bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protease Purified from Schizophyllum commune Culture Broth Digests Fibrins Without Activating Plasminogen
Authors: Lu Chung-Lun , Wang Jeng-Pang , Chen Shiu-Nan
Published: November 2010

Schizophyllum commune is a widely distributed mushroom used as an herbal medicine and an ingredient in healthy food. In this study, a protease from a fermented culture broth of S. commune demonstrated strong fibrinolytic and fibrinogenolytic activities. This fibrinolytic protease showed a suppression effect in blood coagulation in co-incubation with rat citrated blood through thromboelastographic analysis. The protease suppressed aggregation of fibrin (ogen), but not the platelets, in clotting formation and significantly decreased the clot strength. We also found very little potency in this protease to activate plasminogen, thus it exhibits the potential for an ideal fibrinolytic candidate for therapeutic applications in the future.
COLD COMPRESSED BARYONIC MATTER WITH HIDDEN LOCAL SYMMETRY AND HOLOGRAPHY
Authors: RHO MANNQUE
Published: November 2010

I describe a novel phase structure of cold dense baryonic matter predicted in a hidden local symmetry approach anchored on gauge theory and in a holographic dual approach based on the Sakai-Sugimoto model of string theory. This new phase is populated with baryons with half-instanton quantum number in the gravity sector which is dual to half-skyrmion in gauge sector in which chiral symmetry is restored while light-quark hadrons are in the color-confined phase. It is suggested that such a phase that aries at a density above that of normal nuclear matter and below or at the chiral restoration point can have a drastic influence on the properties of hadrons at high density, in particular on short-distance interactions between nucleons, e.g., multi-body forces at short distance and hadrons – in particular kaons – propagating in a dense medium. Potentially important consequences on the structure of compact stars will be predicted.
HIGGSINOLESS SUPERSYMMETRY AND HIDDEN GRAVITY
Authors: GRAESSER MICHAEL L. , KITANO RYUICHIRO , KURACHI MASAFUMI
Published: November 2010

We present a simple formulation of non-linear supersymmetry where superfields and partnerless fields can coexist. Using this formalism, we propose a supersymmetric Standard Model without the Higgsino as an effective model for the TeV-scale supersymmetry breaking scenario. We also consider an application of the Hidden Local Symmetry in non-linear supersymmetry, where we can naturally incorporate a spin-two resonance into the theory in a manifestly supersymmetric way. Possible signatures at the LHC experiments are discussed.
Carboranylporphyrazines for anti-cancer therapies: synthesis and physicochemical properties
Authors: Pietrangeli Daniela , Ristori Sandra , Rosa Angela , Ricciardi Giampaolo
Published: November 2010

The synthesis, the salient physicochemical properties, and liposome insertion of carboranyl-alkylthio-porphyrazines, a new family of potential BNCT agents, are here reviewed together with recent progresses in their metalation and conversion in the water-soluble counterparts.
Tetrakis-(isopropoxy-carbonyl)-copper-phthalocyanine thin films: deposition, characterization and application
Authors: Giancane Gabriele , Ingrosso Chiara , Curri M. Lucia , Agostiano Angela , Valli Ludovico
Published: November 2010

Thin films of pure tetrakis-(isopropoxy-carbonyl)-copper-phthalocyanine (TIPCuPc) , a novel functionalized phthalocyanine, and its hybrid junctions with colloidal rod-like TiO2 nanocrystals (NCs) were deposited in order to elucidate their properties and application in piezoelectric chemical sensors. The strong tendency of the phthalocyanine to assembly was confirmed at the air/water interface by advanced Brewster Angle Microscopy (BAM) and UV-vis reflection spectroscopy techniques. In particular, H-type aggregates, in situ and at the air/water interface, self-associate in aligned 3D bulky domains. The characteristics of the molecule and of the assemblies were studied in the solid state by means of UV-vis spectroscopy, Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). These studies prompted investigation of the operating conditions to process the bare TIPCuPc and related TiO2 NC-based hybrid junctions as sensing active layers for phenol pollutants integrated in a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM). Interestingly, the preferentially oriented phthalocyanine LB-film undergoes chemical interactions with the NC film, which enhances the sensitivity of the QCM sensor.
Integrated approach to geomodelling and dynamic simulation in a complex mixed siliciclastic–carbonate reservoir, N'Kossa field, Offshore Congo
Authors: Wonham J. P. , Cyrot M. , Nguyen T. , Louhouamou J. , Ruau O.
Published: November 2010

The Lower Sendji Carbonate (Albian age) of the N'Kossa field is a mixed siliciclastic–carbonate reservoir exhibiting very heterogeneous reservoir properties and the development of extensive vertical flow permeability barriers. The reservoir is a succession of interstratified dolomite, limestone, sandstone and shale lithologies of sabkha, tidal flat and lagoonal origin. Early, synsedimentary dolomite cements are extensively developed, particularly over local palaeohighs.

