bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-Fordist Work: A Man's World?
Authors: Van Echtelt Patricia , Glebbeek Arie , Lewis Suzan , Lindenberg Siegwart
Published: March 2009

There is debate about whether the post-Fordist or high-performance work organization can overcome the disadvantages women encounter in traditional gendered organizations. Some authors argue that substituting a performance logic for control by the clock offers opportunities for combining work and family life in a more natural way. Critics respond that these organizational reforms do not address the nonresponsibility of firms for caring duties at a more fundamental level. The authors address this debate through an analysis of overtime work, using data from a survey of 1,114 employees in 30 Dutch organizations. The findings reveal that post-Fordist work is associated with more overtime hours than traditional forms of work and that far from challenging gendered organization, it reproduces and exacerbates the traditional male model of work.
Valuing Skills
Authors: Junor Anne , Hampson Ian , Smith Meg
Published: March 2009

The state sector has led slow progress towards pay and employment equity in Anglophone countries. Horizontal and vertical job segregation have, however, proved intractable barriers to closing the gap fully. An under-researched element of the solution may involve examining whether skill levels are accurately reflected in the low pay and flat career structures of occupations and part-time jobs where women and ethnic minorities are concentrated. This is a public policy issue, requiring that systemic reviews of pay and employment equity include skill reassessments. It has so far been mainly a public administration issue, because of the state sector's vanguard role in equity reviews. Against a backdrop of equality initiatives in the UK and other Anglophone countries, we focus on the pay and employment equity review process in Aotearoa-New Zealand between 2004 and 2008. Here a mainstreaming approach has been adopted, `making gender equity ordinary' by providing tools for reviews of pay and employment opportunity and for remedies such as job re-evaluation. Our focus is on the potential contribution to this agenda of skill reassessments. We outline the research-based development of a toolkit to help classify the under-recognized social and organizational skills required in jobs where women are concentrated, from low-paid `support' roles to policy advice. This skills taxonomy can also help identify the progressive deepening of these skills through problem-solving practice — an identification that may assist in defining career pathways. We conclude with an equity and business case for `mainstreaming' its use.
Improving the Environmental Controls at a Homeless Shelter to Assist in Reducing the Probability of Airborne Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A Case Study
Authors: Coffey Christopher C. , Hudnall Judith B. , Martin Stephen B.
Published: March 2009

This study describes a survey of environmental controls conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center homeless shelter in the City of St. Louis, Missouri. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MO DHHS) had epidemiologically linked 19 cases of active tuberculosis (TB) to the shelter. MO DHSS requested NIOSH to determine whether improvements could be made to the environmental controls to help reduce the probability of airborne transmission of TB at the shelter. NIOSH investigators conducted thorough inspections of the shelter's air-handling units (AHUs) and evaluated airflow rates. NIOSH recommended higher efficiency filters be used in the AHUs and installation of ultraviolet lights.
Evaluation of Modeling and Measurement Techniques of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Effectiveness — Towards the Design of Immune Buildings
Authors: Bei Wang  , Mortazavi Roya , Haghighat Fariborz
Published: March 2009

While concerns about occupants' health, comfort, energy consumption, and environment are becoming a main design consideration for ventilation systems there are also threats to public safety and security that cannot be overlooked and need to be taken into consideration. A sudden release of chemical and biological agents can pose a safety and security threat to public buildings and can cause injuries and loss of life. Recently air-cleaner technology has been introduced for air sterilization and purification in industrial buildings and hospitals due to its long life, functionality, and sustainability. However this technology has not been applied to the nonindustrial built environment in general, and the possibility of a sudden release of chemical or biological agents in particular has not been addressed. This paper presents a detailed review of previous studies on the measurement of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation effectiveness for decontamination, particularly as related to rooms and mechanical systems (ducting) in buildings. It also discusses the methods used to model the space, as well as the measurements and methods used to measure its performance followed by a comparison of the results and discussion of the possible causes of variance in reported data.
A new genomic resource dedicated to wood formation in Eucalyptus
Authors: Rengel David , Clemente Hélène San , Servant Florence , Ladouce Nathalie , Paux Etienne , Wincker Patrick , Couloux Arnaud , Sivadon Pierre , Grima-Pettenati Jacqueline
Published: March 2009

Background

Renowned for their fast growth, valuable wood properties and wide adaptability, Eucalyptus species are amongst the most planted hardwoods in the world, yet they are still at the early stages of domestication because conventional breeding is slow and costly. Thus, there is huge potential for marker-assisted breeding programs to improve traits such as wood properties. To this end, the sequencing, analysis and annotation of a large collection of expressed sequences tags (ESTs) from genes involved in wood formation in Eucalyptus would provide a valuable resource.

