bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of pyloric exclusion for treating duodenal trauma: case series
Authors: Fraga Gustavo Pereira , Biazotto Guilherme , Bortoto José Benedito , Andreollo Nelson Adami , Mantovani Mario
Published: March 2009

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Significant controversy exists regarding the best surgical treatment for complex duodenal injuries. The aims of this study were to report on a series of eight cases of duodenal repairs using pyloric exclusion and to describe reported complications or improvements in clinical outcomes among patients with complex duodenal trauma. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study followed by a case series in a university hospital. METHODS: Data on eight patients with duodenal trauma who underwent pyloric exclusion over a 17.5 year period were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The causes of the injuries included penetrating gunshot wounds (GSW) in five patients and motor vehicle accidents (blunt trauma) in three patients. The time elapsed until surgery was longer in the blunt trauma group, while in one patient, the gunshot injury was initially missed and thus the procedure was carried out 36 hours after the original injury. The injuries were grade III (50%) or IV (50%) and the morbidity rate was 87.5%. Four patients (50%) died during the postoperative period from complications, including hypovolemic shock (one patient), sepsis (peritonitis following the missed injury) and pancreatitis with an anastomotic fistula (two patients). CONCLUSIONS: Pyloric exclusion was associated with multiple complications and a high mortality rate. This surgical technique is indicated for rare cases of complex injury to the duodenum and the surgeon should be aware that treatment with a minimalistic approach, with only primary repair, may be ideal.
Biodosimetry for dose assessment of partial-body exposure: a methodological improvement
Authors: Fernandes Thiago Salazar , Loyd David C. , Amaral Ademir
Published: March 2009

This study has explored the possibility of combining culture times with extending the duration for which Colcemid is present in cell culture in order to obtain better dose estimations following partial-body exposures. Irradiated and unirradiated blood was mixed to simulate a partial-exposure. Dicentric frequencies and resultant dose estimations were compared from 48 and 72 h cultures with Colcemid added at the beginning, after 24 h or for the final 3 h. The frequencies of dicentrics in first division cells increased with the cell culture time, providing better dose estimations. Unwanted excessive contraction of chromosomes caused by prolonged contact with Colcemid was measured and ways to avoid this are discussed. It is suggested that the combination of a lower than usual concentration of this drug combined with its earlier addition and longer culture time may provide metaphases better suited for interpreting partial-body exposures.
Flow cytometry protocol to evaluate ionizing radiation effects on P-glycoprotein activity
Authors: Santos Neyliane Gonçalves dos , Amaral Ademir , Cavalcanti Mariana Brayner , Neves Maria Amélia Batista , Machado Cíntia Gonsalves de Faria
Published: March 2009

The aim of this work was to establish a protocol to evaluate ionizing radiation effects on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity. For this, human peripheral blood samples were irradiated in vitro with different doses and P-gp activity was analyzed for CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes through rhodamine123-efflux assay by flow cytometry. By simultaneous employment of percentage and mean fluorescence index parameters, subject-by-subject analysis pointed out changes in P-gp activity for some individuals and irradiated samples. Based on this work, the proposed protocol was considered adequate for evaluating P-gp activity on cells after radioactive stress. Besides, this research suggests that P-gp activity could be an important factor to define patient-specific protocols in combined chemo-and radiotherapy, particularly when radiation exposure precedes chemical treatment.
Effects of chronic sucralose sweetener on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m, morphology of red blood cells and the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate in rats
Authors: Rocha Gabrielle de Souza , Pereira Marcia de Oliveira , Benarroz Mônica de Oliveira , Frydman Jacques Natan Grinapel , Garcia-Pinto Angélica Beatriz , Pereira Mário José , Fonseca Adenilson de Souza da , Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: March 2009

This work evaluates effects of the sweetener with sucralose on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m (99mTc), on the morphology of red blood cells (RBC) and on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate in Wistar rats. Animals were treated with sweetener for 8 days. Blood samples were withdrawn and the assay of labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc was performed. Blood cells (BC) and plasma (P) were isolated. Aliquots of BC and P were also precipitated, soluble and insoluble fractions separated. The radioactivity in each fraction was counted and percentage of incorporated radioactivity (%ATI) determined. Blood smears were prepared, fixed, stained and the qualitative and quantitative morphology of the RBC was evaluated under optical microscopy. In biodistribution experiments, sodium pertechnetate was administrated, organs and tissues isolated, radioactivity was counted and percentage of incorporated radioactivity per gram (%ATI/g) determined. The data showed no significant alterations in %ATI, morphology of RBC and in %ATI/g in the studied organs.
Uncaria tomentosa extract: evaluation of effects on the in vitro and in vivo labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m
Authors: Moreno Silvana Ramos Farias , Carvalho Jorge José de , Nascimento Ana Lúcia , Olej Beni , Rocha Emely Kazan , Arnobio Adriano , Bernardo-Filho Mário , Caldas Luiz Querino de Araújo , Honeycut Hayden
Published: March 2009

