bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions between fish resources and Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo in the Grado and Marano lagoon (NE Italy)
Authors: Cosolo Mauro , Utmar Paolo , Roppa Flavio , Sponza Stefano
Published: October 2009

Interactions between fish resources and CormorantsPhalacrocorax carboin the Grado and Marano lagoon (NE Italy)

The aim of this study was to determine the importance of different environments for CormorantPhalacrocorax carbobiology in the Grado and Marano lagoon (Friuli Venezia Giulia, NE Italy, Upper Adriatic Sea), and to estimate the levels of fish removal within such areas. Data were collected on Cormorant abundance and the amount of fish consumed in two fishing valli (Valle Noghera and Valle Artalina) and in three tidal areas (Goppion, Cavanata sea, Grado and Marano lagoon). The number of Cormorants per 100 ha was relatively low in all the study areas. The highest density of feeding cormorants in November (24 birds/100 ha) was in Valle Noghera. The latter is ascribed to an isolated event of 50 birds in social fishing activity. During the rest of the November survey time (72% of the total), lower densities were noted (2.5 birds/100 ha). Fish consumption was also relatively low. In Valle Artalina the maximum was 6.8 kg/100 ha in December. The highest fish consumption was estimated in Valle Noghera in November (41.9 kg/100 ha) and in the Grado and Marano lagoon in January (7.6 kg/100 ha). In fish farms, the highest fish consumption is recorded in November and December, exclusively within wintering basins and canals. So these areas should be covered with wire nets. Furthermore, considering the high variability and irregularity of fish removal, the use of active deterring methods (e.g. gas cannons) can give good results, especially if applied during social fishing events.
Magnetohydrodynamics applied to materials processing
Authors: Fautrelle Yves , Ernst Roland , Moreau René
Published: October 2009

In the processing of liquid materials various operations are performed, e. g., alloying, homogenisation of the composition, refining or inclusion removal. As was realised early on by Charles Crussard, electromagnetic effects can be used to process electrically conducting materials without any contact. When alternating magnetic fields are used, the material is directly heated and melted thanks to the induced electric currents. The induced electromagnetic forces are capable of shaping the free surface, levitating a liquid blob and stirring the liquid bulk or its surface. The latter principle may be applied to electrically conducting liquids such as metallic alloys, but also to poorly conducting materials such as oxides, glasses or plasmas. Those effects are used in many processes such as induction furnaces for liquid metals or glasses, refining ladles, electromagnetic levitation, continuous casting of aluminium or steel. In this paper, typical effects based on the use of electromagnetic systems are reviewed, as well as the corresponding applications.
Charles Crussard's contribution to sheet metal forming and participation in IDDRG
Authors: Col Alain , Grumbach Marc
Published: October 2009

This paper describes the contribution of Charles Crussard to sheet metal forming science. After recalling the state of this technique in the 1940s, when Crussard started his studies, we explain how the International Deep Drawing Research Group was launched, how he became the second president of this organisation and how much he influenced it.

Some examples of his contributions to research are given, and finally a brief review of later progress in this domain will point out the development of some of his ideas.
Glide of dislocations in non-octahedral planes of fcc metals: a review
Authors: Caillard Daniel , Martin Jean-Luc
Published: October 2009

In spite of frequent observations, and of some important consequences for industrial applications, the glide motion of dislocations in non-octahedral planes of fcc metals and alloys remains rather poorly known, and not sufficiently considered for the analysis of mechanical properties. Following the pioneering work of C. Crussard in 1945, the results of several independent studies are compared and shown to be fairly consistent. They indicate that non-octahedral slip occurs under fairly well known conditions, and that it can be described by a kink-pair mechanism acting on screw dislocations dissociated in intersecting {111} planes. It has a drastic effect on the intermediate-temperature mechanical properties of fcc crystals and aluminum-based alloys, as well as on texture formation under conditions of severe plastic deformation.
The deformation stage II of face-centered cubic crystals: Fifty years of investigations
Authors: Kubin Ladislas , Devincre Benoit , Hoc Thierry
Published: October 2009

This article critically reviews progress in the understanding of strain hardening during the deformation stage II of pure face-centered cubic crystals since its discovery in the mid-1950s. A wealth of models attempted explaining why stage II exhibits a linear slope on the base of specific dislocation configurations and interactions associated with short- or long-range internal stresses. Slip trace observations and more recent investigations on dislocation avalanches led to the identification of intermittent elementary slip events that are now investigated in terms of dislocation mechanisms. Numerical estimates showed that the overcoming of junctions and locks accounts for most of the flow stress and the hardening rate, as assumed by the present forest models. A multiscale analysis of stage II is outlined with emphasis on the modeling of dislocation mean free paths by dislocation dynamics simulations.
Application of cluster dynamics modeling to the precipitation in aluminum alloys
Authors: Guyot P. , Lepinoux J. , Sigli C.
Published: October 2009

