bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of boron doping and gamma irradiation on the structure and properties of microwave chemical vapor deposited boron-doped diamond films
Authors: Gupta S. , Muralikiran M. , Farmer J. , Cao L.R. , Downing R.G.
Published: March 2009

We investigated the effects of gamma irradiation doses of 50, 100, and 103 kGy on boron-doped diamond (BDD) thin films synthesized using microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition with varying boron concentrations of [B]/[C]gas = 100, 1000, 2000, and 4000 ppm. The diamond thin films were characterized prior to and post-irradiation and the influence was assessed in terms of morphology, structure, and physical properties using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and IR), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrical measurement techniques. The results clearly showed that the response of gamma irradiation on BDD films was distinctive compared to those of undoped diamond films with changes in electronic behavior from metallic (>1019 to 1020 cm–3) to semiconducting (≤1019 cm–3), especially in the case of heavily boron-doped diamond films demonstrated by micro-Raman spectroscopy and electrical property characteristics. In fact, this modification in electrical property behavior induced by “gamma conditioning” can be effectively used to fine control boron doping in chemically vapor deposited diamond much needed for various electronic devices. The “gamma conditioning” refers to material processing by radiation which helps to passivate electrically active boron and defects with hydrogen migration thus fine tunes the boron acceptor concentration albeit that this is difficult to achieve during BDD film deposition. In addition, the results also indicate that almost all of the BDD films studied hereby tend to reach a state of damage saturation when submitted to gamma irradiation of 103 kGy. We discuss our novel findings in terms of the interplay of boron-hydrogen in diamond with possible multiple scenarios: (i) the generation of point/Frenkel defects due to Compton scattered electrons, (ii) the formation of a nonmetallic boron-rich borocarbide (e.g., B13C2) phase, (iii) the passivation of electrically active acceptor (B) sites due to the invariable presence of H in the grains and at the grain boundaries, (iv) the desorption of H from the diamond surface, and (v) the “priming or pumping” effect, which improves the electronic properties by compensating for the shallow boron acceptors to produce semiconducting/insulating material, verified by the cold neutron depth profiling technique.
Evaluation of a Filtration/Dispersion Method for Enumeration of Particle‐associated Escherichia coli
Authors: Krometis Leigh‐Anne H. , Dillaha Theo A. , Love Nancy G. , Mostaghimi Saied
Published: March 2009

The transport processes of microorganisms in storm‐generated flows have not been clearly elucidated, limiting the ability of computational models to effectively design and evaluate watershed remediation plans. Although several studies have identified association with particulates as a critical factor in predicting microbial transport and fate, no generally accepted method exists for the identification of the planktonic and particle‐associated fractions of microorganisms in water samples. In this study, a filtration/dispersion method proposed for quantification of these fractions was verified using laboratory‐composed samples of bovine Escherichia coli and sterile topsoil. A statistical experimental design allowed quantification of potential sources of experimental error (e.g., filter retention, die‐off), although no significant sources of methodological error were identified. On average, 78% of E. coli cells were particle associated after 1 h of contact time. Further application of the method was illustrated by an isotherm experiment examining the association of a bovine strain of E. coli with sterile topsoil. Further examination of this method in laboratory or field‐based studies of microbial partitioning between the planktonic and particulate phases in surface runoff appears justified.
Pesticide Multiresidues in Waters of the Lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Part I. Surface Water
Authors: Woudneh Million B. , Ou Ziqing , Sekela Mark , Tuominen Taina , Gledhill Melissa
Published: March 2009

In the period 2003 to 2005, a study was conducted to determine the occurrence, and spatial and temporal distribution of 78 pesticides in surface waters of the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV) region of British Columbia, Canada. A high resolution gas chromatography/electron impact high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/[EI]HRMS) method capable of detecting analytes at the subnanograms per liter level was developed for this study. Samples were collected and analyzed from three reference, five agricultural and two urban sites. Endosulfan sulfate was detected in all samples collected during the study period including the samples from the reference sites. The maximum concentration of a pesticide detected at the reference sites was 0.261 ng L−1 for β‐endosulfan. Over the study period, the numbers of pesticides detected at the agricultural sites ranged from 22 to 33 of which 20.8 to 40.9% had a 100% detection frequency. At the agricultural sites, the greatest concentration was detected for diazinon (12,500 ng L−1), followed by linuron (1050 ng L−1) and simazine (896 ng L−1). The greatest pesticide concentration observed for the urban sites was 90.4 ng L−1 for simazine followed by diazinon (5.39 ng L−1). With few exceptions, greater concentrations of herbicides were observed for samples collected during spring than for samples collected during fall. Pesticide data presented in this study provide reference levels for future pesticide monitoring programs in the region.
Transport of a Nematicide in Surface and Groundwaters in a Tropical Volcanic Catchment
Authors: Charlier Jean‐Baptiste , Cattan Philippe , Voltz Marc , Moussa Roger
Published: March 2009

