bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shoulder Height Labeling of Child Restraints to Minimize Premature Graduation
Authors: Brown Julie , Fell Dallas , Bilston Lynne E.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE:

We hypothesized that parents and caregivers would make better judgments about child restraint fit if shoulder height labeling was used to communicate appropriate child restraint transition times.

METHODS:

Participants were recruited at a shopping center in New South Wales, Australia, and were observed choosing restraints, with and without shoulder height labels indicating appropriate restraint fit, for each of 2 test mannequins (representing a 3-year-old child and a 5-year-old child). Demographic and child restraint use experience data also were collected. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine associations between labeling condition and participant's judgment of restraint appropriateness.

RESULTS:

Participants (N = 86) made significantly fewer errors in judging restraint appropriateness for the test mannequins when the restraints included shoulder height labels (P < .001). Depending on label format, the odds that a participant would always make the correct decision were 5.2 (95% confidence interval: 2.7–9.8) to 3.7 (95% confidence interval: 2.0–6.9) times greater when shoulder height labels were included than when they were not.

CONCLUSION:

The use of shoulder height labels on child safety seats and booster seats is an effective means of communicating child restraint fit to parents and caregivers.
Phenotyping and genotyping of streptococci in bovine milk in Argentinean dairy herds
Authors: Reinoso Elina , Dieser Silvana , Calvinho Luis , Bogni Cristina , Odierno Liliana
Published: August 2010

Most veterinary and milk hygiene laboratories identify streptococci and enterococci based on serological and biochemical tests. The analysis of 16S rDNA was suggested to be used for more exact identification; however, its use has not been considered so far in monitoring studies. The objective of the present study was to compare a conventional phenotypic method with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of 16S rDNA (16S rDNA RFLP) for identification of streptococci isolated from composite milk samples collected in connection with intramammary infection (IMI) in six Argentinean dairy farms. Composite milk samples (n = 1223) from cows belonging to six herds were collected for bacteriological analysis. Twelve reference strains and fifty streptococci or streptococcuslike isolates were identified to species level by the API 20 Strep system, conventional biochemical tests and 16S rDNA RFLP in a blind assay. The remaining streptococci or streptococcus-like isolates (n = 40) were identified to the species level both by 16S rDNA RFLP and conventional biochemical tests. As indicated by Kappa values, agreement between the 16S rDNA RFLP and the conventional scheme for identification of
Streptococcus agalactiae, S. dysgalactiae, S. uberis, S. equinus
and
Enterococcus faecalis
was 0.91, 0.73, 0.92, 0.81 and 0.85, respectively. Together with the less frequently isolated streptococcal species, the conventional scheme correctly identified 77 out of 90 isolates (85.5%). Thus, the use of 16S rDNA RFLP is considered valuable for monitoring studies due to its affordable cost for standard laboratories.
Vaginal rupture and evisceration in a dog
Authors: Prassinos Nikitas , Adamama-Moraitou Katerina , Ververidis Haralabos , Anagnostou Tilemachos , Kladakis Stefanos
Published: August 2010

A 1.5-year-old German Shepherd mixed breed dog was admitted with mild haemorrhage from the vulva and a perineal mass of 24-hour duration, which had been first observed immediately after parturition. Parturition had occurred at low ambient temperature, and only one puppy survived out of the seven oversized fetuses. The dog was in poor body condition, dehydrated, hypothermic, depressed, non-ambulatory and in a state of shock. Intestinal loops, the urinary bladder and the uterine horns and body were protruding from the vulva. A true vaginal prolapse was also observed. The abdominal viscera were flushed with warm sterile saline solution, protected and maintained wet. The laboratory findings included moderate anaemia, leukocytosis, hypoalbuminaemia, azotaemia and elevated liver enzyme activities. Stabilisation of the dog’s general condition was attempted before surgery. Antimicrobial and analgesic drugs were also administered. After exploratory laparotomy the protruding organs, which were in good condition, were reduced. A recent rupture in the vaginal wall, approximately 6 cm long, was observed. Ovariohysterectomy and partial vaginectomy were performed. The preoperative course of therapy was continued, but the bitch died 12 hours later. The probable cause of vaginal rupture and evisceration in this bitch was tenesmus and/or trauma due to the oversized fetuses.
Role of rosuvastatin in lipid-lowering therapy today
Authors: Ábel Tatjána , Fehér† János
Published: August 2010

A statinok a lipidcsökkentő terápia során leggyakrabban használt gyógyszerek. Az egyik leghatékonyabb statin a rosuvastatin, amely jól tolerálható és a primer, valamint a szekunder prevencióban lévő betegek többségében képes az LDL-koleszterint célértékig csökkenteni. Emellett a rosuvastatin mérsékli a triglicerid és a nagy szenzitivitású C-reaktív protein szintjét, valamint emeli a HDL-koleszterin koncentrációját is. A képalkotó eljárásokkal végzett vizsgálatok igazolták, hogy a rosuvastatinterápia nemcsak az atherosclerosis progresszióját csökkenti, hanem annak regressziójához is vezethet.
SCHIZOBANK – The Hungarian national schizophrenia biobank and its role in schizophrenia research
Authors: Inczédy-Farkas Gabriella , Benkovits Judit , Balogh Nóra , Álmos Péter , Scholtz Beáta , Zahuczky Gábor , Török Zsolt , Nagy Krisztián , Réthelyi János , Makkos Zoltán , Kassai-Farkas Ákos , Égerházy Anikó , Tűzkő Judit , Janka Zoltán , Bitter István , Németh György , Nagy László , Molnár Mária Judit
Published: August 2010

