bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing a Constructed Wetland for the Detention of Agricultural Runoff for Water Quality Improvement
Authors: Millhollon Eddie P. , Rodrigue Paul B. , Rabb James L. , Martin Danny F. , Anderson Russell A. , Dans Darinda R.
Published: October 2009

The goal of this study was to construct a wetland that would detain runoff from a 162‐ha watershed for the purposes of improving water quality. The volume of runoff that needed to be detained was determined to be that amount coming off the 162‐ha watershed consisting of 146 ha of cultivated crop land and 16 ha of pasture that exceeded the amount that would have come off of the watershed in its natural, forested state. The Soil Conservation Service (now the Natural Resource Conservation Service [NRCS]) runoff curve number method was used to estimate runoff from the watershed in its natural, forested state and in its current state of cultivated crop land and pasture. The design of the constructed wetland was accomplished using the natural topography of the wetland site and the design criteria for a sediment containment system developed by NRCS. The SPAW (Soil‐Plant‐Atmosphere–Water Field & Pond Hydrology) computer model was used to model depth and volume in the wetland to determine if the constructed wetland design would accommodate typical runoff events. Construction of the wetland occurred over a 4‐mo period. The capabilities of the system were verified when Hurricane Rita deposited above‐normal rainfall to the wetland site area. The wetland was able to accommodate this event, allowing flow through the system for 9 d, followed by continued detention of remaining runoff for water quality improvement.
Nitrogen Losses from Dairy Manure Estimated Through Nitrogen Mass Balance and Chemical Markers
Authors: Hristov Alexander N. , Zaman Shah , Vander Pol Mike , Ndegwa Pius , Campbell Larry , Silva Steven
Published: October 2009

Ammonia is an important air and water pollutant, but the spatial variation in its concentrations presents technical difficulties in accurate determination of ammonia emissions from animal feeding operations. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between ammonia volatilization and δ15N of dairy manure and the feasibility of estimating ammonia losses from a dairy facility using chemical markers. In Exp. 1, the N/P ratio in manure decreased by 30% in 14 d as cumulative ammonia losses increased exponentially. Delta 15N of manure increased throughout the course of the experiment and δ15N of emitted ammonia increased (p < 0.001) quadratically from −31‰ to −15 ‰. The relationship between cumulative ammonia losses and δ15N of manure was highly significant (p < 0.001; r2 = 0.76). In Exp. 2, using a mass balance approach, approximately half of the N excreted by dairy cows (Bos taurus) could not be accounted for in 24 h. Using N/P and N/K ratios in fresh and 24‐h manure, an estimated 0.55 and 0.34 (respectively) of the N excreted with feces and urine could not be accounted for. This study demonstrated that chemical markers (P, K) can be successfully used to estimate ammonia losses from cattle manure. The relationship between manure δ15N and cumulative ammonia loss may also be useful for estimating ammonia losses. Although promising, the latter approach needs to be further studied and verified in various experimental conditions and in the field.
Sorption of Lead from Aqueous Solutions by Tea Wastes
Authors: Liu Ni , Lin Daohui , Lu Huifeng , Xu Yong , Wu Miaolong , Luo Jin , Xing Baoshan
Published: October 2009

Environmental contamination by heavy metals has long been a worldwide concern. Tea wastes, having porous surfaces with polar functional groups, could be a good sorbent for removal of Pb(II) from wastewaters. This study aimed to investigate the potential of tea wastes as a sorbent for removal of Pb(II) from solution and the underlying sorption mechanism. Tea wastes showed high removal efficiency for Pb(II) with a short equilibration time and high sorption capacity. The sorptive affinity increased with increasing solution pH and leveled off at about pH 5. Higher temperature led to a higher sorptive affinity, indicating the sorption being an endothermic process. Coexisting metal ions lowered the sorption of Pb(II) with an order of Ag(I) < Cu(II) < Al(III). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an X‐ray energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) accessory were used to examine the underlying mechanism of the Pb(II) sorption. Surface complex formation with carboxylic and amine groups and ion exchanges were observed to regulate the binding of Pb(II) to the tea wastes.
Olympic Athlete Selection
Authors: Hizen Yoichi , Okui Ryo
Published: October 2009

Olympic athlete selection procedures are different among countries and events, and famous athletes are often reported to have lost their selection races. This paper analyzes what kind of procedure is more likely to select high-ability athletes while preventing low-ability athletes from being selected by chance. Our game-theoretic model shows that the answer depends on how sharply high-ability athletes' race results fluctuate relative to those of low-ability athletes. Athletes' strategic choice of participation in races turns out to be crucial in addressing this question, and there are cases in which having only one race is desirable, even if the selection can involve multiple races.
Defects in IL-2R Signaling Contribute to Diminished Maintenance of FOXP3 Expression in CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T-Cells of Type 1 Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Long S. Alice , Cerosaletti Karen , Bollyky Paul L. , Tatum Megan , Shilling Heather , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Zhong-Yin , Pihoker Catherine , Sanda Srinath , Greenbaum Carla , Buckner Jane H.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

