bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodale Dialogsysteme für Interaktive Anwendungen im Fahrzeug
Authors: Wahlster Wolfgang , Müller Christian
Published: November 2013

In diesem Artikel beschreiben wir die wesentlichen
Eigenschaften eines multimodalen Dialogsystems für interaktive
Anwendungen im Fahrzeug. Dabei beziehen wir uns auf Ergebnisse
des Forschungsprojektes CARMINA (Car-Oriented Multimodal Dialog
Architectures), die in dieser zusammenhängenden Form hier erstmals
veröffentlicht werden. Neben dem Basis-Dialogsystem beschreiben
wir die Kombination von Sprache mit sogenannten berührbaren
Schnittstellen, Mikrogesten, Kopforientierung und Blickbewegungen
(„Blickgesten“) und führen darüber hinaus mit der sprachbasierten
Lokalisierung von Insassen im Fahrzeug ein Beispiel für
weiterführende Aspekte von Multimodalität auf.
Analyse der räumlichen Verlustleistungsdichteverteilung bei der bipolaren Elektrochirurgie
Authors: Knopf Christoph , Himmel Jörg , Rübesam Markus , Klöckner Stephan , Kanoun Olfa
Published: November 2013

Die transurethrale Resektion der Prostata (TUR-P) ist der Gold
Standard für die endoskopisch-chirurgische Behandlung der Benignen
Prostatahyperplasie (BPH). Unbekannt ist jedoch, ob bei der
bipolaren TUR-P die Möglichkeit von elektrothermischen Verletzung
von benachbartem nichtopertiertem Gewebe besteht. Grund hierfür
könnten höhere Ausgangsleistungen der Chirurgie-Generatoren
sein. Deshalb werden experimentell gemessene Werte der räumlichen
Verlustleistungsdichte um ein bipolares Resektoskop als Quellterm
für die Berechnung der Temperaturänderung im operationsnahen
Gewebe verwendet. Die Temperaturberechnung basiert auf der
numerischen Lösung der Wärmeleitungsgleichung nach Penne. Für die
gewählten Randbedingungen und Eingabeparameter sind keine
signifikanten Temperaturerhöhungen im Berechnungsgebiet am
proximalen Ende des Resektoskop-Schaftes festzustellen. Um ein
umfassendes Verständnis zu gewinnen sollen weiterführende
Untersuchungen mit einer Variation der Randbedingungen und
Eingabeparameter durchgeführt werden.
Portable Bioimpedance Spectrometer for Total Frequency Range of β-Dispersion
Authors: Bouchaala Dhouha , Kanoun Olfa , Derbel Nabil
Published: November 2013

Portable bioimpedance measurement devices afford important
solutions for providing measurement information non-invasively
about patients' health in both clinical and home environments. In
this work a portable bioimpedance spectrometer was developed for
measurements in the frequency range between 1 kHz and 1 MHz in
order to record the β-dispersion in the entire
most interesting frequency range for the characterization of the
pathological status of patients. The wide impedance range between
10 Ω to 10 kΩ was chosen for measurements comprising even the low
impedances important in special medical applications such as
monitoring of lung edema.
First Measurement of Signal Changes Induced by Ionizing Radiation in
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Rausch Markus , Schyboll Felix , Neeb Heiko
Published: November 2013

There is an increasing tendency towards the use of combined
MR/PET scanners and combined MR-Linac (Linear accelerator) systems
in both clinical and research settings. The current work therefore
investigated the effects of ionising radiation on the acquired MR
signal, both experimentally and using a simple theoretical
model. We have observed a phase signal change in the radiated area
inside a water phantom. However, the theoretical basis of this
observation is not fully covered by the employed model and needs
further research.
Physiotherapy from the view of health insurance financing
Authors: Géher Pál
Published: November 2013

Physiotherapy lacks studies performed with the use of the modern research methodology and, therefore, its use based on empirical considerations. International practice guidelines do not recommend unequivocally the use of all kinds of physiotherapy with the exception of exercise therapy, but Hungarian guidelines support its use in the treatment of several different conditions. National health insurance in Hungary provides financial support for the use of physiotherapy in the fields of home care, out- and inpatient care and spa treatment. In 2011 national health insurance in Hungary supported spa treatments with 4 billion HUF, and the most frequently used treatment was thermal bath in about 2 million occasions. National health insurance in Hungary spent about 1 billion HUF for physiotherapy used in outpatient care; both ultrasound and interference treatments were financed in 2 million occasions in 2011. Orv. Hetil., 154(48), 1917–1923.
Comparative study of the impact of two mechanical perforation densities on the behavior of a sandy soil
Authors: Chehaibi S. , Abrougui K. , Haouala F.
Published: November 2013

