bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of seismic behaviour of steel special moment frame buildings with vertical irregularities
Authors: Le‐Trung Kien , Lee Kihak , Lee Jaehong , Lee Do Hyung
Published: April 2010

This paper concentrates on investigating the seismic behaviours of vertically irregular steel special moment frame (SMF) buildings by comparison with the regular counterpart. All buildings in this study were assumed to be located in Los Angeles, and subjected to 20 earthquake ground motions with a seismic hazard level of 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years. The beam–column connections of the buildings were modelled to consider the panel zone deformation. In addition, a ductile connection model accompanied by strength degradation was incorporated to the analysis programme in an effort to obtain more accurate response results. Three types of irregularities (mass, stiffness and strength irregularity) specified as vertical irregularities in the IBC 2000 provisions were imposed to the original building. Nonlinear static and dynamic analyses were performed, and the confidence levels of which the performance objective will be satisfied were calculated as well. The effects of different irregularity types and levels on the seismic behaviours of the buildings were investigated and discussed in terms of the height‐wise distribution of storey drifts, maximum storey drift demands, global collapse storey drift capacities and confidence levels. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality sucks
Authors: Hart Gary C.
Published: April 2010

This paper addresses the current state of the quality of constructed buildings. It proposes ways to improve this quality using uncertainty reduction methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Start of structural damage in stucco walls
Authors: Hart Gary C. , Jain Anurag , Dumortier Alexis , Simsir Can , Barnes Michael S.
Published: April 2010

A wealth of data about the performance of stucco shear walls under cyclic loading has become available since 2001. Stucco and drywall are the only earthquake and wind lateral force‐resisting systems in many existing residential buildings, especially single and multi‐family homes built before 1980. This paper presents the results of an analysis of cyclic tests conducted at the University of California, Irvine, on solid stucco walls to determine the start of structural damage. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic performance analysis of Wenchuan Hospital structure with viscous dampers
Authors: Chen Xue‐Wei , Li Jia‐Xuan , Cheang Jack
Published: April 2010

Analytical investigation was undertaken to assess the seismic performance of Wenchuan Hospital located in Wenchuan county, southwest China's Sichuan province, where a severe earthquake has occurred in May 2008. The structure consists of a four‐storey reinforced concrete frame with viscous dampers. The irregular building is 18·35‐m tall and has a total floor area of 17 000 m2. Viscous dampers are set along the outside surface of structure to get a more efficient reduction of structure responses. The design idea of performance‐based seismic design is presented in this paper. Seismic performance of the structure with and without viscous dampers under different levels of ground motion is analysed and verified by different methods, including elastic analysis under frequent earthquake, unyielding and elastic check of structure element under medium earthquake, static nonlinear analysis and dynamic nonlinear analysis under rare earthquake. And a comparative analysis is presented, such as results between elastic and inelastic analysis, static nonlinear analysis and dynamic nonlinear analysis, and structure with and without viscous dampers. The control effects of viscous dampers on internal force, deformation and energy dissipation of the structure are also studied. Meanwhile, a practical method to calculate the supplemental damping ratio added by viscous dampers is proposed for elastic analysis with dampers. After a series of analysis, the performance objective of the structure can be well verified. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy Saving Technologies for Railway Traction Motors
Authors: Matsuoka Koichi , Kondo Minoru
Published: April 2010

It is very important to improve the efficiency of traction motors to save energy in electric trains. In addition, improving the efficiency is also important to realize a totally enclosed traction motor that requires less maintenance. Therefore, the use of high‐efficiency motors is expanding. Many of them are induction motors with high‐performance materials; e.g. low‐loss electrical steel sheets and low‐resistivity conductors. Meanwhile, some of them use permanent magnet synchronous motors, which have higher efficiency than induction motors. In this paper, we will review these recent technologies to improve the efficiency of traction motors and give examples of high‐efficiency traction motors in use in Japan. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Technologies for Saving Energy in Railway Operation: General Discussion on Energy Issues Concerning Railway Technology
Authors: Koseki Takafumi
Published: April 2010

Early technical history of electric supply to electric railways is briefly reviewed as an introduction to the following seven papers included in this special issue on technologies for saving energy in railway operation. Continuous power supply played a significant role in the early history of railway technologies. The variable voltage variable frequency (VVVF) power electronic technology had also a substantial impact on railway traction systems after 1980s. VVVF technology made it possible to have more efficient drives, downsize rolling stocks, and develop regenerative brakes. Because detailed discussions on each technical development are presented in the following papers, the general remarks of those technologies made in this introduction provide logical links to the ideas presented in the accompanying articles. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Recent Energy Saving Technologies on Railway Traction Systems
Authors: Kondo Keiichiro
Published: April 2010

