bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Thermotolerant Campylobacter in Swiss Water Treatment Plants, by Real‐Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Rinsoz Thomas , Hilfiker Silvia , Oppliger Anne
Published: July 2009

A total of 49 wastewater samples from 23 different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were analyzed using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the presence and quantity of thermotolerant campylobacters. Thermotolerant campylobacters were detected in 87.5% (21/24) and 64% (16/25) of untreated and treated wastewater samples, respectively. Their concentration was sufficiently high to be quantified in 20.4% (10/49) of the samples. In these samples, the concentration ranged from 68 000 to 2292 000 cells/L in untreated wastewater and from 10 800 to 28 000 cells/L in treated water. We conclude that thermotolerant campylobacters present a health hazard for workers at WWTPs in Switzerland.
Improved Algal Harvesting Using Suspended Air Flotation
Authors: Wiley Patrick E. , Brenneman Kristine J. , Jacobson Arne E.
Published: July 2009

Current methods to remove algae from a liquid medium are energy intensive and expensive. This study characterized algae contained within a wastewater oxidation pond and sought to identify a more efficient harvesting technique. Analysis of oxidation pond wastewater revealed that algae, consisting primarily of Chlorella and Scenedesmus, composed approximately 80% of the solids inventory during the study period. Results demonstrated that suspended air flotation (SAF) could harvest algae with a lower air:solids (A/S) ratio, lower energy requirements, and higher loading rates compared to dissolved air flotation (DAF) (P < 0.001). Identification of a more efficient algal harvesting system may benefit wastewater treatment plants by enabling cost effective means to reduce solids content of the final effluent. Furthermore, use of SAF to harvest commercially grown Chlorella and Scenedesmus may reduce manufacturing costs of algal‐based products such as fuel, fertilizer, and fish food.
Necessity of analgesics prescription after tooth extraction
Authors: Tozoglu Sinan , Gungormus Metin , Buyukkurt Cemil , Yavuz Selim
Published: July 2009

Introduction. For patients and surgeons, pain and discomfort associated with dento-alveolar surgery can be a frightening prospect. This study was aimed to check whether prescription of analgesics is necessary or not after simple extraction of the mandibular third molars. Material and methods. Seventy-six dental outpatients undergoing uncomplicated extraction of both mandibular third molars teeth served as subjects. After extraction on the first side, patients received either naproxen sodium 550 mg orally or a placebo. The order of the drugs was reversed during extraction on side two. The postoperative pain was scored with a six-point category rating scala. The obtained data were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U-test. Results. The sum of the pain intensity for hours 2 through 8 was less for the group that received sodium naproxen. For hours 8-24, the sum of the pain intensity was less for the placebo group but this difference was not statistically different. Conclusion. This study shows that uncomplicated tooth extraction did not cause a significant postoperative pain and there was no need to prescribe analgesics for such cases.
Sudden Death, Febrile Seizures, and Hippocampal and Temporal Lobe Maldevelopment in Toddlers: A New Entity
Authors: Kinney Hannah C. , Chadwick Amy E. , Crandall Laura A. , Grafe Marjorie , Armstrong Dawna L. , Kupsky William J. , Trachtenberg Felicia L. , Krous Henry F.
Published: July 2009

Recently, we reported hippocampal and temporal lobe abnormalities in 5 toddlers with sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC). The association of these anomalies with a high incidence (40%) of individual/family histories of simple febrile seizures in the cases raised concern that febrile seizures can be associated with death. In a series of 64 toddlers with sudden death, we tested the hypothesis that an SUDC subset is characterized by hippocampal and temporal lobe maldevelopment and an individual and/or family history of simple familial seizures. Cases of sudden and unexplained death in children aged 1.0 to 5.9 years (median 1.7 years) were divided into groups based upon a history of febrile or nonfebrile seizures, familial febrile seizures, and autopsy classification of cause of death. Forty-nine of the 64 cases (77%) were classified as SUDC, of which 40% had an individual/family history of febrile seizures. Of the 26 SUDC cases with available hippocampal sections, 62% (16/26) had hippocampal and temporal lobe anomalies, including 82% (9/11) of cases with an individual/family history of febrile seizures. Cases with these anomalies were all found dead during a sleep period, typically in the prone (87%) position. We conclude that a potential new entity may account for the majority of SUDC in toddlers, defined by sleep-related death in the prone position, individual/family history of febrile seizures, and hippocampal and temporal lobe anomalies. The mechanism of death appears analogous to sudden death in (temporal lobe) epilepsy, with a putative unwitnessed seizure during sleep leading to airway occlusion and death. This study mandates further research into the potential link between simple febrile seizures and death.
Relations of Anthropometric Parameters with Scores on Basic and Specific Motor Tasks in Young Handball Players
Authors: Visnapuu Milvi , Jürimäe Toivo
Published: July 2009

