bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Care for Women Undergoing a Hysterectomy: Effects of Insurance and Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Hakim Rosemarie B. , Benedict M. Beth , Merrick Nancy J.
Published: December 2008

Objective. We assessed the quality of hospital care for women who underwent a hysterectomy to compare Medicaid-covered women with privately insured women and minority women with White women.

Methods. We evaluated medical decisions, inpatient care, quality of inpatient care, and outcomes.

Results. Quality of hospital care was equivalent for Medicaid-covered women compared with privately insured women and for non-Hispanic Black women compared with White women. Medicaid-covered women (40%) and Black women (68%) were more likely to have a complication compared with privately insured women and White women, respectively.

Conclusions. Increased complications after hysterectomy may result in increased economic burdens to Medicaid. Further studies of the racial/ethnic and sociodemographic issues are needed so that disparities may be adequately addressed.
Gender Differences in Substance Use Treatment Entry and Retention Among Prisoners With Substance Use Histories
Authors: Pelissier Bernadette
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined gender similarities and differences in the predictors of substance use treatment entry and of the combination of treatment entry and completion.

Methods. The sample consisted of 2219 male and female program participants. Maximum likelihood probit estimation was used to identify background and attitudinal characteristics predictive of substance use treatment entry and retention.

Results. We observed gender similarities and differences in predictors of treatment entry and the combination of treatment entry and completion. Many of the factors that attract individuals to treatment are the same ones that keep individuals in treatment.

Conclusions. Attitudinal predictors—namely, motivation to change—showed the greatest consistency between genders and between predictors of treatment entry and predictors of treatment entry and completion.
Body Mass Index, Physical Activity, and the Risk of Decline in Overall Health and Physical Functioning in Late Middle Age
Authors: He Xiaoxing Z. , Baker David W.
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the relation between body mass index, exercise, overall health, and physical functioning.

Methods. We studied 7867 adults aged 51 to 61 years in 1992 to 1996. Adjusted relative risks for health decline and new physical difficulties were determined with logistic regression.

Results. Overweight and obesity were independently associated with health decline (adjusted relative risk [ARR] = 1.29 and 1.36) and development of a new physical difficulty (ARR = 1.27 and 1.45). Regular exercise significantly reduced the risk of health decline and development of a new physical difficulty, even among obese individuals.

Conclusions. Maintaining ideal body weight is important in preventing decline in overall health and physical functioning. However, regular exercise can reduce the risk of health decline even among individuals who cannot achieve ideal weight.
The Dark Side of Testosterone Deficiency: II. Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Traish Abdulamaged M. , Saad Farid , Guay Andre
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT: A considerable body of evidence exists suggesting a link among reduced testosterone plasma levels, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and insulin resistance (IR). Hypogonadal men are at higher risk for T2D. Here we evaluate the relationships between testosterone, metabolic syndrome (MetS), T2D, and IR and discuss the relationships among androgen deficiency and these factors, especially as it ultimately relates to the development of cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction (ED). Thus, a comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, and relevant articles pertinent to androgen deficiency, T2D, IR, MetS, and ED were reviewed and discussed. Low testosterone precedes elevated fasting insulin, glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) values and may even predict the onset of diabetes. Treatment of prostate cancer patients with surgical or medical castration exacerbates IR and glycemic control, strengthening the link between testosterone deficiency and onset of T2D and IR. Androgen therapy of hypogonadal men improves insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose, and HbA1c levels. We suggest that androgen deficiency is associated with IR, T2D, MetS, and with increased deposition of visceral fat, which serves as an endocrine organ, producing inflammatory cytokines and thus promoting endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease.
A genetic algorithm-based procedure for 3D source identification at the Borden emplacement site
Authors: Jin Xin , Mahinthakumar G. (Kumar) , Zechman Emily M. , Ranjithan Ranji S.
Published: December 2008

Finding the location and concentration of groundwater contaminant sources typically requires the solution of an inverse problem. A parallel hybrid optimization framework that uses genetic algorithms (GA) coupled with local search approaches (GA-LS) has been developed previously to solve groundwater inverse problems. In this study, the identification of an emplaced source at the Borden site is carried out as a test problem using this optimization framework by using a Real Genetic Algorithm (RGA) as the GA approach and a Nelder–Mead simplex as the LS approach. The RGA results showed that the minimum objective function did not always correspond to the minimum solution error, indicating a possible non-uniqueness issue. To address this problem, a procedure to identify maximally different starting points for LS is introduced. When measurement or model errors are non-existent or minimal it is shown that one of these starting points leads to the true solution. When these errors are significant, this procedure leads to multiple possible solutions that could be used as a basis for further investigation. Metrics of mean and standard deviation of objective function values was adopted to evaluate the possible solutions. A new selection criterion based on these metrics is suggested to find the best alternative. This suggests that this alternative generation procedure could be used to address the non-uniqueness of similar inverse problems. A potential limitation of this approach is the application to a wide class of problems, as verification has not been performed with a large number of test cases or other inverse problems. This remains a topic for future work.
Assessing pipe failure rate and mechanical reliability of water distribution networks using data-driven modeling
Authors: Tabesh M. , Soltani J. , Farmani R. , Savic D.
Published: December 2008

