bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Níveis de cálcio e granulometrias do calcário para frangas de reposição no período de 3 a 5 semanas de idade
Authors: Geraldo Adriano , Bertechini Antônio Gilberto , Murgas Luís David Solis , Fassani Édison José , Kato Reinaldo Kanji , Brito Jerônimo Ávito Gonçalves de
Published: September 2010

Realizou-se este experimento com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos dos níveis nutricionais de cálcio e granulometrias do calcário em rações de frangas de reposição sobre o desenvolvimento corporal e morfométrico do trato digestório. Foram utilizadas 1400 frangas de reposição da linhagem Lohmann LSL, empregando-se um DIC em esquema fatorial 5x2 (níveis de cálcio e granulometrias do calcário), com 5 repetições e 28 aves por parcela, no período de 3 a 5 semanas de idade. As dietas experimentais foram à base de milho e farelo de soja suplementada com minerais, vitaminas e fitase (500 FTU/kg), sendo isonutrientes, tendo como fonte de fósforo o fosfato monoamônio e balanceadas de acordo com o Manual da linhagem (LOHMANN, 1999). Utilizou-se o calcário em granulometrias fina (DGM = 0,135 mm) e grossa (DGM = 0,899 mm) para atender os níveis de 0,60; 0,75; 0,90; 1,05 e 1,20% de cálcio total na dieta. Avaliaram-se o desempenho no período de 3 a 5 semanas, a morfometria do trato digestório e os teores de cinzas e minerais na tíbia de aves de cada parcela abatida na 5ª semana de idade. Não houve diferenças significativas no ganho de peso, consumo de ração e comprimento do metatarso. A conversão alimentar apresentou interação para níveis de cálcio e granulometria do calcário, sendo observado efeito quadrático dos níveis de cálcio dentro da granulometria grossa, com melhor conversão observada no nível de 0,96% de Ca. Dentro do nível 0,90% de Ca, a granulometria grossa apresentou melhor conversão. As aves que receberam a granulometria de 0,899 mm do calcário apresentaram menor comprimento do intestino delgado (cm/kg PV) e porcentagem de trato digestório. Obteve-se efeito quadrático dos níveis de cálcio sobre o teor de cinzas na tíbia, sendo o teor máximo de cinzas observado no nível de 0,93% de Ca. A granulometria grossa do calcário proporcionou também um maior teor de fósforo na tíbia, não observando diferenças sobre os teores de cálcio.
Exame clínico objetivo estruturado (ECOE): uma experiência de ensino por meio de simulação do atendimento farmacêutico
Authors: Galato Dayani , Alano Graziela Modolon , França Tainã Formentin , Vieira Ana Cristina
Published: September 2010

A simulação de atendimento farmacêutico tem por finalidade avaliar as competências clínicas dos acadêmicos. Constitui uma ferramenta pedagógica que possui três etapas: a) preparação do cenário e dos casos; b) simulação; e c) avaliação. Os casos simulados consistem de informações essenciais que são fornecidas espontaneamente ao acadêmico no início da simulação e outras complementares, que somente tornar-se-ão conhecidas se forem investigadas. Toda a simulação de atendimento é filmada, o que permite a análise da comunicação. O processo de avaliação é iniciado com a leitura do caso, a análise do vídeo e a aplicação do instrumento desenvolvido. O ECOE possibilita ao acadêmico uma oportunidade de melhorar as suas habilidades e atitudes na prestação do atendimento farmacêutico, além de aprofundar os conhecimentos a respeito das situações simuladas.
Multiple Applications of Reduced-Rate Herbicides for Weed Control in Onion
Authors: Loken James R. , Hatterman-Valenti Harlene M.
Published: September 2010

Field experiments were conducted at Oakes, Absaraka, and Tappen, ND, in 2006 and repeated at Oakes and Absaraka, ND, in 2007 to evaluate early season weed control of common lambsquarters and redroot pigweed in onion with POST herbicides applied at multiple reduced rates (microrates) and to determine whether microrate herbicide treatments effectively reduced early season broadleaf weed competition, caused crop injury, or affected yield. Application rates of bromoxynil, oxyfluorfen, metribuzin, and acifluorfen were reduced to 0.25, 0.13, and 0.06× of their lowest labeled rate and applied in sequential applications (every 7 d) either two or three times. The 0.25× rate of bromoxynil (70.1 g ae/ha) provided the greatest control of common lambsquarters (95%). The 0.25× rates of bromoxynil and oxyfluorfen (70.1 g ai/ha) provided the greatest control of redroot pigweed (93 and 85%, respectively). Microrate applications of metribuzin or acifluorfen did not effectively control common lambsquarters or redroot pigweed. In 2006, no onion injury was observed. However, in 2007, applications of oxyfluorfen resulted in approximately 15% injury, regardless of the herbicide rate or the number of applications. Plants outgrew symptoms by 4 wk after treatment and were similar to the untreated plants. Onion treated with oxyfluorfen had the greatest total yield, followed by onion treated with bromoxynil. Onion treated with acifluorfen had a greater total marketable bulb yield than onion treated with metribuzin, but yield was considered poor compared to the other herbicide treatments. Three microrate applications provided greater weed control and increased yield compared with two applications across herbicides and rates. Results suggest that microrate applications of bromoxynil and oxyfluorfen will provide early season broadleaf weed control in onion.
Weed Control and Yield Comparisons of Twin- and Single-Row Glyphosate-Resistant Cotton Production Systems
Authors: Reddy Krishna N. , Boykin J. Clif
Published: September 2010

