bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cubic phase stabilization and improved dielectric properties of atomic-layer-deposited EryHf1-yOx thin films
Authors: Jinesh K.B. , Lamy Y. , Tois E. , Forti R. , Kaiser M. , Bakker F. , Wondergem H.J. , Besling W.F.A. , Roozeboom F.
Published: July 2010

The electrical and physical properties of atomic-layer-deposited EryHf1-yOx thin films have been investigated with different stoichiometries of erbium oxide (Er2O3) and hafnium oxide (HfO2). The as-deposited and annealed EryHf1-yOx films exhibit much higher dielectric constants than the reported k-values of the corresponding binary oxides. The highest k-value of 37.6 ± 1 is achieved with 13 at.% of erbium in the film. The enhancement in dielectric constant is due to the formation of the cubic HfO2 phase stabilized by erbium, as revealed by x-ray diffraction experiments. The annealed mixed oxide films exhibit remarkably low oxide charges, low interface states, low leakage, and good breakdown electric fields.
High energy density lithium-ion batteries with carbon nanotube anodes
Authors: Landi Brian J. , Cress Cory D. , Raffaelle Ryne P.
Published: July 2010

Recent advancements using carbon nanotube electrodes show the ability for multifunctionality as a lithium-ion storage material and as an electrically conductive support for other high capacity materials like silicon or germanium. Experimental data show that replacement of conventional anode designs, which use graphite composites coated on copper foil, with a freestanding silicon-single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) anode, can increase the usable anode capacity by up to 20 times. In this work, a series of calculations were performed to elucidate the relative improvement in battery energy density for such anodes paired with conventional LiCoO2, LiFePO4, and LiNiCoAlO2 cathodes. Results for theoretical flat plate prismatic batteries comprising freestanding silicon-SWCNT anodes with conventional cathodes show energy densities of 275 Wh/kg and 600 Wh/L to be theoretically achievable; this is a 50% improvement over today's commercial cells.
Electrical transport properties of graphite sheets doped polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites
Authors: Li Yu Chao , Yiu Li Robert Kowk , Tjong Sie Chin
Published: July 2010

Graphite nanosheets (GNs) were introduced into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) via the solution mixing technique. The nanocomposites were then subjected to compression molding for electrical measurements. Solution mixing enabled homogeneous dispersion of GN within the PVDF matrix. The electrical transport behavior of such nanocomposites was studied by means of the impedance spectroscopy in a wide frequency range from 102 to 107 Hz. The results showed that the permittivity and conductivity of the composites are frequency dependent and well obeyed with the scaling law (ε′ ∝ ωu and σ′ ∝ ω−v) in the vicinity of percolation threshold (Φc ≈ 2.5 wt%). A large dielectric constant of 173 was observed in the PVDF/GN 2.5 wt% composites at 1 kHz.
Nanostructured metal oxides for anodes of Li-ion rechargeable batteries
Authors: Au Ming , Adams Thad
Published: July 2010

The aligned freestanding nanorods (NR) of Co3O4 and nanoporous hollow spheres (NHS) of SnO2 and Mn2O3 were investigated as the anodes for Li-ion rechargeable batteries. The Co3O4 nanorods demonstrated 1433 mAh/g of reversible capacity initially and then decreased gradually. The NHS of SnO2 and Mn2O3 delivered energy densities as 400 and 250 mAh/g, respectively, in multiple galvonastatic discharge–charge cycles. The morphologic changes of the nanostructure anodes were investigated. It was found that Co3O4 NR broke down during cycles, but SnO2 NHS still maintained their structural integrity in multiple cycles resulting in sustainable high capacity. The nanostructured metal oxides exhibit great potential as the new anode materials for Li-ion rechargeable batteries with high energy density, low cost, and inherent safety.
Bioinspired nanostructural peptide materials for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Beker P. , Rosenman G.
Published: July 2010

