bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gay Fathers' Effects on Children: A Review
Authors: Cameron Paul
Published: July 2009

Extrapolating results from studies of lesbians' children to gays' children and assertions of “no risk to children as a result of growing up in a family with 1 or more gay parents” are questioned. A review of 9 studies gave evidence that gays' children were (a) more apt to adopt homosexual interests and activities, (b) more apt to report sexual confusion, (c) more apt to be socially disturbed, (d) more apt to abuse substances, (e) less apt to get married, (f) more apt to have difficulty in attachment and loving relationships, (g) less religious and more unconventionally religious, (h) more apt to have emotional difficulties, (i) more frequently exposed to parental molestation, and (j) prone to more frequent sexual acting out.
Anxiety, Dysphoria, and Depression Symptoms in Mothers of Preterm Infants
Authors: Padovani Flávia Helena Pereira , Carvalho Ana Emília Vita , Duarte Geraldo , Martinez Francisco Eulogio , Linhares Maria Beatriz Martins
Published: July 2009

To compare presence and severity of clinical symptoms of anxiety, dysphoria, and depression in mothers of preterm and of full-term infants and to observe changes in symptoms of mothers of preterm infants during hospitalization of the infants and after discharge, 50 mothers of preterm infants and 25 mothers of full-term infants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory. The mothers with preterm infants had significantly higher clinical symptoms of State Anxiety during hospitalization than the group with full-term infants, but the clinical symptoms of anxiety in mothers of preterm infants decreased significantly after discharge. The health staff in a neonatal intensive care unit should not only be aware of infants' clinical status but also of the mothers' emotional state.
Vigor and Fatigue and Positive Health Practices in Young Adolescents
Authors: Yarcheski Thomas J. , Mahon Noreen E. , Yarcheski Adela
Published: July 2009

A sample of 127 young adolescents attending a middle school responded to the Personal Lifestyle Questionnaire, measuring positive health practices, and two subscales of the Profile of Mood States, Vigor-Activity and Fatigue-Inertia. Correlational analysis indicated that higher scores on positive health practices were significantly associated with higher scores on Vigor-Activity ( r = .49), and lower scores on Fatigue-Inertia ( r = −.45).
Does diabetes affect the intensity of staining of interstitial cells and neuronal tissue in the bladder, prostate and urethra of rabbits?
Authors: Canda Abdullah , Aktas Safiye , Turna Burak , Cinar Mehtap
Published: July 2009

We compared the intensity of staining of interstitial cells (ICs) and neural tissue in the lower urinary tract of rabbits with diabetes with the intensity in normal subjects. Diabetes was induced by injecting alloxane (65mg/kg) in adult male rabbits. After 3 days, rabbits with a blood glucose level >300 mg/dL were considered to have diabetes. After 8 weeks, the rabbits were killed, and tissue specimens from the bladder, prostate and urethra were obtained. ICs were stained with anti-human CD117 (c-kit) rabbit polyclonal antibody, and neural tissue was stained with synaptophysin. The streptavidin-biotin method was used for immunohistochemical staining. The intensity of c-kit and synaptophysin staining were scored as negative (0), weak (+), moderate (++), and strong (+++). Staining intensity of ICs and neural tissue was assessed and compared in tissues obtained from rabbits with diabetes (n=8) and from control subjects (n=7). Although staining intensity of both ICs and neural tissue was found to be significantly decreased in the bladder tissue of rabbits with diabetes compared to that in the control group (p=0.0001 [ICs] and p=0.021 [neural tissue]), no significant differences in staining intensity of ICs and neural tissue in the urethra and in the prostate was found when rabbits with diabetes were compared to the control group. Diabetes may cause dysfunction of the lower urinary tract, particularly in the urinary bladder, as shown by the staining intensity of ICs and neural tissue.
The value of transabdominal ultrasound for assessment of the severity of liver steatosis as compared to liver biopsy
Authors: Sporea Ioan , Şirli Roxana , Başa Elena , Cornianu Maria , Popescu Alina , Dănilă Mirela , Focşa Mircea
Published: July 2009

The purpose of our paper was to evaluate the performance of ultrasound (US) for assessment of the severity of liver steatosis as compared to a pathological examination, which is presently considered to be the gold standard, in patients that have undergone liver biopsy for various reasons. We performed echo-assisted liver biopsy in 161 patients with chronic hepatitis with the US aspect of “bright liver” with “posterior attenuation”, using modified Menghini needles. Following the US examination, the severity of liver steatosis was estimated as minimal, mild, moderate. or severe according to the Hepburn classification: absent (affecting 0% to 2% of the hepatocytes), minimal (2% to 10%), mild (10% to 30%), moderate (30% to 60%), and severe (more than 60% of the hepatocytes). The results of this study showed that the sensitivity of US for the prediction of histological steatosis of at least moderate severity was 0.64, with 0.77 specificity, 0.55 positive predictive value, and 0.94 negative predictive value. The overall accuracy was 0.75. This study showed that the transabdominal ultrasound evaluation of the fatty liver is a quite good predictor, perhaps sufficient for most purposes, for the estimation of the severity of liver steatosis in the moderate to severe range.
Coronary artery disease associated with radiation therapy
Authors: Celık Turgay , Yuksel Cagdas , Demırkol Sait , Iyısoy Atila , Ulutın Cuneyt
Published: July 2009

