bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Pre-β1 HDL Concentrations and Low Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase Activities Are Strong Positive Risk Markers for Ischemic Heart Disease and Independent of HDL-Cholesterol
Authors: Sethi Amar A , Sampson Maureen , Warnick Russell , Muniz Nehemias , Vaisman Boris , Nordestgaard Børge G , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Remaley Alan T
Published: June 2010

Background: We hypothesized that patients with high HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) may have dysfunctional HDL or unrecognized nonconventional risk factors.

Methods: Individuals with IHD (Copenhagen University Hospital) and either high HDL-C (n = 53; women ≥735 mg/L; men ≥619 mg/L) or low HDL-C (n = 42; women ≤387 mg/L; men ≤341 mg/L) were compared with individuals without IHD (Copenhagen City Heart Study) matched by age, sex, and HDL-C concentrations (n = 110). All participants had concentrations within reference intervals for LDL-C (<1600 mg/L) and triglyceride (<1500 mg/L), and none were treated with lipid-lowering medications. Pre-β1 HDL and phospholipid transfer protein concentrations were measured by using commercial kits and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity by using a proteoliposome cholesterol esterification assay.

Results: Pre-β1 HDL concentrations were 2-fold higher in individuals with IHD vs no IHD in both the high [63 (5.7) vs 35 (2.3) mg/L; P < 0.0001] and low HDL-C [49 (5.0) vs 27 (1.5) mg/L; P = 0.001] groups. Low LCAT activity was also associated with IHD in the high [95.2 (6.7) vs 123.0 (5.3) μmol · L−1 · h−1; P = 0.002] and low [93.4 (8.3) vs 113.5 (4.9) μmol · L−1 · h−1; P = 0.03] HDL-C groups. ROC curves for pre-β1 HDL in the high–HDL-C groups yielded an area under the curve of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.61–0.81) for predicting IHD, which increased to 0.92 (0.87–0.97) when LCAT was included. Similar results were obtained for low HDL-C groups. An inverse correlation between LCAT activity and pre-β1 HDL was observed (r2 = 0.30; P < 0.0001) in IHD participants, which was stronger in the low HDL-C group (r2 = 0.56; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: IHD was associated with high pre-β1 HDL concentrations and low LCAT levels, yielding correct classification in more than 90% of the IHD cases for which both were measured, thus making pre-β1 HDL concentration and LCAT activity level potentially useful diagnostic markers for cardiovascular disease.
Agama Hindu Dharma Indonesia as a New Religious Movement: Hinduism Recreated in the Image of Islam
Authors: McDaniel June
Published: June 2010

This article describes the role of Hinduism in modern Indonesia and the ways in which it has been adapted to fit the government's definition of religion as a prophetic monotheism with revealed texts and a universal ethic. It gives a brief background on Indonesian history and analyzes the structure and theology of Agama Hindu Dharma Indonesia. It discusses whether a governmental reorganization of an ancient religion can be considered a new religious movement, and some approaches that might be useful from the field of religious studies. It suggests that the definition of new religious movement be changed to fit the case in which a modern religion considered to be a revealed religion also acts as a civil religion.
Intraspecific competition affects population size and resource allocation in an ant dispersing by colony fission
Authors: Boulay Raphaël , Galarza Juan A. , Chéron Blandine , Hefetz Abraham , Lenoir Alain , Oudenhove Louise van , Cerdá Xim
Published: June 2010

Intraspecific competition is a pervasive phenomenon with important ecological and evolutionary consequences, yet its effect in natural populations remains controversial. Although numerous studies suggest that in many cases populations across all organisms are limited by density‐dependent processes, this conclusion often relies on correlative data. Here, using an experimental approach, we examined the effect of intraspecific competition on population regulation of the antAphaenogaster senilis. In this species females are philopatric while males disperse by flying over relatively long distances. All colonies were removed from 15 experimental plots, except for one focal colony in each plot, while 15 other plots remained unmanipulated. After the first reproductive season, nest density in the experimental plots returned to a level nonsignificantly different from that in the control plots, which was not expected if the populations were indeed regulated by density‐independent phenomena. In both the control plots and the experimental plots colonies remained overdispersed throughout the experiment, suggesting colony mutual exclusion. Nests outside the plots rapidly extended their foraging span, but we did not detect any significant inward migration into the experimental plots. Experimental reduction in density did not significantly affect the focal colonies' biomass, measured just before the first reproductive season. However, the ratio of males to workers–pupae biomasses was smaller in experimental plots, suggesting that colonies there had redirected part of the resources normally allocated to male production to the production instead of new workers. Microsatellite analysis indicated that, after the reproductive season, many colonies in the experimental plots were headed by a young queen that was the mother of the brood but not of the old workers, indicating that reduction in colony density stimulated fission of the remaining colonies. Finally, at the end of the experiment, 14 months after experimental reduction in density, colonies that derived from fission were smaller in the experimental than in the control plots, suggesting that the former had undergone fission at a smaller size than in control plots, which presumably allowed them to colonize the emptied areas. We conclude that colonies adjust resource allocation and colony fission to the degree of intraspecific competition.
Bacterial Adhesion on Commercially Pure Titanium and Anatase‐Coated Titanium Healing Screws: An In Vivo Human Study
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Piattelli Adriano , Polimeni Antonella , Di Iorio Donato , Carinci Francesco
Published: June 2010

