bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracapsular Origin of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon With Glenoid Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligaments
Authors: Parikh Shital N. , Bonnaig Nicolas , Zbojniewicz Andrew
Published: November 2011

An 18-year-old woman presented with a history of recurrent glenohumeral dislocations involving her right dominant shoulder. Physical examination suggested physiologic hyperlaxity and anterior instability. Magnetic resonance arthrography demonstrated an anomalous intracapsular origin of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT), with normal-appearing LHBT in the intertubercular groove. Diagnostic arthroscopy confirmed the absence of the LHBT attachment on the superior labrum. Instead, the LHBT originated from the capsule of the shoulder joint. Diagnostic arthroscopy also revealed glenoid avulsion of the glenohumeral ligaments (GAGL) lesion as a tear in the anterior-inferior capsule near its insertion on the glenoid and labrum. An arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair was performed with rotator interval closure by imbrication of superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments. A retrospective review of the magnetic resonance arthrogram identified irregularity and interposition of contrast between the capsule and the anterior-inferior labrum that was reproduced in the abduction–external rotation view corresponding with the GAGL lesion seen at arthroscopy. At 12 months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated full range of motion and no signs of instability. This case report helps to raise awareness about 2 rare shoulder lesions: the anomalous origin of LHBT and the GAGL lesion. Diagnosing such lesions on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging may aid in operative planning and avoid unexpected intraoperative findings.
Open Glenohumeral Dislocation: Skeletonization of the Proximal Humerus Without Associated Fracture
Authors: Maroney Samuel S. , Devinney D. Scott
Published: November 2011

Shoulder dislocations are common injuries. In the realm of high-energy trauma, enough force can be dissipated to violate the entire soft tissue envelope surrounding the shoulder girdle, generating an open injury. This article presents a case of a young man involved in a motorcycle accident in which he sustained an open glenohumeral dislocation with complete skeletonization of the proximal humerus. There were no associated fractures with his injury. Our patient underwent staged irrigation and debridement of his shoulder with delayed tendoligamentous reconstruction of the skeletonized proximal humerus. After reconstruction, he was immobilized for 3 weeks and then began a progressive shoulder rehabilitation protocol. He healed with no evidence of infection, residual instability, or avascular necrosis at his 4-month follow-up examination. At that point, he had regained functional use of his shoulder for activities of daily living and had no pain. His range of active motion was limited to 90° of flexion and abduction, 0° of external rotation, and internal rotation to the L4. He had complete resolution of a sensory and motor axillary neuropraxia that resulted from his initial injury. It was felt that the patient had potential for continued gains in range of motion and strength.

Our patient is only the second description of an open glenohumeral dislocation with no associated fractures of the proximal humerus. This skeletonization of the proximal humerus represents a complex soft tissue injury that severely compromises the functional capacity of the shoulder. Understanding the nature of the injury and the involved structures and maintaining a sound treatment algorithm allow orthopedic surgeons to maximize the patient’s functional outcome.
Esputos de papel. La historieta ‘underground’ española
Authors: Dopico Pablo
Published: November 2011

Para conocer el origen y desarrollo de la historieta española contemporánea, debemos adentrarnos en los suburbios de la cultura visual. Así descubriremos la historia del cómic underground español. Un cómic donde, gracias a la relativa libertad de expresión que ofrecía, la contracultura encontró un vehículo versátil con el que podía expresarse sin trabas, convirtiéndose en una nueva forma de protesta y reivindicación social que ofreció un impagable testimonio de la realidad española, superior al que ofrecen otras artes coetáneas. El artículo analiza las principales características, aspectos estéticos y novedades lingüísticas del comix español, descubriendo sus principales autores (Ceesepe, Gallardo, Mariscal, Max y Nazario), series (Makoki, Los Garriris, Gustavo, Anarcoma,…) y revistas (El Rrollo Enmascarado, Star, La Piraña Divina, Butifarra!, Los Tebeos del Rrollo, Rock Comix, El Víbora,…), y mostrando su conexión con otras artes, como la pintura, el cine y la fotografía, sin olvidarnos de su relación con el mundo de las drogas y la música rock.
El cómic español desde 1995
Authors: Díaz de Guereñu Juan Manuel
Published: November 2011

