bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mode ultrasonography and roentgenography in diagnosing chronic nonpolypoid maxillary rhinosinusitis
Authors: Belic B. , Erdevicki Lj.V. , Stojanovic J. , Stojanovic S. , Arsenijevic S. , Stankovic P.D.
Published: February 2010

Objectives: The aim is to demonstrate diagnostic alternatives for A-mode ultrasonography in examining chronic nonpolypoid rhinosinusitis, its implementation, as well as its advantages and disadvantages in regards to roentgenography. Method: The prospective research conducted included patients with chronic nonpolypoid rhinosinusitis, at 79 maxillary sinuses. Chronic diseases are classified into two separate categories depending on the clinical entity. Comparative analysis of the ultrasound and roentgenography findings was conducted for both, while the status of the maxillary sinuses obtained by sunusoscopy provided the gold standard. Results: Generally speaking, the reliability of the A-mode ultrasonography in diagnosing chronic nonpolypoid diseases in maxillary sinuses was of a somewhat greater degree in comparison to roentgenography, amounting to 72.15% in relation to 60.76%. There is no statistically significant divergence in relation to the foregoing methods. A-mode ultrasonography is more helpful in the process of identifying liquid contents, and can be less utilized in identifying hypertrophic mucous membrane. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is efficient, economical and quite simple for the implementation. Its chief advantage is to be perceived in the fact that both the patient and the examiner avoid being exposed to ionized radiation. Ultrasonography and roentgenography suggest lesser degree of utility and represent a triage method in detecting chronic nonpolypoid pathological conditions.
Fungal sinusitis diagnostic management and classification
Authors: Pendjer I. , Boricic I. , Arsic V. , Dudvarski Z. , Dotlic J. , Jovicevic O. , Janosevic Lj.
Published: February 2010

The aim of this paper is to present the current classification of fungal sinusitis and share our experiences in diagnostic procedures and treatment outcomes. The study includes 31 patients operated since 2000-2009. in whome some form of fungal infection had been diagnosed. There were 10 patients with mycetoma, and 16 patients with chronic non-invasive fungal sinusitis, while in five patients allergic fungal sinusitis was proven. All patients were treated postoperatively with topical steroids and irrigation with saline solution, without use of fungicides. Characteristics of chronic non-invasive funga sinusitis and mycetoma are CT with specific opacification and calcification with involement of maxillary sinus unilaterally or bilateral together with pathohistological finding of positive staining by Grocott with the identification of fungi from secret or tissue. Allergic fungal sinusitis is characterized by eosinophilia, positive skin test to fungal allergens, elevated serum level of both specific IgE antibodies to causal fungus and total IgE, as well as, pathohistological finding of allergic mucus which include non-invasive hifa. Fungal sinusitis in immunocompetent patients is classified into the following categories: mycetoma, chronic non-invasive fungal sinusitis, chronic indolent sinusitis (which does not occur in our population) and allergic fungal sinusitis.
Residue of ochratoxin A in swine tissues: Risk assessment
Authors: Milicevic Dragan , Juric Verica , Vukovic Dubravka , Mandic Miodrag , Baltic Tatjana
Published: February 2010

Background: Samples of blood, kidney, and liver per animal were randomly selected from slaughtered pigs (n=60) and analyzed for ochratoxin A. Methods: Determination of ochratoxin A concentration in samples of kidney and liver was performed by high-performance thinlayer chromatography after immunoaffnity column clean up, while for plasma samples, a spectrofluorometric procedure was used. Results: Of the 60 plasma samples, 60% contained ochratoxin A in the range of 2.5-33.3 ng/mL (mean 3.05?5.0 ng/mL), while the incidence of ochratoxin A in kidneys and liver were very similar (70% and 65%). The average ochratoxin A concentration in liver was 3.2?4.35 ng/g (1.2-19.5 ng/g) and in kidneys was 3.97?4.47 ng/g (1.3-22.0 ng/g). A statistically significant difference (p<0.01) was found between region Backa Topola and Kovilj for both liver and kidney samples. In kidney samples originating from region Kovilj and Senta, a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) was found. Mean distribution followed the pattern: kidney>liver>serum (100>80.8>77%). The results from this survey indicated that there was a strong correlation between the ochratoxin A level in serum and liver as well as in the ochratoxin A serum in kidney (r=0.884 and r=0.896, respectively) while the strongest correlation was found between the ochratoxin A level in liver and in kidney (r=0.970). Conclusion: The results of present study show that pork tissues as well as pork products are considered an important source of ochratoxin A in humans.
Application of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of lymphoproliferative diseases
Authors: Pejcic Ivica , Vrbic Svetislav
Published: February 2010

