bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variability of Seed Sugar Content in Worldwide Soybean Germplasm Collections
Authors: Hou A. , Chen P. , Alloatti J. , Li D. , Mozzoni L. , Zhang B. , Shi A.
Published: May 2009

Soluble sugar is an important quality trait in food‐grade soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Desirable sugars such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose can help improve the taste and flavor of soyfood including tofu, soymilk, and natto; whereas oligosaccharides including raffinose and stachyose are indigestible by humans and animals and often cause flatulence or diarrhea. In this study, 241 plant introductions (PIs) of three maturity groups (MGs) from 28 origins were investigated for seed sugar content including glucose, fructose, sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose. Variation was detected in individual and total sugars in soybean PIs from different origins and MGs. Sucrose and stachyose are the major sugars in soybean seed. The sucrose content ranged from 1.6 to 95.4 mg g−1 with 13 PIs containing greater than 70 mg g−1 and 14 PIs having less than 10 mg g−1 The stachyose content ranged from 0.2 to 69.6 mg g−1 with 14 PIs containing less than 10 mg g−1 stachyose. The high sucrose and low stachyose types are the most valuable for breeding specialty soybeans for soyfood and animal feed. In addition, 30 PIs were identified as having high concentrations of glucose or fructose as major sugars. This new class of high glucose or fructose has not been reported before. While soybean germplasm with unique sugar profiles may be useful for future breeding and genetic research, environmental effects on sugar stability will need to be further investigated.
Creeping Bentgrass Putting Green Turf Responses to Two Summer Irrigation Practices: Rooting and Soil Temperature
Authors: Fu Jinmin , Dernoeden Peter H.
Published: May 2009

Light and frequent (LF) and deep and infrequent (DI) irrigation are two common practices for golf course managers. Few studies have compared the effects of these two opposing irrigation practices on summer root performance in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). The objectives of this field study were to quantify summer root development and longevity in response to LF vs. DI irrigation in ‘Providence’ creeping bentgrass grown on a sand‐based rootzone. The LF plots were irrigated daily to moisten the upper 4 to 6 cm of soil, whereas DI plots were irrigated at leaf wilt to wet soil to a depth ≥24 cm. Root measurements were obtained using the minirhizotron imaging technique and included total root count, total root length (TRL), total root surface area (TRSA), and average root diameter. When averaged over the entire 0‐ to 24‐cm rootzone depth, DI‐irrigated creeping bentgrass produced a greater number of roots, longer root lengths, and a larger root surface area than LF‐irrigated turf. Average root diameters were smaller in DI‐irrigated creeping bentgrass in the summer of 2007. Compared with data collected in 2006, the 2‐yr‐old turf had 55 and 32% fewer roots in LF‐ and DI‐irrigated bentgrass by September 2007, respectively. There were similar reductions in TRL and TRSA between years in both irrigation regimes. Deep and infrequent irrigation stimulated root growth throughout the 0‐ to 24‐cm rootzone in May and June and promoted root longevity in summer.
Creeping Bentgrass Color and Quality, Chlorophyll Content, and Thatch–Mat Accumulation Responses to Summer Coring
Authors: Fu Jinmin , Dernoeden Peter. H. , Murphy James A.
Published: May 2009

Coring is a common cultural practice used on golf courses. The reported effects of coring alone on thatch–mat accumulation have been mixed. The objectives of this field study were to examine the effects of spring and summer coring on thatch–mat thickness and organic matter accumulation in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). Turfgrass color and quality and chlorophyll content were also monitored. The study site was ‘Providence’ creeping bentgrass grown on a sand‐based rootzone maintained as a putting green. Three coring regimes were assessed as follows: spring‐only coring (1.27‐cm‐diam. tines), spring plus three summer corings (0.64‐cm‐diam. tines), and a noncored control. At the end of the second year, spring‐only and spring‐plus‐summer cored plots had developed a 66 and 89%, respectively, thicker thatch–mat layer compared with noncored bentgrass. The total organic matter content (weight loss‐on‐ignition) in thatch–mat layers, however, generally was similar among all three regimes in both years. This indicated that the organic matter was diluted by inclusion of sand from topdressing or reincorporation of cores. Thus, organic matter concentration (i.e., gravimetric organic: dry weight of the cores) in the thatch–mat layer was much lower in plots of both coring regimes vs. noncored plots. Both spring‐only and especially spring‐plus‐summer coring caused substantial reductions in turf quality for a 2‐wk period. Spring‐plus‐summer coring resulted in increased chlorophyll levels as well as improved turf color and quality in late summer.
Heritability of N2 Fixation Traits, and Phenotypic and Genotypic Correlations between N2 Fixation Traits with Drought Resistance Traits and Yield in Peanut
Authors: Pimratch S. , Jogloy S. , Vorasoot N. , Toomsan B. , Kesmala T. , Patanothai A. , Holbrook C.C.
Published: May 2009