Challenges to hydrocarbon production include: (1) the vertical variability of reservoir properties; (2) the presence of many, laterally extensive vertical flow barriers; and (3) variable connectivity between fault-bounded compartments. This complexity was underestimated at the appraisal stage, the initial development plan calling for a relatively simple scheme of pressure support to the critical reservoir fluid via injection into the gas cap and the water leg. This decision was supported by the identification of a single hydrocarbon column (>400 m thick) over the entire structure which suggested a lack of vertical compartmentalization.

Recent studies, which include a geological synthesis of more than forty wells and a dynamic data synthesis to determine the production mechanism and identify key heterogeneities, show a lack of pressure support to the oil leg from both water and gas injector wells. Today, integration of static and dynamic data together with an improved geological understanding of the stratigraphic control on vertical flow barriers and mapping of high permeability sandstone layers is the key to identifying unswept zones of the field and future infill drilling targets.
Prediction of stratigraphic compartmentalization in marginal marine reservoirs
Authors: Ainsworth R. B.
Published: November 2010

Marginal marine depositional systems exhibit stratigraphic reservoir compartmentalization potential at three hierarchical scales. At each of these scales, stratigraphic compartmentalization potential can be related to the dominant depositional processes and accommodation:coarse sediment supply ratio (A/S) that are acting at the time of deposition. All three orders of compartmentalization potential must be considered in order to define optimal field development plans and completion strategies. The lowest order of compartmentalization is usually at the inter-parasequence scale. The parasequence is represented by a conformable succession of strata separated by marine flooding surfaces and as such it generally defines the basic flow unit in marginal marine systems. In systems tracts associated with relatively high A/S ratios, for example late Lowstand, Transgressive and early Highstand (steeply rising shoreline trajectories), vertical compartmentalization potential is relatively high because of the enhanced preservation potential of flooding surface shales under these conditions. In systems tracts associated with relatively low A/S ratios, for example late Highstand, Falling-stage and early Lowstand (flat, slightly rising and falling shoreline trajectories), vertical compartmentalization potential of parasequences is reduced because the potential for erosion of flooding surface shales by overlying deposits is high and hence potential for vertical sand–sand contact between parasequences is enhanced. The second level of compartmentalization hierarchy is the inter sand-body scale. Individual sand bodies are defined within parasequences. The lateral connectivity of these sand bodies is a product of the dominant depositional processes active at the time of their deposition (wave, tidal, fluvial). Wave-dominated systems tend to produce more laterally continuous sand bodies, fluvial-dominated systems more laterally restricted sand bodies and tide-dominated systems both laterally continuous and laterally restricted sand bodies. Vertical compartmentalization potential of these reservoir sand bodies is related to A/S regime. In high A/S regimes, sand bodies are more likely to be disconnected or compartmentalized. In low A/S regimes, erosional amalgamation of sand bodies is more likely thereby leading to lower compartmentalization potential. The third order of potential stratigraphic compartmentalization is the intra sand-body scale. This scale is represented by intra sand-body heterogeneities such as dipping or horizontal shales, carbonaceous-rich beds or laminae, shale abandonment plugs of channels and carbonate concretions. In high A/S regimes the preservation potential of these heterogeneities is relatively high leading to an enhanced potential for intra sand-body compartmentalization. Lower A/S regimes result in a greater likelihood of lateral and vertical erosion of these heterogeneities leading to a higher potential for reservoir connectivity.
Stratigraphic and structural connectivity
Authors: Hovadik J. M. , Larue D. K.
Published: November 2010

The connectivity of a reservoir to a well-bore represents a fundamental initial condition for drainage of an oil or gas field. The size of the static connected volume is a function of the stratigraphic and structural architecture of the reservoir. The most important stratigraphic factor affecting connectivity is a net-to-gross threshold which determines whether a reservoir is highly or poorly connected. Other stratigraphic factors affecting connectivity are those that impact the reservoir dimensionality (for example, compartmentalizing continuous mudstones or parallel channel deposits) and the size of geobodies relative to the total reservoir size. Structural compartmentalization may cause fault compartments that are too small in volume to support reservoir connectivity: as the size of the geobodies approaches compartment size, connectivity is typically less predictable. Static connected volumes alone do not predict flow performance, but are a component in predicting flow performance. To more completely address predictions of flow performance, dynamic connectivity is sometimes considered. However, dynamic connectivity, which is dependent on fluid type, permeability heterogeneity, time and other factors, confuses connectivity with tortuosity and sweep- and displacement-efficiency and is probably best avoided. Finally a connectivity flow diagram is proposed as a guide to help formulate key questions concerning uncertain reservoir parameters affecting reservoir connectivity.
Integration of time-lapse geochemistry with well logging and seismic to monitor dynamic reservoir fluid communication: Auger field case-study, deep water Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Chuparova E. , Kratochvil T. , Kleingeld J. , Bilinski P. , Guillory C. , Bikun J. , Djojosoeparto R.
Published: November 2010

The present study illustrates the multi-disciplinary integration of time-lapse geochemistry with 4D seismic, production logging and pressure history analysis in the Auger Blue reservoirs. The integrated approach enables identification of dynamic fluid reservoir communication occurring after six years of primary production between an oil (Lower Blue O2) and a gas reservoir (Blue O Massive) indicated by pressure data as separate at static conditions, and points to cross-fault leakage with possible stratigraphic communication as the likely mechanism(s) by which dynamic fluid reservoir communication has occurred.

