bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass Spectrometric Approaches for Elucidation of Antigen—Antibody Recognition Structures in Molecular Immunology
Authors: Stefanescu Raluca , Iacob Roxana E. , Damoc Eugen N. , Marquardt Andreas , Amstalden Erika , Manea Marilena , Perdivara Irina , Maftei Madalina , Paraschiv Gabriela , Przybylski Michael
Published: June 2007

Mass spectrometric approaches have recently gained increasing access to molecular immunology and several methods have been developed that enable detailed chemical structure identification of antigen-antibody interactions. Selective proteolytic digestion and MS-peptide mapping (epitope excision) has been successfully employed for epitope identification of protein antigens. In addition, “affinity proteomics” using partial epitope excision has been developed as an approach with unprecedented selectivity for direct protein identification from biological material. The potential of these methods is illustrated by the elucidation of a ß-amyloid plaque-specific epitope recognized by therapeutic antibodies from transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Using an immobilized antigen and antibody-proteolytic digestion and analysis by high resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry has lead to a new approach for the identification of antibody paratope structures (paratope-excision; “parex-prot”). In this method, high resolution MS-peptide data at the low ppm level are required for direct identification of paratopes using protein databases. Mass spectrometric epitope mapping and determination of “molecular antibody-recognition signatures” offer high potential, especially for the development of new molecular diagnostics and the evaluation of new vaccine lead structures.
Mass Spectrometry in the Study of Mechanisms of Aquatic Chlorination of Organic Substrates
Authors: Lebedev Albert
Published: June 2007

Chlorination is an effective method of water disinfection. However, it has been identified as contributing to the formation of a wide variety of disinfection by-products that have been associated with adverse health effects. Natural humic matter and anthropogenic pollutants are responsible for the formation of these by-products. Mass spectrometry is the most efficient tool to analyze the rates of conversion, the nature and levels of by-products in the reactions of chlorinating agents with model organic compounds. More than 30 substrates with various functional groups were studied, while gaseous chlorine and sodium hypochlorite were used as chlorinating agents. The effects of pH, substrate/active chlorine ratio, addition of metal cations and bromides and iodides on the aqueous chlorination process of various organic substrates were investigated. Transformation schemes were proposed for the studied compounds.
The Use of near Infrared Spectroscopy to Quantify Lignite-Derived Carbon in Humus-Lignite Mixtures
Authors: Chodak Marcin , Niklińska Maria , Beese Friedrich
Published: June 2007

Assessment of the percentage of lignite-derived C (lign-C%) in mine soils may be achieved only by using time-consuming and expensive methods. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare near infrared (NIR) spectra of forest humus and lignite and (2) to test whether NIR spectroscopy may assess lign-C% in artificial mixtures of humus and lignite. The experiment consisted of three trials (T1, T2 and T3). In T1 the mixed samples ( n = 75) were produced from one humus sample and one lignite sample, in T2 (n = 74) from 74 different humus samples and one lignite sample and in T3 (n = 74) from 74 different humus samples and 15 lignite samples. In each trial, 35 samples were used to develop calibration equations and the remaining samples were used for validation. The humus and the lignite samples used to produce the mixed samples were analysed for C, H, N and S and their NIR spectra were recorded. The lignite samples contained more C, H and S and less N than the humus samples. Principal component analysis revealed significant differences between NIR spectra of the humus and the lignite samples. The prediction of lign-C% in T1 [regression coefficient (b) of linear regression (measured against predicted values) = 0.99, correlation coefficient ( r2) = 1.00, standard error of prediction (SEP) = 1.2%] and T2 ( b = 0.99, r2 = 0.99, SEP = 1.9%) was very good and in T3 satisfactory ( b = 0.83, r2 = 0.92, SEP = 4.0% ). The calibration equations of T2 predicted lign-C% satisfactorily and also in the validation samples of T3 (b = 0.88, r2 = 0.93, SEP = 4.0% ). The results indicate the ability of NIR spectroscopy to predict lign-C% in the mixed humus and lignite samples and suggest usefulness of NIR spectroscopy for the assessment of the percentage of lignite-derived C in the organic horizons of mine soils.
Prediction of Soluble Solids Content and Post-Storage Internal Quality of Bulida Apricots Using near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Manley Marena , Joubert Elizabeth , Myburgh Lindie , Lotz Ester , Kidd Martin
Published: June 2007

The development of internal breakdown of South African Bulida apricots during cold storage, rendering the fruit unsuitable for canning, causes significant post-harvest losses. Regression models to predict internal post-storage quality using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and multivariate classification techniques were developed using NIR spectra of the intact fruit collected prior to storage and subjective quality evaluations performed after a cold storage period of four weeks. A correct classification rate of 69% was obtained using multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) compared to 50% obtained by soft independent modelling by class analogy (SIMCA). NIR regression models developed for soluble solids content (SSC) of intact fruit as well as for direct NIR measurements on the exposed fruit tissue gave similar results, thus confirming sufficient NIR light penetration into the intact fruit. The best prediction results were obtained when two spectral measurements per fruit (one on each half of the fruit), compared to single measurements, were used.
Near Infrared Spectroscopic Studies of Changes in Stored Grain
Authors: Cassells J.A. , Reuss R. , Osborne B.G. , Wesley I.J.
Published: June 2007