The aim of this article is to determine how the nematicide cadusafos [S,S‐di‐sec‐butyl O‐ethyl phosphorodithioate] contaminates water and soils at two scales, subcatchment and catchment. The study site was a small banana (Musa spp.)‐growing catchment on the tropical volcanic island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean. Two application campaigns were conducted, one in 2003 on 40% of the catchment and one in 2006 on 12%. The study involved monitoring for 100 d the surface water and groundwater flows and the cadusafos concentrations in the soil and in surface and groundwaters in a 2400 m2 subcatchment and a 17.8 ha catchment. The results show that at the subcatchment scale the high retention in the A horizon of the soil limits the transport of cadusafos by runoff, whereas the lower retention of the molecule in the B horizon favors percolation toward the shallow groundwater. Comparing the losses of cadusafos at the subcatchment and at the catchment scales revealed that the nematicide re‐infiltrated in the hydrographic network. Two successive phases of stream water contamination were observed, corresponding to two distinct contamination mechanisms: an event‐dominated contamination phase (of <30 d) when transport was linked to overland flow during precipitation shortly after application, and a stabilized contamination phase when transport originated mainly from the drainage of the shallow aquifer. Lastly, comparing the losses of the two phases during 2003 and 2006 showed that shallow groundwater, which is promoted in such permeable soils under abundant tropical rainfalls, seems to be the main contributor to stream contamination.
Isotope effects in: a) Catalytic generation of hydrogen from sodium tetrahydridoborate and b) Oxidation of hydrogen in fuel cells
Authors: Miljanic Scepan , Maksic Aleksandar , Lausevic Zoran
Published: March 2009

We have investigated deuterium/hydrogen (D/H) isotope effects a) during catalytic evolution of hydrogen gas from the water solution of sodium tetrahydridoborate (NaBH4), the sodium borohydride fueled hydrogen generator HGen-E, Fractal Carbon, with the carbon monolith supported platinum reactor was used; b) oxidation of hydrogen in a PEM-type fuel cell to produce electrical energy. We used the E-TEK membrane electrode assemblies with an active area of 4 cm2, assembled in a two fuel cell stack. Both processes are important as possible parts of an energy-hydrogen-energy cycle. Any transfer of energy into hydrogen or vice versa induces a change of the D/H isotope ratio, which can be considered from the isotope separation point of view and possible development of a method to produce heavy water as a by-product of the above cycle. In this way, the separation efficiency can contribute to the overall efficiency of the cycle. This work is an initiative to take the isotope effects into account while cycling energy via some specific processes. We measured the isotope separation factor (a) of the single-stage process, as a basic parameter determining the isotope separation efficiency. The results proved that deuterium migrated to the dense (liquid) phase in both systems. Average values of the obtained separation factors are: ?(a) = 5.4 ?(b)>12. The results obtained could serve for a model for optimization purposes rather than to improve the separation efficiency of a particular unit. To do that it would primarily be necessary to play with a variety of catalysts, which was beyond the main aim of this work.
New polymer electrolyte membrane based on sulfonated polysulfone blends
Authors: Geormezi Maria , Gourdoupi Nora , Daletou Maria , Neophytides Stylianos , Kallitsis Joannis
Published: March 2009

Blends of an aromatic copolymer bearing polar pyridine units in the main chain with sulfonated polysulfone (SPSF) were prepared in order to improve the copolymer's acid uptake and conductivity values. Depending on blend composition and sulfonation level miscible pairs were obtained as was studied by dynamic mechanical analysis. Blends of SPSF with sulfonation degree 70% and increased composition of the copolymer were selected for further study. The thermal and oxidative stability, the doping ability and the proton conductivity of the blends were also tested. Finally, an initial single cell test was performed with one of the prepared blends, showing promising results.
Correlation between chemical composition of the γ-Bi2O3 phase and the properties of ZnO varistors
Authors: Brankovic Zorica , Brankovic Goran , Poleti Dejan , Karanovic Ljiljana , Varela Jose
Published: March 2009

Four varistor samples differing in chemical and phase composition of the starting Bi2O3 phase were prepared by the method of direct mixing of the constituent phases (DMCP), i.e. by sintering the mixture of the previously prepared phases. The compositions of the constituent phases in the sintered samples were investigated by changes of their lattice constants and by EDS analysis. After sintering, the phase compositions of all the investigated samples were the same: ZnO phase, spinel and ?-Bi2O3. It was found that the ?-Bi2O3 phase was mainly stabilized with Zn2+ ions. All the samples showed good electrical properties with non-linearity coefficients up to 50 and small values of the leakage current. The electrical properties of the samples were discussed in terms of diffusion processes and the redistribution of additives during sintering.
Monitoring lipid oxidation events at frying temperatures through radical scavenging assays
Authors: Chantzos Nickolaos , Georgiou Constantinos
Published: March 2009

