bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Montana's courting of physician aid in dying: Could Des Moines follow suit?
Authors: Svenson Arthur G.
Published: July 2011

Montana recently joined Oregon and Washington as the only states in the nation to legalize the choice among terminally ill adults to hasten death by self-administering a lethal dose of drugs prescribed by a physician. Unlike Oregon and Washington, however, Montana's legalization of physician aid in dying (PAID) resulted not from public consideration of a statewide initiative, but from the judicial resolution of a lawsuit,Baxter v. Montana. As originally conceived, a trial judge reasoned that the unenumerated right to PAID is embraced by enumerated state constitutional rights to privacy and dignity. On appeal, Montana's supreme court jettisoned this construct, and, in its place, fashioned a legal home for PAID out of state homicide, consent defense, and end-of-life statutes. Central to this court's statutory rendering is the finding that state law, allowing terminally ill Montanans sustained by life support to withdraw such treatment and die, discriminates against terminally ill Montanansnotsustained by life support who seek death; these classes are similar, the justices reckoned, entitling both to choose death. This analysis examines Montana's courting of PAID, offering textual examination of state trial and appellate court opinions, an accounting of legal strategies advanced inamici curiaebriefs, and commentary about the problems and prospects withBaxter'sholding. I argue, ultimately, that the equality principles statutorily conceived inBaxter(1) could be parroted in the vast majority of states that both criminalize assisted suicide and enumerate constitutional equal protection guarantees, and (2) could replacesub silentiothe equal protection paradigm applied to “physician-assisted suicide” by the United States Supreme Court in its landmarkVacco v. Quillruling.
Gender differences in follower behavior: An experimental study of reactions to ambitious decision makers
Authors: Larimer Christopher W. , Hannagan Rebecca J.
Published: July 2011

This study investigates whether observers react negatively to overly ambitious leaders, focusing on whether women are more sensitive than men in their perceptions of the traits of decision makers and whether men and women behave differently as a result of such perceptions. Results from two laboratory experiments show how participants react to ambitious decision makers in simple bargaining scenarios. The results indicate that observers tend to equate ambition for decision-making authority with self-interested, unfair, male behavior. Moreover, observers tend to be less satisfied with a decision made by an ambitious decision maker compared to the same decision made by an unambitious decision maker. That is, people generally dislike ambitious decision makers independent of the actual decision that is made. Further, there are important differences in male and female expectations of what decision makers will do that, when combined with perceptions of decision-maker gender, have more nuanced implications for outcome satisfaction and our understanding of “follower behavior.”
Item-Weighted Likelihood Method for Ability Estimation in Tests Composed of Both Dichotomous and Polytomous Items
Authors: Tao Jian , Shi Ning-Zhong , Chang Hua-Hua
Published: July 2011

For mixed-type tests composed of both dichotomous and polytomous items, polytomous items often yield more information than dichotomous ones. To reflect the difference between the two types of items, polytomous items are usually pre-assigned with larger weights. We propose an item-weighted likelihood method to better assess examinees' ability levels. Simulation results show that the estimated ability based on the new procedure is more consistent with examinee’s true ability than the usual maximum likelihood method.
Urogynecology: Introducing this Subspeciality for Managing Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Nepal
Authors: Chaudhary Pushpa
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v5i1.5051 NJOG 2010 Jul-Aug; 5(1): 1-2
Genital Human Papilloma Virus Infections
Authors: Yadav Rashmi Prasad
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v5i1.5052 NJOG 2010 Jul-Aug; 5(1): 3-6
Mass Hysteria and Adolescent Girl: An Interventional Study
Authors: Sharma Pushpa Prasad , Jha Ajaya Kumar , Joshi Anish , Lamsal Ritesh
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v5i1.5055 NJOG 2010 Jul-Aug; 5(1): 17-20
Oral Misoprostol for Induction of Labor
Authors: Seth Shikha , Nagrath Arun , Goel Neeru
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v5i1.5060 NJOG 2010 Jul-Aug; 5(1): 40-43
Ovarian Cancer - Is there Hope for Women through Screening?
Authors: Pradhan Pramila
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v5i2.5068 NJOG 2010 Nov-Dec; 5(2): 1-2
A Randomized Trial of Misoprostol Compared with Manual Vacuum Aspiration for Early Pregnancy Failure
Authors: Ganguly Rajendra P , Mukhopadhyay Sima , Burman Sougata K , Patra Kajal K , Jha Tulika , Mukherji Joydev
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v5i2.5070 NJOG 2010 Nov-Dec; 5(2): 8-13
Cutaneous Metastasis of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Patil Lingangouda S , Patil Gayathri L , Geetha HH , Patil Venkatesh M , Vijayanath V , Surpur Rajeshwari R
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v5i2.5071 NJOG 2010 Nov-Dec; 5(2): 14-16
Non-Puerperal Inversion of the Uterus Caused by Prolapsed Leiomyoma
Authors: Koirala Sagar , Rana Ashma , Gurung Geeta , Baral Josie , Pokharel Sita , Giri Smith
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v5i2.5080NJOG 2010 Nov-Dec; 5(2): 48-49
Auditory rehabilitation of patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2 by using cochlear implants
Authors: Roehm Pamela C. , Clair Jon Mallen-St. , Jethanamest Daniel , Golfinos John G. , Shapiro William , Waltzman Susan , Roland J. Thomas
Published: July 2011

Object

The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) who have intact ipsilateral cochlear nerves can have open-set speech discrimination following cochlear implantation.

