bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute oral toxicity study of GAL-57 (Bentazon + Dicamba) herbicide in rats
Authors: Brkic Dragica , Gasic Slavica , Neskovic Nesko
Published: October 2009

An acute oral toxicity study of the herbicide GAL-57 (Avalon), a mixture of bentazon and dicamba as active ingredients, was investigated on rats, using a new method that has been used in the past several years (2001). Clinical observations symptoms and mortality were performed for all animals in different time intervals after treatment, and gross necropsy was performed at the end of observation period. Clinical symptoms (decreased activity, prone position, abnormal limb position, decreased righting reflex, decreased grip and limb tone, decreased body and abdominal tone, dyspnoea) of marked degree were noted after administration of 2000 mg/kg, and animals were dead in the period of 30-60 minutes after the treatment. GAL-57 did not cause any clinical sings at single 300 mg/kg bw dose. The physical condition and behavior of animals (males and females) were normal, and it is not differ in reaction to the control. According to the methodology used in the present study, it could be concluded that the acute oral LD-50 value of the GAL-57 proved to be between 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight in rats, and the product was ranked into Poison group III according to Serbian criteria, category 4 of the Global Harmonized Classification System, and Category III of the EPA classification.
Alcohol as a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Baliunas Dolly O. , Taylor Benjamin J. , Irving Hyacinth , Roerecke Michael , Patra Jayadeep , Mohapatra Satya , Rehm Jürgen
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic computer-assisted and hand search was conducted to identify relevant articles with longitudinal design and quantitative measurement of alcohol consumption. Adjustment was made for the sick-quitter effect. We used fractional polynomials in a meta-regression to determine the dose-response relationships by sex and end point using lifetime abstainers as the reference group.

RESULTS

The search revealed 20 cohort studies that met our inclusion criteria. A U-shaped relationship was found for both sexes. Compared with lifetime abstainers, the relative risk (RR) for type 2 diabetes among men was most protective when consuming 22 g/day alcohol (RR 0.87 [95% CI 0.76–1.00]) and became deleterious at just over 60 g/day alcohol (1.01 [0.71–1.44]). Among women, consumption of 24 g/day alcohol was most protective (0.60 [0.52–0.69]) and became deleterious at about 50 g/day alcohol (1.02 [0.83–1.26]).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis confirms previous research findings that moderate alcohol consumption is protective for type 2 diabetes in men and women.
On Baire measurable solutions of some functional equations
Authors: Baron Karol
Published: October 2009

We establish conditions under which Baire measurable solutions f of $$
\Gamma (x,y,|f(x) - f(y)|) = \Phi (x,y,f(x + \phi _1 (y)),...,f(x + \phi _N (y)))
$$ defined on a metrizable topological group are continuous at zero.
Descriptive set-theoretical properties of an abstract density operator
Authors: Gła̧b Szymon
Published: October 2009

Let $$
\mathcal{K}
$$(ℝ) stand for the hyperspace of all nonempty compact sets on the real line and let d
±(x;E) denote the (right- or left-hand) Lebesgue density of a measurable set E ⊂ ℝ at a point x∈ ℝ. In [3] it was proved that $$
\{ K \in \mathcal{K}(\mathbb{R}):\forall _x \in K(d^ + (x,K) = 1ord^ - (x,K) = 1)\}
$$ is ⊓11-complete. In this paper we define an abstract density operator ⅅ± and we generalize the above result. Some applications are included.
Homological Mirror Symmetry for manifolds of general type
Authors: Kapustin Anton , Katzarkov Ludmil , Orlov Dmitri , Yotov Mirroslav
Published: October 2009

In this paper we outline the foundations of Homological Mirror Symmetry for manifolds of general type. Both Physics and Categorical prospectives are considered.
Non-Teleological Approaches to Metathesis: Evidence from Dialects of Polish
Authors: Czaplicki Bartłomiej
Published: October 2009

Non-Teleological Approaches to Metathesis: Evidence from Dialects of Polish

This paper discusses metathesis and other related processes attested in the North Mazovian dialects of Polish. Recently proposed functional approaches to sound change provide a framework for this analysis. It is argued that the transposition of segments with elongated phonetic cues is best analyzed as an instance of phonetically-based sound change. Copying a consonant across a rhotic finds a similar perceptual explanation involving the reinterpretation of the acoustic signal. In addition to perceptual metathesis, I consider cases that fall under coarticulatory metathesis and arise from varying degrees of gestural overlap. In comparison to previous approaches to metathesis, the role of syllable structure in driving metathesis is considerably diminished but not refuted. Structural optimization presumably operates in tandem with phonetic and perceptual factors. Language processing is called to attention in accounting for the long-distance transposition of similar segments. A connectionist approach that makes reference to activation and competition in a neural network of linguistic units is invoked to define this type of metathesis. On the whole, the Polish dialectal data support the hypothesis that sound change is fundamentally diachronic and non-optimizing.
The Adessive Case in Polish: A Cognitive Perspective On Some Locative Prepositions
Authors: Kokorniak Iwona
Published: October 2009

The Adessive Case in Polish: A Cognitive Perspective On Some Locative Prepositions

