bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory validation study of new vapor‐phase‐based approach for groundwater monitoring
Authors: Adamson David T. , McHugh Thomas E. , Rysz Michal W. , Newell Charles J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractRecent improvements in field‐portable analytical equipment allow accurate on‐site measurement of VOCs present in air at concentrations of less than 0.1 parts per million volume (ppmv). The objective of this project is to determine if the use of these instruments for vapor‐phase measurements of headspace in a monitoring well can serve as a reliable and accurate method for monitoring volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations in groundwater under equilibrium conditions. As part of a comprehensive research project investigating the utility of this proposed monitoring method, the authors have completed a laboratory validation study to identify instruments and sample‐collection methods that will provide accurate measurement of VOC concentrations in groundwater. This laboratory validation study identified two field‐portable instruments (a gas chromatograph and a photoionization detector) with sufficient sensitivity to measure VOCs in groundwater at concentrations below typical monitoring standards (i.e., 1 to 5 μg/L). The accuracy and precision of these field instruments was sufficient to satisfy typical data‐quality objectives for laboratory‐based analysis. In addition, two sample‐collection methods were identified that yield vapor‐phase samples in equilibrium with water: direct headspace sampling and passive diffusion samplers. These sample‐collection methods allow the field instruments (which measure VOC concentrations in vapor‐phase samples) to be used to measure VOC concentrations in water. After further validation of these sample‐collection methods in the field, this monitoring method will provide a simple way to obtain accurate real‐time measurements of VOC concentrations in groundwater using inexpensive field‐portable analytical instruments. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Real longitudinal data analysis for real people: Building a good enough mixed model
Authors: Cheng Jing , Edwards Lloyd J. , Maldonado‐Molina Mildred M. , Komro Kelli A. , Muller Keith E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMixed effects models have become very popular, especially for the analysis of longitudinal data. One challenge is how to build a good enough mixed effects model. In this paper, we suggest a systematic strategy for addressing this challenge and introduce easily implemented practical advice to build mixed effects models. A general discussion of the scientific strategies motivates the recommended five‐step procedure for model fitting. The need to model both the mean structure (the fixed effects) and the covariance structure (the random effects and residual error) creates the fundamental flexibility and complexity. Some very practical recommendations help to conquer the complexity. Centering, scaling, and full‐rank coding of all the predictor variables radically improve the chances of convergence, computing speed, and numerical accuracy. Applying computational and assumption diagnostics from univariate linear models to mixed model data greatly helps to detect and solve the related computational problems. Applying computational and assumption diagnostics from the univariate linear models to the mixed model data can radically improve the chances of convergence, computing speed, and numerical accuracy. The approach helps to fit more general covariance models, a crucial step in selecting a credible covariance model needed for defensible inference. A detailed demonstration of the recommended strategy is based on data from a published study of a randomized trial of a multicomponent intervention to prevent young adolescents' alcohol use. The discussion highlights a need for additional covariance and inference tools for mixed models. The discussion also highlights the need for improving how scientists and statisticians teach and review the process of finding a good enough mixed model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Successful Clinical Implementation of Corneal Epithelial Stem Cell Therapy for Treatment of Unilateral Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
Authors: Kolli Sai , Ahmad Sajjad , Lako Majlinda , Figueiredo Francisco 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The corneal epithelium is maintained by a population of stem cells known as limbal stem cells (LSCs) due to their location in the basal layer of the outer border of the cornea known as the limbus. Treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) has been achieved with transplantation of ex vivo expanded LSCs taken from a small biopsy of limbus. This is a relatively new technique, and as such, specific national or international guidance has yet to be established. Because of the lack of such specific guidance, our group has sought to minimize any risk to the patient by adopting certain modifications to the research methodologies in use at present. These include the replacement of all non-human animal products from the culture system and the production of all reagents and cultures under Good Manufacturing Practice conditions. In addition, for the first time, a strictly defined uniform group of patients with total unilateral LSCD and no other significant ocular conditions has been used to allow the success or failure of treating LSCD to be attributable directly to the proposed stem cell therapy. A prospectively designed study with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria was used to enroll patients from our database of patients with unilateral LSCD. Eight eyes of eight consecutive patients with unilateral total LSCD treated with ex vivo expanded autologous LSC transplant on human amniotic membrane (HAM) with a mean follow-up of 19 (RANGE) months were included in the study. Postoperatively, satisfactory ocular surface reconstruction with a stable corneal epithelium was obtained in all eyes (100%). At last examination, best corrected visual acuity improved in five eyes and remained unchanged in three eyes. Vision impairment and pain scores improved in all patients (p &lt; .05). This study demonstrates that transplantation of autologous limbal epithelial stem cells cultured on HAM without the use of non-human animal cells or products is a safe and effective method of reconstructing the corneal surface and restoring useful vision in patients with unilateral total LSCD.
