bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen partial pressure-dependent Mg concentration, structure, and optical properties of MgxZn1−xO film grown by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Cong C.X. , Yao B. , Xie Y.P. , Xing G.Z. , Li B.H. , Wang X.H. , Wei Z.P. , Zhang Z.Z. , Lv Y.M. , Shen D.Z. , Fan X.W.
Published: October 2007

MgxZn1−xO films were grown on quartz substrates at 773 K by using radio frequency magnetron sputtering with a mixture of argon and nitrogen as sputtering gases. The nitrogen concentration in the mixture is characterized by the nitrogen partial pressure ratio, which is determined by the ratio of nitrogen flow rate to the flow rates of nitrogen and argon. It was found that Mg concentration, structure, and band gap of the MgxZn1−xO film could be tuned by changing the nitrogen partial pressure ratio of the sputtering gases. The Mg concentration in the MgxZn1−xO film increases with increasing nitrogen partial pressure ratio. The MgxZn1−xO film consists of wurtzite phase at the ratios from 0% to 50%, mixture of wurtzite and cubic phases at the ratios between 50% and 83%, and cubic phase at 100%. The band gap of the MgxZn1−xO film with wurtzite and cubic structure increases as the ratio rises. The variation of the structure and band gap is attributed to change of the Mg concentration, which results from loss of the O and Zn atoms during growth process, the former is induced by reaction between N and O, and the latter by re-evaporation of Zn atoms due to high substrate temperature. The mechanism of the loss of the O and Zn atoms is discussed based on thermodynamics.
Magnetic, electrical, and thermal characterization of La0.9Te0.1Mn1−xCoxO3(0 ≤x≤ 1)
Authors: Ang R. , Sun Y.P. , Zheng G.H. , Song W.H.
Published: October 2007

The structure, magnetizationM, resistivity ρ, thermoelectric powerS, and thermal conductivity κ in La0.9Te0.1Mn1−xCoxO3(0 ≤x≤ 1) have been investigated systematically. The samples withx= 0 andx= 1 have a rhombohedral lattice with space groupR¯3C, while the samples withx= 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 have an orthorhombic lattice with space groupPbnm. The samples of 0 ≤x≤ 0.75 undergo the paramagnetic–ferromagnetic (PM–FM) phase transition. Based on the temperature dependence of susceptibility, a combination of the high-spin (HS) state for Co2+and the low-spin (LS) state for Co3+can be determined. The metal–insulator transitions (MIT) observed forx= 0 sample are completely suppressed with Co-doping, and ρ(T) displays semiconducting behavior within the measured temperature region forx> 0 samples. Asx⩾ 0.25, the huge magnitude of Seebeck coefficient at low temperatures is observed, which is suggested to originate from the spin-state transition of Co3+ions from intermediate-spin (IS) state or (HS) state to (LS) state and the configurational entropy of charge carriers enhanced by their spin and orbital degeneracy between Co2+and Co3+sites. Particularly,S(T) ofx= 0.50 and 0.75 samples appears an anomalous peak, which is suggested to be related to the contribution of phonon drag. Similar toM(T) and ρ(T), all results ofS(T) are discussed according to the variations of the structure parameters and magnetic exchange interaction caused by Co-doping. In addition, based on the analysis of the temperature dependence ofS(T) and ρ(T), the transport mechanism can be determined in the different temperature region. As to thermal conduction κ(T), the changes of κ with Co-doping is suggested to come from the combined effect due to the suppression of local Mn3+O6Jahn–Teller (JT) lattice distortion because of the substitution of non JT Co3+ions with LS and HS states for JT Mn3+ions, which results in the increase of κ, and the introduction of the disorder due to Co-doping, which contributes to the decrease of κ.
Competitions incorporated in rapid solidification of the bulk undercooled eutectic Ni78.6Si21.4 alloy
Authors: Liu Feng , Chen Yuzeng , Yang Gencang , Lu Yiping , Chen Zheng , Zhou Yaohe
Published: October 2007

Adopting glass fluxing and cyclic superheating, high undercooling up to ∼550 K was achieved in bulk eutectic Ni78.6Si21.4 alloy melt. With increasing undercooling, the as-solidified microstructure shows an interesting evolution, i.e., regular lamellar eutectic, coarse directional dendrite, quasi-spherical dendritic colony, fine directional dendrite, fine quasi-spherical dendritic colony, and superfine anomalous eutectic. In combination with different theories for nucleation and growth, the microstructure evolution was analyzed and described using competitions incorporated in rapid solidification of the bulk undercooled eutectic Ni78.6Si21.4 alloy. For undercooling below and above 180 K, Ni3Si, and α-Ni are primarily solidified, respectively. This phase selection can be ascribed to competitive nucleation. As undercooling increases, a transition of the prevalent nucleation mode from site saturation to continuous nucleation was interpreted in terms of competition of nucleation mode. Accordingly, the superfine anomalous eutectic is obtained, due to the substantially increased continuous nucleation rate, i.e., grain refinement occurring at high undercooling (e.g., ∼550 K).
Influence of Organic Fertilizer Source on Fatty Acid Composition of Zooplankton and Sunshine Bass Fingerlings
Authors: Lane Ryan L , Kohler Christopher C
Published: October 2007