Recent advancements in curative-intent therapies have led to dramatic improvements in breast cancer-specific mortality but at the direct expense of increased risk of cardiovascular-related mortality. The use of radiation therapy has led to significant improvements in survival for patients treated for breast cancer. However, as patients live longer, the potentially serious adverse effects of radiation on the heart have raised concerns. Coronary artery disease following irradiation is encountered rarely but is one of the most devastating treatable complications.In this article we review the cardiac complications associated with radiation therapy.
Secondary cold agglutinin disease associated with Hashimoto disease
Authors: Cikrikcioglu Mehmet , Hursitoglu Mehmet , Erkal Hafize , Karaca Nilay , Coraoglu Sati , Tukek Tufan
Published: July 2009

Our case involves a 53 year old woman. Three years ago, she was investigated because of normal hemoglobin levels despite very a low erythrocyte count, which was revealed during the preoperative evaluation for ovarian cyst operation. The Direct Coombs test was found to be positive against complement and negative against IgG. Cold agglutinin titer was 1/448 (+). Due to the polyclonal IgM increase, secondary cold agglutinin disease (CAD) was considered but no factor could be found that would lead to cold agglutinin disease. During the post-operative follow-up, cold agglutinin titers increased with fluctuations in the patient. Twenty-four months after transabdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooopherectomy operation, diagnosis of Hashimoto disease was made upon detection of subclinical hypothyroidism. No case of Hashimoto disease associated with CAD caused by polyclonal IgM has been reported until the present time.
Wing-Tagging Temporarily Affects Time Budgets of Large Gulls
Authors: Bellebaum Jochen , Buchheim Andreas
Published: July 2009

Wing-Tagging Temporarily Affects Time Budgets of Large Gulls

We studied behaviour of large gulls recently marked with wing-tags at loafing sites at an inland refuse dump using focal birds. During the first 3-4 weeks after marking, wing-tagged gulls spent more time preening at the refuse dump than unmarked birds, which usually did not preen there, while no difference between those two groups was observed at other sites. The possible reasons for preening on the refuse dump are that marked gulls either avoided flying to the loafing water because wing-tags impaired their flight, or showed displacement behaviour.
A Cartometric Analysis of the Terrain Models of Joachim Eugen Müller (1752–1833) Using Non-contact 3D Digitizing and Visualization Techniques
Authors: Pearson Alastair William , Schaefer Martin , Jenny Bernhard
Published: July 2009

This article assesses the accuracy of the terrain models of Joachim Eugen Müller (1752–1833) in relation to modern digital elevation data using non-contact 3D digitizing techniques. The results are objective testimony to the skill and endeavour of Joachim Eugen Müller. Using techniques primitive by modern standards, Müller provided Johann Henry Weiss (1758–1826) with data of hitherto unparalleled quality that were essential to the production of the Atlas Suisse par Meyer et Weiss. The results also demonstrate that non-contact 3D digitizing techniques not only provide a suitable data-capture method for solid terrain model analysis but are also a means of preserving digital facsimiles of such precious artefacts.
A “Living” Atlas for Geospatial Storytelling: The Cybercartographic Atlas of Indigenous Perspectives and Knowledge of the Great Lakes Region
Authors: Caquard Sébastien , Pyne Stephanie , Igloliorte Heather , Mierins Krystina , Hayes Amos , Taylor D.R. Fraser
Published: July 2009

This article presents and discusses the cultural and technological contexts of the development of the Cybercartographic Atlas of Indigenous Perspectives and Knowledge of the Great Lakes Region in Ontario. The atlas was developed to enhance the capability to recover the systemic nature of traditional Indigenous knowledge by electronically interrelating different forms of expressive culture (language, oral traditions, items of material and visual culture, historical documentation). To reach this goal, this atlas includes a “living” geospatial database that serves as an artefact repository and enables communities to contribute geographically relevant knowledge and to develop their own interactive, multimedia online geospatial stories through modules or sections. Two of these modules are discussed here: a treaties module focusing on the survey phase of the Lake Huron treaty process, and a culture module geared toward engaging Aboriginal artists, community members, and high school students in contributing to the development of this community-based atlas. The discussion concludes with a critical look at the potential of cybercartography and the challenges that remain, especially when it comes to further developing the “living” and the collaborative dimensions of cybercartographic atlases.
The role of bracing, casting, and vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib for the treatment of infantile idiopathic scoliosis: a single-institution experience with 31 consecutive patients
Authors: Smith Jason R. , Samdani Amer F. , Pahys Joshua , Ranade Ashish , Asghar Jahangir , Cahill Patrick , Betz Randal R.
Published: July 2009

Object

There are few data on treatment results for patients with idiopathic infantile scoliosis (IIS). Thus, the authors have performed a retrospective review of their experience with treating these patients, particularly as newer technologies, such as the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR), emerge.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the methods of treatment used to manage IIS at a single institution. The authors reviewed 31 consecutive patients with a primary diagnosis of IIS. Patients were screened to ensure that there were no confounding congenital anomalies or comorbidities that may have contributed to the spinal deformity. The average age at the time of initial treatment was 25 months. Treatment modalities included bracing, serial body casting, and VEPTR. Pretreatment, posttreatment, and most recent Cobb angles were compared to assess the overall curve correction, and patient charts were reviewed for the occurrence of complications.