The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the relations of anthropometric variables with scores on basic and specific motor tests for 133 young male handball players. These Estonian boys were divided into four age groups: 10–11 years ( n = 34), 12–13 years ( n = 39), 14–15 years ( n = 39), and 16–17 years ( n = 21). The anthropometric parameters were body height, sitting height, height with outstretched hands, arm span, leg length, and body mass. Body Mass Index (kg · m2) was calculated. Basic motor ability tests were 30-m run from standing position, vertical jump with hands on hip and with arm swing, medicine ball (1 kg) overhand throw with dominant hand from sitting position, and handgrip strength. Specific motor ability tests were 4- × 10-m shuttle-run, slalom dribble test, 30-m dribbling test, handball throw with dominant hand from sitting position, vertical jump from one step run-up on dominant leg, and passing the handball on speed and precision. Relatively few anthropometric parameters were significantly associated with scores on basic motor tasks in a stepwise multiple regression analysis, but sitting height was significantly associated with scores on all measured basic motor tests for the 14- to 15-yr.-old group (16.5–52.4%; R2 × 100) and also with specific motor tests for 12- to 13-yr.-olds and 14- to 15-yr.-olds (13A–41.6%; R2 × 100). The anthropometric parameters are then relatively poor predictors for basic and specific motor ability test scores of young handball players.
Recall Frequency of Positive and Negative Dreams in a Representative German Sample
Authors: Schredl Michael
Published: July 2009

The effects of sociodemographic variables on dream recall frequencies were investigated in a representative sample. Analysis indicated that age, sex, social class, and the size of the place of residence showed small but significant effects on the frequency of positively toned and neutral dreams. Women and inhabitants of large cities tended to report dreams more often than men and residents of small towns. There was also a decline in dream-recall frequency across age groups. The statistical analysis for the recall frequency of negatively toned dreams which were recalled less often showed less pronounced effects.
Evaluating a Clinical Measure of Reaction Time: An Observational Study
Authors: Eckner James T. , Whitacre Ross D. , Kirsch Ned L. , Richardson James K.
Published: July 2009

The present study was an initial evaluation into the reliability and validity of a novel clinical measure of reaction time that consists of a vertical cylinder that is released and caught as quickly as possible. 65 healthy adults performed clinical and computerized reaction time tasks (RTclin and RTcomp) under simple and dual-task conditions. RTclin demonstrated excellent test-retest and interrater reliabilities and was significantly correlated with the criterion standard RTcomp. RTclin increased with increasing age and when tested under dual-task conditions. These preliminary results suggest that RTclin is a reliable and valid measure of reaction time.
Construct and Concurrent Validation of OMNI–Kayak Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale
Authors: Nakamura Fábio Y. , Perandini Luiz A. , Okuno Nilo M. , Borges Thiago O. , Bertuzzi Rômulo C. M. , Robertson Robert J.
Published: July 2009

This study tested the concurrent and construct validity of a newly developed OMNI–Kayak Scale, testing 8 male kayakers who performed a flatwater load-incremented “shuttle” test over a 500-m course and 3 estimation-production trials over a 1,000-m course. Velocity, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), using the OMNI–Kayak RPE Scale and the Borg 6–20 Scale were recorded. OMNI–Kayak Scale RPE was highly correlated with velocity, the Borg 6–20 Scale RPE, blood lactate, and heart rate for both load-incremented test ( rs = .87–.96), and estimation trials ( rs = .75–.90). There were no significant differences among velocities, heart rate and blood lactate concentration between estimation and production trials. The OMNI–Kayak RPE Scale showed concurrent and construct validity in assessing perception of effort in flatwater kayaking and is a valid tool for self-regulation of exercise intensity.
Intermanual Temporal Differences in Bimanual Simple Isometric Coupling by Instructions
Authors: Gutnik B. , Hudson C. G. , Nicholson J.
Published: July 2009

To study intermanual temporal and force differences during contractions of adductor thumb muscles, the force-time history during isometric contraction of both hands was recorded and analysed for temporal phases including initiation of force, moments of maximum acceleration and velocity of force development, and period to peak force. 36 strongly right-handed young participants (18 women, 18 men) were instructed to use their thumbs to push buttons bimanually in response to 20 separate 35-db sound signals in each of four sessions. Sessions 1 and 2 were preceded with a “strong” instruction to “react as strongly as possible” (Strong Reaction task). Sessions 3 and 4 were preceded with a “speed” instruction to “react as quickly as possible” (Speed Reaction task). Lateral differences between magnitudes of forces developed by left and right thumbs and asynchrony between defined temporal parameters in bilateral force-time histories were significantly greater for Strong Reaction tasks. This departure from bilateral correlation observed between identical phases of isometric pushing action may suggest that participants' thumbs operate more independently under instructions that focus attention on force. Thus, specific instructions given to participants may have a profound effect on performance. It was also found that intermanual temporal differences for women were significantly smaller than for men, especially on Strong Reaction tasks. This phenomenon may be partly explained by a lower lateralization in women.
Incomplete Posture Adjustment during Rapid Arm Movement
Authors: Yamasaki Hiroshi , Hoshi Fumihiko , Fujisawa Hiroyuki , Nagasaki Hiroshi
Published: July 2009

