bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulations on the mechanism of CNT bundle growth upon smooth and nanostructured Ni as well as θ-Al2O3 catalysts
Authors: Zhukovskii Yuri , Piskunov Sergei , Kotomin Eugene , Bellucci Stefano
Published: October 2010

In the current study, we have performed ab initio DFT calculations on the gradually growing 2D periodic models of capped single-wall carbon nanotubes (SW CNTs) upon their perpendicular junctions with the Ni(111) substrate, in order to understand the peculiarities of the initial stage of their growth on either smooth or nanostructured catalytic particles. Appearance of the adsorbed carbon atoms upon the substrate follows from the dissociation of CVD hydrocarbon molecules, e.g., CH4: (CH4)ads → (CH)ads+3Hads and (CH)ads → Cads+Hads. (Since the effective growth of CNTs upon Ni nanoparticles occur inside the nanopores of amorphous alumina, we have also simulated analogous surface reactions upon the θ-Al2O3(010) slabs). Association of the adsorbed carbon atoms upon the catalyst surface precedes further swelling of the (Cn)ads islands after appearance of pentagonal defects within a honeycomb sheet which are more probable upon the catalyst surface containing either defects or nanoclusters (as in the case of the nanostructured substrate). The gradual growth of the capped CNTs is considerably more effective upon the nanostructured Ni(111) substrate compared to a smooth nickel substrate (cf. values of CNT adhesion energy per boundary C atom for chiralities of either armchair-type, 4.04 vs. 2.51 eV, or zigzag-type, 4.61 vs. 2.14 eV, respectively). The electronic charge transfer from the Ni catalyst towards the CNTs has been calculated for both chiralities (> 1 e per C atom), i.e., quite strong chemical bonds are formed within the CNT/Ni(111) interconnects.
Association between Helicobacter. pylori and coronary artery disease
Authors: Davoudi Setareh , Omran Abbas , Boroumand Mohammad , Rahimian Nasrin , Saadat Soheil
Published: October 2010

The high prevalence of both Helicobacter.pylori infection and coronary atherosclerosis in our country prompted us to assess the probable association between both conditions. This cross-sectional study recruited 153 patients scheduled to undergo coronary artery angiography. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of coronary angiography results. Sixty-nine patients had coronary atherosclerosis and the 84 remaining patients were normal. Characteristics and pre-angiographic serum levels of triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and Helicobacter.pylori IgG antibody were assessed in the patients and compared between the groups. Helicobacter.pylori infection occurred in 88 (57.51%) patients: 40 (58%) in the atherosclerotic group and 48 (57.1%) in the control group with no significant differences (P=0.918). Our multivariable analysis revealed that Helicobacter.pylori infection was not an independent predictive factor for coronary artery disease (P =0.915). Also, the prevalence of atherosclerosis risk factors with respect to the seropositive and seronegative Helicobacter.pylori infection was assessed in the case group, which showed no significant difference. Furthermore, the prevalence of seropositive Helicobacter.pylori infection in terms of the number of diseased coronary vessels was evaluated, this demonstrated no significant association between the number of the diseased vessels and Helicobacter.pylori infection. This study demonstrated that Helicobacter.pylori infection was not an independent predictive factor of atherosclerosis.
Process characteristics for a gas—liquid system agitated in a vessel equipped with a turbine impeller and tubular baffles
Authors: Major-Godlewska Marta , Karcz Joanna
Published: October 2010

Results of the experimental research on gas hold-up, power consumption for liquid phase and gas—liquid systems, and on residence time of the gas bubbles are presented in the paper for an agitated vessel with a turbine impeller. Distilled water or aqueous solutions of NaCl were used as the liquid phase. Air was dispersed into liquid as the gas phase. The studies were carried out in an agitated vessel of the inner diameter D = 0.634 m. Tubular baffles of the diameter of 0.7D, consisting of 24 vertical tubes of the diameter of 0.016D, were located inside a flat-bottomed tank. Turbines with six blades and the pitch of 90°, 60°, or 45°, respectively, were used for agitation. Measurements were carried out in the range of good dispersion of gas bubbles in the liquid within the turbulent regime of the liquid flow. Effects of the gas bubbles capability to coalesce on the gas hold-up, residence time of the gas bubbles, and power consumption were analyzed. Results of the power consumption (P G-L/P o = f 1(Kg, Fr)) and gas hold-up (φ= f 2(Kg, We, Y)) were approximated mathematically, using Eqs. (5) and (6), respectively. In Eq. (6), parameter Y was introduced in order to describe the influence of the bubbles capability to coalesce on the gas hold-up. The results of the study show that power consumption does not depend on the capability of bubbles to coalesce, but the pitch of the turbine impeller affects the power characteristics in such a physical system significantly. However, the residence time of the gas phase in agitated liquid depends on the pitch of the impeller blade and on the capability of bubbles to coalesce.
Do flying beetles respond to human-dominated landscapes as complex mosaics or binary patterns
Authors: Foley Carolyn J. , Holland Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2010

