bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Clinical and Radiological Study of Peroneal Tendon Pathology
Authors: Giza Eric , Mak Walter , Wong Stephanie E. , Roper Glade , Campanelli Valentina , Hunter John C.
Published: August 2013

Background. The proportion of patients with clinical findings referable to peroneal pathology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–diagnosed peroneal tendon pathology is unknown. Previous studies have correlated surgical findings with clinical data and preoperative MRI, but there are no published studies that reference clinical examination findings to imaging findings. Purpose. To determine the relationship between peroneal tendon pathology as diagnosed by MRI and clinical findings of peroneal tendon pathology. Methods. Fifty-six patients who had both MRI evidence of peroneal tendon pathology and an associated clinical examination of the ankle were evaluated over a 3-year period at a tertiary care institution. Clinical examination criteria included lateral ankle tenderness, dislocation/snapping, and lateral ankle pain. A board-certified, fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist confirmed the presence of MRI findings consistent with peroneal tendon pathology. Results. Of the 56 patients with positive findings on MRI, 27 patients had an associated positive clinical exam and 29 patients had a negative clinical exam. The positive predictive value of MRI for peroneal tendon tears with positive clinical findings was 48% (95% confidence interval = 35% to 61%). Conclusion. Patients with MRI findings of peroneal tendon pathology should undergo careful clinical examination, as the positive predictive value of MRI for peroneal tendon pathology with actual clinical findings is low. This study demonstrates that peroneal tendon tears are often incidental findings on MRI.

Levels of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level III
Multiple Tendon Ruptures of Unknown Etiology
Authors: Axibal Derek P. , Anderson John G.
Published: August 2013

Tendon ruptures are common findings in foot and ankle practice. The etiology of tendon ruptures tends to be multifactorial—usually due to a combination of trauma, effects of systemic diseases, adverse effects of medications, and obesity. We present an unusual case of right Achilles tendinitis, left Achilles tendon rupture, bilateral peroneus longus tendon rupture, and left peroneus brevis tendon rupture of unknown etiology. This case report highlights the need for research for other possible, lesser known etiologies of tendon pathology.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Case Study
Predictors of Mortality among Tuberculosis/HIV-Coinfected Persons in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Deribe Kebede , Yami Alemeshet , Deribew Amare , Mesfin Nebiyu , Colebunders Robert , Van geertruyden Jean Pierre , Woldie Mirkuzie , Maja Todd
Published: August 2013

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the most common cause of death in people living with HIV/AIDS. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of mortality in TB/HIV-coinfected patients.

Methods:

We conducted an unmatched case–control study among a cohort of TB/HIV-coinfected adults who were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Cases comprised 69 TB/HIV-coinfected patients who died during this period. For each case, we selected 3 (207) TB/HIV-coinfected patients who were alive during the end of the follow-up period.

Results:

Male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-4.02), being bedridden at enrollment (OR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.17-6.89), and cough of more than 2 weeks during initiation of ART (OR = 4.75 95% CI: 2.14-10.56) were the best predictors of mortality among TB/HIV-coinfected patients.

Conclusion:

Mortality among TB/HIV-coinfected patients accounted for a considerable number of deaths among the cohort. Patients with cough at ART initiation and with poor functional status should be strictly followed to reduce death.
Anterior Limbus Vertebra and Intervertebral Disk Degeneration in Japanese Collegiate Gymnasts
Authors: Koyama Koji , Nakazato Koichi , Min Seok-Ki , Gushiken Koji , Hatakeda Yoshiaki , Seo Kyoko , Hiranuma Kenji
Published: August 2013

Background:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have shown that gymnasts have a high prevalence of radiological abnormalities, such as intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) and anterior limbus vertebra (ALV). These 2 abnormalities may coexist at the same spinal level. However, the relationship between IDD and ALV remains unclear.

Hypothesis:

A significant relationship exists between IDD and ALV in Japanese collegiate gymnasts.

Study Design:

Case-control study.

Methods:

A total of 104 Japanese collegiate gymnasts (70 men and 34 women; age, 19.7 ± 1.0 years) with 11.8 ± 3.6 years of sporting experience participated. T1- and T2-weighted MRIs were used to evaluate ALV and IDD.

Results:

The prevalence among the gymnasts of IDD and ALV was 40.4% (42/104) and 20.2% (21/104), respectively. The prevalence of IDD was significantly higher in gymnasts with ALV than those without ALV, as determined using the chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between IDD and ALV (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 6.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.14-20.35). IDD was further grouped by whether it was present in the upper lumbar region (L1-2, L2-3, and L3-4 disks) or in the lower lumbar region (L4-5 and L5-S1 disks). Upper IDD had a greater association with ALV (adjusted OR, 33.17; 95% CI, 7.09-155.25) than did lower IDD (adjusted OR, 6.71; 95% CI, 1.57-28.73).

Conclusion:

In Japanese collegiate gymnasts, ALV is a predictor of IDD, especially in the upper lumbar region.

