bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncommon allele in APO AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster in a family with congenital generalized lipodystrophy
Authors: Novak Estela Maria , Longui Carlos Alberto , Bydlowski Sergio Paulo
Published: October 2008

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy is a rare inherited disease. One of its features is a disturbance in lipid metabolism characterized by hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. A brother and a sister with congenital generalized lipodystrophy, an 8-year old male and a 12-year old female were studied. The mother and a 6-year old brother were healthy. The genetic analysis of Sstl RFLP of the apo Al-CIII-AIV gene cluster showed the presence of the rare Sstl allele (S2) in the patients but not in the healthy mother and brother. As this uncommon allele has been reported to be related to high plasma triglyceride levels, this association could be relevant in explaining in part the hypertriglyceridemia observed in these patients.
Inhaled nitric oxide and high concentrations of oxygen in pediatrics patients with congenital cardiopathy and pulmonary hypertension: report of five cases
Authors: Carvalho Werther Brunow de , Carvalho Antonio Carlos Camargo , Gurgueira Gisele Limongeli , Ikeda Angela Mityo , Lee June Ho , Almeida Dirceu Rodrigues
Published: October 2008

Five patients with ages ranging from 6 months to 3 years were analyzed. All received inhaled nitric oxide (NO - 20 parts per million (ppm) ) and oxygen (0(2) - at a concentration of 90-95%) by means of an oxygen hood. Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (MPAP), Mean Aortic Pressure (MAoP), Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR) and Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) were measured and the calculation of their relationship to pulmonary/systemic flow (Qp/Qs) was performed by the catheterization' of the femoral artery vein. Three patients presented reduction in PVR and increase in Qp/Qs. There were no systemic alterations or any side effect from using NO.
Evolution of the nutritional support pattern in Pediatric Intensive Care
Authors: Leite Heitor Pons , Iglesias Simone Brasil de Oliveira , Faria Cacilda Maria de Santana , Ikeda Angela Maria , Albuquerque Maria Paula de , Carvalho Werther Brunow de
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate patterns of usage and monitoring of nutritional support in a Pediatric ICU of a teaching hospital and the role of an education program in nutritional support given throughout the resident physician training. DESIGN: in a historical cohort study, records from children who received nutritional support during the year 1992 were analyzed. Thereafter a continuing education program in Nutritional Support was conveyed to the residents. In a second phase of the study, the same parameters were reevaluated in children who received nutritional support throughout the year 1995. SETTING: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Department of Pediatrics, Escola Paulista de Medicina. PATIENTES: all the children who were given nutritional support during a period of five days or more. Based on this criteria 37 children were selected for the first phase of this study, and 35 for the second one. INTERVENTION: the education program included theoretical lectures about basic themes of nutritional support and journal article reading sessions. It was given to successive groups of residents on a weekly schedule. MEASUREMENTS: Daily records of fluid, protein, caloric and micronutrient supply, nutritional assessment and metabolic monitoring. RESULTS: In the first phase of the study, an exclusively parenteral route was utilized for 80.5%, and a digestive route 19.5% of the time period. Nutritional assessment was performed on 3 children; no patient had the nutritional goals set. The nitrogen to nonprotein calories ratio and the vitamin supply were inadequate, whilst the supply of trace elements was adequate except for zinc. Nutritional monitoring was performed on almost all patients but without uniformity. In the second phase, the exclusive parenteral route was used for 69.7% and the digestive route for 30.3% of the time period; no significant increase in the use of the digestive route was detected. The nonprotein calories to nitrogen ratio and micronutrient supply were adequate. The frequency of nutritional assessment increased, but deficiency in nutritional monitoring and infrequent enteral feeding were still detected. CONCLUSION: There were deficiencies in the implementation of nutritional support, which were partially corrected in the second phase of the study by the training of the residents. Reinforcement of the education program, which should be applied to the whole medical staff, and the organization of a multidisciplinary team in charge of coordinating the provision of nutritional support are suggested.
Monoamine responses to acute and chronic aerobic exercise in normotensive and hypertensive subjects
Authors: Arida Ricardo Mario , Naffah-Mazzacoratti Maria da Graça , Soares Jesus , Cavalheiro Esper Abrão
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to compare the plasma and serum monoamine levels in sedentary, untrained normotensive and hypertensive men at rest with levels measured after an acute bout of exercise and to compare similar measurements following a 12-week aerobic training program. PLACE OF STUDY: The data obtained for this study was collected from a clinic for the prevention of heart disease and cardiac rehabilitation (FITCOR) and analyzed in the Federal University of São Paulo (EPM), Laboratory of Experimental Neurology. SUBJECTS: Two groups of untrained male subjects, i.e., normotensive (N=16) and hypertensive (N=19), were submitted to an acute bout of exercise to analyze the acute effect of exercise on the monoamine levels.To study the chronic effect of exercise (physical training program), some individuals of each group were arranged in two other groups; normotensive (N=11) and hypertensive (N=8). MEASUREMENT: Plasma catecholamines and serum serotonin levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection. RESULTS: A significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure at rest was observed in the hypertensive group after the physical training program (p < 0.05). Only the mean plasma noradrenaline concentration increased significantly post-exercise in all groups of individuals (acute effect of exercise - p < 0.01 for untrained normotensive and hypertensive; chronic effect of exercise - p < 0.001 for untrained and trained normotensive, p < 0.01 for untrained and trained hypertensive). CONCLUSION: These data show the beneficial effect of physical exercise in reducing the blood pressure in hypertensive patients, which does not seem to be related to changes in circulating monoamines.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Chauffaille Maria de Lourdes L. F. , Valério Rosana M. , Diniz Cybelle Maria Costa , Simões Milvia Maria , Enokihara Silva , Michalany Nylceo , Ferreira Karin Ventura , Martinez José Antonio Baddini , Hassun Karine Marques , Atallah Álvaro Nagib , Kerbauy José
Published: October 2008

