bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ Responses to Children with Multiple Disabilities through a Program Including Microswitches Linked to a Vocal Output Device
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , O'Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Singh Nirbhay N. , Oliva Doretta , Baccani Simona
Published: June 2007

The present study introduced two children (a boy and a girl of 9.2 and 12.3 yr. of age, respectively, with multiple disabilities) to an intervention program for establishing Yes and No responses in relation to preferred and nonpreferred stimuli and assessed the acquisition and generalization of those responses. The program involved the use of microswitches, which monitored the nonverbal Yes and No responses performed by the children and ensured that these responses produced the matching verbal utterances via a vocal output device. Analysis showed children acquired Yes and No responses in relation to the stimuli used for the intervention and, to a comparable degree, to the stimuli used for generalization checks as well. An interview of 30 educational staff of a center for persons with multiple disabilities indicated that they considered the presence of Yes and No verbal utterances preferable to the absence of such utterances, and thought that the utterances could be helpful for the children's response acquisition and would be useful and pleasing for staff and parents. General implications of the findings were discussed.
Interval Endurance Capacity of Talented Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Visscher C. , Elferink-Gemser M. T. , Lemmink K. A. P. M.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study, in which 113 talented youth soccer players ( M = 16.0 yr., SD = 1.5), selected by their age and level of performance participated, was to investigate interval endurance capacity needed to play at the highest level of competition in the age-category 12 through 18. Multivariate analyses of covariance with factors of level of performance and age category showed that players ages 16 through 18 years outscored the players ages 12 through 15 years on the interval endurance capacity ( p <.05). In both age categories, elite players outscored less skilled players ( p <.05). In the age category 12–15 years, the elite players participated more in soccer training than less skilled players ( p <.05), whereas less skilled players participated more in additional training than the elite players ( p <.05). No differences were found for total training ( p >.05). In conclusion, development of the interval endurance capacity seems crucial for a talented youth soccer player to be successful.
Goal Orientation, Motivational Climate, and Dispositional Flow of High School Students Engaged in Extracurricular Physical Activity
Authors: Cervelló Eduardo M. , Villodre Nestor Alonso , Moreno Juan A. , Iglesias Damián
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of goal orientation, motivational climate, and dispositional flow in physical education lessons on extracurricular involvement in physical activity. Questionnaires were administered to 1,103 (792 athletes; 311 nonathletes) secondary school students ( M age= 14.3 yr., SD = 0.7). Analysis showed significant mean differences between groups on goal orientation and dispositional flow in physical education lessons, but none for perception of motivational climate. These findings suggest that dispositional variables are related to extracurricular involvement in physical activity.
English Soccer Teams' Aggressive Behavior When Playing Away from Home
Authors: Thomas Sion , Reeves Colin , Smith Andrew
Published: June 2007

Speculation about key factors affecting home advantage still exists. The present study investigated aggressive behavior amongst English Football Premiership (soccer) players and its relation to home advantage. The frequency of aggressive behaviour, identified by the award of a penalty or disciplinary card (yellow for caution or red for dismissal) was analysed over 2000–2003. Chi-square analyses assessed whether a greater frequency of aggressive behavior was performed by teams away from home. In decided matches, teams playing away received significantly more cautions (yellow cards) than home teams. A further analysis of tied matches indicated that away teams received significantly more cautions (yellow cards) than home teams. No significant differences between home and away teams were found for dismissals and penalties awarded. Reasons for these findings are considered.
Self-Awakening, Sleep Inertia, and P3 Amplitude in Elderly People
Authors: Kaida Kosuke , Ogawa Keiko , Nittono Hiroshi , Hayashi Mitsuo , Takahashi Masaya , Hori Tadao
Published: June 2007

It is well known that sleepiness is sometimes experienced in the afternoon. A short afternoon nap is thought to be effective in reducing sleepiness. However, sleep inertia occurs even after a short nap, and this could be a major risk factor for injuries from falling by the elderly. In the present study, the effect of self-awakening on sleep inertia after a 20-min. nap was examined. Nine participants ( M = 74.1 yr., SD = 5.0 yr.) took part in the three experimental conditions: the self-awakened nap, the forced-awakened nap, and the control (no-nap) conditon. Analysis showed sleepiness and performance after the nap significantly improved compared with the control condition. P3 amplitude tended to be larger after self-awakening than after forced-awakening. The present study indicates a 20-min. nap reduces afternoon sleepiness, and the application of self-awakening may contribute to higher arousal after a nap taken by this elderly group.
Directional Preferences in Turning Behavior of Girls and Boys
Authors: Güneş Emel , Nalçaci Erhan
Published: June 2007