Results

Of the 31 patients, 17 were treated with a brace, 9 of whom had curve progression and went on to other forms of treatment. Of the 8 who did respond, there was an overall improvement of 51.2%. The 10 patients who received body casts, who had a mean preoperative Cobb angle of 50.4°, demonstrated an average correction of 59.0%, with only a few skin irritations reported. The 10 patients treated with VEPTR devices demonstrated a mean preoperative Cobb angle of 90.0°, and an average correction of 33.8% was attained. Three of the VEPTR-treated patients (33%) experienced minor problems.

Conclusions

The authors' results suggest that body casting has utility for appropriately selected patients; that is, those with smaller, flexible spinal curves. Bracing had limited utility, with high levels of progression and the need for secondary treatments. The VEPTR device appears to be a viable alternative for large-magnitude curves.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke support for brain-machine interface technology
Authors: Pancrazio Joseph J.
Published: July 2009

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) offer the promise of restoring communication, enabling control of assistive devices, and allowing volitional control of extremities in paralyzed individuals. Working in multidisciplinary teams, neurosurgeons can play an invaluable role in the design, development, and demonstration of novel BMI technology. At the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has a long history of supporting neural engineering and prosthetics efforts including BMI, and these research opportunities continue today. The author provides a brief overview of the opportunities and programs currently available to support BMI projects.
Using lamina screws as a salvage technique at C-7: computed tomography and biomechanical analysis using cadaveric vertebrae
Authors: Cardoso Mario J. , Dmitriev Anton E. , Helgeson Melvin D. , Stephens Frederick , Campbell Victoria , Lehman Ronald A. , Cooper Patrick , Rosner Michael K.
Published: July 2009

Object

Transpedicular instrumentation at C-7 has been well accepted, but salvage techniques are limited. Lamina screws have been shown to be a biomechanically sound salvage technique in the proximal thoracic spine, but have not been evaluated in the lower cervical spine. The following study evaluates the anatomical feasibility of lamina screws at C-7 as well as their bone-screw interface strength as a salvage technique.

Methods

Nine fresh-frozen C-7 cadaveric specimens were scanned for bone mineral density using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Prior to testing, all specimens were imaged using CT to obtain 1-mm axial sections. Caliper measurements of both pedicle width and laminar thickness were obtained. On the right side, pedicle screws were first inserted and then pulled out. Salvage intralaminar screws were inserted into the left lamina from the right spinous process/lamina junction and then pulled out. All screws were placed by experienced cervical spine surgeons under direct fluoroscopic visualization. Pedicle and lamina screws were 4.35- and 3.5-mm in diameter, respectively. Screws sizes were chosen based on direct and radiographic measurements of the respective anatomical regions. Insertional torque (IT) was measured in pounds per inch. Tensile loading to failure was performed in-line with the screw axis at a rate of 0.25 mm/sec using a MiniBionix II system with data recorded in Newtons.

Results

Using lamina screws as a salvage technique generated mean pullout forces (778.9 ± 161.4 N) similar to that of the index pedicle screws (805.3 ± 261.7 N; p = 0.796). However, mean lamina screw peak IT (5.2 ± 2.0 lbs/in) was significantly lower than mean index pedicle screw peak IT (9.1 ± 3.6 lbs/in; p = 0.012). Bone mineral density was strongly correlated with pedicle screw pullout strength (r = 0.95) but less with lamina screw pullout strength (r = 0.04). The mean lamina width measured using calipers (5.7 ± 1.0 mm) was significantly different from the CTmeasured mean lamina width (5.1 ± 0.8 mm; p = 0.003). Similarly, the mean pedicle width recorded with calipers (6.6 ± 1.1 mm) was significantly different from the CT-measured mean pedicle width (6.2 ± 1.3 mm; p = 0.014). The mean laminar width measured on CT at the thinnest point ranged from 3.8 to 6.8 mm, allowing a 3.5-mm screw to be placed without difficulty.

Conclusions

These results suggest that using lamina screws as a salvage technique at C-7 provides similar fixation strength as the index pedicle screw. The C-7 lamina appears to have an ideal anatomical width for the insertion of 3.5-mm screws commonly used for cervical fusions. Therefore, if the transpedicular screw fails, using intralaminar screws appear to be a biomechanically sound salvage technique.
Surgical anatomy and quantitation of the branches of the V2 and V3 segments of the vertebral artery
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Shah Nemil A. , Sullivan Brian P. , Marchase Nicholas D. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: July 2009

Object

The vertebral artery (VA) and its branches may be encountered during various neurosurgical procedures such as far lateral suboccipital approaches to the skull base and spinal operations. Therefore, a working knowledge of the distribution and significance of such VA branches may be advantageous to the surgeon. To date, quantitation of these branches is lacking in the literature.