Out of numerous studied monoclonal antibodies, only a few reached the stage of clinical application. The CD20 molecule, non-glycolysed phospholipoprotein (usually termed B1), belonging to the tetraspan (TM4SF) family, 35-37 kD, is characteristic for all mature B lymphocytes, including CLL cells. The CD20 receptors, characteristic for 'B' lymphoproliferative diseases, have been demonstrated to be a good target for therapeutic effects to be achieved. Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, with the sequences of the human constant region and sequences of the murine variable region. It is specifically bound to the B-lymphocyte CD20 antigen. The mechanism of all rituximab antitumor activity has not been established, but ADCC and CDC are believed to be the principal, with possible complementary effects. Therapeutic use of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies has demonstrated a significant benefit in the patients with 'B' CD20 positive lymphoproliferative diseases. Rituximab is today a golden standard for the comparation with other treatment modalities, increasingly in combination with chemotherapy.
An unusual MR finding of spinal schwannoma
Authors: Stepanov Snezana , Kozic Dusko , Prvulovic Natasa
Published: February 2010

We present a case of atypical schwannoma of the cervical spine in a patient with cervical cord compression. Cervical cord tumor did not enhance on MR images after contrast administration, which is highly atypical for schwannoma.
Unsteady natural convection flow past an accelerated vertical plate in a thermally stratified fluid
Authors: Deka Rudra , Neog Bhaben
Published: February 2010

An exact solution to one-dimensional unsteady natural convection flow past an infinite vertical accelerated plate, immersed in a viscous thermally stratified fluid is investigated. Pressure work term and the vertical temperature advection are considered in the thermodynamic energy equation. The dimensionless governing equations are solved by Laplace Transform techniques for the Prandtl number unity. The velocity and temperature profiles as well as the skin-friction and the rate of heat transfer are presented graphically and discussed the effects of the Grashof number Gr, stratification parameter S at various times t.
Human organ trafficking in the cyber space
Authors: Vuletic Dejan
Published: February 2010

The accelerated growth of the information-communication technology use brought about cyber crime as a new form of crime connected with the misuse of computer network. Human trafficking and human organ trafficking are changing in line with the state-of-art technological achievements i.e. becoming more and more characteristic of cyber space. Passing appropriate regulations at both national and international levels presents an important step in solving the problem of human organ trafficking through Internet.
Attitudes of youth towards cyber vandalism
Authors: Petrovic Nikola
Published: February 2010

The topic of this research was the investigation of attitudes towards cyber vandalism through the establishment of gender and age differences in assessing the seriousness of cyber vandalism and the opinion differences regarding the appropriate kinds of punishment and the motives for this behavior. The sample included 200 primary and secondary students aged 12 and 17. The most important conclusions drawn from the research results are the following: 1) secondary students assess cyber vandalism less seriously than primary students; 2) male respondents assess cyber vandalism less seriously than female respondents; 3) revenge has been percieved as the most common motive for this type of behavior; 4) the criminal police registration and the prohibition of the use of internet were evaluated as the most adequate punishment for cyber vandalism.
Victims of cyberstalking in Serbia
Authors: Kovacevic-Lepojevic Marina , Lepojevic Borko
Published: February 2010

The aim of this paper is to present research findings on prevalence and characteristics of cyberstalking in Serbia. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect data from a group of respondents who were recruited by snowball sampling via e-mail. A total of 237 respondents completed the online questionnaire. The aim of the first part of this paper is to determine the notion of cyberstalking as well as, to review research about the prevalence and the nature of stalking. The main results are the following: 39,6 % of respondents reported stalking; every fourth stalking victim is a victims of cyberstalking; mostly, cyberstalking victims were female and perpetrators were male. Victims were stalked by: persistent sending of unwanted e-mails and telephone calls, spreading rumors, abusive and negative comments and threats, encouraged other users to harass, threaten or insult, manipulating with victim's personal data, sending malicious programs and files, etc. In Serbia, cyberstalking is not criminalized yet and there are no organizations to whom victims may appeal and ask for help. We are hoping that this research will raise the awareness on cyberstalking and serve as a base for further research and legal reforms regarding cyberstalking victimization in Serbia.
Projective reconstruction with occlusions
Authors: Peng Y. , Liu S. , Liu F.
Published: February 2010

An iteration method for projective reconstruction from uncalibrated image sequence with occlusions is presented in this paper. The reprojection points replace all the occlusions and projective reconstruction is obtained from all the points alternately, and the real positions of occlusions and the accurate projective reconstruction are finally obtained. The experiments with both synthetic and real data show that the method is effective and accurate.
The capital barrier to innovation in the small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Lewandowska Lucyna
Published: February 2010

The article discusses SMEs' situation with reference to the process of creating an innovative economy. The presented discussion covers both non-material and financial barriers impeding the development of innovations. The examined range of new solutions designed to finance innovation includes types of capital support such as leasing, franchising, venture capital, Business Angels, NewConnect.
Stochastic Approximation Methods for Latent Regression Item Response Models
Authors: von Davier Matthias , Sinharay Sandip
Published: February 2010

This article presents an application of a stochastic approximation expectation maximization (EM) algorithm using a Metropolis-Hastings (MH) sampler to estimate the parameters of an item response latent regression model. Latent regression item response models are extensions of item response theory (IRT) to a latent variable model with covariates serving as predictors of the conditional distribution of ability. Applications to estimating latent regression models for National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data from the 2000 Grade 4 mathematics assessment and the Grade 8 reading assessment from 2002 are presented and results of the proposed method are compared to results obtained using current operational procedures.
Superior-capsular elongation and its significance in atraumatic posteroinferior multidirectional shoulder instability in magnetic resonance arthrography
Authors: Hsu Yi-Chih , Pan Ru-Yu , Shih Yen-Yu I. , Lee Meei-Shyuan , Huang Guo-Shu
Published: February 2010

Background: Redundancy of the capsule has been considered to be the main pathologic condition responsible for atraumatic posteroinferior multidirectional shoulder instability; however, there is a paucity of measurements providing quantitative diagnosis.