Energy saving technologies in the railway vehicle traction field can be mainly categorized into two domains: reducing loss and increasing the regenerative energy. Energy saving technologies for the traction equipment by the use of power converters with less loss and high‐efficiency permanent magnet synchronous motors are introduced. The regenerative brake related technologies are also presented as another measure to save the energy, including the improvement of the regenerative brake control and application of energy storage devices. It is concluded that the benefit of the energy saving technology is not only the energy saving itself but also downsizing traction equipments and reducing the maintenance work in the electrical railway system. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Spectroscopic Analysis of the Effect of Magnetic Field on Low Current DC Vacuum Arc Plasma
Authors: Wanninayake W. M. R. R. , Kobayashi K. , Yanagidaira T. , Tsuruta K.
Published: April 2010

Effects of a magnetic field on the characteristics of a low‐current DC vacuum arc plasma of less than 30 A were examined by arranging the electrodes in a straight line or perpendicularly. Two types of magnetic fields were applied to the gap by embedding a small column magnet inside the electrode and arranging a disc magnet at the back side of the electrode. The arc plasma forms a column depending on the magnetic field distribution and an anode spot is generated under strong magnetic field on the anode side. Spectroscopic analysis of emissions from cathode and anode showed that the cathode metal ions arrive at the anode and the anode metal ions arrive at the cathode along the magnetic field, but neutrals are not guided by the magnetic field and only a small part of the neutrals arrive at the opposite electrode in the perpendicular arrangement. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of Temperature and Crystallinity on Partial Discharge Resistance of Poly‐L‐lactic Acid
Authors: Ohki Yoshimichi , Miyata Kazuhiro
Published: April 2010

Partial discharge (PD) resistance of biodegradable poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) was examined at temperatures between room temperature and 70°C, namely at around the glass transition temperature of 57°C. The PD activity becomes more pronounced at temperatures above 60°C, reflecting that the permittivity increases in the rubber state. Furthermore, we have changed the crystallinity of PLLA by drawing or annealing thermally, and have examined its effect on the PD resistance. Although the depth eroded by a fixed period of PD degradation becomes shallower when the sample was crystallized by the drawing or the heat treatment, its reduction ratio is almost equal to the reduction ratio of PD activities due to the decrease in permittivity. Therefore, it is hard to assume that crystallization of PLLA improves its PD resistance to a unit amount of charge. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Measuring Subcutaneous Fat Thickness in Humans Using Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Uchiyama Takanori , Honda Masashi
Published: April 2010

Measuring subcutaneous fat thickness provides valuable information regarding human health. The thickness is usually measured by magnetic resonance imaging or by ultrasonography; however, the equipment is expensive and limited to large medical institutions. In this study, we propose a simple method in which an ultrasonic pulse is shot into the skin; a reflected wave from a boundary between the subcutaneous fat and muscle is detected, which allows the thickness to be measured. The detection time of the reflected wave is calculated by a cross‐correlation method with the aid of a modeling technique of the reflected wave, and the subcutaneous fat thickness is estimated from the detection time. The proposed method was applied to the measurement of the subcutaneous fat thickness of the anterior thigh and the abdomen. The thickness estimated with the proposed method was compared with that measured with a B‐mode ultrasonic image. The differences in the thickness were less than or equal to 0.90 mm in the thigh and 2.0 mm in the abdomen when the thickness was less than 19 mm. However, the differences became slightly large when the thickness was around 30 mm or more. These values corresponded to the thickness of the abdomen of an overweight person. The proposed method could provide an inexpensive way to measure subcutaneous fat thickness. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
High‐Speed and Wide‐Angle Deflection Optical MEMS Scanner Using Piezoelectric Actuation
Authors: Iseki Takayuki , Okumura Mikio , Sugawara Takashi
Published: April 2010

A fast and wide deflection silicon‐resonant torsional optical scanner driven by a piezoelectric actuator has been developed and patented. The scanner is composed of a 1‐mm square mirror and two pairs of torsion beams and arms fabricated using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) processing of a silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) wafer. According to calculations, at the same resonant driving frequency, the maximum principal stress of this structure was about one‐third smaller than that of the usual structure having one pair of torsion beams. We achieved high frequency scanning of the optical beam with a large angular deflection up to 54° at 38 kHz with a 5 V peak‐to‐peak applied voltage using the bulk piezoelectric stack actuator, and up to 17° at 38 kHz with a 25 V peak‐to‐peak voltage using the unimorph actuator of a zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film. These results show that this scanner has the ability to perform the horizontal scanning for high‐resolution extended graphics array (XGA) or super extended graphics array (SXGA) laser display. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ANFIS: Self‐tuning Fuzzy PD Controller for Twin Rotor MIMO System
Authors: Mahmoud Thair S. , Marhaban Mohammad H. , Hong Tang S.
Published: April 2010