The potential for near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to be used to detect quality changes in stored grain was investigated. Wheat, barley and canola were stored at different temperatures and moisture content for a period of 12 months. NIR reflectance spectra of the samples recorded prior to storage were contrasted against the spectra of the samples stored under various conditions by calculating the root mean squares of the point-for-point spectral differences. The ability of NIR to indicate whether there were changes occurring in the grain was determined by the spectral differences being greater than the differences due to repacking. Changes in NIR spectra were low in grain stored at low temperatures and moisture content, but increased in grain stored under more adverse conditions. For wheat and barley stored for 12 months at 30°C and 14% moisture content, spectral contrasts increased to 1294 and 790 microabsorbance units, respectively. Changes in spectral contrast of canola were higher with contrasts of canola stored for 12 months at 30°C and 8% moisture content reaching 2700 microabsorbance units. In order to confirm that the changes seen in the contrast were due to changes in the grain and not due to the drift in the NIR instrument, a stable chemical standard (polyethylene) was used as a control. The results show that spectral differences can be used to monitor the post-harvest maturity of wheat and barley. Spectral changes observed in standard cells containing wheat and barley decreased after six months. The continual high rate of change observed in spectral differences of canola makes it unsuitable for use in standard cells.
Optimisation of Magnification Levels for near Infrared Chemical Imaging of Blending of Pharmaceutical Powders
Authors: Ma Hua , Anderson Carl A.
Published: June 2007

A critical parameter in the evaluation of pharmaceutical dosage forms by hyperspectral imaging is the level of magnification. If the magnification (as set by the optical objective) is inadequate to resolve the relevant features, then the value of the imaging is diminished; if the magnification level is greater than is required, then the field of view is unnecessarily reduced. The purpose of this study was to determine an optimum magnification level for the study of powder mixing. Relevant features in this system include distribution of individual components within samples and the overall content of a given sample. In the present study, three magnification levels of near infrared (NIR) chemical imaging objectives were evaluated for their effects on imaging a blend of pharmaceutical materials (powders). High, medium and low objective magnification levels were investigated by comparing the resulting blend surface images of a two-component (salicylic acid and lactose) pharmaceutical powder mixture. Multiple images from high and medium magnification were concatenated so that an equivalent field of view was obtained for all magnification levels. Univariate images, principal component analysis score images, partial least squares predicted images and spectra extracted from different intensity regions in the area images were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively for comparison. A series of images spanning a strip across the centre of the circular field were collected at each magnification level and compared with respect to surface features elucidated and area of blend surface imaged. Analyses of images indicate that the three magnification levels delineate the component distribution for this particular powder system similarly. Images obtained at the low magnification level demonstrated adequate resolution and provided the broadest view of the blend surface. It is concluded that the low optical magnification level was adequate for the system being studied and is the preferred mode for pharmaceutical powder blend image data collection for this system.
Prediction of Chemical Composition in Sunflower Whole Plant and Silage (Helianthus Annus L.) by near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Fassio A. , Gimenez A. , Fernandez E. , Martins D. Vaz , Cozzolino D.
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy to predict chemical composition in both sunflower whole plant (WPSun) and sunflower silage (SunS). Samples of both WPSun ( n = 73) and SunS ( n = 50) were analysed by reference method and scanned in reflectance using a NIR monochromator instrument (400–2500 nm). Calibration models were developed between NIR data and reference values for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, acid detergent fibre (ADFom), neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom), in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD), ether extract (EE) and pH using partial least squares regression (PLS). Due to the limited number of samples full cross-validation was used to test the calibration models. The best correlations (R 2cal) and lowest standard errors in cross-validation (SECV) were obtained for DM (R 2cal > 0.82, SECV: 27.0 and 35.8 g kg−1), CP (R 2cal> 0.85, SECV: 9.9 and 10.1 g kg−1) and ash (R2cal> 0.85, SECV 11.2 and 8.2 g kg−1) in both WPSun and SunS samples, respectively. For ADFom, aNDFom and OMD the calibrations were considered to be poor (R 2cal < 0.85). In SunS samples a good correlation was found for EE (R 2cal = 0.94, SECV: 15.3 g kg−1).
Using Genetic Algorithm Interval Partial Least Squares Selection of the Optimal near Infrared Wavelength Regions for Determination of the Soluble Solids Content of “Fuji” Apple
Authors: Xiaobo Zou , Yanxiao Li , Jiewen Zhao
Published: June 2007

A near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy acquisition device was developed in this study using an apple as the test sample. With this device, the apple was rolled while collecting the NIR spectra. The feasibility of using efficient selection of wavelength regions in Fourier transform NIR for a rapid and conclusive determination of the inner qualities of fruit such as soluble solids content (SSC) of apples was investigated. Graphically-oriented local multivariate calibration modelling procedures called genetic algorithm interval partial least-squares (GA-iPLS) were applied to select efficient spectral regions that provide the lowest prediction error, in comparison to the full-spectrum model. The optimal SSC predictions were obtained from a seven-factor model using five intervals among 40 intervals selected by GA-iPLS. In the determination, a root mean square error of prediction of 0.42 °Brix for SSC of apples was obtained. The result demonstrated that the new method is a very useful and effective method for developing high precision PLS models based on optimal wavelength regions.
The impact of alternative splicing in vivo: Mouse models show the way
Authors: Möröy Tarik , Heyd Florian
Published: June 2007

