bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community of learning: Music learning and performance practices among the native peoples of North America
Authors: Burton J. Bryan
Published: January 2012

Through descriptions drawn from interviews of Native American musicians and observations of tribal musical events, this paper presents a challenge to the conservative educational practices in public schools of the United States. In conclusion, the paper suggests that by more closely
examining different cultural learning, values and traditions, music educators might use the best elements of all cultures to forge a stronger cultural community.
The role of community music in helping disadvantaged young people in South Wales to confront social exclusion
Authors: Garrett Steve
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses how some of the music projects supported and developed by Community Music Wales have attracted the interest of disaffected young people. In addition, the paper describes how project participants are able to have their learning formally recognized under a national
accreditation system, thus gaining access to employment or further training opportunities. The paper concludes with a brief look at some of the key issues that have emerged through the organizations' community music work.
Values infusing UKUSA: A developmental community arts programme in South Africa
Authors: Oehrle Elizabeth
Published: January 2012

This paper presents an overview of UKUSA, a non-governmental community arts/music programme in Durban, South Africa. At the heart of this project is a desire to enable people who have been historically disadvantaged to develop a more positive sense of self. To this end, UKUSA offers
the best possible tuition in music, dance and drama, developing skills for self-actualization, further education and career development. Aimed at those who are 16 and older, this paper describes UKUSA as a bridging course for tertiary institutions.
Impaired puberty, fertility, and final stature in 45,X/46,XY mixed gonadal dysgenetic patients raised as boys
Authors: Martinerie Laetitia , Morel Yves , Gay Claire-Lise , Pienkowski Catherine , de Kerdanet Marc , Cabrol Sylvie , Lecointre Claudine , Coutant Regis , Baron Sabine , Colle Michel , Brauner Raja , Thibaud Elisabeth , Leger Juliane , Nihoul-Fekete Claire , Bouvattier Claire
Published: January 2012

Context

Gender assignment followed by surgery and hormonal therapy is a difficult decision in the management of 45,X/46,XY patients with abnormal external genitalia at birth considering the paucity of studies evaluating pubertal development and fertility outcome, most notably for patients raised as boys.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to describe the pubertal course of 20 45,X/46,XY patients born with ambiguous genitalia and raised as boys.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective study.

Results

Mean age at study was 25.6±2.4 years. Eighty-five percent of the patients presented a ‘classical’ mixed gonadal dysgenetic phenotype at birth. Puberty was initially spontaneous in all but three boys, although in six other patients, testosterone therapy was subsequently necessary for completion of puberty. Sixty-seven percent of the remaining patients presented signs of declined testicular function at the end of puberty (increased levels of FSH and low levels of testosterone and/or inhibin B). Moreover, an abnormal structure of the Y chromosome, known to alter fertility, was found in 10 out of 16 (63%) patients. Two patients developed testicular cancer. Half of the patients have adult penile length of <80 mm. Mean adult height is 156.9±2 cm, regardless of GH treatment.

Conclusions

In summary, 45,X/46,XY children born with ambiguous genitalia and raised as boys have an altered pubertal course and impaired fertility associated with adult short stature, which should, therefore, be taken into consideration for the management of these patients.
Study of incidence and treatment of acute myocardial infarction by evaluating the financing database: 2004–2009
Authors: Belicza Éva , Jánosi András
Published: January 2012

In Hungary we have no comprehensive data on hospital care and short and long term prognosis of patients with myocardial infarction. Aims: To collect data on number, hospital care and prognosis of patients treated for myocardial infarction in all Hungarian hospitals. Methods: Authors studied the number of patients treated in hospital for acute myocardial infarction, the frequency of revascularization by coronary angioplasty during treatment, as well as the 30 and 365 day mortality of patients by the evaluation of the financing database of the National Health Insurance Fund for 6 years (2004-2009). Results: There has been no major change during the observation period in the number of patients treated in hospital for myocardial infarction (approximately 16,500 cases/year). The incidence in males (calculated by the number of patients treated in hospital) is higher in any age group compared to females; this difference is lower in older age groups. During the observation period the 30 and 365 day mortality has decreased by 1.8% (18.9% vs. 17.1% and 29.9% vs. 28.1%, respectively), which was caused by a decrease in the mortality of patients above age 70. The percentage of revascularization by coronary angioplasty during the treatment of myocardial infarction has significantly increased (18.2% vs. 49.8%). The International Classification of Diseases does not differentiate between the different forms of myocardial infarction, therefore the prognostic effects of coronary angioplasty cannot be evaluated in this respect. Conclusions: Authors conclude that the financing database is suitable to evaluate the major aspects of care and to support healthcare management decisions, while the appropriateness of treatment and the effectiveness of different interventions can be assessed by prospective databases satisfying the needs of special aspects and can therefore be used for detailed assessments. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 102–112.
A Microfluidic Assay for Measuring Electrical Conductivity of Gap Junction Channels
Authors: Bathany Cedric , Sachs Frederick , Hua Susan Z.
Published: January 2012