It is not well understood how posture (nonfocal joints) is stabilized during rapid joint movements. Interaction torque arising at the joints due to the movement of the adjacent joints will disturb the nonfocal joint unless it is compensated by muscle torque. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism underlying the incomplete stabilization of nonfocal posture during two types of fast single-joint flexion tasks, i.e., elbow flexion and shoulder flexion, with and without a hand-held weight. Participants were 5 men and 4 women ( M age = 22.2 yr., SD = 4.8). The relationship between interaction torque and muscle torque and between angular displacement and torque components of the nonfocal joints were examined. The anticipatory muscle activity at the nonfocal joint produced compensatory muscle torque during the early phase of the rapid movement. However, nonfocal joints displayed a consistent displacement pattern, i.e., an initial extension followed by a flexion during the movement. The initial extension was in the direction of the interaction torque and its magnitude was related to the onset delay of the muscle torque against the interaction torque. The flexion movement of the nonfocal joints during the task was in the direction of the overcompensating muscle torque against interaction torque. This mechanism may have certain implications for anticipatory postural adjustment problems.
Relations among Well-Being, Avoidant Coping, and Active Coping in a Large Sample of Australian Adolescents
Authors: Frydenberg Erica , Lewis Ramon
Published: July 2009

Coping by young people relates to both current and future well-being and is integral to the educational, clinical, and counselling arenas. This paper examined the relations between frequency of use and perceived efficacy of two coping styles (active and negative avoidant), and their relationship to well-being and distress in a sample of 870 adolescents. Students completed the short form of the Adolescent Coping Scale and the Reynolds' Scale of Wellbeing. Factor analysis of the former identified two coping styles. Greater use of negative avoidant coping correlated with less well-being and greater distress, and active coping correlated positively with greater well-being and positively with distress for girls only. However, relations with active coping became nonsignificant once coping efficacy was statistically controlled. Adolescents' wellbeing can be improved if adolescents are helped to minimize their use of negative avoidant coping strategies and to increase their use of active coping.
Religiosity and Death Anxiety: No Association in Kuwait
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Ahmed , Lester David
Published: July 2009

In a sample of 162 Kuwaiti college students (33 men, 129 women; M age = 20.1 yr., SD = 1.9), the mean scores on the death anxiety scales by Templer, Abdel-Khalek, and the Collett-Lester were higher than that in an American sample, except for one subscale of the Collett-Lester Scale, i.e., Dying of Self. Based on the relatively collectivistic culture, it seems that the present participants did not differentiate between the “self” and the “other” in death anxiety, in which all scales were rated high in general. The scores on these scales were not significantly correlated with those on the Hoge Intrinsic Religious Motivation Scale, or single-item selfrating measures of religiosity and strength of religious belief.
Scientometric Analysis and Bibliography of Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Research, 1998–2008
Authors: Voracek Martin , Loibl Lisa Mariella
Published: July 2009

A scientometric analysis of modern research on the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a widely studied putative marker for prenatal androgen action, is presented. In early 2009, this literature totalled more than 300 publications and, since its initiation in 1998, has grown at a rate slightly faster than linear. Key findings included evidence of publication bias and citation bias, incomplete coverage and outdatedness of existing reviews, and a dearth of meta-analyses in this field. 2D:4D research clusters noticeably in terms of researchers, institutions, countries, and journals involved. Although 2D:4D is an anthropometric trait, most of the research has been conducted at psychology departments, not anthropology departments. However, 2D:4D research has not been predominantly published in core and specialized journals of psychology, but rather in more broadly scoped journals of the behavioral sciences, biomedical social sciences, and neurosciences. Total citation numbers of 2D:4D papers for the most part were not larger than their citation counts within 2D:4D research, indicating that until now, only a few 2D:4D studies have attained broader interest outside this specific field. Comparative citation analyses show that 2D:4D research presently is commensurate in size and importance to evolutionary psychological jealousy research, but has grown faster than the latter field. In contrast, it is much smaller and has spread more slowly than research about the Implicit Association Test. Fifteen conjectures about anticipated trends in 2D:4D research are outlined, appendixed by a first-time bibliography of the entirety of the published 2D:4D literature.
A Rapid Online Telepathy Test
Authors: Sheldrake Rupert , Beharee Ashwin
Published: July 2009

In an automated online telepathy test, each participant had four senders, two actual and two virtual, generated by the computer. In a series of 12 30-sec. trials, the computer selected one of the senders at random and asked him to write a message to the subject. After 30 sec., the participant was asked to guess who had written a message. After the computer had recorded his guess, it sent him the message. In a total of 6,000 trials, there were 1,559 hits (26.7%), significantly above the chance expectation of 25%. In filmed tests, the hit rate was very similar. The hit rate with actual senders was higher than with virtual senders, but there was a strong guessing bias in favour of actual senders. When high-scoring subjects were retested, hit rates generally declined, but one subject repeatedly scored above chance.
Children's Fears: A Survey of Italian Children Ages 6 to 10 Years
Authors: Salcuni Silvia , di Riso Daniela , Mazzeschi Claudia , Lis Adriana
Published: July 2009

The aim of this study was to explore children's fears. The article reports on average factor scores of a study carried out in Italy using the Fear Survey Schedule for Children (here, the “Fear Survey”; Ollendick, 1983) with normal 6- to 10-yr.-old children (931 girls, 914 boys). Participants were 1,845 children, recruited in mainstream classrooms. Respondents were asked to complete the schedule indicating their fears and the intensity of such fears. A principal components analysis yielded a four-factor structure (1: Death and Danger, 2: Injury and Animals, 3: Failure and Criticism, 4: Fear of the Unknown). Average factor scores showed significant differences across the factors and according to sex and age. Girls reported significantly higher fearfulness than boys. Age differences were found on some factors.
Determinant of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding in a Tertiary Neonatal Unit
Authors: Nepal Deepeshwara , Jeeva Sankar M , Misra Satish M , Paul Vinod K
Published: July 2009

