bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of low‐frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the viability of ischemic skin flaps in the rat: An amplitude study
Authors: Liebano Richard Eloin , Abla Luiz Eduardo Felipe , Ferreira Lydia Masako
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of low‐frequency (2 Hz) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the viability of ischemic skin flaps in the rat. Seventy‐five EPM1‐Wistar rats were used. The random skin flap measuring 10 × 4 cm was raised and a plastic barrier was placed between the flap and its bed. After the surgical procedure, animals in all groups were kept anesthetized for 1 hour, with electrodes placed at the base of the flap, and received the assigned treatment. The animals were randomized into five groups (G1–G5) and each group was subjected to the following procedures, which were repeated on the 2 subsequent days: G1—sham stimulation (control); G2—transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS (f=2 Hz,I=5 mA), G3—TENS (f=2 Hz,I=10 mA), G4—TENS (f=2 Hz,I=15 mA), G5—TENS (f=2 Hz,I=20 mA). Seven days after treatment, the percentage of flap necrosis was determined. For each group, the mean±SEM percentage of flap necrosis was as follows: G1 group (control), 43.88±2.02%; G2 group, 39.20±3.17%; G3 group, 38.57±4.08%; G4 group, 32.14±2.89%; and G5 group, 44.13±2.98%. The G4 group had the smallest necrotic area compared with the control group. The low‐frequency TENS treatment was effective in improving the viability of ischemic skin flap.
Assessing the effect of an antimicrobial wound dressing on biofilms
Authors: Percival Steven L. , Bowler Phil , Woods Emma J.
Published: August 2008

To date the effect of silver‐containing wound dressings on biofilms, known to be present in chronic wounds, has not been determined or documented. In this current study, we aimed to determine the antimicrobial effect of a silver‐containing dressing on biofilms grown in a chambered slide model. Before the addition of a wound dressing onto a 24‐hour biofilm, composed of either Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus aureus, or a mixed bacterial community, a fluorescent dye was applied. This enabled the viability of sessile bacteria to be monitored in real‐time, using a rapid form of confocal laser scanning microscopy over a contact time period of 48 hours. By analyzing all the three‐dimensional data generated from the confocal time‐lapse sequences, 90% of all sessile bacteria within the biofilm were observed to progressively turn red (i.e., died) within 24 hours. Total bacterial kill in the biofilm was achieved after 48 hours. This research has shown that the dressing was effective in killing the tested bacteria evident in both the tested mono and polymicrobial biofilms, which provides valuable evidence that this dressing may have an effect on biofilms found in recalcitrant chronic wounds.
Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight Infants of Hispanic, African American, and White Women in Bexar County, Texas
Authors: Tierney‐Gumaer Rosalie , Reifsnider Elizabeth
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the risk factors in women who delivered an infant of low birth weight (LBW, <2,500 g) versus women who delivered an infant weighing >2,500 g in a large metropolitan county (Bexar) in South Texas.

Design: An exploratory case comparison design was used to identify factors related to LBW outcomes in women receiving prenatal care.

Sample: The cases were obtained from community hospitals. A stratified random sample was selected from a population of 38,064 infant births, of which 2,910 were identified as LBW. The final sample size was N=321 (<2,500 g, n=151; ≥2,500 g, n=170).

Measurements: Dependent variable of infant birth weight; independent variables of maternal age, maternal race/ethnicity, education, smoking, prior pregnancy history, timing of and number of prenatal visits, prepregnancy body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy, and past medical history and medical problems during pregnancy.

Results: Independent variables found to be predictive of LBW in this study included maternal race/ethnicity, timing of first prenatal visit, number of prenatal visits, prior pregnancy history, and maternal weight gain.

Conclusions: This study confirmed previous findings that African American women are at a higher risk for LBW deliveries and demonstrated that Anglo and Hispanic women have similar rates of LBW deliveries.
Experiences of Homeless People in the Health Care Delivery System: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
Authors: Martins Diane Cocozza
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of this research is to understand the experiences of homeless people with the health care system.

Design: A descriptive Phenomenological research design is used. Phenomenology is the philosophical underpinning of this research.

Sample: The purposive sample consists of 15 homeless adults.

Method: Interviews were conducted, tape‐recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed the transcripts using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method.

Results: 4 major themes emerged: (1) living without essential resources compromises health; (2) putting off health care until a crisis arises; (3) encountering barriers to receiving health care to include (a) social triage, (b) feeling labeled and stigmatized, (c) a nonsystem for health care for the homeless, (d) being treated with disrespect, and (e) feeling invisible to health care providers; and (4) developing underground resourcefulness.

Conclusions and Implications: Although homeless persons articulated many problems in the health care system encounters, they also described their own resourcefulness and the strategies they employ to manage being marginalized by society and the health care system. An increased understanding of health care experiences from the homeless persons' perspective can guide public health nursing emancipatory actions.
Strengthening New Fathers' Skills in Interaction With Their 5‐Month‐Old Infants: Who Benefits From a Brief Intervention?
Authors: Benzies Karen , Magill‐Evans Joyce , Harrison Margaret J. , MacPhail Sandra , Kimak Cathy
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To determine the utility of a parenting education program for fathers of infants, and to determine which fathers benefited.