A 2-yr field study was conducted during 2007 and 2008 at Stoneville, MS, to determine the effect of twin-row (two rows 38 cm apart on 102-cm beds) and single-row (on 102-cm beds) patterns and glyphosate POST applications with and without fluometuron + S-metolachlor PRE on cotton canopy closure, weed control, and lint yield in two cultivars (‘DP117B2RF’, early maturity, hairy leaf; ‘DP164B2RF’, mid to full maturity, smooth leaf) under an irrigated environment. The experiment was conducted in a split–split plot arrangement of treatments in a randomized complete block design with row pattern as the main plot, cultivars as the subplot, and herbicide programs as the subsubplot. Cotton canopy closed 2 wk earlier in the twin-row pattern compared to the single-row pattern. Canopy closure was unaffected by cultivars and herbicide programs. Control of nine predominant weeds was sufficient (≥ 95%) to support cotton production. Total weed dry biomass was reduced by 35% in twin rows compared to the single-row pattern, 15% in DP117B2RF compared to DP164B2RF cultivar, and ≥ 97% with glyphosate early POST (EPOST), EPOST followed by (fb) mid-season POST (MPOST), EPOST fb MPOST fb late POST (LPOST) following PRE herbicides or three applications of glyphosate POST only without PRE herbicides compared to no herbicide. Cotton grown in twin-row pattern produced 6% higher lint yield than single-row cotton. Cultivar DP117B2RF produced 23% higher lint yield than cultivar DP164B2RF. Lint yields were higher with glyphosate EPOST fb MPOST, EPOST fb MPOST fb LPOST following PRE herbicides or three applications of glyphosate POST only without PRE herbicides (1,210 to 1,230 kg/ha) compared to glyphosate EPOST following PRE herbicides (1,130 kg/ha). These results demonstrated that cotton grown in twin-rows closed canopy early and produced higher lint yields than cotton grown in single-rows.
Novel cement systems (sustainability). Session 2 of the Fred Glasser Cement Science Symposium
Authors: Sharp J.H. , Gartner E.M. , Macphee D.E.
Published: September 2010

The significant and persistent demand for concrete in meeting modern infrastructure requirements, particularly in developing economies, presents an increasing challenge to the global community. Portland cement is an important constituent of constructional concrete but its production emits about 0·8 t of carbon dioxide per tonne and Portland cement must now be considered together with alternative binders if environmental impacts of construction are to be reduced. The present paper addresses this sustainability issue and places the current position, in which Portland cements are commonly blended with supplementary cementitious materials, into context with binders that are emerging as candidates for more radical chemistry changes, the details of which are also presented.
Thermodynamic modelling: state of knowledge and challenges
Authors: Lothenbach B. , Damidot D. , Matschei T. , Marchand J.
Published: September 2010

Over recent decades, understanding of the fundamental aspects of the chemistry of cement has advanced. Many of the leading-edge contributions on the subject were either authored by Professor Glasser and his colleagues or heavily inspired by their work. In the present paper, the limits and recent evolutions of thermodynamic models applied to cement systems are briefly presented, and their current limitations and future challenges are discussed. A number of examples illustrate how such models can be used to predict the influence of different factors such as cement composition, hydration, relative humidity or temperature on the composition and the properties of a hydrated cementitious system. The combination of chemical and transport models makes it possible to calculate the interactions of cementitious systems with the environment. However, precipitation and dissolution processes can be slow so that thermodynamic equilibrium may not always be reached, particularly during the first stages of the hydration process. This is why an approach that couples thermodynamics and kinetics could provide useful information. The introduction of kinetics would not only help understanding of the intricate influence of various factors, such as solution concentrations, on the hydration of cement but it would also provide the theoretical basis for the development of fully coupled thermo-poro-mechanical models for the prediction of the volume stability of cement systems exposed to chemically aggressive environments.
Strengthening masonry infill walls with reinforced plaster
Authors: Altın S. , Anıl Ö. , Kopraman Y. , Belgin Ç.
Published: September 2010

