bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A World of Difference: Samuel R. Delany's Dhalgren and the Protocols of Racial Reading
Authors: Jerng Mark Chia-Yon
Published: June 2011

Science fiction poses particular dilemmas for referential reading practices privileged in ethnic literary studies and African American literature. Because science fiction often requires the reader to discern the governing norms and values of its constructed, alternative world, it questions the traditional contexts and visual cues by which racial difference appears as racial difference at all. In this essay, Jerng first analyzes how race has been read in science fiction. Cataloging the practices of reading race in science fiction tells us a great deal about how we notice race and the underlying rules whereby racial markers are seen as significant or insignificant. Jerng then turns to the work of Samuel R. Delany, in particular his best-selling novel Dhalgren, to suggest how its narrative strategies lie in rewriting the readability of racial difference. By focusing on reading practices, Jerng turns the attention of critical race theory and SF studies toward the problem of how we notice and evaluate race within the social field. Drawing on frameworks from philosophies of imagination and perception, as well as theories of virtuality, the essay highlights the cognitive and perceptual strategies used to structure the appearance of race. In relocating the role of perception in the task of reading race, the observation of a conventional racial marker no longer serves as a starting point, as something already found in literary texts, but as the effect of a problem of world construction that reconfigures subjects and objects.
Application of near Infrared Spectroscopy on-Combine for Canola Breeding
Authors: Welle Roland , Zähle Katrin , Hildebrand Carlos , Kräling Konrad , Greten Willi
Published: June 2011

Oil yield and agronomic properties are the most important targets for canola breeders ( Brassica napus L.) in northern Europe. In order to enhance Pioneer's canola oil yield breeding efforts, oil content was measured with near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy directly on a harvester (NIR spectroscopy on-combine) and, in addition, moisture, protein and glucosinolate content were determined. NIR spectroscopy, coupled with rapid harvesting, can significantly improve the quality and speed of oil yield determinations so they occur within a very narrow harvest time window. Moisture, oil, protein and glucosinolate calibrations were developed with 449 samples from the 2004 to 2005 harvests, comprising spectra from four diode array NIR spectrometers mounted on-combine. Applying these calibrations to an independent dataset from the 2006 harvest resulted in standard errors of prediction ( SEP) and coefficients of determination ( r2) of 0.41% and 0.93 for moisture, 0.7% and 0.84 for oil, 0.61% and 0.81 for protein, 4.0% and 0.22 for glucosinolates, respectively. Combining calibrations generated from the four instruments gave optimal predictions. Omitting data from any instrument decreased accuracy and precision, although dropping each instrument had a different effect on the measured values of the constituents. Each instrument produced very similar moisture and constituent predictions with a common sample set as indicated by high r2 and, thus, very similar ranking properties. Analysis of variance with the on-combine determinations led to lower residual variance for oil and similar variance for protein compared to those obtained with classical methods of sampling and laboratory NIR analyses. In summary, the results demonstrate that NIR spectroscopy on-combine is very promising to enhance breeding canola for higher oil yield.
Decomposing the Cross Derivatives of a Multiattribute Utility Function into Risk Attitude and Value
Authors: Abbas Ali E.
Published: June 2011

The cross derivatives of a multiattribute utility function play an important role in the choice between multivariate lotteries and in multiattribute Taylor expansions of the utility function. This paper decomposes the cross derivatives into two components: the derivatives of a single-attribute utility function over value and the cross derivatives of the value function. This approach provides a simple method for reasoning about the signs of the cross derivatives of a multiattribute utility function using derivatives of a univariate utility function and the properties of the value function. To illustrate the approach, we relate the multivariate risk aversion concept, which involves the mixed partial derivative of the utility function, to the Arrow–Pratt risk aversion function. We show that for additive value functions, a decision maker is multivariate risk averse if and only if he is risk averse over value in the Arrow–Pratt sense. For other value functions, however, a decision maker can be risk averse or risk seeking over value and still exhibit multivariate risk aversion. The approach also derives the conditions on the value function that relate two important classes of utility functions: single attribute utility functions whose derivatives alternate in sign and multiattribute utility functions whose cross derivatives alternate in sign. These two classes are widely used in practice and form the basis of univariate and multivariate stochastic dominance. Several examples illustrate the approach.
Potential Costs and Benefits of Statewide Smoking Cessation in Pennsylvania
Authors: Rumberger Jill S. , Hollenbeak Christopher S.
Published: June 2011

Objectives:To determine whether the cost of a statewide smoking cessation program in Pennsylvania could be justified by the benefits.Methods:A cost-benefit analysis of statewide access to smoking cessation programs. We compared three treatment alternatives, both with and without counselling: nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion and varenicline.Results:While the retail price of a pack of cigarettes in Pennsylvania is on average US$4.72, the combined medical costs and productivity losses in Pennsylvania attributable to each pack of cigarettes sold are approximately US$23.78 per pack of cigarettes. The ratio of benefits to cost varied from US$0.97 to US$2.76 saved per dollar spent on smoking cessation programs, depending upon the type of intervention.Conclusions:For most smoking cessation treatments, the benefits of a statewide smoking cessation program in Pennsylvania would greatly outweigh its costs.
The Haitian play: C. L. R. James' Toussaint Louverture (1936)
Authors: Sweeney Fionnghuala
Published: June 2011

