bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caracterização da flora e estrutura do estrato arbustivo-arbóreo de um cerrado no Pantanal de Poconé, MT
Authors: Costa Cândida Pereira da , Cunha Cátia Nunes da , Costa Silmara Cardoso
Published: December 2010

Em áreas úmidas, como o Pantanal, a composição florística e estrutura comunitária respondem principalmente ao pulso de inundação. E para o entendimento das espécies que adentram esse bioma, essas comunidades de plantas precisam ser descritas florística e estruturalmente. O presente estudo teve como objetivos: caracterizar a composição florística e a estrutura da vegetação sobre uma cordilheira na região do Pirizal, Município de Nossa Senhora do Livramento ,MT; definir o tipo de vegetação e determinar se há maior grau de semelhança florística entre a vegetação estudada com outras áreas de cerrado s s. ou de cerradão do Centro-Oeste brasileiro. Foram alocadas 102 parcelas contíguas 20 x 5 m distribuídas sistematicamente em seis transecções dispostas no sentido borda-centro-borda da cordilheira, totalizando 1,02 ha de área amostrada. Mediram-se os indivíduos com DAP >3 cm, incluindo mortos e palmeiras. Foram identificadas 82 espécies arbustivo-arbóreas, distribuídas em 63 gêneros, 32 famílias e uma espécie indeterminada. Sendo 3 espécies características de áreas com cerradão; 19 do cerrado s.s., nove distribuídas tanto em áreas de cerradão quanto em cerrado s.s., e 10% que pertencem a ambientes inundáveis no Pantanal. Comparando a área de estudada com outras comunidades através da DCA, os resultados indicaram a existência de dois grupos florísticos relativamente distintos, o primeiro formado por áreas compostas por cerrado s.s. e o segundo por áreas com cerradão. Entre as áreas formadas por cerradões, ocorreu uma separação das áreas amostradas na região do no Pantanal (áreas inundáveis) daquelas que ocorrem em outras localidades do Centro-Oeste (áreas secas). A vegetação estudada sobre cordilheira apresentou maior relação florística e estrutural com os cerradões do que com os cerrados s.s. do Centro-Oeste, podendo, dessa forma, ser caracterizada como uma fitofisionomia de cerradão. Os cerrados do Pantanal apresentaram menor relação florística com os de outras regiões do Centro-Oeste, essa heterogeneidade florística pode estar relacionada ao pulso de inundação que atua como filtro para a maioria das espécies das outras áreas do Planalto Central.
Fauna de morcegos em remanescentes urbanos de Cerrado em Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul
Authors: Ferreira Cláudia Márcia Marily , Fischer Erich , Pulchério-Leite Atenise
Published: December 2010

Campo Grande é a maior cidade do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, localizada no domínio do Cerrado, um hotspot de biodiversidade. A fauna de morcegos urbanos tem sido pouco estudada no Brasil, principalmente em cidades na região do Cerrado. O principal objetivo aqui é descrever a composição, a riqueza e a diversidade da fauna de morcegos em remanescentes de Cerrado na região urbana de Campo Grande. Amostragens de morcegos foram feitas entre março e agosto de 2009 em oito parques urbanos com auxílio de redes-de-neblina. Em cada local, exceto um, foi realizada uma noite de amostragem por mês; ao todo foram 47 noites. A cada noite, seis redes de 2,6 x 12 m foram mantidas abertas por seis horas a partir do ocaso; o esforço total de captura foi de 52.790,4 m²/h. Foram capturados 701 morcegos pertencentes a 14 espécies, das quais 12 foram filostomídeos (98,6% das capturas). Artibeus lituratus foi a espécie dominante, semelhante ao reportado para outras regiões urbanas no Brasil. Artibeus planirostris foi a segunda espécie mais abundante em Campo Grande, característica incomum em outras comunidades urbanas de morcegos. Chiroderma doriae, C. villosum, Phyllostomus hastatus e Platyrrhinus helleri foram raras, e registradas pela primeira vez em Campo Grande. Somados outros estudos, 24 espécies de morcegos foram encontradas em Campo Grande, valor alto dentre as cidades nos domínios do Cerrado. A diversidade (H' = 1,65) de morcegos em Campo Grande também foi maior que a reportada para outras cidades em regiões de Cerrado ou Mata Atlântica. A ampla presença de parques florestados na zona urbana pode explicar, em parte, a grande riqueza e diversidade de morcegos na cidade de Campo Grande.
Potential for Remote Sensing to Detect and Predict Herbicide Injury on Waterhyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
Authors: Robles Wilfredo , Madsen John D. , Wersal Ryan M.
Published: December 2010