Introduction: Initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth is an important determinant of successful breastfeeding. National Family and Health Survey -3(NFHS-3) reported that only 23.4% of children < 3 years were breastfed within one hour of birth. Objectives: the purpose of this study is to study the determinant of initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth. Setting: Tertiary -level neonatal unit. Material and Methods: All mothers admitted in the postnatal ward were eligible for inclusion; mothers of sick and /or preterm infants were excluded. Enrolled mothers were interviewed between 24 and 72 hours after delivery. Results: The proportion of mothers who initiated breast feeding within one hour of delivery was 32%, between 1-6 hrs were 47% and between 6 to 48 hrs were 21%. Maternal age, education, socioeconomic status, occupation and antenatal or labor room counseling did not influence the initiation of breast feeding within one hour of delivery in univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, admission in the general ward and delivery by caesarean section were found to be significantly associated with not initiating breastfeeding within one hour (adjusted ORs: 8.79, 2.48 to 31.08, p=0.001 and 6.79, 4.07 to 22.02 p=0.001 respectively). Only about 13% of the infants received prelacteal feeds. Conclusion: Mothers delivering by caesarean section or admitted in the general ward were at high risk of not initiating breastfeeding within one hour. Innovative strategies are required to ensure timely ignition of breastfeeding. Key words: Breastfeeding, Caesarean section, prelacteal feeds, time of initiation.   doi: 10.3126/jnps.v29i2.2042 J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol 29, No. 2, pp.74-78
Apert Syndrome (Acrocephalosyndactyly): A Rare Syndromic Craniosynostosis
Authors: Shrestha Mahesh , Adhikari Neelam , Shah Ganesh
Published: July 2009

We report a premature infant who had multisutural craniosynostosis with pointed head, syndactyly of 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers of all four limbs and other findings that were consistent with Apert syndrome. This is perhaps the first case of Apert Syndrome reported from Nepal. Key words: Apert syndrome, craniosynostosis, syndactyly   doi: 10.3126/jnps.v29i2.2046 J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol 29, No. 2, pp.92-93
“Pyknodysostosis” A Case Report
Authors: Sapkota Karna K , Gupta Veena , Shrivastav CP
Published: July 2009

Pyknodysostosis is a rare disorder of skeletal dysplasia that is inherited as an autosomal recessive genetic trait. Several mutations have been found in the gene encoding cathepsin K - a lysosomal cysteine protease and the gene situated at 1q21. A mutation in this gene leads to loss of enzyme for osteoclastic activities responsible for the metabolism of skeletal system leading to defective bone remodeling and resorption and various other skeletal abnormalities. Here we report a case of 12 year old female from mid-western hilly region of Nepal with Pyknodysostosis having fracture femur and other skeletal dysplasia. The characteristic features of this syndrome are dwarfism, large open fontenelles, wide cranial sutures, small retrograde mandible, multiple fractures and osteosclerosis, dental abnormalities, short and broad hands and feet, blue sclera, multiple fractures and nail may be dysplastic. Key words: Pyknodysostosis, dysplasia, short stature doi: 10.3126/jnps.v29i2.2049 J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol 29, No. 2, pp.101-103
Hay-Wells Syndrome
Authors: Gurubacharya Simi Misra , Subedi Kalpana , Aryal Dhan Raj
Published: July 2009

doi: 10.3126/jnps.v29i2.2050J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol 29, No. 2, pp.104
Kalazar in Kanti Hospital
Authors: Shrestha YB
Published: July 2009

doi: 10.3126/jnps.v29i2.2051J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol 29, No. 2, pp.105-107
Lt Col Debashish Saha, FCPS, Classified Specialist in Pathology, CMH Bogra
Authors: Saha D
Published: July 2009

doi: 10.3329/jafmc.v5i1.2839 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 5, No 1 (June) 2009 pp.3
Modified Alvarado Scoring System in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Talukder David Bibhutosh , Siddiq AKM Zafrullah
Published: July 2009

Acute appendicitis is one of the common surgical emergencies. Different scoring systems are there in use to diagnose appendicitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the modified Alvarado scoring system in clinical practice for acute appendicitis. A prospective study was conducted on 100 patients hospitalized with abdominal pain suggestive of acute appendicitis and were subsequently operated, from July 2005 to June 2008 at Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) hospital, Dhaka. Both male and female patients from 7 years to 55 years of age were enrolled in the study. Preoperatively, modified Alvarado score was assigned to all, and the results were compared with operative and histopathological diagnosis. Out of 100 operated patients 84 were diagnosed as a case of acute appendicitis on the basis of histopathological report. Patients with modified Alvarado score of 8-10, 5-7 and 1-4 have the accuracy of 95%, 78%, and 0% respectively. In the higher score group the accuracy is more and acceptable. Lower score group should be kept under observation. Score sensitivity is more in male than female patients. This scoring system is a reliable and practicable diagnostic modality to increase the accuracy in diagnosis of acute appendicitis and thus to minimize unnecessary appendicectomy.Key Words: Alvarado scoring system, Acute appendicitis.   doi: 10.3329/jafmc.v5i1.2845 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 5, No 1 (June) 2009 pp.18-20
Demographic Features and Common Presentations of Schizophrenia
Authors: Ahammad Julhash Uddin , Rahman Md Habibur , Islam Md Azizul , Rahman M Sajjadur , Rabbani MG
Published: July 2009