Design: Fathers' perceptions of the program's utility were captured in a brief, structured interview. Using secondary data analysis, pretest/posttest father‐infant interaction scores of fathers who improved were compared with those of fathers who did not. Demographic predictors of improvement were identified using multiple regression.

Sample: Community sample of 81 adult, English‐speaking, primarily European Canadian, first‐time fathers of 5‐month‐old infants, who participated in the intervention group of a randomized controlled trial.

Intervention: When infants were 5 and 6 months old, videotaped self‐modeling and positive feedback about father‐infant interaction were provided by specially trained nurses.

Measurements: Father‐infant interaction was assessed at baseline (5 months) and outcome (8 months) using the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale.

Results: Fathers found the program useful, indicating that their needs for educational programs are different from mothers. Controlling for baseline interactions, demographic variables did not significantly predict fathers' outcome interactions.

Conclusions: The program may prove useful in public health settings where implementing programs for fathers of infants is a priority. Future research needs to explore other predictors to identify fathers who will benefit from the program.
Culture Brokerage Strategies in Diabetes Education
Authors: Alexander Gina K. , Uz Sharon W. , Hinton Ivora , Williams Ishan , Jones Randy
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this article is to describe the elements of culture brokerage as applied in a recent educational pilot study among rural African Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Culture Brokerage is a nursing intervention consisting of mediation between the traditional health beliefs and practices of a patient's culture and the health care system. The intervention of Culture Brokerage holds particular relevance for clinicians who work with chronically ill patients, including those with diabetes. Diabetes prevalence rates continue to rise with alarming swiftness, affecting people of all age groups and ethnicities. The burden of disease, however, disproportionately falls on ethnic minority groups, including African Americans. Notable health disparities in the prevalence and long‐term complications of diabetes warrant the attention of health care professionals. One way in which public health nurses can address these disparities is to apply strategies of culture brokerage.
The Influence of Age on Changes in Health‐Related Quality of Life over Three Years in a Cohort Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Unruh Mark L. , Newman Anne B. , Larive Brett , Amanda Dew Mary , Miskulin Dana C. , Greene Tom , Beddhu Srinivasan , Rocco Michael V. , Kusek John W. , Meyer Klemens B. ,   the Hemodialysis Study Group
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To assess the extent to which persons aged 70 and older undergoing hemodialysis (HD) had greater changes in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) over 3 years than younger patients undergoing HD.

DESIGN: Longitudinal.

SETTING: The Hemodialysis Study (HEMO Study) was a randomized, clinical trial of the effects of HD dose and membrane flux on mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing chronic dialysis.

PARTICIPANTS: Secondary analysis of the HEMO Study.

MEASUREMENTS: Participants completed the Index of Well‐Being (IWB) and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life—Long Form (KDQOL‐LF), which also includes the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Questionnaire (SF‐36) annually. Changes in subjects those aged 70 and older were compared with changes in subjects aged 55 to 69 and 18 to 54.

RESULTS: At baseline, 1,813 (98%) of HEMO participants completed HRQOL surveys. Their mean age was 58, 56% were female, 64% were black, and mean duration of dialysis was 3.8 years. In subjects with HRQOL data at the first three annual assessments, there were no substantial mean declines in the SF‐36 Physical or Mental Component Summary scales over 3 years. In models incorporating effects of attrition, the differences in average change over 3 years between patients undergoing HD aged 70 and older and the younger cohorts were small in magnitude. There were high rates of adverse HRQOL events in all age groups and significantly higher composite event rates of death or clinically significant decline in HRQOL over 3 years was found in subjects aged 70 and older.

CONCLUSION: Although HRQOL was impaired in the population undergoing HD, HRQOL scores at baseline reflect a better‐preserved multidimensional quality of life in respondents in the HEMO Study aged 70 and older than in younger patients undergoing HD. There was no substantial relationship between age and average decline in HRQOL score over 3 years in participants in the HEMO Study.
Development and Implementation of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination to Provide Formative Feedback on Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Geriatric Training
Authors: O'Sullivan Patricia , Chao Serena , Russell Matthew , Levine Sharon , Fabiny Anne
Published: August 2008

Teaching and assessment of communication and interpersonal skills, one of the American Council for Graduate Medical Education–designated core competencies, is an important but difficult task in the training of physicians. Assessment of trainees offers an opportunity to provide explicit feedback on their skills and encourages learning. This article describes a pilot study in which clinician‐educators affiliated with the geriatrics training programs at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston University Medical Center designed and piloted a novel Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) to assess the communication and interpersonal skills of medical, dental, and geriatric psychiatry fellows. The OSCE consisted of three stations where geriatricians and standardized patients evaluated candidates using specifically designed checklists and an abbreviated version of the Master Interview Rating Scale. Communication skills were assessed through performance of specific “real life” clinical tasks, such as obtaining a medical history, explaining a diagnosis and prognosis, giving therapeutic instructions, and counseling. Interpersonal skills were assessed through the effect of the communication between doctor and standardized patient on fostering trust, relieving anxiety, and establishing a therapeutic relationship. This pilot study demonstrated that the OSCE format of assessment provides a valid means of evaluating the communication and interpersonal skills of interdisciplinary geriatric trainees and provides a valuable forum for formative assessment and feedback. Given that geriatricians and non geriatricians involved in elder care both need communication and interpersonal skills, this novel OSCE can be used for assessment of these skills in trainees in diverse healthcare subspecialties.
High Piezoelectric d33 Coefficient in Li/Ta/Sb‐Codoped Lead‐Free (Na,K)NbO3 Ceramics Sintered at Optimal Temperature
Authors: Zhao Pei , Zhang Bo‐Ping
Published: August 2008

