bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shear strengthening of reinforced concrete continuous beams
Authors: Ahmad Saeed , Elahi Ayub , Barbhuiya Salim , Ghaffar Abdul
Published: March 2012

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation to evaluate the contribution of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer sheets in enhancing the shear strength of continuous reinforced concrete beams. A total of five, two-span concrete continuous beams with rectangular cross-section were tested. One beam without strengthening was used as the control and the other four beams were strengthened with different arrangements of polymer sheets. The variables selected were various wrapping schemes and anchorage length of the polymer sheet. The aim was to develop a better understanding of the shear contribution of polymer and to investigate the potential for cost savings by minimising the area of externally bonded polymer sheets. Test results were compared with four existing shear prediction models available in the literature. The results indicate that the polymer sheet significantly enhanced the shear strength of the beams, and that the area of polymer sheet can be minimised with marginal compromise on the shear carrying capacity of strengthened concrete beams.
Evaluation of tension lap splices for code provisions
Authors: Canbay Erdem , Bozalioglu Dogu
Published: March 2012

Six real-size beams were tested in order to examine the reliability of tension lap splices for the minimum requirements of clear cover, spacing between bars and transverse reinforcement. The beams were prepared in accordance with the minimum provisions of the American Concrete Institute building code requirements for structural concrete (ACI 318–08) and the Turkish standards on requirements for design and construction of reinforced concrete structures (TS 500). Results showed that all beams prepared in accordance with ACI 318–08 showed satisfactory behaviour. Since the specimen prepared according to TS 500 with 26 mm diameter bars failed due to bond, it can be concluded that the TS 500 clear cover is insufficient for spliced bars equal to or greater than 26 mm in diameter. In order to evaluate the ACI Committee 408 new proposal and Eurocode 2 provision for tension lap splices, a case study was also conducted. According to the results of the case study, while the ACI 318–08 requires unnecessarily longer splice lengths for bars of greater than 19 mm diameter, Eurocode 2 always gives the smallest lap splice length which leads to safety concerns.
Synthesis and characterization of cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes having furil as precursor molecule
Authors: Rao Devendra , Yadav Hardeo , Yadava Ashok , Singh Sanjay , Yadav Uma
Published: March 2012

Synthesis of some new dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes having general formula
[MoO2(mac)](acac)2, (where mac = tetraazamacrocyclic ligands derived from
condensation of furil with 1,2-diaminobenzene or 2,3-diaminopyridine and
their reaction with ?-diketones) using dioxometal ion as kinetic template
are reported. The prepared complexes have been characterized by molar
conductance, elemental analyses, infrared and electronic data. The spectral
data indicate that ligands act as tetradentate chelating agent. Due to their
biological relevance, molybdenum catalyzed oxygen transfer reactions have
great interest. All the dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes have octahedral
geometry with six coordination.
Glycotoxin and Autoantibodies Are Additive Environmentally Determined Predictors of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Beyan Huriya , Riese Harriette , Hawa Mohammed I. , Beretta Guisi , Davidson Howard W. , Hutton John C. , Burger Huibert , Schlosser Michael , Snieder Harold , Boehm Bernhard O. , Leslie R. David
Published: March 2012

In type 1 diabetes, diabetes-associated autoantibodies, including islet cell antibodies (ICAs), reflect adaptive immunity, while increased serum Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), an advanced glycation end product, is associated with proinflammation. We assessed whether serum CML and autoantibodies predicted type 1 diabetes and to what extent they were determined by genetic or environmental factors. Of 7,287 unselected schoolchildren screened, 115 were ICA+ and were tested for baseline CML and diabetes autoantibodies and followed (for median 7 years), whereas a random selection (n = 2,102) had CML tested. CML and diabetes autoantibodies were determined in a classic twin study of twin pairs discordant for type 1 diabetes (32 monozygotic, 32 dizygotic pairs). CML was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, autoantibodies were determined by radioimmunoprecipitation, ICA was determined by indirect immunofluorescence, and HLA class II genotyping was determined by sequence-specific oligonucleotides. CML was increased in ICA+ and prediabetic schoolchildren and in diabetic and nondiabetic twins (all P < 0.001). Elevated levels of CML in ICA+ children were a persistent, independent predictor of diabetes progression, in addition to autoantibodies and HLA risk. In twins model fitting, familial environment explained 75% of CML variance, and nonshared environment explained all autoantibody variance. Serum CML, a glycotoxin, emerged as an environmentally determined diabetes risk factor, in addition to autoimmunity and HLA genetic risk, and a potential therapeutic target.
Loss of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase-α2 Impairs the Insulin-Sensitizing Effect of Calorie Restriction in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Wang Pei , Zhang Ruo-Yu , Song Jie , Guan Yun-Feng , Xu Tian-Ying , Du Hui , Viollet Benoit , Miao Chao-Yu
Published: March 2012

