bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partitioning of current-use and legacy pesticides in salmon habitat in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Harris Kate A , Dangerfield Neil , Woudneh Million , Brown Tom , Verrin Stacey , Ross Peter S
Published: August 2008

Current regulatory paradigms have favored a shift from persistent pesticides that amplify in aquatic food webs to pesticides with reduced persistence and bioaccumulative potential (low log KOW). Although these new generation pesticides preferentially partition away from food web–associated lipids, aquatic biota may nonetheless be exposed to them via other environmental compartments. To characterize pesticide patterns in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) habitat, we studied two salmon-bearing watersheds (agricultural and urban) in British Columbia, Canada's Fraser River valley and one in a remote area of the province's central coast. The agricultural and remote sites exhibited pesticide patterns dominated by current-use pesticides, whereas the urban site was largely dominated by legacy organochlorine pesticides. When adjusted to trans-chlordane concentrations across environmental matrices, correlations were observed between water to sediment ratios for the pesticides and their octanol:water partitioning coefficients (log KOW; r2 = 0.48, p < 0.0001); between air to water ratios and Henry's Law coefficients (r2 = 0.55, p < 0.0001); and between fish to water ratios and log KOW (r2 = 0.74, p < 0.0001). These relationships underscore the importance of physicochemical properties in determining the fate of pesticides in freshwater salmon habitat, and highlight the need for research on the nature of health risks associated with exposure where little or no accumulation occurs.
Pediatric Columnar Lined Esophagus vs Barrett's Esophagus: Is it the Time for a Consensus Definition?
Authors: Cohen Marta C. , Ashok Dhandapani , Gell Mark , Bishop John , Walker Jenny , Thomson Mike , Al-Adnani Mudher
Published: August 2008

We describe the clinical, endoscopic, and histological features of all cases of Barrett's esophagus (BE) diagnosed at our institution between 2000 and 2007 following the criteria of the British Society of Gastroenterology. This society defines BE as a segment of columnar metaplasia (CLO) (whether intestinalized or not) of any length, visible endoscopically above the gastroesophageal junction and confirmed histologically. The diagnosis was challenged after immunostaining for Cdx2 (marker of intestinal differentiation). Information was collected with respect to age, symptoms, treatment, and endoscopic and histological features. Twelve children (10 males and 2 females) with a median age of 11.7 (2 to 17) years had been diagnosed with CLO-BE. Histology confirmed BE in 31 of 38 endoscopies. The initial diagnosis was reviewed according to Cdx2 results in 10 of 12 patients: Cdx2 strongly expressed in 4 cases with intestinal metaplasia (the diagnosis of BE was maintained); was negative in 4 other patients with “CLO” mucosa (reviewed diagnosis was that of expansion of the gastric cardia into the distal esophagus); and 2 patients had occasional Cdx2-positive cells showing cardia-type mucosa with goblet cells (early BE?). The estimated prevalence of CLO-BE in the pediatric population of South Yorkshire (United Kingdom) is 0.0024%, 0.8% in children referred for endoscopy and 5.5% in the children with reflux esophagitis. Characterization of the BE and confirmation of intestinal differentiation may have prognostic implications that can impact the surveillance program. Our results showed that intestinal differentiation as demonstrated with Cdx2 was only seen if goblet cells were present. A consensus definition and further studies to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of BE at this age are needed.
Mechanisms during laser bending
Authors: Pirch Norbert , Wissenbach Konrad
Published: August 2008

In order to investigate the thermomechanical phenomena during the laser bending process, a simulation is performed. The governing thermoelastic-plastic equations are integrated by the finite element method. The results are related to predictions as given by the so-called temperature gradient mechanism (TGM), which is often used in the context of laser bending. It turns out that approximative identical temperature time cycles result in a plane and a prebended sheet in completely different forming behavior, whereby the forming behavior for the bended sheet depends on which side is laser treated. This means that a quantification of the extension and homogeneity of laser generated temperature field is insufficient for the prediction of forming behavior. The TGM model does not take into account the influence of the different stiffness of a plane or bended sheet on the stress and strain history in the laser treated zone. For this reason the TGM model can’t predict the different forming behavior of the plane and the bended sheet.
Wear behavior of laser clad surfaces of Cr3C2, WC and Mo on austenitic AISI 304L steel
Authors: Gupta Dheeraj , Paul C. P. , Gandhi Bhupendra K. , Gupta S. R. , Nath A. K.
Published: August 2008

Wear resistance of austenitic steels is low and needs to be improved for applications in abrasive and erosive environments. In the present work, the powders of chromium carbide (Cr3C2), tungsten carbide (WC) and molybdenum (Mo) were laser cladded on AISI 304L steel. The laser processing parameters have been optimized to fabricate sound metallurgical clad surfaces with minimum dilution for all three powders. The fabricated laser clad samples have been subjected to abrasion and erosion wear tests. It is observed that the abrasion resistance is improved in the range of 2–8 times as compared to that of the substrate for the cladding with these three powders. Erosion resistance has also shown an improvement of the order of 1.5–2 times for cladding with Cr3C2 and WC powders, whereas it deteriorated for Mo powder cladding. Surface topography of worn surfaces has been studied to understand the wear mechanisms of the clad surfaces.
Three-dimensional biomimetic microchannel network by laser direct writing
Authors: Kam Dong Hyuck , Mazumder Jyoti
Published: August 2008