The effects of mechanical perforation densities by extracting soil cores through an aerator Vertidrain with a working width of 1.6 m and equipped with hollow tines spaced of 65 mm, were studied on a sandy soil of a grassy sward in the Golf Course El Kantaoui in Sousse (Tunisia). The mechanical aeration was performed at two densities: 250 and 350 holes/m2. The cone penetration resistance and soil water infiltration were measured. These parameters were performed at initial state before aeration (E0) and then on the 10th, 20th and 30th day after aeration. These results showed that perforation density of 350 holes/m2 had a positive effect on the soil by reducing its cone resistance to penetration compared to the initial state (Rp = 14.8 daN/cm2). At 5 cm depth the decrease in resistance to penetration was 34% and 43% on the 10th and 20th day after aeration, respectively. However, on the 30th day after aeration the soil resistance to penetration tended to grow and its value compared to the initial state decreased only by 21 and 26%, respectively, at 5 and 15 cm of depth only by 10% and 9% with 250 holes/m2 density. The soil water infiltration made a good improvement after aeration compared to the initial state. This parameter increased from 4.8 cm/h to 8.3, 10.9 and 13.1 cm/h with 250 holes/m2 density and to 10, 12.9 and 14.8 cm/h with 350 holes/m2 density on the 10th, 20th and 30th day following the aeration.
Physico-mechanical properties of rough rice grain under different moisture conditions
Authors: ElGamal R. , ElMasry G. , Firtha F.
Published: November 2013

This study was carried out to evaluate some physical and mechanical properties of three Hungarian rice varieties named Dáma, Janka and M488 under different moisture levels to be a useful data for modelling the moisture changes in rough rice storage bins. Rough rice grains were conditioned to moisture contents of 12, 18, 24, and 30% (w.b.). Five mechanical expressions named rupture force (Fr), maximum stress (σmax), grain deformation (D), energy (E) and toughness (T) were extracted from stress–strain curve for all tested varieties as a function of moisture content. Also, some physical properties such as bulk density, true density, porosity and some morphological features of grain were determined as a function of moisture content for tested rough rice grain. The results revealed that the measured physical and mechanical properties are significantly effected by moisture contents for the three tested rice varieties. In general, when the moisture content increased, the rupture force and maximum stress decreased for all investigated grains. However, the deformation, energy and toughness firstly decreased with moisture content increase and after that increased with further increase of moisture content for all rice varieties. On the other hand, the bulk density, true density and porosity do not have a specific trend with increasing moisture content. Moreover, there was a significant difference among the selected rice varieties in terms of their bulk density and porosity at the same moisture content range.
The influence of temperature conditions on position control of fluidic muscle
Authors: Sárosi J. , Szabó-Keszthelyi G. , Szendrő P.
Published: November 2013

Pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) are of special importance in the field of pneumatic drives and in robotics. Different designs have been developed, but the McKibben muscle is the most popular and is made commercially available by different companies, e.g. Fluidic Muscle manufactured by Festo Company. There are a lot of advantages of PAMs like the high strength, good power/weight ratio, good power/volume ratio, low price, little maintenance needed, great compliance, compactness, flexibility, inherent safety and usage under rough environments. The objective of this research note is to determine the error of positioning with a Fluidic Muscle at cold and at normal operating temperature of the system with sliding mode control. The results of the experiments showed that the positioning error of the Fluidic Muscle under the experimental conditions was 0.01 mm.
Conservative treatment of penile carcinoma - a retrospective study of 10 years
Authors: Pereira Neide , Cabral Ana Rita , Vieira Ricardo , Figueiredo Americo
Published: November 2013

Conservative treatment of penile squamous cell carcinoma has been advocated as a method of choice for tumours at early stages. Thirty patients with a mean age of 63.2 years were treated with CO2 laser ablation, radical local excision with preputial flap, direct closure or healing by secondary intention, circumcision alone or associated with CO2 laser and topical imiquimod. Sixteen patients had local recurrence. Partial penectomy was necessary in 3 patients. Conservative treatments of penile squamous cell carcinoma in early stages (< T1a) do not seem to compromise the survival rate, so it may be advisable for this subset of patients.
Update on therapy for superficial mycoses: review article part I
Authors: Dias Maria Fernanda Reis Gavazzoni , Quaresma-Santos Maria Victoria Pinto , Bernardes-Filho Fred , Amorim Adriana Gutstein da Fonseca , Schechtman Regina Casz , Azulay David Rubem
Published: November 2013

