bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
54.1:Invited Paper: Human Factors of Stereoscopic Displays
Authors: Patterson Robert
Published: August 2010

This paper provides a review of human factors issues that arise when designing stereoscopic displays. Issues discussed include: (1) basics of human stereopsis; (2) interocular cross talk; (3) distance scaling of disparity information; (4) accommodative‐vergence mismatch; (5) stereoanomly; (6) intuitive reasoning. The paper concludes with several recommendations.
55.3: Diffractive Backlight Light Guide Plates in Mobile Electrowetting Display Applications
Authors: Kimmel Jyrki , Levola Tapani , Giraldo Andrea , Bergeron Nicolas , Siitonen Samuli , Rytkönen Tuomo
Published: August 2010

Power efficiency demands on mobile displays are increasing rapidly, as new multimedia services and applications are being adopted by users. Diffractive backlights and electrowetting displays have been proposed as some of the solutions to solve the poor efficiency of current mobile display systems. In this study, an electrowetting display was coupled with a pixelated, diffractive becklight light guide plate. This is to our knowledge the first time when a pixelated, diffractive backlight has been demonstrated in conjunction with an actual display. The results of the study show that the backlight and display panel need to be optimized as a system in order to obtain an applicable module for mobile use.
56.3: High Corrosion Resistance Mo Alloy for TFT‐LCD and Touch Screen Panel Metallization
Authors: Winkler Jörg , Reinfried Nikolaus , Knabl Wolfram
Published: August 2010

A new Molybdenum‐based alloy with high resistance against corrosion and oxidation was developed for TFT display and touch screen panel metallization. Highly environmentally stable alloy films with low resistivity and low film stress were made by DC magnetron sputtering. The oxide passivation layer was characterized by photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
57.1:Invited Paper: Key Requirements for High Quality Picture‐Rate Conversion
Authors: Cordes Claus Nico , de Haan Gerard
Published: August 2010

Past LCD‐TV generations suffered from a poor motion portrayal, causing the blurring of moving objects. Hence, various techniques have been implemented to improve their motion portrayal, of which the widespread introduction of motion compensated picture‐rate conversion in TV systems is an essential part. However, a careful design of such algorithms is critical, as otherwise very annoying artifacts may decrease their value. In this paper, we will give an overview of the key requirements for high quality motion‐compensated picture‐rate conversion, as implemented in state‐of‐the‐art system‐on‐chips, and visually illustrate the impact of individual measures on picture quality.
57.2: Invited Paper: A Consideration on Motion‐Image‐Quality Improvement of LCD‐TVs
Authors: Kurita Taiichiro
Published: August 2010

Motion‐image‐quality of LCD‐TVs and TV system is discussed by dynamic spatial frequency response. Smaller temporal aperture or higher frame‐rate can improve dynamic response, but an increase of motion velocity easily cancels the improvement. A consideration to decide optimum temporal aperture and frame‐rate is described.
58.4: Invited Paper: Solution Assembly of Transistor Arrays Based on Sorted Nanotube Networks for Large‐Scale Flexible Electronic Applications
Authors: LeMieux Melburne C. , Roberts Mark , Opatkiewicz Justin , Bao Zhenan , Patil Nishant , Mitra Subhasish
Published: August 2010

The inability for controlled large‐scale assembly of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) represents the biggest obstacle for application of this superior nanoelectronic material. Our aim here is to develop not only a reliable approach to deposit SWNTs uniformly over a large area from solution, but also leads to a SWNT network with tunable reproducible topological and electronic properties. By controlling nanotube network characteristics with substrate surface chemistry, we demonstrate reproducible transistors over large scales from solution, which is key for integration onto disposable and flexible plastic surfaces.
59.2: Development of New Optical Films for LCDs
Authors: Yosomiya Takatoshi , Watanabe Kazuaki
Published: August 2010

We have been developing retardation‐controlled polypropylene‐based films with additives. We propose new optical films having Re value (in‐plane retardation) around 100nm, or less 20nm. These films show high durability as optical properties under certain conditions. The low Re value film can be used for protection films of LCD's polarizer, and the high Re value one can be used for retardation films of VA and other modes of LCD.
62.2: Adaptive White Extension for Peak Luminance Increase in RGBWAMOLED
Authors: Arkhipov Alexander , Park Kyongtae , Lee Baek‐woon , Kim ChiWoo
Published: August 2010

RGBW AMOLED panel, compare to the RGB panel, has lower power consumption and current stress and as result — bigger life time. Using special algorithms and RGB subpixels (as additional white) permits to increase brightness of this panel up to 2 times. At the same time it's very important to keep panel current at permissible range. We propose an algorithm, what permits to increase brightness of the RGBW AMOLED panel and limit its summary current at the same time.
62.4: Power and Lifetime Modeling of White OLED Formulations for WRGBW Display Applications
Authors: Giesen David J. , Kondakov Denis Y. , Ludwicki John E. , Spindler Jeffrey P. , Hatwar Tukaram K. , Kondakova Marina E.
Published: August 2010

