group was given some hints about the need to use some kind of structure and the third group had precise instructions as to how to proceed along the Task, Teams and Time dimensions. The chapter presents the authors’ reflections about the effects of these techniques based on qualitative analysis of students’ reactions to the way the three activities were structured.
Using and Acquiring Shared and Unshared Knowledge in Collaborative Learning and Writing
Authors: Hron Aemilian , Cress Ulrike , Neudert Sieglinde
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study is to examine means of fostering videoconference-based collaborative learning, by focussing on three issues: (1) to induce collaborative learners to write a co-construct, applying (in addition to their shared knowledge) their unshared knowledge, which tends to be neglected, according to the social-psychological research paradigm of information pooling; (2) to activate these learners in their dialogues to exchange unshared knowledge possessed by one learning partner, so that it becomes shared knowledge possessed by both partners (knowledge transfer); (3) to try out, as an instructional support measure, scripted, content-specific visualisation, combining a content scheme with an interaction script. An experiment was conducted with 30 learning dyads, divided into three conditions of videoconference-based learning with application sharing: without instructional support, with content-specific visualisation, and with scripted content-specific visualisation. As expected, the scripted content-specific visualisation led to a higher transfer of previously unshared knowledge to shared knowledge. But, contrary to expectation, the scripted content-specific visualisation did not induce the learning partners to apply more unshared knowledge in writing their co-construct. Instead, in all three experimental conditions, learners brought significantly more shared knowledge into the co-construct than would have been expected from the distribution of shared and unshared knowledge measured before collaboration.