bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Amendment Materials on Cement-Solidified Contaminated Marine Sediments—Mechanical Stability and Leaching of Heavy Metals
Authors: Kvennås M. , Sparrevik M. , Grini R. S.
Published: April 2009

Stabilization/solidification technology (S/S), in which contaminated marine sediments are mixed with cement and other binding agents have shown to be a promising remediation technique. The major advantage of S/S over other contaminated sediments remediation techniques is that dredged material can be transformed from a soft material into a filling material with favorable geotechnical properties. Reduced contaminant transport from the treated material is achieved simultaneously. This paper summarizes a study investigating how amendments (additions) may improve the mechanical properties and reduce leaching of heavy metals of two cement-stabilized marine harbor sediments from the cities of Bergen and Hammerfest, Norway. The deployed amendments comprised granulated blast furnace slag (Merit®), cement kiln dust, fly ash, gypsum, sand, iron sulfide, and microsilica. The use of amendments was observed to improve the strength of cement-stabilized soft and wet sediments, where the use of granulated blast furnace slag (Merit) resulted in the greatest inprovement. Cement stabilization resulted in a reduced leaching of lead, whereas the leaching of copper and chromium from Hammerfest sediments increased substantially. In order to achieve the lowest total net transport of contaminants through the material, S/S recipes for environmental projects should not only be optimized with regard to physical strength, but also with regard to leaching and permeability.
Az „eltűnt Én” nyomában
Authors: Pataki Ferenc
Published: April 2009

A tanulmány áttekinti az utóbbi fél évszázad pszichológiájának
és társadalomtudományának küzdelmét az én köré csoportosított fogalmakkal.
Bemutatja, hogy a fogalmi káosz mögött egymással versengő felfogások rejlenek a
pszichológia egyik legfontosabb fogódzójának, a személyességnek a visszaadására.
Részletes elemzést kapnak a dekonstrukciós felfogások és a narratív elmélete. A
szerző amellett áll ki, hogy az eltűnt ént _a
Beérkezett könyvek
Authors: Pléh Csaba
Published: April 2009

ErősFerenc, LénárdKataés BókayAntal(szerk.)

Typus Budapestiensis. Tanulmányok a pszichoanalízis budapesti iskolájának
történetéről éshatásáról.
Thalassa, Budapest, 2008, 447 oldalHargittaiIstván:
Doktor DNS. Őszinte beszélgetések James D.
Watsonnal.
Vince Kiadó, Budapest, 2008, 223 oldalKutrovátzGábor,LángBenedekésZemplénGábor:
A
tudomány határa.
Typotex,Budapest, 2008, 376 oldalEngerl, C. andSinger, W. (eds)
Better than conscious? Decision making, the human mind, and implications
for institutions
.
MIT Press, Cambridge, 2008, xiv + 449 oldalKondor, Zsuzsanna:
Embedded
thinking. Multimedia
and the new rationality.
Peter Lang, Frankfurt am Main, 2008, xi + 169 oldalSíklakiIstván(szerk.):
Szóbeli befolyásolás. I–II.
Typotex, Budapest,_n
Önkontroll hipnózisban: mennyiben kényszerítő erejűek a szuggesztiók?
Authors: Katona Györgyi , Bányai Éva
Published: April 2009

Kísérletünk célja a hipnózisbeli önkontroll változásainak
vizsgálata a hipnózis iránt különböző mértékben fogékony személyeknél, a
hipnózissal szembeni ellenállás élménybeli és viselkedéses jellemzőinek
összevetésével. Kísérletünkben egy szokásos –standard tesztszuggesztiókat
tartalmazó –csoportos együttműködő hipnózist követően –a hipnózisindukciót
megelőzően –a résztvevőket a hipnotizőr tudta nélkül arra szólítottuk fel, hogy
álljanak ellen a szuggesztióknak (amelyek az előzőekkel azonosak voltak).
Mindkét hipnózis során mértük a szuggesztiók végrehaj_a
A szenzoros élménykeresés összefüggése az alkoholfogyasztással és az alkohollal kapcsolatos elvárásokkal középiskolások körében
Authors: Urbán Róbert , Czeglédi Edit , Kovács Krisztina , Kelemen Andrea
Published: April 2009

Az alkoholfogyasztás meghatározói közül az alkohol
fogyasztásának következményeire vonatkozó elvárásokat és a szenzoros
élménykeresést vizsgáltuk. Kutatásunk célkitűzései
1
. az Alkohol
Következményeinek Elvárása Kérdőív magyar változata struktúrájának igazolása;
valamint
2
. a szenzoros élmény­keresés és az alkoholfogyasztás közötti
kapcsolat magyarázata az alkoholhasználat következményeinek elvárásával.
A
vizsgálati elrendezés:
keresztmetszeti, kérdőíves kutatás._a
Fogalmi térképek
Authors: Habók Anita
Published: April 2009

A fogalmi térkép elmélete az értelemgazdag tanuláshoz
kapcsolódik. Afogalmi térképek a tudásreprezentáció grafikus eszközei.
Elrendezését tekintve a legáltalánosabb fogalom áll a térkép csúcsán és ez alá
vannak rendelve az adott területen belüli specifikus fogalmak. Tartalmaznak
csomópontokat, melyek a fogalmakra és gondolatokra vonatkoznak. Ezeket vonalak,
nyilak kötik össze, melyek a csomópontok közötti kapcsolatokra utalnak. A fogalmi
térképek vizuális megjelenését tekintve lehetnek kerék, lánc, kör, fa és háló
alakúak. A kü__
A magyar pszichológiatörténet helyzete: terepszemle, tervek és javaslatok
Authors: Lányi Gusztáv
Published: April 2009