The cluster dynamics method is used to model at the atomic scale the kinetics of first order phase transformations. Clusters are embryos of the growing phase. Their formation kinetics from the solid solution are obtained by solving a set of master differential equations. This set is the continuity equation of the cluster size distribution function and is based on inter-cluster solute exchanges. These exchanges, absorption and emission of solute atoms, are controlled by the solute diffusivities and the cluster free energies. The model is applied here to the precipitation of Al3(Zr, Sc) dispersoids with the L12 structure in Al–rich Zr–Sc solid solutions. Several characteristic features are obtained and discussed: 1) In the ternary alloy, the fast (Sc) diffusing species always controls the nucleation, in contrast to classical thermodynamical descriptions. 2) A Zr–Sc thermodynamic coupling induces heterogeneous nucleation on Zr atoms. 3) A segregation on the dispersoids outer shell of the slow diffusing solute (Zr) occurs during the coarsening stage, slowing down their coarsening rate. Finally, some extensions and prospects of the method are considered.
On the effect of pre-recovery on subsequent recrystallization
Authors: Bréchet Yves J. M. , Zurob Hatem S. , Hutchinson Christopher R.
Published: October 2009

The effect of low temperature recovery treatments on recrystallization kinetics during subsequent annealing was examined using a simple physically-based model. The results suggest that recovery may accelerate recrystallization in high stacking fault energy materials. Otherwise, recovery is expected to retard recrystallization by reducing the driving force for the nucleation and growth of recrystallized grains. These calculations help reconcile a number of apparently conflicting reports on the effect of recovery on recrystallization.
Plasticity of nanocrystalline materials: a critical viewpoint
Authors: Saada Georges , Dirras Guy
Published: October 2009

The present work attempts to pinpoint scaling constraints associated with plastic deformation of nanograined polycrsytals in relation to the analysis of the available data on their mechanical properties. In doing so, it is shown in particular that the systematic transfer to nanograined polycrystal metals of concepts applied with success to coarse-grained polycrystals counterpart has no solid basis. To uncover the physics of plastic flow in bulk nanograined polycrystal metals, simple arguments and recommendations are presented and discussed.
Thermoelectric power applied to metallurgy: principle and recent applications
Authors: Perez M. , Massardier V. , Kleber X.
Published: October 2009

Thermoelectric power is the magnitude of an induced thermoelectric voltage in response to a temperature difference across a material. The thermoelectric power of metal alloys is strongly influenced by the presence of solute atoms. Measuring thermoelectric power is therefore an accurate technique for characterizing the microstructure evolution of alloys taking place during various phase transformations. The potentialities of this technique are illustrated through four examples: (i) the measurement of copper solubility limit in iron; (ii) the characterization of the strain ageing kinetics of extra-mild steels; (iii) the determination of precipitation kinetics of MoC in low alloyed steels; and (iv) the monitoring of ageing of neutron irradiated power plant steels.
Circumferential fixation with craniofacial miniplates for a cervical spine injury in a child
Authors: Patel Neal B. , Hazzard Matthew A. , Ackerman Laurie L. , Horn Eric M.
Published: October 2009

Unstable pediatric cervical spine injuries present significant challenges in terms of fixation. Given the smaller cervical vertebral bodies in the preschool-aged population, commercially available pediatric cervical fixation instrumentation may be unsuitable because of the inappropriately large size of the screws and plates. The authors describe a 2-year-old girl who sustained an unstable C6–7 distraction injury during a motor vehicle accident. Because of the small size of her vertebral bodies, standard cervical spine instrumentation was not feasible, and posterior wiring alone was believed to be insufficient because of the complete distraction of all 3 spinal columns. The patient was taken to the operating room where craniofacial plates with an inherent locking mechanism were used to circumferentially stabilize the cervical spine. Follow-up examination 6 months postoperatively demonstrated stable cervical spine alignment and fusion with no evidence of the failure of either the anterior or posterior hardware. The use of craniofacial miniplates with an intrinsic locking mechanism represents a superior alternative for both anterior and posterior cervical fixations when spinal instrumentation is needed in the pediatric age group.
Infections related to intrathecal baclofen therapy in children and adults: frequency and risk factors
Authors: Fjelstad Anne-Berit , Hommelstad Jorunn , Sorteberg Angelika
Published: October 2009

Object

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of infection and to identify risk factors for infection in connection with the implantation of an intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump.

Methods

This retrospective study included all pediatric and adult patients who received ITB at Rikshospitalet during the years 1999–2005. A database was created that included the following variables: patient age, sex, weight, diagnosis, surgical procedure performed, presence of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, urinary as well as fecal incontinence, anesthetist's classification of patient status (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade), timing of antibiotics administration, surgeon, assisting nurse, and surgical procedure time. Moreover, the mode of intrathecal screening trial (transcutaneous vs subcutaneous catheter insertion) and any complications were registered. The authors differentiated between deep and superficial infection, and they registered the causative agent.

Results

A total of 163 patients received ITB; of these, 91 were pediatric patients (median age 10 years), and 72 were adults (median age 44 years). A total of 408 surgical procedures were performed. No infections occurred in direct relation to the screening trials. When a pump was implanted subsequent to a screening trial with transcutaneous catheter insertion, the rate of infection was 9% in the pediatric patients. The corresponding infection rate for pumps implanted after a screening trial with a subcutaneous distal catheter (Albright method) was 12%. This difference was not significant. There was a significantly higher incidence of deep infections following pump implantation in the pediatric group (p = 0.028) than in the adult group. The presence of a PEG tube increased the incidence of infection (p = 0.008) and may be one of the main reasons for a higher frequency of infections in children. When the patient suffered urinary and/or fecal incontinence, there was a higher chance of infection (p = 0.021). The surgical time was significantly longer in the pediatric group than in adults; however, the length of the surgical procedure had no impact on the occurrence of infection. The most common causative agent was Staphylococcus aureus; this microbe was responsible for 69% of deep infections. Also, 69% of deep infections occurred within 1 month after surgery.

