bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of ceramic membrane and compressed air-assisted solvent extraction (CASX) for metal recovery
Authors: Li Chi-Wang , Chiu Chun-Hao , Lee Yu-Cheng , Chang Chia-Hao , Lee Yu-Hsun , Chen Yi-Ming
Published: September 2010

In our previous publications, compressed air-assisted solvent extraction process (CASX) was developed and proved to be kinetically efficient process for metal removal. In the current study, CASX with a ceramic MF membrane integrated for separation of spent solvent was employed to remove and recover metal from wastewater. MF was operated either in crossflow mode or dead-end with intermittent flushing mode. Under crossflow mode, three distinct stages of flux vs. TMP (trans-membrane pressure) relationship were observed. In the first stage, flux increases with increasing TMP which is followed by the stage of stable flux with increasing TMP. After reaching a threshold TMP which is dependent of crossflow velocity, flux increases again with increasing TMP. At the last stage, solvent was pushed through membrane pores as indicated by increasing permeate COD. In dead-end with intermittent flushing mode, an intermittent flushing flow (2 min after a 10-min or a 30-min dead-end filtration) was incorporated to reduce membrane fouling by flush out MSAB accumulated on membrane surface. Effects of solvent concentration and composition were also investigated. Solvent concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1% (w/w) have no adverse effect in terms of membrane fouling. However, solvent composition, i.e. D2EHPA/kerosene ratio, shows impact on membrane fouling. The type of metal extractants employed in CASX has significant impact on both membrane fouling and the quality of filtrate due to the differences in their viscosity and water solubility. Separation of MSAB was the limiting process controlling metal removal efficiency, and the removal efficiency of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) followed the same trend as that for COD.
Sago Waste Based Activated Carbon Film as an Electrode Material for Electric Double Layer Capacitor
Authors: Aripin H. , Lestari L. , Ismail D. , Sabchevski S.
Published: September 2010

In this feasibility study a novel prospective electrode material for electric double layer capacitors (EDLC) has
been investigated. This promising material is activated carbon (AC) film produced using sago waste as a precursor.
Important parameters of the technological process are the KOH to charcoal ratio and the content of the
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder. The influence of these parameters on the microtexture and pore structure and on
the electrochemical characteristics of the AC films has been studied in detail. The measured specific surface area (SSA) of
the samples is in the range from 212 to 1498 m2/g. It has been found that the presence of micropores increases the specific
capacity while the presence of the mesopores acts in the opposite direction, because these mesopores are too wide in
diameter for aqueous electrolyte. The specific capacitance of the studied samples has been found to be in the range from
16 to 64 F/g.
Linguistics from the Perspective of the Theory of Models in Empirical Sciences: From Formal to Corpus Linguistics
Authors: Grabinska Teresa , Zielinska Dorota
Published: September 2010

The authors examine language from the perspective of models of empirical sciences, which discipline studies the relationship between reality, models, and formalisms. Such a perspective allows one to notice that linguistics approached within the classical framework share a number of problems with other experimental sciences studied initially exclusively within that framework because of making the same sort of assumptions. By examining solutions to some of these problems found in contemporary science, the authors point out alternative approaches, which could be relevant for linguistics research, and some of which have already been tested in language studies. In particular, Corpus Linguistics is presented as an especially promising approach, positioned to avoid many of the pitfalls of the classical framework. Consequently, it seems that the future of linguistics, from theoretical to applied, such as Technical Writing, must be embraced by Corpus Linguistics research.
I, Pronoun: A Study of Formality in Online Content
Authors: Thayer Alexander , Evans Mary B. , McBride Alicia A. , Queen Matt , Spyridakis Jan H.
Published: September 2010

This article presents the results of a study that investigated readers' perceptions of tone formality in online text passages. The study found that readers perceived text passages to be less formal when they contained personal pronouns, active voice verbs, informal punctuation, or verb contractions. The study reveals that professional communicators can impact their readers' perceptions of tone in online passages. This study provides useful guidance for writers who wish to understand the impact of their stylistic decisions on audience perceptions of passage formality.
Do Financial Shocks Have Negative Effects on Small Businesses? New Evidence from Japan for the Late 1990s
Authors: Tsuruta Daisuke
Published: September 2010

The banking literature suggests that the low performance of the banking sector can spread to real economic activities, especially small businesses. Many previous studies insist that the Japanese experience of the 1990s supports this argument. However, many studies of small businesses are often insufficient since they depend on aggregate data, even though small businesses are likely to face difficult constraints in their activities when financial problems are severe. In this study, we use firm-level data on small businesses and investigate whether bank-dependent small businesses face severe constraints on their activities, which lowers performance. Our results differ from the findings of previous work in this area. First, we show that per the widely used TANKAN statistics, the focus of many existing studies, is misleading and that a majority of respondents in this survey (at least 71%) report no worsening in the lending attitude of financial institutions in the so-called credit crunch period of 1998-1999 (or even in the 2000-2001 period). Second, using detailed firm level panel data from the Credit Risk Database, we find no significant reductions in the loans for the majority of small businesses. Third, while we do find evidence that bank-dependent firms increased reliance on internal funds during the period of the credit crunch (1998-2001), we find no evidence that this negatively impacted firm performance (as reflected in firm growth and profitability measures).
Levels and Distribution of PCBs and Organochlorine Pesticides in the Air, Pine Needles, and Human Milk
Authors: Kožul Darija , Romanić Snježana
Published: September 2010