Methods

Records of 7 patients with documented NF2 were reviewed to determine speech discrimination outcomes following cochlear implantation. Outcomes were measured using consonant-nucleus-consonant words and phonemes; Hearing in Noise Test sentences in quiet; and City University of New York sentences in quiet and in noise.

Results

Preoperatively, none of the patients had open-set speech discrimination. Five of the 7 patients had previously undergone excision of ipsilateral vestibular schwannoma (VS). One of the patients who received a cochlear implant had received radiation therapy for ipsilateral VS, and another was undergoing observation for a small ipsilateral VS. Following cochlear implantation, 4 of 7 patients with NF2 had open-set speech discrimination following cochlear implantation during extended follow-up (15–120 months). Two of the 3 patients without open-set speech understanding had a prolonged period between ipsilateral VS resection and cochlear implantation (120 and 132 months), and had cochlear ossification at the time of implantation. The other patient without open-set speech understanding had good contralateral hearing at the time of cochlear implantation. Despite these findings, 6 of the 7 patients were daily users of their cochlear implants, and the seventh is an occasional user, indicating that all of the patients subjectively gained some benefit from their implants.

Conclusions

Cochlear implantation can provide long-term auditory rehabilitation, with open-set speech discrimination for patients with NF2 who have intact ipsilateral cochlear nerves. Factors that can affect implant performance include the following: 1) a prolonged time between VS resection and implantation; and 2) cochlear ossification.
CyberKnife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia: unanticipated iatrogenic effect following successful treatment
Authors: Peddada Anuj V. , Sceats D. James , White Gerald A. , Bulz Gyongyver , Gibbs Greg L. , Switzer Barry , Anderson Susan , Monroe Alan T.
Published: July 2011

This case report of 74-year-old man with trigeminal neuralgia is presented to underscore the importance of evaluating the entire treatment plan, especially when delivering large doses where even a low percentage of the prescription dose can contribute a substantial dose to an unintended target. The patient was treated using the CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery system utilizing a nonisocentric beam treatment plan with a 5-mm fixed collimator generating 111 beams to deliver 6000 cGy to the 79% isodose line with a maximum dose of 7594 cGy to the target. Two weeks after treatment the patient's trigeminal neuralgia symptoms resolved; however, the patient developed oral mucositis due to the treatment. This case report reviews the cause of mucositis and makes recommendations on how to prevent unintended targets from receiving treatment.
A novel cost-effective computer-assisted imaging technology for accurate placement of thoracic pedicle screws
Authors: Abe Yuichiro , Ito Manabu , Abumi Kuniyoshi , Kotani Yoshihisa , Sudo Hideki , Minami Akio
Published: July 2011

Object

Use of computer-assisted spine surgery (CASS) technologies, such as navigation systems, to improve the accuracy of pedicle screw (PS) placement is increasingly popular. Despite of their benefits, previous CASS systems are too expensive to be ubiquitously employed, and more affordable and portable systems are desirable. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel and affordable computer-assisted technique that 3-dimensionally visualizes anatomical features of the pedicles and assists in PS insertion. The authors have termed this the 3D-visual guidance technique for inserting pedicle screws (3D-VG TIPS).

Methods

The 3D-VG technique for placing PSs requires only a consumer-class computer with an inexpensive 3D DICOM viewer; other special equipment is unnecessary. Preoperative CT data of the spine were collected for each patient using the 3D-VG TIPS. In this technique, the anatomical axis of each pedicle can be analyzed by volume-rendered 3D models, as with existing navigation systems, and both the ideal entry point and the trajectory of each PS can be visualized on the surface of 3D-rendered images. Intraoperative guidance slides are made from these images and displayed on a TV monitor in the operating room. The surgeon can insert PSs according to these guidance slides. The authors enrolled 30 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who underwent posterior fusion with segmental screw fixation for validation of this technique.

Results

The novel technique allowed surgeons, from office or home, to evaluate the precise anatomy of each pedicle and the risks of screw misplacement, and to perform 3D preoperative planning for screw placement on their own computer. Looking at both 3D guidance images on a TV monitor and the bony structures of the posterior elements in each patient in the operating theater, surgeons were able to determine the best entry point for each PS with ease and confidence. Using the current technique, the screw malposition rate was 4.5% in the thoracic region in corrective surgery for AIS.

Conclusions

The authors found that 3D-VG TIPS worked on a consumer-class computer and easily visualized the ideal entry point and trajectory of PSs in any operating theater without costly special equipment. This new technique is suitable for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance when performing reconstructive surgery with PSs.
Feasibility of a femoral nerve motor branch for transfer to the pudendal nerve for restoring continence: a cadaveric study
Authors: Barbe Mary F. , Brown Justin M. , Pontari Michel A. , Dean Gregory E. , Braverman Alan S. , Ruggieri Michael R.
Published: July 2011

Object

Nerve transfers are an effective means of restoring control to paralyzed somatic muscle groups and, recently, even denervated detrusor muscle. The authors performed a cadaveric pilot project to examine the feasibility of restoring control to the urethral and anal sphincters using a femoral motor nerve branch to reinnervate the pudendal nerve through a perineal approach.

Methods

Eleven cadavers were dissected bilaterally to expose the pudendal and femoral nerve branches. Pertinent landmarks and distances that could be used to locate these nerves were assessed and measured, as were nerve cross-sectional areas.