We have developed a microfluidic sensor to measure the electrical coupling through gap junctions across a 2D sheet of cultured Normal Rat Kidney cells. The chip is based on a tri-stream laminar flow with conductive solutions on either end and a nonconductive solution in the middle stream. When an electrical voltage is applied, the current can only pass through the cell sheet, thereby enabling us to measure the electrical coupling of gap junctions between cells. Using this sensor we have measured the effect of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) on Cx43 channels. We show that 2-APB reversibly inhibits electrical coupling of Cx43 in NRK cells. Moreover, we screened other potential candidates to block Cx43, 1-Heptanol and GsMTx-4, and examined their effects on Cx43 gap junctions.
Nanostructured Selenium for Preventing Biofilm Formation on Medical Devices
Authors: Wang Qi , Webster Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

Biofilms are a common cause of persistent infections on medical devices as they are easy to form and hard to treat. Selenium and its compounds are considered to be a novel material for a wide range of applications including anticancer applications and antibacterial applications. The objective of this study was to coat selenium nanoparticles on the surface of polycarbonate medical devices and examine their effectiveness at preventing biofilm formation. The results of this in vitro study showed that the selenium coating significantly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth on the surface of polycarbonate after 24 hours. Thus, this study suggests that coating polymers with nanostructured selenium is a fast and effective way to reduce bacteria functions leading to medical device infections.
Anisotropic Cellular Alignment on Nano-Wrinkled Polymeric Surface
Authors: Fujie Toshinori , Greco Francesco , Taccola Silvia , Ricotti Leonardo , Menciassi Arianna , Mattoli Virgilio
Published: January 2012

Convenient preparation of nano/micro scale topography is crucial for the fabrication of low-cost biodevices, which could be useful tools for understanding cell biology mechanisms and for the development of scaffolds for tissue engineering. Such intelligent surfaces have been conventionally fabricated through photolithography, micro-contact printing, and nano/micro imprinting. However, considering the process integration, these approaches are not always adequate in order to produce large dimensional patterns in a convenient and rapid way. In this study, we focused on the convenient fabrication of nano-wrinkles based on the elastic instability between a shape memory polymer sheet and a conductive polymeric film, on which the behavior of murine skeletal muscle cells (C2C12) was evaluated. A tens-of-nm-thick layer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was spincoated on a thermo-retractable polymer sheet. Then, thermal treatment produced different periodicity of the unidirectional nano-wrinkles on the polymer sheet covered with different thickness of PEDOT:PSS layer. Finally, adhesion and proliferation of C2C12 were evaluated, comparing different samples. The cells preferentially adhered and anisotropically aligned on low and narrow ridges (1.5 μm height) rather than on high and wide ones (2.5 μm height). Furthermore, we observed that these trends were confirmed in the differentiation stage of C2C12 into myotubes. The combination of living cells and tunable nano-wrinkles made of conductive polymeric materials will represent a unique tool for the development of innovative biomedical devices.
Acoustic Energy: a New Tool for MEMS Manufacturing
Authors: Dussault D. , Dragoi V.
Published: January 2012

The use of non-standard materials (e.g. specific substrates shapes and dimensions or polymer materials) for MEMS applications imposed a requirement for the development of new techniques for even well-established processes. Acoustic energy in the MHz frequency range has been used in the semiconductor industry for various processes such as photoresist development, substrate cleaning and electro-plating enhancement. The work presented here is focusing on single wafer cleaning and on photoresist development.

The cleaning process developed addresses mainly wafer cleaning prior to wafer bonding processes, in which particle contamination is of crucial importance.

The photoresist development process was developed mainly for thick resist layers development (few hundreds of μm) in order to improve definition of high aspect ratio features but was used as well as a significant process time reduction factor for development of regular thickness resists (few μm).
In-Situ Observation and Mechanical Criterion on Interface Cracking in Nano-Components
Authors: Kitamura T. , Sumigawa T.
Published: January 2012

We have investigated the criterion of interfacial crack initiation in nanometer-scale components (nano-components) by means of a loading facility built in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Three types of experiments are conducted in this project. (1) In order to clarify the applicability of conventional continuum mechanics to the nano-components, we prepare cantilever specimens with different size, which introduce different stress fields, containing an interface between a 20 nm-thick copper (Cu) thin film and a silicon (Si) substrate. These demonstrate the validity of the “stress” criterion even for the nano-scale fracture. (2) In order to examine the effect of microscopic structure on the mechanical property, we fabricate a bending specimen in the nano-scale with thin Cu bi-crystal (the thickness of about 100 nm) formed on Si substrate, of which understructure can be observed in situ by means of a TEM during the mechanical experiment. The initial plastic deformation takes place near the interface edge in a grain with a high critical resolved shear stress and expands preferentially in the grain. Then, the plasticity appears near the between Cu grain boundary and Cu/Si interface, and this development brings about the interfacial cracking from the junction. These indicate the governing influence of understructure on the mechanical property in the nano-components. (3) In order to investigate the fatigue behavior of metal in a nano-component, a cyclic bending experiment is carried out using nano-cantilever specimens with a 20 nm-thick Cu constrained by highly rigid materials (Si and SiN). The high strain region is in the size of 20-40 nm near the interface edge. The specimen breaks along the Cu/Si interface before the maximum load under the fatigue loading. The load-displacement curve shows nonlinear behavior and a distinct hysteresis loop, indicating plasticity in the Cu film. Reverse yielding appearing after the 2nd cycle suggests the development of a cyclic substructure in the Cu film. These indicate that the crack is caused by characteristic understructure owing to fatigue cycles.
Dynamic Structural and Chemical Responses of Energetic Solids
Authors: Wei Haoyan , Yoo Choong-Shik
Published: January 2012