Whether the well-known metabolic switch AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is involved in the insulin-sensitizing effect of calorie restriction (CR) is unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of AMPK in the insulin-sensitizing effect of CR in skeletal muscle. Wild-type (WT) and AMPK-α2−/− mice received ad libitum (AL) or CR (8 weeks at 60% of AL) feeding. CR increased the protein level of AMPK-α2 and phosphorylation of AMPK-α2. In WT and AMPK-α2−/− mice, CR induced comparable changes of body weight, fat pad weight, serum triglycerides, serum nonesterified fatty acids, and serum leptin levels. However, decreasing levels of fasting/fed insulin and fed glucose were observed in WT mice but not in AMPK-α2−/− mice. Moreover, CR-induced improvements of whole-body insulin sensitivity (evidenced by glucose tolerance test/insulin tolerance test assays) and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle tissues were abolished in AMPK-α2−/− mice. Furthermore, CR-induced activation of Akt-TBC1D1/TBC1D4 signaling, inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin−S6K1−insulin receptor substrate-1 pathway, and induction of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase−NAD+−sirtuin-1 cascade were remarkably impaired in AMPK-α2−/− mice. CR serum increased stability of AMPK-α2 protein via inhibiting the X chromosome-linked ubiquitin-specific protease 9–mediated ubiquitylation of AMPK-α2. Our results suggest that AMPK may be modulated by CR in a ubiquitylation-dependent manner and acts as a chief dictator for the insulin-sensitizing effects of CR in skeletal muscle.
Retinoic Acid Upregulates Preadipocyte Genes to Block Adipogenesis and Suppress Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Berry Daniel C. , DeSantis David , Soltanian Hooman , Croniger Colleen M. , Noy Noa
Published: March 2012

Retinoic acid (RA) protects mice from diet-induced obesity. The activity is mediated in part through activation of the nuclear receptors RA receptors (RARs) and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor β/δ and their associated binding proteins cellular RA binding protein type II (CRABP-II) and fatty acid binding protein type 5 in adipocytes and skeletal muscle, leading to enhanced lipid oxidation and energy dissipation. It was also reported that RA inhibits differentiation of cultured preadipocytes. However, whether the hormone suppresses adipogenesis in vivo and how the activity is propagated remained unknown. In this study, we show that RA inhibits adipocyte differentiation by activating the CRABP-II/RARγ path in preadipose cells, thereby upregulating the expression of the adipogenesis inhibitors Pref-1, Sox9, and Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). In turn, KLF2 induces the expression of CRABP-II and RARγ, further potentiating inhibition of adipocyte differentiation by RA. The data also indicate that RA suppresses adipogenesis in vivo and that the activity significantly contributes to the ability of the hormone to counteract diet-induced obesity.
Targeted extraction of active compounds from natural products by molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Pardo Antonelle , Mespouille Laetitia , Dubois Philippe , Duez Pierre , Blankert Bertrand
Published: March 2012

One of the most promising separation techniques that have emerged during the last decade is based on the use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). MIPs are stable polymers that possess specific cavities designed for a template molecule, endowed with excellent selectivity compared to regular solid phase extraction techniques. Molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) has already shown a high efficiency for the sample preparation from complex matrices. Natural products received huge attention in recent years. Indeed, the application of MISPE for the screening of natural products appears extremely interesting not only for the selective extraction of a target compound but also for the concomitant discovery of new drug candidates, promising sources of therapeutic benefits. In the present review, examples of recognition and separation of active components from natural extracts are emphasized. MIPs are very promising materials to mimic the recognition characteristics exhibited by enzymes or receptors although further developments are necessary to fully exploit their wide potential.
Tungstate sulfuric acid: preparation, characterization, and application in catalytic synthesis of novel benzimidazoles
Authors: Karami Bahador , Khodabakhshi Saeed , Haghighijou Zahra
Published: March 2012

Tungstate sulfuric acid (TSA) was prepared, characterized, and applied for direct synthesis of novel and known benzimidazoles through a condensation reaction of o-phenylenediamines with orthoesters under solvent-free conditions. TSA was characterized by powdered X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and FTIR spectroscopy. This novel and eco-friendly method is very cheap and has many advantages such as excellent yields, recyclable and eco-friendly catalyst, and simple work-up procedure.
Comparison Between Active Learning Method and Support Vector Machine for Runoff Modeling
Authors: Shahraiyni Hamid , Ghafouri Mohammad , Shouraki Saeed , Saghafian Bahram , Nasseri Mohsen
Published: March 2012

Comparison Between Active Learning Method and Support Vector Machine for Runoff Modeling

