bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of annealing atmosphere on the quality of ZnO crystal surface
Authors: Grasza K. , Łusakowska E. , Skupiński P. , Kopalko K. , Bąk‐Misiuk J. , Mycielski A.
Published: April 2007

Zinc oxide crystals were grown by CVT contactless technique and thermally annealed in the air, nitrogen or oxygen atmospheres, or zinc or arsenic vapours. Wide ranges of annealing times and temperatures were applied. The variety of morphology and quality of the crystal surface was investigated by AFM and XRD. It was found, that thermal annealing in the air, nitrogen, oxygen and zinc resulted in similar evolution of the crystal surface, although there are observed differences in the rate of the changes. The annealing in zinc vapour resulted in roughness (RMS) lower than 1 nm. The annealing in arsenic vapour leads to degradation of the crystal surface. The improvement of the surface was not observed in case of thermal annealing of the rough ZnO surfaces obtained by ALE homoepitaxy on the smooth CVT as‐grown ZnO surfaces. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of treatment on the CdTe, Cd1–xMnxTe and Cd1–xZnxTe surface stoichiometry
Authors: Dremlyuzhenko S. G. , Zakharuk Z. I. , Savchuk A. I. , Fochuk P. M.
Published: April 2007

The effects of treatment in several etchants on CdTe, Cd1–x Mnx Te, Cd1–x Znx Te surface stoichiometry are studied. Simple chemical etching of CdTe, Cd1–x Mnx Te, Cd1–x Znx Te causes a relief and contamination of near‐surface layer with etchant components. It was determined that Cd, Mn, Zn are washed out into the solution as a result of material treatment in bromine‐methanol etchant, and, consequently, the surface is enriched with elemental tellurium and its oxides. Treatment in alkaline solutions allows minimizing the violation of surface stoichiometry. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization study of multidimensional hierarchical ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Park Dong Jun , Kim Dong Chan , Lee Jeong Yong , Cho Hyung Koun
Published: April 2007

ZnO multidimensional hierarchical structure was successfully fabricated with the sequence of ZnO top layers/ZnO nanorods/ZnO buffer/Si(111) substrate by continuous controlling growth condition in metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that ZnO nanorods in hierarchical structure had a single crystal hexagonal wurtzite structure with 〈0001〉ZnO growth direction. Only near band edge (NBE) emissions with very weak deep level emission are observed around 3.28 eV. This indicates that ZnO hierarchical structure grown by MOCVD shows a good optical quality and less interior defects. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoconductivity of Ga doped polycrystalline ZnO films grown by reactive plasma deposition
Authors: Kishimoto Seiichi , Hayashi Kunihiko , Hamaguchi Hirofumi , Makino Hisashi , Yamada Takahiro , Miyake Aki , Yamamoto Tetsuya
Published: April 2007

Photoconductivity and photo‐absorption of polycrystalline Ga‐doped ZnO (GZO) thin films with film thickness of 200 nm have evaluated compared with undoped ZnO films. The GZO and undoped ZnO thin films were deposited on alkali‐free glass substrate at 200 °C by a reactive plasma deposition with DC arc discharge technique under an oxygen gas flow rate from 0 to 30 sccm. Undoped ZnO films with carrier concentration of 2.50 × 1018 and 7.96 × 1018 cm–3 have exciton absorption at about 3.28 eV. For these films, the photoconductivity peak is agreement with the photon‐energy of exciton absorption in the optical‐absorption. The optical band edge of undoped ZnO films estimated from the optical‐absorption shows a shift to higher energy with increasing the carrier concentration. The increase of oxygen gas flow rate led to the resistivity change of GZO films from 2.15 × 10–4 to 4.54 × 10–3 Ω cm, corresponding to the carrier concentration change from 1.39 × 1021 to 1.05 × 1020 cm–3. The photoconductivity of GZO film is larger than that of undoped ZnO film. The peak energy of photoconductivity spectra of GZO films are seen to little shift to higher energy with increasing the carrier concentration. The GZO film exhibited the larger photoconductivity at the wavelength, ranging widely less than 380 nm. GZO film with carrier concentration more than 1 × 1021 cm–3 indicated much larger photoconductivity. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of effect of casein phosphopeptides on zinc binding using mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Jiaxi , Green Kirk , McGibbon Graham , McCarry Brian
Published: April 2007

Phosphorylation is one of the key events in signal transduction and zinc plays an important catalytic and/or structural role in many biological systems. The binding of Zn to a phosphopeptide will alter the physiological functions of a peptide. The binding of casein phosphopeptides (CPPs) to Zn has been analyzed using nanospray mass spectrometry. Electrospray ionization (ESI) spectra of peptides produced by tryptic digestion of α‐casein incubated with Zn show both free and Zn‐bound phosphopeptides. The interaction of CPPs and the corresponding dephosphorylated peptides with zinc is compared. This study demonstrates that the phosphorylation state of a peptide dramatically affects Zn binding, with the decrease in Zn‐bound forms of peptide paralleling the decrease in phosphorylation as casein is chemically dephosphorylated, although, in some cases, a small amount of residual Zn‐binding capacity remains in the completely dephosphorylated peptide. The observed fragmentation patterns of the Zn‐bound CPPs support the thesis that nonphosphorylated residues are involved in the metal binding. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autonomous capture of a tumbling satellite
Authors: Rekleitis Ioannis , Martin Eric , Rouleau Guy , L'Archevêque Régent , Parsa Kourosh , Dupuis Eric
Published: April 2007