Understanding the dynamic responses of energetic materials is central to evaluating the energetic and chemical performance as well as development of novel energetic solids. These include thermal, mechanical and chemical processes in a relevant temporal (ns-to-μs) and spatial (atomistic-to-micro) scales. In this paper, we describe our recent developments of time-resolved characterization techniques capable of probing real-time structural and chemical evolutions across single event, metal combustions and intermetallic reactions. The methods utilize highspeed microphotography, spectro-pyrometry, and synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction and determine in-situ the particle sizes, temperatures and structures in μs time resolution. These timeresolved data provide insights into the fragmentation dynamics, thermal history, phase transitions, reaction mechanisms, and chemical kinetics governing these exothermic metal combustions and intermetallic reactions.
Development of ultrafast spectroscopic techniques to study rapid chemical and physical changes in materials under extreme pressure and temperature conditions
Authors: Goncharov Alexander F. , Dalton D. Allen , McWilliams R. Stewart , Mahmood Mohammad F.
Published: January 2012

In the study of materials at extreme pressures and temperatures, there is an enduring need to extend the range of experiments to previously inaccessible regimes. To accomplish this, improvements in diagnostics for in situ material characterization at extremes must proceed in parallel with techniques used to generate extreme states. Simultaneously, there is a need to study material phenomena – e.g. phase transformations and chemical reactions triggered by the application of extreme conditions – on their natural timescales. Here we report on recent developments in the application of ultrafast laser spectroscopic techniques to high-pressure hightemperature experiments on materials confined in a diamond-anvil cell. Using a bright broadband source coupled to ultrafast detection to discriminate signal from high thermal and fluorescent backgrounds, we conducted broadband optical spectroscopy up to 60 GPa and 1560 K. By coupling the broadband source to a monochromatic pulse, nonlinear Coherent Anti- Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) with high signal brightness was achieved. Optical absorption data in hot compressed O2 and CARS data in N2 at extreme pressures are reported.
Electrical Properties of Magnesium Carbon Co-Sputtered Thin Films Applied Post Hydroxylation Treatment
Authors: Chiba Masafumi , Endo Daisuke , Maizono Mikihiko , Higashi Mikiteru , Kiyota Hideo
Published: January 2012

Indium oxide doped with tin oxide, or ITO, has been widely used as an electrode material for flat panel displays. However, the rare metal in ITO is a limited natural resource. We succeeded in developing a material composed solely of elements with abundant reserves. We present the results of analyzing the electronic structure of an Mg-based compound based on its electrical conductivity. Mg-C thin films were prepared by sputtering method. A new transparent and electrically conductive material, Mg(OH)2-C, was formed after reacting the Mg-C film with moisture in air. On average, its transmittance of visible light was 90%. The mechanism for the effect of carbon on the electrical conductivity of Mg(OH)2 was examined on the basis of XPS spectra and DV-Xa molecular orbital calculations. The value of the band gap shows that Mg(OH)2 is an insulator. It was revealed that a new orbital appears when the number of substituting carbon atoms increases in the Mg(OH)2 lattice. It was possible to measure the new orbital that consisted of C-2s and C-2p. In addition, a comparison between the calculated electronic state around the valence band and the result measured by XPS of the obtained film reveals that they are in extremely close agreement.
Photo-Thermal Spectroscopic Imaging of MEMS Structures with Sub-Micron Spatial Resolution
Authors: Furstenberg Robert , Kendziora Christopher A. , Papantonakis Michael R. , Nguyen Viet , McGill R. A.
Published: January 2012