Conclusions

The rate of infection is significantly higher in children undergoing ITB pump implantation than it is in adults. Screening trials applying the Albright method fail to reduce the frequency of infection subsequent to pump implantation. The presence of a PEG tube has the greatest significance as a predictor of infection.
Management of pediatric brainstem cavernous malformations: experience over 20 years at the Hospital for Sick Children
Authors: Bhardwaj Ratan D. , Auguste Kurtis I. , Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Dirks Peter B. , Drake James M. , Rutka James T.
Published: October 2009

Object

Because of their location and biological behavior, brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) pose a formidable clinical challenge to the neurosurgeon. The optimal management of these lesions requires considerable neurosurgical judgment. Accordingly, the authors reviewed their experience with the management of pediatric brainstem CMs at the Hospital for Sick Children.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who had received diagnoses of a brainstem CM at the Hospital for Sick Children over the past 20 years.

Results

Twenty patients were diagnosed with brainstem CMs. The mean age at diagnosis was 10.1 ± 5.4 years, and the patients included 13 boys and 7 girls. The mean maximal diameter of the CM was 14.3 ± 11.2 mm. The lesions were evenly distributed on the right and left sides of the brainstem with 4 midbrain, 13 pontine, and 3 medullary lesions. Seven patients underwent surgery for the management of their CMs, with a mean age at presentation of 5.2 years, and a mean CM size of 21.0 mm. Of note from the surgical group, 2 patients had a family history of CMs, 2 lesions were medullary, the CM reached a pial surface in 6 of 7 patients, and 6 of 7 lesions were located on the right side. The mean age at presentation among the 13 patients in the nonsurgical group was 12.7 years, and the mean CM size was 10.6 mm. Seven of these patients had a prior history of radiation for tumor, and only 3 had lesions that reached a pial surface.

Conclusions

The management of brainstem CMs in children is influenced by multiple factors. The majority of patients received conservative management and tended to be asymptomatic with smaller lesions. Patients with larger lesions and direct pial contact, in whom symptoms arose at a younger age were more likely to undergo surgical management. A history of familial CM was also a predictor for receiving surgical treatment. No patients with a prior history of radiation therapy underwent surgery for CMs. The presence of multiple lesions seemed to have no impact on the type of management chosen. Patients who underwent surgery did suffer morbidity related to the procedure, and tended to improve clinically over time. Conservative management was associated with new deficits arising in children, some of which improved with time. Consideration of many clinical and radiological parameters is thus prudent when managing the care of children with brainstem CMs.
Post-radiation reactive changes in a single vertebral body mimicking metastatic pineoblastoma
Authors: Tate Matthew C. , Banerjee Anurahda , Vandenberg Scott R. , Tihan Tarik , Chi John H. , Ames Christopher P. , Parsa Andrew T.
Published: October 2009

This 18-year-old woman presented with headache and diplopia over several months and was found to have an enhancing pineal tumor with resultant obstructive hydrocephalus. Following standard preoperative diagnostic tests, including spinal axis imaging, the patient was taken to the operating room for an endoscopic third ventriculostomy to relieve hydrocephalus and then subsequently underwent a craniotomy for gross-total resection of the pineal mass. The patient was discharged after an uneventful hospital course and received standard adjuvant cranial-spinal radiation and chemotherapy as an outpatient. Follow-up imaging 1 year after surgery demonstrated a metabolically active, lytic lesion in the C-3 vertebral body and new lung lesions suggesting a metastatic pineoblastoma. The patient underwent a C-3 anterior corpectomy and reconstruction without complication as aggressive therapy for presumed metastatic disease. Final pathological results from the vertebral lesion were consistent with radiation-induced reactive changes, not metastatic pineoblastoma as originally suspected. The patient recovered well and remains symptom free. To the authors' knowledge this is the first reported case of reactive changes mimicking metastasis in a single vertebral body following standard therapy for resected primary pineoblastoma.
From glioblastoma to gangliocytoma: an unforeseen but welcome shift in biological behavior
Authors: Jeibmann Astrid , Hasselblatt Martin , Pfister Stefan , Sträter Ronald , Brentrup Angela , Holling Markus , Niederstadt Thomas , Paulus Werner , Frühwald Michael C.
Published: October 2009

The prognosis in children harboring a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is usually poor. Few GBMs in children, however, seem to respond quite well to adjuvant chemotherapy. The biological basis for such chemotherapy sensitivity remains uncertain. In this paper the authors report the case of a 2-month-old girl with a histologically confirmed GBM (WHO Grade IV) in whom chemotherapy was accompanied by differentiation of the malignant primary tumor into a typical gangliocytoma (WHO Grade I) showing ganglioid differentiation and expression of neuronal markers synaptophysin, neurofilament, and NeuN as well as a low Ki 67/MIB-1 proliferation index. Array-comparative genomic hybridization did not reveal genetic alterations in either specimen. Even though the underlying biological mechanisms remain to be elucidated, closer examination of frequency and prognostic significance of neuronal differentiation in pediatric GBMs within ongoing and future clinical trials may be warranted.
Spontaneous thrombosis of neonatal vein of Galen malformation
Authors: Moftakhar Parham , Danielpour Moise , Maya Marcel , Alexander Michael J.
Published: October 2009