The time-lapse geochemistry study was performed utilizing fluid samples collected during a period of over eight years of primary production. The results present evidence for gradual mixing of Lower Blue O2 oil with the condensates of the Blue O Massive reservoir. Time-lapse geochemistry results also pinpointed the timing when dynamic reservoir communication started to occur, with an initial mixing detected as early as six years after the start of production. Statistical evaluation of the geochemistry results showed the contribution of the oil to the gas condensate reservoir to significantly increase from 14–23% to 60–63% within a year from when mixing was initially detected. The results of the study assisted in implementing an improved field development strategy to increase production.
Distribution Patterns of Grasshoppers and Their Kin in the Boreal Zone
Authors: Sergeev Michael G.
Published: November 2010

The distribution patterns of Orthoptera are described for the boreal zone. The boreal fauna of Eurasia includes more than 81 species. Many of them are widely distributed. The monotypic genusParacyphoderrisStorozhenko and at least 13 species are endemics or subendemics. About 50 species are known from boreal North America. Four endemic species are distributed very locally. Relationships between the faunas of the Eurasian and North American parts of the boreal zone are relatively weak. The boreal assemblages are usually characterized by the low levels of species diversity and abundance. Grasshoppers and their relatives occupy almost exclusively open habitats, such as different types of meadows, mountain steppes and tundras, clearings, openings, bogs, and stony flood plains. The local endemics and subendemics are found only in some habitats of the eastern part of Eurasia and the north-western part of North America. Retrospective and prospective of the boreal fauna of Orthoptera are also discussed.
The Affective Dimensions of Mathematical Difficulties in Schoolchildren
Authors: Lebens Morena , Graff Martin , Mayer Peter
Published: November 2010

Mathematical difficulties (MDs) are frequently characterised by cognitive deficits such as ineffective problem solving strategies and a lack of computational fluency. The established literature indicates that mathematical achievement is not only a function of cognitive factors but it also points to the importance of affective factors for the development of mathematical achievement. In the light of this evidence, the exploration of children's affective responses towards mathematics becomes a central issue. Whereas previous studies tended to research affective motivational constructs such as self-efficacy in isolation from other related constructs, the literature suffers from a shortage of research on the relationship between different affective motivational variables and their impact on mathematical achievement in different age and achievement bands. The present paper aims to address this aim by employing a newly developed instrument to measure affective motivational variables. Overall, the present findings support the assumption that children of average ability are less influenced by affective factors than children with mathematical difficulties.
Cost-Effectiveness of Colorectal Cancer Screening in High-Risk Spanish Patients: Use of a Validated Model to Inform Public Policy
Authors: Ladabaum Uri , Ferrandez Angel , Lanas Angel
Published: November 2010

Background: The European Community has made a commitment to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, but regional considerations may affect the design of national screening programs. We developed a decision analytic model tailored to a pilot screening program for high-risk persons in Spain with the aim of informing public policy decisions.

Materials and Methods: We constructed a decision analytic Markov model based on our validated model of CRC screening that reflected CRC epidemiology and costs in persons with first-degree relatives with CRC in Aragón, Spain, and superimposed colonoscopy every 5 or 10 years from ages 40 to 80 years. The pilot program's preliminary clinical results and our modeling results were presented to regional health authorities.

Results: In the model, without screening, 88 CRC cases occurred per 1,000 persons from age 40 to 85 years. In the base case, screening reduced this by 72% to 77% and gained 0.12 discounted life years per person. Screening every 10 years was cost saving, and screening every 5 years versus every 10 years cost 7,250 euros per life year gained. Based on these savings, 36 to 39 euros per person per year could go toward operating costs while maintaining a neutral budget. If screening costs doubled, screening remained highly cost-effective but no longer cost saving. These results contributed to the health authorities' decision to expand the pilot program to the entire region in 2009.

Conclusions: Colonoscopic screening of first-degree relatives of persons with CRC may be cost saving in public systems like that of Spain. Decision analytic modeling tailored to regional considerations can inform public policy decisions.

Impact: Tailored decision analytic modeling can inform regional policy decisions on cancer screening. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(11); 2765–76. ©2010 AACR.
Interaction of Area-Level Socioeconomic Status and UV Radiation on Melanoma Occurrence in California
Authors: Clarke Christina A. , Moy Lisa M. , Swetter Susan M. , Zadnick John , Cockburn Myles G.
Published: November 2010

Background: Melanoma incidence has been correlated strongly and positively with both socioeconomic status (SES) and lower latitude and other measures of ambient UV radiation (UVR). However, because high-SES populations may be colocated in areas of high UVR, we assessed their joint influences on melanoma occurrence to better target subpopulations for melanoma education and screening.

