bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Irrigation Methods on the Yield of Pickling Cucumber
Authors: Spiżewski Tomasz , Knaflewski Mikołaj 
Published: August 2009

The Effect of Irrigation Methods on the Yield of Pickling Cucumber
The effects of drip irrigation combined with fertigation and sprinkler irrigation combined with broadcast fertilisation on the yield of pickling cucumber were compared in an experiment carried out over three years. The control treatment was broadcast fertilised and did not receive any irrigation.
For the three years, on average, no difference in the yields of cucumber was found between sprinkler and drip irrigated plants; however, in one year the yield of the drip irrigated crop was higher. The percentage of fruit of pickling size was higher and the non-marketable yield lower when cucumber plants were drip irrigated. Drip irrigation was more efficient than sprinkler irrigation. Irrigation decreased the total sugar and vitamin C content, but there was no difference between drip and sprinkler irrigation.
The Effect of Cultivation Method on the Macronutrients Content of Shallot Bulbs (Allium Ascalonicum L.)
Authors: Francke Anna , Klasa Andrzej 
Published: August 2009

The Effect of Cultivation Method on the Macronutrients Content of Shallot Bulbs (Allium Ascalonicum L.)
A field experiments were carried out in 2005-2007 at the Experimental Station of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The experiments were set up in a split-plot design, in four replications. Plants were grown in typical black earth soil of quality class IIIb, cereal-fodder strong complex. The first experimental factor was the cultivation method. In the first year of the study, shallot were grown by direct seeding and from seedlings, while small bulbs (Ø 16-20 mm) were additionally introduced in the second year of the experiment. Cultivars were the second experimental factor. The analyzed material consisted of two hybrid shallot cultivars: Bonilla F1 and Matador F1. A total of 100 plants were grown in experimental plots with an area of 3 m2, with 30 × 10 cm spacing.
Shallots were harvested when the foliage on approximately 60 to 70% of plants have collapsed. Plant material (bulbs) was assayed for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium concentrations. The highest total nitrogen levels were determined in shallot bulbs grown from seedlings, while shallots bulbs grown from seeds were most abundant in phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Significantly higher nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were observed in the bulbs of cv. Matador F1, while Bonilla F1 bulbs showed significantly higher levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Favorable Ca:Mg ratios, narrow Ca:P ratios and wide K:Mg, K:(Ca+Mg) and K:Ca ratios were noted in all experimental variants.
Stochastic hydrogeological modelling of fractured rocks: a generic case study in the Mórágy Granite Formation (South Hungary)
Authors: Benedek Kálmán , Dankó Gyula 
Published: August 2009

Stochastic hydrogeological modelling of fractured rocks: a generic case study in the Mórágy Granite Formation (South Hungary)In connection with the Hungarian radioactive waste disposal program a detailed study of the mass properties of the potential host rock (granite) has been carried out. Using the results of this study the various parameters (orientation, length, intensity, transmissivity, etc.) describing a fracture set were estimated on the basis of statistical considerations. These estimates served as basic input parameters for stochastic hydrogeological modelling of discrete fracture networks (DFN), which is a strongly developing area of hydrology, providing geologically realistic geometry for site investigations. The synthetic fracture systems generated were tested against some (but not all) field observations. The models built up on the basis of the statistical descriptions showed the same equivalent hydraulic conductivity for the modelled region as the field measurements. In addition, the models reproduce the observed hydraulic head-scattering along vertical boreholes. On the basis of the stochastic simulations of the fracture system some input parameters for the performance assessment of the planned repository were investigated. Calculation of flows into a planned disposal tunnel indicated that if the hydraulic conductivity of the material in the tunnel is the only variable parameter then there are two thresholds: under 1×10-9m/s and above 1×10-5m/s further change of the hydraulic conductivity does not dramatically affect the inflow.
Microseismic identification of geological and tectonic structures in the Komjatice Depression (Western Carpathians)
Authors: Kalinina Anna , Ammosov Sergey , Volkov Viktor , Volkov Nikolay , Hók Jozef , Brimich Ladislav , Šujan Martin 
Published: August 2009