Vein of Galen malformations are rare congenital intracranial vascular malformations. Based on reports in the literature, spontaneous thrombosis or regression of these lesions is rare. Patients have variable outcomes from an asymptomatic course to death. The reasons behind spontaneous thrombosis are not entirely understood. Here the authors present a case of an infant diagnosed with a vein of Galen malformation in utero that subsequently went on to thrombose or regress. A review of the published cases on this phenomenon and the potential causality are discussed.
From presentation to follow-up: diagnosis and treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Bentley J. Nicole , Figueroa Ramón E. , Vender John R.
Published: October 2009

Cerebral venous thrombosis is an uncommon cause of stroke but remains a challenge for physicians faced with this diagnosis largely due to the variability in presentation. Anticoagulation, typically with intravenous heparin, remains the mainstay of treatment for stable patients and is sufficient in the majority of cases. However, a significant mortality rate exists for cerebral venous thrombosis due to patients who deteriorate or do not adequately respond to initial treatments. It is in these patients that more aggressive interventions must be undertaken. The neurosurgeon is often called on, either acutely for initial evaluation of the stroke or venous hemorrhage or after the failure of initial therapy for clot evacuation, hemicraniectomy, or thrombectomy. A proper workup must include a search for an underlying, correctable cause as well as thorough follow-up with correction of identified risk factors to decrease the risk of recurrent disease.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: review of the demographics, pathophysiology, current diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Filippidis Aristotelis , Kapsalaki Eftychia , Patramani Gianna , Fountas Kostas N.
Published: October 2009

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare clinicopathological entity. The incidence of CVST in children and neonates has been reported to be as high as 7 cases per million people, whereas in adults the incidence is 3–4 cases per million. The predisposing factors to this condition are mainly genetic and acquired prothrombotic states and infection. The clinical picture of CVST is nonspecific, highly variable, and can mimic several other clinical conditions. Diagnosis of CVST is established with the implementation of neuroimaging studies, especially MR imaging and venography. Identification and elimination of the underlying cause, anticoagulation, proper management of intracranial hypertension, and anticonvulsant prophylaxis constitute cornerstones of CVST treatment. Newer treatment strategies such as endovascular thrombolysis and decompressive craniectomy have been recently used in the treatment of patients with CVST with variable success rates. Further clinical research must be performed to delineate the exact role of these newer treatments in the management of severe cases of CVST. The recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CVST have significantly lowered the associated mortality and morbidity and have improved the outcome of these patients.
The diploic venous system: surgical anatomy and neurosurgical implications
Authors: García-González Ulises , Cavalcanti Daniel D. , Agrawal Abhishek , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Wallace Robert C. , Spetzler Robert F. , Preul Mark C.
Published: October 2009

Object

There are few systematic investigations of the dissected surgical anatomy of the diploic venous system (DVS) in the neuroanatomical literature. The authors describe the DVS relative to different common neurosurgical approaches. Knowledge of this system can help avoid potential sources of unacceptable bleeding and may impact healing of the cranium.

Methods

Using a high-speed drill with a 2-mm bit, the authors removed the outer layer of the compact bone in the skull to expose the DVS in 12 formalin-fixed cadaver heads. Pterional, supraorbital, and modified orbitozygomatic craniotomies were performed to delineate the relationship of the DVS.

Results

The draining point of the frontal diploic vein (FDV) was located near the supraorbital notch. The draining point of the anterior temporal diploic vein (ATDV) was located in all pterional areas; the draining point of the posterior temporal diploic vein (PTDV) was located in all asterional areas. The PTDV was the dominant diploic vessel in all sides. The FDV and ATDV could be damaged during supraorbital, modified orbitozygomatic, and pterional craniotomies. The anterior DVS connected with the sphenoparietal and superior sagittal sinus (SSS). The posterior DVS connected with the transverse and sigmoid sinuses and was the dominant diploic vessel in all 24 sides. Of all the major diploic vessels, the location and pattern of distribution of the FDV were the most constant. The parietal bone contained the most diploic vessels. No diploic veins were found in the area delimited by the temporal squama.