The aim of this paper is to show that what is considered in Polish as one heterogeneous LOCATIVE case in the "formal" approach only on the surface seems rather complex and appears to lack any natural order. Due to the limited size of the paper, focus will be laid only on one locative case, the ADESSIVE, representing the static external locative, expressing different aspects of a relationship outside an entity and describing the "location ‘on top of’ or ‘near’, ‘owner’ or ‘instrument’ by means of which an action is performed" (Karlsson 1999: 115). It has no single linguistic equivalent in Polish; instead it is represented by several prepositions, such as na + LOC ‘on’, przy + LOC ‘by’ and u + GEN ‘at’, etc., reflecting different aspects of proximity and coincidence in space. Taking just the case of the ADESSIVE relation, data observations based on the IPI PAN Corpus of Polish allow us to claim that although each preposition is responsible for a different aspect of the external spatial relation, they complement one another and are related in a family resemblance fashion, expressing an adessive relation.
Transport modelling and monitoring research use for efficiency assessment of vertical barrier surrounding old sanitary landfill
Authors: Koda Eugeniusz , Wiencław Edward , Martelli Livio
Published: October 2009

Transport modelling and monitoring research use for efficiency assessment of vertical barrier surrounding old sanitary landfill

The paper describes the results of numerical modelling of pollution transport and groundwater quality monitoring for the old sanitary landfill where advanced protection system have been introduced. The protection system consists of the vertical bentonite barrier and peripheral leachate drainage. The GMS/FEMWATER numerical program has been used for groundwater flow and transport simulation. The local monitoring program includes chemical analyses of leachates, surface and groundwater as well as groundwater level observations. The modelling and monitoring results were aimed at the assessment of the vertical barrier effectiveness of groundwater protection in landfill surroundings. These analyses were performed for Radiowo landfill located nearby Warsaw. This object has been existing since 1962, and the permission for its exploitation was extended to the end of the year 2009. Remedial works of the landfill has been conducted since 1998 and they includes: the vertical bentonite barrier, the leachates drainage system, the leachate re-circulation system, the mineral cover, the degassing system as well as the regulation of water relations in surroundings. The influence of remedial works on the groundwater quality on landfill surroundings has also been analysed in the paper.
Surface wind speed probability distribution in the Southeast Pacific of Marine Stratus and Stratocumulus regions
Authors: He Yanping
Published: October 2009

Probability distributions of surface wind speeds (SWS) near coastal regions are needed for applications such as estimating offshore wind power and ocean surface fluxes and for offshore wind risk assessments. Ocean surface wind speed probability distribution (PDF) is characterized using three-year QuikSCAT and AIRS satellite observations in the southeast Pacific of marine stratus and stratocumulus (MSC) regions. Seasonal variation is removed from wind statistics. It was found that the observed SWS standard deviation has a linear positive relationship with its mean SWS; while the SWS skewness decreases with mean SWS in regimes of strong winds and increases with mean SWS in regimes of weak winds. A simple 1D conceptual model is developed near the Peruvian region, which successfully reproduces the observed relationship between higher moments of SWS and its mean value. The model based physical picture among ocean surface winds, SST, and marine boundary clouds are supported by three-year QuikSCAT surface wind observations and fifteen-year ERA40 re-analysis data. Model sensitive tests suggest that large-scale divergence, and strengths of momentum and cloud fluctuations have significant effects on the ocean SWS-PDF in marine stratus and stratocumulus regions.
Status of the Gannet Morus bassanus in the Black Sea region (E Bulgaria)
Authors: Boev Zlatozar
Published: October 2009

Status of the Gannet Morus bassanus in the Black Sea region (E Bulgaria)

The Gannet Morus bassanus is a rare vagrant species in the Black Sea region (E Bulgaria). There are altogether 9 records of Gannet in Bulgaria over the last 100 years, all on the Black Sea coast. This paper describes the three most recent records. On 29-31 July 2008 6 individuals were observed in the vicinity of St. Constantine and Elena Resort (12 km north of the town of Varna, Varna Region, NE Bulgaria). Gannets were fishing by numerous (typical) dives, accompanied by a flock of Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo and Yellow-legged Gulls Larus michahellis. A review of all the species' records in Bulgaria, as well as the subfossil records in the Black Sea region is given.
CANADA'S THIRD NATIONAL POLICY: THE EPIPHENOMENAL OR THE REAL CONSTITUTION?
Authors: Macdonald Roderick A. , Wolfe Robert
Published: October 2009

The idea of the National Policy as both a collective endeavour and a framework for detailed policy analysis is more constitutive of the Canadian state and its governing instruments than is any of its renamed Constitution Acts. National policies originate in the actions and demands of citizens and are often framed by cultural and economic elites before being appropriated by politicians. This essay begins with a descriptive genealogy of Canada's three National Policies (np1, from the 1840s through the 1930s; np2, from the 1930s through the 1970s; and np3, from 1980 onward). In subsequent sections, the essay elaborates the principles and components of Canada's contemporary National Policy, based on the notion of embedded citizen agency. It then explores a set of hypotheses about integrative action in the traditional analytic registers for thinking about the National Policy: economic, communications, and social policy. Canada's third National Policy is an emerging fact reflected in a number of initiatives taken by both Liberal and Conservative governments over the past thirty years. That said, the substantive policy commitments that this third National Policy entails are not fully predetermined but remain open for continuing political decision. Debating those possibilities will shape the country more profoundly than any attempts to perfect Canada's formal institutional arrangements, the epiphenomenal constitution.
Charles Crussard's early contributions: Recrystallization in situ and a Grain Boundary study with J. Friedel and B. Cullity
Authors: Hardouin Duparc Olivier
Published: October 2009

