bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro seed germination in Cymbidium elegans Lindl. and Dendrobium densiflorum Lindl. ex Wall. (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Pradha Shreeti , Pant Bijaya
Published: July 2010

A comparative study of in vitro seed germination of two endangered orchid species, viz. Cymbidium elegans Lindl. and Dendrobium densiflorum Lindl. ex Wall., was carried out on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium, supplemented with different concentrations and combination of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and á-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The hormone-free MS medium and MS medium supplemented with various growth hormones were found effective for in vitro seed germination of both species. However, the seeds of these two species showed variation in their germination behavior. Hormone-free MS basal medium was found most effective for seed germination of D. densiflorum; whereas, basal medium supplemented with BAP (1mg/l) was effective for C. elegans. The seeds of D. densiflorum showed quick response in earlier germination, protocorm formation and further development into seedlings in comparison to C. elegans. In C. elegans, germination of immature seeds started after nine weeks of inoculation; whereas in D. densiflorum, the initiation of germination started after five weeks of culture. The variations in seed germination, protocorm formation and seedling differentiation in the two orchid species might be due to the differences in their genetic constitution and the presence of different endogenous growth stimulating substances present in their seeds. The present study has provided useful information for in vitro clonal mass multiplication of these commercially important orchid species. Key-words: growth hormone; in vitro study; orchid.DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.2917 Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: 100-102
Nervilia makinnoni Duthie. and Nervilia plicata (Andrews) Schltr. (Orchidaceae): new records for flora of Nepal
Authors: Raskoti Bhakta Bahadur , Ale Rita
Published: July 2010

Nervilia makinnoni Duthie and Nervilia plicata (Andrews) Schltr. (Orchidaceae) are reported as new records to Nepal. Detail description, illustrations and relevant notes are provided. Key words: conservation status; herbarium; orchids; phenology.DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.2920 Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: 109-110
Cytotaxonomy of Smithia ciliata Royle (Fabaceae)
Authors: Manandhar Laxmi , Sakya Shyam R
Published: July 2010

Cytotaxonomy of Smithia ciliata Royle, collected from Panighat (1700 msl), Kathmandu valley, is reported. The somatic chromosome number was found to be 2n = 38 with the basic number being n = 19.  Karyotype structure is predominated with medium sized chromosomes and with median constrictions. Key-words: chromosome count; karyotype; meiosis.DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.2921 Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: 111-113
Academician Armen Leonovich Takhtajan (1910-2009)
Authors: Editor The
Published: July 2010

DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.3413Botanica Orientalis – Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: iii
PEFR and FEF25-75 in type 2 diabetes mellitus and their relationships with its duration
Authors: Ali Md Omar , Begum Shelina , Begum Noorzahan , Ali Taskina , Ferdousi Sultana
Published: July 2010

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem with increasing incidence worldwideand long term complications of various organs including lungs. The magnitude of the complicationsof this disease is related to its duration. Objective: To observe PEFR and FEF25-75 in type 2 diabeticmale and their relationship with duration of the disease. Methods: This cross sectional study wascarried out in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka, from 1st July 2007 to 30th June 2008 on60 type 2 diabetic, non smoker, male of 40-60 years old. For comparison, 30 age, BMI and socioeconomicstatus matched apparently healthy non diabetic subjects were also studied. Based on the duration ofdisease, diabetic patients were divided into B1 (5-10 years) and B2 (10-20 years). PEFR and FEF25-75 ofall the subjects were measured by an electronic spirometer. Data were analyzed by One way ANOVA,Unpaired Student's 't' and Pearson's correlation coefficient tests. Results: The mean percentage ofpredicted values of PEFR and FEF25-75 in non diabetic male were within normal ranges. But, both theparameters were significantly (p<0.001) lower in both the groups of type 2 diabetic male compared tothose of non diabetic male. Again, the PEFR and FEF25-75 were lower in the patients of longer durationcompared to those of shorter duration but the differences were not significant. However, PEFR wasnegatively correlated and FEF25-75 was positively correlated with shorter duration of diabetes and therelationships were nonsignificant. On the other hand, both the parameters were negatively correlatedwith longer duration of diabetes while only PEFR showed significant (p<0.01) relationship. Conclusion:The PEFR and FEF25-75 may be lower in type 2 diabetic male, which are inversely related to theduration of the disease.Key words: PEFR; FEF25-75; Diabetes Mellitus.DOI: 10.3329/jbsp.v5i1.5413J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2010 June; 5(1): 14-19
Relationship of Thyroid Hormones with Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Kabir Rassel , Begum Noorzahan , Ferdousi Sultana , Begum Shelina , Ali Taskina
Published: July 2010

