bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disposal site choice for olive mill wastewater
Authors: S’Habou R. , Zairi M. , Kallel A. , Neji J. , Ben Dhia H.
Published: April 2009

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is the most significant source of environmental pollution in Sfax, the main olive oil producing region of Tunisia. The management of OMW presents enormous problems due to the great quantities produced annually, its high organic content and toxicity. Storage of OMW in evaporation ponds has been used as a solution, but these ponds induce soil and groundwater contamination. This paper reports on an optimal approach to environmental management of OMW to selected disposal sites in the Agareb region of Sfax. The approach is based on the use of a geographic information system (GIS) and multi-criteria analysis. The GIS manages information describing the study area and offers spatial analysis operators for different environmental, social and economical factors. These multiple layers of information can be integrated in different combinations. Multi-criteria analysis methods are used to determine possible locations for OMW disposal sites (using an analytical hierarchy process) and eventually to select the best options.
Distal Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy in HIV: A Case Study
Authors: Anastasi Joyce K. , Smolowitz Janice , Capili Bernadette
Published: April 2009

Distal sensory peripheral neuropathy (DSP) is a common problem experienced with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The pain associated with DSP can be severe and debilitating. Interventions used to manage DSP related to HIV have been adopted from the medical management of peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes. However, foot care recommendations for HIV and DSP have not been instituted unlike the diabetes literature. This article illustrates the clinical and the educational needs of individuals with HIV and DSP.
Nurse Practitioner’s Ethical and Legal Dilemma: Caring for a Young Child Without a Parent in the School-Based Health Center Setting
Authors: Huang Mary
Published: April 2009

Since the 1980s, the number of school-based health centers has increased due to funding that lead to recognition by policy makers and health organizations. The mission was to provide comprehensive pediatric health care to children with limited access to health care and the uninsured. The goal was to decrease school absenteeism and missed work days by providing convenient primary and acute care while children are in school. For sponsoring organizations managing school-based clinics, allowing parents to be absent during clinic visits met its mission. However, the ease of young children receiving health care in the school setting without being accompanied by their parents has positioned nurse practitioners in an ethical and legal dilemma. Asking a young child significant health history during a physical examination or having them describe their chief complaints during an acute visit may not be the best way to provide good care to our young patients. Additionally, what are the legal responsibilities of a nurse practitioner when caring for a child without active participation of the parent? Little has been documented in the past about the dilemmas nurse practitioners face in school clinic settings. With increasing use and recognition of school-based health centers in the United States, the need for more discussion is required to explore solutions to provide quality comprehensive care for patients and their families.
Benchmarking: Extracting Clinical Measures and Practice Performance From the Electronic Health Record
Authors: Lindenberg Julie A.
Published: April 2009

Adoption of electronic health record (EHR) systems can lead to health care savings, reduction in medical errors, and improvement in health. The intersection of health information technology (HIT) and health care quality is a result of the following two developments: the quality improvement movement and the maturation of HIT. The potential safety benefits of EHR systems focus largely on alerts, reminders, and other components of ambulatory computerized provider order entry. EHR systems are integral throughout the disease management process. Using HIT for near-term chronic disease management programs has the benefits of identifying people with a potential or active chronic disease, targeting services based on their level of risk, and monitoring their risk. The purposes of benchmarking and survey reports are to provide a quantifiable measure of performance and to quantify gaps between your practice and best practices.
Multivariable Fuzzy-Neural Model of Polymer Process
Authors: Chitanov Vassiliy , Petrov Michail
Published: April 2009

Obtaining an accurate and comprehensive multivariable mathematical model of the polymerization processes is of strategic importance to the control engineering purposes in the polymerization industry. These processes are typically nonlinear and it is difficult to apply traditional estimation techniques. This paper describes an approach based upon multivariable fuzzy-neural representation of the process model. A concrete model is constructed with the Sugeno fuzzy inference technique by applying the state space implementation in the local fuzzy rules for modeling the dynamic behavior of the polymer process. Such multivariable fuzzy-neural models of polymer quality could be used successfully for optimization and control of polymerization processes. A short example for such an implementation is included with additional results for the modeling of the main characteristic parameters of the polymer process.
Interpreting ‘Dose-Response’ Curves using Homeodynamic Data: With an Improved Explanation for Hormesis
Authors: Stebbing A.R.D.
Published: April 2009

A re-interpretation of the ‘Dose-Response’ curve is given that accommodates homeostasis. The outcome, or overall effect, of toxicity is the consequence of toxicity that is moderated by homeodynamic responses. Equilibrium is achieved by a balance of opposing forces of toxic inhibition countered by a stimulatory response. A graphical model is given consisting of two linked curves (response vs concentration and effect vs concentration), which provide the basis for a re-interpretation of the ‘Dose-Response’ curve. The model indicates that such relationships are non-linear with a threshold, which is due to homeodynamic responses. Subthreshold concentrations in ‘Dose-Response’ curves provide the sum of toxic inhibition minus the homeodynamic response; the response itself is unseen in serving its purpose of neutralizing perturbation. This interpretation suggests why the α- and β-curves are non-linear. The β-curve indicates adaptive overcorrection to toxicity that confers greater resistance to subsequent toxic exposure, with hormesis as an epiphenomenon.
Rotational Resistance of Surface-Treated Mini-Implants
Authors: Kim Seong-Hun , Lee Shin-Jae , Cho Il-Sik , Kim Seong-Kyun , Kim Tae-Woo
Published: April 2009

Objective: To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the stability and resistance to rotational moments of early loaded sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) mini-implants and those of machined-surface implants of the same size and shape.

