bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of ferric iron on the stability of mineral assemblages
Authors: DIENER J. F. A. , POWELL R. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractFerric iron is present in all metamorphic rocks and has the ability to significantly affect their phase relations. However, the influence of ferric iron has commonly been ignored, or at least not been considered quantitatively, mainly because its abundance in rocks and minerals is not determined by routine analytical techniques. Mineral equilibria calculations that explicitly account for ferric iron can be used to examine its effect on the phase relations in rocks and, in principle, allow the estimation of the oxidation state of rocks. This is illustrated with calculated pseudosections in NCKFMASHTO for mafic and pelitic rock compositions. In addition, it is shown that ferric iron has the capacity to significantly increase the stability of the corundum + quartz assemblage, making it possible for this assemblage to exist at crustal P–T conditions in oxidized rocks of appropriate composition.
The stability of sapphirine + quartz: calculated phase equilibria in FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2–O
Authors: TAYLOR‐JONES K. , POWELL R. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe presence in rocks of coexisting sapphirine + quartz has been widely used to diagnose conditions of ultra‐high‐temperature (UHT) metamorphism (>900 °C), an inference based on the restriction of this assemblage to temperatures >980 °C in the conventionally considered FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 (FMAS) chemical system. With a new thermodynamic model for sapphirine that includes Fe2O3, phase equilibra modelling using thermocalc software has been undertaken in the FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–O (FMASO) and FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2– TiO2–O (FMASTO) chemical systems. Using a variety of calculated phase diagrams for quartz‐saturated systems, the effects of Fe2O3 and TiO2 on FMAS phase relations are shown to be considerable. Importantly, the stability field of sapphirine + quartz assemblages extends down temperature to 850 °C in oxidized systems and thus out of the UHT range.
Supply Chain Conflict Due to Store Brands: The Value of Wholesale Price Commitment in a Retail Supply Chain*
Authors: Groznik Ana , Heese H. Sebastian 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTStore brands are of increasing importance in retail supply chains, often causing channel conflict, as the retailer's product directly competes with the manufacturer's national brand. Extant research on the resulting channel interactions either assumes the national brand manufacturer can credibly commit to maintaining a wholesale price or that he lacks such ability. However, these two scenarios imply very different supply chain interactions, as only a national brand manufacturer with commitment ability can strategically adjust a national brand wholesale price to prevent a store brand introduction by the retailer. We specifically analyze the impact of this assumption on the manufacturer, the retailer, and the customers. We determine when long‐term contracts that provide the manufacturer with such commitment ability can improve supply chain profitability.
Strategies for Addressing the Nursing Shortage: Coordinated Decision Making and Workforce Flexibility
Authors: Wright P. Daniel , Bretthauer Kurt M. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTIn this article, we present strategies to help combat the U.S. nursing shortage. Key considerations include providing an attractive work schedule and work environment—critical issues for retaining existing nurses and attracting new nurses to the profession—while at the same time using the set of available nurses as effectively as possible. Based on these ideas, we develop a model that takes advantage of coordinated decision making when managing a flexible workforce. The model coordinates scheduling, schedule adjustment, and agency nurse decisions across various nurse labor pools, each of differing flexibility levels, capabilities, and costs, allowing a much more desirable schedule to be constructed. Our primary findings regarding coordinated decision making and how it can be used to help address the nursing shortage include (i) labor costs can be reduced substantially because, without coordination, labor costs on average are 16.3% higher based on an actual hospital setting, leading to the availability of additional funds for retaining and attracting nurses, (ii) simultaneous to this reduction in costs, more attractive schedules can be provided to the nurses in terms of less overtime and fewer undesirable shifts, and (iii) the use of agency nurses can help avoid overtime for permanent staff with only a 0.7% increase in staffing costs. In addition, we estimate the cost of the shortage for a typical U.S. hospital from a labor cost perspective and show how that cost can be reduced when managers coordinate.