In this paper, we describe a framework for the autonomous capture and servicing of satellites. The work is based on laboratory experiments that illustrate the autonomy and remote‐operation aspects. The satellite‐capture problem is representative of most on‐orbit robotic manipulation tasks where the environment is known and structured, but it is dynamic since the satellite to be captured is in free flight. Bandwidth limitations and communication dropouts dominate the quality of the communication link. The satellite‐servicing scenario is implemented on a robotic test‐bed in laboratory settings. The communication aspects were validated in transatlantic tests. © 2007 Canadian Space Agency
Highly Ordered Nanostructured Surfaces Obtained with Silica‐Filled Diblock‐Copolymer Micelles as Templates
Authors: Frömsdorf Andreas , Kornowski Andreas , Pütter Sabine , Stillrich Holger , Lee Li‐Ting
Published: April 2007

In this work, we present the size‐controlled preparation of silica‐filled micelle cores and their self‐assembly behavior, which is dependent on the block lengths, different coating techniques, and substrates. Furthermore, we present a way to use these structures as templates for highly ordered magnetic nanostructures, revealed by Ar‐ion milling. The resulting structures were characterized by different imaging and scattering techniques and model simulations were performed. The characterization of the obtained nanostructured surfaces has be performed with atomic force microscopy, by scanning electron microscopy, grazing‐incidence X‐ray small‐angle scattering, and X‐ray reflectivity measurements. The magneto‐optical Kerr effect was utilized to investigate magnetic properties.
High damping natural rubber seismic isolators
Authors: Fuller K. N. G. , Gough J. , Pond T. J. , Ahmadi H. R.
Published: April 2007

Laminated high damping rubber bearings provide a simple means of isolating structures from horizontal earthquake ground motions. The key properties of the rubber compounds are dynamic shear modulus and damping. The effect of strain amplitude, repeated cycling and temperature on these properties is given. The need to prevent changes in modulus associated with low temperature crystallization of rubber is discussed. Assessment of the long term stability of rubber properties from both accelerated ageing tests and measurements on bearings removed after prolonged service is considered. A model for the behaviour of high damping rubber is presented, and used to show how the response of a structure to ground acceleration depends upon the level of damping.
PATHOLEX ‐ an expert system for a pathology in the construction: Case of drought
Authors: Madiou H. , Lechani M. , Hannachi N.
Published: April 2007

The drought is the result of a deep anomaly of the natural hydraulic balance, affecting certain areas for periods of time varying from one year to several years. The periods of drought and the anomalies, they bring about in the hydraulic balance of affected areas, have drawn the specialists' attention, particularly those in the construction field because of the damages they may cause on the constructions. The objectives of our research consists of designing an expert system for the diagnosis of drought as a cause of disorders in the constructions. The automatisation of the diagnosis problem improves highly the quality and the efficiency of its process. As a result, it is recommended to record this expertise in a computer in such a way it can be used by less qualified personnel.
Design of linear active control algorithms for non‐stationary unknown forcing function
Authors: Baratta A. , Cennamo C. , Voiello G.
Published: April 2007

The object of the research is the design procedure of a linear control algorithm able to mitigate the effects of seismic shaking as far as possible, maintaining the running and installation costs within admissible bounds. The procedure starts from approaching the solution of the equation of motion of a SDOF structure in the norm sense, as explained in Secs. 2–3, which allows to obtain results that do not depend on the details of the forcing function. The approach is generalized to MDOF structures by modal decomposition, and it is shown that the control algorithm can be designed by independent modal control, by applying at each mode the procedure outlined for a SDOF system. Robustness of the algorithm with reference to uncertain identification of the structural properties is successfully investigated, both by theoretical tools and by numerical simulation. The whole pattern proves to be effective and poorly conditioned by the peculiar characters of the excitation.
The static electromechanical coupling factor in linear piezoelectric material
Authors: Davi F.
Published: April 2007

We show that the electromechanical coupling factor is the solution of two eigenvalue problems which depends on the piezoelectric, elastic and dielectric properties of the materials. We show that there are at most three eigenvalues and three associated strain eigentensors which render extremum the ratio of mechanical energy converted into electric energy: their value is the same if the three eigenvalues whose associated electric field eigenvectors render extremum the ratio of electrical energy converted into mechanical.
Active damping of vibrations in elevator cars
Authors: Hamdy A.
Published: April 2007