Lead‐free Li‐doped (Na,K)NbO3 ceramics with codopants of Ta and Sb with a nominal composition of [(Na0.535K0.480)0.942Li0.058](Nb0.86Ta0.10Sb0.04)O3 were prepared by normal sintering. The microstructure and piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and dielectric properties were investigated, with a special emphasis on the influence of sintering temperature from 1070° to 1100°C. All samples showed a pure pervoskite phase with tetragonal symmetry. The microstructure became denser but the volatilization of Na and K became intense on increasing the sintering temperature. Despite the absence of MPB‐like transitional behavior, the piezoelectric coefficient (d33), electromechanical coupling coefficient (kp), and dielectric constant (ɛ) showed peak values of 264 pC/N, 35.6%, and 689.4, respectively, which were obtained in the sample sintered at 1090°C, and its Curie temperature (TC) was about 338°C. An even higher d33 value can be expected if the MPB‐like transitional composition range is further determined by compensating the Na and K contents.
Inhibition of atopic dermatitis‐like skin lesions by topical application of a novel ceramide derivative, K6PC‐9p, in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Kang Jong Soon , Yoon Won Kee , Youm Jong‐Kyung , Jeong Se Kyoo , Park Byeong Deog , Han Mi Hwa , Lee Hyunju , Moon Eun‐Yi , Han Sang‐Bae , Lee Chang Woo , Lee Kiho , Park Song‐Kyu , Yang Kyu‐Hwan , Kim Hwan Mook
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that commonly begins in childhood. K6PC‐9p (N‐(Ethyl dihydrogenphosphate)‐2‐hexyl‐3‐oxo‐decanamide) is a synthetic ceramide derivative of PC‐9S (N‐Ethanol‐2‐mirystyl‐3‐oxo‐staramide), which was known to be effective in atopic patients. In this study, we examined the effect of topical application of K6PC‐9p on skin inflammation and AD‐like skin lesions in mouse models. K6PC‐9p dose‐dependently inhibited phorbol ester‐induced increase in ear thickness in BALB/c mice. Moreover, topical application of K6PC‐9p suppressed dust mite extract‐induced AD‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. Histopathological analysis revealed that both ear swelling and leucocyte infiltration were suppressed by K6PC‐9p treatment. K6PC‐9p also suppressed IL‐4 and TNF‐α expression in the ears and mast cell infiltration into the ears in NC/Nga mice. Further study demonstrated that K6PC‐9p inhibited ConA‐induced IL‐4 secretion and LPS‐induced macrophage activation. Taken together, our results showed that topical application of K6PC‐9p exerts beneficial effects in animal model of skin inflammation and AD, suggesting that K6PC‐9p might be a promising topical agent for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.
Subtle gene–environment interactions driving paranoia in daily life
Authors: Simons C. J. P. , Wichers M. , Derom C. , Thiery E. , Myin‐Germeys I. , Krabbendam L. , Van Os J.
Published: August 2008

It has been suggested that genes impact on the degree to which minor daily stressors cause variation in the intensity of subtle paranoid experiences. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met in part mediate genetic effects on paranoid reactivity to minor stressors. In a general population sample of 579 young adult female twins, on the one hand, appraisals of (1) event‐related stress and (2) social stress and, on the other hand, feelings of paranoia in the flow of daily life were assessed using momentary assessment technology for five consecutive days. Multilevel regression analyses were used to examine moderation of daily life stress‐induced paranoia by COMT Val158Met and BDNF Val66Met genotypes. Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase Val carriers displayed more feelings of paranoia in response to event stress compared with Met carriers. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor Met carriers showed more social‐stress‐induced paranoia than individuals with the Val/Val genotype. Thus, paranoia in the flow of daily life may be the result of gene–environment interactions that can be traced to different types of stress being moderated by different types of genetic variation.
Increased glucose metabolism and ATP level in brain tissue of Huntington’s disease transgenic mice
Authors: Oláh Judit , Klivényi Péter , Gardián Gabriella , Vécsei László , Orosz Ferenc , Kovacs Gabor G. , Westerhoff Hans V. , Ovádi Judit
Published: August 2008

