bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childbirth Self‐Efficacy Inventory: psychometric testing of the Spanish version
Authors: Cunqueiro Maria J. , Comeche Maria I. , Docampo Domingo
Published: November 2009

Title.  Childbirth Self‐Efficacy Inventory: psychometric testing of the Spanish version.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Childbirth Self‐efficacy Inventory.

Background.  Enhancing the confidence of women in their ability to cope with pain in labour is a key element of effective childbirth education programs. The Childbirth Self‐efficacy Inventory is a suitable instrument for testing hypotheses about the development of self‐efficacy for childbirth. Analysing its psychometric properties in the light of Bandura’s Self‐Efficacy Theory is relevant for the validation of the instrument.

Methods.  Translation and back‐translation of the questionnaire took place in 2002 using a pilot sample of 12 women. The study was conducted using a sample of 146 childbearing women recruited from different national healthcare centres in Spain during the last 6 months of 2003. The psychometric study was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Results.  Principal components analysis supported the ability of the Self‐Efficacy Inventory to distinguish between outcome and self‐efficacy expectancies. Internal Consistency Reliability of the Inventory was found adequate. Previous knowledge was identified as the most important factor influencing the confidence of a woman to coping with labour.

Conclusion.  Results are consistent with previous findings, and contribute to give support to the reliability and validity of the Inventory. The findings provide an additional and useful insight into practical ways of enhancing a woman’s confidence to coping with childbirth: self‐efficacy can be strengthened through persuasion by healthcare professionals, childbirth educators, and family and friends who offer support to the pregnant woman.
Responses of the bed bug, Cimex lectularius, to temperature extremes and dehydration: levels of tolerance, rapid cold hardening and expression of heat shock proteins
Authors: BENOIT J. B. , LOPEZ‐MARTINEZ G. , TEETS N. M. , PHILLIPS S. A. , DENLINGER D. L.
Published: November 2009

This study of the bed bug, Cimex lectularius, examines tolerance of adult females to extremes in temperature and loss of body water. Although the supercooling point (SCP) of the bed bugs was approximately −20°C, all were killed by a direct 1 h exposure to −16°C. Thus, this species cannot tolerate freezing and is killed at temperatures well above its SCP. Neither cold acclimation at 4°C for 2 weeks nor dehydration (15% loss of water content) enhanced cold tolerance. However, bed bugs have the capacity for rapid cold hardening, i.e. a 1‐h exposure to 0°C improved their subsequent tolerance of −14 and −16°C. In response to heat stress, fewer than 20% of the bugs survived a 1‐h exposure to 46°C, and nearly all were killed at 48°C. Dehydration, heat acclimation at 30°C for 2 weeks and rapid heat hardening at 37°C for 1 h all failed to improve heat tolerance. Expression of the mRNAs encoding two heat shock proteins (Hsps), Hsp70 and Hsp90, was elevated in response to heat stress, cold stress and during dehydration and rehydration. The response of Hsp90 was more pronounced than that of Hsp70 during dehydration and rehydration. Our results define the tolerance limits for bed bugs to these commonly encountered stresses of temperature and low humidity and indicate a role for Hsps in responding to these stresses.
Chromatin regulation functions in plant abiotic stress responses
Authors: KIM JONG‐MYONG , TO TAIKO K. , NISHIOKA TATSUYA , SEKI MOTOAKI
Published: November 2009

Plants respond and adapt to drought, cold and high‐salinity stress in order to survive. Molecular and genomic studies have revealed that many stress‐inducible genes with various functions and signalling factors, such as transcription factors, protein kinases and protein phosphatases, are involved in the stress responses. Recent studies have revealed the coordination of the gene expression and chromatin regulation in response to the environmental stresses. Several histone modifications are dramatically altered on the stress‐responsive gene regions under drought stress conditions. Several chromatin‐related proteins such as histone modification enzymes, linker histone H1 and components of chromatin remodeling complex influence the gene regulation in the stress responses. This review briefly describes chromatin regulation in response to drought, cold and high‐salinity stress.
Studies on sodium bypass flow in lateral rootless mutants lrt1 and lrt2, and crown rootless mutant crl1 of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: FAIYUE BUALUANG , VIJAYALAKSHMI CHENNIAPPAN , NAWAZ SHAFQAT , NAGATO YASUO , TAKETA SHIN , ICHII MASAHIKO , AL‐AZZAWI MOHAMMED J. , FLOWERS TIMOTHY J.
Published: November 2009

An apoplastic pathway, the so‐called bypass flow, is important for Na+ uptake in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under saline conditions; however, the precise site of entry is not yet known. We report the results of our test of the hypothesis that bypass flow of Na+ in rice occurs at the site where lateral roots emerge from the main roots. We investigated Na+ uptake and bypass flow in lateral rootless mutants (lrt1, lrt2), a crown rootless mutant (crl1), their wild types (Oochikara, Nipponbare and Taichung 65, respectively) and in seedlings of rice cv. IR36. The results showed that shoot Na+ concentration in lrt1, lrt2 and crl1 was lower (by 20–23%) than that of their wild types. In contrast, the bypass flow quantified using trisodium‐8‐hydroxy‐1,3,6‐pyrenetrisulphonic acid (PTS) was significantly increased in the mutants, from an average of 1.1% in the wild types to 3.2% in the mutants. Similarly, bypass flow in shoots of IR36 where the number of lateral and crown roots had been reduced through physical and hormonal manipulations was dramatically increased (from 5.6 to 12.5%) as compared to the controls. The results suggest that the path of bypass flow in rice is not at the sites of lateral root emergence.
From social protection to vulnerability: Argentina's neo‐liberal reforms of the 1990s
Authors: NOVICK Marta , LENGYEL Miguel , SARABIA Marianela
Published: November 2009