Charles Crussard's discovery of what he called Recrystallization in situ in 1944 is compared with what Egon Orowan and Robert Cahn named Polygonization. The context of the previous research is recalled in order to show the novelty of these contributions. Progress in accurate deformation and observation techniques such as tensile machines and X-ray methods were important, as were theoretical models about plausible microscopic mechanisms. With Jacques Friedel and Barney Cullity, Ch. Crussard also wrote a pioneering article on grain boundaries, which contains an experimental study of the relative energies of both symmetrical and asymmetrical grain boundaries observed in aluminium together with the first atomistic calculation of energies of symmetrical low and high angle tilt boundaries in several metals. This less well-known contribution is also recalled.
The interplay between grain boundaries and disclinations in condensed matter physics
Authors: Kleman Maurice
Published: October 2009

The concept of grain boundary, much studied for its relationship with dislocation motion in plastic deformation, is here developed and associated with that of disclination. After defining a disclination in terms of a Volterra process, we investigate the nature of the interplay between both, with application to two cases: i) in polycrystals the triple junctions result from the stress free merging of disclinations bordering the incident grain boundaries; the plastic properties of nanocrystals, which cannot be attributed directly to dislocations, are related to these disclinations; ii) in lamellar liquid crystalline phases grain boundaries are often the place not only of dislocations, but also of focal conic domains, a stunning disclination system described by G. Friedel one hundred years ago.
On the high-temperature oxidation of MCrAlY coatings
Authors: Sloof W. G. , Nijdam T. J.
Published: October 2009

In this review, recent progress in understanding the short- and long-term oxidation behaviour of MCrAlY coatings and the instruments that can be employed to influence the oxidation behaviour of the MCrAlY's are discussed. Particular attention is given on the transient oxidation behaviour, the initial distribution of the Y in the oxide scale and how these initial oxide products influence the long-term oxide growth rate and adhesion of the oxide scale. It is shown that the growth kinetics and adhesion of the oxide scale are to a large extent determined by the amount and distribution of Y-oxide inclusions in the scale. Oxide scales with a regularly distributed and larger amount of small Y-oxide inclusions are faster growing, but perform better in thermal cycle tests. Transient oxide products like metastable aluminas (γ- or θ-Al2O3) and spinels do not have a large influence on long-term oxidation behaviour except when the oxide scale is virtually free of Y-oxide inclusions due to Y depletion. Then, the nucleation of metastable aluminas at the onset of oxidation may be beneficial due to a slower-growing alumina scale with a larger grain size after transformation into α-Al2O3. Spinel oxides are considered detrimental for long-term oxidation performance, but their amount is usually limited on most types of MCrAlY coatings due to the rapid supply of Al along the numerous grain and phase boundaries in the fine-grained coatings. The key instruments that can be employed to manipulate the oxidation behaviour of MCrAlY coatings are: (i) the composition and size of the main phases in the coating (γ-Ni and β-NiAl), (ii) the initial distribution, chemical state (metallic or oxidized) and reservoir of the Y in the coating, (iii) the composition and roughness at the coating surface, and (iv) the oxidation conditions during post-deposition heat treatment (temperature, time, partial oxygen pressure).
Low-temperature gaseous surface hardening of stainless steel: the current status
Authors: Christiansen Thomas L. , Somers Marcel A. J.
Published: October 2009

The present review addresses the state of the art of low-temperature gaseous surface engineering of (austenitic) stainless steel and is largely based on the authors' own work in the last 10 years. The main purpose of low temperature gaseous surface engineering of stainless steel is to develop a hardened case at the surface, while maintaining the superior corrosion performance. This can be achieved by dissolving colossal amounts of nitrogen and/or carbon without forming nitrides and/or carbides, thus developing so-called expanded austenite. The present work gives an overview over results obtained on homogeneous expanded austenite and covers the crystallography for nitrogen- and carbon-stabilised expanded austenite, the solubility for nitrogen and carbon, the diffusion of these interstitials as well as the stability of expanded austenite with respect to nitride and carbide formation. Subsequently, the fundamental understanding acquired on homogeneous samples is applied to understand the morphology, composition, and residual stress distribution in functionally graded material, as obtained by nitriding, carburising or nitrocarburising of austenitic stainless steel. Thereafter, aspects of modelling the compositional changes occurring during nitriding are addressed. The overview summarises with an outlook towards future scientific challenges.
Application of intraoperative high-field magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric neurosurgery
Authors: Levy Ron , Cox Robin G. , Hader Walter J. , Myles Terry , Sutherland Garnette R. , Hamilton Mark G.
Published: October 2009

Object

Over the past decade, the use of intraoperative MR (iMR) imaging in the pediatric neurosurgical population has become increasingly accepted as an innovative and important neurosurgical tool. The authors summarize their experience using a mobile 1.5-T iMR imaging unit with integrated neuronavigation with the goal of identifying procedures and/or pathologies in which the application of this technology changed the course of surgery or modified the operative strategy.