In humans, multiple genes in the interleukin (IL)-2/IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) pathway are associated with type 1 diabetes. However, no link between IL-2 responsiveness and CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) has been demonstrated in type 1 diabetic subjects despite the role of these IL-2–dependent cells in controlling autoimmunity. Here, we address whether altered IL-2 responsiveness impacts persistence of FOXP3 expression in Tregs of type 1 diabetic subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Persistence of Tregs was assessed by culturing sorted CD4+CD25hi natural Tregs with IL-2 and measuring FOXP3 expression over time by flow cytometry for control and type 1 diabetic populations. The effects of IL-2 on FOXP3 induction were assessed 48 h after activation of CD4+CD25− T-cells with anti-CD3 antibody. Cytokine receptor expression and signaling upon exposure to IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15 were determined by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Maintenance of FOXP3 expression in CD4+CD25+ Tregs of type 1 diabetic subjects was diminished in the presence of IL-2, but not IL-7. Impaired responsiveness was not linked to altered expression of the IL-2R complex. Instead, IL-2R signaling was reduced in Tregs and total CD4+ T-cells of type 1 diabetic subjects. In some individuals, decreased signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 phosphorylation correlated with significantly higher expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase N2, a negative regulator of IL-2R signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

Aberrant IL-2R signaling in CD4+ T-cells of type 1 diabetic subjects contributes to decreased persistence of FOXP3 expression that may impact establishment of tolerance. These findings suggest novel targets for treatment of type 1 diabetes within the IL-2R pathway and suggest that an altered IL-2R signaling signature may be a biomarker for type 1 diabetes.
Lack of TXNIP Protects Against Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis but Not Against Fatty Acid–Induced ER Stress–Mediated β-Cell Death
Authors: Chen Junqin , Fontes Ghislaine , Saxena Geetu , Poitout Vincent , Shalev Anath
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

We have previously shown that lack of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) protects against diabetes and glucotoxicity-induced β-cell apoptosis. Because the role of TXNIP in lipotoxicity is unknown, the goal of the present study was to determine whether TXNIP expression is regulated by fatty acids and whether TXNIP deficiency also protects β-cells against lipoapoptosis.

RESARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To determine the effects of fatty acids on β-cell TXNIP expression, INS-1 cells and isolated islets were incubated with/without palmitate and rats underwent cyclic infusions of glucose and/or Intralipid prior to islet isolation and analysis by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Using primary wild-type and TXNIP-deficient islets, we then assessed the effects of palmitate on apoptosis (transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling [TUNEL]), mitochondrial death pathway (cytochrome c release), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (binding protein [BiP], C/EBP homologous protein [CHOP]). Effects of TXNIP deficiency were also tested in the context of staurosporine (mitochondrial damage) or thapsigargin (ER stress).

RESULTS

Glucose elicited a dramatic increase in islet TXNIP expression both in vitro and in vivo, whereas fatty acids had no such effect and, when combined with glucose, even abolished the glucose effect. We also found that TXNIP deficiency does not effectively protect against palmitate or thapsigargin-induced β-cell apoptosis, but specifically prevents staurosporine- or glucose-induced toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that unlike glucose, fatty acids do not induce β-cell expression of proapoptotic TXNIP. They further reveal that TXNIP deficiency specifically inhibits the mitochondrial death pathway underlying β-cell glucotoxicity, whereas it has very few protective effects against ER stress–mediated lipoapoptosis.
An experimental and numerical study of the vortices generated by hydrofoils
Authors: Szantyr J. , Biernacki R. , Flaszyński P. , Dymarski P. , Kraskowski M.
Published: October 2009

An experimental and numerical study of the vortices generated by hydrofoils

The article presents the results of the research project concerning the process of formation of the tip vortices shed from hydrofoils of different geometry in different flow conditions. Three hydrofoils resembling the contemporary marine propeller blades have been selected for the study. The experimental part of the project consisted of the LDA measurements of the velocity field in three cross-sections of the vortex generated by the hydrofoils in the cavitation tunnel. The numerical part of the project consisted of calculations of the corresponding velocity field by means of three computer codes and several selected turbulence models. The comparative analysis of the experimental and numerical results, leading to the assessment of the accuracy of the numerical methods, is included.
An integrated framework for various operation plans in container terminals
Authors: Won S. , Kim K.
Published: October 2009

An integrated framework for various operation plans in container terminals

This study provides a framework for integrating various planning activities in container terminals. First, we introduce various planning activities in container terminals and identify decision-making problems for each planning activity. Input parameters, decision variables, objectives, constraints, time buckets, and the planning horizon for each decision activity are identified. Next, we introduce the concept of a resource profile and planning procedure simultaneously by considering availabilities of various resources and resource requirements in a planning activity.
Selection of material suitable for permeable reactive barriers in the vicinity of landfills
Authors: Fronczyk Joanna , Garbulewski Kazimierz
Published: October 2009

Selection of material suitable for permeable reactive barriers in the vicinity of landfills

