bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No Evidence of Elevated Germline Mutation Accumulation Under Oxidative Stress in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Joyner-Matos Joanna , Bean Laura C , Richardson Heidi L , Sammeli Tammy , Baer Charles F
Published: October 2011

Variation in rates of molecular evolution has been attributed to numerous, interrelated causes, including metabolic rate, body size, and generation time. Speculation concerning the influence of metabolic rate on rates of evolution often invokes the putative mutagenic effects of oxidative stress. To isolate the effects of oxidative stress on the germline from the effects of metabolic rate, generation time, and other factors, we allowed mutations to accumulate under relaxed selection for 125 generations in two strains of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the canonical wild-type strain (N2) and a mutant strain with elevated steady-state oxidative stress (mev-1). Contrary to our expectation, the mutational decline in fitness did not differ between N2 and mev-1. This result suggests that the mutagenic effects of oxidative stress in C. elegans are minor relative to the effects of other types of mutations, such as errors during DNA replication. However, mev-1 MA lines did go extinct more frequently than wild-type lines; some possible explanations for the difference in extinction rate are discussed.
Long-term effect of crop production factors on the yield and yield stability of maize (zea mays L.) in different years
Authors: Berzsenyi Z. , Árendás T. , Bónis P. , Micskei G. , Sugár E.
Published: October 2011

The effects of five crop production factors (tillage, fertilisation, plant density, variety, weed control) on the yield and yield stability of maize were examined in Martonvásár (HU) in a polyfactorial experiment and in separate long-term experiments on the effects of Nfertilisation, sowing date and plant density. In the polyfactorial experiment the five crop production factors contributed to the increase in maize yield in the following ratios (%): fertilisation 30.6, variety 32.6, plant density 20.2, weed control 14.2, soil cultivation 2.4. In the N fertilisation, sowing date and plant density experiments the effects of the treatments on the maize yield were examined separately for dry and wet years.Averaged over 40 years, the yields in the long-term N fertilisation experiment were 2.422 t ha−1 lower in the dry years than in the wet years (5.170 vs. 7.592 t ha−1). The optimum N rate was 160 kg ha−1. In the sowing date experiment the yield was 2.533 t ha−1 lower in the dry years than in the wet years (6.54 vs. 9.093 t ha−1), averaged over 19 years. In dry years the yield was highest for the early and optimum sowing dates, and in wet years for the optimum sowing date. Sowing at dates other than the optimum caused reductions in N fertiliser efficiency. Averaged over 22 years, the optimum plant density was 80,000 plants ha−1 in wet years and 50,000 plants ha−1 in dry years. The yield was most stable at a plant density of 60,000 plants ha−1. The clarification of year effects is particularly important in relation to the possible effects of climate change.
Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signalling in plant environmental stress responses
Authors: Dóczi R.
Published: October 2011

Due to their sessile life style plants have to cope with a variety of unfavourable environmental conditions. Extracellular stimuli are perceived by specific sensors and receptors and are transmitted within the cell by various signal transduction pathways to trigger appropriate responses. The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades are well-conserved signalling pathway modules found in all eukaryotes. Activated MAP kinases phosphorylate an array of substrate proteins. Phosphorylation results in altered substrate activities that mediate a wide range of responses, including changes in gene expression. The genome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana contains genes encoding 20 mitogen-activated protein kinases and 10 MAPK kinases. In plants MAP kinases play a central role in environmental stress signalling; however, our knowledge mainly comes from results on three MAP kinases and their immediate upstream activators. Further studies on additional members of the plant MAP kinase repertoire together with the identification of downstream substrates and connections to specific upstream signal receptors are required to elucidate their specific functions within environmental stress signalling networks. Understanding the mechanisms of specificity in signal flow is indispensable for engineering improved crops with modified MAP kinase signalling for agricultural purposes.
Effect of abiotic stress factors on the chlorophyll content of inbred maize lines
Authors: Bónis P. , Árendás T. , Jócsák I. , Mikecz C. , Micskei G. , Marton L.
Published: October 2011

Inbred maize lines were treated with normal and double rates of post-emergence herbicides in a small-plot field experiment in one dry and one wet year. The chlorophyll a + b content of symptom-free ear-leaves was determined using a spectrophotometer after 50% silking in order to determine whether various rates of post-emergence herbicides had any effect on the chlorophyll content at flowering and how this was influenced by the type of year. The chlorophyll a + b content of the inbred lines was greatly dependent on the year, with values twice as high in the wet year as in the dry year. Treatment with tembotrione + isoxadifen-ethyl had no effect on the chlorophyll content in either year. Both rates of mesotrione + terbutylazine reduced the chlorophyll a + b content of one stress-sensitive inbred line in the dry year, but not in the wet year. In the wet year bentazone + dicamba increased the chlorophyll content, but only for one line was this effect significant irrespective of the dose. In the dry year the double dose caused a significant increase in this genotype, but the chlorophyll contents of the other lines did not differ significantly from the control.
Analysing symptoms of Fusarium ear rot on maize (Zea mays L.) using an ex situ hyperspectral examination method
Authors: Virág István , Szalay K. , Szőke C. , Milics G. , Marton L. , Neményi M.
Published: October 2011

