bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of chemical bonding of chlorides with aluminates in cement hidratation process on corrosion steel bars in concrete
Authors: Bikic Farzet
Published: April 2010

The presence of chlorides in concrete is a permanent subject of research because they cause corrosion of steel bars. Chlorides added to the concrete during preparation, as accelerators of the bonding of cement minerals process, enter into reaction with aluminates, creating a phase known as chloroaluminate hydrates. In everyday conditions the product of chemical bonding between chlorides and aluminates is usually monochloridealuminate C3A?CaCl2?Hx, better known as Friedel's salt. In this paper, the influence of chemical bonding of chlorides with aluminates during the process of cement hydration on corrosion of steel bars in concrete was investigated. The process of chlorides bonding with aluminates yielding monochloride aluminate is monitored by XRD analyses. It was found that the amount of chlorides bonding with aluminates increases with an increase of temperature, and as a result, reduces the amount of 'free' chlorides in concrete. Potentiodynamic measurements have shown that increase in temperature of the heat treatment of working electrodes by chlorides leads to a reduction of steel bars corrosion as a result of either the increase of the monochloride-aluminate content or the decrease of free chlorides amount. Chlorides bound in chloroaluminate hydrates do not cause activation of steel bars corrosion in concrete. It was also proven that the increase of free chlorides concentration in the concrete leads to intensification of steel bars corrosion. This additionally approves that free chlorides are only the activators of process of steel bars corrosion in the concrete.
Behavioral welfare economics
Authors: Bernheim Douglas
Published: April 2010

U radu se raspravlja o nekoliko predloga za opsti normativni okvir koji bi obuhvatio nestandardne modele izbora. Vecina postojecih predloga izjednacava blagostanje sa dobrobiti. Neki pretpostavljaju da dobrobit proizilazi iz dobro definisanih ciljeva, i da ti ciljevi takodje dovode do izbora; trik je u tome da se formulise okvir u kom obrasci nepotpuno koherentnih izbora otkrivaju ciljeve koji nisu posmatrani. Drugi ostaju pri stavu da se dobrobit, a samim tim i blagostanje, mogu direktno meriti. Oba pristupa nailaze na ozbiljne konceptualne poteskoce. Jedan moguci pristup, koji su razvili Bernheim i Rangel (2009), definise blagostanje direktno u smislu izbora. On podrazumeva opste kriterijume blagostanja koji se direktno odnose na izbor, bez potrebe za bilo kakvom racionalizacijom koja potencijalno ukljucuje pretpostavke u vezi sa ciljevima i njihov odnos prema izboru. Kako korisne bihevioristicke teorije uopsteno predvidjaju visok stepen koherentnosti u ponasanju, takav kriterijum dovodi do iscrpnog i upotrebljivog normativnog okvira. (Izvorno, rad je objavljen pod naslovom Behavioral Welfare Economics u Journal of the European Economic Association, 7:2-3 (April-May, 2009), pp. 267-319. ? 2009 by the European Economic Association. Zahvaljujemo se profesoru B. Douglas Bernheim i MIT Press Journals na dozvoli za prevod i objavljivanje u nasem casopisu.).
Invisible hand in the process of making economics or on the method and scope of economics
Authors: Yay Turan , Tastan Huseyin
Published: April 2010

As a social science, economics cannot be reduced to simply an a priori science or an ideology. In addition economics cannot be solely an empirical or a historical science. Economics is a research field which studies only one dimension of human behavior, with the four fields of mathematics, econometrics, ethics and history intersecting one another. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the two parts of the proposition above, in connection with the controversies surrounding the method and the scope of economics: economics as an applied mathematics and economics as a predictive/empirical science.
Can the capability approach be evaluated within the frame of mainstream economics?: A methodological analysis
Authors: Karaçay Çakmak
Published: April 2010

The aim of this article is to examine the capability approach of Amartya Sen and mainstream economic theory in terms of their epistemological, methodological and philosophical/cultural aspects. The reason for undertaking this analysis is the belief that Sen's capability approach, contrary to some economists' claim, is uncongenial to mainstream economic views on epistemology and methodology (not on ontologically). However, while some social scientists regard that Sen, on the whole, is a mainstream economist, his own approach strongly criticizes both the theory and practice of mainstream economics.
Risk factors for the occurrence of undifferentiated carcinoma of nasopharyngeal type: A case-control study
Authors: Nesic Vladimir , Sipetic Sandra , Vlajinac Hristina , Stosic-Divjak Svetlana , Jesic Snezana
Published: April 2010

Introduction. The incidence rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Serbia is less than one per 100,000 citizens, which classifies it as a region with low incidence for this disease. Objective. The aim of this study was to test some hypotheses of the risk factors for undifferentiated carcinoma of nasopharyngeal type (UCNT) in the low incidence population. Methods. A case-control study was used for the research. The study included 45 cases with histopathological diagnosis of UCNT and 90 controls. Cases and the controls were individually matched by sex, age (?3 years), and place of residence (city-village). Data were gathered about sociodemographic characteristics, occupational exposure to harmful agents, habits, diet, personal history, and family history. In the analysis of the data, conditional univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. Results. According to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis UCNT was significantly positively associated with 'passive smoking' of tobacco in the family during childhood, frequent consumption of industrially manufactured food additives for enhancing flavour and frequent consumption of white bread. UCNT was significantly negatively associated with frequent consumption of margarine, olive oil and cornbread. Conclusion. In our low incidence population, an independent risk factor for the occurrence of UCNT was 'passive smoking' of tobacco in the family during childhood, use of industrially manufactured food with additives for enhancing flavour and consumption of white bread. Multicentric study enrolling a greater number of cases would be desirable.
The use of platelet-rich fibrin membrane in gingival recession treatment
Authors: Aleksic Zoran , Jankovic Sasa , Dimitrijevic Bozidar , Divnic-Resnik Tihana , Milinkovic Iva , Lekovic Vojislav
Published: April 2010