This article examines the neo‐liberal reforms introduced in Argentina in the 1990s, focusing on labour policies and their consequences for labour market dynamics and the welfare of households. To put this period in historical context, the authors first provide a brief summary of the strategies applied both during the preceding import‐substitution phase and in the aftermath of the political, economic and social crisis of 2001–02. The latter, in effect, served as the tipping point for the emergence of a new set of social and economic policies aimed at promoting social cohesion and inclusion through employment.
USE OF PROCESSES AND METHODS IN NPD — A SURVEY OF MALAYSIAN INDUSTRY
Authors: AL SHALABI AMMAR , RUNDQUIST JONAS
Published: November 2009

Recently, there has been a considerable interest for New Product Development (NPD) in Malaysian firms. The purpose of this study is to highlight the use of NPD processes and methods in Malaysian industry with focus on the formal NPD-processes, NPD Strategies, Outsourcing of NPD activities, and the Organizing of NPD. A total of 72 useful questionnaires were analyzed in the study. The results from the study are compared with the results from similar studies that have been carried out in US and Sweden in the same context. The results indicate that the use of formal NPD-processes, in Malaysia, is markedly lower than in USA and Sweden.
Neurodegeneration and Increased Production of Nitrotyrosine, Nitric Oxide Synthase, IFN-γ and S100β Protein in the Spinal Cord of IL-12p40-Deficient Mice Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Bombeiro André Luis , D’Império Lima Maria Regina , Chadi Gerson , Álvarez José Maria
Published: November 2009

Background/Aim: Chagas’ disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and occurs in most Latin American countries. The protozoan may colonize the central nervous system (CNS) of immune-compromised human hosts, thus causing neuronal disorders. Systemic control of the intracellular forms of the parasite greatly depends on the establishment of a TH1 response and subsequent nitric oxide (NO) release. At the CNS, it is known that low concentrations of NO promote neuronal survival and growth, while high concentrations exert toxic effects and neuron death. Accounting for NO production by astrocytes is the glia-derived factor S100β, which is overproduced in some neurodegenerative diseases. In the current work, we studied the expression of NO, interferon (IFN)-γ and S100β in the spinal cord tissue of IL-12p40KO mice infected with T. cruzi, a model of neurodegenerative process. Methods: IL-12p40KO and wild-type (WT) female mice infected with T. cruzi Sylvio X10/4 (105 trypomastigotes, intraperitoneally) were euthanized when IL-12p40KO individuals presented limb paralysis. Spinal cord sections were submitted to immunohistochemical procedures for localization of neurofilament, laminin, nitrotyrosine, NO synthases (NOS), IFN-γ and S100β. The total number of neurons was estimated by stereological analysis and the area and intensity of immunoreactivities were assessed by microdensitometric/morphometric image analysis. Results: No lesion was found in the spinal cord sections of WT mice, while morphological disarrangements, many inflammatory foci, enlarged vessels, amastigote nests and dying neurons were seen at various levels of IL-12p40KO spinal cord. Compared to WT mice, IL-12p40KO mice presented a decrement on total number of neurons (46.4%, p < 0.05) and showed increased values of immunoreactive area for nitrotyrosine (239%, p < 0.01) and NOS (544%, p < 0.001). Moreover, the intensity of nitrotyrosine (16%, p < 0.01), NOS (38%, p < 0.05) and S100β (21%, p < 0.001) immunoreactivities were also augmented. No IFN-γ-labeled cells were seen in WT spinal cord tissue, contrary to IL-12p40KO tissue that displayed inflammatory infiltrating cells and also some parenchymal cells positively labeled. Conclusion: We suggest that overproduction of NO may account for neuronal death at the spinal cord of T. cruzi-infected IL-12p40KO mice and that IFN-γ and S100β may contribute to NOS activation in the absence of IL-12.
Anti-Glycation and Anti-Albuminuric Effects of GLY-230 in Human Diabetes
Authors: Kennedy Laurence , Pilar Solano Maria , Meneghini Luigi , Lo Margaret , Cohen Margo P.
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: Inhibiting nonenzymatic glycation with GLY-230 lowers glycated albumin without affecting hyperglycemia and ameliorates renal dysfunction in the db/db mouse, but the effects of this compound in man have not been assessed. We report results from the first clinical trial in patients with diabetes of this new glycation inhibitor. Methods: 21 diabetic men were randomly assigned to receive a total dose of 250, 500 or 750 mg of GLY-230 or placebo (1:1:1:1.2 ratio) daily for 14 days to evaluate safety and the effect of drug on plasma concentrations of glycated albumin and on urinary albumin. Results: GLY-230 dose-responsively decreased glycated albumin in all participants, in whom HbA1c did not change. Among participants exhibiting microalbuminuria at baseline, mean albumin excretion significantly decreased in patients receiving GLY-230 (µg albumin/mg creatinine = 61.4 ± 15.8 and 29.8 ± 10.4 at baseline and completion, respectively; p = 0.001), but not placebo. There were no serious adverse events or laboratory abnormalities, and all safety parameters remained within normal limits. Conclusions: This first-in-diabetic man study indicates that GLY-230 lowers glycated albumin and that this decrease is associated with a reduction in urine albumin excretion in patients with preexisting microalbuminuria. These data encourage further evaluation of GLY-230 in diabetic renal dysfunction.
Word Boundaries and Fo Patterns in Advanced Standard Copenhagen Danish
Authors: Thorsen Nina
Published: November 2009