Alternative splicing is widely believed to have a major impact on almost all biological processes since it increases proteome complexity and thereby controls protein function. Recently, gene targeting in mice has been used to create in vivo models to study the regulation and consequences of alternative splicing. The evidence accumulated so far argues for a nonredundant, highly specific role of individual splicing factors in mammalian development, and furthermore, demonstrates the importance of distinct protein isoforms in vivo. In this review, we will compare phenotypes of mouse models for alternative splicing to crystallize common themes and to put them into perspective with the available in vitro data.
Alkaline peroxide treatment of ECF bleached softwood kraft pulps. Part 1. Characterizing the effect of alkaline peroxide treatment on carboxyl groups of fibers
Authors: Dang Zheng , Elder Thomas , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: June 2007

The influence of alkaline peroxide treatment has been characterized on elementally chlorine-free (ECF) bleached softwood (SW) kraft pulp. The results indicate that fiber charge increased with an increase in peroxide charge: a maximum fiber charge increment of 16.6% was obtained with 8.0% more peroxide charge on oven-dried (o.d.) pulp at 60.0°C. Two primary bleaching temperatures of 60.0°C and 90.0°C were investigated during peroxide treatment. Copper number decreased for peroxide charges of 0.5% and 1.0% at 60.0°C and 90.0°C, respectively, then increased with increasing peroxide charge. Both fiber charge and copper number approached constant values when 4.0% or higher peroxide charge was applied. Peroxide treatment on a bleached kraft pulp at 90.0°C resulted in lower fiber charge and lower intrinsic viscosity compared to treatment at 60.0°C. Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) pretreatment was able to protect the fibers from being degraded during peroxide bleaching. Fiber charge and copper number were compared after peroxide treatment of ECF bleached kraft pulp to NaBH4-reduced ECF bleached kraft pulp. The results indicate that the carbonyl group content of fibers is favorable for improving fiber charge after peroxide treatment.
Alkaline peroxide treatment of ECF bleached softwood kraft pulps: Part 2. Effect of increased fiber charge on refining, wet-end application, and hornification
Authors: Dang Zheng , Elder Thomas , Hsieh Jeffery S. , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: June 2007

The effect of increased fiber charge on refining, cationic starch adsorption, and hornification was examined. Two pulps were investigated: (1) a softwood (SW) kraft pulp (KP) which was bleached elementally chlorine-free (ECF) and served as control; and (2) a control pulp treated with alkaline peroxide, which had a higher fiber charge. It was shown that increased fiber charge can improve the efficiency of the refining treatment, as indicated by differences in tensile index refined from 0 to 1000 revolutions. When the control pulp was refined from 4000 to 8000 revolutions, the tensile index decreased. In contrast, the tensile index of the higher fiber charge pulp (HCP) was higher under the same refining conditions. Upon addition of 2% cationic starch to both pulps, the tensile index of the control pulp increased by 13.7% and that of HCP by 23.7%. Atomic force microscopy did not reveal differences in the surface morphology of the two pulps with and without cationic starch adsorption. Peroxide treatment enhanced the fiber charge of the never-dried pulp. This was beneficial in reducing hornification when pulp was dried at 105°C. However, if the once dried pulp at 105°C was treated with peroxide, this resulted in a drastic decrease in intrinsic viscosity of the pulp and lower tensile and burst indices of the test sheets.
Querregelung eines Versuchsfahrzeugs entlang vorgegebener Bahnen (Lateral Control of a Test Vehicle along Predefined Paths)
Authors: Kehl Steffen , Pölsler Wolf-Dieter , Zeitz Michael
Published: June 2007

Um die im Verlauf der Fahrzeugentwicklung benötigten Fahrdynamikversuche reproduzierbar und objektiv auswertbar durchzuführen, wurde ein modellbasiertes Folgeregelsystem zur Durchführung von aggressiven Testszenarien entwickelt und in zwei Versuchsfahrzeugen mit einer echtzeitfähigen Hardware implementiert. Mit der Folgeregelung wird der Fahrzeugschwerpunkt mittels einer elektrischen Lenkmaschine einer Sollbahn nachgeführt. Die Sollbahnvorgabe ist so gestaltet, dass sowohl synthetisch vorgegebene Manöver als auch gemessene Bahnen verwendet werden können. Die Messung der Fahrzeugkoordinaten erfolgt über ein satellitengestütztes inertiales Koppelnavigationssystem. Die entwickelte Querregelung basiert auf einer Zwei-Freiheitsgrad-Struktur mit einer modellbasierten nichtlinearen Vorsteuerung und einer stabilisierenden linearen Regelung. Die entworfene Querregelung wurde in Simulationen und Fahrversuchen für verschiedene Testszenarien erprobt.
Nichtlineare Lenkregler für den querdynamischen Grenzbereich (Nonlinear Steering Controllers for the Lateral Dynamics Stability Limit)
Authors: König Lars , Neubeck Jens , Wiedemann Jochen
Published: June 2007

