bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of avian frugivores on germination and potential seed dispersal of the Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius
Authors: D'Avila Graziele , Gomes-Jr Antonio , Canary Ana Carolina , Bugoni Leandro
Published: December 2010

Frugivorous birds play a key role in seed dispersal and establishment of a range of plant species, including invasive weeds, such as the Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius. The potential of seed dispersal of Schinus by birds with varied feeding behaviours was studied through seed-viability tests and germination experiments using seeds obtained from birds in the field and birds kept in captivity. It was found that seeds collected after gut passage in five bird species in the field had higher proportion of germination as well as higher germination rates compared to the control seeds. Viability of seeds ingested by the Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis, which mandibulates seeds before ingesting, was significantly lower than control seeds, while reduction in viability of seeds ingested by the Creamy-bellied Thrush Turdus amaurochalinus was nonsignificant. Seeds ingested by birds in captivity germinated earlier than the control seeds, within 1-2 weeks, and had proportion and germination rates higher than controls. Probably both mechanical and chemical effects play a role in enhancing germination of seeds. In Brazil where both Schinus and avian frugivores had evolved together, the dependence of Schinus on generalist frugivores had been demonstrated in this study, similar to other countries where the invasive Schinus is dependent on native or introduced avian species for its spreading. This finding has important implications for the restoration of human-altered areas in South America, were Schinus is a native pioneer species, as well as for the management and restoration of areas invaded by Schinus elsewhere.
Dinâmica populacional de Triportheus albus, T. angulatus e T. auritus (CHARACIFORMES: CHARACIDAE) em lagos da Amazônia Central
Authors: Prestes Luiza , Soares Maria Gercilia Mota , Silva Fabio Ribeiro , Bittencourt Maria Mercedes
Published: December 2010

Na Amazônia brasileira a pesca é importante fonte de renda e proteína animal para as populações ribeirinhas. E, entre as espécies de peixes de maior volume desembarcado nos mercados e feiras da região se destacam as sardinhas, Triportheus albus, T. angulatus e T. auritus. Considerando o aumento da pressão pesqueira, que gera a redução de alguns estoques pesqueiros na região, tanto na quantidade como no tamanho de algumas espécies, o trabalho propõe determinar os parâmetros de crescimento, mortalidade e relação peso-comprimento dessas espécies em lagos de várzea, Manacapuru, AM. Os parâmetros foram estimados através da análise de distribuição de frequência de comprimento com o auxílio da rotina "scan de valores de k" do método ELEFAN I do programa FISAT II. Os valores calculados foram: T. albus L∞ = 24,68 cm, k = 0,86/ano, Ø´ = 2,71, A0,95 = 3,48 anos, Mp = 1,76/ano, Mt = 0,85/ano, Pt = 0,0398I Cp2,6303; T. angulatus L∞ = 26,78 cm, k = 0,77/ano, Ø´ = 2,74, A0,95 = 3,89 anos, Mp = 1,60/ano, Mt = 0,76/ano, Pt = 0,0294I Cp2,8599; T. auritus L∞ = 27,83 cm, k = 0,65/ano, Ø´ = 2,70, A0,95 = 4,68 anos Mp = 1,40/ano, Mt = 0,63/ano e Pt = 0,0542I Cp2,5094. Essas espécies apresentaram crescimento rápido, mortalidade elevada, baixa expectativa de vida e ciclo de vida curto. É sugerido o monitoramento desses parâmetros para que possam ser utilizados como instrumentos de análise dos estoques pesqueiros.
O caramujo exótico invasor Achatina fulica (Stylommatophora, Mollusca) no Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Brasil): situação atual
Authors: Zanol Joana , Fernandez Monica Ammom , Oliveira Ana Paula Martins de , Russo Claudia Augusta de Moraes , Thiengo Silvana Carvalho
Published: December 2010

O caramujo africano invasor Achatina fulica foi introduzido no Brasil a partir de Estados do Sul e Sudeste em pelo menos três ocasiões. Atualmente sua distribuição já abrange 24 dos 26 estados e o Distrito Federal. Populações densas dessa espécie vêm causando incômodos à populações humanas, danos à jardins e pequenas plantações, além de atuarem como transmissoras de duas zoonoses (angiostrongilíase abdominal e meningoencefalite eosinofílica) e outras parasitoses de interesse veterinário. No presente estudo, apresentamos novas ocorrências de A. fulica no Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Brasil) assim como dados sobre as larvas de nematódeos de interesse médico e veterinário encontradas em exemplares dessa espécie coletados neste estado. A. fulica está presente em 26 municípios adicionais em relação aos dados obtidos em 2006, ano do último levantamento, representando um aumento de 50% no número de municípios infestados. Apenas nove dos 92 municípios do estado ainda não registram a presença dessa espécie. Larvas dos nematódeos Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Rhabditis sp. e Strongyluris-like, todas com importância veterinária, foram encontradas em exemplares de A. fulica de onze municípios. A rápida dispersão de A. fulica evidencia a necessidade de planos de manejo contínuos e eficientes em todo o país visando o controle efetivo dessa invasão. A erradicação de A. fulica é pouco provável devido ao nível atual de infestação.
Forecasting Weed Distributions using Climate Data: A GIS Early Warning Tool
Authors: Jarnevich Catherine S. , Holcombe Tracy R. , Barnett David T. , Stohlgren Thomas J. , Kartesz John T.
Published: December 2010

