bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot Study in the Identification of Stability Values for Determining Immediate and Early Loading of Implants
Authors: Shiigai Tatsuo
Published: October 2009

This pilot study assessed the impact of implant stability criteria on implant loading time. Insertion torque (IT) and baseline implant stability quotients (ISQ) from resonance frequency analysis were recorded for 41 tapered-screw implants placed in the mandibles of 20 patients. Immediate (IL), early (EL) (6 weeks postoperative), or delayed (DL) (12 weeks postoperative) prosthetic loading was performed based on results and study criteria. Postoperative ISQ values were also recorded at 6 time intervals for the IL and EL groups and after healing for the DL group. All implants were definitively restored after 6 weeks of provisionalization. There were no failures, complications, or stability differences based on loading time. At week 12 of follow-up, ISQ values were slightly higher for IL implants compared with EL implants. IL and EL implants showed significantly higher cumulative ISQ values compared with DL implants. High IT and baseline ISQ values in all groups corresponded to high implant survival. Postoperative ISQ values in the IL and EL groups were less certain indicators of implant survival because of fluctuations relative to baseline values. Small sample size and inequitable patient distribution across groups skewed results. More research is needed before definitive results can be drawn. IL and EL were safely performed within the IT and ISQ ranges in this study, but it is unknown whether EL criteria would have also sufficed for IL.
Editorial
Authors: Lish Bruce J.
Published: October 2009

No abstract available.
Dietary Protein Source and Level Affects Growth in Neon Tetras
Authors: Sealey Wendy M , Barrows Frederic T , Casten Mike , Hardy Ronald W
Published: October 2009

Nutritional studies for aquarium fishes like the neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi are sparse in comparison with those for food fish. To determine the optimum dietary protein level and source for growth of neon tetras, diets were formulated to contain 25, 35, 45, and 55% dietary protein from either marine animal protein or plant protein sources in a 4 × 2 factorial treatment design. Neon tetras (initial weight, approximately 0.12 g) were reared in 5-L fiberglass tanks (25 fish/tank, 3 tanks/diet) in a freshwater recirculating system. Fish were hand-fed the experimental diets three times per day for 12 weeks. Average weight gain of neon tetras fed diets with marine protein sources was significantly higher than that for fish fed diets based on plant proteins. Fish fed diets containing 45% or 55% crude protein had significantly greater weight gain than did fish fed 25% crude protein from either protein source. Fish fed 25% crude protein from either source had a significantly higher feed conversion ratio than did those fed 45% or 55% crude protein. Survival ranged from 71% to 84% and was not significantly altered by dietary protein source or level. No significant interactions between dietary protein source and level were found for any of the response variables. As the price of fish meal continues to increase, the formulations of feeds for food fish will probably contain lower amounts of fish meal and higher amounts of plant protein products. If a similar trend occurs for ornamental fish diets, further refinement of nutritional requirements and assessment of palatability of feed ingredients for neon tetras and other aquarium species will be required.
Laboratory Dose Confirmation of Copper Sulfate for Treating Fungus on Channel Catfish Eggs
Authors: Straus David L , Mitchell Andrew J , Radomski Andrew A , Carter Ray R , Steeby James A
Published: October 2009

Two dose confirmation studies are required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to verify the effectiveness of a candidate before approval as a new animal drug is awarded; the two studies provide independent substantiation of the results. This laboratory study was designed to compare an untreated control and a 10-mg/L copper sulfate (CuSO4) treatment to control fungus (Saprolegnia spp.) on eggs of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus at 23.5°C in a flow-through system. The eggs were treated once daily until the embryos reached the eyed stage (five treatments). When hatching was complete for all viable eggs (day 10), the fry were counted to determine the percent survival in each treatment. Infestation by a fungus identified morphologically and by polymerase chain reaction as Saprolegnia spp. was severe in the control fish, resulting in 8% survival. The mean percent survival of fry hatched from the CuSO4-treated eggs was significantly higher (mean, 55%; range, 27–71%).
A Vertical-Lift Incubator (the “Seesaw”) Designed for Channel Catfish Egg Masses
Authors: Torrans Les , Ott Brian , Jones Robert“Shorty” , Jones Robert , Baxter Jeff , McCollum Bill , Wargo Andrew , Donley Jimmy
Published: October 2009

Egg masses of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus are typically incubated in mesh baskets suspended in metal troughs with rotating paddles fitted between the baskets that move the water to agitate the eggs. This system is widely used, but stress caused by low dissolved oxygen resulting from poor water circulation through the egg masses at higher egg loading rates can cause reduced hatch. We designed and tested a vertical-lift incubator to improve hatch with higher egg loading rates. Angle-aluminum racks were placed inside standard hatchery troughs. Three baskets with hinged lids were placed in each rack and the egg masses were placed in the baskets. The racks in a pair of troughs were connected to overhead bars that oscillated at six cycles per minute, raising the rack in one while lowering the rack in the adjacent trough. Egg masses were incubated at a mean ± SE loading rate of 33.4 ± 4.7 lb per trough, which is nearly twice the recommended rate, with no supplemental oxygen. Survival from egg through the swim-up stage averaged 84.9%, higher than the reported industry average hatch rate. We produced 153,000 fry · gal−1 · min−1 at the highest egg loading rate tested (47.4 lb per trough). The vertical-lift incubator may allow hatcheries to hatch more eggs using fewer troughs and less water than with traditional paddle agitation.
Performance of Spring Chinook Salmon Reared in Standard Raceways and in Michigan Raceways with Oxygen Supplementation
Authors: Clarke Lance R , Cameron William A , Stonecypher R Wes , Hayes Michael C , Carmichael Richard W
Published: October 2009