Early life stage and genetic toxicity of stannous chloride on zebrafish embryos and adults: Toxic effects of tin on zebrafish
Authors: Şişman Turgay 
Published: December 2009

AbstractHumans are exposed to stannous chloride (SnCl2), known as tin chloride, present in packaged food, soft drinks, biocides, dentifrices, etc. Health effects in children exposed to tin and tin compounds have not been investigated yet. Therefore, we evaluated the possible teratogenic effects and genotoxic of SnCl2 in zebrafish (Danio rerio) adults and their embryos. In the embryo–larval study, SnCl2 showed embryo toxicity and developmental delay after exposure to the various concentrations of 10–250 μM for 120 h. Teratogenic effects including morphological malformations of the embryos and larvae were observed. The embryos exposed to 100 μM displayed tail deformation at 28 hpf and the larvae exposed to 50 μM showed reduced body growth, smaller head and eyes, bent trunk, mild pericardial edema, and smaller caudal fin at 96 hpf. The results of the teratological study show that SnCl2 induced a significant decrease in the number of living embryos and larvae. Regarding the chromosome analysis, SnCl2 induced a dose‐dependent increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency in peripheral erythrocytes of adult zebrafish. In blood cells, the 25 μM dose of SnCl2 caused a nonsignificant increase in the total chromosomal aberrations, but the high doses significantly increased the total number of chromosomal aberrations compared with the control groups. Overall, the results clearly indicate that SnCl2 is teratogenic and genotoxic to zebrafish. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2011.
Assessment of severity of acute pancreatitis according to new prognostic factors and CT grading
Authors: Takeda Kazunori , Yokoe Masamichi , Takada Tadahiro , Kataoka Keisho , Yoshida Masahiro , Gabata Toshifumi , Hirota Masahiko , Mayumi Toshihiko , Kadoya Masumi , Yamanouchi Eigoro , Hattori Takayuki , Sekimoto Miho , Amano Hodaka , Wada Keita , Kimura Yasutoshi , Kiriyama Seiki , Arata Shinju , Takeyama Yoshifumi , Hirota Morihisa , Hirata Koichi , Shimosegawa Tooru 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe assessment of severity at the initial medical examination plays an important role in introducing adequate early treatment and the transfer of patients to a medical facility that can cope with severe acute pancreatitis. Under these circumstances, “criteria for severity assessment” have been prepared in various countries, including Japan, and these criteria are now being evaluated. The criteria for severity assessment of acute pancreatitis in Japan were determined in 1990 (of which a partial revision was made in 1999). In 2008, an overall revision was made and the new Japanese criteria for severity assessment of acute pancreatitis were prepared. In the new criteria for severity assessment, the diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis can be made according to 9 prognostic factors and/or the computed tomography (CT) grades based on contrast‐enhanced CT. Patients with severe acute pancreatitis are expected to be transferred to a specialist medical center or to an intensive care unit to receive adequate treatment there. In Japan, severe acute pancreatitis is recognized as being a specified intractable disease on the basis of these criteria, so medical expenses associated with severe acute pancreatitis are covered by Government payment.