Turning biases in humans and animals are known to be related to dopaminergic asymmetry between the brain hemispheres. A laboratory method, in which turning preference was evaluated, was adapted based upon the turning of the subject toward a particular sound in a square room. One of the aims of this study was to investigate the reliability of this method with children, and the other aim was to research the turning preference in boys and girls. 31 children between 7 and 13 yr. old volunteered as subjects, and 17 subjects were retested. The subjects tended significantly to turn leftward (60.1%), and fewer girls (53.7%) turned to the left than boys (66.2%). The correlation between the test and the retest was significant ( r = .79, p < .01). Most studies have indicated that humans in childhood and adulthood exhibit left-turning preference, but conflicts between the results obtained on different types of rotation tasks have suggested that hemispheric dopaminergic activity might affect preference. That needs study.
Study of Posed Emotion in Facial EMG Asymmetry
Authors: Zhou Renlai , Hu Senqi
Published: June 2007

37 subjects' facial electromyographic activity at the corrugator and zygomatic muscle regions were recorded while they were posing with happy and sad facial expressions. Analysis showed that the mean value of EMG activity at the left zygomatic muscle region was the highest, followed by the right zygomatic, left corrugator, and right corrugator muscle regions, while a happy facial expression was posed. The mean value of EMG activity at the left corrugator muscle region was the highest, followed by those for the right corrugator, left zygomatic, and right zygomatic muscle regions while a sad facial expression was posed. Further analysis indicated that the power of facial EMG activity on the left side of the face was stronger than on the right side of the face while posing both happy and sad expressions.
Physical Performance in Relation to Age, Sex, Birth Order, Social Class, and Sports Activities of Preschool Children
Authors: Krombholz Heinz
Published: June 2007

Physical performance of 1,194 preschool children, ages 43 to 84 mo. was related to characteristics of physical growth, cognitive performance, and social variables. Correlations between measures of physical growth and physical performance and between motor and cognitive performance were positive and significant. Physical fitness, body coordination, and manual dexterity improved across age groups. Significant sex differences were found, although boys exceeded on some measures and girls on others. Children with older sisters or brothers performed better than only or firstborn children, and children who participated in sports activities outside school outperformed those who did not.
Surface Location and Enclosure
Authors: Stamps Arthur E.
Published: June 2007

This research addressed the issue of whether impressions of enclosure were more strongly influenced by amount of view covered by vertical boundaries (H1) or the presence of a boundary overhead (H2). There were three studies with totals of 48 stimuli and 142 respondents. Stimuli were balconies, swamps, and space stations. Effect sizes were reported for variables of boundaries below, in front of, and at the observers' sides, as well as amount of view covered by any boundary regardless of location with respect to the observer. Judged enclosure correlated at r = .80 for amount of view covered by vertical boundaries and r = .42 with the presence or absence of boundaries overhead, indicating that enclosure is more strongly related to vertical rather than overhead boundaries (α < .001).
Comparison of Quantitative Analysis and Fractal Analysis of Center of Pressure Based on Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Noda Masahiro , Demura Shin-Ichi
Published: June 2007

To examine the influence of muscle fatigue on center of pressure displacement during quiet standing using quantitative and fractal analyses, 12 healthy young men and women did the exercise stress test on the triceps surae muscle until fatigued. Subjects were measured for body stability for 60 sec. before and after the exercise. Quantitative analysis showed that center-of-pressure parameters for distance, velocity, amplitude distribution, and mean vector length of sway in the anterior/posterior direction changed significantly after muscle fatigue but not on the periodic parameters. This result suggested that quantitative analysis may identify the effects of muscle fatigue on the parameters that show displacement in the anterior/posterior direction of center of pressure. Fractal analysis indicated the value of critical point coordinates increased after muscle fatigue. This analysis can clarify the fundamental postural control strategy and time-series characteristics of postural sway which cannot be identified by spectral analysis.
Four Classification Schemes of Adult Motivation: Current Views and Measures
Authors: Barbuto John E.
Published: June 2007

Classification of perspectives on motivation and recommendations for measurement are provided. Motivation is classified into four broad categories: content theories, process theories, decision-making theories, and sustained-effort theories— drawing from different theories and measures. Recommendations on measurement are developed for each classification scheme of motivation.
Do Mirror Neurons Explain Misattribution of Emotions in Music?
Authors: Gridley Mark C. , Hoff Robert
Published: June 2007

It is speculated that certain listeners' misattribution of anger in the music of avant garde jazz saxophonists could be explained by the activity of mirror neurons. There is a neurological basis for the human tendency to imitate what is perceived in another person. This may lead to an inference that whatever comparable activity would be required to achieve a similar condition in the imitator is the condition being experienced by the person being imitated.
Structure-Activity Approach in the Reactivation of Tabun-Phosphorylated Human Acetylcholinesterase with Bispyridinium para-Aldoximes
Authors: Kovarik Zrinka , Čalić Maja , Šinko Goran , Bosak Anita
Published: June 2007

Structure-Activity Approach in the Reactivation of Tabun-Phosphorylated Human Acetylcholinesterase with Bispyridinium para-Aldoximes