Self-assembly bioinspired peptide nanotubes (PNT) demonstrate diverse physical properties such as optical, piezoelectric, fluidic, etc. In this work, we present our research on environmentally clean bioinspired peptide nanostructured material, to be applied to energy storage devices-supercapacitors (SC). Such an application is based on our recently developed PNT physical vapor deposition technology. It has been found that PNT fine structure and its wettability in electrolytes are the critical factors for a strong variation of the SC capacitance. We show that PNT-coated carbon electrodes enlarge the double-layer capacitance by dozens of times; reaching 800 μF/cm2in a sulfuric acid (normalizing to the electrode geometric surface area of carbon background electrode). The discovered effect is provided by hollow PNT possessing numerous hydrophilic nanoscale-diameter channels, elongated along the PNT axis, which dramatically increase the functional area of carbon electrodes. Another type of the observed PNT morphology is fiberlike highly hydrophobic PNT rods, which do not contribute to the SC capacitance.
Consumo de frutas e hortaliças por adultos em Ribeirão Preto, SP
Authors: Mondini Lenise , Moraes Suzana Alves de , Freitas Isabel Cristina Martins de , Gimeno Suely Godoy Agostinho
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o consumo de frutas e hortaliças por adultos e identificar variáveis sociodemográficas e de estilo de vida associadas ao consumo desses alimentos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, de base populacional, realizado na área urbana de Ribeirão Preto, SP, em 2006, com amostra selecionada por conglomerados, em três estágios, tendo como unidade primária o setor censitário. A amostra foi composta por 930 participantes com 30 anos e mais; na análise de dados levou-se em consideração o efeito de desenho. O consumo de frutas e hortaliças baseou-se em questionário de freqüência semiquantitativo, utilizando-se como indicadores os escores médios de freqüência de consumo de frutas e hortaliças, consumo diário e consumo mínimo desses alimentos. As variáveis independentes analisadas foram: faixa etária, estado marital, escolaridade, renda familiar per capita, estado nutricional, tabagismo e atividade física. Médias dos escores de freqüência de consumo foram estimadas por pontos e por intervalos com 95% de confiança. Para o estudo de associação, razões de prevalências foram estimadas por pontos e por intervalos com 95% de confiança, utilizando-se regressão de Poisson. Testes de tendência linear foram aplicados, adotando-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Apenas 24% dos homens e 38% das mulheres atenderam à recomendação mínima do consumo de frutas e hortaliças; observou-se associação positiva com a idade e renda per capita. Mulheres com maior escolaridade e homens que viviam com a companheira consumiam mais frutas e hortaliças que os demais. Atividade física, tabagismo e estado nutricional não apresentaram associação com o consumo mínimo recomendado de frutas e hortaliças. CONCLUSÕES: Fatores socioeconômicos têm importante influência sobre o consumo de frutas e hortaliças e, por serem passíveis de intervenção, podem contribuir para a adoção de hábitos alimentares saudáveis.
Desigualdade social e exposição a campos magnéticos na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo
Authors: Habermann Mateus , Marcílio Izabel , Lopes Marina , Prado Rogério , Souza Miriam , Gouveia Nelson
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de exposição aos campos magnéticos gerados por linhas de transmissão (LT) e caracterizar a população exposta. MÉTODOS: Informações sobre LT da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo foram fornecidas pelas concessionárias de energia e mapeadas usando sistema de informação geográfica (SIG). Dados demográficos e socioeconômicos foram obtidos por meio do Censo 2000 e incluídos no SIG em outra camada. Foram considerados expostos os domicílios e seus habitantes localizados a uma distância da LT suficiente para gerar um campo magnético 0,3 µT (microteslas). A prevalência foi estimada por meio da área de corredores de exposição ao longo das LT. A largura dos corredores de exposição se baseou em duas abordagens: uma consistiu em larguras pré-definidas pela tensão da LT e a outra por meio de cálculo do campo magnético. As informações socioeconômicas entre expostos e não expostos foram comparadas pela aplicação do teste de duas proporções (α= 5%). RESULTADOS: Nos corredores com larguras pré-definidas a prevalência de exposição foi de 2,4% e nos corredores calculados, foi de 1,4%. Ambos os métodos indicaram maior prevalência de exposição na população mais jovem, com menores níveis de renda e escolaridade (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de exposição aos campos magnéticos gerados por LT na região metropolitana de São Paulo ficou abaixo do observado em outros países. Os resultados indicam desigualdade na exposição aos campos magnéticos nessa área urbana, com maiores riscos às populações vulneráveis, como crianças e pessoas socioeconomicamente desfavorecidas.
Soroprevalência de anticorpos contra vírus herpes simples 1-2 no Brasil
Authors: Clemens Sue Ann Costa , Farhat Calil Kairalla
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: Estimar a soroprevalência de anticorpos por vírus herpes simples (HSV-1 e HSV-2) e analisar fatores associados no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado entre 1996 e 1997 em 1.090 indivíduos com idade entre um e 40 anos da população geral, em quatro diferentes regiões geográficas no Brasil. Foram analisadas amostras sangüíneas para detecção de anticorpos para HSV-1 e HSV-2 com teste tipo-específico Elisa. Foram descritas freqüências e proporções, comparadas entre grupos utilizando o teste de Fisher bilateral exato. Foi realizada análise de regressão logística para avaliar influência das variáveis sociodemográficas e histórico de DST, sobre a soroprevalência de HSV-1 e/ou HSV-2. RESULTADOS: As soroprevalências de anticorpos para HSV-1 e HSV-2, ajustadas por idade, foram 67,2% e 11,3% respectivamente, sem diferença quanto ao sexo e maiores na Região Norte. As soroprevalências aumentaram com a idade, e para HSV-2 o maior aumento ocorreu na adolescência e entre adultos jovens. Indivíduos soropositivos para HSV-1 apresentaram maior risco de serem positivos para HSV-2 (15,7%) quando comparados com os negativos para HSV-1 (4,7%). Na análise multivariada, o histórico de DST aumentou significativamente (OR=3,2) a probabilidade de soropositividade para HSV-2. CONCLUSÕES: As soroprevalências para HSV-1 e para HSV-2 variam com a idade e entre as regiões do Brasil. História pregressa de DST é importante fator de risco para aquisição de infecção por HSV-2.
Atividade física e fatores associados em adultos de área rural em Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Bicalho Paula Gonçalves , Hallal Pedro Curi , Gazzinelli Andréa , Knuth Alan Goularte , Velásquez-Meléndez Gustavo
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: Estimar os níveis de atividade física e sua associação com fatores sociodemográficos em moradores de áreas rurais. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, de base populacional, incluindo 567 adultos de duas comunidades rurais do Vale do Jequitinhonha, MG, entre os anos de 2008 e 2009. Os níveis de atividade física foram coletados por meio do Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física, versão longa adaptada. Utilizou-se o ponto de corte de 150 minutos de atividade física semanal entre os domínios: trabalho, domicílio, lazer e deslocamento. Os fatores sociodemográficos pesquisados foram sexo, cor da pele, idade, estado marital, escolaridade e autopercepção de saúde. Foram realizadas análise bivariada (qui-quadrado, p< 0,05) e análise múltipla de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de indivíduos que praticaram 150 minutos ou mais de atividade física no trabalho foi de 82,9% (IC 95%: 77,8;88,0) entre os que trabalham atualmente. Essa proporção para os outros domínios foram: domicílio 63,5% (IC 95%: 59,6;67,4); lazer 10,1% (IC 95%: 7,6;12,6); e no deslocamento 32,0% (IC 95%: 28,2;35,8). Os homens foram mais ativos que as mulheres no lazer, deslocamentos e trabalho, enquanto as mulheres foram mais ativas no ambiente doméstico. A atividade física de lazer foi mais prevalente em indivíduos de maior escolaridade, mais jovens e entre os de cor preta e parda. No deslocamento, mulheres mais jovens e homens e mulheres com estado de saúde excelente/bom foram mais ativos. Os homens com maior escolaridade foram os menos ativos neste domínio. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de adultos fisicamente ativos em área rural é alta, mas os níveis de atividade física no lazer são baixos e seguem padrões similares aos de áreas urbanas segundo idade, sexo e escolaridade.
El filtro académico brasileño: aplicación a la literatura científica sobre actividad física
Authors: Sanz-Valero Javier , Ferreira Marcos Santos , Castiel Luis David , Wanden-Berghe Carmina , Guilam Maria Cristina Rodrigues
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: Elaborar una ecuación de búsqueda que permita recuperar la producción científica académico institucional brasileña, aplicada al tema de la actividad física. MÉTODOS: La ecuación de búsqueda consistió en la unión booleana del descriptor «ejercicio» asociado por el booleano AND, al nombre de las distintas instituciones académicas asociadas, a su vez, mediante el conector OR. La búsqueda en MEDLINE, a través de PubMed se realizó el 16/11/2008. Las instituciones se seleccionaron según la clasificación de Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes) para los convenios interuniversitarios. RESULTADOS: Se recuperó un total de 407 referencias, de las cuales, 0,9% era sobre ejercicio y el 0,5% de producción científica académica brasileña, indexadas en MEDLINE, en la fecha de la consulta. Al comparar con la revisión manual efectuada, la ecuación de búsqueda (descriptor + filtro institucional) manifestó una sensibilidad del 99% y una especificidad del 100%. CONCLUSIONES: El filtro académico institucional presentó alta sensibilidad y especificidad, que es a su vez aplicable a otras áreas del conocimiento relacionadas con las ciencias de la salud. Sería conveniente que las instituciones académicas establecieran su "nombre/marca" con el fin de poder rescatar de forma eficiente su literatura científica.
Correlation of wood-based components and dewatering properties of waste activated sludge from pulp and paper industry
Authors: Kyllönen H. , Lehto J. , Pirkonen P. , Grönroos A. , Pakkanen H. , Alén R.
Published: July 2010