Understanding and measuring functional connectivity for animals with habitats that have been fragmented by human activity requires that the biology and movement of the species be considered. We used least cost paths in GIS to test hypotheses regarding how different species of longhorned beetles likely connect habitats with dispersal. We predicted that there would be differences in the functional connectivity of landscapes depending on species larval niche breadth, adult feeding habits, and the potential for use of non-forest habitats. For the species with very specialized larvae, we developed a classification tree to determine areas likely to contain the appropriate species of host tree. Connectivity calculated using least cost paths did not out-perform Euclidean distances for three generalist beetles. This was also the case for the specialist beetle species when all forest was considered habitat. However, when we delineated habitat based on areas likely to support the host tree the functional connectivity incorporating least cost paths was a much better predictor than that using Euclidean distances. Generalists may respond to fragmented habitat in a binary habitat-matrix way while more specialized species may respond to a mosaic. These trends are obscured if habitat is defined by human perceptions rather than species biology.
One century of treeline change and stability - experiences from the Swedish scandes
Authors: Kullman Leif
Published: October 2010

This paper elaborates and visualizes processes recorded in a recent regional and multi-site study of elevational treeline dynamics during the period 1915 to 2007 in the Swedish Scandes. The purpose is to give a concrete face of the landscape transformation which is associated with the recorded treeline shifts. The main focus is on stand-level structure of past and present treelines and the advance zones, where climate change elicited responses by Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii, Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris. All species shifted their treelines upslope by a maximum of c. 200 m in elevation. Most sites, however, manifested changes of smaller magnitudes. This relates to topoclimatic constraints which decouple treeline performance from the macroclimate. The general character of sites which support large and small treeline shifts, respectively, are outlined. The spacing, age structure, growth rates of the tree advance zones are accounted for each of the concerned species. In temporal and spatial detail, the different tree species responded individualistically according to their specific ecologies. Current spread of young seedlings and saplings to increasingly higher elevations in the alpine tundra is particularly highlighted as it may represent the forefront of future treeline advance. It is argued that the current evolution of the treeline ecotone represents a fundamental, although not necessarily entirely unique, reversal of the long-term (Holocene) trend of neoglacial treeline descent.
The Racial/Ethnic Composition of Elementary Schools and Young Children’s Academic and Socioemotional Functioning
Authors: Benner Aprile D. , Crosnoe Robert
Published: October 2010

This study attempted to untangle how two dimensions of school racial/ethnic composition—racial/ethnic diversity of the student body and racial/ethnic matching between children and their peers—were related to socioemotional and academic development after the transition into elementary school. Analysis of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Cohort revealed that school racial/ethnic composition was more strongly associated with children’s academic, as opposed to socioemotional, outcomes. Students had higher achievement test scores in more diverse schools, especially when they also had more same-race/ethnicity peers in these diverse schools. These patterns were particularly strong for White students. Having more school peers of the same race/ethnicity, regardless of the overall level of diversity in the school, was associated with positive socioemotional development.
Acceptability of an Emotional and Behavioural Screening Tool for Children in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in Urban NSW
Authors: Williamson Anna , Redman Sally , Dadds Mark , Daniels John , D'Este Catherine , Raphael Beverley , Eades Sandra , Skinner Tracey
Published: October 2010

Objective: To assess the acceptability and face validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in Aboriginal community controlled health services (ACCHOs) located in the greater Sydney region.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in three ACCHOs located within the greater Sydney region in 2008–2009. A semi-structured approach was used in focus groups and small group interviews (n = 47) to elicit participants’ views on the appropriateness of the SDQ and any additional issues of importance to Aboriginal child and adolescent mental health.

Results: The SDQ was found to cover many important aspects of Aboriginal child and adolescent mental health, however, the wording of some questions was considered ambiguous and some critical issues are not explored. The peer relationships subscale did not appear to fit well with Aboriginal concepts of the relative importance of different interpersonal relationships.

Conclusion: Overall the SDQ was acceptable in ACCHOs in Sydney; however, changes to the wording of some questions and the response scale may be indicated to improve cultural appropriateness and clarity. A further set of issues which are not covered by any commonly used screening tools but are of critical importance to Aboriginal child and adolescent mental health should also be considered by clinicians.
Changes in the Prevalence of Major Depression in an Australian Community Sample Between 1998 and 2008
Authors: Goldney Robert D. , Eckert Kerena A. , Hawthorne Graeme , Taylor Anne W.
Published: October 2010

Objective: To identify changes in the prevalence of major depression between 1998, 2004 and 2008 in South Australia.

Methods: Face-to-face Health Omnibus surveys were conducted in 1998, 2004 and 2008 with approximately 3000 participants aged 15 years and over, who were random and representative samples of the South Australian population. Each survey used the same methodology. Outcome measures were: major depression as detected by the Mood module of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders instrument; mental health literacy by recognition and exposure to classical symptoms of depression; and health status using the SF-36 Physical and Mental Component summaries.

