bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Combined Drought Indicator to detect agricultural drought in Europe
Authors: Sepulcre-Canto G. , Horion S. , Singleton A. , Carrao H. , Vogt J.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. This study proposes a drought indicator that combines the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), the anomalies of soil moisture and the anomalies of the fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fAPAR). Computed at the European level, the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) gives a synthetic and synoptic overview of the drought situation using a classification scheme. Derived from the integration of the three individual indices, this classification scheme is composed of three warning levels: "watch" when a relevant precipitation shortage is observed, "warning" when this precipitation shortage translates into a soil moisture anomaly, and "alert" when these two conditions are accompanied by an anomaly in the vegetation condition. The design of the CDI includes the study of the relationship between the three individual indices. To achieve this, the SPI-3 (3-month SPI) was computed using the precipitation data obtained from a set of weather stations located in different agricultural areas of Europe, while the soil moisture and fAPAR data were extracted from the pixels of the respective grids surrounding these stations. The CDI is assessed for the main drought episodes of Europe between 2000 and 2011, using reported data from different sources, such as the EM-DAT Emergency Events Database and Eurostat annual yield estimates. The capability of the CDI to serve for drought early warning is evaluated as well as its robustness against false alarms. The indicator has been spatially implemented for the entire continent using different information layers of the European Drought Observatory. These layers correspond to SPI-3 grids derived from interpolated weather station precipitation data, anomalies of fAPAR from the MERIS Global Vegetation Index and anomalies of soil moisture obtained using the LISFLOOD distributed hydrological model. Maps of the CDI obtained for the European drought event in spring 2011 are shown and discussed, evaluating its operational applicability. To conclude, the main limitations of the indicator are presented and possible avenues for improvement are discussed.
Si3N4 Nanoparticle Addition to Concentrated Magnesium Alloy AZ81: Enhanced Tensile Ductility and Compressive Strength
Authors: Paramsothy Muralidharan , Tan Xing He , Chan Jimmy , Kwok Richard , Gupta Manoj
Published: November 2012

This study is aimed at understanding the tensile ductility and compressive strength-enhancing dual function of nanoparticles in a concentrated magnesium alloy (AZ81) nanocomposite. Si3N4 nanoparticles were selected for reinforcement purposes due to the known affinity between magnesium and nitrogen. AZ81 magnesium alloy was reinforced with Si3N4 nanoparticles using solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. The nanocomposite exhibited similar grain size and hardness to the monolithic alloy, reasonable nanoparticle distribution, and nondominant (0 0 0 2) texture in the longitudinal direction. Compared to the monolithic alloy in tension, the nanocomposite exhibited higher failure strain (+23%) without significant compromise in strength, and higher energy absorbed until fracture (EA) (+27%). Compared to the monolithic alloy in compression, the nanocomposite exhibited similar failure strain (+3%) with significant increase in strength (up to +20%) and higher EA (+24%). The beneficial effects of Si3N4 nanoparticle addition on tensile ductility and compressive strength dual enhancement of AZ81 alloy are discussed in this paper.
Mechanics of Static Slip and Energy Dissipation in Sandwich Structures: Case of Homogeneous Elastic Beams in Transverse Magnetic Fields
Authors: Osheku Charles A.
Published: November 2012

Mechanics of static slip and energy dissipation in sandwich structures with respect to two-layer homogeneous elastic beams in a transverse magnetic field is presented. The mathematical physics problem derives from nonuniform contact conditions of press sandwich layers or joints. On this theory, equations governing the stresses and the deflection profile are derived. By restricting analysis to the case of cantilever architecture, closed form polynomial expressions are computed for the deflection, interfacial slip, slip, and strain energies of the system. In particular, the effects of magnetoelasticity and interfacial pressure gradient on these properties are demonstrated for design analysis and engineering applications. In addition, explicit mathematical equations couched in magnetoelasticity and pressure gradient polynomial kernels with fractional coefficients for critical values of pressure for which no slip occurs at the tip and the optimum clamping pressure for optimal slip energy dissipation are derived. It is also shown for special cases that recent results in literature are recoverable from the theory reported in this paper.
Extreme Hydrologic Events in North Area of Buenos Aires Province (Argentina)
Authors: Capriolo Alberto Daniel , Scarpati Olga Eugenia
Published: November 2012

This paper presents the soil water deficit and soil water surplus obtained from soil water balance in three drainage areas of Buenos Aires province for the period from 1971 to 2010. The soil water balance had been performed using the evapotranspiration formula of Penman-Monteith and considering the soil water constants: field capacity, soil water moisture, and soil wilting point for all the different types of soils of the region. The obtained soil water deficit and surplus are considered as triggers of extreme hydrologic events. Annual threshold values of 200 mm of soil water deficit and 300 mm of soil water surplus were considered for drought and flood, respectively. It was found that almost the 25% of the floods are severe and extreme while the 50% of droughts were of these intensities. Mann-Kendall statistical test was performed, and significance trends at level 0.1 were found for drought and for two periods, one of twenty years (1991–2010) and the other of ten years (2001–2010). As a sample of the temporal evolution of both events and their trends, the results of one locality (Junin) were deeply analyzed.
Direct Synthesis of Functional Zeolitic Materials
Authors: Moliner Manuel
Published: November 2012