Large amounts of wet sludge are produced annually in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. Already in pulp and paper industry, more than ten million tons of primary sludge, waste activated sludge, and de-inking sludge is generated. Waste activated sludge contains large quantities of bound water, which is difficult to dewater. Low water content would be a matter of high calorific value in incineration but it also has effects on the volume and the quality of the matter to be handled in sludge disposal. In this research waste activated sludges from different pulp and paper mills were chemically characterised and dewatered. Correlations of chemical composition and dewatering properties were determined using multivariate analysis. Chemical characterisation included basic sludge analysis, elementary analysis and analysis of wood-based components, such as hemicelluloses and lignin-derived material. Dewatering properties were determined using measurements of dry solids content, flux and flocculant dosage. The effects of different variables varied according to the response concerned. The variables which were significant regarding cake DS increase in filtration or centrifugation and flocculant dosage needed in filtration were different from those which were significant regarding flux.
Characterisation of medical-waste sterilisation-plant wastewater and a preliminary study of coagulation–flocculation treatment options
Authors: Özkan O. , Mıhçıokur H. , Azgın Ş. T. , Özdemir Ö.
Published: July 2010

Wastewater from a medical-waste sterilisation plant (MWSP) contains unique pollutants and requires on-site treatment to prevent contamination of the municipal sewage system and receiving water bodies. Therefore, to meet the prescribed discharge standards and comply with the legal regulations, pre-treatment must be applied to MWSP wastewater. In this study, the capabilities of coagulation–flocculation processes were investigated for MWSP wastewater treatment. Processes using ferric chloride, ferrous sulfate and aluminium sulfate as coagulants were characterised. During the coagulation experiments, seven different coagulant dosages and four different pH values were evaluated to determine the optimum coagulant dosage and pH value. The highest removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was obtained using 300 mg/L of ferric chloride at pH 10. A COD removal of about 60% as well as considerable reductions in the amounts of suspended solids, nitrogen and phosphorus were realised.
Performance of PAC/PDM composite coagulants for removal of algae from Lake Taihu waters in summer
Authors: Zhang Y. J. , Zhao X. L. , Li X. X. , Liu Ch. , Zhu L. L.
Published: July 2010

