bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calciphylaxis – a topical overview
Authors: Arseculeratne G , Evans AT , Morley SM
Published: April 2006

‘Calciphylaxis’, a calcification syndrome associated with ischaemic cutaneous necrosis, is acquired naturally in humans in disease states. It is a life and limb‐threatening complication, usually observed in patients with renal disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism, but known to occur in the absence of renal or parathyroid disease. The reported mortality rate, which ranges from 60–80%, relates to wound infection, sepsis and organ failure. It is a small‐vessel vasculopathy, which is estimated to occur in about 4% of haemodialysis patients. Clinically, violaceous, reticulate areas of cutaneous necrosis and eschar may be evident, particularly in the extremities. In addition to the clinical picture, a raised calcium phosphorous product, an elevated parathyroid hormone level, radiographic evidence of vessel and soft‐tissue calcification and the finding of mural calcification affecting small arteries and arterioles on histopathology help to confirm the diagnosis of this entity which generally has a poor prognosis. A high index of suspicion and an active multidisciplinary management approach, with rigorous attention to wound care and prevention of sepsis, are vital in the management of these patients. In this overview, we discuss the pathophysiology, clinical features and associations, risk factors, diagnosis and management issues relating to calciphylaxis.
The role of IVIg treatment in severe pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Baum S , Scope A , Barzilai A , Azizi E , Trau H
Published: April 2006

Background  High‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has become a part of the treatment armentarium in pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Some consider IVIg as an adjuvant steroid sparing agent in PV, while others as disease modifying that can be used as monotherapy.

Methods  We report our experience with a series of 12 PV patients with severe disease treated with IVIg as an adjuvant therapy.

Results  Ten of 12 patients (83%) showed response to six cycles of IVIg, six (50%) having complete remission and four (33%) having a partial response. This response rate is concordant with previous reports. The therapy was well tolerated. In all 12 patients, treatment with IVIg allowed a gradual reduction of prednisone dose compared with baseline levels.

Conclusion  IVIg treatment was beneficial as a steroid sparing agent in our series of patients with severe PV.
Oculocutaneous tyrosinaemia or tyrosinaemia type 2: a case report
Authors: Valikhani M , Akhyani M , Jafari AK , Barzegari M , Toosi S
Published: April 2006

Oculo‐cutaneous tyrosinaemia type II is an autosomal recessive disease due to an abnormality of tyrosine metabolism, probably because of a deficiency of cytoplasmic tyrosine aminotransferase. It presents as a varying association of focal palmoplantar keratosis, bilateral keratitis and mental retardation. Herein, we report an 8‐year‐old boy with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis with peripheral oozing and dendritic keratitis appearing after the skin lesions. There was no mental deterioration despite the long delay in diagnosis of the disorder. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of hypertyrosinaemia and the absence of hepatorenal lesion. The child exhibited a remarkable degree of improvement in the hyperkeratotic lesions and keratitis after the dietary modifications were instituted. In conclusion, chronic focal bullous palmoplantar hyperkeratosis along with keratitis should alert the clinician to screen for abnormal serum and/or urine tyrosine level. Awareness of the presenting signs and symptoms may speed up the diagnosis and initiation of a tyrosine and phenylalanine‐restricted diet that is most efficient in improving the symptoms and preventing visual and cognitive impairment.
Current and emerging molecular diagnostic technologies applicable to bacterial food safety
Authors: GLYNN BARRY , LAHIFF SINEAD , WERNECKE MARTINA , BARRY THOMAS , SMITH TERRY J , MAHER MAJELLA
Published: April 2006

There is an increasing need for rapid test methods to certify the quality and safety of food products. Current tests applied for the microbiological assessment of food products are based on standard approved culture‐based isolation methods and can take several days to yield results. Nucleic acid diagnostic (NAD) tests for the identification of bacterial foodborne pathogens employing in vitro amplification technologies are capable of sensitive and specific detection of single or multiple pathogens in foods in a shorter timeframe than traditional methods. New developments in molecular biosensors have the potential to provide at‐line bioanalysis, whereas microarray‐based technologies may in the future be the NAD platforms of choice for multiple pathogen detection and identification. This article reviews current and emerging NAD platforms for foodborne bacterial pathogens that have the potential to impact food safety.
Meeting the Need for State‐Level Estimates of Health Insurance Coverage: Use of State and Federal Survey Data
Authors: Blewett Lynn A. , Davern Michael
Published: April 2006

Objective. Critically review estimates of health insurance coverage available from different sources, including the federal government, state survey initiatives, and foundation‐sponsored surveys for use in state policy research.

Study Setting and Design. We review the surveys in an attempt to flesh out the current weaknesses of survey data for state policy uses. The main data sources assessed in this analysis are federal government surveys (such as the Current Population Survey's Annual Social and Economic Supplement, and the National Health Interview Survey), foundation‐supported surveys (National Survey of America's Families, and the Community Tracking Survey), and state‐sponsored surveys.