We investigated interactions of bispyridinium para-aldoximes N,N'-(propano)bis(4-hydroxyiminomethyl) pyridinium bromide (TMB-4), N,N'-(ethano)bis(4-hydroxyiminomethyl)pyridinium methanosulphonate (DMB-4), and N,N'-(methano)bis(4-hydroxyiminomethyl)pyridinium chloride (MMB-4) with human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase phosphorylated by tabun. We analysed aldoxime conformations to determine the flexibility of aldoxime as an important feature for binding to the acetylcholinesterase active site. Tabun-inhibited human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase was completely reactivated only by the most flexible bispyridinium aldoxime - TMB-4 with a propylene chain between two rings. Shorter linkers than propylene (methylene or ethylene) as in MMB-4 and DMB-4 did not allow appropriate orientation in the active site, and MMB-4 and DMB-4 were not efficient reactivators of tabun-phosphorylated acetylcholinesterase. Since aldoximes are also reversible inhibitors of native acetylcholinesterase, we determined dissociation constants and their protective index against acetylcholinesterase inactivation by tabun.
Ash From Thermal Power Plants as Secondary Raw Material
Authors: Čudić Vladica , Kisić Dragica , Stojiljković Dragoslava , Jovović Aleksandar
Published: June 2007

Ash From Thermal Power Plants as Secondary Raw Material

The basic characteristic of thermal power plants in the Republic of Serbia is that they use low-grade brown coal (lignite) as a fuel. Depending on the location of coal mines, lignite may have different properties such as heating value, moisture, and mineral content, resulting in different residue upon combustion. Because of several million tonnes of ash and slag generated every year, their granularmetric particle size distribution, and transport and disposal methods, these plants have a negative impact on the environment. According to the waste classification system in the Republic of Serbia, ash and slag from thermal power plants are classified as hazardous waste, but with an option of usability. The proposed revision of waste legislation in Serbia brings a number of simple and modern solutions. A procedure is introduced which allows for end-of-waste criteria to be set, clarifying the point where waste ceases to be waste, and thereby introducing regulatory relief for recycled products or materials that represent low risk for the environment. The new proposal refocuses waste legislation on the environmental impacts of the generation and management of waste, taking into account the life cycle of resources, and develops new waste prevention programmes. Stakeholders, as well as the general public, should have the opportunity to participate in the drawing up of the programmes, and should have access to them.
Potential Use of Environmental Isotopes in Pollutant Migration Studies
Authors: Miljević Nada , Golobočanin Dušan
Published: June 2007

Potential Use of Environmental Isotopes in Pollutant Migration Studies

This article presents the use of natural abundance stable isotope (hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine) analysis data as a tool for providing important information about the origin of contaminants, the contribution of different sources to a multi-source plume, characterisation of their complex transport (rate and mechanisms) and for evaluating the success of contaminated site remediation. Isotopic signatures of contaminants are useful tracers of their sources, while isotopic fractionation can be used to quantitatively assess the progress of an environmental process such as biodegradation. This new isotopic approach is reliable and can offer more information than traditional techniques in pollutant migration studies, particularly after waste disposal. During biological degradation of any organic compound, molecules containing lighter isotopes are degraded, and the portion of heavier isotopes in the substrate is increased, identifying specific microbial roles in biogeochemical cycling. Since isotopic fractionation is proportional to degradation, depending on the type of contamination, a microbial degradation of 50% to 99% of the initial concentration can be quantified using isotope ratio measurements.
Occupational Asthma in Subjects Occupationally Exposed to Herbal and Fruit Tea Dust
Authors: Minov Jordan , Karadžinska-Bislimovska Jovanka , Vasilevska Kristin , Risteska-Kuc Snžana , Stoleski Sašo
Published: June 2007

Occupational Asthma in Subjects Occupationally Exposed to Herbal and Fruit Tea Dust

We performed a cross-sectional study to detect occupational asthma (OA) in 63 subjects occupationally exposed to herbal and fruit tea dust and in 63 corresponding controls. The evaluation included a questionnaire, skin prick tests to workplace and common inhalant allergens, spirometry, and histamine challenge test. The evaluation of the work-relatedness of asthma in the exposed workers was based on serial peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurements and bronchoprovocation tests. We found a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the exposed workers, whereas spirometric parameters were significantly lower. The prevalence of sensitisation to allergens and of bronchial hyperresponsivenss (BHR) did not differ significantly between the groups. The prevalence of asthma was also similar in both groups (8.0 %vs. 6.4 %;P=0.540). Work-relatedness of symptoms was reported by all asthmatic tea workers and by no control with asthma. Significant work-related changes in PEFR diurnal variations and in non-specific BHR, suggesting allergic OA, were found in one tea worker with asthma (1.6 %). No specific workplace agent causing OA in the affected subject was identified. None of the tea workers with asthma met the criteria for medical case definition of the reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS). Our data confirm workplace exposure to herbal and fruit tea dust as a risk factor for OA.
Relationships among ciliated protozoa and water chemistry in small peat-bog reservoirs (Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland, Eastern Poland)
Authors: Mieczan Tomasz
Published: June 2007

The aims of this study were to identify the taxonomic and trophic diversity of planktonic ciliate communities occurring in small peat-bog reservoirs of various acidities (from about 3 to 6), and to assess the effects of chemical factors on them. Generally the highest numbers of ciliate taxa were recorded in high pH (>6) reservoirs, and the lowest in low pH (3.28-4.6) reservoirs. The mean numbers of planktonic ciliates in the high pH reservoirs were about three times higher than in the low pH reservoirs. However, the greatest biomass of ciliates occurred in low pH reservoirs.