Beim Entwurf eines Lenkreglers zur automatischen Spurführung wird das charakteristische Sättigungsverhalten der Seitenkraftkennlinien bei großen Schräglaufwinkeln im Streckenmodell berücksichtigt. Es zeigt sich, dass bei dem aus mathematischer Sicht optimalen modellprädiktiven Regler eine Vielzahl von Reglerparametern auf heuristischem Wege festgelegt werden muss. Daher wird hier, nach dem Prinzip der exakten Linearisierung, ein Rückführgesetz vorgeschlagen, dessen Leistungsfähigkeit dem modellprädiktiven Regler gleichkommt, das dabei aber nur einen Bruchteil der Rechenzeit und lediglich zwei Reglerparameter mit physikalisch anschaulicher Bedeutung benötigt. Die Position des fahrzeugfesten Spurführungs-Referenzpunktes hat erheblichen Einfluss auf das Stabilitätsverhalten im Grenzbereich. Dies kann durch mathematische Stabilitätsanalyse und anhand von Simulationen stabilitätskritischer Fahrmanöver demonstriert werden. Simulationsuntersuchungen mit einem Formelrennfahrzeug und Messfahrten mit einem X-by-wire Versuchsträger im Modellmaßstab, der am Institut für Verbrennungsmotoren und Kraftfahrwesen der Universität Stuttgart (IVK) aufgebaut wurde, belegen die Fähigkeit des hier vorgestellten Regelsystems zur hochpräzisen Spurführung im querdynamischen Grenzbereich. Dabei beträgt die maximale seitliche Abweichung von der Soll-Trajektorie nur wenige Prozent der Fahrzeugbreite.
Modellbasierte Sensorfehlererkennung für das querdynamische Verhalten von Kraftfahrzeugen (Model-based Fault-detection of Vehicle Dynamics Sensors)
Authors: Halbe Iris
Published: June 2007

Mit zunehmender Anzahl von Fahrerassistenzsystemen und Regelungen im Fahrzeug kommt der Fehlerdiagnose der Sensoren immer größere Bedeutung zu. Um bereits kleine Fehler sicher erkennen zu können, werden modellbasierte Methoden der Fehlererkennung eingesetzt, bei denen je nach Verfahren verschiedene Modelle der Fahrdynamik zum Einsatz kommen. Nach Auswahl eines Satzes geeigneter Residuen aus Paritätsgleichungen, wird eine Fehlerdiagnose durch Kenntnis des Fehler-Symptom-Zusammenhangs durchgeführt.
System zur Überwachung und Schätzung fahrdynamischer Signale (System for Monitoring and Estimation of Vehicle Dynamics Signals)
Authors: Hillenbrand Stefan , Otterbein Stefan , Rehm Ansgar
Published: June 2007

Anhand des Beispiels zweier existierender Fahrzeugregelsysteme wird gezeigt, dass sich durch die gemeinsame Verarbeitung der fahrdynamischen Sensorsignale erweiterte Möglichkeiten im Bereich der Sensorüberwachung und der Signalschätzung ergeben. Hierzu werden Verfahren zur Überwachung redundanter Sensorsignale, zur modellbasierten Plausibilisierung der Wankrate sowie zum Schätzen der Querneigung vorgestellt.
Endoscopic Management of Orbital Apex Lesions
Authors: Sethi Dharambir S. , Lau David P. C.
Published: June 2007

Lesions of the orbital apex often present a diagnostic dilemma. Clinical assessment and imaging studies are helpful but a tissue biopsy is often required. The morbidity associated with transcranial approaches to the orbital apex may outweigh the benefits of obtaining a biopsy by these routes. Fine needle aspiration cytology of orbital apex lesions can be performed but there are disadvantages with this method. We describe a transnasal endoscopic technique to biopsy the orbital apex. The technique was used successfully to obtain a tissue diagnosis in six patients with orbital apex lesions. This enabled commencement of definitive treatment. There were no significant complications. The transnasal approach to the orbital apex using the endoscopes is reliable. Endoscopes provide excellent illumination, magnification, and a panoramic view of the operative field.
Nasal Airflow Resistance: A Survey of 2500 Assessments
Authors: Cole Philip
Published: June 2007

Examination of rhinomanometric records of 2500 referred adult patients revealed 891 unobstructed noses (Rn <0.25 Pa/cm3/sec). Topical decongestant reduced respiratory airflow resistances of these noses by ⅓ on average indicating the extent of the vascular component. Alar retraction, which minimizes resistance of the compliant portion of the nose, reduced unilateral nasal resistances by as much as ⅔, establishing the alar lumen as a major resistive segment of the unobstructed nasal airway. The nasal resistances that persisted after decongestion and alar retraction predominated in the immediately adjacent cavum. There remained 1350 noses designated as obstructed by clinician assessment of the records and suitable for analysis. Application of topical decongestant, which minimized the mucovascular component of resistance, revealed ⅘ of residual obstructions to be principally unilateral and were designated as structural. Half these structural obstructions were restricted to the alar lumen and half included the alar lumen and the adjoining cavum. Obstructions confined to the cavum were less than 2%. A further ⅕ of the nasal obstructions were bilateral and their resistances, which were markedly elevated in many cases, were substantially reduced by topical decongestant indicating an extensive vascular component. They were designated as mucosal.
Caudal and Dorsal Septal Reconstruction: An Algorithm for Graft Choices
Authors: Sherris David A.
Published: June 2007