The influence (in vivo and in vitro) of an Uncaria tomentosa extract (Cats claw) on the labeling of red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma and cellular proteins with technetium-99m (Tc-99m) was evaluated. For the in vivo treatment, animals were treated with Cats claw. For the in vitro treatment, heparinized blood was incubated with Cats claw before the addition of stannous chloride (SnCl2) and Tc-99m. Samples of plasma (P) and RBCs were separated and also precipitated with trichloroacetic acid. The soluble and insoluble fractions of P and RBCs were isolated. The analysis of the results of the in vivo study, indicates that there is no significant alteration on the uptake of Tc-99m by the blood constituents, but it significantly decrease (p<0.05) the labeling of blood constituents by in vitro methods. These effects could be due to chelation of stannous and /or pertechnetate ions and blockage of the Tc-99m bindings sites.
Biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical technetium-99m-sodium phytate in rats after splenectomy
Authors: Pereira Kércia Regina Santos Gomes , Açucena Maria Kadja Meneses Torres , Villarim Neto Arthur , Rêgo Amália Cínthia Meneses , Bernardo-Filho Mário , Azevedo Ítalo Medeiros , Araújo Filho Irami , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: March 2009

Drugs and surgery can interfere with the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals and data about the effect of splenectomy on the metabolism of phytate-Tc-99m are scarce. This study aimed at evaluating the interference of splenectomy on phytate-Tc-99m biodistribution and liver function in rats. The SP group rats (n=6) underwent splenectomy. In group C (control) the animals were not operated on. After 15 days, all rats were injected with 0.1mL of Tc-99m-phytate via orbital plexus (0.66MBq). After 30 minutes, liver samples were harvested, weighed and the percentage of radioactivity per gram (%ATI/g) was determined by a Wizard Perkin-Elme gama counter. The ATI%/g in splenectomized rats (0.99±0.02) was significantly higher than in controls (0.4±0.02), (p=0.034). ALT, AST and HDL were significantly lower in SP rats (p= 0.001) and leukocytosis was observed in SP rats. In conclusion, splenectomy in rats changed the hepatic biodistribution of Tc-99m-phytate and liver enzimatic activity.
Microfisuración en el proceso de repujado de aluminio
Authors: Oldani C. , Aguirre L. , Mancini R.
Published: March 2009

El repujado de aleaciones de aluminio es un proceso muy antiguo, pero muy poco estudiado, quizá debido al bajo tonelaje procesado por este método, lo que lo hace poco relevante frente a otros procesos de deformación plástica. Sin embargo, es un método económicamente competitivo para la fabricación de recipientes de presión livianos, consistentes en un liner de aleación de aluminio reforzado con fibra de vidrio. Este proceso presenta el inconveniente de la formación de microfisuras que sirven como concentradores de tensión y provocan la fractura del recipiente durante la carga cíclica. Se encontró que esto sucede aún con longitudes de grieta muy inferiores a las predichas en la bibliografía para la aleación AA6061. Se estudió la formación de las microfisuras y la influencia de dos variables de proceso, temperatura de calentamiento y velocidad de deformación plástica, sobre las características de las mismas. Las experiencias muestran que temperaturas más altas y menores velocidades de conformación reducen la formación de microfisuras.
Influência da suplementação de carboidrato na função imune de judocas durante o treinamento
Authors: Mendes Edmar Lacerda , Brito Ciro José , Batista Ellencristina Silva , Silva Carlos Henrique Osório , Paula Sérgio Oliveira de , Natali Antonio José
Published: March 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar os efeitos da suplementação de carboidrato, durante uma sessão de treino, sobre a função imune de atletas de judô. Dezesseis judocas do sexo masculino foram submetidos a duas sessões de treinamento de 120 minutos cada, com três dias de intervalo entre elas. Na primeira sessão, oito judocas, separados de forma aleatória, foram suplementados (3mL/kg peso corporal) com solução carboidratada (grupo CHO) e os demais, com solução placebo (grupo PLA), de forma duplo-cega. Na segunda sessão os tratamentos foram invertidos. O número de leucócitos, linfócitos, monócitos, eosinófilos, neutrófilos, os níveis de cortisol e as concentrações de glicose e lactato foram medidos em repouso (Pré-E), imediatamente após (Pós-E) e uma hora após o término da sessão de treino (1h pós-E). Os resultados mostraram que a glicemia aumentou (p < 0,05) durante a sessão de treino no grupo CHO e reduziu-se (p < 0,05) no grupo PLA. O cortisol aumentou (p < 0,05) durante a sessão de treino, independente do tipo de solução consumida, bem como durante a recuperação no grupo PLA. O consumo de CHO resultou em menor (p < 0,05) leucocitose, quando comparado com o PLA, nos períodos Pós-E e 1h Pós-E. A elevação da concentração de lactato sangüíneo decorrente do exercício correlacionou-se positivamente com o aumento dos leucócitos (r = 0,86, p < 0,001) nos dois grupos. Concluiu-se que a ingestão de bebida carboidratada por atletas de judô durante uma sessão de treino resultou em menor perturbação da contagem total de leucócitos e suas subclasses: linfócitos, monócitos, eosinófilos e neutrófilos. Esses resultados sugerem proteção à saúde imunológica de judocas fomentada por essa estratégia nutricional.
Pesquisa qualitativa e desenvolvimento humano: aspectos históricos e tendências atuais
Authors: Souza Tatiana Yokoy de , Branco Angela Maria Cristina Uchoa de Abreu , Oliveira Maria Claudia Santos Lopes de
Published: March 2009