1
. A
Magyar Pszichológiai Szemle
(MPSz),
illetve a Magyar Pszichológiai Társaság (MPT) szak­mai bázisát képező egyetemi
pszichológia oktatásában – illetve azon egyetemi, főiskolai szakok, intézetek
és tanszékek, ahol valamilyen pszichológiát oktatnak, s ebből eredően
pszichológiával érintkező kutatásokat is folytatnak –a
pszichológiatörténet
mint
tantárgy vagy mint kérdés, probléma (netán gyorsan letudható „kötelező penzum”)
jelen van.
2
. Ha
megnézzük azonban a MPT szervezeti-szakmai életének hétköznapi –és persze
„ünnepi” –tevékenységét, akkor azt láthatjuk, hogy szakmánk történeti
ön-reflexivitása korántsem nevezhető élénknek. Ennek egyik szomorú jele, hogy a
MPT-on belül a Pszichológiatörténeti Szekció (Kiss György halála [1998] után)
az 1990-es évek közepe óta lényegében nem működik, a MPT Nagygyűlésein már nem
képes egy önálló szekciót sem felállítani –pedig a folytatható hagyományok
megvannak.
3
. Ugyanakkor a MPSZ szerkesztősége –a főszerkesztő, Pléh
Csaba ösztökélése eredményeként is –a pszichológiatörténet jelentőségét, súlyát
igyekszik visszaállítani, megerősíteni, fenntartani stb.
4
. Vitakörünkben
arra teszünk kísérletet, hogy felmérjük a MPT-on belül szakmánk pszichológiatörténeti
affinitását, készségét. A vitaindítók (Lányi Gusztáv, a MPSZ pszichológiatörténetért
felelős rovatvezetője, opponensek: Pléh Csaba, főszerkesztő, Vajda Zsuzsanna,
rovatvezető) exponálják tapasztalataik alapján a jelenlegi helyzetet, kifejtik
elképzeléseiket, javaslataikat stb. Mindezt azonban a „vitakör” dramaturgiai
szabályainak megfelelően a MPT szekciói egy-két képviselőinek aktív –vitára
kész és a megoldásokban is partnernek ígérkező –jelenlétével.
5
. A vitakör nem pusztán l’art pour
l’art beszélgetésnek indul. Minimális szervezeti célnak azt tűztük ki, hogy
megalakítjuk a MPT Pszichológiatörténeti Szekcióját –maxim'
Könyvismertetések
Authors: Kas Bence , Lukács Ágnes , Pléh Csaba , Jakab Zoltán
Published: April 2009

GósyMária:
Pszicholingvisztika
(Kas Bence –Lukács Ágnes)   577Traxler, MatthewJ. –Gernsbacher, MortonA_2
A Numerikus Feldolgozás és Számolás Teszt (NFSZT) magyar változata
Authors: Igács János , Janacsek Karolina , Krajcsi Attila
Published: April 2009

A Numerikus Feldolgozás és Számolás Teszt (NFSZT) egy
neuropszichológiai tesztcsomag, amely szerzett numerikus sérülések vizsgálatára
és diagnózisára alkalmas. Numerikus kompetenciánkért számos, egymástól
független kognitív rendszer felelős, amelyek disszociatív mintázatokban
sérülhetnek. A teszt, azon túlmenően, hogy sorra veszi a numerikus
feldolgozásban nélkülözhetetlen rendszereket és reprezentációkat, külön
figyelmet szentel az egyes ki- és bemeneti jelölésmódok (arab szám,
írott/hallott számnév) részletes vizsgálatának. Kutatócsoportunk a teszt magyar
változatát készítette el, amelynek különlegessége, hogy a feladatok sz_
„Bandázs nélkül, sisak nélkül”: Az erőforrás hatása a kockázatvállalásra
Authors: Faragó Klára
Published: April 2009

A kutatások ellentmondó eredményekről számoltak be azzal
kapcsolatban, hogy hogyan hat a felhalmozott erőforrás a kockázatvállalásra:
mind az alacsony, mind a magas erőforráshoz társítottak alacsony és magas
kockázatvállalást. Terepkísérletben vizsgáltuk azt, hogy magas, közepes és
alacsony erőforrással (a kurzus teljesítéséhez szükséges, zárthelyi
dolgozatokon előzőleg összegyűjtöttpontok)rendelkező__
Az etnocentrizmus evolúciós elmélete
Authors: Marosán György
Published: April 2009

W. G. Sumner még a múlt század elején etnocentrizmusnak (EC)
nevezte azt az általános beállítódást, hogy másokat alapvetően „etnikai”
szempontból ítélünk meg: a „hasonlóhoz” vonzódunk, az „idegent” elutasítjuk. A
jelenséget többnyire az előítéletekkel és a rasszizmussal kapcsolatba hozva a
csoportok közötti konfliktusokat kiváltó –szűk látókörű, megalapozatlan és
rosszindulatú –ideológiai konstrukcióként írták le (Levinson, 1950, 103). Az 1950-es és 60-as években végrehajtott
pszichológiai kísérletek és szociológiai vizsgálatok az EC automatikusan
érvényesülő és a racionális m_
Antoine Vergote, a vallás pszicholó­giájá­nak és empirikus, pszichoanalitikus megközelítésének iskolateremtő alakja
Authors: Tomcsányi Teodóra
Published: April 2009