Results

A long motor branch of the femoral nerve was followed into the distal vastus medialis muscle for a distance of 17.4 ± 0.8 cm, split off from the main femoral nerve trunk, and transferred medially and superiorly to the pudendal nerve in the Alcock canal, a distance of 13.7 ± 0.71 cm. This was performed via a perineal approach. The cross-sectional area of the pudendal nerve was 5.64 ± 0.49 mm2, and the femoral nerve motor branch at the suggested transection site was 4.40 ± 0.41 mm2.

Conclusions

The use of a femoral nerve motor branch to the vastus medialis muscle for heterotopic nerve transfer to the pudendal nerve is surgically feasible, based on anatomical location and cross-sectional areas.
Variations in Content and Extractability of Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var durum) Arabinoxylans Associated with Genetic and Environmental Factors
Authors: Ciccoritti Roberto , Scalfati Giulia , Cammerata Alessandro , Sgrulletta Daniela
Published: July 2011

Arabinoxylans (AX) represent the most abundant components of non-starch polysaccharides in wheat, constituting about 70% of cell wall polysaccharides. An important property of AX is their ability to form highly viscous water solutions; this peculiarity has a significant impact on the technological characteristics of wheat and determines the physiologically positive influence in consumption. Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var durum), the raw material for pasta production, is one of the most important crops in Italy. As part of a large project aimed at improving durum wheat quality, the characterization of the nutritional and technological aspects of whole grains was considered. Particular attention was addressed to identify the best suited genotypes for the production of innovative types of pasta with enhanced functional and organoleptic properties. The objective of the present study was to investigate the genetic variability of AX by examining a group of durum wheat genotypes collected at two localities in Italy for two consecutive years. The environmental influence on AX content and extractability was also evaluated. Variability in the AX fraction contents was observed; the results indicated that AX fractions of durum wheat grain can be affected by the genotype and environment characteristics and the different contribution of genotype and environment to total variation was evidenced. The genotype × environment (G × E) interaction was significant for all examined traits, the variations due to G × E being lower than that of genotype or environment. The data and the statistical analysis allowed identification of the Italian durum wheat varieties that were consistently higher in total arabinoxilans; in addition, principal component analysis biplots illustrated that for arabinoxylan fractions some varieties responded differently in various environment climatic conditions.
Variations of Antioxidant Properties and NO Scavenging Abilities during Fermentation of Tea
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhao Hang , Zhang Min , Li Chun-Jie , Lin Xue-Zhen , Sheng Jun , Shi Wei
Published: July 2011

Tea is known as one of the most popular beverages in the world, which is believed to be beneficial for health. The main components in tea will change a lot depending on the different processes of fermentation, and thus the effects of different teas on human health may differ. The aim of this study is to explore the varied abilities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging during the fermentation of tea. In this study, we conducted the in vitro experiments which involved some reaction systems indicating the abilities of scavenging ROS and NO. We also investigated the effects of tea and their components (catechins, theabrownins, caffeine) on the intracellular levels of ROS and NO, using Raw 264.7 cells as the model. We found that regardless of whether it was out of cell system or in Raw 264.7 cells, the abilities of scavenging ROS would decrease during the fermentation of tea. Further, the post-fermented pu-erh tea showed the best effect on inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of NO. These findings indicated that the fermentation process caused a change of the components which might be due to the changes of their antioxidant properties and NO scavenging abilities.
Identification and Categorization of Liver Toxicity Markers Induced by a Related Pair of Drugs
Authors: Chang Ching-Wei , Beland Frederick A. , Hines Wade M. , Fuscoe James C. , Han Tao , Chen James J.
Published: July 2011

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the primary adverse event that results in the withdrawal of drugs from the market and a frequent reason for the failure of drug candidates in the pre-clinical or clinical phases of drug development. This paper presents an approach for identifying potential liver toxicity genomic biomarkers from a liver toxicity biomarker study involving the paired compounds entacapone (“non-liver toxic drug”) and tolcapone (“hepatotoxic drug”). Molecular analysis of the rat liver and plasma samples, combined with statistical analysis, revealed many similarities and differences between the in vivo biochemical effects of the two drugs. Six hundred and ninety-five genes and 61 pathways were selected based on the classification scheme. Of the 61 pathways, 5 were specific to treatment with tolcapone. Two of the 12 animals in the tolcapone group were found to have high ALT, AST, or TBIL levels. The gene Vars2 (valyl-tRNA synthetase 2) was identified in both animals and the pathway to which it belongs, the aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway, was one of the three most significant tolcapone-specific pathways identified.
PHOTOGRAMMETRIC ANALYSIS OF OBJECTS IN UNDERMINED TERRITORIES / OBJEKTŲ FOTOGRAMETRINĖ ANALIZĖ KALNAKASYBOS TERITORIJOSE / ФОТОГРАММЕТРИЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ ОБЪЕКТОВ НА ТЕРРИТОРИЯХ С ГОРНОДОБЫВАЮЩЕЙ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТЬЮ
Authors: Kapica Roman , Sládková Dana
Published: July 2011

The Institute of Geodesy and Mine Surveying of the Technical University of Ostrava performs long-term monitoring works and evaluates the effects of undermining in the Ostrava-Karviná coal-field, a major industrial conurbation in the north-east of the Czech Republic. Local extraction of bituminous coal has had significant effects on the surface relief. Actual undermining effects are monitored on selected built objects on a regular basis. Some of them are public buildings, roads, listed historic monuments, and buildings of cultural or historic value. Damage to the buildings, etc. can be eliminated to some extent by prudent planning of extraction works in space and time and by applying appropriate protective measures.