Fifty cases of schizophrenia were assessed in Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, to ascertain the pattern of demographic features and symptom presentation in current national perspective. The study includes period from July 2004 to September 2005. Most of the patients belonged to the age ranging from 14 to 45 years throughout whole Bangladesh. It was found that 54% of the patients were male and 46% were female. The lowest age of onset was 14 year for both sexes and the highest age of onset was 45 year in female and 41 years in male. Among the schizophrenic patients 50% were unmarried and 50% were married and most of them belonged to lower economic class. In this study both the urban and rural percentage were equal (50%). Most of the patients were unemployed or recently disengaged from work place with a lower educational back ground. The most frequent patterns of symptom irrespective of demographic variables were persecutory ideas or delusion (76%). Analysis revealed that delusion of reference, grandiose delusions, delusion of control or possession of thought were significantly high among the male patients compared to female patients (p < 0.05), but no statistically significant difference was observed with other symptoms (p>0.05). Analysis found that no statistically significant difference was observed between urban and rural patients (p > 0.05) except visual and other hallucinations e.g. gustatory, olfactory which was significantly high among the urban patients (p < 0.05). The next frequent symptom was perceptual disturbances in the form of auditory hallucination (70%). Delusion of reference was about 70% along with delusion about control or possession of thoughts being approximately 42%. Key Words: Demographic features, Common presentations, Schizophrenia   doi: 10.3329/jafmc.v5i1.2848 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 5, No 1 (June) 2009 pp.29-33
Overview of Organo-phosphorus Compound Poisoning in Bangladesh and Medico-legal Aspects Related to Fatal Cases
Authors: Ahmad Mushtaq , Rahman Farial Naima , Ashrafuzzaman Mohd , Chowdhury Dipak Kumer Paul , Ali Mohammad
Published: July 2009

The corresponding author Mushtaq Ahmed was added on 3/12/2009.Introduction: Bangladesh is a developing country of South Asia. Rural population of this country is mostly dependant on agricultural cultivations. With the advance of times, pesticides are, now a days routinely used for modern cultivation method. These are readily available as over the counter (OTC) drugs in village shops and act as a common agent for suicidal purpose after trivial family problems. Currently pesticide self poisoning has become a major clinical problem of the developing countries  killing around 3,00,000 people each year. Industrialized countries are also affected by it, where a significant proportion of suicidal death are caused by Pesticide ingestion. Of course, such poisoning is seldom included as a priority for heath research in this country.   doi: 10.3329/jafmc.v5i1.2851 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 5, No 1 (June) 2009 pp.41-45
Biomechanics of Mallet Finger - A Case Report
Authors: Habib Md Ahsan , Haque Molla Ershadul
Published: July 2009

Aim of the present study is to report a case of mallet finger and exploration of anatomical background of such deformity to have better confidence in management of such cases.    doi: 10.3329/jafmc.v5i1.2853 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 5, No 1 (June) 2009 pp.49-52
Mixed Convection in a Vented Square Cavity with a Heat Conducting Horizontal Solid Circular Cylinder
Authors: Rahman Mustafizur , Alim M A , Saha Suman , Chowdhury M K
Published: July 2009

A finite element method based computational study of steady laminar mixed convection flow inside a vented square cavity with a heat conducting horizontal solid circular cylinder placed at the center of the cavity is carried out in this paper. The developed mathematical model is governed by the coupled equations of continuity, momentum and energy. The present work simulates practical systems such as cooling of electronic devices, ventilation of building etc. The effects of cylinder size and Richardson number on fluid flow and heat transfer performance are investigated. Richardson number is varied from 0.0 to 5.0 and the cylinder diameter is varied from 0.0 to 0.6. The results for the case of without cylinder are compared to those with cylinder to observe the effects cylinder on the flow and heat transfer inside the cavity. The phenomenon inside the cavity for the case of with and without cylinder is analyzed through streamline and isotherm patterns. It is found that the streamlines, isotherms, average Nusselt number at the heated surface, average temperature of the fluid in the cavity and dimensionless temperature at the cylinder center strongly depend on the Richardson number as well as the diameter of the cylinder.Keywords: Mixed convection, finite element method, Richardson number, cylinder diameter, vented cavity and diffusion.DOI: 10.3329/jname.v5i2.2504Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 5(2)(2008) 37-46
Hydro Magnetic Elastic Free Convection of a Conducting Elastico-Viscous Liquid Between Heated Vertical Plates
Authors: Reddy P. Sreehari , Nagarajan A. S. , Sivaiah M.
Published: July 2009

