bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing sustainable development through public procurement: the case of local government
Authors: Preuss Lutz
Published: May 2009

Purpose

While the contribution of supply chain management to sustainability is receiving increasing attention in the private sector, there is still a scarcity of parallel studies of public procurement. Hence the purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which local government authorities in England use their procurement function to foster sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an exploratory approach. Based on a review of the existing literature, qualitative research into leading local government authorities is undertaken to draw out the multiple ways in which public procurement can support sustainable development.

Findings

At an aggregate level, local government procurers have adopted a wide range of initiatives to address all three aspects of sustainability. These are condensed into a typology of sustainable supply chain management for the public sector.

Research limitations/implications

The study highlights the importance of supporting factors, like transparency, organisational culture and strategy as well as leeway in public policy, for sustainable supply chain management in the public sector.

Practical implications

The experience of the best practice local authorities deserves wider recognition among practitioners, policy makers and academic researchers, not least given the objective of the UK government to be among the leaders in the European Union on sustainable procurement by 2009.

Originality/value

The proposed typology of sustainable supply chain management for the public sector can serve as a basis for future research in this area.
Healthcare supply chain management in Malaysia: a case study
Authors: Haszlinna Mustaffa Noorfa , Potter Andrew
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate inventory management in the private healthcare sector in Malaysia, with a particular focus on the distribution of medicines from a wholesaler to clinics. Currently, there are issues with service levels to clinics that need addressing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a case study approach, with data collected through process mapping, interviews and data analysis. Data flow diagrams are used to visualise the organization's supply chain current and future process. Interviews are used to identify the main supply chain issues, with triangulation of these opinions through data analysis.

Findings

The findings identify two main issues within the case study company – urgent orders and stock availability at the wholesaler. From this, a future state design of the supply chain is proposed, based around vendor‐managed inventory. Barriers to achieving this are also identified, including consideration of current supply chain management capabilities in Malaysia.

Research limitations/implications

Only a single case study supply chain is studied, although two echelons are investigated. While this may limit the generalisation of the findings, there is value in demonstrating the benefits modern supply chain management techniques can bring to developing world healthcare supply chains.

Practical implications

The paper shows that modern supply chain management techniques can bring benefits to healthcare supply chains in developing countries.

Originality/value

The value of the paper arises from providing a detailed analysis of a healthcare supply chain in the developing world. There have been only a small number of other studies published in the literature.
Privileging Practice: Facing the Challenge of Integrated Working for Outcomes for Children
Authors: Canavan John , Coen Liam , Dolan Pat , Whyte Liam
Published: May 2009

Integrated working for outcomes is complex and challenging in theory and practice. Yet, outcomes and integrated working are central to the policy goals for children and families in Ireland. In this article, the authors present two main arguments: first, that reflective practice offers a useful general methodology for engaging with the theoretical and practical challenges of integrated working for outcomes; and second, reflective practice as a specific approach can help achieve the balance between policy and services blueprints and the realities of practice, a necessity in achieving better outcomes for children. The authors’ recent involvement in policy development work in Ireland is drawn on to illustrate the arguments.
Efficacy of orally disintegrating ondansetron in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomised, double‐blind placebo controlled study
Authors: Grover V. K. , Mathew P. J. , Hegde H.
Published: May 2009

Peri‐operative prophylactic anti‐emetics are commonly used parenterally. Orally disintegrating ondansetron is efficacious during chemotherapy. Therefore, we aimed to study the efficacy of orally disintegrating ondansetron for postoperative nausea and vomiting. In a randomised, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial on 109 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, oral ondansetron was compared to intravenous ondansetron and placebo. The anaesthetic technique was standardised. Mean time (SD) to tolerating oral intake was delayed in the placebo group to 366.1 (77.6) min compared to oral 322.9 (63.7) min and intravenous 322.4 (65.2) min groups. This is corroborated by a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting in the control group during the first 6 h postoperatively (control 44.4%, oral 17.7%, intravenous 18.2%). There was no significant difference between oral and intravenous groups. In conclusion, orally disintegrating ondansetron was as efficacious as intravenous ondansetron in the peri‐operative phase and may be a viable option for prophylaxis of emesis in day care surgery.
Influence of promethazine on cardiac repolarisation: a double‐blind, midazolam‐controlled study
Authors: Owczuk R. , Twardowski P. , Dylczyk‐Sommer A. , Wujtewicz M. A. , Sawicka W. , Drogoszewska B. , Wujtewicz M.
Published: May 2009

Drugs used in anaesthesia may provoke torsadogenic changes in cardiac repolarisation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of promethazine on the parameters of ventricular repolarisation: QTc interval and transmural dispersion of repolarisation. Forty patients were randomly allocated to receive promethazine (25 mg) or midazolam (2.5 mg). Changes in the ECG and arterial blood pressure were recorded. Correction of QT interval was calculated using Bazett’s formula and Fridericia’s correction; transmural dispersion of repolarisation was determined asTpeak–Tendtime. Significant prolongation of QT interval, corrected with both formulae, was detected in patients receiving promethazine, while no change in the QTc value was observed in the midazolam group. There were no significant differences inTpeak–Tendtime either between or within the groups. In conclusion, promethazine induces significant QTc prolongation but the lack of influence on transmural dispersion of repolarisation makes the risk of its torsadogenic action very low.
Systemic capillary leak syndrome resulting in compartment syndrome and the requirement for a surgical airway
Authors: Perry J. , Balasubramanian S. , Imray C.
Published: May 2009