Many large-scale management programs directed toward the control of waterhyacinth rely on maintenance management with herbicides. Improving the implementation of these programs could be achieved through accurately detecting herbicide injury in order to evaluate efficacy. Mesocosm studies were conducted in the fall and summer of 2006 and 2007 at the R. R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, Mississippi State University, to detect and predict herbicide injury on waterhyacinth treated with four different rates of imazapyr and glyphosate. Herbicide rates corresponded to maximum recommended rates of 0.6 and 3.4 kg ae ha−1(0.5 and 3 lb ac−1) for imazapyr and glyphosate, respectively, and three rates lower than recommended maximum. Injury was visually estimated using a phytotoxicity rating scale, and reflectance measurements were collected using a handheld hyperspectral sensor. Reflectance measurements were then transformed into a Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) simulated data set to obtain pixel values for each spectral band. Statistical analyses were performed to determine if a correlation existed between bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 and phytotoxicity ratings. Simulated data from Landsat 5 TM indicated that band 4 was the most useful band to detect and predict herbicide injury of waterhyacinth by glyphosate and imazapyr. The relationship was negative because pixel values of band 4 decreased when herbicide injury increased. At 2 wk after treatment, the relationship between band 4 and phytotoxicity was best (r2of 0.75 and 0.90 for glyphosate and imazapyr, respectively), which served to predict herbicide injury in the following weeks.
A Tale of Three Lineages: Expansion of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) in the U.S. Southwest and Gulf Coast
Authors: Meyerson Laura A. , Lambert Adam M. , Saltonstall Kristin
Published: December 2010

The common reed invasion in North America has spanned two centuries and is still ongoing. This expansion comprises two main forms: an introduced Eurasian lineage (identified here as “IntroducedPhragmites”) and a Gulf Coast lineage of unknown origin (identified here as “Gulf CoastPhragmites”). Both lineages are spreading beyond their current ranges and are colonizing Southwestern and Gulf Coast ecosystems where they have not previously existed. As a result, the native North American lineage of common reed (hereafter “nativePhragmites”) has declined in many places. The recent invasion of the U.S. Southwest by Introduced and Gulf CoastPhragmiteslineages has made this the only region in the world colonized by all three lineages. Along the central Gulf Coast where Gulf CoastPhragmitesremains the dominant form, IntroducedPhragmiteshas also recently invaded the Mississippi River delta. The consequences of these new invasions are uncertain, but a rapid response is needed to protect native species and ecosystems and reduce future control costs.
Teaching with Virtual Worlds: Factors to Consider for Instructional Use of Second Life
Authors: Mayrath Michael C. , Traphagan Tomoko , Jarmon Leslie , Trivedi Avani , Resta Paul
Published: December 2010

Substantial evidence now supports pedagogical applications of virtual worlds; however, most research supporting virtual worlds for education has been conducted using researcher-developed Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVE). Second Life (SL) is a MUVE that has been adopted by a large number of academic institutions; however, little research has systematically investigated the potential of using SL for higher education. A 2–year pilot study was conducted that included seven SL activities and a mixed-methods evaluation of the SL's affordances, challenges, and limitations. Three SL integration factors emerged, each with sub-factors: pedagogical (relevance, complexity of required SL skills, use of SL affordances); contextual (student prior gaming experience, activity duration, frequency of events); and logistical (SL usability, training, technical support, computer issues). A framework for creating SL instructional activities is presented using the factors.
Repeated Reading of CD-ROM Storybook as a Support for Emergent Literacy: A Developmental Perspective in Two Ses Groups
Authors: Korat Ofra , Blau Hila
Published: December 2010

We investigated the effect of repeated readings of an electronic book (e-book) on pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children from low ( n = 127) and middle ( n = 120) SES groups. Children were randomly assigned to one of three options: reading an e-book in five sessions, reading an e-book in three sessions, or receiving the regular kindergarten program (control). Pre- and post-intervention measures included vocabulary, phonological awareness, and word reading. No differences were found in the progress of children from the two SES groups. Pre-kindergarten children progressed more in phonological awareness than kindergarten children. Children who used the software five times exhibited greater progress in word reading than children who read it three times, and those who read it three times outperformed the control group. Three readings improved the children's vocabulary compared to the control but no advantage was found for five readings. Interactions appeared between age group and SES. Implications for future research and education are discussed.
Automatic Student Plagiarism Detection: Future Perspectives
Authors: Mozgovoy Maxim , Kakkonen Tuomo , Cosma Georgina
Published: December 2010

The availability and use of computers in teaching has seen an increase in the rate of plagiarism among students because of the wide availability of electronic texts online. While computer tools that have appeared in recent years are capable of detecting simple forms of plagiarism, such as copy-paste, a number of recent research studies devoted to evaluation and comparison of plagiarism detection tools revealed that these contain limitations in detecting complex forms of plagiarism such as extensive paraphrasing and use of technical tricks, such as replacing original characters with similar-looking characters from foreign alphabets. This article investigates limitations in automatic detection of student plagiarism and proposes ways on how these issues could be tackled in future systems by applying various natural language processing and information retrieval technologies. A classification of types of plagiarism is presented, and an analysis is provided of the most promising technologies that have the potential of dealing with the limitations of current state-of-the-art systems. Furthermore, the article concludes with a discussion on legal and ethical issues related to the use of plagiarism detection software. The article, hence, provides a “roadmap” for developing the next generation of plagiarism detection systems.
The Health Care Reform Legislation: An Overview
Authors: White Chapin
Published: December 2010

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) fundamentally shifts the social contract in the U.S., according to Chapin White of the Center for Studying Health System Change.
The Simple Economics of Health Reform
Authors: Cutler David M
Published: December 2010