This work presents a self‐tuning fuzzy PD controller for solving the control challenges of twin rotor MIMO system. The controller is made adaptive through output scaling factor adjustment of the updating factor, α. The value of α is calculated directly from a fuzzy rule base defined as error and change of error of the controlled variable. A combination of adaptive neural fuzzy inference system and fuzzy subtractive clustering method was used, where the objective was to improve its time response, while reducing its computational complexity. Simulation results show performance improvement in comparison with that of the previous method. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Non‐Model‐Based Estimation for Velocity and Acceleration by Adaptive Identification Method
Authors: Nomura Tatsuya , Kitsuka Yuta , Matsuo Takami
Published: April 2010

The design of an ideal differentiator is a difficult and a challenging task. In this paper, we propose two types of differentiators to estimate the time derivative of an output signal. To begin with, a velocity estimator is proposed on the basis of the adaptive identification method and compared with the exact differentiator proposed by Levant. Then, an acceleration estimator is proposed with the nonpassifiable adaptive schemes. Finally, the proposed differentiators are applied to the estimation of the speed and acceleration of the mass–spring system. The simulation results show that the proposed differentiators are robust to additive noises. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An energy‐efficient link quality monitoring scheme for wireless networks
Authors: Zhu Hongsong , Li Xinrong , Xu Yongjun , Li Xiaowei , Liu Yan
Published: April 2010

Link quality is one of the most important factors that affect the performance of wireless networks. In a densely deployed wireless network, continuous link quality monitoring consumes significant amount of energy and bandwidth at each node. In this paper, we propose a sensitivity model and a spatial correlation model that can be used to derive a set of deputy links to monitor, instead of monitoring all of the links in the network. The proposed scheme can improve energy efficiency of the link quality monitoring process. A greedy algorithm is presented to derive the deputy links set based on three different optimization objective functions. Performance of the proposed method is studied extensively and it is shown that the proposed method can save almost 90% energy in typical simulation scenarios than the method of monitoring all links. We also demonstrate that the energy consumption of the greedy deputy set‐based method is upper‐bounded. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational perspectives on cognitive development
Authors: Mareschal Denis
Published: April 2010

This article reviews the efforts to develop process models of infants' and children's cognition. Computational process models provide a tool for elucidating the causal mechanisms involved in learning and development. The history of computational modeling in developmental psychology broadly follows the same trends that have run throughout cognitive science—including rule‐based models, neural network (connectionist) models, ACT‐R models, ART models, decision tree models, reinforcement learning models, and hybrid models among others. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Computer Science > Artificial Intelligence

Psychology > Development and Aging

Psychology > Reasoning and Decision Making
Molecular diagnostics for personal medicine using a nanopore
Authors: Mirsaidov Utkur M. , Wang Deqiang , Timp Winston , Timp Gregory
Published: April 2010

Semiconductor nanotechnology has created the ultimate analytical tool: a nanopore with single molecule sensitivity. This tool offers the intriguing possibility of high‐throughput, low cost sequencing of DNA with the absolute minimum of material and preprocessing. The exquisite single molecule sensitivity obviates the need for costly and error‐prone procedures like polymerase chain reaction amplification. Instead, nanopore sequencing relies on the electric signal that develops when a DNA molecule translocates through a pore in a membrane. If each base pair has a characteristic electrical signature, then ostensibly a pore could be used to analyze the sequence by reporting all of the signatures in a single read without resorting to multiple DNA copies. The potential for a long read length combined with high translocation velocity should make resequencing inexpensive and allow for haplotyping and methylation profiling in a chromosome. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 367–381

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices
Generalization of one‐dimensional material models for the finite element method
Authors: Freund M. , Ihlemann J.
Published: April 2010

The concept of representative directions is intended to generalize one‐dimensional material models for uniaxial tension to complete three‐dimensional constitutive models for the finite element method. The concept is applicable to any model which is able to describe uniaxial loadings, even to those for inelastic material behavior without knowing the free energy. The typical characteristics of the respected material class are generalized in a remarkable similarity to the input model. The algorithm has already been implemented into the finite element systems ABAQUS and MSC.MARC considering several methods to increase the numerical efficiency. The implementation enables finite element simulations of inhomogeneous stress conditions within technical components, though the input model predicts uniaxial material behavior only.
Effect of temperature history on the mechanical behaviour of a filler‐reinforced NR/BR blend: literature review and critical experiments
Authors: Amin A.F.M.S. , Lion A. , Höfer P.
Published: April 2010