The enhanced coagulation of algae-rich raw water from Lake Taihu in summer was studied by use of composite coagulants. The composite coagulants were composed of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride (PDM) with various intrinsic viscosity values (0.55–3.99 dL/g) and different mass percentages (5–20%) in the formulation. For raw water with temperature of 28–29°C and algae content of 3.60 × 104–3.70 × 104 cells/ml, the algae-removal rates of 89.0% and 89.3–93.1% could be realized by using PAC and PAC/PDM (0.55/5%–3.99/20%) with dosages of 8.37 mg/L and 5.93–3.58 mg/L, respectively, when 2 NTU residual turbidity of treated water after sedimentation was required. Compared with using PAC only, the removal rate of CODMn using PAC/PDM increased at least 4.4% when the dosage was 8 mg/L, and increased at least 5.0% when the dosage was 10 mg/L. The composite coagulants could still function well when raw water quality deteriorated and algae content reached 8.00 × 104 cells/ml. The enhanced coagulation efficiency of PAC/PDM (0.55/5%) could be better than that of PAC combined with prechlorination process when the same dosages are used.
Determining the fate of Microcystis aeruginosa cells and microcystin toxins following chloramination
Authors: Ho Lionel , Kayal Nawal , Trolio Rino , Newcombe Gayle
Published: July 2010

The cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa can produce potent toxins known as microcystins. While many studies have focussed on the chlorination of microcystin toxins, little work has been conducted with respect to the chloramination of the microcystins. In addition, no studies have been reported on the effect of chloramination on intact Microcystis cells. This study was conducted to determine the fate of M. aeruginosa cells and microcystin toxins following chloramination of a drinking water source. Results indicate that monochloramine could effectively oxidise dissolved microcystin-LR (MCLR) provided high CT values were employed, typically greater than 30,000 mg min L−1. The decay of MCLR was demonstrated to be a pseudo first-order reaction with rate constants ranging from 9.3 × 10−7 to 1.1 × 10−5 s−1 at pH 8.5. However, in the presence of Microcystis cells, monochloramine was ineffective in oxidising microcystin toxins due to the cells exerting a demand on the oxidant. The doses of monochloramine applied (2.8 and 3.5 mg L−1) were shown to rapidly release intracellular microcystins into the dissolved state. Flow cytometric analysis of the cells determined that the lower monochloramine dose did not compromise the cell membrane integrity, even though microcystins were rapidly released from the cells. In contrast the higher monochloramine dose resulted in cell membrane disruption with up to 90% of the cells shown to be non-viable after the high dose was applied.
Performance evaluation of ePTFE and PVDF flat-sheet module direct contact membrane distillation
Authors: Chuang Ching-Jung , Tung Kuo-Lun , Fan Yang-Hsiang , Ho Chii-Dong , Huang James
Published: July 2010

This paper reports experiments using a flat-sheet module with 0.18 ∼ 0.45 μm ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) membranes to show the effects of membrane properties, salt concentration and fluid hydrodynamics on the permeate flux and salt rejection of DCMD (direct contact membrane distillation). A theoretical prediction of the permeate flux was carried out, and was in close agreement with the experimental results. In addition, the energy integration of the process was also analyzed in order to evaluate module design to increase energy efficiency. According to the simulated results of the energy integration design, a combination of simultaneous cooling of the permeate stream and an additional heat exchanger to lower the temperature of the permeate stream not only enhances the MD flux, but also reduces energy consumption.
Rainwater harvesting: theorising and modelling issues that influence household adoption
Authors: White I.
Published: July 2010

Household adoption of rainwater harvesting (RH) systems recently boomed in Australian urban centres. As a sustainable supplement to the mains supply, water authorities regarded RH as a demand management device. Yet what actually motivated household RH adoption was not well understood. Burawoy's ‘extended case method’ was used to link grounded enquiry with 13 core theoretical concepts drawn from an original synthesis of ecological modernisation and diffusion of innovation theories. This framework means the household experience extends ideas drawn from existing theory to explore issues that influence the household RH adoption decision. The framework was interrogated with data drawn from a self-report survey of 560 homes. It accommodated 100% of the RH adoption issues identified by households. Further staged quantitative and qualitative analyses particularized these core concepts out to 36 discrete ‘subfactors’ which were used in discriminant function analyses. 17 subfactors contribute to a discriminant function grouping 89.2% of households to the correct ‘adopter’ or ‘nonadopter’ category (p < 0.000). The model provides a transparent, robust, empirical basis for understanding the issues that influence household RH adoption and can be applied to social marketing aimed at facilitating further penetration of household RH.
Identification and antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus spp. isolated from surface water
Authors: Łuczkiewicz A. , Jankowska K. , Kurlenda J. , Olańczuk-Neyman K.
Published: July 2010

In the study species distributions and antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined among riverine Enterococcus spp. Susceptibility of the isolates was tested against: ampicillin, imipenem, teicoplanin, vancomycin, erythromycin, linezolid, fosfomycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, tetracycline, high levels of gentamicin and streptomycin. The enterococci were detected in all of the analyzed water samples, periodically exceeding the mandatory standards of the EU Bathing Water Directive. Isolates were predominantly E. faecium (68.6%) and E. faecalis (21.6%) strains. The remaining isolates belonged to E. casseliflavus/gallinarum (5.2%), E. hirae (3.9%), and E. durans (0.7%). Of enterococci strains, 27% were susceptible to all tested antimicrobial agents and as much as 9% were classified as multiple-antibiotic-resistant (MAR). Resistance to erythromycin was common in all investigated areas (55%), followed by resistance to ciprofloxacin (22%) and tetracycline (14%). The resistance phenotypes related to glycopeptides and high-level aminoglycosides were also observed. Relatively low frequency of ampicillin resistance was found among studied strains, in contrast to the frequent use of this antimicrobial agent in Poland. According to the obtained results the Enterococcus should be regarded as an important genus, according to its potential contribution to dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in the water environment.
A multi-attribute auction model by dominance based rough sets approach
Authors: Rong Zhang , Bin Liu , Sifeng Liu
Published: July 2010