The goal of this dissertation was to develop an active vibration damping system for high‐speed elevator cars to achieve a ride comfort not reached before by passive means. The system developed comprises eight actuators, six accelerometers, eight position sensors, a signal conditioning unit, and power electronics. It is controlled by a real‐time computer utilizing a digital signal processor. A laboratory test rig was designed and constructed to allow testing the active damping system fitted to a full‐scale high‐speed elevato car. The unevennes of the two guide rails, which is the main source of vibrations, is emulated using eight hydraulic cylinders. A multivariable system identification procedure in the frequency domain was developed to obtain a linear time‐invariant system model. A first controller loop utilizes the acceleration outputs to suppress the vibrations. Due to asymmetric load distributions in the cabin, the orientation of the car with respect to the guide rails may change to the extent that for one or more actuators there may not be enough actuation distance. To correct the car orientation, a second controller loop utilizing position outputs is used. However, since the position measurements are taken between the car and the guide rails, nulling the position error signals means forcing the car to follow an average line of the two rail profiles which is the main source of vibrations. To avoid a conflict between the two loops, a frequency domain separation of the bandwidths of the two controllers is achieved. The two multivariable controllers are designed using the H∞ robust design method and employing the plant non‐inverting GS/T weighting scheme. The effectiveness of the active system was tested using rail profiles previously measured in a real building and emulated by the hydraulic excitation system. The vibration reduction factor achieved is around 5 as to a passive damping system. Meanwhile, the controller is capable of correcting the car orientation caused by asymmetric loads.
An adaptive mass damper for self‐excited oscillations
Authors: Gattulli V. , Romeo F.
Published: April 2007

An adaptive tuned mass damper aiming to optimally increase the critical flow velocity of transverse galloping oscillations is presented. The structure, simply modeled as an elastically supported bluff body exposed to a steady flow, has been connected to an added mass by a spring and a dashpot varying according to an adaptive control algorithm. Based on the knowledge of a reference model, describing the optimal conditions for the system, the paper presents two procedures to design a controller that allows to identify the uncertain mechanical parameters relying on a direct and an indirect approach. In the direct case, by assuring the convergency to zero of the error between the system and the reference model variables, in the indirect case, by using a wavelet based approach for on‐line system identification. The analytical developments are validated by numerical investigations on the nonlinear system in order to assess the feasibility of the proposed control system.
An intelligent fiber sensor for smart structures
Authors: Angelichio J. , Nannini M. , Farahi F.
Published: April 2007

In this paper we present a fiber optic sensor that is designed for embedded applications and long term health monitoring of structures. The sensor design uses an induced phase discontinuity in the fiber Bragg grating to create a narrow pass‐band within the reflection spectrum of the grating. The position of this narrow window within the Bragg spectrum is used to monitor the sensor's health. Theoretical analysis and experimental results are presented for this class of self‐monitoring sensors. Related signal demodulation scheme is also discussed.
Shaping distributed piezoelectric self‐sensing layers for static shape control of smart structures
Authors: Irschik H. , Krommer M. , Pichler U.
Published: April 2007

In the present paper, spatially distributed self‐sensing layers with an axially varying intensity of piezoelectric activity are studied within the context of an electromechanically coupled theory for plane flexural deformations of slender smart beams. The main purpose of our derivations is to find shape functions for a piezoelectric self‐sensing layer such that quasi‐static deflections due to known external forces can be exactly annihilated by the piezoelectric actuation. It is shown that shape functions corresponding to the bending moment distributions due to these external forces do represent solutions of this static shape control problem. In the context of self‐sensing layers, the shaped actuator can be also used as a collocated sensor, which is discussed in detail in the present paper. If the span‐wise distribution of the external forces is not known, it may be useful to design self‐sensing layers with the purpose of controlling the deflection at specific locations of the beam axis by means of shape functions with a particularly simple form. Such a concept is also presented. Furthermore, we make reference to so‐called nilpotent shape functions which are neither able to produce actuating effects nor to measure deflections of the beam. The presented theoretical findings are demonstrated for one‐span beams with various boundary conditions.
Response analysis of structures with motion‐limiters subjected to random loading
Authors: Kovaleva A.
Published: April 2007

The paper studies the dynamic responses of a mdf structure with a one‐side motion limiter. The system in question consists of a base ( a primary structure) impacting on a rigid limiting stop. Such a system exhibits complicated nonlinear dynamics even if the system without limiters is linear. We suppose that the effect of impacts on the motion of the base is much higher than the effect of the interaction between the base and the secondary structure. The mathematical model is thus reduced to a weakly coupled linear structure subjected to both random forces and impact loading. In this work we develop a special decomposition approach to analysis and control problems. As a result, we obtain the approximate representation of the motion of the base as a periodic motion with a slowly varying random envelope. The necessary characteristics of the motion (mean value, variance etc.) are calculated.
Seismic response of torsionally coupled structures with active control device
Authors: Date V. A. , Jangid R. S.
Published: April 2007

A study is carried out for investigating the effectiveness of active control systems for one‐storey torsionally coupled structures. The governing equations of motion of the system are derived. The control forces are obtained using the classical linear optimal control algorithm. The stochastic seismic response of a torsionally coupled controlled system is investigated under important parametric variations such as: uncoupled lateral time period, system eccentricity and ratio of uncoupled torsional to lateral frequency of the system. In order to investigate the effectiveness of the control device, the response of the system with control device is compared with the corresponding system without control device. Further, the controlled response of the torsionally coupled system is compared with the corresponding response of the uncoupled system. It is shown that the control mechanism is also equally effective in reducing the seismic response of a torsionally coupled system. In addition, it is to be noted that the effectiveness of the active control device is overestimated when it is designed without considering the effects of torsional coupling.
Investigations on stiffness‐damping interaction for rubber bearings
Authors: Nersessyan T. , Hovhannisyan G. , Tonoyan A. , Avanesova K.
Published: April 2007