The Power and Life Model is used to analyze white formulations for display applications. The importance of a well‐balanced white formulation in WRGBW devices is demonstrated, the impact of tandem architecture on the display performance is examined, and the relationship between the blue emission spectrum and display performance is evaluated.
65.1: Invited Paper: Amorphous Silicon TFT's with 100‐Year Lifetimes in a Clear Plastic Compatible Process for AMOLEDs
Authors: Sturm James C. , Hekmatshoar Bahman , Cherenack Kuni , Wagner Sigurd
Published: August 2010

We demonstrate critical elements of a‐Si technology on clear plastic for flexible AMOLED applications. First, we show that a‐Si TFT's with gate voltages under 5 V provide sufficient current for OLED pixel brightness of over 1000 cd/m2, with minimum geometries (W/L = 1)for 100 μm × 100 μm pixels. Critical to this result is a clear plastic with the combined properties of high transparency, glass transition temperature in excess of 300 °C, and low coefficient of thermal expansion. Second, we show that by engineering the a‐Si TFT stack, under the bias conditions for pixel operation, the “half‐life” of the TFT (defined as the time for the current to fall by 50% in DC operation) is 10 years for a 280 °C process on clear plastic, and at least 100 years for 300 °C. This is several orders of magnitude higher than that of common a‐Si TFT processes and in general larger than the lifetimes for the 50% decay of the luminescence of the OLED's themselves. Finally, we provide a framework demonstrating the tradeoff between drive current and TFT stability.
P‐149: Anode Electrode of Al‐Ni Alloy Film Directly in Contact with ITO for Top‐Emitting OLEDs
Authors: Kugimiya Toshihiro , Yoneda Yoichiro , Kusumoto Eisuke , Ochi Mototaka , Goto Hiroshi , Nakai Junichi
Published: August 2010

A bottom anode with high reflectivity is one of the most important materials for top‐emitting OLEDs. As an anode electrode, stacked ITO/Al‐Ni alloy‐based films, as opposed to conventional stacked ITO/Ag films, were investigated for the first time. It was found that the direct contact technique of the Al‐Ni alloy‐based film with the ITO film using a film annealing process was applicable for OLEDs, as in the case of LCD interconnections that have already been developed by the authors. It was thus concluded that the Al‐Ni alloy‐based films were suitable materials for the anode electrode of OLEDs. They are a better choice than Ag film, due to their low material cost and ease of production of large‐area sputtering targets for large‐Size OLED‐TVs.
Health gains from solar water disinfection (SODIS): evaluation of a water quality intervention in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Graf Jürg , Zebaze Togouet Serge , Kemka Norbert , Niyitegeka Domitille , Meierhofer Regula , Gangoue Pieboji Joseph
Published: August 2010

In developing countries, the burden of diarrhoea is still enormous. One way to reduce transmission of pathogens is by water quality interventions. Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is a low-cost and simple method to improve drinking water quality on household level. This paper evaluates the implementation of SODIS in slum areas of Yaoundé, Cameroon. Promoters trained 2,911 households in the use of SODIS. Two surveys with randomly selected households were conducted before (N = 2,193) and after (N = 783) the intervention. Using a questionnaire, interviewers collected information on the health status of children under five, on liquid consumption, hygiene and other issues. Prior to the intervention, diarrhoea prevalence amounted to 34.3% among children. After the intervention, it remained stable in the control group (31.8%) but dropped to 22.8% in the intervention group. Households fully complying with the intervention exhibited even less diarrhoea prevalence (18.3%) and diarrhoea risk could be reduced by 42.5%. Multivariate analyses revealed that the intervention effects are also observed when other diarrhoea risk factors, such as hygiene and cleanliness of household surroundings, are considered. According to the data, adoption of the method was associated with marital status. Findings suggest health benefits from SODIS use. Further promotional activities in low-income settings are recommended.
Health implications of lipopolysaccharide endotoxins in domestic container water used by rural households in South Africa
Authors: Fosso-Kankeu E. , Du Preez H. , Jagals P.
Published: August 2010

This study assessed the occurrence of endotoxins, cyanobacteria and enterobacteria in untreated drinking water stored in domestic water containers by rural households in South Africa. Endotoxins, cyanobacteria, total coliforms and Escherichia coli were measured in the following numbers and ranges in container-water samples: 4–54 μg l−1, 69–64,505 cells ml−1, 9,000–280,000 CFU/100 ml and 90–1,100 CFU/100 ml, respectively, in source water and 0.23–24.7 μg l−1, 1–501,187 cells ml−1, 25–1,584,893 CFU/100 ml and 1–25,118 CFU/100 ml, respectively, in water from containers. The concentrations of these contaminants in water often exceeded guidelines. Container type, especially those that permit light into the vessel, played a significant role in the occurrence of these contaminants. Limited guidelines, as well as the absence of health evidence, make it uncertain whether the high levels of endotoxins in the containerised drinking water could cause a health effect in healthy persons. Most importantly, in the context of exposure to endotoxins potentially derived from high levels of cyanobacteria and enterobacteria such as coliforms in the water, a case is made for possible health effects in immune-compromised individuals exposed to water containing endotoxins and the bacteria that potentially produce it.
Alternatives for safe water provision in urban and peri-urban slums
Authors: Ali Syed Imran
Published: August 2010