This paper focuses on the criteria proposed for the selection of reactive materials suitable for permeable reactive barriers surrounding waste disposal sites. The criteria were divided into three groups: hydraulic, mechanical and sorption. Hydraulic and sorption criteria are equivalents and complementary to one another in the process of reactive material selection. Only a material that fulfills both criteria should be used. The third criterion — mechanical — that is related to the deformation and strength properties of the reactive material should be considered in designing the technology and evaluation of safety conditions.
Modified Finslerian spaces for more effective ray-tracing. Application to seismic travel-time tomography
Authors: Arvanitis Michael
Published: October 2009

This paper deals with a new ray-tracing approach for seismic travel-time tomography, using the Finslerian geometry. Traditional ray-tracing methods produce poor results because non-uniform coverage of rays in the whole computational domain. We developed and tested the new algorithm based on the Finsler geometry. Tests were carried out using both synthetic and real data. The results are described in this paper.
Effects of meadow management practices on the breeding birds of Ljubljansko barje (central Slovenia)
Authors: Vukelič Eva
Published: October 2009

Vpliv načinov gospodarjenja s travišči na ptice gnezdilke Ljubljanskega barja (osrednja Slovenija)
Insects in the White Stork Ciconia ciconia diet as indicators of its feeding conditions: the first diet study in Slovenia
Authors: Vrezec Al
Published: October 2009

Insects in the White StorkCiconia ciconiadiet as indicators of its feeding conditions: the first diet study in Slovenia

Prey remains found in the pellets of the White StorkCiconia ciconiaare known not to reveal the actual prey intake by the White Storks. The exceptions are the chitinous remains of insects that are quite well preserved in the pellets, and thus potentially good indicators of the actual intake of White Storks. Since insects are selected by White Storks in proportion to their abundance in the environment, they can be used as indicators of the quality of the bird foraging habitat. A preliminary test of this was carried out at three nests in NE Slovenia differing in their breeding success in 1997. In contrast to habitat analysis around the nest the proportions of Orthoptera and Coleoptera in the pellets corresponded well to the breeding success. Orthoptera species were dominant in high success, and Coleoptera (especially Carrion beetles Silphidae) in low success nests. In this paper the value of insects in White Stork pellets as indicators of the quality of the bird foraging microhabitat patches is set out. However, the indicative power of these insects needs to be tested further.
Andrade creep revisited
Authors: Louchet François , Duval Paul
Published: October 2009

Transient creep of many materials at high temperatures obeys Andrade's law, in which creep strain is proportional to the cube root of time. The present paper aims at revisiting in terms of criticality the different explanations proposed so far. In agreement with Mott's statistical theory, and using the concept of load shedding and mechanical cascades introduced in Cottrell's microscopic model, we show that Andrade creep is obtained assuming only long range back stresses and delayed obstacle overcoming, both of them involving a large number of interacting sites responsible for stress fluctuations. The time exponent is 1/3 if work hardening is linear, and larger otherwise. Andrade's creep appears as a power law approach of the linear (or χ) creep regime.
Fundamental and applied aspects of laser surface engineering
Authors: De Hosson J. Th. M. , Ocelík V. , de Oliveira U. O. B. , Vainchtein D. I.
Published: October 2009

The contribution to this jubilee issue of IJMR concentrates on the analysis of laser surface treatments. In particular laser cladding processes using coaxial and side set-ups are evaluated to determine the optimal processing window that prioritizes the clad quality and the efficiency of the coating method. The microstructural features in these so-called processing maps are illustrated with Inverse Pole Figure (IPF) mapping, texture pole figures and Electron Backscatter Pattern (EBSP) techniques. The distribution of stresses inside Co-based laser coating is measured with the so-called three-dimensional X-ray Diffraction microscopy (3DXRD) and it is found very dispersive, i. e. stresses may change from one grain to another considerably. The mean value of observed hydrostatic stress in all grains at specific laser track depth is gradually changed from tensile state in the upper part of the coating to the compressive state in its lower part close to the substrate. On the other hand the average value of shear stress component does not show any substantial change with depth.
Thermodynamics of reactions and phase transformations at interfaces and surfaces
Authors: Jeurgens Lars P. H. , Wang Zumin , Mittemeijer Eric J.
Published: October 2009

Recent advances in the thermodynamic description of reactions and phase transformations at interfaces between metals, semiconductors, oxides and the ambient have been reviewed. Unanticipated nanostructures, characterized by the presence of phases at interfaces and surfaces which are unstable as bulk phases, can be thermodynamically stabilized due to the dominance of energy contributions of interfaces and surfaces in the total Gibbs energy of the system. The basic principles and practical guidelines to construct realistic, practically and generally applicable thermodynamic model descriptions of microstructural evolutions at interfaces and surfaces have been outlined. To this end, expressions for the estimation of the involved interface and surface energies have been dealt with extensively as a function of, e. g., the film composition and the growth temperature. Model predictions on transformations at interfaces (surfaces) in nanosized systems have been compared with corresponding experimental observations for, in particular, ultrathin (< 5 nm) oxide overgrowths on metal surfaces, as well as the metal-induced crystallization of semi-conductors in contact with various metals.
Conducting polymers for corrosion protection: a review
Authors: Rohwerder M.
Published: October 2009

Since the first reported publications about their possible application for corrosion protection, conducting polymers are discussed as promising candidates for a new generation of corrosion control coatings. However, although research has started about three decades ago and certainly about a thousand publications have been published on this topic, their technical application has not yet made its breakthrough.