The decreasing availability of freshwater means that fish culturists must seek ways to increase production efficiency, that is, the number of fish produced from a given volume of water. This paper summarizes a comparison of the performance of yearling spring Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha reared in standard raceways and those reared at higher densities in Michigan-style raceways with oxygen supplementation (to conserve water). During rearing at the Umatilla Fish Hatchery in northeastern Oregon, water temperatures and pH were similar between the two raceway types, but dissolved oxygen was higher and un-ionized ammonia levels were lower in the Michigan raceways. No disease outbreaks requiring medicine occurred in either raceway type. Before transfer to acclimation facilities on the Umatilla River, the average fish size differed by more than 3% between raceway groups and average Fulton's condition factor never differed by more than 3%. After fish were released into the river, we monitored out-migration travel times and survival to John Day Dam on the Columbia River using implanted passive integrated transponder tags in a randomly subsampled group from each raceway. No significant difference in travel time was detected between the two raceway types; however, average survival probabilities to the dam favored the standard rearing strategy. We used recoveries of coded wire tags implanted into juvenile fish before river release to estimate smolt-to-adult survival rates, the numbers of adults produced annually, and adult production efficiency (adults produced · L−1 · h−1) between the two raceway types. Although survival rates were significantly higher for Chinook salmon reared in standard raceways, there was no significant difference in the average number of adults produced per raceway series, and production efficiency significantly favored the Michigan raceway group. These results indicate that limited water supplies can be used more efficiently by rearing spring Chinook salmon in Michigan raceways with oxygen supplementation rather than in standard raceways.
Os dilemas da economia solidária: um estudo acerca da dificuldade de inserção dos indivíduos na lógica cooperativista
Authors: Barreto Raquel de Oliveira , Paula Ana Paula Paes de
Published: October 2009

Este artigo tem como objetivo contribuir para o debate na área da Economia Solidária. Fundamentando-se nas idéias de Guerreiro Ramos e Maurício Tragtenberg, buscou-se analisar as dificuldades encontradas pelos indivíduos para se inserirem na lógica cooperativista. Para isso, realizou-se um estudo de caso na COOPETEX, no qual foram analisados aspectos como a vivência dos princípios cooperativistas, a participação e a autogestão, bem como a presença dos valores e práticas características do modelo capitalista de produção. Foi possível identificar uma desvalorização dos princípios que norteiam o movimento cooperativista e que a autogestão existe apenas enquanto discurso. Constatou-se também que os valores e métodos capitalistas são amplamente utilizados, o que torna a cooperativa uma reprodução das empresas convencionais. A partir dos resultados obtidos foi possível observar o quanto a mudança de postura dos cooperados é vital para que a cooperativa funcione de forma legítima.
Articulando modelos de alinhamento estratégico de tecnologia da informação
Authors: Joia Luiz Antonio , Souza José Geraldo Andrade de
Published: October 2009

O conceito de tecnologia da informação (TI) vem ganhando importância para as organizações. O uso eficiente da TI e a integração entre sua estratégia e a estratégia de negócios vão além da idéia de que se trate de uma mera ferramenta de automação de processos e de aumento da produtividade empresarial. Através do alinhamento estratégico de TI, busca-se o ajuste tanto das estratégias de negócios e de TI, quanto das estruturas internas da empresa. Para isso, diversos modelos desse alinhamento têm sido propostos. Este artigo analisa oito deles. O objetivo é propor uma articulação entre esses modelos de alinhamento estratégico, de modo a integrar os seus vários elementos comuns e complementares, propondo um novo modelo conceitual teórico, via triangulação analítico-teórica. O modelo proposto mantém os principais conceitos encontrados nos modelos de alinhamento estratégico de TI analisados, consolidando e explicitando os conceitos propostos individualmente por esses modelos.
Processo de formação de estratégias internacionais na fruticultura brasileira: uma abordagem integrada
Authors: Oliveira Brigitte Renata Bezerra de , Moraes Walter Fernando Araújo de , Kovacs Érica Piros , Lucian Rafael
Published: October 2009