Razine i raspodjela PCB-a i organoklorovih pesticida u zraku, borovim iglicama i majčinu mlijeku

U ovome preglednom radu prikazani su rezultati dobiveni diljem svijeta o raspodjelii razinama 20 kongenera poliklorbifenila (PCB) i 7 organoklorovih pesticida (OCP) u uzorcima zraka, majčina mlijeka i borovih iglica. Istraživanja prisutnosti navedenih spojeva u tim uzorcima dugi niz godina provode se i u Institutu za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada te su u ovome preglednom radu sažeti i ti rezultati. Vidljivo je da su se koncentracije organoklorovih spojeva značajno snizile nakon zakonske zabrane njihove upotrebe, no to se snižavanje usporilo i oni se još nalaze u svim uzorcima. Općenito, više razine PCB-a nađene su u uzorcima s urbanog područja, razine pesticida više u onima gdje je vjerojatno u prošlosti postojala njihova primjena u poljoprivredi, dok je razina HCB-a obično pokazatelj industrijske aktivnosti.

γ-HCH određen je u najvišoj koncentraciji u uzorcima zraka i borovih iglica, dok su u ljudima najzastupljeniji DDE i β-HCH. Indikatorski kongeneri PCB-a također su različito zastupljeni u okolišu i ljudima te su tako u zraku i borovim iglicama više koncentracije hlapljivijih nižekloriranih PCB-a, a u ljudima postojanijih višekloriranih PCB-a. Od toksičnihortho-supstituiranih kongenera PCB-a i u uzorcima ljudi i okoliša najzastupljeniji je PCB-118, dok su najrjeđe detektirana tri najtoksičnija ne-ortho-supstituirana kongenera: PCB-77, PCB-126 i PCB-169. Od organoklorovih pesticida DDD u svim je uzorcima određen u najnižim koncentracijama.
Effects of Lycopene, Indole-3-Carbinol, and Luteolin on Nitric Oxide Production and iNOS Expression are Organ-Specific in Rats
Authors: Rostoka Evita , Isajevs Sergejs , Baumane Larisa , Line Aija , Silina Karina , Dzintare Maija , Sharipova Jelena , Svirina Darja , Kalvinsh Ivars , Sjakste Nikolajs
Published: September 2010

Effects of Lycopene, Indole-3-Carbinol, and Luteolin on Nitric Oxide Production and iNOS Expression are Organ-Specific in Rats

Natural compounds are known to modify NO content in tissues; however, the biological activity of polyphenol-rich food often does not correspond to the effects of individual polyphenols on NO synthase activity. The aim of this study was to see how natural compounds luteolin, indole-3-carbinol, and lycopene modify NO production in rat tissues and change the expression of the iNOS gene and protein. Indole-3-carbinol produced multiple effects on the NO level; it significantly decreased NO concentration in blood, lungs, and skeletal muscles and increased it in the liver. Indole-3-carbinol enhanced lipopolyssaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in all rat organs. It decreased iNOS gene expression in the brain cortex of animals that did not receive LPS and up-regulated it in the LPS-treated animals. Lycopene increased the iNOS gene transcription rate in the brain cortex of LPS-treated animals. Luteolin did not modify NO production in any organ of LPS-untreated rats, nor did it affect gene expression in the liver. In the brain it slightly decreased iNOS gene expression. Luteolin decreased NO production in the blood of LPS-treated animals and the number of iNOS-positive cells in these animals. Our results suggest that changes in tissue NO levels caused by natural compounds cannot be predicted from their effect on NOS expression or activity obtained in model systems. This stresses the importance of direct measurements of NO and NOS expression in animal tissues.
School Choice and Vocational Guidance for Schoolchildren With Chronic Diseases and Other Health Problems
Authors: Lančić Franciska , Majski-Cesarec Slavenka , Musil Vera
Published: September 2010

Školsko i profesionalno usmjeravanje učenika s kroničnim bolestima i drugim poremećajima zdravlja

Osim praćenja rasta, razvoja i zdravstvenog stanja učenika tijekom školovanja, liječnik školske medicine razmišlja i o njihovu profesionalnom razvoju. Posebnu pozornost zahtijevaju učenici s kroničnim bolestima, kojih je prema istraživanjima 10 % do 15 %. Prije izbora zanimanja potrebno je upoznati roditelje i učenike s ograničenjima koja proizlaze iz prirode bolesti ili stanja. To omogućuje učenicima da razviju interes za zanimanja za koja nemaju kontraindikaciju. Sistematski pregled u osmom razredu osnovne škole procjena je učenikovih psihofizičkih sposobnosti za nastavak srednjoškolskog obrazovanja. Tijekom pregleda provodi se profesionalno informiranje za sve učenike. Učenici s kroničnim bolestima, teškoćama u razvoju i drugim poremećajima zdravlja upućuju se na profesionalno usmjeravanje. Cilj ovog rada bio je prikaz razloga upućivanja na školsko i profesionalno usmjeravanje učenika osmih razreda, deset osnovnih škola iz Varaždinske županije, u razdoblju od školske godine 1998./99. do 2007./08. Od ukupno 4939 pregledanih učenika, na profesionalno usmjeravanje bilo je upućeno njih 458 (9,3 %). Najčešći razlozi upućivanja bili su bolesti i stanja iz skupine duševnih poremećaja i poremećaja ponašanja, sa zastupljenošću od 41,3 %. Preporuke stručnog tima za profesionalno usmjeravanje za daljnje školovanje nije slijedilo 10,5 % učenika. Za učenike s kroničnim bolestima i drugim poremećajima zdravlja bilo bi potrebno osigurati dovoljan broj upisnih mjesta u srednjim školama te kontinuirano pratiti njihov profesionalni razvoj radi intervencije u slučaju potrebe promjene škole i uvida u ishod obrazovanja. To bi se postiglo koordiniranim radom školskih liječnika, timova za profesionalno usmjeravanje, srednjih škola i županijskih upravnih odjela za prosvjetu, kulturu i šport.
Copper in Household Drinking Water in the City of Zagreb, Croatia
Authors: Pizent Alica , Butković Sanja
Published: September 2010