The authors present a rare case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 31 year old female patient with vulvar, peri-anal and oral lesions, diabetes insipidus, pulmonary skin and bone infiltrations. Skin biopsy immunohistochemistry presented positive S100 protein and vimentine, but the diagnosis was done with the demonstration of Birbeck granules with eletronic mucroscopy. The treatment was based on systemical chemotherapy although vulvar lesion has a bad response to chemotherapy.
Load-bearing capacity of plain concrete walls
Authors: Hegger J. , Dressen T. , Will N.
Published: October 2008

Walls in housing are usually made of masonry or reinforced concrete. These wall constructions are both labour- and material-intensive and therefore more expensive than walls made of plain concrete. The high wall-thickness required by the design rules of BS 8110-1 and Eurocode 2 is the most important restraint for the use of plain concrete walls. The different design approaches are discussed and a new design method is explained in this paper. The proposed model allows for a simple, standardised and economic design of plain concrete walls with a thickness less than that of masonry walls. A further increase in load-bearing capacity can be achieved by taking into account the concrete tensile strength. A comparison with a test database verifies that all relevant aspects of the load-bearing capacity, for example slenderness, eccentricity and concrete strength, are represented appropriately by the developed design method. Moreover, the safety level of EN 1990 can be achieved.
The application of LDAT to the HPM2 challenge
Authors: White J. K.
Published: October 2008

The challenge laid down to landfill modellers at the 4th Intercontinental Landfill Research Seminar in June 2006 was to see to what extent modellers could predict experimental results from a closely monitored anaerobic degradation laboratory experiment when given only the initial conditions. This paper presents results from the University of Southampton landfill degradation and transport (LDAT) model. The LDAT model uses chemical pathways for degradation of carbohydrates, fats and protein. When waste solids are described using the descriptors food, green waste, paper and textiles, LDAT converts these into carbohydrates, fats and protein. LDAT also accommodates pathways that proceed at different rates. The stoichiometric equations on which the LDAT degradation chemistry is currently based are used independently of LDAT to predict the gas yield that might be expected from the data that have been derived for the carbohydrate, protein and fat components. The more difficult question of estimating the timescale over which the gas emerges is also addressed. The paper gives details of the bacteria population growth rates, half-saturation constants, yield coefficients and initial bacteria masses used to obtain the reaction rates for the degradation pathways. LDAT tracks the depth of the sample which reduces with time in response to the degradation of the solids. These results are given and compared with the settlement implied by the gas yield calculations.
Interoceptive Exposure-Based Cessation Intervention for Smokers High in Anxiety Sensitivity: A Case Series
Authors: Zvolensky Michael J. , Yartz Andrew R. , Gregor Kristin , Gonzalez Adam , Bernstein Amit
Published: October 2008

The current report presents the underlying rationale and components of an interoceptive exposure-based smoking cessation treatment for anxiety-sensitive smokers. The intervention was pilot-tested on three (female) daily smokers with moderate to high levels of nicotine dependence and high levels of anxiety sensitivity. Results indicated meaningful therapeutic gains in smoking outcome and theoretically expected changes in anxiety sensitivity, distress tolerance, and negative as well as positive affective states. Overall, the present case series highlights a potentially promising way to integrate interoceptive exposure-based treatment with standard smoking cessation treatment for smokers high in anxiety sensitivity. From a treatment development perspective, these case-series data suggest that future study of this intervention in a large-scale (controlled) clinical trial is indicated.
Anxiety Sensitivity, Emotional Intolerance, and Expansion of the Application of Interoceptive Exposure: Commentary on the Special Issue
Authors: Otto Michael W.
Published: October 2008

Starting with the success of interoceptive exposure in the treatment of panic disorder and encouraged by the importance of anxiety sensitivity and emotional intolerance for understanding a wide range of conditions, interoceptive exposure techniques have been applied in a variety of new and useful ways. This commentary provides a review of a number of the core themes evident in this special issue on novel applications of interoceptive exposure. Targets and strategies for dissemination are discussed along with research achievements and future directions for inquiry.
Uncomposted Wool and Hair‐Wastes as Soil Amendments for High‐Value Crops
Authors: Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Stratton Glenn W. , Sturz Tony
Published: October 2008