A tanulmány Antoine Vergote több évtizedes, a vallás
pszichológiájának európai fejlődésére nagy hatást gyakorló munkássága mentén ad
betekintést ezen tudományterületbe, amely a hosszú elzártság következtében a
magyar tudományos köztudatban csekély helyet kaphatott.Vergote széles elméleti
háttérre támaszkodó életművén és pszichoanalitikus irányultságú iskolaalapító
munkásságán keresztül ismertet meg a valláspszichológia úttörőjének sokszínű,
empirikus kutatásokon alapuló tudományos módszereivel, előzetes
megfontolásaival és több diszciplína megközelítését is inte_i
Beérkezett könyvek
Authors: Pléh Csaba
Published: April 2009

Danziger, Kurt:
Marking the mind. A history of
memory
. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2008Farkas,
Katalin:
The subject’s point
of view.
Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2008MosoninéFriedJudités TolnaiMárton(szerk.):
Tudomány
és politika.
Typotex, Budapest, 2008Iacobini,
Marco:
Mirroring people. The new science of how we connect
with others.
Farrar,
Straus and Giroux, New York, 2008Changeux, Jean-Pierre.
Du
vrai, du beau, du bien.Une nouvelle approche neuronale.
Odile Jacob, PárizsGazzaniga_n
Sol-gel bioactive glass-ceramics Part II: Glass-ceramics in the CaO-SiO2-P2O5-MgO system
Authors: Radev Lachezar , Hristov Vladimir , Michailova Irena , Samuneva Bisserka
Published: April 2009

Ceramics, with basic composition based on the CaO-SiO2-P2O5-MgO system with different Ca+ Mg/P+Si molar ratio (R), were prepared via polystep sol-gel technique. The structure of the obtained ceramic materials has been studied by XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM. X-ray diffraction showed the presence of akermanite and HA for the sample with R = 1.68 and Mg substituted β-TCP and silicocarnotite for the sample with R = 2.16, after thermal treatment at 1200°C/2 h. The obtained results are in good agreement with FTIR. In vitro test for bioactivity in static condition proved that the carbonate containing hydroxyapatite (CO3HA) can be formed on the surface of the synthesized samples. CO3HA consisted of both A- and B-type CO 32− ions. SEM micrographs depicted different forms of HA particles, precipitated on the surface after soaking in 1.5 simulated body fluid (SBF).
Nonlinear Filtering for Markov Systems with Delayed Observations
Authors: Calzolari Antonella , Florchinger Patrick , Nappo Giovanna
Published: April 2009

Nonlinear Filtering for Markov Systems with Delayed Observations

This paper deals with nonlinear filtering problems with delays, i. e., we consider a system (X, Y), which can be represented by means of a system (X, Ŷ), in the sense thatYt= Ŷa(t), wherea(t)is a delayed time transformation. We start withXbeing a Markov process, and then study Markovian systems, not necessarily diffusive, with correlated noises. The interest is focused on the existence of explicit representations of the corresponding filters as functionals depending on the observed trajectory. Various assumptions on the functiona(t)are considered.
On the Realization Theory of Polynomial Matrices and the Algebraic Structure of Pure Generalized State Space Systems
Authors: Vardulakis Antonis-Ioannis , Karampetakis Nicholas , Antoniou Efstathios , Tictopoulou Evangelia
Published: April 2009

On the Realization Theory of Polynomial Matrices and the Algebraic Structure of Pure Generalized State Space Systems

We review the realization theory of polynomial (transfer function) matrices via "pure" generalized state space system models. The concept of anirreducible-at-infinitygeneralized state space realization of a polynomial matrix is defined and the mechanism of the "cancellations" of "decoupling zeros at infinity" is closely examined. The difference between the concepts ofirreducibilityandminimalityof generalized state space realizations of polynomial (transfer function) matrices is pointed out and the associated concepts ofdynamicandnon-dynamicvariables appearing in generalized state space realizations are also examined.
Notes on a Linguistic Description as the Basis for Automatic Image Understanding
Authors: Tadeusiewicz Ryszard , Ogiela Marek , Szczepaniak Piotr
Published: April 2009

Notes on a Linguistic Description as the Basis for Automatic Image Understanding

The main paradigm of image understanding and a concept for its practical machine realisation are presented. The crucial elements of the presented approach are the formalisation of human knowledge about the class of images that are to be automatically interpreted, a linguistic description and the realization of cognitive resonance.
Mining Indirect Association Rules for Web Recommendation
Authors: Kazienko Przemysław
Published: April 2009

Mining Indirect Association Rules for Web Recommendation

Classical association rules, here called "direct", reflect relationships existing between items that relatively often co-occur in common transactions. In the web domain, items correspond to pages and transactions to user sessions. The main idea of the new approach presented is to discover indirect associations existing between pages that rarely occur together but there are other, "third" pages, called transitive, with which they appear relatively frequently. Two types of indirect associations rules are described in the paper: partial indirect associations and complete ones. The former respect single transitive pages, while the latter cover all existing transitive pages. The presented IDARM* Algorithm extracts complete indirect association rules with their important measure—confidence—using pre-calculated direct rules. Both direct and indirect rules are joined into one set of complex association rules, which may be used for the recommendation of web pages. Performed experiments revealed the usefulness of indirect rules for the extension of a typical recommendation list. They also deliver new knowledge not available to direct ones. The relation between ranking lists created on the basis of direct association rules as well as hyperlinks existing on web pages is also examined.
Spatial distribution and seasonal variability in chlorophyll concentrations in the coastal Lake Gardno (Poland)
Authors: Ficek Dariusz , Wielgat-Rychert Magdalena
Published: April 2009

