bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of the Recent Literature on the Mode of Delivery for Singleton Vertex Preterm Babies
Authors: Ray Chaudhuri Bhatta Smriti , Keriakos Remon
Published: July 2011

Choosing the safest method of delivery and preventing preterm labour are obstetric challenges in reducing the number of preterm births and improving outcomes for mother and baby. Optimal route of delivery for preterm vertex neonates has been a controversial topic in the obstetric and neonatal community for decades and continues to be debated. We reviewed 22 studies, most of which have been published over the last five years with an aim to find answers to the clinical questions relevant to deciding the mode of delivery. Findings suggested that the neonatal outcome does not depend on the mode of delivery. Though Caesarean section rates are increasing for preterm births, it does not prevent neurodisability and cannot be recommended unless there are other obstetric indications to justify it. Therefore, clinical judgement of the obstetrician depending on the individual case still remains important in deciding the mode of delivery.
The Emergence ofClostridium difficileInfection among Peripartum Women: A Case-Control Study of aC. difficileOutbreak on an Obstetrical Service
Authors: Unger Jennifer A. , Whimbey Estella , Gravett Michael G. , Eschenbach David A.
Published: July 2011

Objective. An outbreak of 20 peripartumClostridium difficileinfections (CDI) occurred on the obstetrical service at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) between April 2006 and June 2007. In this report, we characterize the clinical manifestations, describe interventions that appeared to reduce CDI, and determine potential risk factors for peripartum CDI.Methods. An investigation was initiated after the first three peripartum CDI cases. Based on the findings, enhanced infection control measures and a modified antibiotic regimen were implemented. We conducted a case-control study of peripartum cases and unmatched controls.Results. During the outbreak, there was an overall incidence of 7.5 CDI cases per 1000 deliveries. Peripartum CDI infection compared to controls was significantly associated with cesarean delivery (70% versus 34%;P=0.03), antibiotic use (95% versus 56%;P=0.001), chorioamnionitis (35% versus 5%;P=0.001), and the use of the combination of ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin (50% versus 3%;P<0.001). Use of combination antibiotics remained a significant independent risk factor for CDI in the multivariate analysis.Conclusions. The outbreak was reduced after the implementation of multiple infection control measures and modification of antibiotic use. However, sporadic CDI continued for 8 months after these measures slowed the outbreak. Peripartum women appear to be another population susceptible to CDI.
The Use of Fuzzy BackPropagation Neural Networks for the Early Diagnosis of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Newborns
Authors: Li Liu , Liqing Huo , Hongru Lu , Feng Zhang , Chongxun Zheng , Pokhrel Shami , Jie Zhang
Published: July 2011

Objective. To establish an early diagnostic system for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in newborns based on artificial neural networks and to determine its feasibility. Methods. Based on published research as well as preliminary studies in our laboratory, multiple noninvasive indicators with high sensitivity and specificity were selected for the early diagnosis of HIE and employed in the present study, which incorporates fuzzy logic with artificial neural networks. Results. The analysis of the diagnostic results from the fuzzy neural network experiments with 140 cases of HIE showed a correct recognition rate of 100% in all training samples and a correct recognition rate of 95% in all the test samples, indicating a misdiagnosis rate of 5%. Conclusion. A preliminary model using fuzzy backpropagation neural networks based on a composite index of clinical indicators was established and its accuracy for the early diagnosis of HIE was validated. Therefore, this method provides a convenient tool for the early clinical diagnosis of HIE.
Infliximab Induces Increase in Triglyceride Levels in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients
Authors: Castro Karla R. , Aikawa Nádia E. , Saad Carla Gonçalves , Moraes Júlio C. B. , Medeiros Ana C. , Mota Licia Maria H. , Silva Clovis A. A. , Bonfá Eloísa , Carvalho Jozélio F.
Published: July 2011