Background: Little is known about the mechanisms of bacterial interaction with implant materials in the oral cavity. Other surface characteristics, in addition to surface roughness, seem to be extremely important in relation to plaque formation. Different adhesion affinities of bacteria were reported for different materials. Anatase is a nanoparticle that can be applied to titanium surfaces as a coating. The anatase coating gives special characteristics to the implant surface, including some genetic effects on osteoblasts. In this study, the antibacterial effect of anatase is investigated. The aim of this study is to characterize the percentages of surfaces covered by bacteria on commercially pure (cp) titanium and anatase‐coated healing screws.

Methods: Ten patients participated in this study. The protocol of the study was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Chieti‐Pescara. A total of 20 healing screws (10 test and 10 control screws) were used in the study. The control screws were made of cp titanium, whereas the test screws were coated with anatase. Cleaning procedures and agents for chemical plaque control were not applied to the healing screws for the complete duration of the test period. After 7 days, all healing screws were removed, substituted, and processed under scanning electron microscopy for evaluation of the portions of the surfaces covered by bacteria.

Results: The supracrestal screw surfaces covered by bacteria on test specimens were not significantly lower than those of control screws (P = 0.174). The subcrestal screw surfaces and threads covered by bacteria on test specimens were significantly lower than those of control screws, and P values were 0.001 and 0.000, respectively.

Conclusion: Results show that anatase could be a suitable material for coating implant abutments, with a low colonization potential.
Severe Periodontitis in a Patient With Hyperoxaluria and Oxalosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Panis Vassilios , Tosios Konstantinos I. , Gagari Eleni , Griffin Terrence J. , Damoulis Petros D.
Published: June 2010

Background: Hyperoxaluria is a metabolic disease with excessive urinary oxalate excretion that can be primary or secondary. Hyperoxaluria can result in chronic renal disease and renal failure. Calcium oxalate crystals can be deposited in oral tissues, and the disease can be associated with severe periodontitis and tooth loss.

Methods: The periodontal condition of a 38‐year‐old patient with a diagnosis of hyperoxaluria and end‐stage renal disease is presented. The patient's periodontal status was monitored over a period of several weeks, and extracted teeth were submitted for histopathologic evaluation.

Results: The patient was diagnosed with generalized severe periodontitis and external root resorption. Initial periodontal treatment consisting of oral‐hygiene instructions and scaling and root planing was performed. However, despite an initial decrease of soft tissue inflammation, the patient's periodontal condition deteriorated, and eventually, all teeth had to be extracted. The deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in the periodontal tissues was confirmed histologically.

Conclusions: Long‐standing hyperoxaluria can be associated with severe periodontitis and external root resorption resulting in tooth loss. The pathogenetic mechanisms of hard tissue destruction are still unclear.
Context‐Specific Marker‐Assisted Selection for Improved Grain Yield in Elite Soybean Populations
Authors: Sebastian S. A. , Streit L. G. , Stephens P. A. , Thompson J. A. , Hedges B. R. , Fabrizius M. A. , Soper J. F. , Schmidt D. H. , Kallem R. L. , Hinds M. A. , Feng L. , Hoeck J. A.
Published: June 2010

Despite the importance of grain yield potential to plant breeders and society in general, it has been difficult to identify grain yield quantitative trait loci (QTL) effective for marker‐assisted selection (MAS) across a wide range of genetic and/or environmental contexts. However, as genotyping becomes more cost effective, it might be feasible to use preliminary yield trials to model a target genotype within each context and immediately select the progeny that approach that target genotype in real time. In the present study, elite soybean cultivars with residual heterogeneity were leveraged as populations (the genetic context) to detect yield QTL within a limited set of environments (the environmental context), to model a target genotype, and to select subline haplotypes that comprised the target genotype. The yield potential of the selected subline haplotypes were then compared to their respective mother lines in highly replicated yield trials across multiple environments and years. Statistically significant yield gains of up to 5.8% were confirmed in some of the selected sublines, and two of the improved sublines were released as improved cultivars. This context‐specific MAS (CSM) approach might also be applicable to the more typical biparental and backcross populations commonly used in plant breeding programs. Factors that can affect the efficiency and applicability of CSM are discussed.
A Set of New Simple Sequence Repeat and Avenin DNA Markers Suitable for Mapping and Fingerprinting Studies in Oat (Avena spp.)
Authors: Wight Charlene P. , Yan Weikai , Fetch Jennifer Mitchell , Deyl Jitka , Tinker Nicholas A.
Published: June 2010