Kernel samples of two maize hybrids (46308 and 463017) with different levels of resistance to Fusarium ear rot were collected from artificially and naturally infected plants. The spectral characteristics of the samples were analysed with an ASD Fieldspec 3 MAX spectroradiometer in the wavelength range of 350 to 2500 nm using an ex situ method. The different extents of artificial and natural Fusarium infection on the maize kernels resulted in spectral differences detectable with a spectroradiometer. The data showed that for both genotypes the level of Fusarium infection generated by artificial inoculation was significantly higher than that caused by natural infection over a wavelength range of 2030 to 2080 nm. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on the data set for this range revealed that the first component explained 77.0% of the variability for hybrid 46308 and 97.0% for hybrid 46317.
Frequency and antibiotic resistance of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in genital samples of sexually active individuals
Authors: Farkas Balázs , Ostorházi Eszter , Pónyai Katinka , Tóth Béla , Adlan Elmardi , Párducz László , Marschalkó Márta , Kárpáti Sarolta , Rozgonyi Ferenc
Published: October 2011

Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis have important role among the causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and antibiotic resistance of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in genital samples obtained from patients examined in the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Centre of the Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest between May 1, 2008 and July 31, 2010. Patients and methods: Samples were taken from the urethra in men and from the cervix and urethra in women by universal swab (Biolab®) into Urea-Myco DUO kit (Bio-Rad®) and were incubated for 48 hours at 37 C°. Antibiotic sensitivity of positive samples was determined in U9 bouillon using SIR Mycoplasma kit (Bio-Rad®). Results: Samples for 4154 patients aged 16-60 years were examined. In 247/4154 samples (6%) U. urealyticum and in 26/4154 samples (0.63%) M. hominis was isolated from the genital tract. Most U. urealyticum and M. hominis strains (75% and 77%, respectively) were cultured from cervix, while the remaining 25%, and 23% from the male and female urethra, respectively. U. urealyticum and M. hominis were most commonly detected in patients aged between 21 and 40 years. The majority of U. urealyticum strains were sensitive to tetracycline (94%), doxycycline (95%), azithromycin (88%) and josamycin (90%), but were resistant to ofloxacin (21%), erythromycin (85%) and clindamycin (79%). Seventy-seven percent of the U. urealyticum strains were simultaneously resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin, suggesting that ex iuvantibus therapies may select cross-resistant strains to both antibiotics. The resistance of M. hominis to clindamycin, doxycycline, ofloxacin and tetracycline varied between 4% and 12 %. Conclusions: Because none of the strains was sensitive to all examined antibiotics, the antibiotic sensitivity of U. urealyticum and M. hominis strains should be determined. The high rate of ofloxacin, erythromycin and clindamycin resistance should be considered in the therapy of U. urealyticum infections in Hungary. This is the firstsuch a clinical microbiological study in this topic in Hungary. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1698–1702.
Size and shape-controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles for high-thermal conductivity nanofluids
Authors: Garcia Glorimar , Osorio-Cantillo Celia , Perales-Pérez Oscar
Published: October 2011

Nanofluids, consisting of nanometric particles suspended in a base fluid, have become a new alternative for improving heat management technology. Silver, which is known to exhibit pretty high electrical and thermal conductivity among metals, has been selected for this research. At present, we are focused on the study of the size- and shape-controlled synthesis conditions of silver nanocrystals in polyol media. Control of crystal size and shape at the nanoscale were achieved by suitable selection of the synthesis conditions and the presence of habit-controlling agents like chloride ions. Silver nanostructures (faceted crystals, wires, rods) were remarkable monodisperse in size and their dimension could be controlled in the 30-50nm range (particles) and 24-127nm in thickness for rods or wires.
Presurgical Presentation of Columellar Features, Nostril Anatomy, and Alveolar Alignment in Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate after Infant Orthopedics with and without Nasoalveolar Molding
Authors: Suri Sunjay , Disthaporn Suteeta , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Fisher David M.
Published: October 2011

Objectives

(1) To evaluate quantitative differences in presurgical presentations of alveolar alignment and nostril anatomy of infants with BCLP treated with nasoalveolar molding (NAM) from those treated with maxillary infant orthopedics only (I0) and (2) to detect interrelationships between presurgical nasoalveolar anatomy, age at lip surgery, age of commencing, and durations of alveolar and nasal molding.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on nasal-alveolar measurements and presurgical treatment records of infants with BCLP who received lip repair by a single surgeon in a tertiary-care, referral teaching hospital consecutively from 2000 to 2009 after undergoing NAM (n = 29; 51 nostrils) or IO (n = 17; 32 nostrils). Paired t tests analyzed nostril and alveolar symmetry in each group. Intergroup comparisons were made by linear mixed-model regression analyses. Pearson's correlation tests were conducted to detect significant interrelationships within groups.