A multifaktoriális betegségek patogenezisének vizsgálata a posztgenomiális éra nagy kihívása. Egyes pszichiátriai kórképek – mint például a szkizofrénia – hátterében erős genetikai determináció figyelhető meg. A pszichiátriai betegségek kezelésére használatos antipszichotikumok és antidepresszánsok gyakran nem kívánt mellékhatásokat eredményeznek, amelyek alapjai szintén genetikailag kódoltak. A krónikus multifaktoriális betegségek vizsgálatában fontos szerep jut a nagyszámú minta tárolására és azok klinikai adatokkal való összekötésére lehetőséget adó biobankoknak, amelyek építése világszerte folyik. Hazánkban is számos ilyen gyűjtemény kialakítása van folyamatban. Az első hazai neurológiai és pszichiátriai biobankhálózat a Magyar Klinikai Neurogenetikai Társaság által működtetett NEPSYBANK volt. A hazai biobankok hálózattá formálása a Nemzeti Kutatási és Technológiai Hivatal NEKIFUT programjának szervezésében jelenleg zajlik. Közleményünkben egy olyan konzorciális biobankról (SCHIZOBANK) számolunk be, amelynek építését a hazai akadémiai szféra és gyógyszeripar kezdeményezésére a Schizo-08 Konzorcium vezetése mellett öt nagy hazai pszichiátria centrum klinikusai végzik. A SCHIZOBANK felépítése, logisztikája, informatikai háttere ismertetése mellett áttekintjük a biobankok jelentőségét, és számba vesszük a nemzetközi szkizofréniabiobank-kezdeményezéseket. A SCHIZOBANK erőssége a betegek rendkívül részletes fenotipizálása mellett, hogy egyes biológiai minták (RNS és plazma) levétele az akut pszichózis és a remisszió állapotában is megtörténik. Így nemcsak statikus genomikai jellegzetességek, hanem a betegség kórlefolyása során dinamikusan változó génexpressziós, proteomikai és metabolomikai markerek vizsgálatára is lehetőség nyílik. A SCHIZOBANK nemcsak a konzorcium tagjai, hanem külső kutatók számára is elérhető. Célunk a más országok biobankjaival való harmonizálás is.
Redes de coautorias entre docentes de programas brasileiros de pós-graduação (Stricto Sensu) em Administração: aspectos estruturais e dinâmica de relacionamento
Authors: Mello Cristiane Marques de , Crubellate João Marcelo , Rossoni Luciano
Published: August 2010

Este artigo descreve e analisa características e mudanças ocorridas na configuração da rede de coautorias formada por professores de programas brasileiros de pós-graduação (stricto sensu) em Administração no período de 2001 a 2006. O referencial empírico compreendeu 703 professores vinculados a programas nacionais de pós-graduação em Administração. Para a análise das redes sociais e coautorias das publicações, utilizamos os softwares Ucinet 6 e Pajek 1.21. Houve significativo crescimento no número de coautorias de um triênio para o outro (2001-2003 e 2004-2006). O aumento na interação entre pesquisadores pode ter ocorrido em razão de mudanças nos critérios de avaliação da Capes, formação de novos grupos de pesquisa e/ou amadurecimento dos já existentes, busca por maior qualidade das pesquisas, elevação do grau de especialização no campo científico, metodologia predominante nas disciplinas, entre outros fatores. Os resultados sugerem que a área está aquiescendo às exigências dos órgãos oficiais de credenciamento da pós-graduação.
Phylogeny and Biogeography of Isoëtes (Isoëtaceae) Based on Nuclear and Chloroplast DNA Sequence Data
Authors: Hoot Sara B. , Taylor W. Carl , Napier Nancy S.
Published: August 2010

Despite its ancient origins, worldwide distribution, and adaptation to diverse habitats, Isoëtes species have a highly conserved morphology, making it difficult to resolve phylogenetic relationships using morphological characters. In this paper, we report the results from
various analyses (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference) for Isoëtes species from around the world based on nucleotide sequences from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast atpB/rbcL intergenic spacer regions. The trees resulting
from our analyses of the combined data contain six major well-supported clades (bootstrap ≥ 90%, posterior probabilities 1.00): A clade with possible Gondwanan affinities (I. australis, I. coromandelina, I. panamensis, I. cubana, I. jamaicensis); a South
African clade (I. capensis, I. toximontana, I. stellenbossiensis, I. stephansenii); a largely Northern Hemisphere clade (I. nuttallii, I. orcuttii, I. minima, I. dixitei, I. abyssinica, I. olympica, I. longissima,
I. velata); an Asian/Australasian clade (I. drummondii, I. gunnii, I. pusilla, I. kirkii, I. muelleri, I. taiwanensis, I. japonica, I. yunguiensis, I. habbemensis); a Mediterranean clade (I. histrix and I. setacea);
and a poorly resolved clade consisting of 12 new world species (American species complex). Our results are compared to past classifications and various biogeographical scenarios are explored.
Phylogeny of the Fern Genus Melpomene (Polypodiaceae) Inferred from Morphology and Chloroplast DNA Analysis
Authors: Lehnert Marcus , Kessler Michael , Schmidt-Lebuhn Alexander N. , Klimas Susan A. , Fehlberg Shannon D. , Ranker Tom A.
Published: August 2010