Copper in Household Drinking Water in the City of Zagreb, Croatia

Copper concentration was estimated in tap water samples obtained from 70 households in Zagreb, serviced by a public water supply system. First-draw and flushed samples of tap water were collected in the morning and total copper concentration was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman-effect background correction. We also estimated the contribution of plumbing material to copper concentrations in tap water. In households with copper pipes, median and range copper values were 310 μg L-1 [(27 to 632) μg L-1] in first-draw samples and 16 μg L-1 [(5 to 52) μg L-1] in flushed samples. Corresponding values for households with galvanised pipes were 140 μg L-1 [(11 to 289) μg L-1] and 8 μg L-1 [(1 to 42) μg L-1], respectively. Copper concentrations in household tap water in Zagreb were far below the proposed safe limits set by the Croatian and WHO regulations and EPA standards, and drinking water in Zagreb is not a significant source of copper exposure.
Effect of Copper on the Toxicity and Genotoxicity of Cadmium in Duckweed (Lemna Minor L.)
Authors: Cvjetko Petra , Tolić Sonja , Šikić Sandra , Balen Biljana , Tkalec Mirta , Vidaković-Cifrek Željka , Pavlica Mirjana
Published: September 2010

Effect of Copper on the Toxicity and Genotoxicity of Cadmium in Duckweed (Lemna Minor L.)

We investigated interactions between copper (in the concentrations of 2.5 μmol L-1 and 5 μmol L-1) and cadmium (5 μmol L-1) in common duckweed (Lemna minor L.) by exposing it to either metal or to their combinations for four or seven days. Their uptake increased with time, but it was lower in plants treated with combinations of metals than in plants treated with either metal given alone. In separate treatments, either metal increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level and catalase and peroxidase activity. Both induced DNA damage, but copper did it only after 7 days of treatment. On day 4, the combination of cadmium and 5 μmol L-1 copper additionally increased MDA as well as catalase and peroxidase activity. In contrast, on day 7, MDA dropped in plants treated with combinations of metals, and especially with 2.5 μmol L-1 copper plus cadmium. In these plants, catalase activity was higher than in copper treated plants. Peroxidase activity increased after treatment with cadmium and 2.5 μmol L-1 copper but decreased in plants treated with cadmium and 5 μmol L-1 copper. Compared to copper alone, combinations of metals enhanced DNA damage after 4 days of treatment but it dropped on day 7. In conclusion, either metal given alone was toxic/genotoxic and caused oxidative stress. On day 4 of combined treatment, the higher copper concentration was more toxic than either metal alone. In contrast, on day 7 of combined treatment, the lower copper concentration showed lower oxidative and DNA damage. These complex interactions can not be explained by simple antagonism and/or synergism. Further studies should go in that direction.
A functional analysis of G23A polymorphism and the alternative splicing in the expression of the XPA gene
Authors: Butkiewicz Dorota , Krześniak Małgorzata , Vaitiekunaite Rasa , Sikora Bożena , Bowman Elise , Harris Curtis , Rusin Marek
Published: September 2010

The XPA gene has a commonly occurring polymorphism (G23A) associated with cancer risk. This study assessed the functional significance of this polymorphism, which is localised near the translation start codon. Lymphoblastoid cell lines with alternative homozygous genotypes showed no significant differences in their XPA levels. The luciferase reporter assay detected no functional difference between the two sequences. Unexpectedly, we found that the alternatively spliced form of XPA mRNA lacked a part of exon 1. Only the reading frame downstream of codon Met59 was preserved. The alternative mRNA is expressed in various human tissues. The analysis of the 5’cDNA ends showed similar transcription start sites for the two forms. The in vitro expression of the alternative XPA labelled with the red fluorescent protein (mRFP) showed a lack of preferential nuclear accumulation of the XPA isoform. The biological role of the alternative XPA mRNA form remains to be elucidated.
EFOMP project on the role of biomedical physics in the education of healthcare professionals
Authors: Caruana Carmel , Wasilewska-Radwanska M. , Aurengo A. , Dendy P. , Karenauskaite V. , Malisan M. , Meijer J. , Mornstein V. , Rokita E. , Vano E. , Wucherer M.
Published: September 2010

EFOMP project on the role of biomedical physics in the education of healthcare professionals