In this paper different types of rubber bearings are considered and their properties are described. Stiffness‐damping interconnection for each type of bearing is obtained. The investigated relationships are based both on graphs of stiffness and damping versus shear strain and on experimental hysteresis loops. Relationships between stiffness and damping allow understanding of some regular lows mentioned in the conclusions.
Linear and nonlinear models of seismoisolating foundations
Authors: Aghalovyan L. A. , Gevorgyan R. S. , Khachatryan A. M.
Published: April 2007

Recurrent formulas are derived to determine stress tensors and displacement vectors for compressible and incompressible plate‐like foundations. A three‐layered plate with an incompressible middle layer is considered as an example of practical significance for seismostable constructions. Nonlinear problems for strip‐seismoisolators from incompressible materials are discussed.
Investing in developing nations using debt‐equity swaps
Authors: Ganitsky Joseph
Published: April 2007

A survey of investors in debt equity swaps oflers some advice for those businesses including them in their ficture plans.
Operating a manufacturing plant in Indonesia
Authors: Zwirn Bernard P.
Published: April 2007

Running foreign plants is becoming more common for U.S. companies, but many executives still have reservations about dealing with developing countries and diverse cultures. This case study shows that with proper planning and a genuine sense of commitment, the result can be mutually rewarding for the U.S. company and for the overseas operation.
Physico‐Chemical Characterization of Moringa concanensis Seeds and Seed Oil
Authors: Manzoor Maleeha , Anwar Farooq , Iqbal Tahira , Bhanger M. I.
Published: April 2007

The present work reports the characterization and comparison of Moringa concanensis seed oil from Tharparkar (a drought hit area), Pakistan. The hexane‐extracted oil content of M. concanensis seeds ranged from 37.56 to 40.06% (average 38.82%). Protein, fiber, moisture and ash contents were found to be 30.07, 6.00, 5.88 and 9.00%, respectively. The extracted oil exhibited an iodine value of 67.00; a refractive index (40 °C) of 1.4648; its density (24 °C) was 0.8660 mg mL−1; the saponification value (mg of KOH g−1 of oil) was 179.00; unsaponifiable matter 0.78%; color (1 in. cell) 1.90R + 19.00Y; and acidity (% as oleic acid) 0.34%. Tocopherols (α, γ, and δ) in the oil accounted for 72.11, 9.26 and 33.87 mg kg−1, respectively. Specific extinctions at 232 and 270 nm were 3.17 and 0.65, respectively. The peroxide and p‐anisidine values of the oil were found to be 1.75 and 1.84 meq kg−1, respectively. The induction periods (Rancimat, 20 L h−1, 120 °C) of the crude oil was 10.81 h and reduced to 8.90 h after degumming. The M.concanensis oil was found to contain high levels of oleic acid (up to 68.00%) followed by palmitic, stearic, behenic, and arachidic acids up to levels of 11.04, 3.58, 3.44 and 7.09%, respectively. The results of the present analytical study, compared with those for other Moringa species and different vegetable oils, showed M. concanensis to be a potentially valuable non‐conventional seed crop for high quality oil.
GM1 and GM3 gangliosides highlight distinct lipid microdomains within the apical domain of epithelial cells
Authors: Janich Peggy , Corbeil Denis
Published: April 2007

The apical domain of epithelial cells is composed of distinct subdomains such as microvilli, primary cilia and a non‐protruding region. Using the cholesterol‐binding protein prominin‐1 as a specific marker of plasma membrane protrusions we have previously proposed the co‐existence of different cholesterol‐based lipid microdomains (lipid rafts) within the apical domain [Röper, K., Corbeil, D. and Huttner, W.B. (2000), Retention of prominin in microvilli reveals distinct cholesterol‐based lipid microdomains in the apical plasma membrane. Nat. Cell Biol. 2, 582–592]. To substantiate the hypothesis that the microvillar plasma membrane subdomains contain a distinct set of lipids compared to the planar portion we have investigated the distribution of prominin‐1 and two raft‐associated gangliosides GM1 and GM3 by fluorescence microscopy. GM1 was found to co‐localize with prominin‐1 on microvilli whereas GM3 was segregated from there suggesting its localization in the planar region. Regarding the primary cilium, overlapping fluorescent signals of GM1 or GM3 and prominin‐1 were observed. Thus, our data demonstrate that specific ganglioside‐enriched rafts are found in different apical subdomains and reveal that two plasma membrane protrusions with different structural bases (actin for the microvillus and tubulin for the cilium) are composed of distinct types of lipid.
Activation of the unfolded protein response and alternative splicing of ATF6α in HLA‐B27 positive lymphocytes
Authors: Lemin Andrew J. , Saleki Khalil , van Lith Marcel , Benham Adam M.
Published: April 2007