Este trabalho constitui uma revisão da construção histórica da psicologia do desenvolvimento até chegar à epistemologia qualitativa, para verificar a relação historicamente constituída entre princípios epistemológicos e orientação metodológica. Discute-se o papel da entrevista narrativa na pesquisa qualitativa do desenvolvimento e apresenta-se um trecho de uma entrevista de pesquisa, a fim de expressar uma linha de análise do desenvolvimento por meio da interpretação de pequenas estórias. A epistemologia qualitativa resgatou a dimensão cultural nas pesquisas psicológicas, valorizando a mediação semiótica na construção do conhecimento e considerando as práticas discursivas como importantes ferramentas de interpretação dos fenômenos subjetivos.
Consumo excessivo e adicção na pós-modernidade: uma interpretação psicanalítica
Authors: Stacechen Luiz Fernando , Bento Victor Eduardo Silva
Published: March 2009

Este é um recorte de pesquisa teórica sobre uma temática particular. O presente artigo pretende discutir a partir de um ponto de vista psicanalítico, em debate interdisciplinar, o excesso de consumo na atualidade e sua possível relação com a adicção. Procura-se abordar aspectos socioculturais que, marcados pelo modo de vida consumista, acabam por influenciar a psicopatologia da época atual, descrita por alguns autores como "pós-modernidade". A partir da concepção psicanalítica das adicções, procura-se analisar a relação que o sujeito estabelece com seu objeto de consumo excessivo e com suas representações deste objeto. Sublinha-se a psicopatologia atual como marcada pela cultura do excesso narcísico.
A família como instituição moderna
Authors: Ramos Danielle Marques dos , Nascimento Virgílio Gomes do
Published: March 2009

Toda instituição é uma ferramenta de socialização criada pelo próprio homem com a função de gerenciar suas relações interpessoais. A instituição normatiza, legaliza, legitimiza os comportamentos do indivíduo em sociedade. Ela também é geradora de estabilidade e segurança nas trocas sociais. Sendo a família uma instituição, ela se apresenta como a primeira instituição com a qual o indivíduo tem contato em sua vida. Entretanto, as mudanças ocorridas na sociedade têm alterado as formas de interação social dentro das famílias, constituindo novos modos de relacionamento entre indivíduo e meio. Tais mudanças são importantes na ressignificação da família enquanto instituição social.
As incidências éticas subentendidas/entrelidas nos "artigos técnicos" de Sigmund Freud
Authors: Castro Júlio Eduardo de , Oliveira Marcela Herthel de
Published: March 2009

Inicialmente, perguntamo-nos se é coerente, ética e doutrinariamente, chamar de técnica a prática psicanalítica? Daí investigamos se há, principalmente nos chamados "artigos técnicos", evidências ou ao menos indícios de que o tratamento criado por Freud esteja fundado em uma ética própria à psicanálise, não sendo possível reduzi-lo ao mero manejo de uma técnica. Sustentado no que foi sua "auto-análise", na teoria e na metodologia daí decorrentes, Freud deu mostras de que, na direção do tratamento, não há condução do sujeito, que o lugar/posição/função do analista não é o de mestre e, acima de tudo, que a psicanálise não deve servir a nenhum ideal do eu ou da cultura. O artigo pretende demonstrar como é possível inferir, do texto freudiano principalmente a partir da leitura feita por Lacan uma ética voltada para o desejo. Por decorrência, este artigo evidencia a consistência da teoria freudiana, nitidamente nas dimensões ética e clínica.
Ecological risks of an old wood impregnation mill: application of the triad approach
Authors: Karjalainen Anne-Mari , Kilpi-Koski Johanna , Väisänen Ari O , Penttinen Sari , van Gestel Cornelius AM , Penttinen Olli-Pekka
Published: March 2009

Although many studies deal with the distribution and mobility of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) metals in soil, the ecotoxicity of CCA-contaminated soils is rarely studied. The Triad approach was applied to determine the ecological risks posed by a CCA mixture at a decommissioned wood impregnation mill in southern Finland. A combination of (1) chemical analyses; (2) toxicity tests with plants (aquatic: Lemna minor; terrestrial: Lactuca sativa), earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus), and enchytraeids (Enchytraeus albidus) conducted on contaminated soils, their aqueous extracts, and well water collected from the site; and (3) determination of the abundance of enchytraeids and nematodes and the bioaccumulation of metals in plants (horsetail) collected from the field were used to assess the actual risk. Although metal concentrations were low, L. minor growth appeared to be reduced by As contamination of the well water. In soil, metals were heterogeneously distributed with total concentrations of 14.8 to 4360 mg As/kg, 15.2 to 1740 mg Cr/kg, and 4.83 to 790 mg Cu/kg. In several samples, concentrations were above Finnish regulatory guideline values and exceeded the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) or 50% lethal concentration (LC50) values for the toxicity of the individual metals to earthworms and enchytraeids, indicating hazards to the ecosystem. (Bio)availability of metals was high, as indicated by weak electrolyte extractions and body residues in L. rubellus and E. albidus exposed in bioassays. Earthworm survival correlated significantly with body metal concentrations, but not with soil total metal concentrations. Enchytraeid responses in the soil bioassays were less sensitive to CCA metal exposure. Plant growth was affected by CCA pollution, with L. sativa root elongation correlating significantly with total and available As concentrations and L. minor development being significantly reduced in H2O extracts of the most contaminated soil sample. Abundance of enchytraeids and nematodes in the field was much lower than in nonpolluted Finnish soils but did not significantly correlate with CCA contamination. Arsenic accumulation in horsetail did not correlate with As concentrations in soil. Overall, the results of the 3 lines of evidence of the Triad approach indicate possible increased risks to the ecosystem at the most contaminated sites of the CCA treatment area.
Enhancing Problem-Solving Capabilities Using Object-Oriented Programming Language
Authors: Unuakhalu Mike F.
Published: March 2009