Conclusions

The pterional, orbitozygomatic, and supraorbital approaches place the FDV and ATDV at risk. The major anterior diploic system connects the SSS with the sphenoparietal sinus. The posterior diploic system connects the SSS with the transverse and sigmoid sinuses.
Endovascular embolization with Onyx in the management of sinus pericranii: a case report
Authors: Rangel-Castilla Leonardo , Krishna Chandan , Klucznik Richard , Diaz Orlando
Published: October 2009

Sinus pericranii (SP) is an uncommon and usually asymptomatic communication between intra- and extracranial venous drainage pathways in which blood flow can circulate bidirectionally through abnormal dilated veins through a skull defect. Diagnosis and evaluation of the venous drainage pattern is important if treatment is contemplated. Cerebral angiography with the use of Dyna CT can be helpful in the diagnosis of SP and its relationship with the skull defect. The authors report what is, to the best of their knowledge, the first case of SP treated by means of endovascular embolization with Onyx.
Choosing the best operation for chronic subdural hematoma: a decision analysis
Authors: Lega Bradley C. , Danish Shabbar F. , Malhotra Neil R. , Sonnad Seema S. , Stein Sherman C.
Published: October 2009

Object

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), a condition much more common in the elderly, presents an increasing challenge as the population ages. Treatment strategies for CSDH include bur-hole craniostomy (BHC), twist-drill craniostomy (TDC), and craniotomy. Decision analysis was used to organize existing data and develop recommendations for effective treatment.

Methods

A Medline search was used to identify articles about treatment of CSDH. Direct assessment by health care professionals of the relative health impact of common complications and recurrences was used to generate utility values for treatment outcomes. Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analyses allowed comparisons across treatment strategies. A second simulation examined whether intraoperative irrigation or postoperative drainage affect the outcomes following BHC.

Results

On a scale from 0 to 1, the utility of BHC was found to be 0.9608, compared with 0.9202 for TDC (p = 0.001) and 0.9169 for craniotomy (p = 0.006). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these values. Craniotomy yielded fewer recurrences, but more frequent and more serious complications than did BHC. There were no significant differences for BHC with or without irrigation or postoperative drainage.

Conclusions

Bur-hole craniostomy is the most efficient choice for surgical drainage of uncomplicated CSDH. Bur-hole craniostomy balances a low recurrence rate with a low incidence of highly morbid complications. Decision analysis provides statistical and empirical guidance in the absence of well-controlled large trials and despite a confusing range of previously reported morbidity and recurrence.
Totholzförderung – neue Wege mittels Totholz-Charta? | Promotion of deadwood: a new approach through the Deadwood Charter?
Authors: Feigenwinter-Thommen Beat
Published: October 2009

The necessity for deadwood in forests as a habitat for saprozoic organisms is scientifically proved and so far undisputed. However, in practice, the promotion of deadwood presents certain difficulties. The two half cantons Basel-Town and Basel-Country are trying a new approach. Together with all those concerned a “Deadwood Charter” has been created in which it is defined to what extent deadwood should be left in the forests over the next few years. This charter has been accepted and signed by all concerned, from nature protection organizations right through to forest owners. The definitive quantities of deadwood to be left are determined according to how intensively the forest is used for recreational purposes and various other functions. This will then be specified in the regional forestry development plans. Periodic regional sample surveys recording quantities of deadwood make it possible to check if objectives are being achieved.
Chronic Traffic-Induced PM Exposure and Self-Reported Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health in the RHINE Tartu Cohort
Authors: Orru Hans , Jõgi Rain , Kaasik Marko , Forsberg Bertil
Published: October 2009

The relationship between exposure to traffic induced particles, respiratory health and cardiac diseases was studied in the RHINE Tartu cohort. A postal questionnaire with commonly used questions regarding respiratory symptoms, cardiac disease, lifestyle issues such as smoking habits, indoor environment, occupation, early life exposure and sleep disorders was sent to 2,460 adults. The annual concentrations of local traffic induced particles were modelled with an atmospheric dispersion model with traffic flow data, and obtained PMexhaust concentrations in 40 × 40 m grids were linked with home addresses with GIS. The relationship between the level of exhaust particles outside home and self-reported health problems were analyzed using a multiple logistic regression model. We found a significant relation between fine exhaust particles and cardiac disease, OR = 1.64 (95% CI 1.12–2.43) for increase in PMexhaust corresponding to the fifth to the 95th percentile range. The associations also were positive but non-significant for hypertension OR = 1.42 (95% CI 0.94–2.13), shortness of breath OR = 1.27 (95% CI 0.84–1.94) and other respiratory symptoms.
The Detection of Alkaline Phosphatase Using an Electrochemical Biosensor in a Single-Step Approach
Authors: Wang Joanne H. , Wang Kevin , Bartling Brandon , Liu Chung-Chiun
Published: October 2009

A one-step, single use, disposable Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) biosensor has been developed. It is based on the detection of phenol produced by an ALP enzymatic reaction. It can operate at 25 °C in a pH 10 medium. It measures ALP of 0–300 IU/L. The permissible concentrations of glucose, ascorbic acid and urea without interference are 10 mM/L, 5 mg/L and 400 mg/L, respectively. Experimental results are compared to those obtained by spectrophotometric measurements in bovine serum. Excellent linearity between the biosensor outputs and the ALP concentrations exists. The agreement between the measurements of this biosensor and the spectrophotometer is also outstanding.
A Wireless Sensor Network Deployment for Rural and Forest Fire Detection and Verification
Authors: Lloret Jaime , Garcia Miguel , Bri Diana , Sendra Sandra
Published: October 2009