We evaluated the influence of three organic fertilizers—cottonseed meal, ground rice bran, and ground flaxseed—on the fatty acid composition of zooplankton and fingerling sunshine bass (female white bass Morone chrysops × male striped bass M. saxatilis). Flaxseed contains about 10-fold greater lipid and percent α-linolenic acid (18:3[n-3]); values relative to the other two organic fertilizers. Five 0.04-ha nursery ponds were randomly selected per treatment; 5 d before fish stocking (4 d posthatch; 150,000 fish/ha) and again at day 20 poststocking, ponds were individually fertilized at a rate of 350 kg/ha. After 27 d of culture, zooplankton in the flaxseed treatment contained significantly more 18:3(n-3) than those in the other fertilizer treatments (10.5% versus ∼7.0%). Likewise, after 40 d of culture, sunshine bass fingerlings reared in ponds fertilized with flaxseed possessed almost twofold higher 18:3(n-3) (10.7%) than those reared in rice bran (4.7%) and cottonseed (5.8%) treatment ponds. Fish reared in cottonseed meal ponds, however, possessed the highest mean weight (8.2 g versus 6.0 g for flaxseed ponds and 4.8 g for rice bran ponds). We provide evidence that fatty acid composition of organic fertilizers, specifically 18:3(n-3), significantly influences fatty acid composition of resident zooplankton and sunshine bass fingerlings in nursery ponds.
Hook Shedding and Mortality of Deeply Hooked Brook Trout Caught with Bait on Barbed and Barbless Hooks
Authors: DuBois Robert B. , Pleski Julie M.
Published: October 2007

We compared hook shedding rates, mortality, and bleeding of cultured brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis subjected to intentional deep hooking on size-6 barbed or barbless single hooks (with line cutting) baited with leaf worms Lumbricus rubellus. Hook shedding at the end of the 6-week holding period averaged 20% and did not differ between hook types. Neither immediate mortality (average = 12.5%) nor mortality after 5 d (average = 20%) differed between hook types. Although we cannot demonstrate a survival advantage for cultured brook trout that were baitfished with barbless hooks over those caught on barbed hooks, we did find that significantly less bleeding was caused by barbless hooks. Further research examining whether the use of barbless hooks results in increased survival of wild brook trout or other trout species under different fishing conditions is warranted.
“Bumping Into Spicy, Tasty Words That Catch Your Tongue”: A Formative Experiment on Vocabulary Instruction
Authors: Baumann James F. , Ware Donna , Edwards Elizabeth Carr
Published: October 2007

A yearlong formative experiment explored the impact of a comprehensive vocabulary instruction program in a diverse, fifth‐grade classroom. The classroom teacher and two university collaborators

provided rich language experiences

taught individual words

taught word‐learning strategies

promoted word conscientiousness

Results revealed that students' vocabulary grew across the academic year and that they identified and used more challenging words, developed an interest in and positive attitude toward vocabulary, and applied vocabulary strategies independently. Instructional procedures are provided for each component.
Using Picture Books to Provide Archetypes to Young Boys: Extending the Ideas of William Brozo
Authors: Zambo Debby
Published: October 2007

In his book To Be a Boy, To Be a Reader: Engaging Teen and Preteen Boys in Active Literacy, William Brozo suggested that many adolescent boys have become mentally and academically detached from school. While Brozo acknowledges that a solution to these problems is multifaceted, he asserts that engaging boys in literature that makes use of archetypes can contribute to their resolution.

This article extends Brozo's ideas to boys in the years before adolescence. If educators wait until the middle grades to engage boys in literacy and books, they risk losing many to the detachment Brozo describes. Boys can and should be introduced to archetypes earlier, and this can be accomplished with picture books. The author presents a list of picture books arranged by archetype, along with strategies for creating boy‐friendly classrooms.
Breaking Down Words to Build Meaning: Morphology, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension in the Urban Classroom
Authors: Kieffer Michael J. , Lesaux Nonie K.
Published: October 2007

Recent research supports what many teachers already know—that students with a developed understanding that words are combinations of meaningful parts tend to have better vocabularies and stronger reading comprehension performance. These meaningful parts are called morphemes, and the study of them is called morphology. Teaching students to understand morphology could improve their reading comprehension, particularly for English‐language learners (ELLs) and their classmates in urban schools. This article reports on recent findings on this topic and suggests principles for teachers to use when integrating the teaching of morphology with literacy instruction.
Finessing and Hybridizing: Innovative Literacy Practices in Reading First Classrooms
Authors: Kersten Jodene , Pardo Laura
Published: October 2007