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as características do processo de formação de estratégias internacionais do Grupo Fruitfort, no período de 1982 a 2006, à luz das teorias de Uppsala, do modelo Diamante e da resource-based view, associadas à mudança estratégica. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como estudo de caso qualitativo, do tipo exploratório e analítico, de cunho retrospectivo. A coleta de dados deu-se mediante a realização de entrevistas semi-estruturadas, de pesquisa documental e da observação não-participante. Descrevem-se as estratégias internacionais adotadas pela empresa e analisa-se sua aproximação com os conceitos apregoados pelos modelos teóricos, numa abordagem longitudinal. Evidenciam-se indícios da associação concomitante entre os modelos de internacionalização, considerando que nenhum, isoladamente, foi capaz de explicar como o processo de formação de estratégias internacionais ocorreu na empresa, variando apenas o grau de proximidade dos seus conceitos principais. As dimensões mais relevantes de Uppsala foram a aprendizagem, as networks e o gradualismo. Três vértices do Modelo Diamante, a saber: condições dos fatores, indústrias correlatas e a rivalidade entre as empresas foram decisivos a empresa. A liderança empreendedora e a cultura organizacional apresentam-se como o seu recurso competitivo de maior expressão.
O planejamento estratégico municipal como instrumento de gestão em cenários complexos: um estudo sobre os condicionantes dos planos da Cidade de Barcelona
Authors: Fernandes Janaína de Mendonça
Published: October 2009

O presente trabalho é um estudo exploratório sobre os condicionantes que permitiram a adoção e a perpetuação do processo de planificação da cidade de Barcelona. Foram verificados os condicionantes políticos, históricos e sociais, como também a gestão de políticas públicas. Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo observar se os referidos condicionantes foram determinantes para a aplicação do método de planificação na capital catalã, tendo em vista a difusão de seu modelo de planejamento em todo mundo, principalmente na América Latina. Dentro desta análise, procurou-se considerar o que sustentou ao longo do tempo o seu planejamento e de que forma este se configurou. Para tal, utilizaram-se pesquisas documental e bibliográfica, e conjuntamente entrevistas em profundidade semi-estrutradas com diferentes agentes partícipes do plano. O material foi analisado por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo, concluindo-se que o condicionante mais influenciador para a adoção e perpetuação do método de planificação em Barcelona foi o condicionante institucional, isso porque, ao longo do tempo, a região em questão desenvolveu instituições que são capazes de levar adiante políticas públicas de longo prazo. Assim sendo, para a aplicação da metodologia de planificação de Barcelona em outras regiões seriam necessárias adaptações.
On-line focus group: uma possibilidade para a pesquisa qualitativa em administração
Authors: Schröeder Christine da Silva , Klerin Luis Roque
Published: October 2009

A utilização de grupos focais (focus groups) como técnica de pesquisa representa uma alternativa interessante para o desenvolvimento de estudos qualitativos. Normalmente, os focus groups envolvem de seis a 10 pessoas que se reúnem para discutir tópicos específicos acerca de alguma temática, observando-se que a interação entre os membros do grupo também é tida como dado da pesquisa. Além disso, ao se considerar a influência das tecnologias de informação, em especial da Internet, a técnica pode ser aplicada virtualmente - através de on-line focus groups (OFGs) -, com auxílio de ferramentas como e-mail, chats e listas de discussão. Uma vez que, através de uma análise da produção acadêmica nacional em administração, constata-se que o emprego da técnica de focus group parece ser ainda incipiente - em especial, na modalidade on-line -, este artigo objetiva, a partir da revisão da literatura afim, caracterizar os OFGs e descrever sua forma de condução, bem como elencar as possíveis vantagens e desvantagens decorrentes de seu emprego, sugerindo sua utilização em pesquisas qualitativas em administração.
Predictors of Physical Functioning Trajectories among Chinese Oldest Old Adults: Rural and Urban Differences
Authors: Sun Fei , Park Nan Sook , Klemmack David L. , Roff Lucinda L. , Li Zhihong
Published: October 2009

This article examined the differences between rural/urban older adults in their trajectories of activities of daily living (ADL) over a 4-year period. The sample included 2,490 community dwelling older adults who completed three waves (1998, 2000, and 2002) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Among them, 63.5% were from rural areas. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was run for the whole sample and separately for rural and urban samples. For both rural and urban samples, older age and involvement in fewer activities predicted increases in ADL difficulties over time. In addition, being female and routinely smoking predicted increases in ADL difficulties for the rural sample. Implications for interventions to slow down ADL decline were discussed.
The Moderating Role of Age-Group Identification and Perceived Threat on Stereotype Threat among Older Adults
Authors: Kang Sonia K. , Chasteen Alison L.
Published: October 2009

Although research has shown that older adults are negatively affected by aging stereotypes, relatively few studies have attempted to identify those older adults who may be especially susceptible to these effects. The current research takes steps toward identifying older adults most susceptible to the effects of stereotype threat and investigates the consequence of stereotype threat on the well-being of older adults. Older adults were tested on their recall of a prose passage under normal or stereotype threatening conditions. Memory decrements for those in the threat condition were moderated by perceived stereotype threat such that greater decrements were seen for those who reported greater perceived threat. A similar pattern was observed for negative emotion, such that those in the threat condition who reported higher perceptions of threat experienced a greater decrease in positive emotions. Age group identification also proved to be an important factor, with the strongly identified performing worse than the weakly identified. As well, high age-group identification buffered some of the negative affective consequences associated with stereotype threat, which is consistent with some models of coping with stigma.
Making Change: A Six-Month Review
Authors: Koger Gregory
Published: October 2009