Principal Findings. Despite information on estimates of health insurance coverage from six federal surveys, states find the data lacking for state policy purposes. We document the need for state representative data on the uninsured and the recent history of state data collection efforts spurred in part by the Health Resources Services Administration State Planning Grant program. We assess the state estimates of uninsurance from the Current Population Survey and make recommendations for a new consolidated federal survey with better state representative data.

Conclusions. We think there are several options to consider for coordinating a federal and state data collection strategy to inform state and national policy on coverage and access.
Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger Expression and Function in a Rabbit Model of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: SMITH GODFREY L. , ELLIOTT ELSPETH E.B. , KETTLEWELL SARAH , CURRIE SUSAN , QUINN FRANCIS R.
Published: April 2006

Introduction: In general, sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) protein and activity is increased in hearts with ventricular dysfunction. However, in a subset of studies, reduced activity of NCX has been reported. Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) was induced in the rabbit eight weeks after an apical myocardial infarction.

Methods: Using single microelectrode voltage clamp to assess the NCX activity in isolated ventricular cells, a decrease in NCX activity by ∼30% was observed. Immunoblot analysis indicated increased NCX protein levels by ∼20% in the LVD group. The cause of this paradox is unknown. Overexpression of the protein sorcin increased the activity of NCX without affecting NCX protein levels.

Results: Sorcin protein (dimer) levels were significantly lower in the LVD group (0.67 ± 0.05 n = 15, P < 0.05) compared to sham (1.0 ± 0.16, n = 15). Sorcin monomer levels were not significantly different (sham: 1.0 ± 0.26, LVD: 0.83 ± 0.13). Mathematical modeling of NCX suggests that a reduction of NCX activity during diastole to that in LVD could be achieved by holding the diastolic membrane potential at −60 mV instead of −80 mV. Holding Em at −60 mV decreased NCX‐mediated Ca2+ efflux rates to values comparable to those seen in LVD and increased SR Ca2+ content and peak systolic [Ca2+] in sham and LVD cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions: In conclusion, reduced sorcin expression may be linked to the lower NCX activity in the rabbit model of LVD. Reduced NCX activity during diastole increases SR Ca2+ content and Ca2+ transient amplitude.
Statistical Analysis for Haplotype‐Based Matched Case–Control Studies
Authors: Zhang H. , Zheng G. , Li Z.
Published: April 2006

Summary Using unphased genotype data, we studied statistical inference for association between a disease and a haplotype in matched case–control studies. Statistical inference for haplotype data is complicated due to ambiguity of genotype phases. An estimating equation‐based method is developed for estimating odds ratios and testing disease‐haplotype association. The method potentially can also be applied to testing haplotype‐environment interaction. Simulation studies show that the proposed method has good performance. The performance of the method in the presence of departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium is also studied.
Direct Observation of the Dynamic Compressive Failure of a Transparent Polycrystalline Ceramic (AlON)
Authors: Paliwal B. , Ramesh K. T. , McCauley J. W.
Published: April 2006

High‐speed photography has been used to observe the dynamic failure of uncoated and Cr‐coated transparent polycrystalline aluminum oxynitride (AlON) material, undergoing uniaxial, high‐strain rate compression with a modified compression Kolsky bar technique. The high‐speed photographs are correlated in time with measurements of the stresses in the specimen. In the fully transparent samples, the dynamic activation, growth, and coalescence of cracks and resulting damage zones from spatially separated internal defects have been directly observed and correlated to the macroscopic loss of the load‐carrying capacity and ultimate catastrophic failure of this material. Identical experiments on the coated material only show the dynamic progressive failure on the specimen surface and do not show the origin of the failure images at the internal defects.
Properties of a Pressureless‐Sintered ZrB2–MoSi2 Ceramic Composite
Authors: Sciti Diletta , Guicciardi Stefano , Bellosi Alida , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: April 2006