The play Toussaint Louverture, staged in London in 1936, was the first in a series of interventions by C. L. R. James into the representative politics and historical implications of the Haitian revolution. The theme was most famously to recur in The Black Jacobins (first
published in 1938), a text whose shifting frames of reference and lines of emplotment have become central to contemporary discussions of the current postcolonial moment (Scott 2004). Despite the attention accorded Jacobins, the play has received little critical notice, largely because
of the absence of a script authenticated as that originally performed in 1936, but never copyrighted or published. Using a range of archive evidence, this article argues that a document held in the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, is, first, a copy of the text that formed the basis of the
performance; and, second, a document whose circulation helps position James within the complex network of activity that constituted the black Atlantic response to the political and cultural opportunities of the early twentieth century. It considers the critical reception of the play, the significance
of the London metropolitan setting, and the ways in which the plot may have been designed to anticipate, and play to, an audience self-image rooted in ambivalence to its own past, yet drawn to increasing possibilities of the politically and aesthetically new.
Aim Csaire, the Colonial Exhibition, and the modernity of the Black Atlantic
Authors: Murdoch H. Adlai
Published: June 2011

If modernism incorporated experiments with form, style and process, rejecting the longstanding claims to rationality, harmony, and coherence of the Enlightenment, it also provided a platform for the challenge to accepted racialized Atlantic binaries that Negritude would ultimately undertake.
As a key moment in Europe's celebratory self-fashioning, the 1931 Paris Colonial Exposition lauded the diversity and depth of France's intercontinental stature as a colonial power. But during this period, perceptions of race and alterity mediated a French praxis of assimilation, predicated
largely on essentialized principles of racialized difference. Thus the Colonial Exhibition sought to condense and concentrate the central themes of colonial rhetoric into the basic framework of a single event. Csairean discourse would challenge the hierarchies of race and difference that were
embodied in this triumphal moment and its furtherance of the stereotypes that nourished French colonialism through the implicit contradictions embedded in France's racialized foundation of difference and subjectivity. These hierarchies had long been accepted and inscribed in western discourse
despite the advent of such path-breaking movements as surrealism.
Morpholino knockdown of the ubiquitously expressed transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS4a in zebrafish embryos exhibits severe defects in organogenesis and cell adhesion
Authors: Ohler Anke , Becker-Pauly Christoph
Published: June 2011

Over the past years the members of the type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) family have emerged as new players in mammalian biology. TMPRSS4 (transmembraneprotease/serine) is overexpressed in several human cancer tissues, promoting invasion, migration, and metastasis. However, the physiological function has not yet been elucidated. Here, we present morpholino knockdown studies targeting TMPRSS4a, a homolog of human TMPRSS4 in zebrafish embryos. By RT-PCR, we could demonstrate an expression of this protease already 5 h post-fertilization, suggesting important functions in the early stages of embryonic development. Indeed,in vivogene silencing caused severe defects in tissue development and cell differentiation including a disturbed skeletal muscle formation, a decelerated heartbeat, and a degenerated vascular system. Scanning electron microscopy revealed strong defects in epidermal skin organization, with clearly altered cell-cell contacts, resulting in the detachment of keratinocytes from the underneath tissue. The disturbed organogenesis in general is consistent with RT-PCR results which exhibited a ubiquitous expression of TMPRSS4a, predominantly in kidney, skin, heart, and gills. Our results demonstrate the importance of TMPRSS4a in tissue development and cell differentiation. Whether its proteolytic activity is directed towards adhesion molecules or leads to the activation of other proteases needs to be investigated further.
Simplified determination of total lignin content in kraft lignin samples and black liquors
Authors: Aldaeus Fredrik , Schweinebarth Hannah , Törngren Per , Jacobs Anna
Published: June 2011

Determination of total lignin content in lignin samples and black liquors using methods with reduced or omitted acid hydrolysis has been compared to the standard method, and results show that the simplified methods yield equivalent results.
Effect of water environment on jute/polypropylene composites
Authors: Morii Tohru , Tomioka Seiji , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2011

This study investigates the effects of water immersion on tensile properties of jute fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites. The long fiber type jute/PP pellet and neat PP pellet were used as materials and the jute/PP specimens with different fiber content were prepared by injection molding with dry-blending of jute/PP and neat PP pellets. All the specimens were aged in hot distilled water at 80°C, and after the fixed periods of immersion, the weight changes and the tensile properties were measured. The weight gain by water absorption was significantly affected by the fiber content. The specimens with the jute fiber content of 30 wt% more easily absorbed water and it reached more than 10%. In these specimens, significant material loss by immersion also occurred. The tensile strength after immersion decreased remarkably in the specimens with the jute fiber content of 30 wt% and more, and all the jute/PP composites showed lower strength than neat PP after immersion of 1000 h.
Characterization of polypropylene composites reinforced with flax fibers treated by mechanical and alkali methods
Authors: Hu Wei , Ton-That Minh-Tan , Denault Johanne , Belanger Christian
Published: June 2011

