bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diatom Assemblages and Ionic Characterization of Lakes of the Northern Great Plains, North America: A Tool for Reconstructing Past Salinity and Climate Fluctuations
Authors: Fritz S. C. , Juggins S. , Battarbee R. W.
Published: November 2008

The distribution of diatoms with respect to salinity and ionic gradients was studied in lakes of the northern Great Plains of North America. The lakes range from freshwater to hypersaline (0.65–270 g∙L−1) and include a variety of brine types, although the majority are dominated by sulfate salts. Canonical correspondence analysis of diatoms in the surface sediments of 66 lakes and associated water chemistry data indicates that diatom distributions are highly correlated with salinity. The ordination also suggests that brine type forms a significant environmental gradient and separates taxa characteristic of bicarbonate/carbonate lakes from those of sulfate-dominated systems. The salinityoptima and tolerances of diatom species are calculated by weighted averaging regression, and these data provide a tool for the reconstruction of past salinity and the inferance of climatic change in arid and semiarid regions.
Conceptual Issues Relevant to Marine Harvest Refuges: Examples from Temperate Reef Fishes
Authors: Carr Mark H. , Reed Daniel C.
Published: November 2008

The size of a refuge needed to sustain a fishery depends on the harvest and on the rate at which both refuge and harvested populations supply new recruits to the fishery. Recruitment rates are determined by larval production, and both intrinsic (e.g., reproductive mode, larval behavior) and extrinsic (e.g., predation, resource availability, currents) factors that influence the geographic range over which a refuge can effectively supply recruits. The size, number, and distribution of refuges depend on patterns of larval replenishment. Since resource requirements of fish often change with ontogeny and reproductive condition, refuges may need to include a wide variety of habitats. Larval production by refuges may be enhanced by multispecies management that provides protection for or allows harvesting of nontarget species. Additionally, protection may be needed for resources located outside refuges that enhance recruitment to harvested populations. Because improperly designed refuges may endanger a fishery by providing a false sense of protection, determining the effectiveness of a refuge is of utmost importance. Evaluation criteria should include the ability of a refuge to maintain high larval production of target species and to contribute to replenishment of harvested populations at a level sufficient to sustain a predetermined harvesting rate.
TOP QUARK PHYSICS
Authors:   (for the CDF, DØ and H1 Collaborations), VARNES ERICH W.
Published: November 2008

A review is presented of the current experimental status of the top quark sector of the Standard Model. The measurements summarized include searches for electroweak single top production, the latest results on the [Formula: see text] production cross-section, and searches for new physics in top quark production and decay. In addition, the recent measurement of the top quark mass to a precision of 0.7% is highlighted.
TRANSMIT ANTENNA SELECTION FOR V-BLAST MIMO SYSTEM BASED ON EXTENDED CHANNEL MATRIX ANALYSIS
Authors: LIU JIANGUO , YANG LUXI
Published: November 2008

For the sake of reducing the hardware cost of multiple RF chains and the complexity for spatial multiplexing systems, in this paper a novel low-complexity transmit antenna selection criterion is proposed for V-BLAST system with MMSE OSIC detection. Based on MMSE extension of V-BLAST with sorted QR decomposition, an intuitional performance analysis of each sub-stream for MMSE V-BLAST transmission is done, and a new solution to the transmit antenna selection problem is suggested. Unlike most of the existing works, the proposed algorithm synthetically considers the impacts of detection order, interference cancellation, and noise amplification. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves well both in outage capacity and in symbol error rate performance with low computational complexity.
SPICESoft: AUTOMATED TOOL FOR SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS, PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS, AND INVERSE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL CIRCUITS
Authors: YEO K. S. , KONG Z. H.
Published: November 2008

An automated circuit analysis tool called SPICESoft, the main objective of which is to help designers in sensitivity computation and circuit analysis is presented. Three main features of SPICESoft are described, namely Sensitivity Analysis, Circuit Performance Analysis, and Inverse Circuit Performance Analysis. A new methodology called Binary Differential Expansion used for data interpolation is also described in this paper. The relationship between device and process parameters is covered. The simulation results obtained using the proposed automated tool are compared with those of conventional computation.
GROUPS THAT DO AND DO NOT HAVE GROWING CONTEXT-SENSITIVE WORD PROBLEM
Authors: HOLT DEREK F. , REES SARAH , SHAPIRO MICHAEL
Published: November 2008

We prove that a group has word problem that is a growing context-sensitive language precisely if its word problem can be solved using a non-deterministic Cannon's algorithm (the deterministic algorithms being defined by Goodman and Shapiro in [6]). We generalize results of [6] to find many examples of groups not admitting non-deterministic Cannon's algorithms. This adds to the examples of Kambites and Otto in [7] of groups separating context-sensitive and growing context-sensitive word problems, and provides a new language-theoretic separation result.
DE SITTER COSMOLOGY FROM GAUSS–BONNET DARK ENERGY WITH QUANTUM EFFECTS
Authors: ELIZALDE EMILIO , QUIROGA HURTADO JOHN , ARCOS HÉCTOR IVÁN
Published: November 2008