The reason for this is that most coatings based on conducting polymers fail so far under practical corrosion conditions. Reasons will be discussed in this paper, as well as future challenges. As will be shown, conducting redox polymers such as polypyrrole or polyaniline indeed posses a promising potential for intelligent corrosion protection, but up to now this potential has not been explored.
Neurological injuries from car surfing
Authors: Wang Arthur , Cohen Alan R. , Robinson Shenandoah
Published: October 2009

Object

Trauma secondary to car surfing is a unique mechanism of head and spinal injury in children and adolescents. In this study, the authors present their experience with neurological injuries resulting from car surfing and describe the growing national trend of car-surfing injuries and the increasing portrayal of this activity in the media.

Methods

A retrospective study of the Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital trauma database was conducted to identify all cases of neurological injuries secondary to car surfing. Between January 1995 and December 2008, 7 patients ≤ 16 years of age, including 6 boys and 1 girl, were identified. The charts of these patients were reviewed. National data on car-surfing fatalities over the same time period in children and adolescents 10–20 years of age were obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and these data were analyzed for national trends in car-surfing fatalities.

Results

All 7 children with injuries due to car surfing suffered traumatic head injuries. Three patients fell from the back of the moving vehicle, 2 fell from the hood, 1 fell from the side of the vehicle, and 1 patient sustained head injuries after intentionally jumping off the moving vehicle. All 7 children suffered intracranial bleeding, and 4 had associated skull fractures. One patient underwent craniotomy to evacuate an acute subdural hematoma. The other 6 patients required nonoperative treatment. Four patients had permanent neurological problems. National statistics have shown a steady rise in car-surfing fatality rates since 2000, especially in California, Florida, and Texas.

Conclusions

Car surfing is an unusual but serious mechanism of neurological injury in children and adolescents. Despite its dangers, car surfing is becoming a more common pastime in the pediatric population. National statistics have shown a steady rise in car-surfing fatalities since 2000. This national rise in fatalities chronologically overlaps with the introduction of media depictions of the activity since 1995. Increased awareness of the dangers of car surfing may help prevent future head injuries.
Multiple intracranial aneurysms and moyamoya disease associated with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II: surgical considerations
Authors: Waldron James S. , Hetts Steven W. , Armstrong-Wells Jennifer , Dowd Christopher F. , Fullerton Heather J. , Gupta Nalin , Lawton Michael T.
Published: October 2009

Microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II (MOPD II) is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by extremely small stature and microcephaly, and is associated in 25% of patients with intracranial aneurysms and moyamoya disease. Although aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and stroke are leading causes of morbidity and death in these patients, MOPD II is rarely examined in the neurosurgical literature. The authors report their experience with 3 patients who presented with MOPD II, which includes a patient with 8 aneurysms (the most aneurysms reported in the literature), and the first report of a patient with both moyamoya disease and multiple aneurysms. The poor natural history of these lesions indicates aggressive microsurgical and/or endovascular therapy. Microsurgery, whether for aneurysm clip placement or extracranial-intracranial bypass, is challenging due to tight surgical corridors and diminutive arteries in these patients, but is technically feasible and strongly indicated when multiple aneurysms must be treated or cerebral revascularization is needed.
Transarterial embolization of a scalp hemangioma presenting with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome
Authors: Wolfe Stacey Quintero , Farhat Hamad , Elhammady Mohamed Samy , Moftakhar Roham , Aziz-Sultan Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2009

A 2-month-old infant presented with an enlarging scalp hemangioma and consumptive coagulopathy. The patient became severely thrombocytopenic despite medical treatment. Transarterial embolization with Onyx was performed with significant reduction in the size of the tumor and complete resolution of the thrombocytopenia within 12 hours. Onyx embolization appears to be an excellent treatment option for hemangiomas presenting with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome that are unresponsive to standard medical therapy.
Use of 5-aminolevulinic acid for visualization and resection of a benign pediatric brain tumor
Authors: Ruge John R. , Liu Jonathan
Published: October 2009

5-Aminolevulinic acid has been used successfully to facilitate resection of adult malignant gliomas. The authors report their experience in the treatment of a 9-year-old girl who underwent fluorescence-guided resection of a right temporal lobe pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma using 5-aminolevulinic acid. Intraoperatively, the residual tumor fluoresced, allowing for better visualization. No serious side effects or complications occurred.
Endovascular obliteration of an intracranial pseudoaneurysm: the utility of Onyx
Authors: Medel Ricky , Crowley R. Webster , Hamilton D. Kojo , Dumont Aaron S.
Published: October 2009

