bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer product evaluation based on tactile sensory information
Authors: d'Astous Alain , Kamau Estelle
Published: April 2010

This paper presents the results of an experiment in which consumers were asked to examine visually and touch samples of fabric. The participants were either given or not given verbal information relevant to the product category, and provided answers to the dependent variables immediately or after a 4‐minute delay. The results showed that memory, confidence in memory, and confidence in product evaluation were positively influenced by the availability of verbal information and therefore support the proposition that relevant verbal information can improve the encoding, retention, and retrieval of consumer experiences that include sensory information and lead to preferences that are better defined.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equilibrium Studies on the Gd3+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ Complexes of BOPTA, DTPA and DTPA‐BMA Ligands: Kinetics of Metal‐Exchange Reactions of [Gd(BOPTA)]2–
Authors: Baranyai Zsolt , Pálinkás Zoltán , Uggeri Fulvio , Brücher Ernő
Published: April 2010

The stability and protonation constants of the complexes formed between the ligand BOPTA [H5BOPTA: 4‐carboxy‐5,8,11‐tris(carboxymethyl)‐1‐phenyl‐2‐oxa‐5,8,11‐triazatridecan‐13‐oic acid] and Gd3+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ have been determined by pH potentiometry (Gd3+, Zn2+) and spectrophotometry (Cu2+) at 25 °C and at constant ionic strength maintained by 0.15 M NaCl. For comparison, the stability and protonation constants of the complexes of Gd3+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ formed with DTPA and DTPA‐BMA {H5DTPA: diethylenetriamine‐N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentaacetic acid, H3DTPA‐BMA: 2,2′‐[(carboxymethyl)imino]bis[ethylenebis(methylcarbamoylmethyl)imino]diacetic acid} have also been determined under similar conditions. The stability constants (log KML) of the complexes of BOPTA and DTPA are very similar, but in 0.15 M NaCl the protonation constants of the ligands (log KiH) and the log KML values are lower than those obtained in 0.1 M KCl or Me4NCl by 0.3–0.9 log K units. The order of selectivity of the ligands for Gd3+ over Zn2+ is BOPTA > DTPA > DTPA‐BMA. The complex [Cu(DTPA‐BMA)]– deprotonates in the pH range 7–10 with the dissociation of an amide NH group and the coordination of the amide N atom. The kinetics of the exchange/transmetallation reactions between the complex [Gd(BOPTA)]2– and the metal ions Cu2+, Zn2+, and Eu3+ have been studied by spectrophotometry (Cu2+, Eu3+) and relaxometry (Zn2+) in the pH range 3.3–6 at 25 °C in 0.15 M NaCl. The reactions with Cu2+ and Zn2+ occur predominantly with direct attack of the metal ions on the [Gd(BOPTA)]2– complex. The kinetic activity of Eu3+ is lower, and in the exchange reactions with Eu3+, the proton‐assisted dissociation of [Gd(BOPTA)]2– (which is followed by fast reaction between the free ligand and Eu3+) could be also investigated. The rate constants, characterizing the proton‐assisted dissociation of [Gd(BOPTA)]2– and the exchange reactions occurring with the direct attack of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Eu3+ on the complex, are lower by about 30–90 % than the rate constants obtained earlier for similar transmetallation reactions of [Gd(DTPA)]2–. The half‐time for the dissociation of [Gd(BOPTA)]2– at pH 7.4 and at 25 °C in the presence of 1 × 10–5 M Zn2+ and 1 ×10–6 M Cu2+ is 169 h.
Aminopyridinate‐Stabilized Lanthanoid Complexes: Synthesis, Structure and Polymerization of Ethylene and Isoprene
Authors: Döring Christian , Kretschmer Winfried P. , Kempe Rhett
Published: April 2010

A series of aminopyridinate‐stabilized dialkyl‐lanthanoid complexes has been synthesized and characterized. The complexes were prepared by alkane elimination reacting [Ln(CH2SiMe3)3(thf)2] (Ln = Er, Yb, Lu) or [Ln(CH2Ph)3(thf)3] (Ln = Y, Er, Lu) with one equivalent of the bulky aminopyridine (2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐[6‐(2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl)pyridin‐2‐yl]amine. Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses were carried out for all of the benzyl derivatives. The reaction of these compounds with ammonium borate leads to the elimination of one of the two alkyl functions and affords organolanthanoid cations. The aminopyridinate‐stabilized dialkyl‐lanthanoid compounds can initiate the polymerization of isoprene after activation with perfluorinated tetraphenyl borates. The obtained polymers have a 3,4‐content of 60–95 %. The metal ion size as well as the addition of alkylaluminium compounds influences the microstructure of the obtained polymer. Aminopyridinate‐stabilized organolanthanoid cations of Sc, Lu, Er and Y can polymerize ethylene in the presence of alkylaluminium compounds. The Lu, Er and Y complexes act as a CCTP catalyst and the erbium compound exhibits the highest activity.
Synthesis of Hyperbranched β‐Galceramide‐Containing Dendritic Polymers that Bind HIV‐1 rgp120
Authors: Morales‐Serna José Antonio , Boutureira Omar , Serra Angels , Matheu M. Isabel , Díaz Yolanda , Castillón Sergio
Published: April 2010