Through the ethnographic methodological tools of formal and informal interviews, observations, participation in coplanning sessions, and analysis of literacy curricula, the researchers of this study found that effective teachers are finding ways to work successfully within the current political climate influenced by No Child Left Behind and the focus on Adequate Yearly Progress. Based on their findings, the authors suggest ways that educators and elementary schools can continue to successfully meet the literacy needs and interests of an increasingly diverse student population despite standardization in the form of basal reading programs and one‐size‐fits‐all conditions outlined in curricula guides and programs such as Reading First.
Comprehension Strategy Instruction: Teaching Narrative Text Structure Awareness
Authors: Dymock Susan
Published: October 2007

Research shows that students who have a good understanding of narrative text structure have fewer problems comprehending stories. Research also suggests that many students require explicit instruction in how to comprehend this text type. While some children are able to figure out the more elaborate structure of narrative text on their own (i.e., that stories have a plot, characters, setting, and theme), there are others who are not so lucky. Teachers play an important role assisting students to develop a good understanding of narrative text structure awareness. This article briefly outlines what research has to say about comprehension strategy instruction and then describes how teachers can go about teaching a comprehension strategy, narrative text structure awareness with the aim of enhancing children's comprehension of this text type.
CONTRIVING TRANSITIVE CONDITIONED ESTABLISHING OPERATIONS TO ESTABLISH DERIVED MANDING SKILLS IN ADULTS WITH SEVERE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Authors: Rosales Rocio , Rehfeldt Ruth Anne
Published: October 2007

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate derived manding skills in 2 adults with severe developmental disabilities and language deficits by contriving transitive conditioned establishing operations. Specifically, we evaluated whether a history of reinforced conditional discrimination learning would ultimately result in a derived mand repertoire, in which participants manded for items that were needed to complete chained tasks. After mastering the first three phases of the picture exchange communication system (PECS), participants were taught to mand for the needed items by exchanging pictures of the items for the items themselves. They were then taught to conditionally relate the dictated names of the items to the corresponding pictures of the items and to relate the dictated names to the corresponding printed words. We then tested, in the absence of reinforcement, whether participants would mand for the items needed to complete the chained tasks using text rather than pictures. Both participants showed the emergence of derived mands and some derived stimulus relations as a result of this instruction. Some of the derived relations were shown to be intact at 1‐month follow‐up, and scores on derived mand probes were higher at follow‐up than before training. In addition, the 2 participants vocally requested the needed items on maintenance test probes, a skill that was never trained and was not previously in their repertoires. These results suggest that a history of reinforced relational responding may facilitate the expansion of a number of verbal skills and emphasize the possibility of a synthesis of Skinner's (1957) analysis of verbal behavior and derived stimulus relations into language‐training efforts for persons with significant disabilities.
TEACHER REPORT AND DIRECT ASSESSMENT OF PREFERENCES FOR IDENTIFYING REINFORCERS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Authors: Cote Catherine A. , Thompson Rachel H. , Hanley Gregory P. , McKerchar Paige M.
Published: October 2007

Teachers were asked to identify and rank 10 preferred stimuli for 9 toddlers, and a hierarchy of preference for these items was determined via a direct preference assessment. The reinforcing efficacy of the most highly preferred items identified by each method was evaluated concurrently in a reinforcer assessment. The reinforcer assessment showed that all stimuli identified as highly preferred via the direct preference assessment and teacher rankings functioned as reinforcers. The highest ranked stimuli in the direct assessment were more reinforcing than the teachers' top‐ranked stimuli for 5 of 9 participants, whereas the teachers' top‐ranked stimulus was more reinforcing than the highest ranked stimulus of the direct assessment for only 1 child. A strong positive correlation between rankings generated through the two assessments was identified for only 1 of the 9 participants. Despite poor correspondence between rankings generated through the teacher interview and direct preference assessment, results of the reinforcer assessment suggest that both methods are effective in identifying reinforcers for toddlers.
EFFECTS OF INTERNET‐BASED VOUCHER REINFORCEMENT AND A TRANSDERMAL NICOTINE PATCH ON CIGARETTE SMOKING
Authors: Glenn Irene M. , Dallery Jesse
Published: October 2007

Nicotine replacement products are commonly used to promote smoking cessation, but alternative and complementary methods may increase cessation rates. The current experiment compared the short‐term effects of a transdermal nicotine patch to voucher‐based reinforcement of smoking abstinence on cigarette smoking. Fourteen heavy smokers (7 men and 7 women) completed the four 5‐day phases of the study: baseline, patch treatment, voucher treatment, and return to baseline. The order of the two treatment phases was counterbalanced across participants. In the patch treatment condition, participants wore a 14‐mg transdermal nicotine patch every day. In the voucher treatment condition, participants received vouchers contingent on abstinence from smoking, defined as producing carbon monoxide (CO) readings of ≤4 parts per million. Participants e‐mailed two video clips per day showing them breathing into a CO monitor and the resulting CO reading to clinic staff. In the voucher treatment, 24% of samples were negative, and 5% of samples were negative in the patch treatment. Results suggest that contingent vouchers were more effective than transdermal nicotine patches in promoting abstinence.
THE EFFECTS OF ERRORLESS LEARNING AND BACKWARD CHAINING ON THE ACQUISITION OF INTERNET SKILLS IN ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Authors: Jerome Jared , Frantino Eric P. , Sturmey Peter
Published: October 2007