This article surveys President Obama's policy agenda-setting for the first six months of his term. I consider whether the conditions ripe for an ambitious policy agenda and summarize the logic of Presidential agenda-setting. I use this framework to explain the Democrats' agenda for 2009, summarize their progress thus far, and discuss the implications for the Democratic Party in 2010 and after. Although the Democrats have made significant progress on their policy goals, they have not reaped the full political rewards from this success. Instead, the majority party will likely be judged on the pace of economic recovery and whether they pass significant health care reform, with climate change as a second major agenda item.
Do the Strategists Know Something We Don't Know? Campaign Decisions in American Elections
Authors: Grossmann Matt
Published: October 2009

Political consultants believe that strategic decisions made by candidates in the midst of campaigns help determine election outcomes. Political scientists have traditionally been skeptical of these claims. Indeed, we have produced little evidence that consultant decisions, other than routine actions driven by obvious electoral circumstances, affect outcomes. Despite an increasing overlap between the interests of practitioners and scholars, current research limits the potential for ideas to travel between them. The result is that claims made by consultants about the effects of myriad decisions regarding advertising, public relations strategies, mobilization, and responses to opposition messages remain largely unassessed. Likewise, the practitioner focus on the importance of campaign messages is not central to scholarship. To make academic literature speak to the concerns of practitioners, scholars need to combine their work on the contextual determinants of campaign strategy with their knowledge of the multiple factors that influence voter decision-making.
Taking Immigration Federalism Seriously
Authors: Schuck Peter H.
Published: October 2009

Largely because of the immense shadow cast by the plenary power doctrine, immigration policy is overwhelmingly the domain of federal law. This article casts doubt on some of the premises of this legal centralism, including the myth of greater state hostility to immigrants and calls on Congress to delegate greater authority to the states in several areas of immigration policy: employment-based admissions, enforcement, and employer sanctions. A concluding section analyzes the legal standards that states must meet in order to overcome federal preemption challenges to their immigration-related statutes.
Thermo Chemical Equilibrium Modelling of a Biomass Gasifying Process Using ASPEN PLUS
Authors: Paviet Frédéric , Chazarenc Florent , Tazerout Mohand
Published: October 2009

This article deals with the use of ASPEN PLUS to model the thermo chemical processes occurring in wood biomass gasifiers. An original equilibrium gasification model using ASPEN PLUS was first built and validate based on existing data of a downdraft gasifier (DDG). The thermo chemical models assume that reactants reach chemical equilibrium. The simulations enabled to predict the composition of the flaming pyrolysis gas as well as the final composition of the producer gas. A parametric study based on air/fuel ratio variation was then conducted. The model was finally adapted to the operating conditions of a staged gasifier developed at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Parametric studies were conducted to observe the effect of humidity with a low air injection. ASPEN PLUS was shown to be well adapted to model the gasification process (equilibrium), and it was possible to simulate both a DDG and a DTU using the same model. Data about the composition of flaming pyrolysis and the exit gas were obtained.
Practice and Academic Nurse Educators: Finding Common Ground
Authors: MacPhee Maura , Wejr Patricia , Davis Michael , Semeniuk Pat , Scarborough Kathy
Published: October 2009

Two university-based schools of nursing and two healthcare regions, supported by a nurses' union, have formed an intersectoral collaboration to develop a practice educator curriculum. The curriculum is designed to increase educator capacity and practice-academic relationships. This article describes the preliminary groundwork among intersectoral partners. Practice and academic educators do not always recognize each others' expertise or share resources effectively. An online survey and focus groups were conducted to identify educators' similar successes and challenges, their perspectives of key criteria necessary to establish practice-academic collaborations and learning environments, and intent to leave. The findings revealed many similarities across sectors, although practice and academic educators had different foci or perspectives that will need to be bridged by the collaboration. Strategies are suggested to maximize educators' commonalities, provide better supports to minimize intent to leave, and ensure sustainability.
The NFL Should Auction Possession in Overtime Games
Authors: Che Yeon-Koo , Hendershott Terrence
Published: October 2009

Overtimes can ruin great football games, according to Yeon-Koo Che of Columbia and Terry Hendershott of Berkeley, but auctions could come to the rescue.
Hydrodynamics of a Bench-Scale Aerated Post Treatment Unit for Up-Flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor
Authors: Patel Khushbu , Sarve Antaram , Mungray Arvind Kumar
Published: October 2009