Results: There was a significant increase in the prevalence of major depression from 6.8% (95%CI: 5.9%–7.7%) to 10.3% (95%CI: 9.2%–11.4%; χ2 24.59, p < 0.001) between 1998 and 2008. Significant increases were observed in males aged 15–29 and females aged 30–49 years. There was no significant increase in any other sub-group. The strongest predictor of major depression was health status. Participants with poor/fair mental health literacy were 37% less likely to be classified with major depression.

Conclusions: The prevalence of major depression increased significantly in South Australia over the last decade and there was a reduction in mental health status and an increase in persons reporting poor health. Unexpectedly, having poor or fair mental health literacy was significantly protective for major depression. Ideally, public health initiatives should result in an improvement in health, but this did not appear to have occurred here.
Factors Associated with Dementia in Aboriginal Australians
Authors: Smith Kate , Flicker Leon , Dwyer Anna , Atkinson David , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Lautenschlager Nicola T. , LoGiudice Dina
Published: October 2010

Objective: Although the prevalence of dementia in remote living Aboriginal Australians is one of the highest in the world, the factors associated with dementia in this population are yet to be examined. This study was designed to determine the demographic, lifestyle and clinical factors associated with dementia in Aboriginal Australians living in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Method: A total of 363 Aboriginal Australians aged over 45 years from the Kimberley region were selected by semi-purposeful sampling. The factors analysed for association with dementia were age, sex, education, smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol, head injury, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, previous stroke, epilepsy, falls, mobility, incontinence, urinary problems, vision and hearing. This exposure data was collected from participants’ and informants’ reports using the Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment and specialist review, and medical records.

Results: Factors associated with dementia included older age, male gender (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.4, 6.8) and no formal education (OR 2.7, 95%CI 1.1, 6.7) and after adjusting for age, sex and education, dementia was associated with current smoking (OR 4.5, 95%CI 1.1, 18.6), previous stroke (OR 17.9, 95%CI 5.9, 49.7), epilepsy (OR 33.5, 95%CI 4.8, 232.3), head injury (OR 4.0, 95%CI 1.7, 9.4), and poor mobility, incontinence and falls.

Conclusions: Interventions aimed at better management or prevention of the modifiable factors identified could reduce dementia risk in Aboriginal populations.
Treatment Outcomes and Predictors of Drop out for Problem Gamblers in South Australia: A Cohort Study
Authors: Smith David , Harvey Peter , Battersby Malcolm , Pols Rene , Oakes Jane , Baigent Michael
Published: October 2010

Objectives: Recent prevalence studies in Australia, the USA and Canada have estimated 1-2% of the adult population meet the diagnostic criteria for problem or pathological gambling. The Statewide Gambling Therapy Service (SGTS) provides treatment for problem gamblers in key metropolitan and rural regions in South Australia. The aims of this study were two-fold: to analyse the short and mid-term outcomes following treatment provided by SGTS and to identify factors associated with treatment drop-out.

Method: A cohort of treatment seeking problem gamblers was recruited through SGTS in 2008. Repeated outcome measures included problem gambling screening, gambling related cognitions and urge. Treatment drop-out was defined as participants attending three or less treatment sessions, whilst potential predictors of drop-out included perceived social support, anxiety and sensation-seeking traits.

Results: Of 127 problem gamblers who participated in the study, 69 (54%) were males with a mean age of 43.09 years (SD = 12.65 years) and with 65 (52%) reporting a duration of problem gambling greater than 5 years. Follow up time for 50% of participants was greater than 8.9 months and, overall, 41 (32%) participants were classified as treatment drop-outs. Results indicated significant improvement over time on all outcome measures except alcohol use for both treatment completers and drop-outs, although to a lesser extent for the treatment drop-out group. A significant predictor of treatment drop-out was sensation-seeking traits.

Conclusion: These results will inform future treatment planning and service delivery, and guide research into problem gambling including aspects of treatment drop-out.
Factors Associated with Medication Non-Adherence in Patients Suffering from Schizophrenia: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Universal Coverage Health-Care System
Authors: Dassa Daniel , Boyer Laurent , Benoit Michel , Bourcet Stéphane , Raymondet Philippe , Bottai Thierry
Published: October 2010

Objective: To quantify the factors associated with non-adherence to medication among stable patients suffering from schizophrenia in the context of universal access to care.

Methods: This naturalistic, multicentric study was conducted in 15 French public hospitals in a region of south-eastern France during a 1 week period in 2008. All consecutive outpatients with stable schizophrenia were recruited. Adherence was assessed with the 10-item Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI). Measures included socio-demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, insight using the Scale to assess Unawareness of Mental Disease (SUMD), and therapeutic alliance using the Patient Session Questionnaire (PSQ). Regression models were used to identify the risk factors associated with non-adherence.