In this paper two models are presented based on Data-Driven Modeling (DDM) techniques (Artificial Neural Network and neuro-fuzzy systems) for more comprehensive and more accurate prediction of the pipe failure rate and an improved assessment of the reliability of pipes. Furthermore, a multivariate regression approach has been developed to enable comparison with the DDM-based methods. Unlike the existing simple regression models for prediction of pipe failure rates in which only few factors of diameter, age and length of pipes are considered, in this paper other parameters such as pressure and pipe depth, are also included. Furthermore, an investigation is carried out on most commonly used mechanical reliability relationships and the results of incorporation of the proposed pipe failure models in the reliability index are compared. The proposed models are applied to a real case study involving a large water distribution network in Iran and the results of model predictions are compared with measured pipe failure data. Compared with the results of neuro-fuzzy and multivariate regression models, the outcomes of the artificial neural network model are more realistic and accurate in the prediction of pipe failure rates and evaluation of mechanical reliability in water distribution networks.
New Classification of Crown Forms and Gingival Characteristics in Taiwanese
Authors: Chou Yu-Hsiang , Tsai Chi-Cheng , Wang Jen-Chyan , Ho Ya-Ping , Ho Kun-Yen , Tseng Chuen-Chyi
Published: December 2008

Objectives:

The aim of the investigation was to examine the forms of the crowns in the maxillary anterior tooth segment and corresponding gingival characteristics among healthy Taiwanese subjects.

Materials and Methods:

The crown width at the apical third (CW), length (CL), gingival angle (GA) and the interdental papilla height were assessed from the diagnostic stone model using a calibrated periodontal caliper. A CW/CL-ratio was calculated for each tooth and averaged for each tooth region. Gingival thickness (GT) and width of keratinized gingiva (WG) were measured clinically.

Results:

The cluster analysis revealed 3 classifications of crown forms: narrow (N), compound (C) and square (S) types. There was a significant difference among the 3 classifications with respect to CW/CL-ratio, GT, and WG (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

The results demonstrated varied crown forms and corresponding gingival characteristics in Caucasian and Taiwanese. The new classifications hinted that there was a polymorphism in different races and could be a valuable esthetic guideline and reference for anterior tooth rehabilitation, including various periodontal and restorative treatments and anterior implant placement procedures in Taiwanese.
Microleakage and Resin-to-Dentin Interface Morphology of Pre-Etching versus Self-Etching Adhesive Systems
Authors: Waldman G.L , Vaidyanathan T.K , Vaidyanathan J
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare the microleakage and tissue-adhesive interface morphology from Class V restorations using different systems of dentin adhesives. Class V cavities were prepared on buccal surfaces of 27 extracted caries-free molars and premolars. Teeth were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Prime & Bond NT, a 5th generation system using an initial step of total etch followed by a second step of application of a self bonding primer (2) Clearfil SE Bond, a 5th generation adhesive system employing two separate steps of self-etch priming and subsequent bonding (3) One-up Bond F, a 6th generation one step self-etching, self-priming and self-bonding adhesive. Microleakage and interface morphology of teeth restored with these adhesives and a composite resin were evaluated. Kruskal-Wallis Test (p = 0.05) was used to analyze the results. SEM analysis was used to relate interface morphology to microleakage. The mean and (SD) values of microleakage were: Prime and Bond NT: 0.15 (0.33), Clearfil SE Bond: 0.06 (0.17) and One-up Bond F: 2.96 (0.63). The mean microleakage for One-up Bond was significantly higher than for the other groups (p<0.05). Protruding tags in dentin channels were observed in Prime and Bond and Clearfil systems, but not in One-up Bond. The single step adhesive system, although more convenient for the clinician, uses a low viscosity formulation difficult to keep in place on cavity walls. It also tends to be too aggressive and hydrophilic to create an impermeable hybridized tissue-adhesive interfacial layer resistant to microleakage. Two-step adhesive systems, on the other hand, were retained on all segments of the cavosurface during application, and formed a hybridized interfacial layer resistant to microleakage.
Electron Microscopy Identifies Virus in Cells Lifted from Microscopic Slides: A Useful Method for a Unique Circumstance
Authors: Walpusk Janet A. , Galambos Csaba
Published: December 2008

Electron microscopy (EM) using a “lift technique” (EM-lift) of suspect cells has been used when a question of viral infection is raised by light microscopy and is not otherwise confirmed. We demonstrate how, in this unique circumstance, EM can complement or even supersede immunohistochemistry (IHC) and culture studies. Cases with suspected viral inclusions followed by EM-lift were collected over 25 years; hematoxylin and eosin, IHC, and culture findings were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry results were not available in 15 of the 30 samples found; tissue blocks were obtained in 6 of the samples, and additional IHC studies were performed. Nine cases had viral cultures. The usual clinical question was “rejection versus infection” in a transplant setting (56%). The gastrointestinal tract/liver was most frequently sampled (76%). The EM-lift technique confirmed virus in 18 cases, including adenovirus (58%), cytomegalovirus, herpes, papillomavirus, and parvovirus. Twenty-one cases had informative EM but IHC findings were positive in 8. Both EM-lift and IHC findings were positive in 5 cases and negative in 8 cases. All IHC-positive cases were positive by EM-lift. Of the 6 cases with new IHC, 2 negative cases stained with a newer antibody (EM-positive for adenovirus) and 4 remained negative. Nine had culture findings; 1 was positive, with positive EM-lift. Eight were culture-negative; 4 of these were EM-positive. We conclude that in clinical settings in which virus identification is critical and infection is not otherwise confirmed, the lift technique can be more sensitive than IHC (missed inclusions) and culture studies (often not done) or polymerase chain reaction test, which can be overly sensitive.
Anaesthesia and Stress Response to Surgery
Authors: Golubovska Iveta , Vanags Indulis
Published: December 2008