The major issues in anaerobic treatment are discharge standard accomplished by post-treatment facilities. Model tanks have been designed for post treatment of anaerobic effluents. Tracer studies by KMnO4 have been employed on model tanks to know hydrodynamics and mixing inside the tanks. The existence and arrangement of baffles in the tanks and higher tracer density can result in much more complex flow pattern which includes turbulent mixing, dead zones and short circuiting. The objective of the paper is to present the result of a numerical study undertaken to investigate the flow inside the reactor and effect of hydraulic parameters on the extent of mixing. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was also performed on the velocity distribution within the model tanks. Thus, several 2D steady-state and time-variable numerical simulations were performed with in the model tanks geometry. Tracer transport was analyzed in case of burst of concentration. The CFD study shows how velocity, pressure and their vector notations were useful to predict the dead spaces inside the tanks which affect the mixing behavior inside the tank.
Ankle Peak Systolic Velocity: New Parameter to Predict Nonhealing in Diabetic Foot Lesions
Authors: Bishara Rashad A. , Taha Wassila , Akladious Ihab , Allam Muhammad A.
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study was to determine whether ankle peak systolic velocity (APSV) can predict nonhealing in diabetic foot lesions. Diabetic patients referred for duplex scanning of the lower extremity arteries were included if they had foot lesions such as ulcers, gangrene, or tissue necrosis and had no palpable pedal pulses. End points were healed or healing foot lesions, revascularization, major amputation, or death. One hundred consecutive limbs were included. Forty-three limbs with diabetic foot lesions reached the end point of adequate healing or complete healing, whereas 57 limbs had nonhealing lesions. The APSV was significantly higher in limbs with healed or healing lesions compared with limbs with nonhealed lesions: 53.0 cm/s (41.8–81.6) versus 19.2 cm/s (12.4–26.5), p < .0001. At a cutoff point of 35 cm/s, the APSV showed a sensitivity of 92.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 82–97), a specificity of 90.6% (95% CI 76–96), a positive predictive value of 92.9%, and a negative predictive value of 90.6% in predicting nonhealing of diabetic foot lesions. There was a significant difference between the APSV before and after revascularization: 20.4 cm/s (12.4–26.3) versus 48.8 cm/s (36.1–80.8), p < .0001. APSV could predict nonhealing of diabetic foot lesions with a high degree of accuracy in this group of patients.
The Cultural Practice of Reading and the Standardized Assessment of Reading Instruction: When Incommensurate Worlds Collide
Authors: Smagorinsky Peter
Published: October 2009

This article critiques the articles by Connor et al., Croninger and Valli, Pianta and Hamre, and Rowan and Correnti, which appeared in the March 2009 issue of Educational Researcher, by taking a cultural-historical perspective on reading and reading instruction. In this paradigm a number of those authors’ assumptions are seen as questionable, including the beliefs about reading that it is a self-evident construct, that it is a discrete act, and that it is an acultural act. The author of this critique presents evidence that challenges each of these assumptions and argues that by accepting them, the authors of the critiqued articles institute an order that values the system above relational aspects of schooling and teachers’ informed decision making.
Transition Metal Carbides and Nitrides as Electrode Materials for Low Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Ham Dong  Jin , Lee Jae  Sung
Published: October 2009

Transition metal carbides (TMCs) and transition metal nitrides (TMNs) have attracted attention as promising electrocatalysts that could replace noble metals of high price and limited supply. Relative to parent metals, TMC and TMN behave like noble metals for electrochemical reactions such as oxidation of hydrogen, CO and alcohols, and reduction of oxygen. When TMC and TMN are combined with other metals, the electrocatalytic synergy is often observed in electrochemical reactions. Thus, combinations with a minute amount of Pt or even non-Pt metals give performance comparable to heavily loaded Pt-based electrocatalysts for low temperature fuel cells. It appears that TMC based electrocatalysts are more active as anode catalysts for oxidation of fuels, whereas TMN based catalysts are more active for cathode catalysts for oxygen reduction and more stable.
Selenium in Oncology: From Chemistry to Clinics
Authors: Micke Oliver , Schomburg Lutz , Buentzel Jens , Kisters Klaus , Muecke Ralph
Published: October 2009

The essential trace element selenium, which is a crucial cofactor in the most important endogenous antioxidative systems of the human body, is attracting more and more the attention of both laypersons and expert groups. The interest of oncologists mainly focuses in the following clinical aspects: radioprotection of normal tissues, radiosensitizing in malignant tumors, antiedematous effect, prognostic impact of selenium, and effects in primary and secondary cancer prevention. Selenium is a constituent of the small group of selenocysteine-containing selenoproteins and elicits important structural and enzymatic functions. Selenium deficiency has been linked to increased infection risk and adverse mood states. It has been shown to possess cancer-preventive and cytoprotective activities in both animal models and humans. It is well established that Se has a key role in redox regulation and antioxidant function, and hence in membrane integrity, energy metabolism and protection against DNA damage. Recent clinical trials have shown the importance of selenium in clinical oncology. Our own clinical study involving 48 patients suggest that selenium has a positive effect on radiation-associated secondary lymphedema in patients with limb edemas, as well as in the head and neck region, including endolaryngeal edema. Another randomized phase III study of our group was performed to examine the cytoprotective properties of selenium in radiation oncology. The aim was to evaluate whether sodium selenite is able to compensate a preexisting selenium deficiency and to prevent radiation induced diarrhea in adjuvant radiotherapy for pelvic gynecologic malignancies. Through this study, the significant benefits of sodium selenite supplementation with regards to selenium deficiency and radiotherapy induced diarrhea in patients with cervical and uterine cancer has been shown for the first time in a prospective randomized trial. Survival data imply that supplementation with selenium does not interfere with the positive biological effects of radiation treatment and might constitute a valuable adjuvant therapy option especially in marginally supplied individuals. More recently there were emerging concerns coming up from two large clinical prevention trials (NPC, SELECT), that selenium increases the possible risk of developing diabetes type II. Despite obvious flaws of both studies and good counterarguments, a controversial debate remains on the possible advantage and risks of selenium in cancer prevention. However, in the light of the recent clinical trials the potential benefits of selenium supplementation in tumor patients are undeniable, even if further research is needed.
Design and Applications of Biodegradable Polyester Tissue Scaffolds Based on Endogenous Monomers Found in Human Metabolism
Authors: Barrett Devin G. , Yousaf Muhammad N.
Published: October 2009