Introduction. Fibrin, fibronectin, platelet derived growth factor, and transforming growth factors from platelet concetrate are crucial for tissue reparation and regeneration. Objective. This study was designed to evaluate clinical effectiveness of activated platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane in treatment of gingival recession. Methods. 19 gingival recessions Miller class I or II were treated with a coronally advanced flap and the PRF membrane (PRF group). Following the elevation of the flap, bone and root surfaces were covered with the PRF membrane. After suturing, the PRF membrane was covered with a coronally advanced flap. In the same patients, 19 other gingival recessions were treated with CTG in combination with the coronally advanced flap (the CTG group). Clinical recordings were made of vertical recession depth (VRD), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) before and 12 months after mucogingival surgical treatment. Clinical evaluation of healing events was estimated with recordings of the healing index (HI). Recordings of HI were performed in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week post-surgically. Results. Mean root coverage was significant in both groups (the PRF group 79.94% and the CTG group 88.56% %; p<0.01). The difference between the two tested groups was not statistically significant. Results of the keratinized tissue width showed significant increase (p<0.05) 12 months after the surgery in both, the PRF and CTG groups. Results of KTW showed statistical significance of recorded differences obtained in the two evaluated groups (p<0.05). There was no statistical significance in reduction of PD and CAL recorded in the PRF and CTG groups. The values of HI recorded in the 1st and 2nd week postoperatively were significantly enhanced in the PRF group (p<0.05). Conclusion. Results of this study confirm both procedures as effective with equivalence of clinical results in solving gingival recession problems. The utilization of the PRF resulted in a decreased postoperative discomfort and advanced tissue healing.
Efficacy of combined antiviral therapy with pegylated interferon α-2a and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C infection in intravenous drug users
Authors: Ruzic Maja , Fabri Milotka , Klasnja Biljana , Pobor Marta , Svarc Daniela , Jovelic Aleksandra , Fabri Izabela
Published: April 2010

Introduction. Hepatitis C Virus infection represents not just a medical, but also a socio-economic problem. It is estimated that among 170 million infected, 60% belongs to the category of intravenous drug users (IDUs). Objective. The aim of this paper was to compare the response to the combined therapy of pegylated interferon alfa 2a and ribavirin, in the group of patients with HCV infection who were intravenous drug users (IDUs) and in patients who were identified in the other way of transmission of HCV. Also to identify the influence of the therapy on diseases of addiction, during the course of HCV infection and on the effects of the combined therapy of pegylated interferon alfa 2a and ribavirin. Methods. We conducted a retrospective-prospective study, on 60 patients, treated with combined antiviral therapy-pegylated interferon alfa 2a and ribavirin. 30 patients were from the group of IDUs, and 30 patients from other epidemiological groups. Results. There were significant differences between the age of the patients (30.2?7.1 vs. 39.3?11.2 years; p=0.002), but no significant difference in the duration of the HCV infection between the two groups of patients (8.9?7.4 vs. 13.1?7.0 years; p>0.05). A large number of the patients in the group of IDUs had a problem with the abstinence of the drug abuse. In this group, there was the influence of alcohol (30%) and other substances with potential hepatotoxicity: marihuana (23.3%) and psycho-active drugs (73.6%). Staging of the liver fibrosis was not influenced by those two parameters and was similar in both groups (p>0.05). The genotype 3a was dominant in intravenous drug users (50.0%) and genotype 1b in the control group of the patients (76.6%). In both groups, SVR was achieved at a higher percentage (86% vs. 70.00%; p>0.05), but among the intravenous drug users the relapses of HCV infection were at a lower percentage (3.3% vs. 20.0%; p=0.044). Side effects were noticed in solitary cases in both of the examined groups, but severe side effects were found only in the control group of the patients. Relapse of drug abuse was noticed in 6.66% of cases. Conclusion. We have registered that the group of intravenous drug users has the same or even better response to the antiviral therapy than other epidemiological groups and that the use of drugs does not change the course of HCV infection.
Antioxidant properties of Galium verum L. (Rubiaceae) extracts
Authors: Lakić Neda , Mimica-Dukić Neda , Isak Jelena , Božin Biljana
Published: April 2010

The antioxidant properties of methanol extracts of Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum L., Rubiaceae) herb from two different localities in Serbia were evaluated. Antioxidant activity was assessed in four different model systems. Free radical scavenging capacity (RSC) was examined by measuring the scavenging activity of extracts on 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazil (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical (OH), as well as on hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the protective effects of lipid peroxidation (LP) in corn oil were evaluated by the TBA-assay using the Fe2+/ascorbate system of induction. The amount of dried extract, the content of total phenolics, flavonoids and chlorophylls was also determined. Extracts from both locations expressed very strong scavenger activity, reducing the DPPH⊙ (IC50=3.10 µg/mland 8.04 µg/ml) and OH radical formation (IC50=0.05 µg/ml and 0.54 µg/ml) and neutralising H2O2 (IC50=4.98 µg/ml and 3.80 µg/ml), in a dose dependant manner. Also, examined extracts showed notable inhibition of LP (IC50=11.69 µg/ml and 19.47 µg/ml). The observed differences in antioxidant activity could be partially explained by the levels of phenolics (2.44–4.65 mg and 4.57–5.16 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry extract), flavonoids (6.38–10.70 µg and 15.56–17.96 µg quercetin equivalents/g dry extract) and chlorophylls in the investigated Lady’s Bedstraw extracts.
Effect of Newly Synthesized Compounds 44Bu and 444 on QRS-Complex Width and Fast Sodium Current: Differences between Isomers
Authors: Kilianová Anna , Bébarová Markéta , Beránková Klára , Opatřilová Radka , Pásek Michal , Bartošová Ladislava
Published: April 2010