The number of invasive exotic plant species establishing in the United States is continuing to rise. When prevention of exotic species from entering into a country fails at the national level and the species establishes, reproduces, spreads, and becomes invasive, the most successful action at a local level is early detection followed by eradication. We have developed a simple geographic information system (GIS) analysis for developing watch lists for early detection of invasive exotic plants that relies upon currently available species distribution data coupled with environmental data to aid in describing coarse-scale potential distributions. This GIS analysis tool develops environmental envelopes for species based upon the known distribution of a species thought to be invasive and represents the first approximation of its potential habitat while the necessary data are collected to perform more in-depth analyses. To validate this method we looked at a time series of species distributions for 66 species in Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountain counties. The time series analysis presented here did select counties that the invasive exotic weeds invaded in subsequent years, showing that this technique could be useful in developing watch lists for the spread of particular exotic species. We applied this same habitat-matching model based upon bioclimatic envelopes to 100 invasive exotics with various levels of known distributions within continental U.S. counties. For species with climatically limited distributions, county watch lists describe county-specific vulnerability to invasion. Species with matching habitats in a county would be added to that county's list. These watch lists can influence management decisions for early warning, control prioritization, and targeted research to determine specific locations within vulnerable counties. This tool provides useful information for rapid assessment of the potential distribution based upon climate envelopes of current distributions for new invasive exotic species.
Distribution and Ecotypic Variation of the Invasive Annual Barb Goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis) on Serpentine Soil
Authors: Lyons Kelly G. , Shapiro A. M. , Schwartz Mark W.
Published: December 2010

Successful colonization of newly introduced species is driven by a multitude of factors and is highly dependent on the species. It has long been hypothesized that preadaptation and postestablishment natural selection of introduced species can facilitate their invasion; however, to date, limited research has been dedicated to these theories. In addition, although the correlation between establishment of invasive species and disturbance has been noted and widely studied, the susceptibility of undisturbed habitats to invasion remains unclear. In California, serpentine habitats are severe edaphic environments that have been relatively free of anthropogenic disturbance and nonindigenous species invasions. In this study, we documented the occurrence of the nonindigenous barb goatgrass on serpentine and nonserpentine grasslands in the California Northern Interior Coast Range and the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and conducted greenhouse and field experiments to assess the species' degree of adaptation to serpentine soils. Reconnaissance of serpentine intrusions and yearly monitoring suggest that barb goatgrass may grow preferentially on serpentine soil, particularly disturbed serpentine sites. In the greenhouse, for most measures of performance, serpentine populations performed better than nonserpentine populations when grown on serpentine soil. Particularly noteworthy was that serpentine populations had higher root-mass ratios than nonserpentine populations when grown on serpentine soil. In contrast to the greenhouse study, field-grown populations from serpentine and nonserpentine sources performed equally well on nonserpentine; alluvial, disturbed serpentine; and shallow, undisturbed serpentine, although the overall species' performance was diminished on severe serpentine soils. Alarmingly, even in the absence of previous exposure to serpentine, barb goatgrass was capable of establishing and spreading into minimally disturbed sites with strong serpentinitic characteristics.
California Invasive Plant Research Needs Assessment
Authors: Robison Ramona , Schoenig Steve , Johnson Douglas W. , Brusati Elizabeth , DiTomaso Joseph M.
Published: December 2010

This project summarizes the opinion of 52 experts on the future research needs in the area of invasive plants in California. Experts included academics at private and public universities, Cooperative Extension educators, land managers, members of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), employees of restoration companies, and federal, state, and local agency personnel. Surveys were conducted through in-person interviews, written questionnaires, and workshops. The objective was to identify high-priority needs for future research on issues related to invasive plants in California's wildlands. More specifically, the goals were to (1) create a forum for assessing high-priority research needs, (2) guide future research toward these high-priority needs, and (3) facilitate connections and interactions among academic disciplines and between researchers and practitioners by increasing awareness of the range of ongoing research on invasive plants. Priority needs were chosen for 10 broad research topic areas, with specific subtopics addressed within each of these areas. In addition to noting specific research areas, there was a general need expressed for a synthesis of existing scientific information, particularly about the biology and ecology of invasive plants and the ecological impacts, control and management tools, restoration activities, and related social issues surrounding invasive plants. A mutual exchange of information was also considered important among the academic researcher and the field practitioner, as was the development of more effective training programs for land managers.
Efficacy of Mechanical and Herbicide Control Methods for Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) and Cost Analysis of Chemical Control Options
Authors: Oneto Scott R. , Kyser Guy B. , DiTomaso Joseph M.
Published: December 2010