En los últimos quince años, el cómic ha cambiado mucho en España. Aunque el escaso peso de la industria del cómic no permite a los autores vivir como profesionales, el medio ha ganado prestigio, atención crítica en las páginas culturales y un lugar en las librerías. Dichos cambios son consecuencia de algunos hechos significativos del periodo: tras la desaparición de las revistas, las sustituyeron cuadernillos o comic-books como soporte fundamental del cómic, y proliferaron revistas críticas de aficionados y fanzines o revistas autoeditadas por los autores. Nuevas editoriales, pequeñas e independientes, más atentas a los valores estéticos que a los comerciales, han definido el nuevo cómic de autor, a menudo identificado con el formato libro y la etiqueta “novela gráfica”.
Wave Steepness and Relative Width: Influence on Transmission Coefficient of Horizontal Interlaced, Multilayered, Moored Floating Pipe Breakwater With Five Layers
Authors: Rajappa Sacchi , Hegde Arkal Vittal , Rao Subba , Channegowda Veena
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a series of physical model scale experiments conducted to determine the transmission characteristics of a horizontal interlaced, multilayered, moored floating pipe breakwater. The studies are conducted on physical breakwater models
having five layers of PVC pipes. The wave steepness (Hi/gT2, where Hi is incident wave height, g is acceleration due to gravity, and T is time period) was varied between 0.063 and 0.849, relative width (W/L, where W is width of breakwater and L is the wavelength)
was varied between 0.4 and 2.65, and relative spacing (S/D, where S is horizontal centre to centre spacing of pipes and D is the diameter of pipes) was set equal to 2. The transmitted wave height is measured, and the gathered data are analyzed by plotting nondimensional graphs depicting the
variation of Kt (transmission coefficient) with Hi/gT2 for values of d/W (d is depth of water) and of Kt with W/L for values of Hi/d. It is observed that Kt decreases as Hi/gT2 increases for the range of
d/W between 0.082 and 0.139. It is also observed that Kt decreases with an increase in W/L values for the range of Hi/d from 0.06 to 0.40. The maximum wave attenuation achieved with the present breakwater configuration is 78%.
Surgery for acute mediastinitis in oesophageal perforations and descending necrotising infection: complications, mortality and protective factors
Authors: Zabaleta Jon , Aguinagalde Borja , Fuentes Marta G , Bazterargui Nerea , Laguna Stephany M. , Izquierdo José M.
Published: October 2011

Acute mediastinitis is a life-threatening situation that is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The most common causes of mediastinitis are: oesophageal perforation, acute necrotising mediastinitis (ANM) and post-sternotomy mediastinitis. The aim of this study was to analyze prognostic factors and the differences between mediastinitis from various origins. A retrospective analysis was carried out on all patients operated on for acute mediastinitis between 2000 and 2009. Surgical interventions were performed on 33 patients (69.7% male), the majority as a consequence of oesophageal perforation (21 cases). The overall mortality rate was 30%. Better survival was seen in subjects less than 60 years of age, subjects with no comorbidities, and subjects who had undergone early tracheotomy. Patients with ANM were younger, had less comorbidities, diagnosed later and required more repeat interventions compared to those patients who had mediastinitis caused by oesophageal perforations. Mortality was lower in the ANM group, but this was not statistically significant. Protective factors in mediastinitis are: early diagnostic and treatment, age under 60 years, absence of major comorbidity and early tracheotomy.
Removal of Locking Plates: New Implant, New Challenges and New Solutions
Authors: Garg Bhavuk , Goyal Tarun , Kumar Vijay , Malhotra Rajesh , Kotwal Prakash P.
Published: November 2011

Removal of locking plates in many ways poses novel challenges compared to conventional plates. None of the techniques described for the removal of locking plates are adequate for all situations. We report our experience of 27 patients from whom a total of 33 locking plates were removed. We also describe a novel technique for the removal of locking plates which in our experience could be used in most of these patients because it is appropriate for all situations and, from a technical point of view, is easy to use. Our new technique consists of removing the problematic locking screw by cutting the plate on both sides of the screw hole and using the screw head-plate hole unit for removal. We analyzed all these patients for the location of the plate, number of locking screws, time of implant removal since the initial surgery, reason for removal of the plate, nature of the difficulties encountered during surgery, and any perioperative complications. A total of 43 (17.34%) screws were difficult to remove. Twenty screws were found to be stripped, 15 were jammed and 8 were broken. Fourteen of the 20 stripped screws and all 15 jammed screws were removed using our technique. We found this technique of locking plate removal to be very versatile and useful in most of the cases in which removal was difficult. At the same time, it also causes less damage to the bone compared to other techniques.
Christianity and the African traditional religion(s): The postcolonial round of engagement
Authors: Adamo David T.
Published: October 2011

This article concerned itself with the modern encounter between Christianity and African Indigenous Religion (AIR) in Africa. It is essentially a postcolonial approach to what AIR and its essential characteristics is: God and humanity, sacrifices, afterlife and ancestors. The rapid growth of many religions in Africa and the revival of AIR in postcolonial Africa have made inter-religious dialogue an urgent necessity. Unlike the colonial encounter with AIR, which was characterised by hostility and the condemnation of AIR, the postcolonial encounter should be characterised by mutual respect, understanding, tolerance, and some level of freedom, liberation and genuineness. In this way, suspicion will be reduced, because despite the adherents� confession of Christianity, AIR is not about to be extinct.
Calcinosis Cutis: Report of 4 Cases
Authors: Muddegowda Prakash Hulivahana , Lingegowda Jyothi Basavanahalli , Ramachandrarao Ramkumar Kurpad , Konapur Prasanna Guddappa
Published: October 2011