The hypothesis of this work was that uncomposted sheep wool and human hair could be used as nutrient source for nonedible high‐value plants. Pot and field experiments were conducted to assess uncomposted sheep wool‐wastes and human hair‐wastes as a nutrient source for high‐value crops and to evaluate the effect of these waste materials on soil microbial community and mycorrhizae. In the pot experiments, addition of uncomposted wool‐ or hair‐waste to soil increased yields from pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.). In the field experiment, wool‐waste was added to purple foxglove (Digitalis purpurea L.) at rates of 0, 15.8, and 31.7 t ha−1. Wool additions to soil increased foxglove yields over the next two seasons by 1.7 to 3.5 times relative to the control. Overall, addition of wool‐ or hair‐waste to soil increased NH4–N and NO3–N in soil, increased total N (and protein) concentration in plant tissue, and stimulated soil microbial biomass. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x‐ray (EDX) analyses indicated that some of wool and hair in soil from the pot and field experiments, after two seasons and several harvests, retained their original structure, a significant concentration of S, some N, and were not fully decomposed. High rates of wool addition to soil in field experiments resulted in shifts in the microbial community composition, while a low rate of wool‐waste addition did not affect the microbial community relative to the unamended control. Our results suggest that the addition of uncomposted wool‐waste or hair‐waste of only 0.33% by weight to soil would support at least 2 to 3 harvests of crops, without the addition of other fertilizers. Uncomposted wool and hair‐wastes can be used as a nutrient source for high‐value crops.
Relevance of Plant Functional Types based on Leaf Dry Matter Content for Assessing Digestibility of Native Grass Species and Species‐Rich Grassland Communities in Spring
Authors: Duru Michel , Cruz P Pablo , Raouda Al Haj Khaled , Ducourtieux Camille , Theau Jean Pierre
Published: October 2008

Little research has been done on the nutritive value of species‐rich permanent grasslands in spite of their recognized ecological value. We proposed a new method based on the concept of plant functional type (PFT) to rank grass species and grasslands according to the organic matter digestibility (OMD) of the plant material. The PFTs are based on leaf dry matter content (LDMC). The objectives of this study were: (i) to see if there were significant differences between PFTs for the three components of plant OMD (leaf and stem digestibility and leaf proportion [L%]) in a set of 19 grasses growing in pure stand under two contrasting levels of N supply (Exp. 1); (ii) to see whether grassland vegetation types (GVT) differing in their PFT composition have different digestibility values; investigations being made on the leaf, stem, and whole plant OMD of five and eight plant communities (Exp. 2 and 3, respectively). In pure grass stands (Exp. 1) as well as in grassland communities (Exp. 2 and 3), there was a significant effect of PFT or GVT on leaf and stem OMD. The greatest differences in L% were observed when there were large differences in nutrient availability. At the leafy stage, the whole plant digestibility was higher for GVTs composed of PFTs with a low LDMC. However around the time of flowering there was a convergence in whole‐plant OMD between all grassland communities because L% decreased faster for those composed of PFTs having the lowest LDMC. At this stage, plots with low LDMC had higher plant component digestibility but lower L%. Our results show that the decrease in plant digestibility over time is the result of two processes, an ontogenic one, due to a decrease in leaf proportion, and an ageing one. For the latter, we show that PFT had an effect of leaf and stem digestibility at an early stage of plant development, then they decreased at a rate depending on plant development. Both processes explained the convergence between GVTs in plant digestibility at flowering time.
On‐Farm Evaluation of Winter Wheat Yield Response to Residual Soil Nitrate‐N in North China Plain
Authors: Cui Zhenling , Chen Xinping , Miao Yuxin , Li Fei , Zhang Fusuo , Li Junliang , Ye Youliang , Yang Zhiping , Zhang Qiang , Liu Chunsheng
Published: October 2008

High soil nitrate‐N accumulation has been observed in North China Plain (NCP), but it was seldom considered as a N source in N management due to the lack of data on crop response to soil nitrate‐N accumulation. A total of 124 on‐farm N‐response experiments were conducted from 2003 to 2006 in seven key winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production regions of NCP to evaluate wheat yield response to residual soil nitrate‐N. High soil nitrate‐N accumulation (≥172 kg N ha−1 in 90 cm soil depth) was observed during wheat growing season. Compared with 165 nitrate‐N ha−1 in 0 to 90 soil layer before sowing, added fertilizer N did not increase wheat yield under 262 kg nitrate‐N ha−1 condition, but increased residual nitrate‐N and N losses and reduced recovery N efficiency (P < 0.05). Wheat yield response to residual soil nitrate‐N could be fitted by a linear plus plateau model, and calculated minimum soil nitrate‐N content for maximum grain yield was 211 kg N ha−1 (R2 = 0.31) before sowing across all 223 zero‐N plots in 124 sites. When two growth periods (before and after shooting stage) were analyzed separately, the coefficient of determination between yield and soil nitrate‐N increased significantly. We conclude that winter wheat yield response to added N fertilizer was unlikely if soil nitrate‐N content exceeded 72 (0–30 cm soil depth) and 175 kg N ha−1 (0–90 cm soil depth) before sowing and shooting stage, respectively. According to these thresholds, 55% and 37% of farmer's fields did not need to apply N fertilizer before sowing and at shooting stage, respectively.
Second Harvest Timing and Cut Height of Forage Crops in Central Alaska
Authors: Sparrow Stephen D. , Masiak Darleen T.
Published: October 2008