Drought stress reduces growth and yield in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and also reduces nitrogen fixation (NF). Peanut production in drought prone areas should be enhanced by the development of cultivars that can fix more nitrogen (N) under drought conditions. The aims of this study were to estimate heritability for NF and to estimate phenotypic and genotypic correlations among traits related to NF with drought‐resistance traits and yield under well‐watered and drought conditions. A total of 140 lines in the F4:7 and F4:8 generations derived from four crosses, parental lines, and a non‐nodulating line as a non‐N2‐fixing reference plant were evaluated in the dry seasons 2005/2006 and 2006/2007. These lines were evaluated in rhizobium inoculated soil without N fertilizer under field capacity (FC) and 2/3 available soil water (AW). Data were recorded for specific leaf area (SLA), SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), nodule number (NN), nodule dry weight (NDW), shoot dry weight (SDW), pod dry weight (PDW), total dry weight (TDW), harvest index (HI), and NF. Broad‐sense heritability (h2b) and narrow‐sense heritability (h2n) estimates for NF under FC and 2/3 AW were in the same ranges (h2b = 0.84 to 0.98 and h2n = 0.29 to 0.39). Positive relationships between NF under FC and 2/3 AW (r = 0.73, P ≤ 0.01) indicated that selection for the lines that fixed high N under well‐watered conditions should produce lines that fixed high N under drought conditions. Selection for NF under drought conditions might be more effective in improving yield because of a higher correlation between NF and PDW (rG = 0.43, P ≤ 0.01) under drought conditions than under FC (rG = 0.13). The use of SCMR and SLA as surrogate traits for NF would be less effective than direct selection because of weak correlations between these traits and NF.
Combining Ability for Fiber Length in Near‐Long‐Staple Upland Cotton
Authors: Braden Chris A. , Smith C. W. , Hequet Eric F.
Published: May 2009

Fiber length is one of the most important properties of cotton fibers, with longer fibers allowing for faster processing speeds and a wider array of end products. Four elite, near‐long‐staple upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes with diverse programmatic origins, TAM 94L‐25, Fibermax 832, TTU 202, and Acala 1517‐99, and one short‐staple genotype, Tamcot CAMD‐E, were crossed and evaluated in a diallel without reciprocals for six fiber‐length measurements at College Station, TX, in 2001 and 2002. Genotypic variation (P ≤ 0.05) and significant general combining ability (GCA) were identified for upper‐half mean length (UHML), fiber length by weight (FLw), fiber length by number (FLn), and upper‐quartile length by weight (UQLw). Significant variation for specific combining ability (SCA) was identified for FLw, FLn, and short‐fiber content by weight (SFCw). Fibermax 832 exhibited the longest fibers for all length measurements, but TAM 94L‐25 had the highest GCA effects for UHML, FLw, FLn, and UQLw and thus would be the best parent to use in parental combinations to improve fiber length. The highest desirable SCA effects resulted from the Fibermax 832 × Acala 1517‐99 combination. Combining‐ability data among these genotypes, which represented diverse U.S. germplasm pools, suggest that most U.S. cotton breeding programs could improve fiber length by using TAM 94L‐25 in combination with their breeding lines.
Characterization of Grain‐Filling Patterns in Diverse Maize Germplasm
Authors: Borrás Lucas , Zinselmeier Chris , Senior M. Lynn , Westgate Mark E. , Muszynski Michael G.
Published: May 2009

Information regarding genotypic variability for maize (Zea mays L.) grain‐filling patterns is scarce, especially at the inbred level. We characterized a large set of public and elite proprietary inbred lines for kernel growth traits. Lines were selected to sample divergent kernel size, genetic diversity, and lines released from breeding programs. The traits characterized were final kernel weight (KW), kernel growth rate (KGR), grain‐filling duration (GFD), maximum water content and moisture concentration (fresh weight basis) at physiological maturity. We evaluated 32 inbred lines in 2006 and 35 inbred lines in 2007. Kernel weight ranged from 104 to 317 mg per kernel in 2006 and from 96 to 327 mg per kernel in 2007. Variation in KW was achieved through different combinations of KGR (0.14 to 0.44 mg °Cd−1 kernel−1) and GFD (610 to 1137 °Cd). There was no correlation between KGR and GFD. Moisture concentration at physiological maturity showed significant genotypic differences (p < 0.001), ranging from 280 to 600 g kg−1 A previously described framework for predicting kernel growth patterns based on kernel water accumulation was tested for accuracy and differences were observed (p < 0.01), suggesting that a general pattern cannot be used to describe all the genotypic variability available. Results demonstrate the high variability in KW across elite and public maize inbreds, reflecting a wide range of KGRs and GFDs.
Capabilities of Four Novel Warm‐Season Legumes in the Southern Great Plains: Biomass and Forage Quality
Authors: Rao Srinivas C. , Northup Brian K.
Published: May 2009