Methods

The authors evaluated the branches of 20 VAs from 10 adult cadavers and assessed the distribution and surgical significance of the branches from the V2 and V3 segments.

Results

In terms of target tissues, the VA branches encountered at the C1–2 level were most likely to be muscular, branches at C2–3 osseous, and those at C3–6 radicular. No radicular or medullary branches were identified arising from any V3 segment of the VA or C1–2 level of the V2 segment. The greatest concentration of branches per level was found arising from the V2 segment at C2–3. Posterior branches of the VA tended to be radicular or muscular, whereas anterior branches tended to be radicular or osseous. Lateral branches were most commonly radicular and medial branches tended to be osseous or muscular in nature. The largest branches of the VA originated from its V3 segment or the C2–3 part of its V2 segment. Rarely, branches to the extracranial glossopharyngeal and spinal accessory nerves were identified originating from the V3 and V2 segments of the VA, respectively.

Conclusions

Although seemingly diverse in their distribution, the branches of the V2 and V3 segments of the VA may follow a certain consistent arrangement. The potential for injury to neural branches of the VA is minimal at its V3 segment and the C1–2 portion of its V2 segment. Such knowledge may be of use to the neurosurgeon who operates in the neck and at the craniocervical junction.
Human neocortical electrical activity recorded on nonpenetrating microwire arrays: applicability for neuroprostheses
Authors: Kellis Spencer S. , House Paul A. , Thomson Kyle E. , Brown Richard , Greger Bradley
Published: July 2009

Object

The goal of this study was to determine whether a nonpenetrating, high-density microwire array could provide sufficient information to serve as the interface for decoding motor cortical signals.

Methods

Arrays of nonpenetrating microwires were implanted over the human motor cortex in 2 patients. The patients performed directed stereotypical reaching movements in 2 directions. The resulting data were used to determine whether the reach direction could be distinguished through a frequency power analysis.

Results

Correlation analysis revealed decreasing signal correlation with distance. The gamma-band power during motor planning allowed binary classification of gross directionality in the reaching movements. The degree of power change was correlated to the underlying gyral pattern.

Conclusions

The nonpenetrating microwire platform showed good potential for allowing differentiated signals to be recorded with high spatial fidelity without cortical penetration.
Role of deep brain stimulation in modulating memory formation and recall
Authors: Hu Rollin , Eskandar Emad , Williams Ziv
Published: July 2009

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become an increasingly popular tool for treating a variety of medically refractory neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson disease, essential tremor, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Several targets have been identified for ablation or stimulation based on their anatomical location and presumed function. Areas such as the subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus, and thalamus, for example, are believed to play a key role in motor control and execution, and they are commonly used in the treatment of motor disorders. Limbic structures such as the cingulate cortex and ventral striatum, believed to be important in motivation, emotion, and higher cognition, have also been targeted for treatment of a number of psychiatric disorders. In all of these settings, DBS is largely aimed at addressing the deleterious aspects of these diseases. In Parkinson disease, for example, DBS has been used to reduce rigidity and tremor, whereas in obsessive-compulsive disorder it has been used to limit compulsive behavior. More recently, however, attention has also turned to the potential use of DBS for enhancing or improving otherwise nonpathological aspects of cognitive function. This review explores the potential role of DBS in augmenting memory formation and recall, and the authors discuss recent studies and future trends in this emerging field.
Robust, long-term control of an electrocorticographic brain-computer interface with fixed parameters
Authors: Blakely Tim , Miller Kai J. , Zanos Stavros P. , Rao Rajesh P. N. , Ojemann Jeffrey G.
Published: July 2009

All previous multiple-day brain-computer interface (BCI) experiments have dynamically adjusted the parameterization between the signals measured from the brain and the features used to control the interface. The authors present the results of a multiple-day electrocorticographic (ECoG) BCI experiment.

A patient with a subdural electrode array implanted for seizure localization performed tongue motor tasks. After an initial screening and feature selection on the 1st day, 5 consecutive days of cursor-based feedback were performed with a fixed parameterization. Control of the interface was robust throughout all days, with performance increasing to a stable state in which high-frequency ECoG signal could immediately be translated into cursor control.