Background: Altered thyroid functions are associated with variation in autonomic regulation ofcardiovascular activity. Cardiac Autonomic Nervous Activity (CANA) can be assessed quantitativelyby analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Objective: To observe the relationship between CANAwith altered TSH and FT4. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department ofPhysiology, BSMMU, Dhaka between1st July 2007 and 30th June 2008 on 60 patients with excessthyroid hormone (group B, aged 30-50 years). Based on treatment, 30 untreated newly diagnosedpatients were designated as group B1 and 30 patients under treatment with antithyroid drugs for atleast 2 months were included into group B2 in order to observe the effect of treatment. All thesepatients were selected from the Out Patient Department of Endocrinology wing of Department ofMedicine, BSMMU, Dhaka. Sociodemographically matched 20 apparently healthy euthyroid personswere selected for comparison (group A). To confirm thyroid status, serum TSH and serum FT4 levelswere measured by AxSym system and some of the spectral HRV parameters i.e.mean R-R interval,mean heart rate, variance, LF n.u, HF n.u and LF/HF ratio were assessed by recordings of ECG for 5minute (short term) with a polyrite. For statistical analysis Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) test wasused. Results: With serum TSH level, the LF n.u. power and LF/HF ratio showed significant (p<0.05)positive correlations but HF n.u. power showed significant (p<0.05) negative correlation in group B1.But these three parameters showed non significant correlations with TSH in the other two groups (A,B2). Similarly with serum TSH level, variance and mean R-R interval showed negative and mean HRshowed positive correlation in group B1. In group A, all these parameters were positively correlatedwhereas in group B2, RR interval and variance were positively and mean HR was negatively correlated.All these correlations were statistically non significant. With serum FT4 levels, mean R-R and HF n.u.were negatively and mean heart rate, LFnu, LF/HF were positively correlated in all three groups butvariance showed positive in group A and negative correlation in B1 and B2. All these correlations werestatistically non significant. Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that changes in autonomicnervous regulation are related to altered serum level of TSH and FT4 in hyperthyroids.Key words: HRV; LF; HF; RR interval; HyperthyroidDOI: 10.3329/jbsp.v5i1.5414J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2010 June; 5(1): 20-26
Sympathetic Nerve Function Status in Obesity
Authors: Akhter Shahin , Begum Noorzahan , Ferdousi Sultana , Begum Shelina , Ali Taskina
Published: July 2010

Background: Obesity is an important and independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity andmortality. High incidence of cardiac autonomic nerve dysfunction has been noted in obese subjectswho are at increased risk for sudden death Objective: To study the relationship between sympatheticnerve function and obesity. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department ofPhysiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University between July 2006 to June 2007 and 40apparently healthy obese subjects aged 18-40 years of both sexes with BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2 in study group.Age and sex matched 40 apparently healthy nonobese subjects with BMI range of 18.5-22.9 kg/m2were also included for comparison (Control). Two noninvasive cardiovascular reflex tests like bloodpressure response to sustained handgrip and blood pressure response to standing were done toassess sympathetic nerve function status. Unpaired Student's 't' test and Pearson correlation coefficienttest were used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean values of resting heart rate, resting systolic anddiastolic blood pressure were significantly (p<0.05) higher and both the sympathetic nerve functionparameters (BP response to hand grip and BP response to standing) were significantly (p>0.05) lowerin obese compared to those of non obese control subjects. Again, BP response to hand grip werenegatively and BP response to standing were positively correlated with BMI in all subjects. Thesecorrelations are statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed thatsympathetic nerve function may be reduced in obesity.Key words: sympathetic nerve function; obesity; BMIDOI: 10.3329/jbsp.v5i1.5416J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2010 June; 5(1): 34-39
Sympathetic Nerve Function Status in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Naher Latifa Afrin Dill , Begum Noorzahan , Ferdousi Sultana , Begum Shelina , Ali Taskina
Published: July 2010

Background: Postmenopausal women usually suffer from increased incidence of cardiovasculardiseases than premenopausal women. Alterations in autonomic nerve functions often develop in thisgroup of women that commonly affect cardiac vagal control and usually associated with sympathetichyperactivity. Objectives: To observe the sympathetic nerve function status in postmenopausalwomen and their relationships with serum estrogen level. Methods: This cross sectional study wascarried out in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka from 1st January to 31st December 2007.A total number of 60 apparently healthy subjects of whom 30 were postmenopausal women with ageranged from 45-60 years(group B) and 30 were premenopausal women with age ranged from 20-30years (group A) were enrolled. Premenopausal women were studied during follicular phase of menstrualcycle. Two simple autonomic nerve function tests, rise of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during handgrip and fall of systolic blood pressure (SBP) on standing were done to assess sympathetic activityand serum estrogen level was measured in both the groups. Data were analysed by unpaired t test andPearson correlation coefficient test. Results: Mean resting SBP and DBP were significantly higher(p<0.001) in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women. The mean value of estrogen wassignificantly (p<0.001) lower in group B (postmenopause) than those in group A (premenopause). Fallin systolic blood pressure after standing was significantly (p<0.001) higher and rise in diastolic bloodpressure after sustained handgrip was significantly (p<0.001) lower in postmenopausal women thanthose in premenopausal women during their follicular phase of menstrual cycle. Again, rise in diastolicblood pressure after sustained handgrip and fall in systolic blood pressure after standing showed(p>0.05) negative correlation with estrogen level in the postmenopausal women which was statisticallynot significant. In addition, regression analysis further revealed significant association of sympatheticactivity with estrogen level and age in postmenopausal women. Conclusion: From this study it can beconcluded that sympathetic activity is higher in postmenopausal women, which may be related totheir low estrogen level and age as well.Key words: Postmenopause; sympathetic nerve functions; estrogen.DOI: 10.3329/jbsp.v5i1.5417J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2010 June; 5(1): 40-45
An essay on the history of natural history in Brazil, 1500–1900
Authors: PIRES-O'BRIEN MARIA JOAQUINA
Published: July 2010