This study was conducted to develop and test new markers for use in molecular characterization of oat (Avena spp.). Results are presented for two polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based markers targeting multiple avenin protein loci and 16 new microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The markers were mapped in two segregating oat (Avena sativa L.) populations, ‘Kanota’ × ‘Ogle’ (K×O) and ‘Terra’ × ‘Marion’ (T×M), and were also tested across a diversity panel consisting of 35 cultivated varieties of oat and representatives of five other Avena species. All markers were robust, multiallelic, and highly polymorphic. The SSR markers, some highlighting multiple loci, mapped throughout the genome, and the avenin markers mapped to their expected locations in K×O and T×M. Also as expected, the avenin markers were shown to be linked to the stem rust resistance gene Pg9 in the population ‘OT328’ × ‘Dumont’ (OT×Du). Practical applications in variety identification and germplasm diagnostic assays were explored. The markers were able to distinguish closely related lines for fingerprinting purposes and were also useful for determining whether variation within a line was the result of residual heterozygosity or contamination. In addition, the markers were found to be useful for forensic purposes and for determining whether crossing and backcrossing had been successful.
Nitrogen Partitioning in Arrowleaf, Crimson, Rose, and Subterranean Clovers without and with Defoliation
Authors: Evers G.W. , Parsons M.J.
Published: June 2010

Cool‐season annual clovers are used in the southeastern United States as a N source but there is limited information on the N concentration and distribution in the clover plant during the growing season. The objective of the study was to document N concentration and accumulation in shoots and roots of ‘Yuchi’ arrowleaf (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi), ‘Tibbee’ crimson (T. incarnatum L.), ‘Mt. Barker’ subterranean (T. subterraneum L.), and ‘Overton R‐18’ rose (T. hirtum All.) clovers for three growing seasons when uncut, and after cutting once, or cutting twice. When uncut, shoot N concentration decreased throughout the growing season with plant maturity from about 35 to 40 g kg−1 in autumn to 10 to 15 g kg−1 at maturity in late spring. Shoot N concentration after cutting once or twice was greater than in the uncut treatment on the same sampling date. Root N concentrations were about one‐half that of the shoot N concentration and declined slowly during the growing season regardless of cutting treatment. When uncut, average maximum shoot N accumulations were 382 kg ha−1 for arrowleaf, 227 kg ha−1 for crimson, 203 kg ha−1 for subterranean, and 226 kg ha−1 for rose clovers. Cutting once or twice reduced maximum shoot N accumulations of all clovers except subterranean clover. Root N accumulations increased during the growing season when uncut, were not affected after cutting once but decreased after a second cutting. The optimum species as a N source would be crimson clover through April and arrowleaf clover in May and June.
Genetic Variation of Seed Dormancy in Synthetic Hexaploid Wheat‐Derived Populations
Authors: Gu X.‐Y. , Zhang L. , Glover K. D. , Chu C. , Xu S. S. , Faris J. D. , Friesen T. L. , Ibrahim A.
Published: June 2010

Aegilops tauschii, the D genome donor of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), has strong seed dormancy and genes controlling the trait may be used to improve resistance of cultivars to preharvest sprouting (PHS). Thus, this research project was initiated to identify dormancy genes from Ae. tauschii‐derived synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW). Four permanent segregating populations, developed by crossing four SHW lines with a common wheat line, were grown under field conditions to evaluate dormancy with threshed seeds (kernels) and/or intact seeds on the spike from 2006 to 2008. Significant genotypic and year effects on both kernel and on‐spike seed dormancy were detected in each population, with heritability estimates of about 0.4 (0.32–0.48) across the years. Seeds on the spikes were much more dormant than kernels, suggesting the presence of germination inhibitors in the covering tissues. Significant correlations between kernel and on‐spike seed germination percentages were detected in all populations; the estimated correlation coefficient (r) was greater for genotypic (0.80) than for phenotypic (0.63) or environmental (0.51) components. Thus, available SHW lines could be an alternative source of dormancy genes for enhancing resistance of wheat cultivars to PHS.
Nadoknada krvi kod tesko povredjenih bolesnika
Authors: Krstic S.N. , Alempijevic T. , Popovic N. , Jovanovic D. , Mihailovic V. , Sijacki A.
Published: June 2010

Haemorrhage remains a leading cause of early death in injured and application of concentrated RBC transfusion in the treatment of multiple injuries is the basis and potential component of saving lives. The aim of this study was to analyze the received amount reimbursed blood in patients with severe trauma, depending on the outcome, severity and mechanism of injury. Collected data on gender, age and age as the mechanism of injury, amount of blood recovered intraoperatively and during the first six days of hospitalization, which were analyzed according to outcome of treatment, ISS, AIS, and APACHE II score. Results showed that patients with lethal outcome received a larger amount of blood, there is a statistically significant correlation with ISS and AIS score for extremity injuries, and that larger amount of blood received patients injured in the traffic accidents, as pedestrians and motorcycle riders / bike, and there is no correlation with APACHE II score. Based on the importance of this topic for further research are necessary in this area in order to more accurately define indications and dosage and method of reimbursement of blood in patient with severe trauma.
Effects of sublethal doses of contact insecticides on offspring production of different granary weevil populations
Authors: Kljajic Petar , Peric Ilija
Published: June 2010