Purpose: To determine the significance of superior-capsular elongation and its relevance to atraumatic posteroinferior multidirectional shoulder instability at magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography.

Material and Methods: MR arthrography was performed in 21 patients with atraumatic posteroinferior multidirectional shoulder instability and 21 patients without shoulder instability. One observer made the measurements in duplicate and was blinded to the two groups. The superior-capsular measurements (linear distance and cross-sectional area) under the supraspinatus tendon, and the rotator interval were determined on MR arthrography and evaluated for each of the two groups.

Results: For the superior-capsular measurements, the linear distance under the supraspinatus tendon was significantly longer in patients with atraumatic posteroinferior multidirectional shoulder instability than in control subjects ( P<0.001). The cross-sectional area under the supraspinatus tendon, and the rotator interval were significantly increased in patients with atraumatic posteroinferior multidirectional shoulder instability compared to control subjects ( P<0.001 and P=0.01, respectively). Linear distance greater than 1.6 mm under the supraspinatus tendon had a specificity of 95% and a sensitivity of 90% for diagnosing atraumatic posteroinferior multidirectional shoulder instability. Cross-sectional area under the supraspinatus tendon greater than 0.3 cm2, or an area under the rotator interval greater than 1.4 cm2 had a specificity of more than 80% and a sensitivity of 90%.

Conclusion: The superior-capsular elongation as well as its diagnostic criteria of measurements by MR arthrography revealed in the present study could serve as references for diagnosing atraumatic posteroinferior shoulder instability and offer insight into the spectrum of imaging findings corresponding to the pathologies encountered at clinical presentation.
Putting Nepal on the Global Map of Diversity
Authors: Shrestha Tirtha Bahadur
Published: February 2010

DOI: 10.3126/init.v1i0.2672 The Initiation Vol.1 2007 p.1-3
Economic Impacts of Forest Policy Changes: A Perspective from Nepal
Authors: Kanel Keshav Raj
Published: February 2010

DOI: 10.3126/init.v1i0.2678The Initiation Vol.1 2007 p.36-42
Fact Sheet of Rhino in Nepal
Authors: Khadka Madhav , Thapaliya Bishnu Prasad
Published: February 2010

DOI: 10.3126/init.v1i0.2679The Initiation Vol.1 2007 p.43
A Landscape Approach in Conserving Large Mammals: A Case Study from Western Terai, Nepal
Authors: Pradhan NMB
Published: February 2010

DOI: 10.3126/init.v1i0.2680The Initiation Vol.1 2007 p.44-55
Thirty Years of Managing Suklaphanta, the Swamp Deer and the Tiger: Issues and Strategies
Authors: Poudel Buddi Sagar
Published: February 2010

DOI: 10.3126/init.v1i0.2684The Initiation Vol.1 2007 p.72-76
Human-Elephant Relationships and Conflicts in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Yadav Babu Ram
Published: February 2010

DOI: 10.3126/init.v1i0.2689The Initiation Vol.1 2007 p.93-99
Children's Perceptions ofHealthful Eating and Physical Activity
Authors: Protudjer Jennifer Lisa Penner , Marchessault Gail , Kozyrskyj Anita Luba , Becker Allan Barry
Published: February 2010

Purpose: Healthful lifestyle habits established in childhood may continue through adulthood. Such habits may also be effective in preventing or reversing overweight and obesity. However, little is known about children's perceptions of healthful eating and physical activity. Thus, we sought a better understanding of how children perceive healthful eating and physical activity.

Methods: A purposeful selection was made of Winnipeg, Manitoba, boys (n=23) and girls (n=22) aged 11 to 12 years. The children were interviewed using a semi-structured, indepth interview guide. Data were analyzed using thematic coding.

Results: Although healthful eating was seen as necessary for health, high-fat, high-sugar foods were a source of pleasure and enjoyed during social times. Physical activity was a way of spending time with friends, either through active play or watching sports. Boys viewed screen time and homework as barriers to physical activity, while girls identified no common barriers. Children viewed physical activity as easier than healthful eating, describing the former as “play” and “fun.”

Conclusions: Knowing how children think about food choices will further our understanding of the disconnect between nutrition knowledge and dietary behaviours. Understanding conflicting pressures that influence children's healthful lifestyles may enhance communication about these topics among parents, educators, and children.
Vancouver Dietitians’ Perspectives on Their Roles in Long-term Care
Authors: Wassink Heather L. , Chapman Gwen E.
Published: February 2010

Purpose: In this study, we sought insight into the clinical practice experiences of dietitians working independently (i.e., as the only dietitian in a facility) in long-term care (LTC). We hoped to learn about their work roles and identify specific factors that facilitate their success.

Methods: Grounded theory methods were used. Data were collected through 11 semi-structured interviews. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using a constant comparative method, which included coding, memo writing, and ongoing discussion between the two researchers.