The scientific literature on Brazilian natural history prior to 1900 shows that most of its practitioners were either foreign travellers or European expatriates. This paper draws a critical picture of the various periods of natural history before 1900, in an attempt to analyse the circumstances which could explain the apparent absence of nationals studying the country's natural history. A chronology of events relevant to natural history is described in the context of Brazil's socioeconomic evolution and the influence of the Enlightenment upon Brazil and Portugal. Three of the major difficulties which Brazilian naturalists encountered in publishing their findings were the late installation of the first printing press in Brazil; the attitude of the colonial power that Brazil was only a source of riches for Portugal; and the disastrous effects of the Napoleonic invasion of Portugal on the work of the great Brazilian naturalist, Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira.
Imaging Analysis of Carbohydrate-Modified Surfaces Using ToF-SIMS and SPRi
Authors: Bolles Kathryn M. , Cheng Fang , Burk-Rafel Jesse , Dubey Manish , Ratner Daniel M.
Published: July 2010

Covalent modification of surfaces with carbohydrates (glycans) is a prerequisite for a variety of glycomics-based biomedical applications, including functional biomaterials, glycoarrays, and glycan-based biosensors. The chemistry of glycan immobilization plays an essential role in the bioavailability and function of the surface bound carbohydrate moiety. However, the scarcity of analytical methods to characterize carbohydrate-modified surfaces complicates efforts to optimize glycan surface chemistries for specific applications. Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is a surface sensitive technique suited for probing molecular composition at the biomaterial interface. Expanding ToF-SIMS analysis to interrogate carbohydrate-modified materials would increase our understanding of glycan surface chemistries and advance novel tools in the nascent field of glycomics. In this study, a printed glycan microarray surface was fabricated and subsequently characterized by ToF-SIMS imaging analysis. A multivariate technique based on principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the ToF-SIMS dataset and reconstruct ToF-SIMS images of functionalized surfaces. These images reveal chemical species related to the immobilized glycan, underlying glycan-reactive chemistries, gold substrates, and outside contaminants. Printed glycoarray elements (spots) were also interrogated to resolve the spatial distribution and spot homogeneity of immobilized glycan. The bioavailability of the surface-bound glycan was validated using a specific carbohydrate-binding protein (lectin) as characterized by Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging (SPRi). Our results demonstrate that ToF-SIMS is capable of characterizing chemical features of carbohydrate-modified surfaces and, when complemented with SPRi, can play an enabling role in optimizing glycan microarray fabrication and performance.
Prospects of Nanotechnology in Clinical Immunodiagnostics
Authors: Ansari Anees A. , Alhoshan Mansour , Alsalhi Mohamad S. , Aldwayyan Abdull S.
Published: July 2010

Nanostructured materials are promising compounds that offer new opportunities as sensing platforms for the detection of biomolecules. Having micrometer-scale length and nanometer-scale diameters, nanomaterials can be manipulated with current nanofabrication methods, as well as self-assembly techniques, to fabricate nanoscale bio-sensing devices. Nanostructured materials possess extraordinary physical, mechanical, electrical, thermal and multifunctional properties. Such unique properties advocate their use as biomimetic membranes to immobilize and modify biomolecules on the surface of nanoparticles. Alignment, uniform dispersion, selective growth and diameter control are general parameters which play critical roles in the successful integration of nanostructures for the fabrication of bioelectronic sensing devices. In this review, we focus on different types and aspects of nanomaterials, including their synthesis, properties, conjugation with biomolecules and their application in the construction of immunosensing devices. Some key results from each cited article are summarized by relating the concept and mechanism behind each sensor, experimental conditions and the behavior of the sensor under different conditions, etc. The variety of nanomaterial-based bioelectronic devices exhibiting novel functions proves the unique properties of nanomaterials in such sensing devices, which will surely continue to expand in the future. Such nanomaterial based devices are expected to have a major impact in clinical immunodiagnostics, environmental monitoring, security surveillance and for ensuring food safety.
Symmetry, Symmetry Breaking and Topology
Authors: Sen Siddhartha
Published: July 2010