The results suggest that pH, conductivity and total organic carbon (TOC) are more important than total phosphorus (Ptot) in the distribution of planktonic ciliates in peat-bog reservoirs. In the low pH peat-bog reservoirs, the biggest factor affecting ciliate distribution is the pH of the water, whilst in the higher pH reservoirs the role of organic matter becomes increasingly important with increasing pH.
Seasonal variations of dominant phytoplankton in humic forest lakes
Authors: Joniak Tomasz
Published: June 2007

This work presents the community composition, abundance and seasonal dominance of phytoplankton taxa in three hydrochemically different, mid-forest humic lakes. The largest number of taxa was observed in the oligohumic lake (76), with smaller numbers seen in the mesohumic (42) and polyhumic lakes (37), which were characterized by higher contents of dissolved humic substances carbon (DHSC). Along an increasing gradient of DHSC in a pool of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) the autotrophic algae were seen to disappear, being replaced by taxa with features of facultative heterotrophs and flagellated algae that are able to move in the water column.
Coastal lakes and marine intrusions on the southern Baltic coast
Authors: Drwal Jan , Cieśliński Roman
Published: June 2007

In particular branches of the Earth sciences the term
estuary
is used with various meanings. The term estuary is applied to objects that often differ from the original geographic meaning of the word. The phenomena that accompany them and processes that cause them are called also estuary phenomena and processes. The aim of the study is to describe, in a geographic context, the range in meaning of both the term and names of phenomena and processes derived from it. In the years 2002 - 2005, a survey of the distribution of chloride concentrations was conducted on five lakes characteristic of the southern Baltic coast: Jamno, Bukowo, Wicko, Kopań and Łebsko. It was observed that seawater intrusions into the coastal lakes only resembles those that occur in classic estuaries, though the results are similar to seawater intrusion processes. In the Polish section of the southern Baltic coast, coastal lakes are not the only places where these phenomena are observed. We suggest that all inland water bodies that are under the influence of marine intrusions should be called coastal waters, instead of the misleading term estuary.
Middle Meatus Bacteriology of Acute Rhinosinusitis in Patients after Irradiation of Nasopharynx
Authors: Huang Wei-Hsiung , Liu Chia-Ming , Chao Ting-Kuang , Hung Pei-Kai
Published: June 2007

Background

Patients who undergo radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tend to suffer from rhinosinusitis because irradiation causes damage to sinonasal tissue; however, their bacteriology is lacking in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriology and antibiotic resistance in acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) of these patients.

Methods

We collected nasal purulent discharge for bacteriology and antibiotic susceptibility tests in irradiated NPC patients with ARS. Middle meatus discharge was aspirated for culture with endoscopic assistance.

Results

A total of 33 episodes of ARS were documented in 25 patients. Staphylococcus aureus comprised 42% of all aerobes. Thirty-six percents of aerobic isolates were Gram-negative bacilli. Peptostreptococcus micros and Veillonella spp were the most frequently isolated anaerobes.

Conclusion

The bacteriology in irradiated NPC patients with ARS was distinctive in the following: first, the most common pathogen was S. aureus; second, frequently isolated Gram-negative bacilli and anaerobes; and third, polymicrobial infections. The β-lactamase–producing pathogens were highly prevalent.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients Receiving Anticoagulant or Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Sargi Zoukaa , Casiano Roy
Published: June 2007

Background

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) has not been studied in patients receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. Classifing this procedure into a bleeding risk category needs to be done to safely manage these therapies perioperatively.

Methods

Design: Retrospective case control study of prospectively collected data. Setting: Academic tertiary referral center. Patients: 42 patients receiving anticoagulant therapy who underwent an endoscopic sinus surgery between October 1997 and December 2005, compared to a control group of 42 patients matched for age and gender.

Results

The mean estimated blood loss (EBL) during surgery was slightly higher for the control group without reaching a statistically significant difference (p = 0.14). EBL was significantly higher when more sinuses were opened during surgery (p = 0.001). There was no reported major postoperative bleeding related to anticoagulation. All patients were able to resume their anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy after the surgery.