In a previous analysis word boundaries have been denied any influence upon the course of fundamental frequency in the stress groups of Advanced Standard Copenhagen Danish. A small experiment has been carried out which supports this contention but which also suggests that in more conservative standards word boundaries may affect F° patterns.
Temporal Compensation and Universal Phonetics
Authors: Port Robert F. , Al-Ani Salman , Maeda Shosaku
Published: November 2009

Two experiments were conducted, on Japanese and on Arabic, to explore the extent to which vowels adjacent to longer and shorter apical consonants would compensate for the consonant durations. In the Arabic experiment, little evidence of timing compensation was found, whereas Japanese vowels on both sides of a consonant varied inversely with the consonant, and the consonant constriction duration varied inversely with the inherent vowel durations. The result is that the duration of the two-syllable test words scarcely changed at all. These results support the notion that Japanese morae have constant durations although they undermine the definition of the mora as a simple CV unit. These findings suggest that rhythmic structures in speech need not be thought of as constructed by the perceiver; they may also be present in the acoustic signal itself. More generally, our results imply the existence of language-specific timing rules that cannot be captured in the segmental terms insisted upon by current linguistic phonetic theory.
On the Relationship between Vowel Height and Fundamental Frequency: Evidence from Esophageal Speech
Authors: Gandour Jack , Weinberg Bernd
Published: November 2009

Data from esophageal speech produced by laryngectomized patients was used to provide a reexamination of major contemporary hypotheses advanced to account for intrinsic variation in vowel fundamental frequency (F₀). 4 speakers provided recordings of 15 tokens of three CVC syllables [hid, hud, had]. Analysis of these utterances revealed that intrinsic variation in vowel F₀ is clearly evident in esophageal speech. These findings were interpreted (1) to support neither the source-tract coupling nor the tongue-pull hypotheses and (2) to highlight the need to test alternative explanations to account for the intrinsic variation in vowel F₀.
Tongue Apex Activities During Alveolar Stops
Authors: Zawadzki Paul A.
Published: November 2009

Lateral cineradiograms, taken at a rate of 100 frames per second, were used to investigate tongue apex movements associated with alveolar consonants produced by five American English speakers. Consistent with previous research concerning bilabial stops, the results indicated a tendency for faster apical movements toward voiceless stops than toward voiced stops. On the other hand, tongue speeds during voiced alveolar stops and alveolar taps did not appear to differ significantly. Any tendency for faster speeds to be associated with tap movements appeared to be due to corresponding greater distances moved by the tongue tip. Finally, the amount of stress on vowels preceding or following [d] was not found to be an independent factor for determining tongue tip speeds toward the consonant. Once again, any speed differences seemed predictable on the basis of distance.
Die Rolle der Sprachlauterwartung in der kategorialen Wahrnehmung
Authors: Kohn Kurt
Published: November 2009

The effects of specific hearer expectations on the categorical perception of speech sound continua were investigated. Subjects were asked to perform identification tests on synthetically produced /ba-da-ga/ continua. Hearer expectations for the /da/ catgory were raised and lowered, respectively, within the experimental group. Only the condition of raised expectation produced a change in the identification of the /da/ category: while the category boundaries themselves did not shift, the perception of /da/ sounds within these boundaries was significantly stabilized. Speech sound expectation apparently adapts to the structure provided by perceptual categories and thus contributes to an optimization of the perceptual process.
The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes Randomized Trial of Different Treatment Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Chaitman Bernard R. , Hardison Regina M. , Adler Dale , Gebhart Suzanne , Grogan Mary , Ocampo Salvador , Sopko George , Ramires Jose A. , Schneider David , Frye Robert L. ,   the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) Study Group
Published: November 2009

Background—

The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial in 2368 patients with stable ischemic heart disease assigned before randomization to percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting strata reported similar 5-year all-cause mortality rates with insulin sensitization versus insulin provision therapy and with a strategy of prompt initial coronary revascularization and intensive medical therapy or intensive medical therapy alone with revascularization reserved for clinical indication(s). In this report, we examine the predefined secondary end points of cardiac death and myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and Results—

Outcome data were analyzed by intention to treat; the Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess 5-year event rates. Nominal
P
values are presented. During an average 5.3-year follow-up, there were 316 deaths (43% were attributed to cardiac causes) and 279 first MI events. Five-year cardiac mortality did not differ between revascularization plus intensive medical therapy (5.9%) and intensive medical therapy alone groups (5.7%;
P
=0.38) or between insulin sensitization (5.7%) and insulin provision therapy (6%;
P
=0.76). In the coronary artery bypass grafting stratum (n=763), MI events were significantly less frequent in revascularization plus intensive medical therapy versus intensive medical therapy alone groups (10.0% versus 17.6%;
P
=0.003), and the composite end points of all-cause death or MI (21.1% versus 29.2%;
P
=0.010) and cardiac death or MI (
P
=0.03) were also less frequent. Reduction in MI (
P
=0.001) and cardiac death/MI (
P
=0.002) was significant only in the insulin sensitization group.