Isolation and characterisation of crocosin, an antibacterial compound from crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) plasma
Authors: PREECHARRAM Sutthidech , JEARRANAIPREPAME Pornpimol , DADUANG Sakda , TEMSIRIPONG Yosapong , SOMDEE Theerasak , FUKAMIZO Tamo , SVASTI Jisnuson , ARAKI Tomohiro , THAMMASIRIRAK Sompong 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAn antibacterial compound from crocodile blood was partially purified and functionally characterised. The freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) plasma with antibacterial activity was partially purified by using a centrifugal concentrator and reverse phase high powered liquid chromatography, and designated as crocosin. Crocosin exhibits antibacterial activity toward Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. Crocosin is thermostable and resistant to pronase digestion. The structure of crocosin analyzed by mass spectrometry contains repeating units of 94 and 136 m/z. Scanning electron microscopy indicates that crocosin probably penetrates progressively into cytoplasm space, perturbing and damaging bacterial membranes. Crocosin may provide an early defense mechanism toward bacterial infection in freshwater.
Physiological characteristics of the body fluid in lymphedematous patients postbreast cancer surgery, focusing on the intracellular/extracellular fluid ratio of the upper limb
Authors: SAKUDA Hiromi , SATOH Miyuki , SAKAGUCHI Momoko , MIYAKOSHI Yukiko , KATAOKA Tsuyoshi 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  The aim of this research was to determine the physiological characteristics of patients with lymphedema following breast cancer surgery, based on differences between the quantity of body water in the right and left fingertips, with a view to establishing whether or not this simple measurement could serve as a predictive index for the onset of lymphedema.Method:  The research was conducted at a hospital in Hiroshima, Japan (August 2004 to December 2004). Observations were made on 39 female breast cancer patients who had undergone surgery and 45 healthy female participants. Additional information was collected via interviews with the individual participants. The quantity of body water in all the participants was measured by using a bioimpedance spectrum analysis system. Comparisons of the intracellular/extracellular fluid ratios (I/Es) were made between the edema patients and the non‐edema patients, with further testing being done between the affected and unaffected sides of the upper limb in the edema patients.Results:  In the edema patients, significant differences were recognized between the affected side's upper limb I/E and the unaffected side's upper limb I/E. In relation to the affected side's upper limb I/E of the edema patients, even when the mean value and standard deviation were included, the value did not exceed 1.0 and the mean – 3 SD value of the affected side's upper limb I/E in the non‐edema patients was 1.04.Conclusions:  The results suggest that measurements of the affected and unaffected sides’ upper limb I/E showed a potential for use as a reliable predictive index for lymphedema.
A qualitative study of New Zealand parents' views on front‐of‐pack nutrition labels
Authors: MAUBACH Ninya , HOEK Janet 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  As well as providing mandatory nutrition information, some Australian and New Zealand food manufacturers insert additional nutrient details on the front of product packages. However, the format and content of this optional information has been questioned, as have its effects on consumers. This research explored parents' reactions to industry‐led labels and formats proposed by health advocates.Methods:  The qualitative study used semi‐structured depth interviews to examine 15 parents' views of four different front‐of‐pack nutrition labels (including ‘Percentage Daily Intake’ and ‘Traffic Light’ formats). An iterative thematic analysis was used to identify themes in the data.Results:  Key themes included the volume of information, the ease of interpreting this and the ability and time required to assimilate it into decisions. Strengths and weaknesses were identified for all labels; however, participants preferred information they could process easily and quickly. Simplified, graphic information formats appear more likely to inform consumers' food choices than labels dominated by numeric information.Conclusions:  Because parents are often distracted when purchasing food they may not read on‐pack nutrition information, especially if this is difficult to comprehend. Participants' responses suggest policy‐makers should explore several front‐of‐pack labels, particularly those that use visual heuristics such as Traffic Light labels.