Conclusion

ESS is a safe procedure when performed in patients receiving anticoagulation or antiplatet therapy, and could be classified as a moderate bleeding risk surgery. Stopping the medication prior to the surgery is mandatory. However, anticoagulation could be resumed early postoperatively because it does not seen to increase the risk for bleeding. Perioperative bridging with heparin should only be dictated by the patient's condition, not by the procedure itself.
Residual Diplopia after Repair of Pure Orbital Blowout Fracture: The Importance of Extraocular Muscle Injury
Authors: Jin Hong-Ryul , Lee Hyun-Seok , Yeon Je-Yeob , Suh Myung-Whan
Published: June 2007

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of and possible risk factors for residual diplopia after surgical repair of pure blowout fracture (BOF) of the orbit.

Methods

Sixty-three patients with pure orbital BOFs who had preoperative symptomatic diplopia were investigated. In each patient, the relationship of residual diplopia and the following factors were analyzed: (1) timing of surgery, (2) presence of enophthalmos, (3) site of fracture, (4) type of fracture, (5) extraocular muscle swelling, and (6) surgical method.

Results

Fifty-five (87.3%) of 63 patients experienced improvement in diplopia and 8 (12.7%) patients had residual symptomatic diplopia after surgery. Of the six factors, only swelling of extraocular muscle on computed tomography (CT) scan was significant for the development of residual diplopia after surgery (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In pure BOF of the orbit, patients who have swelling of the extraocular muscles on CT scan are more likely to have residual postoperative diplopia.
Reversal of Chronic Rhinosinusitis-Associated Sinonasal Ciliary Dysfunction
Authors: Chen Bei , Antunes Marcelo B. , Claire Steven Eau , Palmer James N. , Chiu Alexander G. , Kennedy David W. , Cohen Noam A.
Published: June 2007

Background

Although multiple etiologies contribute to the development of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a common pathophysiological sequelae is ineffective sinonasal mucociliary clearance, leading to stasis of sinonasal secretions, with subsequent infection and/or persistent inflammation. Proper therapeutic intervention typically restores mucociliary activity, suggesting that the pathophysiological process(es) responsible for CRS-associated mucostasis may be reversible. We previously demonstrated a blunted response of CRS sinonasal cilia after purinergic stimulation. This study investigated whether the blunted ciliary response is unique to purinergic stimulation and addressed whether the blunted effect is primarily caused by local CRS-associated mediators or inherent genetic defects in ciliary function.

Methods

A dual temperature-controlled perfusion chamber, differential interference contrast microscopy, and high-speed digital video were used to analyze both basal as well as cholinergic, adrenergic, and purinergic stimulation of cilia in human sinonasal mucosal explants. Additionally, enzymically dissociated sinonasal ciliated cells were maintained ex vivo in submersion, on glass coverslips, and assessed daily for purinergic ciliary beat frequency stimulation.

Results

Cholinergic and adrenergic stimulation generally were blunted in mucosal explants obtained from CRS patients. Ex vivo maintenance of samples demonstrated that the majority of CRS samples developed a stimulatory phenotype within 36 hours of culturing.

Conclusion

CRS is a common debilitating disease principally affecting sinonasal epithelial function with a resultant diminution of mucociliary transport. Presently, little is known about how this disease process affects the sinonasal epithelial ciliated cells. Our data suggest that ciliary response to environmental insults is blunted in a reversible manner in CRS patients.
Endoscopic Endonasal Study of the Internal Carotid Artery Course and Variations
Authors: Herzallah Islam R. , Casiano Roy R.
Published: June 2007

Background

With the advance in endoscopic sinus surgery, more procedures are being performed to address challenging lesions and, of particular concern, those around the internal carotid artery (ICA). Despite the current progress in the understanding of endoscopic paranasal sinus anatomy, little information is available about the course and variations of the closely related ICA as seen endoscopically. In this study, we show an endoscopic analysis of the ICA course in a series of advanced endoscopic dissections

Methods

Ten cadaver heads (20 sides) have been endoscopically dissected. Using an extended approach, a wide sphenoidotomy has been performed as far laterally as the pterygoid base. The latter also has been drilled posteriorly and the ICA was fully exposed from its petrous part up to its termination below the anterior perforated substance of the brain. High-quality endoscopic pictures were produced by coupling the video images with a digital recording system.

Results

The ICA course, landmarks, and segments have been defined and analyzed. The ICA was found to have a variable course that was well appreciated using the multiangled, magnified endoscopic view. The importance of such variation was established in relation to the nearby anatomic structures as well as possible lesions involving this area.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide the endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeon with a better understanding of the endoscopic course and variations of the ICA. In experienced hands, such endoscopic orientation should allow safer as well as more effective management of closely related lesions.
Endoscopic Septoplasty: Revisitation of the Technique, Indications, and Outcomes
Authors: Chung Brian J. , Batra Pete S. , Citardi Martin J. , Lanza Donald C.
Published: June 2007

Background

Septoplasty is a well-described surgical technique for management of nasal airway obstruction (NAO) and improved access for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The advances in endoscopic techniques have facilitated endoscopic septoplasty (ES). The purpose of this study was to review the surgical technique, indications, and outcomes for ES.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients undergoing ES between 1998 and 2005 at a tertiary care medical center. Demographic data, operative indications, adjunctive procedures, symptom outcome, and complications were recorded.