Conclusions—

In many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and stable ischemic coronary disease in whom angina symptoms are controlled, similar to those enrolled in the percutaneous coronary intervention stratum, intensive medical therapy alone should be the first-line strategy. In patients with more extensive coronary disease, similar to those enrolled in the coronary artery bypass grafting stratum, prompt coronary artery bypass grafting, in the absence of contraindications, intensive medical therapy, and an insulin sensitization strategy appears to be a preferred therapeutic strategy to reduce the incidence of MI.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00006305.
The Virtues of Balm in Late Medieval Literature
Authors: Truitt Elly
Published: November 2009

This article argues that balm, or balsam, was, by the late medieval period, believed to be a panacea, capable of healing wounds and illnesses, and also preventing putrefaction. Natural history and pharmacological texts on balm from the ancient and late antique periods emphasized specific qualities of balm, especially its heat; these were condensed and repeated in medieval encyclopedias. The rarity and cost of balsam, from antiquity through the medieval period, and the high rate of counterfeiting also demonstrate its high demand and significance in medicine and religious ritual. Travel writing and itineraria from the early and central medieval periods added a new layer to ideas about the capabilities of balsam: that it originated from a Christian miracle and was a particularly Christian plant.
Ptolemy on Sound: Harmonics 1.3 (6.14-9.15 Düring)
Authors: Bobo de la Peña Miguel
Published: November 2009

Ptolemy's acoustics develops throughout his Harmonics chapter 1.3. He defines sound as παος αερος πλησσομενου, expressing it—as most authors at the time—in terms of a stroke (πληγη), and thus linking the study of sound attributes to that of the strokes. His tripartite analysis of sound stroke represents an original description of sound production by means of an agent (το πληττον) exciting a medium (το δι' ου η πληγη) which, in turn, stimulates the air (το πληττομενον). However clear Ptolemy's explanation is, a wide consensus on its interpretation has not been reached, since almost each scholar has read Ptolemy's three factors in a different way. As a result, several problems arise in different authors, especially the contradiction between η του δι' ου η πληγη σοδροτης seen as responsible for pitch and η του πληττοντος βια thought of as cause of loudness, but also the understanding of η αποχη του πληττομενου προς την αρχην της κινησεως as a differential cause of sounds. This paper tries to settle the aforesaid factors and to clear up the difficulties arising, as well as to comment on some fundamental aspects of Ptolemy's acoustics.
Taking chances
Authors: Avery Jacob
Published: November 2009

■ This article conceives of heavy gambling loss as a phenomenon driven by situational antecedents located in the foreground of the experience itself, rather than being deeply determined by background factors like biological inclinations or psychological pathologies, as the prevalent biomedical model of pathological gambling assumes. Drawing on naturalistic accounts from first-hand observation, this analysis focuses on the internal states of players as they move through distinct stages endemic to gambling, and, specifically, gambling loss. I argue that structuring the experience in this way plays an important role in showing how ethnographic methods that attend to experiential processes and their situational dimensions enable us to reconceptualize what are seen as individual problems or, in this case, pathologies.
Healthcare Reform 2009 and Its Implications for Pharmacists
Authors: Matzke Gary R
Published: November 2009

The US healthcare system has been widely criticized by many and praised by others for many reasons that are not mutually exclusive. There is no doubt that, compared with our peer industrialized countries, the US ranks near the bottom in many of the benchmark criteria such as life expectancy, infant mortality, and mortality of the population that is amenable to health care. Despite these shortcomings, the US has been a major innovator in healthcare technology including the development of biological and pharmacological drugs. The shortcomings of our system are often focused on the fact that a significant portion of the population lacks access to these cutting-edge resources and therapies. In this commentary, the healthcare reform proposals that have been introduced in 2008–2009, with a focus on the 3 leading plans that have been put forward by the House of Representatives and Senate, are reviewed. The inclusion of pharmacist-delivered medication therapy management (MTM) as well as medication reconciliation (MedRec) is specifically stated in 2 of the 3 plans. Integrated care delivery models (ie, community health teams, or “medical homes”) are also directed to provide MedRec and MTM during transitions of care. Finally, in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions language, there is a directive that health Insurers implement a payment schedule for MTM and care compliance. The many other ways in which each of these evolving reform proposals may impact pharmacists and the care they deliver to their communities are also highlighted.
Relative influence of landscape vs. local factors on plant community assembly in restored wetlands
Authors: Matthews Jeffrey W. , Peralta Ariane L. , Flanagan Diana N. , Baldwin Patrick M. , Soni Arun , Kent Angela D. , Endress Anton G.
Published: November 2009