Using food experience, multimedia and role models for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in Bangkok kindergarten children
Authors: SIRIKULCHAYANONTA Chutima , IEDSEE Kingkarn , SHUAYTONG Poonsook , SRISORRACHATR Suwat 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the use of food experience, multimedia and role models for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in kindergarten children.Methods:  A quasi‐experimental study was conducted. A Bangkok public primary school was randomly selected and one of the kindergarten levels was purposively chosen. Program implementation consisted of 11 activities over an eight‐week period from July to September, 2003. Data on demographic variables, and types and amounts of fruit and vegetables consumed and frequency of fruit and vegetables served were collected before and after the intervention. Program evaluation consisted of an analysis of the pre‐ and post‐test data.Results:  After the intervention, fruit and vegetable eating behaviour scores (median ± interquartile range) revealed significant changes from 3 ± 8 to 7 ± 8 for vegetables and 6 ± 8 to 9 ± 8 for fruit (P‐value < 0.001); the different types of consumed vegetables were increased from two to four (P‐value ≤ 0.001); and the fruit and vegetable intake was significantly increased from 53 g to 77 g and from 11 g to 23 g respectively (P‐value < 0.005).Conclusions:  Results of this pilot study were effective in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in the kindergarten, however, longer‐term evaluation and assessment of the impact on the home environment are required. The inclusion of nutrition education and instruction on healthy eating habits in the course curriculum combined with social support from teachers and families may improve and sustain fruit and vegetable eating behaviours.
An Objective Structured Clinical Examination to assess preclinical skills
Authors: HAWKER Jillian , WALKER Karen 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  To describe the use of a preclinical Objective Structured Clinical Examination for the assessment of clinical skills in undergraduate dietetic students.Methods:  The Objective Structured Clinical Examination is a well‐established assessment tool in medicine, nursing and some allied health disciplines, but has been rarely used in either formative or summative assessment of dietetic students. This paper describes the development, implementation and evaluation of a preclinical Objective Structured Clinical Examination for dietetic students.Results:  Students' performance in a preclinical Objective Structured Clinical Examination was assessed over a six‐year period in successive student cohorts. Performance in the Objective Structured Clinical Examination was significantly related to their performance at their first clinical placement.Conclusions:  A preclinical dietetic Objective Structured Clinical Examination allows problems arising during the teaching of basic clinical skills to be noted and corrected. In addition, a preclinical Objective Structured Clinical Examination identifies students requiring additional support on placement.
Experimental studies of the role of the little raven (Corvus mellori) in surveillance for West Nile virus in Australia
Authors: Bingham J , Lunt RA , Green DJ , Davies KR , Stevens V , Wong FYK 
Published: May 2010

Objective  To study the potential role of an Australian corvid, the little raven (Corvus mellori), in the surveillance for exotic West Nile virus (WNV) in Australia.Method  In a series of trials, little ravens were infected with WNV (strain 4132 New York 1999) and Kunjin virus (strain K42886) by the intramuscular route. They were observed for 20 days during which blood and swab samples were taken for virus isolation. Tissue samples were taken from ravens humanely killed during the acute infection period, and at the termination of the trials, for virus isolation, histopathology and immunohistochemistry.Results  Ravens infected with WNV became mildly ill, but all recovered and seroconverted. Blood virus titres peaked around 3 to 4 days after inoculation at levels between 103.0 to 107.5 plaque forming units/mL. Virus or viral antigen was detected in spleen, liver, lung, kidney, intestine, testis and ovary by virus isolation and/or immunohistochemistry. WNV was detected in oral and cloacal swabs from 2 to 7 days post inoculation. The molecular and pathogenic characteristics of the inocula were consistent with them being of high virulence, as expected for this isolate. Ravens infected with Kunjin virus developed viraemia and seroconverted, although they did not develop disease.Conclusions  Little ravens do not develop severe disease in response to virulent WNV infection and for this reason may not be important sentinel hosts in the event of an outbreak of WNV, as in North America. However, as they have relatively high viraemias, they may be able to support virus cycles.