Materials and Methods: A randomized complete block design was used in 12 skeletally mature male beagle dogs. Ninety-six orthodontic mini-implants were tested. Two types of implants were used: some had SLA surface treatment and some had machined surfaces without coating. After 3 weeks of healing, rotational moments of 150 g were applied. The success rates, maximum torque values, angular momentum, and total energy absorbed by the bone were compared. All values were subjected to mixed-model analysis to evaluate the influence of surface treatment, rotational force direction, and site of implantation.

Results: The maximum insertion torque and angular momentum of SLA implants were significantly lower than those of machined implants (P = .034, P = .039). The SLA implants had a significantly higher value for total removal energy than the machined implants (P = .046). However, there were no significant differences in total insertion energy, maximum removal torque, and removal angular momentum between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation in all measurements.

Conclusion: SLA mini-implants showed relatively lower insertion torque value and angular momentum and higher total energy during removal than the machined implants, suggesting osseointegration of the SLA mini-implant after insertion.
Cytotoxicity of Silver Solder Employed in Orthodontics
Authors: Freitas Maria Perpétua Mota , Oshima Hugo Mitsuo S. , Menezes Luciane M. , Machado Denise C. , Viezzer Christian
Published: April 2009

Objective: To test the null hypothesis that the silver soldering employed in orthodontics is not cytotoxic for fibroblasts.

Materials and Methods: This in vitro study was performed using a culture of mice fibroblasts (lineage NIH/3T3), divided into four groups (n = 10 each): control, negative control (stainless steel archwire), positive control (amalgam disks), and test group (silver soldering). After cell culture in complete Dulbecco modified eagle medium and achievement of confluence in 80%, the suspension was added to the plates of 24 wells containing the specimens and incubated in an oven at 37°C for 24 hours. The plates were analyzed on an inverted light microscope, photomicrographs were obtained, and the results were recorded as response rates based on modifications of the parameters of Stanford according to the size of the diffusion halo of the toxic substance and quantity of cell lysis.

Results: The results revealed a maximum response rate for the silver soldering group, as well as severe inhibition of cell proliferation and growth, more round cells with mostly darkened and granular aspects, suggesting lysis with cell death. A similar response was seen in the positive control group.

Conclusion: The hypothesis is rejected. The silver soldering used in orthodontics represents a highly cytotoxic material for the cells analyzed.
Additional Evidence That Transaldolase Exchange, Isotope Discrimination During the Triose-Isomerase Reaction, or Both Occur in Humans
Authors: Basu Rita , Chandramouli Visvanthan , Schumann William , Basu Ananda , Landau Bernard R. , Rizza Robert A.
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether deuterium enrichment on carbons 5 and 3 (C5/C3) in plasma glucose is influenced by processes other than gluconeogenesis and, if so, whether these processes are altered by type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, 10 obese diabetic and 10 obese nondiabetic subjects were infused intravenously with [3,5-2H2] galactose enriched at a C5-to-C3 ratio of 1.0 as well as the enrichment of deuterium on C5 and C3 of plasma glucose, measured with nuclear magnetic resonance using the acetaminophen glucuronide method.

RESULTS

The ratio of deuterium enrichment on C5 and C3 of glucose was <1 (P < 0.001) in all of the diabetic and nondiabetic subjects, resulting in a means ± SE C5-to-C3 ratio that did not differ between groups (0.81 ± 0.01 vs. 0.79 ± 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

That the C5-to-C3 glucose ratio is <1 indicates that transaldolase exchange, selective retention of deuterium at the level of the triose-isomerase reaction, or both occur in humans. This also indicates that the net effect of these processes on the C5-to-C3 ratio is the same in people with and without type 2 diabetes. The possible effects of transaldolase exchange or selective retention of deuterium (or tritium) at the level of the triose-isomerase reaction on tracee labeling and tracer metabolism should be considered when the deuterated water method is used to measure gluconeogenesis or [3-3H] glucose is used to measure glucose turnover in humans.
Population characteristics and neuter status of cats living in households in the United States
Authors: Chu Karyen , Anderson Wendy M. , Rieser Micha Y.
Published: April 2009

Objective—To gather data on cats living in US households, document their neuter status, and identify demographic characteristics associated with neuter status.