In 2006 the spatial distribution and seasonal variations in chlorophyll concentration were measured, at about two-week frequency, in Lake Gardno. In general, chlorophyll concentrations in the central part of the lake were high throughout the growth season. The minimum chlorophyll concentration was recorded in March (7.5 mg m-3), and the maximum value in September (303 mg m-3). Higher chlorophyll concentrations and lower temporal variability were measured in the central part of the lake, compared to lower concentrations and higher variability in the vicinity of the Łupawa River input to the lake. Chlorophyll concentrations were measured fluorometrically along several vertical and horizontal profiles, enabling direct observations of the dynamics of changing chlorophyll concentrations in Lake Gardno throughout the year.
A hydrodynamic model coupled with GIS for flood characteristics analysis in the Biebrza riparian wetland
Authors: Chormański Jarosław , Mirosław-Świątek Dorota , Michałowski Robert
Published: April 2009

The paper presents the application of the hydrodynamic 1D unsteady model for calculating hydro-ecological flood characteristics in the Lower Biebrza River Basin located in northeastern Poland. The 1D model is combined with the Digital Elevation Model for determining of flood extent. The model was calibrated using measurements of flood extent and verified comparing calculated flood extent to satellite images. Consequently, the flood characteristics important for plant communities of the riparian wetland were calculated for vegetation season (February-September) daily time series (1961-1996). Then, their relations to particular generalized groups of vegetation were analyzed. The results show a significant congruity between the type of vegetation and calculated flood characteristics. The hydrodynamic model was confirmed to be a useful tool for calculating flood characteristics.
A review of the use of macroinvertebrates for monitoring the quality of lotic freshwaters in the UK and early stages of development in Poland
Authors: Orwin David , Glazaczow Adam
Published: April 2009

The use of benthic macroinvertebrates has become an important tool for monitoring the quality of freshwaters. A review is given of the development of the Biological Monitoring Working Party scheme in the United Kingdom (BMWP-UK) and how this has been modified in Poland (BMWP-PL). Methodologies are also described showing how basic data sets collected for the BMWP scheme can be used for the assessment of flow conditions and to identify sites for special conservation measures.
Effect of Some Essential Oils for Limiting Early Blight (Alternaria Solani) Development in Potato Field
Authors: El-Mougy Nehal
Published: April 2009

Effect of Some Essential Oils for Limiting Early Blight (Alternaria Solani) Development in Potato Field

The fungicidal effect of some essential oils againstAlternaria solanione of the species that cause early blight of potato was evaluated underin vitroand field conditions. Effect of carnation, caraway, thyme oils and the chemical fungicide Ridomil MZ 72 at various concentrations on mycelial growth ofA. solaniwas tested. Carnation oil had the strongest and most extensive inhibitory effect on fungal growth. Slightly less effective were caraway and thyme oils followed by the chemical fungicide. Extended field trails for two cultivation seasons proved that the application of essential oils twice as foliar spray had a superior effect to the fungicide treatment for reducing the early blight incidence comparing with untreated control. An opposite relationship between the disease incidence and concentrations of applied essential oils was observed. The increase in potato yield also followed the same trend. The highest reduction in disease incidence and yield increase was recorded in treatments with 1% of carnation, caraway and thyme oils in descending order. Ridomil MZ 72 applied at the dose recommended by manufactories had a low effect in this regard. Essential oils treatments might be used as easily applied, safe and cost effective control methods against such plant diseases.
Effect of Alectra Vogelii and Striga Gesnerioides Infestations on the Grain Mineral Elements' Concentration of Cowpea Varieties
Authors: Samson Alonge , Kehinde Alabi
Published: April 2009

Effect ofAlectra VogeliiandStriga GesnerioidesInfestations on the Grain Mineral Elements' Concentration of Cowpea Varieties

Field trials were conducted in 1999 and 2000 to investigate the effect ofStriga gesnerioidesandAlectra vogeliion the grain mineral elements' concentration of five cowpea varieties at harvest: IT82D-849, IT86D-534, IT89KD-245, KANO 1696 and SAMPEA7. The mineral elements analyzed were: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). Obtained data showed that the concentration of most elements was generally reduced in the grains of the cowpea varieties IT82D-849 and IT89KD-245 on bothAlectraandStrigainoculated plots. On the other hand, cowpea varieties KANO1696 and SAMPEA7 showed a tendency towards having increased concentration of about 50% of the element analyzed in each year on bothAlectraandStrigainoculated plots. In both KANO1696 and SAMPEA 7 there was a tendency towards the increase in the grain concentration of Mg and Zn and the decrease in K and Mn onAlectrainoculated plots and the increase in P and Mg but the decrease in Ca and Zn onStrigainoculated plots. The concentration of P in all the varieties in 1999 and 2000 (except IT89KD245 in 2000) was increased onStrigainoculated plots. Also, the concentration of Mg and N was increased in IT82D-849 on bothStrigaandAlectrainoculated plots in 2000. This study showed that,StrigaandAlectrainfestation generally reduced the mineral elements' concentration in the grains of cowpea varieties
Phytophthora infestans Populations in Latvia
Authors: Bimšteine Gunita
Published: April 2009