Application of laser direct writing to the fabrication of microchannel networks for tissue engineering was presented. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with fundamental wavelength was used. Multidepth, multiwidth microstructures on silicon were machined without photolithography-based methods. The molten material inside the microchannel was ejected with a modified assist gas, and thus the volume of laser ablation was increased. The debris build-up due to the strong thermal reaction of silicon to the nanosecond IR laser pulse was cleaned up with chemical wet etching in a mixture of hydrofluoric acid (HF) and nitric acid (HNO3). The chemical etching of the laser ablated silicon surface was studied to measure the etching rate and to observe the evolution of the surface morphology. Using the laser machined silicon structures as a mold, a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) replica was created. Flow visualization was carried out with the patterned PDMS.
Diode-pumped solid state laser light sources for confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Stjernström Mårten , Laurell Fredrik , Brismar Hjalmar
Published: August 2008

Diode-pumped solid-state lasers (DPSSLs) have been integrated as light sources in confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The standard argon ion laser at 488 nm is compared with a DPSSL operating at 473 nm in terms of noise and CLSM image characteristics. The equally high fluorescence image quality together with the many advantageous characteristics inherent to solid-state lasers suggests that excitation using a DPSSL is favored. The application of a dual-line DPSSL emitting at 491 and 532 nm for high resolution CLSM fluorescence imaging is shown for the first time.
Review of laser nanomachining
Authors: Ali M. , Wagner T. , Shakoor M. , Molian P. A.
Published: August 2008

Lasers are widely used for macro- and micromachining applications in numerous industries such as automotive, electronics, and medical manufacturing. However, there are many challenges encountered in the utilization of lasers for nanomachining. The most critical requirement is that the diffraction limit of laser light must be overcome. With recent developments in laser technology in terms of short-wavelength and ultrashort pulse width, there is a wealth of opportunities to beat the diffraction limit for nanomachining of structures, devices, and materials. In this review paper, first the state-of-the-art lasers are examined from the perspective of the requirements of nanomachining. Second, a set of both serial and parallel types of laser-based, “top-down” nanomachining methods is described. Third, preliminary results obtained in our laboratory of the most recent, novel approach involving surface plasmon polaritons for the potential of massively parallel nanomachining are presented. Finally, the potential of lasers for cost-effective nanomanufacturing is assessed.
Investigation of femtosecond laser induced thermal ablation of polyethylene
Authors: Lee Andrew J. , Dawes Judith M. , Withford Michael J.
Published: August 2008

We present a novel method for profiling high aspect ratio and undercut laser drilled holes using sacrificial layers. This profiling method is used to compare and contrast laser ablation of polyethylene films under exposure to ultraviolet (266 nm) and near-infrared (800 nm) radiation from an ultrafast, femtosecond laser. We find that ultraviolet femtosecond pulsed laser processing of this polymer exhibits similar characteristics to that reported for nanosecond pulsed excimer lasers; namely, that thermal ablation contributes to material removal at high fluences. In addition, the total volume of material removed via IR femtosecond laser ablation is shown to be up to 4 times that for UV femtosecond laser ablation at a similar fluence and low pulse repetition frequency.
Histological and Immunological Observations of Bacterial and Allergic Chronic Rhinosinusitis in the Mouse
Authors: Wang Heng , Lu Xiang , Cao Ping-Ping , Chu Yan , Long Xiao-Bo , Zhang Xin-Hao , You Xue-Jun , Cui Yong-Hua , Liu Zheng
Published: August 2008

Background

The purpose of this study was to elucidate histological and immunologic features of mouse models of bacterial chronic rhinosinusitis (BCRS) and allergic chronic rhinosinusitis (ACRS).

Methods

A BCRS mouse model was established using Streptococcus pneumoniae inoculation plus Merocel (Medtronic, Jacksonville, FL) ostiomeatal obstruction for 12 weeks. An ACRS mouse model was developed by means of ovalbumin (OVA) i.p. injection and subsequent repeated OVA intranasal challenge for 12 weeks. Histological changes of sinonasal mucosa of both models were examined by means of hematoxylin and eosin staining for general morphology and inflammatory cell, periodic acid-Schiff staining for goblet cell, and Masson-trichrome staining for collagen. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the concentrations of various cytokines in nasal lavage fluid.