Prospective determination of the specificity of a commercial snake venom detection kit in urine samples from dogs and cats
Authors: Ong RKC , Swindells K , Mansfield CS 
Published: May 2010

Objective  To determine the specificity of a snake venom detection kit in urine samples from dogs and cats presenting to a referral centre for diseases unrelated to snake envenomation.Design  Urine was collected from 50 dog and 25 cats presented for investigation and treatment of diseases unrelated to snake envenomation. Urine was collected as a voided sample, by cystocentesis or by catheterisation, and routine urinanalysis was performed. Snake venom testing was performed within 2 h of collection using a commercially available snake venom detection kit, which was observed continuously during the 10‐min colour reaction phase for evidence of a visible colour indicating a positive test.Results  No false‐positive reactions occurred in any sample analysed.Conclusion  The snake venom detection kit appears to have 100% specificity for using urine as a test sample.
Explaining local policy choices: A Multiple Streams analysis of municipal emergency management
Authors: Henstra Daniel 
Published: May 2010

Abstract: Canadian municipal governments are expected to play a central role in emergency management, which involves developing policies and programs to cope with emergencies and their impacts. But although all communities face potential emergencies, the quality of municipal emergency planning varies considerably from one community to another. This suggests that some municipal decision‐makers have recognized emergencies as a problem and have prioritized this issue relative to others competing for attention and resources. This article examines policy‐making in municipal emergency management through the lens of the Multiple Streams framework, an analytical model that explains how problems are recognized, how and why they are added to the decision agenda, and how they are matched with policy solutions.Sommaire : Les gouvernements municipaux canadiens sont supposés jouer un rôle essentiel dans la gestion des urgences, ce qui implique l'élaboration de politiques et de programmes pour faire face aux urgences et à leurs répercussions. Mais alors que toutes les collectivités font face à des urgences éventuelles, la qualité de la planification des urgences à l'échelle municipale varie considérablement d'une collectivitéà une autre. Cela laisse entendre que certains décisionnaires municipaux ont reconnu les urgences comme étant un problème et ont accordé la prioritéà cette question par rapport à d'autres rivalisant pour obtenir de l'attention et des ressources. Le présent article examine l'élaboration de politiques dans le domaine de la gestion des urgences dans une municipalité par le biais du cadre Sources multiples, un modèle analytique qui explique comment les problèmes sont reconnus, comment et pourquoi ils sont ajoutés au programme de décisions, et quelles sont les solutions en matière de politiques pour les résoudre.
Effects of Disinfectants on Toxocara canis Embryogenesis and Larval Establishment in Mice Tissues
Authors: Verocai G. G. , Tavares P. V. , De A. Ribeiro F. , Correia T. R. , Scott F. B. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the effects of several different disinfectant solutions on embryonic development of Toxocara canis eggs and (ii) to investigate the potential infectivity of exposed eggs by assessing larval establishment in various tissues in a murine model. All the disinfectants tested were products routinely used in veterinary clinics, kennels, animal shelters and laboratories. Ova were obtained from gravid female T. canis uteri. Thirty samples containing 10 000 eggs were divided into five groups of six identical sample tubes per group. The treatments for the groups were as follows: Group H benzalconium chloride, Group A 70% ethanol, Group B 2–2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution, Group L 7.99% formaldehyde‐based disinfectant and Group C tap water (controls). Samples were incubated at 27 ± 1°C and 80 ± 10% relative humidity. Embryonic development was evaluated on days +6, +9, +12, +15, +18, +21, +25, +28 and +36 of exposure by visual observation under light microscopy. Seventy percent ethanol degenerated all eggs within a few days and thus inhibited larval development. Sodium hypochlorite removed the external layer of the ova, but eggs harboured infective larvae for up to 2 weeks. Benzalconium chloride and formaldehyde‐based disinfectants had no effect on T. canis embryogenesis according to comparison with control eggs (P > 0.05). Embryonated eggs from each of the six samples from Groups C, H and L were administered to mice as only these ova were considered viable based on in vitro trial. On day 30pi, those were euthanized and had their tissues were submitted to organ compression (brains) or acid‐isolation technique (kidneys, lungs, livers and carcasses) for larval counting. The mean number of recovered larvae for Groups C, H and L were: 512.8, 393.7 and 477 respectively (P > 0.05). Larvae derived from Groups H and L eggs maintained their ability to migrate. However, larval establishment pattern differed from control. While certain disinfectants do negatively affect embryogenesis (70% ethanol) and reduce the integrity and durability (sodium hypochlorite) of infective T. canis eggs, others have no effect upon embryogenesis. Those eggs can still be a threat to human and animal health even after over a month of disinfectant exposure.