Results: The study included 291 patients, 30% of whom were considered to be non-adherent. Non-adherence increased with duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) (OR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.03–1.22), lack of insight only for the dimension ‘effect of medication’ (OR = 3.23, 95%CI = 1.05–9.89), and a low level of therapeutic alliance (OR = 0.45, 95%CI = 0.32–0.64). Individuals prescribed atypical antipsychotic drugs were more likely to be adherent than those prescribed typical antipsychotics (OR = 0.37, 95%CI = 0.13–1.0).

Conclusions: DUP, prescription of typical antipsychotics, therapeutic alliance and insight were the most important features associated with non-adherence. This study also suggests that economic factors such as the service delivery system should not be neglected in public strategies aimed at addressing problems of non-adherence in non-universal coverage health systems.
Young Rural People at Risk for Schizophrenia: Time for Mental Health Services to Translate Research Evidence into Best Practice of Care
Authors: Stain Helen J. , Clark Scott , O'Donnell Maryanne , Schall Ulrich
Published: October 2010

Early intervention into prodromal schizophrenia has shown promise, but controversy continues regarding the ethical acceptability of identifying a group of ‘ultra high risk’ individuals of whom only 30 to 50% will develop a psychotic disorder. With well developed early intervention services this group faces the possibility of being labelled as ‘pre-psychotic’, a condition for which the well known stigma associated with the diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder is likely to be associated. In addition, the use of potent antipsychotic and other medications (albeit usually at lower doses than those used for those with manifest psychosis) mandates consideration of the risks associated with their use and neurological and metabolic side effects. The potential for iatrogenic morbidity in the ‘false positive’ group must be weighed against the need of the ‘true positives’ identified through screening and assessment. Current evidence for the concept of ‘at-risk mental state’ was reviewed within a neurodevelopmental framework, including emerging data on the effectiveness of early intervention for the purpose of providing recommendations for community mental health services. The review suggests that different treatment strategies may be appropriate depending on the clinical stage of the condition as long as the benefits of intervention outweigh its risk burden. It further suggests that the severity of psychoses and the evidence of its early onset in utero and its acceleration in adolescence positions ‘ultra high risk’ intervention as a core model for early intervention for young people by teasing apart the symptomatic components of the ‘prepsychotic state’ and ensuring the population is reaching targeted mental health services for screening. The model is not restricted to the delivery of intervention for ‘pre-psychotic’ young people but is applicable for targeted programmes for a number of clinical groups considered at ‘ultra high risk’. However, only further research in naturalistic populations embedded in clinical practice and ideally conducted in partnership of mental health services with academic research institutions will help clarify potential risks of early identification and intervention and assist in updating and making more explicit the clinical guidelines services will use in approaching those in the ‘ultra high risk’ group.
Who Cares? A Profile of People who Care for Relatives with a Mental Disorder
Authors: Pirkis Jane , Burgess Philip , Hardy Judy , Harris Meredith , Slade Tim , Johnston Amy
Published: October 2010

Objective: To profile the Australian adults who are caring for a relative with a mental disorder.

Method: Data came from the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2007 (NSMHWB), a nationally representative household survey of 8841 individuals aged between 16 and 85 years.

Results: Many people act as carers: 15% of the Australian adult population, or nearly 2.4 million individuals. The strongest predictors of being a carer are being female and being in a relatively older age bracket. Carers provide a range of emotional and practical supports to close relatives with a range of mental disorders, most notably high prevalence disorders. Their relatives’ health problems cause them considerable worry, anxiety and depression, and their caring role can be associated with high financial costs.

Conclusions: Carers are significant stakeholders in the mental health system. Providing support for carers is crucial, particularly because their own mental health and well-being may be affected by their care-giving role. The nature of this support should take into account their large numbers, their profile and the role they perform.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Internet Cognitive Behavioural Treatment for Social Phobia with and Without Motivational Enhancement Strategies
Authors: Titov Nickolai , Andrews Gavin , Schwencke Genevieve , Robinson Emma , Peters Lorna , Spence Jay
Published: October 2010

Objective: The present study (Shyness 7) has two aims: Firstly, to replicate an earlier trial showing that a self-guided Internet treatment for social phobia is efficacious, and secondly, to examine whether the addition of self-guided motivational enhancement strategies improves completion rates and clinical outcomes.

Method: Randomized controlled trial (RCT) of self-guided Internet-based cognitive behavioural treatment (iCBT), or iCBT plus self-guided motivational enhancement strategies (iCBT+MS), was conducted. An intention-to-treat and last observation carried forward model was used for data analyses. The participants consisted of 108 volunteers with social phobia. The iCBT intervention consisted of two online lessons about symptoms and treatment of anxiety disorders and six lessons about management of social phobia (the Shyness programme) with complex automated reminders. The motivational intervention was based on traditional techniques including understanding and exploring ambivalence about change using a cost–benefit analysis, developing and resolving discrepancy between values and symptoms, and enhancing self-efficacy for change. The main outcome measures were the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and Social Phobia Scale.