This communication proposes an alternative approach for monitoring oils during thermal stress at frying temperatures through radical scavenging assays. Oxidation events for extra virgin olive, pomace, sesame, sunflower, soybean, corn and of a commercial blend of oils are followed through the DPPH assay during heating at 100, 150 and 190?C. Radical scavenging activity decrease expressed as trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (?TEAC, mmol trolox kg-1 oil) is found to be linearly related to increases in total oxidation (?TOTOX) values. This relationship is valid down to a certain - ?TEAC value cutoff that is different for different oils. Considerable consumption of antioxidants demonstrated by high -?TEAC values renders the linear relationship invalid indicating that antioxidants cannot control late events of oxidative damage. Radical scavenging activity is found to increase upon sesame oil heating in contrast to all other oils. It is postulated that sesamolin, a phenolic antioxidant, decomposes during heating to the more potent antioxidant sesamol accounting for the increase of radical scavenging activity upon heating. This paper demonstrates prospects of radical scavenging activity assays as a tool for monitoring oxidation events during frying and warrants further research and evaluation.
Electrochemical promoted catalysis: Towards practical utilization
Authors: Tsiplakides Dimitrios , Balomenou Stella
Published: March 2009

Electrochemical promotion (EP) of catalysis has already been recognized as 'a valuable development in catalytic research' (J. Pritchard, 1990) and as 'one of the most remarkable advances in electrochemistry since 1950' (J. O'M. Bockris, 1996). Laboratory studies have clearly elucidated the phenomenology of electrochemical promotion and have proven that EP is a general phenomenon at the interface of catalysis and electrochemistry. The major progress toward practical utilization of EP is surveyed in this paper. The focus is given on the electropromotion of industrial ammonia synthesis catalyst, the bipolar EP and the development of a novel monolithic electropromoted reactor (MEPR) in conjunction with the electropromotion of thin sputtered metal films. Future perspectives of electrochemical promotion applications in the field of hydrogen technologies are discussed.
Performance indicators for monitoring Safety Management Systems in chemical industry
Authors: Jovasevic-Stojanovic Milena , Stojanovic Bozidar
Published: March 2009

The development of the Safety Management System (SMS) in chemical industry appears as one of the important requirements introduced by the EU 'Seveso II' Directive on the control of major-accident hazards. This paper aims to provide a contribution regarding the SMS structure and the definition of the tools for assessing the effectiveness of this system by means of safety performance indicators. The performance indicators are linked to a reference values or policy targets, illustrating how far the SMS is from the desired level. We developed a system of performance indicators for SMS in chemical industry by using the concept of environmental performance indicators defined in standard ISO 14031. A set of three types of safety system performance indicators was proposed: management performance indicators, operational performance indicators and safety status indicators. These indicators represent the most important factors in the linkage between a possible cause of an accident and its effects.
The bioethanol production with the thin stillage recirculation
Authors: Pejin Dusanka , Mojovic Ljiljana , Grujic Olgica , Pejin Jelena , Rakin Marica
Published: March 2009

In this paper, the bioethanol production with the thin stillage recirculation in mashing was investigated. The mashing was performed with recirculation of: 0, 10, 20 and 30 % of the thin stillage. The thin stillage recirculation was repeated six times. In the experiment without the thin stillage, the recirculation bioethanol yield (compared to the theoretical yield) was 97.96 %, which implicates that the experiment conditions were chosen and performed well. With the addition of the thin stillage, the bioethanol yield increased and was above 100 %. Higher bioethanol yield than 100 % can be explained by the fact that the thin stillage contains carbohydrates, amino acids and yeast cells degradation products. The bioethanol yield increased with the increased number of thin stillage recirculation cycles. Dry matter content in fermenting slurry increased with the increased thin stillage quantity and the number of the thin stillage recirculation cycles (8.04 % for the first and 9.40 % for the sixth cycle). Dry matter content in thin stillage increased with the increased thin stillage quantity and the number of thin stillage recirculation cycles. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that thin stillage recirculation increased the bioethanol yield. The highest bioethanol yields were obtained with recirculation of 10% thin stillage.
Evaluation of the Cytogenetic Status of Human Lymphocytes After Exposure to a High Concentration of Bee Venom In Vitro
Authors: Garaj-Vrhovac Verica , Gajski Goran
Published: March 2009

Evaluation of the Cytogenetic Status of Human Lymphocytes After Exposure to a High Concentration of Bee Venom In Vitro

Several studies have reported radioprotective, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and anticancer effects of bee venom both in the cell and the whole organism. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a single high dose of 100 μg mL-1 of whole bee venom in human lymphocytes in vitro over a variety of time spans (from 10 min to 24 h). After the treatment, we used the comet assay and micronucleus test to see the effect of bee venom on the cell. The comet assay confirmed that the venom damaged the DNA molecule. Tail length, tail intensity, tail moment showed a significant increase (P<0.05). The percentage of long-tailed nuclei (LTN) with the tail length exceeding the 95th percentile also increased in a time-dependent manner. The micronucleus parameters (number of micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges, and nuclear buds) also showed a significant time-dependent increase (P<0.05). This research indicates that high concentrations of bee venom can lead to cellular instability. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism of action of bee venom and its components in human cells and to see if this natural product may find application in medicine.
The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) to Differentiate Balance Deficits
Authors: Horak Fay B , Wrisley Diane M , Frank James
Published: March 2009

Background

Current clinical balance assessment tools do not aim to help therapists identify the underlying postural control systems responsible for poor functional balance. By identifying the disordered systems underlying balance control, therapists can direct specific types of intervention for different types of balance problems.