Ecological restoration often involves only the manipulation of abiotic factors at the local scale. However, processes external to a restoration site determine the range of local conditions within the site, constraining the level of restoration progress that can be achieved by on‐site manipulations. We examined the relationship of landscape and local explanatory variables to plant species composition in 28 restored wetlands in Illinois, USA. Using constrained ordination combined with variation partitioning, we determined the independent and joint effects of three spatially hierarchical sets of variables: (1) macroscale landscape features reflecting site setting within regional landscapes, (2) mesoscale landscape features reflecting nearby propagule sources and buffers from disturbances, and (3) local environmental factors. Because the relative influence of landscape‐ vs. local‐scale factors on restoration success may depend on particular restoration goals, we repeated the analyses using three multivariate plant community responses that represented three frequently stated goals: (1) replicating species composition, (2) restoring a particular wetland community type, and (3) constructing sites with high value for plant conservation. Explanatory variables at landscape and local scales had independent and nearly equally strong relationships to plant species composition. In contrast, when species were aggregated based on plant traits, the independent contribution of local predictors was greater than the independent contributions of macroscale or mesoscale landscape predictors, reflecting convergence of plant trait composition in sites with similar local conditions. Local predictors explained a significant amount of variation in plant conservation value among sites, but much of the variation could be explained by large‐scale landscape setting, indicating that landscape constraints on local environmental conditions limited the level of floristic conservation value achievable. The appropriate scale at which to focus restoration efforts will vary depending upon restoration objectives. Restoration of particular wetland community types might be successfully achieved through manipulation of local abiotic factors. In contrast, restoration of a particular species assemblage or reconstruction of wetlands with high value for conservation requires consideration of landscape processes and available species pools.
ASYMPTOTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR A VIBRATIONALLY RELAXING GAS
Authors: Arora Rajan
Published: November 2009

Using the weakly non‐linear geometrical acoustics theory, we obtain the small amplitude high frequency asymptotic solution to the basic equations governing one dimensional unsteady planar, spherically and cylindrically symmetric flow in a vibrationally relaxing gas with Van der Waals equation of state. The transport equations for the amplitudes of resonantly interacting waves are derived. The evolutionary behavior of non‐resonant wave modes culminating into shock waves is also studied.
Conducting Efficient Literature Searches: Strategies for Mental Health Nurses
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Hunt Glenn E. , Horsfall Jan
Published: November 2009

Access to the most relevant articles with recent evidence is essential for writing peer-reviewed articles and informing clinical decision making. A clear method is needed to undertake a mental health literature review to ensure the topic is covered adequately. Choosing the right key words and search strategies and using appropriate databases are essential starting points. Drawing on different search methods to access a variety of sources ensures the most relevant articles are retrieved for a high-quality clinical literature review. Advanced searching includes the use of the medical subject headings thesaurus and other strategies to refine and focus the search for optimum sensitivity and specificity. Regardless of whether a search is basic or advanced, stages of the search procedures, such as determining key terms, databases used and the date range used within each, fields selected, dates of access, a history of search sets, and the justification for excluding data, should be documented to provide an audit trail. This article provides an overview of these search steps.
Ciliary Sulcus Diameter and Two Anterior Chamber Parameters Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography and VHF Ultrasound
Authors: Piñero David P. , Puche Ana Belén Plaza , Alió Jorge L.
Published: November 2009

Purpose:

To evaluate the relationship between two anterior chamber anatomical parameters, angle-to-angle and iris pigment end-to-iris pigment end distances, and sulcus-to-sulcus diameter.

Methods:

Twenty eyes without active ocular pathologies or previous ocular surgeries from 20 patients ranging in age from 23 to 51 years were included in this study. Mean spherical equivalent refraction ranged from +5.50 to −7.00 diopters. Angle-to-angle and iris pigment end-to-iris pigment end distances were measured in all cases three times consecutively using two technologies: optical coherence tomography (OCT) and very high-frequency ultrasonography. Sulcus-to-sulcus diameter was additionally obtained by ultrasonography. Correlation, linear regression, intrasession, and interchangeability analysis between parameters was performed.

Results:

Mean sulcus-to-sulcus diameter was 11.92±0.80 mm. Mean angle-to-angle distance was 12.14±0.52 mm for ultrasonography and 12.23±0.59 mm for OCT. Mean iris pigment end-to-iris pigment end distance was 12.18±0.51 mm for ultrasonography and 12.29±0.61 mm for OCT. No statistically significant differences were found among these anatomical parameters (unpaired Student
t
test, all
P
>.10). Statistically significant correlations were found between sulcus-to-sulcus diameter and angle-to-angle distance and between sulcus-to-sulcus diameter and iris pigment end-to-iris pigment end distance for both imaging techniques. For ultrasonography, range of agreement was 0.90 mm between sulcus-to-sulcus diameter and angle-to-angle distance and 0.74 mm between sulcusto-sulcus diameter and iris pigment end-to-iris pigment end distance. These ranges increased to 1.22 mm and 1.14 mm, respectively, for OCT measurements.