In this study Active Learning Method (ALM) as a novel fuzzy modeling approach is compared with optimized Support Vector Machine (SVM) using simple Genetic Algorithm (GA), as a well known datadriven model for long term simulation of daily streamflow in Karoon River. The daily discharge data from 1991 to 1996 and from 1996 to 1999 were utilized for training and testing of the models, respectively. Values of the Nash-Sutcliffe, Bias, R2, MPAE and PTVE of ALM model with 16 fuzzy rules were 0.81, 5.5 m3s-1, 0.81, 12.9%, and 1.9%, respectively. Following the same order of parameters, these criteria for optimized SVM model were 0.8, -10.7 m3s-1, 0.81, 7.3%, and -3.6%, respectively. The results show appropriate and acceptable simulation by ALM and optimized SVM. Optimized SVM is a well-known method for runoff simulation and its capabilities have been demonstrated. Therefore, the similarity between ALM and optimized SVM results imply the ability of ALM for runoff modeling. In addition, ALM training is easier and more straightforward than the training of many other data driven models such as optimized SVM and it is able to identify and rank the effective input variables for the runoff modeling. According to the results of ALM simulation and its abilities and properties, it has merit to be introduced as a new modeling method for the runoff modeling.
Relationship Between Potassium Ion Channels and Airways Defence Reflexes Influenced by Experimentally Induced Allergic Inflammation in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Kocmalova M. , Marcinek J. , Kalman M. , Franova S. , Sutovska M.
Published: March 2012

Relationship Between Potassium Ion Channels and Airways Defence Reflexes Influenced by Experimentally Induced Allergic Inflammation in Guinea Pigs

Previously, we declared important role of ATP-sensitive (KATP) and calcium-sensitive (BKCa) potassium ion channels in cough and other defence reflexes of the airways coupled with reactivity of airways smooth muscle (ASM) and suggested their potential use as antitussives and antiasthmatic drugs.

The aim of presented studies was prove whether openers of potassium ion channels, KATP - pinacidil and BKCa - NS 1619, inhibit the cough reflex and modulate the ASM reactivity in conditions of experimental allergic inflammation of the airways in guinea pigs and if their influence on airways defence reflexes is changed by developing airways inflammation. Presented studies were realized in 4 partial experimental procedures with unsensitized guinea pigs and animal on 7th, 14th and 21th day of sensitization. Allergic inflammation of airways was induced by repetitive exposure of guinea pigs to ovalbumine and the degree of allergic inflammation was determined by histological analysis of tracheal and pulmonary samples. The cough reflex was induced by 0, 3 M citric acid aerosol for 3 min interval in which total number of coughs was counted. ASM reactivity in vivo was expressed as values of specific airway resistance (R. V) calculated by Pennock.

The cough response on the citric acid was significantly increased on 7th and 14th days of sensitization. The experiments showed persistent cough suppressive effect of pinacidil almost similar to codeine. The antitussive activity of NS 1619 remained only on 7th day of sensitization similar to its effect in group of unsensitized animals. Sensitization by ovalbumine gradually increased the values of R. V on bronchoprovoking agent citric acid. Pinacidil suppressed R. V values of both, unsensitized and sensitized animals, more significantly than salbutamol. In unsensitized guinea pigs, NS 1619 significantly reduced R. V values, but allergic inflammation attenuated its bronchodilatory activity on 7th and 14th days. Histological analysis of specimens showed increasing signs of allergic inflammation during sensitization procedure as well as significant proinflammatory effect of pinacidil and NS 1619. Introduction of non-selective KATP agonists in clinical practice is strongly limited due to proinflammatory effect, but KATP of ASM represents a rational therapeutic target for novel drugs - tissue selective agonists of KATP.
Selective Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) by BRL50481 in Healthy and Ovalbumin-Sensitized Guinea Pigs
Authors: Christensen I. , Miskovicova H. , Porvaznik I. , Joskova M. , Mokra D. , Mokry J.
Published: March 2012

Selective Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) by BRL50481 in Healthy and Ovalbumin-Sensitized Guinea Pigs

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors may have significant clinical benefit in respiratory diseases associated with inflammation. The aim was to evaluate effects of selective PDE7 inhibitor (BRL50481) on citric acid induced cough, in vivo and in vitro airway smooth muscle reactivity in both healthy and ovalbumin sensitized guinea pigs, as well as its effectiveness in changes of blood cells count.

Tested drugs were administered intraperitoneally to male guinea pigs once daily for 7 days either vehicle 10% DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) 3 ml/kg (as control) or BRL50481 1 mg/kg. Double chamber whole body plethysmograph was used for evaluation of citric acid (0.6 M) induced cough and specific airway resistance. Organ bath method was used for measurement of tracheal and lung tissue strips contractions evoked by cumulative doses (10-8 - 10-3 mol/L) of acetylcholine (ACH) and histamine (HIS).

In healthy guinea pigs we did not observe significant effect of tested drug BRL50481 on in vitro contractions (similarly to in vivo conditions). The effect on cough was in healthy animals negligible. In ovalbumin-sensitized animals, more pronounced in vitro relaxing effect of BRL50481 in HIS induced contractions was observed with similar results in vivo and no significant change in number of cough efforts.