Results

We report here the normalization and sequencing of a cDNA library from developing Eucalyptus secondary xylem, as well as the construction and sequencing of two subtractive libraries (juvenile versus mature wood and vice versa). A total of 9,222 high quality sequences were collected from about 10,000 cDNA clones. The EST assembly generated a set of 3,857 wood-related unigenes including 2,461 contigs (Cg) and 1,396 singletons (Sg) that we named 'EUCAWOOD'. About 65% of the EUCAWOOD sequences produced matches with poplar, grapevine, Arabidopsis and rice protein sequence databases. BlastX searches of the Uniref100 protein database allowed us to allocate gene ontology (GO) and protein family terms to the EUCAWOOD unigenes. This annotation of the EUCAWOOD set revealed key functional categories involved in xylogenesis. For instance, 422 sequences matched various gene families involved in biosynthesis and assembly of primary and secondary cell walls. Interestingly, 141 sequences were annotated as transcription factors, some of them being orthologs of regulators known to be involved in xylogenesis. The EUCAWOOD dataset was also mined for genomic simple sequence repeat markers, yielding a total of 639 putative microsatellites. Finally, a publicly accessible database was created, supporting multiple queries on the EUCAWOOD dataset.

Conclusion

In this work, we have identified a large set of wood-related Eucalyptus unigenes called EUCAWOOD, thus creating a valuable resource for functional genomics studies of wood formation and molecular breeding in this economically important genus. This set of publicly available annotated sequences will be instrumental for candidate gene approaches, custom array development and marker-assisted selection programs aimed at improving and modulating wood properties.
Phylogenetic analysis, subcellular localization, and expression patterns of RPD3/HDA1 family histone deacetylases in plants
Authors: Alinsug Malona V , Yu Chun-Wei , Wu Keqiang
Published: March 2009

Background

Although histone deacetylases from model organisms have been previously identified, there is no clear basis for the classification of histone deacetylases under the RPD3/HDA1 superfamily, particularly on plants. Thus, this study aims to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree to determine evolutionary relationships between RPD3/HDA1 histone deacetylases from six different plants representing dicots with Arabidopsis thaliana, Populus trichocarpa, and Pinus taeda, monocots with Oryza sativa and Zea mays, and the lower plants with Physcomitrella patens.

Results

Sixty two histone deacetylases of RPD3/HDA1 family from the six plant species were phylogenetically analyzed to determine corresponding orthologues. Three clusters were formed separating Class I, Class II, and Class IV. We have confirmed lower and higher plant orthologues for AtHDA8 and AtHDA14, classifying both genes as Class II histone deacetylases in addition to AtHDA5, AtHDA15, and AtHDA18. Since Class II histone deacetylases in other eukaryotes have been known to undergo nucleocytoplasmic transport, it remains unknown whether such functional regulation also happens in plants. Thus, bioinformatics studies using different programs and databases were conducted to predict their corresponding localization sites, nuclear export signal, nuclear localization signal, as well as expression patterns. We also found new conserved domains in most of the RPD3/HDA1 histone deacetylases which were similarly conserved in its corresponding orthologues. Assessing gene expression patterns using Genevestigator, it appears that RPD3/HDA1 histone deacetylases are expressed all throughout the plant parts and developmental stages of the plant.

Conclusion

The RPD3/HDA1 histone deacetylase family in plants is divided into three distinct groups namely, Class I, Class II, and Class IV suggesting functional diversification. Class II comprises not only AtHDA5, AtHDA15, and AtHDA18 but also includes AtHDA8 and AtHDA14. New conserved domains have also been identified in most of the RPD3/HDA1 family indicating further versatile roles other than histone deacetylation.
Computer-based detection of diabetes retinopathy stages using digital fundus images
Authors: Acharya U R , Lim C M , Ng E Y K , Chee C , Tamura T
Published: March 2009

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome characterized by hyperglycaemia and the long-term complications are retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy. It is a leading cause of blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is the progressive pathological alterations in the retinal microvasculature, leading to areas of retinal non-perfusion, increased vascular permeability, and the pathological proliferation of retinal vessels. Hence, it is beneficial to have regular cost-effective eye screening for diabetes subjects. Nowadays, different stages of diabetes retinopathy are detected by retinal examination using indirect biomicroscopy by senior ophthalmologists. In this work, morphological image processing and support vector machine (SVM) techniques were used for the automatic diagnosis of eye health. In this study, 331 fundus images were analysed. Five groups were identified: normal retina, mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Four salient features blood vessels, microaneurysms, exudates, and haemorrhages were extracted from the raw images using image-processing techniques and fed to the SVM for classification. A sensitivity of more than 82 per cent and specificity of 86 per cent was demonstrated for the system developed.
Palladium(II)-catalyzed Selective Oxidation of α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes to α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Kon Yoshihiro , Imao Daisuke , Nakashima Takuya , Sato Kazuhiko
Published: March 2009