Synthetic polyesters have deeply impacted various biomedical and engineering fields, such as tissue scaffolding and therapeutic delivery. Currently, many applications involving polyesters are being explored with polymers derived from monomers that are endogenous to the human metabolism. Examples of these monomers include glycerol, xylitol, sorbitol, and lactic, sebacic, citric, succinic, α-ketoglutaric, and fumaric acids. In terms of mechanical versatility, crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and biocompatibility, polyesters synthesized partially or completely from these monomers can display a wide range of properties. The flexibility in these macromolecular properties allows for materials to be tailored according to the needs of a particular application. Along with the presence of natural monomers that allows for a high probability of biocompatibility, there is also an added benefit that this class of polyesters is more environmentally friendly than many other materials used in biomedical engineering. While the selection of monomers may be limited by nature, these polymers have produced or have the potential to produce an enormous number of successes in vitro and in vivo.
Marketing Sustainable Consumption within Stores: A Case Study of the UK’s Leading Food Retailers
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David
Published: October 2009

Sustainable consumption is a core policy objective within the UK Government’s Sustainable Development Strategy and there is a growing awareness that retailers have a vital role to play in promoting more sustainable patterns of consumption. This paper explores how the UK’s top ten food retailers are communicating sustainable consumption agendas to their customers within stores in the towns of Cheltenham and Gloucester. The findings reveal that while these retailers are providing customers with some information on sustainable consumption the dominant thrust of marketing communication within stores is designed to encourage consumption. The paper concludes with some reflections on how sustainable consumption fits into the large food retailers’ business models.
Desire, Incidental Tourism, and the Other: Being Japanese in Three Australian Film Landscapes
Authors: Best Gary
Published: October 2009

Three recent Australian films—The Goddess of 1967 (2000), Japanese Story (2003), and Bondi Tsunami (2004)—have narratives of dislocation, both personal and physical (almost inevitable, given the obvious common feature of Japanese in Australia), and of
diverse desires set in iconic landscapes at once both alluring and alienating. The three narratives share the road as a metaphor of both departure and arrival, as well as that of a journey offering not only deeper self-knowledge but also an experience of journeying automotively through the
Australian landscape. Here, then, is where the personal landscape meets that of tourism, as each journey is also a search of sorts. Although the touristic nature of the imagery may be incidental to the narrative action, it nevertheless emphasizes how the elemental qualities of the landscape
may echo the inner personal landscapes and journeys of the characters. Tacey's book Edge of the Sacred (1995) is used to provide both inspiration and a framework for the discussion.
Stakeholders' Perspectives of the Impacts of Film- and Television-Induced Tourism in Yorkshire
Authors: O'Connor Noëlle , Flanagan Sheila , Gilbert David
Published: October 2009

This article identifies stakeholders' perspectives of the impact of film- and television-induced tourism on locations using Yorkshire as the case study. Yorkshire has been the film location for a number of popular English TV series and as such is the subject of much location research
in the tourism discipline. A series of strategic conversations were held with key stakeholders involved in tourism and destination marketing. This identified a wide range of both positive and negative perspectives of the impacts of film and television using Yorkshire as a location.
Films and Tourism: Understanding the Nature and Intensity of their Cause–Effect Relationship
Authors: Di Cesare Francesco , D'Angelo Luca , Rech Gloria
Published: October 2009

The present article is part of a wider research project focused on the synergy and all possible connections between film productions and territories. In particular, it deals with the influence of films on tourism motivations as well as their impact on destination images and their role
in affecting tourist purchasing behavior. Two different research methods were adopted: a Web survey and an on-site interview conducted in two Italian regions. The results reveal that the cause–effect relationship between film viewing and travel experiences shows varying intensity degrees
along the subsequent phases into which choosing and purchasing process tourism products can be divided. More precisely, the influence of film viewing on travel choices gradually weakens as such processes go on, showing decreasing percentages from the first phase (desire to visit a destination
brought about by films) to the following ones up to the final purchasing act.
Functional properties of metallomesogens modulated by molecular and supramolecular exotic arrangements
Authors: Crispini Alessandra , Ghedini Mauro , Pucci Daniela
Published: October 2009