Results

Polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration in lamina propria was more obvious in the BCRS model, whereas eosinophil infiltration was more apparent in the ACRS model. Significant goblet cell and subepithelial gland hyperplasia, subepithelial fibrosis, epithelial thickening, and mononuclear cell infiltration were shown in both models with more severe extent found in the ACRS model. Interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels in NLF from both models were increased and peaked at 1 week. Interferon gamma levels were also up-regulated in both models but reached maximum at 1 week in the BCRS model and 4 weeks in the ACRS model. IL-8 (CXCL8) levels were only increased in BCRS mice and peaked at 1 week, whereas IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin (CCL11) levels were only enhanced in ACRS mice and peaked at 1 week. The Th1/Th2 ratio in BCRS mice was significantly higher than that in ACRS mice (6.68 ± 2.33 versus 1.37 ± 0.86; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Histological and immunologic features of BCRS and ACRS mouse models were similar to those of human noneosinophilic and eosinophilic CRS, respectively. BCRS and ACRS mouse models have distinct immunologic characteristics and are applicable for CRS research.
Occupational Risk Factors for Rhinitis in Greenhouse Flower and Ornamental Plant Growers
Authors: Riu Elena , Monsó Eduard , Marin Alicia , Magarolas Ramón , Radon Katja , Morera J. , Andreo F. , Nowak Dennis
Published: August 2008

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between rhinitis, exposure to workplace air contaminants, and occupational characteristics in greenhouse flower and ornamental plant (OP) growers.

Methods

A random sample of growers cultivating such crops and participating in the European Farmers’ Study was selected for a cross-sectional assessment of (1) rhinitis in the last year, (2) sensitization to workplace allergens, and (3) occupation characteristics. Associations between variables were assessed through univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Thirty-nine greenhouse flower and OP growers participated in the study (mean, 48.6; SD, 10.2 years; 35 men). Rhinitis was reported by 12 (31%) of them and was significantly related to sensitization to workplace allergens (odds ratio [OR], 13.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.59–67.23) and pesticide application by hand pump (OR, 12.50; 95% CI, 2.00–78.05). After adjustment for these variables rhinitis emerged as significantly related to number of hours worked inside the greenhouse per day (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.05–3.23).

Conclusion

Rhinitis is often reported by greenhouse flower and OP growers and is related to sensitization to workplace allergens and pesticide application by hand pump. The disease shows a dose–response relationship with the number of hours spent inside the greenhouse per day, a finding supporting a causal link with greenhouse exposure.
Lack of Association of Clara Cell 10-kDa Protein Gene Variant with Chronic Rhinosinusitis in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Zhang Feng , Xiong Zhi-Gang , Cao Ping-Ping , You Xue-Jun , Gao Qi-Xue , Cui Yong-Hua , Liu Zheng
Published: August 2008

Background

Clara cell 10-kDa protein (CC10) is an anti-inflammatory molecule and has been implicated in the involvement of the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in CC10 gene (A + 38G) was previously shown to be associated with asthma and plasma CC10 levels. The purpose of this study is to examine whether there is an association between the CC10 A + 38G SNP, plasma CC10 levels, and CRS in a central Chinese population of Han nationality.

Methods

The CC10 A + 38G SNP was analyzed by means of polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism and plasma CC10 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 220 patients with CRS (90 patients with nasal polyps [NPs] and 130 patients without NPs) and 180 healthy control subjects. Among 220 patients with CRS, 108 patients were atopic subjects. Severity of disease was determined by coronal computed tomography (CT) scan in CRS patients, which was graded according to Lund and Mackay.

Results

The frequency of the A allele was 0.394, which was not significantly higher than the frequencies of other reported ethnic groups except for German. No association between the CC10 A + 38G SNP and CRS, any subgroup of CRS, or CRS severity could be found. Although subjects carrying the AA genotype had a significantly lower plasma CC10 concentration than those carrying the GG and GA genotypes in both CRS and control groups (p = 0.00 for all), no association was found between the plasma CC10 levels and CRS phenotype.

Conclusion

The CC10 A + 38G SNP may not exert a substantial influence on the development of CRS in the Chinese Han population.
Topical Antimicrobials in the Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lim Mingyann , Citardi Martin J. , Leong Jern-Lin
Published: August 2008

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease that can significantly impact health. The mainstay of medical treatment is topical steroids and oral antibiotics, but little is known about the efficacy of topical antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to identify evidence for the use of topical antibiotics in the treatment of CRS and exacerbations of CRS.

Methods

Systematic review of literature with a search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Third Quarter 2007); and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews (3rd Quarter 2007) databases were performed. The dates of search were from December 1, 1949 to September 30, 2007.

Results

Fourteen studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were identified: seven were controlled trials and of these, five were double blinded and randomized. Only one of the randomized studies showed a positive outcome. Overall, there was low-level corroborative evidence for the use of antibacterials. No definite conclusions could be made regarding the use of antifungals. Currently, there is evidence for the use of nasal irrigation or nebulization rather than delivery by nasal spray. For the antibacterial studies, the highest level of evidence currently exists for studies that have used postsurgical patients and culture-directed therapy. Both stable and acute exacerbations of CRS appear to benefit from topical antimicrobials.