We report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a series of water‐soluble hyperbranched β‐galceramide‐containing dendritic. Polymers showing useful binding ability to HIV‐1 rgp120 as demonstrated with surface plasmon resonance.
Mechanistic link between uptake of sulfonamides and bacteriostatic effect: Model development and application to experimental data from two soil microorganisms
Authors: Focks Andreas , Klasmeier Jörg , Matthies Michael
Published: April 2010

Sulfonamides (SA) are antibiotic compounds that are widely used as human and veterinary pharmaceuticals. They are not rapidly biodegradable and have been detected in various environmental compartments. Effects of sulfonamides on microbial endpoints in soil have been reported from laboratory incubation studies. Sulfonamides inhibit the growth of sensitive microorganisms by competitive binding to the dihydropteroate-synthase (DHPS) enzyme of folic acid production. A mathematical model was developed that relates the extracellular SA concentration to the inhibition of the relative bacterial growth rate. Two factors—the anionic accumulation factor (AAF) and the cellular affinity factor (CAF)—determine the effective concentration of an SA. The AAF describes the SA uptake into bacterial cells and varies with both the extra- and intracellular pH values and with the acidic pKa value of an SA. The CAF subsumes relevant cellular and enzyme properties, and is directly proportional to the DHPS affinity constant for an SA. Based on the model, a mechanistic dose–response relationship is developed and evaluated against previously published data, where differences in the responses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Panthoea agglomerans toward changing medium pH values were found, most likely as a result of their diverse pH regulation. The derived dose–response relationship explains the pH and pKa dependency of mean effective concentration values (EC50) of eight SA and two soil bacteria based on AAF and CAF values. The mathematical model can be used to extrapolate sulfonamide effects to other pH values and to calculate the CAF as a pH-independent measure for the SA effects on microbial growth. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1445–1452. © 2010 SETAC
Evaluation of core cultivation practices to reduce ecological risk of pesticides in runoff from Agrostis palustris
Authors: Rice Pamela J. , Horgan Brian P. , Rittenhouse Jennifer L.
Published: April 2010

Pesticides associated with the turfgrass industry have been detected in storm runoff and surface waters of urban watersheds, invoking concern of their potential environmental effects and a desire to reduce their transport to nontarget locations. Quantities of chlorpyrifos, dicamba, dimethylamine salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), flutolanil, and mecoprop-p (MCPP) transported in runoff from bentgrass (Agrostis palustris) fairway turf managed with solid tine (ST) or hollow tine (HT) core cultivation were compared to determine which cultivation practice is more efficient at mitigating environmental risk. Plots receiving HT core cultivation showed a 10 and 55% reduction in runoff volume and a 15 to 57% reduction in pesticide transport with runoff at 63 d and 2 d following core cultivation. Estimated environmental concentrations of the pesticides in a surface water receiving runoff from turf managed with ST core cultivation exceeded the median lethal concentration (LC50) or median effective concentration (EC50) of nine aquatic organisms evaluated. Replacing ST core cultivation with HT core cultivation reduced surface water concentrations of the pesticides to levels below the LC50 and EC50 for most these aquatic organisms, lessening risk associated with pesticides in runoff from the fairway turf. Results of the present research provide quantitative information that will allow for informed decisions on cultural practices that can maximize pesticide retention at the site of application, improving pest control in turf while minimizing environmental contamination and adverse effects associated with the off-site transport of pesticides. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1215–1223. © 2010 SETAC
Pesticide transport with runoff from creeping bentgrass turf: Relationship of pesticide properties to mass transport
Authors: Rice Pamela J. , Horgan Brian P. , Rittenhouse Jennifer L.
Published: April 2010

The off-site transport of pesticides with runoff is both an agronomic and environmental concern, resulting from reduced control of target pests in the area of application and contamination of surrounding ecosystems. Experiments were designed to measure the quantity of pesticides in runoff from creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris) turf managed as golf course fairway to gain a better understanding of factors that influence chemical availability and mass transport. Less than 1 to 23% of applied chloropyrifos, flutolanil, mecoprop-p (MCPP), dimethylamine salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), or dicamba was measured in edge-of-plot runoff when commercially available pesticide formulations were applied at label rates 23 ± 9 h prior to simulated precipitation (62 ± 13 mm). Time differential between hollow tine core cultivation and runoff did not significantly influence runoff volumes or the percentage of applied chemicals transported in the runoff. With the exception of chlorpyrifos, all chemicals of interest were detected in the initial runoff samples and throughout the runoff events. Chemographs of the five pesticides followed trends in agreement with mobility classifications associated with their soil organic carbon partition coefficient (KOC). Data collected from the present study provides information on the transport of chemicals with runoff from turf, which can be used in model simulations to predict nonpoint source pollution potentials and estimate ecological risks. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1209–1214. © 2010 SETAC
Specific in vitro toxicity of crude and refined petroleum products: II. Estrogen (α and β) and androgen receptor-mediated responses in yeast assays
Authors: Vrabie Cozmina M. , Candido Angelica , van Duursen Majorie B.M. , Jonker Michiel T.O.
Published: April 2010