Palladium(II)-catalyzed chemoselective oxidation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with hydrogen peroxide to give α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids was performed. Cinnamaldehyde was effectively catalyzed by palladium(II) trifluoroacetate to generate cinnamic acid in 92% yield under organic solvent-free conditions. The reaction appears to be applicable to various α,β-unsaturated aldehydes.
Determination of Genetic Predisposition to Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants
Authors: Dagle John M. , Lepp Nathan T. , Cooper Margaret E. , Schaa Kendra L. , Kelsey Keegan J.P. , Orr Kristin L. , Caprau Diana , Zimmerman Cara R. , Steffen Katherine M. , Johnson Karen J. , Marazita Mary L. , Murray Jeffrey C.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. Patent ductus arteriosus is a common morbidity associated with preterm birth. The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus increases with decreasing gestational age to ∼70% in infants born at 25 weeks' gestation. Our major goal was to determine if genetic risk factors play a role in patent ductus arteriosus seen in preterm infants.

METHODOLOGY. We investigated whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes that regulate smooth muscle contraction, xenobiotic detoxification, inflammation, and other processes are markers for persistent patency of ductus arteriosus. Initially, 377 single-nucleotide polymorphisms from 130 genes of interest were evaluated in DNA samples collected from 204 infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks. A family-based association test was performed on genotyping data to evaluate overtransmission of alleles.

RESULTS. P values of <.01 were detected for genetic variations found in 7 genes. This prompted additional analysis with an additional set of 162 infants, focusing on the 7 markers with initial P values of <.01, and 1 genetic variant in the angiotensin II type I receptor previously shown to be related to patent ductus arteriosus. Of the initial positive signals, single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the transcription factor AP-2 β and tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 1 genes remained significant. Additional haplotype analysis revealed genetic variations in prostacyclin synthase to be associated with patent ductus arteriosus. An angiotensin II type I receptor polymorphism previously reported to be associated with patent ductus arteriosus after prophylactic indomethacin administration was not associated with the presence of a patent ductus arteriosus in our population.

CONCLUSIONS. Overall, our data support a role for genetic variations in transcription factor AP-2 β, tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 1, and prostacyclin synthase in the persistent patency of the ductus arteriosus seen in preterm infants.
Adenotonsillectomy and the Development of Overweight
Authors: Wijga Alet H. , Scholtens Salome , Wieringa Marjan H. , Kerkhof Marjan , Gerritsen Jorrit , Brunekreef Bert , Smit Henriette A.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. Studies among patients have shown accelerated weight gain after (adeno)tonsillectomy.* Whether (adeno)tonsillectomy is also a risk factor for the development of overweight is unknown. We investigated the association between (adeno)tonsillectomy and the subsequent development of overweight in the general population.

METHODS. The study population consisted of 3963 children participating in the Dutch Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort. Data on weight and height, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy, and covariates (gender, birth weight, maternal education, maternal overweight, maternal smoking during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and smoking in the home) were obtained from annual questionnaires completed by the parents. In addition to the questionnaire data, weight and height were measured by the investigators when the children were 8 years old.

RESULTS. (Adeno)tonsillectomy between 0 and 7 years of age was significantly associated with overweight and obesity at age 8. Overweight at the age of 2 years was not associated with increased risk of (adeno)tonsillectomy in later years, indicating that the association between (adeno)tonsillectomy and overweight was not explained by preexisting overweight. Longitudinal data on weight and height in the years before and after surgery suggest that (adeno)tonsillectomy forms a turning point between a period of growth faltering and a period of catch-up growth, which might explain the increased risk to develop overweight after the operation.

CONCLUSION. Children who undergo (adeno)tonsillectomy are at increased risk to develop overweight in the years after surgery.
A Nationwide Study on the Risk of Autism After Prenatal Stress Exposure to Maternal Bereavement
Authors: Li Jiong , Vestergaard Mogens , Obel Carsten , Christensen Jakob , Precht Dorthe Hansen , Lu Michael , Olsen Jørn
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. Prenatal stress has been linked to several adverse neurobehavioral outcomes, which may share a common pathophysiology with autism. We aimed to examine whether prenatal stress exposure after maternal bereavement is associated with an increased risk of autism later in life.

METHODS. We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study of all 1492709 singletons in Denmark born from 1978 to 2003. A total of 37275 children were born to women who lost a close relative during pregnancy or up to 1 year before pregnancy. These children were included in the exposed group, and the remaining children were in the unexposed group. All children were followed up from birth until their death, migration, onset of autism, or the end of 2006. Information on autism was obtained from the Danish Psychiatric Central Register. We used Cox regression models to estimate hazard ratios in the exposed group compared with those in the unexposed group.

RESULTS. Maternal bereavement during the prenatal period was not associated with an increased risk of autism in the offspring. The hazard ratios did not differ by the nature of the exposure (maternal relationship to the deceased or cause of death). The hazard ratios were comparable between the 5 prenatal exposure periods under study (7–12 months before pregnancy, 0–6 months before pregnancy, first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester).