In response to rapid urbanization throughout the global South, urban and peri-urban slums are expanding at an alarming rate. Owing to inadequate financial and institutional resources at the municipal level, conventional approaches for safe water provision with centralized treatment and distribution infrastructure have been unable to keep pace with rapidly growing demand. In the absence of alternatives to centralized systems, a global public health emergency of infectious water-related diseases has developed. Alternative decentralized water treatment systems have been promoted in recent years as a means of achieving rapid health gains among vulnerable populations. Though much work with decentralized systems, especially in urban environments, has been at the household level, there is also considerable potential for development at the community level. Both levels of approach have unique sets of advantages and disadvantages that, just as with treatment technologies, may make certain options more appropriate than others in a particular setting. Integrating community, government and other relevant stakeholders into the process of systems development and implementation is essential if the outcome is to be appropriate to local circumstances and sustainable in the long term.
The potential to improve water quality in the middle Rio Grande through effective wetland restoration
Authors: Rodriguez Ruth , Lougheed Vanessa L.
Published: August 2010

The Rio Grande, which forms the United States—Mexico border for much of its course, receives diverse pollutants from both urban and agricultural areas, most notably in the sister cities of El Paso (TX, USA)—Ciudad Juárez (CHI, Mexico). This study aimed to describe regional trends in water quality in waters near the El Paso–Ciudad Juárez metroplex and to examine the potential for water quality improvement through the use of a created wetland. Very few differences in nutrient chemistry were found among drains, canals and the Rio Grande, with the exception of elevated chloride and lower phosphorus levels found in the drains. Overall, chloride concentrations increased with distance downstream, likely due to concentration of salts via evaporation from irrigated agriculture. A wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) contributed substantially to total phosphorus and nitrate levels, which, together with ammonia, tended to exceed state criteria for water quality downstream of the WWTP outflow. The created Rio Bosque wetlands reduced nitrate concentrations in the water, possibly via denitrification enhanced by algae; algae increased in biomass as water flowed through the wetlands. However, the diversion of water for irrigated agriculture, resulting in the absence of water, and thus aquatic plants, in the wetland in the summer has limited the ability of this wetland to improve regional water quality.
Toxicity assessment of oil field produced water treated by evaporative processes to produce water to irrigation
Authors: Andrade V. T. , Andrade B. G. , Costa B. R. S. , Pereira O. A. , Dezotti M.
Published: August 2010

During the productive life of an oil well, a high quantity of produced water is extracted together with the oil, and it may achieve up to 99% in the end of the well's economical life. Desalination is one of mankind's earliest forms of saline water treatment, and nowadays, it is still a common process used throughout the world. A single-effect mechanical vapor compression (MVC) process was tested. This paper aims to assess the potential toxicity of produced water to be re-used in irrigation. Samples of both produced and distilled water were evaluated by 84 chemical parameters. The distilled produced water presented a reduction up to 97% for the majority of the analyzed parameters, including PAHs. Toxicity bioassays were performed with distilled produced water to evaluate the growth inhibition of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata algae, the acute toxicity to Danio rerio fish, the germination inhibition of Lactuca sativa vegetable and the severity of toxicity, as well as behavior test with Lumbricid Earthworm Eisenia fetida. The ecotoxicological assays results showed no toxicity, indicating that the referred evaporative process can produce water to be reused in irrigation.
Biodegradable organic matter in domestic wastewaters: comparison of selected fractionation techniques
Authors: Gillot S. , Choubert J.-M.
Published: August 2010

The first objective of this work was to evaluate the ability of the long-term BOD tests to provide the total biodegradable COD (BCOD) for domestic wastewaters. Results show that the method is repeatable (using two different volume samples, 97 and 164 mL) and that the fractions of BCOD determined were not statistically different from the one obtained by respirometry (at low S/X ratio). Respirometric tests were also repeatable. They were shown to be sensitive to the origin of the sludge. The results obtained are in the range of literature data. But they later indicated that long-term bioassays (>20 days) give higher biodegradable fractions than the other methods (BOD and respirometry). The second objective was to compare soluble fractions obtained with raw and pre-flocculated samples. Flocculated filtered COD is significantly lower than filtered COD, even if a pore size of 0.1 μm is used. The comparison to literature values shows that physicochemical RBCOD fractions are significantly higher than the ones obtained using bioassays. Comparison with the fractions used in calibrated models would help the choice of the more suitable method for modelling purposes.
Cortisol Exerts bi-phasic Regulation of Inflammation in Humans
Authors: Yeager Mark P. , Pioli Patricia A. , Guyre Paul M.
Published: August 2010

Natural and synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) have been used for decades to suppress inflammation. In this paper, we re-examine the role of the endogenous GC, cortisol, as a primary homeostatic regulator of the human inflammatory response to injury. Our data show that cortisol regulation of innate immunity can be both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. Using a human model of in vivo cortisol depletion, we first show that baseline (diurnal) cortisol concentrations do not exert an anti-inflammatory effect. This is the first clue that cortisol regulation of inflammation is not represented by a linear dose-response relationship. We next show in surgical patients that cortisol does exert an acute anti-inflammatory effect over a carefully regulated range of physiologic cortisol concentrations. Finally, transient pre-treatment of healthy humans with cortisol induces a bi-phasic response during a later, delayed systemic inflammatory response: an intermediate cortisol concentration augments inflammation while a high cortisol concentration is neither pro- nor anti-inflammatory. Based on these findings and the work of others, we propose a new paradigm that identifies cortisol regulation of human inflammation as both dualistic—it is pro- and anti-inflammatory—and dynamic, it evolves over time.
Polyamidoamine dendrimer and dextran conjugates: preparation, characterization, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Shrivastava Prabhat , Singh Royana , Shrivastava Sushant
Published: August 2010