Forest and rural fires are one of the main causes of environmental degradation in Mediterranean countries. Existing fire detection systems only focus on detection, but not on the verification of the fire. However, almost all of them are just simulations, and very few implementations can be found. Besides, the systems in the literature lack scalability. In this paper we show all the steps followed to perform the design, research and development of a wireless multisensor network which mixes sensors with IP cameras in a wireless network in order to detect and verify fire in rural and forest areas of Spain. We have studied how many cameras, sensors and access points are needed to cover a rural or forest area, and the scalability of the system. We have developed a multisensor and when it detects a fire, it sends a sensor alarm through the wireless network to a central server. The central server selects the closest wireless cameras to the multisensor, based on a software application, which are rotated to the sensor that raised the alarm, and sends them a message in order to receive real-time images from the zone. The camera lets the fire fighters corroborate the existence of a fire and avoid false alarms. In this paper, we show the test performance given by a test bench formed by four wireless IP cameras in several situations and the energy consumed when they are transmitting. Moreover, we study the energy consumed by each device when the system is set up. The wireless sensor network could be connected to Internet through a gateway and the images of the cameras could be seen from any part of the world.
Fabrication of Wireless Micro Pressure Sensor Using the CMOS Process
Authors: Dai Ching-Liang , Lu Po-Wei , Wu Chyan-Chyi , Chang Chienliu
Published: October 2009

In this study, we fabricated a wireless micro FET (field effect transistor) pressure sensor based on the commercial CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) process and a post-process. The wireless micro pressure sensor is composed of a FET pressure sensor, an oscillator, an amplifier and an antenna. The oscillator is adopted to generate an ac signal, and the amplifier is used to amplify the sensing signal of the pressure sensor. The antenna is utilized to transmit the output voltage of the pressure sensor to a receiver. The pressure sensor is constructed by 16 sensing cells in parallel. Each sensing cell contains an MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) and a suspended membrane, which the gate of the MOS is the suspended membrane. The postprocess employs etchants to etch the sacrificial layers in the pressure sensor for releasing the suspended membranes, and a LPCVD (low pressure chemical vapor deposition) parylene is adopted to seal the etch holes in the pressure. Experimental results show that the pressure sensor has a sensitivity of 0.08 mV/kPa in the pressure range of 0–500 kPa and a wireless transmission distance of 10 cm.
Vehicle Lateral State Estimation Based on Measured Tyre Forces
Authors: Tuononen Ari  J.
Published: October 2009

Future active safety systems need more accurate information about the state of vehicles. This article proposes a method to evaluate the lateral state of a vehicle based on measured tyre forces. The tyre forces of two tyres are estimated from optically measured tyre carcass deflections and transmitted wirelessly to the vehicle body. The two remaining tyres are so-called virtual tyre sensors, the forces of which are calculated from the real tyre sensor estimates. The Kalman filter estimator for lateral vehicle state based on measured tyre forces is presented, together with a simple method to define adaptive measurement error covariance depending on the driving condition of the vehicle. The estimated yaw rate and lateral velocity are compared with the validation sensor measurements.
Seroconversion to HCoV-NL63 in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Dijkman Ronald , Mulder H. Lie , Rumping Lynne , Kraaijvanger Ilse , Deijs Martin , Jebbink Maarten  F. , Verschoor Ernst  J. , Van der Hoek Lia
Published: October 2009

HCoV-NL63 is a recently identified respiratory virus. Its pathogenesis has not been fully unraveled because an animal model is currently lacking. Here we examined whether rhesus macaques encounter HCoV-NL63 infections during life, by examining the levels of antibodies to HCoV-NL63 in time. The animals were followed for 7 up till 19 years, and in three animals we observed a steep rise in antibodies during follow up, indicative of a natural infection with HCoV-NL63.
An in vitro mechanical comparison of tibial plateau levelling osteotomy plates
Authors: Coker D. , Payton M. , Rochat M. , Bordelon J.
Published: October 2009

An in vitro mechanical study was performed to compare the fatigue properties and the loads to failure of four plate designs that are used to stabilise the tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). Seventy-two gapped osteotomy models were created using 3.5 mm versions of the following plates: a standard TPLO plate, a low profile TPLO plate, a locking TPLO plate (LocP), and a broad locking TPLO plate (bLocP). The 18 constructs for each plate design were sub-divided into three identical groups of six. Six constructs were mounted in a materials testing device and subjected to cyclic compressive loading until failure was observed or one-million cycles were achieved. Additionally, six constructs of each plate design were tested in compressive axial loading and six others in four-point bending in a load-to-failure manner. To provide residual strength comparisons, the six constructs undergoing cyclic fatigue compression testing were also tested in axial compressive loading. There were not any significant differences in stiffness between plates tested in axial compressive loading. However, mean loads at failure were higher for the LocP and bLocP constructs. The bLocP had a significantly higher mean stiffness and mean load at failure compared to the other constructs tested in fourpoint bending.
Total hip replacement in three cats: surgical technique, short-term outcome and comparison to femoral head ostectomy
Authors: Doyle N. , Marcellin-Little D. J. , Osborne J. A. , Liska W. D.
Published: October 2009

Objective: To describe the surgical technique and clinical features of total hip replacement (THR) due to hip trauma in cats.

Study design: Retrospective study.

Sample population: Three client-owned cats that underwent THR to treat capital epiphyseal fractures, and five client-owned cats that underwent femoral head ostectomy (FHO).