CONSLUSIONS. This is the first population-based cohort study to examine the effect of prenatal stress on autism in childhood. Our data do not support any strong association between prenatal stress after maternal bereavement and the risk of autism.
Family-centered Multidisciplinary Rounds Enhance the Team Approach in Pediatrics
Authors: Rosen Paul , Stenger Elizabeth , Bochkoris Matthew , Hannon Michael J. , Kwoh C. Kent
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of family-centered multidisciplinary rounds on an inpatient pediatric ward. We hoped to (1) gain a better understanding of the patient and family experience with family-centered multidisciplinary rounds, (2) measure hospital staff satisfaction with family-centered multidisciplinary rounds compared with conventional rounds, and (3) understand the time commitment for family-centered multidisciplinary rounds and conventional rounds.

METHODS. A quasi-experimental design was undertaken during a 2-week period. During the first week, the hospital staff conducted conventional rounds. Families were surveyed daily, and the staff were surveyed at the end of the week regarding their experiences. During the second week, newly admitted patients received family-centered multidisciplinary rounds at the bedside. Again, both families and staff were surveyed. Observers recorded the interactions between families and staff and measured the time required to conduct rounds.

RESULTS. A total of 27 patients were admitted during the 2-week study period. No significant differences were found in family satisfaction between conventional rounds and family-centered multidisciplinary rounds. A total of 53 surveys were collected from staff members. The staff reported better understanding of the patients' medical plans, better ability to help the families, and a greater sense of teamwork with family-centered multidisciplinary rounds compared with conventional rounds. It required an additional 2.7 minutes per patient during rounds for family-centered multidisciplinary rounds. With family-centered multidisciplinary rounds, the family affected the medical decision-making discussion in 90% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS. Family-centered multidisciplinary rounds is a method of conducting inpatient hospital rounds that fosters teamwork and empowers hospital staff. The patient and family are engaged in and are the focal point of the rounds. Staff members are able to hear everyone's perspective and give input. The impact on staff satisfaction and the family's ability to participate in their care is significant.
Preventive Care for Adolescents: Few Get Visits and Fewer Get Services
Authors: Irwin Charles E. , Adams Sally H. , Park M. Jane , Newacheck Paul W.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. Professional guidelines for adolescents recommend annual preventive visits with screening and anticipatory guidance for health-related behaviors. The objective of this study was to examine receipt of preventive services, including disparities in services received, by using a nationally representative sample of adolescents.

METHODS. Using data from the 2001–2004 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (ages 10–17; N = 8464), we examined receipt of preventive care visits and several measures of the content of care, based on caregiver's reports, among adolescents who received a preventive care visit during the past 12 months. Content of care outcomes included physical parameters measurement (height, weight, and blood pressure); receipt of anticipatory guidance (dental care, seat belts, helmets, exercise, healthy eating, and secondhand smoke exposure); and, for 12- to 17-year-olds, whether adolescents had time alone with their provider during their most recent visit, a proxy for confidential services. We conducted logistic regression analyses to test for disparities in the outcomes on the basis of race/ethnicity, income, and insurance status.

RESULTS. Thirty-eight percent of adolescents had a preventive care visit in the previous 12 months. Low-income and full-year uninsured status were associated with higher risk for not receiving this visit. Most adolescents had height (87%), weight (89%), and blood pressure (78%) assessed. Rates for height and weight were lower in poor and uninsured adolescents. Anticipatory guidance rates were much lower, ranging from 31% for seat belts, helmets, and secondhand smoke to 49% for healthy eating. Only 10% had all 6 areas addressed. Multivariate analyses yielded few disparities in receipt of anticipatory guidance. Forty percent had time alone with their providers. Hispanic and the lowest-income adolescents were the least likely to have time alone.

CONCLUSIONS. Few adolescents received a preventive visit; among those who received this visit, provision of recommended anticipatory guidance was very low. Strategies are required to improve delivery of recommended preventive services to adolescents.
Effects of a Conditional Cash Transfer Program on Children's Behavior Problems
Authors: Ozer Emily J. , Fernald Lia C. H. , Manley James G. , Gertler Paul J.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVES. Governments are increasingly using conditional cash transfer programs to reduce the negative effects of poverty on children's development. These programs have demonstrated benefits for children's nutrition and physical development, but the effect of conditional cash transfers on children's behaviors has not been systematically evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a conditional cash transfer on children's behavior by using a quasi-experimental design.

METHODS. In 1997, the Mexican government initiated a large-scale conditional cash transfer (Oportunidades) in 506 very poor rural communities. Oportunidades provided cash transfers that were contingent on visits to medical practitioners, consumption of nutritional supplementation, and school enrollment. In 2003, an assessment of 4- to 6-year-old children in these households was conducted, and outcomes were compared with children from 152 additional poor rural communities who had been recruited by using rigorous matching procedures. The primary outcome measure for this analysis was maternal report of behavior problems in terms of anxiety/depressive and aggressive/oppositional symptoms. Analyses reported here compared 778 children from beneficiary households who had received 3.5 to 5.0 years of exposure to the program and a comparison group of 263 children who had received no exposure to the program at the time of assessment but whose families later enrolled in the program.