Flax is a type of natural fiber widely used as reinforcing materials for polymer composites. The commercially available flax fibers in Canada consist of a significant amount of shive and other impurities, which could act as stress concentration regions to negatively affect the mechanical property of composites. In this study, the shive was manually removed from the commercial flax fibers by screening and combing to obtain different shive contents from 0 to 30 wt%. By contrast, the obtained flax fibers were further treated with alkaline solution. The fibers obtained from mechanical and alkali treatment were compared on their thermal and mechanical properties. As expected, it was found that the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the flax reinforced polypropylene composites increased significantly with the removal of the shive content. However, the alkali treatment on flax fiber did not further improve the composites properties. The possible reason was that the proper mechanical treatment (screening and combing) prior to alkaline treatment effectively loosened the fiber bundles for better single fiber separation in matrix and significantly removed the impurities, thus the effect of alkaline treatment did not become obvious.
Towards a sustainable concrete: “sandless” concrete
Authors: Tan Kiang Hwee , Du Hongjian
Published: June 2011

As a step towards ensuring the sustainability of concrete as a construction material, an investigation was carried out on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete made without natural sand, termed “sandless” concrete, and with cement partially replaced by fly ash. Four groups of concrete mixes, with water-cement (w/c) ratios of 0.40, 0.45, 0.50 and 0.55, respectively, were studied. For each w/c ratio, there were six mixes with 0, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% of cement content replaced by fly ash by mass, and one normal concrete mix containing natural sand. The difference in mechanical properties between normal and “sandless” concrete was not significant. “Sandless” concrete mixes with cement replaced by fly ash by <30% showed comparable compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths as those without fly ash. However, the elastic modulus was reduced with the incorporation of fly ash. In addition, use of fly ash led to reduced drying shrinkage of “sandless” concrete, and significantly improved the resistance to chloride ion penetration. The resistance to sulfate attack, on the other hand, seemed to decrease with higher fly ash content. From the study, it appears that “sandless” concrete with cement replaced by fly ash up to 30% could be considered for structural applications.
A FDTD Modeling Approach to Investigate Critical Refraction from Crosswell Radar
Authors: Rucker Dale F.
Published: June 2011

First arrival travel times (FATTs) from critically refracted waves in crosswell radar applications have been known to cause incorrect estimates of electromagnetic wave velocities, if these waves are assumed to be a direct arrival. This is a particular problem when the FATTs are acquired from radar antennae placed near the ground surface. One way to accommodate critically refracted waves at the air-ground interface is to remove the upper [Formula: see text] of data and assume that the remaining FATTs within the profile travel directly from transmitter to receiver. An alternative method is to use simple ray-based inverse models that accommodate critically refracted waves to back calculate the near-surface electromagnetic wave velocity. In this work, we show the validity of these ray-based models in regions where critical refractions will occur, by first generating FATTs with a finite-difference time domain (FDTD) numerical model and assuming zero-offset profiling mode of acquisition. The ray-based inverse models were shown to reproduce the original electromagnetic wave velocity of the numerical model. A second test was also run using FDTD modeling, where an infiltrating wetting front moves past a set stationary antennae and the time series of FATTs were recorded for the duration of the infiltration experiment. The critically refracted waves occurring at the edge of the moving wetting front actually benefits the calculation of the hydraulic conductivity controlling the speed of the wetting front. Additionally, the sharper the wetting front, the more accurate the prediction for hydraulic conductivity. With the work presented here and elsewhere, obtaining reasonable estimates of electromagnetic wave velocity where critical refraction is known to occur should be easily applied and defended.
Exploring the Linkages between Geotechnical Properties and Electrical Responses of Sand-Clay Mixtures under Varying Effective Stress Levels
Authors: Boadu Fred K. , Owusu-Nimo Frederick
Published: June 2011

The strength and stability conditions of unconsolidated geo-materials, for example soils, are influenced by modifications of their micro-structure, texture, mineralogy and effective stress levels. These modifications in the internal structures of the soils often result in geohazards (e.g., landslides, liquefaction, debris flow), which often claim so many lives, destroy the environment, and cause considerable amounts of property damage. Characterization and monitoring of such geohazards demand knowledge about the geotechnical (physical and mechanical) properties of unconsolidated near-surface geo-materials of interest.