Our results suggest that PDE7 inhibitors have stronger anti-inflammatory effect compared to its direct effect on smooth muscle and cough.
Antitussive Activity of Extracts from Fallopia Sachalinensis
Authors: Jurecek L. , Nosalova G. , Hromadkova Z. , Kostalova Z.
Published: March 2012

Antitussive Activity of Extracts from Fallopia Sachalinensis

Giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) and related plants are commonly used in Chinese and Japanese folk medicine. Bioactive natural products derived from them are believed to possess a variety of biologic activities. We have analyzed two polysaccharide fractions from leaves of Fallopia sachalinensis. We have focused on its activities to experimentally induced cough reflex and the changes of specific airway resistance. We have compared the observed antitussive activity with cough suppressing activity of codeine ("positive" control) and effect acquired after application of water for injection ("negative" control) using conscious male guinea pigs individually placed in a double chambers bodyplethysmograph box. Peroral administration of both polysaccharides significantly inhibited the number of coughs induced by citric acid in guinea pigs and have not significantly changed the values of specific airway resistance. Moreover, the substances in experimental animals have not provoked any notable adverse events. The biological activity observed in derivatives of Fallopia sachalinensis provides a scientific basis for the use of the plant in traditional medicines.
Mechanisms of Contraction and Relaxation in Human Term Pregnant Myometrium
Authors: Sadlonova V. , Dokus K. , Janicek F. , Visnovsky J. , Franova S.
Published: March 2012

Mechanisms of Contraction and Relaxation in Human Term Pregnant Myometrium

The study discusses the problem of role of various substances in the mechanisms of contraction and relaxation of human term pregnant myometrium in the experimental in vitro conditions.

Human myometrium tissue samples were collected from term pregnant women who had to undergo Caesarean section. The effects of potassium ion channels openers and closers, phosphodiesterase inhibitors and tachykinins were measured in the reactivity of human term pregnant myometrium in the experimental in vitro conditions.

Specific agonist-opener of KATP potassium ion channels - pinacidil significantly reduced contractile activity of human term pregnant myometrial strips induced by administration of oxytocin in in vitro conditions, while the effect of specific agonist-opener of BKCa2+ potassium ion channels - NS1619 was not significant. Glibenclamide, specific KATP potassium ion channels antagonist-closer significantly increased contractile activity of human term pregnant myometrial strips in in vitro conditions. The contractile effect of specific antagonist-closer of BKCa2+ potassium ion channels - tetraethylammonium was not significant. Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor - rolipram and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor - sildenaphil led to statistically significant decrease of oxytocin-induced contractile activity in human term pregnant myometrial strips in in vitro conditions. Tachykinins - neurokinin A, neurokinin B and substance P markedly stimulated the activity of the human term pregnant myometrial strips in in vitro conditions.

The results showed the different effectiveness of potassium ion channels openers and closers, phosphodiesterase inhibitors as well as tachykinins in the mechanisms of contraction and relaxation of human term pregnant myometrium in in vitro conditions.
Reference groups and complaints about inequality
Authors: Kośny Marek
Published: March 2012

Reference groups and complaints about inequality

Although influence of reference population on assessment of individual position is well recognized on the ground of sociology, its impact is rarely taken into account in economic analysis of inequality. Few analyses that are concerned with issue of reference groups in the context of inequality and relative deprivation measurement deal, however, with single reference group. The aim of the paper is consideration on how concept of reference populations of different kind (reference groups and reference categories) may be applied to assessment of aggregated complaint that results from inequality in income (wealth) distribution.
From Man as Predator to Man as Giver. Reflections on the Gift and the Self-Giving in Psychology
Authors: Cavaleri Pietro A
Published: March 2012

Considering the values and the cultural model today prevailing, all centred on narcissistic individualism and extreme competition, Chiara Lubich’s thought on gift and self – giving is likely to look ingenuous and absurd. However, this thought is confirmed in the secular culture of today and in particular in the psychological studies.
Relationship between job satisfaction and perception of manager’s behavior
Authors: Kozak Agnieszka
Published: March 2012

Job satisfaction is related to the match between an individual and the environment. This match gains special significance in the field of values. Behaviours of managers in a given organisation are the exemplification of values but also indicate what is important in a given culture. Since the requirements of corporate culture cause some unification of employees, it seems that for job satisfaction it will be important whether or not managers will ensure them individual treatment. Thus, the objective of the research conducted was to check what managers’ behaviours are most closely related to job satisfaction.
By the Kindness to the Gift of Self
Authors: Ionata Maddalena , Ionata Benedetta , Del Torre Stefania , Regina Liberti Maria
Published: March 2012

The object of this research is gentleness, a construct maybe not treated enough in the literature, but just in the area of the so called Positive Psychology. And precisely from his representative Martin Seligman, the inspiration for the construction of a questionnaire and of a specific hypothesis has been born, including the use of a precise terminology.