Methods: We obtained from the California Cancer Registry information regarding 23,564 incident cases of invasive cutaneous melanoma among non-Hispanic white residents between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2002. We geocoded each case based on residence at diagnosis and linked previously tested neighborhood measures of SES and average annual UVR to calculate age-adjusted incidence rates, rate ratios, and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Poisson regression was used to calculate multivariately adjusted rate ratios.

Results: UVR was significantly and positively associated with melanoma incidence only among persons living in the top 40% of California neighborhoods ranked by SES. People in neighborhoods of the highest SES and UVR categories had 60% higher rates of melanoma than those from neighborhoods in the lowest categories (rate ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.51).

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that UVR and SES interact to influence melanoma occurrence and suggest that socioeconomic gradients in melanoma incidence are not explained entirely by UVR.

Impact: Cancer prevention and early detection educational efforts should be targeted to high-SES groups in areas of high UVR exposure. Contextual measures of both SES and UVR should be considered important determinants of melanoma occurrence in future studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(11); 2727–33. ©2010 AACR.
Is Discussion of Colorectal Cancer Screening Options Associated with Heightened Patient Confusion?
Authors: Jones Resa M. , Vernon Sally W. , Woolf Steven H.
Published: November 2010

Background: Clinical guidelines recommend offering patients options for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, but the modalities vary by frequency, accuracy, preparations, discomfort, and cost, which may cause confusion and reduce screening rates. We examined whether patients reported confusion about the options and whether confusion was associated with socio-demographic characteristics, number of options discussed, and adherence.

Methods: Patients ages 50 to 75 years who had visited a clinician within 2 years were randomly selected for a cross-sectional study (n = 6,100). A questionnaire mailed in 2007 asked the following: whether a clinician had ever discussed CRC screening options; which of four recommended tests (i.e., fecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and barium enema) were presented; and whether the options were confusing. Analyses were restricted to respondents who reported discussing one or more screening options (n = 1,707). Weighted frequencies were calculated and multivariate logistic regression was done.

Results: The sample was 55.5% female, 15.6% African American, and 83.2% adherent to screening recommendations, and 56.0% had discussed two or more screening options. In adjusted analyses, nonadherent patients reported greater confusion than adherent patients (P < 0.01). Adults who discussed two or more options were 1.6 times more likely to be confused than those who discussed one option [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-2.26]. Patients who reported being confused were 1.8 times more likely to be nonadherent to screening than those who did not (95% CI, 1.14-2.75).

Conclusions: Our study provides the first empirical evidence linking multiple options with confusion and confusion with screening adherence.

Impact: Confusion may act as a barrier to screening and should be considered in public health messages and interventions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(11); 2821–5. ©2010 AACR.
The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor Gefitinib Prevents the Progression of Pancreatic Lesions to Carcinoma in a Conditional LSL-KrasG12D/+ Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Mohammed Altaf , Janakiram Naveena B. , Li Qian , Madka Venkateshwar , Ely Misty , Lightfoot Stan , Crawford Howard , Steele Vernon E. , Rao Chinthalapally V.
Published: November 2010

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common pancreatic malignancy with a dismal prognosis. Developing novel strategies to prevent or delay pancreatic cancer is currently of intense interest. The chemopreventive efficacy of gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, was evaluated against the progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms (PanIN) to PDAC in conditional LSL-KrasG12D/+ transgenic mice. LSL-KrasG12D/+ and p48Cre/+ mice were bred, and offspring of activated KrasG12D/+ were generated. Six-week-old male KrasG12D/+ (20 per group) and C57BL/6 wild-type (12 per group) mice were fed (AIN-76A) diets containing 0, 100, and 200 ppm of gefitinib for 35 weeks. At termination, pancreases were evaluated histopathologically for PanINs and PDAC, and various biomarkers were measured by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and/or reverse transcription-PCR. Dietary gefitinib at 100 and 200 ppm significantly suppressed PDAC incidence by 77% and 100%, respectively (P < 0.0001) when compared with control diet. Importantly, a significant inhibition of carcinoma and a dose-dependent suppression of PanINs [PanIN-1, 37-62% (P < 0.002); PanIN-2, 38-41 (P < 0.001); and PanIN-3, 7-34% (P < 0.0141)] were observed in mice treated with gefitinib. Furthermore, mice treated with 100 and 200 ppm of gefitinib exhibited 67.6% to 77.3% of the pancreas to be free from ductal lesions. Also, gefitinib reduced EGFR, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin D1, C2GNT, RhoA, β-catenin, p38, phospho-extracellular signal–regulated kinase, caveolin-1, and mucin and increased cyclin B1 in the pancreatic lesions/PDAC. In summary, these results show that gefitinib can prevent the progression of pancreatic cancer precursor lesions to PDAC in a preclinical model. The present study highlights the promise of chemoprevention and the potential usefulness of EGFR inhibitors in individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 3(11); 1417–26. ©2010 AACR.
Neonatal Experiences Differentially Influence Mammary Gland Morphology, Estrogen Receptor α Protein Levels, and Carcinogenesis in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Boyd Allison L. , Salleh Ayesha , Humber Brent , Yee Janet , Tomes Ladislav , Kerr Leslie R.
Published: November 2010