Results: More iCBT+MS group participants completed the eight lessons than iCBT group participants (75% versus 56%, respectively), but there were no between-group differences in outcome measures at post-treatment or at 3 month follow up. Large mean within-groups effect sizes (Cohen's d) for the two social phobia measures were found for both the iCBT and iCBT+ MS groups (1.1 and 0.95, respectively), which were sustained at 3 month follow up (1.06 and 1.07, respectively). Both iCBT and iCBT+MS group participants reported that the procedures were highly acceptable.

Conclusions: Both self-guided versions of the Shyness programme were reliably efficacious, confirming that people with social phobia may significantly benefit from a highly structured self-guided intervention. The addition of motivational techniques increased completion rates but did not improve clinical outcomes or acceptability.
Patterns of Alcohol Use and Associated Physical and Lifestyle Characteristics According to New Australian Guidelines
Authors: Coulson Carolyn E. , Williams Lana J. , Henry Margaret J. , Berk Michael , Lubman Dan I. , Brennan Sharon L. , Nicholson Geoffrey C. , Kotowicz Mark A. , Korn Sam , Pasco Julie A.
Published: October 2010

Objective: To describe the pattern of alcohol consumption and associated physical and lifestyle characteristics in a population-based sample of Australian men.

Method: A community-based age-stratified random sample of 1420 men (median age 56 years, range 20–93) participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, an epidemiological study set in south-eastern Australia. Daily alcohol intake was ascertained from a detailed food frequency questionnaire and categorized according to the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council 2009 guidelines (non-drinkers, greater than zero but ≤2 drinks per day, > 2 drinks per day), with a standard drink equivalent to 10 g of ethanol. Anthropometry was measured and lifestyle factors self-reported. Body composition was determined using dual energy absorptiometry. Socio-economic status was categorized according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Results were age standardized to the Australian male population figures.

Results: The median daily ethanol consumption was 12 g (IQR 2–29) per day with a range of 0–117 g/day. The age-standardized proportion of non-drinkers was 8.7%, 51.5% consumed up to two drinks per day (≤ 20 g ethanol/day), and 39.9% exceeded 2 standard drinks per day (> 20 g ethanol/day). Alcohol consumption was positively associated with cigarette smoking, weight, higher SES and inversely with age and physical activity.

Conclusions: Approximately, 40% of Australian men consume alcohol at levels in excess of current recommendations, which in combination with other risk factors may adversely impact upon health.
Relationship Between Subjective Experiences and Psychopathological Dimensions in Schizophrenia
Authors: Kim Jong-Hoon , Byun Hee-Jung , Ann Jun-Hyung , Lee Jinyoung
Published: October 2010

Objective: Subjective experiences are subtle, self-experienced disturbances, a thorough description of which is provided within the framework of the concept of basic symptoms. Recent studies have shown that subjective experiences have important diagnostic implications for schizophrenia and related disorders. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between subjective experiences and psychopathological dimensions in schizophrenia.

Method: Sixty-seven outpatients with schizophrenia were evaluated. Subjective experiences were comprehensively assessed using the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ). Symptoms of schizophrenia were evaluated using the Manchester Scale (MS). Pearson's partial correlation analysis was performed between the FCQ and the MS scores, controlling for the influence of extrapyramidal adverse effects.

Results: The analysis revealed that the MS positive symptom score had significant positive correlations with the FCQ total score and subscales scores. The MS negative symptom score did not have significant correlations with the FCQ scores.

Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that subjective experiences are significantly associated with positive symptomatology in schizophrenia, suggesting that they may share a common underlying neural basis. Future prospective studies are necessary to confirm the stability of these relationships and to explore the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of subjective experiences in a diverse group of patients at different stages of illness.
Organ Transplantation and Magical Thinking
Authors: Vamos Marina
Published: October 2010

Organ transplantation can provide important treatment benefits in a variety of situations. While a number of live donor procedures are now possible, procurement of organs from dead donors remains the mainstay of transplant programmes. However, cadaveric donation rates remain much lower than anticipated, and some patients who receive organs struggle to adapt to their new body. The reasons for this are not entirely explained by rational or logical means. This paper uses concepts drawn from magical thinking to try to explain some of the less apparent issues at play within the process of cadaveric organ transplantation, including both the donation and receiving of organs. Three themes are explored as potentially relevant: superstitions and rituals around death and the dead body, incorporation and the meanings attached to the transplanted organ, and survivor guilt. All three are shown to be relevant for some part of the transplantation process in at least a minority of cases. It is therefore suggested that focusing not only on the logical and scientific, but also on the ambiguous and magical may enhance the organ donation process and thus increase donation rates and the psychological adjustment of transplant recipients.
Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome and Pancreatitis in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Gwee Karen , Teh Andrew , Huang Chia
Published: October 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the presentation and clinical management of a patient with anorexia nervosa complicated by superior mesenteric artery syndrome and pancreatitis, and discuss the association between these conditions.

Method: We present a case report and briefly review the relevant literature.