Anaesthesia and Stress Response to Surgery

The body reaction to surgery ranges from minor to massive both locally and generally. General response is in the form of widespread endocrinal, metabolic and biochemical reactions throughout the body. Neuro-endocrinal hormone system and inflammation mediators are involved and this process is called "stress response". The response has a compensatory mechanism and provides a maximum chance of survival because of increased cardio-vascular functions, fluid preservation and supply of increased demands for energy generating substrates. If the stress response is prolonged, it may result in exhaustion of essential components of the body, fatigue, decreased resistance, delayed ambulation and increased morbidity and mortality. Suppression of immune defense mechanisms has been demonstrated in the postoperative period. Such immune compromise can affect the postoperative infection rate, healing process, and the rate and size of tumour metastases disseminated during surgery. The mechanism of immunosuppression in the postoperative period is not fully understood. The known mediators of immune depression are neuroendocrine response as well as intravenous opioids and inhalational agents, which have shown to increase the susceptibility to infection through a significant cautions in choosing anaesthetic agents, to minimise harm to the patients. In this paper we review the data about the influence of different anaesthetic agents on neuroendocrine, immune and inflammatory response to surgical stress.
Association of Interleukin 6 Promoter Polymorphism (-174G/C) with IL-6 Level and Outcome in Severe Sepsis
Authors: Sabeļnikovs Oļegs , Ñikitina-Zaķe Liene , Vanags Indulis
Published: December 2008

Association of Interleukin 6 Promoter Polymorphism (-174G/C) with IL-6 Level and Outcome in Severe Sepsis

Interleukin (IL-6) is a key cytokine in the pathogenesis of severe sepsis. The importance of a regulatory polymorphism within the IL-6 promoter remains unclear in these patients. The aim of the study was to determine if IL-6 (-174 G/C) promoter polymorphism has an effect on IL-6 plasma level and outcome of severe sepsis. The study was conducted in general ICU of Stradiñš Clinical University Hospital. A total of 103 critically ill patients with confirmed severe sepsis were prospectively included. Association analysis of the IL-6 (-174C) allele with serum level and clinical outcome was performed. We found no differences in genotype distribution between survivors and nonsurvivors. The serum IL-6 level was significantly higher in nonsurvivors compared with survivors. We found an association of genotype with the IL-6 level in nonsurvivors, but not in survivors. Our findings show a functional significance of IL-6 promoter polymorphisms in nonsurviving severe sepsis patients.
Coopetition and Complementarities: Modeling Coopetition Strategy and Its Risks at an Individual Partner Level
Authors: Bonel Elena , Pellizzari Paolo , Rocco Elena
Published: December 2008

The concept of coopetition is founded on the complementarity‐based nature of this strategy. However, coopetition research has devoted relatively little attention to complementarity issues and their impact on coopetition results. By bridging the coopetition and economics of complementarities research fields, we develop a model representing a classical optimization problem in complementarities as applied to coopetition in order to evaluate potential risks deriving at an operational level from implementing a coopetition strategy. The model we develop is a situated one and is based on empirical data from a longitudinal case study of coopetition in the mineral water and soft drinks industry. The results highlight a potential risk of coopetition strategies – namely, thresholds effects – as well as the associated risks a wrong understanding of complementarities in a coopetition setting may entail.
Entwicklungstendenzen der innerstädtischen Zentralität: Das Beispiel Bonn
Authors: Waldhausen-Apfelbaum Jeannette , Grotz Reinhold
Published: December 2008

Although CHRISTALLER developed his model of central places for entire cities and their rural environs, in Germany it is also used for inner-city hierarchies, and serves as a basis for city planning. This paper deals with the hierarchy of centers within the city of Bonn, and it also includes the results of studies from other cities. Retail and service supplies are compared on different levels as well as an examination of the shopping orientation of customers. Results show that distinctions within the hierarchy are blurred. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find a clear relation between areas to be serviced and their centers on different levels. New locations and new forms of supply behaviour are responsible for this. Customers are shopping specifically, according to commodities which is enabled by a higher capability and willingness for mobility. The CBD suffers from congestion, noise pollution, and confusion. Therefore, some groups of customers reduce their frequency of visits. Finally, an outline of the spatial and functional patterns of locations is offered, which includes new service centers at the outskirts of cities. It stresses the need for the inclusion of new, large-scale shops in a farsighted and comprehensive planning system instead of prohibiting such new shops as was done in the past.
Analysis of Effects of Socioeconomic Status on Hurricane Disaster Relief Plans
Authors: Horner Mark W. , Downs Joni A.
Published: December 2008