These findings demonstrate that ECoG-based BCIs can be implemented for multiple-day control without the necessity for sophisticated retraining and adaptation.
Evolution of brain-computer interfaces: going beyond classic motor physiology
Authors: Leuthardt Eric C. , Schalk Gerwin , Roland Jarod , Rouse Adam , Moran Daniel W.
Published: July 2009

The notion that a computer can decode brain signals to infer the intentions of a human and then enact those intentions directly through a machine is becoming a realistic technical possibility. These types of devices are known as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The evolution of these neuroprosthetic technologies could have significant implications for patients with motor disabilities by enhancing their ability to interact and communicate with their environment. The cortical physiology most investigated and used for device control has been brain signals from the primary motor cortex. To date, this classic motor physiology has been an effective substrate for demonstrating the potential efficacy of BCI-based control. However, emerging research now stands to further enhance our understanding of the cortical physiology underpinning human intent and provide further signals for more complex brain-derived control. In this review, the authors report the current status of BCIs and detail the emerging research trends that stand to augment clinical applications in the future.
Microscale recording from human motor cortex: implications for minimally invasive electrocorticographic brain-computer interfaces
Authors: Leuthardt Eric C. , Freudenberg Zac , Bundy David , Roland Jarod
Published: July 2009

Object

There is a growing interest in the use of recording from the surface of the brain, known as electrocorticography (ECoG), as a practical signal platform for brain-computer interface application. The signal has a combination of high signal quality and long-term stability that may be the ideal intermediate modality for future application. The research paradigm for studying ECoG signals uses patients requiring invasive monitoring for seizure localization. The implanted arrays span cortex areas on the order of centimeters. Currently, it is unknown what level of motor information can be discerned from small regions of human cortex with microscale ECoG recording.

Methods

In this study, a patient requiring invasive monitoring for seizure localization underwent concurrent implantation with a 16-microwire array (1-mm electrode spacing) placed over primary motor cortex. Microscale activity was recorded while the patient performed simple contra- and ipsilateral wrist movements that were monitored in parallel with electromyography. Using various statistical methods, linear and nonlinear relationships between these microcortical changes and recorded electromyography activity were defined.

Results

Small regions of primary motor cortex (< 5 mm) carry sufficient information to separate multiple aspects of motor movements (that is, wrist flexion/extension and ipsilateral/contralateral movements).

Conclusions

These findings support the conclusion that small regions of cortex investigated by ECoG recording may provide sufficient information about motor intentions to support brain-computer interface operations in the future. Given the small scale of the cortical region required, the requisite implanted array would be minimally invasive in terms of surgical placement of the electrode array.
Neurosecurity: security and privacy for neural devices
Authors: Denning Tamara , Matsuoka Yoky , Kohno Tadayoshi
Published: July 2009

An increasing number of neural implantable devices will become available in the near future due to advances in neural engineering. This discipline holds the potential to improve many patients' lives dramatically by offering improved—and in some cases entirely new—forms of rehabilitation for conditions ranging from missing limbs to degenerative cognitive diseases. The use of standard engineering practices, medical trials, and neuroethical evaluations during the design process can create systems that are safe and that follow ethical guidelines; unfortunately, none of these disciplines currently ensure that neural devices are robust against adversarial entities trying to exploit these devices to alter, block, or eavesdrop on neural signals. The authors define “neurosecurity”—a version of computer science security principles and methods applied to neural engineering—and discuss why neurosecurity should be a critical consideration in the design of future neural devices.
Getting signals into the brain: visual prosthetics through thalamic microstimulation
Authors: Pezaris John S. , Eskandar Emad N.
Published: July 2009

Common causes of blindness are diseases that affect the ocular structures, such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and macular degeneration, rendering the eyes no longer sensitive to light. The visual pathway, however, as a predominantly central structure, is largely spared in these cases. It is thus widely thought that a device-based prosthetic approach to restoration of visual function will be effective and will enjoy similar success as cochlear implants have for restoration of auditory function. In this article the authors review the potential locations for stimulation electrode placement for visual prostheses, assessing the anatomical and functional advantages and disadvantages of each. Of particular interest to the neurosurgical community is placement of deep brain stimulating electrodes in thalamic structures that has shown substantial promise in an animal model. The theory of operation of visual prostheses is discussed, along with a review of the current state of knowledge. Finally, the visual prosthesis is proposed as a model for a general high-fidelity machine-brain interface.
Human cortical prostheses: lost in translation?
Authors: Ryu Stephen I. , Shenoy Krishna V.
Published: July 2009

Direct brain control of a prosthetic system is the subject of much popular and scientific news. Neural technology and science have advanced to the point that proof-of-concept systems exist for cortically-controlled prostheses in rats, monkeys, and even humans. However, realizing the dream of making such technology available to everyone is still far off. Fortunately today there is great public and scientific interest in making this happen, but it will only occur when the functional benefits of such systems outweigh the risks. In this article, the authors briefly summarize the state of the art and then highlight many issues that will directly limit clinical translation, including system durability, system performance, and patient risk. Despite the challenges, scientists and clinicians are in the desirable position of having both public and fiscal support to begin addressing these issues directly. The ultimate challenge now is to determine definitively whether these prosthetic systems will become clinical reality or forever unrealized.
Effect of Low Levels of Dietary Protein on Growth, Protein Utilisation and Body Composition of Broiler Chicks from One to Twenty-Six Days of Age
Authors: Kamran Zahid , Sarwar Muhammad , Mahr-un-Nisa  , Nadeem Mukhtar Ahmed , Mushtaq Tariq , Ahmed Tanveer , Babar Masroor Ellahi , Mushtaq Mirza Muhammad Haroon
Published: July 2009