Objectives. To evaluate lipid profile changes after anti-TNF therapy in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Methods. Fifteen PsA patients (eight polyarticular, four oligoarticular, two axial, and one mutilating) under infliximab were included. None had dyslipoproteinemia or previous statin use. Total cholesterol (TC) and its fractions, inflammatory markers, and prednisone use were evaluated.Results. The comparisons of lipid levels between baseline and after three months (3M) of anti-TNF therapy showed that there was a significant increase in mean triglycerides (117.8±49.7versus140.1±64.1 mg/dL,P=0.028) and VLDL-c (23.6±10.5versus28.4±13.7 mg/dL,P=0.019) levels. In contrast, there were no differences in the mean TC (P=0.28), LDL-c (P=0.42), and HDL-c (P=0.26) levels. Analysis of the frequencies of each lipid alteration at baseline and at 3M were alike (P>0.05). Positive correlations were found between VLDL-c and CRP (r=0.647,P=0.009) and between triglycerides and CRP (r=0.604,P=0.017) levels at 3M. ESR reduction was observed after 3M (P=0.04). Mean prednisone dose remained stable at beginning and at 3M (P=0.37).Conclusion. This study demonstrated that anti-TNF may increase TG and VLDL-c levels in PsA patients after three months.
Boundedness of a Class of Sublinear Operators and Their Commutators on Generalized Morrey Spaces
Authors: Guliyev Vagif S. , Aliyev Seymur S. , Karaman Turhan
Published: July 2011

The authors study the boundedness for a large class of sublinear operator T generated by Calderón‐Zygmund operator on generalized Morrey spaces Mp,φ. As an application of this result, the boundedness of the commutator of sublinear operators Ta on generalized Morrey spaces is obtained. In the case a ∈ BMO(ℝn), 1 < p < ∞ and Ta is a sublinear operator, we find the sufficient conditions on the pair (φ1, φ2) which ensures the boundedness of the operator Ta from one generalized Morrey space to another . In all cases, the conditions for the boundedness of Ta are given in terms of Zygmund‐type integral inequalities on (φ1, φ2), which do not assume any assumption on monotonicity of φ1, φ2 in r. Conditions of these theorems are satisfied by many important operators in analysis, in particular pseudodifferential operators, Littlewood‐Paley operator, Marcinkiewicz operator, and Bochner‐Riesz operator.
Change of Dye Bath for Sensitisation of Nanocrystalline Films: Enhances Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chandrasekharam Malapaka , Rajkumar Ganugula , Rao Chikkam Srinivasa , Reddy Paidi Yella , Kantam Mannepalli Lakshmi
Published: July 2011

The photovoltaic performance of the heterolepticH102 andHRD2 sensitizers was measured in DSSC and compared with that of reference N719 under similar fabrication and evaluation conditions. The Dye-Sensitised TiO2electrodes were prepared by staining the electrodes in ethanol bath and 1/1 v/v acetonitrile/tert-butanol (binary liquid) mixture bath separately and the DSSCs based on these sensitizers show that the change of dye bath from ethanol to the binary liquid mixture enhances the photocurrent action spectrum and solar-to-electricity conversion efficiencies, (η). Using ethanol for sensitisation of TiO2electrodes, the efficiencies obtained forH102,HRD2 and N719 are 4.31%, 4.62%, and 5.46%, respectively, while in binary liquid mixture bath, the corresponding values are enhanced to 5.89%, 4.87%, and 7.23%, respectively, under comparable conditions.
A Simplified Natural Gradient LearningAlgorithm
Authors: Bastian Michael R. , Gunther Jacob H. , Moon Todd K.
Published: July 2011

Adaptive natural gradient learning avoids singularities in the parameter
space of multilayer perceptrons. However, it requires a larger number
of additional parameters than ordinary backpropagation in the form of
the Fisher information matrix. This paper describes a new approach to
natural gradient learning that uses a smaller Fisher information matrix.
It also uses a prior distribution on the neural network parameters and an
annealed learning rate. While this new approach is computationally simpler,
its performance is comparable to that of adaptive natural gradient
learning.
Impact of the Number of Dissected Lymph Nodes on Survival for Gastric Cancer after Distal Subtotal Gastrectomy
Authors: Huang Chang-Ming , Lin Jian-Xian , Zheng Chao-Hui , Li Ping , Xie Jian-Wei , Wang Jia-Bin
Published: July 2011