Clinical Relevance:

Information regarding ALV is important to prevent IDD in Japanese collegiate gymnasts.
Iliopsoas Syndrome in Dancers
Authors: Laible Catherine , Swanson David , Garofolo Garret , Rose Donald J.
Published: August 2013

Background:

Coxa saltans refers to a constellation of diagnoses that cause snapping of the hip and is a major cause of anterior hip pain in dancers. When the internal type is accompanied by weakness or pain, it is referred to as iliopsoas syndrome. Iliopsoas syndrome is the result of repetitive active hip flexion in abduction and can be confused with other hip pathology, most commonly of labral etiology.

Purpose:

To report the incidence, clinical findings, treatment protocol, and results of treatment for iliopsoas syndrome in a population of dancers.

Study Design:

Retrospective case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective database review of 653 consecutive patients evaluated for musculoskeletal complaints over a 3-year period was completed. The diagnosis of iliopsoas syndrome was made based on anterior hip or groin pain, weakness with resisted hip flexion in abduction, or symptomatic clicking or snapping with a positive iliopsoas test. Patients identified with iliopsoas syndrome were further stratified according to age at time of onset, insidious versus acute onset, duration of symptoms, side of injury, presence of rest pain, pain with activities of daily living, and associated lower back pain. All patients diagnosed with iliopsoas syndrome underwent physical therapy, including hip flexor stretching and strengthening, pelvic mobilization, and modification of dance technique or exposure as required.

Results:

A total of 49 dancers were diagnosed and treated for iliopsoas syndrome. Within this injured population of 653 patients, the incidence in female dancers was 9.2%, significantly higher than that in male dancers (3.2%). The mean age at the time of injury was 24.6 years. The incidence of iliopsoas syndrome in dancers younger than 18 years was 12.8%, compared with 7% in dancers older than 18 years. Student dancers had the highest incidence (14%), followed by amateur dancers (7.5%), while professional dancers had the lowest incidence (4.6%). All patients responded to conservative treatment, and no patients required corticosteroid injections or surgical intervention.

Conclusion:

This is the largest series reported to date of iliopsoas syndrome in the dance population, treated noninvasively. This study supports that conservative treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, activity modification, and a physical therapy regimen specific to the iliopsoas should be the primary treatment for patients with iliopsoas syndrome.

Clinical Relevance:

This study supports current literature and conservative treatment of iliopsoas syndrome diagnosis. Furthermore, this study gives specific information regarding incidence of iliopsoas syndrome in dance populations and provides a test for diagnosis and an algorithm for treatment.
Švenekite, Ca[AsO2(OH)2]2, a new mineral from Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Authors: Ondruš P. , Skála R. , Plášil J. , Sejkora J. , Veselovský F. , Čejka J. , Kallistová A. , Hloušek J. , Fejfarová K. , Škoda R. , Dušek M. , Gabašová A. , Machovič V. , Lapčák L.
Published: August 2013

Švenekite (IMA 99-007), Ca[AsO2(OH)2]2, is a rare supergene arsenate mineral occurring in the Geschieber vein, Jáchymov ore district, Western Bohemia, Czech Republic. It grows directly on the granite rocks and occurs isolated from other arsenate minerals otherwise common in Jáchymov. Švenekite usually forms clear transparent coatings composed of indistinct radiating to rosette-shaped aggregates up to 3 mm across. They are composed of thin lens- or bladed-shaped crystals, usually 100 – 150 μm long. Švenekite is transparent to translucent and has a white streak and a vitreous lustre; it does not fluoresce under ultraviolet light. Cleavage is very good on {010}. The Mohs hardness is ∼2. Švenekite is biaxial, non-pleochroic. The refractive indices are α' = 1.602(2), γ' = 1.658(2). The empirical formula of švenekite (based on As + P + S = 2 a.p.f.u., an average of 10 spot analyses) is (Ca1.00Mg0.01)Σ1.01[AsO2(OH)2]1.96[PO2(OH)2]0.03(SO4)0.01. The simplified formula is Ca[AsO2(OH)2]2 and requires CaO 17.42, As2O571.39, H2O 11.19, total 100.00 wt.%. Raman and infrared spectroscopy exhibit dominance of O – H vibrations and vibration modes of distorted tetrahedral AsO2(OH)2 units. Švenekite is triclinic, space group P, with a = 8.5606(5), b = 7.6926(6), c = 5.7206(4) Å, α = 92.605(6), β = 109.9002(6), γ = 109.9017(6)º, and V = 327.48(4) Å3, Z = 2, Dcalc = 3.26 g·cm–3. The a:b:c ratio is 0.7436:1:1.1082 (for single-crystal data). The six strongest diffraction peaks in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are [d (Å)/I(%)/(hkl)]: 3.968(33)(20); 3.766(35)(2); 3.697(49)(101); 3.554(100)(020); 3.259(33)(20); 3.097(49)(11). The crystal structure of švenekite was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to R1 = 0.0250 based on 1309 unique observed, and to wR2 = 0.0588, for all 1588 unique reflections (with GOFall = 1.20). The structure of švenekite consists of sheets of corner-sharing CaO8 polyhedra and AsO2 OH2 groups, stacked parallel to (001). Adjacent sheets are linked by hydrogen bonds. The švenekite structure possesses very short symmetrical hydrogen bonds (with the D–H lengths ∼1.22 Å). The mineral is named to honour Jaroslav Švenek, the former curator of the mineralogical collection of the National Museum in Prague, Czech Republic.
The dumortierite supergroup. I. A new nomenclature for the dumortierite and holtite groups
Authors: Pieczka A. , Evans R. J. , Grew E. S. , Groat L. A. , Ma C. , Rossman G. R.
Published: August 2013