Pseudoaneurysms are rare lesions with a multitude of causes, including infectious, traumatic, and iatrogenic origins. In addition, there are a number of potential treatment options, all of which require consideration to determine the most appropriate management. Historically, surgical intervention has been the method of choice, but because the histopathological features of these lesions make them largely unsuitable for clipping, trapping or excision is often required. More recently endovascular methods have been used, including coil embolization, stent reconstruction, or parent artery occlusion. Although these methods are often successful, situations arise in which they are not technically feasible. The authors describe such a case in a pediatric patient with an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm. Onyx was used to embolize the lesion and the results were excellent.
Comparison of accidental and nonaccidental traumatic brain injuries in infants and toddlers: demographics, neurosurgical interventions, and outcomes
Authors: Adamo Matthew A. , Drazin Doniel , Smith Caitlin , Waldman John B.
Published: October 2009

Object

Nonaccidental trauma has become a leading cause of death in infants and toddlers. Compared with children suffering from accidental trauma, many children with nonaccidental trauma present with injuries requiring neurosurgical management and operative interventions.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed concerning the clinical and radiological findings, need for neurosurgical intervention, and outcomes in infants and toddlers with head injuries who presented to Albany Medical Center between 1999 and 2007. The Fisher exact probability test and ORs were computed for Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, hyperdense versus hypodense subdural collections, and discharge and follow-up King's Outcome Scale for Childhood Head Injury (KOSCHI) scores.

Results

There were 218 patients, among whom 164 had sustained accidental trauma, and 54 had sustained nonaccidental trauma (NAT). The patients with accidental traumatic injuries were more likely to present with GCS scores of 13–15 (OR 6.95), and the patients with NATs with of GCS scores 9–12 (OR 6.83) and 3–8 (OR 2.99). Skull fractures were present in 57.2% of accidentally injured patients at presentation, and 15% had subdural collections. Skull fractures were present in 30% of nonaccidentally injured patients, and subdural collections in 52%. Patients with evidence of hypodense subdural collections were significantly more likely to be in the NAT group (OR 20.56). Patients with NAT injuries were also much more likely to require neurosurgical operative intervention. Patients with accidental trauma were more likely to have a KOSCHI score of 5 at discharge and follow-up (ORs 6.48 and 4.58), while patients with NAT had KOSCHI scores of 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b at discharge (ORs 6.48, 5.47, 2.44, and 3.62, respectively), and 3b and 4a at follow-up.

Conclusions

Infant and toddler victims of NAT have significantly worse injuries and outcomes than those whose trauma was accidental. In the authors' experience, however, with aggressive intervention, many of these patients can make significant neurological improvements at subsequent follow-up visits.
Vein of Galen malformation
Authors: Hoang Stanley , Choudhri Omar , Edwards Michael , Guzman Raphael
Published: October 2009

A vein of Galen malformation is a rare intracranial vascular lesion affecting the pediatric population. Its poor prognosis has been significantly improved with the development of endovascular embolization. In this paper the authors review the developmental mechanisms, clinical pathophysiology, and the available data on the management and outcome of the disease.
Introduction: Venous brain circulation disorders
Authors: Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: October 2009

Brain ischemia by arterial occlusion has been a focus of attention for decades, and cerebral venous disorders have been an underestimated condition of potentially good outcome if diagnosed and treated promptly. Recently, there has been considerable interest in cerebral injury following cerebral venous circulation disorders because diagnosis has improved as our understanding of the diseases and modern imaging technologies have advanced.
Recurrence rates after neuroendoscopic fenestration and Gamma Knife surgery in comparison with subtotal resection and Gamma Knife surgery for the treatment of cystic craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Park Young Seok , Chang Jong Hee , Park Yong Gou , Kim Dong-Seok
Published: October 2009

Object

The object of this study was to compare the recurrence rates of cystic craniopharyngiomas after neuroendoscopic cyst fenestration combined with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) and after subtotal resection (STR) combined with GKS.

Methods

The records of 27 patients (age range 3–66 years) with cystic craniopharyngiomas that were treated surgically or neuroendoscopically before GKS between January 2000 and December 2007 were reviewed to compare recurrence rates. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (13 patients) received the neuroendoscopic procedure before GKS, and Group 2 (14 patients) received an STR followed by GKS. Tumor volumes, radiation doses, visual field defects, endocrine levels, and recurrences were compared between the 2 groups. Patients with solid tumors and those who underwent complete resection were excluded from the study.

Results

The recurrence rate for Group 1 was higher than that of Group 2 (p = 0.046). The radiation dose near the optic chiasm was higher in Group 1 (p = 0.021) than in Group 2. However, endocrine function was better preserved in Group 1 than in Group 2.

Conclusions

This investigation confirms that STR followed by GKS results in a lower recurrence rate than neuroendoscopy and GKS. Neuroendoscopy and GKS, however, results in a better preservation of endocrine function. These results suggest that a generalized multimodal approach including endoscopic fenestration in addition to GKS is hindered by higher recurrence rates.
Slowly progressive neuronal death associated with postischemic hyperperfusion in cortical laminar necrosis after high-flow bypass for a carotid intracavernous aneurysm
Authors: Iihara Koji , Okawa Masakazu , Hishikawa Tomohito , Yamada Naoaki , Fukushima Kazuhito , Iida Hidehiro , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: October 2009