Objectives. To investigate the prognostic impact of the number of dissected lymph nodes (LNs) in gastric cancer after curative distal gastrectomy.Methods. The survival of 634 patients who underwent curative distal gastrectomy from 1995 to 2004 was retrieved. Long-term surgical outcomes and associations between the number of dissected LNs and the 5-year survival rate were investigated.Results. The number of dissected LNs was one of the most important prognostic indicators. Among patients with comparable T category, the larger the number of dissected LNs was, the better the survival would be (). The linear regression showed that a significant survival improvement based on increasing retrieved LNs for stage II, III and IV (). A cut-point analysis yields the greatest variance of survival rate difference at the levels of 15 LNs (stage I), 25 LNs (stage II) and 30 LNs (stage III).Conclusion. The number of dissected LNs is an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer. To improve the long-term survival of patients with gastric cancer, removing at least 15 LNs for stage I, 25 LNs for stage II, and 30 LNs for stage III patients during curative distal gastrectomy is recommended.
Complete Solutions to General Box‐Constrained Global Optimization Problems
Authors: Wu Dan , Shang Youlin
Published: July 2011

This paper presents a global optimization method for solving general nonlinear programming
problems subjected to box constraints. Regardless of convexity or nonconvexity, by introducing a
differential flow on the dual feasible space, a set of complete solutions to the original problem is obtained,
and criteria for global optimality and existence of solutions are given. Our theorems improve and
generalize recent known results in the canonical duality theory. Applications to a class of constrained
optimal control problems are discussed. Particularly, an analytical form of the optimal control is
expressed. Some examples are included to illustrate this new approach.
Synthesis, Characterization, Theoretical Crystal Structure, and Antibacterial Activities of Some Transition Metal Complexes of the Thiosemicarbazone (Z)-2-(pyrrolidin-2-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Al-Amiery Ahmed A. , Al-Majedy Yasmien K. , Abdulreazak Haziem , Abood Hussain
Published: July 2011

Problem Statement. In Iraq like most third world countries, attempts discovered new antibiotic drugs derived from thiosemicarbazide and its metal complexes and developed the branch of applied in organic chemistry.Approach. New (Z)-2-(pyrrolidin-2-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (L) was synthesized in a good yield by the reaction of pyrrolidone with thiosemicarbazide. Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes of (L) were prepared and characterized by FT-IR, UV/visible spectra,1HNMR, and CHN analyses. Moreover, charge, bond length, bond angle, twist angle, heat of formation, and steric energy were calculated by using of the ChemOffice program, and the DFT calculations for the complexes were done. The free ligand and its metal complexes were testedin vitroagainst several microorganisms (Staphylococcus aurous,E. coli,Proteus vulgaris,Pseudomonas, andKlebsiella pneumoniae) to assess their antimicrobial properties.Results. The study shows that these complexes have octahedral geometry; in addition, it has high activity against tested bacteria.Conclusion/Recommendations. Based on the reported results, it may be concluded that ligand acts as bidentate, neutral ligand, coordinating through one of the nitrogen and sulfur atoms.
The Effects of the Social Hierarchy Destabilization on the Foraging Activity of Eusocial WaspMischocyttarus cerberus styxRichards, 1940 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae)
Authors: Conceição Costa Filho Vanderlei , Shima Sulene Noriko , Cesar Desuó Ivan , Sunao Nishiuchi Murakami André
Published: July 2011

