bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative length of human kidney as more precise measuring of normal kidney
Authors: Vlajkovic Slobodan , Cukuranovic Rade , Dakovic-Bjelakovic Marija , Ilic Goran , Jaksic Tijana , Cukuranovic Jovana
Published: March 2011

Introduction. Malformations in kidney development and kidney diseases are
accompanied with changes in their size. For kidney evaluation in clinical
practice, the kidney length is the most widely used measurement, since it
provides the most precise results and it is easy to perform. Recently, the
measurement of relative renal length has become more preferable as it takes
into account the body height. The aim of this study was to measure both the
absolute and relative length of normal cadaveric kidneys according to the
body height, sex and age. Material and methods. In this study, we examined 95
adult cadaveric kidneys, without renal and vascular impairment, their age
ranging from 23-87 years. To determine the period of the most abundant
changes in kidney length, we separated them into a 10-year range. The
relative renal length was calculated using the kidney length anybody height
ratio (kidney/body ratio). Results. The absolute and relative length of left
kidney in males was longer than the right one, with a statistically
significant correlation. In females, the left kidney length was also longer
than the right one, however, without a statistical significance. In contrast
to the absolute length, the relative length of both kidneys did not show a
significant difference between sexes, and did not manifest a significant
decrease with age. There was a significant correlation between the kidney
length and the subject?s height. Conclusion. The relative renal length
represents kidney size better than the absolute renal length because it
eliminates sex and height differences until the age of 59 year. From the
seventh decade of life, there is a significant decrease in both the absolute
and relative renal length.
Therapeutical approach to dry eye syndrome
Authors: Stankovic-Babic Gordana , Zlatanovic Gordana , Djordjevic-Jocic Jasmina , Cekic Sonja , Vujanovic Milena
Published: March 2011

Introduction. Dry eye disease or dysfunctional tear syndrome is among the
most frequently established diagnoses in ophthalmology. It can be defined as
a disorder of the tear film resulting in changes in the ocular surface.
Mechanisms in development of dry eye disease. There are many factors causing
dry eye and they can be related to deficiency in any of the components of the
tear film. It has been suggested that dry eye is an inflammatory disorder
that affects the ocular surface and lacrimal gland. Inflammation is the most
important mechanism of corneal and conjunctival cell damage, which is
responsible for the symptoms and signs of ocular surface pathology. Hormonal
imbalance (particularly androgens), neural dysfunction, increased levels of
pro-inflammatory cytokines and loss of immune homeostasis of the lacrimal
gland and ocular surface could be possible mechanisms in the pathogenesis of
dry eye disease. Discussion. The aim of this paper was to review the advances
in the pathogenesis and management of the dry eye disease. The appropriate
dry eye treatment presupposes knowledge of all existing pharmacologic and
non-pharmacologic therapeutic modalities. The mainstay of therapy is still
artificial tears, with anti-inflammatory therapy and punctual occlusion
therapy as second and third line therapies.
Convulsive status epilepticus in children
Authors: Knezevic-Pogancev Marija , Bozic Ksenija , Redzek-Mudrinic Tatjana , Gebauer-Bukurov Ksenija
Published: March 2011

Introduction. Convulsive status epilepticus is the most urgent neurological
medical emergency in children. Generalized convulsive status epilepticus is
the most common and life-threatening type of status epilepticus. It is not a
syndrome in the same sense as febrile convulsions, benign rolandic epilepsy,
and infantile polymorphic epilepsy. These latter disorders have a tight age
frame, seizure semiology, and a reasonably predictable outcome. Episodes of
convulsive status epilepticus can occur in each: occasionally in symptomatic
and febrile convulsions, and Lennox Gastaut syndrome, rarely in benign
rolandic epilepsy, and West syndrome. Etiology of convulsive status
epilepticus. Status epilepticus has many causes, which vary depending on the
age and patient population. Convulsive status epileptucus continues to be
associated with significant neurological morbidity and mortality, with
different hazards and outcome. Although the outcome is dependent on etiology,
it is known that appropriate early management may reduce mortality and some
of the morbidity associated with convulsive status epilepticus. Discussion.
Status epilepticus is a disorder in which the mechanisms attempting at
terminating the seizure fail. Continued convulsive activity in convulsive
status epilepticus results in decompensation of all organs and systems, thus
being life threatening. Seizure activity in convulsive status epilepticus is
associated with neuronal damage. The aim should be to halt this activity
urgently, using, ideally, a 100% effective drug, administered quickly,
without compromising the consciousness level or producing other negative
effects on cardiovascular, respiratory function or other unexpected effects.
Reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament by using two different techniques
Authors: Ristic Vladimir , Ninkovic Srdjan , Harhaji Vladimir , Stankovic Milan , Savic Dragan , Milankov Miroslav
Published: March 2011