The ground state of a system with symmetry can be described by a group G. This symmetry group G can be discrete or continuous. Thus for a crystal G is a finite group while for the vacuum state of a grand unified theory G is a continuous Lie group. The ground state symmetry described by G can change spontaneously from G to one of its subgroups H as the external parameters of the system are modified. Such a macroscopic change of the ground state symmetry of a system from G to H correspond to a “phase transition”. Such phase transitions have been extensively studied within a framework due to Landau. A vast range of systems can be described using Landau’s approach, however there are also systems where the framework does not work. Recently there has been growing interest in looking at such non-Landau type of phase transitions. For instance there are several “quantum phase transitions” that are not of the Landau type. In this short review we first describe a refined version of Landau’s approach in which topological ideas are used together with group theory. The combined use of group theory and topological arguments allows us to determine selection rule which forbid transitions from G to certain of its subgroups. We end by making a few brief remarks about non-Landau type of phase transition.
The HTLV-1 Virological Synapse
Authors: Nejmeddine Mohamed , Bangham Charles R.M.
Published: July 2010

Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) spreads efficiently between T-cells via a tight and highly organized cell-cell contact known as the virological synapse. It is now thought that many retroviruses and other viruses spread via a virological synapse, which may be defined as a virus-induced, specialized area of cell-to-cell contact that promotes the directed transmission of the virus between cells. We summarize here the mechanisms leading to the formation of the HTLV-1 virological synapse and the role played by HTLV-1 Tax protein. We propose a model of HTLV-1 transmission between T-cells based on the three-dimensional ultrastructure of the virological synapse. Finally, in the light of recent advances, we discuss the possible routes of HTLV-1 spread across the virological synapse.
Credentialing: Achieving Quality in Continuing Nursing Education
Authors: Chappell Kathy , Drenkard Karen
Published: July 2010

For more than three decades, the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Accreditation Program has been committed to the delivery of quality continuing nursing education. Changes in the landscape of continuing education have prompted a critical evaluation of the current criteria and have led to some significant revisions. This column provides an overview of these changes.
Mobilizing Gerontological Nursing Education
Authors: Aselage Melissa
Published: July 2010

Capturing baccalaureate nursing student interest in gerontological nursing content can be challenging. Using technology, a joint project based on the Geriatric Nursing Education Consortium (GNEC) modules produced podcasts focused on nine major topics of care for older adults: atypical presentation, cancer, critical thinking, dementia, diabetes, geriatric resources, heart disease, intensive care, and interdisciplinary teams. Each podcast lays a foundation of content for faculty to build on in the classroom and at the bedside.
Assessing and Managing Critically Ill Older Adults
Authors: Balas Michele C. , Casey Colleen M. , Happ Mary Beth
Published: July 2010

Facilitating students’ knowledge and ability to care for critically ill older adults is a daunting task for even the most experienced teacher. Faculty, preceptors, and mentors must address the seemingly dichotomous objectives of training practitioners capable of providing safe, technologically advanced care intended to restore hemodynamic stability tempered by the simultaneous goal of providing person-centered, culturally competent, age-appropriate interventions. This article provides specific approaches to prepare baccalaureate nursing students for some of the challenges experienced when caring for critically ill older adults, including teaching strategies, clinical competency behaviors/activities, and postconference topics. By creating a safe environment for asking questions, sharing their expertise and experiences, and adequately addressing individual learning styles, teachers can begin to instill the passion, commitment, and knowledge needed to care for this vulnerable population.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Geriatric Nursing Education Consortium
Authors: Wilson Laurie Dodge
Published: July 2010

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) administers several complementary programs to improve nursing care for older adults, including the Geriatric Nursing Education Consortium (GNEC). GNEC, a national initiative with generous funding from the John A. Hartford Foundation and operated in collaboration with the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University, is designed to enhance geriatric content in senior-level undergraduate nursing courses. As a result of the GNEC initiative, faculty at a majority of baccalaureate programs at schools of nursing across the country have been educated in the fundamentals of teaching geriatric nursing and the use of geriatric curriculum resources. Using a train-the-trainer approach, GNEC’s primary goal has been to support and empower baccalaureate nursing faculty as they champion geriatric education, train other faculty, and oversee revision of the senior-level undergraduate curriculum at their home institutions.
The Use of
Story
as a
Teaching Strategy
Authors: Overcash Janine
Published: July 2010

Story is a creative teaching strategy that can highlight the unique and complex needs of older adults diagnosed with cancer. Story as a means for delivering educational content can enhance recall and memory of details discussed in lecture. The purpose of this article is to describe the use of story as a teaching strategy and to offer suggestions on using story in educating undergraduate nursing students. To construct an effective story, a teaching point must be identified to be the “lesson learned.” The story must be constructed around the teaching point and be relevant to the lecture material. Other suggestions for effective use of story are to rehearse, be succinct, and to inject humor if possible. The central goal of using story is to have an impact on nursing students so they will incorporate geriatric best practices throughout their career.
Treatment of Unstable Proximal Femoral Fractures: Comparison of the Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation and Gamma Nail 3
Authors: Xu Yaozeng , Geng Dechun , Yang Huiling , Wang Xianbin , Zhu Guangming
Published: July 2010