Amide and ester conjugates of aceclofenac with polyamidoamine (PAMAM-G0) dendrimer zero generation and dextran (40 kDa) polymeric carrier, respectively, are presented. The prepared conjugates were characterized by UV, TLC, HPLC, IR, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The average degrees of substitution of amide and ester conjugates were determined and found to be (12.5 ± 0.24) % and (7.5 ± 0.25) %, respectively. The in vitro hydrolysis studies showed that dextran ester conjugate hydrolyzed faster in a phosphate buffer solution of pH 9.0 as compared to PAMAM dendrimer G0 amide conjugate, and followed the first order kinetics. No amount of the drug was regenerated at pH 1.2 in simulated gastric fluid. The dextran conjugate showed short half-life as compared to the PAMAM dendrimer conjugate. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the dendrimer conjugate were found to be similar to those of the standard drug. Results of chronic ulceroginic activity showed deep ulceration and high ulcer index for aceclofenac, whereas lower ulcer index was found for the PAMAM dendrimer and dextran (40 kDa) conjugates. Experimental data suggest that PAMAM dendrimer and dextran (40 kDa) can be used as carriers for the sustained delivery of aceclofenac along with a remarkable reduction in gastrointestinal toxicity.
Photophysical properties of novel ferrocenyl quinoline derivatives with red emission in solutions and polymeric matrices
Authors: Yang Dingqiao , Zhang Haifeng , Wang Qianming
Published: August 2010

A group of novel 2-ferrocenyl quinoline derivatives was designed and their photophysical properties were thoroughly studied. UV-VIS and steady-state fluorescence spectra show that these compounds gain energy in the ultra-violet region and give red emissions in different organic solvents. More importantly, two transparent hybrid thick films composed of 2-ferrocenyl quinoline and poly[1-(methoxycarbonyl)-1-methylethylene] (poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate, (poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA), or poly[2-hydroxyethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate] (poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), PHEMA) matrix were successfully prepared. Both films showed red emissions of ferrocenyl quinoline chromophore and the ideal composition of luminescent species is 10−6 M PMMA and 10−5 M PHEMA, respectively. SEM graph exhibited ferrocenyl quinoline molecules dispersed very homogenously within the above polymer hosts.
Chemical variability of Artemisia herba-alba Asso essential oils from East Morocco
Authors: Paolini Julien , Ouariachi El , Bouyanzer Abdelhamid , Hammouti Belkheir , Desjobert Jean-Marie , Costa Jean , Muselli Alain
Published: August 2010

Chemical compositions of 16 Artemisia herba-alba oil samples harvested in eight East Moroccan locations were investigated by GC and GC/MS. Chemical variability of the A. herba-alba oils is also discussed using statistical analysis. Detailed analysis of the essential oils led to the identification of 52 components amounting to 80.5–98.6 % of the total oil. The investigated chemical compositions showed significant qualitative and quantitative differences. According to their major components (camphor, chrysanthenone, and α- and β-thujone), three main groups of essential oils were found. This study also found regional specificity of the major components.
Biological buffered saline solution as solvent in agar-carbomer hydrogel synthesis
Authors: Rossi Filippo , Perale Giuseppe , Masi Maurizio
Published: August 2010

The role of phosphate buffer saline solution (PBS) was investigated here as a solvent in the polycondensation synthesis of an injectable agar-carbomer based hydrogel, a promising new material specifically intended for regenerative medicine applications. The effects of PBS, with respect to standard distilled water (DW), were quantitatively assessed. Experiments were performed both from physico-chemical and biological points of view. Titration showed higher stability due to the presence of the buffer solution; ESEM analysis confirmed its distribution along the polymeric fibers and infrared spectroscopy showed the consequent anionic nature of the polymeric network. This electrostatic nature of the matrix was confirmed by mass equilibrium swelling data performed at different pH values of the swelling medium. A very relevant role of the solvent was observed also with respect to cell housing inside such hydrogels: living cell counts showed a high amount of cells surviving the latency period of encapsulation in hydrogel when PBS was applied while only very few survived in a deionized water based gel. Obtained data allowed a novel understanding of the causeeffect cascades of all observed phenomena which suggest the PBS fundamental role both in fine control of hydrogel preparation and in material tuning according to the specific needs of different target tissues; the latter being a feature of primary importance when applying hydrogels as cell carriers in regenerative medicine applications.
Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Instruction in Statistics
Authors: Sosa Giovanni W. , Berger Dale E. , Saw Amanda T. , Mary Justin C.
Published: August 2010