Methods

A database has been prospectively maintained for this patient population. The authors reviewed the hospital charts and imaging results for all patients in the database. This review revealed 105 neurosurgical procedures performed in 98 children (49 male and 49 female) between March 1998 and April 2008. Intradissection (ID) and/or quality assurance images were obtained at the discretion of the surgeon.

Results

The median age at surgery was 12 years (4 months–18 years). One hundred intracranial and 5 spinal procedures were performed; 22 of these procedures were performed for recurrent pathology. Surgical planning scans were obtained for 102 procedures, and neuronavigation was used in 93 patients. The greatest impact of iMR imaging was apparent in the 55 procedures to resect neoplastic lesions; ID scans were obtained in 49 of these procedures. Further surgery was performed in 49% of the procedures during which ID scans had been obtained. A smaller proportion of ID scans in the different cranial pathology groups (5 of 21 epilepsy cases, 4 of 9 vascular cases) resulted in further resections to meet the surgical goal of the surgeon. Two ID scans obtained during 5 procedures for the treatment of spinal disease did not lead to any change in surgery. Postoperative scans did not reveal any acute adverse events. There was 1 intraoperative adverse event in which a Greenberg retractor was inadvertently left on during ID scanning but was removed after the scout scans.

Conclusions

The application of iMR imaging in the pediatric neurosurgical population allows, at minimum, the opportunity to perform less invasive surgical exposures. Its potential is greatest when its high-quality imaging ability is coupled with its superior neuronavigation capabilities, which permits tracking of the extent of resection of intracranial tumors and, to a lesser extent, other lesions during the surgical procedure.
A modified far-lateral approach for large or giant meningiomas of the posterior fossa
Authors: Sanai Nader , McDermott Michael W.
Published: October 2009

Object

Resecting large meningiomas along the posterior fossa convexity or cerebellopontine angle (CPA) through a suboccipital approach can be challenging. Limitations include a restricted angle of view, high venous pressures, and suboptimal brain relaxation. While a far-lateral craniotomy is a viable alternative, the risks associated with condylar resection are undesirable.

Methods

The authors retrospectively evaluated a modified far-lateral approach in a consecutive series of 12 patients with large or giant posterior fossa convexity and CPA meningiomas. This approach incorporates transverse-sigmoid sinus exposure and C-1 laminectomy, but there is no condylar resection.

Results

Between January 2006 and February 2008, 12 patients (mean age 52 years) presented with large or giant meningiomas of the posterior fossa convexity or CPA. The mean tumor volume was 72.6 cm3 (range 8–131 cm3). Signs and symptoms at presentation included headache (in 8 patients), cranial neuropathy (in 4), and progressive hemiparesis (in 4). There were no operative complications, and the majority of patients (9) had Simpson Grade I or II resections. There were no new permanent neurological deficits following resection, although 2 patients (17%) had transient deficits. The mean modified Rankin score decreased from 2.2 preoperatively to 0.6 postoperatively.

Conclusions

A modified far-lateral approach to the posterior fossa and CPA allows for safe, and often total, resection of large meningiomas with minimal morbidity. While avoiding the risks of condylar resection, this microsurgical strategy allows for greater field of view, minimal venous bleeding, and immediate access to the spinal subarachnoid space.
Embolization of a giant pediatric, posttraumatic, skull base internal carotid artery aneurysm with a liquid embolic agent
Authors: Reig Adam S. , Simon Scott , Mericle Robert A.
Published: October 2009

Many treatments for posttraumatic, skull base aneurysms have been described. Eight months after an all-terrain-vehicle accident, this 12-year-old girl presented with right-side Horner syndrome caused by a 33 × 19–mm internal carotid artery aneurysm at the C-1 level. We chose to treat the aneurysm with a new liquid embolic agent for wide-necked, side-wall aneurysms (Onyx HD 500). We felt this treatment would result in less morbidity than surgery and was less likely to occlude the parent artery than placement of a covered stent, especially in a smaller artery in a pediatric patient. Liquid embolic agents also appear to be associated with a lower chance of recanalization and lower cost compared with stent-assisted coil embolization. After the patient was treated with loading doses of aspirin, clopidogrel bisulfate, and heparin, 99% of the aneurysm was embolized with 9 cc of the liquid embolic agent. There were no complications, and the patient remained neurologically stable. Follow-up angiography revealed durable aneurysm occlusion after 1 year. The cost of Onyx was less than the cost of coils required for coil embolization of similarly sized intracranial aneurysms at our institution. Liquid embolic agents can provide a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective approach to treatment of select giant, posttraumatic, skull base aneurysms in pediatric patients.
Pressure autoregulation, intracranial pressure, and brain tissue oxygenation in children with severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Figaji Anthony A. , Zwane Eugene , Fieggen A. Graham , Argent Andrew C. , Le Roux Peter D. , Siesjo Peter , Peter Jonathan C.
Published: October 2009