Recently, the direct synthesis of zeolitic materials has received much attention because several well-defined functionalities have been introduced in those materials by “one-pot” methodologies. The rationalization of the physics and chemistry of the processes involved in the zeolite growth has allowed the direct preparation of different functional molecular sieves with unique properties and potential applicability in industry. In the present paper, the “one-pot” preparations of metal-containing zeolites (both in framework and extra-framework positions), hybrid organic-inorganic molecular sieves, hierarchical microporous mesoporous zeotypes, nanosheets, nanozeolites, or template-free molecular sieves are intensively evaluated.
Rescue High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: What about Lung Histopathology and Necropsy Findings?
Authors: Rocha Gustavo , Correia-Pinto Jorge , Guimarães Hercília
Published: November 2012

Introduction. It is not yet a resolved issue whether HFOV (high-frequency oscillatory ventilation), used as primary mode or as rescue ventilation, has benefit over conventional mechanical ventilation for CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia) patients treatment. Purpose. To evaluate the success rate of rescue HFOV for CDH, and the histological characteristics of the lungs, at the autopsy of the deceased patients. Material and Methods. Out of 80 CDH patients, 10 were treated with rescue HFOV. The success of HFOV, histological exam of the lungs of deceased patients, and data on the followup of discharged patients were assessed. Results. Rescue HFOV was started between two hours and four days of life. The success rate of rescue HFOV was 20% (2/10). Autopsy findings along with pulmonary hypoplasia included coarctation of aorta (n=1), pneumonia (n=3), meconium aspiration (n=2), hyaline membranes (n=2), severe muscular hypertrophy of medium and small diameter lung arteries (n=1), severe lung hypoplasia (n=1), pleural effusions (n=2), haemorrhagic diatesis (n=2), and signs of overwhelming sepsis (n=1). The five-years follow up of the two survivors revealed normal growth and neurodevelopment. Conclusions. The results of this study support the idea that rescue HFOV may increase survival of CDH patients, when conventional mechanical ventilation fails.
Are Tunisian organic olive growing farms sustainable? An adapted IDEA approach analysis
Authors: Elfkih S. , Guidara I. , Mtimet N.
Published: November 2012

Sustainability and multifunctionality of agriculture have become widely shared goals for both scientific community and decision makers. Nowadays, it is important to assess not only the economic sustainability of farms, but also their environmental and socio-territorial sustainability. Numerous sustainability measurement tools have been developed by researchers and some institutions to assess these three dimensions. With the purpose to improve farms’ sustainability, this paper aims providing oriented strategies to go toward more conscientious farmers’ practices in the Tunisian organic olive sector. To reach this goal, two methodological steps were followed: (i) a sustainability measurement process to quantify farms’ sustainability by a methodological adaptation of the IDEA approach; (ii) on the basis of the obtained scores of the three sustainability scales, farms’ segmentation was carried out by the use of cluster analysis. In that sense, a questionnaire directed to a sample of organic olive growing farmers was carried out in the regions of Sfax and Mahdia, Tunisia. Results show a variability of sustainability levels within and between groups of farms. Cluster analysis results confirmed the existence of two main farms’ groups. The first group is more agro-environmentally and socio-territorially sustainable than the second one. Weaknesses in the sustainability performances have been identified and improvement strategies have been formulated and oriented to each group. Results also indicate that in some cases there is no antagonism between environmental, socio-territorial and economic sustainability, so it is possible to improve simultaneously the three dimensions of sustainability.
Short communication. Rhizoctonia solani as causal agent of damping off of Swiss chard in Spain
Authors: Palmero D. , Gálvez L. , Gil-Serna J. , Benito S.
Published: November 2012

During September 2011, post-emergence damping off of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla L.) was observed in a greenhouse in Villa del Prado (Spain). About 20% of the seedlings showed damping off symptoms. Lesions were initially water soaked, dark brown necrosis of crown tissue, irregular in shape and sunken in appearance on large plants, causing the infected seedlings to collapse and eventually die. Rhizoctonia solani was isolated consistently from symptomatic plants. After morphological and molecular identification of the isolates, pathogenicity was tested by placing agar plugs of four isolates adjacent to the stem at the three or four true leaf stage. In inoculated plants, brown crown and stem necrosis occurred while control plants did not show disease symptoms. Pathogenicity using non-germinated seeds was also tested. All four isolates produced extensive damping off when inoculated on non-germinated seeds. To our knowledge, this is the first report of damping off of Swiss chard caused by R. solani in Europe.
Short communication. Collection and characterisation of a population of Triticum boeoticum Boiss., a wild wheat species not previously found in the Mediterranean western region
Authors: Ruiz M. , Fite R. , Novillo M. A. , Martinez Labarga J. M.
Published: November 2012