The goal of this study was to compare the results of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA; Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland) fixation with those of Gamma nail 3 (GN-3; Stryker, Mahwah, New Jersey) fixation for unstable proximal femoral fractures. A total of 136 unstable trochanteric fractures were divided into 2 treatment groups: 66 patients were treated with the PFNA and 70 were treated with the GN-3. The 2 groups were comparable with regard to demographic variables. Patients treated with the PFNA experienced less intraoperative blood loss (
P
=.007). Three femoral shaft fractures (2 PFNA, 1 GN-3) were observed intraoperatively; all were minor splits in the cortex at the tip of the nail and were treated successfully with delayed full weight bearing.

Follow-up occurred at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter. Reduction of the fracture was considered good in 74 patients (35 PFNA, 39 GN-3) and the position of the implant was considered ideal in 103 (48 PFNA, 55 GN-3) on postoperative radiographs. The 2 groups were similar with regard to postoperative complications, and no case of cutout or nonunion was noted during the follow-up period. At last follow-up, there was no difference in the functional outcome. Shortening of the femoral shaft was 5.30±0.36 mm in PFNA group and 5.49±0.39 mm in GN-3 group (
P
=.73). There was no difference in clinical outcome between the PFNA and GN-3 groups, although the PFNA shows some advantages over the GN-3. We consider these 2 methods to be useful in the treatment of unstable proximal femoral fractures.
Osteoid Osteoma of the Hamate: An Unusual Cause of Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain
Authors: Rubin Guy , Wolovelsky Alejandro , Rinott Micha , Rozen Nimrod
Published: July 2010

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common complaint that presents a diagnostic challenge. Determining the cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain is difficult, largely due to the complexity of the anatomic and biomechanical properties of the ulnar side of the wrist. Osteoid osteoma is a benign skeletal neoplasm of unknown etiology that is composed of osteoid and woven bone. Its incidence is 11% of benign tumors and 3% of all primary bone tumors, with 6% to 13% of all cases occurring in the hand.

Osteoid osteoma of the hamate can produce ulnar-sided wrist pain in the dorsal or volar aspect of the wrist, depending on the location of the tumor in the bone. In its classical and most frequent form, the osteoma may settle in the cortex or the spongiosa. A third rare form appears subperiosteally. Occasionally it destroys the articular cartilage by erosion or penetration. Most of the tumors will produce dorsal pain. A tumor located in the hook will produce volar pain.

This article describes a case of ulnar-sided wrist pain due to a rare case of osteoid osteoma of the hamate. We recommend marking the nidus with a needle intraoperatively with the aid of radiography.
Bilateral Posterior Sternoclavicular Dislocation
Authors: Baumann Matthias , Vogel Tobias , Weise Kuno , Muratore Tim , Trobisch Per
Published: July 2010

Posterior sternoclavicular dislocations are a rare injury, representing <5% of all sternoclavicular dislocations and 1 in 1600 shoulder girdle injuries. Proper imaging with computed tomography and prompt diagnosis are essential steps in preventing potentially lethal complications observed in approximately 3% of all posterior sternoclavicular dislocations. Surgical treatment is necessary if closed reduction fails. With the medial clavicular epiphysis being the last to close (between ages 22 and 25), children and adolescents typically present with epiphyseal fractures rather than joint dislocations. If closed reduction fails, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) should be considered in fractures, whereas complex reconstructions with tendon graft procedures have been recommended for joint dislocations.

This article presents a case of a traumatic bilateral posterior sternoclavicular dislocation due to an epiphyseal fracture in a 15-year-old boy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a bilateral posterior sternoclavicular dislocation. Attempted closed reduction failed with redislocation after 2 days. The patient subsequently required ORIF. This article describes our technique with anterior retraction of the medial clavicle, closure of the posterior periosteum, and ORIF using nonabsorbable sutures. Postoperative shoulder mobilization was started on day 1. At final follow-up, the patient was completely asymptomatic.
Stenosing Flexor Tenosynovitis Following a Rattlesnake Bite
Authors: Lee Lydia , Yao Jeffrey
Published: July 2010