The influence of the temperature history on the Mullins effect, its recovery behaviour and the rate dependence is experimentally investigated using NR/BR (NR: natural rubber, BR: polybutadiene rubber) rubber blend. The crystallization which occurs in rubber during long term storage below the melting temperature has been taken into account to interpret the experimental data. To study the influence of low temperatures and large deformations on the Mullins effect, cyclic strain‐controlled processes are applied under different temperatures. The softened specimens are subjected to a sequence of heating, cooling, and conditioning processes in order to study the influence of the temperature history on healing, melting, and recrystallization. The results indicate the existence of a threshold temperature: if the specimen temperature is larger than this threshold, a nearly complete recovery of the material occurs within finite time, while any temperature below this limit will be too small for healing. The temperature dependence of both the healing and the Mullins effect in rubber with different degrees of crystallinity is resolved by considering the melting and recrystallization rates. The rate dependence of the blend is investigated under different temperatures via monotonic and cyclic tension tests at different strain rates and relaxation tests. The experimental data suggests a decrease in the strain rate sensitivity at higher temperatures.
The Impact of Western Physicians on the Modernization of Turkish Surgery and Medicine, 1827–1936
Authors: Bilsel Yilmaz , Bektas Hasan , Tilki Metin
Published: April 2010

Efforts of modernizing the Ottoman Empire and society started during the 19th century. Initially reforms have been limited by institutions such as the armed forces, faculty of engineering and medicine. For this reason, a large number of western physicians invited to state to take prestigious positions in its few existing medical schools and other state establishments, in particular help with reforming its higher education. After the establishment of young Turkish Republic, western forms of science, medicine, art and literature penetrated the culture and continued to flourish. This article brings to light the efforts of these surgeons, and physicians and tells about their contributions to surgery and medicine in Turkey.
Heterotopic Bone Formation following Resurfacing Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Ritter Merrill A. , Galley Matthew
Published: April 2010

Heterotopic bone (HO), a rare association with total hip arthroplasty (THA), has recently been shown to be more of a problem with resurfacing hip arthroplasty (RHA). It has been speculated to be the result of greater soft tissue dissection required for this procedure. HO most commonly develops in males and patients with bilateral disease. To better understand if this problem does occur in RHA, groups of patients with RHA on one side and conventional THA on the other were evaluated. We retrospectively identified 45 patients that had RHA on one side and conventional cemented THA on the other. Follow-up has been up to 25 years. HO was graded at every clinical visit using the Brooker Classification. In the RHA group, there were 32 hips without evidence of HO, ten with grade 1, and three with grades 2 or 3. In the THA group, there were 36 hips without any HO, eight with grade 1, and one with grade 2. There was no statistical difference between either types of hip arthroplasty in HO formation overall or in the development of more severe grades. Motion was not significantly affected with the more severe grades. Our data obtained from a bilateral patient model suggests that RHA does not predispose to a greater development of HO. In doing a RHA, one should be aware that there might be an increased likelihood of HO in males with bilateral disease.
Correction versus bedding: Wheelchair pressure distribution measurements in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Lampe Renée , Mitternacht Jürgen
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Most children with cerebral palsy classification Levels IV and V in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) are unable to walk and, therefore, spend almost all day in a sitting position in their wheelchairs. As a result of the spastic muscle contraction, malpositions of joints or a scoliosis develop, which require a decision to be made on whether to correct the posture or simply find the best soft bedding position.

Methods

The distribution of pressure on the seat while sitting in a wheelchair was measured with a pressure distribution measuring mat. The different distribution patterns were analyzed.

Results

Pressure distribution measurement allows to find a compromise between posture correction and soft bedding. Additionally, pressure-reducing seats were examined on their effectiveness. We also focused our measurements and data analyses on recognizing the causes for pain. Sometimes, the origin of the problems and pain of children in wheelchairs is not clear.

Conclusions

Using the above-mentioned measuring equipment, the causes of these problems can be detected much more easily than just by clinical examination. The pressure measuring mat can help to optimize the seating position for the spastically handicapped children and adapt technical aids. Examples demonstrate the most frequently occurring problems of these children in their wheelchairs which are typical for neuro-orthopedic diseases.
Folgen des demographischen Wandels in einer ‚Gewinnerregion‘: Kleinräumig differenzierte Betrachtung der Bevölkerungsentwicklung in der ‚Wachsenden Stadt‘ Hamburg
Authors: Pohl Thomas
Published: April 2010

Due to a constant immigration of young people (students, apprentices and young employees) cities developing prosperously, like Hamburg, Germany, seem to be not affected by consequences of demographic change like population ageing in the first place. A small-scale analysis of the demographic change within the city shows, that the monofunctional residential areas in the suburban districts are not positively affected by the immigration. The population in these areas shows, in contrast, a significant concentration of older people. This development will become increasingly important for urban planning practice and urban policy in the near future.
Virtual motion of real particles
Authors: TRYGGVASON G.
Published: April 2010

Direct numerical simulations are rapidly becoming one of the most important techniques to examine the dynamics of multiphase flows. Lucci, Ferrante & Elghobashi (J. Fluid Mech., 2010, this issue, vol. 650, pp. 5–55) address several fundamental issues for spherical particles in isotropic turbulence. They show the importance of including the finite size of the particles and discuss how particles of a size comparable to the largest length scale at which viscosity substantially affects the turbulent eddies (i.e. the Taylor microscale) always increase the dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy.
How good are we at fine needle aspiration cytology?
Authors: Carr S , Visvanathan V , Hossain T , Uppal S , Chengot P , Woodhead C J
Published: April 2010

Objectives:

To determine the accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology conducted within a standard ENT out-patients service (rather than a one-stop neck lump clinic), and also to assess the value of ultrasound guidance during fine needle aspiration cytology.