This study integrated object-oriented programming instruction with transfer training activities in everyday tasks, which might provide a mechanism that can be used for efficient problem solving. Specifically, a Visual BASIC embedded with everyday tasks group was compared to another group exposed to Visual BASIC instruction only. Subjects were 40 undergraduate students enrolled in 2 sections of a Visual BASIC programming class. Students in the 2 intact classes were assigned 1 of 2 instructional treatments. Problem-solving and programming competency instruments were used as a pre-and posttest measure. After an 8-week treatment, the results of the study did not show any significant difference between both groups on general problem solving ability as measured by the instrument used. Only 1 of the 4 problem-solving skills (Analysis of Attributes) measured, showed an improvement in performance favoring the programming plus everyday task group. Significant improvement in performance favoring the programming plus everyday task group versus the programming-only group was identified. An unexpected but significant difference between both groups on the programming competence test was also identified.
Comparative Effects of Video-Plus-Text Versus Text-Only Instructional Formats on Acquisition and Generalization of Concept Learning to Real Life Situations
Authors: Luyben Paul D. , Warden Katherine B.
Published: March 2009

Although generalization from training to practice is one of the most important goals of education, generalization oftentimes does not occur spontaneously and deliberate planning is necessary. One way to enhance generalization to real-world settings is to build in similarities between training and test situations by including video in training. Although previous research has demonstrated that video materials are effective in teaching skills, few studies have shown that video materials can be used to teach concepts. This study compared the effects of traditional text-based training with training that incorporated text-and-video on acquisition and generalization of the concept of stimulus discrimination. The results showed that both text and video tutorials produced acquisition of the concept of stimulus discrimination but no differences between methods were found.
Integrating Hypermedia in Professional Development Opportunities for Elementary Teachers of Science: A Literature Review
Authors: Hartshorne Richard
Published: March 2009

Recent calls for improvements in the teaching of science have supported the implementation of numerous reform strategies in the elementary classroom. Reviews of the different reform strategies have indicated varying levels of effectiveness. One method shown to be effective in producing changes in teachers, the teaching process, and student learning is the professional development workshop. With the success of professional development workshops in other subject areas, researchers have suggested this could be an effective strategy in addressing concerns related to the teaching of elementary science. However, for a variety of reasons, past elementary science professional development workshops have not met with the same levels of success as other content areas. The integration of hypermedia into professional development settings is one method of improving the effectiveness of elementary science professional development workshops. This review of the published literature examines the role hypermedia can play in improving elementary science professional development workshops.
The Impact of Providing Web-Based Powerpoint Slides as Study Guides in Undergraduate Business Classes
Authors: Frank Jonathan , Shaw Lewis , Wilson Elizabeth
Published: March 2009

This study examines undergraduate business students' use of PowerPoint slides provided as a supplement to class attendance, textbook reading, and other traditional course resources. We survey students in 4 diverse (accounting, marketing, management, and information systems) lower-level undergraduate courses in which the instructor provided PowerPoint slides in addition to traditional course lectures and materials for student use. The effects of students' learning strategies were measured against class attendance, test performance, and overall course performance. Results indicate that there is little relationship between use of these resources and grades on exams or overall course grades, consistent with several prior studies. Further, we find that students do not view these supplemental on-line resources as a substitute for class attendance.
Toward Improving the Training System at Paaet: The Telecommunication and Navigation Institute
Authors: Al-Ibrahim Mohamed Hussain , Al-Deen Yousef Shams
Published: March 2009

The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) plays a vital role in the educational and vocational system in Kuwait. PAAET consists of two main sectors: the applied education sector and the training sector. The focus in this article is on the training sector of PAAET. The training sector suffers from a number of administrative and academic problems which have affected its output over recent years due to its slowness in evolution. This article is a field study which attempts to shed light on these problems by adopting the Telecommunication and Navigation Institute (TNI) as a case study, and we propose our vision toward some solutions to improve the situation.
Genetic Variant in the IGF2BP2 Gene May Interact With Fetal Malnutrition to Affect Glucose Metabolism
Authors: van Hoek Mandy , Langendonk Janneke G. , de Rooij Susanne R. , Sijbrands Eric J.G. , Roseboom Tessa J.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

Fetal malnutrition may predispose to type 2 diabetes through gene programming and developmental changes. Previous studies showed that these effects may be modulated by genetic variation. Genome-wide association studies discovered and replicated a number of type 2 diabetes–associated genes. We investigated the effects of such well-studied polymorphisms and their interactions with fetal malnutrition on type 2 diabetes risk and related phenotypes in the Dutch Famine Birth Cohort.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The rs7754840 (CDKAL1), rs10811661 (CDKN2AB), rs1111875 (HHEX), rs4402960 (IGF2BP2), rs5219 (KCNJ11), rs13266634 (SLC30A8), and rs7903146 (TCF7L2) polymorphisms were genotyped in 772 participants of the Dutch Famine Birth Cohort Study (n = 328 exposed, n = 444 unexposed). Logistic and linear regression models served to analyze their interactions with prenatal exposure to famine on type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and area under the curves (AUCs) for glucose and insulin during oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT).