A population of wild wheat was collected in July 2010 in an abandoned area near Madrid, Spain. This zone possesses a high botanical biodiversity together to a particular type of soil termed “green clays”. A sample of wheat was collected, multiplied and characterised for several agro-morphological traits and glutenin subunits. The 2n chromosome number revealed that it was a diploid wheat species, and characterisation data indicated that the accession was Triticum boeoticum Boiss. This species probably arrived as a weed of the einkorn crop grown in the zone until at least the first half of s. XIX. The specific edaphic and climatic characteristics of the habitat and the fact that there were no references so far about this species in the Mediterranean western region make this acquisition very valuable for wheat improvement. The new accession is conserved at the National Plant Genetic Resources Centre and a herbarium sheet has been deposited in the Royal Botanic Garden in Madrid.
Comparative performance of six planter attachments in two residue management corn production systems
Authors: Dadi V. , Raoufat M. H.
Published: November 2012

Field performance of six combinations of planter attachments on a conventional row-crop planter in two residue management corn production systems was evaluated. The management systems consisted of baled-out residue plots worked by a single pass of disc harrow (RMS1) or untouched residue plots worked by a single pass of chisel plow followed by a disc harrow (RMS2); both systems were planted by a row crop planter with one out of six attachments. Results revealed that both systems fell within residue cover limits defined for conservation farming. The winged chisel furrow opener preceded by a row cleaner equipped with treader wheels (WCRT) arrangement removed appreciable amounts of residues on the row for both systems, but more residues were removed for RMS2 plots. The WCRT pushed almost double amount of residue aside. In spite of higher initial residue in RMS2, chisel plowing and subsequent disc harrowing reduced more residues paving the way for planting in a more seeding depth. Higher percentage of emergence rate index was noticed for RMS2 plots. For both systems, the WCRT and chisel furrow opener preceded by a row cleaner (CR) showed the maximum and minimum quality of feed index, respectively. However this index was higher for RMS2 plots. The WCRT and CR arrangements had the minimum and the maximum multiple index values, respectively. However this index decreased significantly in RMS2 plots compared to RMS1 plots. The RMS2 treatments showed lower values of precision index, which is favorable. The results suggest that adoption of WCRT to planters in soil prepared under RMS2 is useful for a satisfactory conservation crop production system.
Characterization of the rescued “Voghera” sweet pepper landrace grown in northern Italy
Authors: Cavagna P. , Camerini G. , Fibiani M. , Andreani L. , Cella R. , Concia L. , Lo Scalzo R.
Published: November 2012

A traditional Italian sweet pepper landrace, ‘Peperone di Voghera’, which faced the risk of extinction, was analyzed for its genetic, phenological, morphological, agronomic and biochemical traits. An extant population was compared with cultivars ‘Quadrato d’Asti’, ‘Cuneo’, and ‘Giallo d’Asti’, cultivated in the same area, in order to evaluate the chance of the landrace recovery. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis demonstrated that Voghera landrace is distinct with respect to reference cultivars, thus excluding extensive genetic contamination and providing a molecular basis of both phenological and biochemical differences. Leaf chlorophyll content is lower, fruits start ripening earlier than controls, and yield (1100-1300 g plant-1) does not significantly differ. Sensitivity to root pathogens, the main factor that led to the decline in the past, does not seem to compromise the future chance of recovery. Vitamin C concentration is high (200-240 mg/100 g) and preserved by cold storage; more than 25% of vitamin C is also kept in pickled fruits. ‘Voghera’ landrace has nutritional and gastronomic properties that can be appreciated by consumers. The high internal genetic variability shown by AFLP analysis indicates that future selection work is necessary to fully maintain the original traits of the landrace and to improve it.
How can specific market demand for non-GM maize affect the profitability of Bt and conventional maize? A case study for the middle Ebro Valley, Spain
Authors: Riesgo L. , Areal F. J. , Rodríguez-Cerezo E.
Published: November 2012

This article analyses the consequences that a specific new market for non-GM (genetically modified) compound feed would have on the relative profitability of Bt and conventional maize in the middle Ebro Valley (Spain). The study uses information obtained through a survey amongst maize farmers for the year 2009. This paper evaluates the current profitability of Bt maize relative to the profitability of conventional maize showing that at present the probability of Bt maize being more profitable than conventional maize is 100%, mainly due the significantly higher yields of Bt maize. In addition the future of Bt maize is analysed in the event that a specific demand for non-GM maize for feed emerges. Simulations of price premium for conventional maize and their impact on the profitability of Bt maize in the region are described. To reduce to 50% the probability of Bt maize being more profitable than conventional maize a price premium of € 17 ton-1 for non-GM maize would be necessary.
Estimating soil wetting patterns for drip irrigation using genetic programming
Authors: Samadianfard S. , Sadraddini A. A. , Nazemi A. H. , Provenzano G. , Kisi O.
Published: November 2012