Microseismic identification of geological and tectonic structures in the Komjatice Depression (Western Carpathians)The microseismic survey method was applied to the study of the geological structures in the region around the Mochovce nuclear power plant. The previous geological and geophysical investigations considered a contact between the Miocene volcanites and sediments as a neotectonic fault. The results of the microseismic investigations allow us to interpret the zone of a supposed neotectonic fault as a transgressive contact of the sediments and the volcanic rocks without a tectonic disruption.
Gastrochaenolites hospitium isp. nov., trace fossil by a coral-associated boring bivalve from the Eocene and Miocene of Austria
Authors: Kleemann Karl 
Published: August 2009

Gastrochaenolites hospitiumisp. nov., trace fossil by a coral-associated boring bivalve from the Eocene and Miocene of AustriaGastrochaenolites hospitiumisp. nov. is a domichnial boring showing the so-called false floors in scleractinian coral skeletons. The borings are semi-circular in mid-longitudinal section. They are produced by the mytilidLithophaga (Leiosolenus) and keep up with further growth of their hosts for years. The false floors, being a retrusive equilibrium trace, are related to annual events.
Factors Influencing Information Seeking by Physical Therapists Providing Stroke Management
Authors: Salbach Nancy M. , Guilcher Sara J.T. , Jaglal Susan B. , Davis David A. 
Published: August 2009

BackgroundSearching and reading the research literature are essential activities for enhancing the use of research and optimizing the quality of physical therapist practice.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to identify practitioner, organization, and research characteristics that are associated with searching or reading the research literature among physical therapists involved in stroke management.DesignA cross-sectional study design was used.MethodsA survey questionnaire was mailed to 1,155 physical therapists in neurological practice in Ontario, Canada. Therapists who treated people with stroke were eligible to participate.ResultsOf the 334 eligible respondents, 270 (80.8%) completed a questionnaire. Among participants with complete data, 37.7% of 265 participants conducted online literature searches and 73.3% of 266 participants read the research literature 2 or more times in a typical month. The following factors were associated with conducting online literature searches 2 or more times in a typical month: participation in research, self-efficacy for implementing evidence-based practice (EBP), being male, perceived facility support of research use, and Internet access to bibliographic databases at work. The following factors were associated with reading the literature 2 or more times in a typical month: participation in research, EBP self-efficacy, membership in a professional organization, perceived facility support of research use, and positive perceptions about the usefulness of the research literature and the relevance of walking interventions evaluated in the stroke rehabilitation research literature. A positive association between searching and reading was observed (odds ratio=16.5, 95% confidence interval=5.8–47.1).LimitationsThe cross-sectional design limited inferences of causality.ConclusionDespite a low frequency of searching, the majority of the participating therapists acquired and read the research literature on a monthly basis. Online searching and reading are closely linked behaviors. Modifiable practitioner characteristics, including self-efficacy for implementing EBP and participation in research, appear to be key determinants of EBP.
Brain penetration effects of microelectrodes and deep brain stimulation leads in ventral intermediate nucleus stimulation for essential tremor
Authors: Morishita Takashi , Foote Kelly D. , Wu Samuel S. , Jacobson Charles E. , Rodriguez Ramon L. , Haq Ihtsham U. , Siddiqui Mustafa S. , Malaty Irene A. , Hass Christopher J. , Okun Michael S. 
Published: August 2009

Object
Microelectrode recording (MER) and macrostimulation (test stimulation) are used to refine the optimal deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead placement within the operative setting. It is well known that there can be a microlesion effect with microelectrode trajectories and DBS insertion. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of intraoperative MER and lead placement on tremor severity in a cohort of patients with essential tremor.