We report on a case of systemic capillary leak syndrome associated with a monoclonal band on plasma electrophoresis. In our patient hospital admission was precipitated by ischaemic pain in the left lower limb, associated with polycythaemia, renal failure and hypovolaemic shock. Fluid resuscitation, venesection and renal replacement therapy were instituted but a compartment syndrome developed necessitating surgery. Failure of tracheal intubation resulted in the requirement for a surgical airway. Despite surgical and resuscitative efforts the outcome was fatal from hypovolaemia and hyperkalaemia. We aim to highlight the difficulties in managing this condition and to remind healthcare workers to include it in the differential diagnoses for patients presenting with polycythaemia; in particular polycythaemic patients with a monoclonal band on plasma electrophoresis.
Bacterial contamination of stethoscopes on the intensive care unit
Authors: Whittington A. M. , Whitlow G. , Hewson D. , Thomas C. , Brett S. J.
Published: May 2009

We assessed how often bedside stethoscopes in our intensive care unit were cleaned and whether they became colonised with potentially pathogenic bacteria. On two separate days the 12 nurses attending the bedspaces were questioned about frequency of stethoscope cleaning on the unit and the bedside stethoscopes were swabbed before and after cleaning to identify colonising organisms. Twenty‐two health care providers entering the unit were asked the same questions and had their personal stethoscopes swabbed. All 32 non‐medical staff cleaned their stethoscopes at least every day; however only three out of the 12 medical staff cleaned this often. Out of 24 intensive care unit bedside stethoscopes tested, two diaphragms and five earpieces were colonised with pathogenic bacteria. MRSA cultured from one earpiece persisted after cleaning. Three out of the 22 personal stethoscope diaphragms and five earpieces were colonised with pathogens. After cleaning, two diaphragms and two earpieces were still colonised, demonstrating the importance of regular cleaning.
rFV11a and paediatric open‐heart surgery: thrombosis in the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit in spite of adequate markers of anticoagulation
Authors: Chambers N. A. , Andrews D. , Frew E. , Kelly R. , Cole C.
Published: May 2009

Recombinant activated factor V11 (rFV11a) is a relatively new procoagulant agent and its place in surgical practice continues to be investigated. We report the use of rFV11a to help manage bleeding in the operating theatre in a neonate, following weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass for arterial switch procedure, when bleeding continued in spite of maximal medical therapy and apparent exclusion of a surgical cause of bleeding. In this patient administration of rFV11a failed to facilitate haemostasis and cardiopulmonary bypass was re‐instituted allowing location and repair of a small awkward surgical source. Separation from this additional 20 min of bypass was successful but a large thrombus was noted in the membrane oxygenator of the extracorporeal circuit in spite of the presence of adequate ‘laboratory’ markers of anticoagulation in the pump blood. No adverse sequelae to the patient occurred.
Interleukin 21 up‐regulates perforin‐mediated cytotoxic activity of human intra‐epithelial lymphocytes
Authors: Ebert Ellen C.
Published: May 2009

Human intra‐epithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are predominantly T‐cell receptor‐αβ+ (TCR‐αβ+) CD8+ CD45RO+ memory T cells located between intestinal epithelial cells. They respond to a greater extent to stimulation with interleukin (IL)‐15 than to CD3/TCR triggering, suggesting that they react to the cytokine milieu in their local environment rather than to cognate antigen. A newly described member of the γc cytokine family, IL‐21, has potent antitumor effects. As IELs resemble lymphocytes infiltrating neoplastic lesions, their response to IL‐21 may be relevant in vivo. Here, IL‐21 was shown to increase perforin‐mediated cytotoxicity and serine esterase release by IELs. This IL‐21‐mediated up‐regulation occurred without changes in IEL survival or cell division. Interestingly, the effects of IL‐21 occurred without increased phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), or p38. IL‐21 had no effect on Fas ligand (FL)‐ or tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐mediated cytotoxicity, but it down‐regulated IL‐15‐stimulated expression of CD25 and CD94, indicating that it has both positive and negative actions. This functional profile is unique to human IELs, emphasizing that they are a distinct compartment of lymphocytes and that IL‐21 may promote their role in tumour immunosurveillance.
RNA interference of STAT6 rapidly attenuates ongoing interleukin‐13‐mediated events in lung epithelial cells
Authors: Walker William , Healey Gareth D. , Hopkin Julian M.
Published: May 2009