RESULTS

In the total population, the TCF7L2 and IGF2BP2 variants most strongly associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes/IGT and increased AUC for glucose, while the CDKAL1 polymorphism associated with decreased AUC for insulin. The IGF2BP2 polymorphism showed an interaction with prenatal exposure to famine on AUC for glucose (β = −9.2 [95% CI −16.2 to −2.1], P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The IGF2BP2 variant showed a nominal interaction with exposure to famine in utero, decreasing OGTT AUCs for glucose. This may provide a clue that modulation of the consequences of fetal environment depends on an individual's genetic background.
Diabetes Incidence Based on Linkages With Health Plans: The Multiethnic Cohort
Authors: Maskarinec Gertraud , Erber Eva , Grandinetti Andrew , Verheus Martijn , Oum Robert , Hopping Beth N. , Schmidt Mark M. , Uchida Aileen , Juarez Deborah Taira , Hodges Krista , Kolonel Laurence N.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

Using the Hawaii component of the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC), we estimated diabetes incidence among Caucasians, Japanese Americans, and Native Hawaiians.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

After excluding subjects who reported diabetes at baseline or had missing values, 93,860 cohort members were part of this analysis. New case subjects were identified through a follow-up questionnaire (1999–2000), a medication questionnaire (2003–2006), and linkage with two major health plans (2007). We computed age-standardized incidence rates and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for ethnicity, BMI, education, and combined effects of these variables using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

After a total follow-up time of 1,119,224 person-years, 11,838 incident diabetic case subjects were identified with an annual incidence rate of 10.4 per 1,000 person-years. Native Hawaiians had the highest rate with 15.5, followed by Japanese Americans with 12.5, and Caucasians with 5.8 per 1,000 person-years; the adjusted HRs were 2.65 for Japanese Americans and 1.93 for Native Hawaiians. BMI was positively related to incidence in all ethnic groups. Compared with the lowest category, the respective HRs for BMIs of 22.0–24.9, 25.0–29.9, and ≥30.0 kg/m2 were 2.10, 4.12, and 9.48. However, the risk was highest for Japanese Americans and intermediate for Native Hawaiians in each BMI category. Educational achievement showed an inverse association with diabetes risk, but the protective effect was limited to Caucasians.

CONCLUSIONS

Within this multiethnic population, diabetes incidence was twofold higher in Japanese Americans and Native Hawaiians than in Caucasians. The significant interaction of ethnicity with BMI and education suggests ethnic differences in diabetes etiology.
Is The Bible Historical? The Challenge of ‘minimalism’ for Biblical Scholars and Historians
Authors: Thompson Thomas L.
Published: March 2009

This article examines the attempts to deflect attention away from issues that I first raised over thirty years ago, and which have not sufficiently been addressed since. It argues for the necessity of distinguishing between the interpretation of the Bible, which is the task of those engaged in Biblical Studies, and the attempts to write a history of the region in the pre-biblical period, which is the domain of historians and particularly archaeologists. ‘Minimalism’ in Biblical Studies refers to a trend that, in the estimation of its opponents, plays down the historical character of the biblical narratives. Having illustrated some of the hostility towards Minimalism exhibited by some biblical scholars, academic institutions and organisations, and propagandists, through personal attacks, ridicule, dismissiveness, etc. this essay argues the case for it. The underlying issue, of course, relates to the question of the writing of the history of Palestine today, and the implications of such an enterprise.
The State of Israel and Jerusalem in the Jewish-Christian Dialogue: A Monologue in Two Voices
Authors: Prior Michael
Published: March 2009

Focussing on the centrality of the State of Israel within the Jewish-Christian dialogue as it is actually conducted, this essay highlights the challenge that historical truths pose for participants. Through analysis of texts over several decades, it reveals aspects of the discourse which reflect vested political interests, a certain myopia with respect to historical facts, and a lack of moral engagement with realities. One discerns a culture of denial or evasion with respect to, e.g., the expulsion of (80 per cent) of the indigenous inhabitants of Palestine. On such issues one encounters a monologue, albeit in two voices. There is a better way forward.
Cultural Struggle and Memory: Palestine-Israel, South Africa and Northern Ireland in Historical Pespective
Authors: Paulin Tom
Published: March 2009

Mordechai Vanunu and a former Israeli Attorney General, Michael Ben-Yair, have characterised Israel as an apartheid state. Their concerns were anticipated by Edwin Montagu, a British Jew who was a member of Lloyd George's cabinet and who courageously opposed the Balfour Declaration. After discussing these three critics of Zionism, I consider how cultural struggle in Palestine-Israel, South Africa and Northern Ireland has expressed itself through the Arts, through journalism, through constant historical research and a constant articulation of the cultural memory. The essay goes on to argue that such a struggle is imaginative and spiritual, and must not be apprehensive of appealing to the resources of the imagination to make its overwhelming case against the apartheid policies practiced by Israel and passively supported or colluded with by so many people.
A Disaster for Dialogue: Anti-Zionism, Anti-Semitism and Racism
Authors: Prior Michael
Published: March 2009

In his last article, ‘A Disaster for Dialogue’, an extract from which was published posthumously in the Catholic weekly The Tablet (London), 31 July 2004, Professor Michael Prior powerfully challenged the claim that opponents of Zionism were necessarily anti-Semitic. The following is the full version of the Tablet article in which he was commenting on the eighteenth meeting of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee, which met in Buenos Aires in July 2004.
Palestinian Education in Israel: The Legacy of the Military Government
Authors: Abu-Saad Ismael
Published: March 2009