The effects of prior contact of granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.) parents from a laboratory population, a Belgrade Port population (selected with LD70 pirimiphos-methyl) and a Bijeljina population (selected with LD70 deltamethrin) with filter paper treated with sublethal doses (LD20 and LD50) of the insecticides dichlorvos, malathion, chlorpyrifos-methyl, pirimiphos-methyl and deltamethrin on offspring production of the surviving insects in F1 generation (after 10 weeks) and F2 generation (after 16 weeks) in untreated wheat grain was examined under laboratory conditions. Offspring reduction of laboratory weevils was highest at 96% in the F1 generation after parents' contact with LD50 dichlorvos, and lowest in F2 generation after contact with LD50 pirimiphos-methyl with 84% more insects than in the control. The highest offspring reduction of selected weevils from Belgrade Port, 83%, was recorded in F1 generation after treatment with LD50 dichlorvos and chlopyrifos-methyl, and the lowest in F1 and F2 generations after contact with LD50 pirimiphos-methyl, around 44%. The highest offspring reduction of the selected weevils from Bijeljina, 100%, was found in F1 and F2 generations after contact with LD50 dichlorvos, malathion and deltamethrin, and the lowest again in F1 and F2 generations after contact with LD20 chlorpyrifos-methyl, in which case insect numbers were some 130% higher than in the control. The results indicate that sublethal insecticide doses, apart from a significant decrease in their efficacy against treated granary weevil populations, may also provoke an increase in insect numbers in the following generations.
Multi drug resistance of campylobacter jejuni and campylobacter coli to tested antibiotics in strains originating from humans, poultry and swine
Authors: Tambur Zoran , Stojanov Igor , Konstantinovic Sonja , Jovanovic Dara , Cenic-Milosevic Desanka , Opacic Dolores
Published: June 2010

Thermophilic Campylobacter are among the most common cause of bacterial enteritis in humans. Food animals are considered one of the most important sources of Campylobacter causing infections in man. Campylobacter infection is clinically mild and resolves spontaneously. In severe or long-lasting cases, treatment with antibiotics is necessary. Resistance of Campylobacter spp. to drugs used in treatment of infection is a matter of concern. The aim of this paper is to determine presence of multi drug resistant strains of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from animals and man. Material for testing was obtained by scraping the cecum surface from boilers, pig cecum and colon, and human feces. For isolation Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli microaerophilic conditions, temperature of 42?C and antibiotic supplement were required to inhibit the growth of other intestinal bacteria. In this research, for sensitivity testing of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli three different methods were used: disc diffusion test, E-test, and dilution agar method. A total of 55 strains of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Out of the total, 24 strains originated from man, 16 from broilers were isolated, and 15 from pigs. Multidrug resistance was determined in cases when the strains were resistant to two or more antibiotics. Applying E-test, we detected that the largest number of Campylobacter jejuni were multi drug resistant to two antibiotics (41.2%), and three antibiotics (11.8%). Applying disc diffusion method it was detected that 5.9% of Campylobacter jejuni from man was resistant to four tested antibiotics. Applying all three methods, it was detected that the largest number of Campylobacter strains was resistant to two antibiotics and three antibiotics. Applying disc diffusion method it was detected that 50% of Campylobacter coli strains from pigs were resistant to three tested antibiotics.
The Professional Knowledge That Counts in Australian Contemporary Early Childhood Teacher Education
Authors: Krieg Susan
Published: June 2010

Australia is typical of many western countries where the provision of quality early childhood services has become a government priority. The government initiatives in Australia include repeated demands for ‘well-qualified’ early childhood educators. As a result of these demands the pre-service preparation of early childhood educators is under intense scrutiny. This scrutiny raises many questions regarding the knowledge base considered to be essential for early childhood educators and leads to further questions about who has the authority to produce this knowledge. This article explores these questions by firstly examining some of the ways Australian early childhood teacher education is situated within the current knowledge environment. This is followed by a discussion regarding the debates about what early childhood educators ‘need to know’. The third section of the article traces some of the historical features of Australian early childhood teacher education, for the author argues that contemporary questions about ‘which’ knowledge is to be included in early childhood teacher education are best understood alongside their historical precedents. The article concludes by considering the implications of the debates for contemporary early childhood teacher education and suggests that a way forward involves reconsidering the traditional binary between theory and practical knowledge.
Müller Cell-Derived VEGF Is Essential for Diabetes-Induced Retinal Inflammation and Vascular Leakage
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Xu Xueliang , Elliott Michael H. , Zhu Meili , Le Yun-Zheng
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A or VEGF) is a major pathogenic factor and therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy (DR). Since VEGF has been proposed as a survival factor for retinal neurons, defining the cellular origin of pathogenic VEGF is necessary for the effectiveness and safety of long-term anti-VEGF therapies for DR. To determine the significance of Müller cell-derived VEGF in DR, we disrupted VEGF in Müller cells with an inducible Cre/lox system and examined diabetes-induced retinal inflammation and vascular leakage in these conditional VEGF knockout (KO) mice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Leukostasis was determined by counting the number of fluorescently labeled leukocytes inside retinal vasculature. Expression of biomarkers for retinal inflammation was assessed by immunoblotting of TNF-α, ICAM-1, and NF-κB. Vascular leakage was measured by immunoblotting of retinal albumin and fluorescent microscopic analysis of extravascular albumin. Diabetes-induced vascular alterations were examined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry for tight junctions, and by trypsin digestion assays for acellular capillaries. Retinal integrity was analyzed with morphologic and morphometric analyses.