A trial was conducted to study the effect of lowering dietary crude protein (CP) with optimal amino acids profile on growth and whole body composition of broilers from 1 to 26 days of age. Four isocaloric (Metabolisable energy = 2925 kcal/kg) experimental broiler diets with CP levels of 23 (control), 22, 21 and 20% were formulated. Digestible lysine was maintained at 1.1% of the diet. A total of 1,760 day-old, Hubbard broiler chicks were randomly divided into 16 experimental units of 110 chicks and each diet was offered to 4 experimental units at random. Weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected by any of the treatment groups during the experimental period. Whole body composition and protein utilisation of broilers were also unaffected by the reduction in dietary CP content. However, total protein intake was decreased ( P<0.001) and protein efficiency ratio was increased ( P<0.001) linearly with low CP diets. Economics of different experimental diets fed to birds revealed that maximum economic returns were observed in 20% CP diet. The results suggested that dietary CP level could be reduced to 20% during starter period without any harmful effect on broiler performance when supplemented with critical amino acids.
Ostrich Farming in Poland – Its History and Current Situation after Accession to the European Union
Authors: Horbańczuk Jaroslaw Olav , Tomasik Cyprian , Cooper Ross Gordon
Published: July 2009

This review discusses the development of ostrich farming in Poland, emphasising the key success factors that led Poland to become one of the leaders of ostrich farming in Europe. The paper presents three stages of development of this new poultry sector in Poland, discusses adaptation of ostrich to climate conditions in Central Europe, provides information on the national and international market for ostrich products, as well as infrastructure and organisation of ostrich farming in Poland. It also summarises the main effects observed after Polish accession to the EU with respect to ostrich farming development and finally give prospects for the future.
An Integrated Resource for Barley Linkage Map and Malting Quality QTL Alignment
Authors: Szűcs Péter , Blake Victoria C. , Bhat Prasanna R. , Chao Shiaoman , Close Timothy J. , Cuesta‐Marcos Alfonso , Muehlbauer Gary J. , Ramsay Luke , Waugh Robbie , Hayes Patrick M.
Published: July 2009

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an economically important model plant for genetics research. Barley is currently served by an increasingly comprehensive set of tools for genetic analysis that have recently been augmented by high‐density genetic linkage maps built with gene‐based single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These SNP‐based maps need to be aligned with earlier generation maps, which were used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) detection, by integrating multiple types of markers into a single map. A 2383 locus linkage map was developed using the Oregon Wolfe Barley (OWB) Mapping Population to allow such alignments. The map is based on 1472 SNP, 722 DArT, and 189 prior markers which include morphological, simple sequence repeat (SSR), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and sequence tagged site (STS) loci. This new OWB map forms, therefore, a useful bridge between high‐density SNP‐only maps and prior QTL reports. The application of this bridge concept is shown using malting‐quality QTLs from multiple mapping populations, as reported in the literature. This is the first step toward developing a Barley QTL Community Curation workbook for all types of QTLs and maps, on the GrainGenes website. The OWB‐related resources are available at OWB Data and GrainGenes Tools (OWB‐DGGT) (http://wheat.pw.usda.gov/ggpages/maps/OWB/).
SHIP SAFETY IN OPEN PORTS
Authors: Paulauskas Vytautas , Paulauskas Donatas , Wijffels Joep
Published: July 2009

Ports and terminals open to prevailing winds can cause problems to moored ships with a high freeboard. Such ships, i.e. ship and berth mooring systems, have to deal with significant aerodynamic loads.This paper addresses the theoretical approach of the influence of aerodynamic loads on a mooring system for ship and investigates whether windscreens can reduce aerodynamic loads on ships in ports.
A Filtered Model of Tropical Wave Motions
Authors: Schubert Wayne H. , Silvers Levi G. , Masarik Matthew T. , Gonzalez Alex O.
Published: July 2009

Large‐scale tropical phenomena such as the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) and El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are often studied using the longwave approximation to equatorial β‐plane theory. This approximation involves the neglect of the (∂v/∂t) term in the meridional momentum equation. The approximation does not distort Kelvin waves, completely filters inertia‐gravity waves, is reasonably accurate for long Rossby waves, but greatly distorts short Rossby waves. Here we present an improvement of the long wave model, based on an approximation of the (∂v/∂t) term rather than its complete neglect. The new model is similar to the longwave model in the sense that it does not distort Kelvin waves and completely filters inertia‐gravity waves. However, it differs from the long wave model in the sense that it accurately describes Rossby waves of all wavelengths, thus making it a useful tool for the study of a wider range of tropical phenomena than just the MJO and ENSO. Although most of the mathematical analysis performed here is in the context of equatorial β‐plane theory, we briefly discuss how the ideas can be generalized to spherical geometry.
Land‐Surface‐Atmosphere Coupling in Observations and Models
Authors: Betts Alan K.
Published: July 2009