A ZrB2‐based composite was fully densified by pressureless sintering at 1850°C with addition of 20 vol% MoSi2. The microstructure was very fine, with mean dimensions of ZrB2 grains around 2.5 μm. The four‐point flexural strength in air was in excess of 500 MPa up to 1500°C.
Cracking the Code: A Decode Strategy for the International Business Machines Punch Cards of Korean War Soldiers
Authors: Mitsunaga Erin M.
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT: During the Korean War, International Business Machines (IBM) punch cards were created for every individual involved in military combat. Each card contained all pertinent personal information about the individual and was utilized to keep track of all soldiers involved. However, at present, all of the information known about these punch cards reveals only their format and their significance; there is little to no information on how these cards were created or how to interpret the information contained without the aid of the computer system used during the war. Today, it is believed there is no one available to explain this computerized system, nor do the original computers exist. This decode strategy is the result of an attempt to decipher the information on these cards through the use of all available medical and dental records for each individual examined. By cross‐referencing the relevant personal information with the known format of the cards, a basic guess‐and‐check method was utilized. After examining hundreds of IBM punch cards, however, it has become clear that the punch card method of recording information was not infallible. In some cases, there are gaps of information on cards where there are data recorded on personal records; in others, information is punched incorrectly onto the cards, perhaps as the result of a transcription error. Taken all together, it is clear that the information contained on each individual's card should be taken solely as another form of personal documentation.
Sudden Death from Tubercular Myocarditis
Authors: Silingardi Enrico , Rivasi Francesco , Santunione Anna L. , Garagnani Lorella
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT: Tuberculous myocarditis is a rare finding. We present the case of a 33‐year‐old woman who was in good health and who died suddenly at home. Autopsy and histopathologic examinations revealed granulamatous lesions in the myocardium, lungs, lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. No fast acid bacilli were demonstrated on histological examination. The presence of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA complex was identified using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded histological samples. An HIV test carried out on the blood obtained during the autopsy was negative according to the DNA amplification technique (PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay serological test. We hypothesize that the mechanism of death was severe ventricular arrhythmia due to granulomatous proliferation in the structures of the interventricular septum.
Stable Isotope Analyses of Heroin Seized from the Merchant Vessel Pong Su
Authors: Casale John , Casale Ellen , Collins Michael , Morello David , Cathapermal Sam , Panicker Sini
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT: A new type of heroin HCl seized in Australia was examined by stable isotope analysis. The final origin/process classification of these samples by chromatographic signature profiles of the impurity/manufacturing by‐products was previously determined to be “unknown” by two independent national laboratories. Various drug enforcement authorities speculated that the heroin might be from a new region or new illicit process due to the unusual chromatographic impurity profiles that were present. Samples from 20 different kilogram packages were examined for isotopic content to determine if the samples fit isotopic patterns of known origins or if they were unique to any known origins. Authentic specimens from Southeast Asian (N=59), Southwest Asia (N=37), South America (N=104), and Mexico (N=21) we concomitantly examined for comparison purposes. Both continuous flow elemental analysis‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry and gas chromatography‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry techniques were utilized. Heroin samples were also converted to morphine, without apparent isotopic fractionation, utilizing methanolic HCl for gas chromatography‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The Pong Su samples were found to be isotopically and isotopically/alkaloidally distinct from the known origin/process classifications of Southwest Asian, Southeast Asian, South American, and Mexican.
Malnutrition, a Rare Form of Child Abuse: Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Piercecchi‐Marti Marie‐Dominique , Louis‐Borrione Claude , Bartoli Christophe , Sanvoisin Alain , Panuel Michel , Pelissier‐Alicot Anne‐Laure , Leonetti Georges
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT:Infantile malnutrition is often difficult to diagnose as it is rarely observed in industrialized countries. It may be associated with physical violence or occur in isolation. The essential clinical sign is height and weight retardation, but malnutrition also causes a variety of internal and bone lesions, which lead to neuropsychological sequelae and death. We report a rare case of death by malnutrition in a female child aged 6½ months. The infant presented height and weight growth retardation and internal lesions related to prolonged protein–energy malnutrition (fat and muscle wasting, thymic atrophy, liver steatosis) resulting in a picture of marasmus or kwashiorkor. We detail the positive and negative criteria that established the diagnosis of abuse, whereas the parents had claimed a simple dietary error.
Taphonomy of Child‐Sized Remains: A Study of Scattering and Scavenging in Virginia, USA*
Authors: Morton Robert J. , Lord Wayne D.
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT: Child‐sized pig carcasses (Sus scrofa) were placed in surface deposit and buried scenarios in a wooded area of Virginia from May 1998 through December 2000, to examine the taphonomic effects of decompositional changes, predator scavenging, and the extent of remains scattering. Changes were observed through on‐site examination, charting of remains, and recorded video imaging. Analysis of data revealed that utilization of corpses as food sources by vertebrates was dependent upon invertebrate colonization. Vertebrates avoided feeding on the corpses while invertebrate colonization was active, and would feed before invertebrates successfully colonized a corpse, or would wait until the invertebrate populations migrated away from the corpse. Among vertebrates, there was no apparent succession order for the animals utilizing the remains as a food source. Different vertebrates would feed at different times based upon diurnal or nocturnal predilection. Analysis noted an accidental cooperative relationship between the invertebrates and vertebrates scavenging on the corpses. Certain vertebrates gained access to the internal tissues by utilizing openings in the corpses caused by invertebrate and other vertebrate scavenging. Alternately, carrion‐frequenting insects were afforded access to previously inaccessible colonization sites as a result of scavenging vertebrate activities.
Analyzing technology adoption using microstudies: limitations, challenges, and opportunities for improvement
Authors: Doss Cheryl R.
Published: April 2006

Policy makers and interest groups have many questions about the use of improved technologies in developing country agriculture. These include the roles of policies, institutions, and infrastructure in the adoption of improved technologies and their impact on productivity and welfare. Most micro‐level adoption studies, however, cannot address these important policy issues. Drawing on an extensive review of the literature on the adoption of agricultural technologies, this article suggests alternative approaches for designing technology adoption studies to make them useful for policy makers. It explores the generic limitations of cross‐sectional adoption studies carried out in small numbers of communities and discusses some problems faced in conducting such studies. Recommendations include the use of sampling approaches that allow data from microstudies to be generalized to higher levels of aggregation, adherence to clearly defined terms that are standardized across studies, and careful examination of the assumptions that often underlie such studies.
Dental squash injuries – a survey among players and coaches in Switzerland, Germany and France
Authors: Persic Robert , Pohl Yango , Filippi Andreas
Published: April 2006