The present study is the second in a series aiming at a systematic inventory of specific toxic effects of oils. By employing a recombinant yeast stably transfected with human estrogen receptor-α (ERα) or -β (ERβ) or androgen receptor (AR) and expressing yeast enhanced green fluorescent protein, the (anti-)estrogenicity and (anti-)androgenicity of 11 crude oils and refined products were studied. None of the oils tested had significant estrogenic effects in the ERα assay or androgenic effects in the AR assay. However, all oils were capable of inducing estrogenic responses in the ERβ assay, with several responses being above even the maximal response of the standard 17β-estradiol (E2). Based on the lowest effect concentrations, the potencies of oils in all the assays were between four and seven orders of magnitude lower than those of the standards E2 or testosterone (T). The potencies of the actual individual petrochemical agonists may, however, be relatively high, considering the complex composition of oils. Additive effects, antagonistic effects, and a synergistic effect were measured in the assays upon coexposure to a fixed concentration of standard (E2 or T) and increasing concentrations of oils. To investigate whether the observed effects were receptor-mediated, coexposures to the synthetic inhibitors ICI 182,780 (ERβ assay) or flutamide (AR assay), a fixed concentration of standard, and various concentrations of oils were performed. The results suggested that the androgenic effects were receptor mediated, whereas the estrogenic effects may be only partially mediated via the receptor. The present study indicates that oils contain compounds with possible endocrine-disrupting potential, some of them acting via the hormone receptors. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1529–1536. © 2010 SETAC
Occurrence of pharmaceuticals and hormones in sewage sludge
Authors: Nieto Antonio , Borrull Francesc , Pocurull Eva , Marcé Rosa Maria
Published: April 2010

The present study evaluates the presence of nine hormones and their conjugates and 20 pharmaceuticals such as anti-inflammatories, lipid regulators, and antibiotics among others in sewage sludge from two sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the Tarragona area (Spain) for the period March 2007 until March 2008. Target analytes have been determined using different methods involving pressurized liquid extraction and liquid chromatography (electrospray ionization) tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS). Most of the pharmaceuticals and hormones were found at low micrograms per kilogram dry weight levels in the sewage sludge samples analyzed. Some compounds were present in all samples, such as acetaminophen, caffeine, carbamazepine, and ibuprofen, among others. Other compounds, such as estriol, were found only in the STP of Reus. The compounds that showed the highest concentration in both STPs were roxithromycin and tylosin (1,446 and 1,958 µg/kg dry wt, respectively). The presence of these compounds in sewage sludge demonstrated that they are partially or totally removed from the influent wastewater by sorption into the sewage sludge. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1484–1489. © 2010 SETAC
Dioxin-like and perfluorinated compounds in pigs in an Indian open waste dumping site: Toxicokinetics and effects on hepatic cytochrome P450 and blood plasma hormones
Authors: Watanabe Michio X. , Kunisue Tatsuya , Tao Lin , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Subramanian Annamalai , Tanabe Shinsuke , Iwata Hisato
Published: April 2010

Dioxins and related compounds (DRCs) and perfluorinated compounds were measured in the livers of pigs (Sus scrofa) collected from an open waste dumping site in South India. Hepatic concentrations of DRCs and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS; up to 200 ng/g wet wt) were significantly higher in male and female pigs, respectively, collected from the dumping site than in those from a reference site. Results suggest that dumping sites are a source of DRCs and PFOS. Hepatic concentrations of DRCs in piglets were higher than in mothers, especially for the congeners with molecular weights in the range of 360 to 400, implying congener-specific maternal transfer of DRCs in swine. Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and some non-ortho dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the liver of pigs were higher than those in the adipose fat and muscle of the same specimens. In addition, the liver-to-adipose concentration ratios for each congener had a significant positive correlation with the levels of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A-like protein, suggesting congener-specific and CYP1A-dependent hepatic sequestration of DRCs in the swine. Total hepatic 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs; 8.9–350 pg/g fat wt) had a significant positive correlation with CYP1A-like protein expression (r = 0.56, p = 0.012), suggesting the induction of CYP1A by DRCs. However, the total TEQs had a significant negative correlation with CYP4A-like protein (r = −0.49, p = 0.029), suggesting repression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα)-mediated signaling pathway by DRCs. Decreases in plasma total thyroxine (T4), free T4, and immunoglobulin (Ig) G were also found in pigs from the dumping site compared with those from the reference site. This study provides insight into the toxicological impacts of DRCs and perfluorinated compounds in wild animals from open waste dumping sites. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1551–1560. © 2010 SETAC
Dose–response relationship, kinetics of formation, and persistence of S-[2-(N7-guanyl)-ethyl]glutathione–DNA adduct in livers of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) exposed in vivo to ethylene dichloride
Authors: Jemal Ahmedin , Barker Steven A. , Means Jay C.
Published: April 2010