Design:

Retrospective study of all patients undergoing fine needle aspiration cytology of a neck lump, from 2005 to 2008 in Leeds teaching hospitals.

Main outcome measures:

Accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology, compared with the corresponding histology report of the original surgical specimen, and non-diagnostic fine needle aspiration cytology rates with and without ultrasound.

Results:

Fine needle aspiration cytology yielded the following respective sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rates: 85, 91 and 87 per cent for lymph nodes; 80, 93 and 89 for salivary glands; and 52, 80 and 69 for thyroid. The proportion of non-diagnostic procedures was 28 per cent, both with and without ultrasound guidance.

Conclusion:

Cytologist-led fine needle aspiration cytology would have reduced the time to diagnosis and the number of clinic visits per patient. Fine needle aspiration cytology was accurate for predicting malignancy in salivary gland and lymph node lesions, and for diagnosing lymph node pathology. Study results did not support the use of ultrasound guidance during fine needle aspiration cytology.
Telomerase inhibition alters telomere maintenance mechanisms in laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells
Authors: Chen W , Chen S M , Yu Y , Xiao B K , Huang Z W , Tao Z Z
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:

Telomere length must be maintained throughout cancer cell progression and proliferation. In most tumours, telomerase activity maintains telomere length. Therefore, telomerase is a target for cancer treatments. However, some cancer cells maintain telomere length through an alternative mechanism termed ‘alternative lengthening of telomeres’. To determine how telomerase inhibition relates to the initiation of the alternative lengthening of telomeres pathway, we investigated telomerase activity and telomere maintenance in Hep-2 cells with and without reduced telomerase activity.

Materials and methods:

We investigated telomerase activity levels in a normal Hep-2 cell line and in residual cells following telomerase inhibition treatment. Additionally, we looked for expression of a marker protein for the alternative lengthening of telomeres mechanism.

Results and conclusions:

In the residual cells, telomerase activity was eliminated. However, these cells had higher levels of the alternative lengthening of telomeres biomarker, suggesting an alternative mechanism for telomere maintenance following telomerase inhibition. These results could have a major impact on the design of new cancer treatments.
Pressure injection demonstrates points of weakness in the posterior nasal arteries
Authors: Chiu T W , Shaw Dunn J
Published: April 2010

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that potential sites of weakness within normal nasal arteries, when stressed, contribute to the mechanism of epistaxis, we ‘stress-tested’ nasal arteries in unfixed cadaveric heads, using pressure injection of feeding arteries.

Materials and methods:

Indian ink with latex was injected into maxillary arteries under high pressure (620 mmHg). Stepwise dissection was carried out and areas showing ink leakage were examined. Control heads were injected at standard embalming pressures (375 mmHg).

Results:

Ink leakage was found in all heads injected at higher pressure, and was restricted to the nasal mucosa. Histological examination of leakage points demonstrated vessel disruption consistent with dissecting aneurysm formation.

Discussion:

Results showed that high pressure injection caused leakage from arteries in the posterior nose; the distribution of leakage points was consistent with many clinical investigations. The lesions produced were comparable with our best histopathological model of epistaxis, i.e. dissecting aneurysm formation. This suggests that pre-existing weaknesses in the arterial configuration may exist.
Epistaxis: prospective evaluation of bleeding site and its impact on patient outcome
Authors: Supriya M , Shakeel M , Veitch D , Ah-See K Wong
Published: April 2010

Objectives:

To assess impact of site of idiopathic epistaxis on adult patient management and its association with patient demographics and co-morbidities.

Method:

The site of epistaxis, patient data, their management and outcomes prior to discharge was recorded prospectively for 100 consecutive eligible adult patients.

Result:

Fifty three patients had anterior and 47 patients had a posterior site of bleeding. The site of epistaxis was not related to the patient s age, medical condition or medication.

Conclusion:

Most patients with epistaxis can be controlled with nasal cauterisation. However, patients with posterior epistaxis are more likely to need hospital admission, are twice as likely to require nasal packing, and stay in hospital longer. There appears to be no link between the site of epistaxis and patient factors.
Quality of life in patients with untreated age-related hearing loss
Authors: Chew H S , Yeak S
Published: April 2010

Background:

Hearing loss commonly affects quality of life in the elderly, yet is often neglected.

Objectives:

To investigate the impact of untreated age-related hearing loss on the quality of life of elderly individuals, and to assess the usefulness of quality of life questionnaires as screening tools for significant hearing loss.