Although previous meta-analyses have documented the efficacy of computer-assisted statistics instruction, the current study examined a range of specific features that presumably influence its effectiveness, such as the level of learner engagement, learner control, and the nature of feedback. In 45 experimental studies with a control condition, computer-assisted statistics instruction provided a meaningful average performance advantage ( d = 0.33). Because of great methodological heterogeneity among the studies, the authors employed a conservative but appropriate mixed effects model to examine potential moderator effects. The authors’ analyses revealed three statistically significant findings. Larger effects were reported in studies in which treatment groups received more instructional time than control groups, in studies that recruited graduate students as participants, and in studies employing an embedded assessment. A newly developed second order standardized mean effect size, d diff, reveals that additional study characteristics may serve as meaningful moderators. Tight experimental control is needed to assess the importance of specific instructional features in computer-assisted statistics instruction.
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of small renal tumors: Clinical results and radiological evolution during follow-up
Authors: Lyrdal David , Andersson Mats , Hellström Mikael , Sternal Joanna , Lundstam Sven
Published: August 2010

Background: Treatment of small renal masses with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is under development. Data are limited regarding the oncologic efficacy and complication rates of ultrasound (US)-guided RFA.

Purpose: To retrospectively analyze results and factors predictive of incomplete ablation and local recurrence in patients treated for small renal tumors with US-guided percutaneous RFA.

Material and Methods: Forty-one consecutive patients (27 males), mean 70 (40–86) years, with 44 tumors were included. Core biopsies were obtained before treatment. Follow-up was performed with CT or MRI. Tumor diameter, tumor volume, volume of the ablation zone, necrosis index, tumor location, distance from tumor to skin, and BMI were analyzed.

Results: Biopsies showed malignancy in 72%, 10% were benign, and 18% were inconclusive. Thirty-six tumors (82%) were completely ablated after first RFA and 40 tumors (91%) after a second treatment. Mean follow-up was 27 months. Nine completely ablated tumors (23%) showed local recurrence during follow-up, six of them were retreated. Tumor size was significantly larger and mean necrosis index lower in tumors with incomplete ablation compared with those completely ablated initially. In tumors <30 mm, the initial complete ablation rate was 93% and the local recurrence rate during follow-up was 16% (4/25).

Conclusion: US guidance is feasible for RFA of small renal tumors. However, thorough long-term follow-up appears mandatory, as a substantial proportion of the patients will develop late local recurrence and will need more than one RFA treatment session. Large tumor diameter and volume and a low necrosis index were predictive indicators of incomplete ablation after the first treatment.
Management of tracheal obstruction caused by benign or malignant thyroid disease using covered retrievable self-expandable nitinol stents
Authors: Kim Won-Kyeong , Shin Ji Hoon , Kim Jin Hyoung , Song Jin Woo , Song Ho-Young
Published: August 2010

Background: Curative resection is often contraindicated in patients with airway obstruction by aggressive thyroid disease.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and clinical effectiveness of covered retrievable self-expandable nitinol stents placed in patients with airway obstruction caused by benign or malignant thyroid disease.

Material and Methods: From 1996 to 2009, covered retrievable self-expandable nitinol stents were placed in nine symptomatic patients with malignant ( n=7) or benign ( n=2) thyroid disease. Improvement in patient respiratory status, complications and their management, and survival data were evaluated. Stents were removed if stent-related complications occurred or the stents were no longer necessary.

Results: A total of 11 stents were successfully placed without procedure-related complications. Improvement of more than one dyspnea grade was seen in eight of nine patients (89%), while the ninth patient underwent intubation due to upper airway swelling. Stent migration, sputum retention, and tumor overgrowth occurred in 27.3% ( n=3), 9.1% ( n=1), and 9.1% ( n=1) of the stents, respectively. A total of six stents were successfully removed because of stent-related complications ( n=4) or after total thyroidectomy ( n=2). In two patients with benign thyroid goiters, a stable airway was maintained until total thyroidectomy.

Conclusion: Placement of covered retrievable self-expandable nitinol stents was safe and effective in patients with airway obstruction caused by benign or malignant thyroid disease. Stent retrievability was very useful in cases of stent-related complications. In patients with benign thyroid disease, stent placement can serve as an effective bridge to surgery.
Parenchymal and pleural findings in pulmonary embolism visualized by multi-channel detector computed tomography
Authors: Pfeil Alexander , Schmidt Peter , Hermann Regina , Böttcher Joachim , Wolf Gunter , Hansch Andreas
Published: August 2010

Background: A normal computed tomography (CT) scan of the pulmonary arteries in the presence of parenchymal and pleural abnormalities may indicate a false-negative diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). Multi-channel detector CT (MDCT) with thinner collimation may improve the detection of small peripheral PEs causing such abnormalities.

Purpose: To investigate parenchymal and pleural findings visualized by contrast-enhanced MDCT in patients with and without PE, and to identify possible predictors of PE.

Material and Methods: 129 patients with clinical signs of PE were included. In all patients an iopromide-enhanced 64-MDCT (64×0.625 mm collimation, pitch 1.375, overlapping reconstruction with a slice thickness of 0.625 mm, increment of overlapping slice reconstruction 0.43) was performed within 24 h after the onset of the symptoms.

Results: MDCT detected PE in 45 of the 129 patients (35%). PE and parenchymal/pleural findings were localized predominantly within the lower lobes. Wedge-shaped opacities were significantly associated with PE (OR =3.00; 95% confidence interval 1.13–7.91). Vascular signs were only visualized in patients with PE. Nodules, consolidations, atelectasis, or effusions were not predictive of PE.