Drip irrigation is considered as one of the most efficient irrigation systems. Knowledge of the soil wetted perimeter arising from infiltration of water from drippers is important in the design and management of efficient irrigation systems. To this aim, numerical models can represent a powerful tool to analyze the evolution of the wetting pattern during irrigation, in order to explore drip irrigation management strategies, to set up the duration of irrigation, and finally to optimize water use efficiency. This paper examines the potential of genetic programming (GP) in simulating wetting patterns of drip irrigation. First by considering 12 different soil textures of USDA–SCS soil texture triangle, different emitter discharge and duration of irrigation, soil wetting patterns have been simulated by using HYDRUS 2D software. Then using the calculated values of depth and radius of wetting pattern as target outputs, two different GP models have been considered. Finally, the capability of GP for simulating wetting patterns was analyzed using some values of data set that were not used in training. Results showed that the GP method had good agreement with results of HYDRUS 2D software in the case of considering full set of operators with R2 of 0.99 and 0.99 and root mean squared error of 2.88 and 4.94 in estimation of radius and depth of wetting patterns, respectively. Also, field experimental results in a sandy loam soil with emitter discharge of 4 L h-1 showed reasonable agreement with GP results. As a conclusion, the results of the study demonstrate the usefulness of the GP method for estimating wetting patterns of drip irrigation.
Two New Stilbenoids from Cajanus cajan
Authors: Zhang Nen-Ling , Zhu Yue-Hui , Huang Ri-Ming , Fu Man-Qin , Su Zhi-Wei , Cai Jia-Zhong , Hu Ying-Jie , Qiu Sheng-Xiang
Published: November 2012

Two new stilbenoids cajanotone and cajanamide A (1-2), together with another six known ones (3- 8) and four known dihydroflavones (9-12), have been isolated from the leaves of Cajanus cajan. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic studies. A possible pathway to the new compounds 1 and 2 has been proposed. In vitro cytotoxicities of selected compounds against cancer cell lines HepG2, MCF-7 and A549 have been evaluated. Compounds 7 and 8 show strong cytotoxity against all the tested cell lines (with IC50 values in the range of 3.5 - 6.0 μM), and compounds 1 and 3 showed strong to moderate activity against the three cell lines.
Two Cases of Cokeromyces recurvatus in Liquid-Based Papanicolaou Tests and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Odronic Shelley I. , Scheidemantel Thomas , Tuohy Marion J. , Chute Deborah , Procop Gary W. , Booth Christine N.
Published: November 2012

We present 2 cases of Cokeromyces recurvatus in routine, liquid-based Papanicolaou tests (ThinPrep). Patient 1 is a healthy, asymptomatic, 26-year-old woman with no pertinent past medical history. Patient 2 is a healthy, asymptomatic, 47-year-old woman with no pertinent past medical history. The Papanicolaou tests from both patients showed many fungal-like elements as globose, yeastlike forms measuring 10 to 30 µm in diameter with multiple, narrowly attached apparent “daughter” buds. This morphology was consistent with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. However, broad-range fungal polymerase chain reaction and deoxyribonucleic acid sequence analysis performed with GenBank Basic Local Alignment Search Tool showed an exact match for C recurvatus. Our cases highlight the importance of molecular techniques to prevent misdiagnosis of C recurvatus as P brasiliensis, based on morphology alone. There have been 8 previously published cases of C recurvatus infection in humans, 3 of which were reported in the female genital tract.
Antisense Molecular Therapy in Cerebral Gliomas
Authors: Maria Caffo  , Maria Angela Pino  , Gerardo Caruso  , Francesco Tomasello
Published: November 2012

Despite innovative therapeutic strategies, the expectative of life in patients affected by cerebral gliomas remain dismal. Malignant gliomas represent a class of infiltrative and aggressive neoplasms that are generally resistant to multimodal approach. The efficacy of classical anti-cancer strategies is seriously limited by lack of specific therapies against malignant cells.Glial tumors seem to be able to create a favorable environment for the invasion of glioma cells in cerebral parenchyma when they combine with the extracellular matrix via cell surface receptors. Recent advances in molecular and tumor biology have lead to a new class of modern antitumoral agents. Antisense oligonucleotides are synthetic stretches of DNA which hybridize with specific mRNA strands. The specificity of hybridization makes antisense method an interesting strategy to selectively modulate the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis. In this review, molecular targets, clinical and experimental studies about the use of antisense oligonucleotides in cerebral gliomas treatment are reported.
How Volatile is ENSO for Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Global Economy?
Authors: Chu Lan-Fen , McAleer Michael , Chen Chi-Chung
Published: November 2012