As an alternative to the price-based traditional auction model, the multi-attribute auction model is an integrated model requiring the simultaneous trade of different types of attributes as the sellers and buyers deal. As a result, the design and modeling of the auction mechanism have become very difficult. This paper proposes a multiattribute auction model using the dominance-based rough sets approach (DRSA). The multi-attribute decision method by DRSA can directly mine out the preference relations between the attributes of alternatives so that relevant auction mechanisms can be designed. This model uses a natural reasoning procedure similar to that of decision makers. Finally, a numerical example demonstrates the simplicity, efficiency, and feasibility of the proposed auction model.
Undifferentiated High-Grade Pleomorphic Sarcomas in Children: A Clinicopathologic Study of 10 Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: Alaggio Rita , Collini Paola , Randall R. Lor , Barnette Phillip , Million Lynn , Coffin Cheryl M.
Published: July 2010

Undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma (UHGPS) is a sarcoma of debated nosology affecting adults, with rare cases reported in children. In order to investigate the clinicopathologic and prognostic features of pediatric UHGPS, 10 cases of UHGPS occurring before 18 years (mean age, 8.9 years) were analyzed. All were localized at diagnosis (head, 4; lower extremities, 4; trunk, 2), with a mean diameter of 4.5 cm. Mean follow-up was 6 years. Six patients were in complete remission, 1 after a relapse; 2 died of metastatic disease; 1 was alive with metastasis. Histologically, 8 tumors showed spindle cells with a focal or diffuse storiform pattern; 2 tumors had scattered aggregates of epithelioid cells. Two tumors displayed a prominent epithelioid component. Cellular pleomorphism, high mitotic rate with atypical mitoses, were found in all tumors; necrosis in 6 and vascular invasion in 2. CD68 and desmin were positive in 2 cases each, smooth muscle actin in 4, and S100 in 1. Five tumors in 1st and 1 in 2nd complete remission were superficial; 1 showed a spindle cell morphology with epithelioid foci, 3 had necrosis; 5 were grade 3; and 1 was grade 2. Three metastatic tumors (2 in the dura, 1 in the leg) displayed either a prominent epithelioid morphology (2) or scattered aggregates of epithelioid cells (1), with a myxoid background in 1. All were grade 3 and showed foci of necrosis. In summary, UHGPS is rare in children and frequently located in the head. A more favorable outcome is associated with superficial location. Foci of epithelioid cell may portend an aggressive behavior.
Total Absence of Ribs in a Newborn with Cerebrocostomandibular Syndrome
Authors: Lale Seema , Ardinger Holly , Mardis Neil , Changho Sheelah , Lancaster Thomas , Singh Vivekanand
Published: July 2010

Total absence of ribs is a rare finding that has occasionally been documented in patients with cerebrocostomandibular syndrome. Only 2 other reports document complete absence of ribs in 3 individuals, and we tabulate the findings of all the 4 cases of complete absence of ribs in this case report. Our case and the other 3 reported cases represent the extreme form of cerebrocostomandibular syndrome with regard to the costal defects.
Age-Related Trends in Pediatric B-Cell Subsets
Authors: Prak Eline T. Luning , Ross Jacqueline , Sutter Jennifer , Sullivan Kathleen E.
Published: July 2010

There are few studies of the developmental changes in B-cell subsets in children. Recent data from adult populations demonstrate that alterations to B-cell subsets have functional consequences and can be helpful diagnostically. Comparable studies in children have been hindered by the lack of normative data and by significant changes with age. This study evaluated B-cell subsets by 4-color flow cytometry in 47 children of different ages. The use of a 4-color platform is compatible with broad use in clinical laboratories. We found that there are rapid changes in the B-cell compartment in infancy and early childhood. Total B-cell numbers decline early in life, and this correlates with a decline in transitional B cells and naïve B cells. The decline is most rapid between 1 and 5 years of age, with a slower decline later in childhood. In contrast, nonswitched and switched memory B cells both increase during the 1st 5 years of life. The decline in B-cell numbers did not occur until after 1 year of age, suggesting that the period after birth is a unique developmental window. These data provide a reference set for further studies on B-cell dysfunction in pediatric disorders. The changes occurring in early childhood document the need for age-related assessments and serve to underscore the B-cell-specific kinetics of immunologic development in humans.
Synthesizing multiple remote-sensing techniques for subglacial hydrologic mapping: application to a lake system beneath MacAyeal Ice Stream, West Antarctica
Authors: Fricker Helen Amanda , Scambos Ted , Carter Sasha , Davis Curt , Haran Terry , Joughin Ian
Published: July 2010