The fundamental relations between geo-electrical parameters and the geotechnical properties that influence the mechanical behavior of soils are investigated by performing controlled laboratory experiments on sand-clay mixtures under stress. Spectral electrical response (SER) measurements are performed on these mixtures over a range of frequencies [Formula: see text] with concurrent measurements of their geotechnical properties. Electrical parameters, such as phase, resistivity amplitude, capacitance, and loss tangent, are extracted from the SER measurements, and geotechnical properties of the mixtures, which include void ratio, dry density, and the modulus of elasticity, are obtained from laboratory measurements. Cross-plots of geotechnical properties and geo-electrical parameters indicate significant correlations. The phase and capacitance values decrease with an increase in the dry density, whilst the loss tangent and the resistivity values increase with increase in dry density. The phase and capacitance values, however, decrease with an increase in the values of the modulus of elasticity, whereas the loss tangent and the resistivity values increase with increase in elastic modulus. These relations can be useful in non-invasive prediction of the physical, mechanical, and geotechnical properties of unconsolidated geo-materials relevant in the assessment, monitoring, and mitigation of geohazards.
Spectral Induced Polarization Detects Cracks and Distinguishes between Open- and Clay-filled Fractures
Authors: Schmutz Myriam , Ghorbani Ahmad , Vaudelet Pierre , Revil Andre
Published: June 2011

Spectral induced polarisation (SIP) is applied to the detection and localization of fractures located in the roof of an abandoned quarry at Saint-Germain-la-Rivière (Gironde, southwest France). Two types of fracture are observed in the roof of the galleries: open (mostly clay-free) and clay-filled.

The phase between current and voltage is used to detect the presence of these fractures and can differentiate those with or without clays. The amplitude and phase of complex conductivity can be analysed using a Cole-Cole model of relaxation times. Open fractures are characterized by very low chargeability and a high relaxation time in the order of [Formula: see text]. Clay-filled fractures are characterized by high chargeability and a low relaxation time.
Joint production of timber and water: a case study
Authors: Keleş Sedat , Başkent Emin Zeki
Published: June 2011

The integration of water production values for forest ecosystems into forest management models has become increasingly important in sustainable forest management in recent years because forests play a vital role in the quantity and quality of surface and ground water resources. The main objective of this work was to develop a multiple use forest management planning model, focusing on the economic effects of some forest management policy constraints on timber and water production values for forest ecosystems. Each forest value is functionally linked to stand structure and is quantified economically. Various forest management planning scenarios were developed to be applied in a typical forest that has the potential to yield timber and water benefits. The analysis was performed by formulating a linear programming-based multiple-use forest management planning model. The results show that the total net present value (NPV) of timber and water production profits would be reduced by up to 25.3% when area and timber volume policy constraints are incorporated into an unconstrained forest management planning model. The results also indicate that, if forests are managed to meet some forest management policy constraints, the NPV of timber production is considerably reduced. In addition, the interactions between timber and water are found to be complementary, depending on the assumed relationships between forest ecosystem structure and forest values. In terms of forest management, the issue of water quality and quantity is likely to become even more important in the future, due mainly to increasing demand on water.
Effect of hysteroscopic examination on the outcome of in vitro fertilization
Authors: Trninic-Pjevic Aleksandra , Kopitovic Vesna , Pop-Trajkovic Sonja , Bjelica Artur , Bujas Irena , Tabs Dunja , Ilic Djordje , Stajic Dragan
Published: June 2011

Bacground/Aim. Implantation failure after embryo transfer is one of the main
problems of in vitro fartilization (IVF) and intrauterine pathologies can
lead to unsuccessful outcome. The aim of this study was to determine if
hysteroscopic examination of uterine cavity and consequent treatment of
intrauterine lesions prior to IVF could improve the pregnancy rate in women
under 38. Methods. This study included 480 patients under 38, who had
undergone IVF or IVF\ICSI - embryo transfer cycles, in which one or more good
quality embryos were transferred. By transvaginal sonography performed within
the past 2 months, the uterus was found normal in all the patients enrolled
in our IVF unit. The patients were divided into three groups: group A - with
no hysteroscopic evaluation and no pathology, group B - with hysteroscopy but
no pathology, and group C - with abnormal hysteroscopy finding and
corresponding treatment. Results. The obtained results revaled no difference
in the mean age, duration of infertility, number of mature oocytes in either
group (p > 0.05). Clinical pregnancy rates in the groups A, B and C were
36.9%, 58.75% and 32.7%, respectively, and delivery rates were 27.5%, 48.7%
and 25.7%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference
among the groups concerning pregnancy and delivery rates. Conclusion.
Considering the results of this study we could conclude that hysteroscopy, as
a routine examination, should be performed before the first IVF-ET cycle in
all patients thereby reducing the failures and then the costs of IVF-ET.
Assessment of memory in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tomasevic-Todorovic Snezana , Boskovic Ksenija , Filipovic Danka , Naumovic Nada
Published: June 2011