We are developing a new non-contact and non-destructive imaging technique which requires no sample preparation and provides similar content information as FTIR or Raman spectroscopy while being immune to fluorescence and offers a potentially faster scan rate and/or higher spatial resolution. It utilizes photo-thermal heating of the sample with a quantum cascade laser (or other suitable infrared laser) and measuring the resulting increase in thermal emissions by either an infrared (IR) detector or a laser probe consisting of a visible laser reflected from the sample. The latter case allows for further increases in the spatial resolution from ∼10 μm to ∼1 μm or better, with suitable experimental conditions. Since the thermal emission signal is proportional to the absorption coefficient, by tuning the wavelength of the IR laser we can directly measure the IR spectrum of the sample. By raster scanning over the surface of the sample we can obtain maps of the chemical composition of the sample surface. We demonstrate this technique by imaging the surface of a micro-fabricated flow-through chemical vapor preconcentrator consisting of a silicon frame and a suspended-perforated polyimide membrane with a pair of platinum heater traces, coated with a custom sorbent polymer for selective sorption of analyte. We measure the spatial resolution of our photo-thermal imaging system as well as discuss the conditions under which the spatial resolution can be further increased from the far-field diffraction limited resolution given by the combination of the imaging optic and IR excitation laser wavelength.
Ti-TiOx-Pt Metal-Oxide-Metal Diodes Fabricated via a Simple Oxidation Technique
Authors: Dodd Linzi E. , Gallant Andrew J. , Wood David
Published: January 2012

This work presents the successful production, via a simple oxidation process, of Ti-TiOx-Pt Metal-Oxide-Metal diodes with excellent electrical asymmetry. TEM analysis has been used to verify the oxide thickness. A thicker layer produces better diodes, although they are of a less uniform nature. The conduction mechanism in these diodes is still under investigation.
Method for Achieving CMOS MEMS Accelerometers with Excellent Built-in Thermal Stability and Reduced Charge Damage
Authors: Hsu Klaus Y. J. , Tan Siew Seong
Published: January 2012

Capacitive CMOS MEMS sensors are usually defined by anisotropic dry etching processes (RIE and DRIE). These processes can provide clean and vertical sidewall geometry. However, during the dry-etching processes, charges are added to the gate electrodes of the on-chip MOSFET’s through metal pads and micro-structures, and the voltage may be raised to the level of breaking down the gate oxide, which leads to large leakage current and fails the circuit. On another hand, the thin spring beams in capacitive CMOS MEMS accelerometers suffer from in-plane curling and out-of-plane curling caused by stress gradient. Furthermore, the stress in the layers of MEMS structure is a function of temperature. Therefore, the in-plane curling and out-of-plane curling vary with temperature, leading to varying electrode coupling area in the sensing beams. This in turn causes variation in the sensitivity and the DC offset of sensors, meaning that usually the thermal stability of CMOS MEMS capacitive accelerometers is very poor. To cope with these problems, this work develops a new wafer-level post-CMOS process for fabricating thermally stable capacitive accelerometers. The resultant MEMS structures have high aspect ratio (e.g. 2-2.5 μm gaps versus 57 μm depth) and are insensitive to residual stress as well as temperature change. Excellent thermal stability was achieved intrinsically by making the crystalline Si layer in the sensors thick. Moreover, this process totally avoids the charge damage problem during the dry-etching procedure. For demonstration, an accelerometer sensor was fabricated by using the proposed process and was integrated with an on-chip sensing circuit in commercial 0.35 μm 2P4M CMOS process. High detection sensitivity of 595 mV/g and very low thermal variation of 1.68 mg/°C were successfully achieved.
Process Performance and Polyphosphate‐Accumulating Organism‐Glycogen‐Accumulating Organism Communities in an Anaerobic/Anoxic/Oxic System Operated with Different Carbon Sources
Authors: Girard Luiza , Encina Pedro A.G. , Rodriguez Elisa R.
Published: January 2012

A pilot plant anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (A2/O) system fed with domestic wastewater was operated to examine the effect of varying different types of carbon source (acetic acid, propionic acid, and glucose), added as a complement to the wastewater, on the (1) process performance and (2) microbial population. The operational condition that lead to a significant removal of total nitrogen (82%) was achieved with acetic acid. When the complementary carbon source was propionic acid, an improved removal efficiency of orthophosphate (97%) was observed. Because this finding was concurrent with higher polyphosphate‐accumulating organism (PAO) population fractions detected using fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis (41.9 ± 3.0%), it suggests that members of PAO populations that were able to reduce nitrate gained importance over PAO members that could not, thus improving the denitrifying phosphorus removal.
Chemicals and Allied Products
Authors: Hung Yung‐Tse , Butler Erick , Yeh Ruth Yu‐Li , Liu Lian‐Huey , Al Ahmad Mohammed
Published: January 2012

A review of the literature published in 2010 on topics related to chemicals and allied products is presented. This review considered several sections such as waste management, physicochemical treatment, aerobic treatment, anaerobic treatment, air emissions, soils and groundwater, and reuse.
Spectrophotometric determination of quetiapine fumarate in pharmaceuticals and human urine by two charge-transfer complexation reactions
Authors: Vinay K.B. , Revenasiddappa H.D.
Published: January 2012