Methods
Consecutive patients with essential tremor undergoing unilateral DBS (ventral intermediate nucleus stimulation) for medication-refractory tremor were evaluated. Tremor severity was measured at 5 time points utilizing a modified Tremor Rating Scale: 1) immediately before MER; 2) immediately after MER; 3) immediately after lead implantation; 4) 6 months after DBS implantation in the off-DBS condition; and 5) 6 months after implantation in the on-DBS condition. To investigate the impact of the MER and DBS lead placement, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied to test changes in tremor severity scores over the surgical course. In addition, a generalized linear mixed model including factors that potentially influenced the impact of the microlesion was also used for analysis.

Results
Nineteen patients were evaluated. Improvement was noted in the total modified Tremor Rating Scale, postural, and action tremor scores (p < 0.05) as a result of MER and DBS lead placement. The improvements observed following lead placement were similar in magnitude to what was observed in the chronically programmed clinic setting parameters at 6 months after lead implantation. Improvement in tremor severity was maintained over time even in the off-DBS condition at 6 months, which was supportive of a prolonged microlesion effect. The number of macrostimulation passes, the number of MER passes, and disease duration were not related to the change in tremor severity score over time.

Conclusions
Immediate improvement in postural and intention tremors may result from MER and DBS lead placement in patients undergoing DBS for essential tremor. This improvement could be a predictor of successful DBS lead placement at 6 months. Clinicians rating patients in the operating room should be aware of these effects and should consider using rating scales before and after lead placement to take these effects into account when evaluating outcome in and out of the operating room.
The effects of posterior fossa decompressive surgery in adult patients with Chiari malformation and sleep apnea
Authors: Botelho Ricardo Vieira , Bittencourt Lia Rita Azeredo , Rotta José Marcus , Tufik Sérgio 
Published: August 2009

Object
One of the feared consequences of craniovertebral junction diseases is apnea. Although several cases of patients with central apnea have been described, obstructive sleep apnea has been identified as the most frequent manifestation of sleep respiratory disorder. Neuronal involvement may be responsible for both central and obstructive apneas. The objective of this work was to study the effect of posterior fossa decompressive surgery on respiratory parameters during sleep in patients with craniovertebral junction malformations and breathing-related sleep disorders.

Methods
In this study, prospectively enrolled consecutive symptomatic adult patients were monitored with full-night polysomnography before and after surgical decompression of the cranial posterior fossa.

Results
Of the 25 patients who were evaluated, 68% received a diagnosis of sleep apnea. After surgery, the mean number of respiratory events decreased from 180.70 to 69.29 (p = 0.005); the mean number of obstructive events decreased from 107.37 to 60.58 (p = 0.01); and the mean number of central events decreased from 38.45 to 8.05 (p = 0.01). The mean preoperative apnea/hypopnea index decreased from 26.68 to 12.98 (p = 0.06), and the mean central apnea index decreased from 13.81 to 1.68 (p = 0.01).

Conclusions
Decompressive surgery in patients with craniovertebral junction malformations resulted in decreased respiratory events during sleep, lowered sleep fragmentation, and enhanced the sleep apnea index in a significant number of patients. The effect was more pronounced in patients with central apnea.
The role of T helper cell differentiation in promoting nerve allograft survival with costimulation blockade
Authors: Ray Wilson Z. , Kasukurthi Rahul , Papp Esther M. , Moore Amy M. , Yee Andrew , Hunter Daniel A. , Solowski Nancy L. , Mohanakumar Thalachallour , Mackinnon Susan E. , Tung Thomas H. 
Published: August 2009

Object
Peripheral nerve allografts provide a temporary scaffold for host nerve regeneration and allow for the repair of significant segmental nerve injuries. Despite this potential, nerve allograft transplantation requires temporary systemic immunosuppression. Characterization of the immunological mechanisms involved in the induction of immune hyporesponsiveness to prevent nerve allograft rejection will help provide a basis for optimizing immunomodulation regimens or manipulating donor nerve allografts to minimize or eliminate the need for global immunosuppression.