The objective of this study is to present an algorithm for choosing graft materials for the reconstruction of severe caudal and/or dorsal septal cartilage abnormalities and to examine the long-term results obtained with these techniques. Retrospective review of 21 consecutive cases of caudal and/or dorsal septal reconstruction via the external approach using the algorithms is presented. The techniques used are carefully described. Patient survey at least 1 year after the initial procedure, rhinologic examination before and after the procedure, and photographic analysis of preoperative and postoperative views are presented. The graft choice algorithm presented helps the surgeon to consider appropriate graft choice alternatives before surgery.
Anesthesia in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Thaler Erica R. , Gottschalk Allan , Samaranayake Ruwanthi , Lanza Donald C. , Kennedy David W.
Published: June 2007

Successful administration of anesthesia in endoscopic sinus surgery is of critical importance for patient comfort, to reduce bleeding, and for procedure safety. However, surgeons are often reluctant to perform the procedure under local anesthesia with sedation. Over the past four years, patients undergoing ESS have been asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate their anesthetic experience. A total of 111 completed questionnaires were returned for evaluation. The questionnaire evaluated subjective level of pain, nausea, vomiting, and overall unpleasantness of surgery on a 100 mm visual analog scale. The results from this survey indicate a high level of patient satisfaction with our current anesthetic techniques, while identifying issues with postoperative nausea and vomiting. The results of the survey and a review of the anesthetic issues involved in successfully performing endoscopic sinus surgery are discussed.
Clinical and Nasal Irrigation Fluid Findings in Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Sulakvelidze Irakly , Conway Mary , Evans Susan , Stetsko Paul I. , Djuric Veljko , Dolovich Jerry
Published: June 2007

Ten patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and 10 healthy subjects were studied to determine most discriminative nasal irrigation fluid marker(s) and to compare samples that were collected at baseline and over a 1-hour period, every 15 minutes. The latter were pooled and designated 1-hour sample. In the nasal irrigation we investigated the following inflammatory cells and soluble mediators: eosinophils, neutrophils, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-4, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, ECP, EPX, MPO, leukotriene C4, leukotriene B4, prostaglandin E2, tryptase and fibrinogen. Patients with PAR were then treated for 2 weeks with the topical nasal steroid. The only marker that discriminated patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and healthy subjects was eosinophil count (EO%): correspondingly 14.01 ± 5.8 and 0.18 ± 0.09, (M ± SD). Difference between the studied groups did not depend on the time of irrigation, baseline or 1-hour. EO% was also the only marker of a clinically successful treatment with the nasal steroid, 14.01 ± 5.8 and 0.87 ± 0.4, before and after treatment respectively. We conclude that EO% is the most sensitive inflammatory marker of perennial allergic rhinitis, and that baseline nasal irrigation can be used to study nasal mucosal inflammation.
Antimicrobial Effect on Rabbit Sinusitis after Temporary Ostial Occlusion
Authors: Beste David J. , Capper Dwayne T. , Shaffer Katherine , Kehl Karen Sue , Kajdacsy-Balla Andre
Published: June 2007

A key precipitating factor in the pathogenesis of acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) is ostiomeatal obstruction. It has been postulated that ABS cannot resolve until the sinus ostium is patent. The primary purpose of this study is to quantify sinusitis resolution after temporary ostial occlusion in a rabbit model. A secondary aim is to quantify bacterial clearance with and without antimicrobial therapy in Staphylococcus aureus infected sinuses. A blinded, placebo controlled study in 10 New Zealand white rabbits was performed using Merocel® as a temporary maxillary sinus ostial obstruction. Computerized tomography (CT) of the maxillary sinuses was obtained before and after bilateral ostial occlusion; sinuses were cultured and then the left sinus was injected with approximately 108 cfu/mL S. aureus. CT imaging and sinus cultures were obtained and then the ostial plugs were removed. Serial CT and cultures were done until sinusitis resolved and cultures were negative for S. aureus. Mean CT sinusitis scores increased with ostial obstruction and decreased with ostial plug removal (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001). Injection of S. aureus did not significantly change mean CT sinusitis scores despite being cultured from 45% of sinuses. Antimicrobial therapy was not significant in reducing mean CT scan sinusitis scores or positive cultures. Resolution of mucosal swelling is more dependent on relief of ostial obstruction rather than antimicrobial therapy in this rabbit model.
Sinusitis and Asthma: How do they Interrelate in Sinus Surgery?
Authors: Dinis Paulo Borges , Gomes Augusto
Published: June 2007