Misfolding of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules has been implicated in the rheumatic autoimmune disease ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and has been linked to the unfolded protein response (UPR) in rodent AS models. XBP1 and ATF6α are two important transcription factors that initiate and co‐ordinate the UPR. Here we show that misoxidised MHC class I heavy chains activate XBP1 processing in a similar manner to tunicamycin, with tunicamycin and dithiothreitol (DTT) inducing differential XBP1 processing. Unexpectedly, ATF6α mRNA is alternatively spliced during reducing stress in lymphocytes. This shorter ATF6α message lacks exon 7 and may have a regulatory role in the UPR.
Involvement of FpTRP26, a thioredoxin‐related protein, in oxalic acid‐resistance of the brown‐rot fungus Fomitopsis palustris
Authors: Watanabe Tomoki , Shitan Nobukazu , Umezawa Toshiaki , Yazaki Kazufumi , Shimada Mikio , Hattori Takefumi
Published: April 2007

Brown‐rot fungus Fomitopsis palustris grows vigorously at high concentrations of oxalic acid (OA), which is fungal metabolite during wood decay. We isolated a cDNA FpTRP26 from F. palustris by functional screening of yeast transformants with cDNAs grown on plates containing OA. FpTRP26 conferred a specific resistance to OA on the transformant. OA‐content in transformants grown with 2 mM OA decreased by 65% compared to that of the control. The amount of FpTRP26 transcript in F. palustris amplified with increasing OA‐accumulation, and was maintained at high levels even in the stationary phase. Its transcription in F. palustris was inducible in response to exogenously added OA. These results suggest that FpTRP26 is involved in the OA‐resistance in F. palustris.
Regulation of the BRCA1 promoter in ovarian surface epithelial cells and ovarian carcinoma cells
Authors: Graves Marcia L. , Zhou Lixin , MacDonald Gwen , Mueller Christopher R. , Roskelley Calvin D.
Published: April 2007

As BRCA1 expression is often suppressed in sporadic ovarian carcinoma we characterized the regulation of the 231nt proximal ‘L6’ fragment of the BRCA1 promoter in two human ovarian surface epithelial cell and two sporadic ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Two individual regulatory elements within L6, the ‘RIBS’ element and the potential ‘CRE’ element were each necessary, but alone not sufficient for L6 activation in all four cell lines. The latter element showed some affinity for the CREB transcription factor, but cAMP pathway stimulation failed to promote its activation. This element did, however, interact with, and was activated by, c‐Jun and Fra2 which suggests that it can interact with AP1‐like transcription factors and that it may act co‐operatively with RIBS‐binding factors to regulate BRCA1 transcription in ovarian cells.
Genioglossus advancement and hyoid suspension plus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for severe OSAHS
Authors: Yin Shan Kai , Liang Yi Hong , Ying Lu Wen , Guan Jian , Min Wu Hong , Cao Zhen Yu
Published: April 2007

Objective

To evaluate the outcome of a comprehensive surgical approach on the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and find out possible predictors to the effectivenss of this approach.

Study Design And Setting

Eighteen patients received genioglossus advancement with hyoid suspension (GAHM) and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). The multiple logistic regression was used to analyze predictors for the outcome of treatment.

Results

Apnea hypopnea index (AHI) showed a reduction in the preoperative vs postoperative polysomnography (63.83 ± 16.34 vs 21.43 ± 20.34). With success defined as a final postoperative AHI of less than 20 events per hour, the success rate was 67%. The main differences between responders and nonresponders include age, posterior airway space (PAS), time of oxyhemoglobin saturation below 90% (CT90), and body mass index (BMI). Age and BMI were key predictors for therapeutic effect.

Conclusion

GAHM plus UPPP may benefit severe OSAHS patients with oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal obstruction. The success was best predicted by low BMI and younger age.

Significance

This paper provides reference for patient selection of UPPP plus GAHM, and considers that older or morbidly obese patients with OSAHS should be excluded from this operation.
The difference in anatomical and invasive characteristics between primary and secondary paranasal sinus mucoceles
Authors: Fu Chia‐Hsiang , Chang Kai‐Ping , Lee Ta‐Jen
Published: April 2007

Objective

To evaluate the difference in anatomical and invasive characteristics of primary and secondary paranasal sinus mucoceles.

Study Design

A retrospective chart review at a tertiary academic center.

Results

During a 10‐year period, 57 and 109 patients with primary and secondary mucoceles were enrolled, respectively. Thirty‐five (61.4%) of primary and 26 (23.9%) of secondary mucoceles had intraorbital extension (IOE), while seven (12.3%) of primary and two (1.8%) of secondary mucoceles had intracranial extension (ICE). In comparison of tendency for IOE or ICE between primary and secondary mucoceles in each sinus, only primary maxillary mucoceles were shown to have a significantly higher probability of IOE than secondary maxillary mucoceles. Among primary mucoceles, ethmoid mucoceles had a significantly greater capability to cause IOE while maxillary mucoceles had the least. Among secondary mucoceles, frontal and ethmoid mucoceles had a greater ability to cause IOE while maxillary mucoceles had the least. As for ICE, sphenoid mucoceles had a greater potential in both groups.