Abstract –  Squash belongs to sporting activities with medium risk of causing dental trauma. Because of high velocity, close body contact and the use of rackets the injury potential in squash has increased. The aim of this work was to conduct a comparative study between Switzerland, Germany and France on a number of issues: the frequency of dental and facial injuries in squash, athletes’ habits of wearing mouthguards, as well as the general level of information about emergency measures after a dental trauma and the resulting consequences. Using a standardized questionnaire a total of 653 individuals, 600 squash players and their 53 coaches, were interviewed. In each of the three countries 200 players belonging to four different divisions (juniors, amateurs, semi‐professionals and professionals) were surveyed. Of these 653 interviewees 133 (20.4%) have already observed a dental injury; 27 (4.5%) have experienced a dental trauma themselves. Less than half of all interviewed players and coaches (47.6%) were aware of the possibility of replanting avulsed teeth. Just 5.1% were familiar with the tooth rescue kit. Only one individual wore a mouthguard. The results show that the area of squash requires more information about prevention through sports associations, coaches and dentists.
Oral trauma, mouthguard awareness, and use in two contact sports in Turkey
Authors: Tulunoglu Ibrahim , Özbek Murat
Published: April 2006

Abstract –  The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of dental hard and soft tissue injuries during participation in contact sports, and the awareness and use of mouthguards in a young adult sample of semi‐professional or amateur boxers and tae kwon do participants in Turkey. The samples consisted of 274 young adults [174 male (63.5%) and 100 female (36.5%)] aged between 17 and 27 years of which 185 (67.5%) were tae kwon do practitioners, and 89 (32.5%) were boxers. The participants answered a standard questionnaire. All answers were evaluated and then statistical analyses were performed. Of the total sample, 61 of the subjects (22.3%) suffered dental trauma. Of these sufferers, 32 (17.3%) were boxers and 29 (32.6%) were tae kwon do practitioners. It was found that 19 (6.9%) athletes lost their teeth post‐trauma. Of the 54 subjects (19.7%) suffering soft tissue injuries, 44 were female (81.5%), while only 10 were male (18.5%), of which 40 (74.1%) were tae kwon do practitioners and 14 (25.9%) were boxers. Of the total sample of 274 subjects, 228 (83.2%) were well informed about mouthguard usage. Of the total sample, 153 (55.8%) of the subjects used mouthguards, all of which were boil‐and‐bite type. The results of our study indicate that dentists and sports authorities in Turkey should promote the use of mouthguards in contact sports such as tae kwon do and boxing, which have a serious risk for dental and oral soft tissue trauma and tooth loss.
Brain lipid composition in postnatal iron‐induced motor behavior alterations following chronic neuroleptic administration in mice
Authors: Isaac Giorgis , Fredriksson Anders , Danielsson Rolf , Eriksson Per , Bergquist Jonas
Published: April 2006

Several studies have shown that deficient uptake or excessive break down of membrane phospholipids may be associated with neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of postnatal iron administration in lipid composition and behavior and whether or not the established effects may be altered by subchronic administration of the neuroleptic compounds, clozapine and haloperidol. In addition to motor activities such as locomotion, rearing and activity, a targeted lipidomics approach has been used to investigated the brains of eight groups of mice (four vehicle groups and four iron groups) containing six individuals in each group treated with vehicle, low dose clozapine, high dose clozapine and haloperidol. Lipids were extracted by the Folch method and analyzed using reversed‐phase capillary liquid chromatography coupled on‐line to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS). Identification of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM) molecular species was based on their retention time, m/z ratio, head group specific up‐front fragmentation and analysis of the product ions produced upon fragmentation. A comparison between the Ve‐groups and Fe‐groups showed that levels of PC and SM molecular species and motor activities were significantly lower in Fe‐Ve compared to Ve‐Ve. The effects of neuroleptic treatment with and without iron supplementation were studied. In conclusion our results support the hypothesis that an association between psychiatric disorders and lipid and behavior abnormalities in the brain exists.
Spatial synchrony in population fluctuations: extending the Moran theorem to cope with spatially heterogeneous dynamics
Authors: Hugueny Bernard
Published: April 2006

The recent interest in the spatial structure and dynamics of populations motivated numerous theoretical and empirical studies of spatial synchrony, the tendency of populations to fluctuate in unison over regional areas. The first comprehensive framework applied to spatial synchrony was probably the one elaborated by P. A. P. Moran back in 1953. He suggested that if two populations have the same linear density‐dependent structure, the correlation between them will be equal to that between the local density‐independent conditions. Surprisingly, the consequences of violating the assumption that the dynamics of the populations are identical has received little attention. In this paper, making the assumption that population dynamics can be described by linear and stationary autoregressive processes, I show that the observed spatial synchrony between two populations can be decomposed into two multiplicative components: the demographic component depending on the values of the autoregressive coefficients, and the correlation of the environmental noise. The Moran theorem corresponds to the special case where the demographic component equals unity. Using published data, I show that the spatial variability in population dynamics may substantially contribute to the spatial variability of population synchrony, and thus should not be neglected in future studies.
A statistical approach to estimate soil ciliate diversity and distribution based on data from five continents
Authors: Chao Anne , C. Li P. , Agatha S. , Foissner W.
Published: April 2006