Guided by systematic studies on Melpomene, we tested the monophyly of the genus by analyzing sequences of cpDNA (atpβ, rbcL) and morphological characters for 24 of the 29 recognized species. The atpβ data did not yield any resolution of the investigated
group. The other data sets each supported the monophyly of the genus, as did all data combined, and indicate it to be sister to the Lellingeria apiculata group as proposed in previous studies. While the morphologically distinct M. leptostoma and M. gracilis are basal lineages
with long branch lengths, most of the relationships within the core genus are weakly supported and have very short branch lengths. This indicates a recent radiation of the genus in the northern Andes, its center of diversity, apparently under the influence of the fast up lift of the mountain
range and of glacial fluctuations of the vegetation zones, with subsequent dispersals to the Guyana Highlands, the Brazilian shield, and Africa.
Taxonomic Revision of the Vachellia acuifera Species Group (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae) in the Carribean
Authors: David Clarke H. , Seigler David S. , Ebinger John E.
Published: August 2010

Twelve Caribbean species of Vachellia (formerlyAcacia subgenus Acacia) are formally monographed with taxonomic, habitat, geographic distribution descriptions, and lists of representative specimens examined. The species treated here are all part of the informal Vachellia
acuifera group, which is characterized by generally enlarged stipular spines borne in clusters on the stems, 1–3 pairs of pinnae per leaf, and 20–50 stamens. Ordination analyses of vegetative characters show that these species form discrete groups in two- and three-dimensional
plots. Vachellia baessleria Clarke, Seigler, & Ebinger, endemic to Guantánamo and Las Tunas, Cuba, is newly described. Vachellia acuifera is wide ranging, occurring from the Bahamas to Cuba. The other species are highly restricted in their distribution and ecological
setting. Four of the species are only known from Hispaniola (V. barahonensis, V. caurina, V. cucuyo, and V. oviedoensis) and six only from Cuba (V. baessleria, V. belairioides, V. bucheri, V. daemon, V. roigii, and V. zapatensis).
Another species, V. anagadensis, is only found on the island of Anegada in the British Virgin Islands.
Phylogenetic Patterns in Menispermaceae Based on Multiple Chloroplast Sequence Data
Authors: Hoot Sara B. , Zautke Herbert , Harris David J. , Crane Peter R. , Neves Susana S.
Published: August 2010

Menispermaceae, a dioecious, largely pantropical family of vines and lianas, consists of approximately 70 genera. In this paper, we present phylogenies (derived using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference) based on chloroplast atpB and rbcL sequence
data for 42 Menispermaceae genera (60 species) and 15 outgroup genera representing all families in the Ranunculales. Results of this work confirm that a clade consisting of Berberidaceae and Ranunculaceae is sister to the Menispermaceae and that Menispermaceae is highly supported as monophyletic.
Within Menispermaceae, Menispermum and Sinomenium, two genera with distributions in the Northern Hemisphere, are weakly to moderately supported as sister to all remaining Menispermaceae. Many of the tribes as described by previous workers are not monophyletic. To expand both
the data and sampling, we combined our atpB and rbcL data with previously published ndhF data for two additional analyses: 1) for matching species and 2) for all genera available, including those with either atpB/rbcL or ndhF missing (22% missing data). All
trees produced from our three analyses were highly congruent, especially where branch support was high. Four major clades were recovered from all analyses and are informally named. Superimposing our geographical distributions on our atpB/rbcL phylogeny indicates that many well supported
clades have distributions on multiple continents, probably due to both vicariance and dispersal. Several previous hypotheses regarding trends in character evolution are tested; our phylogenies suggest that the following are all derived character states within the family: arborescent habit;
acrodromous, peltate, compound, or lobed leaves; absence of condyle and endosperm; smooth endosperm; fused stamens; and tricolpate pollen.
Elusive Relationships Within Order Fabales: Phylogenetic Analyses Using matK and rbcL Sequence Data
Authors: Bello M. A. , Bruneau A. , Forest F. , Hawkins J. A.
Published: August 2010

The order Fabales, including Leguminosae, Polygalaceae, Quillajaceae and Surianaceae, represents a novel hypothesis emerging from angiosperm molecular phylogenies. Despite good support for the order, molecular studies to date have suggested contradictory, poorly supported interfamilial
relationships. Our reappraisal of relationships within Fabales addresses past taxon sampling deficiencies, and employs parsimony and Bayesian approaches using sequences from the plastid regions rbcL (166 spp.) and matK (78 spp.). Five alternative hypotheses for interfamilial
relationships within Fabales were recovered. The Shimodaira-Hasegawa test found the likelihood of a resolved topology significantly higher than the one calculated for a polytomy, but did not favour any of the alternative hypotheses of relationship within Fabales. In the light of the morphological
evidence available and the comparative behavior of rbcL and matK, the topology recovering Polygalaceae as sister to the rest of the order Fabales with Leguminosae more closely related to Quillajaceae + Surianaceae, is considered the most likely hypothesis of interfamilial relationships
of the order. Dating of selected crown clades in the Fabales phylogeny using penalized likelihood suggests rapid radiation of the Leguminosae, Polygalaceae, and (Quillajaceae + Surianaceae) crown clades.
Influence of hydraulic hysteresis on effective stress in unsaturated soils
Authors: KHALILI N. , ZARGARBASHI S.
Published: August 2010