Results:When speaking about their roles, participants identified both specific tasks they had to complete and broader roles they fulfilled. Many of these roles focused on relationships with co-workers and building effective multidisciplinary teams. Effective teamwork was linked with dietitians’ personal feelings of success in providing resident-focused nutritional care in the LTC setting.

Conclusions: The LTC dietitians’ various roles were generally self-appointed, and they focused more on the purpose of their work than on tasks. A primary focus of these roles was the multidisciplinary team and the promotion of effective teamwork, especially, but not exclusively, as it applies to the provision of nutritional care. Successful teamwork was linked to dietitians’ reports of personal success in their work.
Perceived Roles, Benefits, and SupportsFor Dietetic Internship Preceptors
Authors: Ortman Deanne , Mann Linda , Fraser Arsenault Judy
Published: February 2010

Evaluation of university-run dietetic internship programs will improve preceptors’ experience and, ultimately, increase the capacity for training future dietitians. We attempted to identify preceptors’ perceptions of their roles, benefits, and supports, as well as of the skills/traits that students need for internship, and suggested improvements for the internship program. Fifteen of 39 current program preceptors who had supervised more than one intern consented to participate in an ethics-approved research methodology. They responded anonymously to a series of questions posted in an online discussion group, and provided feedback on the subsequent reports. While no consensus emerged, more than 50% of participants perceived their role as providing a supportive learning experience for interns. Benefits noted most frequently were personal academic growth and contributions to their organizations from intern research projects. Effective supports included conventional communication methods and website materials. Participants identified self-motivation, independence, and communication skills as most important for interns. They also provided several suggestions for program improvements. The study methods and results could be helpful to other universityrun internship programs seeking improvement and growth.
Risks and Benefits of Fish Consumption For Childbearing Women
Authors: Del Gobbo Liana C. , Archbold Josephine A. , Vanderlinden Loren D. , Eckley Chris S. , Diamond Miriam L. , Robson Matthew
Published: February 2010

Pregnant women's fish consumption provides both benefits and risks to the developing fetus. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish may enhance fetal neurodevelopment, while methylmercury (MeHg) can have detrimental effects. Dietitians would benefit from information on the frequency with which fish species may be consumed to increase DHA intake among Canadian women of childbearing age, and on minimizing the risks from MeHg, especially for those who consume fish frequently. Eighteen fish species were selected for DHA and mercury analysis from retail markets in the Toronto area. Consumption scenarios using analytical results for these fish species indicate that women of childbearing age can consume nine of 18 fish species every day (14 servings a week) or often (up to four servings a week) and remain below toxicological benchmarks for mercury. Moreover, women can also attain the recommended DHA level by consuming six of those nine fish: four 75-g servings of smelt, porgie, or bluefish a week, or two 75-g servings of milkfish, silver pomfret, or tilapia a day. Our analysis indicates that the DHA level recommended for childbearing women can be attained through fish consumption alone, without the need for supplementation and without posing a risk to the woman (or the fetus) from mercury.
Deafness and Insight: On the Seductions of the Music/Language Analogy
Authors: Etherington Ben
Published: February 2010

This article contends that close attention to music/language analogies allows us to perceive how language attempts to gain an understanding of its own cognitive nature. The article does so by closely reading Paul de Man's ‘The Rhetoric of Blindness’, an essay in which de Man suggests that a detailed look at the analogies between musical and linguistic structures made by Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his Essay On the Origin of Languages helps reveal how literary criticism becomes ‘blind’ to its own metaphysical presuppositions. Scrutinizing the terms on which de Man engages Rousseau, the article argues that surface inconsistencies in de Man's use of musical concepts reveal a deeper pattern of ‘deafness’ which turns his notion of ‘empty’ subjectivity against itself. It concludes with some suggestions for how we might further develop the study of music/language analogies, a subject that has the potential to invigorate our understanding of the non-conceptual aspects of linguistic meaning.
The Political Share of Literature: Maurice Blanchot, 1931–1937
Authors: Opelz Hannes
Published: February 2010

From the very beginning, Blanchot's thought on literature was intimately linked to his experience and conception of politics. It is this beginning that this article sets out to explore. In particular, it examines how Blanchot's discourse, insofar as the literature/politics relation is concerned, begins to shift toward the second half of the 1930s. Initially, literature is seen as a propitious ground to prepare what Blanchot terms a ‘healthy’ politics — not in any partisan or programmatic sense but in the more fundamental sense of being the active site of what he refers to as ‘concrete’ values, that is, national, cultural and spiritual values which may call upon writers to commit themselves politically and take action to defend those values in the real world as part of an effort to stimulate national, spiritual renewal. Gradually, however, Blanchot's discourse breaks with this logic of continuity established between literature and the field of political realities. From 1937 onwards, the political element provides Blanchot, this time in the form of a revolutionary force detached from its empirical conditions, with a conceptual framework to theorize literature and to account for the violent, negating force encountered, according to him, in the literary work. As a result, it is no longer — or just — about literature contributing to a revolutionary project in the socio-political world; what is at stake, instead, is how the political, understood (conceptually rather than empirically) as a ‘force of opposition’ or negation, can contribute to literary criticism and thought by offering Blanchot a new language to explore the experience and violence of literature.
Development of microsatellite markers for the moss Ptychomitrium gardneri (Ptychomitriaceae)
Authors: Liu Yan , Ge Xue‐Jun , Sun Qi‐Bao , Cao Tong
Published: February 2010

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Ptychomitrium gardneri to study population genetics of this eastern Asian‐North American disjunct moss.