Scotch broom is an invasive leguminous shrub in California and other Pacific Northwest states, as well as New Zealand and Australia. It is highly competitive in forest and shrub communities and can significantly impact reestablishment of conifer forests. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate mechanical methods (Weed Wrench, lopping), several herbicides, and herbicide application techniques for control of Scotch broom in a premontane site in California. Three herbicides were evaluated (glyphosate, imazapyr, and triclopyr ester) for canopy reduction using foliar, drizzle, and basal bark treatments. All treatments were made in both fall and late spring. In addition, we conducted a cost analysis of the various herbicide treatments and application methods. Results indicate that both mechanical treatments were effective, but their optimum timing depended on soil moisture conditions. In addition, there were no significant differences among herbicides at both timings, among all rates, and for any application method. All herbicides provided effective control of Scotch broom. However, the cost analysis demonstrated that the drizzle application method with glyphosate was the most cost-effective treatment, due to low herbicide cost and reduced labor requirements. These results provide several options for Scotch broom control and give land managers considerable flexibility with timing, herbicide, and application technique in their management programs.
Identification and Control of Invasive Privets (Ligustrumspp.) in the Middle Southern United States
Authors: Maddox Victor , Byrd John , Serviss Brett
Published: December 2010

The identification of privet in the middle southern United States can be difficult. Because most introduced species of privet can be invasive, and recent mapping projects seek location and species population data, proper identification is important. Without proper identification of privet species, data on species distributions and other pertinent information regarding invasiveness could lead to improper conclusions. Currently, information on privet identification is scattered throughout a number of reference materials. The purpose of this publication is to assist with the proper identification of escaped privet species, and suggest management options.
Managing Widespread, Alien Plant Species to Ensure Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study Using an 11-Step Planning Process
Authors: Downey Paul O.
Published: December 2010

One of the greatest threats to biodiversity is the invasion of ecological communities by alien plants. Management strategies for alien plants, however, rarely focus on specific biodiversity-conservation outcomes, and recovery actions rarely address the threat on a landscape scale. There are many reasons for these failures, including (1) limited knowledge of the native species at risk, (2) a disconnect between policy and management, (3) a disconnect between the fields of weed science and biodiversity conservation, (4) a dearth of data from management actions (for both threat abatement and recovery), and (5) the broadly held assumption that control of alien plants will by itself lead to a positive biodiversity response is often incorrect. Thus, alien plant management strategies with a conservation aim need to include planning processes and assessment measures to ensure that the aim is achieved. Here, I outline an example of the planning steps needed to ensure that the management of widespread alien plant species achieves the greatest possible conservation outcome, using the alien plant program for bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifena) as a case study. In addition, I present an overview of the challenges faced and solutions developed during the transition from planning to management, along with some initial data to demonstrate the success and value of this investment in both planning and implementation during the past decade. Interim results from a series of sites have highlighted the success of the program and led to the program being acknowledged as an important ecological restoration project in Australasia. This success is highly dependent on extensive stakeholder involvement (across land tenures), dedicated coordination, and leadership. The planning process is now being adopted for other alien plants in Australia and can be modified to abate the threat from other alien organisms or other threats to biodiversity because the principles of each step are fundamentally similar.
Effects of Situated Learning on Students' Knowledge Acquisition: An Individual Differences Perspective
Authors: Zheng Robert
Published: December 2010

This study focuses on the effects of situated learning on students' knowledge acquisition by investigating the influence of individual differences in such learning. Seventy-nine graduates were recruited from an educational department and were assigned to situated learning and traditional learning based on a randomized block design. Results revealed differences between traditional and situated learning as well as between field dependent (FD) and field independent (FI) learners in situated learning. A correlation analysis showed that situated learning was significantly correlated with learners' performance and individual differences defined as FD and FI in this study. The findings of the study have significant implications in learning and research in that they: (a) revealed the differences between traditional and situated learning; (b) identified the interaction between individual differences and instructional condition that influenced learners' learning outcome; and (c) showed crucial relationships among the variables in situated learning.
A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of An On-Line Formative Assessment and Tutoring System
Authors: Koedinger Kenneth R. , McLaughlin Elizabeth A. , Heffernan Neil T.
Published: December 2010