Background/Aim. The diagnosis of emotional and cognitive dysfunction in
patients with rheumatoid arthritis is often not noticed, regardless of their
importance and frequency. The aim of this research was to assess memory
function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with respect to its emotional
manifestation, pain intensity, the duration and degree of disease activity,
and functional and anatomical stages of the disease. Methods. The study
involved 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 30 healthy subjects of
both sexes, aged up to 55, who were examined and tested in the Special
Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Novi Sad. Depression was diagnosed by
using the Beck?s scale for depression (Beck Depression Inventory - BDI),
anxiety by using the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory - State and Trait?;
we evaluated the cognitive status (by the Wechsler scale-based memory -
WBsp), the functional status (Health Assesment Questionnaire, HAQ) and
disease activity by analyzing the index of disease activity (DAS 28).
Results. Depressive symptoms were registered in 38 (63.33%) patients, and
anxiety symptoms in 22 (36.67%) patients. The average values of the memory
coefficient were significantly lower in the group of patients with rheumatoid
arthritis compared with the control group. Conclusion. High frequency of
emotional dysfunction and damaged memory abilities in patients with
rheumatoid arthritis requires in time diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Comparison of the established definition criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome between overweight and obese children in Vojvodina
Authors: Vorgucin Ivana , Vlaski Jovan , Naumovic Nada , Katanic Dragan
Published: June 2011

Background/Aim. Metabolic syndrome is a clinical term which encompasses
obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, as well as an
increased risk of the development of diabetes mellitus type 2 and
cardiovascular disorders in early adulthood. The prevalence of metabolic
syndrome is increasing and directly related to the obesity rate among
children. The aim of the research was to compare the established definition
of the criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome in a sample group
consisting of overweight and obese children in Vojvodina. Methods. The
research was performed as a cross study analysis of 206 examinees. In terms
of the sample group (25% children and 75% adolescents), 74% were obese and
26% overweight according to the body mass index (BMI). Two sets of criteria
for diagnosing metabolic syndrome were applied in the sample of adolescents:
the criteria for adults, specifically adapted for children, and the criteria
defined by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) for children and
adolescents. The research included the analysis of the following criteria:
BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol,
glycemia and insulinemia during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Results. By applying the specific criteria for diagnosing the metabolic
syndrome in children and adolescents on the whole sample, it was established
that the metabolic syndrome was present in 41% of the examinees, while the
application of the criteria defined by the IDF confirmed the diagnosis in 22%
of the examinees. An analysis of the metabolic syndrome risk factors
established that among the defined specific criteria the most frequent
factors present were elevated BMI and the pathological results of the OGTT,
while the least frequent was low HDL cholesterol. Among the criteria listed
by the IDF, the most frequent metabolic syndrome factors were waist
circumference and increased blood pressure, while the least frequent was
elevated fasting glucose. Conclusion. Metabolic syndrome in overweight and
obese children in Vojvodina was diagnosed much more often when the specific
criteria for children and adolescents were applied than it was the case when
the criteria defined by the International Diabetes Federation were applied.
Assessment of the effectiveness of low level laser in the treatment of alveolar osteitis
Authors: Jovanovic Goran , Buric Nikola , Krunic Nebojsa , Tijanic Milos , Stojanovic Simona
Published: June 2011

Background/Aim. Alveolar osteitis (AO) is the extraction wound healing
disorder with a presence of severe pain. Low level laser therapy stimulates
cell metabolism and microcirculation, have has pronounced analgesic,
antiedematous and anti-inflammatory effect and speeds up wound healing
process. The aim of this study was to present results of clinical research
that examined the effectiveness of low level laser in pain relief and healing
of extraction wounds with alveolar osteitis in the lower jaw which was formed
on the second day after tooth extraction. Methods. The study was conducted on
60 subjects divided into the study and the control group. In both groups
extraction wounds were processed in similar way, except that in the study
group was applied daily treatment of low level laser with a total of eight
sessions of radiation, while in the control group extraction wounds were
dressed with zinc oxide eugenol paste, which was changed every 48 hours up to
the pain cessation. Measurement of pain intensity was done with a visual
analogue scale (VAS) 10 min prior to processing of extraction wounds and
daily for the next eight days. Assessment of the effectiveness of low level
laser on healing of extraction wounds was performed on the day eight of the
treatment. Results. On the day five after beginning of the treatment of
extraction wounds with alveolar osteitis in the patients of the study group a
lower average value of pain as compared to the control group was registered.
This difference was increased within the following days. Extraction wounds
healing in the study group was more successful and faster than in the control
group. Conclusion. This study suggested that the reduction of pain was more
pronounced in the patients with alveolar osteitis whose extraction wounds
were subjected to low level laser radiation in comparison to those in which
extraction wounds were treated with zinc oxide eugenol paste.
Gastric adenomyoma
Authors: Kerkez Mirko , Lekic Nebojsa , Culafic Djordje , Raznatovic Zoran , Ignjatovic Igor , Lekic Dragana , Mijac Dragana
Published: June 2011