• Methods and Results: A total of 13 microsatellite markers were developed in Chinese populations of P. gardneri, using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining Repeats protocol. Eight of the markers showed polymorphism when assessed in a sample of four populations of 29 individuals from China. These markers amplified three to four alleles per locus. Five primers also amplified in P. linearifolium and P. wilsonii.

• Conclusions: These markers may be useful for further investigation of population genetics of P. gardneri.
Fumonisin B1-4-producing capacity of Hungarian Fusarium verticillioides isolates
Authors: Szécsi Á. , Szekeres A. , Bartók T. , Oros G. , Bartók M. , Mesterházy Á.
Published: February 2010

The fumonisin B1-4 (FB1-4) toxin-producing capacities of 60 strains of Fusarium verticillioides isolated in the main
maize-cultivating areas of Hungary were screened on rice grains in vitro. The amounts of FB1, FB2, FB3 and FB4 in
the extracts of the culture material were determined by RP-HPLC/ESI-IT MS without any sample clean-up. All F.
verticillioides strains produced all analogues (FB1-4) of the fumonisin B series. The strains did not differ significantly
in their cultural characteristics, though the analytical results allowed the distinction of three idiosyncratic FB1-4-producing
chemotypes with characteristic proportions of the fumonisin B analogues. The dominant chemotype
produced them in the sequence FB1 > FB2 > FB3 > FB4, with large amounts of FB1 and FB2. A second chemotype
produced a higher amount of FB3 than of FB2, while the third chemotype produced large amounts of FB2 and FB4. The
proportion of FB1 in the extracts was inversely correlated with the total FB yield. No differences in FB1-4 producing
capacity were observed between strains isolated from various locations or different sources.
Growth and ochratoxin A production by Aspergillus niger group strains in coffee beans in relation to environmental factors
Authors: Astoreca A. , Barberis C. , Magnoli C. , Dalcero A.
Published: February 2010

The effect of water activity (aW), temperature and their interactions on lag phase, mycelial growth rate and ochratoxin
A (OTA) production at 7, 14 and 21 days of incubation of two OTA-producer strains belonging to Aspergillus niger
group on irradiated coffee beans was determined. Irradiated coffee beans were re-hydrated to 0.910-0.995 of aW with
sterile distilled water. The temperatures assayed were 15, 25 and 30 °C. Growth assessment was measured every day
during the incubation period to calculate the growth rate. OTA production was examined at 7, 14 and 21 days by
high-performance liquid chromatography. Optimal aW for growth was 0.995 at 25 °C for RCC4 and RCC20 strains,
being 1.10 and 2.36 mm/day, respectively. OTA concentration varied considerably depending on aW, temperature
and incubation time assayed. Maximum OTA production was obtained at 0.973 and 0.995 aW at 30 °C for both
strains. The results of the present work indicate that knowledge of the optimal and marginal conditions of black
Aspergillus growth and OTA production allow methods to be established for preventing the development of these
fungal and mycotoxin production on coffee beans. The data obtained provide useful information for predicting the
risk factors for OTA contamination on coffee beans.
Stability of cyclopiazonic acid in solution
Authors: Diaz G. , Thompson W. , Martos P.
Published: February 2010

Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is an important mycotoxin given its toxicity and prevalence in foods and feeds. There
is tremendous interest in developing analytical methods that include CPA as part of a multi-residue mycotoxin
routine, but there appears to be considerable difficulty in analysing it using liquid chromatography with electrospray
ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). During the development of a multi-residue method for
mycotoxins including CPA, a number of issues were discovered under routine and common analytical conditions
that have an impact on the determination of CPA, including: (1) at the ng/ml level CPA reacts with ambient oxygen
from the headspace of the vial, an effect that decreases its concentration linearly; (2) CPA readily adsorbs to plastic
in a reversible fashion; (3) CPA is acid hydrolysed with formic acid; (4) CPA reacts with the column stationary
phase affecting chromatographic parameters; and (5) CPA presents significant carry-over issues. In an effort to
find solutions to these problems we found that CPA can be protected from reacting with oxygen by adding 1 µg/ml
ascorbic acid and that its carry-over can be reduced to a negligible level by injecting ammonia between injections
of solutions containing CPA, even with formic acid in the mobile phase. Chromatographic conditions for CPA have
been optimised in consideration of all of the aforementioned concerns.
Real-time PCR detection of Fusarium species in Swedish oats and correlation to T-2 and HT-2 toxin content
Authors: Fredlund E. , Gidlund A. , Pettersson H. , Olsen M. , Börjesson T.
Published: February 2010