Objective

The goal of this study was to develop a clinical balance assessment tool that aims to target 6 different balance control systems so that specific rehabilitation approaches can be designed for different balance deficits. This article presents the theoretical framework, interrater reliability, and preliminary concurrent validity for this new instrument, the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest).

Design

The BESTest consists of 36 items, grouped into 6 systems: “Biomechanical Constraints,” “Stability Limits/Verticality,” “Anticipatory Postural Adjustments,” “Postural Responses,” “Sensory Orientation,” and “Stability in Gait.”

Methods

In 2 interrater trials, 22 subjects with and without balance disorders, ranging in age from 50 to 88 years, were rated concurrently on the BESTest by 19 therapists, students, and balance researchers. Concurrent validity was measured by correlation between the BESTest and balance confidence, as assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale.

Results

Consistent with our theoretical framework, subjects with different diagnoses scored poorly on different sections of the BESTest. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for interrater reliability for the test as a whole was .91, with the 6 section ICCs ranging from .79 to .96. The Kendall coefficient of concordance among raters ranged from .46 to 1.00 for the 36 individual items. Concurrent validity of the correlation between the BESTest and the ABC Scale was r=.636, P<.01.

Limitations

Further testing is needed to determine whether: (1) the sections of the BESTest actually detect independent balance deficits, (2) other systems important for balance control should be added, and (3) a shorter version of the test is possible by eliminating redundant or insensitive items.

Conclusions

The BESTest is easy to learn to administer, with excellent reliability and very good validity. It is unique in allowing clinicians to determine the type of balance problems to direct specific treatments for their patients. By organizing clinical balance test items already in use, combined with new items not currently available, the BESTest is the most comprehensive clinical balance tool available and warrants further development.
Post mortemevaluation of palmar osteochondral disease (traumatic osteochondrosis) of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint in Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: BARR E. D. , PINCHBECK G. L. , CLEGG P. D. , BOYDE A. , RIGGS C. M.
Published: March 2009

Reasons for performing study: Thoroughbred racehorses are commonly affected by subchondral bone injury, but the exact prevalence and the distribution of palmar/plantar osteochondral disease (POD) lesions are unknown. The relationship between pathologies has not been elucidated, although it is widely accepted that POD is a manifestation of traumatic overload arthrosis.

Hypothesis: There is an association between grade of POD and other pathologies affecting the third metacarpal and metatarsal (MC/MTIII) condyles (wear lines, cartilage loss, marginal remodelling, dorsal impact injuries and linear fissures).

Objectives: To evaluate the pathology found affecting the distal MC/MTIII condyles of Thoroughbred racehorses atpost mortemexamination, to describe the prevalence and distribution of POD lesions within a population of racing Thoroughbreds and to determine relationships between pathologies of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones.

Methods: The metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joints of 64 Thoroughbred racehorses were examined at routinepost mortemexamination and graded for third metacarpal and metatarsal condylar pathology. Associations between pathologies were determined.

Results: POD had a within horse prevalence of 67%. There was a significant linear relationship between grade of POD and grades of wear lines, cartilage ulceration and dorsal impact injuries. There was a significant relationship, but this was not linear, between grade of POD and grade of linear fissures. Using ordinal logistic regression, compared to condyles withgrade 0orgrade 2linear fissures, condyles withgrade 1linear fissures were found to be more likely to have a lower POD grade.

Potential relevance: POD can be considered to be a manifestation of traumatic overload arthrosis, but the role of subchondral bone adaptation is complex and warrants further investigation.
Prevalence, number and morphological types of multinucleated histiocytic giant cells in equine inflammatory dermatoses: A retrospective light microscopic study of skin‐biopsy specimens from 362 horses
Authors: COHEN R. D. , SCOTT D. W. , ERB H. N.
Published: March 2009

Reasons for performing study: Multinucleated histiocytic giant cells (MHGC) are seen frequently in skin‐biopsy specimens from horses with inflammatory dermatoses. However, the prevalence, number and morphological types of these cells have not been reported.

Objective: To determine the prevalence, number and morphological types of MHGC in equine inflammatory dermatoses, and the association of these cells with specific conditions.

Methods: Skin‐biopsy specimens from 335 horses with inflammatory dermatoses and from 27 horses with normal skin were evaluated for the prevalence, number and morphological types of MHGC.

Results: The prevalence and number of MHGC were greater in granulomatous dermatoses than in nongranulomatous dermatoses. Infectious and noninfectious dermatoses were not different in terms of prevalence or morphological types of MHGC. Foreign‐body MHGC were the predominant type in almost all cases. MHGC were not seen in normal skin.

Conclusions: MHGC are seen in a wide variety of equine inflammatory dermatoses, especially those that are granulomatous. Number and morphological types of MHGC are of no apparent diagnostic significance.

Potential relevance: MHGC are frequently present in a wide variety of inflammatory dermatoses in the horse. Because the prevalence, number and morphological types of MHGC are of minimal diagnostic significance, special stains and tissue cultures are necessary to confirm specific diagnoses.
Dynamic respiratory endoscopy without treadmill in 68 performance Standardbred, Thoroughbred and saddle horses under natural training conditions
Authors: DESMAIZIERES L.‐M. , SERRAUD N. , PLAINFOSSE B. , MICHEL A. , TAMZALI Y.
Published: March 2009

Reasons for performing study: High speed treadmill endoscopy provides a true assessment and diagnosis of the dynamic obstructions of the upper equine respiratory tract (DO‐URT). However, treadmills do not always allow reproduction of the exact conditions of dynamic collapse of the URT. The availability of on‐board endoscopes, which could be used without a treadmill, would make exercising endoscopy readily available to more equine practices.