According to David Cutler of Harvard, a key player in crafting health care reform, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could turn out to be the most successful piece of health care legislation ever.
The Economics, Opportunities, and Challenges of Health Insurance Exchanges
Authors: Duggan Mark G , Kocher Robert
Published: December 2010

Can the health insurance exchanges in the Affordable Care Act substantially improve the functioning and reach of the private health insurance market? They can if executed correctly, according to Mark Duggan of the University of Maryland and Robert Kocher of McKinsey Center for U.S. Health System Reform, who point to new incentives for individuals, employers, and insurers.
Systemic Reform of Health Care Delivery and Payment
Authors: Aaron Henry J
Published: December 2010

We need to be better informed about the four formidable obstacles facing The Health Care Act (ACA), according to Henry Aaron of the Brookings Institution. Aaron delves into the tough fights that lie ahead for certain sections of the ACA, given the precarious balance of political forces leading up to the 2012 election.
Effect of Wine Properties and Operating Mode upon Mass Transfer in Micro-Oxygenation
Authors: Chiciuc Igor , Farines Vincent , Mietton-Peuchot Martine , Devatine Audrey
Published: December 2010

All along wine-making and during its ageing, oxygen plays an important role for the evolution of the wine. Solubilization of oxygen into musts or wines occurs when gaseous oxygen is brought into contact with the liquid. In this work, the specific technique of wine micro-oxygenation is addressed through the evaluation of transfer capacity for oxygen solubilization. This was done considering the parameters likely to influence the saturation concentration of dissolved oxygen and the conventional volumetric mass transfer coefficient kLa, which quantifies the efficiency of the oxygen transfer. The study has shown that the sugar concentration in the must induces a viscosity enhancement which leads to a significant decrease of the kLa value. Surprisingly, it was also observed that a very low quantity of ethanol in the liquid phase (0.05 percent volume) strongly favours the oxygen transfer. Conversely, the presence of dissolved carbon dioxide in the wine, which desorbs and dilutes the oxygen in the micro-bubbles, dramatically decreases the transfer of oxygen. The presence of anti-oxidant compounds (SO2) or oxygen consumer compounds (polyphenols) was shown to have no effect upon the efficiency of oxygen transfer. Operating parameters such as gas flow rate or geometrical aspect of the tank have also been considered.
Algoritam perkutanih derivacija ireverzibilnog ikterusa
Authors: Markovic Z. , Milicevic M. , Masulovic D.M. , Saranovic Dj.Z. , Stojanovic V. , Markovic B.B. , Kovacevic S.
Published: December 2010

It is retrospective analysis of all percutaneous billiary dranage types used in 600 patients with obstructive icterus in last 10 years. The procedure techniques is analyzed. It had positive therapeutical result in about 75% cases. The most frequent complication are showed. The most corresponding percutaneous derivation algorithm is discussed. As initial method is suggested the usage of externo-internal derivation which, in dependence of the procedure, continue by internal derivation-catheteral endoprosthesys or metallic stent. The covered metallic stents usage is suggested as method of choice in metallic endoprosthesys application.
Endovascular and surgical management of carotid artery restenosis
Authors: Sagic D.Z. , Antonic Z.D. , Petrovic B.B. , Duvnjak S.N. , Peric M.S. , Masulovic D.M. , Ilijevski N.M. , Radak Dj.J.
Published: December 2010

Background. The incidence of recurrent carotid stenosis after primary endarterectomy ranges from 10-34%. We presented our four year experience and comparing reoperation versus endovascular treatment. Methods. In period from 2001 to 2005, 50 patients, 37 men and 13 women, were treated surgically and endovascular due to restenosis. Results. There were no minor or major stroke, death and myocardial infarction periprocedural and in first 30 days in either group. In endovascular group one patients 3,17% had transient ischemic attack and two patients 11,76% in surgical group. One patient died from myocardial infraction in follow up in surgical group. There were no restenosis >50% in endovascular group, two patients have restenosis >50% in surgical group. Conclusions. Endovascular treatment of carotid artery restenosis represents a safe and efficient way of treatment, connected with minor number of serious complications than redo operation.
Osteoporoza - multidisciplinarna i radioloska tema
Authors: Radojkovic I. , Radojkovic J. , Markovic Z. , Djurica S. , Stojanovic V.
Published: December 2010

Osteoporosis in one of the most common diseases among the elderly individuals. Bone hardness is reduced to the critically low level. Even the smallest trauma makes previously healthy individual severely ill patient. In the USA, 1.6 million people sustain fractures due to osteoporosis each year, while approximately 14 billion dollars is spent on their treatment. The costs of osteoporosis treatment exceed the costs of prevention. The studies on the incidence, prevalence and socioeconomic aspects of osteoporosis, its prevention and treatment are expected to be carried out in our country in the future. Prevention of osteoporosis is not an individual problem, but it has wide social implications. Osteoporosis may be prevented and further loss of bone substance may be discontinued.
Embolija sa vazduhom tokom karotidne dilatacije sa stentom
Authors: Sagic D.Z. , Antonic Z.D. , Peric M.S. , Duvnjak S.N. , Petrovic B.B. , Ilijevski N.M. , Radak Dj.J.
Published: December 2010