Conclusions

Primary mucoceles seem to have a greater potential to cause IOE and ICE than secondary mucoceles. In both groups, ethmoid mucoceles have a higher potential of IOE, while sphenoid mucoceles have a greater tendency to cause ICE.
Accelerated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost fractionation and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Schwartz Matthew , Té Vuong , Ballivy Olivier , Parker William , Patrocinio Horacio
Published: April 2007

Objective

To determine the feasibility and toxicity profile of accelerated radiotherapy with a simultaneous integrated boost fractionation scheme with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (SIB‐IMRT) with or without chemotherapy.

Study Design And Setting

Forty‐nine patients with advanced head and neck cancer underwent SIB‐IMRT. Concomitant chemotherapy was administered in 29 patients.

Results

Grade 3 acute toxicities included 55% mucositis, 20% odynophagia, 12% nausea, 18% hematologic, and 8% skin. There were no grade 4 toxicities or treatment‐related deaths. With a median follow‐up of 25 months, locoregional control was 83%, and overall survival was 80%. Of patients with grade 3 late toxicities, two patients (4% of the total) required a permanent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube, and osteonecrosis occurred in one patient (2% of the total).

Conclusions

SIB‐IMRT is a feasible technique that shortens the overall treatment time in the radical treatment of patients with advanced head and neck cancer while maintaining acceptable rates of acute toxicity in this study. Although the results are promising, this approach should be considered only in the setting of a clinical trial.
The implications of regulatory guidelines on allergen vial mixing for the practicing otolaryngologist
Authors: Lin Sandra Y. , Houser Steven M. , Rodriguez Hector P.
Published: April 2007

Objectives

To introduce otolaryngologists to proposed standards regarding allergen vial mixing, to identify clinical implications, and to recommend efforts to address the issue of vial mixing standards.

Study Design And Methods

A policy review.

Results

The Institute of Medicine report on medical errors increased awareness of medication errors, spurring efforts to improve patient safety. One example is the United States Pharmacopoeia's (USP) Chapter 797, a standard for sterile medication compounding. This standard requires the use of a dedicated clean room, ventilation hood, air sampling, surface sampling, and formal testing of mixing personnel. Regulatory agencies may include allergy vial mixing under USP 797. Formal allergy vial mixing guidelines are presented as a standard created by the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy taskforce on allergen vial mixing.

Conclusion/Significance

Otolaryngologists must be involved the discussion regarding vial mixing standards to ensure that the standards developed are reasonable, safe, preserve patient access, and are based on evidence based medicine.
Videostroboscopic findings in unilateral superior laryngeal nerve paralysis and paresis
Authors: Tsai Veling , Celmer Andrew , Berke Gerald S. , Chhetri Dinesh K.
Published: April 2007

Objectives

Our aim was to present laryngovideostroboscopic findings in unilateral superior laryngeal nerve paresis and paralysis.

Study Design And Setting

Retrospective case review, academic voice clinic.

Methods

Blinded retrospective review of videostroboscopic recordings from cases confirmed by laryngeal electromyography.

Results

Three cases of unilateral superior laryngeal nerve paresis and paralysis were identified. At rest, there were no common abnormal laryngeal findings. Upon phonation, common findings were ipsilateral vocal fold bowing and shortening, vocal process height asymmetry with the ipsilateral vocal process overriding the normal, and ipsilateral hyperadduction of the false vocal fold.

Conclusions

The common features noted in these cases of laryngeal electromyography‐proved uSLNp could be used to make a presumptive diagnosis of this disorder.
Black Lucques olives prevented bone loss caused by ovariectomy and talc granulomatosis in rats
Authors: Puel Caroline , Mardon Julie , Kati-coulibaly Séraphin , Davicco Marie-Jeanne , Lebecque Patrice , Obled Christiane , Rock Edmond , Horcajada Marie-Noelle , Agalias Apostolos , Skaltsounis Leandros A. , Coxam Véronique
Published: April 2007

This study was conducted to determine whether olive fruits, rich in micronutrients, might improve bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats (an experimental model of postmenopausal osteoporosis) and in OVX rats with granulomatosis inflammation (a model of senile osteoporosis). Six-month-old Wistar female rats underwent ovariectomy and were then immediately treated orally by substituting oil in the diet by 10 g/d green Lucques olives or 6 g/d black Lucques olives for each rat for 84 days. OVX rats and sham-operated controls received the same diet with oil. Three weeks before the end of the experiment, subcutaneous inflammation was provoked by injections of sterile magnesium silicate in half the animals in each group. In OVX rats, granulomatosis inflammation, characterized by a rise in inflammatory parameters such as fibrinogen, α1-acid glycoprotein, spleen weight and granulocyte level, and an impairment of oxidative status (as shown by a decrease in plasma antioxidant capacity, a higher rate of isoprostane excretion) elicited a bone loss in the whole femur and in the metaphyseal areas considered on their own. Whereas green olives had no effect on osteopenia, consumption of the black variety prevented bone loss in the whole femur and at cortical sites in those oestrogen-deficient animals with talc inflammation (diaphyseal bone mineral density: black olives and inflammation 0·2323 (se 0·0026) v. ovariectomy and inflammation 0·2117 (se 0·0030); P = 0·027). This bone-sparing effect seemed to result from an improvement in the inflammatory and oxidative status. The present data show that black olives are able to prevent bone loss in an experimental model of senile osteoporosis (oestrogen-deficient rats in which a low-grade inflammation was induced by talc injection).
Hypocholesterolaemic effects of soya proteins: results of recent studies are predictable from the Anderson meta-analysis data
Authors: Sirtori Cesare R. , Eberini Ivano , Arnoldi Anna
Published: April 2007