Grain (pulse) legumes could provide high nitrogen (N), late summer forage for stocker cattle in the southern Great Plains (SGP). This study evaluated the forage yield and nutritive value of tropical annual legumes that were relatively uncommon in the SGP, at a site (35°40‘ N, 98°00’ W) in central Oklahoma. Included were cultivars of pigeon pea ([Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.], cv. GA‐2), guar ([Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.], cv. Kinman), cowpea ([Vigna unguiculata (L). Walp.], cv. Chinese red), and mung bean ([Vigna radiata (L.) Wilcz.], cv. Berkins), and grain soybean ([Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cv. Hutcheson) was used as a control. Seeds were inoculated and planted (60‐cm row spacing at 10 seeds m−1 row length) annually in mid‐June 2003 through 2006. Aboveground samples were collected on six dates, from 45 to 120 d since planting. Soybean, pigeon pea, and guar averaged 3560, 3439, and 3321 kg ha−1, while mung bean and cowpea averaged 2918 and 2405 kg ha−1, respectively. Mung bean and cowpea accumulated the least N (70 and 65 kg N ha−1), while soybean, guar, and pigeon pea yielded 100, 93, and 77 kg N ha−1, respectively. Digestibility of cowpea, mung bean, soybean, and guar were similar (757 to 825 g kg−1), while pigeon pea was least digestible (634 g kg−1). These pulse legumes could provide producers in the SGP with options other than soybean for generating forage or biological N.
Genetic Variability of Transpiration Response to Vapor Pressure Deficit among Soybean Cultivars
Authors: Sadok Walid , Sinclair Thomas R.
Published: May 2009

Simulation studies have demonstrated that the existence of a limitation on maximum transpiration rate (TR) at high air vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in water‐limited conditions could result in significant yield increases. A genotype of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (PI 416937) has been identified both with a slow‐wilting phenotype in the field and limited TR above a VPD breakpoint (BP) of 2 kPa. Until now, there has been no full documentation of any other soybean genotype that has a restriction on TR at high VPD. The objective of this study was to extend the observations on TR response to VPD to a wider genetic base. Seven soybean genotypes were studied: three cultivars of broad genetic background and four new lines of diverse backgrounds with PI 416937 in their pedigrees. Data collected across a VPD range of ∼1 to ∼3.5 kPa for each genotype showed a two‐segment TR response to VPD for two cultivars, neither of which was derived from PI 416937. Since three progeny of PI 416937 expressed slow‐wilting in the field, these results indicate that the slow‐wilting phenotype may also result from a mechanism other than the TR response to VPD. Identification of two new genetic selections with limitation of TR at high VPD indicates there is more than one genetic source for this potentially beneficial trait for water‐limited environments.
Evaluation of catalysts and membranes for high yield biohydrogen production via electrohydrogenesis in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs)
Authors: Cheng Shaoan , Logan Bruce E.
Published: May 2009

Publisher's note. We very much regret that in the course of production the correct version of Figure 2 of this article was replaced by a figure from another article. The correct version of Figure 2 is shown below.
Electrochemical degradation of pentachlorophenol on a palladium modified gas-diffusion electrode
Authors: Wang H. , Wang J. L.
Published: May 2009

Pd/C catalyst was prepared by a hydrogen reduction method and used for making a Pd/C gas-diffusion electrode. It was fully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). In the catalyst, Pd particles with an average size of 4.0 nm were highly dispersed in the activated carbon with an amorphous structure; Pd content on the surface of the Pd/C catalyst reached 1.3 at% (atomic concentration). The Pd/C gas-diffusion electrode was then used as the cathode to investigate the electrochemical degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in a diaphragm electrolysis device, feeding firstly with hydrogen gas then with air, compared with the carbon/polytetrafluoroethylene (C/PTFE) gas-diffusion cathode. The Pd/C gas-diffusion cathode can not only reductively dechlorinate PCP by feeding hydrogen gas, but also accelerate the two-electron reduction of O2 to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by feeding air. Therefore, both the removal efficiency and the dechlorination degree of PCP exceeded 80% after 100 min, and the average removal efficiency of PCP in terms of total organic carbon (TOC) was more than 75% after 200 min by using Pd/C gas-diffusion cathode, which was better than that of the C/PTFE gas-diffusion cathode. Phenol was identified as the dechorination product using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Start-up strategies of thermophilic anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge
Authors: Palatsi J. , Gimenez-Lorang A. , Ferrer I. , Flotats X.
Published: May 2009

The aim of the present work was to evaluate two different strategies to convert a continuous mesophilic anaerobic reactor into thermophilic, treating sewage sludge. The compared strategies were a single direct temperature change, from 35° to 55°C, and a multi-step temperature change (35°–43°–50°–55°C). The single direct step strategy was shown to be as effective as the more conservative multi-step strategy, recovering the system efficiency after 20 days in terms of methane yield, although there was a higher volatile fatty acids accumulation and higher propionate/acetate ratio values during the temperature transition. From the results of the multi-step strategy it could be stated that the critical process performance during temperature transition occurred between 43 and 50°C, which should be taken into account to define more accurate future transition strategies. Sewage sludge thermophilic vs mesophilic biodegradability was assessed by means of anaerobic biodegradability tests, and no significant statistical differences in biodegradability or methane yields were found.
Assessment of treatment systems for highway runoff pollution control in Portugal
Authors: Barbosa A. E. , Fernandes J. N.
Published: May 2009