Results

Significant between-group differences were noted in alveolar irregularity (NAM: 3.58 ± 1.02 mm; I0: 7.31 ± 1.28 mm; p < .01), columellar length (NAM: 2.88 ± 0.27 mm; I0: 1.48 ± 0.34 mm; p < .001), columellar width (NAM: 6.10 ± 0.21 mm; I0: 6.88 ± 0.26 mm; p < .01), columellar length/width ratio (NAM: 0.48 ± 0.05; I0: 0.20 ± 0.07; p < .05), and columellar angle (NAM: 0.98 ± 1.1°; IO: 3.69 ± 1.37°; p < .05). Differences in age of commencing presurgical orthopedics, lip surgery, and treatment durations were not significant. Better-aligned alveolar segments in the NAM group did not statistically correlate with nostril dimensions. Alveolar irregularity and nostril height in the IO group strongly correlated.

Conclusions

Infants who received NAM had longer columellae and better-aligned alveolar segments than those who received only IO. Other nostril dimensions were not significantly different.
Forcings constructed along morasses
Authors: Irrgang Bernhard
Published: October 2011

We further develop a previously introduced method of constructing forcing notions with the help of morasses. There are two new results: (1) If there is a simplified (ω1, 1)-morass, then there exists a ccc forcing of sizeω1that adds an ω2-Suslin tree. (2) If there is a simplified (ω1, 2)-morass, then there exists a ccc forcing of sizeω1that adds a 0-dimensional Hausdorff topologyτonω3which has spreads(τ) =ω1. While (2) is the main result of the paper, (1) is only an improvement of a previous result, which is based on a simple observation. Both forcings preserveGCH. To show that the method can be changed to produce models where CH fails, we give an alternative construction of Koszmider's model in which there is a chain 〈Xα∣α<ω2〉 such thatXα⊆ω1.Xβ–Xαis finite andXα–Xβhas sizeω1for allβ<α<ω2.
On the decidability of the real field with a generic power function
Authors: Jones Gareth , Servi Tamara
Published: October 2011

We show that the theory of the real field with a generic real power function is decidable, relative to an oracle for the rational cut of the exponent of the power function. We also show the existence of generic computable real numbers, hence providing an example of a decidable o-minimal proper expansion of the real field by an analytic function.
How Do Editors Select Papers, and How Good are They at Doing It?
Authors: Hofmeister Robert , Krapf Matthias
Published: October 2011

Using data on the B.E. Journals that rank articles into four quality tiers, this paper examines the accuracy of the research evaluation process in economics. We find that submissions by authors with strong publication records and authors affiliated with highly-ranked institutions are significantly more likely to be published in higher tiers. Citation success as measured by RePEc statistics also depends heavily on the overall research records of the authors. Finally and most importantly, we measure how successful the B.E. Journals’ editors and their reviewers have been at assigning articles to quality tiers. While, on average, they are able to distinguish more influential from less influential manuscripts, we also observe many assignments that are not compatible with the belief that research quality is reflected by the number of citations.
Outcome Differences across Transplant Centers
Authors: Zenios Stefanos , Atias Glenn , McCulloch Charles , Petrou Constantia
Published: October 2011

Background and objectives

Reporting of standardized patient and graft survival rates by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) aims to influence transplant centers to improve their performance. The methodology currently used is based on calculating observed-to-expected (OE) ratios for every center. Its accuracy has not been evaluated. Here, we compare the accuracy of standardized rates across centers with the OE method to an alternative generalized mixed-effect (ME) method. We also examine the association between public reporting and center outcome improvement.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Accuracy was measured as the root mean square error (RMSE) of the difference between standardized rates from one time period to standardized rates from a future time period. Data from the United States Renal Data System on all kidney transplants between January 1, 1996, and September 30, 2009 were analyzed.

Results

The ME method had a 0.5 to 4.5% smaller RMSE than the OE method. It also had a smaller range between the 5th and 95th percentile centers' standardized rates: 7.5% versus 10.5% for 3-year graft survival and 4.7% versus 7.9% for 3-year patient survival. The range did not change after the introduction of public reporting in 2001. In addition, 33% of all deaths and 29% of all graft failures in the 3 years after transplant could be attributed to differences across centers.

Conclusions

The ME method can improve the accuracy of public reports on center outcomes. An examination of the reasons why public reports have not reduced differences across centers is necessary.
Echocardiographic Parameters are Independently Associated with Rate of Renal Function Decline and Progression to Dialysis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chen Szu-Chia , Su Ho-Ming , Hung Chi-Chih , Chang Jer-Ming , Liu Wan-Chun , Tsai Jer-Chia , Lin Ming-Yen , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: October 2011

Background and objectives

Cardiac abnormalities were frequently noted in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study is designed to assess whether echocardiographic parameters are associated with rate of renal function decline and progression to dialysis in CKD stage 3 to 5 patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This longitudinal study enrolled 415 patients. The renal end point was defined as commencement of dialysis. The change in renal function was measured by estimated GFR (eGFR) slope.