Superficial fungal infections of the hair, skin and nails are a major cause of morbidity in the world. Choosing the right treatment is not always simple because of the possibility of drug interactions and side effects. The first part of the article discusses the main treatments for superficial mycoses - keratophytoses, dermatophytosis, candidiasis, with a practical approach to the most commonly-used topical and systemic drugs , referring also to their dosage and duration of use. Promising new, antifungal therapeutic alternatives are also highlighted, as well as available options on the Brazilian and world markets.
Dermoscopic features of thin melanomas: a comparative study of melanoma in situ and invasive melanomas smaller than or equal to 1mm
Authors: Silva Vanessa Priscilla Martins da , Ikino Juliana Kida , Sens Mariana Mazzochi , Nunes Daniel Holthausen , Di Giunta Gabriella
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND: Dermoscopy allows the early detection of melanomas. The preoperative determination of Breslow index by dermoscopy could be useful in planning the surgical approach and in selecting patients for sentinel lymph node biopsy. OBJECTIVES: This study aims at describing the dermoscopic features of thin melanomas and comparing melanomas in situ with invasive melanomas less than or equal to 1 mm thick. METHODS: This was an observational retrospective study in which the dermoscopy photographs of 41 thin melanomas were evaluated. Three observers evaluated together 14 dermoscopic criteria. RESULTS: Among thin melanomas, the most frequent criteria were presence of asymmetry in two axes in 95% of cases (39 cases), 3 or more colors in 80.4% of cases (33 cases), atypical dots or globules in 58.5% of cases (24 cases) and atypical network or streaks in 53.6% of cases (22 cases). The group of invasive melanomas presented with a higher frequency and statistical significance (p <0.05) 3 or more colors (OR: 16.1), milky red areas (OR: 4.8) and blue-white veil (OR: 20.4), and a greater tendency to have streaks or atypical network (OR: 3.66). CONCLUSIONS: Thin melanomas tend to have asymmetry in the two axes, 3 or more colors, atypical dots or globules and atypical network or streaks. Melanomas in situ tend to have up to 2 colors, no blue-white veil and no milky red area. Invasive melanomas tend to have 3 or more colors, a milky red area, blue-white veil, and atypical network or streaks. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Prognosis of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lesions
Authors: Skare Thelma Larocca , Stadler Barbara , Weingraber Emilio , De Paula Diogo F.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND: It has been observed that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lesions have a milder systemic disease. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical, demographic and autoantibody profile of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with and without discoid lesions. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study involving 288 systemic lupus erythematosus patients who met at least four classification criteria of the American College of Rheumatology for systemic lupus erythematosus, comparing the clinical, serological and demographic factors between patients with and without discoid manifestations. RESULTS: Of the 288 patients, 13.8% had discoid lesions. Univariate analysis found no differences in the prevalence of malar rash, photosensitivity, arthritis, serositis, leukopenia, lymphopenia and hemolytic anemia or anemia of the central nervous system (p = ns). Renal lesions were more common in those without discoid lesions (p =0.016), and hemolysis (p<0.0001) was more common in those with discoid lesions. Regarding the profile of autoantibodies, only the anti-RNP antibody was more common in those with discoid events (p =0.04). In a logistic regression study, only the renal lesions and anti-RNP maintained their associations with discoid manifestations. CONCLUSION: Patients with lesions of systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lesions have lower prevalence of renal involvement and a greater presence of anti RNP.
Non-cultured melanocyte/keratinocyte transplantation for the treatment of stable vitiligo on the face: report of two cases
Authors: Ramos Mariana Gontijo , Ramos Daniel Gontijo , Gontijo Gabriel , Ramos Camila Gontijo , Rocha Tania Nely , Rocha Rafael Henrique
Published: November 2013

There are many alternatives to treat vitiligo, including surgical procedures, which are recommended for patients resistant to other therapies. The melanocyte/keratinocyte transplantation consists in the separation of epidermal cells obtained from a donor site and spreading these cells on the depigmented and dermabraded recipient area. Two patients were submitted to transplantation, showing more than 70% repigmentation in the treated areas after four months, both with excellent degree of satisfaction. The method requires some laboratory skills, but represents a simple and safe procedure.
Pyschodermatology: a trip through history
Authors: Franca Katlein , Chacon Anna , Ledon Jennifer , Savas Jessica , Nouri Keyvan
Published: November 2013

The interaction between the mind and diseases of the skin has been the study focus for many researchers worldwide. The field of Psychodermatology, or Psychocutaneous Medicine, is the result of the merging of two major medical specialties, psychiatry and dermatology. Although the history of Psychodermatology is rather old and interesting, the field has only recently gained popularity. Since ancient times, philosophers, surgeons, dermatologists and psychiatrists have reported the presence of psychocutaneous diseases in various scenarios. In this article, the authors describe curious and remarkable facts in the history of Psychodermatology.
Differences in age and topographic distribution of the different histological subtypes of basal cell carcinoma, Taubaté (SP), Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Flavia Regina , Pevide Bruna da Costa , Rodrigues Rafaela Fabri , Nascimento Luiz Fernando Costa , Lira Marcia Lanzoni de Alvarenga
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer in humans. OBJECTIVES: To identify the epidemiology of basal cell carcinoma in Taubaté-SP and verify a possible association between topography and the different histological subtypes of this tumor. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at The University Hospital of Taubaté between 01/01/08 and 12/31/09. The study included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, of both genders, without age restrictions. The variables studied were incidence of basal cell carcinoma, topography, histological subtype, skin color, age and gender. We employed the chi-square test to identify the association between histological subtype and topography, and the student's t test to compare the mean age of onset for the different histological subtypes. RESULTS: The study included 239 individuals. The mean age of the sample was 68.0 years. Male subjects (57.7%) and whites (87.1%) predominated in the study. The predominant histological subtype was nodular (34.7%), followed by the superficial subtype. The most frequent sites of involvement were the head and neck (areas exposed to light), with predominance of the nasal region. The superficial subtype was an exception, as it showed a strong association with unexposed areas like the trunk. The mean age of onset of superficial basal cell carcinoma also differed from that of the other histological subtypes, 63.0 and 69.0 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest an association of the superficial histological subtype with younger patients and unexposed areas of the body, linking this type of tumor with a pattern of intermittent sun exposure, more similar to the standard photocarcinogenesis of melanoma.
Cutaneous field cancerization: clinical, histopathological and therapeutic aspects
Authors: Torezan Luis Antonio Ribeiro , Festa-Neto Cyro
Published: November 2013