Treatment systems for highway runoff pollution control are now common structures for environmental impacts reduction in Portugal. Such systems must be monitored and its performance periodically assessed, in order to understand if they are accomplishing the targets for environmental protection. Wise management decisions must incorporate the soundness of the project, the construction and maintenance costs, and the ability of the system to reduce the pollution to the level required for environmental protection. To gather, organize and analyse all the existing information concerning the constructed treatment systems, their operation, maintenance and efficiency were understood as a priority by the Portuguese Roads' Institute. The authors of this article were responsible for this 3 years study that finished in May 2008. A total of 27 different systems, corresponding to 13 different project types, located in different places in Portugal have been characterized and evaluated. Several conclusions could be drawn from the evaluation and recommendations were produced concerning the project, the construction and operation phases and the monitoring activities. The recommendations concern tasks to be performed and information that should be gathered and presented to the Portuguese Road's Institute. It is expected that these indications will contribute to improve the future practice in Portugal.
Peepoo bag: self-sanitising single use biodegradable toilet
Authors: Vinnerås Björn , Hedenkvist Mikael , Nordin Annika , Wilhelmson Anders
Published: May 2009

Unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene together with deficient nutritional status are major contributors to the global burden of disease. Safe collection, disposal and reuse of human excreta would enable the risk of transmission of diseases to be decreased and household food security to be increased in many regions. However, the majority of the 2.5 billion people lacking improved sanitation comprise poor people in societies with weak infrastructure. This study developed a low cost sanitation option requiring little investment and maintenance—a single use, self-sanitising, biodegradable toilet (Peepoo bag) and tested it for smell, degradability and hygiene aspects. It was found that no smell was detectable from a 25 μm thick bag filled with faeces during 24 h in a 10 m2 room at 30°C. Bags that had been in contact with urea-treated faeces or urine for 2 months in air, compost or water at 24 or 37°C showed little signs of degradation. Furthermore, pathogen inactivation modelling of the 4 g of urea present in the bag indicated that appropriate sanitation of faecal material collected is achieved in the bag within 2–4 weeks, after which the bag can be degraded and reused as fertiliser.
Role playing games: a methodology to acquire knowledge for integrated wastewater infrastructures management in a river basin scale
Authors: Prat P. , Aulinas M. , Turon C. , Comas J. , Poch M.
Published: May 2009

Current management of sanitation infrastructures (sewer systems, wastewater treatment plant, receiving water, bypasses, deposits, etc) is not fulfilling the objectives of up to date legislation, to achieve a good ecological and chemical status of water bodies through integrated management. These made it necessary to develop new methodologies that help decision makers to improve the management in order to achieve that status. Decision Support Systems (DSS) based on Multi-Agent System (MAS) paradigm are promising tools to improve the integrated management. When all the different agents involved interact, new important knowledge emerges. This knowledge can be used to build better DSS and improve wastewater infrastructures management achieving the objectives planned by legislations. The paper describes a methodology to acquire this knowledge through a Role Playing Game (RPG). First of all there is an introduction about the wastewater problems, a definition of RPG, and the relation between RPG and MAS. Then it is explained how the RPG was built with two examples of game sessions and results. The paper finishes with a discussion about the uses of this methodology and future work.
Microbial structure of nitrifying granules and their estrogens degradation properties
Authors: Wang X. H. , Ivanov V.
Published: May 2009

It has been known that endocrine disruption compounds such as natural estrogens estrone, 17β-estradiol, estriol, and synthetic steroid 17a-ethynylestradiol can be degraded by nitrifying bacteria. The aim of this research was to test biodegradation of estrogens by microbial granules containing nitrifying bacteria. Cultivation of microbial granules was performed in sequencing batch reactor in model wastewater with carbon to nitrogen ratio of 100:30 by weight. After the system reached the steady state, the mean diameter of granules, sludge volume index of granular biomass, and biomass concentration were 0.6 mm, 22 mL g−1 and 7 g L−1, respectively. Nitrite was not detected in the effluent, and conversion of the consumed NH4+-N to NO3−-N was 93%. Specific NO3−-N production rate was 0.12 d−1 at the constant NH4+- loading late of 0.9 g L d−1. The presence of ammonium-oxidizing and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization with 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes Nsm156 and Nit3. The estrogen biodegradation by the granules was conducted in batch experiments. The complete biodegradation of the mixture of estrone, 17β-estradiol, estriol, and 17a-ethynylestradiol, 100 μg L−1 each, by microbial granules was within 60 days. The order of biodegradation for estrogens by microbial granules was as follows: 17β-estradiol -> estriol -> estrone ->17a-ethynylestradiol. The degradation rate constants of estrogens by microbial granules were 0.19 d−1, 1.26 d−1, 0.14 d−1 and 0.11 d−1 for estrone, 17β-estradiol, estriol and 17a-ethynylestradiol, respectively.
Quarterly Intravenous Ibandronate for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Emkey Ronald D
Published: May 2009

Osteoporosis is under-recognized and undertreated among postmenopausal women. Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates are its first-line pharmacotherapy. Oral bisphosphonate treatment requires stringent dosing guidelines to minimize gastrointestinal irritation and enhance absorption. This paper reviews the efficacy, safety and tolerability of quarterly intravenous ibandronate 3 mg injection, approved in 2006 in the USA and Europe. Quarterly intravenous ibandronate injection has shown superior efficacy to daily oral ibandronate for bone mineral density increase and fracture prevention. No drug-related serious atrial fibrillation events have been reported with intravenous ibandronate. The regimen has a favorable renal safety profile. Quarterly intravenous ibandronate is administered as a simple 15-s intravenous injection in a physician's office and provides a beneficial option for patients who are unable to tolerate oral administration.
Role of Erbb2 in Selection for Adjuvant Tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: Dixon J Michael
Published: May 2009