The policy statements describing the role of the medical physicist (and engineer) published by organizations representing medical physics (and engineering) in Europe include the responsibility of providing a contribution to the education of healthcare professionals (physicians and paramedical professions). As a consequence, medical physicists and engineers provide educational services in most Faculties of Medicine / Health Science in Europe. In 2005, the EFOMP council took the decision to set up a Special Interest Group to develop the role of the medical physics educator in such faculties and to work with other healthcare professional groups to produce updated European curricula for them. The effort of the group would provide a base for the progress of the role, its relevance to contemporary healthcare professional education and provide input for future EFOMP policy documents regarding this important aspect of the role of the medical physicist. The present communication will present the group, summarise its latest research and indicate future research directions.
The design of an insulin pump - preliminary requirements (a technical note)
Authors: Hawlas Hubert , Lewenstein Krzysztof
Published: September 2010

The design of an insulin pump - preliminary requirements (a technical note)

The material presented in this paper is an attempt to lay down requirements for the planned design of an insulin pump. An insulin pump is a device for continuous dosage of insulin at a selected rate, which facilitates treatment and improves the lives of diabetic patients. This paper is a compilation of medical requirements and user suggestions of presently offered insulin pumps.

It seems important to establish proper requirements for a device before starting developing any design for an insulin pump.
A virtual model of the patient's head for BNCT
Authors: Tyminska Katarzyna , Jezierski Karol , Osko Jakub
Published: September 2010

A virtual model of the patient's head for BNCT

The aim of the present work was creating a virtual phantom of a human head for BNCT, as a part of the BNCT programme project. This model is an amplification of the simple model described in earlier publications. It takes into account the major head organs as well as the scalp and skull. The chemical composition of all tissues was modelled according to the recommendations of the ICRP. The organs were parameterized using mathematical formulas based on the human head magnetic resonance images. The model was used for calculating the thermal neutron flux and the injuring (fast neutron, nitrogen and gamma) dose components for the head irradiated using the therapeutic neutron beam, whose parameters were obtained as the result of the modelling of the filter/moderator system for the BNCT therapeutic beam from the MARIA reactor.
Mobile phones and hearing - A review
Authors: Lakshmanagowda Preethi , Supe Sanjay , Viswanath Lokesh , Kunjar Sathish
Published: September 2010

Mobile phones and hearing - A review

Mobile phones are being widely used throughout the world. Although there is no clear evidence of harmful effects of radiofrequency (RF) radiation at the levels used by these devices, there is widespread public concern that there may be potential for harm. Of all anatomical structures, the ear is closest to the mobile phone, which may lead to relatively high energy deposition in the ear compared to other parts of the body. Till the year 2000 only a few studies had addressed potential adverse effects of EMFs on the hearing system. The potential adverse effects of mobile phone exposure on the hearing system should be investigated, because mobile phones are usually held close to the ear. Until now, most studies have assessed the influence of RF radiation on the central or peripheral auditory system. However, clear conclusions cannot be drawn from these studies regarding the presence or absence of effects because of the limitations in the audiological and/or dosimetric approaches and limited sample sizes. results. Although the presence of possible effects on hearing threshold levels cannot be dismissed entirely, the evidence available is not sufficiently strong to conclude that there are adverse effects. A replication study with a shift in hearing threshold levels at high frequencies as the a priori hypothesis is desirable to resolve this issue.
Numerical Modelling of Airflow and Temperature Distribution in a Living Room with Different Heat Exchange Conditions
Authors: Gendelis S. , Jakovičs A.
Published: September 2010

Numerical Modelling of Airflow and Temperature Distribution in a Living Room with Different Heat Exchange Conditions

Numerical mathematical modelling of the indoor thermal conditions and of the energy losses for separate rooms is an important part of the analysis of the heat-exchange balance and energy efficiency in buildings. The measurements of heat transfer coefficients for bounding structures, the air-tightness tests and thermographic diagnostics done for a building allow the influence of those factors to be predicted more correctly in developed numerical models. The temperature distribution and airflows in a typical room (along with the heat losses) were calculated for different heater locations and solar radiation (modelled as a heat source) through the window, as well as various pressure differences between the openings in opposite walls. The airflow velocities and indoor temperature, including its gradient, were also analysed as parameters of thermal comfort conditions. The results obtained show that all of the listed factors have an important influence on the formation of thermal comfort conditions and on the heat balance in a room.
Уступительность как метатекстовое явление
Authors: Bogusławski Andrzej
Published: September 2010

Уступительность как метатекстовое явление
The Hieroglyphic Luwian -si Again
Authors: Oshiro Terumasa
Published: September 2010

The Hieroglyphic Luwian -siAgain

We recognize three attestations of the element -siattached to a verbal ending in KARKAMIŠ A11b, A12 and ALEPO 2. The author has already regarded this -sias another reflexive element comparable to the reflexive -ti. Furthermore, we can also point out four more attestations of a similar element -siin the inscriptions recently discovered at TELL AHMAR 6:huhasata-si"he himself ran" (vii and xix) and at ÇINEKÖY:iziya-si"they themselves made" (vi and vii). It should be noted that the element -siin ÇINEKÖY is attached directly to an irregularly omitted verbal formiziyaof *iziyanta"they made".
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Inhibits Olfactory Regeneration in a Transgenic Model of Chronic Rhinosinusitis–Associated Olfactory Loss
Authors: Turner Justin H. , Liang Kai Li , May Lindsey , Lane Andrew P.
Published: September 2010

Background

Olfactory loss is a debilitating symptom of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Although olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) are normally regenerated constantly in the olfactory epithelium (OE), a transgenic model of CRS-associated olfactory loss (inducible olfactory inflammation [IOI] mouse) shows that inflammation causes widespread OSN loss without progenitor cell proliferation. In this study, we further examine whether the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibits olfactory regeneration.