Results

Progression to dialysis was predicted by wide pulse pressure, low albumin, low hemoglobin, high calcium-phosphorous product, proteinuria, diuretics use, and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (hazard ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00 to 4.10; P = 0.05). The eGFR slope was negatively associated with total cholesterol, uric acid, proteinuria, diuretics use, and left atrial (LA) diameter (change in slope, −0.50; 95% CI, −0.89 to −0.11; P = 0.01) and positively associated with albumin and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (change in slope, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.08; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study in patients of CKD stage 3 to 5 demonstrated that concentric LVH was associated with progression to dialysis, and that increased LA diameter and decreased LVEF were associated with faster renal function decline. Echocardiography may help identify high-risk groups with progressive decline in renal function to dialysis and rapid progression of renal dysfunction in CKD stage 3 to 5 patients.
Investigation of the spin-forbidden process in thymine
Authors: Etinski Mihajlo
Published: October 2011

The intersystem crossing rate from the lowest singlet to the lowest triplet
state of thymine was studied by means of the ab initio methods. The rate was
calculated employing the time-dependent approach based on the correlation
function. The normal modes of the singlet and triplet electronic states are
related by the Duschinsky transformation, i. e. by rotation and translation.
The correlation function was calculated using the Condon approximation for
the spin-orbit matrix element and harmonic approximation for the nuclear
motion. The intersystem crossing rate strongly depends on the singlet-triplet
adiabatic energy gap and on the normal mode mixing.
Low temperature synthesis of cubic phase zinc sulfide quantum dots
Authors: Shahid Robina , Toprak Muhammet , Soliman Hesham , Muhammed Mamoun
Published: October 2011

In this study, we report on a new method for the synthesis of ZnS quantum dots (QDs). The synthesis was carried out at low temperature by a chemical reaction between zinc ions and freshly reduced sulfide ions in ethanol as reaction medium. Zinc chloride and elemental sulfur were used as zinc and sulfur sources, respectively and hydrazine hydrate was used as a strong reducing agent to convert elemental sulfur (S8) into highly reactive sulfide ions (S2−) which react spontaneously with zinc ions. This facile, less toxic, inexpensive route has a high yield for the synthesis of high quality metal sulfide QDs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image analysis and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) reveal that ZnS QDs are less than 3 nm in diameter and are of cubic crystalline phase. The UV-Vis absorption spectrum shows an absorption peak at 253 nm corresponding to a band gap of 4.9 eV, which is high when compared to the bulk value of 3.68 eV revealing strong quantum confinement. PL emission transitions are observed at 314 nm and 439 nm and related to point defects in ZnS QDs.
The structural, elastic and thermodynamic properties of intermetallic compound CeGa2
Authors: Çiftci Yasemin , Çolakoǧlu Kemal , Çoban Cansu , Deligöz Engin
Published: October 2011

The structural, elastic and thermodynamic characteristics of CeGa2 compound in the AlB2 (space group: P6/mmm) and the omega trigonal (space group: P-3m1) type structures are investigated using the methods of density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The thermodynamic properties of the considered structures are obtained through the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The results on the basic physical parameters, such as the lattice constant, the bulk modulus, the pressure derivative of bulk modulus, the phase-transition pressure (P
t) from P6/mmm to P-3m1 structure, the second-order elastic constants, Zener anisotropy factor, Poisson’s ratio, Young’s modulus, and the isotropic shear modulus are presented. In order to gain further information, the pressure and temperature-dependent behavior of the volume, the bulk modulus, the thermal expansion coefficient, the heat capacity, the entropy, Debye temperature and Grüneisen parameter are also evaluated over a pressure range of 0–6 GPa and a wide temperature range of 0–1800 K. The obtained results are in agreement with the available experimental and the other theoretical values.
Giant common bile duct stone
Authors: Han Hyung , Lee Jin , Song Tae
Published: October 2011

Bile duct stones, which obstruct the common bile duct, potentially result in complications, such as acute cholangitis and pancreatitis. We present a case involving a patient with normal liver function tests from whom we removed a giant common bile duct stone measuring 7.5 centimeters × 4.0 centimeters × 4.0 centimeters. Postoperatively recurrent common bile duct stones were observed and removed with an endoscopic maneuver in the three-year follow-up period. Recurrent bile duct stones are frequently reported in the case of large size of stones or multiple stones. Surgical treatment may then be considered as a first-line treatment in cases of recurrent common bile duct stones. When an endoscopic or surgical approach is used for the treatment of giant common bile duct stones, careful observation is of the utmost importance and treatment innovations may be necessary.
Scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) collected in Iranian rice fields and surrounding grasslands
Authors: Ghahari Hassan , Bunalski Marek , Tabari Mehrdad , Ostovan Hadi
Published: October 2011

Scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) collected in Iranian rice fields and surrounding grasslands

Scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) comprise a group of species that are present in almost all agro-ecosystems. The fauna of these insects was studied in Iranian rice fields and surrounding grasslands from 2000 to 2005. A total of 18 species from 14 genera (Aphodius, Pleurophorus, Tropinota, Protaetia, Valgus, Amphimallon, Aplidia, Holochelus, Polyphylla, Chaetopteroplia, Asiopertha, Onthophagus, Scarabaeus, Paroniticellus) and 6 subfamilies (Aphodiinae, Cetoniinae, Melolonthinae, Rutelinae, Scarabaeinae, Coprinae) were collected. Of these, 9 species are new records for Iran.
Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) on the Polish Baltic Coast
Authors: Klasa Anna , Kaczorowska Elżbieta , Soszyński Bogusław
Published: October 2011