Objectives: To develop and validate an innovative endoscope which could be used for the examination of the URT at exercise in ridden and harnessed sport horses performing in natural conditions.

Methods: Authors worked closely with engineers of a company manufacturing veterinary endoscopes. Over a 2‐year period several prototypes were tested on more than 20 cooperative horses performing either in trot, gallop, jumping or endurance. The final Dynamic Respiratory Scope (DRS) allows real‐time visualisation of the URT and video recordings for post test reviewing and archiving. The DRS was then tested in 2 equine livery yards. Performance horses presented for investigation of abnormal respiratory noises at exercise and/or poor performance were subjected to exercising endoscopy. Endoscopic images of the URT were recorded and video recordings of the URT were reviewed post test.

Results: A total of 68 horses were examined: 39 harnessed Standardbred and 29 mounted horses (16 Thoroughbred and 13 saddle horses). Of these, 44 were diagnosed with a URT abnormality. Good quality videos were obtained even at maximum speed in all cases. The innovative insertion tube provided very stable images compared to those obtained with flexible video endoscopes on treadmills.

Conclusions: This study validates the safety and the reliability of the DRS for imaging the equine URT during natural exercising conditions.

Potential relevance: Most common causes of DO‐URT can be diagnosed easily during any type of performance without a treadmill and the DRS offers a great potential for further URT clinical research.
Use of morning serum cortisol level after transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma to predict the need for long-term glucocorticoid supplementation
Authors: Marko Nicholas F. , Gonugunta Vivek A. , Hamrahian Amir H. , Usmani Ali , Mayberg Marc R. , Weil Robert J.
Published: March 2009

Object

Accurate assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is critical for appropriate management of the disease in patients with pituitary adenoma after transsphenoidal resection. The authors examine the role of the morning total serum cortisol level in the early postoperative period as a predictor of long-term HPA function.

Methods

Morning total serum cortisol was measured in 83 patients on postoperative Day 1 (or Day 2 if the patient received glucocorticoids during surgery) after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma. These results were compared with those of definitive assays of HPA function performed at 1–3 months postoperatively, including cortrosyn/synacthen stimulation test (CST), insulin tolerance test (ITT), and metyrapone test (MTT). The ability of the early-postoperative morning cortisol level to predict HPA function was determined using standard confusion matrix calculations and receiver-operator control curve analysis.

Results

The authors found that an early postoperative morning total cortisol level ≥ 15 μg/dl is a sensitive and accurate predictor of normal HPA function in the postoperative period (sensitivity 80.5%, specificity 66.7%, positive predictive value 96.9%).

Conclusions

A morning total cortisol level ≥ 15 μg/dl in the early postoperative period after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas is a good predictor of normal HPA function. This test has good sensitivity and accuracy and correlates well with the results of additional, definitive assays of HPA function (CST, ITT, and MTT) performed at 1–3 months postoperatively. Accordingly, it is the authors' practice to avoid exogenous perioperative glucocorticoid supplementation in patients with normal preoperative HPA function and postoperative morning total cortisol levels ≥ 15 μg/dl 1–2 days after transsphenoidal pituitary adenomectomy.
C-Port Flex-A–assisted automated anastomosis for high-flow extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery in patients with symptomatic carotid artery occlusion: a feasibility study
Authors: Hänggi Daniel , Reinert Michael , Steiger Hans-Jakob
Published: March 2009

Object

Preliminary experience with the C-Port Flex-A Anastomosis System (Cardica, Inc.) to enable rapid automated anastomosis has been reported in coronary artery bypass surgery. The goal of the current study was to define the feasibility and safety of this method for high-flow extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery in a clinical series.

Methods

In a prospective study design, patients with symptomatic carotid artery (CA) occlusion were selected for C-Port–assisted high-flow EC-IC bypass surgery if they met the following criteria: 1) transient or moderate permanent symptoms of focal ischemia; 2) CA occlusion; 3) hemodynamic instability; and 4) had provided informed consent. Bypasses were done using a radial artery graft that was proximally anastomosed to the superficial temporal artery trunk, the cervical external, or common CA. All distal cerebral anastomoses were performed on M2 branches using the C-Port Flex-A system.

Results

Within 6 months, 10 patients were enrolled in the study. The distal automated anastomosis could be accomplished in all patients; the median temporary occlusion time was 16.6 ± 3.4 minutes. Intraoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed good bypass function in 9 patients, and in 1 the anastomosis was classified as fair. There was 1 major perioperative complication that consisted of the creation of a pseudoaneurysm due to a hardware problem. In all but 1 case the bypass was shown to be patent on DSA after 7 days; furthermore, in 1 patient a late occlusion developed due to vasospasm after a sylvian hemorrhage. One-week follow-up DSA revealed transient asymptomatic extracranial spasm of the donor artery and the radial artery graft in 1 case. Two patients developed a limited zone of infarction on CT scanning during the follow-up course.