Methods: The clinical data included signalment, body weight, body condition score, diagnosis, implant size, surgical technique, intraoperative observations, and postoperative complications. Radiographic evaluation included implant positioning, cement mantle quality, and follow-up examination of the cement-bone interfaces. Orthopaedic examinations and client interviews were used to evaluate limb function.

Results: The three cats that underwent THR had a mean body weight of 5.5 kg, a mean body condition score of 6/9, and a mean age of three years at the time of surgery. The average THR follow-up was 11 months. For the five cats that underwent FHO, the mean body weight was 6.3 kg, mean body score was 7/9, and mean age at the time of FHO was 2.5 years. The average FHO follow-up was 22 months. Hip flexion, hip extension, and thigh girth after THR compared favourably to similar measurements made after FHO. The functional outcomes after THR were excellent. The functional outcomes after FHO ranged from poor to excellent.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: The recovery after THR was excellent based on clinical assessment of muscle mass, hip joint passive range of motion, gait, and owner assessment. Further blinded, randomised, and controlled trials of THR in cats are warranted.
In vitro comparison of cortical bone temperature generation between traditional sequential drilling and a newly designed step drill in the equine third metacarpal bone
Authors: García-López J. , Maranda L. S. , Bubeck K. A.
Published: October 2009

Objectives: To compare heat generation and time to finish between a new step drill and sequential drilling in order to create a 6.2 mm pilot hole for insertion of a positive profile transfixation pin into the equine third metacarpal bone.

Methods: Nine pairs of equine third metacarpal bones from cadavers of adult horses were used. Maximum temperature rise of the bone was measured continuously at the cis- and trans-cortices 1, 2 and 3 mm from the final pilot hole during creation of a 6.2 mm hole using a step drill and sequential drilling with 4.5, 5.5 and 6.2 mm drill bits. Five holes were drilled into the mid diaphysis of each bone in lateral to medial direction, and drilling forces of 60, 80 and 120 N were used (15 holes in each group). Time from start to finish was measured and cortical thickness was recorded for each hole.

Results: The maximum heat generation (mean [95% CI]) with step drilling and sequential drilling was not significantly different at 60 N and 120 N of drilling force. However, at 80 N of drilling force, the 2.13 ºC difference between the two drilling techniques was significant. The time to finish (seconds) was significantly shorter for the holes created by step drilling (35.1 [32.06 – 37.59]) than by sequential drilling (145.8 [138.52 – 151.67]) (P < 0.001).

Clinical Relevance: Based on our results, we concluded that the step drill is a viable alternative to traditional sequential drilling of equine third metacarpal bone because it did not result in excessive heat generation that can result in bone necrosis.
Genetic diversity of the endangered and narrow endemic Piperia yadonii (Orchidaceae) assessed with ISSR polymorphisms
Authors: George Sheeja , Sharma Jyotsna , Yadon Vern L.
Published: October 2009

Highly endangered plants that are also narrow endemics are generally found to be genetically depauperate and thus are exceedingly susceptible to ecological and anthropological threats that can lead to their extinction. Piperia yadonii is restricted to a single California county within a biodiversity hotspot. We used nine primers to generate intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) data to assess its genetic diversity and structure. Within each population, 99% of the loci were polymorphic, expected heterozygosity was low, and a majority of the loci were shared with few other populations. Forty percent of the total variation could be attributed to population differentiation while the rest (60%) resides within populations, and the genetic distances between populations were independent of the corresponding geographical distances. High divergence among populations is likely due to fragmentation and limited gene flow. Each population contains several private loci, and ideally, each should be protected to preserve the overall diversity of the species. Because P. yadonii currently retains a modest amount of genetic variation among individuals within populations, preserving and expanding the habitat at each site to allow natural expansion of populations would be additional strategies for its conservation before populations become too small to persist naturally.
Papuacedrus(Cupressaceae) in Eocene Patagonia: A new fossil link to Australasian rainforests
Authors: Wilf Peter , Little Stefan A. , Iglesias Ari , del Carmen Zamaloa María , Gandolfo María A. , Cúneo N. Rubén , Johnson Kirk R.
Published: October 2009

The 51.9 Ma Laguna del Hunco (LH) and 47.5 Ma Río Pichileufú (RP) floras from Patagonia, Argentina are unusually rich, angiosperm‐dominated assemblages with living relatives in the low‐latitude West Pacific, neotropics, and temperate southern latitudes. The diverse gymnosperms in these floras are important for Gondwanan biogeographic history and paleoclimatic interpretations. “Libocedrus”prechilensisBerry 1938 (Cupressaceae), previously known only from the holotype (RP), a vegetative branch, is revised here based on new material from both localities, including a seed cone attached to a shoot with cuticle (LH). Characters of these fossils are diagnostic of monotypicPapuacedrus(highlands of New Guinea and Moluccas). LivingP. papuanais most abundant in cloud forests receiving up to 4 m rainfall annually, whereasAustrocedrus(Libocedrus)chilensis, the basis of comparison when the fossil species was named, inhabits dry, cold steppe margins to mediterranean climates in southern South America. We establishPapuacedrus prechilensiscomb. nov., which simultaneously invalidates a southern South American connection for the fossil floras and reveals a link to West Pacific montane rainforests. Combined evidence indicates a biome similar to extant subtropical, or tropical montane, rainforests that persisted for at least 4.4 Myr, linking elevated floral richness to abundant rainfall.
Le rôle des ressources naturelles dans les conflits armés africains
Authors: Hugon Philippe
Published: October 2009