Design—Cross-sectional, random-digit-dial telephone survey.

Sample Population—1,205 adults in the continental United States contacted between April 24, 2007, and May 14, 2007.

Procedures—Information was gathered by means of computer-assisted telephone interviews. Multivariate logit analysis was used to identify demographic characteristics significantly associated with neuter status.

Results—383 of 1,205 (31.8%) respondents reported having at least 1 cat at the time of the survey, yielding an estimated population of 82.4 million cats living in 36.8 million US households. Overall, 680 of 850 (80.0%) cats were reportedly neutered. Of the 371 neutered female cats, 303 (81.7%) had reportedly been neutered before having any litters. Proportion of cats that were neutered differed significantly across annual family income groups, with 96.2% (231/240) of cats in households with annual family incomes ≥ $75,000 being neutered, 90.7% (231/254) of cats in households with annual family incomes between $35,000 and $74,999 being neutered, and only 51.4% (123/239) of cats in households with annual family incomes < $35,000 being neutered.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that a high percentage (80.0%) of cats living in households in the United States were neutered and that annual family income was the strongest predictor of whether cats in the household were neutered. The present study did not attempt to address stray and feral cats, which represent a substantial but unknown percentage of the total US cat population.
Use of a rectus abdominis muscle flap to repair urinary bladder and urethral defects in a dog
Authors: Savicky Roman S. , Jackson Andrew H.
Published: April 2009

Case Description—An 11-month-old female dog was evaluated because of a 3- to 4-day history of stranguria and hematuria.

Clinical Findings—Rectal and vaginal examination and abdominal radiography revealed a large (4 × 2 cm), firm, ovoid object in the area of the pelvic inlet, between the vagina and colon.

Treatment and Outcome—Surgical exploration revealed an abscess and moderate amount of seropurulent fluid in the left caudal abdominal quadrant. A large urethrolith (3.7 × 2.0 × 1.5 cm) was evident in the proximal portion of the urethra. The urethrolith was associated with a 3 × 1-cm area of necrosis in the ventral aspect of the proximal portion of the urethra and a 3 × 3-cm area of necrosis in the area of the bladder trigone. The necrotic areas were débrided, and the defect was repaired with an axial pattern flap constructed from the rectus abdominis muscle. During a follow-up examination 2.5 years after surgery, the dog was clinically normal with no history of urinary incontinence. During rigid cystoscopy, the ure-thral mucosa appeared grossly normal, and there was no evidence of stricture.

Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that axial pattern flaps constructed from the rectus abdominis muscle flap may be useful in reconstructing large urinary bladder and urethral defects.
Chronic cor pulmonale secondary to pulmonary atherosclerosis in an African Grey parrot
Authors: Sedacca Cassidy D. , Campbell Terry W. , Bright Janice M. , Webb Brett T. , Aboellail Tawfik A.
Published: April 2009

Case Description—A 20-year-old sexually intact female African Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was evaluated to determine the cause of lethargy, hyporexia, weight loss, and persistent ascites of 21 days' duration.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination revealed a markedly distended abdomen and systolic heart murmur. Thoracic radiography revealed cardiomegaly and hepatomegaly. Doppler echocardiography revealed severe eccentric and concentric hypertrophy of the right ventricle with systolic dysfunction, moderate regurgitation through the right atrioventricular valve, a substantial increase in estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, hepatic venous congestion, and coelomic effusion. A clinical diagnosis of chronic cor pulmonale was established.

Treatment and Outcome—The parrot was initially stabilized by use of coelomocentesis. During the next month, the parrot was treated by administration of furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, benazepril, and pimobendan. The parrot appeared to be responding well to treatment but was found dead in its cage 35 days following initial examination. Postmortem examination revealed substantial atherosclerosis of the large pulmonary arteries, with lesions extending into the medium-size arteries. Pulmonary atherosclerosis was suspected as a cause of the severe pulmonary hypertension.

Clinical Relevance—Although atherosclerosis most commonly affects the systemic and coronary arteries of parrots, sclerotic changes within the pulmonary vasculature should be considered as a possible cause of pulmonary hypertension and as a differential diagnosis for right-sided congestive heart failure in psittacine species.
The effect of Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Stress on the Development and Progress of Vascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Čolak Emina , Majkić-Singh Nada
Published: April 2009

The effect of Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Stress on the Development and Progress of Vascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes

Oxidative stress is the result of increased production of free radicals, which impair the cell function and cause many pathological conditions and diseases. The development of diabetes, its course and complications are closely associated with an imbalance in pro-antioxidative cell state and change of redox potential. Prolonged exposure to hyperglycemia is currently considered the major factor of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in diabetes. Atherosclerosis is the cause of about 80% of mortality in diabetics, and over 75% of all hospitalized diabetic patients have associated cardiovascular complications. Hyperglycemia induces different vascular tissue damage at the cellular level, which potentially accelerates the atherosclerotic processes. The most significant mechanisms responsible for acceleration of atherosclerotic processes in diabetic patients are: a) non-enzymatic protein and lipid glycosylation which interferes with normal function, in the way that it deranges molecular conformation, impairs enzymatic function, reduces the capacity of breakdown and interferes with recognition of protein structures by receptors; b) interaction of glycosylated proteins with their receptors resulting in induction of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory reactions; c) polyol pathway; d) hexosamine pathway and e) activation of protein kinase C and impaired growth factor expression.
Monte Carlo calculations of epithermal and fast neutron dose in a human head model for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Tyminska Katarzyna
Published: April 2009

Monte Carlo calculations of epithermal and fast neutron dose in a human head model for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy is a very promising form of cancer therapy, consisting in irradiating a stable isotope of boron (10B) concentrated in tumor cells with a low energy neutron beam. This technique makes it possible to destroy tumor cells, leaving healthy tissues practically unaffected. In order to carry out the therapy in the proper way, the proper range of the neutron beam energy has to be chosen.

In this paper we continue the earlier started calculations of the optimum energy range for BNCT, taking into account the absorbed dose from fast neutrons.
Evaluation of the potential in radiation dose reduction for full-field digital mammography
Authors: Kasch Kay-Uwe , Moftah Belal
Published: April 2009

Evaluation of the potential in radiation dose reduction for full-field digital mammography

This study evaluates the image quality for different radiation doses in full-field digital mammography (FFDM). The potential of dose reductions is evaluated for both, the transition from screen-film mammography (SFM) to FFDM as well as within FFDM due to the optimization of exposure parameters.

Exposures of a 4.5 cm breast phantom rendering different contrasts as well as bar patterns were made using a FFDM system (GE Senographe 2000D). For different kVp and mAs settings as well as different target/filter combinations chosen for the above exposures, average glandular dose (AGD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and modulation transfer function (MTF) were determined. To benchmark the results, relative change of AGD was evaluated against SNR, CNR and MTF. Eventually, the results were normalized to AGD's rendered by settings typically used in today's clinical routine.

For standard settings (automatic mode), both FFDM and SFM deliver approximately the same AGD of about 2.2 mGy. From that, AGD reduction can be substantial in FFDM if only SNR and high contrast CNR are considered. In this case, reduction of up to 40% can be achieved in a wide kVp range if switching from the standard target/filter combination Mo/Rh to Rh/Rh. However, if low contrast CNR is to remain unchanged, dose reduction is practically impossible. The change of peak voltage and target/filter material had no influence on MTF.

Assuming current CNR requirements as standards, significant dose reduction in FFDM cannot be achieved. Only by compromising low contrast CNR levels AGD of up to 40% can be saved at current standards of SNR and high contrast CNR.
Mental Health Promotion in Schools
Authors: Galbally Rhonda , Borthwick Chris
Published: April 2009

Mental health is a key element in every aspect of health. Poor mental health impacts both directly and indirectly on health, both through biopsychological effects and in its influence on risk behaviour. Health promotion must address these factors in the settings where people live and work. Schools – primary and post primary – are where children and young people spend the greater part of their days, and are thus a key setting.
What the Mind Cannot Bear
Authors: Harari Edwin
Published: April 2009

On Valentine's Day 1925 John proposed marriage to Margaret. The next day, on his way to break the news to his mother, John was stricken by a mysterious illness which kept him in hospital and then in convalescence for months. On his wedding night he retired to bed early, a practice that was to become a common occurrence in the years ahead, while Margaret passed the time leafing through a collection of pornographic pictures she had acquired in her travels through Europe and the Middle East.
Public Mental Health Service Delivery: A Modified Model
Authors: Parker Gordon
Published: April 2009

In the last few years, the Commonwealth and many of the states have worked at developing principles of service delivery for the public mental health sector. Whiteford [1] has described one key initiative, the National Mental Health Policy, with the initial five-year Strategy due to end in mid-1998. The Strategy was developed collaboratively, involving and respecting the views of many of the key groups, and a number of impressive documents and policy decisions have been developed. Many of its central components represent important advances, are non-controversial and are generally accepted, and are presumabl immutable planks that will underpin the next phase of the Strategy – subject to its funding. As for any strategy, there are issues that may benefit from review and revision, and I would like to focus on service models and funding.
The Quality of Life Inventory: Its Utility as an Assessment and Treatment Planning Tool in a Psychiatric Setting
Authors: Hugo Malcolm
Published: April 2009