Phytophthora infestans Populations in Latvia

Potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary is one of the most investigated plant pathogens. However, problems with disease control have increased in recent years, which plant pathologists have explained by its ability of forming oospores in potato leaves. Consequently, the P. infestans population over the world has become more aggressive and virulent and late blight on potato stems is common. Oospores could be found in field conditions in potato leaflets with two or more separate spots. In Latvia the P. infestans mating type A2 was found in the 1980s. A laboratory experiment on the formation of oospores in Latvia was started in 2002. The total number of collected samples was 215. The samples were collected from potato trial fields, conventional fields and from private gardens in different regions of Latvia. Many potato leaflets with two spots were observed at the end of the growing season when the disease severity exceeded 50%. The results showed that the formation of oospores on potato leaflets in the field took place in the P. infestans population in Latvia. Oospores were found in 80-94% of the investigated cases. The occurrence of oospores means that plant rotation and certified seed material are important measures for potato late blight control and the usage of fungicides may not be effective.
Identification of the subthalamic nucleus in deep brain stimulation surgery with a novel wavelet-derived measure of neural background activity
Authors: Snellings André , Sagher Oren , Anderson David J. , Aldridge J. Wayne
Published: April 2009

Object

The authors developed a wavelet-based measure for quantitative assessment of neural background activity during intraoperative neurophysiological recordings so that the boundaries of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) can be more easily localized for electrode implantation.

Methods

Neural electrophysiological data were recorded in 14 patients (20 tracks and 275 individual recording sites) with dopamine-sensitive idiopathic Parkinson disease during the target localization portion of deep brain stimulator implantation surgery. During intraoperative recording, the STN was identified based on audio and visual monitoring of neural firing patterns, kinesthetic tests, and comparisons between neural behavior and the known characteristics of the target nucleus. The quantitative wavelet-based measure was applied offline using commercially available software to measure the magnitude of the neural background activity, and the results of this analysis were compared with the intraoperative conclusions. Wavelet-derived estimates were also compared with power spectral density measurements.

Results

The wavelet-derived background levels were significantly higher in regions encompassed by the clinically estimated boundaries of the STN than in the surrounding regions (STN, 225 ± 61 μV; ventral to the STN, 112 ± 32 μV; and dorsal to the STN, 136 ± 66 μV). In every track, the absolute maximum magnitude was found within the clinically identified STN. The wavelet-derived background levels provided a more consistent index with less variability than measurements with power spectral density.

Conclusions

Wavelet-derived background activity can be calculated quickly, does not require spike sorting, and can be used to identify the STN reliably with very little subjective interpretation required. This method may facilitate the rapid intraoperative identification of STN borders.
Acute systemic erythropoietin therapy to reduce delayed ischemic deficits following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Tseng Ming-Yuan , Hutchinson Peter J. , Richards Hugh K. , Czosnyka Marek , Pickard John D. , Erber Wendy N. , Brown Stephen , Kirkpatrick Peter J.
Published: April 2009

Object

Delayed ischemic deficits (DIDs), a major source of disability following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), are usually associated with severe cerebral vasospasm and impaired autoregulation. Systemic erythropoietin (EPO) therapy has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective properties acting via EPO receptors on cerebrovascular endothelia and ischemic neurons. In this trial, the authors explored the potential neuroprotective effects of acute EPO therapy following aSAH.

Methods

Within 72 hours of aSAH, 80 patients (age range 24–82 years) were randomized to receive intravenous EPO (30,000 U) or placebo every 48 hours for a total of 90,000 U. Primary end points were the incidence, duration, and severity of vasospasm and impaired autoregulation on transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Secondary end points were incidence of DIDs and outcome at discharge and at 6 months.

Results

Randomization characteristics were balanced except for age, with the EPO group being older (mean age 59.6 vs 53.3 years, p = 0.034). No differences were demonstrated in the incidence of vasospasm and adverse events; however, patients receiving EPO had a decreased incidence of severe vasospasm from 27.5 to 7.5% (p = 0.037), reduced DIDs with new cerebral infarcts from 40.0 to 7.5% (p = 0.001), a shortened duration of impaired autoregulation (ipsilateral side, p < 0.001), and more favorable outcome at discharge (favorable Glasgow Outcome Scale score, p = 0.039). Among the 71 survivors, the EPO group had fewer deficits measured with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (median Score 2 vs 6, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

This preliminary study showed that EPO seemed to reduce delayed cerebral ischemia following aSAH via decreasing severity of vasospasm and shortening impaired autoregulation.
Neural Network Modeling to Predict Shelf Life of Greenhouse Lettuce
Authors: Lin Wei-Chin , Block Glen S.
Published: April 2009

Greenhouse-grown butter lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) can potentially be stored for 21 days at constant 0°C. When storage temperature was increased to 5°C or 10°C, shelf life was shortened to 14 or 10 days, respectively, in our previous observations. Also, commercial shelf life of 7 to 10 days is common, due to postharvest temperature fluctuations. The objective of this study was to establish neural network (NN) models to predict the remaining shelf life (RSL) under fluctuating postharvest temperatures. A box of 12 - 24 lettuce heads constituted a sample unit. The end of the shelf life of each head was determined when it showed initial signs of decay or yellowing. Air temperatures inside a shipping box were recorded. Daily average temperatures in storage and averaged shelf life of each box were used as inputs, and the RSL was modeled as an output. An R2 of 0.57 could be observed when a simple NN structure was employed. Since the "future" (or remaining) storage temperatures were unavailable at the time of making a prediction, a second NN model was introduced to accommodate a range of future temperatures and associated shelf lives. Using such 2-stage NN models, an R2 of 0.61 could be achieved for predicting RSL. This study indicated that NN modeling has potential for cold chain quality control and shelf life prediction.
Smoking and the Risk of Upper Aero Digestive Tract Cancers for Men and Women in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Ansary-Moghaddam Alireza , Martiniuk Alexandra , Lam Tai-Hing , Jamrozik Konrad , Tamakoshi Akiko , Fang Xianghua , Suh Il , Barzi Federica , Huxley Rachel , Woodward Mark
Published: April 2009