Two simple, rapid and accurate spectrophotometric procedures are proposed for
the determination of quetiapine fumarate (QTF) in pharmaceuticals and in
spiked human urine. The methods are based on charge transfer complexation
reactions of free base form of the drug (quetiapine, QTP), as n-electron
donor (D), with either p-chloranilic acid (p-CAA) (method A) or
2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanoquinone (DDQ) (method B) as ?-acceptors (A). The
coloured charge transfer complexes produced exhibit absorption maxima at 520
and 540 nm, in method A and method B, respectively. The experimental
conditions such as reagent concentration, reaction solvent and time have been
carefully optimized to achieve the maximum sensitivity. Beer?s law is obeyed
over the concentration ranges of 8.0 - 160 and 4.0 - 80.0 ?g ml-1, for method
A and method B, respectively. The calculated molar absorptivity values are
1.77 ? 103 and 4.59 ? 103 l mol-1cm-1, respectively, for method A and method
B. The Sandell sensitivity values, limits of detection (LOD) and
quantification (LOQ) have also been reported. The stoichiometry of the
reaction in both cases was accomplished adopting the limiting logarithmic
method and was found to be 1: 2 (D: A). The accuracy and precision of the
methods were evaluated on intra-day and inter-day basis. The proposed methods
were successfully applied for the determination of QTF in pharmaceutical
formulations and spiked human urine.
Stability plate with longitudinal constructive discontinuity
Authors: Mitic Snezana , Pavlovic Ratko
Published: January 2012

The influence of longitudinal constructive discontinuity on the stability of the plate in the domain of elastic stability is solved based on the classical thin plate theory. The constructive discontinuities divide the plate into fields of different thickness. The plate has two opposite edges simply supported while the other two edges can take any combination of free, simply supported and clamped conditions. The Levy method is used for the solution of the problem of stability, with the aim of developing an analytical approach when researching the stability of plates with longitudinal constructive discontinuities and also with the aim of obtaining exact solutions for plates with non-uniform thickness. The exact solutions for stability presented herein are very valuable as they may serve as benchmark results for researches in this area.
Redistribution effects in linear elastic analyses of continuous composite steel-concrete beams according to Eurocode 4
Authors: Kostic Svetlana , Deretic-Stojanovic Biljana , Stosic Sasa
Published: January 2012

Different analytical methods, with different levels of approximations and accuracy, are available for analysis of continuous composite steel-concrete beams. The Eurocode 4 recommends few simple methods for calculation of creep, shrinkage, cracking of concrete and shear lag effects that are explained in the paper. Through the numerical examples of four continuous composite steel-concrete beams, the proposed methods of analyses are evaluated and compared. Practical recommendations for analysis of this type of girders are formulated.
Redistribution of internal forces in composite concrete girders made continuous vs. time
Authors: Masovic Snezana , Stosic Sasa , Pecic Nenad
Published: January 2012

Research on the long-term behavior of composite concrete girders made continuous is presented in the paper. Concrete precast element is cracked under construction load. Creep and differential shrinkage of precast and in-situ cast part of the girder also induce stresses in a structure. The subject of this investigation is redistribution of section forces in course of time for concrete girders subjected to change of the structural system. The aim of investigation is to verify design models and analytical procedures by experimental research.
Reliability and sustainability analysis of large panel residential buildings in Sofia, Skopje and Novi Sad
Authors: Folic Radomir , Laban Mirjana , Milanko Verica
Published: January 2012

Large panel residential buildings, dating from second half of 20 Century, are to be found in almost every urban settlement across Europe. Within the context of three case studies of urban blocks in Bulgaria (Mladost - Sofia), Macedonia (Karpos III - Skopje) and Serbia (Detelinara - Novi Sad), comparative analysis and evaluation of technical and structural characteristics according to reliability (seismic resistance and fire safety) and sustainability (energy efficiency, internal air quality, accessibility) criteria has been conducted. Additionally, previous experiences from individual renewal projects are reviewed. Previous experiences and comparative analysis results, could contribute to formulation of wider applicable solutions and development of new urban renewal strategies.
Susceptibility to antifungal agents of Candida spp. from blood and feces collected in Novi Sad in 3-year period (2008-2010)
Authors: Jelesic Zora , Medic Deana , Mihajlovic-Ukropina Mira , Jevtic Marija , Gusman Vera , Radosavljevic Biljana , Milosavljevic Biljana
Published: January 2012

Candidemia is an important emerging nosocomial infection in patients with
risk factors. Candida species from nonsterile sites can give insight into the
characteristics of strains that may cause invasive disease. The aim of this
study was to evaluate antifungal susceptibility of Candida blood and fecal
isolates in Novi Sad, Vojvodina. During a 3-year period (2008 to 2010), 424
isolates of Candida spp. were collected, 30 bloodstream isolates and 394
strains from fecal samples. In vitro susceptibility of these isolates to five
antifungal agents was established using commercial ATB FUNGUS 3
(Bio-M?rieux). Predominant species was Candida albicans (6 isolates from
blood and 269 from feces). Resistance to one or more antifungal agents was
less common in Candida albicans (3.63%) than in other species (24.83%).
Resistance to itraconazole was the most commonly found in both groups of
isolates, 9.64% strains from feces and 20% from blood samples. Twelve
isolates were multiply resistant, usually to fluconazole, itraconazole, and
voriconazole. Resistance to amphotericine B was extremely rare. Although
resistance to antimycotics of Candida spp. is rare at present, continued
surveillance of antifungal susceptibility is necessary in order to monitor
trends, and to choose the right empiric therapy.
The influence of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field on the basal ganglia structures of the rat brain
Authors: Gojkovic Igor , Paras Smiljana , Gajanin Radoslav , Matavulj Milica , Rajkovic Vesna , Spasojevic Goran
Published: January 2012