The authors report a rare case of slowly progressive neuronal death associated with postischemic hyperperfusion in cortical laminar necrosis after radial artery/external carotid artery–middle cerebral artery bypass graft surgery for an intracavernous carotid artery aneurysm. Under barbiturate protection, a 69-year-old man underwent high-flow bypass surgery combined with carotid artery sacrifice for a symptomatic intracavernous aneurysm. The patient became restless postoperatively, and this restlessness peaked on postoperative Day (POD) 7. Diffusion-weighted and FLAIR MR images obtained on PODs 1 and 7 revealed subtle cortical hyperintensity in the temporal cortex subjected to temporary occlusion. On POD 13, 123I-iomazenil (123I-IMZ) SPECT clearly showed increased distribution on the early image and mildly decreased binding on the delayed image with count ratios of the affected–unaffected corresponding regions of interest of 1.23 and 0.84, respectively, suggesting postischemic hyperperfusion. This was consistent with the finding on 123I-iodoamphetamine SPECT. Of note, neuronal density in the affected cortex on the delayed 123I-IMZ image further decreased to the affected/unaffected ratio of 0.44 on POD 55 during the subacute stage when characteristic cortical hyperintensity on T1-weighted MR imaging, typical of cortical laminar necrosis, was emerging. The affected cortex showed marked atrophy 8 months after the operation despite complete neurological recovery. This report illustrates, for the first time, dynamic neuroradiological correlations between slowly progressive neuronal death shown by 123I-IMZ SPECT and cortical laminar necrosis on MR imaging in human stroke.
Ultrahigh-dose intraarterial infusion of verapamil through an indwelling microcatheter for medically refractory severe vasospasm: initial experience
Authors: Albanese Erminia , Russo Antonino , Quiroga Monica , Willis Rhett N. , Mericle Robert A. , Ulm Arthur J.
Published: October 2009

Object

Vasospasm is one of the leading causes of morbidity and death following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Many patients suffer devastating strokes despite the best medical therapy. Endovascular treatment is the last line of defense for cases of medically refractory vasospasm. The authors present a series of patients who were treated with a prolonged intraarterial infusion of verapamil through an in-dwelling microcatheter.

Methods

Over a 1-year period 12 patients with medically refractory vasospasm due to aneurysmal SAH were identified. Data were retrospectively collected, including age, sex, Hunt and Hess grade, Fisher grade, aneurysm location, aneurysm treatment, day of the onset of vasospasm, intracranial pressure, mean arterial pressures, intraarterial treatment of vasospasm, dosages and times of verapamil infusion, presence of a new ischemic area on CT scan, modified Rankin scale score at discharge and at the last clinical follow-up, and discharge status.

Results

Twenty-seven treatments were administered. Between 25 and 360 mg of verapamil was infused per vessel (average dose per vessel 164.6 mg, range of total dose per treatment 70–720 mg). Infusion times ranged from 1 to 20.5 hours (average 7.8 hours). The number of treated vessels ranged from 1 to 7 per patient. The number of treatments per patients ranged from 1 to 4. There was no treatment-related morbidity or death. Blood pressure and intracranial pressure changes were transient and rapidly reversible. Among the 36 treated vessels, prolonged verapamil infusion was completely effective in 32 cases and partially effective in 4. Only 4 vessels required angioplasty for refractory vasospasm after prolonged verapamil infusion. There was no CT scanning evidence of new ischemic events in 9 of the 12 patients treated. At last clinical follow-up 6–12 months after discharge, 8 of 11 patients had a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2.

Conclusions

Prolonged intraarterial infusion of verapamil is a safe and effective treatment for medically refractory severe vasospasm and reduces the need for angioplasty in such cases.
A Law of Word Meaning in Dolphin Whistle Types
Authors: Ferrer-i-Cancho Ramon , McCowan Brenda
Published: October 2009

We show that dolphin whistle types tend to be used in specific behavioral contexts, which is consistent with the hypothesis that dolphin whistle have some sort of “meaning”. Besides, in some cases, it can be shown that the behavioral context in which a whistle tends to occur or not occur is shared by different individuals, which is consistent with the hypothesis that dolphins are communicating through whistles. Furthermore, we show that the number of behavioral contexts significantly associated with a certain whistle type tends to grow with the frequency of the whistle type, a pattern that is reminiscent of a law of word meanings stating, as a tendency, that the higher the frequency of a word, the higher its number of meanings. Our findings indicate that the presence of Zipf's law in dolphin whistle types cannot be explained with enough detail by a simplistic die rolling experiment.
Determination of the Real Loss of Power for a Condensing and a Backpressure Turbine by Means of Second Law Analysis
Authors: Holmberg Henrik , Ruohonen Pekka , Ahtila Pekka
Published: October 2009

All real processes generate entropy and the power/exergy loss is usually determined by means of the Gouy-Stodola law. If the system only exchanges heat at the environmental temperature, the Gouy-Stodola law gives the correct loss of power. However, most industrial processes exchange heat at higher or lower temperatures than the actual environmental temperature. When calculating the real loss of power in these cases, the Gouy-Stodola law does not give the correct loss if the actual environmental temperature is used. The first aim of this paper is to show through simple steam turbine examples that the previous statement is true. The second aim of the paper is to define the effective temperature to calculate the real power loss of the system with the Gouy-Stodola law, and to apply it to turbine examples. Example calculations also show that the correct power loss can be defined if the effective temperature is used instead of the real environmental temperature.
Characterization and Dissolution Study of Chitosan Freeze-Dried Systems for Drug Controlled Release
Authors: Ruiz-Caro Roberto , Veiga-Ochoa María Dolores
Published: October 2009