Results

One hundred sixteen patients with a mean age of 47 years were identified. The male/female ratio was 1.2:1 and mean follow-up period was 13 months. Indications for ES included NAO (64.6%), access (34.5%), and facial pain (0.9%). The most common concomitant diagnoses included chronic rhinosinusitis (67.2%), allergic rhinitis (55.2%), sinonasal polyposis (34.5%), and turbinate hypertrophy (25.9%). Concomitant procedures performed included ESS (81.9%), turbinate reduction (44.8%), and rhinoplasty (4.3%). Among patients who underwent primary ES for NAO, 70% achieved resolution and 20% reported improvement of their nasal obstruction. Complications included transient dental pain/hypesthesia (4.3%), asymptomatic septal perforation (3.4%), synechiae formation (2.6%), epistaxis (0.9%), and septal hematoma (0.9%). Complication rates were similar for ES alone versus ES in conjunction with ESS.

Conclusion

ES represents a viable alternative to traditional headlight septoplasty with acceptable outcomes and complications. ES allows for enhanced visualization of the septal deviation with more focused flap dissection and resection of the offending cartilage and bone. Furthermore, the technique facilitates teaching endeavors through use of video monitors.
Bayesian Methods for Scalable Multivariate Value-Added Assessment
Authors: Lockwood J. R. , McCaffrey Daniel F. , Mariano Louis T. , Setodji Claude
Published: June 2007

There is increased interest in value-added models relying on longitudinal student-level test score data to isolate teachers’ contributions to student achievement. The complex linkage of students to teachers as students progress through grades poses both substantive and computational challenges. This article introduces a multivariate Bayesian formulation of the longitudinal model developed by McCaffrey, Lockwood, Koretz, Louis, and Hamilton (2004) that explicitly parameterizes the long-term effects of past teachers on student outcomes in future years and shows how the Bayesian approach makes estimation feasible even for large data sets. The article presents empirical results using reading and mathematics achievement data from a large urban school district, providing estimates of teacher effect persistence and examining how different assumptions about persistence impact estimated teacher effects. It also examines the impacts of alternative methods of accounting for missing teacher links and of joint versus marginal modeling of reading and mathematics.
La forêt de houx des Follatères | The Holly Forest of «Follatères»
Authors: Béguin Claude
Published: June 2007

We analyse the appearance, development and dynamics of a new holly forest covering an area of more than 2000 m2 using phytosociological and ecological methods. The observed local change of vegetation, especially during the second half of the 20th century, within the limits of the recolonization of a former pasture area is seen as a sign of climatic change.
Les intérêts des différents acteurs dans la gestion des ressources naturelles forestières. Etude de cas dans la région de Beforona, est de Madagascar | The different interests in the use of natural forest resources. Case study in the Beforona region in eastern Madagascar
Authors: Fara Lala Razafy
Published: June 2007

A number of different actors have interests in the management of natural forest resources in Madagascar. Our study sheds light on the temporal and spatial dynamism of the forest canopy along a sloping basin in the Beforona region by analysing the interests of the different parties. On the one hand, the aim of the farmers is to assure their survival by adopting simple crop rotation techniques in order to deplete forest resources as little as possible. On the other hand, the aims of the different actors are complementary in that they have a common interest: to reduce to a minimum the loss of natural forest and to improve the farmers' quality of life. Actors work within their own sectors according to their own capabilities without giving too much regard to the activities of others. Co-ordination of activities and a coherent exploitation is therefore lacking, and this leads to an extension of felling activity.
Information Search and Retrieval
Authors: Culbertson Michael
Published: June 2007

The communication of information is essential for any discipline. Scholars and practitioners cannot work in isolation; a free flow of ideas is vitally important to the practice of a profession or discipline. Electrical engineering and electronics are no exception.

This article will concentrate on how information is transmitted through the formal media in electrical engineering, and allied subjects, and how such information is retrieved. Both print and electronic media will be considered.

Introduction

Forms of Communication in Electrical Engineering

Bibliographic Tools

Document Retrieval
The Large Electrochemical Capacitance of Microporous Doped Carbon Obtained by Using a Zeolite Template
Authors: Ania C. O. , Khomenko V. , Raymundo‐Piñero E. , Parra J. B. , Béguin F.
Published: June 2007