Prevention of breast cancer can be achieved with a better understanding of the factors contributing to normal breast development. Because the breast develops postnatally, alterations in the development and lifetime activity of the neuroendocrine system may set up an environment that increases cancer risk. The present study examined how two neonatal experiences over the first 3 weeks of life influence normal and malignant mammary gland development in female BALB/c mice. Following puberty, both brief (15 minutes) and prolonged (4 hours) daily maternal separations of newborn mice accelerated mammary gland development relative to nonseparated mice. Despite similar mammary gland morphologies between mice exposed to these two neonatal separation experiences, only mice exposed to prolonged maternal separation bouts showed a higher incidence and faster onset of mammary tumorigenesis following adulthood carcinogen [7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene] administration. Molecular analysis of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and p53, two proteins that have been implicated in breast cancer, revealed that for mice exposed to prolonged neonatal maternal separation bouts, mammary gland ERα protein levels were upregulated in a transcription-independent manner. On the other hand, p53 expression in mammary glands of adult mice was not differentially influenced by neonatal experiences. Our findings show that chronic, moderate psychosocial stress during the neonatal period increases the expression of ERα protein and promotes mammary tumorigenesis in adulthood. Cancer Prev Res; 3(11); 1398–408. ©2010 AACR.
The Cardioinhibitory Responses of the Right Posterior Insular Cortex in an Epileptic Patient
Authors: Al-Otaibi Faisal , Wong Savio W.H. , Shoemaker J. Kevin , Parrent Andrew G. , Mirsattari Seyed M.
Published: November 2010

Background: The insular cortex (IC) has long been implicated in the central regulation of the autonomic nervous system but its precise role remains to be determined. We studied the role of IC in cardiovascular control using a multimodality approach consisting of isometric handgrip exercises, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation during handgrip exercises, and direct electrical stimulations of the posterior right IC in a single patient. Method: A 24-year-old patient had medically intractable epilepsy secondary to a small ganglioglioma in the right posterior IC. His cardiovascular responses to 30 and 70% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) handgrip exercises were recorded in the lab and during fMRI and compared to those of 10 healthy control subjects. He subsequently underwent stereo-electroencephalography with depth electrodes in the right posterior IC and further study of the cardiovascular responses to electrical stimulation at rest and during MVC handgrip exercises. Result: fMRI data showed nearly absent activation in the right IC relative to healthy subjects. At rest, electrical stimulation of the right posterior inferior IC but not the superior IC suppressed heart rate (HR) by 3 beats per minute. During exercise, the HR response to isometric handgrip contraction was weakened when the right posterior inferior IC was simultaneously stimulated. Conclusion: This study shows that, in this patient, the right posterior inferior IC is an important cardioinhibitory center and interference with this region alters the cardiac response to handgrip exercise. Further investigations are required to examine the cardiovascular control of the IC.
Neurology Expertise and Postgraduate Training Programmes in the Arab World: A Survey
Authors: Benamer Hani T.S.
Published: November 2010

Neurological disorders are increasingly recognised as a major public health problem, especially in the developing world. Having adequate neurology expertise to tackle this issue is essential. A 17-item survey was conducted to gather information about the number, training and location of neurologists and supportive facilities available to them in the 16 middle- and high-income Arab countries. Data about the availability of postgraduate training programmes was collected. Surveys were returned from all targeted countries. The population per neurologist ranges from 35,000 to just over two million, and the most neurologists are based in large cities. Most of the practising neurologists had received extensive training in neurology and/or passed specialty exams. The majority had all or part of their training abroad. Neuro-radiological and neuro-physiological investigations are generally available in most surveyed countries but neuro-genetics and neuro-immunology services are lacking. Neurology training programmes are available in ten Arab countries with a total of 504–524 trainees. The availability of neurologists, supportive services and training programmes varies between Arab countries. Further development of neurology expertise and local training programmes are needed.
Connection to Nature
Authors: Cheng Judith Chen-Hsuan , Monroe Martha C.
Published: November 2010

A connection to nature index was developed and tested to measure children’s affective attitude toward the natural environment. The index was employed through a survey that investigates students’ attitude toward Lagoon Quest, a mandatory environmental education program for all fourth-grade, public school students in Brevard County, Florida. Factor analyses were conducted to explore and confirm different factors in the connection to nature index. A path analysis was conducted to examine the association among variables. The results suggest four dimensions in the children’s connection to nature index: (a) enjoyment of nature, (b) empathy for creatures, (c) sense of oneness, and (d) sense of responsibility. Children’s connection to nature influences their intention to participate in nature-based activities in the future. Children’s connection to nature, their previous experience in nature, their perceived family value toward nature, and their perceived control positively influenced their interest in performing environmentally friendly behaviors.
Who Will Stay and Who Will Leave? Predicting Secondary English Teacher Attrition Risk
Authors: Hancock Carl B. , Scherff Lisa
Published: November 2010