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) on the Polish Baltic Coast

The paper contains faunistic information on 53 species of Tephritidae recorded on the Polish Baltic Coast. Species characteristic of this region are associated with brackish meadows (Campiglossa plantaginis), wet meadows (Tephritis angustipennis and Campiglossa argyrocephala), and sandy grassland (Chaetorellia acrolophi). The last-mentioned species is recorded in the Polish fauna for the first time.
Improved rubidium atomic beam clock based on lamp-pumping and fluorescence-detection scheme
Authors: Wang Y. H. , Huang J. Q. , Gu Y. , Liu S. Q. , Dong T. Q. , Lu Z. H.
Published: October 2011

A compact, portable rubidium atomic beam clock based on lamp-pumping and fluorescence-detection scheme is proposed. The expected short-term frequency stability can be at least three orders of magnitude better than that of previous experimental results. The usages of lamp pumping, fluorescence detection and microwave slow-wave resonance structures make this design robust and compact.
Optical trapping at low numerical aperture
Authors: Stallinga S.
Published: October 2011

A theory of optical trapping at low Numerical Aperture (NA) is presented. The theory offers an analytical description of the competition between the stabilizing gradient and destabilizing scattering force. The trade-off can be characterized by a single dimensionless trapping parameter, which increases with bead radius to wavelength ratio a/λ and refractive index contrast m and decreases with NA. The gradient force dominates for small trapping parameters, the scattering force for large trapping parameters. The potential well depth, maximum forces and trap stiffness as a function of the three parameters (a/λ, m, NA) can be mapped onto universal functions of the trapping parameter. These functions do not depend on any free parameter. The universal well depth and maximum force curves match with numerical results based on the exact multipole expansion of the optical trapping force. The paraxial limit of low NA is relevant for compact optical tweezers based on Optical Pickup Units known from optical data storage.
Breeding success and breeding population trends of waterfowl: implications for monitoring
Authors: Rönkä Mia , Saari Lennart , Hario Martti , Hänninen Jari , Lehikoinen Esa
Published: October 2011

Traditional waterfowl monitoring includes only breeding or non‐breeding population sizes, but the assessment of breeding success would provide valuable information for the interpretation of population trends, as well as for the early targeting of management measures and further studies. The relationship between breeding success and subsequent breeding population trends is not very well‐known in particular for many waterfowl species. Using transfer function (TF) models, we analysed the relationship between breeding success measured as duckling numbers and post‐breeding population sizes (i.e. the numbers of adults and ducklings in July), and subsequent breeding population trends for the mallard Anas platyrhynchos, common eider Somateria mollissima, common merganser Mergus merganser and goldeneye Bucephala clangula in Aasla, an island in southwestern Finland. In addition, we used data on the common eider in Söderskär, an island group in the Gulf of Finland, to analyse the extent to which fledgling numbers transform into recruitment and breeding population size. As a complement to the traditional methods of population monitoring, we present a simple and cost‐effective method for the assessment of breeding success: the monitoring of post‐breeding population sizes (including both adults and young). The breeding population sizes of the mallard, common eider and common merganser were positively related to their breeding success with a time lag corresponding to their recruitment age. For the common eider, the effect of the recruitment number on subsequent breeding population size seemed to last for up to three years after recruitment. There was a coupling between the post‐breeding sizes and the subsequent breeding population sizes of the mallard, common eider and goldeneye with a lag corresponding to the recruitment age for the mallard and the common eider, but for goldeneye, one year later than the usual recruitment age. The chicks seem to recruit to the local breeding population to an extent that is sufficient for affecting local breeding population trends. Our results indicate that the annual breeding success of our target species can be assessed on the basis of their post‐breeding population sizes. This easy and rapid monitoring method for breeding success is also suitable for voluntary bird watchers.
The quiet revolution: retractorless surgery for complex vascular and skull base lesions
Authors: Spetzler Robert F. , Sanai Nader
Published: October 2011

Object

Smaller operative exposures, endoscopic approaches, and minimally invasive neurosurgery have emerged as a dominant trend in the modern era. In keeping with this evolution, the authors have recently eliminated the use of fixed retractors, instead employing dynamic retraction, with the use of handheld instruments. In the present study, the authors report the results of applying this strategy to challenging vascular and skull base lesions.

Methods

This 6-month study prospectively analyzed the use of retractorless surgery in a consecutive series of 223 patients with intracranial vascular or skull base lesions undergoing craniotomy. A single surgeon performed all operations.

Results

The microsurgical approaches (in descending order of frequency) included an orbitozygomatic craniotomy (77 patients [35%]), frontal (36 patients [16%]), retrosigmoid (27 patients [12%]), interhemispheric (16 patients [7%]), and lateral supracerebellar (15 patients [7%]). The most common lesions were aneurysms (83 lesions overall [37%]), 18 of which required a bypass. Of 159 vascular lesions, there were also 46 cavernous malformations (29%). Meningiomas were the most common skull base tumors (37 cases [58%]). Of the 223 patients, 7 cases of various vascular and skull base lesions required fixed retraction. Therefore, 97% of the cases were successfully treated without a self-retaining retractor system.