Conclusion

Topical antibiotics appear effective in the management of CRS. Given the combination of low-level evidence (level III, with inherent potential confounders of natural progression of disease and placebo effect) and the level IIb evidence being limited to the cystic fibrosis group of patients, topical antibiotics should not be first-line management but may be attempted in patients refractory to the traditional topical steroids and oral antibiotics. Larger and better-designed randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials are required to more fully evaluate this emerging modality of treatment.
Olfactory Function in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis before and after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Lu Fung-Jou , Liang Kai-Li , Shiao Jiun-Yi , Su Mao-Chang , Hsin Chung-Han , Chen Wen-Kang
Published: August 2008

Background

The olfactory loss in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis has been measured by different methods. However, the results have been variable and it is not clear whether functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) significantly improves olfactory function. This study was performed to evaluate the influences of FESS on olfactory function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis using three different types of olfactory tests.

Methods

Seventy patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were administered the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), a single staircase phenyl ethyl alcohol odor detection threshold test (STT), and a short-term odor memory/discrimination test a day before and 6 months after FESS. A questionnaire inquiring about the patients’ self-perception of olfactory function was administered also. Independent ratings of the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis before FESS were established from CT scans.

Results

Fifty-two (74.3%) of the patients reported that their olfactory function was impaired before surgery, and 68.6% of the patients reported impaired olfactory function after surgery, a difference that was not significant. No meaningful changes in any of the olfactory test scores were noted 6 or more months after FESS. Preoperatively, small correlations between CT scores and the symptom scores (r = 0.278; p = 0.024), threshold scores (r =-0.27; p = 0.031), and UPSIT scores (r =-0.36; p = 0.003) were observed.

Conclusion

In patients with severe rhinosinusitis, FESS had little impact on the ability to smell, regardless of the method for assessing smell function. Subtle associations between olfactory function and the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis determined by CT were observed, however, preoperatively. The olfactory test measures were correlated with one another both pre- and postoperatively.
Revision Septoplasty: Review of Sources of Persistent Nasal Obstruction
Authors: Becker Samuel S. , Dobratz Eric J. , Stowell Nicolas , Barker Daniel , Park Stephen S.
Published: August 2008

Background

Patients with nasal obstruction from septal deviation commonly undergo septoplasty to improve nasal airflow. Some patients suffer from persistent obstruction after their primary septoplasty and may undergo a revision septoplasty to improve their nasal passageway. Our objective was to identify patients who underwent revision septoplasty and to identify their sources of persistent nasal obstruction.

Methods

Patients who underwent septoplasty at our institution between 1995 and 2005 were reviewed. Data is collected on demographics, comorbidities, age at septoplasty, associated and concomitant procedures, surgical approach, and anatomic site of obstruction.

Results

Five hundred forty-seven patients met inclusion criteria including 477 who underwent primary septoplasty and 70 who underwent revision surgery. Nineteen percent of nonrevision patients underwent nasal valve surgery along with their primary septoplasty versus 4% of patients in the revision group. Fifty-one percent of revision patients had nasal valve surgery at revision surgery. Patients who underwent sinus surgery along with primary septoplasty were less likely to undergo revision septoplasty. History of facial trauma, obstructive sleep apnea, site of deviation, and performance of inferior turbinate surgery did not affect the likelihood of revision septoplasty.

Conclusion

A significant number of patients who undergo revision septoplasty also have nasal valve collapse. We recommend that in addition to septal deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy, nasal valve function be fully evaluated before performing septoplasty. This will help to ensure a complete understanding of a patient's nasal airway obstruction and, consequently, appropriate and effective surgical intervention.
Rhinologic Symptoms and Quality-of-Life in Patients with Churg-Strauss Syndrome Vasculitis
Authors: Srouji Ibrahim , Lund Valerie , Andrews Peter , Edwards Chris
Published: August 2008

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presentation pattern, sinonasal symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) vasculitis.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed. Twenty-five patients with CSS belonging to a patient self-help group participated. Main outcome measures included mode of initial presentation, treatment, rhinologic symptoms, and disease-specific QOL (Sinonasal Outcome Test [SNOT-22] scores) and comparisons were made with general rhinosinusitis and other nasally affected vasculitis patients ((Wegener's granulomatosis [WG]).

Results

Overall, 80% of CSS patients had active sinonasal symptoms at the time of the study. Twenty-eight percent of CSS patients reported worsening of their nasal symptoms as the main event leading to their diagnosis. Forty-eight percent of CSS patients had undergone nasal surgery. Nasal symptoms that are of particular relevance to this patient group are nasal obstruction (95%), rhinorrhea (95%), anosmia (90%), and excessive sneezing (80%). Other symptoms included nasal crusting (75%), purulent nasal discharge (65%), and epistaxis (60%). SNOT-22 scores were significantly higher than normal, reaching average values similar to those of patients from the general rhinosinusitis population.