The genusMischocyttaruscomprises 245 species of neotropical basal eusocial wasps. They form small colonies (rarely more than few tens of individuals); castes are morphologically undifferentiated and determined behaviorally by agonistic interactions. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of the experimental disruption of social hierarchy on foraging activity ofMischocyttarus cerberus styx. We observed six colonies in postemergence phase and recorded data on the foraging activity under two experimental conditions: (1) removal of lower-ranked females and (2) removal of higher ranked females, except the queen. Our results showed that the removal of higher-ranked females had higher effect on the number of foraging trips ofM. cerberus styxthan the removal of lower-ranked females (the number of foraging trips/hour decreased by 66.4% and 32.7%, resp.). Such results are likely due to the social organization of this species and the presence of a distinct class of females, which in this study were regarded as intermediates. Our data also showed that, irrespective of the hierarchical status of the females, the removal of two or three individuals affected significantly the number of foraging trips in this species.
Evaluation of Nasal Mucociliary Transport Rate by99mTc-Macroaggregated Albumin Rhinoscintigraphy in Woodworkers
Authors: Dostbil Zeki , Polat Cahit , Uysal İsmail Önder , Bakır Salih , Karakuş Askeri , Altındağ Serdar
Published: July 2011

Woodworkers in the furniture industry are exposed to wood dust in their workplaces. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of occupational wood dust exposure on the nasal mucociliary transport rates (NMTRs) in woodworkers. Twenty five woodworkers and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. Wood dust concentration in workplaces was measured using the sampling device. 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) rhinoscintigraphy was performed, and NMTR was calculated in all cases. In statistical analysis, an independent samples t-test was used to compare NMTR of woodworkers and control subjects. We found that the mean NMTR of the woodworkers was lower than that of the healthy controls. However, there was not a statistically significant difference between them (). In conclusion, our findings suggested that wood dust exposure may not impair nasal mucociliary transport rate in woodworkers employed in joinery workshops.
High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Is Associated with HIV Acquisition among South African Female Sex Workers
Authors: Auvert Bertran , Marais Dianne , Lissouba Pascale , Zarca Kevin , Ramjee Gita , Williamson Anna-Lise
Published: July 2011

Background. Mounting evidence suggests an association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV acquisition. This study aimed to explore this association among South African female sex workers (FSWs).Methods. We used data from 88 HIV-negative FSWs who participated in a vaginal gel (COL-1492) trial. Cervicovaginal rinse samples, obtained before HIV-seroconversion, were genotyped into high-risk (HR-) and low-risk (LR-) HPV. HIV-adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox survival analysis.Results. HR- and LR-HPV prevalences were 70.5% (95% CI : 60.5–79.2) and 60.2% (95% CI : 49.9–70.0), respectively. Twenty-five women HIV seroconverted. Controlling for background characteristics and other sexually transmitted infections, HIV aHR increased by a factor of 1.7 (95% CI : 1.01–2.7,Plinear trend= 0.045) for an increase of one unit of the number of HR-HPV genotypes.Conclusions. HIV seroconversion among FSWs is associated with genital HR-HPV infection. Further investigation is warranted, including testing the possible protective effect of available HPV vaccines on HIV acquisition.
Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Adipocytes
Authors: Dodson M. V. , Mir P. S. , Hausman G. J. , Guan L. L. , Du Min , Jiang Z. , Fernyhough M. E. , Bergen W. G.
Published: July 2011

Obesity and metabolic syndromes are examples whereby excess energy consumption and energy flux disruptions are causative agents of increased fatness. Because other, as yet elucidated, cellular factors may be involved and because potential treatments of these metabolic problems involve systemic agents that are not adipose depot-specific in their actions, should we be thinking of adipose depot-specific (cellular) treatments for these problems? For sure, whether treating obesity or metabolic syndrome, the characteristics of all adipose depot-specific adipocytes and stromal vascular cells should be considered. The focus of this paper is to begin to align metabolic dysfunctions with specific characteristics of adipocytes.
Obesity and Blood Pressure in 17-Year-Old Offspring of Mothers with Gestational Diabetes: Insights from the Jerusalem Perinatal Study
Authors: Avgil Tsadok Meytal , Friedlander Yechiel , Paltiel Ora , Manor Orly , Meiner Vardiella , Hochner Hagit , Sagy Yael , Sharon Nir , Yazdgerdi Shoshanah , Siscovick David , Elchalal Uriel
Published: July 2011