An important area in the learning and development of individuals with disabilities is the acquisition of independent, age‐appropriate leisure skills. Three adults with autism and mental retardation were taught to access specific Internet sites using backward chaining and most‐to‐least intrusive prompting. The number of independent steps completed in the task analysis increased following training.
PREFERENCE FOR A STIMULUS THAT FOLLOWS A RELATIVELY AVERSIVE EVENT: CONTRAST OR DELAY REDUCTION?
Authors: Singer Rebecca A. , Berry Laura M. , Zentall Thomas R.
Published: October 2007

Several types of contrast effects have been identified including incentive contrast, anticipatory contrast, and behavioral contrast. Clement, Feltus, Kaiser, and Zentall (2000) proposed a type of contrast that appears to be different from these others and called it within‐trial contrast. In this form of contrast the relative value of a reinforcer depends on the events that occur immediately prior to the reinforcer. Reinforcers that follow relatively aversive events are preferred over those that follow less aversive events. In many cases the delay reduction hypothesis proposed by Fantino (1969) also can account for such effects. The current experiments provide a direct test of the delay reduction and contrast hypotheses by manipulating the schedule of reinforcement while holding trial duration constant. In Experiment 1, preference for fixed‐interval (FI) versus differential‐reinforcement‐of‐other‐behavior (DRO) schedules of reinforcement was assessed. Some pigeons preferred one schedule over the other while others demonstrated a position (side) preference. Thus, no systematic preference was found. In Experiment 2, a simultaneous color discrimination followed the FI or DRO schedule, and following training, preference was assessed by presenting the two positive stimuli simultaneously. Consistent with the contrast hypothesis, pigeons showed a significant preference for the positive stimulus that in training had followed their less preferred schedule.
Sandface Completion for a Shallow Laminated Gas Pay With High Fines Content
Authors: Hadfield Neil S. , Terwogt Jan H. , Van Kranenburg Aart A. , Salahudin Sharifudin , King Kimberly
Published: October 2007

The Shallow Clastics field operated by Sarawak Shell primarily targets two shallow gas-bearing reservoirs, H1 and H2, at approximately 2,650 ft true vertical depth (TVD). An appraisal, early-producer well was drilled with a deviated wellbore through the H1/H2 targets, and a completion design consisting of a cased, perforated, and commingled completion inside 9⅝-in. casing was implemented. The sandface-completion design consisted of a large-outside-diameter (OD) expandable sand screen with a 150 μ-weave opening across the two zones. Upon completion, the reservoirs were cleaned up through a temporary well-cleanup and test-facility to test productivity and evaluate the integrity of the downhole sand-exclusion installation. Fines production, possibly caused by a failure of the expandable screens, steadily increased to the extent that the well was deemed unproducible to the facilities.

A re-evaluation of the sand-exclusion method that included more extensive core analysis and the types of wells that would be suitable for development of the H1/H2 reservoirs was initiated. From this review, the operator and a service/engineering company were able to develop an innovative sand-exclusion method that combined several new technologies.

To date, four wells have been completed with the new sand-exclusion method and well configuration chosen to address the completion needs. These have been tested and, to date, have proved to be operating satisfactorily. This paper will review the evaluation that led to the revised sandface-completion design, the field implementation of the design, and the key installation success factors that were required. Results and a summary of best practices from the initial installations also will be summarized.
A Rapid, Rigsite-Deployable, Electrochemical Test for Evaluating the Membrane Potential of Shales
Authors: Al-Bazali Talal , Zhang Jianguo , Chenevert Martin E. , Sharma Mukul M.
Published: October 2007

The membrane efficiency of shales is usually measured in the laboratory using pressure-transmission techniques that can be very time consuming and require shale core samples that may not be available. These tests also require special high-pressure equipment and cannot be conducted at the rigsite.

This paper presents a quick and relatively easy method for obtaining the membrane efficiency of shale cuttings (or cores) through electrochemical-potential measurements. The electrochemical test measures the voltage drop across shales that are in contact with fluids of different salinities. The measured voltage drop is used to calculate the shale's ion selectivity, which reflects the shale's ability to restrict ion flow (membrane potential). Data are presented to show the influence of ion type and ion concentration, shale permeability, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) on the ion selectivity. It was found that the shale membrane efficiency is well correlated with the membrane potential. The membrane potential is shown to be proportional to the ratio of the CEC and to the permeability of shales. A higher CEC/k ratio correlates very well with higher ion selectivity. The rigsite-measured ion selectivity can be correlated with the spontaneous-potential (SP) curves in the well.