Proper timing of second harvest is critical for good yields and long‐term sustainability of perennial hay crops in high latitude environments. We studied effects of second harvest timing and height on yield and forage quality for smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) in central Alaska. Second harvest treatments occurred every 2 wk starting approximately 3 wk after the initial mid‐June harvest and ending in late September at stubble heights of 5, 10, and 15 cm. Yields increased with increasing time to second harvest and decreasing height of cut. Forage quality decreased with increasing time to second harvest while the effect of cut height was variable. For subsequent year first harvests, yields of all crops were lowest for previous year second cuts done 30 to 40 d after initial harvest, and then increased with length of time to second harvest, but were still significantly reduced when second harvests were made as much as 8 wk after the initial harvest. There was little effect of second harvest timing on subsequent year forage quality. Second harvest cut height had little effect on subsequent year yield or forage quality. Our results showed that smooth bromegrass and alfalfa can be harvested late in autumn in central Alaska without adverse effects on subsequent year growth, but a second harvest earlier in the season reduces subsequent year first harvest forage yields. Cicer milkvetch died out before the end of the study and is likely not a suitable crop for central Alaska.
Furrow Seeding with Plastic Mulching Increases Stand Establishment and Lint Yield of Cotton in a Saline Field
Authors: Dong Hezhong , Li Weijiang , Tang Wei , Zhang Dongmei
Published: October 2008

Uniform stand establishment is essential for profitable cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in saline fields. This study was conducted during 2003 and 2004 to determine if furrow‐bed seeding and plastic mulching improve stand establishment and cotton lint yield in a saline field. The experiment was arranged in a split‐plot design with seeding patterns (flat‐seeded and furrow‐seeded) as main plots and mulching (with or without plastic mulching) as subplots. The effects of seeding patterns, mulching, and their interactions on root‐zone salinity, soil temperature, stand establishment, and lint yield were monitored. Furrow seeding reduced the root‐zone salinity, while plastic mulching both reduced salinity and increased soil temperatures. As a result, furrow‐seeded cotton under plastic mulching increased stand establishment and lint yield by 103 and 25% in 2003, and 92 and 22% in 2004, compared with flat‐seeded cotton without mulching, respectively. Plastic mulching and furrow seeding also enhanced earliness as indicated by the percentage of the first two harvests. Physiological assay 30 d after seeding (DAS) showed that plastic mulching and furrow seeding substantially reduced Na+ accumulation both in root and leaf tissues, inhibited peroxidation of lipids, and improved leaf photosynthesis (Pn) and dry matter production. The overall results suggest that use of plastic mulching plus furrow‐bed seeding would be a suitable cultural practice for enhancing cotton production in saline soils.
Crop Response to Rotation and Tillage in Peanut‐Based Cropping Systems
Authors: Jordan David L. , Barnes J. Steven , Corbett Tommy , Bogle Clyde R. , Johnson P. Dewayne , Shew Barbara B. , Koenning Stephen R. , Ye Weimin , Brandenburg Rick L.
Published: October 2008

Production of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in reduced tillage systems has increased in the United States during the past decade. However, interactions of tillage system and crop rotation have not been thoroughly investigated for large‐seeded, Virginia market type peanut. Research was conducted at two locations in North Carolina during 1999 to 2006 to compare yield of corn (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and peanut in different rotations planted in conventional and reduced tillage. Crop rotation affected peanut yield but did not affect corn or cotton yield. Increasing the number of times corn, cotton, or a combination of these crops were planted between peanut increased peanut yields. Tillage affected cotton and peanut yield but not in every year or at both locations. Yield was similar in conventional and reduced tillage in 8 of 10 comparisons (cotton) and 6 of 8 comparisons (peanut). Crop rotation and tillage did not interact for visual estimates of plant condition of peanut as a result of disease, soil parasitic nematode populations when peanut was planted during the final year of the experiment, crop yield, cumulative net return over the duration of the experiment, or bulk density in the pegging zone during the final year of the experiment. These data suggest that variation in response to rotation and tillage should be expected based on the crop and edaphic and environmental conditions. However, response to rotation and tillage most likely will be independent.
Soybean Seed Yield and Composition Response to Stand Reduction at Vegetative and Reproductive Stages
Authors: Conley Shawn P. , Abendroth Lori , Elmore Roger , Christmas Ellsworth P. , Zarnstorff Mark
Published: October 2008