RESULTS. Participation in Oportunidades was associated with a 10% decrement in aggressive/oppositional symptoms but was not associated with significant decrements in anxiety/depressive symptoms or total problem behaviors while controlling for covariates. Effects of treatment did not differ by children's gender or ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS. Although this large-scale conditional cash transfer program for poor Mexican families did not directly address children's behavior problems, it found evidence of indirect effects on children's behavior. Results suggest that interventions that focus on investing in basic human capital needs may exert longer term ripple effects on children's development.
Enthalpies of formation of CdSxSe1–xsolid solutions
Authors: Xu Fen , Ma Xuchu , Kauzlarich Susan M. , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: March 2009

The enthalpies of oxidative drop solution (ΔHds) for a series of CdSxSe1–xsamples were obtained by calorimetry in molten 3Na2O·4MoO3at 975 K. They become more exothermic linearly with increasing S content. The enthalpies of formation from the elements (ΔHf,el) depend linearly on molar ratio of S/(S + Se). This is the first report of thermodynamic properties of CdSxSe1–xsolid solutions measured by any direct calorimetric method. The enthalpies of formation at 298 K from the binary chalcogenide end-members (ΔHf,CdM) (M= S, Se) for wurtzite CdSxSe1–xare found to be zero within experimental errors. These results strongly suggest that wurtzite CdS and CdSe form an ideal solid solution, despite a substantial difference in molar volume and anion radius. This implies that size difference affects thermodynamics less strongly when larger and more polarizable anions are mixed in chalcogenides than when cations are mixed in oxides.
Hysteresis loop shift behavior of CoFeSiB amorphous ribbons
Authors: He J. , Zhou L. , Zhao D.L. , Wang X.L.
Published: March 2009

Exchange bias phenomena of amorphous CoFeSiB ribbons have been probed at room temperature. The dramatic loop shift away from zero point occurred when the ribbons were annealed in ambient atmosphere with longitudinal field. The possible crystalline phases grown in our ribbons are discussed based on the grazing incidence diffraction and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The magnetic domain configuration of ribbon surface was also observed to make clear the dependence of bias behavior on the induced magnetic anisotropy in the ribbon. A simple phenomenological explanation was given to discuss the exchange bias in ribbons.
Chronic Toxicity of Ammonia to Early Life Stage Rainbow Trout
Authors: Brinkman Stephen F. , Woodling John D. , Vajda Alan M. , Norris David O.
Published: March 2009

A 90‐d ammonia toxicity test for early life stage rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss was conducted using newly fertilized eggs from a wild strain of fish. The toxicity test was conducted at a pH of 7.75 and temperature of 11.4°C. Hatch success and survival of sac fry were not affected by ammonia exposure. Survival, growth, and biomass of swim‐up fry were significantly reduced at an ammonia‐nitrogen (NH3‐N) concentration of 16.8 mg NH3‐N/L of water but were unaffected by exposures to 7.44 mg NH3‐N/L or lower concentrations. The chronic toxicity value was 11.2 mg NH3‐N/L, and the EC20 (concentration estimated to cause a 20% reduction in organism performance compared with the control) based on biomass at test termination was 7.72 mg NH3‐N/L. Development of sac fry to the swim‐up stage was retarded by ammonia, but fry exposed to 7.44 mg NH3‐N/L or lower concentrations appeared to recover by the end of the test. Histological analysis of the gills of exposed fry did not detect any gill pathology. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency chronic ammonia criteria are protective of early life stages of rainbow trout under test conditions.
Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in an Eastern Corn Belt Soil: Weather, Nitrogen Source, and Rotation
Authors: Hernandez‐Ramirez Guillermo , Brouder Sylvie M. , Smith Douglas R. , Van Scoyoc George E.
Published: March 2009

Relative contributions of diverse, managed ecosystems to greenhouse gases are not completely documented. This study was conducted to estimate soil surface fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) as affected by management practices and weather. Gas fluxes were measured by vented, static chambers in Drummer and Raub soil series during two growing seasons. Treatments evaluated were corn cropped continuously (CC) or in rotation with soybean (CS) and fertilized with in‐season urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN) or liquid swine manure applied in the spring (SM) or fall (FM). Soybean (SC) rotated with CS and restored prairie grass (PG) were also included. The CO2 fluxes correlated (P ≤ 0.001) with soil temperature (ρ: 0.74) and accumulated rainfall 120 h before sampling (ρ: 0.53); N2O fluxes correlated with soil temperature (ρ: 0.34). Seasonal CO2–C emissions were not different across treatments (4.4 Mg ha−1 yr−1) but differed between years. Manured soils were net seasonal CH4–C emitters (0.159–0.329 kg ha−1 yr−1), whereas CSUAN and CCUAN exhibited CH4–C uptake (−0.128 and −0.177 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively). Treatments significantly influenced seasonal N2O–N emissions (P < 0.001) and ranged from <1.0 kg ha−1 yr−1 in PG and SC to between 3 and 5 kg ha−1 yr−1 in CCFM and CSUAN and >8 kg ha−1 yr−1 in CCSM; differences were driven by pulse emissions after N fertilization in concurrence with major rainfall events. These results suggest fall manure application, corn–soybean rotation, and restoration of prairies may diminish N2O emissions and hence contribute to global warming mitigation.
Transport and Fate of Estrogenic Hormones in Slurry‐treated Soil Monoliths
Authors: Lægdsmand Mette , Andersen Henrik , Jacobsen Ole Hørbye , Halling‐Sørensen Bent
Published: March 2009