Bacground. Gastric adenomyoma is a rare, hamartomatous tumor localized most
frequently in the gastric antrum. Review of the available literature shows
only sporadic reports or smaller series. Case reports. We presented a
72-year-old woman admitted due to epigastric pain with dyspeptic
difficulties. Biochemical parameters and tumor markers were within the
referential limits. Diagnostic procedures (upper endoscopy, endoscopic
ultrasonography and computerized tomography) revealed an intramural tumor
prominence with intact mucosa on the posterior wall of gastric antrum, not
accessible for biopsy. Surgical treatment was performed with total
extirpation of the tumor. Histopathological examination verified adenomyoma
with focal low grade epithelial dysplasia. Cytologic immunophenotype was
consistent with smooth muscle stromal and epithelial tumor (CK7 and CK20 ++
immunophenotype). Stromal component revealed low proliferative index (Ki-67
protein immunoexpression level 3%), and p53 less than 0.1% in both epithelial
and stromal components. Following the operation, the patient remained in good
condition. Conclusion. Uncertain malignant potential of the gastric
adenomyoma in the presented case indicates that timely diagnostics with
adequate surgical treatment is crucial for an adequate treatment.
Occupational contact allergic dermatitis in dentistry
Authors: Mikov Ivan , Turkalj Ivan , Jovanovic Marina
Published: June 2011

Introduction. Dental professionals may be at increased risk of developing
occupational allergic diseases specially to methacrylates that can permeate
protective disposable gloves. Case report. We presented a case of
occupational allergic contact dermatitis in a 28-year-old dental technician.
The patient had complained of itching and cracking of fingers for 6 months.
The dermatitis improved over weekends. Skin erythema and scaling were present
with primarily involvement of the fingertips. Patch testing with dental
series gave positive vesicular reaction to methyl methacrylate. Follow-up
after 6 months of allergen avoidance showed a complete regression of
dermatitis. Conclusion. Methacrylates serve as bases for acrylic resins which
are used in prosthetics. Methyl methacrylate as a small molecular acrylate
can permeate thin protective disposable gloves. Using adequate personal
protective equipment, like nitrile rubber gloves, is the most important
preventive measure in this occupation. Health practitioners should recognize
possible occupational hazards in dentistry and implement appropriate
preventive measures to protect health of workers.
Application of Sensitivity Analysis to the Correction of Static Characteristics of a Phase Angle Modulator
Authors: Sroka Ryszard
Published: June 2011

Application of Sensitivity Analysis to the Correction of Static Characteristics of a Phase Angle Modulator

The paper presents definitions and relative measures of the system sensitivity and sensitivity of its errors. The model of a real system and model of an ideal measuring system were introduced. It allows to determine the errors of the system. The paper presents also how to use the error sensitivity analysis carried out on the models of the measuring system to the correction of the nonlinearity error of its static characteristic. The corrective function is determined as a relation between the input variable of the tested system and its chosen parameter. The use of the proposed method has been presented on the example of a phase angle modulator. The obtained results have been compared with the results of analytic calculations. The idea of a phase angle modulator is also presented.
A Velocity Measurement Method Based on Scaling Parameter Estimation of a Chaotic System
Authors: Liu Lidong , Hu Jifeng , He Zishu , Han Chunlin , Li Huiyong , Li Jun
Published: June 2011

A Velocity Measurement Method Based on Scaling Parameter Estimation of a Chaotic System

In this paper, we propose a new method of measuring the target velocity by estimating the scaling parameter of a chaos-generating system. First, we derive the relation between the target velocity and the scaling parameter of the chaos-generating system. Then a new method for scaling parameter estimation of the chaotic system is proposed by exploiting the chaotic synchronization property. Finally, numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed method in target velocity measurement.
Blood supply and vascular reactivity of the spinal cord under normal and pathological conditions
Authors: Martirosyan Nikolay L. , Feuerstein Jeanne S. , Theodore Nicholas , Cavalcanti Daniel D. , Spetzler Robert F. , Preul Mark C.
Published: June 2011

The authors present a review of spinal cord blood supply, discussing the anatomy of the vascular system and physiological aspects of blood flow regulation in normal and injured spinal cords. Unique anatomical functional properties of vessels and blood supply determine the susceptibility of the spinal cord to damage, especially ischemia. Spinal cord injury (SCI), for example, complicating thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair is associated with ischemic trauma. The rate of this devastating complication has been decreased significantly by instituting physiological methods of protection. Traumatic SCI causes complex changes in spinal cord blood flow, which are closely related to the severity of injury. Manipulating physiological parameters such as mean arterial blood pressure and intrathecal pressure may be beneficial for patients with an SCI. Studying the physiopathological processes of the spinal cord under vascular compromise remains challenging because of its central role in almost all of the body's hemodynamic and neurofunctional processes.
Recurrent idiopathic perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Reynolds Matthew R. , Blackburn Spiros L. , Zipfel Gregory J.
Published: June 2011