The concept of "field cancerization" was first introduced by Slaughter in 1953 when studying the presence of histologically abnormal tissue surrounding oral squamous cell carcinoma. It was proposed to explain the development of multiple primary tumors and locally recurrent cancer. Organ systems in which field cancerization has been described since then are: head and neck (oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx), lung, vulva, esophagus, cervix, breast, skin, colon, and bladder. Recent molecular studies support the carcinogenesis model in which the development of a field with genetically altered cells plays a central role. An important clinical implication is that fields often remain after the surgery for the primary tumor and may lead to new cancers, designated presently as "a second primary tumor" or "local recurrence," depending on the exact site and time interval. In conclusion, the development of an expanding pre-neoplastic field appears to be a critical step in epithelial carcinogenesis with important clinical consequences. Diagnosis and treatment of epithelial cancers should not only be focused on the tumor but also on the field from which it developed. The most important etiopathogenetic, clinical, histopathological and therapeutic aspects of field cancerization are reviewed in this article.
Case for diagnosis
Authors: Lencastre Andre , Cabete Joana , Apetato Maria Margarida
Published: November 2013

An 83 year-old man was observed for an 8 year-long pruritic, erythematous plaque of the left axilla. He had been continuously medicated with topical antifungals and steroids with occasional symptomatic relief, but with disease progression. After a clinical and histological diagnosis of Extramammary Paget's Disease, a total excision with wide margins was performed. He remains disease-free 12 months after surgery. We report this rare presentation of Extramammary Paget's Disease on a male patient.
Paracoccidioidomycosis: epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and treatment up-dating
Authors: Marques Silvio Alencar
Published: November 2013

Paracoccidioidomycosis is an acute - to chronic systemic mycosis caused by fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. Due to its frequent tegument clinical expression, paracoccidioidomycosis is an important disease for dermatologists, who must be up-to-date about it. This article focuses on recent epidemiological data and discusses the new insights coming from molecular studies, as well as those related to clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. In the latter section, we give particular attention to the guideline on paracoccidioidomycosis organized by specialists in this subject.
Retrospective study of the implementation of the nursing process in a health area
Authors: Huitzi-Egilegor Joseba Xabier , Elorza-Puyadena Maria Isabel , Urkia-Etxabe Jose Maria , Esnaola-Herrero Maria Victoria , Asurabarrena-Iraola Carmen
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVES: to analyze when the nursing process began to be used in the public and private healthcare centers of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country), and when both NANDA-I nursing diagnoses and the NIC-NOC terminologies were incorporated into this process. METHOD: a retrospective study was conducted, based on the analysis of nursing records that were used in the 158 studied centers. RESULTS: the specific data provided showed that in Gipuzkoa, the nursing process began to be used in the 1990s. As for NANDA-I nursing diagnoses, they have been used since 1996, and the NIC-NOC terminologies has been used since 2004. CONCLUSION: it was concluded that public centers are the ones which, generally speaking, first began with the nursing methodology, and that in comparison to the United States and Canada, the nursing process started to be used about 20 years later, NANDA-I nursing diagnoses around 15 years later, and the NIC-NOC terminologies, around six years later.
Perinatal mortality and socio-spatial inequalities
Authors: Martins Eunice Francisca , Rezende Edna Maria , Almeida Maria Cristina de Mattos , Lana Francisco Carlos Felix
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the social inequalities in the distribution of perinatal mortality in Belo Horizonte. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the perinatal deaths of residents in Belo Horizonte in the period 2003 to 2007 were studied on the basis of the Information Systems on Mortality and Newborns. The space analysis and the Health Vulnerability Index were used to identify existing inequalities in the sanitary districts regarding coverage and risk, determined by the Odds Ratio and a value p<0.05. The multivariate analysis was used to describe a model for perinatal mortality. RESULTS: there was a proved variation in the numbers of perinatal mortality per one thousand total births in the sanitary districts (12.5 to 19.4), coverage areas (5.3 to 49.4) and areas of risk (13.2 to 20.7). The mortality rate diminished as the maternal schooling increased. The death rates deriving from asphyxia/hypoxia and non-specified fetal death grew with the increase of risk in the area. CONCLUSION: it was verified that the perinatal deaths are distributed in a differentiated form in relation to the space and the social vulnerabilities. The confrontation of this complex problem requires the establishment of intersecting partnerships.
Classification of Family Risk in a Family Health Center
Authors: Nakata Priscila Tadei , Koltermann Lenice Ines , Vargas Kellyn Rocha de , Moreira Priscilla Wolff , Duarte Erica Rosalba Mallmann , Rosset-Cruz Idiane
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to identify and classify the degree of family risk in a Family Health Center by means of a multidimensional evaluation instrument. METHOD: a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative and descriptive design, which evaluated 927 families registered in the center, which covers five micro-areas. The Coelho and Savassi Scale was applied, this consisting of 13 sentinels of evaluation of the social risk, using secondary data available in the File A of the families' medical records, in the last trimester of 2011. The data was analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for Windows software, version 18.0. RESULTS: among the families studied, 68.5% were classified as not being at risk. It was ascertained that the smallest proportion of at-risk families (8.2%) was found in micro-area 1, and that micro-area 4 had the highest proportion (55.9%). The most-prevalent risk situations were poor conditions of basic sanitation, systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and drug addiction. CONCLUSION: this study's results make it possible to create support for the planning of home visits, to implement health surveillance actions, and for health professionals to better understand the vulnerabilities of the families attended.
Welcoming with risk classification in teaching hospitals: assessment of structure, process and result
Authors: Vituri Dagmar Willamowius , Inoue Kelly Cristina , Bellucci Junior Jose Aparecido , Oliveira Carlos Aparecido de , Rossi Robson Marcelo , Matsuda Laura Misue
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to assess, from the worker's viewpoint, the structure, the process and the results of the Emergency Hospital Services that have taken up the guideline of "Welcoming with Risk Classification" in two teaching hospitals of the state of Paraná. METHOD: quantitative and descriptive research, exploratory and prospective, using random sampling stratified by professional category, comprising a universe of 216 professional people. RESULTS: they found some points of agreement regarding the promotion of a welcoming and humane environment; privacy and security; welcome and shelter of the companion and also the sheltering and classification of all patients; however, there was disagreement about the comfort of the environment, reference system and counter-reference, prioritisation of seriously ill patients in post-classification service, communication between the members of the multi-professional team and reassessment of the guideline. CONCLUSION: the workers assess the development of the guideline as being precarious, due mainly to the lack of physical structure, due to the lack of physical structure and shortcomings in the service process.
Compensatory heterogeneity in spatially explicit capture–recapture data
Authors: Efford M. G. , Mowat G.
Published: November 2013