Introduction. Modern literature concerning reconstructions of Anterior
Cruciate Ligament is mostly focused on the choice of graft (hamstring or
bone-tendon-bone), its placing, tensioning and fixation. The
bone-hamstring-bone graft consists of compressed cancellous bone on its ends
and it has been developed to achieve a more rigid fixation of the graft. The
aim of this study was to compare the postoperative results in surgically
treated patients two years after the reconstruction of anterior cruciate
ligament. Material and methods. The study included 55 patients divided into
two groups according to the implanted graft: bone-tendon-bone and
bone-hamstring-bone graft. The results were assessed by Tegner and Lysholm
scoring systems, arthrometric measurements, functional tests and
International Knee Documentation Committee standard. Results. The average
postoperative results did not show a statistically significant difference
(p<0.05) between the two groups (94 in the bone-tendon-bone group versus 93
in the bone-hamstring-bone group) according to Lysholm scoring system, nor in
the arthrometric measurements obtained by Lachman test (2.0:2.1). According
to the International Knee Documentation Committee standard, the
bone-hamstring-bone group had more excellent results, but also three
unsatisfactory ones; so, the bone-tendon-bone group was found to have uniform
and better results (100% of excellent and good results vs. 91% in the
bone-hamstring-bone group). Better results were also recorded by Tegner
scoring system in the bone-tendon-bone group (8.6 vs. 7.1) due to the fact
that there were more active athletes and greater preoperative level of
activities in this group (3.1 vs.7.l in the bone-hamstring group).
Conclusions. The choice of graft is a less important factor in the
reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament than its placing, tensioning and
fixation, because a significant difference between groups was recorded only
by the International Knee Documentation Committee standard.
Pattern of Expression of Cell Cycle–related Proteins in Malignant Transformation of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma
Authors: Kim Sun-Gui , Lee O-Young , Choi Jin-Woong , Park Yong-Ho , Kim Yong-Min , Yeo Min-Kyung , Kim Jin-Man , Rha Ki-Sang
Published: March 2011

Background

It has been suggested that sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) can progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); however, mechanisms of malignant transformation are not fully understood. This study investigated alterations in the expression of cell cycle–related proteins in a multistep process of malignant transformation of IPs.

Methods

The expression of cell cycle–related proteins, including p53, p21, p16, and p63, was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 21, 56, 7, and 18 cases of nasal polyps, IPs, IPs with dysplasia, and IPs with SCC, respectively. Furthermore, we determined the possible correlation between the expression of these proteins and clinicopathological variables in patients with IPs with SCC.

Results

Expression of p53 was found only in 8 of 18 IPs with SCC (44.4%). The frequency of p21 positivity was significantly higher in IPs with dysplasia (71.4%) and IPs with SCC (77.8%) compared with nasal polyps (0%) and IPs (12.5%). A p16 positivity was observed in 82.1% of IPs and 57.1% of IPs with dysplasia, whereas 83.3% of IPs with SCC showed an apparent loss of p16 protein expression. A p63 positivity was found in all specimens, but the percentage of positive cells was significantly increased in IPs with dysplasia and IPs with SCC compared with nasal polyps and IPs. There was no significant correlation between the expression of these proteins and clinicopathological variables, such as tumor stage, histological differentiation, and the proportion of malignant areas in patients with IPs with SCC.

Conclusion

Alteration of cell cycle–related proteins may contribute importantly to the malignant transformation from IP to SCC.
Mucosal Cysts in the Paranasal Sinuses: Long-term Follow-up and Clinical Implications
Authors: Moon Il Joon , Kim Sang-Wook , Han Doo Hee , Shin Jae Min , Rhee Chae-Seo , Lee Chul Hee , Min Yang-Gi
Published: March 2011

Background

Although mucosal cysts in the paranasal sinuses (PSMCs) are commonly detected, the long-term follow-up studies of PSMCs are sparse. This study evaluated the natural course of PSMCs and identified risk factors for the disease progression.

Methods

A total of 133 subjects with PSMCs who underwent health checkup including brain magnetic resonance imaging more than two times with an interval of ≥ 24 months between January 2000 and December 2009 were included. The characteristics of PSMCs were analyzed on the initial and follow-up images. Nasal symptoms, smoking status, and comorbid medical conditions were evaluated using structured questionnaires and medical records.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 40.38 months (range, 24.0–109.8 months). The mean size of PSMCs decreased from 15.07 to 12.73 mm. Only 8.3% of subjects showed an increase in size, whereas the size of cysts was decreased or unchanged in the remaining 91.7% of subjects. Six (4.5%) subjects complained of nasal symptoms during follow-up and subsequent sinusitis was developed in 3% of subjects. An increase in cyst size was associated with development of sinusitis (odds ratio = 45.375). Initial size of cysts >20 mm and bilateral location were significant risk factors for progression (p = 0.019 and p = 0.039, respectively).