We studied the influence of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field
(ELF EMF) to subcortical structures of a brain, i.e. basal ganglia, of
sexually mature rats of Wistar strain. The animals were exposed to
nonhomogenous ELF EMF, intensity of 50-500 ?T, 50 Hz frequency, 7 hours a
day, and 5 days a week during three months. Histological and stereological
analysis established a reduction in volume density of ganglia cells in the
area of basal ganglia, an increase of their nucleo-cytoplasmatic volume
ratio, and presence of an intensive edema of pericellular (perineural) type.
Concentrations of manganese and iron in some woody and herbs plants
Authors: Stankovic Dragica , Krstic Borivoj , Sijacic-Nikolic Mirjana , Knezevic Milan
Published: January 2012

Heavy metals are the substances that indicate environmental pollution. The
plants polluted with heavy metals may endanger natural environment and cause
health problems in humans. In our multidisciplinary research of the
concentrations of pollutants in forest ecosystems and natural environment in
Belgrade, we examined the contents of heavy metals essential for plants but
harmful in greater concentrations on a long-term basis. The fact that heavy
metals manganese and iron are accumulated in plants to the greatest extent
focused our work on determination of the level of concentrations of Mn and Fe
in the vegetative parts of 8 plant types on three locations on the Avala
Mountain and one location in the centre of the city of Belgrade. The analyses
of heavy metals contents in plants were performed by the method of flame
atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The examination of the existence of
important differences between the average values was performed by
implementation of Duncan?s test for the level of significance of 95%. The
current contents of heavy metals in plants in the area of the protected
natural resource Avala do not represent danger that would presently cause
notable damage to forests but show the tendency of the increase of
concentrations. Therefore, this issue should be constantly monitored.
Evaluation of the reaction of early maturing maize genotypes to common smut using artificial inoculation
Authors: Zamani Majid , Rahjoo Vahid , Parchamian Maryam
Published: January 2012

In order to study of the resistance of early maize genotypes, 44 lines, and
hybrids in 2008 and 30 genotypes in 2009 in RCBD were conducted at Karaj and
Esfahan Stations. All of the ears were inoculated by tip injection method at
suitable time. Inoculation was carried out with syringe (3ml/each ear) at
silking stage. Evaluation was done on ears 3-4 weeks after inoculation. The
results of variance analysis and mean comparison showed that there is a
different reaction among material to disease. In this study, after harvesting
of ears, the resistance of each genotype was determined based on disease
severity index (0-7). Among examined lines in 2008, line no. (41) (KE
77004/1-1-1) was specified as susceptible and no. (28 and 42) (KE
77003/1-8-1) and (37A) as resistant lines. Also among hybrids, K SC 400 was
identified as resistant hybrid. Also, among lines in 2009, line no. (29)
(KE77004/1-1-1) was specified as susceptible and line no. (27) (KE77005/4) as
resistant line respectively. Among hybrids, hybrid no. (9) (KE77006/3
?K1263/1) evaluated as resistant hybrid.
Effects of chemical treatments on infestation of Alternaria spp. and Fusarium spp. in correlation with technological wheat quality
Authors: Balaz Ferenc , Bodroza-Solarov Marija , Vuckovic Jovana , Bagi Ferenc
Published: January 2012

In this study, the time of infestation by fungi from genus Alternaria spp.
and Fusarium spp. was investigated in different stages of wheat maturity
(milk, waxy, and technological maturity); the effects of different fungicides
on the yield, technological properties, and content of mycotoxin DON were
studied also. The results showed that Alternaria spp. attacked spike and
kernel in f lowering and end-f lowering stage, as it was already known for
Fusarium species. Fungicide treatment increases the yield up to 20%, test
weight by 3.7%, and thousand-kernel weight up to 19.1%. High content of
mycotoxin DON, above tolerable limits, was detected only in the treatment
with fungicide Caramba and in untreated control.
Xerophilic mycopopulations of teas in bulk
Authors: Skrinjar Marija , Visic-Vicanovic Marijana , Blagojev Nevena , Tatalovic Zorica
Published: January 2012