Formation of DNA adducts by reactive chemicals or their metabolites are often a precursor of mutagenesis and other adverse effects. Studies in juvenile channel catfish (Ictalurus  punctatus) were conducted to determine the dose–response, kinetics of formation, and persistence of S-[2-(N7-guanyl)ethyl]glutathione hepatic–DNA adducts following a 4-h in vivo aqueous exposure to ethylene dichloride (EDC) at several dose levels. S-[2-(N7-guanyl)ethyl] glutathione adducts were detectable in liver tissue after 2 h of exposure and were still detectable three weeks after a single pulse exposure (detection limit = ∼10 fmol, ∼1 DNA adduct in 107 bases). Pretreatment of catfish with the glutathione-depleting agent diethylmaleate significantly reduced the level of tissue glutathione levels and, as a result, DNA adducts were not detected in pretreated fish. Catfish may serve as a useful sentinel species for detecting DNA-reactive chemicals in aquatic systems. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1537–1544. © 2010 SETAC
Particle-specific sorption/desorption properties determine test compound fate and bioavailability in toxicity tests withChironomus riparius—high-resolution studies with lindane
Authors: Åkerblom Nina , Goedkoop Willem , Nilsson Tobias , Kylin Henrik
Published: April 2010

We studied the sorption (batch equilibrium experiments) and desorption (consecutively harsher supercritical fluid extractions) of lindane to different types of sediment and food particles, as well as larval uptake in standardized peat-based artificial sediment toxicity tests with the midge Chironomus riparius. Lindane sorption to organic particles was fast and efficient, reaching 98 ± 0.1 and 97 ± 0.1% of added compound in 48 h for peat and Tetraphyll®, respectively, and 77 ± 0.2% in whole sediment. Sorption to inorganic particles, that is, sand and kaolin clay, was much lower, 9.6 ± 1.3% and 8.3 ± 0.8%, respectively. Supercritical fluid extractions showed that most of the lindane sorbed to organic particles and sediment was loosely bound, as only 9 to 14% remained associated with particles after weak and intermediate extractions strengths. Larval uptake of dissolved lindane was 4.9 ± 0.71 and 10.8 ± 1.2 µg/g wet weight in 22 and 68 µg/L treatments, respectively, and four to five times higher than that of particle-associated lindane, ranging 1.0 ± 0.15 to 2.7 ± 0.21 µg/g in the above treatments. Surprisingly, larval uptake of lindane was similar from refractory peat and the more labile Tetraphyll particles. Despite an efficient larval uptake of dissolved lindane, sorption/desorption of lindane to/from Tetraphyll particles will facilitate digestive uptake in toxicity tests, particularly in spiked-water scenarios where food particles may act as vectors. Our results show that the exposure scenario is an important determinant for the behavior and bioavailability of test compounds in standardized toxicity tests. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1520–1528. © 2010 SETAC
Productivity, embryo and eggshell characteristics, and contaminants in bald eagles from the Great Lakes, USA, 1986 to 2000
Authors: Best David A. , Elliott Kyle H. , Bowerman William W. , Shieldcastle Mark , Postupalsky Sergej , Kubiak Timothy J. , Tillitt Donald E. , Elliott John E.
Published: April 2010

Chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations in eggs of fish-eating birds from contaminated environments such as the Great Lakes of North America tend to be highly intercorrelated, making it difficult to elucidate mechanisms causing reproductive impairment, and to ascribe cause to specific chemicals. An information- theoretic approach was used on data from 197 salvaged bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) eggs (159 clutches) that failed to hatch in Michigan and Ohio, USA (1986–2000). Contaminant levels declined over time while eggshell thickness increased, and by 2000 was at pre-1946 levels. The number of occupied territories and productivity increased during 1981 to 2004. For both the entire dataset and a subset of nests along the Great Lakes shoreline, polychlorinated biphenyls (ΣPCBs, fresh wet wt) were generally included in the most parsimonious models (lowest-Akaike's information criterion [AICs]) describing productivity, with significant declines in productivity observed above 26 µg/g ΣPCBs (fresh wet wt). Of 73 eggs with a visible embryo, eight (11%) were abnormal, including three with skewed bills, but they were not associated with known teratogens, including ΣPCBs. Eggs with visible embryos had greater concentrations of all measured contaminants than eggs without visible embryos; the most parsimonious models describing the presence of visible embryos incorporated dieldrin equivalents and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE). There were significant negative correlations between eggshell thickness and all contaminants, with ΣPCBs included in the most parsimonious models. There were, however, no relationships between productivity and eggshell thickness or Ratcliffe's index. The ΣPCBs and DDE were negatively associated with nest success of bald eagles in the Great Lakes watersheds, but the mechanism does not appear to be via shell quality effects, at least at current contaminant levels, while it is not clear what other mechanisms were involved. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1581–1592. © 2010 SETAC
Assessing the fate and effects of nano aluminum oxide in the terrestrial earthworm, Eisenia fetida
Authors: Coleman Jessica G. , Johnson David R. , Stanley Jacob K. , Bednar Anthony J. , Weiss Charles A. , Boyd Robert E. , Steevens Jeffery A.
Published: April 2010