Evaluation of: Rasmussen BB, Regan MM, Lykkesfeldt AE et al.: Adjuvant letrozole versus tamoxifen according to centrally-assessed ERBB2 status for postmenopausal women with endocrine-responsive early breast cancer: supplementary results from the BIG 1–98 randomized trial. Lancet Oncol. 9, 23–28 (2008). This study analysed data after a median of 51 months follow-up from 4922 postmenopausal women with early hormone-sensitive breast cancer randomly assigned to 5 years of treatment with letrozole or tamoxifen. Tumors from 3650 (74%) patients were centrally assessed for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and ErbB2 status. By central assessment, 7% (257 of 3650) of tumors were classified as ErbB2-positive. Disease-free survival was significantly worse in patients with ErbB2-positive tumors (p < 0.0001). Letrozole improved disease-free survival compared with tamoxifen regardless of ErbB2 status.
Gender Bias in Medicine
Authors: Hamberg Katarina
Published: May 2009

Gender bias has implications in the treatment of both male and female patients and it is important to take into consideration in most fields of medical research, clinical practice and education. Gender blindness and stereotyped preconceptions about men and women are identified as key causes to gender bias. However, exaggeration of observed sex and gender differences can also lead to bias. This article will examine the phenomenon of gender bias in medicine, present useful concepts and models for the understanding of bias, and outline areas of interest for further research.
Advances in Surgical Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Chan Karen KL , Naik Raj
Published: May 2009

Radical hysterectomy has been the standard surgical treatment for cervical cancer, achieving a good survival outcome. However, it is a major operation that has considerable potential long-term morbidity. With good prognosis achieved in most early cervical cancers, there is a trend towards more emphasis on maintaining good quality of life post-treatment. Many women diagnosed with cervical cancer are young, and fertility-sparing surgery such as trachelectomy would preserve their reproductive potential. Minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic radical hysterectomy, can potentially improve post-operative recovery and cosmetic results while maintaining oncological safety. Sentinel lymph nodes assessment can minimize unnecessary systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy. Radicality of the hysterectomy may also be reduced in selected individuals with good prognostic factors, thus minimizing long-term pelvic floor dysfunction. This review aims to give a broad overview of the current status of these new trends in surgical management for cervical cancer.
Ovarian Reserve Screening: What the General Gynecologist should Know
Authors: Maseelall Priya B , McGovern Peter G
Published: May 2009

Ovarian reserve tests are an indirect measurement of a woman's remaining follicular pool and give an estimate of her sensitivity to ovarian stimulation and her prognosis for success with fertility treatments. They cannot be used to predict future fertility or the exact timing of the decline or cessation of fertility. It is important to become familiar with these tests and understand their correct performance and interpretation, including their limitations. We review the correct timing and interpretation of the most commonly accepted tests of ovarian reserve, and suggest which patient populations will benefit most from screening. Discussed in detail are the natural age-related decline in fecundity, basal follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol levels, the clomiphene citrate challenge test, and use of transvaginal ultrasound for antral follicle counts. Other tests, such as for ovarian volume, anti-Müllerian hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone, are discussed briefly.
Fractures of the tuber coxa of the ilium in horses: 29 cases (1996–2007)
Authors: Dabareiner Robin M. , Cole Robert C.
Published: May 2009

Objective—To determine history; clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic abnormalities; treatment; and outcome in horses with tuber coxae fractures and to describe a useful technique for obtaining a dorsomedial-ventrolateral 50° oblique radiographic view of the tuber coxa of the ilium in standing horses.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—29 horses with fractures of tuber coxa.

Procedures—Data collected from medical records included signalment; history; horse use; severity and duration of lameness; radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic findings; treatment; and outcome.

Results—All horses had a traumatic event leading to acute, unilateral hind limb lameness. Eighteen horses had a more severe lameness at the walk than at the trot; 22 of 29 horses had an abnormal gait with the hind limbs tracking to 1 side of the forelimbs. Twenty-four of 29 horses had palpable and visual asymmetry between the affected and unaffected tuber coxae. Twenty horses had radiography performed while sedated but standing, and fractures were reliably identified on the dorsomedial-ventrolateral 50° oblique radiographic views. Twenty-seven (27/29 [93%]) horses returned to athletic use. Horses sustaining partial fractures of the caudal aspect of tuber coxae returned to previous use significantly earlier (mean, 3 months), compared with horses with complete tuber coxae fractures (6.5 months).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Horses with tuber coxae fractures returned to athletic soundness following extended periods of rest. Findings emphasized the need for obtaining a dorsomedial-ventrolateral 50° oblique radiographic view of the tuber coxa of the ilium in horses suspected of sustaining injury to this region.
Navigated lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty — Technique and case report
Authors: Kendoff Daniel , Benedetto Paolo , Bedi Asheesh , Citak Mustafa , Olivier Lucien , Pearle Andrew
Published: May 2009

Lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) outcomes have been inferior to those described after medial UKA. Inaccurate implant positioning and mechanical axis malalignment appear to be the most common technical errors. Rare studies or failure identification on lateral UKA are currently presented in the literature. We describe the utilization of computer-assisted lateral UKA placement for lateral knee osteoarthritis with a valgus malalignment of 10°. Navigation allows for a dynamic intraoperative visualisation of the mechanical axis, as well as for accurate component positioning and overall postoperative limb alignment. The systems allow the knee position to be captured with appropriate tension in extension and flexion prior to making definite cuts. Postoperatively, no instabilities occurred with a precise component placement. Navigation can be used in rare cases for lateral UKA.
Interfacing Microfluidics and Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry by Continuous Deposition for Application in Single Cell Analysis
Authors: Amantonico Andrea , Urban Pawel L. , Oh Joo Yeon , Zenobi Renato
Published: May 2009

We present a simple method for continuous deposition of effluent originating from a microfluidic device on a flat metal surface for subsequent analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The sample is delivered using a microscale fused silica
capillary and passed onto the surface of a stainless steel plate coated with a layer of a standard matrix. The key parameters optimized in order to obtain high quality and reproducible sample traces are: i) sampleflow rate, ii) speed of the XY-stage movement, and iii) distance of the capillary
tip from the plate. Tapering the capillary end as well as surface functionalization to induce hydrophobicity were shown to further enhance the deposition process. The described continuous deposition method is compared with a previously published mass spectrometric method utilizing a piezoelectric
microdispenser for microspotting onto the MALDI plates which enabled detection of primary metabolites at the singlecell level. Research is underway to adapt the continuous deposition as an interface for single cell metabolite detection and enhancement of quantitative abilities of the MALDI
methodology. We envisage that the presented continuous deposition method may also be suitable for sensitive detection of analytes using other surface analysis tools.
Nickel Deposition on ?-Al2O3: Modelling Metal Particle Behaviour at the Support
Authors: Czekaj Izabela , Loviat Francois , Wambach Jörg , Wokaun Alexander
Published: May 2009

Recently, surface modifications on a commercial Ni/Al2O3 catalyst during the production of methane from synthesis gas were investigated by quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effect of the synthesis gas on the surface properties of
the catalyst and on its activity under methanation conditions was studied on an atomic level. The conclusion was that the stability of Ni particles on the ?-Al2O3 support can be influencedby cluster growth phenomena, which influence both size and distribution of
the metal particles. In this study, Ni deposition and cluster growth on model catalyst samples (10 nm thick, polycrystalline ?-Al2O3 on Si(100)) was investigated by XPS. The molecular structure of the catalyst was investigated using Density Functional Theory calculations
(StoBe) with cluster model and non-local functional (RPBE) approach. Al15O40H35 clusterswere selected to represent the ?-Al2O3 (100) surface. Ni clusters of different size were cut from a Ni(100) surface and deposited on the Al15O40H35
cluster in order to validate the deposition model determined by XPS.
Application of Structural Principles to the Design of Triptycene-Based Molecular Gears with Parallel Axes
Authors: Frantz Derik K. , Baldridge Kim K. , Siegel Jay S.
Published: May 2009

This perspective discusses the important aspects of the design of molecular gear systems based on triptycene. Molecular systems are categorized into three classes according to the orientation of the gear axes: i) bent (bevel gears), ii) linear, and ii) parallel (spur gears). To date,
no examples of molecular gears in which the axes of rotation lie in parallel have been reported; correspondingly, the bulk of this report focuses on the factors one must evaluate to construct such systems.
Towards Sustainable Dyes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Rendondo Ana Hernandez , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: May 2009

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are an emerging technology for the conversion of solar photons to electrical energy. Typical DSCs are based upon ruthenium complexes which act as photosensitizers for a wide band-gap semiconductor such as titanium dioxide. The low abundance of ruthenium
raises issues about the sustainability of such devices. We now present promising prototype DSCs based upon copper(I) complexes.
Bilateral use of the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib attached to the pelvis: a novel treatment for scoliosis in the growing spine
Authors: Samdani Amer F. , Ranade Ashish , Dolch Henry J. , Williams Reed , St. Hilaire Tricia , Cahill Patrick , Betz Randal R.
Published: May 2009

Object

Few options exist for the treatment of severe, early onset scoliosis. Goals of treatment include stabilizing curve progression while allowing for normal spine, chest, and lung growth. The vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) is a novel device designed to control the spine deformity while permitting lung and spine growth. In this paper the authors report their experience with using bilateral VEPTRs from the ribs to the pelvis for children with severe, early onset scoliosis.

Methods

Eleven children were identified who had been treated with bilateral VEPTRs from the ribs to the pelvis. The authors conducted a retrospective review and collected the following data: clinical diagnosis, age at surgery, number of lengthening procedures, and complications. In addition, pre- and postoperative radiographs were reviewed to measure maximum Cobb angle (both thoracic and lumbar), thoracic height, total spine height as measured from T-1 to S-1, thoracic kyphosis (T2–12), and lumbar lordosis (L1–S1).