One technique for strengthening masonry infill walls against seismic lateral forces permitted by the Turkish Seismic Code is to add a plaster layer with mesh reinforcement to one face of the wall. The study described in this paper was performed to test and analyse the effectiveness of this technique for lateral loads. In the experimental study five specimens were constructed and tested under cyclic loads. Although the inclusion of the mesh-reinforced plaster layer increased the lateral strength and stiffness of the test specimen 44 and 127%, respectively, one specimen failed prematurely because of insufficient bonding of the dowel reinforcements that were used for transfer shear loads from the frame to the plaster. Direct anchoring of the mesh reinforcement to the reinforced concrete frame instead of using dowel reinforcements in the plaster layer provided a significant improvement in the lateral strength and behaviour of the test specimens. Two alternative layers of materials such as high-strength plaster and shotcrete for improving the strength were used instead of plaster. The most successful lateral performance was obtained from the specimen in which a mesh-reinforced high-strength plaster layer was used. The lateral load-carrying capacity and stiffness of this specimen were increased up to 150 and 250%, respectively.
Briefing: Energy and the built environment
Authors: Rydin Y. , Thomas S. , Beddington J.
Published: September 2010

This briefing outlines the results of an initiative to explore how the UK built environment could evolve to help manage a transition to secure, sustainable, low-carbon energy systems that meet the needs of society, the requirements of the economy and the expectations of individuals.
A method for detecting undervalued resources with application to breeding birds
Authors: Shustack Daniel P. , Rodewald Amanda D.
Published: September 2010

Anthropogenic changes to ecosystems can decouple habitat selection and quality, a phenomenon well illustrated by ecological traps in which individuals mistakenly prefer low‐quality habitats. Less recognized is the possibility that individuals might fail to select high‐quality habitat because of the absence of some appropriate cue. This incorrect assessment of resource quality can lead to relatively high‐quality resources being undervalued, whereby they support fewer individuals than optimal. We developed a habitat selection model to predict the expected patterns in patch‐level density, fitness, and individual quality derived from either accurate assessment of habitat quality or from undervaluing of habitat patches (i.e., quality is not correctly assessed). Unlike previous habitat selection models, we explicitly and simultaneously incorporated variation in both individual and habitat quality into our estimates of realized fitness. Although multiple mechanisms can reduce patch‐average density, fitness, and individual quality in less preferred patches, only undervaluation results in the occupation of higher‐quality territories by similar‐quality individuals in less preferred vs. preferred patches. We then looked for evidence of undervaluation in our seven‐year data set of Acadian Flycatchers (Empidonax virescens) occupying forests in urbanizing landscapes in Ohio, USA. We suspected that forests within more urban landscapes may be undervalued in our study system because (1) urban forests typically support lower densities of Neotropical migratory birds than rural forests and (2) anthropogenic disturbance and habitat alterations are likely to result in mismatches between cues typically used in habitat selection and actual habitat quality. In contrast to our predictions, field data suggest that urban forests are not undervalued. Our work not only expands upon previous habitat selection models by considering undervaluation, but also demonstrates how predictions derived from our model can be tested using a long‐term empirical data set.
Agricultural legacy, climate, and soil influence the restoration and carbon potential of woody regrowth in Australia
Authors: Dwyer John M. , Fensham Rod J. , Buckley Yvonne M.
Published: September 2010

Opportunities for dual restoration and carbon benefits from naturally regenerating woody ecosystems in agricultural landscapes have been highlighted recently. The restoration capacity of woody ecosystems depends on the magnitude and duration of ecosystem modification, i.e., the “agricultural legacy.” However, this legacy may not influence carbon sequestration in the same way as restoration because carbon potential depends primarily on biomass accumulation, with little consideration of other attributes and functions of the ecosystem. Our present study simultaneously assesses the restoration and carbon potential of Acacia harpophylla regrowth, an extensive regrowth ecosystem in northeastern Australia. We used a landscape‐scale survey of A. harpophylla regrowth to test the following hypotheses: (1) management history, in combination with climatic and edaphic factors, has long‐term effects on stem densities, and (2) higher‐density stands have lower restoration and carbon potential, which is also influenced by climatic and edaphic factors. We focused on the restoration of forest structure, which was characterized using stem density, aboveground biomass, stem heights, and stem diameters. Data were analyzed using multilevel models within the hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM) framework. We found strong support for both hypotheses. Repeated attempts at clearing Brigalow (A. harpophylla ecosystem) regrowth increases stem densities, and these densities remain high over the long term, particularly in high‐rainfall areas and on gilgaied, high‐clay soils (hypothesis 1). In models testing hypothesis 2, interactions between stem density and stand age indicate that higher‐density stands have slower biomass accumulation and structural development in the long term. After accounting for stem density and stand age, annual rainfall had a positive effect on biomass accumulation and structural development. Other climate and soil variables were retained in the various models but had weaker effects. Spatial extrapolations of the HBMs indicated that the central and eastern parts of the study region are most suitable for biomass accumulation; however, these may not correspond to the areas that historically supported the highest biomass Brigalow forests. We conclude that carbon and restoration goals are largely congruent within areas of similar climate. At the regional scale, however, spatial prioritization of restoration and carbon projects may only be aligned where carbon benefits will be high.
Public Health Professionals as Policy Entrepreneurs: Arkansas's Childhood Obesity Policy Experience
Authors: Craig Rebekah L. , Felix Holly C. , Walker Jada F. , Phillips Martha M.
Published: September 2010

In response to a nationwide rise in obesity, several states have passed legislation to improve school health environments. Among these was Arkansas's Act 1220 of 2003, the most comprehensive school-based childhood obesity legislation at that time.