ASSISTments is a web-based math tutor designed to address the need for timely student assessment while simultaneously providing instruction, thereby avoiding lost instruction time that typically occurs during assessment. This article presents a quasi-experiment that evaluates whether ASSISTments use has an effect on improving middle school students' year-end test scores. The data was collected from 1240 seventh graders in three treatment schools and one comparison school. Post-test (7th grade year-end test) results indicate, after adjusting for the pre-test (6th grade year-end test), that students in the treatment schools significantly outperformed students in the comparison school and the difference was especially present for special education students. A usage analysis reveals that greater student use of ASSISTments is associated with greater learning consistent with the hypothesis that it is useful as a tutoring system. We also found evidence consistent with the hypothesis that teachers adapt their whole class instruction based on overall student performance in ASSISTments. Namely, increased teacher use (i.e., having more students use the system more often) is associated with greater learning among students with little or no use, suggesting that those students may have benefited from teachers adapting their whole-class instruction based on what they learned from ASSISTments use reports. These results indicate potential for using technology to provide students instruction during assessment and to give teachers fast and continuous feedback on student progress.
Using Evolutionary Archaeology and Evolutionary Ecology to Explain Cultural Elaboration: The Case of Middle Ohio Valley Woodland Period Ceremonial Subsistence
Authors: Nolan Kevin C. , Howard Steven P.
Published: December 2010

We propose a Darwinian evolutionary model for the development and disappearance of Woodland period cultural elaboration in the Ohio River Valley, and specifically the “climax” of this behavior known as the Hopewell phenomenon. We combine aspects of evolutionary archaeology and evolutionary ecology to provide a model that (1) has testable empirical consequences, and (2) specifically addresses the historical context of development of the phenomenon being explained. Our model builds on Smith's (1987) coevolutionary scenario for the development of symbiosis between Eastern Agricultural Complex (EAC) crops and the human populations exploiting them. After presenting our model, we explore the empirical consequences of ceremonial subsistence and the types of data that would be required to test the model. In our discussion of the extant data we also contrast our scenario with a competing evolutionary explanation for the Hopewell phenomenon: the “waste” hypothesis. The limited available evidence is in line with the empirical expectations of the ceremonial subsistence model and is, to varying degrees, at odds with the empirical expectations for the “waste” explanation. Our ceremonial subsistence model offers a testable alternative that is not falsified by the extant data. However, we recognize the problem is far from solved. Our primary aim is to promote renewed theoretical discussion of the issues raised herein and to encourage new problem-oriented research to provide empirical evidence to test both explanations.
How Stable Are Insurance Subsidies in Health Reform?
Authors: Pauly Mark V.
Published: December 2010

The case that insurance subsidies will improve health is far from compelling, according to Mark Pauly of The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania, and needs to be strengthened if the program is to be politically stable. The time for this conversation is now, argues Pauly.
Mammography in detection clinically occult breast carcinoma
Authors: Golubicic I.V. , Pavlovic T.M. , Borojevic N. , Dodic R. , Miletic N. , Markovic Z.
Published: December 2010

Aim: The significance of mammography in detection of nonpalpable breast cancer Material and methods: This prospective study was conducted at the Institute for oncology and radiology of Serbia in Belgrade. It involved 198 asymptomatic women with performed screening mammography, 154 specimen mammography, out of witch 38 had stereotaxic mark, "ex tempore" biopsy, while 44 women had "ex tempore" biopsy and adequate surgery. Results: Screening mammography revealed suspect microcalcifications in 148 cases, impaired structural tissue in 59 and focal condensation in 55 cases. Histologic examination verified breast carcinoma in 80 patients with very statistical significance of ductal type, especially comedo subvariant (p<0.001). Pleomorphic microcalcifications smaller than 0.5 mm of grouped or segmented form are statistically very significant for malignity (p<0,001) as well as associated microcalcifications with altered architectony and focal tissue condensation (p<0.001). Conclusion: Mammography has great significance in detection of occult breast carcinoma which are not only preinvasive, but also microinvasive and invasive. This fact leads to the neccesity of introduction of legal obligation for mammography screening, especially for women aged between 50 and 70 years.
External beam radiotherapy plus brachytherapy boost in treatment of anal canal carcinoma
Authors: Stojanovic S. , Radosevic-Jelic Lj. , Dabic-Stankovic K. , Popov I. , Josifovski J.
Published: December 2010

Purpose: Radiotherapy has been the standard treatment of anal canal carcinoma for the last three decades. However, there are still many open questions such as optimal radiation technique, adequate boost dose or best chemotherapy regimen. Beside cure and local control, other important goals are sphincter salvage and avoidance of a permanent colostomy, i.e. morbidity minimization. Material and methods: At the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, between March 1997 and May 2004, patients with anal canal carcinoma were treated with combined external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy boost as primary treatment modality. Initially, external beam radiotherapy was applied with two opposed parallel fields and dose ranged from 40-50 Gy and after that patient continued the treatment with brachytherapy boost (intraluminal or interstitial) with doses ranged from 10-25 Gy. Total tumor dose in combined radiotherapy treatment ranged from 55-70 Gy. Results: Out of 21 patients, acute complications were registered in 15 patients (71.4%) and the most frequent was dermatitis. Complete response after radiotherapy was registered in 17 patients (81%). In the median follow up time of 42 months, five-year overall survival was 71% and disease free survival was 61%. Late sequelas were registered in 14 patients (66.7%), but they were low grade. Conclusions: Our study shows results using external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy boost as single modality treatment, but we need more randomized trial to improve better local control and minimize toxicity.
64 MD CT pregled srca
Authors: Markovic Zeljko , Stojanovic Vesna , Vukosavljevic V. , Maksimovic R.
Published: December 2010