Results

The average patient age at surgery was 71 months; the mean preoperative thoracic Cobb angle was 81.7°. This angle was corrected to 50.6° immediately postoperatively, and this correction was maintained; at the most recent follow-up the curves averaged 58°. Similarly, the preoperative kyphosis (T2–12) angle measured 43° preoperatively, 23° immediately postoperatively, and 37° at the most recent follow-up evaluation. The patients underwent a total of 41 lengthening procedures (average 3.7 lengthening procedures per patient), and overall spine length increased from 23.1 cm preoperatively, to 27.3 cm immediately postoperatively, to 29.4 cm at the final follow-up (an average of 25 months). Four (36.4%) of the 11 patients experienced complications.

Conclusions

The VEPTR offers a viable treatment option for children with severe, early onset scoliosis. It achieves and maintains spinal deformity correction, while allowing for continued spine and chest-wall growth. Complication rates are similar to those reported for other growing systems.
Classification and clinical anatomy of the first spinal nerve: surgical implications
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios , Yalçin Bulent , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: May 2009

Object

Data regarding the first cervical nerve are scanty and conflicting, however this nerve may need to be identified for neurosurgical procedures such as rhizotomy for torticollis and suboccipital pain syndromes. The authors performed the present study to elucidate further the detailed anatomy of the first cervical nerve and review its clinical relevance.

Methods

Forty adult cadavers (80 sides) were used in this study. Dissection was performed at the craniocervical junction with special attention to the formation and presence of the components of the C-1 spinal nerve. Additionally, connections between the C-1 nerve and the spinal accessory nerves were recorded.

Results

The authors classified the C-1 nerves into Types Ia, Ib, and II, in 34, 9, and 37 sides, respectively. Type Ia was composed of ventral and dorsal roots with a dorsal root ganglion, Type Ib was composed of ventral and dorsal roots and no dorsal root ganglion, and Type II was composed of only ventral roots. All types contained both dorsal and ventral rami. Mackenzie's nerve was identified on 2 left sides (2.5%). On 48 sides (60%), the C-1 nerve received a mean of 2.5 dorsal rootlets. In the remaining specimens, C-1 did not receive any dorsal rootlets. On the sides found to receive C-1 dorsal rootlets, 14 (30%) were found to have a distinct dorsal root ganglion present, and in 21 (44%) the spinal accessory nerve joined with the dorsal rootlets. The first cervical vertebra in these cases did not possess a dorsal root ganglion. A dorsal ramus of the C-1 spinal nerve was identified on all sides. Communication between the dorsal rami of C-1 and C-2 near their posterior elements was found on 12 sides (15%).

Conclusions

A detailed knowledge of C-1 nerve anatomy may be of use to the surgeon operating in the vicinity. Specifically, this knowledge may be helpful in procedures involving C-1 rhizotomy, including peripheral denervation procedures for cervical dystonia and occipital neuralgia.
Postoperative outcome after modified unilateral-approach microendoscopic midline decompression for degenerative spinal stenosis
Authors: Yagi Mitsuru , Okada Eijiro , Ninomiya Ken , Kihara Michiya
Published: May 2009

Object

The object of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a novel, minimally invasive spinal surgery technique to correct degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis involving a modified unilateral-approach microendoscopic midline decompression.

Methods

In this prospective study, 41 patients with lumbar stenosis were randomly assigned to undergo either a novel, median-approach microendoscopic laminectomy (20 patients) or a conventional laminectomy (21 patients). Spinal anteroposterior diameter, cross-sectional area, lateral recess distance, spinal stability, postoperative back pain, functional outcomes, and muscle trauma were evaluated. Follow-up ranged from 16 to 24 months, with a mean of 17.8 months for the novel procedure group and 18.6 months for the conventional laminectomy group.

Results

Compared with patients in the conventional laminectomy group, patients who received the novel procedure had a reduced mean duration of hospital stay, a lower mean creatine phosphokinase muscular-type isoenzyme level, a lower visual analog scale score for back pain at 1-year follow-up, and a faster recovery rate. These patients also had less mean blood loss compared with the conventionally treated group. Satisfactory neurological decompression and symptom relief were achieved in 90% of these patients. There was no significant clinical difference compared with the conventional laminectomy group's results. There was no evidence of spinal instability in any patient, and no patient required a follow-up conventional laminectomy.

Conclusions

This novel procedure provides effective spinal decompression. Although this method requires more operating time than a conventional method, it requires only minimal muscle trauma and spinal stability maintenance, and allows for early mobilization. This shortens the hospital stay, reduces postoperative back pain, and leads to satisfactory neurological and functional outcomes. Moreover, with the midline approach, decompression was accomplished without compromising the facet joints, even with a narrow width of lamina.
Influence of interleukin-6 on the development of peritumoral brain edema in meningiomas
Authors: Park Kyung-Jae , Kang Shin-Hyuk , Chae Yang-Seok , Yu Mi-Ok , Cho Tai-Hyoung , Suh Jung-Keun , Lee Hoon-Kap , Chung Yong-Gu
Published: May 2009

Object

Peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) is associated with perioperative neurological deficits in patients with meningiomas. However, the pathogenesis of meningioma-associated edema remains unclear. In the present study, the authors investigated the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its relationship with PTBE in resected meningiomas.