Conclusions

In patients with symptomatic CA occlusion, C-Port Flex-A–assisted high-flow EC-IC bypass surgery is a technically feasible procedure. The system needs further modification to achieve a faster and safer anastomosis to enable a conclusive comparison with standard and laser-assisted methods for high-flow bypass surgery.
Changes in ionic concentrations and δ18O in the snowpack of Zhadang glacier, Nyainqentanglha mountain, southern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Shichang Kang , Jie Huang , Yanwei Xu
Published: March 2009

To investigate the effects of depositional and post-depositional processes on chemical records in the snowpack, seven monthly snow pits were sampled at the same site on the pass of Zhadang (ZD) glacier (30˚28.079' N, 90˚39.032' E; 5800ma.s.l.), Nyainqentanglha mountain, southern Tibetan Plateau, between April and October 2006. Meteorological data from an automatic weather station at the sampling site showed that the annual mean air temperature was –5.6˚C on the pass and that monthly air temperature was above 0˚C from June to August, indicating that snowmelt could occur in this high-elevation region during the summer. An analysis of δ18O and major-ion variability in snow pits suggests that glaciochemical recordswere influenced by both meltwater percolation in mid-summer (July and August) and seasonal deposition. Less negative δ18O values and high concentrations of major ions occurred during the spring. The trends of δ18O variations in the ZD snow pits were consistent with those in precipitation sampled at the nearby Nam Co station for all months except for July and August, suggesting that climate signals are well preserved in the snow-pit δ18O records during the non-summer months. However, these climate signals were destroyed by strong percolation of meltwater during mid-summer.
Microscale spatial variability of snowpack: isotopic and chemical heterogeneity of a firn pack at Qomolangma (Mount Everest), central Himalaya
Authors: Zhou Shiqiao , Kang Shichang , Cong Zhiyuan
Published: March 2009

For a better understanding of snow metamorphosing processes and more precise snow-ice-core interpretations, it is necessary to know the extent of microscale spatial variability of isotopic and chemical distributions in a snowpack. This work presents an investigation on the horizontal heterogeneity of the isotopic and chemical distributions in a firn pack on East Rongbuk Glacier at Qomolangma (Mount Everest), central Himalaya. One pit wall of 1.2 ×1.2m2 at 6520ma.s.l. was sampled at intervals of 10 cm in a matrix pattern with a total of 144 samples collected. All the samples were analyzed for δ18O and ionic concentrations. Small horizontal isotopic and large chemical heterogeneities were found. The averaged coefficient of variation (CV) of the twelve 10 cm thick layers for δ18O is 0.052, and in the whole snow thickness of 120 cm it is 0.016, which is in the range of analytic precision and thus indicates complete homogeneity. However, the ionic distribution shows considerable heterogeneity. The averaged CV values of the 10 cm thick layers for ionic concentrations vary in the range 0.628–1.477 depending on the ions. Based on these CV values, the heterogeneity sequence is: Mg2+> Ca2+> K+> Na+> Cl–> SO42–> PO43–> NO3–> NH4+. The averaged CV values for all the ions, except for NH4+, decrease with increasing snow thickness, although the decreasing rates and extents are different. However, the CV values of different ions are still large and in the range 0.183–1.116 when the snow thickness increases to 120 cm. The heterogeneity sequence becomes: K+> Mg2+> Ca2+> NH4+> Na+> Cl–> PO43–> NO3–> SO42–. The CV average change with thickness is different for NH4+. From 20 to 100 cm it increases slightly with increasing thickness, but all the values are lower than the average of 10cm thick layers.
Mass-balance estimates for Haut Glacier d’Arolla, Switzerland, from 2000 to 2006 using DEMs and distributed mass-balance modeling
Authors: Dadic Ruzica , Corripio Javier G. , Burlando Paolo
Published: March 2009

A distributed mass-balance modeling approach is required to assess the impact of future climate scenarios on water availability in glaciated basins. Accurate estimation of water stored within the snow, firn and ice of such basins requires knowledge of the distributed snow and ice mass balance throughout the year. In this study, we estimate the annual mass balance and runoff for Haut Glacier d′Arolla, Switzerland, from 2000 to 2006. Our estimations are based on observed elevation changes from three digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from aerial photographs in September 1999 and 2005, and October 2006. In addition to these estimations, we implement a combined field observation and a distributed mass-balance modeling approach. An energy-balance model driven by meteorological variables from automatic weather stations inside the catchment area, including gravitational snow transport, is run for the period 2005–06. The model results are validated with direct snow water equivalent measurements as well as with runoff measurements. Combining the mass-balance measurements, energy-balance calculations and measured runoff, we estimate the contribution from ice melt to the runoff for this period to be 25–30%, the contribution from snowmelt 50–60% and the contribution from rain 15–25%. Our model results also show that the snow distribution affects both snow and ice melt. It is therefore important for water resources management to understand the distribution of snow in alpine catchments, as it seems to be the controlling factor for the timing of streamflow throughout the year as well as for the total availability of water.
The temperature-gradient metamorphism of snow: vapour diffusion model and application to tomographic images
Authors: Flin Frédéric , Brzoska Jean-Bruno
Published: March 2009