Conclusion

The majority of PSMCs in this follow-up study were decreased or unchanged and most subjects were asymptomatic. Just observation is enough for most PSMCs. However, those who have a large cyst (>20 mm) or bilateral cysts at initial diagnosis were at risk for disease progression and should be regularly followed.
Nasal Eosinophilia can Predict Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Persistent Rhinitis: Evidence for United Airways Disease Concept
Authors: Canbaz Pelin , üskudar-Teke Havva , Aksu Kurtulus , Keren Metin , Gulbas Zafer , Kurt Emel
Published: March 2011

Background

Nasal eosinophils may be indicative of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in rhinitis concerning the “united airways disease” theory. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between nasal eosinophilia and BHR in persistent perennial rhinitis patients.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients (12 males and 25 females, mean age: 33.3 ± 10.4 years) were included in the study. Skin-prick test, nasal symptom score, nasal smears, methacholine bronchial challenge test, and nasal rhinometry were obtained in all patients. Eosinophil count in nasal smears was expressed as a percentage of the total cells. None of the patients had asthma.

Results

There was no difference between the number of atopic and nonatopic patients having BHR (4/20 versus 4/17; chi-squared = 0.07; p > 0.05). Total nasal flow was lower and percentage of nasal eosinophils was higher in the patients with BHR than in patients without BHR (p = 0.012 and p = 0.009, respectively). A cutoff point of 68% nasal eosinophils yielded a sensitivity of 100% (63.1–100) and a specificity of 58.6% (38.9–76.5) to determine the presence of BHR. Positive likelihood ratio for the value of eosinophils above cutoff value was 2.42 (1.8–3.3).

Conclusion

This study shows the relationship between nasal eosinophils and BHR in persistent perennial rhinitis patients. Nasal eosinophil percentage below cutoff value indicates that a patient does not have BHR.
Allergic Rhinitis and Secondhand Tobacco Smoke: A Population-based Study
Authors: Lin Sandra Y. , Reh Douglas D. , Clipp Sandra , Irani Laili , Navas-Acien Ana
Published: March 2011

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease that affects approximately one-fifth of the U.S. population. Few studies have evaluated the association between secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure and the impacts on symptom severity in AR. In this study, we evaluated the association of SHS and AR in a community-based study of adult nonsmokers.

Methods

In Washington County, Maryland, 83 subjects with AR (physician diagnosed or reported skin test positive), and 117 nonallergic subjects from the same community were recruited and interviewed. A validated questionnaire was used to assess past and present SHS exposure as well as disease-specific quality of life.

Results

SHS was reported in 34/83 allergic subjects. Compared with AR subjects with no SHS exposure, subjects with AR and SHS were more likely to report a family history of chronic sinusitis (p = 0.04) and use nasal decongestants (p = 0.012). There was also a borderline association with reporting more severe nasal obstruction (p = 0.14) and nasal drainage (p = 0.08). Compared with nonallergic subjects, allergic subjects were more likely to report longer SHS exposure currently (adjusted mean difference = 1.6 hours/week; p = 0.01) and 20 years ago (adjusted mean difference = 2.9 hours/week; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Past and current SHS may be a risk factor for AR. Allergic subjects with SHS exposure were more likely to use nasal decongestants and to report more severe nasal symptoms such as nasal obstruction and nasal drainage than nonexposed allergic subjects.
Use of narrow band imaging in evaluation of possible nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ho Ching-Yin , Lee Yi-Lun , Chu Pen-Yuan
Published: March 2011

Background

This study was designed to evaluate the narrow band imaging (NBI) system for its ability to differentiate between malignant neoplasm and benign neoplasm by real-time image during nasopharyngoscopy, the quality of the visualization, and the limitation of the NBI in nasopharyngeal lesions.

Methods

Between June 2009 and May 2010, 63 patients who had a suspected nasopharyngeal tumor via nasopharyngoscopy at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, were included in this study. All of the patients received nasopharyngoscopy with conventional view and NBI view and nasopharyngeal biopsy. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the pathological results: nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and lymphoid hyperplasia/chronic inflammation (LH).

Results

Forty-one patients were in the NPC group and 22 patients were in the LH group. The pattern of the NBI view showed regular cobblestone in the LH group, except for one patient. The pattern of the NBI view showed an irregular engorged vascular pattern and/or microvascular proliferative pattern in 32 of 41 NPC patients (78.0%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of NBI in nasopharynx (NP) were 78.0, 95.5, 97.0, and 70.0%, respectively, in NP neoplasm.

Conclusion

NBI could be helpful in differentiating benign and malignant neoplasm in the NP region. Using NBI in NP regions had some limitations, including bleeding and mucus coating.
Polymorphisms in the nitric oxide synthase 1 gene are associated with severe chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Endam Leandra Mfuna , Filali-Mouhim Abdelali , Bossé Yohan , Castano Roberto , Desrosiers Martin
Published: March 2011

Background

Nitric oxide (NO), is a biological messenger molecule and a component of innate immunity, with important roles in the regulation of inflammation and in defense against bacterial biofilms. Polymorphisms in genes regulating NO production have the potential for a role in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The purpose of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms in genes regulating NO synthesis are associated with CRS.

Methods

An established population of 206 individuals with severe CRS and 196 postal code–matched controls was previously screened using a pooling genome-wide associations study to estimate allelic frequency. Genes regulating NO synthesis with a maximal probability of association were identified. High-probability single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs from the NO synthase (NOS1) and its ligand NOS1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP) genes were retained for individual genotyping. PLINK software was used to determine association.