Object

Cerebral pressure autoregulation is an important neuroprotective mechanism that stabilizes cerebral blood flow when blood pressure (BP) changes. In this study the authors examined the association between autoregulation and clinical factors, BP, intracranial pressure (ICP), brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO2), and outcome after pediatric severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). In particular we examined how the status of autoregulation influenced the effect of BP changes on ICP and PbtO2.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, 52 autoregulation tests were performed in 24 patients with severe TBI. The patients had a mean age of 6.3 ± 3.2 years, and a postresuscitation Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6 (range 3–8). All patients underwent continuous ICP and PbtO2 monitoring, and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was used to examine the autoregulatory index (ARI) based on blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery after increasing mean arterial pressure by 20% of the baseline value. Impaired autoregulation was defined as an ARI < 0.4 and intact autoregulation as an ARI ≥ 0.4. The relationships between autoregulation (measured as both a continuous and dichotomous variable), outcome, and clinical and physiological variables were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Autoregulation was impaired (ARI < 0.4) in 29% of patients (7 patients). The initial Glasgow Coma Scale score was significantly associated with the ARI (p = 0.02, r = 0.32) but no other clinical factors were associated with autoregulation status. Baseline values at the time of testing for ICP, PbtO2, the ratio of PbtO2/PaO2, mean arterial pressure, and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity were similar in the patients with impaired or intact autoregulation. There was an inverse relationship between ARI (continuous and dichotomous) with a change in ICP (continuous ARI, p = 0.005; dichotomous ARI, p = 0.02); that is, ICP increased with the BP increase when ARI was low (weak autoregulation). The ARI (continuous and dichotomous) was also inversely associated with a change in PbtO2 (continuous ARI, p = 0.002; dichotomous ARI, p = 0.02). The PbtO2 increased when BP was increased in most patients, even when the ARI was relatively high (stronger autoregulation), but the magnitude of this response was still associated with the ARI. There was no relationship between the ARI and outcome.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate the influence of the strength of autoregulation on the response of ICP and PbtO2 to BP changes and the variability of this response between individuals. The findings suggest that autoregulation testing may assist clinical decision-making in pediatric severe TBI and help better define optimal BP or cerebral perfusion pressure targets for individual patients.
Protecting venous structures during radiosurgery for parasagittal meningiomas
Authors: Conti Alfredo , Pontoriero Antonio , Salamone Ignazio , Siragusa Carmelo , Midili Federica , La Torre Domenico , Calisto Amedeo , Granata Francesca , Romanelli Pantaleo , De Renzis Costantino , Tomasello Francesco
Published: October 2009

Symptomatic edema is a potential complication of meningioma radiosurgery. Parasagittal meningiomas are at a particular risk for symptomatic edema, suggesting a role for a venous occlusive complication. The authors sought to develop a strategy to optimize CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgical treatment parameters to reduce the irradiation of the peritumoral venous system. Multislice CT venography with 3D reconstructions was performed and coregistered with thin-section, contrast-enhanced, volumetric MR images. The tumor and critical volumes were contoured on the MR images. Venous anatomical details obtained from the CT venographic study were then exported onto the MR imaging and fused MR imaging-CT study. Target and critical structure volumes and dosimetric parameters obtained with this method were analyzed. The authors found that reducing the irradiation of veins that course along the surface of the meningioma, which may be at risk for radiation-induced occlusion, is feasible in parasagittal meningioma radiosurgery without compromising other treatment parameters including conformality, homogeneity, and target coverage. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess the clinical validity of this treatment strategy.
The putative role of the venous system in the genesis of vascular malformations
Authors: Aboian Mariam S. , Daniels David J. , Rammos Stylianos K. , Pozzati Eugenio , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: October 2009

Recent clinical and experimental evidence has challenged the traditional concept of the venous system as a “passive” element in the genesis and evolution of intracranial vascular malformations. The authors review the clinical and experimental evidence linking the venous system and its anomalies to the genesis of various intracranial vascular malformations, including dural arteriovenous fistulas, cavernous malformations, parenchymal arteriovenous malformations, and capillary telangiectasia. They also describe the potential significance of different associations of these vascular anomalies.
Steigende Bestandszahlen bei Spechten und anderen Vogelarten dank Zunahme von Totholz? | An increase in the population of woodpeckers and other bird species thanks to an increase in the quantities of deadwood?
Authors: Mollet Pierre , Zbinden Niklaus , Schmid Hans
Published: October 2009

Results from the monitoring programs of the Swiss Ornithological Institute show that the breeding populations of several forest species for which deadwood is an important habitat element (black woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, middle spotted woodpecker, lesser spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker, three-toed woodpecker as well as crested tit, willow tit and Eurasian tree creeper) have increased in the period 1990 to 2008, although not to the same extent in all species. At the same time the white-backed woodpecker extended its range in eastern Switzerland. The Swiss National Forest Inventory shows an increase in the amount of deadwood in forests for the same period. For all the mentioned species, with the exception of green and middle spotted woodpecker, the growing availability of deadwood is likely to be the most important factor explaining this population increase.
Totholz: Besondere Gefahren erfordern besondere Sicherheitsmassnahmen | Deadwood: particular dangers call for particular safety measures
Authors: Wettmann Othmar , Hartmann Heinz
Published: October 2009