We used the Multiple Streams Framework to analyze factors that brought childhood obesity to the forefront of the Arkansas legislative agenda and resulted in the passage of Act 1220. When 3 streams (problem, policy, and political) are combined, a policy window is opened and policy entrepreneurs may advance their goals. We documented factors that produced a policy window and allowed entrepreneurs to enact comprehensive legislation.

This historical analysis and the Multiple Streams Framework may serve as a roadmap for leaders seeking to influence health policy.
An Analysis of Public Health Policy and Legal Issues Relevant to Mobile Food Vending
Authors: Tester June M. , Stevens Stephanie A. , Yen Irene H. , Laraia Barbara L.
Published: September 2010

Mobile food vending is a component of the food environment that has received little attention in the public health literature beyond concerns about food sanitation and hygiene issues. However, several features of mobile food vending make it an intriguing venue for food access.

We present key components of mobile vending regulation and provide examples from 12 US cities to illustrate the variation that can exist surrounding these regulations.

Using these regulatory features as a framework, we highlight existing examples of “healthy vending policies” to describe how mobile food vending can be used to increase access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.
Exploring runoff processes using chemical, isotopic and hydrometric data in a discontinuous permafrost catchment
Authors: Boucher Jessica L. , Carey Sean K.
Published: September 2010

Hydrometric, isotopic and hydrochemical data were used to investigate runoff generation in a discontinuous permafrost headwater catchment. Research was undertaken between 10 April and 8 July 2008 within Granger Basin, a 7.6 km2 sub-catchment of the Wolf Creek Research Basin, Yukon Territory, Canada. The objectives of this research were to utilize hydrometric, stable isotope and hydrochemical methods to: (i) establish water balance components and (ii) couple water balance information with stable isotope and hydrochemical information to provide an enhanced understanding of runoff sources and pathways. The water balance components were snowmelt (152 mm), precipitation (68 mm), evaporation (88 mm), discharge (173 mm) and change in storage (−41 mm). The runoff ratio was high compared with previous years in this catchment. Using two-component hydrograph separation, pre-event water represented ∼73% of total discharge during freshet. End-member mixing diagrams suggested three contributing sources to streamflow in the following order: groundwater, soil water and snowmelt water. Concentration versus discharge diagrams identified the dilution of weathering ions during melt, while the ratio of potassium to calcium in streamwater suggests early contributions of pre-event water to discharge. Results from this research support previous work that pre-event water dominates freshet, yet the role of deeper groundwater is highlighted as an important contribution.
Foreseeable impacts of sea level rise on the southern coast of the Marmara Sea (Turkey)
Authors: Gazioğlu Cem , Burak Selmin , Alpar Bedri , Türker Ahmet , Barut Ipek F.
Published: September 2010

This paper represents the results of a case study of the interaction between sea level rise (SLR), subsidence and the consequences of this phenomenon on fresh water resources that may be subject to exacerbated salt-water intrusion. The possible reasons for rapid SLR at the permanent tide gauge station located on the southern coast of the Marmara Sea have been investigated based on time series data recorded since 1984. The population in the region relies mainly on groundwater resources for urban, tourism and agricultural water use, which represents a severe risk with regard to the replenishment of the coastal aquifer. Based on the findings, appropriate methods of assessing the coastal vulnerability to future SLR and recommendations for coastal zone management with emphasis on the protection of water resources are discussed.
Comparing the conservation effectiveness of private water transactions and public policy reforms in the conserving California landscapes initiative
Authors: Duane Timothy P. , Opperman Jeff J.
Published: September 2010

Recent efforts by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to reduce the environmental impacts of water impoundment and diversion have pursued two distinct but interacting strategies in California's complex water resources management system: (1) the private acquisition of water rights (wherein the NGO dealt directly with a private citizen and purchased water rights through a willing seller model) for instream or environmental flows or, through water rights transfers, in order to avoid further diversion of groundwater or surface water that could cause environmental harms and (2) active participation in public policy-making processes that attempt to influence the implementation of regulatory mechanisms, federal contracts or other forms of governmental influence to affect the diversion of water or the allocation of water rights in ways that directly address the environmental consequences of water impoundment or diversion. Determining the relative effectiveness of these two distinct (but complementary) strategies and how they interact is therefore relevant to a wide range of water stakeholders. This article compares the relative effectiveness of these two approaches, as well as their interactions, through an evaluation of efforts funded by the Packard Foundation in its Conserving California Landscapes Initiative from 1998–2002.
Tracking cooperation and conflict in international basins: historic and recent trends
Authors: De Stefano Lucia , Edwards Paris , de Silva Lynette , Wolf Aaron T.
Published: September 2010