Although smoking is an established causal factor for upper aero digestive tract cancer (UADTC), most of the evidence originates from the West. Thus, we analysed data from 455,409 subjects in the Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration. Over a median of around six years follow-up, 371 deaths from UADTC were observed. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for current smokers, compared with those who had never smoked, was 2.36 (1.76 – 3.16), adjusted for age and alcohol drinking. Tobacco control policies are urgently required in Asia to prevent millions of deaths from UADTC that smoking will otherwise cause.
Detection of Unsaturated Disaccharides, Pyridinoline, and Hydroxyproline in Urine of Patients with Kashin-Beck Disease: Comparison with Controls in an Endemic Area
Authors: DONG WEI , ZHANG YAXU , LIU HUI , GAO BEN , LI DE’AN , YANG JIANBO
Published: April 2009

Objective.

To investigate the pathologic status of adult patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in an endemic area of China through detection of 5 biochemical markers in their urine, and to study the correlations between these markers and KBD.

Methods.

A total of 55 patients with KBD over age 40 years were recruited and divided into groups, Grade 1 and Grade 2, according to clinical diagnosis criteria for KBD and our inclusion criteria; 25 healthy persons were enrolled into a control group. The first-time urine of the 80 participants was collected in the morning. Three unsaturated disaccharides, pyridinoline (PYD), and hydroxyproline (HYP) were detected in urine samples with high performance liquid chromatography, ELISA, and a chemical kit. Mean levels of these markers were compared in the 3 groups.

Results.

The mean concentrations of 3 unsaturated disaccharides and PYD in the Grade 2 group were significantly higher than levels in the Grade 1 group and controls (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between findings in the Grade 1 group and controls. Levels of 3 unsaturated disaccharides correlated with each other (p < 0.01). The correlation coefficient between PYD and HYP was 0.470 (p < 0.01). Except for HYP, the other markers all correlated with grade of KBD, rather than age or sex of subjects.

Conclusion.

The cartilage degradation of patients with Grade 2 KBD was more severe than that of Grade 1 patients and controls. The pathologic condition of Grade 1 patients was mild. Except for HYP, the markers we investigated specifically reflected the pathologic bone metabolism of adult patients with KBD. Trial registration number ChiCTR-TRC-00000140.
Hidden Cost of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Estimating Cost of Comorbid Cardiovascular Disease and Depression Among Patients with RA
Authors: JOYCE AMIE T. , SMITH PAULA , KHANDKER REZAUL , MELIN JEFFREY M. , SINGH AMITABH
Published: April 2009

Objective.

To examine resource utilization and direct healthcare cost associated with comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression among patients with prevalent rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on analyses of retrospective healthcare claims data.

Methods.

The index date was set as the first observed claim with an RA diagnosis. Patients were required to be ≥ 18 years of age, to have received RA-related treatment during the pre-index period, and to have 12-month pre- and post-index data. Based on pre-index utilization, patients were classified into 4 diagnosis groups: RA alone, RA + CVD, RA + depression, and RA + CVD + depression. Analyses focused on annual differences in costs between patients with RA alone and those with CVD and/or depression. A generalized linear model was applied to control for demographic and clinical characteristics and to estimate cohort-specific adjusted mean annual healthcare cost.

Results.

Of 10,298 patients, 8,916 had RA alone (86.6%), 608 had RA + CVD (5.9%), 716 had RA + depression (7.0%), and 58 had RA + CVD + depression (0.5%). All patients with CVD and/or depression incurred significantly higher followup costs compared with patients with RA alone. Adjusted annual mean healthcare costs were highest for RA + CVD (US$14,145), followed by RA + CVD + depression ($13,513), RA + depression ($12,225), and RA alone ($11,404). Although patients with CVD and/or depression had a greater rate of RA-related hospitalization, adjusted RA-related healthcare costs did not reflect any statistically significant differences as compared to the RA-alone cohort.

Conclusion.

A significant proportion (13.4%) of patients with prevalent RA have comorbid CVD and/or depression. The presence of these conditions significantly affects annual healthcare costs as well as specific RA-related utilization patterns.
Gout in the Elderly — A Population Health Study
Authors: HANLY JOHN G. , SKEDGEL CHRIS , SKETRIS INGRID , COOKE CHARMAINE , LINEHAN TINA , THOMPSON KARA , van ZANTEN SANDER VELDHUYZEN
Published: April 2009

Objective.

To determine the incidence, healthcare utilization, and costs in older adults with gout.

Methods.

A 5-year retrospective case-control study of patients with incident gout and matched controls was performed. Study variables were derived from health administrative data and included patient demographics, International Classification of Diseases diagnostic codes, and healthcare cost information.

Results.

There were 4,071 cases and 16,281 controls, providing a 5-year incidence of gout of 4.4%. The mean (± SD) age (77 ± 7.3 and 76 ± 7.1 yrs) and the male:female ratio (1.0:1.04) were similar in both groups. Gout was diagnosed by family physicians (77%), nonrheumatology subspecialists (18%), general internists (4%), and rheumatologists (0.02%). Hospitalizations were significantly higher in cases (p < 0.001) in the year of diagnosis. Patients with gout had an average of 28.1 physician visits per year compared to 20.6 for controls (p < 0.0001). Drug utilization for the treatment (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, colchicine, corticosteroids) and prevention (allopurinol, probenecid, sulfinpyrazone) of gout was significantly higher (p < 0.0001). The average healthcare cost differential was +$134 (Cdn) per month (p < 0.001) and +$8,020 per case over 5 years. These costs were due to hospital utilization (64.4%), medications (23.1%), and physician visits (12.5%).