Spatially explicit capture–recapture methods, used widely to estimate the abundance of large carnivores, allow for movement within home ranges during sampling. Probability of detection is a decreasing function of distance from the home range center, with one parameter for magnitude and another for spatial scale. Sex‐based and other differences in home range size potentially cause heterogeneity in individual detection and bias in estimates of density. The two parameters of detection have hitherto been treated as independent, but we suggest that an inverse relation is expected when detection probability depends on time spent near the detector. Variation in the spatial scale of detection is then compensated by reciprocal variation in the magnitude parameter. We define a net measure of detection (“single‐detector sampling area,” a0), and show by simulation that its coefficient of variation (CV) is a better predictor of bias than the CV of either component or the sum of their squared CVs. In an example using the grizzly bear Ursus arctos, the estimated sex variation in a0 was small despite large variation in each component. From the simulations, the relative bias of density estimates was generally negligible (<5%) when CV(a0) < 30%. Parameterization of the detection model in terms of a0 and spatial scale can be more parsimonious and significantly aids the biological interpretation of detection parameters.
Is there an alternative to the pay-as-you-go pension system in Serbia?
Authors: Altiparmakov Nikola
Published: November 2013

International pension reform experiences indicate that, amid demographic
aging, each country needs to identify the reform policies most suited to its
own economic and social environment. The economic analysis in this paper
suggests that a potential prefunding of the Serbian pension system, either
through a public pension reserve fund or mandatory private pension funds,
would yield an economic performance inferior to the existing PAYG financing.
If a wealth transfer from current to future generations is desirable from the
macroeconomic or social perspective it should be implemented through
repayment of outstanding public debt, not through pension system prefunding.
Pension reform efforts should thus focus on parametric PAYG changes and
adequate integration of voluntary retirement saving vehicles into the Serbian
pension system.
Optimization models of the supply of power structures’ organizational units with centralized procurement
Authors: Sysoiev Volodymyr
Published: November 2013

Management of the state power structures? organizational units for materiel
and technical support requires the use of effective tools for supporting
decisions, due to the complexity, interdependence, and dynamism of supply in
the market economy. The corporate nature of power structures is of particular
interest to centralized procurement management, as it provides significant
advantages through coordination, eliminating duplication, and economy of
scale. This article presents optimization models of the supply of state power
structures? organizational units with centralized procurement, for different
levels of simulated materiel and technical support processes. The models
allow us to find the most profitable options for state power structures?
organizational supply units in a centre-oriented logistics system in
conditions of the changing needs, volume of allocated funds, and logistics
costs that accompany the process of supply, by maximizing the provision level
of organizational units with necessary material and technical resources for
the entire planning period of supply by minimizing the total logistical
costs, taking into account the diverse nature and the different priorities of
organizational units and material and technical resources.
Malocclusion and treatment need in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease
Authors: Alves e Luna Ana Cláudia , Godoy Fabiana , de Menezes Valdenice Aparecida
Published: November 2013

Objective:

To assess the prevalence of malocclusion and treatment need in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, the sample size comprised 35 five-year-old children and 36 adolescents of both sexes, aged between 12 to 18 years, with SCD. Dental occlusion was assessed using two indexes: the Malocclusion Index (World Health Organization) and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).