We presented the case of endovascular treatment of the restenosis of the carotid artery occurring after carotid endarterectomy. We have shown the need of applying the protection systems during the endovascular procedure, in order to prevent the distal embolisation caused by ahterosclerotic debris and/or air.
CT endoscopy in urinary bladder lesions detection
Authors: Masulovic D.M. , Saranovic Dj.Z. , Sagic D.Z. , Stevic R.S. , Maksimovic R. , Plesinac-Karapandzic V. , Djuric-Stefanovic A.S. , Ivanovic A. , Dobriserevic B. , Markovic Z.
Published: December 2010

Aim: To evaluate applicability and efficacy CT vurtual cystoscopy in detection of urinary bladder tumors. Material and methods: During the period of 14 months, 17 patients with suspicion or present of some urinary bladder lesions has undergone CT virtual and conventional cystoscopy. After examination, all data were moved to the workstation for interactive endoluminal navigation. After that, radiologist analyzed transversal and virtual images without results of conventional cystoscopy and made conclusion. Results: Results were divided according to their basic clinical application. By using this method, all lesions over 5 mm in size were revealed. In the group of patients that were followed up for urinary bladder tumors, three patients with carcinomatous lesion were revealed. Two tumors of bladder vault that were missed on transversal scan were visualized by virtual cystoscopy. Useful additional information about tumor spread was given in two patient. One tumor inside the bladder diverticulum was detected, that was not seen by conventional cystoscopy. In two patients, endoluminal origin of mass that could not be confirmed by conventional radiologic methods, was determined. Conclusion: CT virtual cystoscopy is useful method and technique that promise a lot, especially in following situations: a) follow up of bladder tumors; b) supplemental estimation of endoscopically hardly accessible regions; c) differential diagnosis between intravesical and exravesical lesions. Optimal estimation offers adequate bladder distension with patient positioned on the back and on the belly and interpretation as well as on transversal and virtual images. .
Nova generacija stentova uretre-Allium u terapiji simptomatskog uvecanja prostate razlicite etiologije
Authors: Markovic B.B. , Markovic Z. , Yachia D. , Hadzi-Djokic J.
Published: December 2010

A number of urethral stents made of different materials, with different time of indwelling and different designs, primarily based on the vascular stent concept, have been applied in the clinical practice so far. According to the published studies, urethral stents have justified their clinical application, however with certain limitations. Within an attempt to overcome the limitations, a covered, temporary urethral stent was initially designed by Daniel Yachie and ljko Markovi in Allium corporation from Israel. With its triangular shape, the stent is a replica of the obstructive prostatic urethral lumen. In has been applied in a series of 14 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms caused by the obstruction at the level of the prostatic urethra. The subjects were averagely aged 77.4 + 5.1 years. Allium prostatic stent remained in place in the patients for 4.93+ 3.17 months, at the average.
Endoanal ultrasonography in establishing the diagnosis of fecal incontinence
Authors: Saranovic Dj. , Krivokapic Z. , Masulovic D. , Djuric A. , Ivanovic A. , Dobriserevic B. , Markovic Z. , Barisic G.
Published: December 2010

Visualization of the rectum, rectoanal junction and adjacent structures is very demanding and challenging both with technical and medical side. Local staging of rectal and anal tumor and perianal neoplasm by conventional and sibgle slice CT or by barium enema study is not so valuable. These methods can not visualize fistulous communication in inflamatory bowel diseases and have not any role in evaluation of fecal incontinence. During last decade, endoscopic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging have been recognized as methods of choice in establishing diagnosis of rectal, perirectal, anal and perianal diseases. The aim of this article is to review the possibilities of endoanal ultrasound in evaluation of fecal incontinence.
A novel method for treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis in high-risk surgical candidates: pilot study experience with percutaneous remodeling of ligamentum flavum and lamina
Authors: Chopko Bohdan Wolodymyr
Published: December 2010

Object

Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) in chronically ill or debilitated patients is challenging. The percutaneous remodeling of ligamentum flavum and lamina (PRLL) technique is a novel method for decompression of the hypertrophic ligamentum flavum component of LSS that is performed using a fluoroscopically guided percutaneous approach, local anesthesia, and minimal sedation.

Methods

Fourteen patients deemed to be at high risk for complications related to open spine surgery and general anesthesia were treated using the PRLL technique. Prospectively collected visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) data were analyzed at the most recent follow-up. The average follow-up duration was 23.5 weeks.

Results

A statistically significant improvement in VAS scores was observed, with a reduction in pain of 53% compared with preoperative levels. In contrast, the ODI scores failed to improve.

Conclusions

This pilot series points to a potential new therapeutic option for LSS in high-risk surgical patients.
Surgical treatment of severe cervical dystrophic kyphosis due to neurofibromatosis Type 1: a review of 8 cases
Authors: Ma Junming , Wu Zhipeng , Yang Xinghai , Xiao Jianru
Published: December 2010

Object

The goal in this study was to retrospectively investigate the clinical efficacy of surgical treatment for cervical dystrophic kyphotic deformity due to neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Methods

Between January 1998 and July 2008, 8 patients with cervical dystrophic kyphotic deformity due to neurofibromatosis Type 1 (mean Cobb angle of 58.5°) were surgically treated in the authors' department. The mean age at surgery was 19 years (range 12–38 years). Among these patients, 1 with a Cobb angle of 52° and good flexibility underwent single anterior correction, whereas the other 7 patients with severe deformity and poor flexibility received combined anterior and posterior cervical osteotomy. Motor-evoked potential studies were used intraoperatively for spinal cord monitoring. Radiographic assessment and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring were used to evaluate the clinical outcome.