Abstract: This paper analyzes two indexes in order to capture the volatility inherent in El Niños Southern Oscillations (ENSO), develops the relationship between the strength of ENSO and greenhouse gas emissions, which increase as the economy grows, with carbon dioxide being the major greenhouse gas, and examines how these gases affect the frequency and strength of El Niño on the global economy. The empirical results show that both the ARMA(1,1)-GARCH(1,1) and ARMA(3,2)-GJR(1,1) models are suitable for modelling ENSO volatility accurately, and that 1998 is a turning point, which indicates that the ENSO strength has increased since 1998. Moreover, the increasing ENSO strength is due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The ENSO strengths for Sea Surface Temperature (SST) are predicted for the year 2030 to increase from 29.62% to 81.5% if global CO2 emissions increase by 40% to 110%, respectively. This indicates that we will be faced with even stronger El NiÃ±o or La Niña effects in the future if global greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase unabated.
Organizational Communication Practices of a Multinational Company
Authors: Jaradat Yazan M. , Sy Maria Victoria U.
Published: November 2012

Abstract - The modern business landscape can be characterized as complex, dynamic and evolving. Successful companies in their respective industries, are able to adapt internally to their external environment with the help of an effective organizational communication framework. The implementation of such mechanism is a tangible tool organizations can use in order to gain competitive advantage in this new era of constant innovation and reinvention of products and services. This study examines the effectiveness of the organizational communication practices of a multinational corporation and how the various components of the firm benefit significantly from the utilization of effective organizational practices. The organizational communication practices are clustered as: source of information, preferred mode of communication and delivery of information. The quantitative method of research specifically the descriptive normative survey was used. A researcher made questionnaire validated by a panel of experts was utilized as the primary source of information. Unstructured interviews were likewise conducted to support the data generated from the survey instruments. The findings revealed that the organizational communication practices of the company were generally viewed to be effective in cultivating an environment of mutual respect and high productivity. However, there were certain aspects of the said practices that needed to be reinforced so as to improve goodwill among the employees leading to excellent organizational performance. Keywords - Organizational Communication, Source of Information, Mode of Communication, Delivery of Information, multinational company, communication practices, excellent organizational performance.
How Much Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Is Enough? Should Chiropractic Colleges Focus on Efficacy Training in Screening for Family Violence?
Authors: Terre Lisa , Globe Gary , Pfefer Mark T.
Published: November 2012

Introduction: Although family violence has been identified as a major public health issue, it has received little attention in the chiropractic literature. Accordingly, this article provides a conceptual overview on family violence, discusses the role of chiropractors in its detection, and raises several issues germane to chiropractic education that deserve further attention in future chiropractic publications. Methods: A selective review of the empirical literature on family violence was conducted with a focus on issues relevant to chiropractic training and professional identity. Results: Extrapolating from the research, several models for medical training and continuing education have been proposed that emphasize a multidisciplinary, developmental approach to infusing knowledge, skill building, and mentored practice experiences into professional education experiences. Conclusion: As chiropractors become more mainstream portal-of-entry providers, there is a clear need to translate the didactics of family violence into the clinical setting. Clinical education may provide students the opportunity to master basic competencies for managing challenging family violence problems. The clinical environment may be appropriate for inculcating skills commensurate with those of other primary care providers. Yet, the extent to which training priorities and approaches extrapolated from other health care disciplines should be accepted wholesale by the chiropractic profession merits further discussion, including issues around the professional identity of chiropractic, the impact of accreditation standards and practice guidelines on actual professional practice behaviors, and the possible limits and unintended consequences associated with expanding the traditional chiropractic scope of practice from a specialty to a primary care profession.
Towards a 21st Century Paradigm of Chiropractic: Stage 1, Redesigning Clinical Learning
Authors: Ebrall Phillip , Draper Barry , Repka Adrian
Published: November 2012

Objective: To describe a formal process designed to determine the nature and extent of change that may enhance the depth of student learning in the pre-professional, clinical chiropractic environment. Methods: Project teams in the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) School of Health Sciences and the Division of Chiropractic explored questions of clinical assessment in several health care disciplines of the School and the issue of implementing change in a manner that would be embraced by the clinicians who supervise student-learning in the clinical environment. The teams applied to RMIT for grant funding within the Learning and Teaching Investment Fund to support two proposed studies. Results: Both research proposals were fully funded and are in process. Discussion: The genesis of this work is the discovery that the predominant management plan in the chiropractic teaching clinics is based on diagnostic reductionism. It is felt this is counter-productive to the holistic dimensions of chiropractic practice taught in the classroom and non-supportive of chiropractic's paradigm shift towards wellness. A need is seen to improve processes around student assessment in the contemporary work-integrated learning that is a prime element of learning within the clinical disciplines of the School of Health Sciences, including chiropractic. Conclusion: Any improvements in the manner of clinical assessment within the chiropractic discipline will need to be accompanied by improvement in the training and development of the clinicians responsible for managing the provision of quality patient care by Registered Chiropractic Students.
Horizontal Integration of the Basic Sciences in the Chiropractic Curriculum
Authors: Ward Kevin P.
Published: November 2012