In the investigation of ischemic heart disease, cardiac CT imaging is the most effective non-invasive technique for exploration of the coronary arteries now. Thanks to its volume acquisition, cardiac CT is acknowledged to be the best technique for reproducible out-patient exploration not only of the coronary arteries but of all cardiac structures. Over the last 4 years, after a period of technical development and clinical validation, cardiac CT imaging has become a routine examination that is progressively finding a place alongside other types of cardiac exploration. The latest generation of faster, high-resolution devices has pushed back the limits of this technique. Not only coronography but also other modes of imaging in an increasing number of indications are progressively reduced by this complementary examination. We presented our first experiences which we had got through examination of 70 patients.
Dijagnosticki kvalitet slike CT pregleda grudnog kosa
Authors: Sveljo O.B. , Markovic Z. , Reljin B. , Semnic R. , Adjic Lucic , Stosic-Opincal T.L. , Prvulovic M.
Published: December 2010

The paper is aimed at determining diagnostic quality of the images in different chest CT examination protocols. Two groups of patients underwent scanning based on two different protocols using Siemens Somatom 4 Plus scanner in the spiral mode. The study included the total of 64 patients divided in two groups according to their body weight (BW). Group one included 34 patients weighing above 80 kg and they were scanned according to the standard protocol. Group two comprised 30 patients weighting below 80 kg and they were scanned using the same protocol however with reduction of tube current of 13 mA. All the scans were subsequently reconstructed using noise-reduction filter (enhancement of low contrast resolution).
Komparacija detektabilnosti mozdanih lezija u multipleks sklerozi pri pregledu magnetnom rezonancijom jacine magnetnog polja 1.0 i 3.0 Tesla
Authors: Stosic-Opincal T.L. , Gavrilov M. , Lavrnic S. , Milenkovic R. , Peric V. , Gavrilovic S. , Jovancevic M.
Published: December 2010

To estimate the relative sensitivity of MR examination for brain lesions in multiple sclerosis at 1.0 Tesla (T) and 3.0 T using identical acquisition conditions. 54 patients with multiple sclerosis were examined both at 1.0T (Siemens Impact Expert) and 3.0T (Philips Intera) using T1-weighted spin echo (T1W-SE) with and without gadolinium contrast injections, T2W SE and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging. Images were examined independently by three experienced neuroradiologists using focal lesion counting. 3.0T scans compared with 1.0T scans demonstrate a 27.3%, increase in the number of detected contrast enhanced lesions and an 22.7% increase in the number of detected lesions on FLAIR MR tomograms. High field 3.0T MR imaging demonstrates better sensitivity in the detection of focal brain lesions in multiple sclerosis. This improvement is more apparent in contrast enhanced lesion detection and less noticeable in FLAIR detected lesions.
Rekanalizacija striktura uretre privremenim prekrivenim biokompatibilnim metalnim endoprotezama nove generacije
Authors: Markovic Z. , Markovic B.B. , Tulic C. , Hadzi-Djokic J. , Stojanovic V. , Saranovic Dj.Z. , Masulovic D.M. , Miljkovic S.
Published: December 2010

The male urethral stricture treatment is actual clinical issue with its resolution being increasingly frequently based on application of minimum invasive therapeutic interventional uroradiology methods. Since the methodology is applied over the last two decades, the most reasonable therapeutic algorithm has not been defined yet with respect to the correlation with the contemporary surgical treatment. The results of application of the temporary covered self-expandable nitinol Allium stents, which have been applied for the first time ever at our Institution in October 2003. Over the last 3 years, the method was applied in 40 males, averagely aged 54 years with urethral strictures previously treated by urological methods. In four cases, stent placement was performed after endourethral incision. The most common etiology of the stricture was the posttraumatic (55 %), post-inflammatory (32%) and iatrogenic (10%). In all the cases, stents were removed 12-14 months after their insertions. The results are evaluated using uroflowmetry and urethrocystography, revealing in 85% of the cases permanent recanalization free of dysuric complaints. Development of a stricture on the anterior stent end was evidenced in 15% of the cases.
Uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis
Authors: Mirkovic Lj. , Mirkovic D. , Boskovic V. , Markovic Z.
Published: December 2010

This is a case report of two patients how have uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis with different clinical manifestations. Progressive abdominal pain after menarche, anuria or obstipation with the existing paravaginal tumor indicates this rare anomaly. Initially, the anomaly remains unrecognized, while patients most frequently referred to surgeons for assistance. The method of choice for diagnosis is clinical examination, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Transvaginal excision of the septum is appropriate mode of treatment.
Rekanalizacija striktura uretero-intestinalnih anastomoza
Authors: Masulovic D.M. , Markovic Z. , Saranovic Dj.Z. , Tulic C. , Dobriserevic B.
Published: December 2010