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) expression in lung epithelial cells plays a central role in asthma pathogenesis, with its activation driving the development of airway hyper‐reactivity and local inflammation. Therefore, inhibition of local STAT6 expression provides a rationale for therapeutic intervention in bronchial asthma. Given the absence of specific inhibitory drugs, we tested the ability of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to target STAT6 gene expression through the molecular process of RNA interference (RNAi). At pico‐molar concentrations, STAT6‐specific siRNAs potently inhibited STAT6 mRNA expression in lung epithelial cells (50% inhibitory concentration range = 134–861 pm) without inducing cellular interferon responses. Detectable STAT6 protein expression was rapidly abolished within 48 hr of treatment (t1/2 range = < 12–37 hr) and this was unaffected by pretreatment with STAT6‐activating cytokines. Furthermore, STAT6 suppression by RNAi produced downstream functional inhibitory effects in that interleukin (IL)‐13‐ or IL‐4‐driven eotaxin chemokine family [chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 11 (CCL11), CCL24 and CCL26] mRNA expression was markedly inhibited. Induction of detectable CCL26 protein synthesis was completely ablated by pretreating cells with STAT6‐specific siRNA. The therapeutic potential of this approach is further demonstrated by novel findings that cells pre‐exposed to IL‐13 or IL‐4 and subsequently treated with STAT6‐targeting siRNA exhibited a rapid and significant attenuation of ongoing CCL26 protein expression, suggesting that chronic asthma‐associated lung inflammation will be responsive to this approach.
The Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan: An integrated approach to recovery planning
Authors: Brown Dianne , Baker Lynn
Published: May 2009

Summary  The Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan targeted significant species for the Lord Howe Island Group and formed the recovery plan for 30 threatened species and one endangered ecological community. The plan addressed threats and management actions relevant to the Lord Howe Island Group's overall biodiversity, with a particular focus on rare and significant species and communities. The Biodiversity Management Plan approach enabled holistic and cost‐effective planning for the management of biodiversity on Lord Howe Island. We describe the approach, as applied to Lord Howe Island, including the utilization of expert and community knowledge, species research data and GIS innovations.
The recovery programme for the Lord Howe Island Phasmid (Dryococelus australis) following its rediscovery
Authors: Carlile Nicholas , Priddel David , Honan Patrick
Published: May 2009

Summary  Until its rediscovery on Balls Pyramid in February 2001, the Lord Howe Island Phasmid or Stick Insect (Dryococelus australis) was thought to be extinct. It disappeared from Lord Howe Island soon after the accidental introduction of the Ship Rat (Rattus rattus) in 1918. In this paper, we report on the recovery actions undertaken for this critically endangered species since its rediscovery. Monitoring of the small surviving population on Balls Pyramid has shown it to fluctuate between about 9 and 35 adult individuals. As a safeguard against extinction, two adult pairs were removed from Balls Pyramid in February 2003 to establish captive populations in Melbourne and Sydney. Although all four founders bred readily in captivity, one pair died only a month after capture. The second female would have also died soon after capture had it not been for veterinary intervention using novel untested techniques. The single surviving pair bred successfully but the hatch rate of eggs was poor. For the next generation, both fecundity and hatch rates were low. The lack of knowledge regarding the specific husbandry requirements of this particular species undoubtedly contributed to these problems. Careful management, together with a cautious scientific approach, eventually led to all problems being resolved. Presently, there are more than 700 individuals and 14 000 eggs in captivity. Approximately 80% of incubated eggs are expected to hatch. To establish additional captive colonies, adults and eggs have been sent to other institutions, both within Australia and overseas. Now that the species is reasonably secure in captivity, the opportunity exists to reintroduce this iconic insect back onto Lord Howe Island, but this can occur only after the introduced rodents have been removed. A programme to eradicate both the Ship Rat and the House Mouse (Mus musculus) from Lord Howe Island is currently being developed.
Soil‐disturbance by native animals plays a critical role in maintaining healthy Australian landscapes
Authors: Eldridge David J. , James Alex I.
Published: May 2009

Summary Soil‐disturbing animals have wide‐ranging effects on both biotic and abiotic processes across a number of Australian ecosystems. They alter soil quality by mixing surface soils and trapping litter and water, leading to areas of increased decomposition of organic matter. The foraging pits of indigenous soil‐disturbing animals tend to have different soil chemical characteristics, greater levels of infiltration and lower levels of soil density than adjacent areas. Enhanced capture of seeds and water turns disturbance pits into areas of enhanced plant germination. The burrows, pits and mounds of both native and exotic animals provide habitat for a range of vertebrates and invertebrates and contribute to patchiness in the landscape. Given their wide‐ranging effects on surface soil and ecological processes, we argue in this review that soil disturbance by native animals has the potential to contribute to restoration of degraded landscapes, particularly in arid and semi‐arid areas.
Key elements in achieving a successful recovery programme: A discussion illustrated by the Gould's Petrel case study
Authors: Priddel David , Carlile Nicholas
Published: May 2009

Summary  Surprisingly few faunal taxa worldwide have experienced an improvement in conservation status through direct conservation action. One of the few is Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) – a threatened species that breeds only in New South Wales. In the early 1990s, the breeding population of this subspecies was small (<250 pairs) and declining. Each year, adult mortality at the breeding grounds exceeded the number of young produced. A recovery programme, focused on reducing adult mortality, commenced in 1993. As a result of the recovery actions undertaken, the Gould's Petrel is now increasing in numbers. Also, the rainforest where this seabird breeds is now regenerating after being degraded for almost a century by the introduced European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The creation of artificial nesting habitat and the development of effective translocation procedures have led to the establishment of a second breeding colony of Gould's Petrel, further reducing the risk of extinction.