Freeze-dried systems (L) comprising chitosan (CS) and caffeine (CAF) have been developed for oral administration. Different proportions of CS and CAF have been used in the preparation of the systems. Hot stage microscopy (HSM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction powder have been used to characterize the systems prepared. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that there were no interactions between CAF and CS molecules within the freeze-dried systems and the crystallinity of CAF was decreased. Swelling and dissolution tests were carried out in two different media (demineralized water and pH progressive medium) in order to establish their influence over CAF/CS system behaviour. Characteristic swelling behaviour of freeze-dried CS systems (imbibition and dissolution processes) was influenced by the proportions of CS and CAF in the formulations, and by the nature of the medium due to the pH-dependent solubility of CS. Release of CAF from lyophilized systems was conditioned by the swelling process and it should be possible to obtain a CAF/CS binary system with a specific time for total drug release including concrete proportions of both components. Furthermore, the freeze-drying process allowed us to obtain feasible systems for controlled release of CAF until the total amount of drug was released.
Bilateral radial hemimelia, polydactyly and cardiomegaly in two cats
Authors: Montgomery R. , McEwen V. , Lockwood A.
Published: October 2009

Case Description: Two feline littermates were presented to the Auburn University Small Animal Clinic at the age of approximately 10 weeks. Both cats had varus thoracic limb deformities bilaterally and pelvic limb polydactyly.

Clinical Findings: Radiographs revealed bilateral radial hypoplasia (hemimelia), generalised cardiomegaly, and pelvic limb polydactyly.

Treatment and Outcome: No treatment was instituted. Cardiopulmonary changes will be monitored periodically.

Clinical Relevance: The heritability of radial hemimelia has been suggested, but has yet to be proven. In utero environmental causes (teratogens) are another possible cause of congenital radial hemimelia. The presence of bilateral pelvic limb polydactyly, bilateral radial hemimelia, and generalised cardiomegaly in feline littermates may offer more information on the origins of this orthopaedic disorder and the potential undesirable results that can occur when breeding polydactyl cats or cats affected by radial hemimelia.
Sensitivity and specificity of arthroscopic estimation of positive and negative radio-ulnar incongruence in dogs
Authors: Werner H. , Grevel V. , Oechtering G. , Böttcher P. , Winkels P.
Published: October 2009

Objectives: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of arthroscopic estimation of positive and negative radio-ulnar incongruence (RUI) in the canine elbow joint.

Methods: Experimental radial shortening and lengthening by 1 and 2 mm increments were performed in nine right elbow joints, extending an established surgical in vitro model of RUI. Arthroscopic estimation of each artificially produced radio-ulnar joint conformation (RUJC) was done using a graduated hook probe. A total of 72 RUJC were blindly evaluated in a random manner by an independent investigator and estimated in 1 mm increments (-2, -1, 0, +1, +2).

Results: The sensitivity for identification of an incongruent joint was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.90 to 0.99). The specificity for identification of a congruent joint was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.65 to 0.98). Analysing the data only in respect to a congruent joint versus one with a shortened radius (positive RUI) resulted in a sensitivity of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.80 to 0.99) and a specificity of 1.00 (95% CI: 0.92 to 1.00).

Clinical significance: Accurate estimation of RUI in dogs affected by elbow dysplasia might improve functional outcome and prevent osteoarthritis when corrective or modifying osteotomies are being considered as part of the treatment plan. Arthroscopy has been shown to be highly accurate and precise in detecting both positive and negative RUI in vitro. However, its diagnostic strength under clinical conditions still has to be proven.
Significance of ecological vicariance and long‐distance dispersal in the diversification ofCarexsect.Spirostachyae(Cyperaceae)
Authors: Escudero Marcial , Valcárcel Virginia , Vargas Pablo , Luceño Modesto
Published: October 2009

Plant disjunctions have provided one of the most intriguing distribution patterns historically addressed by biogeographers.Carexsect.Spirostachyae(Cyperaceae) displays an interesting pattern of disjunction to evaluate these scenarios, with species occurring in the main continental landmasses and in oceanic islands of the two hemispheres. Internal transcribed spacer and 5′‐trnK intron plastid gene sequences were analyzed to determine (1) the times of diversification using penalized likelihood, and (2) reconstructions of the regions using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches of origin of sect.Spirostachyaeand internal main lineages. The times for the diversification of sect.Spirostachyaeare dated to between the end of the Eocene and the Oligocene, whereas the two main lineages are dated to between the end of the Oligocene and the beginning of Miocene. The phylogenetic analyses reveal a Mediterranean–Eurasian center of differentiation for sect.Spirostachyaeand subsectionSpirostachyae, whereas no clear, single ancestral area could be inferred for subsectionElatae. Both long‐distance dispersal and ecological vicariance appear to have been involved in the evolutionary history of the disjunct distribution of the main lineages of sect.Spirostachyae. These organisms appear to have a special ability to colonize remote areas (through transoceanic and interhemispherical colonizations), but special long‐distance dispersal mechanisms are not evident.
Ressources minérales, armes et violences dans les Kivus (RDC)
Authors: Jacquemot Pierre
Published: October 2009