Although the distinction between magnesiodumortieite and dumortierite, i.e. Mg vs. Al dominance at the partially vacant octahedral Al1 site, had met current criteria of the IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) for distinguishing mineral species, the distinction between holtite and dumortierite had not, since Al and Si are dominant over Ta and (Sb, As) at the Al1 and two Si sites, respectively, in both minerals. Recent studies have revealed extensive solid solution between Al, Ti, Ta and Nb at Al1 and between Si, As and Sb at the two Si sites or nearly coincident (As, Sb) sites in dumortierite and holtite, further blurring the distinction between the two minerals.

This situation necessitated revision in the nomenclature of the dumortierite group. The newly constituted dumortierite supergroup, space group Pnma (no. 62), comprises two groups and six minerals, one of which is the first member of a potential third group, all isostructural with dumortierite. The supergroup, which has been approved by the CNMNC, is based on more specific end-member compositions for dumortierite and holtite, in which occupancy of the Al1 site is critical.

(1) Dumortierite group, with Al1 = Al3+, Mg2+ and ☐, where ☐ denotes cation vacancy. Charge balance is provided by OH substitution for O at the O2, O7 and O10 sites. In addition to dumortierite, endmember composition AlAl6BSi3O18, and magnesiodumortierite, endmember composition MgAl6BSi3O17(OH), plus three endmembers, “hydroxydumortierite”, ☐Al6BSi3O15(OH)3 and two Mg-Ti analogues of dumortierite, (Mg0.5Ti0.5)Al6BSi3O18 and (Mg0.5Ti0.5)Mg2Al4BSi3O16(OH)2, none of which correspond to mineral species. Three more hypothetical endmembers are derived by homovalent substitutions of Fe3+ for Al and Fe2+ for Mg.

(2) Holtite group, with Al1 = Ta5+, Nb5+, Ti4+ and ☐. In contrast to the dumortierite group, vacancies serve not only to balance the extra charge introduced by the incorporation of pentavalent and quadrivalent cations for trivalent cations at Al1, but also to reduce repulsion between the highly charged cations. This group includes holtite, endmember composition (Ta0.6☐0.4)Al6BSi3O18, nioboholite (2012-68), endmember composition (Nb0.6☐0.4)Al6BSi3O18, and titanoholtite (2012-69), endmember composition (Ti0.75☐0.25)Al6BSi3O18.

(3) Szklaryite (2012-70) with Al1 = ☐ and an endmember formula ☐Al6BAs3+3O15. Vacancies at Al1 are caused by loss of O at O2 and O7, which coordinate the Al1 with the Si sites, due to replacement of Si4+ by As3+ and Sb3+, and thus this mineral does not belong in either the dumortierite or the holtite group. Although szklaryite is distinguished by the mechanism introducing vacancies at the Al1 site, the primary criterion for identifying it is based on occupancy of the Si/As, Sb sites: (As3+ + Sb3+) > Si4+ consistent with the dominant-valency rule. A Sb3+ analogue to szklaryite is possible.
On a geometric equation involving the Sobolev trace critical exponent
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Mohamed Ali , Chtioui Hichem , Sharaf Khadija
Published: August 2013

In this paper we consider the problem of prescribing the mean curvature on the boundary of the unit ball of

R
n

,

n
≥
4

. Under the assumption that the prescribed function is flat near its critical point, we give precise estimates on the losses of the compactness, and we provide a new existence result of Bahri-Coron type. Moreover, we establish, under generic boundary condition, a Morse inequality at infinity, which gives a lower bound on the number of solutions to the above problem.

MSC:58E05, 35J65, 53C21, 35B40.
The GMOseek matrix: a decision support tool for optimizing the detection of genetically modified plants
Authors: Block Annette , Debode Frédéric , Grohmann Lutz , Hulin Julie , Taverniers Isabel , Kluga Linda , Barbau-Piednoir Elodie , Broeders Sylvia , Huber Ingrid , Van den Bulcke Marc , Heinze Petra , Berben Gilbert , Busch Ulrich , Roosens Nancy , Janssen Eric , Žel Jana , Gruden Kristina , Morisset Dany
Published: August 2013

Background

Since their first commercialization, the diversity of taxa and the genetic composition of transgene sequences in genetically modified plants (GMOs) are constantly increasing. To date, the detection of GMOs and derived products is commonly performed by PCR-based methods targeting specific DNA sequences introduced into the host genome. Information available regarding the GMOs’ molecular characterization is dispersed and not appropriately organized. For this reason, GMO testing is very challenging and requires more complex screening strategies and decision making schemes, demanding in return the use of efficient bioinformatics tools relying on reliable information.