This paper describes the use of media-reported events in the assessment of hydropolitical relations and investigates instances of conflict and cooperation over international water resources during the last 60 years. Specifically, two periods – 1948–1999 and 2000–2008 – are compared and assessed for trends in international hydropolitics. In many respects, the dominant trends of the 20th century have remained consistent through the period 2000–2008. Despite the rampant water crisis associated with resource degradation and imbalance between supply and demand, cooperation between riparian nations continues to far outweigh conflict related to shared waters. This holds true even in the contentious Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region, particularly during the most recent study period. The two most controversial issues in transboundary relations continue to be infrastructure and water quantity, a consistent pattern through both study periods. Positive interactions continue to be associated with joint management, flood control and technical cooperation, and the geography of conflict and cooperation remains relatively stable, with a mild increase in the importance of North America. Noteworthy changes include the increasing importance of water quality issues, and, while not documented through our methodology, a flurry of activity on transboundary groundwater.
Keeping Kids Smokefree: Rationale, Design, and Implementation of a Community, School, and Family-Based Intervention to Modify Behaviors Related to Smoking among Māori and Pacific Island Children in New Zealand
Authors: Glover Marewa , Scragg Robert , Nosa Vili , Bullen Chris , McCool Judith , Kira Anette
Published: September 2010

Despite a concerted, sustained and comprehensive tobacco control effort, smoking is prevalent among young people in New Zealand, particularly for Māori and Pacific Island teenagers. Many took up smoking in their pre-teen years. New Zealand research has shown that daily smoking by children aged 14–15 years is strongly influenced by parental smoking. The Keeping Kids Smokefree study is investigating whether changing parental smoking behavior and attitudes via a community-partnership approach with parents, schools, and local health providers can reduce smoking initiation by 11–12 year olds. It is a quasi-experimental trial involving four schools in an urban area of high social deprivation with large numbers of Māori and Pacific Islands families. Schools were allocated to intervention or control and the intervention was developed through a process of engagement with the schools, parents of children and local healthcare organizations. This article describes the rationale, context, methodology and methods involved in establishing the study. Building Māori and Pacific Islander research capacity was a secondary objective of the study.
Determining Responsibility for Smoking in Society: Accountability Continuum for Jordanian College Students and its Implication on FCTC Implementation
Authors: Madanat Hala N. , Barnes Michael D. , Cole Eugene C. , Njord Rebecca
Published: September 2010

As one of the first countries to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Jordan has signaled an interest in stronger anti-tobacco restrictions. This study examines whether Jordanian students believe smoking is an individual right or a social issue, and if they would support more stringent policies and enforcement. Undergraduate Jordanian students ( n = 1211) from public and private universities completed the survey. Never smokers scored significantly higher on smoking being a social issue that required public policy response ( p-value < .001); whereas smokers scored significantly higher with all individual right items. Ample opportunity exists for developing and enforcing stronger tobacco policies both on college campus and generally in the country. However, increasing tobacco taxes may need to be preceded by health communication campaigns that increase knowledge of the effectiveness of the tobacco tax in reducing use and resultant premature deaths.
Resisting the Lure of Technology-Driven Design: Pedagogical Approaches to Visual Communication
Authors: Northcut Kathryn M. , Brumberger Eva R.
Published: September 2010

Technical communicators are expected to work extensively with visual texts in workplaces. Fortunately, most academic curricula include courses in which the skills necessary for such tasks are introduced and sometimes developed in depth. We identify a tension between a focus on technological skill vs. a focus on principles and theory, arguing that we subvert the potential benefits of an education if we succumb to the allure of software. We recommend several classroom practices that help educate students toward greater visual literacy, based not only on recommendations from the research but also from our experience as teachers of visual communication.
The Anatomy of a Book Review
Authors: Hartley James
Published: September 2010

Few papers have been published that describe how authors go about writing book reviews. This article provides an account of the procedures used to write one specific book review. Examples are given to illustrate what is basically a three-stage procedure: making notes; creating a rough draft; and polishing the final version. Some comments on the language of book reviews are included.
A Comment on the Power Law Relation Between Frequency and Severity of Terrorist Attacks
Authors: Saperstein Alvin M.
Published: September 2010

Richardson first pointed out the power-law relation between the occurrence of war-like events and the consequent casualties. More recently, attention has been paid to the observed power-law relation between the frequency of terrorist acts and the number of resulting casualties and attempts have been made to explain these observations by deriving them from a model of randomly aggregating and disaggregating terrorist groups. This comment points out a weakness in the model and offers a simple extension to eliminate it.
A Case Report of Occupational Middle Ear Tuberculosis in a Nurse
Authors: Lalić Hrvoje , Kukuljan Melita , Pavičić Milenka
Published: September 2010

A Case Report of Occupational Middle Ear Tuberculosis in a Nurse

This article presents a case of a 40-year-old female patient with a right-side middle ear tuberculosis. The patient was a nurse, who had worked at the Department of Pulmology, Clinical Hospital Rijeka for 17 years. The cause was infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis while she assisted in bronchoscopy. The patient was referred to occupational medicine (OM) for confirmation of occupational disease immediately after surgery. The disease was confirmed as occupational by the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance of Health Protection at Work.