In this paper, we explore the key elements we believe to be responsible for the success of this particular recovery programme: (i) a strong underpinning of robust ecological research; (ii) adaptive management; (iii) monitoring and reporting; (iv) a multidisciplinary approach; and (v) a willingness to accept risk. We conclude with some suggestions to improve the current recovery planning process.
Ultrastructure, tactic behaviour and potential for sulfate reduction of a novel multicellular magnetotactic prokaryote from North Sea sediments
Authors: Wenter Roland , Wanner Gerhard , Schüler Dirk , Overmann Jörg
Published: May 2009

Multicellular magnetotactic prokaryotes (MMPs) represent highly organized, spherical and motile aggregates of 10–40 bacterial cells containing magnetosomes. Although consisting of different cells, each with its own magnetosomes and flagellation, MMPs orient themselves within a magnetic field and exhibit magnetotaxis. So far, MMPs have only been found in several North and South American coastal lagoons and salt marshes. In the present study, a novel type of MMP was discovered in coastal tidal sand flats of the North Sea. High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of bullet‐shaped magnetosomes which were aligned in several parallel chains. Within each aggregate, the magnetosome chains of individual cells were oriented in the same direction. Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis showed that the magnetosomes are composed of iron sulfide. This particular morphology and arrangement of magnetosomes has previously not been reported for other MMPs. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed a single phylotype which represented a novel phylogenetic lineage with ≥ 4% sequence divergence to all previously described MMP sequences and was related to the dissimilatory sulfate‐reducing Desulfosarcina variabilis within the family Desulfobacteraceae of the subphylum Deltaproteobacteria. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a specific oligonucleotide probe revealed that all MMPs in the tidal flat sediments studied belonged to the novel phylotype. Within each MMP, all bacterial cells showed a hybridization signal, indicating that the aggregates are composed of cells of the same phylotype. Genes for dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrAB) and dissimilatory adenosine‐5′‐phosphate reductase (aprA) could be detected in purified MMP samples, suggesting that MMPs are capable of sulfate reduction. Chemotaxis assays with 41 different test compounds yielded strong responses towards acetate and propionate, whereas other organic acids, alcohols, sugars, sugar alcohols or sulfide did not elicit any response. By means of its coordinated magnetotaxis and chemotaxis, the novel type of MMP is well adapted to the steep chemical gradients which are characteristic for intertidal marine sediments.
Risk factors for mortality during the 2002 landslides in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia
Authors: Sanchez Carlos , Lee Tze‐San , Young Stacy , Batts Dahna , Benjamin Jefferson , Malilay Josephine
Published: May 2009

This study examines health effects resulting from landslides in Chuuk during Tropical Storm Chata'an in July 2002, and suggests strategies to prevent future mortality. In August 2002, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey to identify risk factors for mortality during landslides, which included 52 survivors and 40 surrogates for 43 decedents to identify risk factors for death. Findings suggest that 1) females had a higher mortality rate from this event than males, and 2) children aged 5–14 years had a 10‐fold increase in mortality when compared with annual mortality rates from all causes. Awareness of landslides occurring elsewhere and knowledge of natural warning signs were significantly associated with lower risks of death; being outside during landslides was not associated with reduced mortality. In Chuuk, improving communication systems during tropical storms and increasing knowledge of natural warnings can reduce the risk for mortality during landslides.
An Integration of Research Findings of Effects of Firm Size and Market Competition on Product and Process Innovations
Authors: Damanpour Fariborz
Published: May 2009

Product and process innovations have been studied as distinct phenomena whose introduction is influenced differently by firm and market conditions. This study reviews and quantitatively integrates the findings of the empirical studies of the associations of firm size and market competition with product and process innovations. The accumulation of research results and subgroup analyses of construct measurement do not provide evidence of substantial differences in the strength of the influence of size or competition on the two innovation types. Implications of the results for future research on innovation types as distinct or integrative phenomena are discussed.
Dynamics of Lump Solutions in a 2 + 1 NLS Equation
Authors: Villarroel Javier , Prada J. , Estévez P. G.
Published: May 2009

We derive a class of localized solutions of a 2+1 nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation and study their dynamical properties. The ensuing dynamics of these configurations is a superposition of a uniform, “center of mass” motion and a slower, individual motion; as a result, nontrivial scattering between humps may occur. Spectrally, these solutions correspond to the discrete spectrum of a certain associated operator, comprised of higher‐order meromorphic eigenfunctions.
THE LANGUAGE OF RIGHTS AND CONCEPTUAL HISTORY
Authors: O'Donovan Oliver
Published: May 2009

The historical problem about the origins of the language of rights derives its importance from the conceptual problem: of “two fundamentally different ways of thinking about justice,” which is basic? Is justice unitary or plural? This in turn opens up a problem about the moral status of human nature. A narrative of the origins of “rights” is an account of how and when a plural concept of justice comes to the fore, and will be based on the occurrence of definite speech‐forms—the occurrence of the plural noun in the sense of “legal properties.” The history of this development is currently held to begin with the twelfth‐century canonists. Later significant thresholds may be found in the fourteenth, sixteenth, and eighteenth centuries. Wolterstorff's attempt to find the implicit recognition of rights in the Scriptures depends very heavily on what he takes to be implied rather than on what is stated, and at best can establish a pre‐history of rights‐language.
DOES HE PULL IT OFF? A THEISTIC GROUNDING OF NATURAL INHERENT HUMAN RIGHTS?
Authors: Bernstein Richard J.
Published: May 2009