Although there are considerable large-scale data on teacher attrition, few researchers have culled information specifically related to English teachers’ risk for attrition. This study examines the effects of teacher characteristics, teaching conditions, student variables, self-efficacy, external support, and salary on secondary English language arts teachers’ attrition risk. Data from the 2003-2004 Schools and Staffing Survey, a comprehensive nationally representative survey of teachers, principals, and schools conducted by the National Center for Educational Statistics, were examined. Based on logistic regression analysis, the three most significant predictors for teacher attrition risk were (a) being a minority teacher, (b) years of teaching experience, and (c) teacher apathy. Implications for future investigations of English teacher retention and attrition are discussed.
If Post-Normal Science is the Solution, What is the Problem?: The Politics of Activist Environmental Science
Authors: Wesselink Anna , Hoppe Rob
Published: November 2010

Post-normal science (PNS) is presented by its proponents as a new way of doing science that deals with uncertainties, value diversity or antagonism, and high decision stakes and urgency, with the ultimate goal of remedying the pathologies of the global industrial system for which, according to Funtowicz and Ravetz, existing science forms the basis. The authors critically examine whether PNS can fulfill this claim in the light of empirical and theoretical work on politics and policy making. The authors credit PNS as an innovative frontrunner in raising important issues regarding the limited problem-solving capacity of ‘‘normal science’’ and ‘‘professional consultancy.’’ Yet, the authors notice that PNS lacks important considerations about the governance of problems and aspects of participatory and deliberative democracy. PNS in effect implies that methodological ‘‘ratiocination’’ would prevail over political deliberation and democratic interaction and that merely changing scientific input in public policy making would have the power to change its outcomes. This scientistic hubris can be traced back to PNS’s origin in concerned scientists’ activism, which in effect accessed the political arena through the scientific entrance. The authors conclude that the art of politics needs to come back into the discussion on environmental problems if societal change is to occur.
Osmophobia in migraine classification: A multicentre study in juvenile patients
Authors: De Carlo D , Dal Zotto L , Perissinotto E , Gallo L , Gatta M , Balottin U , Mazzotta G , Moscato D , Raieli V , Rossi LN , Sangermani R , Soriani S , Termine C , Tozzi E , Vecchio A , Zanchin G , Battistella PA
Published: November 2010

Aims: This study was planned to investigate the diagnostic utility of osmophobia as criterion for migraine without aura (MO) as proposed in the Appendix (A1.1) of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-II, 2004).

Methods: We analysed 1020 patients presenting at 10 Italian juvenile headache centres, 622 affected by migraine (M) and 328 by tension-type headache (TTH); 70 were affected by headache not elsewhere classified (NEC) in ICHD-II. By using a semi-structured questionnaire, the prevalence of osmophobia was 26.9%, significantly higher in M than TTH patients (34.6% vs 14.3%).

Results: Osmophobia was correlated with: (i) family history of M and osmophobia; and (ii) other accompanying symptoms of M. By applying these ‘new’ criteria, we found an agreement with the current criteria for the diagnosis of migraine without aura (MO) in 96.2% of cases; 54.3% of previously unclassifiable patients received a ‘new’ diagnosis.

Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that this new approach, proposed in the Appendix (A1.1), appears easy to apply and should improve the diagnostic standard of ICHD-II in young patients too.
Hypoalbuminemia in Critically Ill Patients With Cancer: Incidence and Mortality
Authors: Ñamendys-Silva Silvio A. , González-Herrera María O. , Texcocano-Becerra Julia , Herrera-Gómez Angel
Published: November 2010

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of hypoalbuminemia in critically ill patients with cancer and to describe the relationship of serum albumin levels to mortality. Design: An observational cohort study. There were no interventions. Results: During the study period, 200 patients were eligible for inclusion. A total of 164 (82%) patients had a serum albumin concentration below 35 g/L, of which 91 (55.5%) patients had levels of albumin ≤20 g/L. The mean serum albumin was 18.17 g/L. The crude mortality rate was 22.5%. The highest mortality rate (73%) was seen in the group of patients whose serum albumin levels were <20 g/L. Conclusion: The incidence of hypoalbuminemia in critically ill patients with cancer admitted to ICU was high.
Butyrate suppresses expression of neuropilin I in colorectal cell lines through inhibition of Sp1 transactivation
Authors: Yu Danny CW , Waby Jennifer S , Chirakkal Haridasan , Staton Carolyn A , Corfe Bernard M
Published: November 2010

Background

Neuropilin is a transmembrane receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and is expressed in normal endothelial cells and upregulated in cancer cells. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) has been shown to promote tumour cell migration and survival in colon cancer in response to VEGF binding. The expression profiles of neuropilins, associated co-receptors and known ligands have been mapped in three colorectal cell lines: Caco-2, HCT116 & HT29. We have previously shown that butyrate, a naturally occurring histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) produced by fermentation of fibre in the colon, causes apoptosis of colon cancer cell lines.