Description

The GMOseek matrix was built as a comprehensive, online open-access tabulated database which provides a reliable, comprehensive and user-friendly overview of 328 GMO events and 247 different genetic elements (status: 18/07/2013). The GMOseek matrix is aiming to facilitate GMO detection from plant origin at different phases of the analysis. It assists in selecting the targets for a screening analysis, interpreting the screening results, checking the occurrence of a screening element in a group of selected GMOs, identifying gaps in the available pool of GMO detection methods, and designing a decision tree. The GMOseek matrix is an independent database with effective functionalities in a format facilitating transferability to other platforms. Data were collected from all available sources and experimentally tested where detection methods and certified reference materials (CRMs) were available.

Conclusions

The GMOseek matrix is currently a unique and very valuable tool with reliable information on GMOs from plant origin and their present genetic elements that enables further development of appropriate strategies for GMO detection. It is flexible enough to be further updated with new information and integrated in different applications and platforms.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between childhood overweight and obesity and primary school diet and physical activity policies
Authors: Williams Andrew James , Henley William E , Williams Craig Anthony , Hurst Alison Jane , Logan Stuart , Wyatt Katrina Mary
Published: August 2013

Obesity is a major public health concern and there are increasing calls for policy intervention. As obesity and the related health conditions develop during childhood, schools are being seen as important locations for obesity prevention, including multifaceted interventions incorporating policy elements. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of policies related to diet and physical activity in schools, either alone, or as part of an intervention programme on the weight status of children aged 4 to 11 years. A comprehensive and systematic search of medical, education, exercise science, and social science databases identified 21 studies which met the inclusion criteria. There were no date, location or language restrictions. The identified studies evaluated a range of either, or both, diet and physical activity related policies, or intervention programmes including such policies, using a variety of observational and experimental designs. The policies were clustered into those which sought to affect diet, those which sought to affect physical activity and those which sought to affect both diet and physical activity to undertake random effects meta-analysis. Within the diet cluster, studies of the United States of America National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs were analysed separately; however there was significant heterogeneity in the pooled results. The pooled effects of the physical activity, and other diet related policies on BMI-SDS were non-significant. The multifaceted interventions tended to include policy elements related to both diet and physical activity (combined cluster), and although these interventions were too varied to pool their results, significant reductions in weight-related outcomes were demonstrated. The evidence from this review suggests that, when implemented alone, school diet and physical activity related policies appear insufficient to prevent or treat overweight or obesity in children, however, they do appear to have an effect when developed and implemented as part of a more extensive intervention programme. Additional evidence is required before recommendations regarding the focus of policies can be made and therefore, increased effort should be made to evaluate the effect of policies and policy containing intervention programmes upon weight status.
Dirac fermion heating, current scaling, and direct insulator-quantum Hall transition in multilayer epitaxial graphene
Authors: Liu Fan-Hung , Hsu Chang-Shun , Chuang Chiashain , Woo Tak-Pong , Huang Lung-I , Lo Shun-Tsung , Fukuyama Yasuhiro , Yang Yanfei , Elmquist Randolph E , Liang Chi-Te
Published: August 2013

We have performed magnetotransport measurements on multilayer epitaxial graphene. By increasing the driving current I through our graphene devices while keeping the bath temperature fixed, we are able to study Dirac fermion heating and current scaling in such devices. Using zero-field resistivity as a self thermometer, we are able to determine the effective Dirac fermion temperature (T
DF) at various driving currents. At zero field, it is found that T
DF ∝ I
≈1/2. Such results are consistent with electron heating in conventional two-dimensional systems in the plateau-plateau transition regime. With increasing magnetic field B, we observe an I-independent point in the measured longitudinal resistivity ρ
xx which is equivalent to the direct insulator-quantum Hall (I-QH) transition characterized by a temperature-independent point in ρ
xx. Together with recent experimental evidence for direct I-QH transition, our new data suggest that such a transition is a universal effect in graphene, albeit further studies are required to obtain a thorough understanding of such an effect.
The Hyperferritinemic Syndrome: macrophage activation syndrome, Still’s disease, septic shock and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Rosário Cristina , Zandman-Goddard Gisele , Meyron-Holtz Esther G , D’Cruz David P , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: August 2013

Background

Over the last few years, accumulating data have implicated a role for ferritin as a signaling molecule and direct mediator of the immune system. Hyperferritinemia is associated with a multitude of clinical conditions and with worse prognosis in critically ill patients.

Discussion

There are four uncommon medical conditions characterized by high levels of ferritin, namely the macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD), catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (cAPS) and septic shock, that share a similar clinical and laboratory features, and also respond to similar treatments, suggesting a common pathogenic mechanism. Ferritin is known to be a pro-inflammatory mediator inducing expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, yet it has opposing actions as a pro-inflammatory and as an immunosuppressant. We propose that the exceptionally high ferritin levels observed in these uncommon clinical conditions are not just the product of the inflammation but rather may contribute to the development of a cytokine storm.