Nano-sized aluminum is currently being used by the military and commercial industries in many applications including coatings, thermites, and propellants. Due to the potential for wide dispersal in soil systems, we chose to investigate the fate and effects of nano-sized aluminum oxide (Al2O3), the oxidized form of nano aluminum, in a terrestrial organism. The toxicity and bioaccumulation potential of micron-sized (50–200 µm, nominal) and nano-sized (11 nm, nominal) Al2O3 was comparatively assessed through acute and subchronic bioassays using the terrestrial earthworm, Eisenia fetida. Subchronic (28-d) studies were performed exposing E. fetida to nano- and micron-sized Al2O3-spiked soils to assess the effects of long-term exposure. No mortality occurred in subchronic exposures, although reproduction decreased at ≥3,000 mg/kg nano-sized Al2O3 treatments, with higher aluminum body burdens observed at 100 and 300 mg/kg; no reproductive effects were observed in the micron-sized Al2O3 treatments. In addition to toxicity and bioaccumulation bioassays, an acute (48-h) behavioral bioassay was conducted utilizing a soil avoidance wheel in which E. fetida were given a choice of habitat between control, nano-, or micron-sized Al2O3 amended soils. In the soil avoidance bioassays, E. fetida exhibited avoidance behavior toward the highest concentrations of micron- and nano-sized Al2O3 (>5,000 mg/kg) relative to control soils. Results of the present study indicate that nano-sized Al2O3 may impact reproduction and behavior of E. fetida, although at high levels unlikely to be found in the environment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1575–1580. © 2010 SETAC
Predicting mercury concentrations and fluxes in the water column and sediment of lakes with a limited dataset
Authors: Ethier Adrienne L.M. , Lean David R.S. , Scheuhammer Anton M. , Bodek Tamar , Sosso-Kolle Kethy
Published: April 2010

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the mercury (Hg) Environmental Ratios Multimedia Ecosystem Sources (HERMES) model on two Ontario, Canada lakes (Harp and Dickie) and to include modifications to enable the model to estimate the major model input variables that tend to be missing for lakes with limited datasets. No significant differences were found for either sediment solid or bulk water total mercury (THg) when the HERMES model was applied to the two Ontario lakes, regardless of whether all available data were altered during application or only the 10 variables that tend to cause the most variation in model output (i.e., concentration of THg in atmosphere, water inflow THg concentration, water inflow rate, water volume, surface area, mean depth, suspended particulate matter concentration, settling rate of solids in water column, water temperature, and precipitation rate). Since measured sediment and water THg values do not exist for most lakes removed from industrial activities, empirical relationships were incorporated into the HERMES model framework to provide a method to double-check model output for lakes where this information is unavailable. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1457–1465. © 2010 SETAC
Dynamic parallel Galerkin domain decomposition procedures with grid modification for parabolic equation
Authors: Sun Tongjun , Ma Keying
Published: April 2010

Dynamic parallel Galerkin domain decomposition procedures with grid modification for semi‐linear parabolic equation are given. These procedures allow one to apply different domain decompositions, different grids, and interpolation polynomials on the sub‐domains at different time levels when necessary, in order to capture time‐changing localized phenomena, such as, propagating fronts or moving layers. They rely on an implicit Galerkin method in the sub‐domains and simple explicit flux calculation on the inter‐domain boundaries by integral mean method to predict the inner‐boundary conditions. Thus, the parallelism can be achieved by these procedures. These procedures are conservative both in the sub‐domains and across inter‐boundaries. The explicit nature of the flux prediction induces a time step limitation that is necessary to preserve stability, but this constraint is less severe than that for a fully explicit method. Stability and convergence analysis in L2‐norm are derived for these procedures. The experimental results are presented to confirm the theoretical results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Satisfaction, motivation, and intent to stay among Ugandan physicians: a survey from 18 national hospitals
Authors: Luboga Sam , Hagopian Amy , Ndiku John , Bancroft Emily , McQuide Pamela
Published: April 2010

Objective

Uganda faces a colossal shortages of human resources for health. Previous literature has largely focused on those who leave. This paper reports on a study of physicians working in 18 public and private facilities in Uganda as part of a larger study of more than 641 hospital‐based health workers in Uganda. We report what could entice physicians to stay longer, satisfaction with current positions, and future career intentions.

Methods

This study took place in 18 Ugandan hospitals. We describe the 49 physicians who participated in 11 focus groups and the 63 physicians who completed questionnaires, out of a larger sample of 641 health workers overall.

Findings

Only 37% of physicians said they were satisfied with their jobs, and 46% reported they were at risk of leaving the health sector or the country. After compensation, the largest contributors to dissatisfaction among physicians were quality of management, availability of equipment and supplies (including drugs), quality of facility infrastructure, staffing and workload, political influence, community location, and professional development.