Sinusitis has been suspected to be etiopathogenically linked to bronchial asthma. Asthma, on the other hand, has been reported to affect negatively the outcome of sinus surgery. The purpose of this study is to elucidate how sinusitis and asthma clinically interrelate, in a group of asthmatic subjects undergoing surgical interventions on the sinuses. A total of 43 asthmatic patients, selected for functional endoscopic sinus surgery, preoperatively had their sinus disease staged and their lung function tested, and were evaluated for allergy and aspirin sensitivity. One year after surgery the surgical results were analyzed, lung function was re-assessed, and patients’ clinical status addressed through a questionnaire; and 93 nonasthmatic patients, whose functional endoscopic sinus surgery was contemporaneous, were used as a control group for the surgical results. Asthma was a critical factor negatively affecting the outcome of sinus surgery. On the other hand, sinus disease extension did not correlate with asthma severity at any stage. Sinus surgery, despite being capable of improving asthma, ultimately failed to produce significant change in lung function scores. Furthermore, consistent good surgical results on the nose did not come across as a critical issue for postoperative asthma improvement. We concluded that, if the surgical intervention on the sinuses was found to be able clinically to benefit asthma evolution, other evidence does not seem to support a causative relationship between sinusitis and asthma. Instead, since asthma was shown to affect sinus disease severity significantly, their association apparently reflects a systemic inflammatory process of the respiratory mucosa.
Wieso sterben die Waldföhren im «TeIwald» bei Visp? Eine Zusammenfassung bisheriger Studien und eine dendroökologische Untersuchung | What is the Cause of the High Mortality Rates of the Scots Pines in the «Telwald» near Visp (Switzerland)? A Summary of Previous Studies and a Dendroecological Study
Authors: Rigling Andreas , Cherubini Paolo
Published: June 2007

The processes involved in the phase of mortality affecting Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) observed since the beginning of this century in the canton of Valais (Switzerland) are related to the vegetation history, the ecology and stand dynamics as well as the pollution history.
Verzwergte Laubhölzer; anatomische und morphologische Besonderheiten sowie ökologische Bedeutung | Dwarfed Hardwood Trees: Anatomical and Morphological Characteristics as well as Ecological Importance
Authors: Schöne Bernd R. , Schweingruber Fritz H.
Published: June 2007

Suppressed trees in the shrub layer significantly differ from non-dwarfed trees in anatomical and morphological features. Characteristics are discussed of environmentally dwarfed specimens which play an important role in the growth dynamics of a stand.
Energieholzproduktion in Mittel- und Nieder-wäldern der Schweiz | Energy Wood Production in Coppice With Standards and Coppice Forests in Switzerland
Authors: Bally Bettina
Published: June 2007

Coppice with standards and coppice forests are the result of silvicultural systems widely applied until the mid-twentieth century, mainly for fuel production. Similar to energy plantations in Scandinavia and Germany the above-mentioned systems are characterised by a short rotation.

The present paper tries to show that, owing to efficient logging methods, energy wood can be produced from coppice and coppice with standards forests so cheaply that it proves to be highly competitive compared to oil. The economic value of coppice and coppice with standards was calculated on the basis of models and compared to high forest cultivation. Contrary to high forests, the coppice with standards system is cost-covering on poor, well developed and easily accessible sites.
Hinweise zum richtigen Gebrauch von Verbisskennzahlen | Guidance on the Correct Use of Browsing Indicators
Authors: Reimoser Friedrich
Published: June 2007

Browsing indicators that are used in literature are mostly not operationally defined. Therefore, comparisons of browsing impacts caused by wildlife are often not drawable or lead to false conclusions. The most important criteria of definition for the browsing percentage are the browsing object (part of tree), the duration of browsing exposedness, the tree height, and the tree species. Some examples of browsing-indicator definitions are presented. The difference between the browsing impact derived from the browsing percentage, and the browsing damage derived from the forest-regeneration target are especially focussed on.
Bestimmung seltener Starkniederschläge kurzer Dauer - Fallbeispiele im Vergleich mit den schweizerischen Starkniederschlagskarten | Determination of Rare Rainfall Intensities of Short-Duration - Case Studies Compared with Maps of Intense Rainfall in Switzerland
Authors: Forster Felix , Baumgartner Walter
Published: June 2007

The two maps of intense rainfall in the Hydrological Atlas of Switzerland (1992, 1997) are compared to data of an evaluation of extreme value statistics. The results are transferred to recommendations for practioners.
Informationstechnologie und Human Capital – Forst - und Holzwirtschaft vor dem nächsten Jahrtausend | Information Technology and Human Capital – Forestry and Wood-Processing Industry in Transition to the Next Millennium
Authors: Hecker Markus , Ressmann Johannes
Published: June 2007

The newly grown international softwood timber markets require significant changes in the current wood supply chain from forest to woodworking industry. In future, the production of treelength or schematically cut logs, still most common in Central Europe and especially in Germany, has to be replaced by a more customized bucking. Moreover, traditional trading customs should be adapted to the related changes in the wood supply chain.

Information technologies such as wireless communication, GIS/GPS applications or even the Internet can support and rationalize the production of roundwood e.g. in the fields of stand preparation, harvesting operation and logistics. They may further a common sense between forestry and woodworking industry.

Nevertheless, the human capital is of outstanding importance for a successful implementation of modern harvesting systems. As the wood supply chain develops further, the working conditions also change and become challenging for all employees.