Here we review and compare four clinical conditions and the role of ferritin as an immunomodulator. We would like to propose including these four conditions under a common syndrome entity termed “Hyperferritinemic Syndrome”.
Cohesin loading factor Nipbl localizes to chromosome axes during mammalian meiotic prophase
Authors: Kuleszewicz Katarzyna , Fu Xiangwei , Kudo Nobuaki R
Published: August 2013

Background

Sister chromatid cohesion mediated by the cohesin complex is essential for accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. Loading of cohesin onto chromosomes is dependent on another protein complex called kollerin, containing Nipbl/Scc2 and Mau2/Scc4. Nipbl is an evolutionarily conserved large protein whose haploinsufficiency in humans causes a developmental disorder called Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Although the function of Nipbl homologues for chromosome cohesion in meiotic cells of non-vertebrate models has been elucidated, Nipbl has not been characterized so far in mammalian spermatocytes or oocytes.

Findings

Here we describe our analyses on the expression and localization of Nipbl in nuclei of mouse spermatocytes and oocytes at different stages of meiotic prophase. In both spermatocytes and oocytes we found that Nipbl is associated with the axial/lateral element of the synaptonemal complex (AE/LE) to which cohesin also localizes. Interestingly, Nipbl in spermatocytes, but not in oocytes, dissociates from the AE/LE at mid-pachytene stage coincident with completion of DNA double-strand break repair.

Conclusions

Our data propose that cohesin loading activity is maintained during early stages of meiotic prophase in mammalian spermatocytes and oocytes.
De novo likelihood-based measures for comparing genome assemblies
Authors: Ghodsi Mohammadreza , Hill Christopher M , Astrovskaya Irina , Lin Henry , Sommer Dan D , Koren Sergey , Pop Mihai
Published: August 2013

Background

The current revolution in genomics has been made possible by software tools called genome assemblers, which stitch together DNA fragments “read” by sequencing machines into complete or nearly complete genome sequences. Despite decades of research in this field and the development of dozens of genome assemblers, assessing and comparing the quality of assembled genome sequences still relies on the availability of independently determined standards, such as manually curated genome sequences, or independently produced mapping data. These “gold standards” can be expensive to produce and may only cover a small fraction of the genome, which limits their applicability to newly generated genome sequences. Here we introduce a de novo probabilistic measure of assembly quality which allows for an objective comparison of multiple assemblies generated from the same set of reads. We define the quality of a sequence produced by an assembler as the conditional probability of observing the sequenced reads from the assembled sequence. A key property of our metric is that the true genome sequence maximizes the score, unlike other commonly used metrics.

Results

We demonstrate that our de novo score can be computed quickly and accurately in a practical setting even for large datasets, by estimating the score from a relatively small sample of the reads. To demonstrate the benefits of our score, we measure the quality of the assemblies generated in the GAGE and Assemblathon 1 assembly “bake-offs” with our metric. Even without knowledge of the true reference sequence, our de novo metric closely matches the reference-based evaluation metrics used in the studies and outperforms other de novo metrics traditionally used to measure assembly quality (such as N50). Finally, we highlight the application of our score to optimize assembly parameters used in genome assemblers, which enables better assemblies to be produced, even without prior knowledge of the genome being assembled.

Conclusion

Likelihood-based measures, such as ours proposed here, will become the new standard for de novo assembly evaluation.
Transcranial doppler assessment of cerebral perfusion in critically ill septic patients: a pilot study
Authors: Pierrakos Charalampos , Antoine Aurélie , Velissaris Dimitrios , Michaux Isabelle , Bulpa Pierre , Evrard Patrick , Ossemann Michel , Dive Alain
Published: August 2013

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Transcranial Doppler (TCD) in assessing cerebral perfusion changes in septic patients.

Methods

Using TCD, we measured the mean velocity in the middle cerebral artery (VmMCA, cm/sec) and calculated the pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and cerebral blood flow index (CBFi = 10*MAP/1.47PI) on the first day of patients’ admission or on the first day of sepsis development; measurements were repeated on the second day. Sepsis was defined according to standard criteria.

Results

Forty-one patients without any known neurologic deficit treated in our 24-bed Critical Care Unit were assessed (Sepsis Group = 20, Control Group = 21). Examination was feasible in 91% of septic and 85% of non-septic patients (p = 0.89). No difference was found between the two groups in mean age, mean arterial pressure (MAP) or APACHE II score. The pCO2 values were higher in septic patients (46 ± 12 vs. 39 ± 4 mmHg p < 0.01). No statistically significant higher values of VmMCA were found in septic patients (110 ± 34 cm/sec vs. 99 ± 28 cm/sec p = 0.17). Higher values of PI and RI were found in septic patients (1.15 ± 0.25 vs. 0.98 ± 0.16 p < 0.01, 0.64 ± 0.08 vs. 0.59 ± 0.06 p < 0.01, respectively). No statistically significant lower values of CBFi were found in septic patients (497 ± 116 vs. 548 ± 110 p = 0.06).

Conclusions

Our results suggest cerebral vasoconstriction in septic compared to non-septic patients. TCD is an efficient and feasible exam to evaluate changes in cerebral perfusion during sepsis.
A Cross-Sectional Association Between Bone Mineral Density and Parathyroid Hormone and Other Biomarkers in Community-Dwelling Young Adults: The CARDIA Study
Authors: Fujiyoshi Akira , Polgreen Lynda E. , Hurley Daniel L. , Gross Myron D. , Sidney Stephen , Jacobs David R.
Published: August 2013

Context:

Most association studies of bone-related biomarkers (BBMs) with bone mineral density (BMD) have been conducted in postmenopausal women.