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] producers across the United States are confronted with significant economic losses annually from hail. Plant injury and yield loss are associated with defoliation and node or stand loss due to bruising and breaking of plant stems from the hail. The correlation of yield loss and leaf defoliation is well defined; however, limited information exists relative to whole plant loss. This research was designed to simulate severe hail injury by quantifying the influence of whole plant removal at different development stages on soybean seed yield and composition. Research was conducted near Clay Center, NE and West Lafayette, IN from 2003 to 2005. The timing of removal (V3, V6, R1, and R3.5) and the percent of plants removed (0, 25, 50, and 75%) were simultaneously studied. Seed yield decreased linearly as percent stand reduction increased at each location at all plant removal timings. The severity of yield loss differed within location and was dependent on removal timing and percent stand reduction. Soybean seed mass was nonresponsive to the various treatments except when plants were removed at R3.5. Seed oil content increased when 75% of plants were removed across all removal timings whereas seed protein response to plant removal timings was variable. Our research indicated that hail injury that leads to significant stand loss will cause yield loss as early as V3 soybean. Our data also suggest that stand loss did not have a deleterious effect on percentage oil content.
Maize Growth and Yield under Daytime and Nighttime Solid‐Set Sprinkler Irrigation
Authors: Cavero José , Jiménez Laura , Puig Miriam , Faci José M. , Martínez‐Cob Antonio
Published: October 2008

Nighttime sprinkler irrigation usually results in lower wind drift and evaporation losses (WDELs) and better irrigation uniformity compared with daytime irrigation. However, daytime sprinkler irrigation modifies the microclimatic conditions within the crop canopy which could result in improved crop growth. We studied the effect of daytime and nighttime irrigation on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) irrigated with a solid‐set sprinkler system. Two irrigation treatments were tested: daytime irrigation (starting at 1000 Greenwich Mean Time, GMT) and nighttime irrigation (starting at 2200 GMT). The same irrigation amount was applied in both treatments. The irrigation amount was determined as the difference between the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and the effective precipitation. The WDELs of daytime irrigation were twice the nighttime irrigation WDELs. Daytime irrigation decreased the mean Christiansen coefficient of uniformity (CU) by 5 to 7% and the seasonal CU by 4%. Daytime irrigation caused a 10% reduction in maize grain yield, mostly due to a reduction in biomass production. The lower soil matric potential found with daytime irrigation late in the season indicated that a progressive water stress occurred that was due to less water availability and was caused by the higher WDEL for daytime irrigation. Even though positive microclimatic changes have been reported with daytime sprinkler irrigation, the results of our study indicate that they cannot compensate the negative effects caused for the crop by less water reaching the soil root zone because of increased WDEL and by poorer irrigation uniformity.
Defoliation of Panicled Tick‐Clover, Tweedy's Tick‐Clover, and Tall Bush‐Clover: II. Herbage Nutritive Value and Condensed Tannin Concentrations
Authors: Muir James P. , Bow J. Randal , Rodriguez Wandaliz , Patterson Jodi M.
Published: October 2008

Few native herbaceous perennial warm‐season legumes are available for cultivation in the southern United States. These would be useful for pastures, biomass production, wildlife plantings, rangeland reseeding, or native prairie restoration. Three native perennial legumes were selected from an initial screening of north Texas germplasm for potential domestication based on successful establishment, ease of seed harvest, and herbage production. Response to herbage removal was evaluated by measuring forage nutritive value when clipped at 10‐, 20‐ and 40‐cm height (whenever regrowth exceeded 20 cm above cutting height) over three seasons in 2‐ by 2‐m plots with 0.5 m between plants. Tweedy's tick‐clover (Desmodium tweedyi Britton) became reproductive in June so herbage acid detergent fiber (ADF) (338–373 g kg−1) was greater (P < 0.05) than tall bush‐cover (Lespedeza stuevei Nutt.) and panicled tick‐clover [D. paniculatum (L.) DC.] that both flowered primarily in September. Herbage N concentrations were uniformly (P > 0.05) high (31.7 g kg−1) the first year and unaffected by harvest height all 3 yr; by the third year, however, tall bush‐cover had the lowest (P < 0.05) N concentration (22.6 g kg−1) and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD; 651 g kg−1). Condensed tannin (CT) concentrations exceeded 120 g kg−1 for both the panicled tick‐clover and the tall bush‐clover although fraction distribution varied among entries. These three native North American legumes show potential as nutritious forage components to natural and cultivated systems.
Soil and Plant Minerals Associated with Rice Straighthead Disorder Induced by Arsenic
Authors: Yan WenGui , Agrama Hesham A. , Slaton Nathan A. , Gibbons James W.
Published: October 2008