Basic science curricula at most chiropractic colleges consist of courses (eg, general anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, etc) that are taught as stand-alone content domains. The lack of integration between basic science disciplines causes difficulties for students who need to understand how the parts function together as an integrated whole and apply this understanding to solving clinical problems. More horizontally integrated basic science curricula could be achieved by several means: integrated Part I National Board of Chiropractic Examiners questions, a broader education for future professors, an increased emphasis on integration within the current model, linked courses, and an integrated, thematic basic science curriculum. Horizontally integrating basic science curricula would require significant efforts from administrators, curriculum committees, and instructional faculty. Once in place this curriculum would promote more clinically relevant learning, improved learning outcomes, and superior vertical integration.
Differences in Learning and Study Strategies Inventory Scores Between Chiropractic Students With Lower and Higher Grade Point Averages*
Authors: Schutz Christine M. , Gallagher Megan L. , Tepe Rodger E.
Published: November 2012

Purpose: This pilot study was designed to investigate the relationship between chiropractic students' learning and study strategies and academic performance. Differences in strategic learning between chiropractic students with higher grade points averages (GPAs) and those with lower GPAs have not been previously reported. Methods: Fifty-seven consenting first-trimester chiropractic students self-administered the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI). Differences between high and low GPA groups were evaluated for 10 subtests and three factors using independent samples t -tests. Results: The high GPA group scored significantly higher (p < .05) on LASSI subtests Anxiety, Attitude, Concentration, Motivation, Test Strategies, and Selecting Main Ideas, and on factors Effort-Related Activities and Goal Orientation. No differences between groups were found for subtests Information Processing, Self-Testing, Study Aids, and Time Management or for the Cognitive Activities factor. Conclusions: The results of this study show that differences in LASSI subtest and factor scores are associated with academic performance. For the participants studied, motivational and affective aspects of strategic learning contributed to higher academic performance, whereas cognitive strategies did not. Higher performing students utilized Effort-Related and Goal Orientation learning strategies at significantly higher levels than lower performing students. The LASSI may be useful in identifying students who could benefit from learning and study skills development. Longitudinal study is recommended to investigate the effects of students' learning and study strategies on different academic content domains as well as the effects of strategic study and learning skills training on academic performance.
Perception of Educational Environment Among Undergraduate Students in a Chiropractic Training Institution
Authors: Palmgren Per J. , Chandratilake Madawa
Published: November 2012

Purpose: The impact of the educational environment in student learning is well documented. However, there is a scarcity in the literature exploring the educational environment in chiropractic training institutions. This study aimed to identify the perceived educational environment in a chiropractic training institution and the possible perceptual differences among different demographic groups. Methods: The perceived educational environment was surveyed using Dundee Ready Education Environment (DREEM), which is a validated, self-administered, and Likert-type inventory. DREEM items focus on subdomains related to learning, teachers, self-confidence, academic atmosphere, and social environment. The results were analyzed and interpreted in relation to standard norms of DREEM and demographic variables. Results: The survey was completed by 124 chiropractic undergraduate students (response rate 83%). Statistically, the inventory items showed high correlation and the subdomains showed a close relationship. Overall the DREEM score was very high: 156.1/200 (78%). The subdomain scores were also at very high levels. However, the scoring of four items by students was consistently poor: lack of a support system for stressed students, 1.8 (SD 1.1); authoritarian teachers, 1.8 (SD 1.2); inadequate school time-tabling, 2.0 (SD 1.1); and overemphasis on factual learning, 2.0 (SD 1.0). There were no statistically significant differences in DREEM scores between gender, age, minority, and ethnicity groups. Conclusions: In general, students perceived that a sound educational environment is fostered by the institution and its educational program for all students despite their demographic variations. However, certain specific elements of the educational process may need to be addressed to improve the educational experience.
A Comparative Analysis of Sonographic Interpretation of Peripheral Nerves in the Anterior Compartment of the Forearm Between an Experienced and Novice Interpreter
Authors: Hung Laurie Y. , Lucaciu Octavian C. , Soave David M.
Published: November 2012

Purpose: This article describes a pilot study that compares the ability of a novice interpreter and an experienced interpreter to interpret ultrasound images of peripheral nerves in the anterior compartment of the forearm. Methods: Twenty subjects between 18 and 50 years of age were included. A student was taken through tutorials in which she was guided through identification of the peripheral nerves of the anterior forearm. After the tutorials, the experienced interpreter traced the subjects' ulnar nerve and artery neurovascular bundle proximally in the anterior compartment of the forearm until just before it separated into the artery and nerve. Here the distance between the median and ulnar nerve was measured by the investigators. The Bland and Altman design and paired t tests were used to compare the agreement between the results of the two investigators. Results: The Bland and Altman analysis reveals that the difference between two sets of measurements (experienced investigator vs. student) is calculated to be 0.08 mm ± 0.22 mm for the left arm and 0.16 mm ± 0.43 mm for the right arm. A paired t test revealed that there is no significant difference in the measurements obtained by the two investigators (left arm: p = .12; right arm: p = .10). These results suggest that the measurements of the two investigators may be interchangeable. Conclusions: This pilot study shows that after tutorials combining dissection and sonographic interpretation, the ability of a novice interpreter to identify ultrasonographic images of peripheral nerves in the anterior compartment of the forearm is comparable to that of an experienced interpreter.
Evidence-Based Chiropractic Education: Are We Equipping Graduates for Clinical Practice with Improved Patient Outcomes?
Authors: Shreeve Michael W.
Published: November 2012