RESULTS

Diabetic conditional VEGF KO mice exhibited significantly reduced leukostasis, expression of inflammatory biomarkers, depletion of tight junction proteins, numbers of acellular capillaries, and vascular leakage compared to diabetic control mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Müller cell-derived VEGF plays an essential and causative role in retinal inflammation, vascular lesions, and vascular leakage in DR. Therefore, Müller cells are a primary cellular target for proinflammatory signals that mediates retinal inflammation and vascular leakage in DR.
A Marker of Endotoxemia Is Associated With Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders in Apparently Healthy Chinese
Authors: Sun Liang , Yu Zhijie , Ye Xingwang , Zou Shurong , Li Huaixing , Yu Danxia , Wu Hongyu , Chen Yan , Dore Joel , Clément Karine , Hu Frank B. , Lin Xu
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

Elevated lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), a marker of subclinical endotoxemia, may be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and metabolic risk. We aimed to investigate the association between plasma LBP and metabolic disorders in apparently healthy Chinese.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A population-based study including 559 overweight/obese (BMI ≥24.0 kg/m2) and 500 normal-weight (18.0 ≤ BMI <24.0 kg/m2) subjects aged 35–54 years was conducted in Shanghai, China. Fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, LBP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin, leptin, hepatic enzymes, and body composition were measured. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criterion for Asian Americans.

RESULTS

LBP levels were significantly higher in overweight/obese individuals than in normal-weight individuals (geometric mean 27.6 [95% CI 25.2–30.3] vs. 10.0 [9.1–11.1] μg/ml; P < 0.001). After multiple adjustments including BMI, the odds ratios were 3.54 (95% CI 2.05–6.09) and 5.53 (95% CI 2.64–11.59) for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, respectively, comparing the highest with the lowest LBP quartile. Further adjustments for inflammatory markers almost abolished the significant association of LBP with metabolic syndrome but not that with type 2 diabetes, and controlling for adipokines and hepatic enzymes did not substantially alter the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated circulating LBP was associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes in apparently healthy Chinese. These findings suggested a role of lipopolysaccharide via initiation of innate immune mechanism(s) in metabolic disorders. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
Outcomes of Sinus Surgery in Ambulatory Patients with Immune Dysfunction
Authors: Khalid Ayesha N. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: June 2010

Background

Previous outcomes studies of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have mostly excluded subjects with immunodeficiency or autoimmune disease. Although expert opinion suggests these patients are often refractory to therapy, outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) are not well delineated. We evaluated improvement in objective and quality of life (QoL) measures after ESS in adult patients treated in the ambulatory setting with immune dysfunction including immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases.

Methods

Patients with CRS associated with immune dysfunction (n = 22) were evaluated and matched 1:1 with control subjects from a prospective cohort in a nested case-control design. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) and pre-/postoperative endoscopic findings were recorded. Disease-specific QoL instruments (the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index [RSDI] and Chronic Sinusitis Survey [CSS]) were administered pre- and postoperatively.

Results

Mean postoperative follow-up was similar for both cases (18.6 ± 6.6 months) and controls (18.4 ± 8.7 months). Preoperative CT and endoscopy scores (i.e., disease severity) were similar in both cases and controls. Postoperative endoscopy scores were significantly improved for both cases (p < 0.001) and controls (p = 0.012). Both groups had similar preoperative and postoperative scores on the CSS; however, control subjects reported significantly worse RSDI baseline scores. Immunodeficiency and autoimmune cases and CRS controls experienced significant improvement in QoL after surgery (p ≤ 0.041).

Conclusion

Immunodeficiency and autoimmune cases, in the ambulatory setting, present with similar severity of disease when compared with controls with CRS. We found similar improvements in both objective and QoL outcomes for case subjects and control subjects, suggesting that patients with immune dysfunction may experience similar benefit from ESS.
Clinical audits and regulatory inspections – double efforts and expenses for radiation protection?
Authors: Hirvonen-Kari Mirja , Järvinen Hannu , Kivisaari Leena
Published: June 2010

Background: Clinical audit as a systematic examination of medical procedures improves the quality and outcome of patient care. The purpose of a regulatory inspection is to check and verify that the operation and facilities are in full conformance with all legal requirements.

Purpose: To examine the content of the clinical audits and regulatory inspections of radiological procedures and whether these overlap, and to evaluate the costs to radiological units.