The authors present their own experience related to application of the metallic stents in treatment of ureteroenteric strictures. Over the period of approximately 3 years, we have implanted them in 27 patients (28 strictures). Due to the unsatisfactory therapeutic effects of the repeated balloon catheter dilatations and catheter prostheses the further course of treatment included placement of the metallic Strecker stents of 4-8 cm in length and 6-8 mm in diameter. Six months after the procedure, 58% of the procedures were assessed as satisfactory. After one year, 12 out of 28 were clinically efficient at long-term. The achieved effects were significantly better in comparison to older generation interventional radiology methods.
Adaptation of n-heptane autoignition tabulation for complex chemistry mechanisms
Authors: Ban Marko , Duic Neven
Published: December 2010

The adaptation of auto-ignition tabulation for effective use of complex
chemical mechanisms will be presented in this paper. Taking cool flame
ignition phenomenon into account could improve numerical simulations of
combustion in compression ignition engines. Current approaches of successful
simulation of this phenomenon are based on the extraction of ignition delay
times, heat releases and also reaction rates from tabulated data dependant on
four parameters: temperature, pressure, equivalence ratio and exhaust gasses
mass fraction. The methods described here were used to create lookup tables
including cool flame using a comprehensive chemical mechanism without
including reaction rates data (as used by other authors). The method proved
to be stable for creating tables and these results will be shown, as well as
initial implementation results using the tables in computational fluid
dynamics software.
Lowering uncertainty in crude oil measurement by selecting optimized envelope color of a pipeline
Authors: Farzaneh-Gord Mahmood , Rasekh Alireza , Saadat Morteza , Nabati Amin
Published: December 2010

Lowering uncertainty in crude oil volume measurement has been widely
considered as one of main purposes in an oil export terminal. It is found
that crude oil temperature at metering station has big effects on measured
volume and may cause big uncertainty at the metering point. As crude oil
flows through an aboveground pipeline, pick up the solar radiation and heat
up. This causes the oil temperature at the metering point to rise and higher
uncertainty to be created. The amount of temperature rise is depended on
exterior surface paint color. In the Kharg Island, there is about 3 km
distance between the oil storage tanks and the metering point. The oil flows
through the pipeline due to gravity effects as storage tanks are located 60m
higher than the metering point. In this study, an analytical model has been
conducted for predicting oil temperature at the pipeline exit (the metering
point) based on climate and geographical conditions of the Kharg Island. The
temperature at the metering point has been calculated and the effects of
envelope color have been investigated. Further, the uncertainty in the
measurement system due to temperature rise has been studied.
Numerical optimization of a waste-to-energy plant's operating parameters using CFD
Authors: Kapitler Miran , Samec Niko , Kokalj Filip
Published: December 2010

Institute for power, process and environmental engineering, Laboratory for
combustion and Environmental engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Maribor, Republic of Slovenia The combustion process for using
municipal solid waste as a fuel within a waste to energy plant calls for a
detailed understanding of the following phenomena. Firstly, this process
depends on many input parameters such as proximate and ultimate analyses, the
season of the year, primary and secondary inlet air velocities and, secondly,
on output parameters such as the temperatures or mass-flow rates of the
combustible products. The variability and mutual dependence of these
parameters can be difficult to manage in practice. Another problem is how
these parameters can be tuned to achieving optimal combustible conditions
with minimal pollutant emissions, during the plant-design phase. in order to
meet these goals, a waste-to-energy plant with bed combustion was
investigated by using computational fluid-dynamics approach. The adequate
variable input boundary conditions based on the real measurement are used and
the whole computational work is updated using real plant geometry and the
appropriate turbulence, combustion, or heat transfer models. The operating
parameters were optimized on output parameters through a trade-off study. The
different operating conditions were varied and the combustible products were
predicted and visualized. Finally, the response charts and matrix among the
input and output parameters during the optimization process are presented,
which monitored the dependence among these parameters.
Treatment of arterial aneurysms of anterior cerebral circulation
Authors: Roganovic Zoran , Pavlicevic Goran , Tadic Radenko
Published: December 2010

Objectives: To analyze the outcome of either surgical or conservative treatment of patients with aneurysms on cerebral arteries. Design Retrospective study on 114 patients (89 operated and 25 not operated). Methods: Clinical state was graded from 0 to V, according to Hunt & Hess (HHG), and the treatment outcome was defined as favorable or poor, according to the modified Glasgow Outcome Score. The outcome was correlated with the type of treatment (operative or conservative), clinical state and aneurysmal localization. Results: Aneurysm was localized mostly on the anterior communicating (33.6%) and middle cerebral arteries (32.8%) and the patients were mostly in HHG II or III (34.4% and 25.2%). HHG after the aneurysmal rupture did not depend on the aneurysmal location (p>0.05). Favorable treatment outcome was noted: in 74.1% of all operated and in 60% of all conservatively treated patients (p>0.05)( in 81.6% of operated and in 33.3% of not operated patients with HHG=II-III (p<0.01)( in 78.8% of aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery and in 66.7% of those of the anterior communicating artery (p>0.05)( in 73.1% of patients with HHG=III and in 25% of patients with HHG=IV (p<0.01).Conclusions: Clinical state after the aneurysmal rupture did not depend on its localization. Results were better after the surgical, than after the conservative treatment. Outcome after the surgery depended on the clinical state of the patient, but not on the aneurysmal localization.
Multiple cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Roganovic Zoran , Pavlicevic Goran
Published: December 2010