Understanding the impacts of transportation policies on different socio-economic groups is a crucial part of ensuring equity in the overall transportation planning process. However, despite substantial research on the socioeconomic impacts of transportation in various contexts, there has been relatively little discussion of their potential influence on the provision of disaster relief. After the recent catastrophic natural disasters and terrorist acts around the world, transportation for disaster relief has become an increasingly important area of research. This paper focuses on the provision of disaster relief after a hurricane. By using a spatial model developed to site facilities for the distribution of relief goods, the study described in this paper considered the various decisions related to where these facilities should be located and investigated the differential impacts of the decisions on socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. The model is formulated and solved by using spatial data for a midsized city in the southeastern United States. The results of the analysis point out the differential accessibility to relief goods that population groups may experience and suggest that consideration of socioeconomic status in future disaster relief decision making is warranted.
Translaminar screw fixation in the subaxial pediatric cervical spine
Authors: Jea Andrew , Johnson Keyne K. , Whitehead William E. , Luerssen Thomas G.
Published: December 2008

The use of spinal instrumentation to stabilize the occipitocervical junction in pediatric patients has increased and evolved in recent years. Wiring techniques have now given way to screw-rod or screw-plate techniques with or without postoperative external immobilization. Although C-2 translaminar screws have been used in these constructs, subaxial translaminar screws have not, to date, been described in either the pediatric or adult patient populations.

The authors describe the feasibility of translaminar screw placement in the C-3 lamina. Rigid fixation with translaminar screws offers an alternative to subaxial fixation with lateral mass screws, allowing for formation of biomechanically sound spinal constructs and minimizing potential neurovascular morbidity. Their use requires careful analysis of preoperative imaging studies, intact posterior elements, and avoidance of violation of the inner laminar wall.
Meningioma with dural venous sinus invasion and jugular vein extension
Authors: Vachhrajani Shobhan , Jea Andrew , Rutka John A. , Blaser Susan , Cusimano Michael , Rutka James T.
Published: December 2008

Meningiomas represent the most common benign intracranial neoplasm in adults, with a considerably lower incidence in children. The authors present the case of an intracranial meningioma with invasion of, and intraluminal extension into, the transverse and sigmoid sinuses, jugular bulb, and internal jugular vein, resulting in venous occlusion in a 14-year-old girl. Computed tomography scanning, MR imaging, and conventional angiography were performed preoperatively. The patient underwent a 2-stage resection: the supratentorial component was resected first, and the infratentorial and venous sinus and jugular vein components were subsequently removed using a combined skull base approach. Gross-total resection was achieved by opening the lateral dural sinus and removing the meningioma from within the transverse and sigmoid sinuses, the jugular bulb, and the internal jugular vein. The patient remained neurologically intact after the staged tumor resections. Postoperative imaging confirmed the gross-total resection. This case illustrates the unusual property of an intracranial meningioma to invade the intrasinusoidal space and extend into the jugular vein without adherence to the underlying venous endothelium of the jugular vein.
High-grade primary diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis in a child with neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: King James A. J. , Halliday William , Drake James M.
Published: December 2008

The authors report on a child with known neurofibromatosis Type 1 who developed high-grade diffuse leptomeningeal gliomatosis, without a known primary glioma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the coexistence of these conditions in a child.
Intradural inclusion cysts following in utero closure of myelomeningocele: clinical implications and follow-up findings
Authors: Danzer Enrico , Adzick N. Scott , Rintoul Natalie E. , Zarnow Deborah M. , Schwartz Erin S. , Melchionni Jeanne , Ernst Linda M. , Flake Alan W. , Sutton Leslie N. , Johnson Mark P.
Published: December 2008

Object

The goal in this study was to evaluate the incidence and clinical implications of the development of cutaneously derived intradural inclusion cysts (ICs) following fetal myelomeningocele (fMMC) closure.

Methods

Retrospective databases and responses to a parental questionnaire were reviewed to determine the incidence, clinical presentation, and outcomes of fMMCs in children in whom ICs developed at follow-up.

Results

Prior to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), 54 patients underwent fMMC closure at the authors' institution. Sixteen (30%) presented with symptomatic tethered cord syndrome (TCS) at a median age of 27 months (range 4–93 months). Ten (63%) of the 16 (19% of the total) developed TCS in association with an intradural IC. In 9 (90%) of 10 patients, the IC was seen on preoperative MR imaging, and in 1 it was found during surgery. Four additional children (7% of the total) with evidence of an IC on surveillance MR imaging are currently asymptomatic at 94, 84, 60, and 60 months of age, respectively. All but 1 (an L-3 level lesion) IC developed in infants with L-4 and L-5 defects. After cyst removal, 6 children are asymptomatic at a median follow-up of 36 months (range 12–63 months). Following IC removal, 4 children lost normal bladder function and now require clean intermittent catheterization, and 1 lost normal leg function and now requires a walking aid for ambulation. Histologically, 8 lesions were dermoid, 1 was an epidermoid, and 1 was a mixed dermoid-epidermoid IC. Three patients developed another IC and required its removal at 24, 39, and 51 months, respectively. One required another tethered cord release within 57 months after IC removal.