Results

Sixteen SNPs were genotyped successfully with a genotype distribution in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Two SNPs for NOS1 (rs1483757 and rs9658281) were significantly associated with CRS, with a protective effect. The severe subphenotype showed stronger associations. Subgroup analysis for the presence of nasal polyps, origin, and gender did not influence strength of associations.

Conclusion

These data suggest that polymorphisms in the NOS1 gene may play a role in the susceptibility to develop CRS. Study findings apply to patients with severe CRS, unresponsive to surgery.
Bacterial interference in upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review
Authors: Benninger Michael , Brook Itzhak , Bernstein Joel M. , Casey Janet R. , Roos Kristian , Marple Bradley , Farrar Judith R.
Published: March 2011

Background

Published definitions of bacterial interference (BI) differ, some focusing on changes in the normal flora and others on changes in subsequent infection. A need for consensus was identified at a roundtable discussion of BI in upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). We conducted a systematic review of the available data to justify a consensus definition of BI specific to URTI as “a dynamic, antagonistic interaction between at least 2 organisms that affects the life cycle of each, changes the microenvironment, and alters the organisms’ colonization, invasiveness, and ability to affect the health of the host.”

Methods

Continued communication among the faculty postroundtable was used to identify and refine the search criteria to (1) in vitro and in vivo studies assessing bacterial URTI, (2) BI evaluated by response to treatment of URTI with antimicrobial agents, and (3) bacterial function in relation to interactions between normal (nonpathogenic) and pathological flora. The criteria were applied to systematic searches of MEDLINE (1950 onward), EMBASE (1974 onward), and the Cochrane Library (2007).

Results

Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria, most focused on children with recurrent infections. Qualitative analysis supports the consensus definition. Interfering organisms affected the life cycle of test pathogens and inhibited their colonization, invasiveness, and health outcomes. Data were insufficient for statistical analysis.

Conclusion

Interactions between interfering organisms and potential pathogens isolated from the same host can alter response to infection and treatment. More studies are needed, particularly in adults, to understand the role of interfering organisms, the influence of antibiotics, and the potential for recolonization posttreatment.
The Effectiveness of Steroids for Edema, Ecchymosis, and Intraoperative Bleeding in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Koc Sema , Gürbüzler Levent , Yaman Hüseyin , Eyibilen Ahmet , Süren Mustafa , Kaya Ziya , Yelken Kursat , Aladağ Ibrahim
Published: March 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the dose-related effectiveness of steroids on periorbital edema, ecchymosis, and intraoperative bleeding in patients who underwent open rhinoplasty with osteotomy.

Methods

Forty patients were divided into three groups: those in group 1 (n = 15) were given a single dose of 1-mg/kg intravenous (i.v.) methylprednisolone, those in group 2 (n = 15) were given a single dose of 3-mg/kg i.v. methylprednisolone preoperatively, and group 3 (n = 10) was the control group. Eyelid edema and periorbital soft-tissue ecchymosis were evaluated separately using a scale of 0–4.

Results

In groups using the steroid preoperatively, periorbital edema and ecchymosis were significantly lower compared with the control group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were seen clinically or statistically in preventing or reducing either the periorbital ecchymosis or the periorbital edema between groups 1 and 2. Also, there was no significant difference among the groups in terms of bleeding (p > 0.05). No complications with regard to the operation or steroid use were observed.

Conclusion

Our results support that steroids significantly decrease periorbital ecchymosis and periorbital edema in open rhinoplasty with osteotomy. Additionally, our results suggest that if the dose of steroids is adjusted according to body weight, there is no significant benefit in a single dose of 3 mg/kg of methylprednisolone over a lower dose of 1 mg/kg and there is no need for higher doses of methylprednisolone administration.
The Status of the Olfactory Cleft May Predict Postoperative Olfactory Function in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Kim Dae Woo , Kim Jin-Young , Jeon Sea-Yuong
Published: March 2011

Background

Preoperative inflammation of the olfactory cleft may cause not only the obstruction of this area, but also damage of the olfactory neuroepithelium, resulting in anosmia. Therefore, the evaluation of the affected olfactory cleft by computed tomography (CT) might help predict postoperative olfaction.

Methods

Fifty-two patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps were examined preoperatively and at 6 months after surgery. OMU CT was obtained preoperatively and olfactory function tests such as the butanol threshold test, the cross-cultural smell identification test, and questionnaires were performed at the initial preoperative visit and at 6 months after surgery. The correlation between the status of the olfactory cleft on CT and the postoperative olfactory results were investigated.