Contamination of Fusarium moulds and subsequent production of mycotoxins is a common problem in cereals
grown in Northern Europe. Oats is the third most important cereal crop in Sweden and is commonly contaminated
by Fusarium. To date there are no published reports on the distribution of trichothecene-producing Fusaria in
Swedish oats and correlation to T-2 and HT-2, the two most dominant toxins. Identification of Fusarium species
by traditional methods requires specific skill and experience and quantification of specific species is not possible.
Using modern molecular methods such as real-time PCR both identification and quantification of specific Fusarium
species are possible directly from the food or feed samples. In this study, specific methods for Fusarium langsethiae,
Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium poae as well as for the total
amount of DNA from trichothecene-producing species were evaluated with respect to precision, robustness and
efficiency and then used in the analysis of oat samples. Sixty-two oat samples were taken from field trial harvests
from 2006-2008 in the central and southern parts of Sweden and analysed for the presence of Fusarium species by
using species-specific real-time PCR-based methods with TaqMan or SYBR Green biochemistry. The T-2 and HT-2
toxin content was analysed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection of the toxins' pentafluoropropyl
derivatives. The results showed that F. langsethiae and F. poae were the most dominant Fusarium species among
those tested in Swedish oats during this period. The DNA level of F. langsethiae correlated well with the level of
T-2 and HT-2 toxin (r=0.7), indicating that this species was the most important producer of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in
Swedish oats during the sampling period (2006 to 2008). It can also be concluded that real-time PCR is a powerful
tool when studying Fusarium species distribution in oats.
Safety and Effectiveness of Thin-flap LASIK Using a Femtosecond Laser and Microkeratome in the Correction of High Myopia in Chinese Patients
Authors: Li Haiyan , Sun Tong , Wang Ming , Zhao Jialiang
Published: February 2010

PURPOSE:

To establish safety and effectiveness of thin-flap LASIK using a femtosecond laser and microkeratome in correcting high myopia in Chinese patients.

METHODS:

Two hundred seventy-four eyes of 148 Chinese patients with high myopia whose spherical equivalent refraction (SE) ranged from −6.12 to −15.75 diopters (D) received thin-flap LASIK with the VISX S4 IR excimer laser system. Corneal flaps were created with a femtosecond laser (15-kHz IntraLase, 134 eyes of 76 patients, target flap thickness 100
µ
m) and Moria M2 microkeratome (90-
µ
m head, 140 eyes of 72 patients, target flap thickness 110
µ
m). Clinical outcomes were assessed with uncorrected (UCVA) and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction, wavefront aberrometry, Schirmer tests, and tear break-up time (TBUT) at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

At 3 months, both groups showed comparable clinical outcomes in most parameters assessed, including the percent of postoperative UCVA better than or equal to preoperative BSCVA (
P
=.642), mean residual spherical equivalent refraction (
P
=.448), mean Schirmer test (
P
=.950), and mean TBUT (
P
=.867). Postoperative coma, trefoil, and spherical aberration were similar in both groups (
P
=.202,
P
=.898, and
P
=.890, respectively). Both groups had a similar percent of eyes with a change of SE of <1.00 D (
P
=.284).

CONCLUSIONS:

Thin-flap LASIK with a femtosecond laser and microkeratome are both safe and effective for the correction of high myopia in Chinese patients. Femtosecond laser shows similar predictability, stability, and induction of higher order aberrations to the micro-keratome. [
J Refract Surg
. 2010;26:99–106.]
Comparison of Internal Anterior Chamber Diameter Imaging Modalities: 35-MHz Ultrasound Biomicroscopy, Visante Optical Coherence Tomography, and Pentacam
Authors: Kim Sang-Kyoon , Kim Hyo-Myung , Song Jong-Suk
Published: February 2010

PURPOSE:

To compare the internal diameter of the anterior chamber among three different imaging modalities: 35-MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), Visante optical coherence tomography (OCT), and Pentacam, and to compare the internal diameters with white-to-white (WTW) distance measured by Orbscan.

METHODS:

The internal horizontal anterior chamber diameter was measured in 20 normal eyes using 35-MHz UBM (Optikon), Visante OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec), and Pentacam (Oculus Inc). The mean horizontal anterior chamber diameters were compared, and the correlations between each pair of two different methods were evaluated. Horizontal WTW distance was measured by Orbscan IIz (Bausch & Lomb-Orbtek Inc) and then correlated with the measurements of internal anterior chamber diameter.

RESULTS:

The mean horizontal anterior chamber diameter was 10.99±0.47 mm with UBM, 11.70±0.47 mm with OCT, and 11.86±0.45 mm with Pentacam. Ultra-sound biomicroscopy measurements were significantly different than those of OCT and Pentacam (
P
<.001 for both). However, no significant difference was found between OCT and Pentacam (
P
=.19). Regarding the correlations between each pair of two different methods, UBM and OCT showed significant correlation (r=0.848,
P
<.001), but there was no significant correlation between OCT and Pentacam (r=0.403,
P
=.078), even though the mean values were similar. In the Bland-Altman plots, the range of agreement was 0.51 mm between OCT and UBM, and 0.99 mm between Pentacam and OCT.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the internal anterior chamber diameters measured by 35-MHz UBM were significantly smaller than those measured by Visante OCT and Pentacam, the measurements of UBM and Visante OCT showed significant correlation and good agreement with each other. Pentacam showed poor correlation with other measurements. [
J Refract Surg
. 2010;26:120–126.]
Central Corneal Thickness, Anterior Chamber Depth, and Pupil Diameter Measurements Using Visante OCT, Orbscan, and Pentacam
Authors: Yazici Ahmet Taylan , Bozkurt Ercument , Alagoz Cengiz , Alagoz Nese , Pekel Gokhan , Kaya Vedat , Yilmaz Omer Faruk
Published: February 2010

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the agreement among three different optical methods in measuring anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT), and pupil diameter.