Conclusions

Fixed retraction can be supplanted by dynamic retraction with surgical instruments, limiting the risk of retractor-induced tissue edema and injury. This quiet revolution has precipitated a major change in surgical techniques. Extensive dissection of arachnoidal planes, careful placement of the handheld suction device, patient positioning that enhances gravity retraction, the refinement of microsurgical instrumentation, and appropriate selection of the operative corridor all serve to obviate the need for fixed retraction in most intracranial procedures. Retractorless neurosurgery is an achievable goal, even when complex lesions of the vasculature and skull base are being treated.
Prospective cohort study of mild cervical spondylotic myelopathy without surgical treatment
Authors: Sumi Masatoshi , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Suzuki Teppei , Kaneyama Shuichi , Kanatani Takako , Uno Koki
Published: October 2011

Object

Because the main pathology of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is spinal cord damage due to compression, surgical treatment is usually recommended to improve patient symptoms and prevent exacerbation. However, lack of clarity of prognosis in cases that present with insignificant symptoms, particularly those of mild CSM, lead one to question the veracity of this course of action. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prognosis of mild CSM without surgical intervention by evaluation of clinical symptoms and MR imaging findings.

Methods

Sixty cases of mild CSM (42 males and 18 females, average age 57.2 years) presenting with scores of 13 or higher on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale were treated initially by in-bed Good Samaritan cervical traction without surgery. These patients were enrolled between 1995 and 2003 and followed up periodically until the date of myelopathy deterioration or until the end of March 2009. The deterioration of myelopathy was defined as a decline in JOA score to less than 13 with a decrease of at least 2 points. As a prognostic factor, the authors used their classification of spinal cord shapes at their lateral sides on axial T1-weighted MR imaging. “Ovoid deformity” was classified as a situation in which both sides were round and convex, and “angular-edged deformity” where one or both sides exhibited an acute-angled lateral corner. The duration of follow-up was assessed as the tolerance rate of mild CSM using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and compared between 2 groups classified by MR imaging findings. Furthermore, differences between groups were analyzed by various applications of the log-rank test.

Results

Of the initial 60 cases, follow-up records existed for 55, giving a follow-up rate of 91.7% (38 males and 17 females, average age 56.1 years). The mean JOA score at end point was 14.1, which was not statistically different from the mean of 14.5 at the initial visit. Deterioration in myelopathy was observed in 14 (25.5%) of 55 cases, whereas 41 (74.5%) of 55 cases maintained mild extent myelopathy without deterioration through the follow-up period (mean 94.3 months). The total tolerance rate of mild CSM was 70%. However, there was a significant difference in the tolerance rate between the cases with angular-edged deformity (58%) and cases with ovoid deformity (95%; p = 0.049).

Conclusions

The tolerance rate of mild CSM was 70% in this study, which proved that the prognosis of mild CSM without surgical treatment was relatively good. However, the tolerance rate of the cases with angular-edged deformity was 58%. Therefore, surgical treatment should be considered when mild CSM cases show angular-edged deformity on axial MR imaging, even if patients lack significant symptoms.
A Radical Approach to Medical Education - A British Perspective
Authors: Robson RH
Published: October 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v29i2.7948(J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2011; 29: 58-61)
About review article "Biological agent in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis"
Authors: Miah Md Titu , Ayaz KFM
Published: October 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v29i2.7959 (J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2011; 29: 111)
Combination of gold catalysis and Selectfluor for the synthesis of fluorinated nitrogen heterocycles
Authors: Simonneau Antoine , Garcia Pierre , Goddard Jean-Philippe , Mouriès-Mansuy Virginie , Malacria Max , Fensterbank Louis
Published: October 2011

We herein report the synthesis of 3-fluoro-2-methylene-pyrrolidine (3a) and -piperidine (3b) from 1,5- and 1,6-aminoalkynes, respectively, using a combination of a gold-catalyzed hydroamination reaction followed by electrophilic trapping of an intermediate cyclic enamine by Selectfluor. Careful attention was paid to the elucidation of the mechanism and Selectfluor was suggested to play the double role of promoting the oxidation of gold(I) to a gold(III) active species and also the electrophilic fluorination of the enamine intermediates.
Apport du modèle géologique et géophysique 3D dans le développement du gisement polymétallique de Draa Sfar (Massif hercynien des Jebilet centrales, Maroc)
Authors: Rziki S. , Alansari A. , Mouguina E. M. , Simard J. , Zouhair M. , Maacha L.
Published: October 2011

[fr] La compilation des données géologiques et géophysiques (magnétique et gravimétrique) et l’élaboration des modèles tridimensionnels correspondants ont démontré l’enracinement des minéralisations qui a permis la remise en activité de la mine Draa Sfar après 23 ans d’arrêt. Les ressources géologiques ont été multipliées dix fois en trois années pour atteindre 10Mt à 5,39% Zn 1,94%Pb et 0,34%Cu. Cette méthodologie d’exploration basée sur les modèles géologique et géophysique tridimensionnels devient de plus en plus utilisée dans l’exploration minière stratégique et tactique en raison, entre autres, des avancées en informatique et de la disponibilité d’outils de modélisation spécialisés. Elle pourrait être d’un grand secours pour le développement minier de la province des amas sulfurés des Jebilet de Guemassa et par extension à d’autres gîtes présentant des caractéristiques géologiques et métallogéniques similaires.
Scientific End-User Developers and Barriers to User/Customer Engagement
Authors: Segal Judith , Morris Chris
Published: October 2011