Calcinosis cutis is a condition of accumulation of calcium salts within the dermis. We are presenting four cases of calcinosis cutis, with different clinical presentations, occurring in healthy individuals, with normal serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Histologically, all cases showed similar morphology, the lesions were composed of large and small deposits of calcium. Foreign-body giant cell reaction was seen in one case. Another case had intact and ruptured epidermal cysts and calcification within the cyst.
Effect of Kampo Medicine on Pain and Range of Motion of Osteoarthritis of the Hip Accompanied by Acetabular Dysplasia: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kogure Toshiaki , Tatsumi Takeshi , Shigeta Tetsuya , Fujinaga Hiroshi , Sato Takahisa , Niizawa Atsushi
Published: November 2011

We report a 52-year-old female with end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip accompanied by acetabular dysplasia in whom quality of life (QOL) was improved by Kampo treatment. When she was 42 years old, she developed pain in the left hip joint, and early-stage OA of the hip was diagnosed by hip joint x-ray. Therefore, she took NSAIDs, and received conservative therapies such as diet and muscle training. However, pain in the hip joint increased and her activity of daily life (ADL) decreased at the age of 50, although she continued to receive the conservative therapies. At the age of 52, she consulted our department requesting Japanese Oriental (Kampo) Medicine. Kampo formulae; Keishikaryojutsubuto (12Tab/day: Kuracie Co. Ltd. Japan), and Boiougito (7.5 g/day: Kuracie Co. Ltd. Japan), were administered. Treatment for 3 months resulted in a decrease in the left hip joint pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) and improvement of her ADL. One year later, her joint symptoms have not increased, and both the Harris hip score and the clinical evaluation criteria of osteoarthritis of the hip have improved.

The course of this disease varies depending on the lifestyle of the patient, and Kampo formulations may offer safe, potent supplemental treatment.
Determination of radiocarbon in marine sediment porewater dissolved organic carbon by thermal sulfate reduction
Authors: Johnson Leah , Komada Tomoko
Published: November 2011