Santrauka

Čekijos Ostravos technikos universiteto Geodezijos ir kadastro institutas atlieka ilgalaikius stebėsenos darbus ir kalnakasybos įtakos vertinimą Ostravos-Karvinos anglių baseine (Čekijos šiaurės rytų pramonės branduolys). Lokali bituminių anglių gavyba lemia didelę įtaką žemės paviršiaus reljefui. Kalnakasybos įtaka reguliariai stebima stebėjimo objektais pasirinkus tam tikrus statinius. Tai viešieji pastatai, keliai, istoriniai paminklai ir reikšmingi istoriniai ar kultūriniai statiniai. Statinių pažeidimų galima išvengti apdairiai planuojant (erdvės ir laiko požiūriu) kalnakasybos darbus bei taikant tinkamas apsaugos priemones.

Резюме

Институт геодезии и маркшейдерии Остравского технического университета выполняет долгосроч ные работы по мониторингу и оценке последствий горнодобывающей промышленности в Остравско-Карвинском угольном бассейне, являющимся основным промышленным предприятием в северо-восточной части Чехии. Локальная добыча битумных углей в большой степени влияет на рельеф поверхности земли. Влияние горнодобычи регулярно исследуется на некоторых строениях – общественных зданиях, дорогах, исторических памятниках, важных исторических и культурных сооружениях. Повреждения зданий и сооружений можно предотвратить, если планировать горнодобывающие работы с учетом места, времени, а также предпринимая необходимые меры защиты.
THE ANALYSIS OF IDENTIFYING THE DIGITAL IMAGES OF HUMAN SKIN / ŽMOGAUS ODOS SKAITMENINIŲ VAIZDŲ IDENTIFIKAVIMO ANALIZĖ / АНАЛИЗ ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИИ ЦИФРОВЫХ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ КОЖИ ЧЕЛОВЕКА
Authors: Skeivalas Jonas , Kontautienė Silvija , Valiukevičienė Skaidra
Published: July 2011

The article identifies the digital images of human skin using covariance functions and Wavelet theory. The terms of covariance functions are defined using random functions made of scattering arrays of the pixels of digital images considering columns as single vectors. The analysed digital images can differ in scale because the scale of the image changes while the frequencies of the colour waves of single pixels remain the same. Thus, the influence of scale change on calculation procedures of covariance functions can be hardly noticed. RGB colour spectrum was used for identifying the images of human skin. The paper describes the influence of single components of RGB colour spectrum on the values of covariance functions of digital images. The identity of digital images is evaluated taking into account changes in the values of correlation coefficients in the range of RGB colours using appropriate software. Santrauka Nagrinėjamas žmogaus odos skaitmeninių vaizdų identifikavimas taikant kovariacinių funkcijų ir Wavelet bangų teoriją. Kovariacinių funkcijų išraiškos sudaromos pagal atsitiktines funkcijas, sudarytas skleidžiant skaitmeninių vaizdų pikselių masyvus pagal stulpelius pavienių vektorių pavidalu. Tyrimams naudojami skaitmeniniai vaizdai gali būti skirtingo mastelio, nes, kintant vaizdo masteliui, pavienių pikselių spalvų bangų dažniai lieka nekintantys, todėl kovariacinių funkcijų skaičiavimo procedūrose mastelio kaitos įtaka nepasireiškia. žmogaus odos vaizdams identifikuoti taikytas RGB formato spalvų spektras. Analizuota RGB spalvų tenzoriaus pavienių dedamųjų įtaka skaitmeninių vaizdų kovariacinių funkcijų įverčiams. Skaitmeninių vaizdų tapatumas įvertinamas pagal koreliacijos koeficientų reikšmių kaitą RGB spalvų diapazone, taikant sudarytas kompiuterines programas. Резюме С применением теории ковариационных функций и Wavelet (маленьких волн) рассматривается идентификация цифровых изображений кожи человека. Выражения ковариационных функций определяются по случайным функциям, составленным при развертывании массивов пикселей цифровых изображений по столбикам в виде отдельных векторов. Цифровые изображения могут быть разных масштабов, так как при изменении масштаба для изображений частота волн цветов отдельных пикселей остается неизменной. В связи с этим влияние изменений масштаба в вычислительных процедурах ковариационных функций не проявляется. При идентификации цифровых изображений кожи человека использован цветовой спектр для формата RGB. Проведен анализ влияния отдельных составляющих тензора RGB цветов цифровых изображений на оценку ковариационных функций. Идентичность цифровых изображений оценивается по изменению значений коэффициентов корреляции в диапазоне спектра RGB цветов при использовании компьютерных программ.
RESEARCH ON THE CORRELATION BETWEEN TERRITORY GEO-INDEXES AND PRESENT EARTH CRUST MOVEMENT AND CREATION OF THE MOST INFORMATIVE GROUPS OF GEO-INDEXES TERITORIJOS GEORODIKLIŲ BEI DABARTINIŲ ŽEMĖS PLUTOS JUDESIŲ SĄSAJŲ IR INFORMATYVIAUSIŲ GEORODIKLIŲ GRUPIŲ SUDARYMO TYRIMAS / ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ СВЯЗЕЙ МЕЖДУ ВЕРТИКАЛЬНЫМИ ДВИЖЕНИЯМИ ЗЕМНОЙ КОРЫ И ГЕОПОКАЗАТЕЛЯМИ ТЕРРИТОРИИ, А ТАКЖЕ ОТБОРА ГЕОПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ ДЛЯ ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ ИНФОРМАТИВНЫХ ГРУПП
Authors: Puzienė Rūta , Zakarevičius Algimantas
Published: July 2011