Application of As as monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA) to soil has become the common practice for rice (Oryza Sativa L.) straighthead evaluation, a physiological disorder. So far, no study has reported on soil mineral availability and plant mineral uptake as affected by MSMA. Understanding how MSMA influences the availability and uptake should help reveal the causal factors of straighthead. Six cultivars rated as resistant (3), susceptible (2), and moderately susceptible (1) to straighthead were studied in soils receiving 0 and 6.7 kg MSMA ha−1 in 2004 and 2005. Soil, flag leaves, and heading panicles were sampled and analyzed. Straighthead induced by MSMA was so severe that the susceptible cultivars yielded no grain, which validated the study. MSMA incorporation decreased soil pH, P, Mg, and Ca, increased As, S, and Mn, but had no influence on soil EC, Na, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, and organic matter. Decreased soil pH resulting from the MSMA was associated with less Ca, Mg, and P but more S, Mn, and As in the soil. MSMA increased As, Cu, Mn, Fe, S, and K but decreased B contents in the flag leaves, and increased As, Mn, S, K, and P but decreased Zn and Ca contents in the panicles. Straighthead reduced grain yield and was associated with decreased Ca, Mn, and S, but not with As in flag leaves. Comparisons between reported naturally occurring straighthead and the artificially induced one from this study indicate plant and soil nutrients may behave differently when MSMA is applied.
Grain Sorghum and Corn Comparisons: Yield, Economic, and Environmental Responses
Authors: Staggenborg S. A. , Dhuyvetter K. C. , Gordon W. B.
Published: October 2008

Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is often grown where water stress is expected. But, improved drought tolerance in corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids has resulted in increased dryland corn production in preference to grain sorghum. However, grain sorghum may still have a yield advantage over corn in drought prone environments. This study was conducted to determine if grain sorghum has either a yield or economic advantage over corn when drought or temperature stress occurs. Yield and weather data from crop performance testing programs in Kansas and Nebraska (1992–2005) were analyzed. Grain sorghum produced higher yields than corn in environments where corn yields were <6.4 Mg ha−1. When net returns ($ ha−1) were considered for grain sorghum prices that were set at 70, 87, 100, and 117% of corn prices, grain sorghum net returns were higher than corn net returns when corn yields were ≤4.4, 6.6, 8.8, and 13.6 Mg ha−1, respectively. Both corn and grain sorghum yields were positively correlated to June through August precipitation and negatively correlated to June through August maximum temperatures. The yield difference (grain sorghum minus corn) increased as July and August maximum temperatures increased. Monthly minimum temperatures affected corn yield less than grain sorghum yield. Producers in this region likely can minimize production risks by considering this historical yield information. At locations in this region where corn yields are consistently <6.4 Mg ha−1, producers should consider producing grain sorghum.
Aluminized Steel and Zinc Coating for Reduction of Coke Formation in Thermal Cracking of Naphtha
Authors: Niaei Aligholi , Salari Darioush , Towfighi Jafar , Chamandeh Ahad , Nabavi Reza
Published: October 2008

Rate of coke formation during steam pyrolysis of naphtha has been investigated in a laboratory CSTR reactor both for uncoated SS321 and metal coating constructed with thermal spray method with metal powders of aluminum, aluminum-magnesium and zinc. Rate of coke formation was studied in different temperatures and amount of coke as a function of run time has been studied too. The results of the study show that passivating the surface of SS321 with a coating of aluminum and aluminum-magnesium can significantly reduce the rate of coke deposition during naphtha pyrolysis. The results obtained from zinc coated show decoking carry out during thermal cracking. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was carried out for morphology studied of coke deposited on the different metal surfaces.
Conceptual Challenges Displayed through the Financial Reporting of Early Childhood Education Centers
Authors: Cordery Carolyn , Narraway Gwyn
Published: October 2008

Governments increasingly contract out social services to nonprofit, but also to for-profit organizations. Consumers may also make co-payments for services from these organizations. Government, consumers, and other stakeholders (including equity investors) are likely to demand financial reporting to assess management's performance and to make decisions regarding providing organizational resources. This research note asserts that the moral dimension of such reporting includes the need to report on probity and to preserve intergenerational equity.

By using an example of the early childhood education sector in New Zealand, this paper shows how attempts to “corral” financial reporting standards through conceptual framework projects has the potential to fail to meet the needs of salient users of financial reporting. This empirical example adds depth to prior critiques of conceptual frameworks.
Problems of Safety in Aviation
Authors: Bagiński Adam , Żurek Józef
Published: October 2008

Problems of Safety in Aviation

The article describes the flight safety problems. It details a set of factors shaping the flight safety and activities required to maintain the requisite safety level. Attention has been paid to the need for rational safety management, including event history, risk assessment and risk cause investigation. Summary contains conclusions from the analysis of the flight safety status in transportation aviation.
Quality Management as a Sound Basis of Integrated Management
Authors: Beckmerhagen Ingo , Berg Heinz-Peter
Published: October 2008

Quality Management as a Sound Basis of Integrated Management

Various management function-specific systems, such as for quality, environment, and occupational health and safety are described in widely applied international standards and guidelines. These documents are of obvious benefit to practising management. The implementation of a robust and effective integrated management system will support the achievement of high levels of safety performance and the enhancement and improvement of the safety culture in all types of industry. This paper has two main objectives. The first one is to address the key issues in theory and practice of integrated management systems, the second one is to illustrate the importance of an integrated (in particular safety) management system with examples from different organisations in the nuclear field.
Optimized Planning and Scheduling of Pressure Equipment Inspections at Comah Establishments.
Authors: Angelo Bragatto , Grazia Gnoni , Rosaria Vallerotonda
Published: October 2008

Optimized Planning and Scheduling of Pressure Equipment Inspections at Comah Establishments.