The natural convection flow of a conducting visco-elastic liquid between two heated vertical plates under the influence of a    transverse magnetic field has been studied in this paper. Dimensionless equations of the problem have been solved by the method of successive approximation. Numerical solutions for velocity and temperature have been obtained. The results obtained are discussed with the help of graphs. The effect of magnetic parameter M, Visco-elastic parameter RC and the product of Prandtl and Eckert numbers [PE] on velocity and temperature fields are investigatedKey words: Visco-elastic liquid, viscous dissipation, vertical plates, convection, successive approximation.DOI: 10.3329/jname.v5i2.2694Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 5(2)(2008) 47-56
Synthesis of a New Heterocycle with Liquid Crystal Properties: 2-(3-Methoxy-4-hexadecanoyloxyphenyl)benzothiazole
Authors: Ha Sie-Tiong , Koh Teck-Ming , Ong Siew-Teng , Ong Lay-Khoon
Published: July 2009

A new heterocycle 2-(3-methoxy-4-hexadecanoyloxyphenyl)benzothiazole was synthesized and its IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS spectroscopic data are presented.
Cork Composites: A Review
Authors: Gil Luís
Published: July 2009

Cork is a material which has been used for mankind for the last 5,000 years and it is a strategic material used for multiple applications, from wine bottles to aeronautics. Many of current cork materials are composites, in particular cork materials for floor and wall coverings and several other building and industrial applications. Recent developments in cork research have shifted from the classical cork-wine relationship to quality and environmental issues, exploitation of cork industry residues and new cork based materials. In recent years a number of new cork based composite materials were developed.
Polymeric Plant-derived Excipients in Drug Delivery
Authors: Beneke Carien  E. , Viljoen Alvaro  M. , Hamman Josias  H.
Published: July 2009

Drug dosage forms contain many components in addition to the active pharmaceutical ingredient(s) to assist in the manufacturing process as well as to optimise drug delivery. Due to advances in drug delivery technology, excipients are currently included in novel dosage forms to fulfil specific functions and in some cases they directly or indirectly influence the extent and/or rate of drug release and absorption. Since plant polysaccharides comply with many requirements expected of pharmaceutical excipients such as non-toxicity, stability, availability and renewability they are extensively investigated for use in the development of solid oral dosage forms. Furthermore, polysaccharides with varying physicochemical properties can be extracted from plants at relatively low cost and can be chemically modified to suit specific needs. As an example, many polysaccharide-rich plant materials are successfully used as matrix formers in modified release dosage forms. Some natural polysaccharides have even shown environmental-responsive gelation characteristics with the potential to control drug release according to specific therapeutic needs. This review discusses some of the most important plant-derived polymeric compounds that are used or investigated as excipients in drug delivery systems.
MEMS Biomimetic Acoustic Pressure Gradient Sensitive Structure for Sound Source Localization
Authors: An Peng , Yuan Weizheng , Ren Sen
Published: July 2009

The parasitoid fly Ormia ochracea shows an astonishing localization ability with its tiny hearing organ. A novel MEMS biomimetic acoustic pressure gradient sensitive structure was designed and fabricated by mimicking the mechanically coupled tympana of the fly. Firstly, the analytic representation formulas of the resultant force and resultant moment of the incoming plane wave acting on the structure were derived. After that, structure modal analysis was performed and the results show that the structure has out-of-phase and in-phase vibration modes, and the corresponding eigenfrequency is decided by the stiffness of vertical torsional beam and horizontal beam respectively. Acoustic-structural coupled analysis was performed and the results show that phase difference and amplitude difference between the responses of the two square diaphragms of the sensitive structure are effectively enlarged through mechanical coupling beam. The phase difference and amplitude difference increase with increasing incident angle and can be used to distinguish the direction of sound arrival. At last, the fabrication process and results of the device is also presented.
Real-Time Ozone Detection Based on a Microfabricated Quartz Crystal Tuning Fork Sensor
Authors: Wang Rui , Tsow Francis , Zhang Xuezhi , Peng Jhih-Hong , Forzani Erica S. , Chen Yongsheng , Crittenden John C. , Destaillats Hugo , Tao Nongjian
Published: July 2009

A chemical sensor for ozone based on an array of microfabricated tuning forks is described. The tuning forks are highly sensitive and stable, with low power consumption and cost. The selective detection is based on the specific reaction of the polymer with ozone. With a mass detection limit of ~2 pg/mm2 and response time of 1 second, the sensor coated with a polymer sensing material can detect ppb-level ozone in air. The sensor is integrated into a miniaturized wearable device containing a detection circuit, filtration, battery and wireless communication chip, which is ideal for personal and microenvironmental chemical exposure monitoring.
A Survey of Geosensor Networks: Advances in Dynamic Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Nittel Silvia
Published: July 2009

In the recent decade, several technology trends have influenced the field of geosciences in significant ways. The first trend is the more readily available technology of ubiquitous wireless communication networks and progress in the development of low-power, short-range radio-based communication networks, the miniaturization of computing and storage platforms as well as the development of novel microsensors and sensor materials. All three trends have changed the type of dynamic environmental phenomena that can be detected, monitored and reacted to. Another important aspect is the real-time data delivery of novel platforms today. In this paper, I will survey the field of geosensor networks, and mainly focus on the technology of small-scale geosensor networks, example applications and their feasibility and lessons learnt as well as the current research questions posed by using this technology today. Furthermore, my objective is to investigate how this technology can be embedded in the current landscape of intelligent sensor platforms in the geosciences and identify its place and purpose.
Object-Based Integration of Photogrammetric and LiDAR Data for Automated Generation of Complex Polyhedral Building Models
Authors: Kim Changjae , Habib Ayman
Published: July 2009