In general terms, maybe the most interesting result lies in the fact of having found a correlation between the various items, therefore between the various constructs, in accordance with the idea of gentleness proposed as a synergy of “quality”. This idea has also been supported from recent research in which has emerged a very tight bond between optimism and a particular character trait that is extroversion. Being placed at a higher, transcendental level, the “gift of oneself” could become the “jump of quality” to fulfil ourselves in the relation with the other.
ICT evaluation models and performance of medium and small enterprises
Authors: Bayaga Anass , Adu Emmanuel O.
Published: March 2012

Building on prior research related to (1) impact of information communication technology (ICT) and (2) operational risk management (ORM) in the context of medium and small enterprises (MSEs), the focus of this study was to investigate the relationship between (1) ICT operational risk management (ORM) and (2) performances of MSEs. To achieve the focus, the research investigated evaluating models for understanding the value of ICT ORM in MSEs. Multiple regression, Repeated-Measures Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA) and Repeated-Measures Multivariate Analysis of Variance (RM-MANOVA) were performed. The findings of the distribution revealed that only one variable made a significant percentage contribution to the level of ICT operation in MSEs, the Payback method (β = 0.410, p < .000). It may thus be inferred that the Payback method is the prominent variable, explaining the variation in level of evaluation models affecting ICT adoption within MSEs. Conclusively, in answering the two questions (1) degree of variability explained and (2) predictors, the results revealed that the variable contributed approximately 88.4% of the variations in evaluation models affecting ICT adoption within MSEs. The analysis of variance also revealed that the regression coefficients were real and did not occur by chance
Polish economic clusters and their efforts to protect the environment – selected examples
Authors: Dyrda-Muskus Joanna
Published: March 2012

This paper presents the benefits they can obtain business which aim to protect the environment. The environment protection has found its place and affects the process of systemic change of the Polish economy. This article assumes that building a competitive economy and enterprise development based on the principle of sustainable development requires the development of mechanisms for mutual benefits. These will be the economic mechanisms, technical and technological, and social. All these mechanisms are concentrated in clusters. Pursue sustainable development policies, an emphasis on environmental protection will be the general element for them a competitive advantage. Sustainable development will in this case be both the agent and the goal of economic and entrepreneurship development. Basing on the assumption that economic development is possible through the achievement of competitive advantage, sustainable development should be treated as its source.
Isolation and identification of two new strains of Aeromonas spp. from diseased gourami fish and aquarium water
Authors: Patil Rajesh C , Upadhye Madhav V , Kolatkar Varsha D , Katchi VI , Kulkarni GJ , Shouche YS
Published: March 2012

Bacteria belonging to Aeromonas spp. have long been known to cause infections in a variety of animals. Two unique strains were isolated from the diseased blue gourami ornamental aquarium fish and from the aquarium water that housed the fish. Characterization of these two isolates was carried out by using standard biochemical, morphological, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies. The results obtained indicated that both the strains belong to Aeromonas spp. BLAST analysis indicated an identity value of 99%. The sequences were deposited in the DNA Database of Japan (DDBJ). Experimental infection with these isolated strains indicated low mortality, suggesting that these strains were opportunistic in nature. Antimicrobial susceptibility assay indicated that both the strains were sensitive to nitrofurantoin, enrofloxacin, and furazolidone, and significantly resistant to erythromycin, oxytetracycline, and tetracycline.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v5i1.5952 International Journal of Life Sciences Vol.5(1) 2011 25-31
Anthropometric Measurements in Different Ethnic groups of Nepalese New Borns
Authors: Malla K , Mall T , Rao S , Gauchan E , Basnet S , Koirala DP
Published: March 2012

Introduction: There is a wide variation in normal birth weight, length and head circumference of newborns. The standards formulated by Western workers may not be very reliable to this part of world because of wide variations in normal range of length, weight and head circumference in different ethnic groups. This study aims to determine the anthropometric values – birth weight, length and head circumference in Term and Preterm newborns of different ethnic groups in this region of the country and to see if this can be used as a standard for taking the anthropometric measurements.Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 600 newborns born in Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara from July 2009–June 2010. A detailed anthropometric measurement (weight, length, and head circumference) of all newborns was taken on 3rd day of life. Results: Six major Ethnic groups were noted Brahmin, Gurung, Dalit, Chettri, Magar and Newar. There were 54 % males and 46% females among which 18.16% were preterms, 20.66% small for gestation age, 81.50% term and 0.33% posterm. The mean weight, length and head circumference of term babies were 2.817±0.61 gms, 47.68±2.48 cm, 33.56±2.02 cm and for preterm babies it was 2.215± 0.41 gms, 46.36±2.39 cm, 32.23±2.03 cm respectively. There were 25% low birth weight (n=151, highest number in Brahmins-27%), 74.16% normal weight (n=445) and 0.66% over weight (n=4, all were gurungs) babies. In Term newborns weight, length and head circumference was noted to be highest in Gurungs (3.3004gms, 49.35cm, 34.72cm) and was statistically significant (p<0.000). Weight and length of Brahmins was lowest (2.578 gms, 45.49cm) and head circumference was lowest in Dalits (30.88cm, statistically significant<0.000). In case of preterms highest weight and length was seen in Magars (2.387gms, 47.90cm) but head circumference was highest in Gurungs (34.18cm) whereas weight was lowest in chettri (2.1609gms), length in Brahmin (44.61cm) and OFC in Dalits (29.92cm). These parameters were directly proportion with gestation age and was statistically significant (p<0.000).Conclusion: The present study highlights the mean weight, length and head circumference of term and preterm newborns in different ethnic groups and gestation age. These parameters were directly proportion to gestation age but were variable in different Ethnic groups. Therefore a study in larger population could give us a different standard for anthropometric measurements in Nepalese newborns.Key words: Anthropometry Measurements; Newborn; NepalDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.4880 J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 1-8
Inherited Metabolic Disease in the Neonatal Period: Approach to Clinical Diagnosis
Authors: Onyiriuka AN
Published: March 2012