In a process establishment, where the legislation on the control of major accidents hazard (COMAH) is enforced, the operator's duties include the implementation of a Safety Management System, which addresses all the procedures significant for safety. A critical issue of the SMS is the planning and the scheduling of mechanical integrity inspections on pressure equipment. This is due to high number of components — including pipes, unfired and fired vessels, pumps and valves, — which could require different technical and organization procedures for testing or inspection. Usually, mechanical integrity inspections may request higher resource use than other safety related activities. The paper presents a model for inspection planning and scheduling, in order to integrate safety issues with other technical and economical issues.
SHM Supporting Damage Tolerance Design Philosophy As a Challenge for Designers of Future Airframes
Authors: Kustroń Kamila
Published: October 2008

SHM Supporting Damage Tolerance Design Philosophy As a Challenge for Designers of Future Airframes

Development design pfilosophy of airframes in all the relevant technological fields is important for the evaluation of high performance airframes best to achive high level of safety and satisfy the market needs. Maintenance cost reduction, increased aircraft availability and weight saving are goals which will be reaching by SHM systems as on-line monitoring of the structure health. Irrespective of which materials will be used in the future, the current design philosophy, which is applied today by the structural designers, will be challenged by the new design philosophy based on SHM. The most efective SHM methods are based on Lamb wave techniques. Using the based on Lamb wave techniques would be cost-effective and reliable damage detection is critical for the utilization of metal, composite and hybrid materials. Multitude of diagnostics data requires to use expert systems for effective analysis.
Low Cost Ais System for Safe Navigation
Authors: Gucma Maciej
Published: October 2008

Low Cost Ais System for Safe Navigation

Automatic Identification System (AIS) ensures automatic transfer of information between sea going vessels and land based monitoring centers. AIS transceivers are obligatory on board vessels of 300 gross register tones and over. System supports safe navigation at confined and open areas, whilst on the former mentioned is especially helpful due to limited range of radar. Article presents low cost AIS system for small vessels and leisure crafts where AIS is not obligatory but might be valuable navigational aid. Some aspects concerning accuracy are presented as well.
Block Maintenance Policy of Multicomponent Systems with Economic Dependency
Authors: Jodejko Anna
Published: October 2008

Block Maintenance Policy of Multicomponent Systems with Economic Dependency

The article proposes a simple algorithm to define parameters of block maintenance policy of multi-unit systems composed of elements with economic dependency. The procedure may be used especially in the case when elements of a system are not identical in the sense of their probability characteristics and analytical solution is inaccessible.
Human Reliability Analysis in the Context of Accident Scenarios
Authors: Kosmowski Kazimierz
Published: October 2008

Human Reliability Analysis in the Context of Accident Scenarios

This article addresses the issue of human reliability analysis (HRA) in the context of accident scenarios. The need for contextual analysis of human operator behavior with careful treating of errors and dependent failures within given accident scenario is emphasized. The functional safety analysis including the human reliability analysis is illustrated on example of the protection layers of a hazardous industrial system that includes the basic process control system (BPCS), human-operator (HO) and safety instrumented systems (SIS) designed with regard to the functional safety criteria.
Using the James Reason Theory in Air Events Study
Authors: Edmund Klich
Published: October 2008

Using the James Reason Theory in Air Events Study

The paper describes using the James Reason model in investigation aircraft accidents. According to statistic human error is the main factor both military and civil aviation accidents. The causes of the accidents are usually referred as "pilot error". The James Reason model used during the investigation process allows to find other failures than crew unsafe acts like: preconditions for unsafe acts, unsafe supervision and/or organizational (management) influence. That findings allow the investigators take corrective action not only to mishap crew but to the whole system including procedures, training, regulations and even aviation law etc"
Safety of Operation and Maintenance Systems of Aircraft Fleet
Authors: Lewitowicz Jerzy , Gołębiowski Waldemar , Kustroń Kamila
Published: October 2008

Safety of Operation and Maintenance Systems of Aircraft Fleet

The flight of on aircraft has been realzed I on operational subsystem. The operation of on aircraft and its safeability are determined for aircraft fleet the so-called flight safety. Aircraft operation and its safeability determine the flight safety of aircraft fleet. The flight safety can be modelled, condition diagnosed, put the procedures of genesis and prognosis. As the results of these activities the prevention treatments can be worked out. A aircraft safety, air system safety or air safety can be considered. Within the flight safety science.
Individual Protection of Aircraft as an Essential Factor of Flying in Conflict Zones and Terrorist Threat Areas
Authors: Lewandowski Andrzej , Loroch Leszek , Świech Monika
Published: October 2008