Conclusions

Cutaneously derived intradural ICs can develop following fMMC surgery. Deterioration of bladder function, risk of recurrence, and loss of lower-extremity function appear to be the most important long-term complications of IC in children with fMMCs. The ongoing NIH-sponsored MOMS may help determine whether children with fMMC are at increased risk of IC development compared with children treated with postnatal MMC closure. Parents seeking fMMC closure should be informed about the possibility of IC formation and the potential clinical consequences.
Supraorbital approach for repair of open anterior skull base fracture
Authors: Szabo Katalin A. , Cheshier Samuel H. , Kalani M. Yashar S. , Kim Jonathan W. , Guzman Raphael
Published: December 2008

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the use of anterior orbitotomy via the supraorbital eyelid crease to repair a dural tear caused by an orbital roof fracture. When transorbital penetrating injuries occur in children, they are commonly caused by accidental falls onto pointed objects. The authors report on their experience with a 7-year-old girl who fell onto a blunt metal rod hanger that penetrated her left eyelid, traversed superior to the eye globe, and penetrated the orbital roof at a depth of 3–4 cm, lacerating the dura mater and entering the cerebrum. An anterior transpalpebral transorbital approach was used to perform the microsurgical anterior skull base and dural repair. The authors advocate the application of this approach to orbital roof fractures because it provides excellent access to the orbital roof, eliminates the need for more invasive craniotomy, results in a small and well-hidden scar in the eye crease, and overall offers a shorter recovery time with less psychological stress to the patient.
Role of external ventriculostomy in the management of fever after hemispherectomy
Authors: Sood Sandeep , Asano Eishi , Chugani Harry T.
Published: December 2008

Object

Fever is a common occurrence after cerebral hemispherectomy in children and prolongs the hospital stay. The authors determined whether an external ventriculostomy might reduce the incidence of fever following a hemispherectomy.

Methods

The postoperative courses of 27 patients who had undergone cerebral hemispherectomy for intractable seizures were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Thirteen children underwent an external ventriculostomy, and only 1 had an elevated axillary body temperature of ≥ 39°C during the postoperative period. Among 14 patients who did not undergo an external ventriculostomy, 7 had a posthemispherectomy fever of ≥ 39°C. Patients who underwent an external ventriculostomy had a lower risk of postoperative fever compared with those who did not undergo the procedure (8 vs 50%, respectively; p = 0.03, Fisher exact test). None of the patients had an infection accounting for the cause of the fever. The hospital stay for patients who had undergone postoperative external ventriculostomy was significantly shorter than for those who had not (7.2 ± 2 vs 11.3 ± 5 days, respectively; p = 0.01, Student t-test).

Conclusions

The use of external ventriculostomy following hemispherectomy for intractable epilepsy in children reduces the incidence of postoperative fever due to infection.
Rhombencephalosynapsis associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease Type 1
Authors: Elliott Robert , Harter David H.
Published: December 2008

Rhombencephalosynapsis (RES) is a rare congenital malformation of the cerebellum characterized by hypogenesis or agenesis of the vermis and fusion of the cerebellar hemispheres with or without fusion of the dentate nuclei and superior cerebellar peduncles. No genetic or chromosomal abnormalities have been identified for RES. Although the occurrence of RES is presumed to be sporadic, no clear pattern of inheritance has been identified. The authors report on a 17-year-old girl with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease Type 1 as well as RES.
Anodic Voltammetry of Thioacetamide and its Amperometric Determination in Aqueous Media
Authors: Cinghită Dan , Radovan Ciprian , Dascălu Daniela
Published: December 2008

TAA is a harmful, presumptive pollutant in tap waters and waste waters. Several alternatives have been tested as new possibilities for the anodic determination of TAA in aqueous solutions, simulated waste waters and tap water. The electrochemical behaviour of thioacetamide (TAA) was investigated at a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode both in unbuffered 0.1 M Na2SO4 and buffered solutions as supporting electrolytes. The anodic oxidation of TAA showed well-defined limiting currents or current peaks and a good linearity of the amperometric signal vs. concentration plots. The analytical parameters of sensitivity, RSD and LOD, obtained under various experimental conditions, suggest the suitability of the BDD electrode for electroanalytical purposes. Low fouling effects, good reproducibility and stability, as well as the sharpness of the amperometric signals in both unbuffered/ buffered acidic or neutral media, highly superior to those obtained using a glassy carbon (GC) electrode, recommend the unmodified BDD electrode as a promising potential amperometric sensor for environmental applications, regarding the direct anodic determination of TAA in aqueous media.
Selecting Map Projections in Minimizing Area Distortions in GIS Applications
Authors: Yildirim Faruk , Kaya Ahmet
Published: December 2008