A total of 359 soil samples collected from five continents (Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and South America) were investigated for the presence/absence of soil ciliate species. Merging records by species identity, we have compiled a master data list (species by sample matrix). In the list, a total of 964 soil ciliate species (644 described and 320 undescribed) are recorded. The species distributions within the 359 samples and across the five continents are examined. The frequency distribution of the species over samples is used for global diversity estimation. A statistical ACE (abundance‐based coverage estimation) model which links observed data to unseen species is applied to assess regional and global soil ciliate species richness. The model, whose reliability was tested by its power to predict the number of new species in additional samples from Africa, may resolve the controversial issue on global species diversity of soil ciliates. Although an accurate point estimate is not feasible due to severe undersampling, the statistical model enables us to obtain a minimum regional diversity and global species diversity. A consistent finding over all five continents is that at least half of the species diversity is still undiscovered. Our model also yields a global soil ciliate diversity of at least 1900 species, that is, doubles the number of currently known species, and thus diversity is relatively high. This is consistent with the finding of Foissner, who used a probability‐based method. Soil ciliate distributions between continent pairs are analyzed by adjusted abundance‐based similarity/overlap indices. These new indices account for the effect of unseen species and also reduce the bias generated by undersampling. The adjusted abundance‐based Jaccard (or Sørensen) index shows that there is about 30% (18% for Sørensen) dis‐similarity between any two continents, supporting the moderate endemicity model. The results are discussed with respect to protist species distribution, that is, whether they are cosmopolitan or of restricted distribution.
The importance of occupancy rather than affinity of CaVβ subunits for the calcium channel I–II linker in relation to calcium channel function
Authors: Butcher Adrian J. , Leroy Jérôme , Richards Mark W. , Pratt Wendy S. , Dolphin Annette C.
Published: April 2006

The CaVβ subunits of voltage‐gated calcium channels regulate the trafficking and biophysical properties of these channels. We have taken advantage of mutations in the tyrosine residue within the alpha interaction domain (AID) in the I–II linker of CaV2.2 which reduce, but do not abolish, the binding of β1b to the AID of CaV2.2. We have found that the mutation Y388S decreased the affinity of CaVβ1b binding to the CaV2.2 I–II linker from 14 to 329 nm. However, the Y388S mutation had no effect on current density and cell surface expression of CaV2.2/α2δ‐2/β1b channels expressed in human embryonic kidney tsA‐201 cells, when equivalent proportions of cDNA were used. Furthermore, despite the 24‐fold reduced affinity of CaVβ1b for the Y388S I–II linker of CaV2.2, all the key features of modulation as well as trafficking by CaVβ subunits remained intact. This is in contrast to the much more marked effect of the W391A mutation, which abolished interaction with the CaV2.2 I–II linker, and very markedly affected the trafficking of the channels. However, using the Xenopus oocyte expression system, where expression levels can be accurately titrated, when CaVβ1b cDNA was diluted 50‐fold, all evidence of interaction with CaV2.2 Y388S was lost, although wild‐type CaV2.2 was still normally modulated by the reduced concentration of β1b. These results indicate that high affinity interaction with the α1 subunit is not necessary for any of the modulatory effects of CaVβ subunits, but occupancy of the interaction site is important, and this will occur, despite the reduced affinity, if the CaVβ subunit is present in sufficient excess.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Impingement on an Airfoil Leading Edge With and Without Showerhead and Gill Film Holes
Authors: Taslim M. E. , Khanicheh A.
Published: April 2006

This experimental investigation deals with impingement on the leading edge of an airfoil with and without showerhead film holes and its effects on heat transfer coefficients on the airfoil nose area as well as the pressure and suction side areas. a comparison between the experimental and numerical results are also made. the tests were run for a range of flow conditions pertinent to common practice and at an elevated range of jet Reynolds numbers (8000–48,000). The major conclusions of this study were: (a) The presence of showerhead film holes along the leading edge enhances the internal impingement heat transfer coefficients significantly, and (b) while the numerical predictions of impingement heat transfer coefficients for the no-showerhead case were in good agreement with the measured values, the case with showerhead flow was under-predicted by as much as 30% indicating a need for a more elaborate turbulence modeling.
Experiments With Three-Dimensional Passive Flow Control Devices on Low-Pressure Turbine Airfoils
Authors: Bohl Douglas G. , Volino Ralph J.
Published: April 2006