Background. To define risk factors for the multiplicity of cerebral aneurysms, as well as clinical and therapeutical characteristics of patients with single aneurysms (SA) and multiple aneurysms (MA). Methods. Retrospective study on 95 patients with SA and 22 patients with MA. For patients with SA and MA the following parameters were compared: gender, age, clinical state, aneurysmal localization and size, incidence of rebleeding and vasospasm, manner and outcome of treatment, preoperative interval, intraoperative rupture and postoperative complications. Results. Aneurysms on anterior communicating artery existed in 37.4% of SA and in 17.8% of all MA (p<0.05). As much as 44.2% of all aneurysms on middle cerebral artery and only 19% of all aneurysms on anterior communicating artery were associated with some other aneurysm (p<0.02). The average size of SA was 15.4 ? 11.8mm, and 9.8 ? 9mm for MA (p<0.05). Surgery was performed in 77.3% of patients with MA and 78.9% of patients with SA (p>0.05), but complete surgical clipping was performed in 89.3% of patients with SA and in 47.1% of patients with MA (p<0.01). Among operated patients with MA and SA, intraoperative rupture occurred in 36% and 17.6% of cases, respectively (p<0.05) and ischemic postoperative complications were found in 29.4% and 17.3% of the cases (p>0.05). Among 72.7% of all patients with MA and in 69.5% of all patients with SA the outcome was good, while among surgically treated patients it was good in 76.5% and 70.7% of cases, respectively. Conclusion. The treatment outcome was similar for patients with MA and SA, but complete operative treatment is significantly more frequent for SA. Multiple aneurysms were considerably smaller and with different anatomical distribution in relation to solitary aneurysms.
Febrilna stanja i encefalopatski sindrom
Authors: Raicevic Ranko , Vukotic Natasa , Mitrasinovic Anka , Dimitrijevic Radmila , Mandic-Radic Slavka , Ratkovic Nenad , Dincic Evica , Djordjevic Dragana , Surbatovic Maja
Published: December 2010

 Sepsa, odnosno septicka encefalopatija predstavlja uobicajeni termin koji ukazuje na razvoj znakova mozdane disfunkcije u toku i u vezi sa prisustvom mikroorganizama i njihovih toksina u krvi. Septicka encefalopatija po pravilu nije izolovana, vec je pracena razvojem ostecenja mnogih organskih sistema. Razlikovanje septicke encefalopatije i encefalopatskih sindroma kao posljedice drugih oboljenja - poremecaja, a koja su pracena febrilnim stanjem predstavlja imperativ radi planiranja i sprovodjenja adekvatnog i pravovremenog dijagnostickog, terapijskog i preventivnog programa, sto daje najvece izglede oboljelim.
Complications and lethality rate in the surgery of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Roganovic Zoran , Pavlicevic Goran
Published: December 2010

Aim. To establish the risk factors for complications and fatal outcome after the operative occlusion of cerebral aneurysms. Methods. Retrospective study on 91 (lethality rate) and on 72 operated patients (complications). For survived and dead patients, as well as for patients with and without complications, following parameters were compared: gender, age, clinical condition, preoperative interval, use of temporary clips, vasospasm, outcome, as well as localization, size and intraoperative rupture of the aneurysm. Results. Complications existed: in 54.5% of aneurysms of middle cerebral and 13.6% of aneurysms of internal carotid artery (p<0.01); in 18.2% of patients in the first and 45.8% of patients in the third clinical Hunt and Hess group (p<0.05); in 57.9% of patients with and 20.5% of patients without intraoperative rupture (p<0.01); in 50% of patients with and 18.7% of patients without vasospasm (p<0.05). Average aneurysmal size was 18 mm in group with complications and 10.8 mm in patients with no complications (p<0.05), while average preoperative intervals in these two groups were 20 and 8.7 days (p<0.05). Lethality rate was 25% for the third and 83.3% for the fourth and fifth clinical group (p<0.01), and the existence of complications significantly increased mortality (from 15.7% to 50%, p<0.01). Good outcome existed in 19.2% of operated patients with complications and in 78.3% of those without complications (p<0.01). Conclusions. Incidence of complications depended significantly on preoperative clinical condition, duration of preoperative interval, size, localization and intraoperative rupture of aneurysm. Complications significantly minimized the surgical treatment outcome and increased the lethality rate mortality.
Hemostatic system changes predictive value in patients with ischemic brain disorders
Authors: Raicevic Ranko , Jovicic Aco , Mandic-Radic Slavka , Djordjevic Dragana , Magdic Bratislav , Markovic Ljubo , Veljancic Dragana , Dincic Evica , Obradovic Slobodan
Published: December 2010