Interest in assessing the quality of life of individuals with severe psychiatric disorders has grown within recent years [1,2,3]. The anticipation of quality of life research is that it will provide relevant information to assist in treatment planning and service evaluation. Increasingly, the goal of mental health services is to improve sufferers' quality of life as well as effecting biological interventions and ameliorating illness symptoms [4]. Subjective well-being and quality of life constitute the ultimate humanitarian goals for services to severely mentally disordered adults. Mental health services also endeavour to be reflective of the needs of sufferers and their families by eliciting information from service consumers and involving them in therapeutic decision making. Life satisfaction assessments offer a means for sufferers to express how they perceive their well-being, what they value as important and what they want.
Spatial Decision Support in a Post-disaster Environment: A Community-Focused Approach
Authors: Mills Jacqueline Warren
Published: April 2009

Disasters, by definition, are low-frequency, high-impact events. Because of the infrequent occurrence and dynamic conditions of such events, researchers do not often have the ability to thoroughly study their effects. However, as population distributions and densities place more people at risk of experiencing a disaster, more complete investigations of these events are needed. Recovery, the post-disaster phase of returning to “normalcy,” is one understudied aspect. Gaining a better understanding of this process has important implications for the well-being of disaster-affected people and equitable redevelopment of affected places. This article focuses on one aspect of recovery: spatial decision support for communities. Though the literature on community mapping discusses a variety of cases in which geographic information systems (GIS) are used as a tool to engage the public on a variety of issues, it has yet to address concerns in a post-disaster environment. Furthermore, existing research in geographic information science (GISc) for disasters has only limited dealings with community-focused mapping. The result is that community information needs in a post-disaster environment have not been recognized. Based on existing literature and empirical observations from post-Katrina Louisiana, this article addresses the spatial component of these information needs and how GISc can provide decision-support tools in a post-disaster environment.
Sequence of distinct microyielding stages of the monocrystalline nickel-base superalloy CMSX-6 at high temperatures
Authors: Reichstein S. , Kraft S. , Mughrabi H.
Published: April 2009

The microyielding behaviour of the monocrystalline nickel-base superalloy CMSX-6 has been studied experimentally in tensile tests up to small strains at 900 °C, 1000 °C and 1100 °C and by transmission electron microscopy of the deformed specimens. Inspection of the microyielding stress-strain curve with highly resolved plastic strain showed four distinct stages of deformation at the lowest temperature (900 °C) but not at the two higher temperatures. By considering the superposition of the external stress with the original coherency stresses and with the deformation-induced internal stresses and by inspection of the electron micrographs, these deformation stages could be assigned to successive dislocation glide processes in the horizontal and vertical -channels and, finally, in the ′-particles.
Comparison of damage development depending on the local microstructure in low alloyed Al-TRIP-steels, IF steel and a DP steel
Authors: Imlau Julia , Bleck Wolfgang , Zaefferer Stefan
Published: April 2009

A study of the microstructural effects on the void initiation and crack growth in aluminium alloyed TRIP (transformation induced plasticity) steels has been conducted. Understanding of this microstructural dependency of the crack development is necessary to increase the failure limit and the energy absorption rate of the material.

Different microstructures in terms of phase volume fractions and spatial arrangement of these phases have been obtained by annealing. Additionally, different austenite stabilities, both geometrically as well as chemically based, have been obtained. First the macroscopic mechanical properties are linked to the microstructure. Furthermore, different characteristic prestraining levels are subsequently correlated to the microstructural damage evolution by observation of the samples with backscatter electron diffraction-based orientation microscopy in a high resolution scanning electron microscope.

The experiments result in a prediction of the most critical microstructural parameters when high damage tolerance is needed.
Recrystallization initiated by low-temperature grain boundary motion coupled to stress
Authors: Cahn John W. , Mishin Yuri
Published: April 2009

We propose a new mechanism of recrystallization of cold-deformed metals. During the cold deformation, some of the high-angle grain boundaries are moved by the applied stresses, producing low-curvature bulges and leaving almost defect-free regions behind. The driving force for this motion is very high and can be comparable to the yield stress of the material. Upon subsequent heating without applied stresses, such moved boundaries can continue to move without encountering an energy barrier (which is typical of most nucleation models) under the much smaller driving force arising from the stored energy difference across the boundary.
Linear measures for polyhedral networks
Authors: Glicksman Martin E. , Rios Paulo R. , Lewis Daniel J.
Published: April 2009

Linear measures, including the average caliper, and mean width, are capable of correlating the geometric properties of polyhedral grains, including their boundary areas, volumes, and face curvatures. These measures also permit prediction of curvature-mediated grain growth rates and provide an important connection between kinetic behavior, grain size, and shape. Linear measures can be calculated exactly by using a topological representation of space-filling network grains via a special set of regular polyhedra, termed average N-hedra. These calculations yield exact comparisons of linear measures with polyhedral geometric properties and growth kinetics of well-annealed polycrystalline materials subjected to normal grain growth.
Deformation modes and anisotropy in magnesium alloy AZ31
Authors: Hutchinson Bevis , Barnett Matthew R. , Ghaderi Alireza , Cizek Pavel , Sabirov Ilchat
Published: April 2009