This review article highlighted the need for clinicians to be alert to the possibility of an inherited metabolic disease (IMD) being the cause of a neonatal illness and provided a systematic approach to clinical diagnosis when IMD is suspected. Inherited metabolic disease (IMD) must be considered in the differential diagnosis of an ill neonate with nonspecific unexplained features, such as poor feeding, lethargy, failure to gain weight/weight loss, coma, apnoea, hyperventilation, seizures and hypotonia. Investigation for IMD should begin with simple urine and blood screening tests. For example, the urine examination includes checking for unusual odours, urinalysis (for ketones, amino acids, and organic acids), and reducing substance in urine, ferric chloride test and dinitrophenylhydrazine test. This is followed by simple blood tests e.g., full blood count, glucose, ammonia, amino acids, urea and electrolytes ( Na, K, Cl, P, Ca) levels, creatinine levels, liver function tests, serum lactate/pyruvate ratio and blood gases. In neonates, ketonuria with acidosis is a very important laboratory finding pointing to IMD. Although the prognosis for patients with IMD presenting in the neonatal period is often poor, every effort must be made to establish the diagnosis for parental counselling and in case prenatal diagnosis is possible in future pregnancies. In conclusion, when presented with an ill full-term neonate with nonspecific, unexplained/peculiar features pursue the usual bacterial septicaemia work-up, but in addition, consider IMD and evaluate, timely, for metabolic disease. This approach is very useful since the commonest mistake in the management of a neonate with IMD is a delay in diagnosis or a misdiagnosis, resulting in a delay in starting treatment with catastrophic consequences. Key words: inherited metabolic diseases; inborn errors of metabolism; clinical diagnosis; neonatal screening. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.4882   J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 57-64
Osteopetro-Rickets: A Rare Paradoxical Association in an Infant
Authors: Patil MB
Published: March 2012

Infantile malignant osteopetrosis is a hereditary bone disease with intense positive balance of body calcium. Osteopetro-rickets is a very rare paradoxical association of infantile osteopetrosis and rickets. This is a case report of an infant with osteopetro- rickets. He presented with severe anaemia, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and clinical signs of rickets. The clinical, biochemical and skeletal survey showed osteopetrosis and rickets. We also describe the pathophysiologic mechanism and various management options. Key words: Osteopetrosis; Osteopetro-rickets; Rickets DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5292 J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 88-89
Histiocytosis: An Uncommon Presentation with Hypopituitarism
Authors: Kota SK , Jammula S , Tripathy PR , Kota Siva Krishna , Meher LK , Modi K
Published: March 2012