When software supports the complex and poorly understood application domain of cutting-edge science, effective engagement between its users/customers and developers is crucial. Drawing on recent literature, the authors examine barriers to such engagement. Significant among these barriers is the effects of the experience that many research scientists have of local scientific end-user development. Through a case study, the authors demonstrate that involving such scientists in a team developing software for a widely distributed group of scientists can have a positive impact on establishing requirements and promoting adoption of the software. However, barriers to effective engagement exist, which scientific end-user developers can do little to address. Such barriers stem from the essential nature of scientific practice.
Study on Parameters of Slots in Porous Plug Used for Injecting Powder for Desulphurization in Ladle
Authors: Zhou Jian An , Li Zhi Qiang , Zhan Dong Ping , SUN z.q.
Published: October 2011

Slot plug is one of the most important units for bottom powder injection, and the parameters of slits on slot plug significantly influenced the direct motion of technique. In this paper, the parameters of slits such as thickness, width and length were theoretical studied and proposed a projected dimension. It was indicated that the optimal parameters of slits on slot plug using in bottom powder injection desulfurization was listed as follows, length exceeded 160~250mm, width exceeded 10mm, thickness was 0.15mm, and the slits should circular symmetric distribute on slot plug. The slot plug with parameters described above was industrial desulphurization tested in a 20t foundry ladle and feasible. Besides, the foundry ladle with the design and application of slits on slot plug used for bottom powder injection desulfurization was safety in production.
Heavy Metal Speciation of Sewage Sludge and its Phytotoxic Effects on the Germination of Three Plant Species
Authors: Hu Mian Hao , Yuan Ju Hong
Published: October 2011

The environmental impact of sewage sludges depends on the availability and phytotoxicity of their heavy metal. The influence of representative sludges (industrial sludge and municipal sludge) on the availability of heavy metals, and their effects on seed germination were compared. The total heavy metal concentrations were below the maximum permitted for land applied waste and the differences among them were small. The DTPA-extracted metal concentrations were significant different. The sum of all the fractions in the slugdes was close to the total metal content as determined by extraction with aqua regia. In addition, there were significant differences in the chemical forms of the heavy metals (Hg, Ni, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb) by the sequential extraction system. The two different sludges also affected seed germination and root elongation in different ways. The most serious adverse effects were caused by the municipal sewage sludge extract.
New Production Method of Ethanol with Sweet Sorghum
Authors: Zhou Guang Qi , Qi Dong Mei , Guo Yin , Zhang Xue Liang , Zhai Jing Xian
Published: October 2011

This paper is about fermentation production of ethanol using sweet sorghum stalks as raw material. Content: The soluble part and insoluble part of sweet sorghum stalks are treated separately then ferment by the self-immobilized yeast after adding the nutrient salts. Results: after first squeezing of the stem, the sap is obtained. The slag is treated with acid, alkali and ultrasonic, then hydrolyzed by the Trichoderma viride L21 fermentation broth or directly by cellulase, and the total yield of reducing sugar is 73.22%. The power of ultrasonic is 60w and opens for 1s intervals 6s in total 20min to make obvious damage to fiber structure. The chemical compositions of sap are analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatographic. The response surface analysis is used to optimize the adding amount of the CO(NH2)2, MgSO4, KH2PO4, CaCl2, FeCl3 and so on. At last self-immobilized Saccharmyces cerevisiae FFCC2167 which has agglutination characteristic is used for fermentation. Ethanol production is 100.44 g • L-1, and the yield efficiency is 93.24％.
Methodology for Closed Loop Control of Heliostat Tracking in a Solar Tower Power
Authors: Xu Ming , Ding Ting Ting , Zhu Xue Mei
Published: October 2011

Due to the inefficient utilization of solar energy in a solar tower power plant, this paper presents a new control method of closed loop tracking. With the current widely-used machine vision technology applied in the heliostats control, it is possible to obtain the deviation of heliostat position by image processing. According to the deviation, the controller adjusts heliostat position in order to achieve accurate tracking. The test result shows the effectiveness of the method.
A Solar Thermal Power System with Gas-Liquid Injector and Hydroturbine
Authors: Huang Hui Lan , Chen Xiang , Li Gang
Published: October 2011

The characteristic of solar chimney power plant system is analyzed. For the key issue of low efficiency in solar chimney power plant system, a solar thermal power system with gas-liquid injector and hydroturbine is presented. This new system obtain the energy transferred process by gas-liquid injector. It is solar energy transformed into thermodynamic energy into potential energy and then into electricity. The density difference of work fluid is increased by gas-liquid phase transition in running process.The efficiency of solar thermal power generation is increased. In the case of the same cost, the theory power efficiency of new system increases one order of magnitude compared with the solar chimney power plant system. It proposes a new solution for large-scale application of solar thermal power technology.
Review of Torrefaction Reactor Technology
Authors: Sun Yun Juan , Jiang Jian Chun , Zhao Shu Heng , Hu Yi Ming , Zheng Zhi Feng
Published: October 2011