Conclusion

Physicians in our study were highly dissatisfied, with almost half the sample reporting a risk to leave the sector or the country. The established link in literature between physician dissatisfaction and departure from the health system suggests national and regional policy makers should consider interventions that address the contributors to dissatisfaction identified in our study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity profiling: An integrated effect-based tool for site-specific sediment quality assessment
Authors: Hamers Timo , Leonards Pim EG , Legler Juliette , Vethaak A Dick , Schipper Cor A
Published: April 2010

A toxicity profile is a toxicological “fingerprint” of an environmental sample, obtained by testing its extract in a battery of bioassays. Each represents a different mode of action. The present work explores the applicability of in vitro toxicity profiles as an effect-based tool for sediment quality assessment. For this purpose, a previously published dataset was used, in which sediment extracts from 15 different locations in the Rhine–Meuse estuary were tested in 5 different bioassays. Three useful approaches could be distinguished for applying toxicity profiles in sediment quality assessment. In the first approach, toxicity profiles are translated into hazard profiles, indicating the relative distance to the desired or acceptable sediment quality status for each toxic mode of action. Hazard profiles can be considered as location-specific characteristics; sampling locations with similar hazard profiles can be classified into clusters. This approach seems directly applicable but requires a very careful selection of a reference toxicity profile that is either measured at a reference location or is designated as a desirable or acceptable toxicity profile for that particular location. In the second approach, toxicity profiles are translated into ecological risk profiles indicating for each toxic mode of action the ratio between the actual measured bioassay response and the bioassay response level that is considered safe for environmental health. This approach has a high ecological relevance but is only feasible for a few modes of action for which toxicity data are available at the ecological level of population or higher that allow derivation of ecologically safe bioassay responses for sediment extracts. In the third approach, toxicity profiles and their derived hazard profiles are used to select samples with unusually or unexpectedly high bioassay responses for further in-depth effect-directed analysis (EDA). EDA is a powerful strategy to identify emerging compounds that contribute significantly to the toxic load on the environment. EDA is an expensive and laborious strategy, however, making it currently suitable only for investigative monitoring on a limited scale and not for routine monitoring. Future perspectives in toxicity profiling include expansion of the battery of bioassays with test methods that cover other toxic endpoints or multiple endpoints, are high throughput, and improve the ecological relevance. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:761–773. © 2010 SETAC
Improved contact procedure for implicit finite element sheet forming simulation
Authors: Zhuang S. , Lee M. G. , Keum Y. T. , Kim J. H. , Wagoner R. H.
Published: April 2010

To enhance the reliability and efficiency of implicit finite element (FE) sheet forming simulations, a contact search method consisting of a global search procedure and a newly developed local search procedure was formulated to work with the N‐CFS solution algorithm, described in the literature. The method enforces and searches for contact search along the mesh normal direction using an irregular triangular mesh‐patch tool description. To take into account sheet thickness in contact analysis for shell elements, the contact distance error was reformulated. These improvements were implemented into the implicit FE program SHEET‐3 and tested numerically with several forming problems. The results show that the contact algorithm for general tools, including sheet thickness, is as accurate and efficient as special closed‐form approaches using analytical tool descriptions. Taking the sheet thickness into account can make improvements in the solution, in terms of shapes and forces, depending on the details of the problem. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A coarse‐grained molecular dynamics model for crystalline solids
Authors: Li Xiantao
Published: April 2010

A general mathematical framework for coarse‐graining molecular dynamics (MD) model for solid system is presented. The formulation is based directly on the full MD model. The reduction of the atomic degrees of freedom is accomplished using the Mori–Zwanzig projection method. We also demonstrate how to simplify the model under this framework to make the numerical implementation much easier. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient analysis of repetitive structures generated by graph products
Authors: Kaveh A. , Rahami H.
Published: April 2010

In this paper, an efficient method is developed for the analysis of regular structures. A structure is called regular if its model can be formed by a graph product. Here, instead of direct solution of the equations corresponding to a regular structure or finding the inverse of the stiffness matrix directly, modal analysis is used, and eigenvectors are employed for calculating the displacements and then internal forces of the structures. For this purpose, first an efficient method is developed for calculating the eigenvectors of the product graphs, and then a method is presented for using these eigenvectors for evaluating the displacements of a structure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iterative solvers for 3D linear and nonlinear elasticity problems: Displacement and mixed formulations
Authors: El maliki Abderrahman , Fortin Michel , Tardieu Nicolas , Fortin André
Published: April 2010

We present new iterative solvers for large‐scale linear algebraic systems arising from the finite element discretization of the elasticity equations. We focus on the numerical solution of 3D elasticity problems discretized by quadratic tetrahedral finite elements and we show that second‐order accuracy can be obtained at very small overcost with respect to first‐order (linear) elements. Different Krylov subspace methods are tested on various meshes including elements with small aspect ratio. We first construct a hierarchical preconditioner for the displacement formulation specifically designed for quadratic discretizations. We then develop efficient tools for preconditioning the 2 × 2 block symmetric indefinite linear system arising from mixed (displacement‐pressure) formulations. Finally, we present some numerical results to illustrate the potential of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between pitch value or S/D ratio of torsion of cord and fetal outcome
Authors: Tian Chun‐Fang , Kang Mei‐hua , Wu Wei , Fu Li‐juan
Published: April 2010

Objective

To evaluate whether applying pitch values at different positions of the umbilical cord or the umbilical artery blood flow systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio measured by color ultrasound could forecast excessive torsion of cord and help in selection of the appropriate mode of delivery.

Methods

This study included 184 pregnant women between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation and their neonates. We analyzed the umbilical cord's spiral distance, and the umbilical artery blood flow parameters at the cord's initial section, middle section and the section into the placenta. We also examined the fetal umbilical cord after birth, performed blood gas analysis of umbilical cord blood and recorded the neonatal Apgar score.