Conclusion: The present MDCT study verified that parenchymal and pleural findings can be found in patients with or without PE. Wedge-shaped opacities and vascular signs were significantly associated with PE and therefore can be potential predictors of PE.
Endoscopic transventricular third ventriculostomy through the lamina terminalis
Authors: Oertel Joachim M. K. , Vulcu Sonja , Schroeder Henry W. S. , Konerding Moritz A. , Wagner Wolfgang , Gaab Michael R.
Published: August 2010

Object

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has become a well-accepted option for obstructive hydrocephalus. However, standard ventriculostomy at the floor of the third ventricle might not be feasible under certain conditions. Here, the authors report in detail on their initial experience with an alternative option of endoscopic ventriculostomy through the lamina terminalis via a transventricular route.

Methods

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy through the lamina terminalis from a transventricular transforaminal route was evaluated in 4 cadaveric human heads and in 4 clinical cases.

Results

In all 4 human cadavers, an opening of the lamina terminalis via a transventricular approach could be achieved without injury to either the optic chiasm or the anterior cerebral arteries. In the 4 clinical cases, an accurate and reliable ventriculostomy was performed at the lamina terminalis. The bur hole was placed directly at the coronal suture 2 cm lateral from the midline. After identifying the optic chiasm and the anterior cerebral arteries, a blunt perforation was made just anterior to the optic chiasm by using perforation forceps and a balloon catheter. After the opening, the stoma was inspected with a 0° and 30° rod lens endoscope, and its patency as well as the preservation of vessels and optic nerves was checked. No complications occurred, although all patients suffered from a clinically silent fornical contusion at the foramen of Monro.

Conclusions

Endoscopic opening of the lamina terminalis via a transventricular transforaminal route appears to be feasible. No complications were observed. Although no conclusions on the clinical success rate can be drawn, the reliable anatomical opening and known success rate for anterior subfrontal approaches suggest that the technique represents an alternative in a small subgroup of patients in whom a standard ETV cannot be performed.
Non-watertight dural reconstruction in meningioma surgery: results in 439 consecutive patients and a review of the literature
Authors: Sade Burak , Oya Soichi , Lee Joung H.
Published: August 2010

Object

There are various schools of thought when it comes to dural reconstruction following meningioma surgery, which are largely based on the personal experience of the individual surgeons. The authors' aim in this study was to review different dural reconstruction techniques, with an emphasis on their experience with the synthetic onlay dural graft technique.

Methods

The medical records of 439 consecutive patients who were surgically treated for an intracranial meningioma over a period of 7 years, and for whom dural reconstruction was performed using the onlay dural graft DuraGen (Integra Neurosciences) were reviewed retrospectively. The most common tumor location was the convexity (27.6%), and 12% of the patients had undergone previous surgery. Complications related to the closure technique and/or closure material, such as CSF leakage from the incision, rhinorrhea, or infectious or chemical meningitis were reviewed.

Results

A CSF leak was encountered in 2 patients (0.4%), and 10 patients (2.3%) experienced graft-related complications in the form of chemical meningitis, cerebritis, and accumulation of extraaxial fluid. Infectious complications were seen in 4 patients (0.9%; bacterial meningitis, osteomyelitis, epidural abscess). None of the patients had pseudomeningocele that required a second intervention.

Conclusions

In the authors' experience, the incidence of CSF leakage following non-watertight reconstruction of the dura mater in meningioma surgery performed using dural onlay graft was 0.4%. Graft-related complications occurred in 2.3%. These figures compare favorably to the majority of the series in which watertight dural closure is described and emphasized.
In vitro propagation of pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) through encapsulated shoot tips
Authors: Malek MA
Published: August 2010

Plants were regenerated from encapsulated shoot tips of pointed gourd. Shoot tips isolated from multiple shoot cultures of AM-8 and AM-15 cultivars of pointed gourd were encapsulated in sodium alginate beads. For germination and shoot proliferation, encapsulated shoot tips (artificial seed) were cultured in MS basal medium containing different concentrations and combinations of BAP and NAA. Use of MS medium resulted in 90% conversion of encapsulated shoot tips into plantlets. The results exhibited that BAP and combinations of BAP and NAA play an important role in germination of artificial seed being encapsulated by sodium alginate beads. The plantlets were successfully established in earthen pot. Under the present study, limited experimental efforts have been made to establish the protocol for encapsulating the shoot tips for the production of artificial seed and their subsequent regeneration. It is the first report in Bangladesh in developing artificial seed production technique using vegetative tissue of pointed gourd. Key Words: In vitro propagation; pointed gourd; shoot tips. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i4.5832Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(4) : 555-563, December 2009
Effect of harvesting stages on the seed quality of lentil (Lens culinaris L.) during storage
Authors: Khatun A , Kabir G , Bhuiyan MAH
Published: August 2010