New concepts for the synthesis of metallomesogens have been recently developed in order to use the metal centre as a scaffold for grafting different functionalities and inducing non-conventional shapes and properties in the resulting complexes. Our strategy was based on the synthesis of mesogenic coordination complexes whose molecular architectures are controlled by the modulation of different and tunable molecular motifs: the nature of the metal ion and the surrounding ligands as central unit, the number of flexible chains at the periphery, and the nature of counter-ions in ionic complexes. The appropriate choice of molecular construction motifs allows control at global architectures and induces pre-selected properties from the level of single molecule to supramolecular network, confirming that metal coordination provides a helpful tool for obtaining multifunctional soft materials.
Antiretroviral Therapy in Macrophages: Implication for HIV Eradication
Authors: Gavegnano Christina , Schinazi Raymond F
Published: October 2009

HIV type-1 (HIV-1) accounts for more than 25 million deaths and nearly 40 million people are infected worldwide. A significant obstacle in clearing virus from infected individuals is latently infected viral reservoirs. Latent HIV-1 can emerge with recrudescence as a productive infection later in disease progression and could provide a source for the emergence of resistant HIV-1. It is widely recognized that macrophages represent a latently infected viral reservoir and are a significant and critical HIV-1 target cell in vivo. Macrophages can be divided into multiple subsets of macrophage-like cells, all of which are susceptible to HIV-1 infection, including dendritic cells, Langerhans cells, alveolar macrophages, mucosal macrophages and microglial cells. Current antiretroviral therapy (ART) often displays differential antiviral activity in macrophages relative to CD4+ T-lymphocytes. Significant work has been performed to establish antiviral activity of many clinically approved ART in macrophages; however, a direct link between antiviral activity and specific mechanisms responsible for these antiviral effects are incompletely understood. This review identifies many understudied areas of research, along with topics for further research in the field of HIV therapy and eradication. Discussion focuses upon the known cellular pharmacology and antiviral activity of antiretroviral agents in macrophages and its relationship to latency, chronic HIV-1 infection and therapeutic strategies to eradicate systemic HIV-1 infection.
Assessing the Diurnal Cycle of Precipitation in a Multi‐Scale Climate Model
Authors: Pritchard Michael S. , Somerville Richard C. J.
Published: October 2009

A promising result that has emerged from the new Multi‐scale Modeling Framework (MMF) approach to atmospheric modeling is a global improvement in the daily timing of peak precipitation over the continents, which is suggestive of improved moist dynamics at diurnal timescales overall. We scrutinize the simulated seasonal composite diurnal cycle of precipitation in an MMF developed by the Center for Multiscale Modeling of Atmospheric Processes (CMMAP) using a comprehensive suite of diurnal cycle diagnostics including traditional harmonic analysis, and non‐traditional diagnostics such as the broadness of the peak precipitation in the mean summer day, reduced dimension transect analysis, and animations of the full spatial and temporal variability of the composite mean summer day. Precipitation in the MMF is evaluated against multi‐satellite merged satellite data and a control simulation with a climate model that employs conventional cloud and boundary layer parameterizations. Our analysis highlights several improved features of the diurnal cycle of precipitation in the multi‐scale climate model: It is less sinusoidal over the most energetic diurnal rainfall regimes, more horizontally inhomogeneous within continents and oceans, and more faithful to observed structural transitions in the composite diurnal cycle chronology straddling coastlines than the conventional climate model. A regional focus on North America links a seasonal summer dry bias over the continental United States in the CMMAP MMF at T42 resolution to its inability to capture diurnally propagating precipitation signals associated with organized convection in the lee of the Rockies. The chronology of precipitation events elsewhere in the vicinity of North America is improved in the MMF, especially over sea breeze circulation regions along the eastern seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as over the entirety of the Gulf Stream. Comparison of the convective heating and moistening suggests that improvements in the MMF coastal ocean diurnal rainfall may be a result of a local moist dynamical response to the improved representation of energetic diurnal forcing over adjacent land.
IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECTS OF FAR-INFRARED RAY IRRADIATION VIA INCREASING CALMODULIN AND NITRIC OXIDE PRODUCTION IN RAW 264.7 MACROPHAGES
Authors: Leung Ting-Kai , Lin Yung-Sheng , Chen Yen-Chou , Shang Huey-Fang , Lee Yi-Hsuan , Su Ching-Hua , Liao Huang-Chu , Chang Tsong-Min
Published: October 2009

Far-infrared ray (FIR) radiation has been shown to be beneficial to human health; however, little scientific evidence of its mechanisms has been provided. In the present study, we investigated the effect of nonthermal-enhanced FIR on the expression of calmodulin (Cam) protein and nitric oxide (NO) production by RAW 264.7 macrophages. Results indicated a significant increase in Cam protein in FIR-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages with or without the addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, the amount of NO was slightly higher but increased significantly in FIR plus LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Data of the present study provide the first evidence to indicate the immunomodulatory properties of FIR through increasing Cam protein and NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages.
NONINVASIVE OPTICAL IMAGING FOR TRACKING GENE DELIVERY AND RECOMBINATION IN TUMOR
Authors: Chen Mei-Ru , Kao Vivia Yu-Ying , Liu Shan-Wen , Wu Tzu-Chin , Yu Hsiao-Chi , Hsu Chin-Han , Chen Chin-Tu , Lin Kurt M.
Published: October 2009