Varioussoftware for Geographical Information Systems (GISs) have been developed and used in many different engineering projects. In GIS applications, map coverage is important in terms of performing reliable and meaningful queries. Map projections can be conformal, equal-area and equidistant. The goal of an application plays an important role in choosing one of those projections. Choosing the equal-area projection for an application in which area information is used (forestry, agriculture, ecosystem etc) reduces the amount of distortion on the area, but many users using GIS ignore this fact and continue to use applications with present map sheets no matter in what map projection it is. For example, extracting area information from data whose country system’s map sheet is in conformal projection is relatively more distorted, compared to an equal-area projection one. The goal of this study is to make the best decision in choosing the most proper equal-area projection among the choices provided by ArcGIS 9.0, which is a popular GIS software package, and making a comparison on area errors when conformal projection is used. In this study, the area of parcels chosen in three different regions and geographic coordinates and whose sizes vary between 0.01 to 1,000,000 ha are calculated according to Transversal Mercator (TM, 3°), Universal Transversal Mercator (UTM, 6°) and 14 different equal-area projections existing in the ArcGIS 9.0 GIS software package. The parcel areas calculated with geographical coordinates are accepted as definite. The difference between the sizes calculated according to projection coordinates and real sizes of the parcels are determined. Consequently, the appropriate projections are decided for the areas smaller and equal than 1,000 ha and greater than 1,000 ha in the GIS software package.
Geotermometría de rocas ígneas. Su aplicación a los basaltos alcalinos de la región volcánica del NE de España
Authors: López Ruiz J. , Cebriá Gómez J. M.
Published: December 2008

En la primera parte de este trabajo se revisan los geotermómetros más usuales utilizados en rocas igneas básicas. En la segunda parte se aplican estos geotermómetros a las rocas basálticas de la región volcánica del NE de España.
Las temperaturas calculadas en los tipos petrológicos mayoritarios de los tres sectores de dicha región, sugieren que la aparición de olivino se produjo en torno a los 1240° C en las basanitas leuciticas; a unos 1230° C en las basanitas nefelínicas; y alrededor de los 1190° C en los basaltos olivínicos. El clinopiroxeno cristalizó alrededor de los 1020° C en los tres tipos petrológicos. Finalmente, la plagioclasa debió cristalizar por debajo de los 1000° C, aunque esta temperatura no puede fijarse adecuadamente, con los geotermómetros utilizados.
En lo que concierne a la fO2, las estimaciones realizadas indican que el valor de la misma ha oscilado entre 10-7.54 y 10-8.87 atmósferas, en el inicio de la cristalización.
Decouverte de deux nouveaux gisements de poissons fossiles messiniens dans le bassin de Nijar-Carboneras (Andalousie Orientale): Signification paleoecologique et implications paleogeographiques
Authors: De la Chapelle G. , Gaudant J.
Published: December 2008

Se han encontrado dos nuevos yacimientos de peces fósiles en el Mesiniense de la cuenca de Nijar-Carboneras (España meridional). El yacimiento del Cortijo Ruil, al Oeste de Nijar, parece pertenecer al Mesiniense evaporítico. Contiene una ictiofauna marina relativamente poco diversificada que caracteriza un depósito poco profundo, próximo a la orilla. De todos modos, la presencia de un Myctophidae: Lampanyctus licatae (Sauvage) y de un Gonostomatidae: Maurolicus muelleri (Gmelin) indica que la cuenca de Nijar se abria ampliamente a un mar cuya profundidad debía superar considerablemente los 2.000 m. El yacimiento postevaporítico de la Rambla de las Colmenas, al Oeste de Gafares, ha suministrado la especie Aphanius crassicaudus (Agassiz) que caracteriza los ambientes lagunares del Mesiniense del área mediterránea.
Las bioconstrucciones de corales y sus facies asociadas durante el Malm en la Cordillera Ibérica Central (provincia de Zaragoza)
Authors: Aurell M. , Meléndez A.
Published: December 2008

Se estudian los diferentes tipos de bioconstrucciones de corales, y sus facies asociadas, presentes en el sector central de la rama aragonesa de la Cordillera Ibérica, en la Formación Higueruelas (Kimmeridgiense superior). Se desarrollan biohermos de potencias métricas a decimétricas y escasa continuidad lateral, intensamente colonizados por corales coloniales, que se encuentran asociados a facies oncolíticas, bioclásticas y oolíticas de alta energía en zonas marginales, próximas al desarrollo litoral.
Al mismo tiempo tiene lugar una importante instalación de mud mounds, con escasa colonización de corales, en zonas protegidas dentro de la plataforma interna o en zonas más externas, donde la acción del oleaje no es efectiva. La protección del medio viene condicionada en algunos puntos por la aparición de islas barrera oolíticas.
Morfología comparada de los dientes humanos fósiles de Ibeas (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos)
Authors: Bermúdez de Castro J. M.
Published: December 2008

Este trabajo contiene el estudio morfológico comparado de un total de 68 dientes humanos fósiles recuperados en la Sima de los Huesos, yacimiento situado en el sistema kárstico Cueva Mayor-Cueva del Silo (Sierra de Atapuerca, Ibeas de Juarros, Burgos). La morfología de los dientes de Ibeas se ajusta a un modelo de expansión de la dentición anterior que caracteriza a todas las poblaciones humanas del Pleistoceno medio, y a un modelo de reducción estructural de la dentición posterior que caracteriza a la población europea de dicho periodo. Los dientes de Ibeas comparten diversos rasgos morfológicos con los dientes de otros fósiles mesopleistocenos de Europa, norte de Africa y este de Asia. Sin embargo, el grupo europeo, en el que se incluyen los fósiles de Ibeas, presenta diferencias importantes en la morfología de los dientes con los otros dos grupos, lo que permite reforzar la tesis de que una línea independiente de homínidos estaba establecida en Europa durante el Pleistoceno medio. Los dientes de Ibeas, por otra parte, aportan nueva evidencia para apoyar la hipótesis de una estrecha relación filogénetica entre la población Europea del Pleistoceno medio y los neandertales y, en consecuencia, de una evolución local durante dicho periodo y la fase temprana del Pleistoceno superior.
Caracterización morfoscópica de los materiales piroclásticos sálicos del sur de Tenerife (Islas Canarias)
Authors: Alonso J. J.
Published: December 2008