Snakebite victims have been described previously in orthopedic literature in regard to complications such as compartment syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. We introduce a previously unreported complication of stenosing flexor tenosynovitis in a patient bitten by a rattlesnake. After being bitten in her right forearm, the patient experienced mild systemic symptoms of fever and nausea and was assessed at an outside hospital, where it was determined that she did not suffer from envenomation and therefore did not require antivenin therapy. She presented to our institution 1 week later with signs and symptoms of acute, new-onset right thumb flexor tenosynovitis, with pain and tenderness at the level of the A1 pulley of the thumb, with intermittent triggering. She also presented the following week with ipsilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The patient reported no such symptoms prior to the snakebite. Given the recent development of these conditions after her snakebite, in addition to her history of endocrine disorders, we believe that our patient suffered from envenomation that led to these complications. Nonoperative measures including splinting and steroid injections were taken, with mixed results, and surgical intervention was necessary. While the proper management of snakebites is controversial, especially in regard to the administration of antivenin, we believe our patient would have benefitted from immediate evaluation and consideration for antivenin.
Clinical Application of an Acellular Biologic Scaffold for Surgical Repair of a Large, Traumatic Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Defect
Authors: Mase Vincent J. , Hsu Joseph R. , Wolf Steven E. , Wenke Joseph C. , Baer David G. , Owens Johnny , Badylak Stephen F. , Walters Thomas J.
Published: July 2010

Many battlefield injuries involve penetrating soft tissue trauma often accompanied by skeletal muscle defects, known as volumetric muscle loss. This article presents the first known case of a surgical technique involving an innovative tissue engineering approach for the repair of a large volumetric muscle loss.

A 19-year-old Marine presented with large volumentric muscle loss of the right thigh as a result of an explosion. The patient reported muscle weakness with right knee extension, secondary to volumentric muscle loss, primarily involving the vastus medialis muscle. This persisted 3 years postinjury, despite extensive physical therapy. With all existing management options exhausted, restoration of a portion of the lost vastus medialis muscle was attempted by surgical implantation of a multi-layered scaffold composed of extracellular matrix derived from porcine intestinal submucossa. The patient had no complications, was discharged home on postoperative day 5, and resumed physical therapy after 4 weeks. Four months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated marked gains in isokinetic performance. Computer tomography indicated new tissue at the implant site.

This approach offers a treatment option to a heretofore untreatable injury and will allow us to improve future surgical treatments for volumetric muscle loss.
Reduction of Fluence to Decrease Pain During Panretinal Photocoagulation in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Alvarez-Verduzco Oscar , Garcia-Aguirre Gerardo , de Lourdes Lopez-Ramos Maria , Vera-Rodriguez Sandra , Guerrero-Naranjo José Luis , Morales-Canton Virgilio
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective:

To assess the effect of laser fluence reduction to reduce pain during panretinal photocoagulation.

Patients and Methods:

Twenty-five patients (50 eyes) with diabetic retinopathy who had indication for panretinal photocoagulation were included in this prospective, interventional, and comparative study. The right eyes were treated using low fluence parameters (LFP), whereas the left eyes were treated with standard fluence parameters (SFP). At the end of each session, the patient was asked to rate pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum pain) for each eye (NRS-11 scale). Fluence per burn and total fluence were determined for each eye. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney
U
test and the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results:

Pain perception (
P
< .01) and fluence per burn (
P
< .01) were significantly less using LFP compared with SFP. Pain was proportional to fluence per burn (R
2
= 0.4), but not to number of burns (R
2
= −0.2).

Conclusion:

The use of LFP seems to be a good option to diminish the pain during panretinal photocoagulation.
Understanding Web 2.0 and its Implications for E-Learning
Authors: Bates Tony
Published: July 2010

A whole new range of web-based tools and services now provides learners with the opportunity to create their own digital learning materials, personal learning environments, and social networks. What are the implications for the design of learning materials, workplace training, and accreditation of learners? This chapter focuses on integrating educational principles of virtual learning with the application of these new technologies. The argument is made that these tools provide an opportunity for new design models for education and training that will better prepare citizens and workers for a knowledge-based society. It rejects, though, the notion that these tools of themselves will revolutionize education and make formal institutions redundant.
Personal Knowledge Management Skills in Web 2.0-Based Learning
Authors: Cigognini Maria Elisabetta , Pettenati Maria Chiara , Edirisingha Palitha
Published: July 2010

At present, many Web 2.0 activities are being integrated into the e-learning spaces designed for learners. We need to analyze and learn from these activities to derive insights about their effectiveness, in order to promote the systematic application of technology in post-compulsory educational contexts, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels and also in professional training. This chapter deals with one aspect of “E-learning 2.0” (Downes, 2005) practices, specifically the importance of acquiring and mastering a set of personal knowledge management (PKM) skills to perform successfully in the Web 2.0 environment for learning in tertiary education. The authors first present a PKM skills model based around a division into (1) basic PKM competencies associated with the social software web practices of Create–Organize–Share; and (2) higher-order skills focusing on the advanced management of one’s personal knowledge. A learning design model and related examples are presented, aimed at inspiring and guiding tertiary educators in designing and implementing activities consistent with the goal of developing students’ PKM skills.
University Students’ Self-Motivated Blogging and Development of Study Skills and Research Skills
Authors: Minocha Shailey , Kerawalla Lucinda
Published: July 2010