The formation of the Earth cover is a continuous and ongoing process, including certain cyclicalities, at the course of which, the complexes of the aqueous cover have formed. Research on the vertical movements of the earth crust demonstrates that the examination of statistical correlations between the measured movements of vertical Earth crust movements and territory geo-indexes is accomplished with the help of mathematical statistical analysis. When taking separate geo-indexes arbitrarily, it is risky to exclude informative geo-indexes. Therefore, the goal of research is to investigate the correlations between arbitrarily taken and reflecting Earth structure geo-indexes and measured present vertical Earth crust movements as well as to identify the most informative groups of geo-indexes that could be used for forecasting vertical Earth crust movement.

Santrauka

Žemės dangos formavimasis – nenutrūkstamai vykęs ir tebevykstantis procesas. Šiam procesui būdingas tam tikras cikliškumas lėmė tai, kad susiformavo nuosėdinės dangos kompleksai. Vertikaliesiems Žemės plutos judesiams tirti taikant matematinę statistinę analizę, atliekami statistinių sąsajų tarp išmatuotų vertikaliųjų Žemės plutos judesių bei teritorijos georodiklių tyrimai (georodikliai – teritorijos geologinės charakteristikos). Pasirenkant pavienius georodiklius atsiranda rizika į tyrimus neįtraukti informatyvių georodiklių, todėl siekiama ištirti laisvai parinktų bei stratigrafinę Žemės sandarą atspindinčių georodiklių sąsajas su išmatuotais dabartiniais vertikaliaisiais Žemės plutos judesiais bei nustatyti informatyviausias georodiklių grupes, kurias būtų tikslinga naudoti prognozuojant vertikaliuosius Žemės plutos judesius.

Резюме

Формирование земной поверхности – беспрерывно происходивший и всë ещë происходящий про цесс. Этому процессу свойственна цикличность. Во время циклов сформировались комплексы осадочной породы. С применением статистического анализа изучаются статистические связи между вертикальными движениями земной коры и геопоказателями территории. При применении для исследований случайно подобранных геопоказателей существует вероятность пропустить информативные геопоказатели. По этой причине исследованы связи между свободно подобранными и изображающими стратиграфическую структуру осадочной породы земной коры геопоказателями и вертикальными движениями земной коры. Исследована информативность разных групп геопоказателей с целью определить группы геопоказателей, которые следует применять в дальнейших исследованиях вертикальных движений земной коры.
GENETINIO ALGORITMO TAIKYMAS ŽEMĖS SKLYPŲ RIBŲ TOPOLOGIJAI OPTIMIZUOTI NEKILNOJAMOJO TURTO KADASTRO ŽEMĖLAPYJE / АЛГОРИТМ ДЛЯ ОПТИМИЗАЦИИ ТОПОЛОГИИ ГРАНИЦ ЗЕМЕЛЬНЫХ УЧАСТКОВ НА КАДАСТРОВОЙ КАРТЕ НЕДВИЖИМОГО ИМУЩЕСТВА
Authors: Jonauskienė Irina , Zakarevičius Algimantas , Aksamitauskas Vladislovas Česlovas , Šešok Dmitrij
Published: July 2011

Discrepancies between adjacent parcel boundaries happen when marking the boundaries of land parcels in the real estate cadastre map, for example, gaps, overlaps etc. In cases where the coordinates of land turning points meet statutory admissibility, the topology of land boundaries is adjusted. The paper addresses issues related to the application of genetic algorithms for optimizing the topology of land boundaries. When applying the genetic algorithm, for the purpose of optimizing the topology of the boundaries of land parcels, methodological justification and experimental study are employed. Santrauka Žymint žemės sklypų ribas nekilnojamojo turto kadastro žemėlapyje pasitaiko nesutapimų tarp gretimų sklypų ribų, t. y. atsiranda tarpai arba susidaro sanklotos. Tais atvejais, kai žemės sklypų posūkio taškų koordinatės atitinka teisės aktais nustatytus leistinumus, derinama žemės sklypų ribų topologija. Straipsnyje nagrinėjami klausimai, susiję su genetinių algoritmų taikymu žemės sklypų ribų topologijai optimizuoti. Atliktas genetinio algoritmo taikymo tam tikslui metodologinis pagrindimas ir eksperimentinis tyrimas. Резюме При обозначении границ земельных участков на кадастровой карте недвижимого имущества между границами смежных участков могут возникнуть расхождения, то есть появиться пробелы или пересечения. Когда координаты границ земельных участков не превышают предусмотренной правовыми и нормативными актами приемлемости, корректируется топология границ земельных участков. В статье рассмотрены вопросы, касающиеся применения генетических алгоритмов для оптимизации топологии границ земельных участков. Разработана методология применения генетического алгоритма для оптимизации топологии границ земельных участков и выполнено экспериментальное исследование.
Pictograph-Based Discharge Instructions for Low-Literate Older Adults After Hip Replacement Surgery: Development and Validation
Authors: Choi Jeungok
Published: July 2011