The effectiveness of three-dimensional passive devices for flow control on low pressure turbine airfoils was investigated experimentally. A row of small cylinders was placed at the pressure minimum on the suction side of a typical airfoil. Cases with Reynolds numbers ranging from 25,000 to 300,000 (based on suction surface length and exit velocity) were considered under low freestream turbulence conditions. Streamwise pressure profiles and velocity profiles near the trailing edge were documented. Without flow control a separation bubble was present, and at the lower Reynolds numbers the bubble did not close. Cylinders with two different heights and a wide range of spanwise spacings were considered. Reattachment moved upstream as the cylinder height was increased or the spacing was decreased. If the spanwise spacing was sufficiently small, the flow at the trailing edge was essentially uniform across the span. The cylinder size and spacing could be optimized to minimize losses at a given Reynolds number, but cylinders optimized for low Reynolds number conditions caused increased losses at high Reynolds numbers. The effectiveness of two-dimensional bars had been studied previously under the same flow conditions. The cylinders were not as effective for maintaining low losses over a range of Reynolds numbers as the bars.
Heat Transfer and Aerodynamics of Turbine Blade Tips in a Linear Cascade
Authors: Newton P. J. , Lock G. D. , Krishnababu S. K. , Hodson H. P. , Dawes W. N. , Hannis J. , Whitney C.
Published: April 2006

Local measurements of the heat transfer coefficient and pressure coefficient were conducted on the tip and near tip region of a generic turbine blade in a five-blade linear cascade. Two tip clearance gaps were used: 1.6% and 2.8% chord. Data was obtained at a Reynolds number of 2.3×105 based on exit velocity and chord. Three different tip geometries were investigated: A flat (plain) tip, a suction-side squealer, and a cavity squealer. The experiments reveal that the flow through the plain gap is dominated by flow separation at the pressure-side edge and that the highest levels of heat transfer are located where the flow reattaches on the tip surface. High heat transfer is also measured at locations where the tip-leakage vortex has impinged onto the suction surface of the aerofoil. The experiments are supported by flow visualization computed using the CFX CFD code which has provided insight into the fluid dynamics within the gap. The suction-side and cavity squealers are shown to reduce the heat transfer in the gap but high levels of heat transfer are associated with locations of impingement, identified using the flow visualization and aerodynamic data. Film cooling is introduced on the plain tip at locations near the pressure-side edge within the separated region and a net heat flux reduction analysis is used to quantify the performance of the successful cooling design.
Flowfield and Pressure Measurements in a Rotating Two-Pass Duct With Staggered Rounded Ribs Skewed 45Degrees to the Flow
Authors: Liou Tong-Miin , Hwang Y. Sian , Li Yi-Chen
Published: April 2006

Laser-Doppler velocimetry and pressure measurements are presented of the local velocity and wall pressure distributions in a rotating two-pass square duct with staggered ribs placed on the leading and trailing walls at an angle of 45deg to the main stream. The ribs were square in cross section with the radii of rounds and fillets to rib height ratios of 0.33. The rib-height/duct-height ratio and the pitch/rib-height ratio were 0.136 and 10, respectively. The duct Reynolds number was 1×104 and rotation number Ro ranged from 0 to 0.2. Results are documented in terms of the evolutions of both main flow and cross-stream secondary flow, the distributions of the pressure coefficient, and the variation of friction factor with Ro. For CFD reference, the periodic fully developed flow condition is absent for the present length of the rotating passage roughened with staggered 45deg ribs. In addition, the relationships between the regional averaged Nusselt number, transverse and convective mean velocity component, and turbulent kinetic energy are addressed. Using these relationships the general superiority of heat transfer enhancement of the staggered 45deg ribs arrangement over the in-line one can be reasonably illustrated. Simple expressions are obtained to correlate the friction factor with Ro, which are lacking in the published literature for passages ribbed with staggered 45deg ribs. The staggered 45deg ribs are found to reduce the friction loss to about 88%±1% of the in-line 45deg ribs for the rotating passage under the same operating conditions. The respective contributions of the angled ribs and passage rotation on the passage friction loss are identified.
Global Patterns of Influenza A Virus in Wild Birds
Authors: Olsen Björn , Munster Vincent J. , Wallensten Anders , Waldenström Jonas , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Fouchier Ron A. M.
Published: April 2006

The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N1 subtype in Asia, which has subsequently spread to Russia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, has put increased focus on the role of wild birds in the persistence of influenza viruses. The ecology, epidemiology, genetics, and evolution of pathogens cannot be fully understood without taking into account the ecology of their hosts. Here, we review our current knowledge on global patterns of influenza virus infections in wild birds, discuss these patterns in the context of host ecology and in particular birds' behavior, and identify some important gaps in our current knowledge.
Bolometric Infrared Photoresponse of Suspended Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Films
Authors: Itkis Mikhail E. , Borondics Ferenc , Yu Aiping , Haddon Robert C.
Published: April 2006

The photoresponse in the electrical conductivity of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) film is dramatically enhanced when the nanotube film is suspended in vacuum. We show here that the change in conductivity is bolometric (caused by heating of the SWNT network). Electron-phonon interactions lead to ultrafast relaxation of the photoexcited carriers, and the energy of the incident infrared (IR) radiation is efficiently transferred to the crystal lattice. It is not the presence of photoexcited holes and electrons, but a rise in temperature, that results in a change in resistance; thus, photoconductivity experiments cannot be used to support the band picture over the exciton model of excited states in carbon nanotubes. The photoresponse of suspended SWNT films is sufficiently high that they may function as the sensitive element of an IR bolometric detector.
Shoulder injuries in tennis players
Authors: van der Hoeven H , Kibler W B
Published: April 2006