Conclusions:

Angle-to-angle and iris pigment end-toiris pigment end distances are correlated with sulcus-to-sulcus diameter, but they cannot be used as equivalent parameters.

[
J Refract Surg.
2009;25:1017–1025.]
Comparing Efficiency of Web Based Learning Contents on Different Media
Authors: Lapuh Bele Julija , Rugelj Joze
Published: November 2009

The purpose of the research was to find out what kind of multimedia learning materials gave the most efficient and effective results with regards to learning time and knowledge gained. Different web based learning materials were used as regards presentation mode: static pictures, animations with online text and animations with narrated text. Although the research results showed that learners from WBL contents with static graphics learnt less time than learners from animations, we did not find significant differences in learning time between experimental groups. However, we proved significant differences between three experimental groups in terms of gained knowledge. The learners using learning materials with static graphics performed worse than learners using materials with animations. Furthermore, we did not prove significant differences in gained knowledge between groups that learnt from audio animations and the animations with online text.
Actualization of Learning by Developing (LbD): an Analysis
Authors: Pirinen Rauno Ilmari
Published: November 2009

Learning by Developing (LbD) is a pedagogical and collective approach to learning in which learning is linked to an applied research and development culture. This refers to learning expertise that arises from social interaction, the sharing of knowledge and competence arising from, research and problem solving related to authentic objectives. In this paper, the analysis of LbDâ??s design, development and evaluation work is addressed in relation to the actualization of the three statutory tasks of Finnish university of applied sciences, which are education, research and development, and regional development. Also included is an analysis of action research based on the evaluations performed by the Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council. The time period of analysis is 2003-2009.
The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 140. Hesperis matronalis L.
Authors: Francis A. , Cavers P. B. , Warwick S. I.
Published: November 2009

The cruciferous weed Hesperis matronalis, dame's rocket (Brassicaceae), is an introduced Eurasian garden plant that began to escape shortly after its introduction to North America in the 19th century. It has gradually become naturalized across Canada and the United States, and has become invasive. It is not a major weed of crops, but is widespread in natural and conservation areas, particularly in thickets, open woodlands, forest margins and along streambanks, in parts of eastern and southern Ontario and western Quebec in Canada, and in New England and the midwest in the United States. In these habitats it can crowd out native vegetation and subsequently reduce biodiversity. Serving as an alternate host to a number of viruses, the species has the potential to infect cruciferous vegetable crops and garden plants. Despite its invasive potential, it continues to be sold at garden centres in both Canada and the United States. Key words: Hesperis matronalis, dame's-rocket, julienne des dames, weed biology, invasive alien, HEVMA
Metal‐Free and Copper‐Promoted Single‐Pot Hydrocarboxylation of Cycloalkanes to Carboxylic Acids in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Kirillova Marina V. , Kirillov Alexander M. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: November 2009

A simple and effective method for the transformation, under mild conditions and in aqueous medium, of various cycloalkanes (cyclopentane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, cis‐ and trans‐1,2‐dimethylcyclohexane, cycloheptane, cyclooctane and adamantane) into the corresponding cycloalkanecarboxylic acids bearing one more carbon atom, is achieved. This method is characterized by a single‐pot, low‐temperature hydrocarboxylation reaction of the cycloalkane with carbon monoxide, water and potassium peroxodisulfate in water/acetonitrile medium, proceeding either in the absence or in the presence of a metal promoter. The influence of various reaction parameters, such as type and amount of metal promoter, solvent composition, temperature, time, carbon monoxide pressure, oxidant and cycloalkane, is investigated, leading to an optimization of the cyclohexane and cyclopentane carboxylations. The highest efficiency is observed in the systems promoted by a tetracopper(II) triethanolaminate‐derived complex, which also shows different bond and stereoselectivity parameters (compared to the metal‐free systems) in the carboxylations of methylcyclohexane and stereoisomeric 1,2‐dimethylcyclohexanes. A free radical mechanism is proposed for the carboxylation of cyclohexane as a model substrate, involving the formation of an acyl radical, its oxidation and consequent hydroxylation by water. Relevant features of the present hydrocarboxylation method, besides the operation in aqueous medium, include the exceptional metal‐free and acid‐solvent‐free reaction conditions, a rare hydroxylating role of water, substrate versatility, low temperatures (ca. 50 °C) and a rather high efficiency (up to 72% carboxylic acid yields based on cycloalkane).
Determination of chlorpheniramine in human plasma by HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS: application to a dexchlorpheniramine comparative bioavailability study
Authors: Moreno Ronilson Agnaldo , Oliveira‐Silva Diogo , Sverdloff Carlos Eduardo , Borges Bruno Carter , Rebelo Galvinas Paulo Alexandre , Astigarraga Rafael Barrientos , Borges Ney Carter
Published: November 2009