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by multifarious dysfunctional alterations including mitochondrial impairment. In the present study, the formation of inclusions caused by the mutation of huntingtin protein and its relationship with changes in energy metabolism and with pathological alterations were investigated both in transgenic and 3‐nitropropionic acid‐treated mouse models for HD. The HD and normal mice were characterized clinically; the affected brain regions were identified by immunohistochemistry and used for biochemical analysis of the ATP‐producing systems in the cytosolic and the mitochondrial compartments. In both HD models, the activities of some glycolytic enzymes were somewhat higher. By contrast, the activity of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase was much lower in the affected region of the brain compared to that of the control. Paradoxically, at the system level, glucose conversion into lactate was enhanced in cytosolic extracts from the HD brain tissue, and the level of ATP was higher in the tissue itself. The paradox could be resolved by taking all the observed changes in glycolytic enzymes into account, ensuing an experiment‐based detailed mathematical model of the glycolytic pathway. The mathematical modelling using the experimentally determined kinetic parameters of the individual enzymes and the well‐established rate equations predicted the measured flux and concentrations in the case of the control. The same mathematical model with the experimentally determined altered Vmax values of the enzymes did account for an increase of glycolytic flux in the HD sample, although the extent of the increase was not predicted quantitatively. This suggested a somewhat altered regulation of this major metabolic pathway in HD tissue. We then used the mathematical model to develop a hypothesis for a new regulatory interaction that might account for the observed changes; in HD, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase may be in closer proximity (perhaps because of the binding of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase to huntingtin) with aldolase and engage in channelling for glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate. By contrast to most of the speculation in the literature, our results suggest that the neuronal damage in HD tissue may be associated with increased energy metabolism at the tissue level leading to modified levels of various intermediary metabolites with pathological consequences.
Probing the rotor subunit interface of the ATP synthase from Ilyobacter tartaricus
Authors: Pogoryelov Denys , Nikolaev Yaroslav , Schlattner Uwe , Pervushin Konstantin , Dimroth Peter , Meier Thomas
Published: August 2008

The interaction between the c11 ring and the γε complex, forming the rotor of the Ilyobacter tartaricus ATP synthase, was probed by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and in vitro reconstitution analysis. The results provide, for the first time, a direct and quantitative assessment of the stability of the rotor. The data indicated very tight binding between the c11 ring and the γε complex, with an apparent Kd value of approximately 7.4 nm. The rotor assembly was primarily dependent on the interaction of the c ring with the γ subunit, and binding of the c ring to the free ε subunit was not observed. Mutagenesis of selected conserved amino acid residues of all three rotor components (cR45, cQ46, γE204, γF203 and εH38) severely affected rotor assembly. The interaction kinetics between the γε complex and c11 ring mutants suggested that the assembly of the c11γε complex was governed by interactions of low and high affinity. Low‐affinity binding was observed between the polar loops of the c ring subunits and the bottom part of the γ subunit. High‐affinity interactions, involving the two residues γE204 and εH38, stabilized the holo‐c11γε complex. NMR experiments indicated the acquisition of conformational order in otherwise flexible C‐ and N‐terminal regions of the γ subunit on rotor assembly. The results of this study suggest that docking of the central stalk of the F1 complex to the rotor ring of Fo to form tight, but reversible, contacts provides an explanation for the relative ease of dissociation and reconstitution of F1Fo complexes.
A COMMENT ON WILLIAM J. HOWE AND HUGH MCISAAC'S ARTICLE “FINDING THE BALANCE” PUBLISHED IN THE JANUARY 2008 ISSUE OF FAMILY COURT REVIEW
Authors: Edwards Hon. Leonard , Baron Steve , Ferrick George
Published: August 2008

This article is a response to an article written by William Howe and Hugh McIsaac that questions their recommendations that court‐based mediation not be used when certain types of persons appear in court. We assert that it will be very difficult for the court to identify these people. Further, we argue that mediation practice has advanced so far that even these persons (those with serious issues of domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health) should be given an opportunity to participate in mediation before being referred to the adversarial court process.
Latitudinal variation in cold hardiness in introduced Tamarix and native Populus
Authors: Friedman Jonathan M. , Roelle James E. , Gaskin John F. , Pepper Alan E. , Manhart James R.
Published: August 2008

To investigate the evolution of clinal variation in an invasive plant, we compared cold hardiness in the introduced saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima, Tamarix chinensis, and hybrids) and the native plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera). In a shadehouse in Colorado (41°N), we grew plants collected along a latitudinal gradient in the central United States (29–48°N). On 17 occasions between September 2005 and June 2006, we determined killing temperatures using freeze‐induced electrolyte leakage and direct observation. In midwinter, cottonwood survived cooling to −70°C, while saltcedar was killed at −33 to −47°C. Frost sensitivity, therefore, may limit northward expansion of saltcedar in North America. Both species demonstrated inherited latitudinal variation in cold hardiness. For example, from September through January killing temperatures for saltcedar from 29.18°N were 5–21°C higher than those for saltcedar from 47.60°N, and on September 26 and October 11, killing temperatures for cottonwood from 33.06°N were >43°C higher than those for cottonwood from 47.60°N. Analysis of nine microsatellite loci showed that southern saltcedars are more closely related to T. chinensis while northern plants are more closely related to T. ramosissima. Hybridization may have introduced the genetic variability necessary for rapid evolution of the cline in saltcedar cold hardiness.
Efficacy and safety of latanoprost versus pilocarpine/timolol maleate fixed combination in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Authors: Kałużny Józef , Sobecki Roman , Czechowicz‐Janicka Krystyna , Kecik Dariusz , Kałużny Bartłomiej J. , Stewart Jeanette A. , Stewart William C.
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  This study aimed to compare the safety and effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) of latanoprost given every evening versus pilocarpine/timolol maleate fixed combination (PTFC) given twice daily in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OH).