This research is concerned with a methodology for automated generation of polyhedral building models for complex structures, whose rooftops are bounded by straight lines. The process starts by utilizing LiDAR data for building hypothesis generation and derivation of individual planar patches constituting building rooftops. Initial boundaries of these patches are then refined through the integration of LiDAR and photogrammetric data and hierarchical processing of the planar patches. Building models for complex structures are finally produced using the refined boundaries. The performance of the developed methodology is evaluated through qualitative and quantitative analysis of the generated building models from real data.
Molecular and dendrochronological analysis of natural root grafting in Populus tremuloides (Salicaceae)
Authors: Jelínková Hana , Tremblay Francine , DesRochers Annie
Published: July 2009

Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) is a clonal tree species, which regenerates mostly through root suckering. In spite of vegetative propagation, aspen maintains high levels of clonal diversity. We hypothesized that the maintenance of clonal diversity in this species can be facilitated by integrating different clones through natural root grafts into aspen's communal root system. To verify this hypothesis, we analyzed root systems of three pure aspen stands where clones had been delineated with the help of molecular markers. Grafting between roots was frequent regardless of their genotypes. Root system excavations revealed that many roots were still living below trees that had been dead for several years. Some of these roots had no root connections other than grafts to living ramets of different clones. The uncovered root systems did not include any unique genotypes that would not occur among stems. Nevertheless, acquiring roots of dead trees helps to maintain extensive root systems, which increases the chances of clone survival. Substantial interconnectivity within clones as well as between clones via interclonal grafts results in formation of large genetically diverse physiological units. Such a clonal structure can significantly affect interpretations of diverse ecophysiological processes in forests of trembling aspen.
Vaccine-Induced Antibody Isotypes Are Skewed by Impaired CD4 T Cell and Invariant NKT Cell Effector Responses in MyD88-Deficient Mice
Authors: Iweala Onyinye I. , Smith Donald W. , Matharu Kabir S. , Sada-Ovalle Isabel , Nguyen Deanna D. , DeKruyff Rosemarie H. , Umetsu Dale T. , Behar Samuel M. , Nagler Cathryn R.
Published: July 2009

The requirement for TLR signaling in the initiation of an Ag-specific Ab response is controversial. In this report we show that a novel OVA-expressing recombinant Salmonella vaccine (Salmonella-OVA) elicits a Th1-biased cell-mediated and serum Ab response upon oral or i.p. immunization of C57BL/6 mice. In MyD88−/− mice, Th1-dependent Ab responses are greatly reduced while Th2-dependent Ab isotypes are elevated in response to oral and i.p., but not s.c. footpad, immunization. When the T effector response to oral vaccination is examined we find that activated, adoptively transferred Ag-specific CD4+ T cells accumulate in the draining lymph nodes, but fail to produce IFN-γ, in MyD88−/− mice. Moreover, CD1d tetramer staining shows that invariant NKT cells are activated in response to oral Salmonella-OVA vaccination in wild-type, but not MyD88−/−, mice. Treatment with neutralizing Ab to CD1d reduces the OVA-specific Ab response only in MyD88-sufficient wild-type mice, suggesting that both Ag-specific CD4 T cell and invariant NKT cell effector responses to Salmonella-OVA vaccination are MyD88 dependent. Taken together, our data indicate that the type of adaptive immune response generated to this live attenuated vaccine is regulated by both the presence of MyD88-mediated signals and vaccination route, which may have important implications for future vaccine design.
Neutrophil Bleaching of GFP-Expressing Staphylococci: Probing the Intraphagosomal Fate of Individual Bacteria
Authors: Schwartz Jamie , Leidal Kevin G. , Femling Jon K. , Weiss Jerrold P. , Nauseef William M.
Published: July 2009

Successful host defense against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (SA) depends on a prompt response by circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Stimulated PMN create in their phagosomes an environment inhospitable to most ingested bacteria. Granules that fuse with the phagosome deliver an array of catalytic and noncatalytic antimicrobial peptides, while activation of the NADPH oxidase at the phagosomal membrane generates reactive oxygen species within the phagosome, including hypochlorous acid (HOCl), formed by the oxidation of chloride by the granule protein myeloperoxidase in the presence of H2O2. In this study, we used SA-expressing cytosolic GFP to provide a novel probe of the fate of SA in human PMN. PMN bleaching of GFP in SA required phagocytosis, active myeloperoxidase, H2O2 from the NADPH oxidase, and chloride. Not all ingested SA were bleached, and the number of cocci within PMN-retaining fluorescent GFP closely correlated with the number of viable bacteria remaining intracellularly. The percent of intracellular fluorescent and viable SA increased at higher multiplicity of infection and when SA presented to PMN had been harvested from the stationary phase of growth. These studies demonstrate that the loss of GFP fluorescence in ingested SA provides a sensitive experimental probe for monitoring biochemical events within individual phagosomes and for identifying subpopulations of SA that resist intracellular PMN cytotoxicity. Defining the molecular basis of SA survival within PMN should provide important insights into bacterial and host properties that limit PMN antistaphylococcal action and thus contribute to the pathogenesis of staphylococcal infection.
Nonredundant Roles for B Cell-Derived IL-10 in Immune Counter-Regulation
Authors: Madan Rajat , Demircik Filiz , Surianarayanan Sangeetha , Allen Jessica L. , Divanovic Senad , Trompette Aurelien , Yogev Nir , Gu Yuanyuan , Khodoun Marat , Hildeman David , Boespflug Nicholas , Fogolin Mariela B. , Gröbe Lothar , Greweling Marina , Finkelman Fred D. , Cardin Rhonda , Mohrs Markus , Müller Werner , Waisman Ari , Roers Axel , Karp Christopher L.
Published: July 2009