d.o.o., Novi Sad
AU Krunic Vesna J.
AF EKOLd.o.o., Novi Sad
KW teas % mould contamination % thermal treatment
KR nema
Other the water, tea is the most popular beverage in the world today. They
are used for ages, in the beginning as refreshing drinks, and later more for
their healing properties. Teas have been demonstrated to show antioxidative,
anti-carcinogenic, and anti-microbial properties. Considering that the teas,
during the production, are not treated with any temperature, there is high
risk for contamination with different type of microorganisms, especially with
moulds. Moulds are ubiquitously distributed in nature and their spores can be
found in the atmosphere even at high altitudes and under favorable conditions
of temperature and humidity, moulds grow on many commodities including
cereals, oil seeds, nuts, herbs and spices. Most of them are potential
producers of mycotoxins which present a real hazard to human health. The aim
of this work was to investigate total mould count and to identify moulds
isolated from teas in bulk, than from teas treated with hot, sterile,
distilled water and from the tea filtrates. Tested teas were peppermint,
sage, yarrow, black tea, bearberry, lemon balm, mixture of teas from
Zlatibor. In teas in balk was observed high contamination with different
kinds of moulds (1.84-4.55 cfu/g), such as Aspergillus awamori, A.
lovaniensis, A niger, A. phoenicus, A. repens, A. restrictus, A. sydowii, A.
versicolor, Eurotium amstelodami, E. chevalieri, E. herbariorum, Penicillium
chrysogenum, and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. The most frequent were species
from Aspergillus and Eurotium genera. Thermal treatment with hot, sterile,
distilled water reduced the number of fungal colonies. Aspergillus awamori
was the most resistant and appeared in six samples of filtrates of tea,
Aspergillus niger in one sample and Penicillium chrysogenum in one sample.
Air mycopopulations in Petrovská klobása producing facility
Authors: Skrinjar Marija , Petrovic Ljiljana , Blagojev Nevena , Soso Vladislava
Published: January 2012

Different types of filamentous fungi periodically cause problems in
small-scale facilities for traditional dry fermented sausages, such as
Petrovsk? klob?sa from Vojvodina province (Serbia). Mould contamination can
be observed during processing, ripening, and storage. Sausages may become
spoiled due to visible mould colonies on the surface and off-flavours they
produce. The most important - if mycotoxin production occurs it might promote
a number of health disorders. Knowledge and control of filamentous fungi are,
therefore, essential to produce sausages that satisfy the criteria of
hygienic quality, sensorial characteristics, and food safety. The aim of this
study was to survey mycoflora of a small-scale facility producing traditional
dry fermented sausage - Petrovsk? klob?sa. The mould contamination of the air
in processing unit and ripening chambers was investigated, in order to
determine the important fungi in terms of spoilage of the products and
ability to produce mycotoxins. The mould contamination of air in processing
unit and ripening chambers examined was in range 0.22 - 1.89 log CFU/P.d.
Isolated moulds belong to 6 genera: Aspergillus (3 species), Cladosporium (1
species), Eurotium (2 species), Fusarium (1 species), Penicillium (12
species) and Scopulariopsis (1 species). The most abundant were species of
Penicillium genus, many of which are capable for mycotoxin production. The
level and diversity of fungal contamination of air varied between samples,
influenced by the general hygiene, the buildings, the airflow, the outdoor
environments, and the time of year. This knowledge is crucial for the
improvement of hygiene control systems in small-scale processing units.
“Das bin ich...”: Corporeality and early German language education in (Slovak) kindergarten
Authors: Kaščák Ondrej , Pupala Branislav , Kovalčíková Iveta
Published: January 2012

This paper, based on ethnographically obtained data, discusses German language acquisition at an early age: the discovery of the interconnection between language and corporeality is the key component of the analysis based on videostudies. The body—conceived as an intermediary and content element of education, becomes an essential base for foreign language acquisition. This will be documented by tangible data and subsequent theoretical analysis with respect to relevant terminology of cultural anthropology (Körper and Leib). The principle of corporeality is further used as a means of perceiving German language education in the sense of the so called language propaedeutic concept and as a means of the legitimisation of particular qualification and the role of foreign language teachers in preschool institutions.
“I can’t speak German so I can’t communicate with them”: Language use in intergroup contact between Czechs and Germans
Authors: Petrjánošová Magda
Published: January 2012

The aim of this article is to present empirical findings about language use and attitudes in intergroup contact from one of the European borderlands along the former Iron Curtain more than twenty years after it fell. The data was collected as part of an international research project Intergroup attitudes and intergroup contact in five Central European countries, which concentrates on the interplay of intergroup contact and perceptions between members of neighbouring nations in the border regions of the Czech Republic and each of the neighbouring states—Slovakia, Poland, Austria and Germany. The main data collection method used is an online questionnaire with different attitude and evaluation scales, as well as a feeling thermometer of emotional relations and open statements (N=2900). In this text I use thematic and basic critical discursive analysis only on the open statements from the Czech (N=210) and German (N=152) borderlands about the situations of contact and the following evaluation of the Others. I show how the linguistic competence and also the interest in the language of the Other are distributed very unevenly; the implicit norm almost always being that the Czechs should speak German. Of course, this situation has in some cases strong emotional consequences.
What is this thing called love? A gender implication of the ontologico-epistemic status of love in an African traditional marriage system
Authors: Ukpokolo Isaac
Published: January 2012