Genetic analysis of expression profile involved in retinoid metabolism in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Ashla An Afida , Hoshikawa Yoshiko , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Hashiguchi Koich , Enjoji Munechika , Nakamuta Makoto , Taketomi Akinobu , Maehara Yoshihiko , Shomori Kohei , Kurimasa Akihiro , Hisatome Ichiro , Ito Hisao , Shiota Goshi 
Published: May 2010

Aim:  The patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been reported to be at greater risk for progression to chronic liver disease including liver cirrhosis (LC). To examine the mechanisms for the progression of NAFLD, a genetic analysis of hepatic expression profile in retinoid metabolism in NAFLD was performed since the loss of retinoid signaling is associated with the progression of liver disease via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.Methods:  Fifty‐one genes, which are associated with retinoid metabolism and action, were examined in thirty six subjects including 17 patients with simple steatosis, 11 with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and eight controls were examined by real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical study was also done by 3 kinds of antibodies.Results:  Higher expression of CRBP1 LRAT, DGT1/2 and CES1 in NAFLD suggests that mutual conversion between retinyl ester and retinal occurs actively. Expression of ADH1/2/3, RDH5/10/11, DHRS3 and RALDH1/3 was increased in NAFLD, suggesting that oxidation process from retinol to all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was enhanced. Importantly, greater expression of CYP26A1 indicated that degradation of ATRA was enhanced in NAFLD. Further, expression of SOD1/2, catalase, thioredoxin and uncoupling protein 2 was also enhanced.Conclusion:  Hyperdynamic state of retinoid metabolism is present in the liver tissues with NAFLD, which may be a putative mechanism by which NAFLD progresses to chronic liver disease including LC.
Characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in a murine model of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Marcus Nancy Y. , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Blomenkamp Keith , Ali Faiza , Rudnick David A. , Ahmad Muneeb , Teckman Jeffrey H. 
Published: May 2010

Aim:  Individuals with homozygous (ZZ) alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (α1AT) deficiency are at an increased risk for liver damage, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The transgenic PiZ mouse, expressing the human α1AT mutant Z gene, is a valuable model for this disease. We studied PiZ mice in order to identify and characterize mechanisms involved in the development of HCC.Methods:  Tumor incidence and histology were studied, gene expression levels were surveyed with microarrays, RNA quantified with quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and protein levels determined with immunoblots and immunohistochemistry.Results:  By 16–19 months of age, approximately 69% of the PiZ mice had developed tumors. HCC was present with no evidence of benign adenomas as pre‐cancerous lesions. Tumors showed abnormal mitochondria, variable levels of steatosis, globular inclusions of α1AT mutant Z protein and metastases. PiZ mice that subsequently developed liver tumors had higher serum levels of α1AT mutant Z protein than those that did not develop tumors. Cyclin D1, a cell cycle protein, was upregulated in PiZ livers without tumors compared to Wt. cFOS, a component of AP‐1 that may be involved in transforming cells and MCAM, an adhesion molecule likely involved in tumorigenesis and metastases, were elevated in tumors compared with livers without tumors.Conclusion:  In the PiZ model, many of the histological characteristics of HCC recapitulated features seen in human HCC, whether from individuals with homozygous ZZ liver disease or from unrelated causes in individuals that were not homozygous ZZ. The accumulation of mutant Z protein altered the regulation of several genes driving proliferation and tumorigenesis.