The aim of this research was to determine the importance of tracking the dynamics of changes of the hemostatic system factors (aggregation of thrombocytes, D-dimer, PAI-1, antithrombin III, protein C and protein S, factor VII and factor VIII, fibrin degradation products, euglobulin test and the activated partial thromboplastin time ? aPTPV) in relation to the level of the severity of ischemic brain disorders (IBD) and the level of neurological and functional deficiency in the beginning of IBD manifestation from 7 to 10 days, 19 to 21 day, and after 3 to 6 months. The research results confirmed significant predictive value of changes of hemostatic system with the predomination of procoagulant factors, together with the insufficiency of fibrinolysis. Concerning the IBD severity and it's outcome, the significant predictive value was shown in the higher levels of PAI-1 and the lower level of antithrombin III, and borderline significant value was shown in the accelerated aggregation of thrombocytes and the increased concentration of D-dimer. It could be concluded that the tracking of the dynamics of changes in parameters of hemostatic system proved to be an easily accessible method with the significant predictive value regarding the development of more severe. IBD cases and the outcome of the disease itself.
Diagnostic thoracoscopy
Authors: Plavec Goran , Popovic Dragoljub , Sikimic Stevan , Stanic Vojkan
Published: December 2010

Diagnostic thoracoscopy in patients with pleural effusion of unclear origin mostly provides the correct diagnosis. Results from published reports of previous researches are not uniform. In 47 male and 20 female patients with pleural effusion of unknown etiology, after receiving negative results obtained from cytological finding of pleural effusion and percutaneous needle biopsy, thoracoscopy with biopsy of one or both pleurae was performed. Procedure was done in local anesthesia using Stortz rigid thoracoscope. In 37 patients with malignant disease (primary or metastatic) diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically in 31 patient (81.12%). In 27 patients with inflammatory pleural disease diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically in 22 patients (81.4%). Among 11 patients with specific pleural effusions, tuberculosis was confirmed in 10 (90.91%). Normal finding in cases of spontaneous pneumothorax and pulmonary embolism was taken as a positive result. Total number of positive findings was 55 (82.10%). In one patient, the third spontaneous pneumothorax was the indication for thoracoscopy, and after numerous bullae were seen during the procedure, talcum powder pleurodesis was done. In four patients low intensity subcutaneous emphysema occurred one day after thoracoscopy. It can be concluded that thoracoscopy in local anesthesia out of the operating room is good and practical method for solving the unclear pleural effusions, with neglectable rate of complications.
Biopsy of small salivary glands in the diagnosis of Mikulicz-Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Ilic Srbislav , Arsic Ljubisa , Milosavljevic Ivica , Strbac Miroslav , Tomasevic Gordana
Published: December 2010

Background. Sj?gren's syndrome (SS) represents autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation, destruction and insufficiency of exocrine glands, particularly salivary and lacrimal glands, accompanied by dryness of mouths and eyes. Diagnostic work-up involves clinical laboratory tests, radiography, scintigraphy and bioptic histopathological examination. Examination of small salivary glands in the biopsy of the lower lip represents a 'golden standard' of diagnosis of SS, concerning the fact that the growth and the disfunction of salivary and lacrimal glands occurs in different pathologic states. Methods. Resected specimens of the lower lip were obtained from 47 patients with clinical diagnosis of SS. After standard histopathological treatment, slices were hematoxylin and eosin stained. Immunohistochemistry against smooth muscle actin was performed using LSAB+ method (AHSMA-M7558, DAKO 1:50). On the basis of generally accepted histopathological diagnostic criteria the results were categorized as: findings suspicious for SS; findings compatible with the diagnosis of SS (mild, moderate and high degree of inflammation); nonspecific inflammatory reaction and nonrepresentative biopsy samples. Results. Diagnosis of SS was confirmed in 32% of cases. In 2% of cases findings were suspected for SS, in 36% of cases findings were compatible with the diagnosis of nonspecific inflammation, and in 30% of cases material was not representative. Conclusions. By the biopsy of salivary glands of the lower lip the diagnosis of SS was confirmed in 50-60% of cases. Upon the precise diagnostic criteria it was also possible to determine the intensity of inflammation and tissue destruction in SS and identify other pathological conditions, which justified the biopsy. Surgical technique had to be adequate in order to obtain representative number of small salivary glands. In the presented material 30% of specimens were nonrepresentative which was very high percentage compared with literature data. This was most probably the reason why the diagnosis of SS was confirmed in only 32% of cases, i.e., in every third patient.