A Gauss–Bonnet dark energy model is considered. It is inspired by string/M-theory and also takes into account quantum contributions, which are introduced from a conformal quantum anomaly. The corresponding solutions for the Hubble rate, H, are studied starting from the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker equation. It is seen that, as a pure effect of the quantum contributions, a new solution for H exists in some region, which does not appear in the classical case. The behavior of all encountered solutions is studied with care, in particular the role played by the quantum correction term — which depends on the number of matter fields — in the stability of the solutions around its asymptotic value. It is argued that, contrary to what happens in the classical case, quantum effects remarkably lead to the realization of a de Sitter stage which corresponds to the inflation/dark energy stages, even for positive values of the f0 constant (coupling of the field with the Gauss–Bonnet invariant).
Embryonic stem cell differentiation into smooth muscle cells is mediated by Nox4-produced H2O2
Authors: Xiao Qingzhong , Luo Zhenling , Pepe Anna Elena , Margariti Andriani , Zeng Lingfang , Xu Qingbo
Published: November 2008

NADPH oxidase (Nox4) produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are important for vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) behavior, but the potential impact of Nox4 in stem cell differentiation is unknown. When mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells were plated on collagen IV-coated dishes/flasks, a panel of SMC-specific genes was significantly and consistently upregulated. Nox4 expression was markedly correlated with such a gene induction as confirmed by real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis. Overexpression of Nox4 specifically resulted in increased SMC marker production, whereas knockdown of Nox4 induced a decrease. Furthermore, SMC-specific transcription factors, including serum response factor (SRF) and myocardin were activated by Nox4 gene expression. Moreover, Nox4 was demonstrated to drive SMC differentiation through generation of H2O2. Confocal microscopy analysis indicates that SRF was translocated into the nucleus during SMC differentiation in which SRF was phosphorylated. Additionally, autosecreted transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 activated Nox4 and promoted SMC differentiation. Interestingly, cell lines generated from stem cells by Nox4 transfection and G418 selection displayed a characteristic of mature SMCs, including expression of SMC markers and cells with contractile function. Thus we demonstrate for the first time that Nox4 is crucial for SMC differentiation from ES cells, and enforced Nox4 expression can maintain differentiation status and functional features of stem cell-derived SMCs, highlighting its impact on vessel formation in vivo and vascular tissue engineering in the future.
Period gene expression in the diurnal degu (Octodon degus) differs from the nocturnal laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Vosko Andrew M. , Hagenauer Megan H. , Hummer Daniel L. , Lee Theresa M.
Published: November 2008

Recent data suggest that both nocturnal and diurnal mammals generate circadian rhythms using similarly phased feedback loops involving Period genes in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. These molecular oscillations also exist in the brain outside of the SCN, but the relationship between SCN and extra-SCN oscillations is unclear. We hypothesized that a comparison of “diurnal” and “nocturnal” central nervous system Per rhythms would uncover differences in the underlying circadian mechanisms between these two chronotypes. Therefore, this study compared the 24-h oscillatory patterns of Per1 and Per2 mRNA in the SCN and putative striatum and cortex of Octodon degus (degu), a diurnal hystricognath rodent, with those of the nocturnal laboratory rat, Rattus norvegicus. The brains of adult male degus and rats were collected at 2-h intervals across 24 h in entrained light-dark and constant darkness conditions, and sections were analyzed via in situ hybridization. In the SCN, degu Per1 and Per2 hybridization signal exhibited 24-h oscillatory patterns similar in phasing to those seen in other rodents, with peaks occurring during the light period and troughs during the dark period. However, Per1 remained elevated for five fewer hours in the degu than in the rat, and Per2 remained elevated for two fewer hours in the degu. In brain areas outside of the SCN, the phase of Per2 hybridization signal rhythms in the degu were 180° out of phase with those found in the rat, and Per1 hybridization signal lacked significant rhythmicity. These results suggest that, while certain basic components of the transcriptional-translational feedback loop generating circadian rhythms are similar in diurnal and nocturnal mammals, there are variations that may reflect adaptations to circadian niche.
Dietary K regulates ROMK channels in connecting tubule and cortical collecting duct of rat kidney
Authors: Frindt Gustavo , Shah Anish , Edvinsson Johan , Palmer Lawrence G.
Published: November 2008