Conclusion

Sinonasal symptoms are common at initial presentation of CSS, emphasizing the role of otolaryngologists in its diagnosis. Overall, CSS-related sinonasal morbidity is significant and comparable with that of the general rhinosinusitis population. It predominantly results from symptoms of allergic rhinitis, but a significant proportion of CSS patients also report milder forms of crusting, epistaxis, and of purulent sinusitis, symptoms which are more commonly attributed to patients with WG.
UGT1A1 promoter polymorphisms and the development of hyperbilirubinemia and gallbladder disease in children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Carpenter Shannon L. , Lieff Susan , Howard Thad A. , Eggleston Barry , Ware Russell E.
Published: August 2008

Genetic modifiers contribute to phenotypic variability in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). The influence of the bilirubin UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 (TA)nTAA promoter polymorphism on bilirubin levels and gallbladder disease in SCA was examined using prospectively collected data from the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease. A total of 324 children with HbSS (median age 6.9 years) had UGT1A1 genotyping; 243 (75%) had common (TA)6 or (TA)7 alleles, whereas 81 (25.0%) had variant (TA)5 or (TA)8 alleles. The UGT1A1 genotype significantly influenced average bilirubin levels for the common alleles: 6/6 genotype = 2.36 ± 1.13 mg/dL, 6/7 genotype = 2.90 ± 1.54 mg/dL, and 7/7 genotype = 4.24 ± 2.11 mg/dL (P < 0.0001). Thirty‐nine percent of children with the 7/7 genotype had documented gallbladder disease, compared with 18.2% with the 6/7 genotype and only 9.9% with the wildtype 6/6 UGT1A1 genotype (P = 0.001). To analyze the (TA)5 and (TA)8 variant alleles, three groups were generated, showing increasing bilirubin levels with increasing TA repeats and age. Group 3 (genotypes 6/8, 7/7, and 7/8) had a significantly greater rate of bilirubin change than Groups 1 (genotypes 5/6, 5/7, and 6/6) or 2 (genotype 6/7). These results validate previous smaller studies and confirm that the UGT1A1 promoter polymorphism exerts a powerful influence on bilirubin levels and the development of gallbladder disease in children with SCA. UGT1A1 genotyping should be considered as a screening tool for predicting children most likely to develop gallbladder disease at a young age. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age‐dependent patterns of intensive observation on elders by free‐ranging juvenile Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui) within foraging context on Yakushima
Authors: Tarnaud Laurent , Yamagiwa Juichui
Published: August 2008

Early learning about edible food in the environment is a critical survival task for young nonhuman primates. Social learning and social facilitation are often cited to explain how youngsters learn to select and find their food. In this framework, we observed eight mother–youngster pairs of free‐ranging Japanese macaques divided into two sets according to the age of the young (infants aged between 7 and 12 months and juveniles aged between 1.5 and 2 years) during three winter months. We systematically investigated the intensive observation directed by the youngsters toward elders by recording the target's identity (e.g. mother, subadult), the items manipulated by the elder and those items closely observed by the youngster, along with the behavior of the youngster preceding and immediately following an intensive observation period. The diet of the mothers and juveniles was estimated from time records of each feeding occurrence for each food item (identified to species level) and from the quantity of fresh matter ingested. The results show that intensive observation by both infants and juveniles were directed toward those elders engaged in plant and invertebrate foraging. Such behavior was age‐dependent, being more frequent in infants than in juveniles. The majority of the intensive observations were directed toward the mother. Intensive observations also shaped a change in the behavior of infants by significantly stimulating the investigation of food items and locations otherwise not investigated by juveniles. Moreover, infants showed a particular interest in rare food items and especially invertebrates. Age differences between the two sets of young and their interest in rare foods are discussed with reference to the occurrence of intensive observation within the framework of kin relationships, social organization, and social transmission of information about food type and food location and its survival values. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1103‐1113, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Situational leadership applied to the dissertation process
Authors: Holsinger James W.
Published: August 2008

For more than 40 years, concern has been expressed over the attrition rate of students in Ph.D. programs in American universities. Although there are a number of significant factors at work, attrition of doctoral students in sciences such as anatomy may lead to a dearth of trained teaching anatomists as well as research scientists in the anatomical sciences. Failure to complete the Ph.D. process including the dissertation carries a high cost, not only to the students who fail to complete their programs, but also to society at large due to the expenditure of scarce education resources. A variety of factors have been examined in the various studies, but two stands out of major interest for this article: student personality factors such as perseverance and the level of faculty mentoring/support to the students during the graduate education process. A new approach to providing faculty support based on the needs of the individual student is presented in this article. Situational Leadership® has been developed over the past 40 years by Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard and their associates. This leadership model is unique in that when it is applied to the dissertation process, it requires the faculty member to determine the readiness level of the graduate student. Because each student is a unique individual, the faculty mentor assesses each student based on the specific task at hand in order to provide the appropriate style of mentorship each student requires. Anat Sci Ed 1:194–198, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.
Biomass pyrolysis: a state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Babu B. V.
Published: August 2008