In 1995, Andersonet al.published a meta-analysis, derived from most of the clinical studies on soya proteins given to individuals with varying levels of cholesterolaemia that had been reported up to that time. The meta-analysis clearly indicated that cholesterolaemias were generally reduced by diets with soya given as a partial or total substitution of animal proteins, with final mean total and LDL-cholesterol reductions of 23·2 mg/dl and 21·7 mg/dl, respectively. These findings were recently strongly criticised, based on the evaluation of later studies, frequently involving individuals with normal or moderately elevated cholesterolaemias. In the present paper, these more recent studies were re-evaluated using a ‘nomogram’ prepared on the basis of the quartiles of initial cholesterol concentrations in the Anderson meta-analysis and their corresponding CI for net cholesterol change. The five studies belonging to the first quartile and thirteen out of the fourteen belonging to the second quartile gave results perfectly in line with the nomogram. Out of the fourteen studies belonging to the third quartile, ten agreed with the nomogram and two gave lower cholesterol reductions, whereas two gave higher reductions. Unfortunately, none of the recent studies belonged to the fourth quartile as treatment with statins or other lipid-lowering drugs is now mandatory in the presence of very high cholesterol levels. The re-evaluation thus shows that the thirty-three studies published in the past 10 years are in agreement with the Anderson meta-analysis and confirm its validity.
Habitat use and phenology of the large insular endemic grasshopperAcrostira euphorbiae(Orthoptera: Pamphagidae)
Authors: López H. , Nogales M. , Morales E. , Oromí P.
Published: April 2007

The habitat use and the phenology of the large grasshopperAcrostira euphorbiaeGarcía & Oromí endemic to La Palma (Canary Islands) are studied. This grasshopper is entirely dependent on the Canarian endemic shrubEuphorbia lamarckiiboth for food and to avoid predation. Adults stay on subapical branches during the day, probably to reduce the risk of predation, and climb up to the apex at night to feed. While females seem to ensure the genetic diversity of offspring by waiting for visits by different males, the latter have to move to guarantee their reproductive success. Monophagy in this species may be related to the year-round presence of tender shoots, and to the predator-repellent toxic latex found in the host plant. Unlike related species from continental areas, adults and nymphs ofA. euphorbiaeare present almost all year round, probably in adaptation to the particular climate of the islands. Nymphs are more abundant in winter, whenEuphorbialeaves are most available. However, adults are more abundant than nymphs in spring, summer and autumn. Males develop more quickly than females, an apparent reproductive strategy based on achieving sexual maturity to coincide with females undergoing imaginal moulting. Matings start immediately after adult females emerge. Densities oscillated between 73 and 193 individuals ha−1, which can be considered a low value compared with other continental pamphagid species.
Genetic differentiation of the pine wilt disease vectorMonochamus alternatus(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) over a mountain range – revealed from microsatellite DNA markers
Authors: Shoda-Kagaya E.
Published: April 2007

To study the dispersal process of the pine sawyerMonochamus alternatus(Hope) in frontier populations, a microsatellite marker-based genetic analysis was performed on expanding populations at the northern limit of its range in Japan. In Asian countries,M. alternatusis the main vector of pine wilt disease, the most serious forest disease in Japan. Sawyers were collected from nine sites near the frontier of the pine wilt disease damage area. A mountain range divides the population into western and eastern sides. Five microsatellite loci were examined and a total of 188 individuals was genotyped from each locus with the number of alleles ranged from two to nine. The mean observed heterozygosity for all loci varied from 0.282 to 0.480 in the nine sites, with an overall mean of 0.364. None of the populations have experienced a significant bottleneck. Significant differentiation was found across the mountain range, but the genetic composition was similar amongst populations of each side. It is believed that the mountain range acts as a geographical barrier to dispersal and that gene flow without a geographical barrier is high. On the west side of the mountain range, a pattern of isolation by distance was detected. This was likely to be caused by secondary contact of different colonizing routes on a small spatial scale. Based on these data, a process linking genetic structure at local (kilometres) and regional spatial scales (hundreds of kilometres) was proposed.
Evaluation ofBt-toxin uptake by the non-target herbivore,Myzus persicae(Hemiptera: Aphididae), feeding on transgenic oilseed rape
Authors: Burgio G. , Lanzoni A. , Accinelli G. , Dinelli G. , Bonetti A. , Marotti I. , Ramilli F.
Published: April 2007