Deadwood is an important part of the forest ecosystem. However, felling timber and other forestry work in stands with a lot of deadwood is more dangerous than in those with but little. These particular dangers, which mainly arise from standing deadwood and principally concern forestry personnel, must be minimized. When projects concerning nature protection are being carried out in the forest, in which it is a question of deadwood, everyone concerned must be aware of the risks involved. At each step the parties involved must take the necessary measures: the people commissioning the project during the planning phase and the employer while evaluating the risks. During the forestry work itself the workers must be informed and trained and they themselves must take all necessary precautions.
Correction: Hunt, R.W. et al. Electromagnetic Biostimulation of Living Cultures for Biotechnology, Biofuel and Bioenergy Applications. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10, 4515-4558
Authors: Hunt Ryan W. , Zavalin Andrey , Bhatnagar Ashish , Chinnasamy Senthil , Das Keshav C.
Published: October 2009

We found some errors in the paper published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences [1]. [...]
Influence of Ripeness and Drying Process on the Polyphenols and Tocopherols of Pistacia vera L.
Authors: Ballistreri Gabriele , Arena Elena , Fallico Biagio
Published: October 2009

This paper highlights, for the first time, the changes in the phenolics fraction (anthocyanins, flavonoids and stilbenes) and tocopherols of unpeeled Pistacia vera L. var. bianca with ripening, and the effect of the sun-drying process. The total polyphenol levels in pistachios, measured as mg of Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE), were: 201 ± 10.1, 349 ± 18.3 and 184.7 ± 6.2 mg GAE/100 g DM in unripe, ripe and dried ripe samples, respectively. Most phenolics in ripe pistachios were found to be anthocyanins. They increased with ripening, while the sun drying process caused a susbtantial loss. Flavonoids found in all pistachio samples were daidzein, genistein, daidzin, quercetin, eriodictyol, luteolin, genistin and naringenin, which decreased both with ripening and drying. Before the drying process both unripe and ripe pistachios showed a higher content of trans-resveratrol than dried ripe samples. γ-Tocopherol was the major vitamin E isomer found in pistachios. The total content (of α- and γ-tocopherols) decreased, both during ripening and during the drying process. These results suggested that unpeeled pistachios can be considered an important source of phenolics, particularly of anthocyanins. Moreover, in order to preserve these healthy characteristics, new and more efficient drying processes should be adopted.
Liver Cell Transformation in Chronic HBV Infection
Authors: Benhenda Shirine , Cougot Delphine , Neuveut Christine , Buendia Marie  Annick
Published: October 2009

Epidemiological studies have provided overwhelming evidence for a causal role of chronic HBV infection in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the molecular mechanisms underlying virally-induced tumorigenesis remain largely debated. In the absence of a dominant oncogene encoded by the HBV genome, indirect roles have been proposed, including insertional activation of cellular oncogenes by HBV DNA integration, induction of genetic instability by viral integration or by the regulatory protein HBx, and long term effects of viral proteins in enhancing immune-mediated liver disease. In this chapter, we discuss different models of HBV-mediated liver cell transformation based on animal systems of hepadnavirus infection as well as functional studies in hepatocyte and hepatoma cell lines. These studies might help identifying the cellular effectors connecting HBV infection and liver cell transformation.
Lumbosacral degenerative stenosis in the dog
Authors: Beosier Y. , Daems R. , Janssens L.
Published: October 2009

Thirty-eight dogs with Hansen type II lumbosacral disc protrusion were treated with epidural infiltration of methylprednisolone acetate between the seventh lumbar vertebra and the sacrum. Epidural infiltration was carried out under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance at standardised intervals for the first three treatments and later on demand. Retrospective evaluation by owner questionnaire found that 79% of the animals were considered to have improved, and 53% were totally cured. Epidural infiltration with methylprednisolone acetate has a clinical outcome comparable to decompressive surgery and can be safely used as a less invasive alternative.
Carpal arthrodesis in cats
Authors: Farrell M. , Chase D. , Aisa J. , Rayward R. , Carmichael S. , Calvo I.
Published: October 2009

Pancarpal and partial carpal arthrodesis were performed in 22 carpi (20 cats) using various surgical methods. Short and longterm outcomes were assessed using a retrospective review of the case notes and via owner questionnaires. Carpal arthrodesis was associated with complications that did not affect the functional outcome, and in most cases, did not necessitate major revision surgery. Following arthrodesis, the cats did not jump as high, and showed a reduction in their willingness to jump and climb. Based on our results, carpal arthrodesis is a suitable salvage surgery to treat severe carpal injuries in the cat.
Spinal kinematics in horses with induced back pain
Authors: Gómez Álvarez C. B. , Meulenbelt R. , Johnston C. , van Weeren P. R. , Roethlisberger-Holm K. , Drevemo S. , Wennerstrand J.
Published: October 2009

Back problems are important contributors to poor performance in sport horses. It has been shown that kinematic analysis can differentiate horses with back problems from asymptomatic horses. The underlying mechanism can, however, only be identified in a uniform, experimental setting.