Fractional abundances of 14C and 13C in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in sediment porewaters may hold important clues about organic carbon cycling in sediments. Yet there is a dearth of isotopic signatures for porewater DOC because of the difficulty associated with oxidizing DOC in seawater. At present, marine DOC can be processed for analyses of 14C and 13C with high precision and minimal contamination by ultraviolet (UV) oxidation, but this method is resource intensive and could be difficult to implement. To resolve this, a thermal sulfate reduction (TSR) method, previously developed to determine 13C in seawater DOC (Fry et al. 1996), was modified and tested for 14C and 13C determination in porewater DOC. CO2 yields from six test materials ranged between 90% and 108%. δ13C signatures were reproducible within ± 0.4‰ and agreed with independently known values. The 14C and δ13C values of porewater DOC obtained by TSR and UV oxidation showed excellent agreement. Application of TSR to archived porewater DOC samples from a sediment incubation experiment revealed notable changes in isotopic values that were not readily discerned in the DOC concentration data alone. The total uncertainty in the 14C values after blank correction was ± 0.005 to 0.02 fraction modern (Fm) for sample sizes ranging between 143 and 560 µg C. For systems where precision on the order of ± 0.02 Fm is acceptable, TSR could be a viable alternative to UV oxidation for processing small, concentrated marine DOC samples.
Variable lifetimes and loss mechanisms for NO3 and N2O5 during the DOMINO campaign: contrasts between marine, urban and continental air
Authors: Crowley J. N. , Thieser J. , Tang M. J. , Schuster G. , Bozem H. , Beygi Z. H. , Fischer H. , Diesch J.-M. , Drewnick F. , Borrmann S. , Song W. , Yassaa N. , Williams J. , Pöhler D. , Platt U. , Lelieveld J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Nighttime mixing ratios of boundary layer N2O5 were determined using cavity-ring-down spectroscopy during the DOMINO campaign in Southern Spain (Diel Oxidant Mechanisms In relation to Nitrogen Oxides, 21 November 2008–8 December 2008). N2O5 mixing ratios ranged from below the detection limit (~5 ppt) to ~500 ppt. A steady-state analysis constrained by measured mixing ratios of N2O5, NO2 and O3 was used to derive NO3 lifetimes and compare them to calculated rates of loss via gas-phase and heterogeneous reactions of both NO3 and N2O5. Three distinct types of air masses were encountered, which were largely marine (Atlantic), continental or urban-industrial in origin. NO3 lifetimes were longest in the Atlantic sector (up to ~30 min) but were very short (a few seconds) in polluted, air masses from the local city and petroleum-related industrial complex of Huelva. Air from the continental sector was an intermediate case. The high reactivity to NO3 of the urban air mass was not accounted for by gas-phase and heterogeneous reactions, rates of which were constrained by measurements of NO, volatile organic species and aerosol surface area. In general, high NO2 mixing ratios were associated with low NO3 lifetimes, though heterogeneous processes (e.g. reaction of N2O5 on aerosol) were generally less important than direct gas-phase losses of NO3. The presence of SO2 at levels above ~2 ppb in the urban air sector was always associated with very low N2O5 mixing ratios indicating either very short NO3 lifetimes in the presence of combustion-related emissions or an important role for reduced sulphur species in urban, nighttime chemistry. High production rates coupled with low lifetimes of NO3 imply an important contribution of nighttime chemistry to removal of both NOx and VOC.
Estimation of NOx emissions from Delhi using Car MAX-DOAS observations and comparison with OMI satellite data
Authors: Shaiganfar R. , Beirle S. , Sharma M. , Chauhan A. , Singh R. P. , Wagner T.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. We present the first Multi-Axis-(MAX-) DOAS observations in India performed during April 2010 and January 2011 in Delhi and nearby regions. The MAX-DOAS instrument was mounted on a car roof, which allowed us to perform measurements along individual driving routes. From car MAX-DOAS observations along closed circles around Delhi, together with information on wind speed and direction, the NOx emissions from the greater Delhi area were determined: our estimate of 4.4 × 1025 molecules s−1 is found to be slightly lower than the corresponding emission estimates using the EDGAR emission inventory and substantially smaller compared to a recent study by Gurjar et al. (2004). We also determined NOx emissions from Delhi using OMI satellite observations on the same days. These emissions are slightly smaller than those from the car MAX-DOAS measurements. Finally the car MAX-DOAS observations were also used for the validation of simultaneous OMI satellite measurements of the tropospheric NO2 VCD and found a good agreement of the spatial patterns. Concerning the absolute values, OMI data are, on average, higher than the car MAX-DOAS observations close to strong emission sources, and vice versa over less polluted regions. Our results indicate that OMI NO2 VCDs are biased low over strongly polluted regions, probably caused by inadequate a-priori profiles used in the OMI satellite retrieval.
Tropospheric ozone column retrieval at northern mid-latitudes from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument by means of a neural network algorithm
Authors: Sellitto P. , Bojkov B. R. , Liu X. , Chance K. , Del Frate F.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Monitoring tropospheric ozone from space is of critical importance in order to gain more thorough knowledge on phenomena affecting air quality and the greenhouse effect. Deriving information on tropospheric ozone from UV/VIS nadir satellite spectrometers is difficult owing to the weak sensitivity of the measured radiance spectra to variations of ozone in the troposphere. Here we propose an alternative method of analysis to retrieve tropospheric ozone columns from Ozone Monitoring Instrument radiances by means of a neural network algorithm. An extended set of ozone sonde measurements at northern mid-latitudes for the years 2004–2008 has been considered as the training and test data set. The design of the algorithm is extensively discussed. Our retrievals are compared to both tropospheric ozone residuals and optimal estimation retrievals over a similar independent test data set. Results show that our algorithm has comparable accuracy with respect to both correlative methods and its performance is slightly better over a subset containing only European ozone sonde stations. Possible sources of errors are analyzed. Finally, the capabilities of our algorithm to derive information on boundary layer ozone are studied and the results critically discussed.
Long-term aerosol optical depth datasets over China retrieved from satellite data
Authors: Xue Y. , Xu H. , Li Y. , Yang L. , Mei L. , Guang J. , Hou T. , He X. , Dong J. , Chen Z. , Qi Y.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Nine years of daily aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements have been derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data using the Synergetic Retrieval of Aerosol Properties (SRAP) method over China for the period from August 2002 to August 2011, comprising AODs at 470, 550, and 660 nm. Then, the variation over China over the nine years was determined from the derived AOD data. Preliminary daily results show the agreement between the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) AOD data and the derived AOD data. From 1219 daily collocations, representing mutually cloud-free conditions, we find that more than 54% of SRAP-MODIS retrieved AOD values comparing with AERONET-observed values within an expected error envelop of 20%. From 222 monthly averaged collocations, representing mutually cloud-free conditions, we find that more than 63% of SRAP-MODIS retrieved AOD values comparing with AERONET-observed values within an expected error envelop of 15% and more than 70% within an expected error envelop of 20%. In addition, the long-term SRAP AOD dataset has been implemented in analysing case studies involving dust storms, haze and the characteristics of AOD variation over China over the past nine years. It was found that areas in China with high AOD values generally appear in the Inner Mongolia, the North China Plain, Tarim Basin, the Sichuan Basin, the Tibetan Plateau and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and area with low AOD values generally appear in the Fujian Province, the Yungui Plateau, and northeast plain. The seasonal averaged AOD results indicate that AOD values generally reach their maximum in spring and their minimum in winter. The yearly mean and monthly mean SRAP AOD were also used to study the spatial and temporal aerosol distributions over China. The results indicate that the AOD over China exhibited no obvious change. Monthly averaged AOD in August in Beijing experienced one decreasing processes from 2006 to 2010, especially after 2007. The monthly mean AOD decreased from 0.46 in 2007 to 0.29 in 2010. SRAP AODs were used to study one haze case and dust case. Combining AOD data from the SRAP AOD dataset and HYSPLIT model can forecast the transport of haze. SRAP AOD data are also sensitive enough to reflect the occurrence and intensity of dust weather. Thus, the SRAP AOD dataset can be used to precisely reflect the spatial distribution, concentration distribution and transmission path of dust.
Developing a novel approach to analyse the regimes of temporary streams and their controls on aquatic biota
Authors: Gallart F. , Prat N. , García-Roger E. M. , Latron J. , Rieradevall M. , Llorens P. , Barberá G. G. , Brito D. , De Girolamo A. M. , Lo Porto A. , Neves R. , Nikolaidis N. P. , Perrin J. L. , Querner E. P. , Quiñonero J. M. , Tournoud M. G. , Tzoraki O. , Froebrich J.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Temporary streams are those water courses that undergo the recurrent cessation of flow or the complete drying of their channel. The biological communities in temporary stream reaches are strongly dependent on the temporal changes of the aquatic habitats determined by the hydrological conditions. The use of the aquatic fauna structural and functional characteristics to assess the ecological quality of a temporary stream reach can not therefore be made without taking into account the controls imposed by the hydrological regime. This paper develops some methods for analysing temporary streams' aquatic regimes, based on the definition of six aquatic states that summarize the sets of mesohabitats occurring on a given reach at a particular moment, depending on the hydrological conditions: flood, riffles, connected, pools, dry and arid. We used the water discharge records from gauging stations or simulations using rainfall-runoff models to infer the temporal patterns of occurrence of these states using the developed aquatic states frequency graph. The visual analysis of this graph is complemented by the development of two metrics based on the permanence of flow and the seasonal predictability of zero flow periods. Finally, a classification of the aquatic regimes of temporary streams in terms of their influence over the development of aquatic life is put forward, defining Permanent, Temporary-pools, Temporary-dry and Episodic regime types. All these methods were tested with data from eight temporary streams around the Mediterranean from MIRAGE project and its application was a precondition to assess the ecological quality of these streams using the current methods prescribed in the European Water Framework Directive for macroinvertebrate communities.
A spatial neural fuzzy network for estimating pan evaporation at ungauged sites
Authors: Chung C.-H. , Chiang Y.-M. , Chang F.-J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Evaporation is an essential reference to the management of water resources. In this study, a hybrid model that integrates a spatial neural fuzzy network with the kringing method is developed to estimate pan evaporation at ungauged sites. The adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) can extract the nonlinear relationship of observations, while kriging is an excellent geostatistical interpolator. Three-year daily data collected from nineteen meteorological stations covering the whole of Taiwan are used to train and test the constructed model. The pan evaporation (Epan) at ungauged sites can be obtained through summing up the outputs of the spatially weighted ANFIS and the residuals adjusted by kriging. Results indicate that the proposed AK model (hybriding ANFIS and kriging) can effectively improve the accuracy of Epan estimation as compared with that of empirical formula. This hybrid model demonstrates its reliability in estimating the spatial distribution of Epan and consequently provides precise Epan estimation by taking geographical features into consideration.
Experimental Investigation of Performance and Emission Characteristics of Mahua Biodiesel in Diesel Engine
Authors: Savariraj S. , Ganapathy T. , Saravanan C. G.
Published: October 2011