The rapid determination of shale membrane efficiency using shale drill cuttings allows chemical interactions between shales and water-based fluids to be taken into account in wellborestability calculations without the need for shale core samples.
The Australasian Radiation Protection Society's Position Statement on Risks from Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Higson Donald
Published: October 2007

Controversy continues on whether or not ionizing radiation is harmful at low doses, with unresolved scientific uncertainty about effects below a few tens of millisieverts. To settle what regulatory controls should apply in this dose region, an assumption has to be made relating dose to the possibility of harm or benefit. The position of the Australasian Radiation Protection Society on this matter is set out in a statement adopted by the Society in 2005. Its salient features are:

There is insufficient evidence to establish a dose-effect relationship for doses that are less than a few tens of millisieverts in a year. A linear extrapolation from higher dose levels should be assumed only for the purpose of applying regulatory controls. Estimates of collective dose arising from individual doses that are less than some tens of millisieverts in a year should not be used to predict numbers of fatal cancers. The risk to an individual of doses significantly less than 100 microsieverts in a year is so small, if it exists at all, that regulatory requirements to control exposure at this level are not warranted.
Photography in clinical dental practice
Authors: Dukic Zlatko
Published: October 2007

The emersion of photography represents a milestone in the development of human society making life richer and more comprehensive. Dental photography, a part of clinical medical photography, has primarily the role as a document, but also a tool in education of students and continuing professional education of dentists. The aim of this paper is to present possible applications of classical and digital photography in dentistry on today?s level of technological development. Dental photography requires certain additional equipment (special lights, polarization filters, retractors, small neutral background plates?) for quality images of intraoral structures. An important feature of dental photography is documentation i.e the possibility to record maximum information in repeatable conditions. Standardization of conditions during intraoral photographing, adequate storage and archiving of dental photographs are also important preconditions for quality and useful photography. .
Dental mistreatment and dentist’s criminal responsibility
Authors: Zagradjanin Danica
Published: October 2007

The work of a dentist is based on professional knowledge and human relationship with a patient. However, besides ethical principles, a dentist must also follow deontological principles and legal rules. The aim of this paper was to point out the importance of the dentist?s deontological aspect, clearly present the importance of the dental mistake and problems of unconscious treatment and to highlight the consequences that a dentist may experience in the event of the negligence of professional duties and responsibilities.
Dental manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd): Case report
Authors: Stojsin Ivana
Published: October 2007

The aim of this paper was to point out the possible etiology and prevention of endogenous dental erosions based on a case report. A patient (54) visited the Clinic for Dentistry of Vojvodina seeking treatment of general erosive changes localized on palatal surfaces of upper anterior teeth, occlusal and occlusal-buccal surfaces of lower molars and premolars. After the successful treatment of gastroesophageal reflux by a gastroenterologist, the restoration of damaged dental surfaces was undertaken. Main elements of the preventive protocol were: reduce intake or cut off the acid reflux, increase immune response, stimulate salivary production and remineralization. .
Cytokines and Adhesion Molecules in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Bachert Claus , Wagenmann Martin , Holtappels Gabriele
Published: October 2007

This review summarizes our current knowledge of nasal allergic inflammation based on studies of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules in allergic rhinitis. The article also includes some aspects of viral rhinitis. Due to artificial or natural allergen exposure, an increase in the number of eosinophils and basophils, mast cells, IgE-positive cells, macrophages, monocyte-like cells, Langerhans cells, and activated T-cells can be observed within the mucosa and on the mucosal surface. Mediators are known to be released in response to allergens, but do not seem to be adequate to initiate the cell recruitment. After antigen challenge, the release of proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines could be demonstrated, and TH2-type cytokine mRNA upregulation in allergic mucosa has been shown. Proinflammatory cytokines initiate an adhesion cascade and activate T-cells that create an “atopic” cytokine environment within the tissue, which also may be linked to the long-term selective recruitment of eosinophils. However, the acute selective migration of eosinophils after allergen challenge is not fully understood, nor is the role of chemokines in allergic and viral rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis clearly represents an inflammatory reaction.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis and Nasal Hyperreactivity
Authors: Van Wijk R. Gerth
Published: October 2007

This article focuses on the nose as an accessible organ for research purposes, exploring whether the nose can be used to study lower airway processes.
Malignant Tumors of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Experience 1990–1997
Authors: Tufano Ralph P. , Mokadam Nahush A. , Montone Kathleen T. , Weinstein Gregory S. , Chalian Ara A. , Wolf Patricia F. , Weber Randal S.
Published: October 2007

We reviewed our experience with sinonasal malignancies, which comprise less than 1% of all cancers, in order to determine the spectrum of disease and outcome after treatment. The medical records of 48 patients with sinonasal malignancies treated between 1990–1997 were reviewed for epidemiologic characteristics, tumor location and histology, treatment modalities, and tumor recurrence. Mean age was 58.5 years and 46% were male. Multiple sites of origin were common, including maxillary sinus (83%), ethmoid sinus (35%), and nasal cavity (40%). The histologic spectrum included squamous cell carcinoma (46%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (6%), and miscellaneous others (48%). Treatment included surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (XRT) (58%), surgery alone (27%), XRT and chemotherapy (6%), surgery and chemotherapy (4%), and XRT alone (4%). Mean follow-up was 15 months (range 2–58). Recurrence was evident in nine patients (19%), 3 (33%) of whom had prior treatment before presenting to HUP. Of the six who recurred after initial treatment at HUP, five (83.3%) were treated with surgery and XRT and one (16.7%) was treated with surgery alone. Of the three that recurred after undergoing attempts at salvage (prior treatment and then treatment at HUP), one had received surgery alone followed by surgery and XRT, one had surgery and XRT followed by surgery and one had XRT followed by surgery alone. Our experience reveals surgery and XRT to be the modality of choice, particularly for advanced tumors, whereas surgery alone may be sufficient for small, well localized tumors. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may offer improved local control; the future role of endoscopic surgery warrants further investigation.
Radiofrequency Bipolar Submucosal Diathermy of the Inferior Turbinates
Authors: Elwany Samy , Gaimaee Ragaee , Fattah Hesham Abdel
Published: October 2007