This essay analyses the ways in which the military government (1948–1966) and its policies positioned the Palestinian Arab community in Israeli society, with a particular focus on public education. The educational system for the Palestinian Arab community developed within the context of military government, and while the formal administrative structures have changed, the legacy of using education as a tool for political purposes has endured and continues to defi ne the educational experience of indigenous Palestinian Arab students in Israel today. Despite the formal abolition of the military government in the mid-sixties, its ongoing legacy continues to shape educational policy and practice, as well as the broader status of the Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel.
The Armageddon Lobby: Dispensationalist Christian Zionism and the Shaping of us Policy Towards Israel-Palestine
Authors: Haija Rammy M.
Published: March 2009

Doctoral Candidate in Sociology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Tech, 560 McBryde Hall – 0137, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA. rhaija@vt.edu
‘Re-Islamising’ Palestinian Society ‘From Below’: Hamas and Higher Education in Gaza
Authors: Jensen Michael Irving
Published: March 2009

This essay is a contribution to the fi eld of studies that explores how Islamist movements promote social and educational activities ‘from below’. It approaches the issue of Islamism and higher education through the efforts of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and its reformist educational activities at the Islamic University of Gaza, which is a major stronghold of the movement. The essay illustrates how the university defi nes and understands its role in Palestinian society. It offers empirical data and further insights into the ways in which young students respond to and absorb the leadership's efforts to carry out what might be described as the ‘re-Islamisation’ processes of Palestinian society ‘from below’: the Islamic state in Palestine would be the result of a gradual, incremental process of ‘re-Islamisation’, to be achieved primarily by education and social action ‘from the bottom up’.
The Insights of Algorithmic Entropy
Authors: Devine Sean
Published: March 2009

The algorithmic entropy of a system, the length of the shortest algorithm that specifies the system’s exact state adds some missing pieces to the entropy jigsaw. Because the approach embodies the traditional entropies as a special case, problematic issues such as the coarse graining framework of the Gibbs’ entropy manifest themselves in a different and more manageable form, appearing as the description of the system and the choice of the universal computing machine. The provisional algorithmic entropy combines the best information about the state of the system together with any underlying uncertainty; the latter represents the Shannon entropy. The algorithmic approach also specifies structure that the traditional entropies take as given. Furthermore, algorithmic entropy provides insights into how a system can maintain itself off equilibrium, leading to Ashby’s law of requisite variety. This review shows how the algorithmic approach can provide insights into real world systems, by outlining recent work on how replicating structures that generate order can evolve to maintain a system far from equilibrium.
Antioxidant Activities of Extracts and Main Components of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] Leaves
Authors: Wu Nan , Fu Kuang , Fu Yu-Jie , Zu Yuan-Gang , Chang Fang-Rong , Chen Yung-Husan , Liu Xiao-Lei , Kong Yu , Liu Wei , Gu Cheng-Bo
Published: March 2009

Antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] leaves, as well as petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water fractions and the four main compounds separated from the ethanol extract, i.e. cajaninstilbene acid (3-hydroxy-4-prenylmethoxystilbene-2-carboxylic acid), pinostrobin, vitexin and orientin, were examined by a DPPH radical-scavenging assay and a β-carotene-linoleic acid test. In the DPPH system, the antioxidant activity of the ethanol extracts was superior to that of the aqueous extracts, with IC50 values were 242.01 and 404.91 µg/mL, respectively. Among the four fractions, the ethyl acetate one showed the highest scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 194.98 µg/mL. Cajaninstilbene acid (302.12 µg/mL) and orientin (316.21 µg/mL) showed more efficient radical-scavenging abilities than pinostrobin and vitexin. In the β-carotene-linoleic acid test, the inhibition ratio (%) of the ethyl acetate fraction (94.13%±3.41%) was found to be the highest, being almost equal to the inhibition capacity of the positive control BHT (93.89%±1.45%) at 4 mg/mL. Pinostrobin (>500 µg/mL) and vitexin (>500 µg/mL) showed insignificant antioxidant activities compared with cajaninstilbene (321.53 µg/mL) and orientin (444.61 µg/mL). In general, the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol extract showed greater activity than the main compounds in both systems, such results might be attributed to the synergistic effects of the components. The antioxidant activities of all the tested samples were concentration-dependent. Based on the results obtained, we can conclude that the pigeonpea leaf extracts may be valuable natural antioxidant sources and are potentially applicable in both medicine and the healthy food industry.
Gold(I) Complexes of KITPHOS Monophosphines: Efficient Cycloisomerisation Catalysts
Authors: Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Loos Annette , Littmann Anna , Braun Ingo , Knight Julian , Doherty Simon , Rominger Frank
Published: March 2009

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Gold(I)‐triflimide (AuNTf2)complexes of H‐KITPHOS and o‐MeO‐KITPHOS have been prepared and shown to be efficient catalysts for a range of intramolecular cyclisations to afford phenols, acylindenes, alkylidene oxazoles, tetrahydropyrans and lactones, in the majority of cases these catalysts are superior to those previously reported.
Particle scale study of heat transfer in packed and bubbling fluidized beds
Authors: Zhou Z. Y. , Yu A. B. , Zulli P.
Published: March 2009