Biodiesel derived from nonedible feed stocks such as Mahua, Jatropha, Pongamia are reported to be feasible choices for developing countries including India. This paper presents the results of investigation of performance and emissions characteristics of diesel engine using Mahua biodiesel. In this investigation, the blends of varying proportions of Mahua biodiesel and diesel were prepared, analyzed compared with the performance of diesel fuel, and studied using a single cylinder diesel engine. The brake thermal efficiency, brake-specific fuel consumption, exhaust gas temperatures, Co, Hc, No, and smoke emissions were analyzed. The tests showed decrease in the brake thermal efficiencies of the engine as the amount of Mahua biodiesel in the blend increased. The maximum percentage of reduction in BTE (14.3%) was observed for B-100 at full load. The exhaust gas temperature with the blends decreased as the proportion of Mahua increases in the blend. The smoke, Co, and No emissions of the engine were increased with the blends at all loads. However, Hc emissions of Mahua biodiesels were less than that of diesel.
Γ-Extension of Binary Matroids
Authors: Azanchiler Habib
Published: November 2011

We extend the notion of a point-addition operation from graphs to binary matroids. This operation can be expressed in terms of element-addition operation and splitting operation. We consider a special case of this construction and study its properties. We call the resulting matroid of this special case a Γ-extension of the given matroid. We characterize circuits and bases of the resulting matroids and explore the effect of this operation on the connectivity of the matroids.
Risk Factors of Delivery by Caesarean Section in Cameroon (2003-2004): A Regional Hospital Report
Authors: Tebeu P. M. , Mboudou E. , Halle G. , Kongnyuy E. , Nkwabong E. , Fomulu J. N.
Published: November 2011

We conducted this retrospective case-control study to identify possible risk factors of delivery through caesarean section in the Far North Region of Cameroon. Data was collected retrospectively from delivery room registers at the Provincial Hospital, Maroua, Cameroon from 01/01/2003 to 31/12/2004. The overall 125 eligible caesarean deliveries were compared with 244 women who delivered vaginally during the study period. The odds ratio as well as the 95% confidence interval was used to measure the relationship between maternal characteristic and risk of delivery by caesarean section. We found that the marital status is similar in the two study populations. Risk factors associated with cesarean section were: maternal age less than 17 years (OR 3.55, 95%CI: 1.46–8.64), maternal age over 39 years (OR 3.55, 95% CI: 1.17–10.75), nulliparity (OR 2.72, 95% CI: 1.59–4.66), grand multiparty (OR 3.43, 95% CI: 1.79–6.57), and macrosomia (OR 4.82, 95% CI: 1.49–16.44). There was a weak association with absent or poor. Caesarean delivery is associated with extreme ages of reproductive life, macrosomia, nulliparous and grand multiparous status. We strongly recommend that these factors be taken into consideration to strengthen the mother and child health programs in Cameroon and countries with similar socioeconomic profiles.
Evaluation of the Order of Hierarchical Structures for the Calculation of Method Uncertainty Using Nested and Other Designs
Authors: Durden David A
Published: November 2011