Results: A 17-year-old girl with undiagnosed anorexia nervosa presented acutely with abdominal symptoms and vomiting. After numerous investigations, she was diagnosed with the rare condition of superior mesenteric artery syndrome and pancreatitis, leading to a prolonged hospital admission and management on both an acute medical/surgical ward and an eating disorders unit.

Conclusions: Anorexia nervosa has been associated with superior mesenteric artery syndrome and pancreatitis. Clinical awareness of these conditions can result in prompt diagnosis and optimal management of these patients.
Mind the Evidence Gap: Do we have Any Idea about How to Integrate the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa into the Australian Mental Health Context?
Authors: Bosanac Peter , Newton Richard , Harari Edwin , Castle David
Published: October 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper is to review recent developments in the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) and how this translates to clinical and population-based care in the Australian context.

Conclusions: Overall, there is a paucity of high-quality research into treatments for AN, albeit that a number of biological and psychological interventions show promise as avenues for further research. There are significant impediments to the provision of comprehensive longitudinal care for people with AN within Australian mental health services. Evaluation of novel strategies, such as home-based support, is required as part of enhancing options for Australians suffering with AN and their families.
The Search of CH3CN in Interstellar Medium
Authors: Chaulagain UP , Aryal B , Aryal MM
Published: October 2010

We present the binding energy, rotational constant, rotational frequency and rotational temperature of CH3CN in different basis sets using Gaussian03. A systematic search of the emission region at 115 GHz is carried out using SkyView Virtual Observatory. A region is selected and studied in the context of rotational temperature of CH3CN using ALADIN2.5 software. From the ab-initio (First principle) calculation of CH3CN in the Hartree Fock level of approximation it is found that there is a strong binding between H, C and N in CH3CN, minimum value of the binding energy being 12.79 eV in the basis set 6-311G which agrees within around 8% to the maximum value of 13.74 eV obtained in the basis set 6-31G*. The estimated value of rotational frequency in the Hartree Fock level of approximation is found to be 322.62 GHz in the basis set 6-31G* which agrees with the values of rotational frequency obtained in other basis sets within around 4%. Similarly, value of rotational temperature in the same basis set 6-31G* is found to be 7.74 K which agrees within around 4% to the corresponding values obtained in other basis sets. The investigation region is a huge (7° × 4°) structure having east to west elongated emission pattern in the CO - survey (115 GHz). We classified this region into three parts (Upper Wing, Lower Wing and Third Region) and study the variation of relative flux density in each pixel. We found that the minimum dust color temperature 8.15 K, 8.04 K and 7.99 K respectively at Upper Wing, Lower Wing and Third Region which are almost 4% differs from rotational temperature CH3CN. This implies that there is strong evidence of possibility of finding CH3CN in the investigated region. But the conformation can only be done by spectral analysis. It is found that the flux density increase from 12 μm to 25 μm and then decreases sharply on moving from 25 μm to 60 μm in the maxima of Upper Wing and Lower wing. The flux density increases but not at significant level when moving from 60 μm to 100 μm. We estimated the dust mass of the three different regions. We found that the mass of Upper Wing, Lower Wing and Third Region are 4273.50 MÈ, 4778.79 Mθ and 2026.75 Mθ respectively. The total mass of the investigated region has to obtain 11079.04 Mθ. The mass of the gas found in the investigated structure is almost 200 times the dust mass. Thus the mass of the investigated structure is found to be 2.22×106 Mθ. Key Words: Interstellar Medium; Flux density; Dust color temperature; Solar mass; Cyanogens. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3816 Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.10-14
Common Property Wasteland-Use Planning for Sustainable Resource Development in Ramgad Catchment, Kumaun Himalaya
Authors: Vigra CS , Jina BS , Sah P , Bhatt MD
Published: October 2010

The Lesser Himalayan region is the most densely populated area of all the Himalayan ranges and deserves specific and adequate attention for the development of its scarce and precious common property wasteland resource in view of the fact that a large number of rural poor households in the region depend on common property wastelands for the fulfillment of their own basic needs, such as, fodder, fuel-wood, grazing etc. Of late, the region is experiencing extensive environmental problems like deforestation, landslides, soil erosion, owing mainly to the over-utilization of common property resources. This is consequent to the misuse and mismanagement of the common property land resources by villagers in Himalayan region. This paper attempts to evolve an optimal wasteland use framework for the Ramgad catchment situated in the Lesser Himalayan ranges of district Nainital located in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Recognizing the drastic changes that have taken place in traditional common property wasteland use, the watershed area has been proposed to be marked for fodder development, horticultural development and medicinal plant conservation. Key words: Wasteland; Natural resource; Households; Kumaun Himalayas. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3823 Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.41-46
The Use of Plants for Fencing and Fuelwood in Mustang District, Trans-Himalayas, Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Shandesh , Chaudhary Ram P , Taylor Robin SL
Published: October 2010