Gallstone‐induced acute pancreatitis
Authors: Kimura Yasutoshi , Arata Shinju , Takada Tadahiro , Hirata Koichi , Yoshida Masahiro , Mayumi Toshihiko , Hirota Masahiko , Takeda Kazunori , Gabata Toshifumi , Amano Hodaka , Wada Keita , Sekimoto Miho , Hirota Morihisa , Yokoe Masamichi , Kiriyama Seiki , Ito Tetsuhide 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn the care of acute pancreatitis, a prompt search for the etiologic condition of the disease should be conducted. A differentiation of gallstone‐induced acute pancreatitis should be given top priority in its etiologic diagnosis because it is related to the decision of treatment policy. Examinations necessary for diagnosing gallstone‐induced acute pancreatitis include blood tests and ultrasonography. Early ERCP/ES should be performed in patients with gallstone‐induced acute pancreatitis if a complication of cholangitis and a prolonged passage disorder of the biliary tract are suspected. The treatment for bile duct stones with the use of ERCP/ES alone is not recommended in cases of gallstone‐induced pancreatitis with gallbladder stones. Cholecystectomy for gallstone‐induced acute pancreatitis should be performed using a laparoscopic procedure as the first option as soon as the disease has subsided.
Treatment strategy for acute pancreatitis
Authors: Wada Keita , Takada Tadahiro , Hirata Koichi , Mayumi Toshihiko , Yoshida Masahiro , Yokoe Masamichi , Kiriyama Seiki , Hirota Masahiko , Kimura Yasutoshi , Takeda Kazunori , Arata Shinju , Hirota Morihisa , Sekimoto Miho , Isaji Shuji , Takeyama Yoshifumi , Gabata Toshifumi , Kitamura Nobuya , Amano Hodaka 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWhen a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) is made, fundamental medical treatment consisting of fasting, intravenous (IV) fluid replacement, and analgesics with a close monitoring of vital signs should be immediately started. In parallel with fundamental medical treatment, assessment of severity based on clinical signs, blood test, urinalysis and imaging tests should be performed to determine the way of treatment for each patient. A repeat evaluation of severity is important since the condition is unstable especially in the early stage of AP. At the time of initial diagnosis, the etiology should be investigated by means of blood test, urinalysis and diagnostic imaging. If a biliary pancreatitis accompanied with acute cholangitis or biliary stasis is diagnosed or suspected, an early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy (ERCP/ES) is recommended in addition to the fundamental medical treatment. In mild cases, the fundamental medical treatment should be continued until clinical symptom is subsided with normal laboratory data. In cases with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) referral should be considered to medical centers experienced in the treatment of SAP, and intensive care is recommended for preventing both organ failures and infectious complications. Hemodynamic stabilization with vigorous fluid resuscitation, respiratory support and antibiotics are the major parts of intensive care in the early period of SAP. Continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) and continuous regional arterial infusion (CRAI) of protease inhibitor and/or antibiotics may be effective to improve pathophysiology of AP especially in the early stage of the disease. In the late stage of AP, infectious complications are critical. If an infectious complication is suspected based on clinical signs, blood test and imaging, a fine needle aspiration (FNA) is recommended to establish a diagnosis. The accuracy of FNA is reported to be 89 ~ 100%. For patients with sterile pancreatitis, non‐surgical treatment should be indicated. For patients with infected pancreatic necrosis, therapeutic intervention either by percutaneous, endoscopic, laparoscopic or surgical approach are indicated. The most preferred surgical intervention is necrosectomy, however, non‐surgical treatment with antibiotics is still the treatment of choice if the general condition is stable. Necrosectomy should be performed as late as possible. For patients with pancreatic abscess, drainage is recommended.