A simple physical model describing the temperature-gradient metamorphism of snow is presented. This model, based on Kelvin’s equation and Fick’s law, takes into account the local variation of the saturating vapour pressure with temperature. It can determine locally whether the ice is condensing or subliming, depending on both the pressure and temperature fields in the snow structure. This model can also explain the formation of facets that occurs during the metamorphism. Using X-ray microtomographic images of snow samples obtained under low to moderate temperature-gradient conditions, this model has been tested and compared to the reaction-limited model proposed in a previous work.
Wasabi - Japanese Horseradish
Authors: Sultana Tamanna , Savage Geoffrey P
Published: March 2009

Wasabi, Japanese Horseradish (Wasabia japonica (Miq.) Matsum) is a perennial plant native to Japan. It has been cultivated in Japan for more than a thousand years and is now being grown in many countries as interest in Japanese cuisine expands. Wasabi can be grown in two main ways, either in flooded fields or in soil based mediums. The unique flavour of wasabi comes from isothiocyanates (ITCs) which are evolved from precursor glucosinolates by the enzyme myrosinase when the tissue is disrupted. ITCs found in wasabi are volatile, possess strong pungent smells and are toxic at high intakes. The overall flavour of wasabi depends on individual ITC content. Allyl ITC is found in the highest concentration in all tissues, ranging from 86-92% of the total ITC content. Apart from flavouring sauces and foods wasabi isothiocyanates have interesting anticancer effects. ITCs can also counter inflammatory conditions like asthma and anaphylaxis. ITCs have also been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation in the blood. Wasabi is a valuable crop that can be processed into a tasty condiment. Its production and consumption will increase as it becomes more appreciated in Western cuisine. Keywords: Wasabia japonica, Horseradish, Flavour compounds, Isothiocyanate (ITC), Glucosinolate, Allyl ITC, 3-butenyl ITC, 4-pentenyl ITC, 5-hexenyl ITC, 2-pheneylethyl ITC, Isopropyl ITC, Secbutyl ITC, Rhizome, Anticancer, Anti-asthmatic, Anti-inflammatory, Industrial application doi: 10.3329/bjsir.v43i4.2234 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 43(4), 433-448, 2008
Studies on the Tanning with Glutaraldehyde as an Alternative to Traditional Chrome Tanning System for the Production of Chrome Free Leather
Authors: Chakraborty Dipankar , Quadery Ariful Hai , Azad M Abul Kashem
Published: March 2009

Chrome tanning is a versatile tanning system, but the pollution problems of chromium due to inadequacy of treatment systems and possible formation of Cr(VI), a carcinogen, have led to search for an ecofriendly and viable alternative tanning system. The present investigation focuses on the development of a novel, high performance and thermally stable aldehyde tannage system to produce chrome free leather by cross linking the NH2 groups of collagen with glutaraldehyde (CHO-CH2-CH2-CH2-CHO). After as usual soaking, liming, deliming, bating and pickling operations the pickle pelts were tanned with glutaraldehyde and other syntans. This developed chrome free tanning process produce crust leathers exhibiting thermal stability >85Â°C and reducing the TDS value with 0% emission of Cr-salt in tannery discharge. Key words: Eco friendly tanning system, Chrome free leather, Crust leathers Â  doi: 10.3329/bjsir.v43i4.2246 Â  Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 43(4), 553-558, 2008
Sustainable Agriculture and Innovation Adoption in a Tropical Small-Scale Food Production System: The Case of Yam Minisetts in Jamaica
Authors: Beckford Clinton  L.
Published: March 2009

Grown in Jamaica since the days of slavery, food yams are major staples in local diets and a significant non-traditional export crop. The cultivation system used today is the same as 300 years ago, with alleged unsustainable practices. A new cultivation system called minisett was introduced in 1985 but the adoption rate twenty four years later is extremely low. This paper analyzes the prospects for the widespread adoption of minisett and sustainable yam cultivation and advocates that greater use be made of farmers’ extensive knowledge of the complex agro-ecological, socio-cultural and economic milieu in which they operate.
Phylogeny of the tribe Indigofereae (Leguminosae–Papilionoideae): Geographically structured more in succulent‐rich and temperate settings than in grass‐rich environments
Authors: Schrire Brian D. , Lavin Matt , Barker Nigel P. , Forest Félix
Published: March 2009