Results

The findings of olfactory cleft opacification and the CT scores had a negative correlation with preoperative olfactory results (p < 0.05). The olfactory cleft opacification showed a stronger correlation with the preoperative olfactory results than the CT score. The total olfactory cleft opacification score and anterior olfactory cleft opacification score (AOCS) were more significantly correlated with the postoperative olfactory results than the other parameters (p < 0.05). Among the CT findings, the AOCS was a significant prognostic factor of olfactory results after surgery; these findings were significant on multiple regression analysis (p < 0.05). The postoperative olfactory scores and the improvement of olfactory scores after surgery were increased more in the mild AOCS group than in the moderate and severe AOCS groups (p < 0.05). Recovery and normosmia rates were much better in the mild AOCS group in this study (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Preoperative CT findings, especially the anterior portion of the olfactory cleft, had a statistically significant association with the postoperative olfactory results in patients with CRS with nasal polyps.
Blame and Accountability 1: Understanding Blame and Blame Pathologies
Authors: O'Connor Nick , Kotze Beth , Wright Murray
Published: March 2011

Objective: In this first paper the role and dynamics of blame in the context of medical critical incidents is examined. Blame pathologies are described and the complex nature of medical adverse events and the environment are explored.

Methods: The literature is examined and a case scenario explored.

Results: Evidence regarding effects of a ‘blame culture’ on clinicians and organizations is presented. In an accompanying second paper the place of accountability in relation to clinicians and health organizations is elucidated.

Conclusions: The necessary conditions for an accountable, responsive, fair and transparent health culture are proposed.
Benchmarking Forensic Mental Health Organizations
Authors: Coombs Tim , Taylor Monica , Pirkis Jane
Published: March 2011

Objective: This paper describes the forensic mental health forums that were conducted as part of the National Mental Health Benchmarking Project (NMHBP). These forums encouraged participating organizations to compare their performance on a range of key performance indicators (KPIs) with that of their peers.

Method: Four forensic mental health organizations took part in the NMHBP. Representatives from these organizations attended eight benchmarking forums at which they documented their performance against previously agreed KPIs. They also undertook three special projects which explored some of the factors that might explain inter-organizational variation in performance.

Results: The inter-organizational range for many of the indicators was substantial. Observing this led participants to conduct the special projects to explore three factors which might help explain the variability – seclusion practices, delivery of community mental health services, and provision of court liaison services. The process of conducting the special projects gave participants insights into the practices and structures employed by their counterparts, and provided them with some important lessons for quality improvement.

Conclusions: The forensic mental health benchmarking forums have demonstrated that benchmarking is feasible and likely to be useful in improving service performance and quality.
The National Community Mental Health Care Project in Vietnam: a Review for Future Guidance
Authors: Ng Chee Hong , Than Phong Thai , La Cuong Duc , Van Than Quang , Van Dieu Chu
Published: March 2011

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to review the national community mental health care (CMHC) project in Vietnam and recommend improvements to the model based on findings reported at a national workshop of major service providers, and supplemented by information gathered from site visits and discussions with mental health leaders, professionals and stakeholders in the hospital and community mental health services.

Conclusion: Since 2000, the CMHC project has been carried out in all 63 provinces with an overall national district coverage of around 64% and a total registry of 145 160 patients. It demonstrates a commitment by the government to integrate mental health into primary health care, in line with the World Health Organization recommendations, and set up a national community mental health network. Free treatment is provided for patients, mostly with schizophrenia (62.83%) and epilepsy (34.78%), at the local community level, and a national monitoring system is well established. However, the limitations include the lack of project funds, human resources and facilities, treatment scope, and linkages with families and community. A revised model of CMHC that builds on the strengths of existing services is proposed. While progress in community mental health care in Vietnam has been significant, many challenges facing the CMHC project need addressing.
Naming our sexualities
Authors: Pratt Ewing Katherine
Published: March 2011

Terms of a Western discourse of homosexuality shape conflicts surrounding
sexual identity that are faced by many Muslims, especially those who
live in diasporic communities. Many use essentialized categories to articulate their
sexual orientations and express incommensurabilities between their sexuality and
their identities as Muslims. This article argues that discursive constructions of the
Muslim as traditional other to the secular sexual subject of a modern democracy
generate an uninhabitable subject position that sharply dichotomizes sexual orientations
and Muslim family/religious orientations, a dichotomization that is reinforced
by well-publicized backlashes against open homosexuality in several
Muslim countries. Yet observations made during ethnographic field research in
Pakistan, as well as scholarly evidence from other Muslim countries, suggest that
many Muslims are less troubled by sex and desire in all their possible forms than
they are by the peculiar modern practice of naming our sexualities as the basis for
secular public identities.
The nationalization of desire
Authors: Schinkel Willem
Published: March 2011

Dutch discourse on “integration” is currently characterized by a strong
focus on the “culture” of especially Turks and Moroccans, two minority populations
in Dutch society mostly of Muslim orientation. This article discusses the issue
of the “import bride” as a case study of contemporary culturist discourse. It
argues that this issue is problematized because transnational marriage is construed
as circumventing loyalty to Dutch society and nation-state.
Perceived Environmental Factors Associated with Physical Activity among Normal-Weight and Overweight Japanese Men
Authors: Liao Yung , Harada Kazuhiro , Shibata Ai , Ishii Kaori , Oka Koichiro , Nakamura Yoshio , Inoue Shigeru , Shimomitsu Teruichi
Published: March 2011