The effect of learning and search images on predator–prey interactions
Authors: Ishii Yumiko , Shimada Masakazu 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn dealing with the spatial and temporal variability of prey species, predators may be able to forage optimally if they have flexible and rapid behavioral plasticity rather than predetermined responses. For predators that learn to focus attention on the cryptic prey type most frequently encountered during recent searching (termed a “search image”), rare prey types may be overlooked because of a focus on more common prey. Search imaging reflects biased searching for one of a number of available prey types, and has been studied widely in birds and mammals. Here we discuss the significant implications of this phenomenon for insect predator–prey systems, particularly with respect to parasitic wasps searching for host species using learned olfactory cues. We (1) review studies about perceptual development through individual ontogeny, (2) define the term “search image” and discuss the cognitive mechanisms involved in search‐image formation, (3) discuss the role of search images and frequency‐dependent predation as a proximate mechanism in the maintenance of prey diversity, (4) examine data on host–parasitoid olfactory search imaging, and (5) conclude by identifying important research areas for future studies in the field of olfactory search images.
Prey selection and prey preferences of spotted hyenas Crocuta crocuta in the Etosha National Park, Namibia
Authors: Trinkel Martina 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe feeding ecology of the spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta was studied in the central and eastern part of the Etosha National Park, Namibia. Hyenas mainly hunted migratory ungulates such as springbok Antidorcas marsupialis, zebra Equus burchelli, and blue wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus, but also resident species such as the greater kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros and gemsbok Oryx gazella. There were, however, major differences in the species most frequently killed by hyenas in central and eastern Etosha. The preferred prey species of spotted hyenas in central Etosha was springbok, whereas regarding the abundance of zebra and wildebeest, these two species were rather avoided. In contrast, the prey species preferred by hyenas in eastern Etosha was kudu. Zebra and gemsbok were taken in proportion to their abundance, whereas wildebeest and springbok seemed to be rather avoided. Differences in prey selection and preferences were also reflected in differences in hunting group sizes. In eastern Etosha, where spotted hyenas frequently hunted larger prey, hunting group sizes were significantly larger compared to those in the center of the park.
Characterization of Soybean Proteins–Fatty Acid Systems
Authors: Quiroga A. , Añón María C. , Puppo María Cecilia 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis study investigated, with the aim of obtaining more flexible and hydrophobic proteins, the attachment of a low chain fatty acid, decanoic acid, to alkaline and acid soybean proteins; and the effect on their conformational and functional properties. The extent of esterification was high at acid pH and also increased with heating. Protein solubility decreased, mainly at the highest temperature (60 °C). Increasing levels of fatty acid formed a complex with a slightly more soluble protein with less surface hydrophobicity. Esterified proteins exhibited aggregation/dissociation and were stabilized by different protein subunits belonging to 7S and 11S globulins. Denaturation of these soybean protein fractions (7S and 11S) were also detected in these complexes. The highest level of fatty acids favored formation of a more ordered protein structure.
Can vitamin C induce nucleotide excision repair? Support from in vitro evidence
Authors: Bevan Ruth J. , Mistry Nalini , Patel Parul R. , Halligan Eugene P. , Dove Rosamund , Lunec Joseph 
Published: December 2009

Intracellular vitamin C acts to protect cells against oxidative stress by intercepting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and minimising DNA damage. However, rapid increases in intracellular vitamin C may induce ROS with subsequent DNA damage priming DNA repair processes. Herein, we examine the potential of vitamin C and the derivative ascorbate-2-phosphate (2-AP) to induce a nucleotide excision repair (NER) response to DNA damage in a model of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Exposure of cells to elevated levels of vitamin C induced ROS activity, resulting in increased levels of deoxycytidine glyoxal (gdC) and 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) adducts in DNA; a stress response was also induced by 2-AP, but was delayed in comparison to vitamin C. Evidence of gdC repair was also apparent. Measurement of cyclobutane thymine–thymine dimers (T < >T) in DNA and culture supernatant were included as a positive marker for NER activity; this was evidenced by a reduction in DNA and increases in culture supernatant levels of T < >T for vitamin C-treated cells. Genomics analysis fully supported these findings confirming that 2-AP, in particular, induced genes associated with stress response, cell cycle arrest, DNA repair and apoptosis, and additionally provided evidence for the involvement of vitamin C in the mobilisation of intracellular catalytic Fe.