Methods:  Following a 6‐week, medicine‐free period, qualified patients were randomized for Period 1 to either placebo administered every morning and latanoprost every evening or to PTFC administered twice daily. After 8 weeks of treatment, IOP was measured at 08.00, 10.00, 16.00 and 18.00 hours. Patients were then switched to the opposite treatment and underwent a second diurnal evaluation at the end of Period 2.

Results:  Thirty‐two patients completed this study. They demonstrated diurnal baseline IOP of 24.1 ± 2.4 mmHg. Mean diurnal pressure was 16.8 ± 2.1 mmHg on PTFC and 16.9 ± 2.5 mmHg on latanoprost (p = 0.60). No statistical difference between treatments was observed at any individual time‐point except at 10.00 hours, when the PTFC group demonstrated an IOP of 15.9 ± 2.3 mmHg and latanoprost 16.8 ± 2.7 mmHg (p = 0.02). There were no statistical differences between groups in unsolicited systemic or ocular adverse events (p > 0.05). However, the PTFC group showed a narrower pupil diameter (2.3 mm) than the latanoprost group (3.7 mm). Additionally, a solicited symptom survey demonstrated mild blurred vision, stinging and ocular pain with PTFC (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Both PTFC and latanoprost are efficacious in reducing diurnal IOP in POAG or OH. However, PTFC may be more effective in the late morning and may have a greater incidence of mild ocular side‐effects.
Comparison of static automated perimetry and semi‐automated kinetic perimetry in patients with bilateral visible optic nerve head drusen
Authors: Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Rejdak Robert , Zagorski Zbigniew , Zarnowski Tomasz
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  Until now there has been no standardized, systemic approach to diagnostics in patients with optic nerve head drusen (ONHD). This study compares visual field (VF) results obtained with static automated perimetry (SAP) and semi‐automated kinetic perimetry (SKP) in patients with bilateral visible ONHD.

Methods:  Visual fields in 26 eyes (13 patients) with ONHD were obtained by Humphrey Field Analyser II (SAP) and Octopus 101 (SKP) equipment and classified by three masked observers. Pairs of VFs were considered equivalent if the descriptions given by both methods matched. Individual reaction time (RT) was assessed during SKP. Fifteen healthy volunteers were examined as control material.

Results:  Visual field pairs matched in 19 eyes (three normal VFs, 16 arcuate defects). In the remaining eight eyes SKP provided more information in concentric constriction of the VF (two eyes) and SAP provided more information on paracentral scotomas (five eyes). Sensitivity was 69% for SKP, 80% for SAP and 88% for both methods together. Mean RT assessed using SKP amounted to 909 ms in eyes with ONHD and 568 ms in normal subjects (p < 0.0003). The median examination duration was 13 mins with SKP and 11 mins with SAP (p = 0.05) in eyes with ONHD, and 8 mins in control eyes (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  In clinical practice it is necessary to perform both SAP and SKP in patients with ONHD because the VF defects are diverse. In SKP, RT is prolonged in eyes with ONHD compared with normal eyes and SKP takes longer than SAP in ONHD eyes.
The First Finding ofEchinococcus multilocularisin Dogs in Slovakia: An Emerging Risk for Spreading of Infection
Authors: Antolová D. , Reiterová K. , Miterpáková M. , Dinkel A. , Dubinský P.
Published: August 2008

Alveolar echinococcosis, caused by the metacestodeEchinococcus multilocularis, is a zoonosis of public health significance. Apart from red foxes, other carnivore species can also serve as definitive hosts of this parasite. This study aimed to determine the occurrence ofE. multilocularisin dogs in the Slovak Republic and identify risk factors for acquiring the infection. Out of 289 dogs examined,E. multiloculariswas detected in eight samples (2.8%). Positive results were observed in shepherd dogs (12.5%), guard dogs (7.1%), hunting dogs (2.4%) and in one dog with unknown usage (2.5%). Catching rodents and feeding with raw viscera were confirmed to be the most important risk factors forE. multilocularisinfection. On the contrary, the way of dog use, frequency of going to the rural areas, the age and gender of animals seem not to be risk factors for infection. No significant association was observed between the positivity of dogs coming from high endemic or non‐endemic regions. This is the first report ofE. multilocularisin dogs in the Slovak Republic that confirms substantial contribution of dogs to the transmission of the tapeworm in this territory and urges the necessity of prophylactic measures for dog owners.
Induction of a Protective Immune Response Against Swine Chlamydophila abortus Infection in Mice Following Co‐Vaccination of omp‐1 DNA with Recombinant MOMP
Authors: Zhang F. , Li S. , Yang J. , Yang L. , He C.
Published: August 2008