Material and Methods: Clinical audits were carried out at each imaging unit of Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) Medical Imaging Center in Finland in 2004 and 2005. The regulatory inspections were carried out after the clinical audits from 2005 to late 2007. The contents of the clinical audit and inspection reports were analyzed statistically and by content analysis. The results of the audits and the inspections were compared to analyze the overlaps, differences, and costs.

Results: The validity and conditions of the safety license, lines of authority, and responsibilities for the use of radiation and patient doses caused by different examinations were evaluated in both audits and inspections. The coverage and frequency of quality control procedures were monitored in every audit and inspection, but inspectors, in addition, checked radiation output. The costs of clinical audit and inspection were under 20 cents per radiological procedure. The auditors gave 98 recommendations, while inspectors gave 62 recommendations and 25 requirements. In clinical audits most of the recommendations concerned guidelines for examining a patient. In the inspections most recommendations were in the category of quality assurance activities.

Conclusion: The clinical audits and regulatory inspections were cheap and had few overlapping topics, but several differences were apparent: in clinical audits, a broader and deeper view of the clinical procedures was taken by comparison with good practices, while regulatory inspections have mainly verified conformance to basic regulatory requirements.
The Impact of U.S. Non-price Export Promotion Program on Export Demand for U.S. Peanuts in North America
Authors: Boonsaeng Tullaya , Fletcher Stanley M.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the U.S. federal non-price export promotion programs on U.S. export demand in North America. A single-equation framework was specified for estimation of the peanut export demand model. Results indicate that the own-price of the importing country had a negative relationship with U.S. peanut exports, while the price of Chinese peanut exports and real income (GDP) of the importing country were positively related to U.S. peanuts exports. Export promotion programs had a positive effect on the export demand for U.S. peanut to Mexico while these programs seemed to have no effect in Canada.
Reconstruction of Kyoto of the Edo era based on arts and historical documents: 3D urban model based on historical GIS data
Authors: Isoda Yuzuru , Tsukamoto Akihiro , Kosaka Yoshihiro , Okumura Takuya , Sawai Masakazu , Yano Keiji , Nakata Susumu , Tanaka Satoshi
Published: June 2010

This paper explores a method for creating large-scale urban 3D models using Historical GIS data. The method is capable of automatically generating realistic VR models based on GIS data at a low cost. 3D models of houses are created from polygon data, fences from line data, and pedestrians and trees from point data. The method is applied to the Virtual Kyoto Project in which the landscape of the whole city of Kyoto of the early Edo era (ca 17C) is reconstructed.
Thomas Gray, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and geographical information systems: A literary GIS of two Lake District tours
Authors: Gregory Ian N. , Cooper David
Published: June 2010

There have been growing calls to develop the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) across the humanities. For this shift to take place, two things must be demonstrated: first, that it is technically possible to create a useful GIS of textual material, the main medium through which humanities research is conducted; and, secondly that such a database can be used to enhance our understanding of disciplines within the humanities. This paper reports on a pilot project that created a GIS of two textual accounts of tours of the Lake District: Thomas Gray's 1769 excursion and Samuel Taylor Coleridge's self-styled ‘circumcursion’ of 1802. It describes how these accounts were converted into a GIS and explores various methodologies that can then be used to explore the spatialities embedded within their respective tours. The resulting material has been placed on the Internet at http://www.lancs.ac.uk/mappingthelakes . The pilot demonstrates that it is both possible, and conceptually fruitful, to move GIS beyond the quantitative arena in which it currently resides and into more qualitative areas of humanities research.
National Historical Geographical Information System as a tool for historical research: Population and railways in Wales, 1841–1911
Authors: Gregory Ian , Schwartz Robert M.
Published: June 2010

One of the early drivers of historical GIS was the development of national historical GISs. These systems usually hold all of a country's census and related statistics from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. As such they have represent an extremely valuable resource, but at the same time they were and remain extremely expensive and time consuming to build. Was the investment worthwhile? This paper takes one of these systems, the Great Britain Historical GIS, and explores how it was built, what methodologies were developed to exploit the data that it contains, and provides an example to demonstrate how it made possible a unique analysis of railroads in Wales before the First World War.
Effects of Interfacial Charge Depletion in Organic Thin-Film Transistors with Polymeric Dielectrics on Electrical Stability
Authors: Park Jaehoon , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Kim Won-Ho , Kim Min-Hoi , Keum Chang-Min , Lee Sin-Doo , Choi Jong Sun
Published: June 2010

We investigated the electrical stabilities of two types of pentacene-based organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) with two different polymeric dielectrics: polystyrene (PS) and poly(4-vinyl phenol) (PVP), in terms of the interfacial charge depletion. Under a short-term bias stress condition, the OTFT with the PVP layer showed a substantial increase in the drain current and a positive shift of the threshold voltage, while the PS layer case exhibited no change. Furthermore, a significant increase in the off-state current was observed in the OTFT with the PVP layer which has a hydroxyl group. In the presence of the interfacial hydroxyl group in PVP, the holes are not fully depleted during repetitive operation of the OTFT with the PVP layer and a large positive gate voltage in the off-state regime is needed to effectively refresh the electrical characteristics. It is suggested that the depletion-limited holes at the interface, i.e., interfacial charge depletion, between the PVP layer and the pentacene layer play a critical role on the electrical stability during operation of the OTFT.
Formulating Future Just Policies: Applying the Delhi Sustainable Development Law Principles
Authors: Goepel Maja
Published: June 2010