Perimesencephalic nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (PNSAH) is a benign variant of SAH defined by clinical symptoms of SAH, a characteristic pattern of extravasated blood on noncontrast CT, and negative findings on cerebral angiography. This syndrome carries a favorable prognosis with reportedly no risk of recurrent hemorrhage. The authors present the case of a 62-year-old man with no significant medical history who experienced recurrent, spontaneous episodes of PNSAH within the course of 5 months. No precipitating causes were identified, but the patient had been involved in exertional activities preceding both events. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first conclusive report of recurrent, idiopathic PNSAH. The findings suggest that while the risk of recurrent hemorrhage in the setting of PNSAH is far less than that for aneurysmal SAH, rebleeding can still occur. The authors speculate on the etiology of this rare phenomenon.
Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells—Biology and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Gürsel Demirkan B. , Shin Benjamin J. , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Kesavabhotla Kartik , Schlaff Cody D. , Boockvar John A.
Published: June 2011

The cancer stem-cell hypothesis proposes that malignant tumors are likely to encompass a cellular hierarchy that parallels normal tissue and may be responsible for the maintenance and recurrence of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in patients. The purpose of this manuscript is to review methods for optimizing the derivation and culturing of stem-like cells also known as tumor stem cells (TSCs) from patient-derived GBM tissue samples. The hallmarks of TSCs are that they must be able to self-renew and retain tumorigenicity. The isolation, optimization and derivation of TSCs as outlined in this review, will be important in understanding biology and therapeutic applications related to these cells.
Textural Characterization and Energetics of Porous Solids by Adsorption Calorimetry
Authors: Garcia-Cuello Vanessa Silenia , Giraldo Liliana , Moreno-Pirajan Juan C.
Published: June 2011

An adsorption microcalorimeter was designed and built in our laboratory and used for the determination of differential adsorption heats in different samples of porous solids: activated carbon granules, activated carbon pellets, an activated carbon monolith and a zeolite sample. This work shows the relationship between adsorption heat and the pore size of different porous solids using adsorption of NH3, CO and N2O. The result shows that the thermal effect can be related with textural properties and superficial chemical groups of the studied porous solids. The values of differential heats of N2O adsorption in the investigated systems have shown that this interaction is weaker than that with CO. Small amounts of N2O are chemisorbed in the investigated systems. For the room temperature adsorption of N2O, the strongest active sites for the interaction with Brönsted acid groups in the ACM structure were identified. The values determined are between −60 kJ/mol and −110 kJ/mol for ZMOR and ACM, respectively, for the adsorption of N2O and −95 kJ/mol and −130 kJ/mol for the adsorption of CO.
Any Pair of 2D Curves Is Consistent with a 3D Symmetric Interpretation
Authors: Sawada Tadamasa , Li Yunfeng , Pizlo Zygmunt
Published: June 2011

Symmetry has been shown to be a very effective a priori constraint in solving a 3D shape recovery problem. Symmetry is useful in 3D recovery because it is a form of redundancy. There are, however, some fundamental limits to the effectiveness of symmetry. Specifically, given two arbitrary curves in a single 2D image, one can always find a 3D mirror-symmetric interpretation of these curves under quite general assumptions. The symmetric interpretation is unique under a perspective projection and there is a one parameter family of symmetric interpretations under an orthographic projection. We formally state and prove this observation for the case of one-to-one and many-to-many point correspondences. We conclude by discussing the role of degenerate views, higher-order features in determining the point correspondences, as well as the role of the planarity constraint. When the correspondence of features is known and/or curves can be assumed to be planar, 3D symmetry becomes non-accidental in the sense that a 2D image of a 3D asymmetric shape obtained from a random viewing direction will not allow for 3D symmetric interpretations.
Single Percutaneous Injection of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 Induces Bone Repair in Mouse Closed Tibial Fracture Model
Authors: Li Xin , Gao Zhongli , Wang Jincheng
Published: June 2011

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 is a dominant chemokine in bone marrow that is known to be involved in inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Its role in bone repair has recently been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of extraneous stromal cell-derived factor-1 in fracture healing.
Physical Examination Findings in Young Athletes Correlate with History of Shoulder Instability
Authors: Owens Brett D. , Duffey Michele L. , DeBerardino Thomas M. , Cameron Kenneth L.
Published: June 2011

The goal of this study was to evaluate physical examination findings in a healthy cohort and determine potential correlations with a history of shoulder instability. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using the baseline data for an ongoing prospective cohort study to examine the risk factors for shoulder instability. A complete history of shoulder instability events was obtained, and a blinded physical examination was performed. The cohort comprised 711 patients (627 men, 84 women) with a mean age of 18.8 years. A total of 100 patients had a history of shoulder instability. Patients with a history of instability were more likely to have increased posterior translation (
P
=.010), positive apprehension sign (
P
=.003), positive relocation sign (
P
=.007), and sulcus sign (
P
=.017).
Effectiveness of Electromyographic Biofeedback in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Angoules Antonios G. , Balakatounis Konstantine C. , Panagiotopoulou Kalomoira A. , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Mitsiokapa Evanthia A. , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J.
Published: June 2011