During surgery a sample was taken for microbiological analysis. We did initial and control multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and control magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of temporal bones 6 months after the surgery. The initial MSCT showed total mastoid cell shadowing without destruction, while the control image showed almost full recovery save for a few remaining shadowed cells. Adequately taken occupational history by an OM specialist can significantly shorten the time to diagnosis of a rare occupational illness that is often manifested by non-specific symptoms.
Characteristics of lateral electrical surface stimulation (LESS) and its effect on the degree of spinal deformity in idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Kowalski Ireneusz , Palko Tadeusz , Pasniczek Roman , Szarek Jozef
Published: September 2010

Characteristics of lateral electrical surface stimulation (LESS) and its effect on the degree of spinal deformity in idiopathic scoliosis

Clinical studies were carried out in the period of 2003-2006 at the Provincial Children's Rehabilitation Hospital in Ameryka near Olsztyn (Poland). The study involved a group of children and youth exhibiting spinal deformity progression in idiopathic scoliosis (IS) of more than 5° per year according to the Cobb scale. Four hundred and fifty patients between 4 and 15 years of age were divided into three groups (n = 150). Group I and group II received 2-hour and 9-hour lateral electrical surface stimulation (LESS), respectively, whereas group III (control) was treated only with corrective exercises for 30 minutes twice a day. LESS was performed with the use of a battery-operated SCOL-2 stimulator manufactured by Elmech, Warsaw, Poland.

The effectiveness of this method was confirmed in the treatment of spinal IS in children and youth, especially when the initial spinal deformity did not exceed 20° according to the Cobb scale. A short-duration electrostimulation (2 hours daily) was found to produce results similar to those obtained after overnight (9 h) electrostimulation. Moreover, the analysis of the Harrington prognostic index F confirms the positive effect of LESS in both groups of patients (2 h and 9 h of LESS).
Analysis of EEG activity during sleep - brain hemisphere symmetry of two classes of sleep spindles
Authors: Smolen Magdalena
Published: September 2010

Analysis of EEG activity during sleep - brain hemisphere symmetry of two classes of sleep spindles

This paper presents automatic analysis of some selected human electroencephalographic patterns during deep sleep using the Matching Pursuit (MP) algorithm.

The periodicity of deep sleep EEG patterns was observed by calculating autocorrelation functions of their percentage contributions. The study confirmed the increasing trend of amplitude-weighted average frequency of sleep spindles from frontal to posterior derivations. The dominant frequencies from the left and the right brain hemisphere were strongly correlated.
Filter/moderator system for a BNCT beam of epithermal neutrons at nuclear reactor MARIA
Authors: Tyminska Katarzyna
Published: September 2010

Filter/moderator system for a BNCT beam of epithermal neutrons at nuclear reactor MARIA

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy is a very promising form of cancer therapy, consisting in irradiating a stable isotope of boron (10B) concentrated in tumor cells with a low energy neutron beam. This technique makes it possible to destroy tumor cells, leaving healthy tissues practically unaffected. In order to carry out the therapy in the proper way, the proper range of the neutron beam energy has to be chosen.

In this paper we present a filter/moderator system modeled with MCNP code in order to obtain an epithermal neutron beam for BNCT post at MARIA reactor in Swierk.
Planning and verification in radiotherapy: our experience in a filmless hospital
Authors: Torresin A. , Carbonini C. , Ferrari M. , Asnaghi D. , Botturi M.
Published: September 2010

Planning and verification in radiotherapy: our experience in a filmless hospital

In our hospital we have recently installed a new radiotherapy treatment planning and verification system. Our system allows to follow the normal clinical workflow: from patient identification to follow-up through the treatment delivery with the study of the best irradiation geometry. We designed a new technical solutions relating to the use of four linear accelerators, a Record and Verify system, a Treatment Planning System (TPS) and a clinical folder, completely paperless. All the procedures for treatment planning, setup and verification are integrated in our digital imaging long-term archive. The integration is based on the existing HL7 and DICOM standard protocols described in the International Committee and IHE RO Technical Framework, which is able to support the workflow. All the images used for planning and setup are stored in the Oncentra DICOM archive server for short-term archiving and then are sent to the Agfa DICOM long-term archive for legal and scientific purposes.
Electron beam characteristics at extended source to surface distance for a Clinac-DHX linear accelerator
Authors: Arunkumar T. , Supe Sanjay , Ravikumar M. , Sathiyan S. , Ganesh K. , Varatharaj C.
Published: September 2010

Electron beam characteristics at extended source to surface distance for a Clinac-DHX linear accelerator

A uniform dose to the target site is required with a knowledge of delivered dose, central axis depth dose and beam flatness for successful electron treatment at an extended source to surface distance (SSD). In an extended SSD treatment under dosage of the lateral tissue may occur due to reduced beam flatness. To study the changes in beam characteristics, the depth dose curves, beam flatness and isodose distributions were measured at different SSDs from 100 to 120 cm for clinically used field sizes from (4×4) to (25×25) cm2 and beam energies ranging from 6 MeV to 20 MeV. Our results suggest that the change in depth dose is minimal except in the buildup region for most energy. In general surface dose is decreased as the SSD increased moderately. It was observed that the loss in beam flatness is significant for smaller fields, higher isodose lines, and lower energies. The penumbra enlarged and the uniformity index reduced with increasing SSD.
Evaluation of phoneme perception based on the digitalized phoneme test in children with cochlear implants
Authors: Stieler Olgierd , Sekula Alicja
Published: September 2010