Results

Here we demonstrate that butyrate down-regulates NRP-1 and VEGF at the mRNA and protein level in colorectal cancer cell lines. NRP-1 is a known transcriptional target of Sp1, whose activity is regulated by acetylation. NRP-1 down-regulation by butyrate was associated with decreased binding affinity of Sp1 for canonical Sp-binding sites in the NRP-1 promoter. siRNA-mediated knock-down of Sp1 implied that Sp1 may have strong DNA binding activity but weak transactivation potential.

Conclusion

The downregulation of the key apoptotic and angiogenesis regulator NRP-1 by butyrate suggests a novel contributory mechanism to the chemopreventive effect of dietary fibre.
Synthesis of 13C-Labeled 5,6,11-Trideoxytetrodotoxin
Authors: Umezawa Taiki , Shinada Tetsuro , Ohfune Yasufumi
Published: November 2010

The synthesis of 13C-labeled 5,6,11-trideoxytetrodotoxin has been successfully achieved. This is the first example of the 13C-labeled analogs in tetrodotoxin congeners.
The Role of Enamel Matrix Derivative Protein in Minimally Invasive Surgery in Treating Intrabony Defects in Single‐Rooted Teeth: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ribeiro Fernanda V. , Casarin Renato C.V. , Júnior Francisco H.N. , Sallum Enilson A. , Casati Márcio Z.
Published: November 2010

Background: This study investigates the impact of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) proteins on the outcome of a minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) for the treatment of intrabony defects.

Methods: Thirty patients who presented with intrabony defects were randomly assigned to treatment with: 1) MIST plus EMD or 2) MIST alone. Probing depth (PD), position of the gingival margin (PGM), and relative clinical attachment level (RCAL) were evaluated at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Radiographs and markers in gingival crevicular fluid associated with periodontal regeneration were also evaluated.

Results: Significant PD reductions, RCAL gains, and no changes in PGM were obtained at 3 and 6 months in both groups. Clinical and radiographic evaluations and levels of mediators of wound healing did not present differences between therapies at any time.

Conclusion: The use of EMD did not provide superior benefits on the outcome of the minimally invasive surgical approach for the treatment of intrabony defects.
Computer assisted historical cartography: new opportunities for historical research
Authors: Vladimirov V. N.
Published: November 2010

This article explores historical computer mapping technology and its implementation in research on the history of settlement of the southern parts of Western Siberia. As such, this research work breaks new ground given that historical GIS projects are still relatively novel in Russia. The article considers three main theoretical issues of computer mapping: historical theory and source studies; technology (methods and equipment) and problem solving. Two principle types of historical maps are used, namely a symbol-map (an illustrative map) and a model-map (an analytical map). The research utilizes a database of the Altai region, containing information on some 8,000 distinct settlements. The main lines of inquiry include the examination of patterns of existing population distribution and the exploration of populated areas in accordance with modern administrative divisions. Four types of districts, with each type having a peculiar geographical location, emerge from the research. The results of the work provide a new and a clearer view of the basic patterns of settlement in the area under study.
Optimal Two-stage Designs for Single-arm Phase II Oncology Trials with Two Binary Endpoints
Authors: Kieser M. , Kunz C. U.
Published: November 2010

Objectives: In phase II clinical trials in oncology, the potential efficacy of a new treatment regimen is assessed in terms of anticancer activity. The standard approach consists of a single-arm two-stage design where a single binary endpoint is compared to a specified target value. However, a new drug would still be considered promising if it showed a lower tumor response rate than the target level but would lead, for example, to disease stabilization.

Methods: We present an analytical solution for the calculation of the type I and type II error rate for a two-stage design where the hypothesis test considers two endpoints and provide optimal and minimax solutions. Furthermore, the problem of inference about the two single endpoints following rejection of the global null hypothesis is addressed by deriving a multiple test procedure that controls the experimentwise type I error rate in the strong sense.

Results: The proposed methods are illustrated with a real data example, and the new design is tabulated for a wide range of parameter values. Similar to two-stage designs with a single endpoint, the characteristics of optimal and minimax designs with two endpoints with respect to expected and maximum sample size can be quite different. Therefore, the choice of an admissible design may be a valuable compromise.

Conclusions: The new procedure extends Simon’s two-stage design to two endpoints. This approach allows a more comprehensive assessment of the overall picture of antitumor efficacy of a new treatment than restriction to a single outcome.
Comprehensive assessment of 2009 Pandemic Influenza a (H1N1) Virus Drug Susceptibility in vitro
Authors: Gubareva Larisa V , Trujillo A Angelica , Okomo-Adhiambo Margaret , Mishin Vasiliy P , Deyde Varough M , Sleeman Katrina , Nguyen Ha T , Sheu Tiffany G , Garten Rebecca J , Shaw Michael W , Fry Alicia M , Klimov Alexander I
Published: November 2010

Background

Antiviral drugs are an important option for managing infections caused by influenza viruses. This study assessed the drug susceptibility of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) viruses collected globally between April 2009 and January 2010.