Although it is crucial to examine the environmental correlates of physical activity (PA) for developing more effective interventions for overweight populations, limited studies have investigated differences in the environmental correlates on body mass index (BMI). The purpose of the present study was to examine the perceived environmental correlates of PA among normal-weight and overweight Japanese men. Data were analyzed for 1,420 men (aged 44.4 ± 8.3 years), who responded to an internet-based cross-sectional survey of answering the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and its Environment Module. Binary logistic regression analyses were utilized to examine the environmental factors associated with meeting the PA recommendation (150 minutes/week) between the normal-weight and overweight men. After adjusting for socio-demographic variables, common and different environmental correlates of PA were observed among normal-weight and overweight men. Furthermore, significant interactions regarding PA were observed between BMI status and two environmental correlates: access to public transportation (P = 0.03) and crime safety during the day (P = 0.01). The results indicated that BMI status is a potential moderator between perceived environmental factors and PA and suggested that different environmental intervention approaches should be developed for overweight populations.
A Compact Digital Pixel Sensor (DPS) Using 2T-DRAM
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Leomant Sylvain , Lau Ka Lai , Bermak Amine
Published: March 2011

In digital pixel sensors (DPS), memory elements typically occupy large silicon area of the pixel, which significantly reduces the pixel’s fill factor while increases its size, power and cost. In this work, we propose to reduce DPS memory’s area and power overhead by reducing the memory requirements with a multi-reset integration scheme, and meanwhile employing a dynamic memory instead of traditionally exploited large 6T-SRAM cell. The operation of the DPS takes advantage from the chronological change of the code, which results in reduced memory needs without affecting the light resolution. In the proposed implementation, a 4-bit in-pixel memory is used to reduce the pixel size, and an 8-bit resolution is achieved with multi-reset scheme. In addition, full complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) 2T DRAM and selective refresh scheme are adoptedto implement the memory elements and further increase the area savings. This paper presents the proposed multi-reset integration methodology and its implementation with dedicated memory circuits. Proposed architecture is validated by a prototype chip fabricated using AMS 0.35 μm CMOS technology. Reported experimental results are compared with relative works.
Low Molecular Weight pDMAEMA-block-pHEMA Block-Copolymers Synthesized via RAFT-Polymerization: Potential Non-Viral Gene Delivery Agents?
Authors: Samsonova Olga , Pfeiffer Christian , Hellmund Markus , Merkel Olivia M. , Kissel Thomas
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate non-viral pDNA carriers based on diblock-copolymers consisting of poly(2-(dimethyl amino)ethyl methacrylate) (pDMAEMA) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA). Specifically the block-lengths and molecular weights were varied to determine the minimal requirements for transfection. Such vectors should allow better transfection at acceptable toxicity levels and the entire diblock-copolymer should be suitable for renal clearance. For this purpose, a library of linear poly(2-(dimethyl amino)ethyl methacrylate-block-poly(2-hydroxyl methacrylate) (pDMAEMA-block-pHEMA) copolymers was synthesized via RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer) polymerization in a molecular weight (Mw) range of 17–35.7 kDa and analyzed using 1H and 13C NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), ATR (attenuated total reflectance), GPC (gel permeation chromatography) and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry). Copolymers possessing short pDMAEMA-polycation chains were 1.4–9.7 times less toxic in vitro than polyethylenimine (PEI) 25 kDa, and complexed DNA into polyplexes of 100–170 nm, favorable for cellular uptake. The DNA-binding affinity and polyplex stability against competing polyanions was comparable with PEI 25 kDa. The zeta-potential of polyplexes of pDMAEMA-grafted copolymers remained positive (+15–30 mV). In comparison with earlier reported low molecular weight homo pDMAEMA vectors, these diblock-copolymers showed enhanced transfection efficacy under in vitro conditions due to their lower cytotoxicity, efficient cellular uptake and DNA packaging. The homo pDMAEMA115 (18.3 kDa) self-assembled with DNA into small positively charged polyplexes, but was not able to transfect cells. The grafting of 6 and 57 repeating units of pHEMA (0.8 and 7.4 kDa) to pDMAEMA115 increased the transfection efficacy significantly, implying a crucial impact of pHEMA on vector-cell interactions. The intracellular trafficking, in vivo transfection efficacy and kinetics of low molecular weight pDMAEMA-block-pHEMA are subject of ongoing studies.
Hyperspectral and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Imaging to Analyse the Impact of Fusarium culmorum on the Photosynthetic Integrity of Infected Wheat Ears
Authors: Bauriegel Elke , Giebel Antje , Herppich Werner B.
Published: March 2011