Individual Protection of Aircraft as an Essential Factor of Flying in Conflict Zones and Terrorist Threat Areas

The paper presents ground-to-air weapon threats for aircraft, especially regarding man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) and the methods for reducing the threats. Polish participation in military conflicts along with international terrorism result in increasing threats for aircraft. The conducted analysis result in efforts for providing individual protection of aircraft and new countermeasures. Employment of these systems on military aircraft contributes to improved flight safety in threat areas, however expensiveness of individual protection systems make them uncommon on civil aircraft.
An Attempt of Apply the Weibull Distribution in Road Traffic Losses Analysis
Authors: Milewska Anita , Żukowska Joanna
Published: October 2008

An Attempt of Apply the Weibull Distribution in Road Traffic Losses Analysis

The paper presents an attempt of applying the Weibull distribution for the purpose of analysing road traffic losses (fatalities). The question it asks is whether reliability engineering methods can be applied for the analyses. If this is the case, what should be the interpretation of the numbers and terms? It was assumed that the losses generated by a malfunctioning road transport system are fatalities. Risk exposure to these losses is defined with the average number of vehicles using the roads.
Modelling of Ship's Draught Measurement Error for Safety Underkeel Clearance Determination
Authors: Schoeneich Marta
Published: October 2008

Modelling of Ship's Draught Measurement Error for Safety Underkeel Clearance Determination

In the article expert research result are presented concerning ship's draught measurement error. The questionnaire was carried out in the group of navigation experts and used for building the model of ship's draught determination error. The results are implied in model for safety underkeel clearance determination.
E-Tool for Data Processing Acquired From the Transport Device On-Board Recorder
Authors: Szpytko Janusz , Hyla Paweł
Published: October 2008

E-Tool for Data Processing Acquired From the Transport Device On-Board Recorder

The paper is focusing on an e-tool for data processing acquired from the transport device on-board recorder. The developed e-tool is processing data related to the device exploitation parameters and movement trajectory that can be used to improve transport devices safety and reliability.
Reliability and Maintainability of Defense Products as Instruments of Logistic Train Control
Authors: Szymonik Andrzej
Published: October 2008

Reliability and Maintainability of Defense Products as Instruments of Logistic Train Control

Reliability and maintainability of defense products are key issues of the paper. The NATO and EU member countries attach great importance to both of them as these are among the most essential parameters to be taken into account throughout any product's service life.
Contribution to Failure Description as the Phenomena
Authors: David Valis , Lisa Bartlett
Published: October 2008

Contribution to Failure Description as the Phenomena

We frequently work with the events' description besides other assessments in safety/risk assessment. In pure technical applications these events are related with the failure occurrence of equipment, a device, a system or an item. This contribution can be a complex problem for the term "failure" and its related characteristics. In this paper there are mentioned functions of an object and their description, classification of failures, main characteristics of failure, possible causes of failure, mechanisms of failure and consequences of failure and also other contributions related with failure very closely.
Simulation-Based Approach for Calculating the Reliability of Logistic Support Process
Authors: Werbińska Sylwia
Published: October 2008

Simulation-Based Approach for Calculating the Reliability of Logistic Support Process

Any operational system, in order to successfully accomplish its intended mission, must rely on logistic support that will be available when required. Moreover, in many systems undesired event occurs later than components failure, if and only if repair is not completed within a grace period. Thus, in the paper there is considered the time dependent system of systems where the system total task must be executed during the constrained time resource. There is used the simulation approach to investigate the influence of parameters of the procurement process (order quantity, critical inventory level, lead-time length) and parameters of time resource on the system of systems behavior.
Community Psychiatry
Authors: Barclay William A.
Published: October 2008

The definition of community psychiatry and related terms is attempted by reference to various authors in the field. The development of the concepts of community psychiatry in relationship to state psychiatric services is outlined.

The essentially practical approach of relating services to community need is derived from epidemiological studies and from socio-cultural studies of the communities to be served. The need for new techniques in treatment and the mobilisation of a variety of professional and social resources forces the clinical psychiatrist into a wider frame of reference.

Training in community psychiatry prepares the psychiatrist to utilize a range of skills essential for effective community programmes.
Activities of a Psychiatric Unit Attached to a Children's Reception Centre
Authors: Wong G. H.
Published: October 2008

A study of the two-year intake of psychiatric referrals to a psychiatric unit attached to a children's reception centre. A total of 266 children were evaluated in terms of diagnosis, age, school, family background, treatment and placement. Certain patterns of behaviour in relation to defined social background patterns were shown to be of significance. Ways of improving treatment and management programmes, and other preventive measures were discussed.