We present an analysis of the active hydrologic system of MacAyeal Ice Stream (MacIS), West Antarctica, from a synthesis of multiple remote-sensing techniques: satellite laser altimetry; satellite image differencing; and hydrologic potential mapping (using a satellite-derived DEM and a bedrock DEM from airborne radio-echo sounding). Combining these techniques augments the information provided by each one individually, and allows us to develop a protocol for studying subglacial hydrologic systems in a holistic manner. Our study reveals five large active subglacial lakes under MacIS, the largest of which undergoes volume changes of at least 1.0 km3. We discuss the hydrologic properties of this system and present evidence for links between the lakes. At least three of the lakes are co-located with sticky spots, i.e. regions of high local basal shear stress. We also find evidence for surface elevation changes due to ice-dynamic effects (not just water movement) caused by changes in basal resistance. Lastly, we show that satellite radar altimetry is of limited use for monitoring lake activity on fast-flowing ice streams with surfaces that undulate on ∼10 km length scales.
Sociodemographic and Clinico-Pathological Study of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Undergone Coronary-Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Al Hasan Suzon , Momenuzzaman NAM , Kabir Jahangir , Priscilla S
Published: July 2010

Keywords: coronary artery disease; post CABG sociodemography; clinico-pathology; myocardial infarctionDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i2.5619Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(2):12-15
Outcome of Malaria Associated Renal Failure (MARF) Treated with Acute Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Dutta Prodip Kumar , Chowdhury Dipti , Yunus Emran Bin , Kashem Md Abul , Khan Md Iftakher Hossain , Huda Md Nurul , Das Saibal
Published: July 2010

Keywords: faciparum malaria; intermittent peritoneal dialysis; multi-organ failureDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i2.5620Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(2):16-18
Diagnostic Accuracy of Stereotactic Brain Biopsy of 32 Brain Tumor Cases
Authors: Raihan Md Zahid , Chowdhury Sharif Md Norman Khaled , Ara Sayeda Asfiya , Sarkar Mainul Haque , Hossain SK Sader
Published: July 2010

Keywords: brain biopsy; frame-based biopsy; stereotacticDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i2.5622Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(2):24-28
Comparative Study Between Metronidazole, Amoxycilin, Omeprazole Based Therapy and Levofloxacin, Amoxycilin, Omeprazole Based Therapy for Helicobactor Pylori Eradication in Peptic Ulcer Disease
Authors: Ahmed Ershad Uddin , Alam Razibul , Alam Fakhrul , Ghosh Chanchal Kumar , Dey Subash Kanti , Masud Hasan , Ahmed Dewan Saifuddin , Bhuiyan MMR , Miah Abdur Rahim , Roy Projesh Kumar , Raihan ASMA
Published: July 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i2.5623Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(2):29-32
Epilepsy: Awareness Strategy
Authors: Rahman Sayed Wahidur
Published: July 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i2.5626Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(2):48-49
Salmonella Neck Abscess: A Case Report
Authors: Anwar Mostafa Mahfuzul , Ahmed Tareq Uddin
Published: July 2010

Keywords: salmonella; abscess; neckDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i2.5628Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(2):51-52
Malignant Colo-Duodenal Fistula: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Nur Hossain , Banik Srikanta , Tuhin Omor Faruk , Muhsin Syed Md , Haque Saiful , Ali SM Ashraf , Yusuf Omor Faruque
Published: July 2010

Keywords: colo-duodenal fistula; malignant; clinical suspicionDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i2.5629Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(2):53-55
Radiation Recall Dermatitis with Azithromycin
Authors: Vujovic O.
Published: July 2010

Radiation recall is a well-known phenomenon that involves the “recall” of an acute inflammatory reaction in a previously irradiated region after administration of certain drugs. The most common type of radiation recall is radiation recall dermatitis, which involves the reoccurrence of an acute inflammatory skin reaction in previously irradiated skin. Most radiation recall reactions are attributable to chemotherapeutic agents. One previously reported case of radiation recall dermatitis occurred after administration of an antibiotic. The present case report is the second of radiation recall dermatitis involving an antibiotic: azithromycin.
Adjuvant Chemoradiation for Gastric Cancer with Infusional 5-Fluorouracil and Cisplatin: A Phase I Study
Authors: Kassam Zahra , MacKay H. , Buckley C. A. , Fung S. , Pintile M. , Oza A. , Brierley J. , Swallow C. , Cummings B. , Knox J. J. , Kim J. , Wong R. , Siu L. , Feld R. , Ringash J.
Published: July 2010

Objective: This phase I study aimed to determine the maximal tolerated dose of cisplatin administered every 2 weeks with infusional 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and concurrent radiation therapy (RT) in patients after complete resection of gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods: Patients with resected stage IB to IV (M0) gastric adenocarcinoma were treated with 12 weeks of infusional 5FU (200 mg/m2 daily) and with RT (45 Gy in 25 fractions starting on day 16). Cisplatin was administered in escalating doses (0, 20, 30, and 40 mg/m2) in weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7. In the final cohort, patients received an additional dose of cisplatin (40 mg/m2) in week 9. Results: Among the 34 patients [median age: 56 years (range: 31–77 years)] who were assessable for toxicity, 5 experienced dose-limiting toxicities: 1 sepsis (cohort 1), 1 fatigue (cohort 2), 3 upper gastrointestinal toxicity (1 in cohort 2, 2 in cohort 5). Cohort 5 exceeded the maximal tolerated dose. Median follow-up was 2.5 years (range: 0.3–5 years). The 3-year overall and relapse-free survival rates were 86% and 71% respectively; median survival was not reached. Conclusions: Cisplatin was well tolerated in combination with infusional 5FU and RT, showing promising activity in the adjuvant treatment of gastric cancer. Infusional 5FU 200 mg/m2 daily for 12 weeks with cisplatin 40 mg/m2 in weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7 and with concurrent RT 45 Gy in 25 fractions, starting at day 16, is being explored in a phase II study at our institution.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in a 25-Year-Old Man Presenting with Apparent Unilateral Gynecomastia
Authors: Coroneos C. J. , Hamm Caroline
Published: July 2010