Evidence-based practice has emerged as a driving factor in current curriculum development in chiropractic education. This commentary discusses educational strategies incorporating evidence-based practices in the doctor of chiropractic curriculum and explores whether all five steps of the evidence-based process and patient outcomes from evidence-based practice are being assessed.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Cultural Competence of Chiropractic Students in a Public Health Course
Authors: Khauv Kim B. , Alcantara Joel
Published: November 2012

Purpose: Diverse communities require chiropractors to be culturally competent to serve diverse populations. The purpose of this analysis is to describe the effect on knowledge and confidence to serve diverse populations following 6 hours of cultural competency training. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental one-group design, a paired t-test using a 40-item questionnaire to assess knowledge and a 15-item questionnaire to rate confidence was used for the stated purpose. Results: A total of 45 students completed the 40-item questionnaire and 48 students completed the 15-item questionnaire. Analyses showed significant increases from pre-to post-training (Δ score = 21.34%; p < 0.001) in knowledge to serve diverse populations; but in confidence no significant change was found (Δ score = 0.24; p = 0.26). However, when accounting for sex differences, female students showed a significant increase in confidence with 7 of the 15 items at p < 0.05, while male students did not achieve signifi-cant changes in any of these items. Conclusions: The knowledge of chiropractic students increased significantly following a course in cultural competence. Their confidence to serve diverse populations, however, did not change significantly. Further examination of the data revealed that baseline measures on confidence may be relatively high. Further study is required to determine the covariates of successful training in cultural competency.
Cognitive Load Theory: New Directions and Challenges
Authors: Ayres Paul , Paas Fred
Published: November 2012

This special issue on cognitive load theory is a collection of eight papers that report either on contemporary challenges to the theory that may lead to new research directions or on new research directions that pose new challenges to the theory. The contemporary challenges relate to the timing and frequency of cognitive load measurement, the design of instructional animations, and the use of eye tracking to uncover learners' cognitive processes. The new research directions relate to fostering learning by directing novices to use primary knowledge, instructing novices to self‐manage their cognitive load, and considering learners' affective responses to different configurations of simple and complex tasks. We hope that the findings of these studies will instigate other researchers to pursue new research directions and meet its challenges. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for revision of primary total hip replacement: Results from a national case–control study
Authors: Wright Elizabeth A. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Baron John A. , Wright R. John , Malchau Henrik , Mahomed Nizar , Prokopetz Julian J. Z. , Losina Elena
Published: November 2012

Objective

To study the risk factors for revision of primary total hip replacement (THR) in a US population‐based sample.

Methods

Using Medicare claims, we identified beneficiaries from 29 US states who underwent primary THR between July 1, 1995 and June 30, 1996, with followup through December 31, 2008. Potential cases had International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes indicating a revision THR. Each case was matched by state with 1 control THR recipient who was alive and unrevised when the case had a revision THR. We abstracted hospital records to document potential risk factors. We examined the associations between preoperative factors and revision risk using multivariate conditional logistic regression.

Results

The analysis data set contained 719 of 836 case–control pairs with complete data for analysis variables. The factors associated with higher revision odds in multivariate models were age ≤75 years at primary surgery (odds ratio [OR] 1.52 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.20–1.92]), height in the highest tertile (OR 1.40 [95% CI 1.06–1.85]), weight in the highest tertile (OR 1.66 [95% CI 1.24–2.22]), cemented femoral component (OR 1.44 [95% CI 1.10–1.87]), prior contralateral primary THR (OR 1.36 [95% CI 1.05–1.76]), other prior orthopedic surgery (OR 1.45 [95% CI 1.13–1.84]), and living with others (versus alone; OR 1.26 [95% CI 0.99–1.61]).

Conclusion

This first US population‐based case–control study of risk factors for revision of primary THR showed that younger, taller, and heavier patients and those receiving a cemented femoral component had a greater likelihood of undergoing a revision THR over a 12‐year followup period. Effects of age and body size on revision risk should be addressed by clinicians with patients considering primary THR.
Directed Differentiation of Size‐Controlled Embryoid Bodies Towards Endothelial and Cardiac Lineages in RGD‐Modified Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Hydrogels
Authors: Schukur Lina , Zorlutuna Pinar , Cha Jae Min , Bae Hojae , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: November 2012