Electromyographic biofeedback is a therapeutic modality used along with other interventions in the treatment of pain. This article presents a brief review of the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback in treating musculoskeletal pain. Electromyographic biofeedback may provide pain relief for chronic musculoskeletal pain due to cumulative trauma, and may be proposed as an additional intervention to exercise in patellofemoral pain syndrome and acute sciatic pain. Electromyographic biofeedback is comparable to cognitive behavioral treatment and relaxation techniques. When added to an exercise program in patients with patellofemoral pain or acute sciatic pain, no further pain reduction is achieved. Electromyographic biofeedback promotes active participation and thus may motivate patients to adopt an active role in establishing and reaching goals in rehabilitation. Further research is required to investigate its effect on musculoskeletal pain.
Retrograde Femoral Nailing and Knee Function
Authors: Murray Patrick , Bergin Patrick , Labropoulos Panos , Gunther Stephen
Published: June 2011

This study compares the functional outcomes of retrograde and antegrade femoral nailing for femur shaft fractures. Thirty-two patients who underwent femoral nailing for femur shaft fractures at 2 urban level I trauma centers were evaluated retrospectively. Fourteen nails were inserted retrograde (13 patients) and 19 were inserted antegrade. A comparison of clinical outcomes between retrograde and antegrade nailing was performed. Data collected included patient demographics, injury and treatment details, Injury Severity Scores (ISS), New Injury Severity Scores (NISS), hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and complications and reoperations. Knee and hip function was assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Hip Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). A complete physical examination of the knee and hip was performed. Data analysis was performed using nonparametric tests. The average time to follow-up was 48.2 months. The 2 groups were not equivalent with respect to hospital length of stay, number of additional injuries and surgeries, and fracture location. The groups were equivalent with respect to age, time to follow-up, ISS, NISS, and intensive care unit length of stay. Knee scores and knee range of motion (ROM) were significantly worse in the retrograde group. Hip function was not significantly different between groups.
Treatment of Complex Foot Deformities in Children with the Taylor Spatial Frame
Authors: Eidelman Mark , Katzman Alexander
Published: June 2011

The Taylor spatial frame is a relatively new external fixator able to correct 6-axis deformities with computer accuracy using a virtual hinge. The Taylor spatial frame has gained tremendous popularity, but its use for the correction of foot deformities is still limited. Various ring configurations and a new foot program have recently become available and allow correction of the most difficult foot deformities. This article reports the results of 13 patients (15 frames) with various foot deformities treated at our institution with 3 different Taylor spatial frame configurations (standard rings construction, miter frame, and butt frame). Treatment goals were achieved in 11 patients, while mild residual deformities persisted in 2 patients. Most complications during treatment consisted of pin tract infections. One patient had premature consolidation, which was treated with additional midtarsal osteotomy; 1 had metatarsophalangeal joint subluxation, which was fixed with tendon lengthening and pining of the joint; and 1 had talar subluxation, which was reduced with residual program correction. Based on our experience, we believe the Taylor spatial frame is a very powerful and accurate surgical modality with a relatively short learning curve for the correction for most difficult foot deformities.
Articular Cartilage Changes
Authors: Weilin Sang , Jinzhong Ma
Published: June 2011

The morphologic changes of articular cartilage with bone grafting to fill subchondral bone defects were studied in 23-month-old New Zealand rabbits with bilateral tibial subchondral bone defects. The defects were made approximately 5 mm below the articular surface and were covered with surrounding tissues. The right side was filled with calcium sulfate bone graft, and the left side was filled with acrylic cement as control. The articular cartilage above the fillers was harvested 12 weeks postoperatively. Gross observation, histological examination, and transmission electron microscope observation were undertaken. The results showed that cartilage above the calcium sulfate had a normal hyaline articular cartilage appearance. In contrast, cartilage above the acrylic cement showed degenerative changes in both histological and electron microscope observation. These results suggest that using calcium sulfate bone graft to fill subchondral metaphyseal bone defects has no harmful effect to overlying articular cartilage. This substitute can reduce the possibility of osteoarthritis compared to acrylic cement.
Idiopathic Dural Optic Nerve Sheath Calcification Associated with Choroidal Osteoma
Authors: Ascaso Francisco J. , Lasierra Rafael
Published: June 2011

A 28-year-old woman presented with a choroidal osteoma in the right eye and optic atrophy in the left eye, associated with bilateral optic nerve sheath calcification and calcifications in the pineal, choroid plexus, and dura (falx and tentorium). Visual acuity, tumor size, and intracranial calcifications did not change over 16 years. The combination of bilateral optic nerve sheath calcification with multiple intracranial calcifications suggests an unexplained and generalized dural calcification process. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of choroidal ossifying tumor associated with calcified lesions of the optic nerves. Although the pathogenesis of bone formation in choroidal osteoma remains uncertain, intraocular inflammation might be one cause.