Conclusion.

Gout is associated with a high disease burden in older men and women. The cost is primarily attributable to hospitalization, probably due to the comorbidities associated with gout. As the majority of cases are managed by nonrheumatologists, it is important that guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gout are disseminated to and met by all physician groups.
Association of Polymorphisms in Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 Gene with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Metaanalysis
Authors: HAN SEUNG WOO , LEE WON KI , KWON KI TAE , LEE BYUNG KI , NAM EON JEONG , KIM GUN WOO
Published: April 2009

Objective.

We investigated potential associations between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) polymorphisms in a metaanalysis.

Methods.

This metaanalysis included 5 case-control studies, which provided a total of 6582 RA cases and 5375 controls. Odds ratios (OR) were employed to evaluate the risk of RA according to the 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) inIRF5(rs729302, rs2004640, rs752637, and rs2280714) and data were analyzed in respect to association between alleles.

Results.

Among 4 candidate SNP, rs729302, rs2004640, and rs2280714 were statistically significant; both allele C of rs729302 and allele G of rs2004640 within the promoter region ofIRF5were associated with a protective effect [random-effects (RE) OR 0.889, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.803–0.977, p = 0.015 for rs729302; and RE OR 0.905, 95% CI 0.848–0.965, p = 0.002 for rs2004640]. Similar results were also obtained in T allele of rs2280714 in the 3’-untranslated region (RE OR 0.927, 95% CI 0.866–0.992, p = 0.029). There was no evidence of publication bias from funnel-plot asymmetry and Egger’s regression test.

Conclusion.

Our metaanalysis supported the evidence of the significant role ofIRF5polymorphisms in RA.
El Proyecto Manubuild: una propuesta de la aplicación de sistemas industrializados a la vivienda colectiva en España
Authors: Ruiz-Larrea C. , Prieto E. , Gómez A. , Bugueño H.
Published: April 2009

En marzo de 2006, fue convocado por la Empresa Municipal de la Vivienda y el Suelo de Madrid (EMVS) un concurso restringido de ideas arquitectónicas como primer paso para la construcción de un edificio, en el contexto de la estrategia marcada por el Proyecto Integrado I+D+i Manubuild, con financiación de la Comisión Europea a través del 6º Programa Marco. El objetivo de este concurso, en el que participaron diferentes equipos europeos, fue obtener propuestas de alto nivel arquitectónico sobre nuevos tipos edificatorios -en el ámbito de la climatología y la cultura mediterráneos-, con aplicación de sistemas constructivos industrializados, abiertos y sostenibles, de tal modo que las ideas seleccionadas constituyesen el punto de partida conceptual para el edificio que la EMVS tenía previsto realizar en Madrid como demostrador de la investigación. La propuesta ganadora –redactada por el Estudio RLA– pretende superar las inercias que tradicionalmente han lastrado a la construcción en España, un modelo pseudoartesanal fundado en la promoción inmobiliaria oportunista, con el resultado de que nuestro modo de crecer ha sido el más insostenible de la Unión Europea. La estrategia del proyecto rehúye asimismo cualquier industrialización o seriación cerrada, optando por un planteamiento intelectual que interpreta las ventajas de la industrialización en clave energética, proponiendo una respuesta integral que dé cuenta de nuevos tipos edificatorios flexibles y con capacidad para evolucionar, adaptándose a las necesidades cambiantes de los usuarios y asegurando la compatibilidad geométrica que los sistemas industrializados exigen. La flexibilidad espacial requerida por las bases del concurso se desarrolla, de este modo, con sistemas industrializados que generan la estructura portante, las instalaciones, los sistemas bioclimáticos pasivos y activos y el sistema de la envolvente, permitiendo el alcanzar una solución completamente abierta donde es posible combinar los elementos constructivos dentro de una gama estandarizada de productos y proveedores.
Immunomagnetic Purification of T Cell Subpopulations
Authors: Horgan Kevin , Shaw Stephen , Boirivant Monica
Published: April 2009

There are two types of magnetic cell isolation technologies, one column‐based and the other tube‐based. The column‐based technology utilizes nano‐sized particles that need to pass through a ferromagnetic spheres column to increase cell‐capture capacity. The tube‐based system utilizes micron‐sized beads that can be selected using a magnet applied to the tube. The beads are used for direct or indirect labeling of cells. Direct labeling is achieved with antibodies coupled to magnetic particles directly added to the cell suspension. For indirect labeling the cells are first labeled with the antibody of interest; the antibody can be simple, biotinylated, or fluorochrome‐conjugated. Subsequently, beads coated with streptavidin or anti‐immunoglobulin, anti‐biotin, anti‐fluorochrome antibodies are used to specifically mark the subpopulation of interest. Separation of target cells can be achieved using positive or negative selection or a combination of the two. Quality of the sample preparation is critical to obtain good purification and yield. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 85:7.4.1‐7.4.9. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Maize
Authors: Sairam Rudrabhatla V. , Al‐Abed Diaa , Johnson Jeremy , Raab Michael , Muszynski Michael G. , Reddy Talla V. , Goldman Stephen
Published: April 2009