Head blight on wheat, caused by Fusarium spp., is a serious problem for both farmers and food production due to the concomitant production of highly toxic mycotoxins in infected cereals. For selective mycotoxin analyses, information about the on-field status of infestation would be helpful. Early symptom detection directly on ears, together with the corresponding geographic position, would be important for selective harvesting. Hence, the capabilities of various digital imaging methods to detect head blight disease on winter wheat were tested. Time series of images of healthy and artificially Fusarium-infected ears were recorded with a laboratory hyperspectral imaging system (wavelength range: 400 nm to 1,000 nm). Disease-specific spectral signatures were evaluated with an imaging software. Applying the ‘Spectral Angle Mapper’ method, healthy and infected ear tissue could be clearly classified. Simultaneously, chlorophyll fluorescence imaging of healthy and infected ears, and visual rating of the severity of disease was performed. Between six and eleven days after artificial inoculation, photosynthetic efficiency of infected compared to healthy ears decreased. The severity of disease highly correlated with photosynthetic efficiency. Above an infection limit of 5% severity of disease, chlorophyll fluorescence imaging reliably recognised infected ears. With this technique, differentiation of the severity of disease was successful in steps of 10%. Depending on the quality of chosen regions of interests, hyperspectral imaging readily detects head blight 7 d after inoculation up to a severity of disease of 50%. After beginning of ripening, healthy and diseased ears were hardly distinguishable with the evaluated methods.
Variabilité hydrologique et vulnérabilité des populations du Lago Janauaca (Amazonas, Brésil)
Authors: Drapeau Guillaume , Mering Catherine , Ronchail Josyane , Filizola Naziano
Published: March 2011

Étroitement liées à la pulsation saisonnière des crues de l’Amazone, les activités des petits paysans et pêcheurs des várzeas sont particulièrement sensibles aux manifestations plus extrêmes de la variabilité hydrologique. Ce travail propose d’appréhender la vulnérabilité de ces communautés riveraines aux crues et étiages extrêmes autour du Lago Janauaca, près de Manaus, dans un contexte climatique d’intensification du cycle hydrologique. Dans un premier temps nous proposons de caractériser la variabilité hydrologique du Rio Solimões et son impact spatial sur le Lago. Si l’extension du phénomène est frappante, les dynamiques anthropiques sur les rives du lac sont elles aussi importantes. Celles-ci s’expliquent plus par l’ouverture de pistes entre le lac et la BR319, que par l’expansion des cultures traditionnelles qui restent modérée. Enfin, une série d’entretiens menés auprès des riverains dévoile une relation complexe entre les différentes activités des populations et les extrêmes hydrologiques. Les sécheresses y apparaissent comme les perturbations majeures, non seulement à cause de leurs impacts sur les cultures, mais surtout en raison des difficultés qu’elles entraînent pour les mobilités locale et régionale.
Breves considerações sobre o papel de Pierre Monbeig na formação do pensamento geomorfológico uspiano
Authors: Vitte Antonio Carlos
Published: March 2011

Esse trabalho argumenta que o pensamento geomorfológico uspiano desenvolveu-se a partir das reflexões de Pierre Monbeig. Nesse processo, a noção de complexo geográfico, definido a partir de uma relação entre a Cultura e a Natureza ao longo da história material da sociedade, permitiu compreender o relevo como arquitetura necessária ao desenvolvimento da história territorial de uma região. A influência direta desse postulado é a obra de Aziz Nacib Ab’Saber, onde se organiza a geomorfologia geográfica uspiana e que marcará a interpretação do relevo brasileiro, em termos de recursos analíticos, epistêmicos e metodológicos
Analysis of Wheel Set Longitudinal Vibration and the Correlated Dynamic Performance
Authors: Ma Wei Hua , Luo Shi Hui , Song Rong Rong
Published: March 2011

Wheel set longitudinal vibration is a self-excited vibration when railway vehicle is running on the track, which is one of the important reasons of wheel tread spalling problem, and will cause the dynamic performance worse of the vehicle. To investigate the happen mechanism of the wheel set longitudinal vibration, the 7 degree of freedoms wheel set longitudinal vibration model which considers the torsion vibration of the wheel axle was set up based on Matlab. From the point of view of frequency and vibration, put forward one kind of forecast method of the happen of wheel set longitudinal vibration. Wheel set longitudinal vibration will lead car body to suffer an impact in the longitudinal direction and this would cause car body tremble and have a big vertical vibration. Take the locomotive which has severe wheel tread spalling problem running on the Kunming meter track for example to test the effect of the wheel set longitudinal vibration theory to solve the wheel tread spalling problem. Solve wheel tread damage from the aspect of dynamic is an evolution method and Wheel set longitudinal dynamic is the extension of the wheel/rail dynamic.
Using Artificial Neural Networks in Investigations on the Effects of Ultrasonic Vibrations on the Extrusion Process
Authors: Pazand Kamran , Feizi Hawshin
Published: March 2011

Neural Networks are powerful data modeling tools that are capable of capturing and representing complex input/output relationships. The motivation for the development of neural network technology stemmed from the desire to develop an artificial system that could perform "intelligent" tasks similar to those performed by the human brain. Using artificial neural network in approximating of complex data is one of easy way to save time and cost. Ultrasonic vibrations can be applied on the die during the extrusion process. Numerical and experimental analyses have been already performed in the literature on the application of ultrasonic vibrations on the wire drawing, deep drawing, upsetting and rolling processes. No attempts have been made to investigate on the effects of ultrasonic vibrations on the forward extrusion process, yet. A detailed analysis and understanding of the mechanism of improvement is not possible on the basis of conventional experimental observations because ultrasonic vibration processing phenomenon occur at high speeds. Hence, in order to progress the perceptive of the mechanism of ultrasonic vibration extrusion, the finite element analysis was performed by using the explicit analysis procedure. The proposed approach builds on a comprehensive Neuro-Finite Element simulation of the effects of ultrasonic vibration on the forward extrusion. Then use the resulting data to train a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) Neural Network which would predict –accurately enough- those quantities throughout the speeds, vibration amplitudes and frequencies, friction factors and reductions body for any given input vector. The resulting neural simulator is intended to replace the computationally expensive cost-function evaluators that are traditionally used in numerical optimization algorithms. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach, we examine data from FEM as from training with together ultrasonic vibration using the constructed neural simulator and present the results.
Dynamic Behavior of Bubble near Vertical Plate in Underwater Explosion
Authors: Li Jian , Rong Ji Li , Xiang Da Lin
Published: March 2011