Methods

Thirty-six benign meningiomas obtained in 36 patients were studied retrospectively. Edema volume was assessed on MR images, and an edema index (EI) was calculated. Interleukin-6 mRNA and protein expression were examined by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Peritumoral brain edema was found in 16 patients (44%). Neither age, sex, histological subtype, nor tumor location were related to PTBE. The level of IL-6 mRNA was 7.72 times greater in the edema group (EI > 0.2) than in the nonedema group (EI < 0.2; p = 0.011). On immunohistochemical analysis, IL-6 protein was found localized in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells, and was detected in 12 (75%) of 16 cases of edematous meningiomas, but in only 6 (30%) of 20 nonedematous cases. There was a significant correlation between the severity of PTBE and IL-6 expression (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

The authors' results in this study indicate that IL-6 expression may contribute to the development of brain edema associated with meningiomas.
Education Reform as an Agent of Change: The Development of Media Literacy in Hong Kong during the Last Decade
Authors: Cheung C.K.
Published: May 2009

Although media education is a comparatively new area of studies in Hong Kong, it is already flourishing. Why? This contribution identifies the education reform as an important factor in encouraging the development of media education in the last decade, and the three major driving forces of this reform have been: the emphasis on civic education since Hong Kong’s return to China sovereignty, the introduction of information technology (ICT), and the recent review of the curriculum. The author also aims to find out whether the patterns used in media education development are their own Asian models or, on the contrary, they follow Wes tern patterns.

A pesar de su novedad como área de estudios, la educación mediática en Hong Kong ha sido exitosa. Este texto demuestra cómo la reforma educativa ha sido un factor importante para el desarrollo de la educación mediática en la última década. Las tres principales fuerzas de cambio en esta reforma han sido el énfasis en la educación cívica desde el retorno de Hong Kong a la soberanía china; la introducción de las tecnologías de la información (TIC) y la reciente revisión de los programas de estudio. El autor pretende además iniciar una investigación encaminada a descubrir si hay patrones comunes y propios de desarrollo e implementación de la educación mediática en las distintas sociedades asiáticas o si éstas siguen un patrón occidental.
Implementing Mandates in Media Education: The Ontario Experience
Authors: Wilson Carolyn , Duncan Barry
Published: May 2009

This analysis presents a report on media literacy education in Ontario. It provides an overview of the curriculum for media literacy that is mandated by the provincial government. Specifically, it describes various approaches for teaching about the media as well as the theory that underpins curriculum documents and classroom practices. The analysis also describes the work of key organizations and partnerships that helped prioritize media literacy education, and offers suggestions for the successful development and implementation of media literacy programs. The conclusion discusses the challenges and future directions for media literacy beyond the Ontario case, focusing on nine key tenets for success in its implementation worldwide.

Este artículo expone un informe sobre la educación en alfabetización mediática en Ontario. Brinda una visión general del plan de estudios para la alfabetización mediática propuesta por el gobierno regional. Específicamente, describe varias aproximaciones para la enseñanza acerca de los medios, así como la teoría que apuntala los documentos del plan de estudios y las prácticas en el aula. También describe el trabajo de organizaciones y asociaciones clave que ayudaron a priorizar la educación en alfabetización mediática, y ofrece sugerencias para el desarrollo exitoso y la implementación de programas de alfabetización mediática. La conclusión discute los retos y el curso futuro de la alfabetización mediática más allá del caso Ontario, centrándose en nueve tesis clave para el éxito en su implementación en todo el mundo.
Media Education in Turkey: Toward a Multi-Stakeholder Framework
Authors: Orhon E. Nezih
Published: May 2009

Starting with the 1990s, private radios and televisions were the primary steps in Turkish media’s new structure. At that time, there was no interest in media literacy or media education for people, especially for children. In the past, the emphasis of media literacy education was to protect children and young people from possible harmful effects of media, followed by the critical thinking and development of media messages production skills. This contribution emphasizes the political, social, and economic implications of media messages and stresses the importance of using media effectively. Media literacy and education in Turkey has started with an agreement between the Ministry of National Education and The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) in 2006/07 school period.This study uses a critical approach to reflect on what has been done so far in Turkey in terms of media literacy and media education, and what needs to be accomplished in the future.

A partir de los noventa, los canales privados de radio y televisión pusieron las bases de la nueva estructura mediática turca. No hubo en este momento interés alguno por la alfabetización mediática ni por la educación popular sobre los medios de comunicación social, ni siquiera en la juventud. Hasta 2006 no comienzan en Turquía los primeros pasos para una alfabetización y educación mediáticas con un acuerdo entre el Ministerio de Educación y el Consejo Supremo de Radio y Televisión (RTÜK). La agenda de la alfabetización mediática ha de incluir importantes temas, co mo democracia, ciudadanía, derechos humanos, libertad de expresión, identidad, necesidades especiales, cuestiones de discriminación de género… Mediante un enfoque crítico, se reflexiona sobre lo que hasta ahora se ha hecho en Turquía en términos de alfabetización y educación en medios, y lo que se quiere lograr en el futuro.