The diurnal cycle and the daily mean at the land‐surface result from the coupling of many physical processes. The framework of this review is largely conceptual; looking for relationships and information in the coupling of processes in models and observations. Starting from the surface energy balance, the role of the surface and cloud albedos in the shortwave and longwave fluxes is discussed. A long‐wave radiative scaling of the diurnal temperature range and the night‐time boundary layer is summarized. Several aspects of the local surface energy partition are presented: the role of soilwater availability and clouds; vector methods for understanding mixed layer evolution, and the coupling between surface and boundary layer that determines the lifting condensation level. Moving to larger scales, evaporation‐precipitation feedback in models is discussed; and the coupling of column water vapor, clouds and precipitation to vertical motion and moisture convergence over the Amazon. The final topic is a comparison of the ratio of surface shortwave cloud forcing to the diabatic precipitation forcing of the atmosphere in ERA‐40 with observations.
Increased Frequency of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Fibromyalgia and Associated Factors: A Comparative Study
Authors: PAMUK ÖMER NURI , ÜMIT HASAN , HARMANDAR ORBAY
Published: July 2009

Objective.

To determine the frequency and severity of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods.

We included 152 women with FM (mean age 45.4 ± 12.2 yrs), 98 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA; mean age 45.5 ± 12.3 yrs), and 60 healthy female controls (mean age 44 ± 11.3 yrs). All patients were questioned about the severity of their chronic widespread pain, symptoms of FM, symptoms of dyspepsia, using a visual analog scale (VAS), and anxiety-depression scale. Patients were asked self-reported (yes/no), symptom-based (≥ 2 criteria) constipation and severity of constipation questions, and about the severity of quality of life (QOL) disturbance secondary to dyspepsia and constipation.

Results.

Patients with FM had higher symptom severities for belching, reflux, bloating, sour taste, and vomiting than patients with RA and controls (all p values < 0.01). Patients with FM had significantly more dyspepsia-related QOL disturbances than the other 2 groups (p < 0.01). FM and RA patients had more frequent self-reported constipation than controls (respectively, 42.1%, 48%, 21.7%; p < 0.01). The frequency of symptom-based constipation was significantly higher in the RA group (49%) than in FM (29.6%) and control groups (23.3%) (p < 0.01). Constipation-related QOL disturbance was significantly higher in patients with FM than in controls (p < 0.01).

Conclusion.

In patients with FM, the severity scores of dyspepsia symptoms, constipation, and dyspepsia-related QOL disturbance were higher than in patients with RA and controls. The higher GI symptom severity in patients with FM might have negative effects on their QOL.
Samehang van verhoudingswoorde as middelpunt van verhoudingsherstel in die boek Hosea – ‘n sosioretoriese studie
Authors: Harris Johannes C.F. , Venter Pieter M.
Published: July 2009

Contiguity of relationship words as focal point for the restoration of relations in the book of Hosea – a socio-rhetorical studyThis article reflects on the various nuances in meaning of the relationship terminology used in Hosea. These words are used in combination with one another, although used differently in different contexts. The different combinations create associations with new socioliterary meanings. This culminates in three central, interrelated notions, namely [foreign font omitted] (‘love as life orientation’), [foreign font omitted] (‘acknowledgement of the care of Yahweh’) and [foreign font omitted] (‘to live before Yahweh’). The collective intention of these words is finally described as one of covenant harmony.
Measuring episodic memory: A novel approach with an indefinite number of alternative forms
Authors: Humphreys Michael S. , Smith Simon , Pachana Nancy A. , Tehan Gerry , Byrne Gerard J.
Published: July 2009

Both clinical practice and clinical research settings can require successive administrations of a memory test, particularly when following the trajectory of suspected memory decline in older adults. However, relatively few verbal episodic memory tests have alternative forms. We set out to create a broad‐based memory test to allow for the use of an essentially unlimited number of alternative forms. Four tasks for inclusion in such a test were developed. These tasks varied the requirement for recall as opposed to recognition, the need to form an association between unrelated words, and the need to discriminate the most recent list from earlier lists, all of which proved useful. A total of 115 participants completed the battery of tests and were used to show that the test could differentiate between older and younger adults; a sub‐sample of 73 participants completed alternative forms of the tests to determine test–retest reliability and the amount of learning to learn. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Polycrystalline Approach to the Cyclic Behaviour of f.c.c. Alloys – Intra‐Granular Heterogeneity
Authors: Feaugas Xavier , Pilvin Philippe
Published: July 2009

For several decades, the plastic deformation mechanisms of f.c.c. metals under cyclic loading have received considerable attention. The extensive work on this subject has gradually lead to the identification of the physical processes to be included in a formal scheme of fatigue behavior. Accordingly, we propose a review of the physical mechanisms of plastic deformation in f.c.c. metals and alloys to define the state‐of‐the‐art and motivate future studies. The aim is to demonstrate the importance of a good knowledge of the heterogeneous nature of deformation at the intra‐granular scale in defining a physical model of cyclic behavior. A large characterization of the different stages associated with the evolution of heterogeneous dislocation structures during tensile and cyclic loadings is given for an austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L. A unified view of these various structures is proposed in the form of a modified Pedersen's map [εmax = f(εpcum), where εmax is the maximum plastic strain and εpcum the cumulative plastic strain] in the case of tensile loading and different kinds of cyclic loading: uni‐axial and multi‐axial tests under stress or strain amplitude control. The specificities of each domain defined in the map are discussed in terms of long‐range internal stresses in order to formalize, in a simple composite scheme, the intra‐granular stress–strain field. The importance of taking into account this scheme and the nature of the different dislocations populations in a polycrystalline model is illustrated.
An Overview of the Anatomy of Crystal Plasticity Models
Authors: Cailletaud Georges
Published: July 2009