Results

Excessive torsion of cord diagnosed by ultrasound and in postnatal anatomy had the same rate of 91%. With lower pitch values (<2.0) and higher S/D ratios (>3.0), the possibility of fetal distress was increased, the neonatal Apgar score was decreased and umbilical blood pH values < 7.2 were more common.

Conclusion

Pitch values and blood flow S/D ratios in different sections of the umbilical cord measured by color ultrasound could forecast excessive torsion of cord and have great significance in reducing the perinatal death rate caused by umbilical cord factors. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Training in cordocentesis: the first 50 case experience with and without a cordocentesis training model
Authors: Tongprasert Fuanglada , Wanapirak Chanane , Sirichotiyakul Supatra , Piyamongkol Wirawit , Tongsong Theera
Published: April 2010

Objective

To compare the outcomes of the first 50 cordocenteses at mid‐gestation performed by operators who either or not received training on an in vitro model earlier.

Materials and Methods

Our unit keeps a prospective database on procedure details and outcomes of cordocenteses. We compared 50 consecutive procedures, from the first one onwards, performed by 5 specialists early in their maternal fetal medicine (MFM) practice, either systematically trained (study group) or not (control group) on an in vitro cordocentesis training model (n = 500 procedures). This training was introduced at the time point MFM became a formal subspeciality in Thailand. Multiple pregnancies and fetuses with chromosomal or structural abnormalities were excluded. The main outcome measures included mean duration of the procedure, the success and fetal loss rate.

Results

The average duration in the control group was significantly longer than that in the study group (13.2 vs 6.4 min, p < 0.001). Conversely, the success rate was significantly lower (94.8 vs 98.8%, p = 0.011). There were no differences in fetal loss rate.

Conclusion

Systematic training on a cordocentesis model reduces the time required to successfully obtain a fetal cord blood sample. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Special type of surface states in Hg1–xCdxTe
Authors: Gasan‐zade Salim , Strikha Maksym , Shepelskii Georgii
Published: April 2010

Recently, it was shown that, in the Hg1–xCdxTe compound, the photoelectromagnetic effect (PME) exhibits some specific features and anomalies. The anomalies manifest themselves in the alternating sign behavior (including double sign reversal) of the photomagnetic current JPME in the magnetic field H. In this case, both the sign and shape of the magnetic field dependence of the PME current is critically dependent on the intensity of external excitation radiation and the temperature of the sample. In this work, we demonstrate that the anomalies are determined by hitherto unknown surface states.
Resonant Raman scattering in spherical quantum dots: II–VI versus III–V semiconductor nanocrystals
Authors: Vasilevskiy Mikhail I. , Trallero‐Giner Carlos
Published: April 2010

Resonant Raman scattering (RRS) in nearly‐spherical nanocrystal (NC) quantum dots (QDs) is discussed with respect to the underlying (Fröhlich‐type and optical deformation potential, ODP) mechanisms of the exciton–phonon interaction. Their relative contribution for different QD materials, both II–VI and III–V is compared. It is shown that the (usually overlooked) ODP interaction is entirely responsible for an additional peak in the RRS spectra, situated near the transverse‐optical (TO) phonon frequency, which has been observed for InP, InAs and, recently, CdTe QDs. RRS spectra calculated using continuum models for confined phonons and excitons and taking into account both interaction mechanisms are in excellent agreement with these experimental data.
Comparison of multivariate statistical methods for dynamic systems modeling
Authors: Barceló Susana , Vidal‐Puig Santiago , Ferrer Alberto
Published: April 2010

In this paper two multivariate statistical methodologies are compared in order to estimate a multi‐input multi‐output transfer function model in an industrial polymerization process. In these contexts, process variables are usually autocorrelated (i.e. there is time‐dependence between observations), posing some problems to classical linear regression models. The two methodologies to be compared are both related to the analyses of multivariate time series: Box‐Jenkins methodology and partial least squares time series. Both methodologies are compared keeping in mind different issues, such as the simplicity of the process modeling (i.e. the steps of the identification, estimation and validation of the model), the usefulness of the graphical tools, the goodness of fit, and the parsimony of the estimated models. Real data from a polymerization process are used to illustrate the performance of the methodologies under study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A semiparametric technique for the multi‐response optimization problem
Authors: Wan Wen , Birch Jeffrey B.
Published: April 2010

Multi‐response optimization (MRO) in response surface methodology is quite common in applications. Before the optimization phase, appropriate fitted models for each response are required. A common problem is model misspecification and occurs when any of the models built for the responses are misspecified resulting in an erroneous optimal solution. The model robust regression (MRR) technique, a semiparametric method, has been shown to be more robust to misspecification than either parametric or nonparametric methods. In this study, we propose the use of MRR to improve the quality of model estimation and adapt its fits of each response to the desirability function approach, one of the most popular MRO techniques. A case study and simulation studies are presented to illustrate the procedure and to compare the semiparametric method with the parametric and nonparametric methods. The results show that MRR performs much better than the other two methods in terms of model comparison criteria in most situations during the modeling stage. In addition, the simulated optimization results for MRR are more reliable during the optimization stage. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serotonin release variations during recovery of motor function after a spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Gerin Christine G. , Hill Angela , Hill Seritta , Smith Kristin , Privat Alain
Published: April 2010