However, the experience gathered so far would be sufficient to implement crucial changes within the presented wood supply chain immediately.
Zwei Schwerpunkte aus unserem Auftrag | Two Crucial Points of our Mandate
Authors: Gruber Paul
Published: June 2007

On the basis of the two key-words ,forest legislation' and silviculture', our profession is being critically analysed. This is being done retrospectively back to the last annual meeting of the Swiss Forestry Society in our canton in 1972. Comparisons of that time with today show surprising facts, such as two decisions taken which had an unsuspected delayed-action effect. This article also makes allusions to the Jhurgau reports' in this edition and closes with a preview of future forest policy.
Stufige Mischwälder im Unter-Thurgau | Stratified Mixed Forests in the Lower Thurgau
Authors: Kuhn Heinz
Published: June 2007

As in many parts of the Swiss Central Plateau, vast coppices with standards have grown in the region of Diessenhofen for centuries. While in other parts of the first decades of the 20th century the forests were converted to areas of forest regeneration species, the foresters of the Diessenhofen region altered numerous pillaged coppices with standards to a stratified continuous forest. The advantages of this form of management such as species and structure diversity and lower costs in comparison with the forest stratified by age are being presented. Each of the four foresters in the region has formed different stand images through his personal intervention intensity. There are different ways possible for achieving a continuous forest, in order to prove this, differences of managing a selection forest system are carried out by the four regional foresters. After decades of experience in tending stands established out of former coppices with standards, the approach of converting plenter forests from existing forests stratified by age to stratified continuous forests is experienced. The successes also encouraged the foresters of the neighbouring district Steckborn to do the same. This creative task is being accompanied scientifically by the WSL (Federal Institute of Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland), which has established permanent observation areas. The steps in the previously intuitive procedure can, therefore, now be traced.
Dreissig Jahre Werbung für das Holz | Thirty Years of Wood Advertising
Authors: Bont Armin
Published: June 2007

Only by using wood as a construction and fuel material can the expulsion of fossil CO2 be decreased. In European forests, far more wood grows than is used. Like in former times, it will continue to have to bring in the money for forest management in the future. It has, therefore, increasingly to reach the final consumer. In times of recession, we have to go for market shares with regard to substitution products mutually and internationally. Forest and wood have an important widespread lobby at their disposal. Wood advertising is absolutely indispensable.
Anthropogene Klimaveränderung, Sukzessionsprozesse und forstwirtschaftliche Optionen | Anthropogenic Climate Change, Successional Processes and Forest Management Options
Authors: Bugmann Harald
Published: June 2007

Anthropogenic changes of the climate have the potential to significantly affect forests in the coming century. In this paper, methods for assessing the impacts of such changes are reviewed, and mathematical models are used to evaluate possible changes of the tree species composition and biomass storage of Swiss forests. The simulation results are discussed from an ecological as well as from a forestry perspective.
Schätzung des aktuellen Bestandes der artreinen Schwarzpappel (Populus nigra L.)in der Schweiz | Estimation of the Current Frequency of Indigenous Black Poplar (Populus nigra L.) in Switzerland
Authors: Bang Henrik , Rotach Peter
Published: June 2007

Based on different sources of information and field sampling, the current investigation attempts to estimate the frequency of the indigenous black poplar (Populus nigra L.) in Switzerland. With an estimated number of 1 500 to 5 000 remaining individuals, Populus nigra L. seems to be a very rare and most likely threatened species. Possible measures for species conservation are discussed.
Umsetzung der Waldentwicklungsplanung | Implementation of Regional Forest Planning
Authors: Bachmann Peter
Published: June 2007

Based on a brief survey in the autumn of 1998, the current situation in regional forest planning in Switzerland is presented. This new approach of regional forest planning is intended for all forests in all the cantons, but has, however, only been realised in a few cases. The putting into practice of this planning system on the owners' level is of great interest. Three examples from different regions of Switzerland present solution approaches. On a more theoretical level, new directions for the development of modern management planning are shown. The fixing of a strategy with regard to products and performances, conceptional process planning and the organisation of strategic and of operative controlling are decisive. Thus, a management plan is primarily a management instrument for the forest enterprise director and should, therefore, also be elaborated by him or her. The alterations thus involved are not yet generally accepted, but will surely be realised in the short term, thanks to the close relationship between the forest service and the forest owners.
Wirkungsorientierte Elemente bei der Planung im Wald | Effect-oriented Elements of Forest Planning
Authors: Albisetti Bernardo
Published: June 2007

The present large construction-site 'administration' will sooner or later comprehensively include the field of forestry. Existing instruments have to be compared with the newest requirements and – if necessary – be adapted to the practice, although many cantons have only recently established a new forest legislation that serves as a basis for cantonal planning regulations. It is not the aim of this process to define new goals in forest policy, but to regulate the methods for its realisation. The forest service is particularly involved, as it will achieve its goals more efficiently with new instruments.
Huftiere und Verjüngung im Gebirgswald: eine Geschichte mit vielen Variablen und noch mehr Interaktionen | Ungulates and Tree Regeneration in Mountain Forests: an Issue with many Variables and even more Interactions
Authors: Senn Josef
Published: June 2007