Current forms of written text-based discharge instructions are not suitable for presenting lengthy, complex discharge home care actions, and are difficult for low-literate patients to follow precisely at home. The aims of this study were to develop and validate pictograph-based discharge instructions for older adults after hip replacement surgery. Once low-literacy text and pictographs were created, their appropriateness, accuracy, and relevance were reviewed and validated by five experts. The findings show that pictographs (i.e., simple line drawings showing explicit discharge care actions) using stick figures are well suited for presenting action-based discharge instructions. The experts perceived the pictographs as engaging and easy to understand. The pictograph-based approach can be an effective tool in developing health care instructions not only for patients with low-literate skills in acute health care settings, but also for immigrants and refugees who speak English as a second language and present significant communication challenges for health care providers.
Individualized Skills Training Program for Community-Dwelling Adults with Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Curtin Alicia J.
Published: July 2011

The increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has created an enormous challenge to nurses. Nonpharmacological interventions that promote functional independence at home are vital to improving quality of life for individuals with AD and their caregivers. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a skills training program for individuals with mild AD in the home setting. Although none of the participants achieved total independence in performing the meal task, all decreased their need for task prompting. The goal for this population may be to preserve and encourage a more functional state rather than to achieve total independence.
Combination Antifungal Therapy and Surgery for the Treatment of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Cesaro Simone , Pillon Marta , Calore Elisabetta , Alaggio Rita , Gamba Piergiorgio , Bergamo Silvia , Mainardi Chiara , Toffolutti Tiziana , Pegoraro Anna , Messina Chiara
Published: July 2011

An 8-year old boy, affected by severe aplastic anemia, developed a probable pulmonary invasive aspergillosis (IA) early after a second unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). He was treated promptly with the combination of liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin. Despite the initial stabilization, the patient deteriorated and the antifungal therapy was switched to voriconazole and caspofungin. The patient gradually improved and was discharged home on day +29 post-HSCT on oral voriconazole. On day +119, a sudden episode of hemoptysis occurred and a right superior lobectomy was decided to remove the residual aspergilloma. The patient is now alive and well more than 24 months from HSCT. This case demonstrated that antifungal combination therapy and surgery are valid options to cure pulmonary IA even in patients at high-risk and severely immunosuppressed.
The nature, extent and effect of skills shortages on skills migration in South Africa
Authors: Rasool Fatima , Botha Christoff J.
Published: July 2011

Orientation: South Africa is currently experiencing a serious shortage of skilled workers. It has a negative effect on South Africa’s economic prospects and on global participation in South Africa (SA). This skills shortage severely affects socioeconomic growth and development in SA. Research purpose: This study focuses on the causes and effects of the skills shortages in South Africa.Motivation for the study: The researchers undertook this study to highlight the role that skilled foreign workers can play in supplementing the shortage of skilled workers in South Africa. The shortage is partly because of the failure of the national education and training system to supply the economy with much-needed skills.Research design, approach and method: The researchers undertook a literature study to identify the nature, extent and effect of skills shortages in South Africa. They consulted a wide range of primary and secondary resources in order to acquire an in-depth understanding of the problem. The article explains the research approach and method comprehensively. It also outlines the research method the researchers used.Main findings: This study shows that several factors cause serious skills shortages in SA.Practical/managerial implications: The researchers mention only two significant implications. Firstly, this article provides a logical description of the nature, extent and effect of skills shortages on the economy. Secondly, it indicates clearly the implications of skills shortages for immigration policy.Contribution/value-add: This study confirms the findings of similar studies the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) conducted. Opening the doors to highly skilled immigrants can broaden the skills pool.
Antibacterial Activity of Dacryodes edulis Seed Extracts on Food-Borne Pathogens
Authors: Omogbai BA , Eneh TO
Published: July 2011

The antibacterial effect of aqueous and ethanolic seed extracts of Dacryodes edulis was studied using agar diffusion technique. Extracts tested at a final concentration 2000;g/ml produced in vitro antibacterial activities in assays against food-borne bacterial isolates of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Proteus mirabilis. The highest zone of inhibition was obtained from ethanol extract at 2000;g/ml against Escherichia coli with a diameter of 28mm.The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the water extract ranged between 62.5-500;g/ml and 125-1000;g/ml respectively. The MIC and MBC of the ethanol extract ranged between 31.25-250;g/ml and 62.5-500;g/ml. The percentage inhibition of the isolates at 1000;g/ml was more in the ethanol extract (65.4-95.5%) compared to the water extract (30-2-60.2%). This study shows that the extracts of Dacryodes edulis have potential usage as a food preservative and pharmaceutical preparation.