Methods

IOI mice underwent either unilateral bulbectomy or sham surgery and then were induced to express TNF-alpha in the OE for 1 week. After death, the mice were assessed histologically and with bromodeoxyuridine staining to determine the effect of TNF-alpha on olfactory regeneration.

Results

In the absence of TNF-alpha, bulbectomy was associated with death of OSNs, followed by robust proliferation of neural progenitors and regrowth of the OE. At 12 days postbulbectomy, OE thickness on the operated side had recovered to >80% of the unoperated side. In mice in which TNF-alpha expression was induced, significantly reduced proliferation was observed, associated with failure of normal reconstitution of OE thickness.

Conclusion

The mechanism of olfactory dysfunction in CRS remains incompletely understood. Previous studies with a transgenic mouse model suggested that inflammation inhibits progenitor cell proliferation and olfactory regeneration. Here, the role of the CRS-associated cytokine TNF-alpha was investigated using surgical ablation of the olfactory bulb to stimulate synchronous OSN turnover. We find that TNF-alpha expression prevents normal OE recovery, supporting the role of suppressed olfactory regeneration in the pathophysiology of CRS-associated olfactory loss.
Aberrant Mucin Glycoprotein Patterns of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients with Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Tan Lorwai , Psaltis Alkis , Baker Leonie M. , McGuckin Mike , Rousseau Karine , Wormald Peter-John
Published: September 2010

Background

Increasingly bacterial biofilms have been implicated in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and conventional treatment methods have failed to completely eradicate biofilms. (1) Terminal sialic acids present on sinus mucosal glycoproteins are targets for bacterial adherence and biofilm formation. (2) A subpopulation of CRS patients is more susceptible to biofilm formation due to aberrant terminal sialic residue distribution patterns of glycoproteins on their mucosa. (3) The higher levels of sialyl transferase (ST)6Gal1 gene expression contribute to the overall aberrant glycosylation patterns on the host mucosa that predispose this patient cohort to developing biofilms. (4) Mucin glycoprotein MUC7 that has known bactericidal activity displays an overall reduced terminal sugar profile in biofilm positive CRS patients.

Methods

Confocal scanning laser microscopy, glycoarray analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction of ST6Gal1, neuraminidase assays and multivariate analysis were used to compare production of sialic acid–degrading enzymes in sinus biopsies from biofilm positive and negative CRS patients with mucosa from healthy controls.

Results

Biofilm-positive CRS patients expressed aberrant glycoprotein patterns with terminal sialics of between 70 and 90 kD (stress value = 0.1414). The ST6Gal1 gene was upregulated, and bacteria isolated from these patients exhibit significantly higher neuraminidase activity (p = 0.0343). We detected a significant lack in the overall expression of terminal sugar residues of MUC7 (stress value = 0.088).

Conclusions

We observed a strong positive correlation between the aberrant terminal sugar patterns in this sub group of CRS patients with biofilms. The innate immunity function of their MUC7 glycoprotein against bacterial invasion may be compromised in CRS patients.
Olfactory Event–Related Potential in Patients with Rhinosinusitis-Induced Olfactory Dysfunction
Authors: Hu Bin , Han Demin , Zhang Luo , Li Yunchuan , Zang Hongrui , Wang Tong , Xian Mu , Zhang Wei , Yang Ling , Wang Hong , He Fei
Published: September 2010

Background

Olfactory disorders are a common syndrome in the rhinology clinic. Olfactory event–related potential (OERP) has been considered as an important alternative method to evaluate olfactory function. The aim of this study was to find the consistency of OERP and the psychophysics olfactory test (T&T olfactometry assessment) in rhinosinusitis patients with or without nasal polyposis.

Methods

Both the psychophysics olfactory test and the OERP were performed in all patients before functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Detailed information including demographic, comorbidity, subjective symptoms, CT, and endoscopic examination were recorded. Six months later, the T&T test and OERP were reexamined in patients with preoperative identified OERP.

Results

Preoperative OERP was identified in 26 patients of the nonpolyp group and 12 patients of the polyp group. Good correlation existed between T&T scores and amplitude and latency of N1 and P2 in 26 nonpolyp patients (p < 0.05). No meaningful correlation was apparent in 12 polyp patients (p > 0.05). Significant correlation existed in 7 polyp patients with a free olfactory cleft (OC) according to CT (p < 0.05). The other 5 patients with partial OC obstruction were anosmic according to the psychophysics olfactory test; however, OERP was present. Six months later, T&T scores decreased significantly only in these five patients (p < 0.05). Significant correlation was obtained between postoperative T&T scores and OERP in both polyp and nonpolyp groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

OERP can be used to investigate olfactory function of rhinosinusitis patients. Nasal polyp obstruction in specific parts of the OC might influence the consistency between the psychophysics olfactory test and OERP.
Exercise-Induced Rhinitis in Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Alves Ana , Martins Carla , Delgado Luís , Fonseca João , Moreira André
Published: September 2010

Background

Elite swimmers are at increased risk of asthma, which has been related to chronic effects of pool chlorine environment. However acute effects of swimming on rhinitis remain unknown.