The nature of the concept of sustainability makes it difficult to coordinate and monitor the implementation of sustainable development in the formulation of effective policy. The International Law Association at its meeting in New Delhi in 2002 offered a set of seven Principles of International Law Relating to Sustainable Development as a definitive tool to inform the formulation of policy and potentially legal arrangements. This article describes a research project by the World Future Council that used these principles as the basis for a methodology to assess and evaluate how a range of policies might contribute to sustainable development in the interest of future generations. Three ―"best" policies on food security are evaluated and their common characteristics are identified. The article finally discusses how policy assessments based on principles accepted internationally might contribute to accelerated, effective and coherent implementation of sustainable development, even where the prevailing institutional approach treats ecological, social, economic and cultural issues as separate factors.
Geología y geocronología U-Pb del granito de Banabuiú, Noreste de Ceará, Brasil
Authors: Lima M. N. , Nogueira Neto J. A. , Azevedo M. R. , Valle Aguado B.
Published: June 2010

El macizo de Banabuiú aflora en el Dominio Ceará Central (DCC) de la Provincia de Borborema (NE Brasil) como una intrusión granítica alargada según la dirección N-S, concordante con las estructuras regionales. Está emplazado en rocas del Paleoproterozoico intensamente deformadas y transformadas en gneises y migmatitas durante la Orogenia Brasiliense (~600 Ma). Con base en dataciones U-Pb de circones, la edad de cristalización del granito de dos micas de Banabuiú es estimada en 578,6 ± 6,5 Ma. El granito es fuertemente peraluminoso y presenta una signatura geoquímica de tipo-S. Los valores de εNd580 son marcadamente negativos (εNd580 = –19 a –23) y se sobreponen parcialmente con los del Complejo Gnéisico Migmatítico del DCC (εNd580 = –12 a –26), sugiriendo que el magma parental del granito ha sido generado a través de la fusión parcial de materiales corticales semejantes a los que se encuentran en el DCC.
Modeling Multi-Actor Activity Scenarios
Authors: Paquette Gilbert , Marino Olga
Published: June 2010

In this chapter, we concentrate on a very interesting type of model: multi-actor processes. These processes can be found in all domains of human activity, particularly to describe work processes in organizations or learning scenarios. In both cases, we will use the term “activity scenario”. These models are characterized by a sequencing of activities, accomplished by one or more actors who use and produce a variety of resources. We will first present an instructional engineering method, MISA, which enables designers to produce learning or training scenarios. Then we generalize the notion of activity scenario by considering work processes, making a distinction between product-oriented and actor-oriented processes. After that, we present activity scenario modeling tools and a first synthesis of the scenario modeling process that can be applied both to learning and work processes. Through this, we discover that competency modeling in a central element of all these processes.
Modeling for Research and Communication
Authors: Paquette Gilbert
Published: June 2010

In this concluding chapter, we will give examples where visual modelling techniques have been used in actual research projects. Visual Modelling is particularly useful to the researcher both to organize and guide the research and to communicate its results. Our Research Centre applied this approach in numerous research projects since its creation in 1992. We will start by showing how visual modelling has helped develop a coherent view of Instructional Engineering that led to the design of the MISA method through a number of years. Then we will present another stream of research that has also been supported by knowledge modelling: the development of assistance systems. Finally, we will conclude the chapter by presenting a method that has been used by several doctoral students, in particular by those responsible of the projects presented in section III of this book. These examples will enable us to propose a generic meta-method for research projects and doctoral work that will serve as a conclusion to this chapter.
Bone Density and Cortical Thickness in Normal, Osteopenic, and Osteoporotic Sacra
Authors: Richards Andrew M. , Coleman Nathan W. , Knight Trevor A. , Belkoff Stephen M. , Mears Simon C.
Published: June 2010