Le lien causal direct entre le commerce des minerais et les conflits persistants dans les deux provinces du Kivu et en Ituri, en République démocratique du Congo, est avéré depuis la publication de plusieurs rapports internationaux. L’exploitation et le trafic du coltan, de l’étain et de l’or, contrôlés par les groupes militaires et un entrelacs d’intermédiaires aux ramifications internationales, nourrissent les achats d’armes et entretiennent les tensions, dans une économie certes frauduleuse mais très organisée. De 1994 à 2008, les répercussions ont été tragiques : déplacements forcés des populations, violences contre les femmes, enrôlement des enfants, bouleversements des équilibres sociaux, pertes écologiques.
Mafia et économie légale : pillage et razzia
Authors: Champeyrache Clotilde
Published: October 2009

La question du pillage est ici abordée sous l’angle des pratiques mafieuses en Italie. La mafia a pour spécificité d’être une association criminelle présente dans l’économie légale : elle possède en effet des entreprises déclarées exerçant des activités légales. Ce sont ces entreprises, dites légales-mafieuses,qui permettent à la mafia de piller le territoire sous son contrôle. Cela passe par une captation et un détournement systématiques des ressources de ces territoires. Ceci explique les obstacles au développement rencontrés par ces territoires. Les agents non mafieux se trouvent exclus et ne peuvent plus profiter des opportunités économiques. La richesse est drainée par et pour les mafieux exclusivement. Par ailleurs, la mafia se livre aussi à de véritables razzias, y compris hors de son territoire. Ces razzias sont liées aux situations d’urgence : crise des déchets, tremblement de terre, etc. Elles permettent à la mafia de s’emparer de fonds publics.
Nursing Faculty: A Vulnerable Population
Authors: DalPezzo Nancy Kelly , Jett Katherine Talley
Published: October 2009

Nursing faculty are seldom viewed as a vulnerable population, yet those who teach nursing are susceptible to physical, psychological, and emotional harm from students, peers, and administrators. Such harm can arise from uncivil or dangerous encounters with students, horizontal violence from colleagues, and abuse of power by administrators. Although faculty vulnerability is a serious issue, strategies exist that can minimize the problem.
Prescription for Success in an Associate Degree Nursing Program
Authors: Rogers Tanya Lynn
Published: October 2009

In the midst of a national nursing shortage and a demanding health care environment, nursing programs must prepare more nurses by facilitating student success from admission to program completion to licensure. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the factors that contribute to student success in associate degree nursing programs and on the NCLEX-RN
®
. Six seniors and three faculty members were interviewed, and a document analysis was conducted. Emergent themes were categorized as student related, collaborative, and curriculum related. These themes included, but were not limited to, the need for support systems, motivation, health care experience, critical thinking skills, prioritization of roles and responsibilities, diligent study habits, and faculty involvement. Recommendations for practice and research are discussed in this article.
Psychological empowerment of employees in selected organisations in South Africa
Authors: Stander Marius , Rothmann Sebastiaan
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study was to assess the construct validity and internal consistency of the Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire (PEQ) for employees in selected organisations in South Africa. A cross-sectional survey design with a convenient sample (N = 1405) was used. The PEQ was administered. Structural equation modelling conf rmed a four-factor model for the PEQ, consisting of competence, meaning, impact and self-determination. A cross-validation study conf rmed the construct equivalence of the four-factor model for a study sample (n = 679) as well as a replication sample (n = 726) that was randomly selected for the total sample. The subscales showed acceptable internal consistencies.
Fundamentalism on stilts: A response to Alvin Platinga�s reformed epistemology
Authors: Gericke Jaco S.
Published: October 2009

During the greater part of the 20th century, biblical scholarship and the philosophy of religion were not considered to have much in common. However, towards the end of the millennium, a movement of a few Christian philosophers of religion called �Reformed Epistemology� (RE) suggested the need for interdisciplinary dialogue. With Alvin Plantinga as primary representative, these philosophers claimed to be concerned with what they considered to be the lack of philosophical reflection on the foundations of historical criticism and its non-traditional findings. In this article, the author (qua biblical scholar) suggests that Plantinga�s arguments have not been taken seriously because of his fundamentalism and the resulting failure to grasp the nature and contents of the hermeneutical debates that have raged within biblical theology for the past 200 years.
Amino Acids
Authors: Oeda Hauromi
Published: October 2009

Chemical Nature of Amino Acids
Artificial Intelligence: Automated Reasoning
Authors: Kohlhase Michael
Published: October 2009

Logical Calculi

Automated Theorem Proving as Heuristic Search

Tactical Theorem Proving and Proof Planning

Applications of Automated Reasoning Techniques

Conclusion