Two newly synthesized short-acting agents 44Bu and 444 were observed to suppress the aconitine-induced arrhythmias and block the fast sodium currentINain the rat heart. No data about their effect on the electrocardiographic parameters are available. In this study, we explored the effect of both racemates and particular isomers of 44Bu and 444 on the QRS-complex widthin vivoin rats and onINain isolated rat ventricular myocytes. All variants of 44Bu and 444 (1.5 mg/kg) caused a significant QRS-widening reaching the peak effect at the 1st or 2nd min after their intravenous administration. 44Bu racemate widened the QRS-complex from 16.8 ± 0.4 to 26.3 ± 0.5 ms (by 57%), significantly more than R- (33%-widening) and S-isomer (36%-widening). 444 racemate widened the QRS-complex from 20.8 ± 1.0 to 34.1 ± 0.9 ms (by 64%), which was comparable to S-isomer (63%-widening), however, substantially more than R-isomer (40%-widening). Regarding the effect onINa, 44Bu caused a significantly deeperINa- block compared to 444 when applied at the same concentration of 3 μmol/l (~0.1 mg/kg). 44Bu racemate and R-isomer blockedINasimilarly (91.7 ± 0.8 and 91.8 ± 1.6%-block, respectively) and significantly more than S-isomer (82.4 ± 2.3%-block). 444 R-isomer blockedINaless than racemate and S-isomer (by 31.7 ± 3.9% vs. 48.3 ± 4.7 and 50.2 ± 4.1%, respectively). We conclude that both racemates and particular isomers of 44Bu and 444 induce a QRS-widening and blockINain the rat heart, however, their effects notably differed. The relative widening of the QRS-complex after application of 44Bu did not conform to the level ofINa-block observed in isolated cardiomyocytes which stresses the importance ofin vivoexperiments in the pre-clinical testing of new drugs.
Viral Agents Associated with Poult Enteritis in Croatian Commercial Turkey Flocks
Authors: Lojkić Ivana , Biđin Marina , Biđin Zdenko , Mikec Milivoj
Published: April 2010

From 2003 to 2006, samples of intestinal content and spleens from 10-day-old to 6-week-old fattening turkeys showing clinical signs of enteritis were analyzed by specific PCR and RT-PCRs for detection of haemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV), avian reovirus (ARV), turkey astrovirus-2 (TastV-2), and turkey coronavirus (TCV). A total of 23 flocks from 6 farms were included in the study. Specific sequence for HEV hexon gene was present in 6 samples from turkeys younger than and in one turkey at 6 weeks of age. A product of TastV-2 capsid gene was detected in 17/23 intestinal content samples. A 626-bp band of sigma A (S2) encoding gene segment from avian reovirus was present in three samples, all from the same farm. Sequence analysis of 450 bp fragment of avian reovirus sigma A encoding gene sequence showed that our strain had the identity of 91.3% with the strains 138, 2408, 1733, 919, T6, and Os161. No TCV specific PCR band was found in any sample. Four flocks were positive simultaneously for HEV and TastV-2, and three flocks on TastV-2 and ARV. Severity of poult enteritis described in our study is caused by immunosuppressive TastV-2 in combination with HEV or ARV.
Biogenic Amine Production in Olomouc Curd Cheese (Olomoucké tvarůžky) at Various Storage Conditions
Authors: Standarová Eva , Vorlová Lenka , Kordiovská Pavlína , Janštová Bohumíra , Dračková Michaela , Borkovcová Ivana
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of temperature and storage time on the formation of biogenic amines (BAs) in the traditional Czech curd cheese (Olomoucké tvarůžky). Samples were stored for 7 weeks at 5 °C and 20 °C. BAs were studied as dansyl derivatives by the RP-HPLC method with fluorescence detection, histamine was determined using a photodiode array detector. Physical and chemical properties were analyzed as specified by the Czech National Standard, as were the sensory characteristics (colour, odour, texture and flavour). The major amines found were cadaverine (124–2413 mg kg-1) and tyramine (117–1058 mg kg-1), followed by putrescine (75–767 mg kg-1) and histamine (74–411 mg kg-1). Low concentrations of tryptamine, spermine and spermidine were present. Total concentrations of BAs significantly increased with storage time (P < 0.01), depending significantly on temperature (P < 0.01). Total BAs in cheese stored at 20 °C compared to 5 °C were more than three times higher, reaching 4600 mg kg-1 at the end of storage. The toxicologically critical value of 900 mg kg-1 for the sum of histamine + tyramine + putrescine + cadaverine was reached 17 days later in the cheese stored at 5 °C compared to 20 °C. When stored at 5 °C, the samples retained adequate sensory characteristics for the entire safe storage time. The effects of storage conditions on BAs formation are relevant to reducing the risk associated with consumption of cheese high in BAs.
Ecotoxicological Assessment of Sediment Leachates of Small Watercourses in the Brno City Suburban Area (South Moravia, Czech Republic)
Authors: Beklová Miroslava , Čelechovská Olga , Dobšíková Radka , Haluzová Ivana , Králová Helena , Malá Jitka , Modrá Helena , Ostrá Magdalena , Svobodová Zdeňka
Published: April 2010