This analysis goes beyond many phylogenies in exploring how phylogenetic structure imposed by morphology, ecology, and geography reveals useful evolutionary data. A comprehensive range of such diversity is evaluated within tribe Indigofereae and outgroups from sister tribes. A combined data set of 321 taxa (over one‐third of the tribe) by 80 morphological characters, 833 aligned nuclear ribosomal ITS/5.8S sites, and an indel data set of 33 characters was subjected to parsimony analysis. Notable results include the Madagascan dry forestDisynstemonresolved as sister to tribe Indigofereae, and all species of the large genusIndigoferacomprise just four main clades, each diagnosable by morphological synapomorphies and ecological and geographical predilections. These results suggest niche conservation (ecology) and dispersal limitation (geography) are important processes rendering signature shapes to the Indigofereae phylogeny in different biomes. Clades confined to temperate and succulent‐rich biomes are more dispersal limited and have more geographical phylogenetic structure than those inhabiting tropical grass‐rich vegetation. The African arid corridor, particularly the Namib center of endemism, harbors many of the oldestIndigoferalineages. A rates analysis of nucleotide substitutions confirms that the ages of the oldest crown clades are mostly younger than 16 Ma, implicating dispersal in explaining the worldwide distribution of the tribe.
The Natural Course of Radiographic Progression in Ankylosing Spondylitis — Evidence for Major Individual Variations in a Large Proportion of Patients
Authors: BARALIAKOS XENOFON , LISTING JOACHIM , von der RECKE ANNA , BRAUN JURGEN
Published: March 2009

Objective.

To describe the natural course of radiographic progression and to differentiate rates of progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods.

Overall, 146 patients with AS who had never received anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. The main inclusion criterion was the availability of complete sets of cervical and lumbar radiographs from at least 2 timepoints within 6 years. Using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS), we quantified the structural changes and assessed different rates of radiographic progression based on development of new syndesmophytes/year.

Results.

The mean followup time was 3.8 ± 1.7 years (range 1–6) and the mean number of consecutive radiographs was 2.7 (range 2–6) per patient. The mean mSASSS change/year was 1.3 ± 2.5 units. Radiographic progression showed much variability, since 43% of patients showed a 4-fold greater rate of progression than the mean, and 23% had no progression. The data-based definition for “fast progression” was calculated as a change > 5 mSASSS units or > 2 new syndesmophytes; for “moderate progression” as change of 2.0–5.0 mSASSS units or < 2 new syndesmophytes; and for “slow progression” as change of < 2 mSASSS units or no more than 1 new syndesmophyte within 2 years. The only factor to predict future radiographic progression was the number of syndesmophytes at baseline.

Conclusion.

Radiographic progression in AS is rather variable and many patients show high rates of progression. On the basis of this retrospective dataset we propose to differentiate patients on an individual level according to their progression rates: patients with fast, moderate, and slow radiographic progression, assessed by counting new syndesmophytes. Predicting radiographic progression remains difficult; only the prevalence of syndesmophytes at baseline is predictive of future damage.
Percepção, tempo de percepção, percepção de tempo
Authors: Barata André
Published: March 2009

Desde un punto de vista conceptual, el tiempo es independiente respecto de la experiencia del tiempo. Es decir: puede darse una descripción conceptual del tiempo sin referencia ninguna a términos relacionados con la conciencia subjetiva del tiempo. Pero en lo concerniente a una fenomenología de esa experiencia subjetiva del tiempo, puede revelarse que tal experiencia de tiempo es, ella en sí misma, temporal? Los mismísimos términos empleados en una descripción conceptual del tiempo, como “cambio” y “duración”, están implicados en la descripción fenomenológica de toda percepción, incluida la percepción del tiempo. Esto autoriza una caracterización de la experiencia subjetiva del tiempo como tiempo subjetivo. Finalmente, sobre la base de la naturaleza temporal de la percepción del tiempo, sugeriré una explicación racional de nuestra experiencia común de asimetrías entre el tiempo subjetivo y el tiempo objetivo.
A Fenomenologia de Husserl perante o problema da compreensão do homem verdadeiro
Authors: Mestre Sidoncha Urbano
Published: March 2009

Tomando, desde el principio, la pregunta “¿qué es el hombre?” como indispensable base teorética, nuestra intención en este trabajo ha sido esencialmente demostrar que el hiato de carácter explicativo que tradicionalmente se le achaca a los modelos naturalistas de la mente aún no lo dice todo cuando se trata de desentrañar las razones que explican nuestra discordancia de fondo en relación a tales modelos. De estar en lo cierto, lo que determinará la insostenibilidad del materialismo reduccionista como solución para el problema mente/cuerpo no será ya una disputa de foro epistemológico, sino más bien el que podríamos denominar criterio de la “comprensión de lo humano”; esto es, la particular manera como nos sentimos como humanos. En efecto, debemos plantearnos si la comprensión que tenemos de nosotros mismos como dichos seres humanos (o como hombre verdadero, para retomar aquí la célebre expresión de Descartes) puede reconducirse a la mera presentación de un dispositivo de órganos. A partir de un entendimiento del hombre como pura cosa orgánica y material (aquella asamblea de órganos de Francis Crick), se asienta la idea de un Yo corporal (un Körper, según la terminología husserliana de las Ideen II) que se resiste inmediatamente a la posibilidad de una experiencia interna, es decir, de una “autopercepción” o “introcepción”: será, cuando mucho, cuerpo, pero no la conciencia de tener tal cuerpo, pues pensar esta última capacidad de introcepción implica reintroducir la diferencia – y, entonces, la relación – entre mente y simple cuerpo, precisamente la distinción que había sido rechazada por el materialismo reduccionista, como única estrategia capaz de evitar la reposición de la tesis dualista en la relación mente/cuerpo.