Biomass pyrolysis is a process by which a biomass feedstock is thermally degraded in the absence of air/oxygen. It is used for the production of solid (charcoal), liquid (tar and other organics) and gaseous products. These products are of interest as they are possible alternate sources of energy. The study of pyrolysis is gaining increasing importance, as it is not only an independent process, it is also a . rst step in the gasi. cation or combustion process, and has many advantages over other renewable and conventional energy sources. Studies have been conducted on pyrolysis of biomass and other substances by several researchers. The actual reaction scheme of pyrolysis of biomass is extremely complex because of the formation of over a hundred intermediate products. Mode ling of pyrolysis includes chemical kinetics model, heat transfer model and mass transfer model. Various kinetic models, heat and mass transfer models reported in the literature and our previous study are reported in the present review with experimental validations to provide the current status of the study. Plasma pyrolysis provides high temperature and high energy for reaction as the reaction sample is rapidly heated up to a high temperature. This review also covers the experimental and modeling study status of plasma‐assisted pyrolysis. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Extended spatial keyframing for complex character animation
Authors: Choi Byungkuk , You Mi , Noh Junyong
Published: August 2008

As 3D computer animation becomes more accessible to novice users, it makes it possible for these users to create high‐quality animations. This paper introduces a more powerful system to create highly articulated character animations with an intuitive setup then the previous research, Spatial Keyframing (SK). As the main purpose of SK was the rapid generation of primitive animation over quality animation, we propose Extended Spatial Keyframing (ESK) that exploits a global control structure coupled with multiple sets of spatial keyframes, and hierarchical relationship between controllers. The generated structure can be flexibly embedded into the given rigged character, and the system enables the given character to be animated delicately by user performance. During the performance, the movement of the highest ranking controllers across the control hierarchy is recorded in layered style to increase the level of detail for final motions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of α‐Aminobenzylphosphonic Acids with a Stereogenic Quaternary Carbon Atom via Microscopically Configurationally Stable α‐Aminobenzyllithiums
Authors: Kuliszewska Edyta , Hanbauer Martin , Hammerschmidt Friedrich
Published: August 2008

The enantiomers of 1‐phenylethylamine were phosphorylated with diethyl chlorophosphate/Et3N and then Boc‐protected (Boc=tert‐butoxycarbonyl) at the nitrogen atom. These phosphoramidates were metalated by using sBuLi/N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) to give α‐aminobenzyllithiums that isomerised to α‐aminophosphonates in yields of up to 80 % with retention of the configuration at the carbon atom. The intermediate tertiary organolithiums were found to be microscopically configurationally stable from −78 to 0 °C in Et2O. The protected α‐aminophosphonates were deblocked by using boiling 6 M HCl or preferably Me3SiBr/(allyl)SiMe3. When the Boc group was replaced by the diethoxyphosphinyl group, the α‐aminobenzyllithium intermediate partially enantiomerised even at −78 °C and rearranged to yield an α‐aminophosphonate with 50 % ee (ee=enantiomeric excess). Similarly, N‐Boc‐protected phosphoramidates derived from racemates and/or enantiomers of 1‐(1‐naphthyl)ethyl‐, 1‐indanyl‐ and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐1‐naphthylamine or 1‐azidoindan‐ and 1‐azido‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalene were converted to aminophosphonates in good yields. Deblocking gave α‐aminophosphonic acids of excellent enantiomeric excess (97–99 %), as determined by means of HPLC on a chiral ion‐exchange stationary phase based on quinine carbamate. When racemic Boc‐protected diethyl phosphoramidate derived from 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐1‐naphthylamine was metalated with LiTMP/TMEDA (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine), 1‐hydroxyethylphosphonamidates resulted. The configuration of the main isomer was determined by means of a single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis.
Spin State, Structure, and Reactivity of Terminal Oxo and Dioxygen Complexes of the (PNP)Rh Moiety
Authors: Verat Alexander Y. , Fan Hongjun , Pink Maren , Chen Y.‐S. , Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: August 2008

[RhIIIH{(tBu2PCH2SiMe2NSiMe2CH2PtBu{CMe2CH2})}], ([RhH(PNP*)]), reacts with O2 in the time taken to mix the reagents to form a 1:1 η2‐O2 adduct, for which OO bond length is discussed with reference to the reducing power of [RhH(PNP*)]; DFT calculations faithfully replicate the observed O–O distance, and are used to understand the oxidation state of this coordinated O2. The reactivity of [Rh(O2)(PNP)] towards H2, CO, N2, and O2 is tested and compared to the associated DFT reaction energies. Three different reagents effect single oxygen atom transfer to [RhH(PNP*)]. The resulting [RhO(PNP)], characterized at and above −60 °C and by DFT calculations, is a ground‐state triplet, is nonplanar, and reacts, above about +15 °C, with its own tBu CH bond, to cleanly form a diamagnetic complex, [Rh(OH){N(SiMe2CH2PtBu2)(SiMe2CH2PtBu{CMe2CH2})}].
Polymerizing Cluster Helicates into High‐Connectivity Networks
Authors: Zhan Shun‐Ze , Li Mian , Hou Jin‐Zhang , Ni Jia , Li Dan , Huang Xiao‐Chun
Published: August 2008