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a multi system disorder with a certain predilection for involving hypothalamic pituitary axis. We hereby report a 7 year old girl presenting with polyuria, polydipsia and growth retardation. The girl had a past history of pain in right hip joint and nodular region over chest. Water deprivation test confirmed the diagnosis of central diabetes inspidus. Other investigations revealed Growth hormone deficiency and central hypothyroidism. X-ray and MRI hip revealed absent right inferior pubic ramus with bone marrow biopsy confirming the diagnosis of histiocytosis. Patient was treated with nasal Arginine Vasopressin spray, subcutaneous growth hormone and oral thyroxine. Key words: Histiocytosis; Diabetes inspidus; Growth hormone deficiency; Central hypothyroidism DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5343 J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 81-84
Clinical Analysis, Management and Outcome of Intussusception in Children
Authors: Thapa B , Chaudhary RP , Pun MS , Ral GK
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Intussusception is the commonest cause of bowel obstruction in infancy and childhood. Early diagnosis and management is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. The objective was to To review the diagnostic criteria of intussusception in infants and children to increase awareness of attending personnel for effective management decrease the rate of operative treatment and complications. Materials and Methods: The data collected of all 38 patients admitted in Kanti Childrens Hospital between 2008 September to 2009 September were studied prospectively. Each patient was evaluated in regard to age at presentation, sex, signs and symptoms, diagnostic method, treatment (operative, non-operative). Results: During study period of one year there were a total of 20 (52%) males and 18 (48%) females of age 3 months to 6 years. Pain abdomen was seen in 25(66%), vomiting 16(42%), diarrhea 15(40%), blood mixed with stool 10(26%). These symptoms were seen in different combination. X-ray erect abdomen was done in 15 and ultrasound in all 38 cases. Ten out of 15 (66.6%) patients with early presentation and diagnosis had successful barium enema reduction.10 (66.6%) had successful reduction and admitted to our hospital. 28(74%) patients were undergone laparatomy. Among 28 (74%) patents that had lapartotomy, manual reduction was successful in 18 and 10 required bowel resection and anastomosis. Conclusion: The awareness of early features of intussusception is important for early referral to tertiary centers for successful non-operative barium reduction and reduce the need of laparotomies in children. Key words: Barium enema reduction; Children; Intussusception; Laparatomy DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5347   J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 9-13
Clinical Profile of Paediatric Cataract and Surgery in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha UD , Shrestha MK
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Paediatric cataract is the opacification of lens and its capsule in children below 14 years of age. The management of paediatric cataract is lens aspiration with or without anterior vitrectomy, with or without intra-ocular lens implantation. The objective was to present the profile of pediatric cataract of operated eyes in children ≤14 years. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study in a hospital setting. A review of pediatric cataract cases operated between November 2007 and June 2009 in Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO), a tertiary eye care centre in Nepal was carried out. The personal profile, preoperative and intra-operative details were noted. In the statistical analysis p value less than 0.05 is considered as significant. Results: A total of 175 eyes of 132 children had presented during study. The sex ratio was 1.6 male per female with mean age of 6.7 years (SD ±4.3). About one-third (32%) presented within the age of three years where as more than two-fifths (46%) presented at the age eight years and above. Seventy two cases were collected through door to door enumeration and screening clinics for children. The proportion of cataract was higher in males than in females (P>0.05). Visual acuity ranged from 6/18 to follows light. Conclusion: Nearly half of the paediatric cataract had presented after the age of eight years mainly from hilly region through the screening program. Most of the pediatric cataract cases presented with the whitish pupillary reflex with more than two-thirds of visual acuity of less than 3/60. The most common type of the cataract surgery performed was lens aspiration with anterior vitrectomy with lens implantation. The earlier the surgery better is the visual prognoses. Hence, community screening through as door to door screening and one day screening clinics will help for early referral and earlier surgery to reduce visual disabilities due to paediatric cataract. Key words: Cataract; Cataract surgery; Childhood blindness; Nepal DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5378    J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 14-18
Recurrence Risk of Febrile Seizures in Children
Authors: Ojha AR , Shakya KN , Aryal UR
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Febrile seizure is a common paediatric problem. Identifying children with febrile seizure who are at risk for recurrence is important so that special attention can be given to them. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for recurrence of febrile seizures in children. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study done at Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. This study is a continuation of a previous study which looked at the leucocytosis in peripheral blood of children with febrile seizure. A detailed history including the risk factors for febrile seizure recurrence was obtained from the caregiver during follow up on subsequent days after discharge of children from the hospital who were previously admitted for febrile seizure. All children with febrile seizure belonging to age group of 6 months to 6 years were included in the study. Those with afebrile seizures or on anticonvulsants and those who refused to give consent were excluded. Each child was also examined and investigated for the cause of fever. Results: A total of 115 children with febrile seizure admitted for febrile seizure during the study period and all of them were followed up at outpatient department. Males accounted 62% and females 38%. Simple Febrile Seizures were seen in 80% of the cases and complex febrile seizures were seen in 20%. Out of all the cases 68(59%) had symptoms of viral prodrome. 59(51%) had recurrent febrile seizure. Low temperature at onset of Febrile Seizure (p=0.001), short duration of fever before onset of Febrile Seizure (0.026) and atypical Febrile Seizure (p=0.022) were the risk factors for recurrent febrile seizure. Conclusion: Febrile Seizure is a common paediatric problem commonly seen in males. Almost half of children with Febrile Seizure are at risk for recurrence in later date. The risk factors for these recurrences are modest rise in body temperature at the onset of febrile seizure, onset of seizure within 12 hours of fever and atypical presentation. Key words: Epilepsy; Febrile Seizure; Typical Febrile Seizure; Recurrence   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v32i1.5947   J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.32(1) 2012 33-36
Is Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks Effective in Changing Driver Behavior?: Evidence from North Carolina
Authors: Cunningham Christopher M. , Schroeder Bastian J. , Vaughan Christopher , Hughes Ronald G.
Published: March 2012

This paper presents work conducted as part of an evaluation of the Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT) III program of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. The goal of the TACT program is to reduce the contribution of aggressive driving behaviors to crashes involving commercial motor vehicles. In the present study, camera-based detection methods were used to identify the incidence of following too closely within the context of prevailing commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle volumes, speeds, and lane position both before and during TACT program enforcement operations. The data suggest that enforcement under the TACT program may have differential effects on the following distances of cars and trucks. An increase in the following distances of commercial motor vehicles was observed in the rightmost lane of an Interstate facility. A slight decrease in the speeds of commercial motor vehicles was also observed during the enforcement period, but no significant changes in speeds or vehicle following times were observed for passenger vehicles. The results indicate that the methodology developed is sensitive and is able to detect changes in driver behavior. It may thus become a potential alternative strategy for evaluation of the TACT program. The use of roadside instrumentation further enables future applications for automated driver feedback, in which following too closely and speed violations may be detected automatically and the information relayed to the driver in an infrastructure-to-vehicle context like that for dynamic speed signs. Automated methods developed as part of this research could also be used for automated enforcement in future applications.
Enforcement Engineering: Conceptual Exploration for New Engineering Discipline
Authors: Carrick Grady , Washburn Scott
Published: March 2012