Recent advances in stem cell research have demonstrated the importance of microenvironmental cues in directing stem cell fate towards specific cell lineages. For instance, the size of the embryoid body (EB) was shown to play a role in stem cell differentiation. Other studies have used cell adhesive RGD peptides to direct stem cell fate towards endothelial cells. In this study, materials and cell‐based approaches are combined by using microwell arrays to produce size‐controlled EBs and encapsulating the resulting aggregates in high molecular weight PEG‐4 arm acrylate with and without conjugated RGD to study their effect on stem cell differentiation in a 3D microenvironment. Increasing EB size is observed along with a decrease in the total number of EBs in pristine PEG hydrogel, regardless of the initial EB size. In correlation with this aggregation, EBs in PEG show enhanced cardiogenic differentiation compared to RGD‐PEG hydrogel. Both aggregation and cardiogenic differentiation are significantly reduced when RGD peptides are introduced to the microenvironment, while endothelial cell differentiation is accelerated by 3 to 5 days, depending on the EB size, and doubled over the course of cell culture for both EB sizes. Presented results indicate that RGD sequence has a dominant effect in driving endothelial cell differentiation in size‐controlled EBs, while pristine multi‐arm, high molecular weight PEG can induce cardiogenic differentiation, possibly through EB aggregation. The photopatternable nature of the hydrogel used in this study enabled patterning of such domains devoid or abundant of cell attachment sequences. Therefore, these hydrogels can potentially be used for spatially patterned embryonic stem cell differentiation, which may be beneficial for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Redox Cycling for Passive Modification of Polypyrrole Surface Properties: Effects on Cell Adhesion and Proliferation
Authors: Sivaraman Kartik M. , Özkale Berna , Ergeneman Olgaç , Lühmann Tessa , Fortunato Giuseppino , Zeeshan Muhammad Arif , Nelson Bradley J. , Pané Salvador
Published: November 2012

The surface properties of electrodeposited poly(pyrrole) (Ppy) doped with sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate (NaDBS) are modified by two methods: addition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) during the electrodeposition and through redox cycling post electrodeposition. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to ascertain PEG incorporation and to analyze the change in the oxidation state of the polymer. Anodic cycling resulted in the formation of micrometer‐sized surface cracks which increased the amount of Rhodamine‐B dye adsorbed onto the surface, and played a role in decreasing the wettability of the surface. The change in surface wettability caused by these cracks was mitigated by the presence of PEG in the Ppy matrix. Compared to the incorporation of PEG, redox cycling was more effective in passively modulating the adhesion of NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells on the Ppy surface. Based on the attenuation of surface polarity of the Ppy surfaces by the incorporated PEG, a mechanism is proposed to explain the observed cell adhesion behavior.
Gradient‐Regulated Hydrogel for Interface Tissue Engineering: Steering Simultaneous Osteo/Chondrogenesis of Stem Cells on a Chip
Authors: Shi Xuetao , Zhou Jianhua , Zhao Yihua , Li Lei , Wu Hongkai
Published: November 2012

Injury to articular cartilage, especially the defects induced by degenerative diseases has presented insurmountable challenges. Elaborating a replacement of articular cartilage using biomimic tissue‐engineering strategies provides a promising remedy. However, none of the previous osteo/chondrogenic methodologies can not only simultaneously induce osteo/chondrogenesis of stem cells in one scaffolding niche, but also generate a biomimic interface between the formed osteogenic and chondrogenic zones. We report here an innovative method using biomicrofluidic techniques to simultaneously steer distinct specialized differentiation of stem cells into chondrocytes and osteoblasts in one hydrogel slab. Importantly, a gradient that mimics the interface of bone‐to‐cartilage was generated in the middle of the hydrogel slab. We compared this format with the conventional method for osteochondrogenesis; this format using the gradient‐generating microfluidic device indicated outstanding superiorities in stem cell culture and differentiation. Our findings will have a major impact on the design of versatile biomicrofluidic devices for interfacial tissue regeneration.
Conjugate Reduction of α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl and Carboxyl Compounds with Poly(methylhydrosiloxane) Catalyzed by a Silica‐Supported Compact Phosphane–Copper Complex
Authors: Kawamorita Soichiro , Yamazaki Kenji , Ohmiya Hirohisa , Iwai Tomohiro , Sawamura Masaya
Published: November 2012

A silica‐supported, cage‐type, compact phosphane (Silica‐SMAP) was used for the copper‐catalyzed conjugate reduction of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl and carboxyl compounds with poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS). The heterogeneous catalyst system showed high activity and chemoselectivity, and was easily separable from the reaction mixture after the reaction. Furthermore, the catalyst was reusable without loss of its high catalytic activity or selectivity.
Cross‐Coupling in Flow using Supported Catalysts: Mild, Clean, Efficient and Sustainable Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling in a Single Pass
Authors: de M. Muñoz Juan , Alcázar Jesús , de la Hoz Antonio , Díaz‐Ortiz Angel
Published: November 2012

A mild, clean, practical, sustainable and high yielding procedure for Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling in a single pass using a silica‐supported palladium catalyst is described. The catalyst can be used in more than 30 reactions and for more than 8 h of continuous processing without a decrease in reactivity due to the low leaching observed. Different halides/pseudo‐halides and organoboron compounds can be used without modifying the standard procedure.