Fifty nonatopic patients with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis and suffering from chronic nasal obstruction due to hypertrophied inferior turbinates were subjected to bipolar submucosal diathermy using a radio frequency unit and a bipolar turbinate probe. One year postoperatively, 76% of patients showed significant improvement of their nasal breathing and another 16% reported partial improvement. The minimal cross sectional has also significantly increased from 0.58 ± 0.05 cm2 to 0.72 ± 0.04 cm2 and the decongestive effect was statistically significant. Electron microscopic examination of the nasal mucosa at the end of the follow up period revealed intact healthy epithelium as well as intense fibrosis of the underlying stroma. The results of the work showed that bipolar submucosal diathermy is a safe, effective outpatient procedure that does not require nasal packing or expensive instrumentation. The procedure can be repeated, if necessary, according to the patient's needs.
Distribution of Two Types of Mast Cells in the Nasal Mucosa after Chemosurgical Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis using Trichloroacetic Acid
Authors: Yao Kazuo , Suzuki Tatsutoshi , Iguchi Yoshiaki , Nishiyama Kouichiro , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Okamoto Makito
Published: October 2007

To evaluate the efficacy of chemosurgery using trichloroacetic acid (TCA)for allergic rhinitis, two types of tissue mast cells [tryptase-positive, chymase-negative mast cells (MCT) and tryptase-positive, chymase-positive mast cells (MCTC)] in the nasal turbinate mucosa were immunohistochemically identified and their distribution was assessed in clinical cases of patients who underwent unilateral TCA treatment. A comparison of the number of MCT and MCTC between the treated and nontreated sides indicates that both types of mast cells are significantly decreased in number in the treated side both in epithelial and lamina propria layers. The results indicate that TCA treatment was effective in suppressing MCT infiltration, regarded as a major cause of antigen-dependent allergy.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Hsu Chen-Yi
Published: October 2007

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is a fulminant, often fatal, disease. Aggressive surgical debridement has been considered an important part of treatment. Traditionally, an external or transantral approach has been the classic method. Recently, endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been tried on several occasions to reach the goal of radical resection. Since 1991, ESS has been used to treat 9 rhinocerebral mucormycosis patients in our department. Among them, ESS was the only surgical procedure in six patients. The other three patients were treated by ESS combined with a transantral procedure. As a result, eight patients (88.9%) have survived the disease. One patient died 5 days after ESS because of an internal carotid artery occlusion. We conclude that ESS can be used to treat rhinocerebral mucormycosis alone or in combination with the traditional surgical procedures. It has the advantage of less operative morbidity and greater operative accuracy.
Bacteriologic Findings from the Nose, Ethmoid, and Bloodstream during Endoscopic Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Implications for Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Rontal Michael , Bernstein Joel M. , Rontal Eugene , Anon Jack
Published: October 2007

This study addresses the bacterial flora of chronic rhinosinusitis at the time of endoscopic sinus surgery. We used the consensus definition of chronic rhinosinusitis as the presence of paranasal sinus inflammation present for greater than 12 weeks. In our patient study group, all cases of chronic rhinosinusitis had failed to respond to antibiotic therapy and had not been treated previously with surgery. By microscopic examination, chronic inflammatory changes were confirmed in the resected sinus lining of all study patients. Intraoperative cultures were obtained from the nasal vestibule, the middle meatus, ethmoid lining, and peripheral blood during and after the endoscopic procedure. We found approximately 30% of the patients with sterile sinuses, 50% with coagulase-negative staphylococci, and the remainder with a mixed group of “nonpathogenic” organisms. Anaerobes were conspicuously rare. The blood cultures were positive in 7% of cases and were consistent with an organism of the operative site. This is the first time bacteremia has been reported in association with endoscopic sinus surgery. The results suggest that chronic rhinosinusitis is not a bacterial disease, but rather the result of chronic inflammation produced by a previous acute inflammation. The incidence of positive blood cultures, while relatively low and cleared quickly, should alert the physician for the possible need for prophylactic antibiotics in patients with cardiac, prosthetic, or systemic conditions that could lead to metastatic infection.
Vascular inflammatory markers in early-onset obese and type 2 diabetes subjects before and after three months' aerobic exercise training
Authors: Hatunic Mensud , Finucane Francis , Burns Nicole , Gasparro Declan , Nolan John J
Published: October 2007

Early-onset type 2 diabetes (T2DM) may lead to very early vascular complications. Cardiovascular mortality is two to five times higher in adults with diabetes than in people without diabetes. The cardiovascular risk of young people with T2DM is unknown. T2DM in young people is associated with marked visceral obesity, insulin resistance and microalbuminuria. We recently showed that these subjects did not improve in either fitness (maximum volume of oxygen consumption, VO2max) or glucose disposal after exercise training.