The naturally occurring hormones, such as 17‐β‐estradiol, 17‐α‐estradiol, and estrone, present in livestock manure may have detrimental environmental effects if released into surface waters. In areas where manure application is intensive, estrogens have been found in surface waters in concentrations known to affect the endocrine system of fish and amphibians. How the estrogens reach the surface waters is unclear. To investigate whether leaching through the soil profile plays a significant role, we conducted leaching experiments on intact soil cores. Lysimeter soil monoliths (60 cm in diameter and 100 cm long) were excavated from two sites in Denmark (one loamy and one sandy soil). The soil monoliths were treated with pig slurry containing estrogenic hormones and amended with an estrogen tracer (17‐α‐ethinylestradiol) and a conservative tracer (bromide). 17‐α‐ethinylestradiol is a synthetic analog of 17‐β‐estradiol with sorption characteristics and molecular structure similar to those of the naturally occurring estrogens in slurry. The monoliths were exposed to a short‐term irrigation event (12 h) followed by a long‐term semi‐field experiment (16 wk), during which leaching of natural estrogens and tracers was followed. Estrogens from slurry were transported to a depth of 1 m in loamy soil and sandy soil. The estrogen concentrations in the leachate were at a level known to affect the endocrine system of aquatic organisms.
Misinformation Effects for Psychic Readings and Belief in the Paranormal
Authors: Wilson Krissy , French Christopher C.
Published: March 2009

Forty participants watched a video of an alleged psychic giving a reading to a client, followed by 1 of 2 versions of a post-reading interview with the client, describing her reaction to the reading. In fact, both the reading and the post-reading interviews were scripted. In one version of the interview, the client incorrectly recalled an item of information that the psychic had given her, and in the second version she correctly recalled what the psychic had said. Participants' level of belief in the paranormal and recall of the reading were assessed. It had been hypothesized that believers would be more susceptible to a misinformation effect in this context. In fact, the believers' recall of the reading was inaccurate even without exposure to misinformation. Non-believers remembered the reading quite accurately when not exposed to misinformation but their recall was as poor as that of the believers when exposed to misinformation.
Responding to Self-Consciousness: An Examination of Everyday and Dream Episodes
Authors: Pano Ephrem G. , Hilscher Michelle C. , Cupchik Gerald C.
Published: March 2009

Eighty-nine students from the University of Toronto completed a 20-item self-consciousness questionnaire. They also provided a written account of a self-conscious (e.g., embarrassing) episode from everyday life as well as a self-conscious episode from a dream. Factor analysis of the questionnaire responses revealed 6 factors, with public and private self-consciousness emerging as the dominant factors. The everyday and dream episodes were examined qualitatively and 8 categories were derived the frequency of which could be numerically assessed in each protocol and factor analyzed. For the everyday life episodes, 5 factors revealed concerns of undergraduates related to academic performance versus physical appearance, social anxiety, and athletic performance, as well as 2 coping strategies. Three factors emerged from the dream episodes with the first revealing how students imagined coping with negative bodily arousal in order to assert themselves in academic situations. The second factor showed how students imagined withdrawing from social situations so as to avoid negative emotions associated with self-consciousness related to appearance. Meaningful correlations were found relating factors from the everyday episodes with the self-consciousness questionnaire as well as the dream episodes. These findings demonstrate complementary relations between quantitative and qualitative (i.e., narrative-based) assessments of self-consciousness.
Examination of localization of silymarin and fatty oil in Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. fruit
Authors: Stoiljkovic Zora , Petrovic Slobodan , Ilic Biljana
Published: March 2009