Methods

Virus isolates were tested for adamantane susceptibility, using pyrosequencing to detect the S31N marker of adamantane resistance in the M2 protein and biological assays to assess viral replication in cell culture. To assess neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor (NAI) susceptibility, virus isolates were tested in chemiluminescent NA inhibition assays and by pyrosequencing to detect the H275Y (H274Y in N2 numbering) marker of oseltamivir resistance in the NA.

Results

With the exception of three, all viruses that were tested for adamantane susceptibility ( n=3,362) were resistant to this class of drugs. All viruses tested for NAI susceptibility ( n=3,359) were sensitive to two US Food and Drug Administration-approved NAIs, oseltamivir (mean ±sd 50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] 0.25 ±0.12 nM) and zanamivir (mean IC50 0.29 ±0.09 nM), except 23 (0.7%), which were resistant to oseltamivir, but sensitive to zanamivir. Oseltamivir-resistant viruses had the H275Y mutation in their NA and were detected in patients exposed to the drug through prophylaxis or treatment. NA activity of all viruses was inhibited by the NAIs peramivir, laninamivir (R-125489) and A-315675, except for H275Y variants, which exhibited approximately 100-fold reduction in peramivir susceptibility.

Conclusions

This report provides data regarding antiviral susceptibility of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) surveillance viruses, the majority of which were resistant to adamantanes and sensitive to NAIs. These findings provide information essential for antiviral resistance monitoring and development of novel diagnostic tests for detecting influenza antiviral resistance.
Relation of color, size, and canopy placement of prism traps in determining capture of emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: Francese Joseph A. , Fraser Ivich , Rietz Michael L. , Crook Damon J. , Lance David R. , Mastro Victor C.
Published: November 2010

In 2008 we compared numbers of emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, captured on glue-coated prism traps of different sizes (standard, double-length narrow, and quarter), colors (green and purple), and height in relation to the canopy of ash host trees (midcanopy (10–13 m) and ground level (1.5 m)). Standard-size prism traps caught more A. planipennis than did quarter-size prism traps, but catch per square metre of surface area did not differ significantly among the three trap sizes. Twenty percent of quarter-size prism traps failed to catch a single beetle, while all traps of the two larger sizes were successful. The larger traps therefore appear to be more useful as detection tools. In 2009 we compared purple and green standard-size prism traps at three heights: midcanopy (13 m), lower canopy (6 m), and ground (1.5 m). Green traps caught more adult emerald ash borers than did purple traps in the mid and lower canopy, but there was no difference between traps hung at 1.5 m. The ratio of male to female adult emerald ash borers was also higher on green than on purple traps at all three heights.
Characterising aerosol transport into the Canadian High Arctic using aerosol mass spectrometry and Lagrangian modelling
Authors: Kuhn T. , Damoah R. , Bacak A. , Sloan J. J.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. We report the analysis of measurements made using an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS; Aerodyne Research Inc.) that was installed in the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) in summer 2006. PEARL is located in the Canadian high Arctic at 610 m above sea level on Ellesmere Island (80° N 86° W). PEARL is unique for its remote location in the Arctic and because most of the time it is situated within the free troposphere. It is, therefore, well suited as a receptor site to study the long-range tropospheric transport of pollutants into the Arctic. Some information about the successful year-round operation of an AMS at a high Arctic site such as PEARL will be reported here, together with design considerations for reliable sampling under harsh low-temperature conditions. Computational fluid dynamics calculations were made to ensure that sample integrity was maintained while sampling air at temperatures that average −40 °C in the winter and can be as low as −55 °C. Selected AMS measurements of aerosol mass concentration, size and chemical composition recorded during the months of August, September and October 2006 will be reported. The air temperature was raised to about 20 °C during sampling, but the short residence time in the inlet system (~25 s) ensured that less than 10% of semivolatiles such as ammonium nitrate were lost. During this period, sulfate was, at most times, the predominant aerosol component with on average 0.115 μg m−3 (detection limit 0.003 μg m−3). The second most abundant component was undifferentiated organic aerosol, with on average 0.11 μg m−3 (detection limit 0.04 μg m−3). The nitrate component, which averaged 0.007 μg m−3, was above its detection limit (0.002 μg m−3), whereas the ammonium ion had an apparent average concentration of 0.02 μg m−3, which was approximately equal to its detection limit. A few episodes, having increased mass concentrations and lasting from several hours to several days, are apparent in the data. These were investigated further using a statistical analysis to determine their common characteristics. High correlations among some of the components arriving during the short-term episodes provide evidence for common sources. Lagrangian methods were also used to identify the source regions for some of the episodes. In all cases, these coincided with the arrival of air that had contacted the surface at latitudes below about 60° N. Most of these lower-latitude footprints were on land, but sulfate emissions from shipping in the Atlantic were also detected. The Lagrangian results demonstrate that there is direct transport of polluted air into the high Arctic (up to 80° N) from latitudes down to 40° N on a time scale of 2–3 weeks. The polluted air originates in a wide variety of industrial, resource extraction and petroleum-related activity as well as from large population centres.