Methods
The authors used C57Bl/6 mice and STAT4 and STAT6 gene BALB/c knockout mice. A nonvascularized nerve allograft was used to reconstruct a 1-cm sciatic nerve gap in the murine model. A triple costimulatory blockade of the CD40, CD28/B7, and inducible costimulatory (ICOS) pathways was used. Quantitative assessment was performed at 3 weeks with nerve histomorphometry, walking track analysis, and the enzyme-linked immunospot assay.

Results
The STAT6 −/− mice received 3 doses of costimulation-blocking antibodies and had axonal regeneration equivalent to nerve isografts, while treated STAT4 −/− mice demonstrated moderate axonal regeneration but inferior to the T helper cell Type 2–deficient animals. Enzyme-linked immunospot assay analysis demonstrated a minimal immune response in both STAT4 −/− and STAT6 −/− mice treated with a costimulatory blockade.

Conclusions
The authors' findings suggest that Type 1 T helper cells may play a more significant role in costimulatory blockade–induced immune hyporesponsiveness in the nerve allograft model, and that Type 2 T helper differentation may represent a potential target for directed immunosuppression.
Modulation of physiological hemostasis by irrigation solution: comparison of various irrigation solutions using a mouse brain surface bleeding model
Authors: Fujita Yasutaka , Doi Kazuhisa , Harada Daisuke , Kamikawa Shuji 
Published: August 2009

Object
Intraoperative bleeding often obscures the surgical field and may cause neurological damage. The irrigation fluids used during surgery might affect physiological hemostasis because they modulate the extracellular fluid composition of the bleeding area directly. The authors therefore investigated the influence of irrigation fluid on hemostasis in a mouse brain surface bleeding model.

Methods
The cerebral cortices of ddY strain mice were exposed under irrigation with normal saline, lactated Ringer (LR) solution, or artificial CSF (ACF-95). To investigate the influence of electrolytes, calcium, potassium, or both were also added to the saline. After 10 minutes of irrigation at 100 ml/hour, sequential photographs of the surgical area were taken with a microscope, and the number of bleeding points was counted visually. Irrigation and counting were performed in a masked manner.

Results
There were significantly more bleeding points after irrigation with normal saline than with ACF-95; LR solution had a similar effect on physiological hemostasis as ACF-95. Saline augmented with calcium or potassium and calcium was superior to normal saline in terms of hemostasis.

Conclusions
The authors demonstrated that the irrigation fluid used in neurosurgery affects bleeding at the surgical site. To avoid surgical site bleeding, ACF-95 and LR solution should be used as irrigation fluids instead of normal saline. The calcium and potassium content of irrigation solutions seems to be important in hemostasis.
Surgical management of lateral-ventricle metastases: report of 29 cases in a single-institution experience
Authors: Hassaneen Wael , Suki Dima , Salaskar Abhijit L. , Wildrick David M. , Lang Frederick F. , Fuller Gregory N. , Sawaya Raymond 
Published: August 2009

Object
The aim of this study was to review the outcome of patients undergoing surgery for treatment of lateral-ventricle metastases.

Methods
Imaging information and chart reviews of operative reports were used to conduct a retrospective analysis in 29 patients who underwent resection of lateral-ventricle metastases at the authors' institution between 1993 and 2007. Clinical and neurosurgical outcomes and recurrence rates were studied.

Results
The mean patient age was 56 years (range 20–69 years); 66% of patients were male. Single intraventricular metastases occurred in 69% of patients, and 55% of them had systemic metastases. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 7%. There was intracerebral tumor recurrence in 41% of patients, with 1 patient undergoing a second operation for this. The median postoperative survival duration for 28 patients (excluding 1 patient with preoperative leptomeningeal disease) was 11.7 months; the 3- and 5-year survival rates were 17 and 11%, respectively. Univariate analysis identified factors significantly influencing survival, including the preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score (p = 0.02), the number of cerebral metastases (p = 0.02), the presence of primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (p = 0.02), and the resection method (en bloc vs piecemeal; p = 0.05). The presence of extracranial metastases did not significantly influence survival. Multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative KPS score (p = 0.002), the presence of primary RCC (p = 0.039), and the resection method (en bloc vs piecemeal; p = 0.008) correlated significantly with survival time.