A novel microporous templated carbon material doped with nitrogen is synthesized by using a two‐step nanocasting process using acrylonitrile (AN) and propylene as precursors, and Na–Y zeolite as a scaffold. Liquid‐phase impregnation and in situ polymerization of the nitrogenated precursor inside the nanochannels of the inorganic scaffold, followed by gas‐phase impregnation with propylene, enables pore‐size control and functionality tuning of the resulting carbon material. The material thereby obtained has a narrow pore‐size distribution (PSD), within the micropore range, and a large amount of heteroatoms (i.e., oxygen and nitrogen). In addition, the carbon material inherits the ordered structure of the inorganic host. Such features simultaneously present in the carbon result in it being ideal for use as an electrode in a supercapacitor. Although presenting a moderately developed specific surface area (SBET = 1680 m2 g–1), the templated carbon material displays a large gravimetric capacitance (340 F g–1) in aqueous media because of the combined electrochemical activity of the heteroatoms and the accessible porosity. This material can operate at 1.2 V in an aqueous medium with good cycleability—‐beyond 10 000 cycles—and is extremely promising for use in the development of high‐energy‐density supercapacitors.
Exploring candidate gene associations with neuropsychological performance
Authors: McQueen Matthew B. , Bertram Lars , Lange Christoph , Becker K.D. , Albert Marilyn S. , Tanzi Rudolph E. , Blacker Deborah
Published: June 2007

We hypothesize that quantitative phenotypes related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), rather than the dichotomous disease phenotype, will increase the statistical power for identifying genetic risk factors. Neuropsychological test scores, which allow for the measurement of loss of cognitive function over time, are a particularly promising option for this approach. Using data from a cohort study of prodromal AD in 365 community‐recruited subjects with and without memory problems with a baseline and often one or more follow‐up administrations of a detailed neuropsychological test battery, we performed both cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses using the known AD gene APOE and four other putative AD genes as predictors. APOE and a promoter polymorphism in insulin degrading enzyme (IDE_4U) showed evidence for association with cross‐sectional and longitudinal changes in memory (P = 0.016–0.025) and other cognitive functions. APOE and a polymorphism in the alpha‐2‐macroglobulin gene (A2M18i) also showed evidence for association with cross‐sectional and longitudinal changes in executive functioning (P = 0.010–0.042). In some cases, longitudinal analysis offered stronger evidence for association than could be seen cross‐sectionally. These preliminary results suggest that this approach has promised the development of a quantitative phenotype related to AD, but more elaborate methods will be required to address multiple comparisons issues in the setting of correlated data. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cure behavior of epoxy resin containing castor oil and cashew nut shell liquid and its derivative
Authors: Mathew G. , Rhee J. M. , Hwang B. S. , Nah C.
Published: June 2007

The cure behavior of epoxy resin with a conventional amide‐type hardener (HD) was investigated in the presence of castor oil (CO), cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), and cashew nut shell liquid–formaldehyde resin (CFR) with dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The activation energy of the curing reaction was also calculated on the basis of nonisothermal DSC thermograms at various heating rates. A one‐stage curing was noted in the case of epoxy resin filled with CO, whereas the epoxy resin with CNSL and CFR showed a two‐stage curing process. A competitive cure reaction was noted for the epoxy resin/CNSL(or CFR)/HD blends. In the absence of HD, CFR showed lower values of curing enthalpy than that of CNSL. The activation energy of epoxy resin curing increased with increasing CNSL and CFR loading. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
SEM study of the morphologic change of high‐density polyethylene surface grafted with glycidyl methacrylate
Authors: Li Zhirong , Wang Huiliang
Published: June 2007

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of the morphologic change of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) surface grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was reported. Radiation‐induced grafting of GMA onto HDPE was carried out in acetone and dichloromethane solution, respectively. The effects of irradiation dose, atmosphere, and swelling time on grafting were investigated. Generally, the extent of grafting increased with irradiation dose, but for the grafting carried out in acetone solution, the extent of grafting initially increased with irradiation dose and then remained almost constant. The extent of grafting was higher in acetone solution than in dichloromethane solution at the same irradiation dose. The extent of grafting in nitrogen was higher than that in air. The successful grafting of GMA onto HDPE was confirmed by weighing and FTIR analysis. SEM investigations showed that the morphologies of the PE samples grafted in acetone solution were quite different to those grafted in dichloromethane. The grafting of GMA carried out in acetone was mainly on HDPE surface and that carried out in dichloromethane was mainly in the bulk of HDPE. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Thermal and kinetic properties of poly(lactic acid) and transglutaminase‐crosslinked wheat gluten blends
Authors: Mohamed Abdellatif A. , Xu Jingyuan
Published: June 2007

Wheat gluten (10 g) was crosslinked (XL) using 10 units of transglutaminase. Different blends of XL gluten and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were mixed in a Brabender mixer at 180°C for 10 min. Neat PLA and blends were analyzed using modulated DSC (MDSC). Neat PLA displayed a glass transition (Tg) and exothermic (Cry) followed by endothermic (Mel) transitions. The profile showed a Tg of 0.46 J/g/°C, Cry with 29.9 J/g, whereas Mel exhibited 28.7 J/g. XL wheat gluten displayed one Tg with 0.45 J/g/°C. Samples were subjected to repeated heating and cooling cycles to show the level of compatibility between the two polymers. The activation energy (Ea) and pre‐exponential factor (Z) were determined according to Borchardt and Daniels (B/D) kinetics approach. The blends showed increased Ea values with an increase in the amount of XL gluten. In the presence of 5 and 20% XL gluten, the Ea of PLA increased from 150 to 200 kJ/mol, respectively. A higher number of cycles caused an increase in Ea. The Tg temperature of different PLA/XL gluten blends can be predicted by Gordon–Taylor equation and its modified forms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Atom transfer radical polymerizations of methyl methacrylate and styrene with an iniferter reagent as the initiator
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Xiulin , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Jian
Published: June 2007