Keywords: Dacryodes edulis, Antibacterial activity, Aqueous, Ethanolic, Seed extract
A statistical proxy for sulphuric acid concentration
Authors: Mikkonen S. , Romakkaniemi S. , Smith J. N. , Korhonen H. , Petäjä T. , Plass-Duelmer C. , Boy M. , McMurry P. H. , Lehtinen K. E. J. , Joutsensaari J. , Hamed A. , Mauldin III R. L. , Birmili W. , Spindler G. , Arnold F. , Kulmala M. , Laaksonen A.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Gaseous sulphuric acid is a key precursor for new particle formation in the atmosphere. Previous experimental studies have confirmed a strong correlation between the number concentrations of freshly formed particles and the ambient concentrations of sulphuric acid. This study evaluates a body of experimental gas phase sulphuric acid concentrations, as measured by Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry (CIMS) during six intensive measurement campaigns and one long-term observational period. The campaign datasets were measured in Hyytiälä, Finland, in 2003 and 2007, in San Pietro Capofiume, Italy, in 2009, in Melpitz, Germany, in 2008, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in 2002, and in Niwot Ridge, Colorado, USA, in 2007. The long term data were obtained in Hohenpeissenberg, Germany, during 1998 to 2000. The measured time series were used to construct proximity measures ("proxies") for sulphuric acid concentration by using statistical analysis methods. The objective of this study is to find a proxy for sulfuric acid that is valid in as many different atmospheric environments as possible. Our most accurate and universal formulation of the sulphuric acid concentration proxy uses global solar radiation, SO2 concentration, condensation sink and relative humidity as predictor variables, yielding a correlation measure (R) of 0.87 between observed concentration and the proxy predictions. Interestingly, the role of the condensation sink in the proxy was only minor, since similarly accurate proxies could be constructed with global solar radiation and SO2 concentration alone. This could be attributed to SO2 being an indicator for anthropogenic pollution, including particulate and gaseous emissions which represent sinks for the OH radical that, in turn, is needed for the formation of sulphuric acid.
Use and uncertainty evaluation of a process-based model for assessing the methane budgets of global terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Ito A. , Inatomi M.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. We assessed the global terrestrial budget of methane (CH4) using a process-based biogeochemical model (VISIT) and inventory data. Emissions from wetlands, paddy fields, biomass burning, and plants, and oxidative consumption by upland soils, were simulated by the model. Emissions from livestock ruminants and termites were evaluated by an inventory approach. These CH4 flows were estimated for each of the model's 0.5° × 0.5° grid cells from 1901 to 2009, while accounting for atmospheric composition, meteorological factors, and land-use changes. Estimation uncertainties were examined through ensemble simulations using different parameterization schemes and input data (e.g. different wetland maps and emission factors). From 1996 to 2005, the average global terrestrial CH4 budget was estimated on the basis of 576 simulations, and terrestrial ecosystems were found to be a net source of 320.4 ± 18.9 Tg CH4 yr−1. Wetland and ruminant emissions were the primary sources. The results of our simulations indicate that sources and sinks are distributed highly heterogeneously over the Earth's land surface. Seasonal and interannual variability in the terrestrial budget was assessed. The trend of increasing net terrestrial sources and its relationship with temperature variability imply that terrestrial CH4 feedbacks will play an increasingly important role as a result of future climatic change.
Technical Note: Detection of gas bubble leakage via correlation of water column multibeam images
Authors: Schneider von Deimling J. , Papenberg C.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Hydroacoustic detection of natural gas release from the seafloor has been conducted in the past by using singlebeam echosounders. In contrast modern multibeam swath mapping systems allow much wider coverage, higher resolution, and offer 3-D spatial correlation. However, up to the present, the extremely high data rate hampers water column backscatter investigations. More sophisticated visualization and processing techniques for water column backscatter analysis are still under development. We here present such water column backscattering data gathered with a 50 kHz prototype multibeam system. Water column backscattering data is presented in videoframes grabbed over 75 s and a "re-sorted" singlebeam presentation. Thus individual gas bubbles rising from the 24 m deep seafloor clearly emerge in the acoustic images and rise velocities can be determined. A sophisticated processing scheme is introduced to identify those rising gas bubbles in the hydroacoustic data. It applies a cross-correlation technique similar to that used in Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) to the acoustic backscatter images. Tempo-spatial drift patterns of the bubbles are assessed and match very well measured and theoretical rise patterns. The application of this processing scheme to our field data gives impressive results with respect to unambiguous bubble detection and remote bubble rise velocimetry. The method can identify and exclude the main driver for misinterpretations, i.e. fish-mediated echoes. Even though image-based cross-correlation techniques are well known in the field of fluid mechanics for high resolution and non-inversive current flow field analysis, this technique was never applied in the proposed sense for an acoustic bubble detector.
Technique for a Single-Time Correction of Arteriovenous Fistula Aneurysm in Conjuction with Creation of a New Venous Drainage Pathway
Authors: Ricardo Wagner da C. Moreira , Pinheiro Lilian V. , de Almeida José B.
Published: July 2011

Aneurysm and stenosis are among the most frequent complications of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis. The occurrence of the two kinds of problem may be found in one and the same patient, affecting the use of the AVF and even rendering its use impossible. We report the technique used for correction of a patient's aneurysmal dilations of radio-cephalic AVF and stenosis after the aneurysmal segment, with an increase in post-punction bleeding during the hemodialysis sessions. This was treated with resection and aneurysmorrhaphy associated with the preparation of a new anastomosis with the brachial vein.
Truly Funny: Humor, Irony, and Satire as Moral Criticism
Authors: Dadlez E. M.
Published: July 2011