Chlamydophila abortus is the causative agent of abortion in pigs and pregnant women. Seroconversion rates were arranged from 11% to 80% in piglets and sows in China. These very high rates illustrate the scale of the problem in China and highlight the urgent need for the development of a C. abortus vaccine. An efficacious anti‐chlamydial vaccine should induce not only strong mucosal and systemic T‐helper type 1 (Th1) immune response but also give a humoral response that enhances Th1 activation following infection. In order to evaluate an active immune response of a combination of the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) DNA‐ and protein‐based vaccines, 54 BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to six groups and inoculated intramuscularly with: (i) 100 μg pcDNA::MOMP, (ii) 10 μg r‐MOMP, (iii) primed with 100 μg pcDNA::MOMP and boosted with 10 μg r‐MOMP, (iv) primed–boosted with a combination of pcDNA::MOMP and r‐MOMP simultaneously, (v) live‐attenuated 1B vaccine, (vi) 100 μg pcDNA3.1 vector. All animals were vaccinated two times at 14 days intervals. Results showed that mice given DNA and r‐MOMP induced higher antibody levels, higher T cells proliferation and an elevated level of chlamydial clearance in spleen, which was equivalent to the clearance of 1B vaccine. Mice administrated the DNA‐primed/MOMP‐boosted approach elicited moderate antibody levels, less T‐lymphocyte proliferation and lower chlamydial clearance as compared with 1B vaccine. Co‐immunization with DNA‐ and r‐MOMP vaccine may provide novel ways for active immunization strategy against swine C. abortus.
Steady-State Dynamic Response of a Bernoulli–Euler Beam on a Viscoelastic Foundation Subject to a Platoon of Moving Dynamic Loads
Authors: Sun Lu , Luo Feiquan
Published: August 2008

A Bernoulli–Euler beam resting on a viscoelastic foundation subject to a platoon of moving dynamic loads can be used as a physical model to describe railways and highways under traffic loading. Vertical displacement, vertical velocity, and vertical acceleration responses of the beam are initially obtained in the frequency domain and then represented as integrations of complex function in the space-time domain. A bifurcation is found in critical speed against resonance frequency. When the dimensionless frequency is high, there is a single critical speed that increases as the dimensionless frequency increases. When the dimensionless frequency is low, there are two critical speeds. One speed increases as the dimensionless frequency increases, while the other speed decreases as the dimensionless frequency decreases. Based on the fast Fourier transform, numerical methods are developed for efficient computation of dynamic response of the beam.
Command Shaping Under Nonsymmetrical Acceleration and Braking Dynamics
Authors: Bradley Thomas H. , Danielson Jon , Lawrence Jason , Singhose William
Published: August 2008

The conventional unity magnitude zero vibration (UM-ZV) command shaping technique is an effective means for eliminating vibration in linear mechanical systems with on-off actuators. This paper discusses how the UM-ZV command shaping technique is affected by a common nonlinearity: nonsymmetrical accelerating and braking dynamics. Two approaches for creating new types of UM-ZV shaped commands are presented: a closed-form analytic solution and a numerical optimization approach. Both methods reduce residual vibration of the nonlinear system more effectively than the conventional UM-ZV shaped commands. Simulations and experiments on a bridge crane confirm the effectiveness of the new commands.
Vibration and Acoustic Response of an Isotropic Plate in a Thermal Environment
Authors: Jeyaraj P. , Padmanabhan Chandramouli , Ganesan N.
Published: August 2008

This paper presents numerical simulation studies on the vibration and acoustic response characteristics of an isotropic rectangular plate in a thermal environment using commercial finite element softwares ANSYS and SYSNOISE. First the critical buckling temperature is obtained, followed by modal and harmonic analyses considering prestress due to the thermal field in the plate, with the critical buckling temperature as a parameter. The vibration response predicted is then used to compute the sound radiation. It is found that the displacement response of the structure increases with an increase in temperature for all boundary conditions. The overall sound radiation of the plate marginally increases with an increase in temperature for all boundary conditions when the temperature approaches the critical buckling temperature although there is a sharp increase in sound power levels.
Investigation of Locking Force for Stay Cable Vibration Control Using Magnetorheological Fluid Damper
Authors: Liu Min , Sethi Vineet , Song Gangbing , Li Hui
Published: August 2008

The locking force of stay cable vibration control using a magnetorheological (MR) fluid damper is investigated in this paper. For a single mode vibration of a stay cable equipped with a MR damper, the locking force formula is derived and the important factors that affect the locking force are analyzed. The experimental investigations of the locking force of the stay cable vibration control are carried out on a cable-stayed bridge model equipped with a MR damper to verify the computational locking force. For the multimode vibration of the stay cable, the modal shapes of the stay cable vibration are estimated by utilizing a pole placement observer using the acceleration values at selected locations of the stay cable, and the locking forces of the stay cable in multimode vibration are numerically obtained. In all experimental cases, the locking forces based on the analytical and numerical formulas approximately match the experimental results.
Application of the Laplace-Wavelet Combined With ANN for Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Al-Raheem Khalid F. , Roy Asok , Ramachandran K. P. , Harrison D. K. , Grainger Steven
Published: August 2008

A new technique for an automated detection and diagnosis of rolling bearing faults is presented. The time-domain vibration signals of rolling bearings with different fault conditions are preprocessed using Laplace-wavelet transform for features’ extraction. The extracted features for wavelet transform coefficients in time and frequency domains are applied as input vectors to artificial neural networks (ANNs) for rolling bearing fault classification. The Laplace-Wavelet shape and the ANN classifier parameters are optimized using a genetic algorithm. To reduce the computation cost, decrease the size, and enhance the reliability of the ANN, only the predominant wavelet transform scales are selected for features’ extraction. The results for both real and simulated bearing vibration data show the effectiveness of the proposed technique for bearing condition identification with very high success rates using minimum input features.
Performance of Mechanical Bandpass Filters Used in Energy Scavenging in the Presence of Fabrication Errors and Coupling
Authors: Shahruz S. M.
Published: August 2008