Three novel iniferter reagents were synthesized and used as initiators for the polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (St) in the presence of copper(I) bromide and N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine at 90 and 115°C, respectively. All the polymerizations were well controlled, with a linear increase in the number‐average molecular weights during increased monomer conversions and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions (weight‐average molecular weight/number‐average molecular weight ≤ 1.36) throughout the polymerization processes. The polymerization rate of MMA was faster in bulk than that in solution and was influenced by the different polarities of the solvents. A slight change in the chemical structures of the initiators had no obvious effect on the polymerization rates of MMA and St. The initiator efficiency toward MMA was lower than that toward St. The results of 1H‐NMR, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrum analysis, and chain‐extension experiments demonstrated that well‐defined poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene bearing photolabile groups could be obtained via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with three iniferter reagents as initiators. The polymerization mechanism for this novel initiation system was a common ATRP process. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Fabrication and electrical characterization of electrospun polyacrylonitrile‐derived carbon nanofibers
Authors: Agend Farima , Naderi Nader , Fareghi‐Alamdari Reza
Published: June 2007

Carbon nanofibers were produced from a polyacrylonitrile/N,N‐dimethylformamide precursor solution by an electrospinning process and later pyrolysis at temperatures ranging from 500 to 1100°C in an N2 atmosphere for about 1 h. The morphological structure of the nanofibers was studied with scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy images of carbonized polyacrylonitrile nanofibers without a gold coating showed that the carbonized polyacrylonitrile nanofibers possessed electrical properties. The thermal behavior of the nanofibers was studied with thermogravimetric analysis. An indirect four‐point‐probe method was used for the measurement of the conductivity of nanofiber mats. The conductivity increased sharply with the pyrolysis temperature. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Properties of montmorillonite‐containing natural rubber
Authors: Jurkowska B. , Jurkowski B. , Oczkowski M. , Pesetskii S. S. , Koval V. , Olkhov Y. A.
Published: June 2007

A melt compounding process was used to prepare hybrid nanocomposites based on natural rubber (NR) and montmorillonite (MMT) modified with octadecylamine. Cured rubber was subjected to complex testing. Most likely modified MMT participates in physical networking of a low‐temperature topological region (soft amorphous fraction) of NR networked by low energy junctions. There was a significant difference between behavior of NR containing modified and neat montmorillonite and also those measured at low strain (5–50%) and above 150–170%. Because of this, to optimize compounding process of nanocomposite it is necessary to apply properties those determined under conditions as much as possible close to the usage conditions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
The search experience variable in information behavior research
Authors: Erdelez Joi L. Moore, Sanda , He Wu
Published: June 2007

A conceptually relaxed utilization of the variable “search experience” makes it difficult for researchers to perform meaningful cross‐study comparisons. The purpose of this study was to examine how search experience is defined and measured when used as a research variable. We implemented a qualitative analysis of 32 library and information science (LIS) research articles. We found that there was inconsistent terminology usage and measurements. Specifically, there were 21 unique labels to describe the search experience and 18 different measurements. The majority of the studies used a generic label “search experience” and relied on the reader to grasp specific context of the electronic information retrieval environment to which the variable applies from the description of the overall research design. In addition, there was a strong preference for measures that represented subjective self‐reporting about the level of exposure to some information retrieval system. It is evident that there is a need for articles to contain detailed definitions of search experience variables for readers to truly understand the findings.
High school students' Information seeking and use for class projects
Authors: Chung Jin Soo , Neuman Delia
Published: June 2007

This study details the activities and strategies that 11th grade students with high academic abilities used during their information seeking and use to complete class projects in a Persuasive Speech class. The study took place in a suburban high school in Maryland, and participants included 21 junior honors students, their teacher, and their library media specialist. Each student produced a 5–7‐minute speech on a self‐chosen topic. Conducted in the framework of qualitative research in a constructivist paradigm (E.G. Guba, & Y.S. Lincoln, 1998), the study used data collected from observations, individual interviews, and documents students produced for their projects—concept maps, paragraphs, outlines, and research journals. Interview and observation data were analyzed using the constant comparative method (B. Glaser & A. Strauss, 1967) with the help of QSR NVivo 2 (QSR International Pty Ltd, 2002); students' documents were analyzed manually. The findings show that students' understanding, strategies, and activities during information seeking and use were interactive and serendipitous and that students learned about their topics as they searched. The research suggests that high school honors students in an information‐rich environment are especially confident with learning tasks requiring an exploratory mode of learning.