Several methods have been used to calculate method uncertainties using data from a previous publication. The major effort was to study the effect of changing the primary factor of the nested (hierarchical) design from concentration to matrix and then analyst. In the measurement of fluoroquinolones in honey, it was observed that when matrix was the primary factor the uncertainty values were generally slightly larger than when concentration or analyst were the primary factors. However, the differences are small, indicating the robustness of the nested design calculations. Two previously published methods of correcting for uncertainty due to intermediate precision were also examined and showed very little difference, confirming the robustness of the correction. A comparison was also made with previous non-nested designs, which tended to give lower calculated error values.
Screening and Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Seafoods Using QuEChERS-Based Extraction and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection
Authors: Gratz Samuel R , Ciolino Laura A , Mohrhaus Angela S , Gamble Bryan M , Gracie Jill M , Jackson David S , Roetting John P , McCauley Heather A , Heitkemper Douglas T , Fricke Fred L , Krol Walter J , Arsenault Terri L , White Jason C , Flottmeyer Michele M , Johnson Yoko S
Published: November 2011

A rapid, sensitive, and accurate method for the screening and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in edible seafood is described. The method uses quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)-based extraction and HPLC with fluorescence detection (FLD). The method was developed and validated in response to the massive Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Rapid and highly sensitive PAH screening methods are critical tools needed for oil spill response; they help to assess when seafood is safe for harvesting and consumption. Sample preparation involves SPE of edible seafood portions with acetonitrile, followed by the addition of salts to induce water partitioning. After centrifugation, a portion of the acetonitrile layer is filtered prior to analysis via HPLC-FLD. The chromatographic method uses a polymeric C18 stationary phase designed for PAH analysis with gradient elution, and it resolves 15 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency priority parent PAHs in fewer than 20 min. The procedure was validated in three laboratories for the parent PAHs using spike recovery experiments at PAH fortification levels ranging from 25 to 10 000 μg/kg in oysters, shrimp, crab, and finfish, with recoveries ranging from 78 to 99%. Additional validation was conducted for a series of alkylated homologs of naphthalene, dibenzothiophene, and phenanthrene, with recoveries ranging from 87 to 128%. Method accuracy was further assessed based on analysis of National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material 1974b. The method provides method detection limits in the sub to low ppb (μg/kg) range, and practical LOQs in the low ppb (μg/kg) range for most of the PAH compounds studied.
Water‐Based Isotropically Conductive Adhesives: Towards Green and Low‐Cost Flexible Electronics
Authors: Yang Cheng , Lin Wei , Li Zhongyu , Zhang Rongwei , Wen Haoran , Gao Bo , Chen Guohua , Gao Ping , Yuen Matthew M. F. , Wong Ching Ping
Published: October 2011

This paper reports the first high‐performance water‐based isotropically conductive adhesives (WBICAs) – a promising material for both electrical interconnects and printed circuits for ultralow‐cost flexible/foldable printed electronics. Through combining surface iodination and in situ reduction treatment, the electrically conductivity of the WBICAs are dramatically improved (8 × 10‐5 Ω cm with 80 wt% of silver); moreover, their reliability (stable for at least 1440 h during 85 °C/85% RH aging) meets the essential requirements for microelectronic applications. Prototyped applications in carrying light emitting diode (LED) arrays and radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas on flexible substrates were demonstrated, which showed satisfactory performances. Moreover, their water‐based character may render them more environmentally benign (no volatile organic chemicals involved in the printing and machine maintenance processes), more convenient in processing (reducing the processing steps), and energy economic (thermally sintering the silver fillers and curing the resin is not necessary unlike conventional ICAs). Therefore, they are especially advantageous for mass‐fabricating flexible electronic devices when coupled with paper and other low‐cost substrate materials such as PET, PI, wood, rubber, and textiles.
Emergent Criticality in Complex Turing B‐Type Atomic Switch Networks
Authors: Stieg Adam Z. , Avizienis Audrius V. , Sillin Henry O. , Martin‐Olmos Cristina , Aono Masakazu , Gimzewski James K.
Published: October 2011