The determination of where, when, how, and which laws to enforce is as varied as the number of police officers on the street. Traffic enforcement decisions range from macroscopic choices such as resource allocation at the organizational level to the microscopic options individual officers have in dispensing tickets. Everything between those extremes speaks to the proposition of where, when, and which laws to enforce, with the stated objective of reducing crashes. The concept of “engineering” traffic enforcement implies the use of scientific principles to guide the full range of enforcement decisions so as to evolve stated safety intentions into definable safety objectives. This approach offers the potential to create greater efficiency and effectiveness for enforcement agencies, which is important in an age of fierce competition for public dollars. The framework of enforcement engineering consists of information-driven problem identification, the application of evidence-based solutions, and the use of empirical performance measurement. This paper advances a conceptual exploration for enforcement engineering to promote more targeted, effective, and defensible traffic enforcement.
Analyzing the Effect of Driver Age on Operating Speed and Acceleration Noise: On-Board Second-by-Second Driving Data
Authors: Belz Nathan P. , Aultman-Hall Lisa
Published: March 2012

The objective of this research was to characterize the second-by-second driving style of older drivers to account accurately for differences in lead-vehicle operations for different subgroups of drivers. The project focused on differences by age and used field data collected with in-vehicle instrumentation on a predefined route. The sample set included 19 individuals older than age 70 and 16 individuals between the ages of 21 and 35 years. Trends and differences in unconstrained speed and acceleration noise— including interactions with intersection departures, posted speed limits, grade, and horizontal curvature—were explored. The speeds of younger drivers were up to 3 mph greater than those of older drivers; variations were also attributable to geometric roadway characteristics. Most notably, the speed of younger drivers was influenced 64.5% more than the speed of older drivers by the curvature change rate in 35 mph zones. Older drivers were influenced 87% more than younger drivers by grade in 25 mph zones. Results reinforced the importance and feasibility of accounting for driver style in traffic simulation and emissions modeling and emphasized that age and geometric features were valuable factors for defining typology. Large robust data sets of driving behavior are needed to calibrate models of lead-vehicle behavior.
Do Memory-Impaired Drivers and Their Family Members Agree on Driving Ability and Behaviors?
Authors: Silverstein Nina M. , Gottlieb Alison G. , Eby David W. , Molnar Lisa J. , Kwan Ngai , Materdey Tomas , Adler Geri , Van Ranst Elizabeth
Published: March 2012

It is estimated that approximately one-third of people with dementia continue to drive. Compared with the general driving population, drivers with dementia are at an increased risk of unsafe motor vehicle operation. Self-screening is often the basis for self-regulation of driving. It is not known how well self-screening as a predominant strategy works for drivers with memory impairment. This descriptive study explored the perceptions of 22 dyads of drivers with memory impairment and their family members through 44 structured telephone interviews within 4 months after specialized driving assessment to gain insights into their level of agreement on the driver's health, functioning, and critical driving behaviors. Drivers and family members were in fair agreement about current driving patterns and driver self-regulation (such as avoiding driving at night, in bad weather, or in unfamiliar areas). However, when reports of functional ability (such as vision, strength, and flexibility) were compared, drivers rated their fitness more highly than those abilities were rated by their family members on most measures. Moreover, there was poor agreement between drivers and family members on reported occurrence of driving behaviors suggestive of impairment in critical driving skills. These results have implications for health care and other professionals engaged in determining driver fitness. The findings suggest limited value in self-screening or in family reports when assessing fitness to drive in persons with memory impairment. Professionals should exercise caution in relying on reports from family members or drivers, especially with respect to reported driving fitness and driving behaviors.
Comparison of Macroscopic and Microscopic Simulation Models in Modern Roundabout Analysis
Authors: Yin Derek , Qiu Tony Z.
Published: March 2012

Modern roundabouts are more and more widely used at both urban and rural intersections in North America. The results of traffic operations analysis at roundabouts often depend on the software used and parameters adopted. For an evaluation of types of traffic analysis tools on roundabout operations, a macroscopic traffic analysis software (SIDRA) and a microscopic simulation package (VISSIM) were used to analyze a two-lane roundabout at the intersection of two rural arterial highways in Alberta, Canada. A full range of traffic flow rates and left-turn proportions was loaded to the roundabout to compare the two traffic analysis tools and to evaluate the effects of different factors on the roundabout performance. Average control delay and 95% queue length were used as measures of effectiveness. Factors such as total traffic flow rate and left-turn vehicle proportion in each approach were analyzed to evaluate the sensitivity of the roundabout performance at different factor levels. The results showed that there was no significant difference for the delays predicted by VISSIM simulation and SIDRA at medium-to-high traffic flow rates and at all left-turn proportion levels. The 95% queue length predicted by VISSIM was longer than those predicted by SIDRA. Good correlation existed between predicted delays and 95% queue length from the two types of software. Both types of software needed parameter calibration for local traffic conditions. Roundabout capacity could also be estimated from a delay curve obtained from the method presented in this study.