Sediments of two small watercourses Leskava and Troubsky Brook in the Brno city suburban area were examined for their ecotoxicity. Using a standard procedure, extracts of the sediments were prepared for diagnostic tests. These extracts were tested for acute toxicity to fresh-water organisms. The ecotoxicological tests were performed on the fresh-water algaPseudokirchneriella subcapitata, the vascular water plantLemna minor, on a representative of invertebrates – the water fleaDaphnia magnaand on theXenopus laevisfrog embryo and luminiscentVibrio fischeribacteria. Possible toxic effects were evaluated using the test determining the inhibition of the growth of white mustard rootSinapis alba. Results of ecotoxicological assessment of sediment leachates showed that their quality varied significantly during the year. Differences were found between results of sediment evaluations from different collection profiles, which may indicate effects of point source pollution. Of the ecotoxicological tests used, the most sensitive organisms included the green algaePseudokirchneriella subcapitata, bioluminiscent bacteriaVibrio fischeriand the African clawed frogXenopus laevis. The highest concentrations of arsenic were found by chemical analysis in both spring and autumn sediment leachate samples collected at Site L1 (Leskava). The highest organic pollutant concentrations were found in autumn sediment leachate samples from Site L1. In total PAH sums, phenanthrene was the dominant pollutant at all the sites investigated.
Plant Growth Response of Two Runner Peanut Cultivars to Reduced Seeding Rate1
Authors: Tewolde H. , Black M. C. , Fernandez C. J. , Schubert A. M.
Published: April 2010

The ability of peanut plants to adjust to wide plant-to-plant spacing and the use of more precise mechanical planters have not been thoroughly exploited to reduce seeding rates. The magnitude of plant growth adjustment of two runner peanut cultivars to reduced seeding rate was studied in 1992 and 1993. A precision vacuum planter was used to plant the cultivars GK-7 and Southern Runner (SR) in single rows per bed at 8, 12, and 22 seed/m2. Total plant dry matter weight (TDM), leaf area (LA), and main stem height, nodes, and branches were measured six times during each season. Vegetative growth adjustment to reduced seeding rate was detected as early as 52 d after planting (DAP) in 1992 and 42 DAP in 1993. Plants fully adjusted to reduced seeding rate when they began forming pods at 70 DAP in 1992 and 75 DAP in 1993. By this stage, individual plants in the 8 seed/m2 treatment accumulated 2 to 2.7 times as much total dry matter (TDM) as plants in the 22 seed/m2, and all seeding treatments within each cultivar accumulated equivalent amounts of TDM on a unit ground area basis. The 8 seed/m2 treatment produced significantly greater TDM/m2 and leaf area index (LAI) than the 22 seed/m2 treatment by the end of both seasons (132 DAP in 1992 and 152 DAP in 1993). The partitioning of dry weight to pods and leaves was also greatest for the 8 seed/m2 seeding treatment. By the end of the season, the 8 seed/ m2 seeding treatment produced as much as 30% more pod dry weight (PDW) per m2 than the 22 seed/m2 treatment. Plants in the 8 seed/m2 seeding were significantly shorter but produced more main stem nodes and branches than the 22 seed/m2 seeding. Under the conditions of this study, plants of these runner cultivars showed the capacity to grow larger and compensate fully for reduced seeding rate before any measurable pod production began. Pod production, therefore, was not reduced and in some situations increased by reducing the seeding rate to as low as 8 seed/m2.
Transmission and Dispersal of Sphaceloma arachidis by Crop Debris and Seed from Infected Peanut
Authors: Kearney M. I. T. , Marinelli A. , Oddino C. , March G. J.
Published: April 2010

Peanut scab (Sphaceloma arachidis Bit. & Jenk.) has become epidemic in the southern peanut region of Argentina during the 1997/98 and 1999/00 growing seasons. To determine the potential for transmission of S. arachidis by crop debris and seeds and to describe the spread of scab from infected debris, experiments were conducted during two growing seasons. Scab was not observed in field or greenhouse tests planted with seed of cv. Florman obtained from diseased peanut plants. The severity of disease was significantly greater (P ≥ 0.05) when the debris from diseased peanut plants was applied over the seed rows after planting. Furthermore, disease spread from an inoculum source (debris from infected plants) was generally followed the Río Cuarto's prevailing northeasterly wind, and the fourth-order equation provided good fit to this disease gradient. Results combined over the greenhouse and field experiments indicated that infected residues from the previous peanut crop are a source of inoculum for onset and development scab epidemics in the field.
Progress in Breeding Early Maturing Peanut Cultivars with Resistance to Groundnut Rosette Disease in West Africa
Authors: Ntare B. R. , Olorunju P. E. , Hildebrand G. L.
Published: April 2010