Seven subjects with early-onset T2DM (aged 26.1±0.9 years, body mass index [BMI] 35.6±1.2 kg/m2) and 14 age-matched obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance (aged 25. 6±0.9 years, BMI 34. 3±1.4 kg/m2) underwent aerobic training for 12 weeks. Serum vascular inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP], soluble intercellular adhesion molecule [sICAM-1], soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule [sVCAM-1], E-Selectin and P-Selectin) were measured before and after the training programme.

At baseline, plasma concentrations of vascular inflammatory markers were significantly elevated in both groups. They did not improve after exercise.
The PROactive trial (PROspective pioglitAzone Clinical Trial In macroVascular Events): what does it mean for primary care physicians?
Authors: Singaram Vanitha , Pratley Richard
Published: October 2007

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This complication accounts for much of the increased morbidity, mortality and costs of care associated with diabetes. Hypertension, dyslipidaemia, a pro-inflammatory phenotype, abnormal fibrinolysis and platelet activation, insulin resistance and high blood glucose concentrations all contribute to the increased risk of macrovascular disease in diabetes. Although reducing low-density lipopro-tein (LDL)-cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and aspirin have been shown to decrease CVD in diabetes, it is less clear that lowering glucose levels decreases risk. The PROactive trial was undertaken to test whether treatment with the thiazolidinedione pioglitazone could decrease the number of CVD events in high-risk patients with T2DM.
Beneficial effects of spironolactone on glomerular injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Jun Yuan  , Ruhan Jia  , Yan Bao
Published: October 2007

Introduction. To investigate the beneficial effects of spironolactone (SPL) on glomerular injury in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and the possible mechanism.

Methods and results. STZ-induced diabetic rats were divided into control group, STZ group, and SPL group. Glomerular morphology was observed by light microscopy after the rats were sacrificed after 30 days treatment.The mRNA expressions of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) in renal cortex were measured by transcription-polymyerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).The protein expressions of PAI-1, fibronectin (FN) and TGF-β1 were detected by western blotting and immunohistochemistry respectively. In addition, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of antioxidants including superoxide diamutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-P X) in the cortex of kidney were measured.

Results. In untreated diabetic rats, the glomerular volume, the expression of FN and the urinary albumin excretion increased. The mRNA and protein expression of PAI-1 and TGF-β 1 significantly increased in the STZ group. Treatment with SPL partially reversed these changes. Meanwhile, elevated MDA levels as well as decreased SOD and GSH-PX activities in the cortex of kidney were significantly ameliorated in the treated group.

Conclusion. SPL ameliorates the glomerular injury in STZ-induced early diabetic renal injury, which is closely related with the reduction of PAI-1 and TGF-β1 expression and the attenuation of oxidative stress.
Interactions of angiotensin IV and oxytocin on behaviour in mice
Authors: Gard Paul R , Daw Pauline , Sayyad Mashhour Zhila , Tran Paula
Published: October 2007

Introduction. Angiotensin (Ang) IV enhances learning and memory in rats but there are strain differences in its effects in mice. Oxytocin (OT) also influences learning and memory in rats and mice and, in the light of the proposed effects of Ang IV on oxytocinase, the hypothesis that the effects of Ang IV on cognition in mice involve OT was tested.

Materials and methods. The effects of Ang IV and OT, alone and combined, were determined in rat isolated uterine smooth muscle and in object recognition and forced swim tests in BKW mice.

Results. Ang potentiated the contractile effects of OT in the uterus. Neither peptide had any effect on object recognition nor locomotor activity. Ang IV had no effect in the forced swim test but abolished the effects of OT.

Conclusions. Ang IV influences the actions of OT in vitro and in vivo, possibly by inhibition of oxytocinase, but the lack of effect of Ang IV on object recognition in BKW mice is unlikely to be a consequence of a deficiency endogenous OT. Unlike OT, Ang IV alone has no effect on learned helplessness in the forced swim test, an effect often used to predict potential antidepressant efficacy in humans.
Angiotensin type 1 receptor blockade prevents endocardial dysfunction of rapidly paced atria in rats
Authors: Yamashita Takeshi , Sekiguchi Akiko , Kato Takeshi , Tsuneda Takayuki , Iwasaki Yu-ki , Sagara Kouichi , Iinuma Hiroyuki , Sawada Hitoshi , Aizawa Tadanori
Published: October 2007

Introduction. Atrial fibrillation (AF) per se causes atrial endocardial dysfunction leading to local coagulation imbalance on the internal surface of the atrium, which contributes to thrombus formation in the fibrillating left atrium.