As consequence of the concern about the biosafety of genetically modified plants, biological and ecological studies are considered crucial for environmental risk assessment. Laboratory experiments were carried out in order to evaluate the transfer of the Cry1AcBt-toxin from a transgenicBt-oilseed rape to a non-target pest,Myzus persicaeSulzer. Cry1Ac protein levels in plants and aphids were determined using a double sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Phloem sap from (Bt+) and (Bt−) oilseed rape plants was collected from leaves using a standard method of extraction in an EDTA buffer.Bt-toxin was present in phloem sap, with a mean concentration of 2.7±1.46 ppb, corresponding to a 24-fold lower level than in oilseed rape leaves. Toxin was also detected in aphid samples, with a mean concentration in the positive samples of 2.0±0.8 ppb. The evidence thatBt-toxin remains in herbivores, in this case an aphid, could be useful to clarify functional aspects linked to possible consequences ofBt-crops on food chains involving herbivore–natural enemy trophic systems. Further studies are needed in order to improve the knowledge on the functional aspects linked to the transfer of the Cry1AcBt-toxin from GM-oilseed rape to aphids and their possible consequence.
Timbral praxis: when a tree falls in the forest is it music?
Authors: Rudy Paul
Published: April 2007

There is growing evidence of widespread acceptance of timbre as a primary surface feature and as a structural device in music across genres. This is a result of a growing body of source material available in musical contexts through recording and sampling. Composers using new sounds are creating new musical syntax and structures, and consequently, new contexts and paradoxical or ‘synchretic’ situations that motivate resolution by the listener. New source materials, syntax, structure and synchresis pose challenges for the analyst in this largely non-notated music as well. Research in perception and the formation of conceptual frameworks is providing key information towards understanding this growing timbral common practice and how to talk about it with cogency and depth.
Growth pattern and prevalence of obesity in affluent schoolchildren of Delhi
Authors: Sharma A , Sharma K , Mathur KP
Published: April 2007

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of obesity in affluent schoolchildren of Delhi.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study covering over 4000 students. Anthropometric measurements and birth weights of all the students were recorded.

Setting and subjects

The study was carried out in a school catering to the affluent section of Indian society and included both boys and girls in the age range 4 to 17 years.

Results

The heights and weights of the children were almost similar to those of the National Center for Health Statistics standards, and were much above the values reported by the Indian National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau, which largely captures rural children belonging to lower socio-economic strata in India. Of the subjects studied, 22% were overweight and 6% were obese. Only 6% of these children had low birth weight.

Conclusion

The prevalence of obesity is rising among children because of their change in lifestyle. Children born with a birth weight of ≥ 3 kg tended to have higher body mass index in their adolescent years and maybe consequently in their adult years. Nutrition education can play an important part in reducing the incidence of overweight/obesity and its associated complications.
A comprehensive physical activity promotion programme at elementary school: the effects on physical activity, physical fitness and psychosocial correlates of physical activity
Authors: Verstraete Stefanie JM , Cardon Greet M , De Clercq Dirk LR , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse MM
Published: April 2007

Objective

To evaluate the effects of a comprehensive physical activity (PA) promotion programme in elementary schools on children's total PA levels, leisure-time PA, physical fitness and psychosocial correlates of PA.

Design

A pre-test–post-test design over two school years.

Setting and subjects

Sixteen elementary schools (764 children, mean age: 11.2 ± 0.7 years) were randomly assigned to the intervention condition (n = 8) and the control condition (n = 8). The intervention included a health-related physical education programme, an extracurricular PA promotion programme and classroom-based PA education lessons. In the total sample, leisure-time PA, psychosocial correlates of PA and physical fitness were measured using a PA questionnaire and the Eurofit test battery. In a sub-sample, total PA levels were measured using an accelerometer.

Results

According to accelerometer data, children's moderate PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels decreased less in the intervention schools than in the control schools (P < 0.01). The average time spent on MVPA decreased by 9 min per day in the intervention schools compared with 33 min per day in the control schools. Children in the intervention schools reported significantly more moderate PA in leisure time than the controls (P < 0.05). No overall improvement of physical fitness and no effects on the psychosocial correlates of PA were found.

Conclusions

The comprehensive PA promotion programme was successful in preventing a decline in children's total activity levels. Furthermore, the intervention increased children's PA engagement in leisure time. Therefore, implementation needs to be encouraged.
Ground reaction force and hoof deceleration patterns on two different surfaces at the trot
Authors: Gustås Pia , Johnston Christopher , Drevemo Stig
Published: April 2007

The objective of the present study was to compare the hoof deceleration and ground reaction forces following impact on two different surfaces. Seven unshod Standardbreds were trotted by hand at 3.0–5.7 m s− 1over a force plate covered by either of the two surfaces, sandpaper or a 1 cm layer of sand. Impact deceleration data were recorded from one triaxial accelerometer mounted on the fore- and hind hooves, respectively. Ground reaction force data were obtained synchronously from a force plate, sampled at 4.8 kHz. The differences between the two surfaces were studied by analysing representative deceleration and force variables for individual horses. The maximum horizontal peak deceleration and the loading rates of the vertical and the horizontal forces were significantly higher on sandpaper compared with the sand surface (P < 0.001). In addition, the initial vertical deceleration was significantly higher on sandpaper in the forelimb (P < 0.001). In conclusion, it was shown that the different qualities of the ground surface result in differences in the hoof-braking pattern, which may be of great importance for the strength of the distal horse limb also at slow speeds.