In the present study a fast, sensitive and robust validated method to quantify chlorpheniramine in human plasma using brompheniramine as internal standard (IS) is described. The analyte and the IS were extracted from plasma by LLE (diethyl ether–dichloromethane, 80:20, v/v) and analyzed by HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. Chromatographic separation was performed using a gradient of methanol from 35 to 90% with 2.5 mm NH4OH on a Gemini Phenomenex C8 5 μm column (50 × 4.6 mm i.d.) in 5.0 min/run. The method fitted to a linear calibration curve (0.05–10 ng/mL, R > 0.9991). The precision (%CV) and accuracy ranged, respectively: intra‐batch from 1.5 to 6.8% and 99.1 to 106.6%, and inter‐batch from 2.4 to 9.0%, and 99.9 to 103.1%. The validated bioanalytical procedure was used to assess the comparative bioavailability in healthy volunteers of two dexchlorpheniramine 2.0 mg tablet formulations (test dexchlorpheniramine, Eurofarma, and reference Celestamine®, Schering‐Plough). The study was conducted using an open, randomized, two‐period crossover design with a 2 week washout interval. Since the 90% confidence interval for Cmax and AUC ratios were all within the 80–125% interval proposed by ANVISA and FDA, it was concluded that test and reference formulations are bioequivalent concerning the rate and the extent of absorption. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolated limb infusion with cytotoxic agents: A simplified approach for venous access
Authors: Vyas Ajit , Avritscher Rony , Ensor Joe , Ross Merrick , Wallace Michael J.
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND:

Isolated limb infusion (ILI) of cytotoxic agents is a regional therapy for cutaneous malignancies in a single extremity. Conventional ILI technique requires retrograde catheterization of the contralateral femoral vein. A novel modified ILI technique uses an ipsilateral popliteal venous approach. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of ILI using the 2 different approaches.

METHODS:

Data from patients who underwent lower‐extremity ILI at the authors' institution between October 2005 and June 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The authors compared the 2 ILI approaches with regard to overall procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and the number of callbacks to the operating room (OR) for flow‐related issues. The Student t test and Fisher exact test were used. Adverse events, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the treated limb, were recorded.

RESULTS:

Between October 2005 and June 2008, 67 lower‐extremity ILI procedures (15 using a contralateral venous access approach and 52 using an ipsilateral venous access approach) were performed in 62 patients (28 men and 34 women aged 31‐82 years). The mean fluoroscopy times for the contralateral and ipsilateral groups were 17.9 and 8.3 minutes, respectively (P = .0019). No significant difference in the overall procedure time and number of callbacks to the OR for flow‐related issues between the 2 groups was identified.

CONCLUSIONS:

The ipsilateral popliteal venous approach is a simplified and safe ILI technique with significantly lower overall fluoroscopy procedure times required for catheter placement and no difference in catheter‐related adverse events, when compared with the conventional contralateral approach. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
A Pentanuclear Cu/Co/Ni Complex with 2‐(Dimethylamino)ethanol – Observation of a Rare Molecular Structure Type and Its Place in General Structural Types: An Analysis of the Cambridge Structural Database
Authors: Nesterov Dmytro S. , Kokozay Vladimir N. , Skelton Brian W.
Published: November 2009

Heterotrimetallic complex [CuII2CoIINiII2(Me2Ea)5Cl5(H2O)]·CH3CN·H2O has been prepared in a one‐pot reaction of zero‐valent copper with cobalt and nickel chlorides in an acetonitrile solution of 2‐(dimethylamino)ethanol (HMe2Ea) in the open air. The metal stoichiometry obtained by atomic absorption analysis was further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction investigations. The pentanuclear molecule is formed by a previously unknown combination of incomplete cube M3(μ3‐X)(μ‐X)3 and triangle bipyramidal M3(μ3‐X)2(μ‐X)2 fragments, resulting in a zigzag arrangement of metal centers within one molecule. This type of arrangement is very uncommon for pentanuclear complexes and in particular for complexes with an odd number of metal centers. A search of the Cambridge Structural Database showed that the number of coordination compounds possessing an even number of metals is significantly greater than those containing an odd number. Possible reasons for such a distribution, as well as the synthetic and structural features of the presented compound, are discussed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
On‐chip coupling of free‐solution transient ITP and CGE for highly efficient separation of dsDNA with variable sample loading amounts
Authors: Liu Dayu , Chen Bin , Wang Lihui , Zhou Xiaomian
Published: November 2009

We developed an on‐chip DNA analysis method, in which free‐solution transient isotachophoresis (FstITP) were coupled with CGE. Using chloride ions in the sample matrix and HEPES in the background electrolyte, respectively, as the leading and terminating ions, dsDNAs were isotachophoretically preconcentrated in free‐solution and then separated in sieving polymer. The coupling of FstITP and CGE enabled higher separation efficiency due to higher preconcentration rate in free‐solution. The FstITP‐CGE analysis offered adjustable signal intensities by varying sample injection time. With the maximum sample loading volume, the LOD of the FstITP‐CGE analysis was determined to be 0.24 ng/mL by confocal laser‐induced fluorescence detection. The FstITP‐CGE method is simple, robust and flexible, thus well suited to the analysis of highly saline DNA samples at different concentration level.
Continuous fractionation of a two‐component mixture by zone electrophoresis
Authors: Zalewski Dawid R. , Gardeniers Han J.G.E.
Published: November 2009