The activity of ROMK channels in rat kidney tubule cells was assessed as tertiapin-Q (TPNQ)-sensitive current under whole cell clamp conditions. With an external K+concentration of 5 mM and an internal K+concentration of 140 mM and the membrane potential clamped to 0 mV, TPNQ blocked outward currents in principal cells of the cortical collecting duct (CCD) outer medullary collecting duct and connecting tubule (CNT). The apparent Kiwas 5.0 nM, consistent with its interaction with ROMK. The TPNQ-sensitive current reversed at voltages close to the equilibrium potential for K+. The currents were reduced when the pipette solution contained ATP. In the CCD, the average TPNQ-sensitive outward current ( ISK) was 476 ± 48 pA/cell in control animals on a 1% KCl diet. ISKincreased to 1,255 ± 140 pA when animals were maintained on a high-K (10% KCl) diet for 7 days and decreased to 314 ± 46 pA after 7 days on a low-K (0.1% KCl) diet. In the CNT, ISKwas 360 ± 30 pA on control, 1,160 ± 110 on high-K, and 166 ± 16 pA on low-K diets. The results indicate that ROMK channel activity is highly regulated by dietary K in both the CCD and the CNT.
Discharge Rate of Sternohyoid Motor Units Activated With Surface EMG Feedback
Authors: Farina Dario , Falla Deborah
Published: November 2008

We analyzed individual motor units of the sternohyoid muscle with the aim of characterizing their minimum and maximum discharge rates and their variability in discharge during voluntary contractions. Surface EMG signals were recorded with an array of eight electrodes from the sternohyoid muscle of seven healthy men (age: 30.2 ± 3.5 yr). The multichannel surface EMG signals were displayed as feedback for the subjects who identified and modulated the activity of one target motor unit in 30-s contractions during which the discharge rate was increased from minimum to maximum (ramp contraction), sustained at maximum level (sustained), or increased in brief bursts (burst). During the ramp contractions, the minimum average discharge rate over epochs of 1 s was 11.6 ± 1.5 pulses per second (pps) and the maximum 57.0 ± 5.7 pps ( P < 0.001). During the sustained contractions, the motor unit discharge rate decreased from 65.5 ± 8.4 pps at the beginning to 52.9 ± 7.6 pps at the end of the contraction ( P < 0.05). The coefficient of variation for the interspike interval during the sustained contractions was 40.2 ± 9.8% and a large percentage of discharges had instantaneous rates >50 pps (52.2 ± 12.5%) and >100 pps (8.0 ± 1.2%), with peak values >150 pps. During the burst contractions, the instantaneous discharge rate reached average maximum values of 97.6 ± 36.8 pps. The observed discharge rates and their variability are higher than those reported for limb muscles, which may be due to large synaptic input and noise received by these motor neurons.
Bubble‐Enriched Least‐Squares Finite Element Method for Transient Advective Transport
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Dennis Brian H.
Published: November 2008

The least‐squares finite element method (LSFEM) has received increasing attention in recent years due to advantages over the Galerkin finite element method (GFEM). The method leads to a minimization problem in the L2‐norm and thus results in a symmetric and positive definite matrix, even for first‐order differential equations. In addition, the method contains an implicit streamline upwinding mechanism that prevents the appearance of oscillations that are characteristic of the Galerkin method. Thus, the least‐squares approach does not require explicit stabilization and the associated stabilization parameters required by the Galerkin method. A new approach, the bubble enriched least‐squares finite element method (BELSFEM), is presented and compared with the classical LSFEM. The BELSFEM requires a space‐time element formulation and employs bubble functions in space and time to increase the accuracy of the finite element solution without degrading computational performance. We apply the BELSFEM and classical least‐squares finite element methods to benchmark problems for 1D and 2D linear transport. The accuracy and performance are compared.
Genetic Manipulation of Periostin Expression in the Heart Does Not Affect Myocyte Content, Cell Cycle Activity, or Cardiac Repair
Authors: Lorts Angela , Schwanekamp Jennifer A. , Elrod John W. , Sargent Michelle A. , Molkentin Jeffery D.
Published: November 2008

Following a pathological insult, the adult mammalian heart undergoes hypertrophic growth and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Although a small subpopulation of cardiomyocytes can reenter the cell cycle following cardiac injury, the myocardium is largely thought to be incapable of significant regeneration. Periostin, an extracellular matrix protein, has recently been proposed to induce reentry of differentiated cardiomyocytes back into the cell cycle and promote meaningful repair following myocardial infarction. Here, we show that although periostin is induced in the heart following injury, it does not stimulate DNA synthesis, mitosis, or cytokinesis of cardiomyocytes in vitro or in vivo. Mice lacking the gene encoding periostin and mice with inducible overexpression of full-length periostin were analyzed at baseline and after myocardial infarction. There was no difference in heart size or a change in cardiomyocyte number in either periostin transgenic or gene-targeted mice at baseline. Quantification of proliferating myocytes in the periinfarct area showed no difference between periostin-overexpressing and -null mice compared with strain-matched controls. In support of these observations, neither overexpression of periostin in cell culture, via an adenoviral vector, nor stimulation with recombinant protein induced DNA synthesis, mitosis, or cytokinesis. Periostin is a regulator of cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy and may be a reasonable pharmacological target to mitigate heart failure, but manipulation of this protein appears to have no obvious effect on myocardial regeneration.
`It usually happens in older women': Young women's perceptions about breast cancer
Authors: Johnson Nicole , Dickson-Swift Virginia
Published: November 2008

Objective The aim of the current study was to explore young women's perceptions of breast cancer.