En este trabajo se estudian mediante M.E.B. (Microscopio Electrónico de Barrido) diversos aspectos morfológicos de granos de cenizas volcánicas del sur de Tenerife. Son observadas importantes variaciones en la vesiculación, fracturación y alteraciones de los piroclastos. Es posible caracterizar distintos tipos de depósitos (piroclastos de caída, coladas piroclásticas, surges, etc.) en función de las características superficiales de los fragmentos pumíticos.
Ensayo de zonación sismotectónica en la Cordillera Ibérica. Depresión del Ebro y borde sur Pirenáico
Authors: Alfaro J. A. , Casas A. M. , Simon J. L.
Published: December 2008

Se analizan las relaciones espaciales entre estructuras recientes (pliocenas y cuaternarias) y actividad sísmica en el área de la Cordillera Ibérica, Depresión del Ebro y Sierras Exteriores Pirenaicas. A partir de ellas se realiza una zonación sismotectónica, definiendo cuatro regiones principales (Ibérica Oriental, Ibérica central, Sierras Exteriores-Macizo de Cameros-Demanda y sector central de la Depresión del Ebro) y, en cada una de ellas, diferentes zonas y subzonas con características homogéneas desde el punto de vista sismotectónico. Esta zonación constituye la base de un ensayo de cálculo de riesgo sísmico con criterio determinista.
Dinosaurios del Cretácico inferior de Galve (Teruel, España)
Authors: Sanz J. L. , Buscalioni A. D. , Casanovas M. L. , Santafé J. V.
Published: December 2008

El objetivo principal del presente trabajo ha sido completar el estudio de la fauna de dinosaurios del sinclinal de Galve, de edad mayoritariamente barremiense inferior, aunque el yacimiento de Las Zabacheras puede tener una edad Hauteriviense y el Pelejón Hauteriviense-Barremiense inferior.
Los Terópodos están pobremente representados, describiéndose tres centros vertebrales que son identificados como Theropoda indet. Cuatro formas diferentes de Saurópodos han sido identificadas en los diferentes yacimientos de Galve. Tres de ellas (cf. Astrodon sp.; Camarasauridae indet., forma A; Camarasauridae indet., forma B) tan sólo mediante piezas dentarias aisladas. El Saurópodo de Las Zabacheras (Lapparent, 1960; Sanz, 1982) ha sido propuesto como un nuevo taxon, Aragosaurus ischiaticus n. gen. et n. sp. Dicho material consta de diversos restos apendiculares y pélvicos estudiados por Lapparent y depositados en el Museo de la Diputación de Teruel y nuevos elementos consistentes en diversas vértebras caudales, chevrones, escápula, isquion, fémur y restos autopodiales. Las apomorfias más relevantes que definen al nuevo taxon son su relación estilopodial (longitud húmero/fémur) de 0,82, el gran desarrollo relativo dorso-ventral del contorno de contacto con el pubis del proceso pubiano del isquion y la aparición de neuroapáfisis «mazudas» en las primeras vértebras caudales. El enclave taxonómico de Aragosaurus se propone dentro de la familia Camarasauridae (sensu Steel, 1970).
Los Ornitópodos descritos en este trabajo pertenecen a la familia Hypsilophodontidae, excepto una pieza dentaria aislada identificada como Ornithopoda indet. Un fragmento proximal de un fémur izquierdo es identificado como cf. Valdosaurus sp. La especie Hypsilophodon foxii ha sido identificada en base a un fémur izquierdo y un íleon.
Arcosaurios (Crocodilia, Dinosauria) del Cretácico superior de la Conca de Tremp (Lleida, España)
Authors: Casanovas Mª L. , Santafé J. L. , Sanz J. L. , Buscalioni A. D.
Published: December 2008

El estudio de gran parte del material hallado en los trabajos de excavación realizados por un equipo del «Institut de Paleontología de Sabadell» y otros paleontólogos de las Universidades de Madrid y Bellaterra, en la cuenca de Tremp (Maastrichtiense), durante los años 1984 y 1985, ha permitido reconocer:
1.º Un crocodílido de gran talla, atribuible a un animal adulto de la familia Alligatoridae, comparable a Crocodilus affluvelensis.
2.° Restos de dinosaurios que se han atribuido a tres familias: Atlantosauridae (representada por un saurópodo de gran talla, probablemente Hypselosaurus); Iguanodontidae (afI. Rhabdodon, ornitópodo de talla media), y Hadrosauridae (Ortbomerus, de talla pequeña).
3.° Icnitas de dinosaurios, bastante mal conservadas, de tamaño medio y grande, atribuibles a omitópodos bípedos.
Los restos faunísticos han sido hallados siempre inconexos, esparcidos en extensas superficies y sin señales de depredación. El tipo de material hallado indica, en principio, un cierto transporte, el cual ejerció una acción selectiva sobre los restos. Posteriormente, a este transporte se unirían los efectos de los procesos orogénicos que afectaron la zona durante el Terciario.
Lista faunística de los Vertebrados del Cretácico inferior del área de Galve (Teruel, España)
Authors: Buscalioni A. D. , Sanz J. L.
Published: December 2008