Solvothermal reactions of CuII salts and 3,5‐bis(4‐pyridyl)pyrazole (HL) under various conditions gave three different types of crystalline compound, namely [Cu2(Cu5L6)]BF4⋅5 H2O (1 a), [Cu2(Cu5L6)]ClO4⋅5 H2O (1 b), and [Cu7(CN)2(Cu5L6)2][BF4]3 (2). 1 a and b were obtained in ethanol and NH3⋅H2O, whereas 2 was obtained in methanol and NH3⋅H2O. The three complexes were constructed by incorporating new pentanuclear copper(I) pyrazolate bis(triple helical) cluster helicates (Cu5L6) as the second building units (SBUs), in which as many as twelve 4‐pyridyl N atoms are available for further coordination and construction of high‐connectivity topological networks. In 1 a and b, seven 4‐pyridyl N atoms are linked to three three‐coordinated CuI atoms and four four‐coordinated CuI atoms, which results in 3,4,7‐connected networks. In 2, as many as eleven 4‐pyridyl N atoms coordinate to eleven CuI atoms, which results in a 4,10‐connected topological network. The increasing connectivity of the cluster nodes in 2 is closely related to the in situ‐formed CN− anion bridge around the periphery of the pentanuclear cluster helicates. The luminescenct properties of these compounds were also investigated.
Development and validation of a smoothing‐splines‐based correction method for improving the analysis of CEST‐MR images
Authors: Stancanello J. , Terreno E. , Castelli D. Delli , Cabella C. , Uggeri F. , Aime S.
Published: August 2008

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging is an emerging MRI technique relying on the use of endogenous or exogenous molecules containing exchangeable proton pools. The heterogeneity of the water resonance frequency offset plays a key role in the occurrence of artifacts in CEST‐MR images. To limit this drawback, a new smoothing‐splines‐based method for fitting and correcting Z‐spectra in order to compensate for low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) without any a priori model was developed. Global and local voxel‐by‐voxel Z‐spectra were interpolated by smoothing splines with smoothing terms aimed at suppressing noise. Thus, a map of the water frequency offset (‘zero’ map) was used to correctly calculate the saturation transfer (ST) for each voxel. Simulations were performed to compare the method to polynomials and zero‐only‐corrected splines on the basis of SNR improvement. In vitro acquisitions of capillaries containing solutions of LIPOCEST agents at different concentrations were performed to experimentally validate the results from simulations. Additionally, ex vivo investigations of bovine muscle mass injected with LIPOCEST agents were performed as a function of increasing pulse power. The results from simulations and experiments highlighted the importance of a proper ‘zero’ correction (15% decrease of fictitious CEST signal in phantoms and ex vivo preparations) and proved the method to be more accurate compared with the previously published ones, often providing a SNR higher than 5 in different simulated and experimentally noisy conditions. In conclusion, the proposed method offers an accurate tool in CEST investigation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A population‐based study of prevalence of complementary methods use by cancer survivors
Authors: Gansler Ted , Kaw Chiewkwei , Crammer Corinne , Smith Tenbroeck
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND.

The use of complementary methods (CMs) is widespread and increasing in the United States. Most literature on CM use among cancer survivors focuses on the treatment period, whereas only a few studies address use further along the cancer continuum.

METHODS.

This study analyzed the prevalence and the medical and demographic associations of CM use among cancer survivors surveyed 10 to 24 months after diagnosis. The study's sample—4139 survivors of 1 of 10 adult cancers—was selected from stratified random samples provided by statewide cancer registries and surveyed by mail and telephone. Three logistic regression models examined associations between medical and demographic factors and CM use among survivors of sex‐specific and non–sex‐specific cancers.

RESULTS.

Of the 19 CMs included in the survey, the CMs most frequently reported were prayer/spiritual practice (61.4%), relaxation (44.3%), faith/spiritual healing (42.4%), nutritional supplements/vitamins (40.1%), meditation (15%), religious counseling (11.3%), massage (11.2%), and support groups (9.7%). Among these 19 CMs, the least prevalent were hypnosis (0.4%), biofeedback therapy (1.0%), and acupuncture/acupressure (1.2%). Survivors more likely to use CMs were female, younger, white, higher income, and more educated.

CONCLUSIONS.