Design This study used a qualitative descriptive paradigm. Participants were required to participate in a one-hour, tape-recorded, semi-structured interview. Data obtained were then coded and analysed using thematic analysis.

Method A convenience sample of six young women participated in the study. Participants were all in their early twenties, with most being 21 years of age. All were university students who were studying a range of courses.

Results The young women had very low levels of knowledge and understanding about breast cancer. Although they identified it was a serious illness, they were not aware of much else about the disease except for treatments. They could only identify two main risk factors, age and family history, and believed in common myths such as getting hit in the breast causing breast cancer. Overall, they did not feel that breast cancer was something that they needed to be concerned about, although they did perceive the need for more age appropriate breast health information to be made available to young women.

Conclusions All women need to be educated about breast cancer and to learn early intervention techniques such as breast self examination at an early age. Lack of knowledge about breast cancer and breast cancer risk may lead to inaccurate perceptions of the disease and a lack of utilization of early detection techniques. Low levels of knowledge and a lack of perceived risk coupled with the inundation of breast cancer information that focuses on older women reinforces the belief that young women are not at risk and do not need to be aware of breast cancer. Furthermore, these data strongly support the need for breast health and breast cancer education in young women.
Literacy and health literacy as defined in cancer education research: A systematic review
Authors: Friedman Daniela B , Hoffman-Goetz Laurie
Published: November 2008

Background Limited literacy and health literacy are associated with lack of cancer screening and later stage cancer diagnoses.

Objective To systematically review the literature for definitions of literacy and health literacy as related to patient access, use, and comprehension of cancer prevention and treatment education.

Methods Original research articles written from 1992 to 2006 inclusive with the terms health literacy and/or literacy in the title, abstract or key words and explicitly linked to cancer information were found by searching MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CSA Sociological Abstracts, Social Sciences Citation Index, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL).

Results A final sample of 78 studies was included in this review. Fortyfive articles mentioned literacy, seven were on health literacy, and 26 discussed both literacy and health literacy. Only 15 articles (19.2 per cent) defined literacy and/or health literacy.

Conclusion This systematic review indicates that definitions of literacy and health literacy are not being used consistently in the cancer education literature. Best practice definitions of literacy and health literacy are important, especially when screening individuals for their understanding of cancer prevention and treatment information.
Message Framing Surrounding the Oslo I Accords
Authors: Donohue William A. , Druckman Daniel
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between the secret negotiations and the public rhetoric of Palestinian and Israeli leaders leading up to the Oslo I Accords. To accomplish this goal, we coded public statements made by Israeli and Palestinian leaders in the months preceding the accords and the events that unfolded during the talks. We hypothesized that the Palestinian leaders, as nonstate actors, would engage in outbidding by showing a more aggressive, backward-looking orientation in public. Israeli leaders, as state actors, would engage in frontstage—backstage behavior and display a more balanced public rhetoric. The results showed that the Palestinians focused on justice issues framed as mistrust and backward looking. This public framing was associated with retreat in the private talks. In contrast, the Israelis switched between positively and negatively framed rhetoric with forward-looking and affiliative statements correlated with lack of progress and backward-looking and mistrust rhetoric associated with progress in the talks.
Emission of volatile organic compounds from solid waste disposal sites and importance of heat management
Authors: Urase Taro , Okumura Hiroyuki , Panyosaranya Samerjai , Inamura Akihiro
Published: November 2008

The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a solid waste disposal site for municipal solid wastes was quantified. The VOCs contained in the landfill gas taken at the site were benzene, toluene, xylenes, ethyl benzenes, and trimethyl benzenes, while the concentrations of chlorinated compounds were very low. The concentration of benzene in the landfill gas samples ranged from below the detection limit to 20 mg m—3, and the ratio of benzene to toluene ranged from 0.2 to 8. The higher concentrations of VOCs in landfill gas and in leachates were observed with the samples taken at high temperature areas of the target site. Polystyrene plastic waste was identified as one of the sources of VOCs in solid waste disposal sites at a high temperature condition. The appropriate heat management in landfill sites is an important countermeasure to avoid unusually high emission of VOCs because the heat generated by the biodegradation of organic solid wastes may promote the release of VOCs, especially in the case of sites which receive both biodegradable and plastic wastes.
Investigation on the spontaneous combustion of refuse-derived fuels during storage using a chemiluminescence technique
Authors: Matunaga Atsushi , Yasuhara Akio , Shimizu Yoshitada , Wakakura Masahide , Shibamoto Takayuki
Published: November 2008