METHODS:

One hundred eyes of 50 healthy patients (25 men, 25 women) were enrolled in the study. Mean patient age was 25 years (range: 21 to 32 years). Exclusion criteria were history of any intraocular or corneal surgery, contact lens wear, corneal anomalies, and spherical refraction >5.00 diopters (D) or cylindrical refraction >2.00 D. All measurements were done by the same operator under mesopic light conditions and repeated using three different optical methods: Visante optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Carl Zeiss Meditec), Orbscan (Bausch & Lomb), and Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH).

RESULTS:

Mean CCT as measured by Visante OCT, Orb-scan, and Pentacam was 529±30.5
µ
m, 554±32.7
µ
m, and 552±29.3
µ
m, respectively. Mean ACD values were 2.94±0.34 mm, 2.84±0.33 mm, and 2.98±0.33 mm, respectively. Mean pupil diameter measurements were 4.87±1.09 mm, 4.0±0.67 mm, and 3.05±0.59 mm, respectively. The Visante OCT measured CCT thinner and Orbscan measured ACD shallower than the other two methods. All three methods measured pupil diameters significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study found some statistically significant but clinically insignificant differences among the optical methods assessed. The differences are small and do not influence decisions for refractive surgery in clinical practice. [
J Refract Surg.
2010;26:127–133.]
Distinct Protease Requirements for Antigen Presentation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Matthews Stephen P. , Werber Ingrid , Deussing Jan , Peters Christoph , Reinheckel Thomas , Watts Colin
Published: February 2010

Asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) or legumain is a potentially important Ag-processing enzyme that introduces limited cleavages that trigger unfolding and class II MHC binding of different Ag substrates. AEP is necessary and sufficient for optimal processing and presentation of the tetanus toxin C fragment (TTCF) Ag in vitro, but its importance has not been tested in vivo. Surprisingly, virtually normal T cell and Ab responses to TTCF were mounted in AEP-deficient mice when examined 10 d after immunization. This was the case when TTCF was emulsified with CFA, adsorbed onto alum, or expressed within live Salmonella typhimurium. In addition, the dominant Ab and T cell determinants recognized in TTCF were essentially unchanged in AEP-deficient mice. These data are explained, at least in part, by the much lower levels of AEP expressed in primary murine APCs compared with immortalized B cell lines. Even so, the initial in vivo kinetics of TTCF presentation were slower in AEP-deficient mice and, as expected, boosting AEP levels in primary APCs enhanced and accelerated TTCF processing and presentation in vitro. Thus, AEP remains the protease of choice for TTCF processing; however, in its absence, other enzymes can substitute to enable slower, but equally robust, adaptive immune responses. Moreover, clear relationships between Ags and processing proteases identified from short-term in vitro processing and presentation studies do not necessarily predict an absolute in vivo dependency on those processing enzymes, not least because they may be expressed at strikingly different levels in vitro versus in vivo.
Wastewater Phosphorus Removal by Two Different Types of Andesitic Volcanic Tephra
Authors: Liesch Amanda M.
Published: February 2010

Phosphorus (P) is the limiting nutrient controlling productivity in most inland freshwater systems. Several materials have been proposed for use to remove excess P from wastewater treatment, including volcanic lapilli and ash (tephra). There is limited data in using tephra as a P filter. There were two objectives of this study: 1) to determine the physical feasibility of tephra as a filter making sure the infiltration rate remains high enough to use under prolonged saturation, and 2) to test the suitability of volcanic tephra as a medium for removing P from an artificial solution on two different volcanic tephra materials: Okato and Papakai tephra. The experiment used a synthetic P influent solution (20.5 mg P/L) and a solution residence time in the columns of approximately 3 hours. By the end of the experiment infiltration in both tephras was adequate for use in wastewater treatment systems. The Okato tephra absorbed nearly 8 mg P/g tephra with 97% of the total amount of P added to the column over a 54 day period. The Papakai tephra absorbed only 4 mg P/g with a 52% of the total P added to the column.
Organic Matter Application Can Reduce Copper Toxicity in Tomato Plants
Authors: Campbell Brian
Published: February 2010