Rosette is the most destructive virus disease of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Resistant cultivars have the greatest potential for minimizing the risk of losses due to the disease. The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate new peanut breeding lines for reaction to rosette disease and determine their yield potential. Rosette-resistant parents were crossed with early maturing susceptible spanish types. The F2, F4, and F5 generations were grown in a rosette disease screening nursery. A modified bulk-pedigree method was followed in which the populations were grown in bulk until F4. Single plant selections were made in F4-derived F5 progenies. Yield assessment began with F7 lines from 1996 to 1998 growing seasons at three sites. High yielding rosette resistant lines with a maturity range of 90 to 115 d were identified. Some of these new lines produced pod yields significantly higher than the previously developed resistance varieties. Promising lines have been made available to researchers in West and Central Africa and should contribute to an integrated rosette disease management program.
Interaction of Prohexadione Calcium with Agrichemicals Applied to Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Beam J. B. , Jordan D. L. , York A. C. , Bailey J. E. , Isleib T. G. , McKemie T. E.
Published: April 2010

A variety of pesticides and foliar fertilizers are applied to emerged peanut. Defining interactions among these agrichemicals is important when formulating pest management and production strategies. Research was conducted in North Carolina during 1999 and 2000 to evaluate interactions among prohexadione calcium at 140 g ai/ha applied with various commercially available fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and foliar fertilizers. Agrichemical mixtures were applied when peanut vines reached 50% row closure. Prohexadione calcium alone was applied approximately 2 wk later. Twenty-eight percent urea ammonium nitrate was included with prohexadione calcium. In a second set of experiments, control of pitted morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa L.) and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) by imazapic plus 2,4-DB, acifluorfen plus bentazon plus 2, 4-DB, bentazon plus 2, 4-DB, acifluorfen plus 2,4-DB, pyridate plus 2,4-DB, and 2,4-DB applied alone or with prohexadione calcium were evaluated. Large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.] control by sethoxydim and clethodim alone or with prohexadione calcium was evaluated also. Fungicides, insecticides, and foliar fertilizers did not affect efficacy of prohexadione calcium with respect to visible injury to peanut, row visibility, or maintenance of short stems. Slightly higher injury was noted when acifluorfen, acifluorfen plus bentazon, bentazon, and pyridate were applied with prohexadione calcium. Minor increases in pitted morningglory control and peanut injury were noted when herbicides were applied with prohexadione calcium, most likely due to presence of urea ammonium nitrate. However, prohexadione calcium did not affect large crabgrass control by sethoxydim or clethodim. Collectively, these data suggest that prohexadione calcium and the majority of agrichemicals applied to peanut are compatible.
Computer-Assisted Color Classification of Peanut Pods1
Authors: Boldor D. , Sanders T. H. , Swartzel K. R. , Simunovic J.
Published: April 2010

Mesocarp color classification in the Hull Scrape Maturity Method is the most important step in determining peanut maturity and optimum harvest date. This research involved the development of an image acquisition system and a software procedure for color classification. Images of peanut pods that had been sorted manually into color classes and subclasses were used in computer training. After training with sorted color classes, the computer-assisted procedure correctly identified and classified the peanut pods, with a 99% precision for the same sample in different alignment, and with a 95% precision for different size samples taken from the same population. Pod size measurement with a resolution of 0.1 mm was also performed using image processing techniques.
Statistical Information and Uncertainty: A Critique of Applications in Experimental Psychology
Authors: Laming Donald
Published: April 2010

This paper presents, first, a formal exploration of the relationships between information (statistically defined), statistical hypothesis testing, the use of hypothesis testing in reverse as an investigative tool, channel capacity in a communication system, uncertainty, the concept of entropy in thermodynamics, and Bayes’ theorem. This exercise brings out the close mathematical interrelationships between different applications of these ideas in diverse areas of psychology. Subsequent illustrative examples are grouped under (a) the human operator as an ideal communications channel, (b) the human operator as a purely physical system, and (c) Bayes’ theorem as an algorithm for combining information from different sources. Some tentative conclusions are drawn about the usefulness of information theory within these different categories. (a) The idea of the human operator as an ideal communications channel has long been abandoned, though it provides some lessons that still need to be absorbed today. (b) Treating the human operator as a purely physical system provides a platform for the quantitative exploration of many aspects of human performance by analogy with the analysis of other physical systems. (c) The use of Bayes’ theorem to calculate the effects of prior probabilities and stimulus frequencies on human performance is probably misconceived, but it is difficult to obtain results precise enough to resolve this question.
Bayesian Variable Selection in Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Negrín Miguel A. , Vázquez-Polo Francisco J. , Martel María , Moreno Elías , Girón Francisco J.
Published: April 2010

Linear regression models are often used to represent the cost and effectiveness of medical treatment. The covariates used may include sociodemographic variables, such as age, gender or race; clinical variables, such as initial health status, years of treatment or the existence of concomitant illnesses; and a binary variable indicating the treatment received. However, most studies estimate only one model, which usually includes all the covariates. This procedure ignores the question of uncertainty in model selection. In this paper, we examine four alternative Bayesian variable selection methods that have been proposed. In this analysis, we estimate the inclusion probability of each covariate in the real model conditional on the data. Variable selection can be useful for estimating incremental effectiveness and incremental cost, through Bayesian model averaging, as well as for subgroup analysis.
Incidence and Distribution of Microfungi in a Treated Municipal Water Supply System in Sub-Tropical Australia
Authors: Sammon Noel B. , Harrower Keith M. , Fabbro Larelle D. , Reed Rob H.
Published: April 2010