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF), a high-caloric material, is used by various combustion processes, such as power plants, as alternative fuel. Several explosion accidents, however, possibly initiated by the spontaneous combustion of stored RDF, have been reported in Japan. Therefore the spontaneous combustion of RDF prepared from domestic garbage was investigated using chemiluminescence. RDF samples were heated either under air or under nitrogen for 1, 2, or 4 h at 120 or 140 °C and then cooled by an air or nitrogen stream. All RDF samples exhibited chemiluminescence. In air-treated RDF samples (heated and cooled by air), chemiluminescence after ageing was shown to be slightly lower than before ageing, whereas in nitrogen-treated samples (both heated and cooled by nitrogen) chemiluminescence decreased significantly after ageing. When nitrogen was replaced with air during aging, however, a sudden increase of chemiluminescence was observed. On the other hand, when cooling was done with air, chemiluminescence increased. Higher chemiluminescence was also observed during high-temperature treatment. Further experiments on cellulose, one of the major components of domestic garbage, exhibited similar chemiluminescence patterns to those of RDF when treated by the same methods as those used for RDF ageing. Chemiluminescence from cellulose increased significantly when the atmospheric gas was changed from nitrogen to air, suggesting that oxygen in the air promoted the formation of hydroperoxide from cellulose. Therefore, it is hypothesized that cellulose plays an important role in the formation of chemiluminescence from RDF. The formation of chemiluminescence indicated that radicals are formed from RDF by oxidation or thermal degradation at room or atmospheric temperatures and may subsequently lead to spontaneous combustion.
Use of stratified cluster sampling for efficient estimation of solid waste generation at household level
Authors: Dangi Mohan B. , Urynowicz Michael A. , Gerow Kenneth G. , Thapa Resham B.
Published: November 2008

Relatively few studies have been performed to characterize municipal solid waste (MSW) at household level. This is due in part to the difficulties involved with collecting the data and selecting an appropriate statistical sample size. The previous studies identified in this paper have used statistical tools appropriate for analysing data collected at a material recovery facility or landfill site. This study demonstrates a statistically sound and efficient approach for characterizing MSW at the household level. Moreover, a household approach also allowed for consideration of the socio-economic conditions, level of waste generation, geography, and demography. The study utilized two-stage cluster sampling within strata in Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) to measure MSW for 2 weeks. In KMC, the average household solid waste generation was 161.2 g capita —1 day— 1with an average generation rate between 137.7 and 184.6 g capita—1 day—1 for a 95% confidence interval and 14.5% relative margin of error. The results show a positive relation between income and waste production rate. Organic waste was the biggest portion of MSW, and hazardous waste was the smallest of the total. Sample size considerations suggest that 273 households are required in KMC to attain a 10% relative margin of error with a 95% confidence interval.
A laboratory study on stabilization criteria of semi-aerobic landfill
Authors: Tang Ping , Zhao Youcai , Liu Dan
Published: November 2008

The semi-aerobic landfill has been widely used as a sustainable landfill technology. However, the stabilization indicator system and stabilization criteria of semi-aerobic landfill have not been developed yet. In this study, the stabilization indicator system and stabilization criteria of semi-aerobic landfill were studied on the basis of simulation tests and a mathematical method. The results indicated that the stabilization process of the semi-aerobic landfill could be divided into three stages: the instability stage, the relative stabilization stage and the absolute stabilization stage, and the controlling indicators in each stage were different. Moreover, according to the physical process of stabilization and asynchronous changes of the indicators, two grade-stabilization criteria systems were developed. First, using the settlement as a controlling indicator, the second grade stabilization criteria of a semi-aerobic landfill was obtained as follows: chemical oxygen demand (COD) ≤ 400 mg L— 1, NH3-N ≤ 15 mg L—1, total dissolved solid (TDS)/total volatile solid (TVS) ≤ 6%, biodegradable matter (BDM) ≤ 5%. Second, using COD as a controlling indicator, the first grade stabilization criteria was obtained as follows: settlement ≥ 30% of height of landfill, NH3-N ≤ 15 mg L—1, TVS/TDS ≤ 3%, BDM ≤ 3%. The data obtained in this study provide an indicator system to evaluate the degree of stabilization, to manage landfill and finally, to direct its reuse.
Aurum: a case study in the politics of NIMBY
Authors: Guidotti Tee L. , Abercrombie Sheila
Published: November 2008

The literature on the phenomenon of community resistance to local siting of undesirable facilities, the so-called `not in my backyard' syndrome (NIMBY), emphasizes community civic characteristics and motivation. We describe a case study in which prior political history played an important but not obvious role. The Aurum project was a proposed landfill for the city of Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) proposed in 1989 and 1990 for an isolated and mostly vacant site within city limits but across a river from the developed area. The siting was bitterly but successfully opposed by the government and residents of the adjacent area. Investigation determined residual, unspoken resentment among county residents against an attempt by the city to annex it decades before. It was concluded that in this instance, and probably many others, the political history of the community plays a major role in conditioning their response to `locally undesirable land use' (LULUs) and the NIMBY phenomenon.
Immobilization of organic pollutants in cement pastes admixed with organophilic materials
Authors: Dotelli Giovanni , Stampino Paolo Gallo , Zampori Luca , Sora Isabella Natali , Pelosato Renato
Published: November 2008