Synchronized continuous‐flow zone electrophoresis is a recently demonstrated tool for performing electrophoretic fractionation of a complex sample. The method resembles free flow electrophoresis, but unlike in that technique, no mechanical fluid pumping is required. Instead, fast electrokinetic flow switching is used to produce complex stream patterns, which results in lateral separation of components in a separation chamber. Here a solution is presented which allows for simultaneous collection of two fractions in synchronized continuous‐flow zone electrophoresis. The method is demonstrated on a model mixture, with subsequent evaluation of the collected fractions purity by MCE. The necessary theoretical background is provided including both steering schemes and calculations of optimum operating points.
Polymer microchip CE of proteins either off‐ or on‐chip labeled with chameleon dye for simplified analysis
Authors: Yu Ming , Wang Hsiang‐Yu , Woolley Adam T.
Published: November 2009

Microchip CE of proteins labeled either off‐ or on‐chip with the “chameleon” CE dye 503 using poly(methyl methacrylate) microchips is presented. A simple dynamic coating using the cationic surfactant CTAB prevented nonspecific adsorption of protein and dye to the channel walls. The labeling reactions for both off‐ and on‐chip labeling proceeded at room temperature without requiring heating steps. In off‐chip labeling, a 9 ng/mL concentration detection limit for BSA, corresponding to a ∼7 fg (100 zmol) mass detection limit, was obtained. In on‐chip tagging, the free dye and protein were placed in different reservoirs of the microchip, and an extra incubation step was not needed. A 1 μg/mL concentration detection limit for BSA, corresponding to a ∼700 fg (10 amol) mass detection limit, was obtained from this protocol. The earlier elution time of the BSA peak in on‐chip labeling resulted from fewer total labels on each protein molecule. Our on‐chip labeling method is an important part of automation in miniaturized devices.
Investigation of substitution effects on novel Ru–dppz complexes by Raman spectroscopy in combination with DFT methods
Authors: Kuhnt Christian , Tschierlei Stefanie , Karnahl Michael , Rau Sven , Dietzek Benjamin , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen
Published: November 2009

We present a combined Raman–density functional theory (DFT) study of novel dipyridophenazine (dppz) derivatives and their Ru–bipyridine complexes. Our results show that the molecular architecture of dppz and its Ru complexes can be considered to consist of two independent moieties, the structural ground state properties of which can be tuned independently by means of side‐specific substitution. These results are expected to be of importance for the design of highly specific dppz‐based DNA sensors. Methodologically, the results presented in this paper highlight the power of a combined Raman–DFT approach to unravel the details of the structural properties of complex molecules. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Labeling of cervical lymph node levels during neck dissection: From ex vivo to in situ mapping
Authors: Woo Seung Hoon , So Yoon Kyoung , Jeong Jong‐In , Byun Hayoung , Lee Won‐Yong , Jeong Han‐Sin
Published: November 2009

Objectives

To analyze the error rate of ex vivo mapping and to evaluate in situ mapping of lymph node (LN) levels during neck dissection (ND)

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the pathological data on metastatic LN levels in head and neck cancer patients that had ND and ex vivo mapping of LN levels. Among them, we included the data from 43 patients that had a high risk for metastatic nodes based on both the preoperative CT and PET/CT. We compared the metastatic node levels based on the radiological studies and surgical pathology. In addition, we prospectively evaluated the accuracy of in situ mapping (N = 20).

Results

With ex vivo mapping, the discrepancy between the radiological results and the pathological reports was 11.6% (5 out of 43); two side mismatches, two up down mismatches, and one faulty labeling, and in 7.0% (3 out of 43), the adjuvant treatment was redirected. However, in situ mapping of LN levels during ND resulted in no differences between the post‐operative pathological and preoperative radiological findings.

Conclusion

Ex vivo mapping of LN levels had an error rate of 11.6% in labeling of LN levels. In situ mapping of cervical LN levels during ND provided more accurate results about the status of LN metastasis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:122–126. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gold Encapsulated Chitosan‐Poly(acrylic acid) Hybrid Hollow Nanospheres
Authors: Ding Yin , Chen Qi , Qian Hanqing , Chen Ying , Wu Wei , Hu Yong , Jiang Xiqun
Published: November 2009

Chitosan‐poly(acrylic acid)‐gold (CS‐PAA‐Au) hybrid hollow nanospheres were prepared by reducing gold salts to gold nanoparticles in chitosan‐acrylic acid (CS‐AA) aqueous solution, followed by polymerization of AA monomer and selectively crosslinking chitosan at the end of polymerization. The payload of Au nanoparticles within the CS‐PAA hollow nanospheres could be controlled by varying the addition amount of gold salts in the reaction system. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that multi‐crystal gold nanoparticles were encapsulated inside the CS‐PAA nanospheres. TEM and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that these hybrid nanospheres had a hollow structure. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy confirmed the existence of gold nanoparticles inside the CS‐PAA‐Au hybrid nanospheres. These hollow CS‐PAA‐Au hybrid nanospheres showed a typical surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of gold nanoparticles around 526 nm, and offered excellent stability at different temperatures and in acidic media. Also, no inhibition of cell proliferation and no cytotoxic effects were observed in the presence of CS‐PAA‐Au hybrid nanospheres, which renders them good candidates for potential application in biomedical fields.

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