Evaluation of phoneme perception based on the digitalized phoneme test in children with cochlear implants

Early diagnosis of congenital defect of hearing poses new challenges for a multidisciplinary team of pedoaudiologists, ENT (ear-nose-throat) specialists and speech therapists. This study assessed the perception of phonemes in children with a cochlear implant and the possibilities of applying acoustical solutions in the audiologic evaluation. The participants were 17 implanted children, aged 5-9 years, who received a cochlear implant when they were from 18 months to 3 years old. Detection thresholds and discrimination score were assessed. This study also aimed at verifying the possibilities of applying the digital audioprocessing algorithm in clinical practice. The test based on the phonemes aa, uu, ii, ss, sh (Ling 5 sound test) was used. The test was modified in the frequency domain - the main aim of this modification was to improve the precision of the reconstruction of the audible threshold. The results indicated significant correlations between pure tone audiometry results and thresholds of phoneme detection [dB SPL]. The identification score in this group was 95-100% for sound pressure level 65 dB SPL.
A Defence of the Perceptual Account of Emotion Against the Alleged Problem of Ambivalent Emotion: Expanding on Tappolet
Authors: Yang Sunny
Published: September 2010

A Defence of the Perceptual Account of Emotion Against the Alleged Problem of Ambivalent Emotion: Expanding on Tappolet

Tappolet (2005) has defended the perceptual account of emotion against a problem which some have raised against it, stemming from the phenomenon of ambivalent emotions. According to Tappolet, we can explain cases of ambivalent emotions unproblematically. To persuade us of this, she draws our attention to circumstances in which it seems entirely appropriate to have conflicting emotions with respect to the same situation. On her perceptual account of emotions, in such situations our emotions disclose two values, e.g., danger and attractiveness, at the same time. My aim here is to defend Tappolet by expanding on the considerations she adduces. In order to do this, I utilize Prinz's notion of "valence". Using this terminology, I shall show that the undeniable co-instantiation of emotions that are our intuitions classifies as "contrary", for example, fear and attraction does not actually constitute a contradiction.
Dewey on The Emotions
Authors: Morse Donald
Published: September 2010

Dewey on The Emotions

This paper explores John Dewey's theory of the emotions and his reasons for developing it. The author considers two competing accounts for why Dewey might have developed his theory: one based on his attempt to clarify rationality and one based on his attempt to make us morally responsive agents to nature. After a close examination of key texts, the author concludes that Dewey's theory is designed to make us morally responsive. Dewey's theory of the emotions serves his purpose of arguing for our re-union with nature, in a manner similar, in fact, to Hegel, with the addition that Dewey makes it our express goal to be concerned for nature in our return to it.
What is Love? Discourse about Emotions in Social Sciences
Authors: Belli Simone , Harré Rom , íñiguez Lupicinio
Published: September 2010

What is Love? Discourse about Emotions in Social Sciences

The study of emotions has been one of the most important areas of research in the Social Sciences. Social Psychology has also contributed to the development of this area. In this article we analyse the contribution of social Psychology to the study of emotion, understood as a social construct, and its strong relationship with language. Specifically, we open a discussion on the basis of the general characteristics of the Social Psychology of emotions and the contributions from different disciplines in this area of research, to give meaning to the relationship they have with the language of emotions. In this regard, we have reviewed basic references for the study of the construction of an emotion, and thematically classified them into three broad categories: 1) Contributions from different backgrounds and perspectives; 2) Construction and de-construction studies of emotion, and 3) Postconstructionist studies of emotion. In the first category, we consider the main contributions from the Social Sciences, which can be summarized in two areas: philosophical-construction of an emotion; mainstream-psychology of emotion. In the second category we have began with the relationship between emotion and language and the social construction of emotion, i.e., its discursive status. We end with postconstructionist theories, i.e., Butler's concept of performance and technoscience. To give more meaning to this line of research, the use of a concrete example of emotion seemed appropriate. Thus, we chose "love".
Damages Associated to 1995-2006 Floods and Flash-Floods in the East of the Apuseni Mountains
Authors: Arghiuş Viorel , Ozunu Alexandru , Ştefănescu Lucrina , Costan Camelia , Arghiuş Corina
Published: September 2010

Damages Associated to 1995-2006 Floods and Flash-Floods in the East of the Apuseni Mountains