Objective

We aimed to assess the nasal response to exercise in competitive swimmers compared with competitive runners.

Methods

Measurements of nasal symptoms, peak nasal inspiratory flow, lung function, dyspnea, and of airway inflammation were obtained before and after a training session of 19 international-level swimmers and 13 professional runners. Exercise-induced rhinitis was defined as a fall in peak nasal inspiratory flow above 20% from baseline and atopy by positivity to skin-prick testing. Changes within groups were compared using paired t test and differences compared by analysis of covariance.

Results

Prevalence of exercise-induced rhinitis was similar between swimmers and runners, respectively 21% and 23%. Contrary to runners, swimmers experienced a decrease in nasal inspiratory flow levels and increase in sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, and postnasal drip after exercise. However, difference in changes was only significant for postnasal drip (p = 0.050). All subjects experiencing exercise-induced rhinitis were nonatopic. An overall improvement in nasal flows, sneezing, and itching after exercise was observed in atopic athletes, although no significant differences in changes compared with nonatopic athletes existed.

Conclusion

Swimmers, contrary to runners, experience a worsening of nasal function after training. Although these differences were only significant for postnasal drip, our results provide support to the existence of a “swimming-induced rhinitis” independent of the atopic status of the athlete.
Variation in Egg Yolk Colour in Different Systems of Rearing Laying Hens
Authors: Dvořák Petr , Suchý Pavel , Straková Eva , Doležalová Jana
Published: September 2010

A total of 72 laying hens (ISA BROWN hybrid combination) were divided into two groups. Thirty-six layers in the first group were reared on litter while the second group of layers was reared using the cage rearing system. Samples of eggs were collected from both groups for a period of seven months. Yolk colour was determined using a portable spectrophotometer using a newly developed method, which complied with the CIELAB system. Yolk colour indicator L* decreased for the rearing system on litter, i.e. egg yolk colour became darker in the course of the whole experiment (α = 0.05). Indicator a* showed a distinct increase in the case of the rearing system on litter, with the differences being significant (α = 0.05) over the last three months of the experiment. Differences for the whole experiment were highly conclusive (α = 0.01), as seen from the increasing red colour intensity. Similarly, indicator b* also increased, i.e. egg yolk was of more distinct yellow colour. In the case of the cage-rearing system, egg yolk colour indicators correlated well with egg weight indicators, as compared to the rearing system on litter. The rearing system on litter resulted in significantly increased intensity of orange colour compared to the cage rearing system.
Transport-induced Changes in Selected Biochemical Indices in Broilers as Affected by Ambient Temperatures
Authors: Vošmerová Petra , Bedáňová Iveta , Chloupek Petr , Chloupek Jan , Suchý Pavel , Večerek Vladimír
Published: September 2010

The effects of transportation to the slaughterhouse (catching, crating, loading, transport) at various ambient temperatures on selected biochemical indices were monitored in a group of unsexed ROSS 308 broiler chickens aged 42 days. The broilers were sampled at three different sampling times (prior to loading, after loading, and after 70 km transport) at three different ambient temperatures (-5 to +5 °C, 10 to 20 °C, 25 to 35 °C). Corticosterone contents in broilers after loading and after transport were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than before loading. The highest corticosterone concentration was found in broilers that were handled (loaded and transported) at lower temperatures (-5 °C to +5 °C) and this value was significantly (P < 0.01) lower than in broilers handled under both other monitored temperature ranges. The results of this study prove that the stress-inducing procedure to which commercial broilers are exposed in connection with transport to the slaughterhouse induces strong changes in selected biochemical indices, and that these changes are highest in winter months at a lower ambient temperature.
Use of the Crustacean Artemia franciscana for Alternative Biotests
Authors: Dvořák Petr , Beňová Katarína , Žďárský Michal , Sklenář Zbyněk , Havelková Alena
Published: September 2010

Use of the crustacean Artemia franciscana for alternative biotests of the second generation was studied, and possible experimental design and applications of such tests outlined. In addition to the classical use in ecotoxicology, the test can be used in pharmacology as well, or to monitor the effects of ionizing radiation in co-exposure with some chemical compounds. The synergistic effect of co-exposure of PCB (DELOR 103), cadmium chloride and potassium dichromate with beta 89Sr irradiation was shown. We also demonstrated the anti-oxidative and pro-oxidative effects of the ascorbic acid in dependence on its concentration. Use of the pharmaco-toxicological screening in search for the novel inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases was demonstrated as well, showing that Artemia franciscana may be used as a suitable biosensor instead of the expensive tests on higher vertebrates.
Efficacy Testing of Orally Administered Praziquantel to Common Carp Naturally Infected by Caryophyllidean Tapeworms (Platyhelminthes: Eucestoda)
Authors: Sudová Eliška , Piačková Veronika , Velíšek Josef , Pijáček Martin , Svobodová Zdeňka
Published: September 2010