IL-10 plays a central role in restraining the vigor of inflammatory responses, but the critical cellular sources of this counter-regulatory cytokine remain speculative in many disease models. Using a novel IL-10 transcriptional reporter mouse, we found an unexpected predominance of B cells (including plasma cells) among IL-10-expressing cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues at baseline and during diverse models of in vivo immunological challenge. Use of a novel B cell-specific IL-10 knockout mouse revealed that B cell-derived IL-10 nonredundantly decreases virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses and plasma cell expansion during murine cytomegalovirus infection and modestly restrains immune activation after challenge with foreign Abs to IgD. In contrast, no role for B cell-derived IL-10 was evident during endotoxemia; however, although B cells dominated lymphoid tissue IL-10 production in this model, myeloid cells were dominant in blood and liver. These data suggest that B cells are an underappreciated source of counter-regulatory IL-10 production in lymphoid tissues, provide a clear rationale for testing the biological role of B cell-derived IL-10 in infectious and inflammatory disease, and underscore the utility of cell type-specific knockouts for mechanistic limning of immune counter-regulation.
The Transcription Factor RFX Protects MHC Class II Genes against Epigenetic Silencing by DNA Methylation
Authors: Seguín-Estévez Queralt , De Palma Raffaele , Krawczyk Michal , Leimgruber Elisa , Villard Jean , Picard Capucine , Tagliamacco Augusto , Abbate Gianfranco , Gorski Jack , Nocera Arcangelo , Reith Walter
Published: July 2009

Classical and nonclassical MHC class II (MHCII) genes are coregulated by the transcription factor RFX (regulatory factor X) and the transcriptional coactivator CIITA. RFX coordinates the assembly of a multiprotein “enhanceosome” complex on MHCII promoters. This enhanceosome serves as a docking site for the binding of CIITA. Whereas the role of the enhanceosome in recruiting CIITA is well established, little is known about its CIITA-independent functions. A novel role of the enhanceosome was revealed by the analysis of HLA-DOA expression in human MHCII-negative B cell lines lacking RFX or CIITA. HLA-DOA was found to be reactivated by complementation of CIITA-deficient but not RFX-deficient B cells. Silencing of HLA-DOA was associated with DNA methylation at its promoter, and was relieved by the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine. Surprisingly, DNA methylation was also established at the HLA-DRA and HLA-DQB loci in RFX-deficient cells. This was a direct consequence of the absence of RFX, as it could be reversed by restoring RFX function. DNA methylation at the HLA-DOA, HLA-DRA, and HLA-DQB promoters was observed in RFX-deficient B cells and fibroblasts, but not in CIITA-deficient B cells and fibroblasts, or in wild-type fibroblasts, which lack CIITA expression. These results indicate that RFX and/or enhanceosome assembly plays a key CIITA-independent role in protecting MHCII promoters against DNA methylation. This function is likely to be crucial for retaining MHCII genes in an open chromatin configuration permissive for activation in MHCII-negative cells, such as the precursors of APC and nonprofessional APC before induction with IFN-γ.
Quality and Vaccine Efficacy of CD4+ T Cell Responses Directed to Dominant and Subdominant Epitopes in ESAT-6 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Aagaard Claus Sindbjerg , Hoang Truc Thi Kim Thanh , Vingsbo-Lundberg Carina , Dietrich Jes , Andersen Peter
Published: July 2009

The ESAT-6 (early secretory antigenic target) molecule is a very important target for T cell recognition during infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although ESAT-6 contains numerous potential T cell epitopes, the immune response during infection is often focused toward a few immunodominant epitopes. By immunization with individual overlapping synthetic peptides in cationic liposomes (cationic adjuvant formulation, CAF01) we demonstrate that the ESAT-6 molecule contains several subdominant epitopes that are not recognized in H-2d/b mice either during tuberculosis infection or after immunization with ESAT-6/CAF01. Immunization with a truncated ESAT-6 molecule (Δ15ESAT-6) that lacks the immunodominant ESAT-61–15 epitope refocuses the response to include T cells directed to these subdominant epitopes. After aerosol infection of immunized mice, T cells directed to both dominant (ESAT-6-immunized) and subdominant epitopes (Δ15ESAT-6-immunized) proliferate and are recruited to the lung. The vaccine-promoted response consists mainly of double- (TNF-α and IL-2) or triple-positive (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2) polyfunctional T cells. This polyfunctional quality of the CD4+ T cell response is maintained unchanged even during the later stages of infection, whereas the naturally occurring infection stimulates a response to the ESAT-61–15 epitope that consist almost exclusively of CD4+ effector T cells. ESAT-6 and Δ15ESAT-6 both give significant protection against aerosol challenge with tuberculosis, but the most efficient protection against pulmonary infection is mediated by the subdominant T cell repertoire primed by Δ15ESAT-6.