Physical characteristics and localization of flavonoids and fatty oil in Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. fruit of different origin were examined. Physical characteristics of the fruit were determined by its origin, and samples cultivated on plantations were, concerning their colour, shine, shape and size, very similar to those they originated from. By examination of the fruit size, we wanted to give our contribution to the choice of adequate equipment for picking, cleaning and packing of the fruit. Using a suitable mechanical procedure, the separation of the fruit into its inner part (endosperm) and outer cover (testa) was carried out. The Soxhlet extraction was carried out using petroleum ether (40-70?C) and methanol, The silymarin content (calculated as silibinin) was spectrophotometrically determined in the whole fruit (1.94-2.45%) and its respective parts: endosperm (0.19-0.33%) and testa (4.75-6.01%). By evaporation of petroleum ether extracts under the lowered pressure we determined the oil content in the whole fruit (19.38-24.08%), endosperm (27.85-34.19%) and testa (2.45-4.34%). We also established that more than 94% of silymarin was located in the testa more than 88% of fatty oil was localized in the fruit endosperm. The obtained results indicated that it was better to use testa, than whole fruit, when extracting silymarin.
Evolution of fuel cells powered by H2S-containing gases
Authors: Chuang Karl , Luo Jingli , Sanger Alan
Published: March 2009

The development of the process and electrochemical materials for conversion of H2S in a fuel cell to co-generate electrical power and benign products is outlined. While the thermodynamic basis for the process was clear, it was necessary to perform extensive research into the development of materials as catalysts and electrolytes, and to determine the optimal process and operating conditions. Through the use of composite anode catalysts and compatible new protonic electrolytes that are both chemically and thermally stable in the operating environment, we have achieved good and sustainable power densities. The only products are power, elemental sulfur and steam.
Estimation of Stability Constants of Coordination Compounds using Models Based on Topological Indices
Authors: Raos Nenad , Miličević Ante
Published: March 2009

Estimation of Stability Constants of Coordination Compounds using Models Based on Topological Indices

The principal aim of our research was to develop theoretical models for estimating stability constants of coordination compounds, focusing on chelates of heavy metals, Cu(II) and Ni(II), with bioligands (amines, amino acids and peptides). We tried to solve the problem using graph-theoretical models. We also encountered a specific problem for coordination compounds - the choice of the constitutional formula, that is graph, of the complex species.
A comparison of measurement methods: terrestrial laser scanning, tachymetry and snow probing for the determination of the spatial snow-depth distribution on slopes
Authors: Prokop A. , Schirmer M. , Rub M. , Lehning M. , Stocker M.
Published: March 2009

Determination of the spatial snow-depth distribution is important in potential avalanche-starting zones, both for avalanche prediction and for the dimensioning of permanent protection measures. Knowledge of the spatial distribution of snow is needed in order to validate snow depths computed from snowpack and snowdrift models. The inaccessibility of alpine terrain and the acute danger of avalanches complicate snow-depth measurements (e.g. when probes are used), so the possibility of measuring the snowpack using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) was tested. The results obtained were compared to those of tachymetry and manual snow probing. Laser measurements were taken using the long-range laser profile measuring system Riegl LPM-i800HA. The wavelength used by the laser was 0.9 μm (near-infrared). The accuracy was typically within 30 mm. The highest point resolution was 30 mm when measured from a distance of 100 m. Tachymetry measurements were carried out using Leica TCRP1201 systems. Snowpack depths measured by the tachymeter were also used. The datasets captured by tachymetry were used as reference models to compare the three different methods (TLS, tachymetry and snow probing). This is the first time that the accuracy of TLS systems in snowy and alpine weather conditions has been quantified. The relative accuracy between the three measurement methods is bounded by a maximum offset of ±8 cm. Between TLS and the tachymeter the standard deviation is 1σ = 2 cm, and between manual probing and TLS it is up to 1σ = 10 cm, for maximum distances for the TLS and tachymeter of 300 m.
Time dependence of snow microstructure and associated effective thermal conductivity
Authors: Satyawali P.K. , Singh A.K. , Dewali S.K. , Kumar Praveen , Kumar Vinod
Published: March 2009

This paper presents a sequential evaluation of snow microstructure and its associated thermal conductivity under the influence of a temperature gradient. Temperature gradients from 28 to 45 Km–1 were applied to snow samples having a density range 180–320 kgm–3. The experiments were conducted inside a cold room in a specially designed heat-flux apparatus for a period of 4weeks. A constant heat flux was applied at the base of the heat-flux apparatus to produce a temperature gradient in the snow sample. A steady-state approach was used to estimate the effective thermal conductivity of snow. Horizontal and vertical thick sections were prepared on a weekly basis to obtain snow micrographs. These micrographs were used to obtain snow microstructure using stereological tools. The thermal conductivity was found to increase with increase in grain size, bond size and grain and pore intercept lengths, suggesting a possible correlation of thermal conductivity with snow microstructure. Thermal conductivity increased even though surface area and area fraction of ice were found to decrease. The outcome suggests that changes in snow microstructure have significant control on thermal conductivity even at a constant density.
Gelatinous fibers are widespread in coiling tendrils and twining vines
Authors: Bowling Andrew J. , Vaughn Kevin C.
Published: March 2009