Les relations entre guerres et ressources naturelles ont conduit à une écologie politique de la guerre : guerres de ressources, guerres environnementales, de pillage ou de sécession liées aux ressources naturelles. Les ressources naturelles du sous-sol peuvent, du fait de leur abondance, attiser des contrôles par la violence (coloniale, impérialiste, pillage). Les ressources naturelles du sol peuvent, du fait de leur rareté (eau, terre), aviver les tensions. En prenant le cas des conflits armés africains, cet article différencie : 1/ l’enchevêtrement des facteurs et des acteurs de la conflictualité, 2/ l’économie politique des conflits 3/ le rôle spécifique des ressources naturelles.
Pillage et vandalisme dans le Delta du Niger
Authors: Augé Benjamin
Published: October 2009

Les eaux du Delta du Niger sont devenues en 2008 les deuxièmes plus dangereuses au monde après celles au large de la Somalie. Les attaques de groupes de militants ou de simples pirates de plus en plus organisés et équipés se sont multipliées et ont causé les plus importantes pertes de pétrole de l’histoire du pays. Passé en dessous des deux millions de barils par jour en 2008, le Nigeria tente grâce à des moyens militaires et politiques bien maigres de juguler des attaques qui lui font perdre des milliards de dollars chaque année. Les militants qui réclament une meilleure répartition des revenus du pétrole n’ont pas besoin de beaucoup développer leur discours pour convaincre la population de la mauvaise gestion du secteur énergétique par l’État fédéral. Ce dernier doit avoir recours à du pétrole raffiné à l’étranger pour les 3/4 de sa consommation et, de plus, les centrales thermiques au gaz subissent des ruptures d’approvisionnement quasi quotidiennes alors que le pays possède les premières réserves d’Afrique.
La dimension terrestre des pirateries somaliennes et indonésiennes
Authors: Frécon Eric
Published: October 2009

Depuis un an au large de la Somalie, les pirates signalent leur retour à force de détournements et prises d’otages. Des Occidentaux en ont été victimes. En réaction, des patrouilles navales ont été mises en place sur le modèle des opérations lancées en 2004-2006 dans le détroit de Malacca où la piraterie semble avoir été jugulée. Mais au regard des obstacles opérationnels et juridiques rencontrés lors des manoeuvres et arrestations, s’agit-il vraiment de la meilleure méthode pour éradiquer le fléau ? Ne conviendrait-il pas mieux de s’attaquer aux racines terrestres de la piraterie ? Celle-ci se développe à l’écart des pôles administratifs et économiques, parmi les oubliés de la mondialisation. Aussi paraît-il plus judicieux d’envisager une approche globale pour stabiliser les États pourvoyeurs de pirates et réguler les flux de renseignements ou d’argent sale. Le combat sera long : si les prochaines mesures envisagées en Somalie invitent à l’optimisme, déjà les attaques reprennent entre le détroit de Malacca et la mer de Chine méridionale, une fois la mousson passée...
Éditorial
Authors: Giblin Béatrice
Published: October 2009

L’association de ces deux termes se justifie par les deux points communs essentiels qui en sont la cause : la faiblesse des États et l’aggravation insupportable de la pauvreté qui font dériver certains groupes vers la violence. Dans ce numéro, ce n’est pas l’acception métaphorique qui est principalement retenue, telle que pillage du tiers monde ou cyberpiraterie et biopiraterie (même si deux articles traitent de ces nouvelles formes de piraterie), mais bien les sens classiques de ces deux termes : pillage – acte de guerre avec vols massifs, destructions – et piraterie – tout acte illicite de violence ou de détention commis par l’équipage d’un navire privé agissant à des fins privées contre un autre navire, en haute mer. C’est pourquoi les conditions géographiques de chacune de ces situations géopolitiques sont indispensables à leurcompréhension.
Enfants placés : jouer/déjouer le désir de la mère
Authors: Vers Martine , Yvan Frédéric
Published: October 2009

Résumé Si tous les enfants doivent jouer, pour ainsi dire, le jeu du désir de leurs parents, les enfants placés sont dans cette situation particulière de devoir jouer simultanément avec plusieurs désirs celui des parents, celui de la famille d’accueil et celui des institutions ; désirs souvent contradictoires et dont le jeu est opaque pour l’enfant. Comment les enfants se repèrent-ils dans ce jeu des désirs ? Quelles élaborations peuvent-ils constituer ?
Une enfant qui joue trop bien le jeu
Authors: Charliac Lucile
Published: October 2009

Résumé La demande maternelle de psychothérapie pour un enfant peut conduire ce dernier à se situer, d’une manière non exclusive, à la fois comme celui qui ne joue pas le jeu de la cure, et comme celui qui le joue trop bien. Cette ambiguïté, rencontrée à l’occasion de la prise en charge d’une enfant préadolescente, met en jeu sa dépendance plus ou moins grande à l’égard de la demande formulée par l’Autre et pose la question des fonctions du symptôme.