It is unclear if a decrease in cancellous bone density or cortical bone thickness is related to sacral insufficiency fractures. We hypothesized that reduction in overall bone density leads to local reductions in bone density and cortical thickness in cadaveric sacra that match clinically observed fracture patterns in patients with sacral insufficiency fractures. We used quantitative computed tomography to measure cancellous density and cortical thickness in multiple areas of normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic sacra. Cancellous bone density was significantly lower in osteoporotic specimens in the central and anterior regions of the sacral ala compared with other regions of these specimens. Cortical thickness decreased uniformly in all regions of osteopenic and osteoporotic specimens. These results support our hypothesis that areas of the sacrum where sacral insufficiency fractures often occur have significantly larger decreases in cancellous bone density; however, they do not support the hypothesis that these areas have local reduction of cortical bone thickness.
Fungi and Mycotoxins in Feed Intended for Sows at Different Reproductive Stages in Argentina
Authors: Pereyra Carina Maricel , Cavaglieri Lilia Renée , Chiacchiera Stella Maris , Dalcero Ana María
Published: June 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate fungi and contamination levels of aflatoxinB1, ochratoxin A, fumonisinB1, and zearalenone in raw materials and finished feed intended for sows at different reproductive stages. Total fungi,Aspergillus,Penicillium, andFusariumspecies occurrence, were examined.Aspergillus flavus,A. niger aggregatespp., andF. verticillioideswere the prevalent species. Fungal counts exceeded the levels proposed as feed hygienic quality limits (1×104colony forming units) at all reproductive stages. AflatoxinB1, ochratoxin A, fumonisinB1, and zearalenone were detected by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Aflatoxin levels in 80% samples of finished sow feeds were over the permitted levels of 0.02 μgg-1(mean228.2±95 μgKg−1). FumonisinB1was detected in all tested raw materials at levels that varied from 50.3 to 1137.64 μgKg−1and finished feed samples at levels that ranged from 99.8 to 512.4 μgKg−1. AflatoxinB1, zearalenone, and ochratoxin A were not detected in raw materials. All finished feeds were negative for zearalenone contamination whereas all nonpregnant gilt samples were contaminated with low OTA levels (mean0.259±0.123). This fact requires periodic monitoring to prevent the occurrence of mycotoxicosis in animal production, to reduce the economic losses, and to minimize hazards to human health.
Perfluorocarbons in the global atmosphere: tetrafluoromethane, hexafluoroethane, and octafluoropropane
Authors: Mühle J. , Ganesan A. L. , Miller B. R. , Salameh P. K. , Harth C. M. , Greally B. R. , Rigby M. , Porter L. W. , Steele L. P. , Trudinger C. M. , Krummel P. B. , O'Doherty S. , Fraser P. J. , Simmonds P. G. , Prinn R. G. , Weiss R. F.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. We present atmospheric baseline growth rates from the 1970s to the present for the long-lived, strongly infrared-absorbing perfluorocarbons (PFCs) tetrafluoromethane (CF4), hexafluoroethane (C2F6), and octafluoropropane (C3F8) in both hemispheres, measured with improved accuracies (~1–2%) and precisions (<0.3%, or <0.2 ppt (parts per trillion dry air mole fraction), for CF4; <1.5%, or <0.06 ppt, for C2F6; <4.5%, or <0.02 ppt, for C3F8 within the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE). Pre-industrial background values of 34.7±0.2 ppt CF4 and 0.1±0.02 ppt C2F6 were measured in air extracted from Greenland ice and Antarctic firn. Anthropogenic sources are thought to be primary aluminum production (CF4, C2F6, C3F8), semiconductor production (C2F6, CF4, C3F8) and refrigeration use (C3F8). Global emissions calculated with the AGAGE 2-D 12-box model are significantly higher than most previous emission estimates. The sum of CF4 and C2F6 emissions estimated from aluminum production and non-metal production are lower than observed global top-down emissions, with gaps of ~6 Gg/yr CF4 in recent years. The significant discrepancies between previous CF4, C2F6, and C3F8 emission estimates and observed global top-down emissions estimated from AGAGE measurements emphasize the need for more accurate, transparent, and complete emission reporting, and for verification with atmospheric measurements to assess the emission sources of these long-lived and potent greenhouse gases, which alter the radiative budget of the atmosphere, essentially permanently, once emitted.
Occurrence of gas phase ammonia in the area of Beijing (China)
Authors: Ianniello A. , Spataro F. , Esposito G. , Allegrini I. , Rantica E. , Ancora M. P. , Hu M. , Zhu T.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The atmospheric concentrations of gaseous ammonia have been measured during two field campaigns in the winter and in the summer of 2007 at Beijing (China). These measurements were carried out by means of diffusion annular denuders coated with phosphorous acid. The results were discussed from the standpoint of seasonal and diurnal variations and meteorological effects. The daily average NH3 concentrations were in the range of 0.20–44.38 μg/m3 and showed regular seasonal variations with higher concentrations during summer and with lower during winter. The seasonal trends seemed to be largely affected by air temperature because of agricultural sources. No diurnal variability was observed for gaseous NH3 levels in both winter and summer seasons. The highest ammonia value of 105.67 μg/m3 was measured in the early morning during the summer period when stable atmospheric conditions occurred. The diurnal winter and summer trends of ammonia were nearly independent on the air temperatures but they were affected by wind direction suggesting a strong local source influences. Ammonia was also correlated with the atmospheric mixing in the boundary layer, and, with NOx and CO air concentrations supporting the hypothesis that the traffic may be also an important source of ammonia in Beijing.
The Best Versions of Ourselves
Authors: Blankenship-Lai Evelyn
Published: May 2024

In this narrative medicine essay, a lecturer in narrative medicine strives to accept her best self by surmounting the barriers of itchy skin and unsightly red patches caused by chronic atopic dermatitis.