The remoteness and difficult geography of Mustang in trans-Himalayas lead to continued use of wild plants for livelihood. Local people were interviewed during 2005-2007 and we recorded the use of 40 plant species belonging to 14 families under 22 genera as fence and fuelwood. The common parts of the plants used for fence and fuelwood are stems, branches and whole plant. Among 40 plant species, 36 species were used for fencing and 38 species as fuelwood. A total of 30 species with medicinal value were used as fence after cutting. Many plant species have duel uses as fence and fuelwood. In Mustang, suitable plant species are planted live or cut and used as dead fence around agricultural fields to protect the crops from damage by livestock and wild animals as well as prevent soil erosion by wind. Fuelwood is required to cook meals for themselves and feed for livestock, warm homes in the winter, and distil alcohol from the grain. Local communities have preference of using fuelwood on the basis of easy burning, durability and, accessibility and availability. There is need to encourage the practice of using live plant species as bio-fence in Mustang district, in particular in the upper Mustang. Alternative sources of energy have to be explored and practiced to reduce the dependency on fuelwood in upper Mustang for conservation of forest resources. Key words: Plant species; Fencing; Fuelwood; Sustainability. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3827 Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.59-63
Burden of Enteropathogens Associated Diarrheal Diseases in Children Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Sherchand Jeevan B , Yokoo Michiyo , Sherchand Ojaswee , Pant Arun R , Nakogomi Osamu
Published: October 2010

Diarrheal disease caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality among young children in developing countries. Methods currently used in public health laboratories do not allow for the identification of rotavirus, Cyclospora and pathogenic E.coli infection though they represent as an etiology in large proportion of patients with diarrhea, the possibility exists that a portion of the undiagnosed illness may be attributable to one or more of the above enteropathogens. In a view to determine the causative agents of diarrhoea, the current study described the various enteropathogens associated with diarrhoea in hospitalized children. Stool samples were collected from children under 11 years of age who developed diarrhoea and were admitted to Kanti Children's Hospital between May to October 2007 and investigated in Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Health Research Laboratory; by using both the combination of microbiological and immunological tools ( EIA for rotavirus detection, standard parasitological procedure for Cyclospora and other intestinal parasites, and selective culture method and serotyping were used to differentiate the species of bacteria). A total of 440 diarrhoeal stool samples were collected and 285 (64.8%) enteropathogens were identified. The highest infection was due to intestinal parasites 104/285 (36.5%) followed by rotavirus 92/285 (32.3%); pathogenic bacteria 57/285 (20%) and Cyclospora 32/285 (11.2%). Among the pathogenic bacteria (20%) isolated, the predominant bacteria were Shigella species (36.8%); Vibrio species (26.3%); Escherichia coli (22.8%) and Salmonella species (14.03%) respectively. Various enteropthogens responsible for diarrhoea especially rotavirus, different pathogenic bacteria and Cyclospora infection, which are not examined routinely in public health laboratories, were found in significant proportion as a cause of diarrhoeal illness in children. The infection was peak in children under 2 years of age and was highest in rainy season. Key words: Burden; Diarrhea; Enteropathogens; Children; Nepal. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3830Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.71-75
“With My Hair in Crystal”: Mourning Clarissa
Authors: Oliver Kathleen M.
Published: October 2010

This essay explores the fetishism of mourning and mourning jewellery as fetish in Samuel Richardson's Clarissa. Following some historical background on mourning jewellery fashioned with human hair and a definition of fetishism as it relates to mourning jewellery, I discuss Clarissa herself as fetish. I also examine Clarissa's bequests of mourning jewellery by exploring how these fetishized bequests offer psychic compensation to the wearers, allow access to the virtues associated with Clarissa, and assure remembrance of the dead. Finally, I argue for the centrality of mourning to the realization of Richardson's moral, didactic, and aesthetic intent.
Superplasticity in nanocrystalline ceramics: pure grain boundary phenomena or not?
Authors: Domínguez-Rodríguez Arturo , Gómez-García Diego , Castillo-Rodríguez Miguel , Zapata-Solvas Eugenio , Chaim Rachman
Published: October 2010

Superplasticity in ceramics has been the subject of intense research activity for the last two decades. Quite recently, the fabrication of fully dense nanocrystalline oxides with grain size below 100 nm enabled examination of their superplastic behaviour. This work presents a critical analysis of the plasticity of two important nanostructured oxide systems: MgO and yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystals. A thorough comparison of their plastic deformation reveals that nano-structuring may be a necessary, but not a sufficient condition for superplasticity in ceramics as commonly assumed. Instead, the changes in the chemical composition and the transport properties, through the bulk and at grain boundaries, versus temperature and grain size can induce a rich variety of mechanical responses.
Preparation and evaluation of chitosan-gelatin composite scaffolds modified with chondroitin-6-sulphate
Authors: Emami Shahriar Hojjati , Abad Ali Moradi Ahmad , Bonakdar Shahin , Tahriri Mohammad Reza , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali , Bahar Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2010