Recent advances in the neuromorphic operation of atomic switches as individual synapse‐like devices demonstrate the ability to process information with both short‐term and long‐term memorization in a single two terminal junction. Here it is shown that atomic switches can be self‐assembled within a highly interconnected network of silver nanowires similar in structure to Turing's “B‐Type unorganized machine”, originally proposed as a randomly connected network of NAND logic gates. In these experimental embodiments, complex networks of coupled atomic switches exhibit emergent criticality similar in nature to previously reported electrical activity of biological brains and neuron assemblies. Rapid fluctuations in electrical conductance display metastability and power law scaling of temporal correlation lengths that are attributed to dynamic reorganization of the interconnected electro‐ionic network resulting from induced non‐equilibrium thermodynamic instabilities. These collective properties indicate a potential utility for real‐time, multi‐input processing of distributed sensory data through reservoir computation. We propose these highly coupled, nonlinear electronic networks as an implementable hardware‐based platform toward the creation of physically intelligent machines.
Preparation and characterization of exfoliated nanocomposite of polyvinyl acetate and organic montmorillonite
Authors: Cui Hui‐Wang , Du Guan‐Ben
Published: October 2011

To improve the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), an organic montmorillonite (OMMT) was first prepared by montmorillonite (MMT) and octadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (STAB), and then it was added to synthesized PVAc under conventional laboratory conditions. The influence of its variable addition on the properties of PVAc—OMMT was investigated mainly by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and static tension, and the rheology was also investigated by the power‐law function equation and the Cross–Williamson model viscous equation. The exfoliated nanocomposite of PVAc—OMMT was obtained; linear macromolecular chains of PVAc were formed in the layers of OMMT, and no chemical bonding appeared between OMMT and PVAc, but there were some physical effects. The dispersion of PVAc—OMMT was better than PVAc. OMMT was exfoliated into layers or sheets of nanoparticles and was randomly dispersed in the matrix of PVAc. The particle diameter of OMMT ranged from 50 to 100 nm, whereas PVAc's diameter ranged from 250 to 500 nm; the smaller OMMT particles were adsorbed around the bigger all PVAc particles and formed a “strawberry” structure. PVAc and PVAc—OMMT were both pseudoplastic non‐Newtonian fluids; they possessed the normal stress effect (or the Weissenberg effect), that is the pole‐climbing phenomenon. The static tension properties of PVAc—OMMT were much better than PVAc, and the addition of OMMT in polymerization was reasonable and not more than 2.0% of VAc. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: 130–140, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20244
Synthesis and flocculation characteristics of chitosan and its grafted polyacrylamide
Authors: Zhang Yuhong , Jin Haiqin , He Peixin
Published: October 2011

A flocculant based on chitosan was prepared, and its flocculation behavior was studied. The graft copolymer of acrylamide onto chitosan was synthesized using potassium persulfate as an initiator. The effect of reaction conditions, i.e., deacetylation degree of chitosan (CTS), the effect of the concentration, solution pH, and the initial concentration of kaolin on flocculation characteristics of chitosan‐grafted polyacrylamide (CAM), was discussed. The experimental results showed that the higher the deacetylation degree of chitosan, the better the flocculation performance of CAM. The concentration and pH of flocculant solution had a great impact on the flocculation performance. Compared with chitosan, the graft copolymer had a better flocculating effect on the kaolin suspensions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 31: 292–297, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20252
Technico‐economical assessment of MFI‐type zeolite membranes for CO2 capture from postcombustion flue gases
Authors: Sublet J. , Pera‐Titus M. , Guilhaume N. , Farrusseng D. , Schrive L. , Chanaud P. , Siret B. , Durécu S.
Published: October 2011

A detailed survey of the effect of moisture on the CO2/N2 permeation and separation performance of Mobile Five (MFI) zeolite membranes in view of downstream postcombustion CO2 capture applications in power plants and incinerators is presented. The membranes, displaying a nanocomposite architecture, have been prepared on α‐alumina tubes by pore‐plugging hydrothermal synthesis at 443 K for 89 h using a precursor clear solution with molar composition 1 SiO2:0.45 tetrapropylammonium hydroxide:27.8 H2O. The synthesized membranes present reasonable permeation and CO2/N2 separation properties even in the presence of high water concentrations in the gas stream. A critical discussion is also provided on the technico‐economical feasibility (i.e., CO2 recovery, CO2 purity in the permeate, module volume, and energy consumption) of a membrane cascade unit for CO2 capture and liquefaction/supercritical storage from standard flue gases emitted from an incinerator. Our results suggest that the permeate pressure should be kept under primary vacuum to promote the CO2 driving force within the membrane. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 3183–3194, 2012
IBN partition between st monomer/polymer and water and its application in miniemulsion polymerization initiated by AIBN
Authors: Shang Yue , Shan Guo‐Rong
Published: October 2011

Isobutyronitrile has been selected as a stable substitute for the 2‐cyano‐2‐propyl radical originating from 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) to study the behavior of this radical in miniemulsion polymerization. The partition of isobutyronitrile between styrene monomers/polymers and water has been investigated by carrying out equilibrium experiments under different conditions. Prediction based on a published kinetic model using the newly measured partition coefficient has also been compared with published experimental data and prediction based on the partition coefficient of 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile). The partition coefficients for isobutyronitrile were found to be 10.98 for the styrene/water system and 4.34 for the polystyrene/water system, respectively. The partition coefficient was found to be unaffected by selected conditions. The model prediction based on the partition coefficient of isobutyronitrile agreed well with the published experimental data, thus, indicating that the partition coefficient of the primary radical should be used in theoretical calculations rather than that of the initiator. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 3135–3143, 2012
Ant colony optimization‐based method for managing industrial influents in wastewater systems
Authors: Verdaguer Marta , Clara Narcís , Poch Manel
Published: October 2011