The results of 2-chloroaniline (2-CA) immobilization experiments in cement matrices, using an organophilic clay modified with phenolic resins as pre-sorbent, are shown. The 2-CA suspended in water was kept in contact with the organoclay for 24 h, and the slurry obtained was then admixed with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) without additional water, to obtain a firm solid waste. Six cement—clay pastes were prepared with the same water-to-cement ratio (0.50 wt/wt), but with different slurry composition (water-to-organoclay ratio equal to 10 and 5 wt/wt, respectively) and different amounts of 2-CA suspended in water, namely 5000, 15 000, and 25 000 ppmw (weight). Dynamic leach tests were performed on solidified monoliths in order to assess the successful immobilization of the 2-CA. Moreover, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses were carried out.
Lead levels in paint flakes from buildings in Nigeria: a preliminary study
Authors: Nduka JKC , Orisakwe OE , Maduawguna CA
Published: November 2008

Lead is a malleable metal previously used to improve the durability and color luster of paint applied in homes and on industrial structures such as bridges. Lead has deleterious effects on multiple organs in humans. There is paucity of information on the extent of the use of lead-based paint in Nigerian houses. This study has attempted to estimate the extent of use of lead-based paint in buildings in Eastern Nigeria using 168 buildings. Flaked paint samples were collected from residential, church, commercial, and school buildings from four most populous cities in Eastern Nigeria namely Enugu, Onitsha, Aba, and Port Harcourt, and they were digested using conc HNO3:HCLO4 (1:1) and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The lead levels from buildings in Enugu ranged from 39.385 ± 1.111–69.843 ± 4.886 mg/kg. The highest level of lead was found in Onitsha ranging from 49.503 ± 0.000–74.352 ± 0.571 mg/kg. Residential buildings, which mainly serve the under privileged populations, has the highest lead level in this study. In Aba, the highest lead level (66.432 ± 0.013 mg/kg) was found in commercial buildings aged 5–10 years. The lead levels in paint flakes from buildings in the four cities tended to decrease with increasing age of the buildings. Taken together all the building paint flakes from the four cities had lead levels higher than the United States Environmental Protection Agency permissible level of 5 mg/kg. There is a need for primary intervention strategy to reduce the paint lead levels in Nigeria.
Cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al ages of Holocene moraines in southern Norway I: testing the method and confirmation of the date of the Erdalen Event (c. 10 ka) at its type-site
Authors: Matthews John A. , Shakesby Richard A. , Schnabel Christoph , Freeman Stewart
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Cosmogenic nuclide dating (10Be and 26Al) is applied to boulders on two moraine ridges at the type-site of the early-Holocene Erdalen Event, southern Norway, dated previously using radiocarbon. Quartz-rich rock samples yielded 10Be age estimates between 9.8 ± 1.2 and 10.1 ± 1.1 ka (external uncertainties, ± 1σ), with an average of 9.95 ka. These age estimates are statistically indistinguishable from the independent radiocarbon age estimate. 26Al age estimates, which ranged from 9.4 ± 1.1 to 11.2 ± 1.3 ka and averaged 10.1 ka, provided useful corroboration of the 10Be results. Although current levels of precision and accuracy are insufficient to distinguish between the ages of younger inner and older outer moraines, the results demonstrate the potential of the method at suitable sites where radiocarbon dating is not possible. Several environmental factors, including effective glacial erosion, stability of moraine slopes, snow cover of sufficiently shallow depth and short duration, and the absence of colluvial contamination, appear to have been instrumental in the success of applying the method at this site. The results confirm the timing and extent of the Erdalen Event in southern Norway with implications for Holocene glacier chronology and millennial-scale climatic variability.
Radiocarbon-dated sediment sequences from the Belgian coastal plain: testing the hypothesis of fluctuating or smooth late-Holocene relative sea-level rise
Authors: Baeteman Cecile
Published: November 2008

The late-Holocene deposits of the coastal lowlands bordering the southern North Sea were formed by a renewed expansion of the tidal environment replacing freshwater peats. The sea-level history during the last 2500 years inferred from the post-peat deposits, containing little to no datable organic material, is characterized by two conflicting schools of thought. The first one supports a smooth sea-level curve. The second approach underpins fluctuating sea-level changes. The `fluctuating' approach also uses facies variations recorded in the post-peat deposits to provide a chronostratigraphical subdivision linked to transgressions and regressions. This paper examines the controlling factors responsible for the facies variations in the post-peat deposits in order to test the approach of the fluctuating sea level. The results of sedimentological investigation coupled with radiocarbon dates of intertidal shells from four shallow outcrops located in nearby sand-filled late-Holocene tidal channels in the Belgian coastal plain are reported. The integration with results from previous work has allowed the reconstruction of the mechanisms and processes of coastal evolution during the late Holocene. The changes in the coastal landscape reflected in the facies variations are caused by multiple factors. The major one is the dynamic nature of the tidal channels responding to changes in accommodation space and sediment budget, and finally, to storm incidence and human impact. The processes of the tidal channel networks, ie, their initiation and evolution, are similar, but the changes happened at different times in different places. The facies variations do not involve rises and falls of sea level, and therefore a fluctuating sea-level rise can not be considered as realistic.
Measurement of food and alcohol intake in relation to chronic liver disease
Authors: Wrieden Wendy L , Anderson Annie S
Published: November 2008