Objective:

We tested whether the following BBMs were cross-sectionally associated with BMD among young adults: serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), PTH, osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and urinary pyridinoline/urinary creatinine.

Setting and Participants:

We studied 319 individuals (134 women, 149 black, 24–36 years) recruited during 1992 through 1993 in Oakland, California. BMD was assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Linear regression models estimated the association between BMD and each BBM.

Results:

1,25(OH)2D was inversely associated with all BMDs. 25OHD was positively, and PTH inversely, associated with lumbar spine, total hip, and whole-body BMD. BAP was inversely associated with left arm, right arm, and whole-body BMD but not with spine or hip BMD. Neither osteocalcin nor urinary pyridinoline/urinary creatinine was associated with BMD. When we placed all BBMs (including 1,25(OH)2D) in one model, the pattern and magnitude of association was similar except for PTH, which was attenuated. The association of BMD and BBMs did not differ significantly by race or sex.

Conclusions:

In this cross-sectional study of healthy young men and women who had PTH levels considered normal in clinical practice, higher PTH was associated with lower BMD, particularly in weight-bearing sites (ie, spine and hip). The inverse association of 1,25(OH)2D, together with the attenuation of PTH, suggests that the observed association of PTH is mediated by 1,25(OH)2D. BAP was inversely associated with arm BMD. BBMs can be important markers of skeletal activity in young adults, but their clinical role on bone health among this population is yet to be fully determined.
Wind Tunnel Study on Wind-Induced Vibration Responses of a UHV Transmission Tower-Line System
Authors: Deng H.Z. , Si R.J. , Hu X.Y. , Duan C.Y.
Published: August 2013

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the wind-induced vibration of a transmission tower-line system. A discrete stiffness method is applied to design the aero-elastic model on the basis of similarity theory. The dynamic characteristics of the single tower and the tower-line system are identified and the displacement responses at different positions are obtained under a variety of wind speeds. The mean and the RMS of the displacements as well as their spectra are discussed. Moreover, the test results and the codal specifications are compared in terms of the wind-induced vibration coefficient. The first natural frequency of the single tower is slightly larger than that of the tower-line system. But the damping ratio of the former is smaller than that of the latter, especially in the direction normal to the conductors. At the wind attack angle of 90°, the conductors significantly increase the longitudinal and lateral displacement RMS as well as the longitudinal mean displacement. And more complicated forms of vibration are aroused by the conductors, especially in the lateral direction. The wind-induced vibration coefficient show a notable rise at the position of cross arm, which cannot be characterized by Chinese code. Besides, the wind-induced vibration coefficient specified by the code is much smaller than test results thus the codal value seems to be unsafe for the UHV transmission tower.
Comparison and Selection of Ground Motion Intensity Measures for Seismic Design of Super High-Rise Buildings
Authors: Lu Xiao , Lu Xinzheng , Guan Hong , Ye Lieping
Published: August 2013

Ground motion intensity measures ( IMs) are an important basis of structural seismic design. Extensive research has been conducted on the selection of IMs for building structures with fundamental periods shorter than 6 s. However, minimal work has been performed for super high-rise buildings whose fundamental periods are much longer than 6 s. To fill the gap in this research area, this paper aims to develop a simplified analytical model for super high-rise buildings based on the flexural-shear coupled beam model. The variation in correlation and dispersion between different IMs is evaluated and the structural seismic response demand measures ( DMs) are analyzed for different structural fundamental periods. Subsequently, rational IMs for the seismic design of super high-rise buildings are suggested. In addition, the influence of different flexural and shear stiffness ratios, α0, on the selection of an IM for super high-rise buildings is also discussed. Finally, a series of incremental dynamic analyses (IDA) of the Shanghai Tower, with a total height of approximately 632 m, is performed to verify the rationality of using different IMs for super high-rise buildings. The numerical results indicate that with a minimum dispersion, the peak ground velocity (PGV) has a better correlation to the story drift ratio than any other IMs. While considering structural nonlinearity, PGV still yields the minimum coefficient of variation in the collapse analysis of the actual super high-rise building. It is therefore recommended that PGV be used as an IM for the seismic design of super high-rise buildings.
Examination at a Material and Structural Level of the Fatigue Life of Beams Strengthened with Mineral or Epoxy Bonded FRPs: The State of the Art
Authors: Mahal M. , Blanksvärd T. , Täljsten B.
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a state of the art review of different material combinations and applications of mineral-based and epoxy-based bonded Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP), used for the strengthening of concrete structures subjected to fatigue loading. In this review, models of the fatigue life at the material and structural level are presented. This study examines the mechanical behavior of the FRP-material, surface bonding behavior and concrete beams strengthened under fatigue loading with different types of FRP-systems. The parameters that are investigated are applied load value, time dependent effects, type of strengthened structures (shear, flexural or combined) and the configuration of sheets or plates. The building codes and researchers' recommendations are also discussed. As a result of this review, the reader will obtains an overview of suitable materials and methods for strengthening structures subjected to fatigue loading by referring to the estimated fatigue life of material and strengthening structures at various applied stress levels.
Novel method of sound barrier measurement of porous and nonporous materials
Authors: Baheti Vijay , Kothari V.
Published: August 2013