This study provides information regarding prevalence and medical–demographic determinants of CM use reported by a large, population‐based sample of survivors of 10 cancers surveyed 10 to 24 months after diagnosis. These findings may be used by clinicians and researchers to inform their decisions regarding which CMs to address in practice and research. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Retinal anatomy and visual performance in a diurnal cone‐rich laboratory rodent, the Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus)
Authors: Gaillard Frédéric , Bonfield Stephan , Gilmour Gregory S. , Kuny Sharee , Mema Silvina C. , Martin Brent T. , Smale Laura , Crowder Nathan , Stell William K. , Sauvé Yves
Published: August 2008

Unlike laboratory rats and mice, muridae of the Arvicanthis family (A. ansorgei and A. niloticus) are adapted to functioning best in daylight. To date, they have been used as experimental models mainly in studies of circadian rhythms. However, recent work aimed at optimizing photoreceptor‐directed gene delivery vectors (Khani et al. [2007] Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 48:3954–3961) suggests their potential usefulness for studying retinal pathologies and therapies. In the present study we analyzed the retinal anatomy and visual performance of the Nile grass rat (A. niloticus) using immunohistofluorescence and the optokinetic response (OKR). We found that ≈35–40% of photoreceptors are cones; that many neural features of the inner retina are similar to those in other diurnal mammals; and that spatial acuity, measured by the OKR, is more than two times that of the usual laboratory rodents. These observations are consistent with the known diurnal habits of this animal, and further support its pertinence as a complementary model for studies of structure, function, and pathology in cone‐rich mammalian retinae. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:525–538, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reconstruction of reflectance spectra using weighted principal component analysis
Authors: Agahian Farnaz , Amirshahi Seyed Ali , Amirshahi Seyed Hossein
Published: August 2008

The weighted principal component analysis technique is employed for reconstruction of reflectance spectra of surface colors from the related tristimulus values. A dynamic eigenvector subspace based on applying certain weights to reflectance data of Munsell color chips has been formed for each particular sample and the color difference value between the target, and Munsell dataset is chosen as a criterion for determination of weighting factors. Implementation of this method enables one to increase the influence of samples which are closer to target on extracted principal eigenvectors and subsequently diminish the effect of those samples which benefit from higher amount of color difference. The performance of the suggested method is evaluated in spectral reflectance reconstruction of three different collections of colored samples by the use of the first three Munsell bases. The resulting spectra show considerable improvements in terms of root mean square error between the actual and reconstructed reflectance curves as well as CIELAB color difference under illuminant A in comparison to those obtained from the standard PCA method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 360–371, 2008
Color preference of aged observers compared to young observers
Authors: Beke László , Kutas Gábor , Kwak Youngshin , Sung Gee Young , Park Du‐Sik , Bodrogi Peter
Published: August 2008

In modern society, elderly people tend to become enthusiastic users of displays. These displays are optimized for the visual properties of young adults ignoring the specific attributes of the vision of the elderly though the existence of differences is evident. It is true, however, that most of the investigations follow a bottom‐up paradigm (changes of optical density, neural changes, etc.), and their results are too ambiguous to be taken into account directly in display optimization for the elderly, partly because there is a long‐term adaptation, which apparently recompensates for some of the changes in the human visual system. Preference is a high‐level psychological factor having a very important impact on the acceptability of color displays. The present article follows a top–down methodology to investigate these age‐related differences directly. The first part concentrates on functionalities of the human visual system: white point preference, chroma perception, unique, and preferred hues. Results confirm the long‐term compensation theory for the elderly observers along with the chromatic content decrease of perceived colors. The second part investigates preference differences in case of photorealistic images in terms of global and local contrast, white point, average chroma, and the effect of several image color manipulation techniques. Results indicate significant differences between young and aged observers' color image preference, some of which can be explained with neuro‐physiological changes, others may be attributed to cultural implications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 381–394, 2008
Schemes for avoiding starvation in transactional memory systems
Authors: Waliullah M. M. , Stenstrom Per
Published: August 2008

Transactional memory systems trade ease of programming with run‐time performance losses in handling transactions. This paper focuses on starvation effects that show up in systems where unordered transactions are committed on a demand‐driven basis. Such simple commit arbitration policies are prone to starvation. The design issues for commit arbitration policies are analyzed and novel policies that reduce the amount of wasted computation due to roll‐back and, most important, that avoid starvation are proposed. We analyze in detail how to incorporate them in the transactional coherence and consistency protocol as well as a scalable version of it. The proposed schemes are shown to have no impact on the common‐case performance and add quite modest complexity to the baseline protocol. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards Sustainable and Renewable Systems for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Tarascon Jean‐Marie
Published: August 2008

Renewable energy sources and electric automotive transportation are popular topics in our belated energy‐conscious society, placing electrochemical energy management as one of the major technological developments for this new century. Besides efficiency, any new storage technologies will have to provide advantages in terms of cost and environmental footprint and thus rely on sustainable materials that can be processed at low temperature. To meet such challenges future devices will require inspiration from living organisms and rely on either bio‐inspired or biomimetic approaches.