Conclusions
Surgery is an important component in the management of intraventricular metastases. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study focusing totally on resection of lateral-ventricle metastases. The authors found that patients with primary RCC, those with a favorable preoperative KPS score, and those who underwent en bloc resection had a better outcome than others.
Functional outcome after complete surgical removal of giant vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Samii Madjid , Gerganov Venelin M. , Samii Amir 
Published: August 2009

Object
The authors evaluated the outcome of radical surgery in a consecutive series of patients with giant vestibular schwannomas (VSs).

Methods
Fifty patients with VSs > 4.0 cm in maximal extrameatal diameter were included in this retrospective study (Group A). The group was compared with a matched group of 167 patients with VSs < 3.9 cm (Group B). In all cases the retrosigmoid approach was used. Outcome measures included completeness of tumor removal, facial nerve function, hearing, and the surgery-related complication rate.

Results
The mean tumor size in Group A was 4.4 cm and that in Group B was 2.3 cm. Total removal was achieved in all Group A patients and in 97.6% of Group B patients. The anatomical integrity of the facial nerve was preserved in 92% in Group A and in 98.8% in Group B. At last follow-up 75% of the patients with giant VSs had excellent or good facial nerve function, 19% had fair function, and 6% had poor function. In 33% of patients (3 cases) with good preoperative hearing level, it was preserved. Newly developed lower cranial nerve dysfunction occurred in 3 patients but proved to be temporary in 2 of them. A CSF leak developed in 6% of those who not previously undergone surgery. Compared with Group B, a significant difference was found only in the rates of the following parameters: excellent facial nerve function, useful and good hearing, lower cranial nerve dysfunction, and blood collection (p < 0.05). The perioperative mortality rate in both groups was 0%.

Conclusions
In patients with a giant VS, total tumor removal can be achieved via the retrosigmoid approach with a 0% mortality rate and low morbidity rate, especially with regards to facial nerve function. In selected cases even hearing preservation is possible. Tumor size significantly correlates with postoperative outcome.
Semi‐blind fast equalization of QAM channels using concurrent gradient‐Newton CMA and soft decision‐directed scheme
Authors: Chen S. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis contribution considers semi‐blind adaptive equalization for communication systems that employ high‐throughput quadrature amplitude modulation signalling. A minimum number of training symbols, approximately equal to the dimension of the equalizer, are first utilized to provide a rough initial least‐squares estimate of the equalizer's weight vector. A novel gradient‐Newton concurrent constant modulus algorithm and soft decision‐directed scheme are then applied to adapt the equalizer. The proposed semi‐blind adaptive algorithm is capable of converging fast and accurately to the optimal minimum mean‐square error equalization solution. Simulation results obtained demonstrate that the convergence speed of this semi‐blind adaptive algorithm is close to that of the training‐based recursive least‐square algorithm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Less conservative criteria for fault accommodation of time‐varying delay systems using adaptive fault diagnosis observer
Authors: Jiang Bin , Zhang Ke , Shi Peng 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper studies the problem of fault accommodation of time‐varying delay systems using adaptive fault diagnosis observer. Based on the proposed fast adaptive fault estimation (FAFE) algorithm using only a measured output, a delay‐dependent criteria is first established to reduce the conservatism of the design procedure, and the FAFE algorithm can enhance the performance of fault estimation. On the basis of fault estimation, the observer‐based fault‐tolerant tracking control is then designed to guarantee tracking performance of the closed‐loop systems. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis is presented to discuss the calculation steps using linear matrix inequality technique. Finally, simulation results of a stirred tank reactor model are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed techniques. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.