Review of recent research (2002–2009) on applied linguistics and language teaching with specific reference to L2 German (part 2)
Authors: Eckerth Johannes , Tschirner Erwin 
Published: December 2009

Angesichts gegenwärtiger Entwicklungen innerhalb des Lehr- und Forschungsgebietes Deutsch als Fremdsprache (DaF)/German as a Foreign Language (GFL) als auch im Lichte politischer Entwicklungen, die weiterhin einen deutlichen Einfluss darauf ausuüben, wie DaF verbreitet, gelehrt, gelernt und evaluiert wird, scheint eine kritische Bewertung von im Zeitraum 2002–2009 veröffentlichter DaF-Forschungsbeitraäge zeitgemäß und angebracht. Empirische Forschung zu Deutsch als Fremdsprache versteht sich nicht als isoliertes Forschungsfeld, das primär oder gar ausschließlich mit seinen kulturell, strukturell und politisch bedingten Besonderheiten beschäftigt ist, sondern vielmehr als ein substantieller Beitrag zur internationalen Zweitsprachenerwerbsforschung, Fremdsprachenunterrichtsforschung und Angewandten Linguistik. Im Mittelpunkt des zweiten Teils unseres Forschungsüberblicks stehen Beiträge die den Einfluss kontextueller Faktoren und methodisch-didaktischer Entscheidungen auf die Bedingungen, den Prozess und das Resultat fremdsprachlichen Lernens untersuchen. Űberlegungen zu alternativen epistomologischen Grundannahmen sowie einen Ausblick auf die gegenwärtige wie zukünftige Sprachenpolitik beschließt den zweiten Teil unseres Forschungsüberblicks.This review of research on the learning, teaching, and assessment of L2 German may be particularly timely due to developments from within the profession as well as recent political changes which continue to have a strong bearing on the way L2 German is promoted, learned, taught and assessed. Far from representing an isolated field of research concerned only with the requirements and policies of its own subject matter, empirical research into L2 German now contributes greatly to the wider field of research on L2 acquisition, applied linguistics, and foreign language teaching. Part 2 of our review covers research concerned with the impact of contextual factors and pedagogical choices on learning conditions, learning processes, and learning outcomes. A consideration of competing epistemological frameworks as well as an outlook on current and future language policy concludes the review.
Aerobic denitrification in permeable Wadden Sea sediments
Authors: Gao Hang , Schreiber Frank , Collins Gavin , Jensen Marlene M , Kostka Joel E , Lavik Gaute , de Beer Dirk , Zhou Huai-yang , Kuypers Marcel M M 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Permeable or sandy sediments cover the majority of the seafloor on continental shelves worldwide, but little is known about their role in the coastal nitrogen cycle. We investigated the rates and controls of nitrogen loss at a sand flat (Janssand) in the central German Wadden Sea using multiple experimental approaches, including the nitrogen isotope pairing technique in intact core incubations, slurry incubations, a flow-through stirred retention reactor and microsensor measurements. Results indicate that permeable Janssand sediments are characterized by some of the highest potential denitrification rates (⩾0.19 mmol N m−2 h−1) in the marine environment. Moreover, several lines of evidence showed that denitrification occurred under oxic conditions. In intact cores, microsensor measurements showed that the zones of nitrate/nitrite and O2 consumption overlapped. In slurry incubations conducted with 15NO3− enrichment in gas-impermeable bags, denitrification assays revealed that N2 production occurred at initial O2 concentrations of up to ∼90 μm. Initial denitrification rates were not substantially affected by O2 in surficial (0–4 cm) sediments, whereas rates increased by twofold with O2 depletion in the at 4–6 cm depth interval. In a well mixed, flow-through stirred retention reactor (FTSRR), 29N2 and 30N2 were produced and O2 was consumed simultaneously, as measured online using membrane inlet mass spectrometry. We hypothesize that the observed high denitrification rates in the presence of O2 may result from the adaptation of denitrifying bacteria to recurrent tidally induced redox oscillations in permeable sediments at Janssand.