The mechanism of the overhead action in throwing sports has been studied extensively. This motion is unnatural and highly dynamic, often exceeding the physiological limits of the joint. Owing to overload of various anatomical structures, the shoulder is susceptible to injury. Optimal shoulder function requires good kinetic chain function, optimal stability, and coordination of the scapula in the overhead action. A well balanced action of the rotator cuff muscles and capsular structures is necessary to obtain a stable centre of rotation during the overhead action. This review concerns shoulder injuries, related to the overhead motion in tennis players, which can be explained by the same mechanism as thrower’s shoulder.
Isokinetic profile of wrist and forearm strength in elite female junior tennis players
Authors: Ellenbecker T S , Roetert E P , Riewald S
Published: April 2006

Background:In tennis, injuries to the elbow and wrist occur secondary to the repetitive nature of play and are seen at increasingly young ages. Isokinetic testing can be used to determine muscular strength levels, but dominant/non-dominant and agonist/antagonist relations are needed for meaningful interpretation of the results.

Objectives:To determine whether there are laterality differences in wrist extension/flexion (E/F) and forearm supination/pronation (S/P) strength in elite female tennis players.

Methods:32 elite female tennis players (age 12 to 16 years) with no history of upper extremity injury underwent bilateral isokinetic testing using a Cybex 6000 dynamometer. Peak torque and single repetition work values for wrist E/F and forearm S/P were measured at speeds of 90°/s and 210°/s, with random determination of the starting extremity. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine differences between extremities for peak torque and single repetition work values.

Results:Significantly greater (p<0.01) dominant arm wrist E/F and forearm pronation strength was measured at both testing speeds. Significantly less (p<0.01) dominant side forearm supination strength was measured at both testing speeds.

Conclusions:Greater dominant arm wrist E/F and forearm pronation strength is common and normal in young elite level female tennis players. These strength relations indicate sport specific muscular adaptations in the dominant tennis playing extremity. The results of this study can guide clinicians who work with young athletes from this population. Restoring greater dominant side wrist and forearm strength is indicated after an injury to the dominant upper extremity in such players.
Spondylolysis in young tennis players
Authors: Ruiz-Cotorro A , Balius-Matas R , Estruch-Massana A E , Vilaró Angulo J
Published: April 2006

The general aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of spondylolysis, a bone defect in the pars interarticularis of the vertebra, are reviewed. A retrospective study of young tennis players diagnosed between 2000 and 2004 with spondylolysis with or without spondylolisthesis, assessed by radiography and planar bone scintigraphy, is described. If the radiographic results were negative, computed tomography was performed. Sixty six cases were evaluated: 53 L5 lesions, eight L4 lesions, two L3 lesions, and one bilateral lesion at the L2 level. Two more lesions at two levels were found (bilateral L5 and unilateral L4 and L3 on the right side). Classification, treatment, and outcome of the cases are reported. A combination of radiography, planar bone scintigraphy, and SPECT is useful for evaluating spondylolysis in tennis players and recommending treatment. Use of a brace did not appear to achieve significant results.
AN L2-ALEXANDER INVARIANT FOR KNOTS
Authors: LI WEIPING , ZHANG WEIPING
Published: April 2006

In this paper, in an attempt to extend an earlier work of Lück, we construct a knot invariant with parameter in C* by using the fundamental L2-representation of the fundamental group of the knot complement, which may be thought of as an L2-analogue of the usual Alexander polynomial of the knot in S3. When restricted to U(1) parameters, we interpret this invariant in terms of the U(1) twisted L2-Reidemeister torsion. We also show that this L2-invariant depends only on the norm |t| for t ∈ C*. In particular, this implies an unexpected rigidity property of the U(1) twisted L2-torsion on a knot complement. A possible relationship with the volume conjecture is discussed.
Blockade of NF-κB improves cardiac function and survival after myocardial infarction
Authors: Kawano Shunichi , Kubota Toru , Monden Yoshiya , Tsutsumi Takaki , Inoue Takahiro , Kawamura Natsumi , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: April 2006