Results:

The prevalence of malocclusion in the preschool children was 62.9%. The main malocclusions observed in this age group were Class II (37.1%), increased overjet (28.6%), reduced overbite (28.6%), and open bite (17.1%). In the 12- to 18-year-old subjects, the prevalence of malocclusion was 100%, and the most prevalent types of malocclusion were maxillary overjet (63.9%) and maxillary misalignment (58.3%). It is noteworthy that the majority of adolescents (80.6%) had very severe or disabling malocclusions.

Conclusion:

The results revealed a high prevalence of malocclusion in children and adolescents with SCD. According to DAI score, the majority of the sample presented with very severe malocclusion and a compulsory treatment need.
Power of treatment success definitions when the Canine Brief Pain Inventory is used to evaluate carprofen treatment for the control of pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis
Authors: Brown Dorothy Cimino , Bell Margie , Rhodes Linda
Published: November 2013

Objective—To determine the optimal method for use of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) to quantitate responses of dogs with osteoarthritis to treatment with carprofen or placebo.

Animals—150 dogs with osteoarthritis.

Procedures—Data were analyzed from 2 studies with identical protocols in which owner-completed CBPIs were used. Treatment for each dog was classified as a success or failure by comparing the pain severity score (PSS) and pain interference score (PIS) on day 0 (baseline) with those on day 14. Treatment success or failure was defined on the basis of various combinations of reduction in the 2 scores when inclusion criteria were set as a PSS and PIS ≥ 1, 2, or 3 at baseline. Statistical analyses were performed to select the definition of treatment success that had the greatest statistical power to detect differences between carprofen and placebo treatments.

Results—Defining treatment success as a reduction of ≥ 1 in PSS and ≥ 2 in PIS in each dog had consistently robust power. Power was 62.8% in the population that included only dogs with baseline scores ≥ 2 and 64.7% in the population that included only dogs with baseline scores ≥ 3.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The CBPI had robust statistical power to evaluate the treatment effect of carprofen in dogs with osteoarthritis when protocol success criteria were predefined as a reduction ≥ 1 in PIS and ≥ 2 in PSS. Results indicated the CBPI can be used as an outcome measure in clinical trials to evaluate new pain treatments when it is desirable to evaluate success in individual dogs rather than overall mean or median scores in a test population.
Digital image analysis of rhodanine-stained liver biopsy specimens for calculation of hepatic copper concentrations in dogs
Authors: Center Sharon A. , McDonough Sean P. , Bogdanovic Lewis
Published: November 2013

Objective—To evaluate the accuracy of digitally scanned rhodanine-stained liver biopsy specimens for determination of hepatic copper concentration and compare results with qualitatively assigned histologic copper scores in dogs.

Sample—353 liver biopsy specimens from dogs.

Procedures—Specimens (n = 139) with quantified copper concentration ranging from 93 to 6,900 μg/g were allocated to group 1 (< 400 μg/g [37]), group 2 (401 to 1,000 μg/g [27]), group 3 (1,001 to 2,000 μg/g [34]), and group 4 (> 2,001 μg/g [41]); stained with rhodanine; and digitally scanned and analyzed with a proprietary positive pixel algorithm. Measured versus calculated copper concentrations were compared, and limits of agreement determined. Influence of nodular remodeling, fibrosis, or parenchymal loss on copper concentration was determined by digitally analyzing selected regions in 17 specimens. After method validation, 214 additional liver specimens underwent digital scanning for copper concentration determination. All sections (n = 353) were then independently scored by 2 naive evaluators with a qualitative scoring schema. Agreement between assigned scores and between assigned scores and tissue copper concentrations was determined.

Results—Linear regression was used to develop a formula for calculating hepatic copper concentration ≥ 400 μg/g from scanned sections. Copper concentrations in unremodeled specimens were significantly higher than in remodeled specimens. Qualitative scores widely overlapped among quantitative copper concentration groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Calculated copper concentrations determined by means of digital scanning of rhodanine-stained liver sections were highly correlated with measured values and more accurate than qualitative copper scores, which should improve diagnostic usefulness of hepatic copper concentrations and assessments in sequential biopsy specimens.
Effect of configuration on the biomechanical performance of three suture materials used in combination with a metallic bone anchor
Authors: Wasik Sonya M. , Cross Rod C. , Voss Katja
Published: November 2013

Objective—To determine whether different suture configurations could improve the biomechanical performance of 3 suture materials used with bone anchors.

Samples—3 suture materials (60-lb test nylon leader line, size 2 polyblend polyethylene composite suture, and 150-lb test ultrahigh–molecular weight spun polyethylene).

Procedures—Each suture material was looped through the eyelet of a metallic bone anchor and constructs were evaluated by use of an acute uniaxial load. Three configurations were tested for each suture material: single stranded (SS), double stranded (DS), and single stranded plus plastic insert (SSP). Force at failure, extension at failure, force at 3 mm of extension, stiffness, and site of failure of the suture were recorded for each test.