In this note, results from a careful programme of experimental research are presented examining the variation of the effective stress parameter along main drying and wetting paths and in transition from drying to wetting. Both dimensional and non-dimensional representations of the results are discussed and the general trends observed are highlighted. A simple model is presented for the quantification of the contribution of suction to the effective stress of the solid skeleton including the hysteresis effects due to wetting and drying. In addition, it is shown that the degree of saturation may not be a suitable candidate as the effective stress parameter for such quantification.
Response of stiff piles to random two-way lateral loading
Authors: LEBLANC C. , BYRNE B.W. , HOULSBY G.T.
Published: August 2010

A model for predicting the accumulated rotation of stiff piles under random two-way loading is presented. The model is based on a strain superposition rule similar to Miner's rule and uses rainflow-counting to decompose a random time-series of varying loads into a set of simple load reversals. The method is consistent with the work of LeBlanc et al. (2010 ) and is supported by 1g laboratory tests. An example is given for an offshore wind turbine indicating that accumulated pile rotation during the life of the turbine is dominated by the worst expected load.
Ridge Preservation With Acellular Dermal Matrix and Anorganic Bone Matrix Cell‐Binding Peptide P‐15 After Tooth Extraction in Humans
Authors: Fernandes Patricia Garani , Novaes Arthur B. , de Queiroz Adriana Correa , de Souza Sergio Luis Scombatti , Taba Mario , Palioto Daniela Bazan , de Moraes Grisi Marcio Fernando
Published: August 2010

Background: Preventing ridge collapse with the extraction of maxillary anterior teeth is vital to an esthetic restorative result. Several regenerative techniques are available and are used for socket preservation. The aim of this study is to analyze by clinical parameters the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and anorganic bovine bone matrix (ABM) with synthetic cell‐binding peptide P‐15 to preserve alveolar bone after tooth extraction.

Methods: Eighteen patients in need of extraction of maxillary anterior teeth were selected and randomly assigned to the test group (ADM plus ABM/P‐15) or the control group (ADM only). Clinical measurements were recorded initially and at 6 months after ridge‐preservation procedures.

Results: In the clinical measurements (external vertical palatal measurement [EVPM], external vertical buccal measurement [EVBM], and alveolar horizontal measurement [AHM]) the statistical analysis showed no difference between test and control groups initially and at 6 months. The intragroup analysis, after 6 months, showed a statistically significant reduction in the measurements for both groups. In the comparison between the two groups, the differences in the test group were as follows: EVPM = 0.83 ± 1.53 mm; EVBM = 1.20 ± 2.02 mm; and AHM = 2.53 ± 1.81 mm. The differences in the control group were as follows: EVPM = 0.87 ± 1.13 mm; EVBM = 1.50 ± 1.15 mm; and AHM = 3.40 ± 1.39 mm. The differences in EVPM and EVBM were not statistically significant; however, in horizontal measurement (AHM), there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study show that ADM used as membrane associated with ABM/P‐15 can be used to reduce buccal‐palatal dimensions compared to ADM alone for preservation of the alveolar ridge after extraction of anterior maxillary teeth.
Salivary Stress Markers, Stress, and Periodontitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rai Balwant , Kaur Jasdeep , Anand S.C. , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: August 2010

Background: Some cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies attempted to link periodontitis with stress. To our knowledge, only one small study was published on the mechanism by which stress may influence periodontal diseases, suggesting behavioral and physiologic mechanisms and investigating the role of inflammation as a potential mediator. The present study is planned to explore the associations among periodontal disease, psychologic factors, and salivary markers of stress, psychoneuroimmunologic variables, and health behaviors.

Methods: One hundred periodontitis patients were selected, and participants provided information on general health, chronic stress, and demographics. Stress markers (choromogranin A, cortisol, α‐amylase, and β‐endorphin) were measured from saliva. A dentist assessed the presence of dental plaque on lingual and buccal surfaces, the gingival index, and the number of remaining teeth with periodontal disease.

Results: Stress and salivary stress markers were significantly correlated with clinical parameters of periodontal disease (ranging from 0.19 to 0.59; P <0.001). Neglecting to brush teeth during stress was associated with missing teeth. After adjusting for stress variables, salivary cortisol and β‐endorphin were significantly associated with tooth loss and periodontal clinical parameters (P <0.001; R2 = 0.59).