Drinking water quality is usually determined by its pathogenic bacterial content. However, the potential of water-borne spores as a source of nosocomial fungal infection is increasingly being recognised. This study into the incidence of microfungal contaminants in a typical Australian municipal water supply was carried out over an 18 month period. Microfungal abundance was estimated by the membrane filtration method with filters incubated on malt extract agar at 25 °C for seven days. Colony forming units were recovered from all parts of the system and these were enumerated and identified to genus level. The most commonly recovered genera were Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Fusarium.Nonparametric multivariate statistical analyses of the data using MDS, PCA, BEST and bubble plots were carried out with PRIMER v6 software. Positive and significant correlations were found between filamentous fungi, yeasts and bacteria. This study has demonstrated that numerous microfungal genera, including those that contain species which are opportunistic human pathogens, populate a typical treated municipal water supply in sub-tropical Australia.
Ethyl 3,5-Dimethyl-4-[(4-phenyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)carbamoyl]-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate
Authors: Idhayadhulla Akbar , Kumar Radhakrishnan Surendra , Nasser Abdul Jamal Abdul
Published: April 2010

A new compound, ethyl 3,5-dimethyl-4-[(4-phenyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)carbamoyl]-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (3) was synthesized by the amination method. The synthesized compound (3) was characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, mass spectral data and elemental analysis.
Hydrophobic Modification of Layered Clays and Compatibility for Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Lin Jiang-Jen , Chan Ying-Nan , Lan Yi-Fen
Published: April 2010

Recent studies on the intercalation and exfoliation of layered clays with polymeric intercalating agents involving poly(oxypropylene)-amines and the particular uses for epoxy nanocomposites are reviewed. For intercalation, counter-ionic exchange reactions of clays including cationic layered silicates and anionic Al-Mg layered double hydroxide (LDH) with polymeric organic ions afforded organoclays led to spatial interlayer expansion from 12 to 92 Å (X-ray diffraction) as well as hydrophobic property. The inorganic clays of layered structure could be modified by the poly(oxypropylene)amine-salts as the intercalating agents with molecular weights ranging from 230 to 5,000 g/mol. Furthermore, natural montmorillonite (MMT) clay could be exfoliated into thin layer silicate platelets (ca. 1 nm thickness) in one step by using polymeric types of exfoliating agents. Different lateral dimensions of MMT, synthetic fluorinated Mica and LDH clays had been cured into epoxy nanocomposites. The hydrophobic amine-salt modification resulting in high spacing of layered or exfoliation of individual clay platelets is the most important factor for gaining significant improvements of properties. In particular, these modified clays were reported to gain significant improvements such as reduced coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), enhanced thermal stability, and hardness. The utilization of these layered clays for initiating the epoxy self-polymerization was also reported to have a unique compatibility between clay and organic resin matrix. However, the matrix domain lacks of covalently bonded crosslink and leads to the isolation of powder material. It is generally concluded that the hydrophobic expansion of the clay inter-gallery spacing is the crucial step for enhancing the compatibility and the ultimate preparation of the advanced epoxy materials.
Calcium Absorption in Infants and Small Children: Methods of Determination and Recent Findings
Authors: Abrams Steven A.
Published: April 2010

Determining calcium bioavailability is important in establishing dietary calcium requirements. In infants and small children, previously conducted mass balance studies have largely been replaced by stable isotope-based studies. The ability to assess calcium absorption using a relatively short 24-hour urine collection without the need for multiple blood samples or fecal collections is a major advantage to this technique. The results of these studies have demonstrated relatively small differences in calcium absorption efficiency between human milk and currently available cow milk-based infant formulas. In older children with a calcium intake typical of Western diets, calcium absorption is adequate to meet bone mineral accretion requirements.
Sensor Fabrication Method for in Situ Temperature and Humidity Monitoring of Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Chi-Yuan , Su Ay , Liu Yin-Chieh , Chan Pin-Cheng , Lin Chia-Hung
Published: April 2010

In this work micro temperature and humidity sensors are fabricated to measure the junction temperature and humidity of light emitting diodes (LED). The junction temperature is frequently measured using thermal resistance measurement technology. The weakness of this method is that the timing of data capture is not regulated by any standard. This investigation develops a device that can stably and continually measure temperature and humidity. The device is light-weight and can monitor junction temperature and humidity in real time. Using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), this study minimizes the size of the micro temperature and humidity sensors, which are constructed on a stainless steel foil substrate (40 μm-thick SS-304). The micro temperature and humidity sensors can be fixed between the LED chip and frame. The sensitivities of the micro temperature and humidity sensors are 0.06 ± 0.005 (Ω/°C) and 0.033 pF/%RH, respectively.
Febrile Neutropenia Rates with Adjuvant Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide Chemotherapy in Early Breast Cancer: Discrepancy between Published Reports and Community Practice—A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Vandenberg T. , Younus J. , Al-Khayyat S.
Published: April 2010

Adjuvant therapies, including chemotherapy [...]
Feasibility of Administering Zoledronic Acid in Palliative Patients Being Cared for in the Community: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Marr H.K. , Stiles C.R. , Boyar M.A. , Braun T.C. , Hagen N.A. , Janzen C. , Whitten L.M. , Pereira J.L.
Published: April 2010