The objective of the present study was to investigate the properties of porous chitosan–gelatin scaffolds. The modification of samples was done by incorporation of chondroitin-6-sulphate in bulk phase through cross linking with glutaraldehyde. Scaffolds were prepared using the freeze-drying method. An in vitro cell culture of fibroblasts L-929 was employed to study the growth and attachment of cells to the scaffolds. Optical microscopy showed high cell density for the sample supplemented with chondroitin-6-sulphate. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the growth and attachment of cells. Results of the tests revealed that the sample with a 65: 35 ratio of gelatin and chitosan was suitable for both cell attachment and proliferation in fibroblast cultures. The cell viability 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide (MTT) assay with human mesenchymal stem cells on the previous sample showed about 80 % increase in cell viability. To analyze the mechanical properties of scaffolds, the tensile strengths of the samples were measured and all samples showed stress at break above 0.1 MPa. Optimum substratum composition for porous scaffolds would involve a compromise between the desired attributes of biocompatibility, promotion of cell growth and mechanical strength.
The melting diagram of the Ti–Dy–Sn system below 40 at.% Sn
Authors: Fartushna Y. , Meleshevich K. , Samelyuk A. , Bulanova M.
Published: October 2010

Phase equilibria in the Ti–Dy–Sn system below 40 at.% Sn were studied using differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, metallography and electron microprobe. The partial liquidus and solidus projections and the melting diagram (liquidus + solidus) were constructed. A new ternary compound τ with composition Ti4.2–4.3Dy0.8–0.7Sn≲3, found by us previously, melts congruently above 1 543 °C and coexists with all the phases based on the binary compounds of the boundary binaries in the concentration interval studied.

The liquidus surface is characterized by primary crystallization regions of (βTi), (βDy), (αDy), (Ti3Sn), (Ti2Sn), (Ti5Sn3), (Dy5Sn3) and τ. Five three-phase fields in the solidus surface result from three eutectic and two transition type invariant four-phase equilibria: LE1
⇄ (βTi) + (Ti3Sn) + (Dy5Sn3), LE2
⇄ (Ti3Sn) + τ + (Dy5Sn3), LE3
⇄ (βTi) + (αDy) + (Dy5Sn3), LU1
+ (Ti2Sn) ⇄ (Ti3Sn) + τ and LU2
+ (Ti2Sn) ⇄ (Ti5Sn3) + τ at 1 524, 1 500, 1 150, 1 543 and 1 498 °C, respectively.

In the two-phase areas (βTi) + (Dy5Sn3), (Ti3Sn) + (Dy5Sn3), (Ti2Sn) + τ and τ + (Dy5Sn3) the solidus surface has the temperature maxima at 1 620, 1 540, > 1 543 and > 1 500 °C, respectively.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of differently extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Huppmann Michael , Reimers Walter
Published: October 2010

Profiles of the magnesium alloy AZ31 were produced by conventional indirect extrusion and by indirect extrusion into counterpressure with variations of the billet temperature TB from 200 °C up to 350 °C. Microstructural examination by optical microscopy showed that for extrusion trials carried out with billet temperatures TB ≤ 250 °C fine dynamically recrystallized grains are found while elongated grains of the former cast structure remain. Above TB ≥ 300 °C most grains show higher dynamic recrystallization kinetics and additional static recrystallization and increase to grain sizes of d = 30 – 50 μm. At TB ≤ 250 °C the typical extrusion fiber texture is found, at TB ≥ 300 °C a double fiber texture is formed due to static recrystallization. The results of the quasistatic mechanical tests are due to these differences in the microstructure.
Maternal Health during Pregnancy and Self Delivery
Authors: Ara Iffat
Published: October 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v19i1.6241J Dhaka Med Coll. 2010; 19(1) : 1.
Relationship between Ig-E Levels and Lung Function Tests in Children with Asthma
Authors: Begum JA , Islam MI , Hoque SKA , Islam MT , Hossain MZ , Matin A
Published: October 2010

Background: Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in childhood. A high level of Ig E is associated with asthma. Objectives: The present study was carried out to observe the relation of serum IgE level with lung function parameters in asthma children and apparently healthy normal children. Methods: This study was carried out in the out patient department of paediatrics, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka between January 2010 and June 2010. Total sixty children with age range from six to fifteen years of both sexes were included in this study. Thirty children suffering from asthma and thirty apparently healthy children with no systemic disorder were taken as study population. Serum Ig-E levels were measured in all subjects using a standard Immulite assay by ELISA method. Subjects were classified as having high IgE if their total IgE level was greater than or equal to 100 IU /ml .Subjects were classified as having low IgE if their total IgE level was less than 100 IU /ml. Spirometry was conducted on all patients by using Spirolab a new generation spirometer according to American Thoracic Society standards. Data were analyzed by unpaired t test and Chi-squares test. Results: The mean percentage of predicted values of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC% were significantly lower in high Ig E (>100 IU/ml) level group in comparison with low Ig E(<100 IU/ml) group. Conclusion: Therefore the result of the present study reveals that higher IgE is related with lower lung function and also there were more chance in symptoms based asthma in our study populations.  DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v19i1.6242 J Dhaka Med Coll. 2010; 19(1) : 3-6.