The approach of combined discrete particle simulation (DPS) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), which has been increasingly applied to the modeling of particle‐fluid flow, is extended to study particle‐particle and particle‐fluid heat transfer in packed and bubbling fluidized beds at an individual particle scale. The development of this model is described first, involving three heat transfer mechanisms: fluid‐particle convection, particle‐particle conduction and particle radiation. The model is then validated by comparing the predicted results with those measured in the literature in terms of bed effective thermal conductivity and individual particle heat transfer characteristics. The contribution of each of the three heat transfer mechanisms is quantified and analyzed. The results confirm that under certain conditions, individual particle heat transfer coefficient (HTC) can be constant in a fluidized bed, independent of gas superficial velocities. However, the relationship between HTC and gas superficial velocity varies with flow conditions and material properties such as thermal conductivities. The effectiveness and possible limitation of the hot sphere approach recently used in the experimental studies of heat transfer in fluidized beds are discussed. The results show that the proposed model offers an effective method to elucidate the mechanisms governing the heat transfer in packed and bubbling fluidized beds at a particle scale. The need for further development in this area is also discussed. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Digit ratios (2D:4D) determined by computer‐assisted analysis are more reliable than those using physical measurements, photocopies, and printed scans
Authors: Allaway Heather C. , Bloski Terri G. , Pierson Roger A. , Lujan Marla E.
Published: March 2009

Prenatal androgens influence the second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) of hands with men having lower ratios than women. Numerous methods are used to assess 2D:4D including, physical measurements with calipers, and measurements made from photocopies, scanned images, digital photographs, radiographs, and scaled tubes. Although each method appears relatively reliable, agreement upon a gold standard is necessary to better explore the putative effects of prenatal androgens. Our objective was to assess the level of intra and interobserver reliability when evaluating 2D:4D using four techniques: (1) physical measurements, (2) photocopies, (3) printed scanned images, and (4) computer‐assisted image analysis. Physical measurements, photocopies, and printed scanned images were measured with Vernier calipers. Scanned images were also measured with computer‐based calipers. Measurements were made in 30 men and 30 women at two different time points, by three experienced observers. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess the level of reliability. Intraobserver reliability was best for computer‐assisted (0.957), followed by photocopies (0.939), physical measurements (0.925), and printed scans (0.842; P = 0.015). Interobserver reliability was also greatest for computer‐assisted (0.892), followed by photocopies (0.858), physical measurements (0.795), and printed scans (0.761; P = 0.001). Mean 2D:4D from physical measurements were higher than all other techniques (P < 0.0001). Digit ratios determined from computer‐assisted, physical measurements, and printed scans were more reliable in men than women (P = 0.009, P = 0.017, and P = 0.012, respectively). In summary, 2D:4D determined from computer‐assisted analysis yielded the most accurate and consistent measurements among observers. Investigations of 2D:4D should use computer‐assisted measurements over alternate methods whenever possible. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis, Properties and Formation of (RCp)Co‐ and (RCp)Rh‐Stabilized[4.8]3Cyclacene Derivatives
Authors: Kornmayer Stefan C. , Hellbach Björn , Rominger Frank , Gleiter Rolf
Published: March 2009

Metal‐stabilized belts: A torus, 3, consisting of three four‐ and three eight‐membered conjugated rings and stabilized by (RCp)Co‐ and (RCp)Rh‐ units, was generated by irradiation of [(RCp)Co(CO)2] and [(RCp)Rh(C2H4)2], respectively, and 1.

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Eleven metal stabilized [4.8]3cyclacene derivatives were synthesized. The substances were prepared in one‐pot reactions by irradiation of a solution of 5,6,11,12‐tetradehydro‐dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene and the corresponding cobalt reagents or rhodium compounds. The resulting cyclacene derivatives reveal D3h symmetry in solution. In the solid state the hoop shaped systems crystallize in layers, which are intercalated with solvent layers. To unravel the mechanism of the one‐pot reaction we isolated an intermediate, which shows almost planar cyclooctatetraene rings.
Formulation and immunological evaluation of novel vaccine delivery systems based on bioresorbable poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone)
Authors: Huang Ming‐Hsi , Chou Ai‐Hsiang , Lien Shu‐Pei , Chen Hsin‐Wei , Huang Chiung‐Yi , Chen Wei‐Wen , Chong Pele , Liu Shih‐Jen , Leng Chih‐Hsiang
Published: March 2009

Novel emulsion‐type vaccine delivery systems based on the amphiphilic bioresorbable polymer poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (PEG‐b‐PLACL) and selected oils were developed here. Physicochemical characterizations such as stability, a droplet test, microscopic aspects, and in vitro release showed that PEG‐b‐PLACL‐emulsified formulations have several advantages over traditional vaccine adjuvants in that they are stable, reproducible, and homogeneous fine particles with an appropriate size to facilitate the induction of potent immune responses. Different dispersion‐type emulsions have provided different release profiles using ovalbumin in model studies. Immunogenicity studies in mice have shown that antigen‐specific antibody titers and T‐cell proliferative responses, as well as the secretion of IFN‐γ, were significantly enhanced for ovalbumin after formulation with PEG‐b‐PLACL‐based emulsions. These features are of great interest for applications in delivery systems of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine candidates. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2009
Réactivité d'analogues bihétérocycliques du phénanthrène, vis‐à‐vis des agents d'acétylation et de lithiation
Authors: Webert Jean‐Marie , Cagniant Denise , Cagniant Paul , Kirsch Gilbert , Weber Jean‐Victor
Published: March 2009