Methods:

We recruited 80 patients aged 50 years or more with untreated hearing impairment. The Short Form 36 Health Survey and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version questionnaire were administered.

Results:

There was no significant association between severity of hearing impairment and Short Form 36 Health Survey scores. However, dose-graded correlation was observed between severity of hearing loss and Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version questionnaire scores (p < 0.001). A score for the latter questionnaire of more than 8 was 72.8 per cent sensitive and 71.4 per cent specific in detecting clinically significant hearing loss of at least 40 dB (receiver operating characteristic = 0.83).

Conclusion:

The Short Form 36 Health Survey, a generic measure, lacked specificity and sensitivity in detecting clinically significant hearing loss. However, significant hearing impairment was reflected in the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version questionnaire scores, suggesting that this is a good, disease-specific screening tool. A combination of functional (i.e. the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version questionnaire) and physiological (i.e. audiometric) assessment is recommended to investigate hearing loss in elderly individuals.
A case of paraganglioma of the hypoglossal nerve
Authors: Farr M R B , Martin T P C , Walsh A R , Irving R M
Published: April 2010

Introduction:

Paragangliomas are rare tumours arising from the paraganglia of the autonomic nervous system.

Case report:

We present a case of a paraganglioma arising from the hypoglossal nerve and producing an unusual clinical picture at presentation.

Discussion:

We supply radiological evidence of a paraganglioma originating from the hypoglossal nerve, and thus extend the evidence base for this rare site of origin. Our patient presented as an emergency with long tract neurological symptoms and progressive brainstem involvement. This presentation is not characteristic of paragangliomas in general, which usually have an indolent growth pattern and often demonstrate benign symptoms for a number of years prior to diagnosis. The location of a hypoglossal paraganglioma differs significantly from more common paragangliomas described in the neck and skull base, and this should inform the surgical approach undertaken.
Vestibular substitution: comparative study
Authors: Polat S , Uneri A
Published: April 2010

Objective:

To determine the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation with the electrotactile vestibular substitution system, as a new treatment modality in patients with bilateral vestibular disorders.

Study design and settings:

Nineteen patients with bilateral, chronic, idiopathic vestibulopathy were studied prospectively. Patients were divided to two groups. Patients in the first group were rehabilitated with the electrotactile vestibular substitution system, while patients in the second group were treated with standard vestibular rehabilitation therapy. The sensory organisation test and dizziness handicap inventory were used to compare the pre- and post-training results of both rehabilitative treatments.

Results:

All group one patients in the standardised testing subset demonstrated improved results for both the composite sensory organisation test and for the functional transfer aspect of the dizziness handicap inventory, after five days' training with the electrotactile vestibular substitution system. In contrast, group two patients showed no significant improvement in their composite sensory organisation test or dizziness handicap inventory scores after eight weeks of therapy, compared with pre-treatment levels.

Conclusion:

These preliminary results indicate the efficacy of the electrotactile vestibular substitution system in improving patients' symptoms of vestibulopathy, and constitute evidence of successful sensory substitution.
Immediate tonsillectomy: indications for use as first-line surgical management of peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) and parapharyngeal abscess
Authors: Page C , Chassery G , Boute P , Obongo R , Strunski V
Published: April 2010

Objectives:

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and morbidity of immediate tonsillectomy used to treat peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) and parapharyngeal abscess.

Subjects and method:

This four-year, retrospective study was based on 31 patients hospitalised in a university hospital ENT and head and neck surgery department for peritonsillar and/or parapharyngeal abscess. All patients underwent immediate, bilateral tonsillectomy. The length of hospital stay, duration of antibiotic therapy, microbiological findings, complications, and the time to complete recovery and oropharyngeal healing were recorded.

Results:

The patients' mean post-tonsillectomy hospital stay was 2.84 days (median: 3 days). No post-operative haemorrhage was observed. All patients were considered to be cured at the day 10 follow-up visit, and complete oropharyngeal healing was observed at the day 21 visit. The duration of antibiotic therapy ranged from 10 to 15 days (mean: 11.5 days; median: 10 days).