Ductal carcinoma in situ (dcis) in a young man is rarely reported. Our patient, a 25-year-old man, presented with apparent symptomatic unilateral gynecomastia. He has a strong history of cancer on both the maternal and paternal sides of his family, including breast and lung (maternal) and melanoma, colon, and pancreatic (paternal). His mother tested negative for BRCA1 and BRCA2. There is no information on paternal genetic testing. The patient was treated with left subcutaneous mastectomy. Upon histologic review of the sample, concurrent gynecomastia and dcis were discovered. To date, only 4 cases of gynecomastia and dcis have been described in younger male patients. Because only 30%–50% of patients with dcis eventually develop invasive cancer in the subsequent 10–20 years, dcis prevalence in the general population may be higher than predicted. This case underscores the importance of family history in any patient presenting with a breast mass. Patients must be made aware of the risk, however small it may be, and physicians must remain cautious of cancer in young men with gynecomastia.
Aplastic Anemia with Concurrent Temozolomide Treatment in a Patient with Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Oh Jiwon , Kutas G. J. , Davey P. , Morrison M. , Perry J. R.
Published: July 2010

Temozolomide (tmz) is an oral alkylating agent used during concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme. Temozolomide is generally well tolerated and improves survival; however, severe adverse events have occasionally been reported. Here, we report the case of a patient who developed aplastic anemia with related complications in the setting of concurrent tmz treatment with radiotherapy. This case illustrates that aplastic anemia is a rare side effect of tmz that can occur relatively early in the course of concurrent chemotherapy, and underscores the importance of clinician awareness of this potentially devastating side effect.
Sunitinib Malate for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour in Imatinib Mesylate–Resistant Patients: Recommendations and Evidence
Authors: Younus J. , Verma S. , Franek J. , Coakley N. ,   the Sarcoma Disease Site Group of Cancer Care Ontario’s Program in Evidence-Based Care
Published: July 2010

Question: Is sunitinib malate—marketed as Sutent (Pfizer Canada, Kirkland, QC)—superior to placebo or other interventions for primary outcomes of interest in adult patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) who have developed resistance or who exhibit intolerance to imatinib mesylate (IM)? Background: In patients with resectable disease, surgery is the mainstay of treatment for GIST; in patients with unresectable or metastatic disease, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor IM is the therapy of choice. However, some patients have primary resistance or intolerance to IM, or they progress after optimal exposure (including an escalated dose). Here, we review the evidence for treating IM-resistant GIST with sunitinib malate. Methods: Studies of sunitinib malate were identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library databases, and Web sites of guideline organizations. Outcomes of interest included time to progression, progression-free survival, overall survival, and toxicity. Results: One phase iii randomized controlled trial, and one abstract and presentation describing that trial, served as the evidentiary base for this clinical practice guideline. Trial data confidently show that both time to progression and progression-free survival are highly statistically significant (p < 0.0001) in favour of sunitinib malate over placebo. Overall survival was improved with sunitinib malate (hazard ratio: 0.49; 95% confidence interval: 0.29 to 0.83; p = 0.007; absolute difference in weeks not reported). The most frequent of all adverse effects (experienced in greater proportion by patients on sunitinib malate) were grades 1 and 2 leucopenia (52% vs. 5% with placebo), neutropenia (43% vs. 4%), and thrombocytopenia (36% vs. 4%). Grade 3 hematologic adverse events were also reported more frequently in the sunitinib malate group, including leucopenia (4% vs. 0%), neutropenia (8% vs. 4%), lymphopenia (9% vs. 2%), and thrombocytopenia (4% vs. 0%). Toxicity comparisons did not include p values. The incidence of grades 1–3 fatigue was greater for the sunitinib malate group (34% vs. 22% with placebo). Other grade 3 nonhematologic treatment-related adverse events that occurred more frequently on sunitinib malate included hand–foot syndrome (4% vs. 0%), diarrhea (3% vs. 0%), and hypertension (3% vs. 0%). No grade 4 adverse events were observed. Conclusions: In the target population, sunitinib malate is the recommended option for second-line therapy of metastatic GIST.
Weathering Storms: A Cohort Study of How Participation in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program Benefits Women after Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Matousek R.H. , Dobkin P.L.
Published: July 2010

Introduction: A growing number of psychosocial interventions are being offered to cancer patients during and after their medical treatment. Here, we examined whether Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a stress management course, helps women to cope better with stress and illness once their breast cancer treatment is completed. Our aim was to understand how MBSR may benefit those who participate in the course. Methods: Our cohort study enrolled 59 women in an 8-week mbsr program. They completed “before and after” questionnaires pertaining to outcomes (stress, depression, medical symptoms) and process variables (mindfulness, coping with illness, sense of coherence). Paired t-tests examined changes from before to after the mbsr course. Changes in mindfulness were correlated with changes in post-MBSR variables, and a regression analysis examined which variables contributed to a reduction in stress after program participation. Results: Adherence to the program was 91%. Participants reported significant reductions in stress (p < 0.0001), depression (p < 0.0001), and medical symptoms (p < 0.0001), and significant improvements in mindfulness (p < 0.0001), coping with illness (p < 0.0001), and sense of coherence (p < 0.0001). Changes in mindfulness were significantly related to changes in depression, stress, emotional coping, and sense of coherence. Increases in mindfulness and sense of coherence predicted reductions in stress. Conclusions: It appears that learning how to be mindful is beneficial for women after their treatment for breast cancer.
Juan Gutiérrez Garibay. Vida y hacienda de un general de la Carrera de Indias en la segunda mitad del siglo XVI
Authors: Pérez-Mallaína Pablo Emilio
Published: July 2010