This chapter presents and analyzes an empirically grounded investigation into the self-motivated course-related blogging activities of undergraduate and Master’s-level students, and research-related blogging of doctoral students. It focuses on how blogging may help students to develop their study skills and research skills. Analysis of students’ blogs and semi-structured interviews with the participants shows that writing in the public domain can encourage networking, commitment to goals, articulation of research ideas, development of confidence in writing, and facilitation of critical and reflective thinking skills. The blog can be a useful repository of ideas and resources, and can be a public platform for the synthesis of ideas. Blogging can facilitate the creation and membership of an online community where academic events are flagged, resources are shared, research is advertised, and ideas and comments are exchanged. The authors conclude with a discussion of the ways in which blogging can support the development of key study and research skills, such as time management, academic writing, and effective communication. It is hoped that the findings will help in guiding students, educators, and institutions considering the use of blogging in university education.
“You Can Lead the Horse to Water, but … ”
Authors: Huijser Henk , Sankey Michael
Published: July 2010

This chapter outlines the potential benefits of incorporating Web 2.0 technologies in a contemporary higher education context, and identifies possible ways of doing this, as well as expected challenges. It uses the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), primarily a distance education provider, as the context for many of its case study examples. In particular, it addresses the important role of the allowances of particular learning management systems (LMSs) in pedagogical applications of Web 2.0 technologies. Overall, this chapter argues that the goals and ideals of Web 2.0/Pedagogy 2.0 can be achieved, or at least stimulated, within an institutional LMS environment, as long as the LMS environment is in alignment with such goals and ideals. It uses the implementation of Moodle at USQ as a case study to reinforce this argument and explore which factors potentially influence a shift in thinking about learning and teaching in a Web 2.0 context.
Activating Assessment for Learning
Authors: Whitelock Denise
Published: July 2010

This chapter examines the role Web 2.0 tools can play in promoting the “assessment for learning” agenda. It presents a number of cases of peer, self, and computer assessments that display a range of characteristics proposed by Elliott (2008) for the next generation of assessment tasks. The discussion of the cases reveals a missing characteristic, which is a form of feedback to the students that will take their learning forward—the author calls this “advice for action.” It is argued that in order for assessment tasks and tools to become more effective they need to be embedded within a pedagogical framework, which in turn requires a supportive infrastructure as proposed by the 4Ts pyramid. The major components of the pyramid consist of: (1) tool development; (2) staff training; (3) rethinking the assessment tasks; and (4) learning from the assessment tasks.
When the Future Finally Arrives
Authors: Crosslin Matt
Published: July 2010

This chapter examines how the World Wide Web could possibly change over the next 10 years into a concept increasingly being referred to as “Web 3.0,” and how these changes might affect education. It examines how Web 3.0 concepts such as cloud computing, the Semantic Web, and the three-dimensional (3-D) Web are currently being explored and realized. A possible future online learning scenario is also described and analyzed to help visualize these possibilities for education. The author hopes that providing an understanding of and insight into how the Internet and related technologies may continue to develop and evolve in the next several years will help educators be better prepared for the future of online learning.
Overview of Digital Business Security Issues
Authors: Kerr Don , Gammack John G. , Boddington Richard
Published: July 2010

This chapter provides an overview of digital business security. It is informed by a contemporary analysis of perceived threats through the eyes of information technology managers both from a representative public institution (a University) and from a private company (a retail sales company). A brief overview of malicious software leads into more general consideration of the risks and threats of security breaches, which are analysed from both a company and a customer perspective. Common to both sectors is the requirement to secure corporate records and other digital information and management and policy guidance is provided here. Cybercrime remains rife, but is both under-reported and under-prosecuted. As managers may become involved in legal issues associated with information technology security breaches, this chapter also overviews the special nature of digital evidence.
Wireless Handheld Device and LAN Security Issues
Authors: Gururajan Raj , Hafeez-Baig Abdul
Published: July 2010

The application of WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) technology in the healthcare industry has gained increasing attention in recent years. It provides effective and efficient sharing of health information among healthcare professionals in timely treatment of patients (Collaborative Health Informatics Centre, 2000; Whetton, 2005a). However, there is still a concern among healthcare professionals whether health information is shared safely with WLAN technology. The primary aim of this study is to explore factors influencing healthcare professionals’ adoption of WLAN security technology. This study was conducted in regional health settings in Queensland, Australia using a focus group discussion and a questionnaire survey in a mixed research methodology. The outcomes indicate that learning support, user technology awareness, readiness of existing system, and social influence, are four important factors in healthcare professionals’ adoption of WLAN security technology. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals prefer to be more informed and prepared on knowledge of WLAN security technology before they decide to adopt it in their work environment. Therefore, their awareness of what the technology can do and cannot do for them, and the support they could get in learning to use the technology, play a crucial role. The healthcare professionals are concerned with how readily their existing system could support WLAN security technology and how people important to them would influence their decision in adopting WLAN security technology. Future research should extend the study in three areas. Firstly, future study should examine factors in this study with more regional areas of Australia. Secondly, future research should also examine the relationship between the factors and the demographic variables. Finally, there is also the possibility of examining the adoption factors with other security technology in healthcare, such as the pairing of WLAN technology and biometric security.
Chaotic Dynamical Systems Associated with Tilings of RN
Authors: Rosier Lionel
Published: July 2010