Noise is an unwanted sound which creates the pollution and adverse effects on individual. One of the simple ways to reduce the noise is to place the acoustic material in the path between the source and the receiver so that sound waves get either absorbed or blocked while reaching towards the receiver. There are various techniques available to measure sound absorption or sound barrier (blocking) caused by the acoustic material. However these techniques are also associated with certain limitations. Our objective was to design and fabricate simple technique to measure sound barrier which overcomes these limitations and allows larger sample size and random scatter of sound wave to accurately predict actual field measurements. A sound source (i.e. a speaker) and a microphone, placed in different pipes separated by sample in between, were used for the measurement of sound barrier property of porous materials (nonwovens, woven fabric, and foam), nonporous materials (rubber, cardboard) and their composite structures at four different frequencies 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. Different set of readings were taken in absence and presence of the sample by measuring the transmitted sound across the sample.
Evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of rock for drilling condition classification
Authors: Adebayo B. , Adetula B.
Published: August 2013

This work deals with the investigation of physical and mechanical properties of selected rocks for condition of drilling categorization. Rock samples collected from five drilling locations were tested in the laboratory for uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, and Drilling Rate Index (DRI) using 1,100 kN compression machine, point load tester and miniature drill. Similarly, hardness, brittleness, Rock Abrasivity Index (RAI), penetration rate and bit wear rate were determined. The results showed that uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength and Drilling Rate Index varied from 47.78 - 111.11 MPa, 8.09 - 19.44 MPa, and 20 - 52 respectively. The Nast point system chart was used to classify the rocks into drilling conditions. The drilling classification shows that the drilling condition of the rocks varied from slow to fast. The drillability characteristics of the rocks vary from extremely low to medium as specified by the Drilling rate Index (DRI). It was concluded that uniaxial compressive strength, texture and grain size, drilling rate index and Equivalent Quartz Content (EQC) are important parameters affecting drilling condition of the rocks.
Investigation into Brinell hardness test applied to rocks
Authors: Boutrid Abdelaziz , Bensehamdi Salim , Chaib Rachid
Published: August 2013

Literature review information about the knowledge of the rock strength with particular reference to hardness has been utilized. The Brinell hardness test is a simple and inexpensive estimation of the strength properties of a formation, thus reducing the high cost of extensive laboratory rock testing program. These tests were carried out on rock samples taken from the Hassi Messaoud site investigation (wells OMN602 and OMN402) at different depth ranging from 1,900m to 2,900m. Comprehensive lists of the known tests were established. A description of the site from where the samples were obtained is discussed. The methods and procedure of the laboratory tests are also presented. It is also shown there exists a useful correlation between Brinell hardness and the strength properties of the rock.
Research on coal metamorphic patterns in main minable coal-beds of longdong mine field in Xingtai
Authors: Guan Yingbin , Guo Chanyu , Li Haimei
Published: August 2013

The coal-bearing strata of Longdong mine field in Xingtai is the Carboniferous-Permian. The No.8 coal seam is located in the Taiyuan formation and is the main minable coal-bed. The coal is mainly gas-fat coal accompanied with coking coal, lean coal and anthracite. The results of the macroanalysis and maceral quantitative analysis on the main minable coal-bed show that the degree of coal metamorphism takes the old town as the center and is distributed concentrically outward and the anthracite and lean coal are distributed nearby the old town, and the coal gradually becomes coking coal, gas-fat coal and gas coal further outwards. The degree of coal metamorphism was affected by regional metamorphism, and the coal seams which are close to the old town stack the regional magmatic thermal metamorphism. The conclusions of the research offer a scientific foundation to exploit the coal resource in this area?
An Engineering Analysis of the Aortic Valve Dynamics in Patients with Rotary Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Faragallah George , Simaan Marwan A.
Published: August 2013

The use of a rotary Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) as a bridge‐to‐recovery treatment is gaining considerable attention in the LVAD research community. Using a mathematical model of the cardiovascular‐LVAD system, this paper intends to define the critical control parameters in terms of power and rotational speed of the LVAD to ensure normal dynamics of the aortic valve for different levels of patient′s activity and severity of heart failure. The effects of permanent closure of the aortic valve on the hemodynamics of the patient and the pump flow characteristics, if the critical control values are exceeded, are also examined. Additionally, LVAD power and speed control parameters that yield a given percentage of the cardiac cycle during which the aortic valve remains open are examined indicating that the severity of the heart failure is a very important factor in deciding the appropriateness of the LVAD as a bridge‐to recovery treatment.
Chemothermal Therapy for Localized Heating and Ablation of Tumor
Authors: Deng Zhong-Shan , Liu Jing
Published: August 2013