Although the coiling of tendrils and the twining of vines has been investigated since Darwin's time, a full understanding of the mechanism(s) of this coiling and twining ability has not yet been obtained. In a previous study (Planta 225: 485–498), gelatinous (G) fibers in tendrils of redvine occurred concomitantly with the ability to coil, strongly indicating their role in the coiling process. In this study, tendrils and twining vines of a number of species were examined using microscopic and immunocytochemical techniques to determine if a similar presence and distribution of these fibers exists in other plant species. Tendrils that coiled in many different directions had a cylinder of cortical G fibers, similar to redvine. However, tendrils that coiled only in a single direction had gelatinous fibers only along the inner surface of the coil. In tendrils with adhesive tips, the gelatinous fibers occurred in the central/core region of the tendril. Coiling occurred later in development in these tendrils, after the adhesive pad had attached. In twining stems, G fibers were not observed during the rapid circumnutation stage, but were found at later stages when the vine's position was fixed, generally one or two nodes below the node still circumnutating. The number and extent of fiber development correlated roughly with the amount of torsion required for the vine to ascend a support. In contrast, species that use adventitious roots for climbing or were trailing/scrambling‐type vines did not have G fibers. These data strongly support the concept that coiling and twining in vines is caused by the presence of G fibers.
Combined Systemic Immunotherapy and Intrathecal Dexamethasone in Febrile Infection Related Epilepsy Syndrome
Authors: Fisher Kristen S. , Ankar Alexander , Cokley Jon , Muscal Eyal , Riviello James J. , Lai Yi‐Chen
Published: February 2025

Febrile infection related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a rare presentation of refractory status epilepticus with immune dysregulation as a potential pathologic mechanism. Despite promising results from second‐line immunomodulators, approximately 30% remain refractory to treatment. We describe two children with FIRES who were unable to wean from anesthetic infusions with immunomodulatory treatment and subsequently received concurrent intrathecal dexamethasone and anakinra/tocilizumab as escalation of therapy. Following the initiation of this combined regimen, anesthetic infusions were decreased while maintaining seizure freedom. These cases demonstrate proof of principle that a multi‐modal approach may be beneficial and should be considered in the treatment of FIRES.
Improving Questioning Skills and Use of Supportive Statements in Simulated Child Sexual Abuse Interviews
Authors: Haginoya Shumpei , Sun Yongjie , Yamamoto Shota , Mizushi Hazuki , Yoshimoto Naruyo , Santtila Pekka
Published: February 2025

We examined the simultaneous training of questioning skills and supportive statements through simulated child sexual abuse (CSA) interviews paired with feedback. Eighty inexperienced participants were divided into four groups: no feedback, feedback on question types and case outcomes, feedback on supportive statements, and the combination of all feedback types. Each participant conducted four online simulated CSA interviews with child avatars. Results showed that combined feedback improved both questioning skills and supportive statements, demonstrating the potential for simultaneous multi‐skill training. The proportion of recommended questions increased by 20%–30% on average, while supportive statements increased two‐ to four‐fold. However, combined training showed slightly lower improvements compared with single‐skill training suggesting the presence of a trade‐off. These findings highlight the importance of personalized feedback and suggest that initial separate training for single skills or additional interventions may enhance multi‐skill training effectiveness, contributing to more effective interviewer training programs.
Field leaders grasp for insight as Kennedy's HHS confirmation nears
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2025

In a pattern resembling the discussions around other high‐profile nominees for Cabinet posts in the Trump administration, trying to decipher how Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments about addiction and its treatment might translate to actual policy action remains daunting. Statements during Kennedy's Senate confirmation hearings on the week of Jan. 27 added to the uncertainty, given that some appeared to conflict with views he has expressed in the past.
Evaluation of Fatigue Life of Additively Manufactured Ti6Al4V Neovius Lattices in Simulated Body Fluid for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Singh Sonu , Jain Jivesh , Yadav Sunil Kumar , Kumar Prashant , Meena Vijay Kumar , Vashisth Priya , Kalyanasundaram Dinesh
Published: February 2025

Additive manufacturing (AM) using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) enables the fabrication of intricate biomimetic structures, such as triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS), which hold significant potential for biomedical implants. However, the fatigue performance of these structures is often compromised by surface roughness and internal defects. In this work, Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) based lattices were fabricated using the LPBF process. Quasi‐static compression tests and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to determine mechanical properties. and to evaluate permeability and wall shear stress of the lattices respectively. Moreover, High‐cycle fatigue testing under compression‐compression cyclic loading was performed to determine endurance limits. To further improve its endurance limit, surface modification was carried out using shot peening. Additionally, the influence of a simulated physiological environment on fatigue behaviour was assessed by testing fatigue in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). Results revealed that surface modification increased the endurance limit under ambient conditions by 20%. However, fatigue testing in SBF revealed a 32% reduction in the endurance limit of surface‐modified samples, emphasizing the detrimental effects of physiological conditions. These findings highlight the importance of surface modification and environmental factors in the design of biomimetic implants.