Results

No severe neurological complications were noted. Two patients complained of persistent neck and shoulder pain after combined anterior and posterior correction, which alleviated after conservative treatment half a year later. All patients were followed up for a mean of 21.1 months (range 6–36 months). All patients had a solid bone fusion at the latest follow-up, with Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring improving from 11.5 preoperatively to 14.1 postoperatively (p < 0.01) at the final follow-up. The kyphotic deformities improved significantly, with average Cobb angles of 2.5° postoperatively and 4.1° at final follow-up.

Conclusions

The deformity of neurofibromatosis with cervical kyphosis is severe, and surgery carries a high risk of failure. Although premature fusion may be performed, the deformity may still progress, and this situation may lead to failure of surgery. The successful management of this disease requires early recognition and a more aggressive and reliable intervention to prevent disastrous worsening of the deformity. Meticulous preoperative evaluation, appropriate surgical strategy, and skilled technique were essential for successful surgical treatment and good clinical results.
The role of adjuvant radiation therapy in the treatment of spinal myxopapillary ependymomas
Authors: Chao Samuel T. , Kobayashi Taisei , Benzel Edward , Reddy Chandana A. , Stevens Glen H. J. , Prayson Richard A. , Kalfas Iain , Schlenk Richard , Krishnaney Ajit , Steinmetz Michael P. , Bingaman William , Hahn Joseph , Suh John H.
Published: December 2010

Object

The goal in this study was to determine the role of radiation therapy (RT) in the treatment of spinal myxopapillary ependymomas (MPEs).

Methods

Thirty-seven patients with histologically verified spinal MPEs were reviewed. Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazard regression were used to determine what patient and treatment factors influenced overall survival (OS) and recurrence.

Results

At the time of initial diagnosis, the median age was 33 years and the Karnofsky Performance Scale score was 80. In 86.5% of cases, the most common presenting symptom was pain. All patients received surgery as their initial treatment. Nine patients also received RT along with surgery, with a median total dose of 50.2 Gy. The mean survival time was 12.2 years; however, only 4 of 37 patients had died at the time of this study. None of the patient or treatment parameters significantly correlated with OS. Sixteen patients (43.2%) were found to have a recurrence, with a median time to recurrence of 7.7 years. None of the patient or treatment parameters correlated with recurrence-free survival for an initial recurrence. The median time to the second recurrence (recurrence following therapy for initial recurrence) was 1.6 years. Use of RT as salvage therapy after initial recurrence significantly correlated with longer times to a second recurrence. The median recurrence-free survival time before the second recurrence was 9.6 years for those who received RT versus 1.1 years for those who did not receive RT (p = 0.0093). None of the other parameters significantly correlated with a second recurrence.

Conclusions

Radiation therapy may have a role as salvage therapy in delaying recurrences of spinal MPEs.
Multifocal intradural extramedullary ependymoma
Authors: Iunes Eduardo Augusto , Stávale João Norberto , de Cássia Caldas Pessoa Rita , Ansai Ricardo , Onishi Franz Jooji , de Paiva Neto Manoel Antonio , de Pádua Bonatelli Antônio , Cavalheiro Sérgio , Fleury Malheiros Suzana M.
Published: December 2010

In this paper, the authors present the case of a patient with multifocal intradural extramedullary ependymoma, and they review 18 previously reported cases.

A 32-year-old man presented to the authors' institution with a 1-month history of partial medullary syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging of the neuraxis revealed multifocal intradural extramedullary lesions at the bulbomedullary junction and C2–3, T5–11, L-2, L-4, L-5, and sacrum. Histological examination revealed a WHO Grade II ependymoma.

The literature survey yielded 18 cases of ependymoma at the same location; none of them were multifocal at presentation. The authors analyzed the epidemiological, clinical, and surgical features of all 19 cases reported to date, including the present case.

Patients' ages ranged from 24 to 69 years; 15 patients were women and 4 were men. The time elapsed from symptom onset to diagnosis ranged from 1 month to 8 years. Pain (in 13 patients) and medullary syndrome (in 12) were reported as the initial symptoms (information was not provided for 1 patient). Tumors were predominantly located in the thoracic spine (11), but they also occurred in the cervicothoracic (3), cervical (2), and lumbar (2) spine. The remaining tumor was multifocal. Solitary extramedullary tumors were found intraoperatively in 13 patients; 3 were described as exophytic and 3 as extramedullary with some degree of medullary invasion. Histological examination revealed 9 WHO Grade II tumors, 4 Grade III tumors, and 1 myxopapillary tumor. Data obtained for the remaining cases proved inconclusive. The clinical condition improved in 11 patients, remained stable in 2, and worsened (recurrence or progression) in 6. Of the 4 patients with Grade II tumors who presented with recurrence or neuraxis spreading, 3 had meningeal infiltration or adhesion to the pia mater, which does not rule out the possibility of neoplastic remnants in that area.