Conclusions: This study suggests that stress might be associated with periodontal disease through physiologic and behavioral mechanisms. In making diagnoses of psychiatric patients, the association between salivary stress markers and periodontal disease needs to be included. Further exploration of relationships between periodontitis and stress is warranted.
Association Between Chronic Periodontal Disease and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Chaffee Benjamin W. , Weston Scott J.
Published: August 2010

Background: Obesity is increasing in prevalence and is a major contributor to worldwide morbidity. One consequence of obesity might be an increased risk for periodontal disease, although periodontal inflammation might, in turn, exacerbate the metabolic syndrome, of which obesity is one component. This review aims to systematically compile the evidence of an obesity–periodontal disease relationship from epidemiologic studies and to derive a quantitative summary of the association between these disease states.

Methods: Systematic searches of the MEDLINE, SCOPUS, BIOSIS, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and Brazilian Bibliography of Dentistry databases were conducted with the results and characteristics of relevant studies abstracted to standardized forms. A meta‐analysis was performed to obtain a summary measure of association.

Results: The electronic search identified 554 unique citations, and 70 studies met a priori inclusion criteria, representing 57 independent populations. Nearly all studies matching inclusion criteria were cross‐sectional in design with the results of 41 studies suggesting a positive association. The fixed‐effects summary odds ratio was 1.35 (Shore‐corrected 95% confidence interval: 1.23 to 1.47), with some evidence of a stronger association found among younger adults, women, and non‐smokers. Additional summary estimates suggested a greater mean clinical attachment loss among obese individuals, a higher mean body mass index (BMI) among periodontal patients, and a trend of increasing odds of prevalent periodontal disease with increasing BMI. Although these results are highly unlikely to be chance findings, unmeasured confounding had a credible but unknown influence on these estimates.

Conclusions: This positive association was consistent and coherent with a biologically plausible role for obesity in the development of periodontal disease. However, with few quality longitudinal studies, there is an inability to distinguish the temporal ordering of events, thus limiting the evidence that obesity is a risk factor for periodontal disease or that periodontitis might increase the risk of weight gain. In clinical practice, a higher prevalence of periodontal disease should be expected among obese adults.
Rheological Characterization of Biological Treatment Sludges in a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Civelekoglu G. , Kalkan F.C.
Published: August 2010

This study examined the rheological characteristics of biological treatment sludges originating from secondary stage and sludge treatment unit of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), using a rotational viscometer equipped with an ultralow adapter or small cylindrical‐shaped spindle. A total of four mathematical approaches were used to investigate the fitting of the dependence of the shear stress to the shear rate. A generalized multi‐statistical model was proposed to describe the rheological properties of the sludge. The overall results indicated that Ostwald equations have stronger prediction capabilities of the apparent viscosity of treatment sludges than other rheological modeling approaches and the proposed model. Although the proposed model structure did not exhibit a desirable performance, it may have an application potential to calculate the apparent viscosity for a particular shear rate and solid content, which can be measured easily in WWTPs.
Full‐Scale Assessment of the Nutrient Removal Capabilities of Membrane Bioreactors
Authors: Daigger Glen T. , Crawford George V. , Johnson Bruce R.
Published: August 2010

Operating results from two full‐scale membrane bioreactors (MBRs) practicing biological and chemical phosphorus and biological nitrogen removal to meet stringent effluent nutrient limits are analyzed. Full‐scale results and special studies conducted at these facilities resulted in the development of guidelines for the design of MBRs to achieve stringent effluent nutrient concentrations—as low as 0.05 mg/L total phosphorus and 3 mg/L total nitrogen. These guidelines include the following: (1) direct the membrane recirculation flow to the aerobic zone, (2) provide intense mixing at the inlets of the anaerobic and anoxic zones, (3) maintain internal recirculation flowrates to maintain the desired mixed liquor suspended solids distribution, and (4) carefully control supplemental metal salt addition in proportion to the phosphorus remaining after biological removal is complete. Staging the various process zones and providing effective dissolved oxygen control also enhances nutrient removal performance. The results demonstrated that process performance can be characterized by the International Water Association (London, United Kingdom) (IWA) activated sludge model number 2d (ASM2d) and the Water Environment Federation (Alexandria, Virginia) chemical phosphorus removal model. These models subsequently were used to develop unique process configurations that are currently under design and/or construction for several full‐scale nutrient removal MBRs.
Urine ‐ A Valuable Fertilizer with Low Risk after Storage in the Tropics
Authors: Wohlsager Susanne , Clemens Joachim , Nguyet Phan Thanh , Rechenburg Andrea , Arnold Ute
Published: August 2010

Urine contains a considerable amount of nutrients and potentially could be used as supplement commercial mineral fertilizer; however, it carries risk of contamination. The effect of urine storage as a simple treatment method was examined under tropical conditions. Initial concentrations of total coliforms (2.3 × 105 CFU/100 mL), E.coli (<1.0 × 104 CFU/100 mL), and Salmonella sp. were less than detection limit after four weeks. Open storage led to nitrogen losses of 90%, whereas closed storage containers retained 93% of total nitrogen. Under storage, the N:P ratio of 8:1 in fresh urine changed to 14:1 in the supernatant and to 1:12 in the precipitate, and 100% of magnesium and 96% of calcium was precipitated. A model showed that, depending on plant requirements, using the mixture of supernatant and precipitate as fertilizer for crops such as cassava was reasonable. To fertilize crops such as rice, however, additional P and K was needed. The nutrient‐based flux of heavy metals to soils was negligible.
Accountable Game Design: Structuring the Dynamics of Student Learning Interactions
Authors: Charoenying Timothy
Published: August 2010