During 1995-2006, the Eastern Apuseni Mountains was affected by floods which generate damages almost every year, observing an increase of their frequency towards the end of the mentioned period, when, in only two years (2004-2005), there were manifested nine episodes of such phenomena. The damages analysis was achieved by direct questioning, based on the observation data and reports of the County Inspectorates for Emergency Situations and other competent authorities during the period 1995-2006. Counting the direct damages generated by the floods in the region during the above mentioned period, the total summed 75.624 million US dollars. Among the main socio-economic objectives, traffic infrastructure proved to be by far the most susceptible to the unfavorable action of the floods (72.1% of the damages overall).
Application of Finite Element Method for Determining Loads for the New Method of Acoustic Fatigue Testing of Aircraft Structures
Authors: Niepokólczycki Antoni , Szot Andrzej
Published: September 2010

Application of Finite Element Method for Determining Loads for the New Method of Acoustic Fatigue Testing of Aircraft Structures

For aircraft structures the failures due to acoustic fatigue are very important, particularly for new supersonic or short take-off aircraft. The majority of acoustic fatigue life test methods are based on the reproduction of noise acting on the structure - in reverberation chambers or progressive wave tubes. The method described in this paper is based on the reproduction of dynamic response of the structure subjected to random acoustic loading.
Static and Fatigue Structural Tests for EADS-CASA
Authors: Szałkowski Sebastian , Gębski Marcin
Published: September 2010

Static and Fatigue Structural Tests for EADS-CASA

The paper presents structural tests of Airbus aircraft subcomponents which have been carried out at the Institute of Aviation in Warsaw to the order of EADS CASA in Madrid since 2004. Subcomponents of A318 and A400M aircraft were tested. Short descriptions of tested specimens, test set-up and test methods are included.
Performance of Non-Binary LDPC Codes for Next Generation Mobile Systems
Authors: Gierszal Henryk , Hołubowicz Witold , Kiedrowski Łukasz , Flizikowski Adam
Published: September 2010

Performance of Non-Binary LDPC Codes for Next Generation Mobile Systems

A new family of non-binary LDPC is presented that are based on a finite field GF(64). They may be successfully implemented in single-carrier and OFDM transmission system. Results prove that DAVINCI codes allow for improving the system performance and may be considered to be applied in the future mobile system.
Three-Dimensional CT Reconstruction and Virtual Endoscopic Study of the Ostial Orientations of the Frontal Recess
Authors: Thomas Ligy , Pallanch John F.
Published: September 2010

Background

Safe and efficient endoscopic frontal sinus surgery requires a thorough knowledge of the location of the frontal sinus outflow tract. This study was designed to describe the prevalence of the different frontal recess cells and 3D analysis by virtual endoscopy of their ostial orientation in relation to the frontal ostium.

Methods

Fifty high-resolution CT scans (100 sides) of disease-free paranasal sinuses were reviewed using triplanar and virtual 3D analysis. The prevalence and ostial locations of the frontal recess cells and the relationship of the various ostia to the frontal sinus ostium were mapped and analyzed.

Results

The cell type, prevalence, and most common relationship of the cell's ostium to the frontal ostium were intersinus septal cells, 7% medial and anterior; Kuhn type 1 cells, 28%, lateral and anterior; Kuhn type 2 cells, 6%, anterior and lateral; Kuhn type 3 cells, 11%, medial or lateral; supraorbital ethmoid cells, 11%, posterior; suprabullar cells, 68%, posterior; and frontal bullar cells, 16%, posterior or lateral. In 35% of the sides, none of the aforementioned cell types were found. There were many blind recesses that were seen in all locations except anterolateral to the frontal ostium. Openings of adjacent pneumatized middle turbinates were often posteromedial to the frontal ostium. Agger nasi cells were present in at least 86%, opening lateral to frontal ostium.

Conclusion

Frontal outflow tract mapping by virtual endoscopy and knowledge of the ostial configurations will help surgeons perform more efficient and accurate surgery particularly for minimally invasive approaches including balloon dilation.
Olfactory and Gustatory Function in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Fleiner Franca , Dahlslett Sarah Bettina , Schmidt Felix , Harms Lutz , Goektas Oender
Published: September 2010

Background

The olfactory function (OF) and gustatory function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be limited.

Methods

We performed the testing of orthonasal (Threshold Discrimination Identification [TDI] score with Sniffin’ Sticks) and retronasal (Taste Powder) OF and gustatory function (Taste Strips; Burghart, Wedel, Germany) in patients diagnosed with MS and healthy controls matching in age, sex, and smoking habits.

Results

Eight of 16 MS patients (50%) displayed hyposmia (TDI score, 28.75 ± 1.28; p = 0.06); the identification subtest significantly was restricted (12.63 ± 1.67; p = 0.001). Four of 16 MS patients (25%) had limited retronasal OF with a Taste Powder score of 4.5 ± 1.29. The gustatory function in 19% of MS patients was significantly limited (Taste Strip score, 5.33 ± 2.52; p = 0.02). Patients who estimated their ability to smell as diminished performed more poorly on retronasal OF testing (r = 0.657; p = 0.046).

Conclusion

This study confirms the incidence of olfactory disorder in MS patients that has been reported in the literature. Interestingly, a significant correlation between orthonasal and retronasal OF testing was not shown. A higher incidence of gustatory dysfunction was shown and might serve as another potential marker for this disease.