In this chapter, we consider a class of discrete dynamical systems defined on the homogeneous space associated with a regular tiling of RN, whose most familiar example is provided by the N-dimensional torus TN. It is proved that any dynamical system in this class is chaotic in the sense of Devaney, and that it admits at least one positive Lyapunov exponent. Next, a chaos-synchronization mechanism is introduced and used for masking information in a communication setup.
Experimental Evidences of Shil'nikov Chaos and Mixed-mode Oscillation in Chua Circuit
Authors: Dana Syamal Kumar , Chakraborty Satyabrata
Published: July 2010

Experimental evidences of Shil’nikov type homoclinic chaos and mixed mode oscillations are presented in asymmetry-induced Chua‘s oscillator. The asymmetry plays a crucial role in the related homoclinic bifurcations. The asymmetry is introduced in the circuit by forcing a DC voltage. The authors observed transition from large amplitude limit cycle to homoclinic chaos via a sequence of mixed-mode oscillations interspersed by chaotic states by tuning a control parameter.
Chaotic Gyros Synchronization
Authors: Roopaei M. , Zolghadri M. J. , Ranjbar B. S. , Mousavi S. H. , Adloo H. , Zare B. , Lin T. C.
Published: July 2010

In this chapter, three methods for synchronizing of two chaotic gyros in the presence of uncertainties, external disturbances and dead-zone nonlinearity are studied. In the first method, there is dead-zone nonlinearity in the control input, which limits the performance of accurate control methods. The effects of this nonlinearity will be attenuated using a fuzzy parameter approximator integrated with sliding mode control method. In order to overcome the synchronization problem for a class of unknown nonlinear chaotic gyros a robust adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control scheme is proposed in the second method. In the last method, two different gyro systems have been considered and a fuzzy controller is proposed to eliminate chattering phenomena during the reaching phase of sliding mode control. Simulation results are also provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Adaptive Synchronization in Unknown Stochastic Chaotic Neural Networks with Mixed Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Fang Jian-an , Tang Yang
Published: July 2010

Neural networks (NNs) have been useful in many fields, such as pattern recognition, image processing etc. Recently, synchronization of chaotic neural networks (CNNs) has drawn increasing attention due to the high security of neural networks. In this chapter, the problem of synchronization and parameter identification for a class of chaotic neural networks with stochastic perturbation via state and output coupling, which involve both the discrete and distributed time-varying delays has been investigated. Using adaptive feedback techniques, several sufficient conditions have been derived to ensure the synchronization of stochastic chaotic neural networks. Moreover, all the connection weight matrices can be estimated while the lag synchronization and complete synchronization is achieved in mean square at the same time. The corresponding simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Control-theoretical Concepts in the Design of Symmetric Cryptosystems
Authors: Millérioux Gilles , Amigó José Maria
Published: July 2010

In this chapter, it is shown how control-theoretical concepts can be useful in the design of symmetric cryptosystems. The authors first provide some background on cryptography with special emphasis on symmetric ciphering and, more specifically, on stream ciphers. It is explained how some permutation or substitution primitives can be derived from chaotic dynamical systems for cryptographic purposes. After a review of the most popular synchronization-based cryptosystems, a comparative study between these chaotic cryptosystems and the conventional symmetric ciphers, specifically stream ciphers, is carried out. In particular, it is shown that message-embedded chaotic ciphers and conventional self-synchronizing stream ciphers are structurally equivalent under the so-called flatness condition, a condition borrowed from control theory.
Unmasking Optical Chaotic Cryptosystems Based on Delayed Optoelectronic Feedback
Authors: Ortín Silvia , Pesquera Luis
Published: July 2010

The authors analyze the security of optical chaotic communication systems. The chaotic carrier is generated by a laser diode subject to delayed optoelectronic feedback. Transmitters with one and two fixed delay times are considered. A new type of neural networks, modular neural networks, is used to reconstruct the nonlinear dynamics of the transmitter from experimental time series in the single-delay case, and from numerical simulations in single and two-delay cases. The authors show that the complexity of the model does not increase when the delay time is increased, in spite of the very high dimension of the chaotic attractor. However, it is found that nonlinear dynamics reconstruction is more difficult when the feedback strength is increased. The extracted model is used as an unauthorized receiver to recover the message. Therefore, the authors conclude that optical chaotic cryptosystems based on optoelectronic feedback systems with several fixed time delays are vulnerable.