A dominant torrefaction concept has emerged out of a large variety of biomass treatment technologies. The torrefaction product, mechanism, reactor technology and supplier of torrefaction reactor are described in this paper. It can’t get the conclusion that which torrefaction technology is better, because every reactor has itself characteristics. In the future, many commercial torrefaction plants will be built.
New Energy Development and Utilization of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation
Authors: Lai Nan Jun
Published: October 2011

Oil belongs to nonrenewable resources. With the oil supply relatively limited and the global economy enters a fast development cycle and oil demand is increasing, oil prices rising is inevitable. Impact of high oil prices is deep and continuous, will change our country’s energy production and consumption structure. As China’s largest offshore oil and gas producers, China’s CNOOC must take positive and correct development strategy, and energetically develop and use of in the new energy, and provide high quality energy for our country’s economic and social development. This paper expounds some effort in the field of new energy development and utilization of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation(CNOOC), mainly including wind power development, bio-fuels development, natural gas hydrate recover and so on.
The Efficiency Limits of Solar Cells
Authors: Li Li , Zong Fu Jian
Published: October 2011

As one of the most promising of the alternative energy sources, there are many advantages of solar energy: low carbon emissions; abundant and secure supplies; favoring developing countries; being cheap to run and maintain. Solar photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity. This is achieved using semiconductors and some complicated physics. This paper explains how it works. The solar source of light energy is described and quantified, along with a review of the basic equations of photovoltaic device physics. Particular attention is given to efficiency limits for single-junction, tandem solar cells and triple junction solar cells. The efficiency of single-junction cells is presented as a function of the energy gap, and the efficiency of tandem cells is presented as a function of the energy gap of top and bottom cells.
Evaluation of the Environmental Impact Produced by Xulingguan Tunnel Construction Using an Indicator System
Authors: Liu Jian , Liu Dan
Published: October 2011

In order to evaluate the environmental impact of tunnel construction in karst areas, this document establishes an indicator system consisting of physical geography, geology and hydrogeology as well as tunnel engineers and 19 specific indicators, along with grades and standards for assessment. The weight of each factor is determined using analytic hierarchy process, and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is adopted to make a comprehensive evaluation. Basing on investigation and documentary, Xulingguan tunnel is taken as an example, and its environmental impact grade is assessed between very weak and middle, which fits the situation of field observation.
The Preparation of Aminated Collagen Fiber and its Study on Adsorption of Dyes
Authors: Qiang Tao Tao , Luo Min , Bu Qiao Qiao , Wang Xue Chuan
Published: October 2011

The aminated collagen fiber (ACF) was prepared by modifying collagen fiber (CF) with ethylenediamine and cynuric chloride as crosslinking agent. The appropriate modification conditions were optimized by single factor experiment method. The reaction molar ratio of CNC and -NH2 was 1.4, the reaction time of ice water bath was 3h, the temperature of the second phase was 45°C and the reaction time was 4h, the temperature of the third phase was 70°C and the reaction time was 3h. The content of amino of collagen fiber and aminated were measured by the method of salicylaldehyde. The structures of collagen fiber and aminated collagen fiber were characterized by SEM and FTIR respectively. The adsorption capacities and the content of amino of CF and ACF were observed by dealing with acidic black dyeing and sturgeon skin dyeing wastewater.
Study on the Soil Erosion Dynamic Changes in Songhuajiang River Watershed Based on RS and GIS
Authors: Gong Feng Wen , Yuan Li
Published: October 2011

Based on the RS and GIS, the main data resource of Landsat TM image (1995 and 2005a) was used to study the soil erosion’s spatial-temporal dynamic changes. The results shown that: the reduced area of micro-level and slight soil erosion was 190.8 and 640 km2; the increased area of moderate and intensity soil erosion was 168 and 663 km2, the preserving ratio of micro-level erosion was greatest, intensity soil erosion’s persevering ratio was smallest, the transfer-out probability from intensity to micro-level soil erosion was greatest, the study results could give us some advice on making rational use of land and improving land use pattern the optimal allocation during developing the local economy.
The Study on the Interaction Conditions of Water-Soluble Chitosan with Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Huang Shan Shan , Qu Feng Zuo , Xu Tong Kuan , Cui Li
Published: October 2011

The interaction conditions between the water-soluble chitosans(WSC) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied by Ultraviolet-visible absorption and fluorescence spectrometries. It was shown there was a good linear relationship between the absorbency A and the BSA concentration(0~1.5g/L) and WSC concentration (0~1.5 g/L). The fluorescence quenching of WSC to BSA was static quenching. When the temperature is 30°C, its binding constant Ka=5.35×104 L/mol, binding site n=1.05. The influence of WSC on the conformation of BSA was analyzed by sychronous fluorescence spectra and three-dimensional fluorescence spectrum.