Intradural extramedullary ependymomas are rare, they predominate in women in the 5th decade of life, and pain is the most frequent initial symptom. The extent of resection and the presence of meningeal infiltration seem to be key determinants of prognosis. The present case is the first intradural extramedullary ependymoma (with the exception of those occurring at the conus medullaris and terminal filum) with multiple lesions at presentation.
Commentary on Pancreatic Carcinoma: The Role of Radiofrequency Ablation in Advanced Disease
Authors: Spiliotis John
Published: December 2010

Some comments about the role of ablation techniques in the management of advanced pancreatic cancer as palliative procedure.
Preparation and Properties of New Co-Crystals of Ibandronate with Gluco- or Galactopyranoside Derivatives
Authors: Oktabec Zbynek , Kos Jiri , Mandelova Zuzana , Havelkova Lenka , Pekarek Tomas , Rezacova Anna , Placek Lukas , Tkadlecova Marcela , Havlicek Jaroslav , Dohnal Jiri , Jampílek Josef
Published: December 2010

Mixtures of ibandronate monosodium salt with eleven gluco- and/or galacto-pyranoside derivatives as counterions were designed to prepare co-crystals with improved intestinal absorption. In general, gastrointestinal absorption of bisphosphonates after oral administration is approximately 1%. Co-crystals were generated by means of thermodynamically and/or kinetically controlled crystallization processes. Seventy-seven prepared samples were analyzed by means of FT-NIR, FT-Raman spectrometry and solid state NMR spectroscopy. New entities of ibandronate monosodium salt with phenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside were found and characterized. The absorption of these potential new co-crystals was investigated by means of PAMPA experiments. In the present study the relationships between the chemical structures of the studied compounds required for co-crystal generation are discussed.
Antidiabetic Properties and Mechanism of Action of Gynura procumbens Water Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Hassan Zurina , Yam Mun Fei , Ahmad Mariam , Yusof Ahmad Pauzi M.
Published: December 2010

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr (family Compositae) is cultivated in Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, for medicinal purposes. This study evaluated the in vivo hypoglycemic properties of the water extract of G. procumbens following 14 days of treatment and in vitro in RIN-5F cells. Glucose absorption from the intestines and its glucose uptake in abdominal skeletal muscle were assessed. The antidiabetic effect of water extract of G. procumbens leaves was investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed in diabetic rats treated with G. procumbens water extract for 14 days. In the IPGTT, blood was collected for insulin and blood glucose measurement. After the IPGTT, the pancreases were collected for immunohistochemical study of β-cells of the islets of Langerhans. The possible antidiabetic mechanisms of G. procumbens were assessed through in vitro RIN-5F cell study, intestinal glucose absorption and glucose uptake by muscle. The results showed that G. procumbens significantly decreased blood glucose levels after 14 days of treatment and improved outcome of the IPGTT. However, G. procumbens did not show a significant effect on insulin level either in the in vivo test or the in vitro RIN-5F cell culture study. G. procumbens also showed minimal effects on β-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. However, G. procumbens only significantly increased glucose uptake by muscle tissues. From the findings we can conclude that G. procumbens water extract exerted its hypoglycemic effect by promoting glucose uptake by muscles.
Validity and Reliability of the Hebrew Version of the SpREUK Questionnaire for Religiosity, Spirituality and Health: An Application for Oral Diseases
Authors: Zini Avraham , Büssing Arndt , Sgan-Cohen Harold D.
Published: December 2010

Background: Research has examined the connection between religiosity, spirituality (SpR) and health, and the potential of these variables to prevent, heal and cope with disease. Research indicated that participation in religious meetings or services was associated with a lower risk of developing oral disease. We intended to test a Hebrew version of the SpREUK 1.1 questionnaire, which is reported to be a reliable and valid measure of distinctive issues of SpR, and to test its relevance in the context of oral illness among a Jewish population. Methods: In order to validate the SpREUK-Hebrew instrument, minor translational and cultural/religious adaptations were applied. Reliability and factor analyses were performed, using standard procedures, among 134 Jewish Israeli subjects (mean age 38.4 years). Results: Analysis of reliability for internal consistency demonstrated an intra-class correlation of Cronbach's alpha = 0.90 for the intrinsic religiosity/spiritual and the appraisal scales, and of 0.90 for the support through spirituality/religiosity scales. Inter reliability agreement by kappa ranged between 0.7 and 0.9. We were able to approve the previously described factorial structure, albeit with some unique characteristics in the Jewish population. Individuals´ time spent on spiritual activity correlated with the SpREUK scales. The instrument discriminated well between religious subgroups (i.e., ultra Orthodox, conventional religious and less-religious). Preliminary results indicate an association between measures of spirituality and oral health. Conclusions: The traditional and cultural adaptation of the tool was found to be appropriate. SpREUK-Hebrew was reliable and valid among a Jewish population. This method could therefore be employed in comparative studies among different cultural and religious backgrounds.
The Browning of Alaska’s Boreal Forest
Authors: Parent Mary Beth , Verbyla David
Published: December 2010