After excessive cutting in Swiss mountain forests and extirpation of most of the wildlife during the past centuries, efficient forestry and hunting laws allowed a wide regeneration of the forests and a rapid increase of ungulate populations in the present century. As a consequence, the impacts of ungulates on the vegetation became obvious. Regeneration of forest trees, however, is influenced not only by ungulates, but by a number of physical site factors and biotic impacts. As these impacts and their interactions vary extensively, regeneration is neither spatially nor temporally constant. Most of the presently used tree-regeneration methods, however, assume constant conditions, which renders a proper evaluation of tree regeneration in mountain forests and the role of ungulates impossible. Furthermore, the effect of this variation on forest development and forest functions is unknown with regard to the long term. While society requires a multipurpose mountain forest, structured at a small scale, wild ungulates use their habitat at a larger scale. This often leads to conflicts. Consequently,solutions including different scales are necessary. A lack of knowledge will, therefore, have to be met by research making data available to the practice as well as through coordinated investigations and experiments.
Freizeitnutzung des Allschwiler Waldes: Einfluss auf Bodenvegetation, Strauchschicht und wirbellose Tiere | Effects of Recreational Activities on the Ground Vegetation, Shrubs and Ground-Dwelling Invertebrates in the Forest of Allschwil near Basle, Switzerland
Authors: Rusterholz Hans-Peter , Stingelin Karin , Baur Bruno
Published: June 2007

The pressure on plants and invertebrates resulting from recreational activities is investigated and demonstrated by the example of the urban forest of Allschwil, near Basle, Switzerland. In order to maintain a near-natural forest, a separation of areas with intensive recreational activities and areas with a high conservation value is discussed.
Valorisation de la ressource ligneuse en Suisse: à la recherche d’une valeur ajoutée pour les feuillus | Valorisation of Swiss Timber Resources: Seeking Added Value for Hardwood
Authors: Combe Jean
Published: June 2007

The evolution of the proportion of hardwood – and especially that of beech – in Swiss forests, as evidenced by the national forest inventories in 1982–1986 and 1993–1995, is confirmed for single regions and forest enterprises. The last two forest inventories show that hardwood produced a higher increment than softwood. The average volume of each standing tree also increased. Not only will it become possible to harvest more hardwood, but the opportunity is offered to process them into end products with a higher added value. But, in fact, the harvested hardwood volumes vary widely from year to year and between the regions of French-speaking Switzerland which were compared. This tends to prove that local market conditions and natural hazards, like the storms Vivian and Lothar,have a higher impact on the planning of forest. The volume of harvested hardwood will not increase as long as no extra financial incentives are given.
Etat et évolution de la ressource forestière feuillue en Suisse. Résultats du deuxième inventaire forestier national (IFN 2) | State and Development of Hardwood Resources in Swiss Forests – Results of the Second National Forest Inventory (NFI 2)
Authors: Brändli Urs-Beat
Published: June 2007

The results of the second national forest inventory (NFI 2) allow a reliable and comprehensive assessment of the Swiss forests'development for the first time. One of the most obvious changes is the important increase in hardwoos. The most significant facts of NFI for hardwood-resources are presented as the basis for discussions and measures for an increased hardwood utilisation.

The whole stock in Swiss forests amounts to 418 Mio m3. About 60% of the hardwood stock of 118 Mio m3 is beech. The share of hardwood has increased by 2% both in surface and growing stock. These developments will remain constant in the future. The increase in stock amounts to 5% in softwood,whereas the one of hardwood amounts to 12%, maple and ash are dominating. The most important increase in standing volume is evident in trees of 36 to 52 cm DBH. With an unchanged utilisation, the share in large timber will further increase.

The increase was harvested to 80% in softwood, to 59% in hardwood, less so, however, in the French part than in the rest of Switzerland. But in the distinct cantons, not more than 40 to 80% of the increment of hardwood has been harvested. In hardwood, the non-exploited increment amounts to 1.4 Mio m3per year, of which 58% is beech, almost as the growing stock. For silvicultural reasons, it would be possible to double the volume of exploited hardwood – which would make sense, too,for ecological and socio-economic reasons. However, the calculated harvest expenditure for such an increased utilisation is in most of the cases high above the present average proceeds for hardwood.
Prototyp eines waldbaulichen Informationssystems. Erste Erfahrungen im Forstbetrieb Bremgarten, Wohlen, Waltenschwil | Prototype of a silvicultural information system; first application results in forest enterprise Bremgarten, Wohlen, Waltenschwil (BBW)
Authors: Gehrig-Fasel Jacqueline , Bürgi Anton
Published: June 2007

In order to assess the usefulness of a computer based silvicultural information system, the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, developed and tested a prototype of such a system in collaboration with the forest enterprise Bremgarten (BWW). This work describes the prototype, built on a GIS-platform, and fed with a database which particularly takes small mixed stands into account. First results are interpreted with regard to the usefulness of such a system in practice.
111 années d'application de la méthode du contrôle à la forêt de Couvet | 111 years of application of the method of control in the community forest of Couvet
Authors: Favre Louis-André , Oberson Jean-Michel
Published: June 2007

Starting in 1890 Henry Biolley progressively introduced the method of control in forests which came under his administration. The first forest to be managed according to the method of control was the community forest of Couvet in Canton Neuchatel and it can therefore be seen as the cradle of selection cutting. The experimental character of the method of control is precisely the incentive managers need to opt in favour of selection cutting.

The consistency in application and the introduction of technical methods over an extended period of time lend great weight to the data collected in 17 inventories. As all data regarding variations of stock, composition of classes and species, as well as current increment, are entirely comparable they can be analysed and aid the search for a balanced state. Selection cutting is essentially an ongoing process.