Discussion and conclusion:

Immediate tonsillectomy appears to be a safe and effective surgical technique for the management of peritonsillar and parapharyngeal abscess; in particular, it markedly reduces patients' hospital stay (when performed early in the course of the disease) and duration of antibiotic therapy. Immediate tonsillectomy has become the first-line treatment for parapharyngeal abscess and several types of peritonsillar abscess in our department.
Acquired pharyngoesophageal diverticulum in childhood
Authors: Abu-Omar A , Miller C , McDermott A-L
Published: April 2010

Pharyngoesophageal diverticula are rare in the paediatric population. Most reported cases in children are congenital in nature. We present a unique acquired case of diverticulum in childhood, together with radiographic evidence of this pathology.
Slow pace of life of the Antarctic colossal squid
Authors: Rosa Rui , Seibel Brad A.
Published: April 2010

The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is the world's largest invertebrate and its large size and some unique morphological characters have fuelled speculation that it is an aggressive top predator in the circum-Antarctic Southern Ocean. Here, we present estimates on the metabolic and energetic demands of this cold-water deep-sea giant. The estimated mass-specific routine metabolic rate for the colossal squid at 1.5°C was 0.036 µmol O2h−1g−1and the projected daily energy consumption (45.1 kcal day−1) was almost constant as a function of depth in the nearly isothermal Antarctic waters. Our findings also indicate the squid shows a slow pace of life linked with very low prey requirements (only 0.03 kg of prey per day). We argue that the colossal squid is not a voracious predator capable of high-speed predator–prey interactions. It is, rather, an ambush or sit-and-float predator that uses the hooks on its arms and tentacles to ensnare prey that unwittingly approach.
Temporal and spatial variability on rocky intertidal macrofaunal assemblages affected by an oil spill (Basque coast, northern Spain)
Authors: Bustamante María , Tajadura-Martín Francisco Javier , Saiz-Salinas José Ignacio
Published: April 2010

A large (100 km) rocky coast intertidal was sampled several times (from 2004 to 2006) to assess the affection degree of invertebrate assemblages impacted by a continuous oil spill. Twelve locations and two intertidal heights were selected along the coast representing two spatial scales (kilometres and tens of metres). Univariate and multivariate analyses of variance were used to test whether faunal assemblages exposed to different intensities of oil disturbance differ in terms of diversity, total cover, key species cover and trophic guilds. Whereas no significant differences in midshore assemblages were noted, the low intertidal zone exhibited comparatively lower abundance values of the limpet Patella ulyssiponensis at worst affected sites. Besides, a generalized increasing diversity trend was found in the low intertidal from 2004 to 2006. Natural variability of communities is also discussed as the cause of the differences we observed. With respect to spatial and temporal scales of variation, mid- intertidal communities showed a more consistent structure, while lowshore assemblages were markedly heterogeneous in practically all the variables measured.
Variability in the motion behaviour of intertidal gastropods: ecological and evolutionary perspectives
Authors: Chapperon Coraline , Seuront Laurent
Published: April 2010

The variability in motion behaviour properties was investigated for three species of intertidal gastropods at the inter-specific, inter-individual and individual levels in the absence of abiotic and biotic cues. Interspecific differences in movement patterns were reminiscent of the optimal searching behaviours expected for Austrocochlea porcata, Nerita atramentosa and Bembicium melanostomum in their natural environment. Specifically, N. atramentosa, A. porcata and B. melanostomum respectively displayed extensive and intensive foraging strategies consistent with their feeding ecology. The related inter-individual variability within each species highlights the potential ability of species to adapt their movement patterns to new environmental conditions and to persist over long-term changes. Finally, the strong variability observed in the speed and turning angle of individuals of the three species and the resulting behavioural plasticity may be an adaptive strategy to optimize energy expenditure and to react to an environmental fluctuation. Specifically, it is suggested that the lack of significant differences in individual behavioural variability between the three species indicates that despite clear inter-specific differences in motion behaviour, at the individual level A. porcata, N. atramentosa and B. melanostomum have similar abilities to face environmental fluctuations. This work stresses that individual variability in the motion behaviour of intertidal gastropods constitutes a fundamental evolutionary advantage when facing heterogeneous environmental conditions.
Scyllarus arctus(Crustacea: Decapoda: Scyllaridae) final stage phyllosoma identified by DNA analysis, with morphological description
Authors: Palero Ferran , Guerao Guillermo , Clark Paul F. , Abelló Pere
Published: April 2010

Advanced stages ofScyllarusphyllosoma larvae were collected by demersal trawling during fishery research surveys in the western Mediterranean Sea in 2003–2005. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene allowed the final-stage phyllosoma ofScyllarusarctus to be identified among these larvae. Its morphology is described and illustrated. This constitutes the second complete description of a Scyllaridae phyllosoma with its specific identity being validated by molecular techniques (the first wasS. pygmaeus). These results also solved a long lasting taxonomic anomaly of several species assigned to the ancient genusPhyllosomaLeach, 1814. Detailed examination indicated that the final-stage phyllosoma of S. arctus shows closer affinities with the American scyllaridScyllarusdepressus or with the AustralianScyllarussp. b (sensu Phillips et al., 1981) than to its sympatric speciesS. pygmaeus.
The probiotic paradox: live and dead cells are biological response modifiers
Authors: Adams Clifford A.
Published: April 2010