Game-based classroom activity is intended to leverage students' interest and motivation to play, and to provide safe contexts for supporting students' academic learning. However, a basic criticism of many games currently used in classroom settings is that they can fail to meaningfully embody academic content. A more subtle concern is that cognitive and social dynamics emerging from the structuring and enactment of poorly designed games may compromise students' affective disposition and, so, undermine their learning opportunities. Using the case of classroom games designed for mathematical learning, I propose to examine how certain structural dynamics of a learning activity such as the rules and protocol for interaction, choice of media, or criteria for success may influence student interest, engagement, and eventual learning outcomes. This theoretical article reviews cognitive, developmental, and game-related literature in order to develop a rationale for accountable design—an approach that considers how these dynamics may be coordinated to support both the instructional objectives of educators, as well as the individual social and developmental needs of students.
Impact of Cultural Differences on Students' Participation, Communication, and Learning in an Online Environment
Authors: Yang Dazhi , Olesova Larissa , Richardson Jennifer C.
Published: August 2010

Being aware of cultural differences and knowing how to deal with related differences is critical for the success of online learning and training that involves learners from multiple countries and cultures. This study examines the perceived differences of participants from two different cultures on (1) students' participation behaviors; (2) students' communication styles; and (3) the impact of cultural differences on their participation, communication, and learning in an online course. Results suggest that the two groups participated equally but communicated differently in asynchronous online discussions. In addition, the overall points gained by the two groups from their weekly online discussions differed significantly which may be a result of communication styles and participation behaviors. This study has implications for designing and implementing effective online learning environments in an increasingly globalized world of online learning for researchers, instructors, designers, and students.
Email, Self-Regulation, Self-Efficacy, and Achievement in a College Online Mathematics Course
Authors: Hodges Charles B. , Kim Chanmin
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study was to: (a) investigate the effects of email to enhance learners' use of self-regulation strategies; (b) examine different effects between email list and individually addressed notes on the enhancement of self-regulation; (c) observe and record changes in self-regulation and self-efficacy; and (d) explore the relationships among self-regulation, self-efficacy, and achievement. For an entire semester, 103 college students enrolled in an online, asynchronous mathematics course participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group received self-regulation strategies without personalized messages; the second group received self-regulation strategies with personalized messages; and the third group received neither self-regulation strategies nor personalized messages. Results indicated that there was no statistically significant effect for the email treatments but a statistically significant relationship was observed between self-efficacy and achievement. The findings are discussed with an emphasis on the reciprocal relations between self-efficacy and self-regulation.
Effectiveness of an Online Community of Practice for Learning to Teach Elementary Science
Authors: Tsai I-Chun , Laffey James M. , Hanuscin Deborah
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study was to understand how teachers participate in and benefit from an online community of practice (NETwork) for learning to teach. Dependent-samples t-tests were employed to examine the significant differences of members' perceptions of their social experience, while content analysis was utilized to identify members' perceptions of their growth in learning to teach from participation in NETwork. The results show significant positive changes in members' perceptions of social navigation, perceived ease of use and usefulness of the NETwork tools, and satisfaction with NETwork experiences. Also, members reported they found NETwork to be effective in supporting their current/future teaching and that their interactions in NETwork led to a sense of community.
Education Policy Convergence through the Open Method of Coordination: Theoretical Reflections and Implementation in ‘old’ and ‘new’ National Contexts
Authors: Alexiadou Nafsika , Fink-Hafner Danica , Lange Bettina
Published: August 2010

This article addresses two key questions about the convergence of education policies in the European Union (EU). How does the open method of coordination (OMC), a new governance instrument for the Europeanisation of education policies, change existing national education policy making and how can the OMC and national responses to it be researched? The authors argue that the OMC brings to national policy making a particular set of ideas about education, such as an emphasis on the contribution of education to building competitive economies and a new public management approach. The authors further suggest that the significance of such policy ideas in national education policy making can be best analysed through a combination of sociological institutionalism and discourse analysis. Hence, ‘implementation’ of EU education measures — which have been developed through policy learning — should be understood as a combination of a ‘bottom-up’ and ‘top-down’ policy-making process that links EU and national levels. Finally, the article suggests — on the basis of a preliminary exploration of the implementation of education OMC measures in the United Kingdom and Slovenia — that education OMC policy ideas resonate to varying degrees in ‘old’ and ‘new’ member states.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Procaspase-3 and Its Clinical Significance in Childhood Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas
Authors: Wrobel Grazyna , Maldyk Jadwiga , Kazanowska Bernarda , Rapala Malgorzata , Maciejka-Kapuscinska Lucyna , Chaber Radosław
Published: August 2010