Results—For all sutures, the DS configuration was the stiffest and yielded significantly higher forces at failure and forces at 3 mm of extension. The SS configuration had the lowest forces at failure. The SSP configuration yielded greater forces at failure for all suture materials, compared with the SS configuration, with a comparable stiffness. All sutures failed at the eyelet in the SS and DS configurations. In the SSP configuration, 60-lb test nylon leader line and 150-lb test ultrahigh-molecular weight spun polyethylene failed at the eyelet less frequently than did the polyblend composite suture.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Among the tested constructs, a DS suture configuration used in combination with the metallic bone anchor gave the best biomechanical results for all suture materials. Considering that the SSP configuration yielded greater forces at failure, compared with the SS configuration, covering metallic edges in bone anchors with softer materials might protect sutures and result in increased forces at failure.
Evaluation and modification of the overall hemostasis potential assay for use with canine plasma
Authors: Dengate Anna L. , Morel-Kopp Marie-Christine , Beatty Julia A. , Barrs Vanessa , Braddock Jody A. , Churcher Richard K. , Wilson Bethany J. , Ward Christopher M.
Published: November 2013

Objective—To optimize the overall hemostasis potential (OHP) assay for use with canine platelet-poor plasma and determine reference intervals in healthy dogs.

Animals—40 healthy dogs.

Procedures—Blood was collected from the dogs into citrated tubes, and platlet-poor plasma was obtained. The OHP assay and standard coagulation assays (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen concentration) were performed for each sample. The OHP assay outputs were tested for correlations with results of the standard coagulation assays, age, and sex.

Results—Modifications to the published methodology for the OHP assay were required for use with canine plasma, with less coagulation activator (thrombin) and more fibrinolysis activator (tissue plasminogen activator) than used with human plasma. Male dogs had a higher OHP than did females. High fibrinogen concentrations were associated with increases in maximum optical density, OHP, and overall coagulation potential, and reduced prothrombin time was associated with increases in maximum optical density, overall coagulation potential, OHP, and maximum slope.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results supported the use of the OHP assay as an accessible, cost-effective global coagulation assay. Further research is required to determine its clinical application as an alternative to thromboelastography or thrombin generation assays.
Inoculation of dogs with a recombinant ACTH vaccine
Authors: Kemppainen Robert J.
Published: November 2013

Objective—To determine whether inoculation of healthy dogs with a recombinant peptide containing 3 copies of ACTH would result in the production of antibodies against ACTH and whether this would affect pituitary-adrenocortical function.

Animals—8 healthy dogs.

Procedures—A recombinant peptide consisting of 3 copies of ACTH fused to a T-helper cell epitope was produced in Escherichia coli. The protein was inoculated into 4 dogs at 4-week intervals (total of 3 inoculations/dog). Four control dogs received inoculations of PBS solution mixed with adjuvant. Blood samples were collected for determination of antibody titers against ACTH and for measurement of basal and ACTH-stimulated plasma cortisol concentrations.

Results—Inoculation with the ACTH vaccine resulted in production of anti-ACTH antibodies in all 4 dogs. Titers were initially high but declined by 15 weeks after the initial inoculation. Basal cortisol concentrations were unaffected by inoculation with the ACTH vaccine. Plasma cortisol concentrations in response to ACTH stimulation were reduced at 12 weeks, but not at 15 weeks, after the first inoculation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Inoculation of dogs with a recombinant ACTH vaccine resulted in the production of antibodies against the hormone. Anti-ACTH titers were initially high but were not sustained. The only detectable endocrine effect in treated dogs was a reduction in cortisol concentration in response to ACTH stimulation in 2 of 4 dogs at 12 weeks after the first inoculation. The effect of vaccine administration on the pituitary-adrenal system was subtle and transient.
Evaluation of endocrine and immune responses of steers challenged with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus
Authors: Falkenberg Shollie M. , Carroll Jeffery A. , Elsasser Ted , Best Tim , Sartin James , Buntyn Joe O. , Schmidt Ty B.
Published: November 2013

Objective—To evaluate the endocrine and immune responses of steers challenged with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV).

Animals—12 crossbred beef steers.

Procedures—Steers were randomly assigned to IBRV– (control) or IBRV+ treatment groups. Experimentally challenged steers (IBRV+) received a dose of IBRV intranasally (8.0 50% tissue culture infective doses), IBRV– steers received a saline (0.9% NaCl) solution placebo intranasally, and each group was placed in an isolated paddock. At 72 hours after challenge, all steers were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters and placed into individual stanchions. Blood samples were collected on days 4 through 8. Serum was analyzed for concentrations of cortisol, interleukin-6, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I.