Though its actual nature and content remain debatable, the importance of love in human relations is indubitable. This paper attempts an exploration of the phenomenon of love in the institution of marriage in Esan traditional culture. It questions the reality or ontology of love or its epistemic content within the said culture. In other words, the question is, is there love in the Esan traditional marriage system? If there is none, then it is an ontological issue. And if there is, with what epistemological framework can it be accessed? To this end, the paper employs what could be regarded as a working definition of love which could include notions such as commitment, care, intimacy, and self-giving. With this understanding, the paper interrogates the doctrine of love among the Esan people and sets out how gender is implicated in the conception of love and marriage in traditional Esan society.
Risk Factors for Complications of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Asaka Daiya , Nakayama Tsuguhisa , Hama Takanori , Okushi Tetsushi , Matsuwaki Yoshinori , Yoshikawa Mamoru , Yanagi Kiyoshi , Moriyama Hiroshi , Otori Nobuyoshi
Published: January 2012

Background

Patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) are at risk of complications because of the close proximity of the sinuses to the orbit and anterior skull base. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications of ESS and to identify patient characteristics that were risk factors for the complications.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of 706 patients who underwent ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis. Patients completed preoperative examinations that included computed tomography, endoscopic observation for nasal polyps, and tests for comorbidities including asthma and vascular disease. Perioperative complications were evaluated based on information provided by the surgeons. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify patient characteristics that were risk factors for complications.

Results

Overall, perioperative complications occurred in 41 patients (5.8%). A major complication, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, occurred in one patient (0.1%). Minor complications occurred in 40 patients (5.7%), with the most common being intraoperative hemorrhage (n = 18). Multivariate analysis indicated that presence of asthma and the total polyp score correlated significantly with the occurrence of complications.

Conclusion

The risk factors for perioperative complications were asthma and the polyp score. We conclude that the surgeon should confirm whether the patient has lower airway disease, especially asthma, before operating. The surgeon should also determine the grade of nasal polyps.
Do Static Risk Factors Predict Differently for Aboriginal Sex Offenders? A Multi-site Comparison Using the Original and Revised Static-99 and Static-2002 Scales
Authors: Babchishin Kelly M. , Blais Julie , Helmus Leslie
Published: January 2012

There is much concern about the extent to which risk assessment tools designed to predict recidivism are equally valid for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders. The current study compared Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal male sex offenders on items and total scores of the original and revised Static-99 and Static-2002 scales. The study included five independent Canadian samples with Static-99 and Static-99R scores (319 Aboriginals and 1,269 non-Aboriginals), three of which also had Static-2002 and Static-2002R scores (209 Aboriginals and 955 non-Aboriginals). Aboriginal sex offenders scored significantly higher than non-Aboriginal sex offenders on total scores and items indicative of general criminality and tended to score lower on items indicative of sexual deviancy. Static-99/R total scores and items generally predicted sexual recidivism with similar accuracy for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal sex offenders. In contrast, significant differences were found for Static-2002/R total scores and several of their items, with lower predictive accuracy for Aboriginals. The results suggest that at least some items of the Static scales are not as predictive for Aboriginal as for non-Aboriginal sex offenders, with differences found on Static-2002/R rather than Static-99/R scales.
Is the Electric Vehicle an Attractive Option for Customers?
Authors: García Israel , Miguel Luis Javier
Published: January 2012

As a new technology, electric mobility has the potential to achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions and contribute to the transition from the current transportation system to a better one, environmentally speaking. The objective of the paper is to aid the necessary decision-making for the adoption and development of electric vehicles in Spain, taking the time horizon of 2020. This will be achieved by building a System Dynamics model for various scenarios that will be used for the analysis and comparison of various dynamic variables, as well as to determine how, and to what extent, they will influence the number of electric vehicles that will run on Spanish roads in the coming years, focusing on the cost variable.
Evaluation of the Immunity Activity of Glycyrrhizin in AR Mice
Authors: Li Xiao-Lan , Zhou Ai-Guo
Published: January 2012

In this study, we evaluated effect of glycyrrhizin on immunity function in allergic rhinitis (AR) mice. The AR mice model were induced by dripping ovalbumin in physiological saline (2 mg mL−1, 10 μL) into the bilateral nasal cavities using a micropipette. After the AR model was induced, mice were randomly divided into six groups: the normal control, model, lycopene 20 mg kg−1 (as positive control drug) group, and glycyrrhizin 10, 20, 30 mg kg−1 groups. After the sensitization day 14, lycopene (20 mg/kg BW) and glycyrrhizin (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg BW) were given orally for 20 days once a day. Mice in the normal control and model groups were given saline orally once a day for 20 days. Results showed that glycyrrhizin treatment could dose-dependently significantly reduce blood immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitrous oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels and nitrous oxide synthase (NOS) activity and enhance blood immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) levels in AR mice. Furthermore, glycyrrhizin treatment could dose-dependently significantly enhance acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity and reduce substance P (SP) level in peripheral blood and nasal mucosa of AR mice. We conclude that glycyrrhizin can improve immunity function in AR mice, suggesting a potential drug for the prevention and therapy of AR.