Here, we report the generation of optical imaging reporter breast tumor cells that allow the longitudinal, in vivo, noninvasive imaging of gene recombination in tumor. Tumor-gene targeting is a promising approach of treating cancers, and a suitable gene delivery method is the criteria for success. By using the cre lox genetic engineering tool, we targeted stable green fluorescent protein expression in metastatic-prone human breast cancer MDA-MB231 cells that switch to express firefly luciferase upon the exogenous delivery and expression of cre DNA recombinase. We tested this model in vivo by intratumor injection of cre adenovirus and demonstrated the usefulness of this model to achieve longitudinal bioluminescence imaging of DNA recombination in tumor. This optical imaging vector and tumor model will facilitate the research for biomaterial solutions for carriers in gene therapy, and in studies on tumor targeting, tracking for tumor metastasis and migration of tumor stem cells, and for determining the anticancer drug efficacy.
Effects of Residual Stress on Interfacial Bonding Strength of WC Coating
Authors: Kong De Jun , Yuan F. , Miao Hong
Published: October 2009

The residual stresses of WC coating prepared by flame spraying and laser re-melting were measured quantitatively with X-ray diffraction (XRD) stress tester, and its micro-structures were observed with SEM, and the effects of residual stress on bonding strength of coating interface were analyzed. The experimental results are shown that residual stresses of WC coating are all tensile, and the effects of coating thickness on its residual stress is obvious, and residual stress is verse ratio with its thickness; Coating stress influences its cracking, tensile stress speeds its cracking, which causes its bonding strength decrease; The stress state is improved by decreasing its thickness, and its bonding strength can be increased.
An Interactive 3D Assembly Process Model
Authors: Sun Hui Bin , Chang Zhi Yong , Mo Rong
Published: October 2009

To enable interaction between part models in the 3D assembly process and real manufacturing resources, an extended assembly step model is proposed. Information about manufacturing resources is classified as static information, check item and check result, which endows assembly steps with dynamic interaction ability. The automatic match mechanism between virtual models and real manufacturing resources is put forward to make the interactive assembly step model practical. An implementation framework is also discussed to turn the interactive assembly process into reality.
Localization and Control System of Mobile Robot Based on Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Guo Li Xin , Huang Qiu Ye , Xie Hua Long , Li Jin Li , Wang Zhao Wen
Published: October 2009

The localization of mobile robots is one of important problems for navigation of mobile robots. The wireless sensor network, i.e., Cricket wireless localization technology, was used to obtain motive condition of mobile objects in this study. The information transmission between the Cricket localization system and mobile robot system was achieved for localization, navigation and control of the mobile object. The errors of localization sampling data of the Cricket localization system vary within 3cm in a static condition. The Cricket localization system can meet the navigation requirement of the mobile robots.
Finite Element Simulation and Analysis of Size Effect in Micro-Milling Process
Authors: Yu Xue Mei , Sun Ya Zhou , Liu Hai Tao
Published: October 2009

In order to determine the minimum thickness of cutting under different cutting condition of aluminum alloy materials 2A12 of micro-milling, research the size effect caused by the cutting edge radius and few microns per tooth in micro-milling process. Using thermal coupling model of Johnson-Cook as a material model of the workpiece, using Johnson-Cook shear failure of the law as part of the failure criteria, using coupled plane strain thermal units and hybrid adaptive grid technology to mesh, the friction between the tool and workpiece take the amendment Coulomb's law that combine with the sliding friction areas and areas of the adhesive friction, to the micro-milling by nonlinear and elastic-plastic finite element simulation. Through finite element analysis, the ratio of minimum radius of thickness to the cutting edge tool radius under different conditions of cutting speed and cutter blade was got, the size effect, stress field and cutting force under different cutting depth was got, and comparing and analysis the results, getting the various factors impact on the size effect of micro-milling, it provide a basis for the actual processing.
Evaluation Method and Simulation Analysis of Gap Roundness Error
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhao Ying , Zheng Dong Rong , Zhang Ke
Published: October 2009

Theoretical analysis of existing evaluation method of gap roundness error and existing evaluation model of full roundness error is provided. Mathematical model of gap roundness error’s evaluation with least square method is founded based on the evaluation model of full roundness error, which gives a solution of gap roundness error. The results of the simulation analysis and measuring experiment show that mathematical model of gap roundness error’s evaluation with least square method is correct for computing gap roundness error.
A New Type of Parallel Robot Manipulator Kinematics Simulation and Analysis of Movement Characteristics
Authors: Luo Ji Man , Cong Li Na , Fang Tian
Published: October 2009

Kinematics simulation and characteristics of a new type of parallel robot manipulator (PRM) with two-dimension movement and one-dimension rotation are analyzed. The new PRM is proved to can realize expected movement, and have smooth movement curves of displacement and velocity. The moving platform center of the PRM can achieve a wide range of swing, and has a larger working space. According to the kinematics theory, the working space and singularity characteristic are analyzed. Simulation and analysis indicated that the working space of the new PRM in the form and position is not singular, and has good maneuverability, thus providing the foundation for practice application and product exploitation.