Tumour-induced hypercalcemia (TIH) and pain from bone metastases are common complications of advanced malignancy and have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Many cancer patients in the advanced stages of their palliative illness prefer to avoid hospitalization and to receive their care in the community setting. This small open-label prospective pilot study explored the feasibility of administering zoledronic acid intravenously in the community setting (home and residential hospices). It enrolled a convenience sample of 12 patients with advanced cancer and TIH (n = 7), malignant bone pain (n = 3), or TIH and malignant bone pain (n = 2). The mean duration of infusion was 15 minutes (range: 14–30 minutes). The total nursing time required was 95 minutes, and the mean total cost, including nursing time, travel time, and drug costs was $708.97 per infusion. This cost was compared with costs for clodronate and pamidronate ($402.52 and $406.12 respectively). Calcium fell from a mean of 2.97 mmol/L on day 0 to 2.63 mmol/L on day 4 and to 2.54 mmol/L on day 10. Delirium resolved in 2 of 5 patients with TIH-associated delirium. Intravenous zoledronic acid administered in the community to palliative patients at the end of life is feasible and safe, and the short duration of infusion offers advantages to patients and nursing resources alike. The higher cost of zoledronic acid per infusion may be offset by the advantage of its short infusion time.
Diagnosis and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results of a Consensus Meeting of The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre
Authors: Asmis T. , Balaa F. , Scully L. , Papadatos D. , Marginean C. , Fasih N. , Shaw–Stiffel T. , Goel R.
Published: April 2010

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an uncommon tumour, but its incidence is increasing in Canada and elsewhere. Currently, there are no Canadian recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of HCC, and possible options may have regional limitations. A consensus symposium was held in the Ottawa region to consider current diagnostic and management options for HCC. These recommendations were developed: Diagnosis—with adequate imaging, a biopsy is not required pre-surgery, but is required before the start of systemic therapy; lesions smaller than 1 cm should be followed and not biopsied; repeat biopsies should be core tissue biopsies; magnetic resonance imaging is preferred, but triphasic computed tomography imaging can be useful Resection—recommended for localized hcc Radiofrequency ablation—recommended for unresectable or non-transplantable HCC; should not be performed in the presence of ascites Trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE)—doxorubicin with lipiodol is the agent of choice; trans-catheter embolization is an alternative for patients if tace is not tolerated or is contraindicated Medical management—first-line sorafenib should be considered the standard of care Transplantation—suitable patients meeting Milan criteria should be assessed for a graft regardless of other treatments offered. The authors feel that the recommendations from this consensus symposium may be of interest to other regions in Canada.
Lymphovascular Invasion as a Predictive Factor for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer and Its Importance in a Bladder-Conservation Treatment Group
Authors: Tokgöz Hüsnü , Erol Bulent
Published: April 2010

I read the article by Drs. Rene, Cury, [...]
Material Traces of Culture. Holidays and the Slovenian Festive Table in the 20th and the 21st Centuries
Authors: Godina Golija Maja
Published: April 2010

Praznične jedi, njihova priprava, oblika, bogastvo in regionalna raznovrstnost so področja kulture prehranjevanja, ki so bila v etnoloških delih najpogosteje obravnavana. Že v 19. stoletju so se narodopisci poleg duhovne kulture zanimali še za nekatere sestavine materialne kulture, tudi za praznične jedi, ki naj bi izražale posebnost in izvirnost kulture naroda oz. etnične skupine. Manj je etnoloških del, ki bi obravnavala druga področja prehrane, npr. vsakdanje jedilne obroke, navade pri jedi, prehrano socialnih in starostnih skupin, spremembe v prehrani. Avtorica v članku obravnava manj raziskano področje kulture prehrane Slovencev – praznične jedi in jedilne obroke ter njihovo spreminjanje v 20. in v 21. stoletju.
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Festive food and its preparation, variety, wealth of different shapes, and regional diversity are the themes most often dealt with in ethnological literature. Apart from spiritual culture ethnographers were interested in certain elements of material culture already in the 19th century, believing that festive foods expressed special characteristics and original features of a nation or an ethnic group. Ethnological texts dealing with other areas of food culture, for example with meals, eating habits, food culture of different social and age groups, or changes in tradition, have been rare. The author examines a less researched area of the food culture of Slovenes, namely festive food and meals, and their transformation in the 20th and in the 21st centuries.
Genre System Dynamism in Nineteenth- And Twentieth- Century Slovenian Literary Folklore
Authors: Stanonik Marija
Published: April 2010

Članek je zamišljen kot zbirnik dosedanjih raziskav in prikaz odprtih vprašanj, ki naj spodbudijo nadaljnje delo na tem področju. Načelna dinamičnost žanrskega sistema je s sinhronega vidika strnjeno prikazana analiza o razmerju med slovstveno folkloro in literaturo [Stanonik 2006]. Na diahroni osi se omenjena dinamičnost kaže predvsem v terminologizaciji. Objavljeni viri s težiščem v 19. stoletju dokazujejo, da se je terminologija, ko je bila v protestantizmu [Stanonik 2007] prvič zapisana slovensko, do danes spreminjala pri vseh folklornih žanrih. Sledi predstavitev terenske terminologije iz zbirke Glasovi 1988–2008. Končno so predstavljene (večinoma še ne dokončne definicije posameznih folklornih žanrov [Stanonik 1999] in premislek o njihovem kontekstu (na podlagi avtopsije in s pomočjo zbirke Glasovi).
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This article gathers studies to date and presents open issues that should facilitate further work in this area. The general dynamism of the genre system is presented from a synchronic viewpoint in an analysis of the relationship between literary folklore and literature (Stanonik 2006). On the diachronic axis, this dynamism is primarily reflected in the introduction of terminology. Sources, especially those published in the nineteenth century, demonstrate that terminology has been changing in all folklore genres from the sixteenth century (Stanonik 2007), when it was first recorded in Slovenian, up to the present. This is followed by a presentation of field terminology used in the collection Glasovi (Voices) from 1988 to 2008. In conclusion, definitions of individual folklore genres (Stanonik 1999) are presented (although the majority of them are still not final) in addition to a reflection on their context (based on direct observation and the Glasovi collection).
Primera cita de Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyllenhal, 1835 en la Península Ibérica (Coleoptera, Erirhinidae)
Authors: Fernández Carrillo J. L. , Fernández Carrillo E. , Alonso-Zarazaga M. A.
Published: April 2010