This paper focuses on two key issues in Nicholas Wolterstorff's Justice: Rights and Wrongs. It argues that Wolterstorff's theistic grounding of inherent rights is not successful. It also argues that Wolterstorff does not provide adequate criteria for determining what exactly these natural inherent rights are or criteria that can help us to evaluate competing and contradictory claims about these rights. However, most of Wolterstorff's book is not concerned with the theistic grounding of inherent rights. Instead, it is devoted to a detailed and rigorous articulation of the meaning and defense of a theory of justice as consisting of inherent rights and with showing why this theory of justice is superior to the alternative right order theories that Wolterstorff criticizes. The paper concludes that these accomplishments are not diminished even if Wolterstorff has failed to provide us with a satisfactory theistic grounding of his theory.
Response to Intravenous Lidocaine in a Patient with SUNCT Syndrome
Authors: Arroyo A Martinez , Durán X Romero , Beldarrain M Gomez , Pinedo A , García-Moncó JC
Published: May 2009

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome represents a serious therapeutic and diagnostic challenge, since it is usually refractory to most drugs and lacks biological markers. Response to intravenous lidocaine administration has been reported in some patients while it has failed in others. We report a patient with SUNCT syndrome who showed a clear-cut and consistent response to intravenous lidocaine therapy, which proved superior to placebo in a single-blinded fashion. Intravenous lidocaine should be considered in all patients with SUNCT syndrome. Response to this therapy could represent a diagnostic tool.
A Possible Role of ID-Migraine™ in the Emergency Department: Study of an Emergency Department Out-Patient Population
Authors: Mostardini C , d'Agostino VC , Dugoni DE , Cerbo R
Published: May 2009

Headache symptoms account for 1-3% of admissions to an emergency department (ED). Most patients affected by a primary headache (PH) have migraine, although they are often misdiagnosed as ‘headache not otherwise specified’. We investigated the possibility of using ID-Migraine (ID-M) to improve migraine recognition in the ED setting. We planned a pilot study involving ED out-patients with a diagnosis of PH. Diagnoses of a blinded headache expert were subsequently matched with the ID-M results. We tested ID-M on 230 patients (199 PH, 31 secondary headaches). Considering only PH, ID-M exhibited a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.83 with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.99. The ID-M is a simple migraine screener with high sensitivity, high specificity and high PPV, even in an ED-derived population. Methodical use of this tool in an ED setting may, once a secondary headache has been excluded, lead to rapid diagnosis of migraine.
Theorizing Affect in Foreign Language Learning: An Analysis of One Learner's Responses to a Communicative Portuguese Course
Authors: GARRETT PAULA , YOUNG RICHARD F.
Published: May 2009

In this study we explore a student's affective responses to classroom foreign language learning. In 2 meetings each week throughout an 8‐week Portuguese course for beginners, the first author described her language learning experiences to the second author. Sessions were transcribed and then coded and analyzed. A theoretical model grounded in the learner's experiences was developed to understand the learner's affective responses to the language learning process, the events from which her affect sprang, and her affective trajectory over the 8 weeks. This study is a response to the need for methodological and epistemological diversity in second language acquisition research and contributes to studies that focus on the affective responses of the learner to the language learning experience. Implications for the role played by emotion in learners' classroom foreign language learning and the development of sociocultural competence in a second language are discussed.
High Q Microwave Dielectric Ceramics in (Ni1−x Znx)Nb2O6 System
Authors: Butee Sandeep , Kulkarni Ajit , Prakash Om , Aiyar Ramnath P.R.C. , George Sumesh , Sebastian Mailadi
Published: May 2009

(Ni1−xZnx)Nb2O6, 0≤x≤1.0, ceramics with >97% density were prepared by a conventional solid‐state reaction, followed by sintering at 1200°–1300°C (depending on the value of x). The XRD patterns of the sintered samples (0≤x≤1.0) revealed single‐phase formation with a columbite (Pbcn) structure. The unit cell volume slightly increased with increasing Zn content (x). All the compositions showed high electrical resistivity (ρdc=1.6±0.3 × 1011Ω·cm). The microwave (4–5 GHz) dielectric properties of (Ni1−xZnx)Nb2O6 ceramics exhibited a significant dependence on the Zn content and to some extent on the morphology of the grains. As x was increased from 0 to 1, the average grain size monotonically increased from 7.6 to 21.2 μm and the microwave dielectric constant (ɛ′r) increased from 23.6 to 26.1, while the quality factors (Qu×f) increased from 18 900 to 103 730 GHz and the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) increased from −62 to −73 ppm/°C. In the present work, we report the highest observed values of Qu×f=103 730 GHz, and ɛ′r=26.1 for the ZnNb2O6‐sintered ceramics.
Protein Adsorption on Hydroxyapatite Nanosensors with Different Crystal Sizes Studied In Situ by a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with the Dissipation Method
Authors: Ikoma Toshiyuki , Tagaya Motohiro , Hanagata Nobutaka , Yoshioka Tomohiko , Chakarov Dinko , Kasemo Bengt , Tanaka Junzo
Published: May 2009