Materials and methods. To test a hypothesis that blockade of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-receptor) prevents the endocardial dysfunction by AF, we examined the effects of olmesartan on the expression of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombomodulin (TM), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in the endocardium of the rapidly paced rat atria.

Results. Rapid pacing induced a significant decrease in TFPI,TM and eNOS and an increase in PAI-1 protein in the left atrium. Pre-administration of low-dose olmesartan significantly prevented the down-regulation of TFPI,TM and eNOS and also attenuated the up-regulation of PAI-1. Immunohistochemistry identified these changes predominantly in the atrial endocardium. While the drug was without any effect on mRNA levels of TFPI,TM and eNOS, there was a significant decrease in its PAI-1 mRNA expression.

Conclusions. AT1-receptor blocker could partially prevent the atrial endocardial dysfunction by rapid atrial pacing, which would provide one theoretical basis for beneficial effects for stroke prevention in AF.
Rodent Models of Depression: Forced Swim and Tail Suspension Behavioral Despair Tests in Rats and Mice
Authors: Castagné Vincent , Moser Paul , Roux Sylvain , Porsolt Roger D.
Published: October 2007

The development of antidepressants requires simple rodent behavioral tests for initial screening before undertaking more complex preclinical tests and clinical evaluation. Presented in the unit are two widely used screening tests used for antidepressants, the forced swim (also termed behavioral despair) test in the rat and mouse, and the tail suspension test in the mouse. These tests have good predictive validity and allow rapid and economical detection of substances with potential antidepressant‐like activity. The behavioral despair and the tail suspension tests are based on the same principle, measurement of the duration of immobility occurring following exposure of rodents to an inescapable situation. The majority of clinically used antidepressants decrease the duration of immobility. Testing of new substances in the behavioral despair and tail suspension tests allows a simple assessment of their potential antidepressant activity by the measurement of their effect on immobility. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 38:5.8.1‐5.8.11. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Application of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy Protocols to Pre‐Clinical Tumor Models
Authors: Burd Randy , Wachsberger Phyllis
Published: October 2007

This unit (1) provides background into understanding how agents that target specific molecules or receptors (molecular‐targeted agents), in particular, agents affecting the tumor vasculature (perivasculature network in tumors), interact with and modify radiation therapy; (2) details factors affecting interpretation of results in murine tumor model experiments utilizing radiation therapy and drug combinations; and (3) provides specific protocols for the application of radiation therapy, both alone and in combination with chemotherapy and/or molecular‐targeted agents. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 38:14.7.1‐14.7.24. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assays for Determination of Protein Concentration
Authors: Olson Bradley J.S.C. , Markwell John
Published: October 2007

Biochemical analysis of proteins relies on accurate quantitation of protein concentration. This appendix describes how to perform commonly used protein assays, e.g., Lowry, Bradford, BCA, and UV spectroscopic protein assays. The primary focus of the appendix is assay selection, emphasizing sample and buffer compatibility. Protein assay standard curves and data processing fundamentals are discussed in detail. This appendix also details high‐throughput adaptations of the commonly used protein assays, and also contains a protocol for BCA assay of total protein in SDS‐PAGE sample buffer that is used for equal loading of SDS‐PAGE gels, which is reliable, inexpensive, and quick. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 38:A.3A.1‐A.3A.29. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Fluorescent Protein Color Palette
Authors: Olenych Scott G. , Claxton Nathan S. , Ottenberg Gregory K. , Davidson Michael W.
Published: October 2007

Advances in fluorescent protein development over the past 10 years have led to fine‐tuning of the Aequorea victoria jellyfish color palette in the emission color range from blue to yellow, while a significant amount of progress has been achieved with reef coral species in the generation of monomeric fluorescent proteins emitting in the orange to far‐red spectral regions. It is not inconceivable that near‐infrared fluorescent proteins loom on the horizon. Expansion of the fluorescent protein family to include optical highlighters and FRET biosensors further arms this ubiquitous class of fluorophores with biological probes capable of photoactivation, photoconversion, and detection of molecular interactions beyond the resolution limits of optical microscopy. The success of these endeavors certainly suggests that almost any biological parameter can be investigated using the appropriate fluorescent protein–based application.
Using PhyloCon to Identify Conserved Regulatory Motifs
Authors: Wang Ting
Published: October 2007

Understanding gene regulation has been and remains one of the major challenges for the molecular biology community. Gene regulation is mediated by a variety of short DNA sequences called regulatory elements, which include transcription factor binding sites. A first step toward understanding gene regulation is the identification of regulatory elements present in the genome. This challenge has been defined as the “motif finding problem” in the field of computational biology. Over the past 20 years, many algorithms have been developed to tackle the motif finding problem computationally. The PhyloCon algorithm, developed in 2003, is one of the first motif finding algorithms that take advantage of two important data resources, i.e., phylogenetic conservation and gene co‐regulation, to improve the efficiency of motif identification in biological datasets. This unit presents basic protocols to obtain, install, and apply the PhyloCon program and discusses the underlying algorithm and how to interpret the results. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 19:2.12.1‐2.12.29. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.