Previous studies have shown differences in expression levels of apoptosis regulatory proteins in non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) and indicated the correlation of procaspase-3 (proC-3) and caspase-3 activation to the response of chemotherapy. We investigated whether proC-3 expression in tumor biopsies of childhood NHLs is related to clinical outcome. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 58 children with NHL were evaluated for proC-3 expression by immunochemistry analysis. The study included 20 cases of Burkitt lymphoma, 7 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 18 cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and 13 cases of precursor lymphoblastic lymphoma. The highest expression level of proC-3 was observed in ALCL. In the multivariate analysis the higher clinical stage of disease and higher expression level of proC-3 were independent and appear to be significant prognostic factors of treatment failure. Our results suggest that the high expression level of proC-3 may be a powerful independent predictor of response to chemotherapy and progression-free survival in childhood NHLs.
Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: Does it Have a Role in the Pathogenesis of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome?
Authors: Taweevisit Mana , Thorner Paul Scott
Published: August 2010

The coexistence of a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) and congenital anomalies, both cardiac and noncardiac, is well documented, but whether PLSVC contributes to the development of cardiac malformations is controversial. We conducted a retrospective review of perinatal and pediatric autopsies to determine the association between PLSVC and other congenital anomalies. Of 362 patients, 91 (25%) had congenital heart disease and 19 (5.2%) had PLSVC. Eight cases (47%) were associated with specific syndromes, including heterotaxy syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, and Jacobsen syndrome. Seventeen cases of PLSVC (89%) were associated with congenital heart disease, most of which were complex. Isolated PLSVC was found in 2 cases (11%). Eight of the 19 PLSVC cases (47%) were associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a result that was statistically significant ( P = 0.041). Left ventricle inflow/outflow obstruction is believed to be a critical pathogenic factor in the development of HLHS. Whereas 5 of 8 cases of HLHS had additional obstructive cardiac outflow tract lesions, 3 of 8 cases did not. PLSVC is known to be able to compromise left ventricle inflow via a dilated coronary sinus, and we speculate that PLSVC may have played a contributing role in the pathogenesis of HLHS in these three cases. As an isolated lesion, PLSVC would not be sufficient to cause HLHS, but it might contribute in combination with other obstructive lesions, or in the setting of other genetic and/or environmental factors still to be defined for HLHS. A larger series will be needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Low-dose ionizing radiation effects on differentiation of HL-60 cells
Authors: Savickiene Jurate , Treigyte Grazina , Aleksandraviciene Ceslava , Navakauskiene Ruta
Published: August 2010

The biological effects of low-dose radiation have attracted attention, but data are currently insufficient to fully understand the beneficial role of the phenomenon. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of low doses of gamma-irradiation alone and in combination with all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) on proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of the human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Changes in cell behavior and protein expression were determined with the use of light and fluorescent microscopy, immunocytochemical and Western blot analysis. Low-dose irradiation with 1–100 cGy caused a dose-dependent inhibition of HL-60 cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis and differentiation to granulocytes with an increase in the number of CD15-positive cells. Pre-irradiation with 1–100 cGy for 24 h before treatment with RA promoted apoptosis but did not impair RA-induced differentiation. Both processes were associated with a decrease in the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), BCL-2, c-MYC, and changes in both cytosolic and nuclear levels of protein tyrosine-phosphorylation as well as protein kinase C alpha or beta isoforms. These results demonstrate the beneficial role of low-dose irradiation in modulating leukemia cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis.
Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Bao Qi , Zhao Yue , Renner Andrea , Niess Hanno , Seeliger Hendrik , Jauch Karl-Walter , Bruns Christiane J.
Published: August 2010

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignant solid tumor well-known by early metastasis, local invasion, resistance to standard chemo- and radiotherapy and poor prognosis. Increasing evidence indicates that pancreatic cancer is initiated and propagated by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Here we review the current research results regarding CSCs in pancreatic cancer and discuss the different markers identifying pancreatic CSCs. This review will focus on metastasis, microRNA regulation and anti-CSC therapy in pancreatic cancer.
A Statistical Thermodynamical Interpretation of Metabolism
Authors: Srienc Friedrich , Unrean Pornkamol
Published: August 2010

The metabolic network of a cell can be decomposed into discrete elementary modes that contribute, each with a certain probability, to the overall flux through the metabolism. These modes are cell function supporting, fundamental pathways that represent permissible ‘quantum’ states of the metabolism. For the case that cellular regulatory mechanisms for pathway fluxes evolved in an unbiased way, we demonstrate theoretically that the usage probabilities of individual elementary modes are distributed according to Boltzmann’s distribution law such that the rate of entropy production is maximized. Such distribution can be observed experimentally in highly evolved metabolic networks. Therefore, cell function has a natural tendency to operate at a maximum rate of entropy generation using preferentially efficient pathways with small reaction entropies. Ultimately, evolution of metabolic networks appears to be driven by forces that can be quantified by the distance of the current metabolic state from the state of maximum entropy generation that represents the unbiased, most probable selection of fundamental pathway choices.
Total Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of a Natural Cycloheptapeptide of Marine Origin
Authors: Dahiya Rajiv , Gautam Hemendra
Published: August 2010