In this paper, several mathematical models that are more realistic representations of mechanical bandpass filters are studied. Such filters can be used in energy scavengers to convert energy from vibration sources into small amount of electricity. A mechanical bandpass filter is an ensemble of cantilever beams where at the tip of each beam a mass, known as the proof mass, is mounted. A beam with a proof mass at its tip is called a beam-mass system. By studying a variety of models representing the filter dynamics, it will be unraveled to what extent fabrication errors in beam-mass systems of a filter and/or the coupling of such systems can alter the bandpass behavior of a fabricated filter.
Finite Element Analysis Using Nonconforming Mesh
Authors: Kumar Ashok V. , Burla Ravi , Padmanabhan Sanjeev , Gu Linxia
Published: August 2008

A method for finite element analysis using a regular or structured grid is described that eliminates the need for generating conforming mesh for the geometry. The geometry of the domain is represented using implicit equations, which can be generated from traditional solid models. Solution structures are constructed using implicit equations such that the essential boundary conditions are satisfied exactly. This approach is used to solve boundary value problems arising in thermal and structural analysis. Convergence analysis is performed for several numerical examples and the results are compared with analytical and finite element analysis solutions to show that the method gives solutions that are similar to the finite element method in quality but is often less computationally expensive. Furthermore, by eliminating the need for mesh generation, better integration can be achieved between solid modeling and analysis stages of the design process.
Extracting Manifold and Feature-Enhanced Mesh Surfaces From Binary
Volumes
Authors: Wang Charlie C. L.
Published: August 2008

This paper presents an approach to automatically recover mesh surfaces with sharp edges for solids from their binary volumetric discretizations (i.e., voxel models). Our method consists of three steps. The topology singularity is first eliminated on the binary grids so that a topology correct mesh M0 can be easily constructed. After that, the shape of M0 is refined, and its connectivity is iteratively optimized into Mn. The shape refinement is governed by the duplex distance fields derived from the input binary volume model. However, the refined mesh surface lacks sharp edges. Therefore, we employ an error-controlled variational shape approximation algorithm to segment Mn into nearly planar patches and then recover sharp edges by applying a novel segmentation-enhanced bilateral filter to the surface. Using the technique presented in this paper, smooth regions and sharp edges can be automatically recovered from raw binary volume models without scalar field or Hermite data Compared to other related surface recovering methods on binary volume, our algorithm needs less heuristic coefficients.
Generation of dc spin current in a narrow channel with Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions
Authors: Tang Chi-Shung , Kuan Wen-Hsuan , Xu Wen , Chang Yia-Chung
Published: August 2008

The authors consider a finite range ac-biased front gate acting on a quantum channel with Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interaction effects. The ac-biased gate, giving rise to a dynamical Rashba coupling, causes spin-resolved coherent resonant inelastic scattering. A pure dc spin current is subsequently generated without accompanying charge current. In the presence of Dresselhaus effect, the dc spin current is suppressed in the regime but is assisted in the high kinetic energy regime.
Dimensionality in metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors: A comparison of one-dimensional and two-dimensional ballistic transistors
Authors: Kim Raseong , Neophytou Neophytos , Paul Abhijeet , Klimeck Gerhard , Lundstrom Mark S.
Published: August 2008

One-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors are compared using an approach based on the top-of-the-barrier ballistic transport model. The results for model devices show that 1D and 2D transistors behave quite similarly if the electrostatics is assumed to be perfect. Distinctive features of 1D transport are difficult to observe at room temperature. The effects of band structure on I-V and C-V characteristics of Si and InAs nanowire transistors are also examined using the sp3d5s* tight-binding model. It is found that band structure effects in 1D transistors are most distinctively reflected in the drain current versus gate bias or transconductance versus gate bias for low drain bias at low temperatures. Some effects may also be observed in nanowire C-V characteristics.
As-rich InAs(001)-(2×4) phases investigated by in situ surface x-ray diffraction
Authors: Tinkham B. P. , Braun W. , Ploog K. H. , Takahasi M. , Mizuki J. , Grosse F.
Published: August 2008

Surface x-ray diffraction has been employed, in situ, to measure InAs(001)-(2×4) surface phases under technologically relevant growth conditions. For the As-rich (2×4) phase, the authors obtain good agreement between the data and the β2(2×4) surface reconstruction model. Comparison of our measurements on the (2×4) phase measured close to the metal-rich phase transition to models from density functional theory suggests a mixture of α2(2×4) and β2(2×4) surface structures present on the surface.
Theory of electron tunneling through a scanning tunneling microscopy-tip/quantum dot junction
Authors: Kuo David M.-T. , Chang Yia-Chung
Published: August 2008