Les méthyl‐1[1]benzofuro, [1]benzothiéno et[1]benzosélénolo [3,2‐b]pyrrole de měme que les méthyl‐1[1]benzothiéno et[1]benzosélénolo[2,3‐b]pyrroles présentent une réctivité partagée entre leurs positions‐2 et 3 vis‐à‐vis de la réction d'acétylation. La réction de lithiation n'affecte pas ou affecte teès peu les quatre premiers composés; quant au méthyl‐1[1]benzosélénolo[2,3‐b]pyrrole, il subit une ouverture du cycle sélénophénique et fournit après carbonatation et estérification au diazométhane le méthyl‐1 méthoxycarbonyl‐2 o‐méthylsélénophényl‐3 pyrrole.
The photolysis of anydro‐4‐hydroxy‐2,3,5‐triarylthiazolium hydroxides
Authors: Sheradsky Tuvia , Zbaida David
Published: March 2009

The photolysis of anhydro‐4‐hydroxy‐2,3,5‐triphenylthiazolium hydroxide and of two substituted derivatives in methanol or t‐butyl alcohol in the presence of trimethylphosphite, leads exclusively and stereospecifically to α‐aryl‐β‐anilinocinnamate esters. A mechanism which involves ring contraction to a bicyclic β‐lactam is suggested.
Homonuclear two‐dimensional J‐resolved spectroscopy. The examination of resonances due to strong coupling in the two‐dimensional J‐spectrum of 1,6‐diazathianthrene: The role of first order character in the position and intensity of resonances due to strong coupling
Authors: Puig‐Torres Salvador , Gampe Robert T. , Martin Gary E. , Willcott M. Robert , Smith Keith
Published: March 2009

Resonances due to strong coupling were observed in the two‐dimensional J‐resolved (2DJ) 1H‐nmr spectrum of 1,6‐diazathianthrene. Complete analysis of the 2DJ spectral responses predicts that the resonances due to strong coupling are shifted outward from F1 = 0 Hz with a corresponding diminution in intensity as the term vA‐ vB increases in proceeding to successively higher spectrometer operating frequencies.
Mass spectral fragmentation patterns of heterocycles. IV . Tetracyclic phenothiazines. IX. Electron impact promoted mass spectral fragmentation of pyrrolo[3,2,1‐kl]phenothiazine
Authors: Vishwakarma L. C. , Hallberg A. , Dahlgren T. , Martin A. R.
Published: March 2009

The mass spectral fragmentation patterns of pyrrolo[3, 2, 1‐kl]phenothiazine (1) and its 1, 10‐dideuterioderi‐vative [2] are reported. The site of deuterium substitution in 2 was established by examination of its 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum. The heteroaromatic stability of 1 to electron impact is exemplified by the occurrence of the molecular ion as the base peak and the formation of a reasonably intense M2+ ion. An intense M‐1 ion is also observed. The more abundant fragment ions appear to result from sulfur ionization. Fragment ions arising from ionization of the nitrogen constitute only a small fraction of the total ion current. Proposed fragmentation pathways of 1 are supported by the detection of appropriate metastable ions, exact mass measurements, and electron impact spectrum of 2.
Synthesis and reactions of 5,6‐dichloro‐3‐nitropyrazinamine
Authors: Hartman George D. , Hartman Richard D.
Published: March 2009

The synthesis of 5, 6‐dichloro‐3‐nitropyrazinamine has been carried out by decarboxylative nitration of 5, 6‐dichloro‐3‐nitropyrazine‐2‐carboxylic acid. The nitro heterocycle was found to undergo a variety of reactions, which include nucleophilic displacement of the 6‐chloro group by amines, acetylation of the free amino group with acetyl chloride, bromo‐deamination with isoamylnitrite in bromoform, as well as the formation of imidazolo and triazolo condensed ring systems.
The synthesis of phenanthro[4,5‐bcd]thiophene and the four monomethylphenanthro[4,5‐bcd]thiophenes
Authors: Tedjamulia Marvin L. , Tominaga Yoshinori , Castle Raymond N. , Lee Milton L.
Published: March 2009

The synthesis of phenanthro[4,5‐bcd]thiophene and the four monomethylphenanthro[4,5‐bcd]thiophenes is described.
N,O‐heterocyclics. 13. Isoxazolidinium salts as synthons to N,N, O‐trisubstituted hydroxylamines
Authors: Liguori Angelo , Sindona Giovanni , Uccella Nicola
Published: March 2009

Substituted isoxazolidinium salts react with lithium aluminium hydride to yield open‐ring products which have hydroxylamine structures. The bimolecular reaction‐mechanism has been investigated by substituent effect and the structure of the products ascertained by spectroscopic methods with the aid of the MIKE technique. The overall process of the ring‐opening substitution is controlled by the polarisation of the CN bond with steric and conformational factors acting mainly at the C‐5 position of the nucleus. The mechanism of isoxazolidinium ion reaction defines the use of these synthons towards the synthesis of N,N,O‐trisubstituted hydroxylamines and substituted 1,3‐amino‐alcohols.
Studies on the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. X. Antimony derivatives for the preparation of macrocyclic tetraesters
Authors: Maccione Antonio , Plumitallo Antonio , Podda Gianni
Published: March 2009

Treatment of 2‐chloro‐1,3,2‐benzodioxastibole with diacyl chlorides afforded cyclic tetraesters in yields depending on ring size. The exclusive formation of dimeric derivatives was obtained using this method. The products were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic (ir, nmr and ms) data.