NF-κB is a key transcription factor that regulates inflammatory processes. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that blockade of NF-κB ameliorates cardiac remodeling and failure after myocardial infarction (MI). Knockout mice with targeted disruption of the p50 subunit of NF-κB (KO) were used to block the activation of NF-κB. MI was induced by ligation of the left coronary artery in male KO and age-matched wild-type (WT) mice. NF-κB was activated in noninfarct as well as infarct myocardium in WT + MI mice, while the activity was completely abolished in KO mice. Blockade of NF-κB significantly reduced early ventricular rupture after MI and improved survival by ameliorating congestive heart failure. Echocardiographic and pressure measurements revealed that left ventricular fractional shortening and maximum rate of rise of left ventricular pressure were significantly increased and end-diastolic pressure was significantly decreased in KO + MI mice compared with WT + MI mice. Histological analysis demonstrated significant suppression of myocyte hypertrophy as well as interstitial fibrosis in the noninfarct myocardium of KO + MI mice. Blockade of NF-κB did not ameliorate expression of proinflammatory cytokines in infarct or noninfarct myocardium. In contrast, phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase was almost completely abolished in KO + MI mice. The present study demonstrates that targeted disruption of the p50 subunit of NF-κB reduces ventricular rupture as well as improves cardiac function and survival after MI. Blockade of NF-κB might be a new therapeutic strategy to attenuate cardiac remodeling and failure after MI.
Heat shock protein 72 overexpression protects against hyperthermia, circulatory shock, and cerebral ischemia during heatstroke
Authors: Lee W. C. , Wen H. C. , Chang C. P. , Chen M. Y. , Lin M. T.
Published: April 2006

This study extends our earlier studies in rats by applying our heatstroke model to a new species. Additionally, transgenic mice are used to examine the role of heat shock protein (HSP) 72 in experimental heatstroke. Transgenic mice that were heterozygous for a porcine HSP70i gene ([+]HSP72), transgene-negative littermate controls ([−]HSP72), and normal Institute of Cancer Research strain mice (ICR) under pentobarbital sodium anesthesia were subjected to heat stress (40°C) to induce heatstroke. In [−]HSP72 or ICR, the values for mean arterial pressure, the striatal blood flow, and the striatal Po2after the onset of heatstroke were significantly lower than those in preheat controls. The core and brain temperatures, the extracellular concentrations of ischemic and injury markers in the striatum, and the striatal neuronal damage scores were significantly greater than those in the preheat controls. In [−]HSP72 or ICR, the body temperatures, cell ischemia content, and injury marker in the striatum were significantly higher, and the mean arterial pressure, striatal blood flow, and striatal Po2concentration were significantly lower during heatstroke than in [+]HSP72. Accordingly, the latency and the survival times for [+]HSP72 significantly exceeded those of [−]HSP72 or ICR. These results demonstrate that the overexpression of HSP72 in multiple organs improves survival during heatstroke by reducing hyperthermia, circulatory shock, and cerebral ischemia and damage in mice.
Penetrating Craniofacial Injuries in Children with Wooden and Metal Chopsticks
Authors: Park Se-Hyuck , Cho Ki Hong , Shin Yong Sam , Kim Se Hyuck , Ahn Young Hwan , Cho Kyung Gi , Yoon Soo Han
Published: April 2006

Penetrating craniofacial injuries with chopsticks in children are peculiar accidents in the Oriental culture. All 10 cases previously reported were caused by wooden chopsticks that required surgical operations. However, there are no reported injuries with metal chopsticks in the past literature which should have been as common as that of wooden chopstick injuries in Asia. We evaluated the difference of injury patterns and clinical observations between wooden and metal chopstick injuries. We reviewed 6 treated children with penetrating craniofacial injuries from chopsticks: one wooden and five metal chopsticks. One child who had penetration through the nasal cavity presented with temporary rhinorrhea, another with mild hemiparesis, and one child with temporary upward gaze limitation of the left eye. Radiological examination revealed 1 patient with epidural hemorrhage, 1 patient with minimal subdural hemorrhage, and 4 with intracerebral hemorrhage that were fortunately too small to receive surgery. We performed surgical procedure only for a child who had a wooden chopstick that had impacted into the temporal cortex. We followed up all 6 children for more than 1 year, and found that all had fully recovered to near-normal neurological status. We observed that penetrating craniofacial injuries with metal chopsticks rarely require surgical intervention and usually results in good outcome because the resultant wound is usually small without broken fragments compared to injuries with wooden chopsticks.
Laparoscopy-Guided Insertion of Peritoneal Catheters in Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Procedures: Analysis of 39 Children
Authors: Bani Alan , Hassler Werner E.
Published: April 2006

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is the mainstay in the treatment of hydrocephalus in childhood. Repeated shunt revision and previous laparotomy may complicate the implantation of the distal catheter. We describe our experience with laparoscopic insertion of peritoneal catheters in 21 male and 18 female children with an age range from 3 months to 18 years, operated between 2002 and 2004. Fourteen patients (36%) had laparotomy due to previous shunt operations and 5 patients (13%) due to other reasons. Laparoscopy was carried out concurrently with the cranial part of the procedure. In all cases, successful insertion of the peritoneal catheter was carried out with visual documentation of the patency of the distal catheter. There were no procedure-related complications. We recommend this minimally invasive procedure for all children with a body weight >5 kg, especially in cases of repeated shunt operations with intraperitoneal adhesions.
Pencil Is Mightier than the Sword!
Authors: Ramaswamy R. , Dow G. , Bassi S.
Published: April 2006

Penetrating injuries involving the spinal cord are not common. The incidence is, however, much higher in armed conflict. In a civilian population, gunshot wounds and stabbings account for the majority of such injuries. A pencil causing penetrating injury involving the spinal cord is very rare. We present the case of a young boy who accidentally suffered a penetrating injury involving the spinal cord from a pencil in his coat pocket.