No disponible
Ischnocnema sanderi Padial, Reichle & De la Riva, 2005 (Amphibia, Anura, Leptodactylidae): A nomenclatural note
Authors: Padial J. M. , Reichle S. , De la Riva I.
Published: April 2010

No disponible
Nueva especie del género Chondrostoma Agassiz, 1832 (Actynopterigii, Cyprinidae) del oeste de Portugal
Authors: Robalo J. I. , Almada V. C. , Sousa Santos C. , Moreira M. I. , Doadrio I.
Published: April 2010

Se describe una nueva especie de ciprínido endémico del oeste de Portugal, Chondrostoma occidentale sp. n., sobre la base de peces colectados en las pequeñas cuencas costeras de los ríos Alcabrichel, Sizandro y Safarujo. La nueva especie comparte algunas características geneticas y morfologicas con C. oligolepis y C. arcasii con los cuales forma un grupo monofiletico. Se puede diferenciar de estas dos especies de Chondrostoma por una combinación de los siguientes caracteres: 40-43 (x = 40,9) escamas acanaladas en la línea lateral; 6-7 (x = 6,9) escamas por encima de la línea lateral; 2-3 (x = 2,9) por debajo de la línea lateral. La escama axilar es más corta o igual a la inserción de la aleta pelviana. El proceso coronoideo del dentario es muy robusto. La mínima distancia de divergencia para el citocromo b entre C. occidentale y otras especies de Chondrostoma fue de “p”= 4,8-5,9%. Esta nueva especie debe ser considerada En Peligro Crítico (CR) de acuerdo con las categorías de la lista Roja de la UICN.
Cholevinae (Coleoptera, Leiodidae) ecuatorianos: nuevos datos y dos nuevas especies
Authors: Salgado J. M.
Published: April 2010

Dos nuevos taxones son descritos: Dissochaetus napoensis n. sp. y Adelopsis tandapi n. sp. Se citan por vez primera para Ecuador Adelopsis coronaria Gnaspini y Peck, 1996 y Ptomaphagus (Adelops) bordoni (Jeannel, 1964) y de ellas se destacan algunas de sus características morfológicas. Por último, se aportan nuevos datos y se amplía la distribución geográfica de otras cinco especies.
Ácaros Mesostigmata (Acari, Mesostigmata) de hábitats seleccionados de La Gomera (islas Canarias, España)
Authors: Moraza M. L. , Peña M. A.
Published: April 2010

Como resultado del estudio de 47 muestras recogidas en diferentes hábitats de la isla de La Gomera (Islas Canarias), se obtuvieron 43 especies pertenecientes a 13 familias del orden Mesostigmata. Las familias Ascidae y Laelapidae son las mejor representadas, con 11 y 9 especies respectivamente, seguidas de Macrochelidae y Pachylaelapidae con 7. Las especies más abundantes (abundancia mayor o igual al 9%) en el material recolectado son: Gamasiphis pulchellus (Berlese, 1887), Gamasellodes bicolor (Berlese, 1918), Veigaia planicola Berlese, 1892 y Pseudoparasitus dentatus (Halbert, 1920). Las especies más frecuentes (por aparecer en el mayor número de muestras) son Uropoda misella (Berlese, 1916) y G. bicolor (21%), V. planicola (19%) y Holoparasitus Oudemans sp. (17%). El fayal-brezal y laurisilva (monteverde), con 36 especies, es el hábitat más diverso; 9 especies se asocian a Erica arborea L., 9 a Geranium canariensis Reut. y 9 a Sideritis lotsyi (Pitard).
Contribución al conocimiento de los Crisópidos de Coquimbo, Patagonia y Tierra del Fuego (Argentina, Chile) (Insecta, Neuroptera, Chrysopidae
Authors: Monserrat V. J. , De Freitas S.
Published: April 2010

Se anotan nuevos datos sobre la morfología, distribución y biología de cinco especies de crisópidos (Insecta, Neuroptera, Chrysopidae) capturadas durante los muestreos realizados en Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego y Coquimbo (Argentina, Chile). Se describen los estadios juveniles y los adultos de Ungla argentina (Navás, 1911), Ungla binaria (Navás, 1922) y Chrysopodes (Neosuarius) porterina (Navás, 1910). Esta última especie y Chrysoperla defreitasi Brooks, 1994 se citan por primera vez de Argentina.
Elenco y biogeografía de los ácaros acuáticos (Acari, Parasitengona, Hydrachnidia) de Sudamérica
Authors: Rosso de Ferradás B. , Fernández H. R.
Published: April 2010

Las publicaciones de catálogos y listados de especies determinan una clara conexión entre taxonomía básica y temas relacionados con la biodiversidad. Según algunas estimaciones, solo el 10-30% del número total de especies ha sido nominado. El trabajo que se presenta aquí insumió años de trabajo, en la catalogación de los verdaderos ácaros acuáticos Parasitengona de América del Sur. Se agrega además información sobre la distribución por regiones y hábitats conocidos para las especies. Hasta el presente hay 6 superfamilias, 23 familias, 118 géneros y 916 especies catalogados en 11 países de América del Sur. El grado de conocimiento varía enormemente de país a país con numerosos datos de Brasil y ninguno de Guayana Francesa.