Copper fungicides and bactericides are often used in tomato cultivation and can cause toxic Cu levels in soils. In order to combat this, organic matter can be applied to induce chelation reactions and form a soluble complex by which much of the Cu can leach out of the soil profile or be taken up safely by plants. Organic acids such as citric, fulvic, and malic acids are contained in organic matter, and complex well with Cu. Both the chelation reaction and the effectiveness of soil organic matter in the chelating process are pH dependent, and generally a more alkaline soil will be less affected by high Cu levels. In addition to organic matter application, lime may also be added in order to raise the pH and aid the process by which Cu is removed. Other benefits are also derived from soil organic matter application in addition to soil remediation. Organic matter improves soil structure, exchange capacity, and water holding content. Application of organic matter is thus a viable option for restoring toxic Cu soils.
Patterned Synthesis of Pd4S: Chemically Robust Electrodes and Conducting Etch Masks
Authors: Radha Boya , Kulkarni Giridhar U.
Published: February 2010

A simple, one‐step process to synthesize Pd4S films is reported here along with their characterization using X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and electrical measurements. The synthesis involves thermolysis of a single‐source precursor, namely palladium alkanethiolate, in H2atmosphere at 250 °C for 3 h. The films are highly conducting and resistant to strong acidic, alkali, and oxidizing environments. The precursor allows patterning of the Pd4S films by electron beam lithography and micromolding, an attribute that has been employed in making chemically resistant electrodes and etch masks. The conversion of palladium thiolate to other sulfide phases is also achieved.
Mixed conducting membranes — Macrostructure related oxygen permeation flux
Authors: Zydorczak Barbara , Li Kang , Tan Xiaoyao
Published: February 2010

The influence of the macrostructures of LSCF hollow fiber membranes on oxygen permeation flux was investigated experimentally and theoretically. According to the results, asymmetric membranes perform differently toward oxygen permeation depending on their sintering outcome. If both, outer and inner surfaces of the asymmetric membrane are fully densified, finger‐like pores become dead volume, which has adverse effects, and the oxygen permeation flux is similar to that of the symmetric membrane. This implies that the improved bulk diffusion due to the reduced membrane thickness is compromised by the additional exchange reaction resistance from the enclosed macrovoids in the asymmetric membranes. However, when one surface of the membrane is fully open, then oxygen permeation is greatly enhanced mainly due to the remarkable increase in the effective surface area for surface exchange reactions. In order to evaluate the actual surface exchange area due to the presence of the porous structure within the asymmetric membranes, a correction factor α, has been introduced in the theoretical analysis presented. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Sources of variation in fecal cortisol levels in howler monkeys in belize
Authors: Behie Alison M. , Pavelka Mary S.M. , Chapman Colin A.
Published: February 2010

High cortisol levels are known to cause low fecundity and increased mortality; thus, the prospect of using cortisol as a measure of population health is an exciting one. However, because so many factors can interact to influence cortisol release, it can be difficult to interpret what exactly is creating changes to cortisol levels. This study investigates variation in fecal cortisol levels in a population of black howlers (Alouatta pigra) from 350 fecal samples collected from 33 individuals in more than 4 years. A general linear mixed model revealed that cortisol varied significantly with fruit availability and contact with tourists. When fruit availability was low, cortisol increased, likely because when fruit availability is low monkeys eat less fruit, thus obtaining less sugar. This result may simply reflect cortisol's metabolic function of mobilizing glucose. It also indicates that these monkeys may be experiencing periods of food stress throughout the year, which was earlier thought to be minimal for a primarily folivorous species. Presence of tourists was the only other factor found to lead to high cortisol; with exposure to tourists increasing stress levels. These results highlight the importance of understanding how physiological factors can influence cortisol, making it easier to interpret results and determine the external social or ecological stressors that may increase cortisol. Am. J. Primatol. 72:600–606, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The synthesis and properties of nanoscale ionic materials
Authors: Rodriguez Robert , Herrera Rafael , Bourlinos Athanasios B. , Li Ruipeng , Amassian Aram , Archer Lynden A. , Giannelis Emmanuel P.
Published: February 2010

In this article we discuss the effect of constituents on structure, flow, and thermal properties of nanoscale ionic materials (NIMs). NIMs are a new class of nanohybrids consisting of a nanometer‐sized core, a charged corona covalently attached to the core, and an oppositely charged canopy. The hybrid nature of NIMs allows for their properties to be engineered by selectively varying their components. The unique properties associated with these systems can help overcome some of the issues facing the implementation of nanohybrids to various commercial applications, including carbon dioxide capture, water desalinization and as lubricants. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and anticancer activity of chalcogenide derivatives and platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes derived from a polar ferrocene phosphanyl–carboxamide
Authors: Schulz Jiří , Renfrew Anna K. , Císařová Ivana , Dyson Paul J. , Štěpnička Petr
Published: February 2010

The polar phosphanyl‐carboxamide, 1′‐(diphenylphosphanyl)‐1‐[N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)carbamoyl]ferrocene (1), reacts readily with hydrogen peroxide and elemental sulfur to give the corresponding phosphane‐oxide and phosphane‐sulfide, respectively, and with platinum(II) and palladium(II) precursors to afford various bis(phosphane) complexes [MCl2(1‐κP)2] (M =trans‐Pd,trans‐Pt andcis‐Pt). The anticancer activity of the compounds was evaluatedin vitrowith the complexes showing moderate cytotoxicities towards human ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the biological activity was found to be strongly influenced by the stereochemistry, withtrans‐[PtCl2(1‐κP)2] being an order of magnitude more active than the correspondingcisisomer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.