Los cerca de quinientos generales y almirantes que mandaron las flotas de la Carrera de Indias siguen siendo en su inmensa mayoría unos perfectos desconocidos, a pesar de tener a su cargo la vital tarea de transportar millones de pesos a través del Atlántico. Por eso se presenta aquí una breve biografía de uno de los más importantes: Juan Gutiérrez Garibay, que ocupa el 5.º lugar entre los comandantes que más convoyes llevaron a las Indias. Un hombre hecho a sí mismo, que comenzó su carrera como simple soldado y llegó durante su vejez a vivir con los lujos de un caballero.
La población de Manila y las capellanías de misas de los españoles: libro de registros, 1642-1672
Authors: Mesquida Oliver Juan
Published: July 2010

Este estudio se centra en las características de las capellanías de Manila hasta 1672. Para ello se utiliza la documentación proveniente de un libro de registros de capellanías. Además de exponer el desarrollo de esa institución, la información cuantitativa y cualitativa recabada sirve para estudiar aspectos demográficos, sociales, culturales y económicos de la población española de Manila durante una buena parte del siglo XVII. Entre las novedades presentadas sobresalen los esfuerzos realizados y las dificultades encontradas para crear un clero criollo.
Tiempos afroindígenas en la Amazonia brasileña. Primera mitad del siglo XIX
Authors: Ruiz-Peinado Alonso José Luis
Published: July 2010

La Amazonia brasileña durante la primera mitad del siglo XIX estuvo marcada por una extraordinaria inestabilidad político-militar. Su adhesión tardía a la independencia de Brasil (1823), el debate sobre la esclavitud y la explosión de la Cabanagem fueron procesos que tuvieron como protagonistas no sólo a las elites políticas lusobrasileñas, sino también a diferentes grupos cimarrones e indígenas que actuaban desde amplios e intrincados espacios de frontera, atentos a las ideas revolucionarias que provenían del exterior y que jugaron un papel fundamental en la construcción de la especificidad del norte de Brasil.
Testing Natural Aging Effect on Properties of 6066 & 6063 Alloys Using Vickers Hardness and Positron Annihilation Lifetime Techniques
Authors: Abdel-Rahman M.A. , Aldeen Ahmed Alaa , Badawi Emad A.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this work was to produce a high strength 6xxx series Aluminum alloy by adjusting the processing conditions, namely solutionizing and natural aging. It consists of heating the alloy to a temperature at which the soluble constituents will form a homogeneous mass by solid diffusion, holding the mass at that temperature until diffusion takes place, then quenching the alloy rapidly to retain the homogeneous condition. In the quenched condition, heat-treated alloys are supersaturated solid solutions that are comparatively soft and workable, and unstable, depending on composition. At room temperature, the alloying constituents of some alloys tend to precipitate from the solution spontaneously, causing the metal to harden in about four days. This is called natural aging. The mechanical characterization of heat treatable 6xxx (Al-Mg-Si-Cu based) 6066, 6063 wrought aluminum alloys was studied. Their effects were investigated in terms of microstructure using positron annihilation lifetime technique and mechanical properties by hardness measurements. The hardness is the Resistance of material to plastic deformation, which gives it the ability to resist deformed when a load is applied. The greater the hardness of the material, the greater resistance it has to deformation. Hardness measurement can be defined as macro-, micro- or nano- scale according to the forces applied and displacements obtained. Micro hardness is the hardness of a material as determined by forcing an indenter such as a Vickers indenter into the surface of the material under 15 to 1000 gf load; usually, the indentations are so small that they must be measured with a microscope. During this work we are monitoring the effect of natural aging on the properties of positron lifetime and Vickers hardness parameters. The Vickers hardness of 6066 alloy has a maximum value(80) after (10)days of quenching at 530 which is the solution temperature of this alloy .the hardness of 6063 alloy has a maximum value (40) after (14)days of quenching at 520 which is the solution temperature of this alloy. The hardness which is conformed to the references.
Spreading Exponents: Dynamics of Trisiloxane Wetting of Hydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Radulovic J. , Sefiane Khellil , Shanahan Martin E.R.
Published: July 2010

The excellent spreading and wetting behaviour of superspreader solutions has been known and extensively studied over recent years. However, explanations for spreading dynamics and accompanying mathematical models have not yet proved completely successful. Many attempts have been made to quantify the spreading exponents, but none of the models so far was able successfully to describe the whole wetting process of trisiloxane solutions, especially on hydrophobic surfaces. We have investigated the partial wetting of Silwet L-77® superspreader solutions of high concentrations (well above CMC) on polymer coated substrates of varying hydrophobicity. Results obtained can be explained in terms of the Marangoni effect as the major driving force for trisiloxane enhanced spreading. A simple theory, which involves surface tension gradients governing the spreading process, was developed in order to explain the specific evolution of the drop radius and consequent decrease in the contact angle. The proposed model was found to be in excellent agreement with the experimental results. Determined equation coefficients were shown to be dependent on both surfactant concentration and the hydrophobicity of the substrate.