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocrystals with different crystal sizes were deposited by the electrophoretic deposition method on the gold surface of a quartz crystal microbalance with a dissipation probe. The nanosensors formed this way were used to elucidate the adsorption mechanism of proteins with a similar pI value. The crystal sizes and the area of the a‐plane affected only the adsorption amount of human serum albumin, but not that of bovine plasma fibrinogen. The viscoelastic property, ΔD/Δf, of each absorbed layer on the nanosensors was almost constant. The protein adsorption mechanism can be explained as follows: the dissociated carboxyl groups (negative charge) of albumin were interacted with calcium ions and the hydrated amine groups (positive charge) at the αC domain of fibrinogen were with phosphate ions on the HAp surface.
Negative Temperature Coefficient Resistance (NTCR) Ceramic Thermistors: An Industrial Perspective
Authors: Feteira Antonio
Published: May 2009

Monitoring and control of temperature is of paramount importance in every part of our daily life. Temperature sensors are ubiquitous not only in domestic and industrial activities but also in laboratory and medical procedures. An assortment of temperature sensors is commercially available for such purposes. They range from metallic thermocouples to resistive temperature detectors and semiconductive ceramics, showing a negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR). NTCR ceramic sensors occupy a respected market position, because they afford the best sensitivity and accuracy at the lowest price. Despite the enormous commercial success of NTCR thermistors, this area of advanced functional ceramics has not been recently reviewed. Nearly 100 years elapsed between the first report of NTCR behavior and the fabrication of NTCR devices. The manufacture of the first NTCR ceramic thermistors was problematic, as often the devices suffered from poor stability and nonreproducibility. Before NTCR ceramics could be seriously considered for mass production of thermistors, it was necessary to devote a large amount of R&D effort to study the nature of their semiconductivity and understand the influence of impurities/dopants and heat treatments on their electrical characteristics, particularly in their time dependence resistivity (aging). Simultaneously, from a technological viewpoint it was important to develop methods enabling reliable and permanent electrical contacts, and design suitable housing for ceramics, in order to preserve their electrical properties under conditions of variable oxygen partial pressure and humidity. These topics are reviewed in this article from an industrial perspective. Examples of common applications of NTCR thermistors and future challenges are also outlined.
Photoluminescent Properties of ABaPO4:Eu (A=Na, K) Phosphors Prepared by the Combustion‐Assisted Synthesis Method
Authors: Wanjun Tang , Donghua Chen
Published: May 2009

Blue‐emitting phosphors ABaPO4:Eu (A=Na, K) are synthesized by the combustion‐assisted synthesis method. The formation of single ABaPO4 (A=Na, K) phases has been confirmed by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to investigate europium valence in the ABaPO4:Eu (A=Na, K) samples. Evidence is found that the ABaPO4:Eu (A=Na, K) samples prepared in this paper exhibit a mixed‐valence europium state (Eu3+ and Eu2+). Photoluminescence (PL) results show that the NaBaPO4:Eu and KaBaPO4:Eu phosphors emit a strong blue light under UV excitation.
Effects of Doping Trivalent Ions in Bismuth Borate Glasses
Authors: Bajaj Anu , Khanna Atul , Kulkarni Narendra K. , Aggarwal Suresh K.
Published: May 2009

Bismuth borate glasses from the system: 40Bi2O3–59B2O3–1Tv2O3 (where Tv=Al, Y, Nd, Sm, and Eu) and three glasses of composition: 40Bi2O3–60B2O3, 37.5Bi2O3–62.5B2O3 and 38Bi2O3–60B2O3–2Al2O3 were prepared by melt quenching and characterized by density, UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis (DTA) studies. Bismuth borate glasses exhibit a very strong optical absorption band just below their absorption edge. Glasses were devitrified by heat treatment at temperatures above their glass transition temperatures and the crystalline phases produced in them were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Bi3B5O12 was found to be the most abundant phase in all devitrified samples. DTA studies on glasses and FTIR and XRD analysis on crystallized samples revealed that very small amounts of trivalent ion doping causes significant changes in the devitrification properties of bismuth borate glasses; rare‐earth ions promote the formation of metastable BiBO3–I and BiBO3–II phases during glass crystallization.
Effects of Phase Change and Oxygen Permeability in Oxide Scales on Oxidation Kinetics of ZrB2 and HfB2
Authors: Parthasarathy Triplicane A. , Rapp Robert A. , Opeka Mark , Kerans Ronald J.
Published: May 2009