The present study deals with the first total synthesis of the proline-rich cyclopolypeptide stylisin 2 via a solution phase technique by coupling of the Boc-l-Pro-l-Ile-l-Pro-OH tripeptide unit with the l-Phe-l-Pro-l-Pro-l-Tyr-OMe tetrapeptide unit, followed by cyclization of the resulting linear heptapeptide fragment. The chemical structure of the finally synthesized peptide was elucidated by FTIR, 1H/13C-NMR and FAB MS spectral data, as well as elemental analyses. The newly synthesized peptide was subjected to antimicrobial screening against eight pathogenic microbes and found to exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans, in addition to moderate antidermatophyte activity against pathogenic Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum audouinii when compared to standard drugs—gatifloxacin and griseofulvin.
Chemical Composition and Larvicidal Activity against Aedes aegypti Larvae of Essential Oils from Four Guarea Species
Authors: Amazonas Maciel Magalhães Lyege Amazonas Maciel , Da Paz Lima Maria da Paz , Ortiz Mayo Marques Marcia Ortiz Mayo , Facanali Roselaine , Pinto Ana Cristina da Silva , Pedro Tadei Wanderli Pedro
Published: August 2010

The essential oils of four Guarea species collected at Manaus (Amazonas, Brazil) were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Except for one diterpene detected, the compounds identified in the essential oils were hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The major sesquiterpenes were α-santalene (26.26%) and α-copaene (14.61%) from G. convergens branches; caryophyllene epoxide (40.91%) and humulene epoxide II (14.43%) from G. humaitensis branches; cis-caryophyllene (33.37%) and α-trans-bergamotene (11.88%) from G. scabra leaves; caryophyllene epoxide (36.54%) in leaves and spathulenol (14.34%) in branches from G. silvatica. The diterpene kaurene (15.61%) was found in G. silvatica leaves. Larvicidal activity assay of essential oils against third-instar Aedes aegypti larvae revealed that at higher concentrations (500 and 250 μg/mL), all the essential oils caused 100% mortality after 24 h of exposure. The most active essential oils were those of G. humaitensis branches (LC50 48.6 μg/mL), G. scabra leaves (LC50 98.6 μg/mL) and G. silvatica (LC50 117.9 μg/mL). The differences in the toxicity of essential oils of Guarea species on A. aegypti are due to qualitative and quantitative variations of the components, therefore the larvicidal effect may be due to higher amount of the sesquiterpenes with caryophyllane skeleton.
Responsive Polymers for Crop Protection
Authors: Peteu Serban F. , Oancea Florin , Sicuia Oana A. , Constantinescu Florica , Dinu Sorina
Published: August 2010

This review outlines the responsive polymer methods currently in use with their potential application to plant protection and puts forward plant-specific mechanisms as stimuli in newly devised methods for smart release of crop protection agents (CPAs). CPAs include chemicals (fungicides, insecticides, herbicides), biochemicals (antibiotics, RNA-based vaccines for plant viruses), semiochemicals (pheromones, repellents, allomones), microbial pesticides, growth regulators (insect and plant) or micronutrients, all with crop protection effects. This appraisal focuses on emerging uses of polymer nano-encapsulated CPAs. Firstly, the most interesting advances in controlled release methods are critically discussed with their advantages and drawbacks. Secondly, several plant-specific stimuli-based smart methods are anticipated for use alongside the polymer nano- or micro-capsules. These new CPA release methods are designed to (i) protect plants against infection produced by fungi or bacteria, and (ii) apply micro-nutrients when the plants need it the most. Thus, we foresee (i) the responsive release of nano- encapsulated bio-insecticides regulated by plant stress enzymes, and (ii) the delivery of micro-nutrients synchronized by the nature or intensity of plant root exudates. Such continued advances of nano-scale smart polymer-based CPAs for the protection of crops herald a “small revolution” for the benefit of sustainable agriculture.
Smart Metering and Water End-Use Data: Conservation Benefits and Privacy Risks
Authors: Giurco Damien P. , White Stuart B. , Stewart Rodney A.
Published: August 2010

Smart metering technology for residential buildings is being trialed and rolled out by water utilities to assist with improved urban water management in a future affected by climate change. The technology can provide near real-time monitoring of where water is used in the home, disaggregated by end-use (shower, toilet, clothes washing, garden irrigation, etc.). This paper explores questions regarding the degree of information detail required to assist utilities in targeting demand management programs and informing customers of their usage patterns, whilst ensuring privacy concerns of residents are upheld.
« Ina mè skandalisthêté. » « Afin que vous ne trébuchiez pas »
Authors: Paturet Jean-Bernard
Published: August 2010

Résumé La crise contemporaine que traverse l’entreprise conduit à interroger le modèle managérial qu’elle représente et les stratégies de pouvoir qui règnent en son sein. Le social et l’économie sociale et solidaire, pétris de valeurs humanistes, de souci éthique et de participation citoyenne, pourraient bien, de nos jours, constituer un nouveau paradigme de « dirigeance » et de « gouvernance ».
L'institution : ni établissement ni entreprise
Authors: Lebrun Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2010

Résumé L’institution est passée d’une organisation pyramidale structurée à une série de règles, de mots d’ordre, d’évaluations qui correspondent à l’application à la vie collective d’une vision managériale du monde, en réponse aux abus de pouvoir et aux ravages de l’impouvoir. La vie d’une institution nécessite la reconnaissance d’une place d’exception et la figure du chef d’orchestre peut en représenter un modèle.