Laboratory experiments were carried out during August to September 2004 and 2005 at the Seed Technology Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh to determine the effects of harvesting stages on the seed quality of lentil. Lentil seeds of three varieties were harvested at three stages at 7-day intervals viz. i) when the pods were yellowish with a few yellow greens (H1 stage), ii) when most of the pods were light brown with a few yellow (H2 stage), and iii) when all the pods were completely brown and dry (H3 stage). All the seeds were stored in earthen pot until conducting the laboratory study. Non-significant variation was observed in three varieties of lentil for most of the parameters studied. The highest germination percentage, root length, shoot length, seedling length and vigour index (vigour index-I and vigour index-Il) were observed in BARI Masur-4, and the lowest in BARI Masur-2. Harvesting stage had significant effect on some parameters studied. Seeds collected at the stage when most of the pods were light brown with a few yellow (H2 stage) recorded the highest germination percentage, dry weight, root length, shoot length, seedling length and vigour index (vigour index-I and vigour-Il) in both the years. BARI Masur-4 seeds collected at H2 stage recorded the highest dry weight and vigour index-I in both the years and vigour index-Il in 2004. Key Words: Lentil; harvesting stage; storage; seed quality. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i4.5833Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(4) : 565-576, December 2009
Haploid plantlet regeneration through anther culture in oilseed Brassica species
Authors: Alam MA , Haque MA , Hossain MR , Sarker SC , Afroz R
Published: August 2010

Anther of five varieties of Brassica species, namely BARI Shariaha-7, Tori-7, Agrani, Daulat and Safal were cultured in vitro to observe their regeneration potentiality. Different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators were supplemented in MS medium. The range of callus induction was 12.50-87.50 %. Maximum callus induction (75.00%) was observed on MS +4 mg/L 2, 4-D + 1.0 mg/L BAP. Among the genotypes, BARI Sharisha-7 showed the highest percentage of callus induction (60.42%). Among the treatments, highest percentage of shoot regeneration (75.00%) was observed on MS + 4 mg/L BAP + 1.0 mg/L NAA. BARI Sharisha-7 also showed the highest rate of plant regeneration (66.67%). Root induction was highest (75%) on half strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L IBA and 0.5 mg/L NAA. The plantlets with sufficient roots thus obtained were transferred successfully to plastic pots and subsequently to the field. BARI Sharisha-7 and Tori-7 survived easily in the pots as well as in the field but Safal was very poor in survivability both in the pots and in the field. Key Words: Brassica; haploid; anther culture; in vitro regeneration.DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i4.5844Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(4) : 693-703, December 2009
Temperature Shifts for Extraction and Purification of Zygomycetes Chitosan with Dilute Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Zamani Akram , Edebo Lars , Niklasson Claes , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: August 2010

The temperature-dependent hydrolysis and solubility of chitosan in sulfuric acid solutions offer the possibility for chitosan extraction from zygomycetes mycelia and separation from other cellular ingredients with high purity and high recovery. In this study, Rhizomucor pusillus biomass was initially extracted with 0.5 M NaOH at 120 °C for 20 min, leaving an alkali insoluble material (AIM) rich in chitosan. Then, the AIM was subjected to two steps treatment with 72 mM sulfuric acid at (i) room temperature for 10 min followed by (ii) 120 °C for 45 min. During the first step, phosphate of the AIM was released into the acid solution and separated from the chitosan-rich residue by centrifugation. In the second step, the residual AIM was re-suspended in fresh 72 mM sulfuric acid, heated at 120 °C and hot filtered, whereby chitosan was extracted and separated from the hot alkali and acid insoluble material (HAAIM). The chitosan was recovered from the acid solution by precipitation at lowered temperature and raised pH to 8-10. The treatment resulted in 0.34 g chitosan and 0.16 g HAAIM from each gram AIM. At the start, the AIM contained at least 17% phosphate, whereas after the purification, the corresponding phosphate content of the obtained chitosan was just 1%. The purity of this chitosan was higher than 83%. The AIM subjected directly to the treatment with hot sulfuric acid (at 120 °C for 45 min) resulted in a chitosan with a phosphate impurity of 18.5%.
Anthropometry in the prediction of sleep disordered breathing in HIV-positive and HIV-negative men
Authors: Brown Todd T , Patil Susheel P , Jacobson Lisa P , Margolick Joseph B , Laffan Alison M , Godfrey Rebecca J , Johnson Jacquett R , Johnson-Hill Lisette M , Reynolds Sandra M , Schwartz Alan R , Smith Philip L
Published: August 2010

The authors would like to report an error that appeared in the Conclusions section of the abstract of a recently published article [1]. In contrast to what was stated in the original abstract [1], the body mass index, waist circumference and neck circumference had a better predictive value for moderate-severe sleep disordered breathing in HIV-negative men compared with HIV-positive men. The corrected version of the full abstract is shown below. The publishers apologize for this mistake.

Background

Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and neck circumference (NC) are important screening tools for sleep disordered breathing (SDB); however, the utility of anthropometry for this purpose has not been evaluated among HIV-positive patients.

Methods

HIV-negative men ( n=60), HIV-positive men receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HIV-positive/HAART; n=58) and HIV-positive men not receiving HAART (HIV-positive/no HAART; n=41) from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study underwent a nocturnal sleep study and anthropomorphic assessment. Moderate-severe SDB was defined as an apnea/hypopnea event rate ≥15 episodes/h. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the ability of different anthropometric measurements to predict SDB within each group.