We used twelve Landsat scenes from the 1980s–2009 and regional 2000–2009 MODIS data to examine the long-term trend in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within unburned areas of the Alaskan boreal forest. Our analysis shows that there has been a declining trend in NDVI in this region, with the strongest “browning trend” occurring in eastern Alaska where the climate during the growing season is relatively dry and warm. Possible reasons for the "browning trend" are decreased vegetation due to temperature-induced drought stress and increased infestations of insect pests.
Integrated LTCC Pressure/Flow/Temperature Multisensor for Compressed Air Diagnostics†
Authors: Fournier Yannick , Maeder Thomas , Boutinard-Rouelle Grégoire , Barras Aurélie , Craquelin Nicolas , Ryser Peter
Published: December 2010

We present a multisensor designed for industrial compressed air diagnostics and combining the measurement of pressure, flow, and temperature, integrated with the corresponding signal conditioning electronics in a single low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) package. The developed sensor may be soldered onto an integrated electro-fluidic platform by using standard surface mount device (SMD) technology, e.g., as a standard electronic component would be on a printed circuit board, obviating the need for both wires and tubes and thus paving the road towards low-cost integrated electro-fluidic systems. Several performance aspects of this device are presented and discussed, together with electronics design issues.
Sensor Architecture and Task Classification for Agricultural Vehicles and Environments
Authors: Rovira-Más Francisco
Published: December 2010

The long time wish of endowing agricultural vehicles with an increasing degree of autonomy is becoming a reality thanks to two crucial facts: the broad diffusion of global positioning satellite systems and the inexorable progress of computers and electronics. Agricultural vehicles are currently the only self-propelled ground machines commonly integrating commercial automatic navigation systems. Farm equipment manufacturers and satellite-based navigation system providers, in a joint effort, have pushed this technology to unprecedented heights; yet there are many unresolved issues and an unlimited potential still to uncover. The complexity inherent to intelligent vehicles is rooted in the selection and coordination of the optimum sensors, the computer reasoning techniques to process the acquired data, and the resulting control strategies for automatic actuators. The advantageous design of the network of onboard sensors is necessary for the future deployment of advanced agricultural vehicles. This article analyzes a variety of typical environments and situations encountered in agricultural fields, and proposes a sensor architecture especially adapted to cope with them. The strategy proposed groups sensors into four specific subsystems: global localization, feedback control and vehicle pose, non-visual monitoring, and local perception. The designed architecture responds to vital vehicle tasks classified within three layers devoted to safety, operative information, and automatic actuation. The success of this architecture, implemented and tested in various agricultural vehicles over the last decade, rests on its capacity to integrate redundancy and incorporate new technologies in a practical way.
Approximate Nearest Neighbor Search by Residual Vector Quantization
Authors: Chen Yongjian , Guan Tao , Wang Cheng
Published: December 2010

A recently proposed product quantization method is efficient for large scale approximate nearest neighbor search, however, its performance on unstructured vectors is limited. This paper introduces residual vector quantization based approaches that are appropriate for unstructured vectors. Database vectors are quantized by residual vector quantizer. The reproductions are represented by short codes composed of their quantization indices. Euclidean distance between query vector and database vector is approximated by asymmetric distance, i.e., the distance between the query vector and the reproduction of the database vector. An efficient exhaustive search approach is proposed by fast computing the asymmetric distance. A straight forward non-exhaustive search approach is proposed for large scale search. Our approaches are compared to two state-of-the-art methods, spectral hashing and product quantization, on both structured and unstructured datasets. Results show that our approaches obtain the best results in terms of the trade-off between search quality and memory usage.
Une Europe néo-madisonienne ?
Authors: Bickerton Christopher J.
Published: December 2010

Résumé Une question centrale pour la théorie politique est de savoir comment réconcilier l’idéal démocratique – selon lequel le pouvoir est détenu par le peuple – avec la réalité d’un pouvoir restreint et limité. Cette question est apparue dans le débat autour du « déficit démocratique » de l’Union européenne. Selon le discours néo-madisonien, où la « gouvernance multi-niveaux » de l’UE est présentée comme version moderne du système de séparation et diffusion de pouvoir élaboré par Madison dans le Fédéraliste , l’UE apparait comme une solution aux problèmes du majoritarisme à l’échelle nationale. Cet article développe une critique de ce discours en proposant une lecture « républicaine » du système politique madisonien qui souligne le lien entre institutions et normes et entre limitations juridiques et souveraineté populaire.
Divalent Metal‐ and High Mobility Group N Protein‐Dependent Nucleosome Stability and Conformation
Authors: Ong Michelle S. , Vasudevan Dileep , Davey Curt A.
Published: December 2010

High mobility group N proteins (HMGNs) bind specifically to the nucleosome core and act as chromatin unfolding and activating factors. Using an all‐Xenopus system, we found that HMGN1 and HMGN2 binding to nucleosomes results in distinct ion‐dependent conformation and stability. HMGN2 association with nucleosome core particle or nucleosomal array in the presence of divalent metal triggers a reversible transition to a species with much reduced electrophoretic mobility, consistent with a less compact state of the nucleosome. Residues outside of the nucleosome binding domain are required for the activity, which is also displayed by an HMGN1 truncation product lacking part of the regulatory domain. In addition, thermal denaturation assays show that the presence of 1 mM Mg2+> or Ca2+ gives a reduction in nucleosome core terminus stability, which is further substantially diminished by the binding of HMGN2 or truncated HMGN1. Our findings emphasize the importance of divalent metals in nucleosome dynamics and suggest that the differential biological activities of HMGNs in chromatin activation may involve different conformational alterations and modulation of nucleosome core stability.
Melatonin and Its Agonist Ramelteon in Alzheimer′s Disease: Possible Therapeutic Value
Authors: Srinivasan Venkatramanujam , Kaur Charanjit , Pandi-Perumal Seithikurippu , Brown Gregory M. , Cardinali Daniel P.
Published: December 2010