Electron transport properties of an isolated quantum dot sandwiched between a metallic contact and a scanning tunneling microscopy tip are theoretically investigated. Keldysh-Green’s function technique is used to calculate the tunneling current of an Anderson model with multiple energy levels. The spectral function of the quantum dot system (with arbitrary number of energy levels) embedded in a tunnel junction is derived and used to calculate the tunneling current spectra. Finally, the authors calculate the emission spectra due to the electron-hole recombination that occurs in the case of bipolar tunneling, where both electrons and holes are allowed to simultaneously tunnel into the quantum dot. The authors find dramatic changes in the emission spectra as the applied bias is varied.
Effects of oxygen contents in the active channel layer on electrical characteristics of ZnO-based thin film transistors
Authors: Moon Yeon-Keon , Moon Dae-Yong , Lee Sih , Lee Sang-Ho , Park Jong-Wan , Jeong Chang-Oh
Published: August 2008

The authors report the fabrication and characteristics of thin film transistors with ZnO channel layers (ZnO TFTs) having different oxygen contents. Also, the authors define the operation mechanism of ZnO TFTs as the variation of oxygen contents in the ZnO channel layer. The ZnO thin films were deposited on SiO2∕n-Si substrate by dc magnetron sputtering at various oxygen partial pressures. Effects of oxygen contents in ZnO thin films on the electrical performance of ZnO TFTs with bottom gate structure were investigated. The ZnO thin films deposited at oxygen partial pressures of 40% exhibit a nonstoichiometric system in an oxygen rich state, resulting in resistivity as high as 105Ωcm. ZnO TFTs with this channel layer exhibited depletion mode, turn on voltage of −15V, on-off current ratio of ∼106, and field effect mobility of 0.88cm2∕Vs. This research implied that an attractive application for TFTs involves their use as select transistors in individual pixels of an active-matrix liquid-crystal display.
Atomic scale dielectric constant near the SiO2/Si(001) interface
Authors: Wakui Sadakazu , Nakamura Jun , Natori Akiko
Published: August 2008

The authors evaluated the local dielectric constant for the ultrathin β-quartz (0001) films and the ideal quartz/Si(001) interface and studied the effect of oxygen vacancy on the local dielectric constant, using first-principles calculations in external electric fields. The optical dielectric constant in the SiO2 film is increased slightly around the oxygen vacancy, while the static dielectric constant is increased remarkably. These enhancements are caused by introduction of Si+3 state by the oxygen vacancy. For the ideal quartz/Si(001) interface, both the optical and the static dielectric constants change abruptly from each bulk value to another one. The oxygen vacancy located just at the interface layer changes the interface Si+2 state into Si+1 state and increases both the optical and the static dielectric constant in the adjacent Si region.
Synthesis and characterization of TiO2–Ge nanocomposites
Authors: Goyal Amita , Rumaiz Abdul K. , Miao Y. , Hazra Sukti , Ni C. , Shah S. Ismat
Published: August 2008

Thin films of TiO2–Ge nanocomposites were deposited by rf magnetron sputtering from a composite target prepared by pressing a mixture of TiO2 and Ge powders with a ratio 2:1. Thin films were deposited at various rf powers and temperatures and characterized by using x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The analyses showed that the film composition changes with the target rf power and substrate temperature with rf power being a bigger contributor to the change. TEM analyses of films revealed that segregated Ge nanograins were formed and were dispersed within the TiO2 matrix. The average grain size of Ge nanograins was between 9 and 15nm.
Preparation and field emission property of nanodiamond-cluster-embedded diamondlike carbon film
Authors: Xie W. G. , Chen Jian , Ming W. W. , Chen Jun , Zhou J. , Deng S. Z. , Xu N. S.
Published: August 2008

The authors prepared nanodiamond-cluster-embedded diamondlike carbon (DLC) composite films by electrophoresis deposition followed by magnetic filtered cathodic vacuum arc plasma deposition. Nanodiamond clusters are uniformly embedded into the DLC films. The authors investigated the location of the emission sites with nanometer scale accuracy and the emission mechanism using scanning probe microcopy (SPM) based technique. These composite films show better field emission properties than the as-deposited DLC film and as-deposited nanodiamond clusters. It is revealed that electrons are emitted primarily from the nonconducting boundaries surrounding the embedded nanodiamond cluster. Thus, by depositing nanodiamond clusters, an emission site may be predetermined; this is very useful in fabricating nanoelectron sources.
Optical and photocatalytic properties of oblique angle deposited TiO2 nanorod array
Authors: He Y. P. , Zhang Z. Y. , Zhao Y. P.
Published: August 2008

Using an oblique angle deposition technique, an array of well-aligned and tilted TiO2 nanorods has been fabricated by electron-beam evaporation method. The as-deposited TiO2 nanorod array is amorphous and porous with fibrous fine structures on the surface of individual nanorods. After annealing, the amorphous TiO2 crystallizes gradually into an anatase phase with annealing temperature and duration, but no visible change occurs in the porous morphology and surface fine structures even when annealed at 500°C for 5h. The annealing under O2 flow causes the optical band gap of TiO2 to increase from 3.32to3.39eV, due to the decrease in oxygen defect concentration. The photocatalytic activity of the annealed TiO2 sample is doubled compared with that of the as-deposited sample. The enhanced specific surface area by the porosity and fine structures of obliquely deposited TiO2 nanorod array is very promising for the applications such as chemical sensor, photovoltaic solar cell, and photocatalyst material for environmental protection.