It is well established that the consumption of alcohol is implicated in both the cause and progression of chronic liver disease. The quantity of drink that is consumed, the pattern of drinking and type of alcoholic beverages consumed are all possible factors in disease aetiology. The impact of specific dietary components on the cause and progression of chronic liver disease is unclear although it is known that obesity, and hence the over-consumption of energy, is a predictor of fatty liver. Work to elucidate the role of both diet and alcohol in the aetiology of liver disease is hindered by the methods currently available to measure dietary (including alcohol) intake. The validity and reliability of retrospective methods of assessing diet are limited by their reliance on memory and, for the 24 h recall, the short-time period of intake assessed and its inability to assess variability across the week. Prospective methods which measure food and drink intake at the time of consumption, and include weighed or estimated food diaries, are useful for prospective cohort studies but are expensive and have a high respondent burden. For estimation of alcohol intake retrospectively, the Cognitive Lifetime Drinking questionnaire, which prompts responses using a lifetime calendar, is a useful tool but still depends on memory. More work is required to develop valid, reliable and easily administered tools for measurement of both diet and alcohol.
Modelling the past, current and future HCV burden in France: detailed analysis and perspectives
Authors: Deuffic-Burban Sylvie , Mathurin Philippe , Valleron Alain-Jacques
Published: November 2008

Two national HCV projections have been published in France which assumed that a part of observed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) deaths is a consequence of HCV epidemic. They applied the back-calculation method, in combination with a Markov model, to reconstruct the past history of HCV infection and then to predict HCV-related mortality. A preliminary model was first developed in the absence of effective therapy. It allowed testing many assumptions to model HCV natural history that were compatible with observed incidence of HCV-related HCC deaths. This model was then updated to take into account the availability of treatment and more recent epidemiological data. These two models are described in detail and results are discussed with a view to addressing the models' limitations. The models offered a useful tool to assess public health policy scenarios in planning healthcare responses to the HCV epidemic.
Economic analysis of albumin-bound paclitaxel for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Dranitsaris George , Cottrell Wayne , Spirovski Biljana , Hopkins Sean
Published: November 2008

Background. An albumin-bound formulation of paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) was developed to provide additional efficacy and to overcome the safety drawbacks of paclitaxel and docetaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer. To provide health economic data for the Canadian setting, an economic analysis comparing each of nab-paclitaxel and docetaxel, both as alternatives to paclitaxel in metastatic breast cancer was conducted.

Methods. The clinical and safety data were obtained from a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing either nab-paclitaxel (260 mg/m2 q3wk) or docetaxel (100 mg/m 2 q3wk), to standard paclitaxel (175 mg/m2 q3wk). Health care resource use for the delivery of chemotherapy and the management of grade III/IV toxicity was collected from the oncology literature. Treatment preferences and health state utilities were obtained from 24 female oncology nurses and pharmacists using the time trade-off technique.

Results. Nab-paclitaxel had the lowest incidence of grade III/IV toxicity. This translated to lower overall costs for managing the grade III/IV events relative to both docetaxel and paclitaxel ($597 vs. $2626 vs. $1227). Using the median number of cycles administered and the cost impact of grade III/ IV toxicity, the overall cost for nab-paclitaxel would be $15,105 compared to $15,268 for docetaxel and $3557 for paclitaxel. When treatment preferences were assessed, 20 of 24 (83.3%) respondents selected nab-paclitaxel as their preferred choice compared to only 4 who selected docetaxel. These corresponded to a gain of 0.203 and 0.016 QALYs for nab-paclitaxel and docetaxel, respectively. With these utility benefits, the incremental cost per QALY gained was more favorable for nab-paclitaxel than docetaxel ($56,800 vs. $739,600).

Conclusions. Nab-paclitaxel would be an economically reasonable alternative to docetaxel in MBC patients. As an alternative to paclitaxel, formulary committees must decide if the $56,800 cost per QALY represents good value in their health care setting. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2009) 15: 67—78.
Marking Time, Figuring Space: Gesture and the Embodied Moment
Authors: Schneckloth Sara
Published: November 2008

This article addresses the role played by gesture in theorizing embodiment in drawing practice. The gesture here is cast simultaneously as the material trace left on the drawing surface as well as an intentional act geared toward enabling participatory spectatorship. Both forms of the gesture are enacted through attention to embodiment in drawing as performed through the organs of artist and audience. The surface of a drawing affords openings for gesture's potential to convey meaning beyond the semiotic and as a site for ongoing physical and aesthetic intervention on the part of the spectator. Drawing's capacity for enabling multiple forms of embodiment positions it uniquely in the landscape of contemporary art as a site of vision, touch, and experience.
Re-inventing Wroe?
Authors: Wooliscroft Ben
Published: November 2008