Alzheimer′s disease (AD) is an age‐associated neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of cognitive function, loss of memory and insomnia, and abnormal behavioral signs and symptoms. Among the various theories that have been put forth to explain the pathophysiology of AD, the oxidative stress induced by amyloidβ‐protein (Aβ) deposition has received great attention. Studies undertaken on postmortem brain samples of AD patients have consistently shown extensive lipid, protein, and DNA oxidation. Presence of abnormal tau protein, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein hyperphosphorylation all have been demonstrated in neural tissues of AD patients. Moreover, AD patients exhibit severe sleep/wake disturbances and insomnia and these are associated with more rapid cognitive decline and memory impairment. On this basis, the successful management of AD patients requires an ideal drug that besides antagonizing Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity could also correct the disturbed sleep‐wake rhythm and improve sleep quality. Melatonin is an effective chronobiotic agent and has significant neuroprotective properties preventing Aβ‐induced neurotoxic effects in a number of animal experimental models. Since melatonin levels in AD patients are greatly reduced, melatonin replacement has the potential value to be used as a therapeutic agent for treating AD, particularly at the early phases of the disease and especially in those in whom the relevant melatonin receptors are intact. As sleep deprivation has been shown to produce oxidative damage, impaired mitochondrial function, neurodegenerative inflammation, and altered proteosomal processing with abnormal activation of enzymes, treatment of sleep disturbances may be a priority for arresting the progression of AD. In this context the newly introduced melatonin agonist ramelteon can be of much therapeutic value because of its highly selective action on melatonin MT1/MT2receptors in promoting sleep.
Thinking of change in terms of gains or losses Promotion versus prevention focus as a moderator in the job demands-resources model
Authors: Petrou Paraskevas , Demerouti Evangelia
Published: December 2010

Orientation: Promotion and prevention regulatory foci have been established as self-regulation systems with implications for the study of change.Research purpose: The study aimed to test moderating effects of promotion and prevention focus within the job demands-resources model in a context of organisational change. Predictors included job demands and resources whilst outcomes included emotional exhaustion, disengagement and openness to change.Motivation for the study: The study intended to understand whether individual differences in promotion and prevention focus play an important role during the experience of organisational change.Research design, approach and method: A sample of 164 teachers from the Netherlands participated in a quantitative survey design before a new governmental policy was implemented in their schools and 189 different teachers working in the same schools participated in the survey after the implementation of the policy. Cross-sectional moderated regression analyses were used to analyse the data.Main findings: Promotion focus moderated the relationship between job demands and openness to change, whilst both promotion and prevention focus moderated many of the relationships between job resources on the one hand and emotional exhaustion, disengagement and openness to change on the other hand.Practical/managerial implications: Knowing that organisational change can have different meanings for promotion and prevention focused employees, managers can facilitate employee adaptation to change.Contribution/value-add: This research provides a theoretical framework that incorporates self-regulation as a moderator in the job demands-resources model. At the same time, implications for organisational change were co-examined.
�The Word of Yahweh is right�: Psalm 33 as a Torah-psalm
Authors: Botha Phil J. , Potgieter J. Henk
Published: December 2010

This article investigates some of the similarities between the Torah-psalms and Psalm 33. It is suggested that the �Torah-psalms� should be re-contextualised and understood as part of a post-exilic endeavour to provide an interpretation of the emerging �canon� of Hebrew scripture for the faithful of the late Persian period. Psalm 33 can also be counted amongst the literary products of this endeavour. The service it rendered to its audience was to establish a connection between Yahweh�s work of creation, his redemption of Israel and his divine rule over all the world through the power of his �word�.
Identifying a Transcription Factor's Regulatory Targets from its Binding Targets
Authors: Lai Fred , Chang Julie S. , Wu Wei-Sheng
Published: December 2010

ChIP-Chip data, which shows binding of transcription factors (TFs) to promoter regions in vivo, are widely used by biologists to identify the regulatory targets of TFs. However, the binding of a TF to a gene does not necessarily imply regulation. Thus, it is important to develop computational methods which can extract a TF's regulatory targets from its binding targets. We developed a method, called REgulatory Targets Extraction Algorithm (RETEA), which uses partial correlation analysis on gene expression data to extract a TF's regulatory targets from its binding targets inferred from ChIP-chip data. We applied RETEA to yeast cell cycle microarray data and identified the plausible regulatory targets of eleven known cell cycle TFs. We validated our predictions by checking the enrichments for cell cycle-regulated genes, common cellular processes and common molecular functions. Finally, we showed that RETEA performs better than three published methods (MA-Network, TRIA and Garten et al's method).