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of orally applied praziquantel on the treatment efficacy against most abundant tapeworms (Atractolytocestus huronensis Anthony, 1958 and Khawia sinensis Hsü, 1935) of common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus). Naturally infected fish (1.5-year-old; K1-2) were divided into 6 groups. Three trial groups were administered praziquantel mixed in heat-treated amyloid vehicle (at doses of 50 mg kg-1 body weight). In 3 groups of control, the fish were administered amyloid vehicle only. Fish were examined using gut dissection 2, 4 and 6 days after the administration. The location, intensity and prevalence of individual species of tapeworms were recorded. A. huronensis and K. sinensis were found in the gut of carp together. A. huronensis was situated in the oesophageal part of foregut, and K. sinensis came after – immediately before the first intestine loop, of the intestines of carp. The invasion of A. huronensis was fully eliminated in all trial groups after 4 days whereas some specimens of K. sinensis still persisted in the gut of few fish. The full elimination of both parasites was observed 6 days after administration. Our results showed that elimination of K. sinensis takes longer than elimination of A. huronensis. The dose of 50 mg kg-1 of orally administered praziquantel is effectual to control A. huronensis and K. sinensis infections in common carp successfully, however, a significant decrease of the number of parasites was also caused by a single oral administration of big bolus vehicle and leaving unfed fish in the clean water.
Transfer of Radiocesium into Wild Boar Meat
Authors: Dvořák Petr , Snášel Petr , Beňová Katarína
Published: September 2010

The aim of the study was to find the sources of 137Cs in wild boar food in the natural ecosystem. The main emphasis is focused on the analyses of wild boar muscles and the content of wild boar stomach. Boars weighing 20 to 100 kg were killed at two locations. The highest specific activities of muscles were measured in boars originated from the Dvorce location; the average specific activity in boars killed on 14 April 2007 and 9 March 2008 achieved 132 Bq kg-1. Due to high fluctuation the differences between the mean values of 31 Bq kg-1 in males and 43 Bq kg-1 in females were not significant. Earthworms from grass fields with a specific activity of 16 Bq kg-1, rootlets from the Šabrava location with 200 Bq kg-1 and Elaphomyces granulatus fruiting bodies with 4,743 Bq kg-1 and 2,858 Bq kg-1 are the components of boar food with the 137Cs specific activities higher than that of the detection limit. Consequently, underground mushrooms probably represent the main source of radiocesium in the food chain of boars. A remarkable reduction of 137Cs specific activities in boar muscles is not expected at the post-Chernobyl radiocesium contaminated locations with the occurrence of Elaphomyces granulatus within next two decades.
Dose levels from thoracic and pelvic examinations in two pediatric radiological departments in Norway – a comparison study of dose-area product and radiographic technique
Authors: Sæther Hilde Kjernlie , Lagesen Bente , Martinsen Anne Catrine Trægde , Holsen Eva Platou , Øvrebø Kirsti Marie
Published: September 2010

Background: Pediatric doses expressed in dose-area product (DAP) can be retrieved from only a few publications; most of which correlate DAP to patient size or large age spans. In clinical practice age is often the only available parameter describing the patient, and thus, evaluation of dose levels in pediatric radiology on the basis of DAP related to age alone would be useful in optimization work.

Purpose: To provide comparable data on age-related DAP from thoracic and pelvic radiological examinations of children, and evaluate the usefulness of comparing age-related DAP and radiographic technique between systems to identify areas with potential for optimization.

Material and Methods: DAP, age, and radiographic technique were registered for 575 thoracic examinations and 371 pelvic examinations of children from newborn up to 14 years of age in groups with an age span of 1 year, performed with two digital flat-panel systems and one computed radiography system.

Results: DAP varies from 2.2 to 54.0 mGycm2 for thoracic examinations, and from 4.6 to 532.5 mGycm2 for pelvic examinations. There are significant differences in DAP between systems and departments due to differences in technique, equipment, and staff.

Conclusion: This study provides comparable data on age-related DAP from thoracic and pelvic radiological examinations of children, which could be used as an input to estimate diagnostic reference levels. The comparison between systems of DAP and radiographic technique has proven useful in identifying areas where there may be a potential for optimization.
Suicide Trends in an Expanding Mental Health Service in Auckland
Authors: Argyle Nick
Published: September 2010

Objective: Suicide is a global health priority. It is important to analyse the effects of investment in mental health services on suicide rates. This paper presents and discusses recent changes in suicide rates and diagnostic mix among clients of the mental health service in Auckland during a time of service growth.

Method: Details of suicides among current clients were analysed for the years 1993 to 2006, comparing the periods 1993–1999 and 2000–2006. These periods were compared with the local population and national figures.

Results: The local population suicide rate decreased significantly with the rate among clients increasing slightly so the proportion occurring among clients increased (up to 31%). There was an increase in non-psychotic diagnoses.

Conclusions: As access to services expands the proportion of suicides that occur in known clients will paradoxically increase. Service expansion may have contributed to the falling population suicide rate in Auckland.
Will a New Genotyping Test Help the Clinician Predict Response to Antidepressant Drugs?
Authors: Parker Gordon , Rowe Mark , Mehta Farzaan , Kumar Sonia
Published: September 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy of a new genotyping test (Antidepressant PredictAR) in assigning patients as likely ‘poor’, ‘rapid’ or ‘normal’ metabolizers of antidepressant drugs.