The effectiveness of wastewater systems with high‐industrial effluent input requires avoiding temporary overloads due to influent volumes and/or pollutant loads that exceed the system's treatment capacity. The multiagent paradigm is shown to be a suitable methodology for managing all information related to the state of the entire system to apply optimal influent assignment criteria. However, to be efficient, this methodology requires a prioritization process to assign priorities to different influent classes. A novel approach is proposed for solving this complex issue using a combinatorial optimization procedure with multiple constraints that is implemented when the treatment system lacks the capacity to accept all of its influent. The metaheuristic method applied is an ant colony optimization‐based method, and the solution is achieved using two distinct algorithms with different processes for updating the pheromone trail. The results illustrate their usefulness, even when industrial effluents exhibit large fluctuations in their pollutant concentrations. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 3070–3079, 2012
Connexin hemichannel blockade improves outcomes in a model of fetal ischemia
Authors: Davidson Joanne O. , Green Colin R. , B. Nicholson Louise F. , O'Carroll Simon J. , Fraser Mhoyra , Bennet Laura , Jan Gunn Alistair
Published: October 2011

Objective:

Connexin hemichannels can open during ischemia, resulting in loss of membrane potential, calcium influx, and release of glutamate. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that opening of hemichannels after cerebral ischemia may contribute to delayed evolution of injury.

Methods:

We infused a mimetic peptide that blocks connexin 43 hemichannels into the lateral ventricle of chronically instrumented fetal sheep in utero at 128 ± 1 days gestation (term is 147 days), starting 90 minutes after 30 minutes of severe ischemia induced by reversible bilateral carotid artery occlusion, for either 1 or 25 hours. Sheep were killed 7 days later.

Results:

Peptide infusion was associated with a graded improvement in recovery of electroencephalographic power after 7 days recovery, from −13 ± 1.9dB (n = 7) after ischemia–vehicle to −9 ± 1.6dB (n = 7) after ischemia–short infusion and −5 ± 1.6dB after ischemia–long infusion (n = 6, p < 0.05). Peptide infusion was associated with reduced seizure activity after ischemia, less frequent status epilepticus (p < 0.05), and earlier return of sleep state cycling (p < 0.05). Ischemia–long infusion (but not ischemia–short infusion) was associated with improved survival of oligodendrocytes in intragyral and periventricular white matter (p < 0.05) and increased brain weight (p < 0.05). Ischemia–long infusion was associated with an intermediate estimate of surviving neurons in the parasagittal cortex of 2.9 ± 0.8 × 106, in comparison to sham control (4.3 ± 0.9 × 106) or ischemia–vehicle (1.5 ± 0.4 × 106; p < 0.05 vs sham control).

Interpretation:

These data support the hypothesis that opening of connexin hemichannels is a significant mediator of postischemic white and gray matter dysfunction and injury. ANN NEUROL 2012;71:121–132
Probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder increases risk for mild cognitive impairment and Parkinson disease: A population‐based study
Authors: Boot Brendon P. , Boeve Bradley F. , Roberts Rosebud O. , Ferman Tanis J. , Geda Yonas E. , Pankratz V. Shane , Ivnik Robert J. , Smith Glenn E. , McDade Eric , H. Christianson Teresa J. , Knopman David S. , Tangalos Eric G. , Silber Michael H. , Petersen Ronald C.
Published: October 2011

Objective:

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is associated with neurodegenerative disease and particularly with the synucleinopathies. Convenience samples involving subjects with idiopathic RBD have suggested an increased risk of incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia (usually dementia with Lewy bodies), and Parkinson disease (PD). There are no data on such risks in a population‐based sample.

Methods:

Cognitively normal subjects aged 70 to 89 years in a population‐based study of aging who screened positive for probable RBD using the Mayo Sleep Questionnaire were followed at 15‐month intervals. In a Cox proportional hazards model, we measured the risk of developing MCI, dementia, and PD among the exposed (probable RBD [pRBD]+) and unexposed (pRBD−) cohorts.

Results:

Forty‐four subjects with pRBD+ status at enrollment (median duration of pRBD features was 7.5 years) and 607 pRBD− subjects were followed prospectively for a median of 3.8 years. Fourteen of the pRBD+ subjects developed MCI, and 1 developed PD (15/44 = 34% developed MCI/PD); none developed dementia. After adjustment for age, sex, education, and medical comorbidity, pRBD+ subjects were at increased risk of MCI/PD (hazard ratio [HR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–3.9; p = 0.005). Inclusion of subjects who withdrew from the study produced similar results, as did exclusion of subjects with medication‐associated RBD. Duration of pRBD symptoms did not predict the development of MCI/PD (HR, 1.05 per 10 years; 95% CI, 0.84–1.3; p = 0.68).

Interpretation:

In this population‐based cohort study, we observed that pRBD confers a 2.2‐fold increased risk of developing MCI/PD over 4 years. ANN NEUROL 2012;71:49–56