Single crystals, polycrystals, and DS alloys can be modeled in the same framework by means of crystal plasticity. This paper wants to show the common features of the different approaches on the grain level, and the additional assumptions that are needed to derive polycrystal or DS models. Phenomenological rules are introduced for representing the hardening in the single crystal constitutive equations. Series of examples are given to illustrate the capabilities of the various approaches that are mainly related to the crystallographic character, and to the fact that the macroscopic yield locus is not predefined, but built from a collection of linear yield conditions.
Effect of Electric Field on Coulomb‐Stabilized Excitons in Host/Guest Systems for Deep‐Blue Electrophosphorescence
Authors: Haneder Stephan , Da Como Enrico , Feldmann Jochen , Rothmann Michael M. , Strohriegl Peter , Lennartz Christian , Molt Oliver , Münster Ingo , Schildknecht Christian , Wagenblast Gerhard
Published: July 2009

Here, a study of the electric field induced quenching on the phosphorescence intensity of a deep‐blue triplet emitter dispersed in different host materials is presented. The hosts are characterized by a higher triplet excitonic level with respect to the emitter, ensuring efficient energy transfer and exciton confinement, whereas they differ in the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) alignment, forming type I and type II host/guest heterostructures. While the type I structure shows negligible electric field induced quenching, a quenching up to 25% for the type II at a field of 2 MV/cm is reported. A similar quenching behaviour is also reported for thin films of the pure emitter, revealing an important luminescence loss mechanism for aggregated emitter molecules. These results are interpreted by considering Coulomb stabilized excitons in the type II heterostructure and in the pure emitter, that become very sensitive to dissociation upon application of the field. These results clarify the role of external electric field quenching on the phosphorescence of triplet emitters and provide useful insights for the design of deep‐blue electrophosphorescent devices with a reduced efficiency roll‐off.
Electric‐Field‐Assisted Nanostructuring of a Mott Insulator
Authors: Dubost Vincent , Cren Tristan , Vaju Cristian , Cario Laurent , Corraze Benoit , Janod Etienne , Debontridder François , Roditchev Dimitri
Published: July 2009

Here, the first experimental evidence for a strong electromechanical coupling in the Mott insulator GaTa4Se8 that allows highly reproducible nanoscaled writing by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is reported. The local electric field across the STM junction is observed to have a threshold value above which the clean (100) surface of GaTa4Se8 becomes mechanically instable: at voltage biases >1.1 V, the surface suddenly inflates and comes in contact with the STM tip, resulting in nanometer‐sized craters. The formed pattern can be indestructibly “read” by STM at a lower voltage bias, thus allowing 5 Tdots inch−2 dense writing/reading at room temperature. The discovery of the electromechanical coupling in GaTa4Se8 might give new clues in the understanding of the electric pulse induced resistive switching recently observed in this stoichiometric Mott insulator.
Controlling Electron and Hole Charge Injection in Ambipolar Organic Field‐Effect Transistors by Self‐Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyang , Noh Yong‐Young , Wang Jianpu , Tello Marta , Frisch Johannes , Blum Ralf‐Peter , Vollmer Antje , Rabe Jürgen P. , Koch Norbert , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: July 2009

Controlling contact resistance in organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) is one of the major hurdles to achieve transistor scaling and dimensional reduction. In particular in the context of ambipolar and/or light‐emitting OFETs it is a difficult challenge to obtain efficient injection of both electrons and holes from one injecting electrode such as gold since organic semiconductors have intrinsically large band gaps resulting in significant injection barrier heights for at least one type of carrier. Here, systematic control of electron and hole contact resistance in poly(9,9‐di‐n‐octylfluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole) ambipolar OFETs using thiol‐based self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) is demonstrated. In contrast to common believe, it is found that for a certain SAM the injection of both electrons and holes can be improved. This simultaneous enhancement of electron and hole injection cannot be explained by SAM‐induced work‐function modifications because the surface dipole induced by the SAM on the metal surface lowers the injection barrier only for one type of carrier, but increases it for the other. These investigations reveal that other key factors also affect contact resistance, including i) interfacial tunneling through the SAM, ii) SAM‐induced modifications of interface morphology, and iii) the interface electronic structure. Of particular importance for top‐gate OFET geometry is iv) the active polymer layer thickness that dominates the electrode/polymer contact resistance. Therefore, a consistent explanation of how SAM electrode modification is able to improve both electron and hole injection in ambipolar OFETs requires considering all mentioned factors.