Our aim was to determine if induction of back pain in a well-defined site would result in a consistent change in back movement.

Back kinematics were recorded at a walk and trot on a treadmill. Unilateral back pain was then induced by injecting lactic acid into the left longissimus dorsi muscle. Additional measurements were done subsequent to the injections. Data were captured during steady state locomotion at 240 Hz using an infraredbased gait analysis system.

After the injections, the caudal thoracic back was more extended at both gaits. The back was also bent more to the left at both gaits. However, at the walk, there was a reversed pattern after a week with bending of the back to the unaffected side.

Horses with identical back injuries appear to show similar changes in their back kinematics, as compared to the asymptomatic condition. Unilateral back pain seems to result in an increased extension of the back, as well as compensatory lateral movements.

Back movements are complex and subtle, and changes are difficult to detect with the human eye. Present-day gait analysis systems can identify changes in the back movement, and knowledge of the relationship between such changes and the site of injury will be of help in better localising and diagnosing disorders of the equine back.
Diagnostic value of ultrasonography to assess stifle lesions in dogs after cranial cruciate ligament rupture : 13 cases
Authors: Cauvin E. , Viguier E. , Kraft E. , Sonet J. , Carozzo C. , Arnault F.
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonographic diagnosis of lesions in the canine stifle associated with cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Thirteen dogs that had a diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament rupture were included in this prospective clinical study. Two ultrasonographers who were unaware of specific historical and clinical data performed the sonography with a high frequency (8–16 MHz) linear transducer. Surgical treatment of the affected stifle was performed within two days of ultrasonography by a surgeon who was unaware of the ultrasonographic findings. The lesions observed during ultrasonography and arthrotomy were compared at the completion of the study. Visualisation of the superficial tendons (quadriceps and long digital extensor) and ligaments (patellar ligament, collateral ligaments) of the stifle using ultrasonography was excellent. However, the detection of deep stifle ligaments (cranial cruciate ligament and caudal cruciate ligament) was extremely difficult to perform using ultrasonography. For cranial cruciate ligament rupture, the sensitivity for ultrasonographic diagnosis was 15.4%. For meniscal lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for ultrasonographic diagnosis were 82%, 93%, 90% and 88% respectively. High frequency ultrasonography is a non-invasive method for accurately and efficiently detecting superficial ligaments, tendons and meniscal lesions associated with cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the stifle of non-sedated dogs
Clinique de l'autisme : prise en charge des enfants autistes en hôpital de jour
Authors: Madeuf Pierre
Published: October 2009

Résumé L’autisme est hors langage, en deçà de l’aliénation, tandis que la psychose, située dans le champ de l’aliénation, est hors discours, comme nous le rappelle Colette Soler avec Lacan, en référence aux deux opérations de causation du sujet, l’aliénation et la séparation. L’exemple d’un enfant autiste suivi en hôpital de jour montre comment il accède à une construction symptomatique dans le langage, ce qui lui permet une certaine adaptation au monde, laissant ouverte la question du dépassement de la position autistique.
L'enfant qui jouait le jeu de la Mère. Le cas de Roland Barthes
Authors: Fukuda Daisuke
Published: October 2009

Résumé L’enjeu de cette communication est de suivre le fil de la représentation de la position « maternelle » de Barthes d’œuvre en œuvre jusqu’à La chambre claire . Malgré sa réputation d’être éternel enfant de sa mère Henriette, Roland Barthes devrait jouer le rôle de la Mère vis-à-vis de sa mère qui ne cède rien sur son désir. Il s’agira donc de l’étude d’un cas du ravage maternel chez un critique littéraire.
Jouer le jeu, oui mais lequel ? Actes, désir, loi et prolongement du symptôme
Authors: Morel Geneviève
Published: October 2009

Résumé Quand un sujet ne veut pas jouer le jeu de la société ni celui de ses parents ou de sa famille, il le fait soit par une rupture, le désir s’opposant alors à la loi comme à son envers, soit, le plus souvent, au moyen d’un symptôme qui le ligote. Des exemples cliniques ou cinématographiques nous serviront à explorer diverses expériences.
Entre liberté et dépendance : le défi éthique de la maladie d'Alzheimer
Authors: Dalmas Chantal
Published: October 2009