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Preparation of Protamine–Titania Microcapsules Through Synergy Between Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly and Biomimetic Mineralization
Authors: Jiang Yanjun , Yang Dong , Zhang Lei , Sun Qianyun , Sun Xiaohui , Li Jian , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: December 2008

A novel approach combining layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly with biomimetic mineralization is proposed to prepare protamine–titiania hybrid microcapsules. More specifically, these microcapsules are fabricated by alternative deposition of positively charged protamine layers and negatively charged titania layers on the surface of CaCO3 microparticles, followed by dissolution of the CaCO3 microparticles using EDTA. During the deposition process, the protamine layer induces the hydrolysis and condensation of a titania precursor, to form the titania layer. Thereafter, the negatively charged titania layer allows a new cycle of deposition step of the protamine layer, which ensures a continuous LbL process. The morphology, structure, and chemical composition of the microcapsules are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Moreover, these protamine–titania hybrid microcapsules are first employed as the carrier for the immobilization of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH), and the encapsulated YADH displays enhanced recycling stability. This approach may open a facile, general, and efficient way to prepare organic–inorganic hybrid materials with different compositions and shapes.
Advances in Bioapplications of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lu Fushen , Gu Lingrong , Meziani Mohammed J. , Wang Xin , Luo Pengju G. , Veca Lucia Monica , Cao Li , Sun Ya‐Ping
Published: December 2008

This progress report provides an overview on recent advances in bioapplications of carbon nanotubes including the chemical modification of carbon nanotubes, targeting specifically their covalent and noncovalent conjugations with a variety of biological and bioactive species (proteins and peptides, DNAs/RNAs, and carbohydrates). Furthermore, the significant recent development and progress in the use of carbon nanotubes for biosensors, drug and other delivery systems, bioimaging, etc. and in the understanding of in vivo biodistribution and toxicity of carbon nanotubes are reported.
Successful cell‐mediated cytokine‐activated immunotherapy for relapsed acute myeloid leukemia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Gesundheit Benjamin , Shapira Michael Y. , Resnick Igor B. , Amar Avraham , Kristt Don , Dray Lilianne , Budowski Einat , Or Reuven
Published: December 2008

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an extremely aggressive disease with a high relapse rate even after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We report the successful outcome of cell‐mediated cytokine‐activated immunotherapy in a high‐risk pediatric AML patient who relapsed shortly after allogeneic HSCT. Donor lymphocyte infusion along with interferon induced a graft‐versus‐leukemia effect, presenting as a reversible episode of graft‐versus‐host disease, which led to stable complete donor chimerism and total eradication of AML for over 24 months, at the time of this report. The curative potential of immunotherapy in hematological malignancies is discussed. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interactions between visitors and Formosan macaques (Macaca cyclopis) at Shou‐Shan Nature Park, Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Minna J. , Kao Chien‐Ching , Agoramoorthy Govindasamy
Published: December 2008

Ecotourism involving feeding wildlife has raised public attention and is a controversial issue, especially concerning nonhuman primates. Between July 2002 and April 2005, the behavior of monkeys and tourists was collected through scan samplings, focal samplings and behavior samplings at the Shou‐Shan Nature Park located in Taiwan's second largest city—Kaohsiung. In addition, the number of tourists and monkeys was counted in different hours and places within the park. Four hundred visitors were interviewed using a questionnaire to gather data on sex, age, purpose and frequency of visit to the park. The number of tourists was significantly higher during weekends than in weekdays in all locations. Humans dominated in the initiation of interspecies interactions—the overall ratio of human‐initiated and monkey‐initiated interactions was 2.44:1. Human–monkey conflicts accounted for only 16.4% of the total interactions (n=2,166), and adult human males and adult male macaques participated in higher rates than other age/sex groups in these conflicts. Visitors showed more affiliative behavior (15.9%) than agonistic behavior (8%) toward the macaques. In response to visitors' threat or attack, the Formosan macaques mostly showed submissive behavior with bared teeth, squealed or ran away to avoid confrontation (69.1%)—only few responded with counteraggression (18.7%). This study for the first time provided evidence that food provisioning increased both the frequency and duration of aggression among Formosan macaques (P<0.001). During food provisioning, the average frequency and the duration of agonistic events of macaques were more than 4 times higher compared with those without food provisioning. The average frequency of food provision by tourists was 0.73 times/hr—more than twice the incident that monkeys grabbed the food from tourists (0.34 times/hr). If people refrain from feeding monkeys and destroying the city park's natural vegetation, monkeys can be used to educate public about nature conservation in an urban setting. Am. J. Primatol. 71:214–222, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.