Results

Moderate-severe SDB was found in 48% of men (HIV-negative [57%], HIV-positive/HAART [41%] and HIV-positive/no HAART [44%]). The performance of BMI, WC and NC to predict SDB was excellent among the HIV-negative men (ROC areas under the curve [AUCs] 0.83, 0.88 and 0.88, respectively) and fair among the HIV-positive/HAART group (AUC 0.71, 0.77 and 0.77, respectively). By contrast, these measurements had no predictive value in the HIV-positive/no HAART group (AUC 0.43, 0.41 and 0.45, respectively). Moreover, in the HIV-positive/no HAART group, moderate-severe SDB was independently associated with serum C-reactive protein ≥3.0 mg/l (odds ratio 6.9; P=0.04) and HIV RNA>10,000 copies/ml (odds ratio 7.1; P=0.05).

Conclusions

BMI, WC and NC had a better predictive value for moderate-severe SDB in HIV-negative men compared with HIV-positive men, and had no value among HIV-positive/no HAART men. Among this latter group, systemic inflammation might contribute to the pathogenesis of SDB.
L'espace allemand observé à travers la réception de Diderot au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Saada Anne
Published: August 2010

Le but de cet article est de montrer que la réception de Diderot en Allemagne ne s’est pas déroulée de façon uniforme, mais s’est adaptée aux spécificités socio-culturelles de l’Empire. Ses œuvres en effet ont été accueillies dans deux espaces distincts, appelés ici espace savant et espace du théâtre. Le premier, qui s’est intéressé aux œuvres dites « philosophiques » de Diderot, était porté par des savants et implanté dans les villes universitaires de l’Allemagne protestante du Nord et du Centre ; le second, qui a pris en charge la réception de ses œuvres dramatiques, était animé par des comédiens et des intendants de théâtre, et était ancré dans les capitales princières de l’ensemble de l’Empire. L’article examine les particularités de ces deux espaces, et analyse comment leur fonctionnement et les pratiques de leurs représentants ont retenti sur l’accueil réservé aux œuvres de Diderot.
L'immobilier dans les petites villes au XVIIIe siècle. Étude des mécanismes du marché de la pierre dans la France du Nord
Authors: Vigneron Sylvain
Published: August 2010

En prenant appui sur les déclarations de propriétés et les actes de vente, l’auteur s’attache à scruter le marché immobilier au XVIII e siècle. Il s’efforce surtout de mettre en lumière les éléments fondamentaux qui régissent le fonctionnement des marchés dans trois petites villes de la France du Nord, Armentières, Comines et Le Cateau. Bien entendu, les petites villes ne pouvaient concurrencer les villes de rang supérieur par le volume de leur marché. En effet, les échanges portaient surtout sur des petites transactions, en l’occurrence des portions d’habitations et plus encore des maisons médiocres. Les petites villes étaient également marquées par une forte instabilité du marché mesurée par la mobilité du parc immobilier et la saisonnalité des ventes. La pulvérisation de la propriété qui n’était pas parvenue à intéresser des rassembleurs de pierre, et la relative faiblesse de l’emprise ecclésiastique favorisaient effectivement la fluidité des échanges.
Comprendre une société confrontée à la guerre civile : le Midi toulousain entre 1562 et 1596
Authors: Souriac Pierre-Jean
Published: August 2010

Entre 1560 et 1600, alors que le royaume de France est plongé dans les troubles de religion, le Midi toulousain apparaît comme un territoire original de cette forme de guerre civile. Citadelle d'un catholicisme intransigeant, Toulouse s'impose comme fer de lance de la défense de l’Église romaine au centre d’un axe s’étendant du Comminges au Rouergue en passant par l’Albigeois. En face, Montauban, Castres, le comté de Foix s’affirment comme des bastions de la nouvelle opinion réformée. C'est de cette confrontation régionale que naquit la guerre civile. L’objet de cet article est de comprendre comment la société méridionale put mobiliser ses forces derrière l’un ou l'autre des partis afin de soutenir un conflit dont elle fut un des principaux théâtres. Qui donc fut capable de mobiliser hommes, argent, munitions et vivres pendant ces longues années de guerre civile ? Quelles instances furent à même de prendre en mains les destinées de la région et avec quelles méthodes ? Qu’advint-il du royaume, de l’idée que l’on se faisait de la monarchie dans ce Midi toulousain ? Est posée à l’historien la question de la militarisation d'une société, à la croisée de l'engagement volontaire et des contraintes d'un pays en guerre.
Banquiers de la Belle Époque, les dirigeants de la Société Générale vers 1900
Authors: Ronzon-Bélot Chantal
Published: August 2010

L’analyse de sources multiples et dispersées fait apparaître les grandes tendances du renouvellement des élites bancaires, au cours des vingt ans précédant 1914. Des hommes issus du rang, sans capital ni relations, mais compétents et meneurs d’hommes, prennent alors les commandes des grandes banques. Le talent remplace la naissance. Comme les autres grandes banques par actions, la Société Générale est en plein essor à la fin du XIX e siècle. Ses dirigeants ont parfois réalisé de belles ascensions sociales, tel Louis Dorizon ; leur réussite s’explique moins par leurs origines que par leur formation et par leurs qualités humaines. Étaient-ils cependant réellement bien intégrés au monde de la Finance, réputé si clos ?