Probiotics are usually defined as products which contain viable non-pathogenic micro-organisms able to confer health benefits to the host. There are specific gastrointestinal effects of probiotics such as alleviating inflammatory bowel disease, reducing acute diarrhoea in children, inhibitingSalmonellaandHelicobacter pylori, removing cholesterol, secreting enzymes and bacteriocins and immunomodulation. However, many of the effects obtained from viable cells of probiotics are also obtained from populations of dead cells. Heat-killed cells ofEnterococcus faecalisstimulate the gastrointestinal immune system in chicks. Dead bifidobacteria induce significant increases in TNF-α production. Administration of heat-killedE. faecalisto healthy dogs increases neutrophil phagocytes. The probiotic paradox is that both live and dead cells in probiotic products can generate beneficial biological responses. The action of probiotics could be a dual one. Live probiotic cells influence both the gastrointestinal microflora and the immune response whilst the components of dead cells exert an anti-inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract. This is quite analogous to a proposed mode of action of antimicrobial growth promoters in animal production. This has several implications for the production and application of probiotics, as it will be difficult to assess the relative proportions of live and dead cells in a probiotic culture. Variable amounts of dead cells might contribute to the variation in response often seen with live probiotic cultures. However, the use of dead probiotics as biological response modifiers has several attractive advantages; such products would be very safe and have a long shelf-life.
Using DTSA-II to Simulate and Interpret Energy Dispersive Spectra from Particles
Authors: Ritchie Nicholas W.M.
Published: April 2010

A high quality X-ray spectrum image of a 3.3 μm diameter sphere of K411 glass resting on a copper substrate was collected at 25 keV. The same sample configuration was modeled using the NISTMonte Monte Carlo simulation of electron and X-ray transport as is integrated into the quantitative X-ray microanalysis software package DTSA-II. The distribution of measured and simulated X-ray intensity compare favorably for all the major lines present in the spectra. The simulation is further examined to investigate the influence of angle-of-incidence, sample thickness, and sample diameter on the generated and measured X-ray intensity. The distribution of generated X-rays is seen to deviate significantly from a naive model which assumes that the distribution of generated X-rays is similar to bulk within the volume they share in common. It is demonstrated that the angle at which the electron beam strikes the sample has nonnegligible consequences. It is also demonstrated that within the volume that the bulk and particle share in common that electrons, which have exited and later reentered the particle volume, generate a significant fraction of the X-rays. Any general model of X-ray generation in particles must take into account the lateral spread of the scattered electron beam.
Changes in the inequality of mental health: suicide in Australia, 1907–2003
Authors: Doessel Darrel P. , Williams Ruth F. G. , Robertson Jennie R.
Published: April 2010

Rising suicide rates have been identified as a social problem in several Western countries. The application of a Welfare Economics argument justifies a role for policy that reduces the welfare impact of suicide, whereas the measurement of that impact can inform policy making. Two dimensions of the concept can be measured: the social loss from suicide, and the inequality in the distribution of that loss. In this study, an alternative measure of suicide to the conventional suicide headcount,viz.the potential years of life lost (PYLL), is employed. The PYLL measure is a proxy measure of the social impact of suicide, and involves the concept of ‘premature’ loss of life. The PYLL also lends itself to inequality measurement. We apply the approach to inequality measurement of health phenomena that was pioneered in the 1980s by Jacques Silber and Julian Le Grand, in a literature now described as measuring health inequalityper se. The empirical part of the paper statistically estimates equations on Australian suicide data for the period 1907–2003 and determines the trends in the social loss from suicide and the inequality of its age distribution. Some illustrative examples assist in interpreting the welfare impact of suicide measured both ways, by the headcount rate and the PYLL rate.
Millimeter-wave GaN-based HEMT development at ETH-Zürich
Authors: Sun Haifeng , Marti Diego , Tirelli Stefano , Alt Andreas R. , Benedickter Hansruedi , Bolognesi C.R.
Published: April 2010

We review the AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) activities in the Millimeter-Wave Electronics Group at ETH-Zürich. Our group's main thrust in the AlGaN/GaN arena is the extension of device bandwidth to higher frequency bands. We demonstrated surprising performances for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs grown on high-resistivity (HR) silicon (111) substrates, and extended cutoff frequencies of 100 nm gate devices well into the millimeter (mm)-wave domain. Our results narrow the performance gap between GaN-on-SiC (or sapphire) and GaN-on-silicon and establish GaN-on-Si as a viable technology for low-cost mm-wave electronics. We here contrast the difference in behaviors observed in our laboratory between nominally identical devices built on high-resistivity silicon (HR-Si) and on sapphire substrates; we show high-speed devices with high-cutoff frequencies and breakdown voltages which combine fT,MAX × BV products as high as 5–10 THz V, and show AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with fT values exceeding 100 GHz on HR-Si. Although the bulk of our activities have so far focused on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on HR-Si, our process produces excellent device performances when applied to GaN HEMTs on SiC as well: 100 nm gate transistors with fT > 125 GHz have been realized at ETH-Zürich.