Method: Eighty-nine patients were clinically assigned (on the basis of their historical response to antidepressant drugs) as ‘poor’, ‘rapid’ or ‘normal’ metabolizers and comparison was then made to their test-based 2D6 and C19 genotyping status reports.

Results: The overall capacity of the test to allocate patients to four differing phenotypic categories reporting for the genotyping test was not significant in relation to either C19 or 2D6 analyses. However, the C19 test did appear to have some capacity to identify rapid metabolizers, and we note how we then sought to manage such patients clinically.

Conclusions: The test may have some capacity to identify patients with a rapid metabolizing profile. Any further advantages were not identified by this study, whether reflecting methodological and/or assay limitations.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Interagency Response
Authors: Little John , Trauer Tom , Rouhan Janice , Haines Meredith
Published: September 2010

Objective: People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) confront multiple agencies with behaviours that are often alarming and bewildering. However, different service providers appear to respond to the same patient population in different ways. We aimed to explore the emotional reactions, concerns and beliefs related to working with the person with BPD by health and non-health related agencies.

Method: A specifically designed questionnaire was completed by different agencies prior to their receiving educational training on an organizational and community-based model of care for people with BPD.

Results: Police believed that people with BPD are best medicated and hospitalized until they are no longer suicidal. A universal human response was noted as was support for interagency collaboration.

Conclusions: Different agencies respond in different ways towards people with BPD. These differences reflect ideological splits between agency groups.
Mental Health Legislation and Psychiatric Treatments in NSW: Electroconvulsive Therapy and Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Loo Colleen , Trollor Julian , Alonzo Angelo , Rendina Nicola , Kavess Rosemary
Published: September 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper is to discuss the restriction of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to the treatment of psychiatric disorders and the prohibition of psychosurgery and deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the NSW Mental Health Act 2007 (MHA), and to examine these restrictions from clinical and human rights perspectives.

Method: Sections of the NSW MHA regulating the use of ECT, psychosurgery and DBS were reviewed. These were compared with corresponding regulations in mental health legislation in other Australian states. Reasons for discrepancies were explored.

Results: Restrictions in the MHA on the use of ECT, psychosurgery and DBS are not in line with current clinical evidence of their efficacy and safety. The prohibitions aim to ensure safeguards are in place but the legislation fails to balance these objectives with the potential clinical benefit offered by these treatments.

Conclusions: By imposing restrictions which are not justifiable in terms of the clinical evidence available, the MHA discriminates against those with neurological disorders responsive to psychiatric treatments, and those with psychiatric disorders who would benefit from the development of DBS as a treatment.
Lose-Lose Proposition: Policy Change and Party Politics in the Grand Coalition
Authors: Clemens Clay
Published: September 2010

Contrary to many common expectations for a Grand Coalition, Chancellor Angela Merkel's 2005-2009 CDU/CSU-SPD government produced few major policy changes. Its modest output is generally attributed to polarized competition between two co-equal, longtime rivals that blocked cooperation. Yet, interparty gridlock was less decisive than intraparty paralysis. The CDU, CSU, and SPD formed a government at the very time when each was plagued by internal divisions over programmatic identity, fueled in turn by interrelated strategic and leadership struggles. The result was caution, confusion, patchwork measures, side payments and reversals.
The impact of altered precipitation variability on annual weed species
Authors: Robinson Todd M. P. , Gross Katherine L.
Published: September 2010

• Premise of the study: Climate change models predict increasing variability in precipitation across the globe, with an increase in the incidence of large precipitation events but decreasing overall event frequency. Research with annual species in arid and semiarid ecosystems has demonstrated that precipitation variability can influence plant community dynamics; however, less is known about the impact of precipitation variability in less water‐limited ecosystems, including economically important agricultural systems.

• Methods: We conducted three greenhouse experiments to determine how variation in total precipitation and the interval between precipitation events affected emergence and growth of two common annual midwestern weed species, Chenopodium album (Chenopodiaceae) and Setaria faberi (Poaceae).

• Key results: Both species responded to precipitation variability; however, the effect depended on life stage and precipitation amount, indicating that responses are highly context‐dependent. Emergence of both species increased with longer intervals between precipitation events at low total precipitation, but species’ responses varied under typical precipitation amounts. Individual seedling biomass of both species depended on interactions between total water and intervals, but species’ responses differed; Setaria faberi biomass was reduced with longer intervals, but Chenopodium album had either a positive or no response.

• Conclusions: Our results suggest that changes in precipitation variability likely will affect the composition and relative abundance of agriculturally important weeds. These results are important for understanding how changes in the temporal variability of precipitation due to global climate changes could impact plants in non‐arid communities.
Le basculement de l'Afrique vers l'Asie
Authors: Chaponnière Jean-Raphaël
Published: September 2010

Résumé Accéléré par la crise mondiale, le basculement vers l’Asie concerne également l’Afrique. Depuis 2005, ses échanges avec l’Asie (du Japon à l’Inde) dépassent ses échanges avec l’Europe. L’afflux de marchandises asiatiques accélère la conteneurisation du transport maritime : les ports d’Afrique de l’Ouest échangent plus de « boîtes » avec l’Asie qu’avec l’Europe. La multiplication des terminaux de conteneurs s’accompagne de l’arrivée de nouveaux acteurs (Moyen-Orient, Asie) qui aiguise la concurrence en Afrique.