The occasional role of humor as a vehicle for moral criticism is investigated. I begin by distinguishing between this particular role and the other kinds of ways in which humor and amusement might be regarded through a moral lens, consider historical approaches to humor that corroborate the kind of role for it on which my investigation focuses, and end by considering contemporary examples of irony, sarcasm, and satire as vehicles of just the kind criticism under review (for instance, the July 21, 2008, cover of the New Yorker).
Utopian Performatives and the Social Imaginary: Toward a New Philosophy of Drama/Theater Education
Authors: Prendergast Monica
Published: July 2011

Drama/theater education lives in the tension of being a discipline rooted in the fine arts and humanities that has been transplanted into the social science of education. This paper suggests that a more aesthetic and philosophical reflection on what drama/theater does and can do in educational settings frees us from the scientized and instrumental concerns of more traditional social science research approaches in education. In this regard, and in moving toward the articulation of a new philosophy for drama/theater education (and its sister field of applied drama/theater), the recent work of performance theorist Jill Dolan and philosopher Charles Taylor is presented. Dolan’s notion of the utopian performative suggests that in certain performance contexts, spectators experience fleeting yet powerful “glimpse[s] of utopia” based on feelings of deep empathy and “lucid intersubjective understanding.” Taylor’s philosophy of the social imaginary suggests that society itself is created and sustained by collective acts of the imagination that are constantly in flux and flow and are possible to harness in the cause of social justice and change. Drawing on the work of these thinkers, and selected others, a new philosophical way of seeing drama/theater education as the collective creation of socially imagined performative utopias is offered for further consideration and development.
Living the Work: Meditations on a Lark
Authors: Neufeld Jonathan
Published: July 2011

It is widely assumed that there is a blanket norm requiring the performer to present the work “in the best light possible,” and that the performer “make the ends of the work his own” or “live the work” in performance. Through careful consideration of a particular performance, I suggest that this is an inadequate conception of a performer’s obligations. I argue that the form of identification between performer and work commonly propounded by philosophers, musicologists, music teachers, and performers alike is illuminated by what I take to be an exemplary metaphor deployed by Roger Scruton: the life in music. The problems with requiring a performer to identify with and affirm a work are made vivid by careful consideration of the requirements of “living the work,” or understanding the “life in tones.” I argue that this call for identification and affirmation ultimately denies the performer the capacity for critical interpretation and amounts either to a denial of modernity or to a desire to step behind it.
The Wisdom of Wizards—and Muggles and Squibs: Proverb Use in the World of Harry Potter
Authors: Haas Heather A.
Published: July 2011

In this article, the use of proverbs in J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is analyzed and compared to the use of proverbs by J. R. R. Tolkien. The use of proverbs is especially interesting in fantasy contexts such as these because of the inherent juxtaposition that occurs between the familiar and traditional language of the proverb and the "otherness” of the created fantasy world. One important function of proverbs in fantasy literature, then, may be to provide the reader with a familiar link to the unfamiliar world, often while simultaneously distinguishing between that world and the reader’s everyday life. But proverbs may also serve two other functions, both of which could occur in other forms of literature as well. First, proverb use may be a mechanism by which authors reveal their characters’ personalities, attitudes, and views of the world. Second, authors may also draw on proverbs to help communicate the themes of the works. This article explores the ways that Tolkien and Rowling use proverbs to these ends.
Gestures, Intercorporeity, and the Fate of Phenomenology in Folklore
Authors: Young Katharine
Published: July 2011

Culture apprentices the body to its style. Gestures are the visible and kinaesthetic trace of that apprenticeship. They are specific to bodies, families, age grades, ethnic groups, social orders, and historical moments. They are folklore. The gestures I consider here are affiliated with talk. They conjure up in the gesture space in front of the body the iconic and metaphoric objects that talk mentions. In a gesture, Maurice Merleau-Ponty writes, "the intentional object is offered to the spectator at the same time as the gesture itself” ([1962] 1995:186). The gesturer’s intentionality colonizes the spectator’s, making it intersubjective: phenomenology’s foundational perspective.
Asbestos
Authors: Virta Robert
Published: July 2011

The term asbestos is a generic designation referring usually to six types of naturally occurring mineral fibers that are or have been commercially exploited. These fibers belong to two mineral groups: serpentines and amphiboles. The serpentine group is represented by a single asbestiform variety‐chrysotile. There also are five commercial asbestiform varieties of amphiboles‐anthophyllite asbestos, cummingtonite‐grunerite asbestos (amosite), riebeckite asbestos (crocidolite), tremolite asbestos, and actinolite asbestos. Amosite and crocidolite are no longer mined. Nearly all of the asbestos mined after the mid‐1990s was chrysotile. Only very small amounts of actinolite, anthophyllite, and tremolite asbestos may be mined in a few countries. Asbestos was mined in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Kazakhstan, and Russia in 2010; world production was estimated to be 1.97 × 10
6
tons.

Properties that made asbestos valuable for industrial applications were their thermal, electrical, and sound insulation properties; inflammability; matrix reinforcement (cement, plastic, and resins); adsorption capacity (filtration, liquid sterilization); wear and friction properties (friction materials such as brakes and clutches); and chemical inertia (except in acids). These properties led to the use of asbestos in about 3,000 products by the 1960s. Since about 1995, asbestos‐cement products, including pipe and sheets, accounted for more than 95% of global asbestos consumption as other uses of asbestos have declined. Global consumption of asbestos was estimated to have been about 1.98 × 10
6
tons in 2009. The leading consuming countries in 2009 were Brazil, China, India, Russia, and Thailand, each with more than 100,000 tons of consumption.