Current literature suggests that serotonin (5‐HT) release within the ventral horn of the spinal cord plays a role in motor function. We hypothesized that endogenous 5‐HT release is involved in the recovery of motor function after spinal cord injury. To appreciate the functional parameters of regenerating serotonergic fibers, a microdialysis probe was stereotactically implanted in the ventral horn of subhemi‐lesioned rats. Microdialysis in combination with HPLC was used to measure concentrations of 5‐HT in the lumbar ventral horn during periods of rest (90 min), treadmill run (60 min) and postexercise rest (90 min) for a 1‐month time period of recovery following the surgical lesion. Within the same period of time, 5‐HT levels varied significantly. A significant (202%) increase was observed at day 18 postlesion relative to day 8, and a 16.4% decrease was observed at day 34 relative to day 18. Treadmill exercise challenge induced a 10% decrease of 5‐HT release relative to rest at days 18 and 34. In conclusion, overtime treadmill locomotor recovery is parallel to amounts (rest basal levels) and patterns (exercise and postexercise levels) of 5‐HT release suggesting that changes in serotonergic system occurred within the same time frame than locomotor recovery using treadmill challenge. Synapse 64:855–861, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPAn‐6) Algal Oils Reduce Inflammatory Mediators in Human Peripheral Mononuclear Cells In Vitro and Paw Edema In Vivo
Authors: Nauroth Julie M. , Liu Ying Chun , Van Elswyk Mary , Bell Rebecca , Hall Eileen Bailey , Chung Gloria , Arterburn Linda M.
Published: April 2010

The anti‐inflammatory activity associated with fish oil has been ascribed to the long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA), predominantly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Here we examined the anti‐inflammatory effects of two DHA‐rich algal oils, which contain little EPA, and determined the contribution of the constituent fatty acids, particularly DHA and docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn‐6). In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) and Tumor Necrosis Factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) secretion in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was inhibited with apparent relative potencies of DPAn‐6 (most potent) > DHA > EPA. In addition, DPAn‐6 decreased intracellular levels of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and was a potent inhibitor of pro‐inflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. DHA/DPAn‐6‐rich DHA‐S™ (DHA‐S) algal oil was more effective at reducing edema in rats than DHA‐rich DHA‐T™ (DHA‐T), suggesting that DPAn‐6 has anti‐inflammatory properties. Further in vivo analyses demonstrated that feeding DPAn‐6 alone, provided as an ethyl ester, reduced paw edema to an extent approaching that of indomethacin and enhanced the anti‐inflammatory activity of DHA when given in combination. Together, these results demonstrate that DPAn‐6 has anti‐inflammatory activity and enhances the effect of DHA in vitro and in vivo. Thus, DHA‐S algal oil may have potential for use in anti‐inflammatory applications.
Challenges associated with hypertensive disease during pregnancy in low‐income countries
Authors: Danso Kwabena A. , Opare‐Addo Henry S.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To assess the challenges associated with the diagnosis, management, and prevention of hypertensive disease during pregnancy in low‐income countries, following the success of the Magpie Trial.

Methods

Descriptive review of the literature from 1990 to 2009 on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of hypertensive disease in pregnancy.

Results

In the absence of credible measures to predict and prevent hypertension in pregnancy, diagnosis and treatment remain the only viable options, although they are still associated with important challenges in low‐income countries. Despite the presence of high‐quality evidence that magnesium sulfate is safe and effective at preventing and treating eclampsia, its use is extremely limited in many low‐income countries.

Conclusion

There is a need for cheap and reliable tools with which to address the diagnostic, preventive, and management challenges associated with hypertensive disease during pregnancy in low‐income countries. It is recommended that such countries incorporate magnesium sulfate protocols into their national health and/or practice policies.
Factors associated with failure to achieve birth emphasizing a successful singleton at term following in vitro fertilization
Authors: Lien Yih‐Ron , Lu Hsin‐Fen , Peng Fu‐Shiang , Chiu Bao‐Chu , Yeh Szu‐Hsing , Yang Yu‐Shih
Published: April 2010

Objective

To evaluate the factors that might affect birth emphasizing a successful singleton at term (BESST) outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Methods

A retrospective review of assisted reproduction cases from January 1, 2001, to July 31, 2005, at the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Variables that were potentially associated with failure to achieve BESST were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Successful embryo transfer occurred in 297 of the 323 cases of assisted reproduction. In total, 123 women became pregnant and were enrolled for analysis, of whom 94 had live births and 55 achieved BESST. Multivariate analysis indicated that the number of embryos transferred, the presence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, female infertility factors (other than tubal factors), and embryo quality were associated with increased relative risk of BESST failure, with odds ratios of 1.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.02), 1.21 (95% CI, 1.08–1.36), 1.41 (95% CI, 1.22–1.62), and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.68–0.91), respectively.

Conclusion

The number of embryos transferred, the presence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, female infertility factors other than tubal factors, and embryo quality correlate with the risk of failure to achieve BESST.