A strongly textured sheet of magnesium alloy AZ31 has been subjected to tensile testing at temperatures between ambient and 300 °C. Structures have been examined by optical and transmission electron microscopy and also by atomic force microscopy to quantify surface displacements seen at grain boundaries. Plastic anisotropy varies strongly with test temperature as was observed previously by Agnew and Duygulu. The present findings do not support the view that crystallographic  becomes a major contributor to deformation at higher temperatures. Rather, the material behaviour reflects an increasing contribution from grain boundary sliding despite the relatively high strain rate (10– 3 s– 1) used in the mechanical tests.
Grain-boundary source/sink behavior for point defects: An atomistic simulation study
Authors: Millett Paul C. , Aidhy Dilpuneet S. , Desai Tapan , Phillpot Simon R. , Wolf Dieter
Published: April 2009

The grain-boundary source and sink strengths for both vacancies and self-interstitials have been determined for columnar nanocrystalline structures of Mo using molecular-dynamics simulation. The microstructures, which are initialized to contain either an over-saturation or under-saturation of one particular point defect species (either vacancies or self-interstitials), are subjected to isothermal annealing at high homologous temperatures (T > 0.75Tm) while the point-defect concentrations are monitored throughout. We clearly observe an exponential approach of the point-defect concentrations to equilibrium, in agreement with classical rate theory. These observed approaches to equilibrium yield grain-boundary source/sink strengths that correlate with analytical solutions that depend solely on the grain size. Finally, we find that grain boundary sinks have an approximately equal affinity, or bias, to vacancies and self-interstitials.
High temperature magnetic strengthening in iron-based alloys: Magnetic effects on deformation and fracture, revisited
Authors: Watanabe Tadao
Published: April 2009

The importance of magnetic effects upon mechanical properties of ferromagnetic materials, discussed by Zener almost a half century ago, has been revisited in order to stimulate researchers' interest in this research subject. It is shown that effects of magnetism and magnetic transformation can affect creep deformation, tensile deformation and ductility in α-Fe-based solid solution binary alloys in the ferromagnetic state. The magnetic alloy strengthening observed in the ferromagnetic state has been quantitatively described and discussed by using a new parameter related to magnetic properties of solute atoms such as Co, Cr and solvent Fe. The prospect of future application of the magnetic strengthening is given for high temperature materials with excellent strength, ductility and thermal stability.
Concentration phase transition associated with grain boundary segregation in systems with restricted solubility
Authors: Bokstein Boris , Rodin Alexey
Published: April 2009

A new model of grain boundary segregation in systems with restricted solubility is proposed. The model is based on the following assumption: As soon as the solute concentration in the grain boundary achieves the bulk solubility limit, embryos of compounds appear in the grain boundary. The composition of these embryos corresponds closely with the nearest phase in the grain according to the phase diagram. The appropriate segregation isotherm taking into account these embryos demonstrates the concentration phase transition which shows itself as a jump in grain boundary concentration. The location and the height of this jump are discussed.
Efficacy of major nutrients in rice production
Authors: Shah AL , Islam MR , Haque MM , Ishaque M , Miah MAM
Published: April 2009

Nutrients efficacy means increased rice yield upon soil fertilization. Purposefully a particular nutrient stress was created in soil through missing element technique from complete treatment (NPKSZn) and its reserve management (addition of omitted nutrient) effect in increasing yield was considered as a measuring stick of nutrients efficacy. The omission of all NPKSZn fertilizers from complete treatment (NPKSZn) drastically decreased yield than continuously fertilized complete treatment. Similar extent of' yield increase was observed when all NPKSZn fertilizer was applied in absolute control plot indicating that every soil needs complete addition of NPKSZn fertilizers irrespective of seasons whether the plot was continuously fertilized or not. The amount of yield increase obtained upon a missing element fertilization nearly equivalent amount of yield loss as aloofness of that particular nutrient as compared to complete fertilization. It means lhc efficacy of each essential nutrient might increase yield in a similar manner depending on their magnitude of deficiency level in the soil. Continuous application of N @ 120 kg/ha in boro and 80 kg/ha in T.aman with PKSZn @ 25-33-20-05 kg/ha per season improve total soil N, S and Zn. But exchangeable K decreased compared to initial soil status. In case of P fertilization, this rate maintained the initial soil P level. However, available Zn was found well above critical level even after 45th crop as because of high initial soil available Zn level. Key Words: Nutrient efficacy, rice yield, soil fertilization. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2308 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 639-645, December 2008
Environmental Health Organisations against Tobacco
Authors: Mulcahy Maurice , Evans David S. , Lahiffe Blaithin , Goggin Deirdre , Smyth Colm , Gerard Hastings Gerard , Byrne Miriam
Published: April 2009