Chemothermal therapy is a new hyperthermia treatment on tumor using heat released from exothermic chemical reaction between the injected reactants and the diseased tissues. With the highly minimally invasive feature and localized heating performance, this method is expected to overcome the ubiquitous shortcomings encountered by many existing hyperthermia approaches in ablating irregular tumor. This review provides a relatively comprehensive review on the latest advancements and state of the art in chemothermal therapy. The basic principles and features of two typical chemothermal ablation strategies (acid‐base neutralization‐reaction‐enabled thermal ablation and alkali‐metal‐enabled thermal/chemical ablation) are illustrated. The prospects and possible challenges facing chemothermal ablation are analyzed. The chemothermal therapy is expected to open many clinical possibilities for precise tumor treatment in a minimally invasive way.
Numerical Analysis of High Strength Steel Endplate Connections at Ambient and Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Qiang Xuhong , Bijlaard Frans , Kolstein Henk , Twilt Leen
Published: August 2013

This paper deals with the behaviour of high strength steel (HSS) endplate connections at ambient and elevated temperatures using ABAQUS. The detailed FE model considers material and geometric non-linear effects, large deformations and contact interactions. This paper highlights the main challenges in modelling endplate connections. Validation against experimental results shows that the proposed FE model can reproduce the behaviour of mild steel endplate connections with reasonable accuracy. Using HSS instead of mild steel as endplate material, this model is able to predict the performances of HSS endplate connections both at ambient temperature and under fire condition. By a parametric study, it is found that a thinner HSS endplate enhances the ductility of connection both at normal condition and under fire condition, and achieves the same load-bearing capacity with mild steel endplate connection. This finding is promising for further investigations on improving the robustness of endplate connections in fire.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Localised Fire on Glazing Facades Having Different Orientations
Authors: Quinn Michael , Nadjai Ali , Ali Faris , Abu-Tair Abid
Published: August 2013

Breakage and fallout of glazing systems create openings in an enclosure that affect the fire growth and the development of post flashover flames emerging outside of the openings. The behaviour of glazing is the result of its thermally induced stress response to the heat fluxes from the fire in an enclosure. In recent times building façade designs have evolved and now incorporate many different shapes, orientations and materials. The conventional single and double glazing panels have been surpassed by composite type glazing systems including glazing and transparent resins. This paper presents experimental testing of these comp osite glazing panels having different orientations subjected to localized fires, which have the same fire load. The experimental findings of interest include the varying first crack times for both scenarios as well as the variable final crack patterns on the glazing panels. The effect of localized fire on the materials tested as seen in the final char patterns on both glazing systems is also note worthy. The paper also includes details of three-dimensional finite element modeling completed for the prediction of response of the glazing panels at different orientations to the elevated temperatures of the localised fire scenario as tested in the laboratory. This finite element analysis allows for an assessment of glazing thermal stresses at various times throughout each test.
Effects of Combustible Stacking in Large Compartments
Authors: Gentili Filippo , Giuliani Luisa , Bontempi Franco
Published: August 2013

This paper focuses on the modelling of fire in case of various distributions of combustible materials in a large compartment.

Large compartments often represent a challenge for structural fire safety, because of lack of prescriptive rules to follow and difficulties of taking into account the effect of non uniform distribution of the combustible materials and fire propagation.

These aspects are discussed in this paper with reference to an industrial steel building, taken as case study. Fires triggered by the burning of wooden pallets stored in the premises have been investigated with respect to different stacking configurations of the pallets with the avail of a CFD code. The results in term of temperatures of the hot gasses and of the steel elements composing the structural system are compared with simplified analytical model of localized and post-flashover fires, with the aim of highlighting limitation and potentiality of different modelling approaches.
Continuous Online Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometry Analysis of Hydrogen Chloride (HCl), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and Water (H2O) in Nitrogen-Rich and Ethylene-Rich Streams
Authors: Stephenson Serena , Pollard Maria , Boit Kipchirchir
Published: August 2013

The prevalence of optical spectroscopy techniques being applied to the online analysis of continuous processes has increased in the past couple of decades. The ability to continuously “watch” changing stream compositions as operating conditions change has proven invaluable to pilot and world-scale manufacturing in the chemical and petrochemical industries. Presented here is an application requiring continuous monitoring of parts per million (ppm) by weight levels of hydrogen chloride (HCl), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) in two gas-phase streams, one nitrogen-rich and one ethylene-rich. Because ethylene has strong mid-infrared (IR) absorption, building an IR method capable of quantifying HCl, H2O, and CO2 posed some challenges. A long-path (5.11m) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer was used in the mid-infrared region between 1800 and 5000 cm−1, with a 1 cm−1 resolution and a 10 s spectral update time. Sample cell temperature and pressure were controlled and measured to minimize measurement variability. Models using a modified classical least squares method were developed and validated first in the laboratory and then using the process stream. Analytical models and process sampling conditions were adjusted to minimize interference of ethylene in the ethylene-rich stream. The predictive capabilities of the measurements were ±0.5 ppm for CO2 in either stream; ±1.1 and ±1.3 ppm for H2O in the nitrogen-rich and ethylene-rich streams, respectively; and ±1.0 and ±2.4 ppm for HCl in the nitrogen-rich and ethylene-rich streams, respectively. Continuous operation of the instrument in the process stream was demonstrated using an automated stream switching sample system set to 10 min intervals. Response time for all components of interest was sufficient to acquire representative stream composition data. This setup provides useful insight into the process for troubleshooting and optimizing plant operating conditions.