The worldwide interest in the production of biofuels from maize and other energy crops has prompted us to write this article. Maize is one the most important commercial crops in the world and is valued for its food, fiber, oil, and other by‐products. In this chapter, the advances in maize tissue culture and transformation, in gene discovery and expression optimization, and maize ethanol processing are reviewed. The position affirmed here is that technical advances in maize biotechnology make it today's model plant for ethanol recovery.
Barley
Authors: Ganeshan Seedhabadee , Chibbar Ravindra N. , Dahleen Lynn S. , Tranberg Janice , Lemaux Peggy G.
Published: April 2009

The value of barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) has steadily gained importance over the years. The economic and consumer importance of barley is constantly being re‐evaluated as new market niches and end‐uses become evident. Improvement strategies have generally employed conventional breeding methods, including mutation‐breeding approaches. However newer technology‐driven improvement strategies offer promising new perspectives and include genetic transformation. Barley was generally recalcitrant to tissue culture and transformation, but is now fairly amenable to genetic transformation by particle bombardment as well as byAgrobacterium. Target traits for modification have encompassed malting, nutritional and disease‐resistance attributes in barley. However, with the emerging trends in high‐throughput genomic sequencing and the need for functional validation of cloned genes, genetic transformation of barley has become an important tool and use of approaches such as transposable elements mediated transformation offers the possibility of producing large numbers of transgenic barley plants. Approaches based on the RNAi technology are also likely to advance understanding of the functions of cloned genes in barley. In this chapter, there is a wide‐ranging discussion on barley genetic transformation, prospects, challenges and risk assessment and environmental concerns.
Sorghum
Authors: Laidlaw Hunter K.C. , Godwin Ian D.
Published: April 2009

Sorghum is a globally important crop for grain and forage, particularly in the semi‐arid tropics of Africa and Asia. In developed countries, it is also produced primarily for animal feed and increasingly, ethanol production. Sorghum has proved to be one of the more difficult cereal crop plants to genetically engineer, with most studies focussed on the development of more efficient tissue culture and transformation systems. Biolistic andAgrobacterium‐mediated transformation systems have now been developed and are beginning to be applied in sorghum improvement programs. This chapter discusses the development of transgenic sorghum technologies, including the tissue culture, selection and regeneration systems that have been used. The role of transgenic sorghum in the development of germplasm with improved nutritional qualities, and biotic stress resistance is discussed, together with more recent advances in transformation technologies and ways in which potential risks of transgenic sorghum are being minimized.
Pearl Millet
Authors: O'Kennedy Martha M. , Crampton Bridget G. , Ozias‐Akins Peggy
Published: April 2009

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum(L.) R. Br.) is a staple food that supplies a major proportion of calories and protein to large segments of the populations living in the semi‐arid tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The crop is supremely adapted to heat and aridity, and production is likely to increase as the world gets hotter and drier. The grain is nutritious, and has higher protein and energy levels than maize or sorghum. Pearl millet has an abundant natural diversity with approximately 140 species or subspecies belonging to the genusPennisetum. Detailed genetic maps of pearl millet of some 300 loci spread over 7 linkage groups are available and 3437 pearl millet sequences have been deposited in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information database. Breeding objectives for pearl millet include tolerance to drought, enhanced nutritional quality, adaptation to saline conditions, stover feeding value, high tillering, and resistance to major pearl millet diseases such as downy mildew, ergot, smut, rust, and head mold of pearl millet. A new green revolution will necessitate the application of recent advances in plant breeding, including new tissue culture techniques, marker‐aided selection, mutagenesis, and genetic modification to meet our increasing requirement for food, feed, fodder, and fuel, with cereal grains playing a pivotal role.
Cool‐Season Forage Grasses
Authors: Wang Zeng‐Yu , Yamada Toshihiko
Published: April 2009

Cool‐season grasses provide most of the forage consumed by ruminant animals in temperate areas of the world. Transgenic plants have been obtained for a number of cool‐season grass species, including tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Italian ryegrass, orchardgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and Russian wildrye. This chapter describes the origin, taxonomy, cytological features, economic importance, and biotechnological improvement of these species. Progresses in genetic transformation techniques and the use of transgenic technology for improvement of these species are summarized.
Soybean
Authors: Tallman Jennifer , Zhang Jian , Lu Guihua , Han Feng , Klein Theodore M.
Published: April 2009

Soybean is the most valuable grain legume crop, representing the primary source of protein and vegetable oil throughout the world. In the past decades, soybean crops have been improved significantly in agronomic traits such as yield, disease and pest resistance, and seed composition by both conventional and transgenic breeding methods. In this chapter, we describe the history of soybean development and distribution, trait improvement by conventional breeding, the advancement of transformation and transgenic traits, current and future soybean products, and new technologies in modern agricultural practices. New transgenic soybean products with stacking traits can further benefit human life, environment preservation, and global economic advancement. Once biotechnology has gained widespread acceptance, the miracle soybean will fully express its beauty.
Oilseed Brassicas
Authors: Cui Yuhai , Patel Jayantilal , Zou Jitao , Keller Wilfred A.
Published: April 2009

This chapter on oilseed brassicas contains three sections: Introduction, Development of Transgenic Oilseed Brassicas, and Future Roadmap. In the first section, after a brief summary on the history, origin, distribution, and the biology of Brassicas, we review in detail the development history of oilseed canola and their production in major growing countries. We then review the traditional breeding efforts for genetic improvements of the crop and the rationale for transgenic breeding. In the second section, we review in detail the transgenic traits developed, including resistance to herbicides, insects, diseases and stresses and the modification of seed quality traits, followed by a review of the transformation strategies, selection of transformed tissues and regeneration of whole plants. Lastly, in the third section, we discuss the future directions to further improve the productivity of the crop to meet the pressing market needs, particularly the opportunities provided by the knowledge generated/being generated by genomics.