Résumé En médecine, le questionnement éthique se pose devant la souffrance de l’autre. La maladie d’Alzheimer est avant tout une maladie de la perte. Comment réagir en termes d’éthique et de soin face à ces patients qui, du fait de la disparition progressive de leurs capacités cognitives, nous apparaissent mystérieux, mutiques, réfugiés dans un monde indéchiffrable et animés de comportements aberrants ? Maintenir la relation à tout prix est le défi des soignants et des aidants. Mais quelle relation ? Et comment la maintenir ?
Webcam as a New Invigilation Method: Students' Comfort and Potential for Cheating
Authors: Mirza Noeman , Staples Eric
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to determine the comfort of nurse practitioner (NP) students with webcam invigilation of online examinations and the effectiveness of webcam invigilation in preventing students from cheating. An online questionnaire was developed for NP students currently enrolled in Ontario's Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program, in which online examinations are invigilated through a webcam. All students were contacted via e-mail and invited to participate in the online questionnaire. The response rate was 77%. Data were collected and analyzed. Results demonstrated that webcam invigilation can be an uncomfortable experience and that cheating on webcam-invigilated examinations is possible. The results will contribute to the scarce literature available on webcam invigilation of online examinations, but research with a larger sample is needed if results are to be generalized to the webcam invigilation process.
Outcome Study of Unilateral Lateral Rectus Recession for Small to Moderate Angle Intermittent Exotropia in Children
Authors: Wang Lihua , Nelson Leonard B.
Published: October 2009

Purpose:

To report an outcome study of 100 consecutive children with intermittent exotropia treated by unilateral lateral rectus recession for small to moderate angle exodeviation with a minimum follow-up of 6 months.

Methods:

The records of patients with intermittent exotropia younger than 15 years who underwent 7- to 10-mm unilateral lateral rectus recession for exodeviation measuring 15 to 35 prism diopters (PD) from January 2000 to July 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgery was performed according to the amount of distance deviation. A successful alignment was defined as an exodeviation of 5 PD or less and absence of any esotropia in primary and lateral gaze while viewing distant or near targets.

Results:

Successful alignment was achieved in 99%, 88%, and 76% of patients at early postoperative, 6-month, and final follow-up, respectively. One overcorrected patient had an esodeviation of 20 PD at 6 months. The results of the final follow-up did not depend on age or refraction at the level of 0.05, whereas the amount of initial exodeviation was found to be significantly correlated with success at the final examination (
P
= .041). There was a positive significant relationship between results at 6 months and final follow-up (
P
= .000, r = 0.449). Eleven of the 13 patients who had a second surgery and were observed more than 6 months had successful alignment. Eighty-nine percent of the patients achieved a successful outcome with the combined primary and secondary surgery at the final follow-up.

Conclusion:

Unilateral lateral rectus recession is a safe and effective treatment for small to moderate angle intermittent exotropia in children.
Chemokine-Like Receptor-1 Expression by Central Nervous System-Infiltrating Leukocytes and Involvement in a Model of Autoimmune Demyelinating Disease
Authors: Graham Kareem L. , Zabel Brian A. , Loghavi Sanam , Zuniga Luis A. , Ho Peggy P. , Sobel Raymond A. , Butcher Eugene C.
Published: October 2009

We examined the involvement of chemokine-like receptor-1 (CMKLR1) in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of human multiple sclerosis. Upon EAE induction by active immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein amino acids 35–55 (MOG35–55), microglial cells and CNS-infiltrating myeloid dendritic cells expressed CMKLR1, as determined by flow cytometric analysis. In addition, chemerin, a natural ligand for CMKLR1, was up-regulated in the CNS of mice with EAE. We found that CMKLR1-deficient (CMKLR1 knockout (KO)) mice develop less severe clinical and histologic disease than their wild-type (WT) counterparts. CMKLR1 KO lymphocytes proliferate and produce proinflammatory cytokines in vitro, yet MOG35–55-reactive CMKLR1 KO lymphocytes are deficient in their ability to induce EAE by adoptive transfer to WT or CMKLR1 KO recipients. Moreover, CMKLR1 KO recipients fail to fully support EAE induction by transferred MOG-reactive WT lymphocytes. The results imply involvement of CMKLR1 in both the induction and effector phases of disease. We conclude that CMKLR1 participates in the inflammatory mechanisms of EAE and represents a potential therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis.
Dendritic Cell Function in Allostimulation Is Modulated by C5aR Signaling
Authors: Peng Qi , Li Ke , Wang Naiyin , Li Qijun , Asgari Elham , Lu Bao , Woodruff Trent M. , Sacks Steven H. , Zhou Wuding
Published: October 2009

Regulation of T cell immunity by C5a has been suggested from recent studies. However, the underlying mechanisms, particularly the involved cells and biochemical basis, are not well defined. In this study, the direct modulation of dendritic cell (DC) activation and its function in T cell stimulation by C5a-C5aR interaction and the involved signaling pathways were investigated. We show that DCs from C5aR−/− mice and normal DCs treated with C5aR antagonist have less-activated phenotype characterized with increased IL-10 and decreased IL-12p70 production in response to LPS stimulation, lowered surface expression of MHC class II, B7.2, and consequently have reduced capacity to stimulate allospecific T cells. Conversely, C5a stimulation up-regulates DC activation and its function in allostimulation. Furthermore, stimulation of C5aR mediates the inhibition of cAMP production and protein kinase A activity and is involved in activation of PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling in DCs. These results demonstrate that C5a acts directly on C5aR expressed on DCs resulting in the cell activation and subsequently enhances its capacity for allospecific T cell stimulation. It also suggests that NF-κB signaling induced by down-regulation of cAMP/ protein kinase A pathway and up-regulation of PI3K/AKT pathway following C5a stimulation may contribute to up-regulation of DC function.