Implementing the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) relies heavily on enforcement. Little is known of the way different enforcement agencies operate, prioritise or network. A questionnaire was sent to representatives of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) in 36 countries. Tobacco control was given low priority. Almost two thirds did not have any tobacco control policy. A third reported their organisation had worked with other agencies on tobacco control. Obstacles to addressing tobacco control included a lack of resources (61%) and absence of a coherent strategy (39%).
Temozolomide with Radiation Therapy in High Grade Brain Gliomas: Pharmaceuticals Considerations and Efficacy;A Review Article
Authors: Koukourakis Georgios V. , Kouloulias Vassilios , Zacharias Georgios , Papadimitriou Christos , Pantelakos Panagiotis , Maravelis George , Fotineas Andreas , Beli Ivelina , Chaldeopoulos Demetrios , Kouvaris John
Published: April 2009

Malignant gliomas (glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma) which have a combined incidence of 5–8/100,000 population, represent the most common primary central nervous system tumors. The treatment outcomes even with aggressive approach including surgery, radiaton therapy and chemotherapy are dismal with median reported survival is less than 1 year. Temozolomide is a new drug which has shown promise in treating malignant gliomas and other difficult-to-treat tumors. This drug is a per os (p.o) imidazotetrazine second-generation alkylating agent which represents the leading compound in a new class of chemotherapeutic agents that enter the cerebrospinal fluid and do not require hepatic metabolism for activation. The efficacy of temozolomide was tested in vitrostudies and has demonstrated schedule-dependent antitumor activity against highly resistant malignancies, including high-grade glioma (HGG). In addition, in clinical studies, temozolomide consistently demonstrates reproducible linear pharmacokinetics with approximately 100% p.o. bioavailability, noncumulative minimal myelosuppression that is rapidly reversible, and activity against a variety of solid tumors in both children and adults. Moreover, preclinical studies have evaluated the combination of temozolomide with other alkylating agents and inhibitors of the DNA repair protein O6-alkylguanine alkyltransferase to overcome resistance to chemotherapy in malignant glioma and malignant metastatic melanoma. At the present time temozolomide is approved in the United States for the treatment of adult patients with refractory anaplastic astrocytoma and, in the European Union, for treatment of glioblastoma multiforme showing progression or recurrence after standard therapy. Temozolomide’s characteristics which make it a candidate for a wide range of clinical testing to evaluate the potential of combination treatments in different tumor types are its predictable bioavailability and minimal toxicity. An overview of the mechanism of action of temozolomide and a summary of results from more important randomized controlled clinical trials in high grade gliomas are presented here.
Advances in Microbial Biofilm Prevention on Indwelling Medical Devices with Emphasis on Usage of Acoustic Energy
Authors: Dror Naama , Mandel Mathilda , Hazan Zadik , Lavie Gad
Published: April 2009

Microbial biofilms are a major impediment to the use of indwelling medical devices, generating device-related infections with high morbidity and mortality. Major efforts directed towards preventing and eradicating the biofilm problem face difficulties because biofilms protect themselves very effectively by producing a polysaccharide coating, reducing biofilm sensitivity to antimicrobial agents. Techniques applied to combating biofilms have been primarily chemical. These have met with partial and limited success rates, leading to current trends of eradicating biofilms through physico-mechanical strategies. Here we review the different approaches that have been developed to control biofilm formation and removal, focusing on the utilization of acoustic energy to achieve these objectives.
Development of a Green Roof Environmental Monitoring and Meteorological Network in New York City
Authors: Gaffin Stuart R. , Khanbilvardi Reza , Rosenzweig Cynthia
Published: April 2009

Green roofs (with plant cover) are gaining attention in the United States as a versatile new environmental mitigation technology. Interest in data on the environmental performance of these systems is growing, particularly with respect to urban heat island mitigation and stormwater runoff control. We are deploying research stations on a diverse array of green roofs within the New York City area, affording a new opportunity to monitor urban environmental conditions at small scales. We show some green roof systems being monitored, describe the sensor selection employed to study energy balance, and show samples of selected data. These roofs should be superior to other urban rooftops as sites for meteorological stations.
Discovery Mechanisms for the Sensor Web
Authors: Jirka Simon , Bröring Arne , Stasch Christoph
Published: April 2009

This paper addresses the discovery of sensors within the OGC Sensor Web Enablement framework. Whereas services like the OGC Web Map Service or Web Coverage Service are already well supported through catalogue services, the field of sensor networks and the according discovery mechanisms is still a challenge. The focus within this article will be on the use of existing OGC Sensor Web components for realizing a discovery solution. After discussing the requirements for a Sensor Web discovery mechanism, an approach will be presented that was developed within the EU funded project “OSIRIS”. This solution offers mechanisms to search for sensors, exploit basic semantic relationships, harvest sensor metadata and integrate sensor discovery into already existing catalogues.
Nanoparticle Thin Films for Gas Sensors Prepared by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation
Authors: Caricato Anna Paola , Luches Armando , Rella Roberto
Published: April 2009

The matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique has been used for the deposition of metal dioxide (TiO2, SnO2) nanoparticle thin films for gas sensor applications. For this purpose, colloidal metal dioxide nanoparticles were diluted in volatile solvents, the solution was frozen at the liquid nitrogen temperature and irradiated with a pulsed excimer laser. The dioxide nanoparticles were deposited on Si and Al2O3 substrates. A rather uniform distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles with an average size of about 10 nm and of SnO2 nanoparticles with an average size of about 3 nm was obtained, as demonstrated by high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM-FEG) inspections. Gas-sensing devices based on the resistive transduction mechanism were fabricated by depositing the nanoparticle thin films onto suitable rough alumina substrates equipped with interdigitated electrical contacts and heating elements. Electrical characterization measurements were carried out in controlled environment. The results of the gas-sensing tests towards low concentrations of ethanol and acetone vapors are reported. Typical gas sensor parameters (gas responses, response/recovery time, sensitivity, and low detection limit) towards ethanol and acetone are presented.
Quantum Cascade Laser-Based Photoacoustic Sensor for Trace Detection of Formaldehyde Gas
Authors: Elia Angela , Di Franco Cinzia , Spagnolo Vincenzo , Lugarà Pietro Mario , Scamarcio Gaetano
Published: April 2009

We report on the development of a photoacoustic sensor for the detection of formaldehyde (CH2O) using a thermoelectrically cooled distributed-feedback quantum cascade laser operating in pulsed mode at 5.6 mm. A resonant photoacoustic cell, equipped with four electret microphones, is excited in its first longitudinal mode at 1,380 Hz. The absorption line at 1,778.9 cm-1 is selected for CH2O detection. A detection limit of 150 parts per billion in volume in nitrogen is achieved using a 10 seconds time constant and 4 mW laser power. Measurements in ambient air will require water vapour filters.
Comparison between Deflection and Vibration Characteristics of Rectangular and Trapezoidal profile Microcantilevers
Authors: Ansari Mohd. Zahid , Cho Chongdu , Kim Jooyong , Bang Booun
Published: April 2009

Arrays of microcantilevers are increasingly being used as physical, biological, and chemical sensors in various applications. To improve the sensitivity of microcantilever sensors, this study analyses and compares the deflection and vibration characteristics of rectangular and trapezoidal profile microcantilevers. Three models of each profile are investigated. The cantilevers are analyzed for maximum deflection, fundamental resonant frequency and maximum stress. The surface stress is modelled as in-plane tensile force applied on the top edge of the microcantilevers. A commercial finite element analysis software ANSYS is used to analyze the designs. Results show paddled trapezoidal profile microcantilevers have better sensitivity.
(−)-Complanine, an inflammatory substance of marine fireworm: a synthetic study
Authors: Nakamura Kazuhiko , Tachikawa Yu , Uemura Daisuke
Published: April 2009

The synthesis of (−)-complanine, an inflammatory substance of Eurythoe complanata, was accomplished by a “chiral synthon” approach. The absolute configuration of this molecule was determined to be R.
What Characterizes Persons Who Do Not Report Musculoskeletal Pain? Results from a 4-year Population-based Longitudinal Study (The Epifund Study)
Authors: JONES ELIZABETH A. , McBETH JOHN , NICHOLL BARBARA , MORRISS RICHARD K. , DICKENS CHRIS , JONES GARETH T. , MACFARLANE GARY J.
Published: April 2009

Objective.

To identify and characterize persons in the population who do not report musculoskeletal pain.

Methods.

This was a population-based 4-year prospective longitudinal study by postal questionnaire. Population sample recruited from general practice registers in North-West England followed up at 15 months and 4 years.

Results.

Of respondents, 17.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.1%–19.7%] reported no pain in the previous month at all 3 measurement intervals over 4 years. They were characterized by low levels of psychological distress [relative risk (RR) low vs high levels of psychological distress 2.3; 95% CI 1.7–2.9], low levels of depression (2.7; 95% CI 2.0–3.6), low levels of anxiety (2.1; 95% CI 1.6–2.7), low health anxiety (1.6; 95% CI 1.2–2.1), and low illness behavior scores (5.8; 95% CI 4.0–8.3), good quality sleep (3.4; 95% CI 2.6–4.4), no somatic symptoms (RR 0 vs 3 or more, 3.1; 95% CI 1.6–6.3) and no adverse life events in the 6 months prior to baseline data collection (RR 0 vs 3 or more, 3.2; 95% CI 1.6–6.2). On multivariable analysis, good quality sleep, low illness behavior, low psychological distress, and absence of recent adverse life events remained statistically independent predictors of musculoskeletal health. In total, 46% of persons who had all 4 of these characteristics consistently reported being free of pain, compared to only 5% of those who had none.

Conclusion.

In a general population sample, over a period of 4 years, only around 1 in 6 persons do not report musculoskeletal pain. These persons report low levels of psychological distress and high quality sleep, both of which are potentially modifiable risk factors for the targeting of interventional or preventive strategies.