A wide range of experimental data on the oxidation of ZrB2 and HfB2 as a function of temperature (800°–2500°C) is interpreted using a mechanistic model that relaxes two significant assumptions made in prior work. First, inclusion of the effect of volume change associated with monoclinic to tetragonal phase change of the MeO2 phases is found to rationalize the observations by several investigators of abrupt changes in weight gain, recession, and oxygen consumed, as the temperature is raised through the transformation temperatures for ZrO2 and HfO2. Second, the inclusion of oxygen permeability in ZrO2 is found to rationalize the enhancement in oxidation behavior at very high temperatures (>1800°C) of ZrB2, while the effect of oxygen permeability in HfO2 is negligible. Based on these considerations, the significant advantage of HfB2 over ZrB2 is credited to the higher transformation temperature and lower oxygen permeability of HfO2 compared with ZrO2.
CXCL16 and oxLDL are induced in the onset of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Gutwein Paul , Abdel‐Bakky Mohamed Sadek , Doberstein Kai , Schramme Anja , Beckmann Janet , Schaefer Liliana , Amann Kerstin , Doller Anke , Kämpfer‐Kolb Nicole , Abdel‐Aziz Abdel‐Aziz H. , Sayed El Sayed M. El , Pfeilschifter Josef
Published: May 2009

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end‐stage renal failure worldwide. Oxidative stress has been reported to be a major culprit of the disease and increased oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) immune complexes were found in patients with DN. In this study we present evidence, that CXCL16 is the main receptor in human podocytes mediating the uptake of oxLDL. In contrast, in primary tubular cells CD36 was mainly involved in the uptake of oxLDL. We further demonstrate that oxLDL down‐regulated α3‐integrin expression and increased the production of fibronectin in human podocytes. In addition, oxLDL uptake induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human podocytes. Inhibition of oxLDL uptake by CXCL16 blocking antibodies abrogated the fibronectin and ROS production and restored α3 integrin expression in human podocytes. Furthermore we present evidence that hyperglycaemic conditions increased CXCL16 and reduced ADAM10 expression in podocytes. Importantly, in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice an early induction of CXCL16 was accompanied by higher levels of oxLDL. Finally immunofluorescence analysis in biopsies of patients with DN revealed increased glomerular CXCL16 expression, which was paralleled by high levels of oxLDL. In summary, regulation of CXCL16, ADAM10 and oxLDL expression may be an early event in the onset of DN and therefore all three proteins may represent potential new targets for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in DN.
Differentiation and enrichment of expandable chondrogenic cells from human embryonic stem cells in vitro
Authors: Toh Wei Seong , Guo Xi‐Min , Choo Andre B. , Lu Kai , Lee Eng Hin , Cao Tong
Published: May 2009

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are considered as useful tools for pre‐clinical studies in regenerative medicine. Although previous reports have shown direct chondrogenic differentiation of mouse and hESCs, low yield and cellular heterogenicity of the resulting cell population impairs the generation of sufficient numbers of differentiated cells for further testing and applications. Based on our previously established high‐density micromass model system to study hESC chondrogenesis, we evaluated the effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 on early stages of chondrogenic differentiation and commitment by hESCs. Significant chondrogenic induction of hESCs, as determined by quantitative measurements of cartilage‐related gene expression and matrix protein synthesis, was achieved in the presence of TGF‐β1. By means of selective growth factor combination (TGF‐β1, FGF‐2 and platelet‐derived growth factor‐bb) and plating on extracellular matrix substratum, we report here the reproducible isolation of a highly expandable, homogenous and unipotent chondrogenic cell population, TC1, from chondrogenically committed hESCs. Like primary chondrocytes, TC1 rapidly dedifferentiates upon isolation and monolayer expansion but retains the chondrogenic differentiation potential and responds to TGF‐β1 for cartilaginous tissue formation both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, TC1 displays a somatic cell cycle kinetics, a normal karyotype and does not produce teratoma in vivo. Thus, TC1 may provide a potential source of chondrogenic cells for drug testing, gene therapy and cell‐based therapy.
Membrane‐type 4 matrix metalloproteinase (MT4‐MMP) induces lung metastasis by alteration of primary breast tumour vascular architecture
Authors: Chabottaux Vincent , Ricaud Stéphanie , Host Laurent , Blacher Silvia , Paye Alexandra , Thiry Marc , Garofalakis Anikitos , Pestourie Carine , Gombert Karine , Bruyere Françoise , Lewandowsky Daniel , Tavitian Bertrand , Foidart Jean‐Michel , Duconge Frédéric , Noel Agnès
Published: May 2009

The present study aims at investigating the mechanism by which membrane‐type 4 matrix metalloproteinase (MT4‐MMP), a membrane‐anchored MMP expressed by human breast tumour cells promotes the metastatic dissemination into lung. We applied experimental (intravenous) and spontaneous (subcutaneous) models of lung metastasis using human breast adenocarcinoma MDA‐MB‐231 cells overexpressing or not MT4‐MMP. We found that MT4‐MMP does not affect lymph node colonization nor extravasation of cells from the bloodstream, but increases the intravasation step leading to metastasis. Ultrastructural and fluorescent microscopic observations coupled with automatic computer‐assisted quantifications revealed that MT4‐MMP expression induces blood vessel enlargement and promotes the detachment of mural cells from the vascular tree, thus causing an increased tumour vascular leak. On this basis, we propose that MT4‐MMP promotes lung metastasis by disturbing the tumour vessel integrity and thereby facilitating tumour cell intravasation.
Tweak induces proliferation in renal tubular epithelium: a role in uninephrectomy induced renal hyperplasia
Authors: Sanz Ana B. , Sanchez‐Niño Maria Dolores , Izquierdo Maria Concepcion , Jakubowski Aniela , Justo Pilar , Blanco‐Colio Luis M. , Ruiz‐Ortega Marta , Egido Jesús , Ortiz Alberto
Published: May 2009

The tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family member TWEAK activates the Fn14 receptor and has pro‐apoptotic, proliferative and pro‐inflammatory actions that depend on the cell type and the microenvironment. We explored the proliferative actions of TWEAK on cultured tubular cells and in vivo on renal tubules. Additionally, we studied the role of TWEAK in compensatory proliferation following unilateral nephrectomy and in an inflammatory model of acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by a folic acid overdose. TWEAK increased the proliferation, cell number and cyclin D1 expression of cultured tubular cells, in vitro. Exposure to serum increased TWEAK and Fn14 expression and the proliferative response to TWEAK. TWEAK activated the mitogen‐activated protein kinases ERK and p38, the phosphatidyl‐inositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and NF‐κB. TWEAK‐induced proliferation was prevented by inhibitors of these protein kinases and by the NF‐κB inhibitor parthenolide. TWEAK‐induced tubular cell proliferation as assessed by PCNA and cyclin D1 expression in the kidneys of adult healthy mice in vivo. By contrast, TWEAK knock‐out mice displayed lower tubular cell proliferation in the remnant kidney following unilateral nephrectomy, a non‐inflammatory model. This is consistent with TWEAK‐induced proliferation on cultured tubular cells in the absence of inflammatory cytokines. Consistent with our previously published data, in the presence of inflammatory cytokines TWEAK promoted apoptosis, not proliferation, of cultured tubular cells. In this regard, TWEAK knock‐out mice with AKI displayed less tubular apoptosis and proliferation, as well as improved renal function. In conclusion, TWEAK actions in tubular cells are context dependent. In a non‐inflammatory milieu TWEAK induces proliferation of tubular epithelium. This may be relevant for compensatory renal hyperplasia following nephrectomy.
High‐throughput gene expression analysis in bone healing around titanium implants by DNA microarray
Authors: Kojima Norinaga , Ozawa Shogo , Miyata Yasuhiro , Hasegawa Hideki , Tanaka Yoshinobu , Ogawa Takahiro
Published: May 2009

Objective: Bone generation occurs around titanium implants; however, its underlying mechanisms are relatively unknown. We attempt to identify gene transcripts specifically upregulated in in vivo bone healing with titanium implants using DNA microarray.

Material and methods: Titanium implants were placed into rat femurs, and total RNA was extracted from the implant‐associated tissue at weeks 1, 2 and 4 of healing. As a control, RNA was extracted from the tissue undergoing osteotomy healing. The RNA samples were hybridized onto oligo DNA microarray.

Results: Most of the 20,000 genes tested were expressed similarly in both the implant‐ and osteotomy‐healing groups. Eighty‐six genes were upregulated (>2‐fold) in the implant‐healing group compared with the osteotomy‐healing group in at least one time point of healing. Twelve genes were upregulated in the implant healing at week 2 and earlier, while 31 genes were upregulated at week 2 and later. Only one gene was upregulated specifically at week 1, while three genes were consistently upregulated from weeks 1 to 4. The upregulated genes included collagenous and non‐collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related genes, proteoglycans and bone resorption‐related genes. Pathway analysis revealed the involvement of ECM and receptor interaction in implant healing.

Conclusions: This study provides evidence that a set of gene transcripts is upregulated in the implant healing over the osteotomy healing, which seems to represent the coordinated biological events of long‐lasting osteogenesis and bone remodeling required for osseointegration. Further studies are needed to identify the significance and biological roles of the transcripts in osseointegration. Proven reliability and usefulness of microarray technology should encourage future approaches to develop a high‐throughput molecular assessment for osseointegration capacity of new implant surfaces.
Habitat disturbance reduces seed dispersal of a forest interior tree in a fragmented African cloud forest
Authors: Lehouck V. , Spanhove T. , Colson L. , Adringa‐Davis A. , Cordeiro N. J. , Lens L.
Published: May 2009

Habitat fragmentation and disturbance are known to impact animals and plants in different ways, depending on species’ characteristics and the type and scale of habitat modification involved. In contrast, direct or indirect ramifications on mutualistic relationships between plants and animals are less clear, possibly because general patterns are confounded by the diffuse nature of many of these interactions. Here, we examine how fragment size and/or severe disturbance of a Kenyan mountain cloud forest affects the frugivore community and seed removal of a large‐seeded, bird‐dispersed tree of the forest interior, for three consecutive years. Forest deterioration reduced avian visitation and seed removal rates independent of fragment size, consistently so despite strong temporal variation in fruit production over the three‐year study. In disturbed forest fragments, seed removal rates were on average 3.5 times lower than in more intact ones. Strong differences in both visitation and seed removal rates were largely attributable to shifts in frugivore assemblages, characterized by loss or reduced abundance of the most effective seed dispersers, most of which were forest specialists. Although some disturbed fragments benefited from visits of non‐forest dependent seed dispersers, such ‘resilience’ was not predictable or reliable in time or space. We conclude that disruption of seed disperser‐seed interactions in highly fragmented and disturbed tropical forests may be persistent in time when resiliency is inadequate, possibly posing long‐term effects on tree communities.