Marketing is a relatively young discipline and mainstream marketing education pays little attention to the discipline's development and history. While on the sidelines of the discipline there has been some criticism of the lack of a historical understanding of marketing's development, marketing too often produces theory without appropriate regard to past marketing theory. This paper considers the case of the `most important' paper on marketing theory in 2004 with reference to a leading marketing writer from the 1950s and 1960s. It finds support for the argument that the 2004 paper brings little novelty over the 1965 book to which it is compared.
An introspective genealogy of my introspective genealogy
Authors: Gould Stephen J.
Published: November 2008

The thought surrounding my controversial introspective paper (Gould, 1991a) has formed a critical genealogy of its own. Here, I revisit the paper's writing and then consider readers' responses, including my own. In so doing, I find that the idea of erasure adapted from Derrida (1997) best describes what has emerged, namely a process of ignoring what I said or effacing/recasting it when ignoring was not possible.
Final thoughts on amnesia and marketing theory
Authors: Tadajewski Mark
Published: November 2008

In this paper I selectively reflect on the contents of the special issue, focusing on the structuring of the academy and the society in which we operate. I examine the epistemological structuring of marketing in relation to what counts as a contribution to knowledge, the effects of the way we use particular theory to sensitize ourselves to the wider world, and how this theory in turn restricts how we think about marketing theory and consumer practice, especially in less `developed' countries.
Review: Stroke in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sander Dirk , Sander Kerstin , Poppert Holger
Published: November 2008

Stroke is the second most frequent cause of death worldwide and the most frequent cause of permanent disability. Patients with diabetes are at 1.5 to three times the risk of stroke compared with the general population. Cerebrovascular disease causes 20% of deaths in diabetic patients. Interestingly, there are some striking differences of stroke patterns between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects suffering a stroke. Even more important is the fact that diabetes dramatically increases the risk of stroke in younger subjects as well as women. These data highlight the need for detection and treatment of diabetes particularly in these patient groups. This review summarises several aspects of stroke in type 2 diabetes, focusing on differences from non-diabetic stroke.
Review: Use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in special populations and circumstances in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hammond Peter
Published: November 2008

CSII (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion) is a valuable therapeutic option for many patients with type 1 diabetes, specifically where hyperglycaemia or recurrent hypoglycaemia persist during MDI (multiple daily injection) therapy. Special situations under which the use of CSII requires consideration include pregnancy, surgery and exercise. There is no evidence that CSII and MDI therapy differ significantly in efficacy in relation to maternal or foetal outcomes. Accordingly, NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) recommends that pregnant women with insulin-treated diabetes should be offered CSII using the same criteria as the general population. While continuous intravenous insulin infusion may offer advantages over MDI in patients with diabetes undergoing surgery, the role of CSII is unclear. During sports, CSII can facilitate better glycaemic control by allowing the precise adjustment of the basal rate and the administration of small incremental doses, and this may be complemented by the use of CGM (continuous glucose monitoring). More generally, real-time CGM can substantially improve glycaemic control in poorly controlled patients and, using sensor alarms, reduce hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia, although the clinical role of this technology is not well defined. Further research should evaluate the potential value of CSII in other populations and clinical scenarios.
Review: Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: the 2008 updated NICE guidelines
Authors: Kerr David
Published: November 2008

Approximately 25,000 children and young people live with type 1 diabetes in the UK. Their high risk of long-term complications is compounded by the problematic management of diabetes in children. CSII (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion), or `insulin pump', therapy has the potential to improve glycaemic control, reduce the frequency of severe hypoglycaemia and improve quality of life, but is presently underused. NICE (National institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) now recommends CSII as a treatment option for adults and children aged 12 years or older with type 1 diabetes, when MDI (multiple daily injection) insulin therapy results in disabling hypoglycaemia or fails to reduce HbA 1c levels below 8.5%, and for children aged under 12 years whenever MDI therapy is impractical or inappropriate. These new recommendations are likely to increase the use of CSII across the UK. Accordingly, healthcare providers will need to integrate this modality routinely within a cohesive service for adults and children with diabetes. As CSII therapy should be initiated only by a specialist team (normally comprising a physician with a special interest in CSII, a diabetes specialist nurse and a dietician), improving access to accredited staff training is a priority.
Effects of dimming 150 W ceramic metal halide lamps on efficacy, reliability and lifetime
Authors: Guest EC , Girach MH , Mucklejohn SA , Rast U.
Published: November 2008

Dimming high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps is often proposed as part of energy management schemes for lighting installations. However, the impacts of dimming on HID lamp performance are not well characterised. The impacts of operating 150W ceramic metal halide discharge (CMH) lamps for prolonged periods (up to 11 000 h) at reduced powers have been quantified. CMH lamps of 150W operated at 100W and 76W showed no significant differences in lumen maintenance, survival and colour rendering index compared to similar lamps operated at the rated power for the same time. The experiments confirm that the concept of dimming CMH lamps can be employed in roadlighting schemes, such as NumeLiTe, without detrimental consequences on lamp performance.