In this study, the volume-acceleration model was introduced to determine the initial condition for bubble motion during underwater explosion. Subroutines, which defined the initial and boundary conditions of the fluid field, were developed based on MSC.DYTTAN software. Numerical simulations were compared with the results of validated experimental data. From the basic phenomenon of interaction between a bubble and a vertical rigid wall, the dynamic behavior of a bubble near a vertical rigid wall was simulated and analyzed. The dynamic behavior of bubble and the jet were studied systematically and summarized relative to the law that both of the motion of bubble and water jet are closely related with the standoff distance parameter. The results of this study have valuable implications for correlative theory research and engineering calculation.
Analysis on the Effect of Parameters Variation on Dynamic Stress Intensity Factor of Asphalt Overlay Reflective Crack
Authors: Yang Bin , Huang Qin Shou , Xiong Bin , Xu Hua
Published: March 2011

With dynamic stress intensity factor (DSIF) as a characteristic parameter, this paper makes an analysis on the effect of parameters variation of vehicle speed, asphalt overlay thickness, modulus and old cement concrete pavement joint width on asphalt overlay reflective crack by investigating the variation law of reflective crack of asphalt overlay structure suffer wheel load. The results show that: the maximum dynamic stress intensity factor decreases with the increase of speed. Numerical value of maximum dynamic stress intensity factor is larger than the corresponding value of the static load. The longer the initial crack, the less the times of sustaining load of the same extending length. The increase of asphalt overlay thickness can reduce the value of dynamic stress intensity factor to a certain extent. With the augmentation of asphalt overlay modulus, the effect of dynamic load on reflective crack can be reduced in some degree. Dynamic stress intensity factor increases with the increase of joint width.
Calculation and Experiment of Soot Emission for a Directed Injection Engine
Authors: Liu Yong Feng , Tian Hong Sen , Yang Jian Wei , Sun Jian Min , Zhou Qin Hui
Published: March 2011

To calculate soot for a high-pressure common rail diesel engine a new soot model (TP model) is presented.. In soot source term phase, when zone temperature T<1500K, gas-phase kinetics is considered and the soot precursors –PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) is calculated. When zone temperature T ≥ 1500K, the gas-phase chemistry and soot source terms are calculated. The soot model integrated with the new auto-ignition models is then applied in multidimensional simulations. The TP model is then implemented in KIVA code instead of original model to carry out optimizing. The results of soot with variation of injection time, variation of rail pressure and variation of speed among TP model, KIVA standard model and experimental data are analyzed. The results indicate that the TP model can carry out optimization and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) and can be a tool to calculate for a high-pressure common rail directed injection diesel engine.
Research on Resource Scheduling Algorithm Integrating Task Weight and Multi-QoS Constraint
Authors: Chen Jing , Liu Ming Xin
Published: March 2011

To improve the utilization ratio of resources and the complete number of tasks, a kind of a new grid resource scheduling algorithm TWMQC (based on Task Weight and Multi-QoS Constraint) integrating multi-QoS constraint with task weight was proposed. The accomplished process of grid resource scheduling algorithm was transformed multi attribute constraints of resource and task, according to the parametric resource information and task information, classified different task weight sets based on the priority of tasks. Multi-QoS constraints of deadline of gridlets, bandwidth and CPU were defined, and the correlative algorithms were simulated by the GridSim toolkits. The simulation results show that algorithm TWMQC, which integrating multi-QoS constraint and tasks weight is superior in solving such kind of issues by comparing and analyzing the result data.
Hilbert-Huang Spectral Analysis of Natural Wind Speed
Authors: Xu Fu You , Chen Ai Rong , Lou Wen Juan , Zhang Zhe
Published: March 2011

The basic concepts and theories of Hilbert-Huang-Transformation (HHT) for signal analysis is introduced and its implementation procedure is programmed. For the collected three orthogonal directions wind speed signals at a measuring point at Sutong Bridge site, Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is conducted to extract the Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs). Hilbert transformation is performed on IMFs and its marginal amplitude spectra and amplitude spectra are achieved. The orthogonal exponential matrix that reflects the orthogonalities between the IMFs is obtained, and eigenvalue decomposition is carried out. The results show that the measured wind speed appears non-stationary nature, even for the same measuring point, for the wind speed at different directions, the dominant frequencies are distinct.