Results—From 72 to 144 hours after challenge inoculation, the IBRV+ group had significantly greater mean rectal temperature, compared with the IBRV– group; the greatest temperatures in both groups were observed at 72 hours. Serum cortisol concentrations were increased in both groups from hours 72 to 136 and serum interferon-γ concentrations were greater in the IBRV+ from 94 to 112 hours after inoculation. Growth hormone concentration was greater in the IBRV+ group at various time points, but no difference in insulin-like growth factor- I concentration was observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that IBVR challenge altered growth hormone concentration at some time points but was not associated with large increases in circulating proinflammatory cytokines.
The role of plants in the economy of Tell Arbid, north-east Syria, in the Post-Akkadian Period and Middle Bronze Age
Authors: Wasylikowa Krystyna , Koliński Rafał
Published: November 2013

Archaeological fieldwork carried out at the Tell Arbid site in north-eastern Syria exposed settlement remains dating from the early 3rd millennium BC to the mid 2nd millennium BC. Recent excavations in Sector P, on the eastern slope of the site, revealed the existence of a significant occupation of the Post-Akkadian/ Early Jazirah V period and of levels dated to the Early and Classic Khabur Ware/Old Jazirah/Middle Bronze Age I-II periods. Cereal remains were dominated by grains and ear fragments of hulled two-rowed barley Hordeum distichon. Less numerous were wheats represented by emmer Triticum dicoccon, einkorn T. monococcum, and macaroni wheat T. durum. The presence of bread wheat T. aestivum and six-rowed barley Hordeum vulgare could not be excluded. The two periods contained similar sets of cereals, but in the Post-Akkadian Period the percentage of hulled wheat remains was higher, while in the Middle Bronze Age (particularly in its younger phase) naked wheat slightly exceeded hulled wheats. Legumes were represented by only very few seeds of lentil Lens culinaris and bitter vetch Vicia ervilia. Diaspores of wild plants were very abundant, particularly those from the families of grasses and legumes. The considerable number of ear and culm fragments probably belonging to cereals as well as numerous seeds/fruits of wild plants suggests that the plant remains originated from fodder or animal dung or belonged to threshing waste. The presence of grass stems with nodes indicated that cereals were reaped low on the straw; occasional use of uprooting was suggested by the occurrence of basal culm fragments with traces of rootlets.
Influence of reaction conditions on the ozonation process
Authors: Sumegová Lenka , Derco Ján , Melicher Michal
Published: November 2013

This paper is focused on the influence of granulated activated carbon (GAC) and zeolite as catalysts as well as influences of temperature and pH on the ozonation process. From obtained results it can be concluded that the addition of granulated activated carbon and zeolite to model wastewater has a positive effect on the efficiency and degradation rate of methylene blue oxidation with ozone. The highest oxidation efficiency was observed in the alkaline pH range for which radical reaction mechanism of ozone is characteristic. From the results obtained during the study of the effect of temperature on the ozonation process it follows that both the efficiency and the rate of oxidation of methylene blue grow with increasing temperature.
Spray drying of the mixtures of mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides
Authors: Wrzosek Katarzyna , Moravčík Juraj , Antošová Monika , Illeová Viera , Polakovič Milan
Published: November 2013

Optimal conditions of spray drying of a fructooligosaccharide-rich mixture prepared by enzymatic conversion of sucrose were investigated. It was found that efficient drying of the mixture containing about 40 % of monosaccharides and sucrose required addition of a compound with a high glass transition temperature. The addition of maltodextrin helped to achieve satisfactory solids yield and moisture. Optimized process parameters were the feed flow rate and solids concentration, drying air flow rate and inlet temperature.
Torsional deformation effect on the N—H bond dissociation energy in diphenylamine
Authors: Poliak Peter , Vagánek Adam
Published: November 2013

In this work, the influence of the inter-ring dihedral angles and their deformation on the energetics of diphenylamine molecule and its radical is investigated by the B3LYP/6-311++G** approach. Our approximated bond dissociation enthalpy of diphenylamine is 370.0 kJ mol-1 and it is in good agreement with the recently published experimental data. The potential functions of both the molecule and the radical with respect to the mutual aromatic ring orientations are presented. The potential function for the molecule is of a double-barrier type, whereas the radical possesses a single-barrier function. The calculated total electronic energies are used to approximate the change of the bond dissociation enthalpy with the twisting of the dihedral angle. The dependence of the bond dissociation enthalpy on the dihedral angle is represented by a single-barrier type function. The dependence of the nitrogen atom spin density on the studied dihedral angle is also discussed.
Simulated moving bed chromatography separation of galacto-oligosaccharides
Authors: Wiśniewski Łukasz , Antošová Monika , Polakovič Milan
Published: November 2013

A mixture of galacto-oligosaccharides and non-prebiotic sugars was separated using a simulated moving bed unit equipped with eight packed-bed columns of a cation exchanger. In order to determine operating conditions using triangle theory, equilibrium adsorption isotherms of galactose, glucose, lactose, tri- and tetragalacto-oligosaccharide were measured. It was found that each column of the SMB unit had a maximum separation efficiency of more than 3000 theoretical plates. The achieved purity of galacto-oligosaccharides in the raffinate stream was 99.9 %, similarly 99.9 % of extract was formed by non-prebiotic sugars lactose, glucose and galactose. The productivities in the raffinate and extract, were 0.6 g/(L h) and 2.4 g/(L h), respectively.
Synthetic approaches to dexmedetomidine (review)
Authors: Bobošíková Mária , Mathia František , Végh Daniel , Marchalín Štefan , Halinkovičová Michaela
Published: November 2013

The review is an attempt at critical evaluation of known synthetic procedures used for laboratory and industrial preparation of a synthetic antihypertensive - Dexmedetomidine as to their complexity, published yield and atom economy