Objective. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) influences fetal development and offspring's metabolic risk. We evaluated this association in 17-year-old offspring adjusting for birth weight (BW) and prepregnancy maternal BMI (mBMI).Study Design. The JPS birth cohort contains extensive data on 92,408 births from 1964 to 1976. Offspring's BMI and blood pressure (BP) were obtained from military records. For a subcohort born between 1974 and 1976, prepregnancy mBMI was available. Offspring were classified as born to mothers with GDM () or born to mothers without recorded GDM ().Results. GDM offspring had higher mean BMI and systolic and diastolic BP compared to no-recorded-GDM offspring. After adjusting for BW, GDM remained significantly associated with offspring BMI and diastolic BP ( = 1.169 and 1.520, resp.). In the subcohort, when prepregnancy mBMI was entered to the models, it markedly attenuated the associations with GDM.Conclusions. Maternal characteristics have long-term effects on cardiometabolic outcomes of their offspring aged 17 years.
Evaluation of Surfactant Drag Reduction Effect in a District Heating System
Authors: Ma Ning , Wei Jinjia , Wang Jianfeng
Published: July 2011

A scale-up method proposed by Hoyt was used to evaluate the flow resistance of working fluid in a district heating system (DHS) after a surfactant drag reducer, CTAC/NaSal, was added. The measured drag reduction data of 100 ppm surfactant solution obtained from an 18.5 mm diameter pipe in the laboratory were used for the evaluation. The results show that the reduction of the pressure drop in the system reaches 23.28% by the addition of surfactants, indicating a very good energy saving effect and application prospective. Comparing with the effect of 100 ppm solution, it is found that the drag reduction will not be further improved obviously in the system with increasing concentration. It was also found that the local pressure drop takes a large proportion in the total pressure drop of the DHS, which could not be reduced by adding the surfactants.
Cardiac Autonomic Function Correlates with Arterial Stiffness in the Early Stage of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Liatis S. , Alexiadou K. , Tsiakou A. , Makrilakis K. , Katsilambros N. , Tentolouris N.
Published: July 2011

Arterial stiffness is increased in type 1 diabetes (T1D), before any clinical complications of the disease are evident. The aim of the present paper was to investigate the association between cardiac autonomic function and arterial stiffness in a cohort of young T1D patients, without history of hypertension and any evidence of macrovascular and/or renal disease. Large artery stiffness was assessed by measurement of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Cardiac autonomic function was assessed by the cardiovascular tests proposed by Ewing and Clarke. Patients with a high cardiac autonomic neuropathy score (4) had significantly higher PWV than those with a low score (0-1). A negative, heart rate-independent, correlation between PWV and heart rate variation during respiration was observed (). In multivariable analysis, index was the strongest correlate of PWV (β-coefficient = −0.326, ). Cardiac parasympathetic function is a strong predictor of large arterial stiffness, in young T1D patients free of macrovascular and renal complications.
Antidepressant-Like Activity of 10-Hydroxy-Trans-2-Decenoic Acid, a Unique Unsaturated Fatty Acid of Royal Jelly, in Stress-Inducible Depression-Like Mouse Model
Authors: Ito Satoru , Nitta Yuji , Fukumitsu Hidefumi , Soumiya Hitomi , Ikeno Kumiko , Nakamura Tadashi , Furukawa Shoei
Published: July 2011

Symptoms of depression and anxiety appeared in mice after they had been subjected to a combination of forced swimming for 15 min followed by being kept in cages that were sequentially subjected to leaning, drenching, and rotation within 1-2 days for a total of 3 weeks. The animals were then evaluated by the tail-suspension test, elevated plus-maze test, and open-field test at 1 day after the end of stress exposure. Using these experimental systems, we found that 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid (HDEA), an unsaturated fatty acid unique to royal jelly (RJ), protected against the depression and anxiety when intraperitoneally administered once a day for 3 weeks simultaneously with the stress loading. Intraperitoneally administered RJ, a rich source of HDEA, was also protective against the depression, but RJ given by the oral route was less effective. Our present results demonstrate that HDEA and RJ, a natural source of it, were effective in ameliorating the stress-inducible symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Geographic Spread ofGnamptogenys triangularis(Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ectatomminae)
Authors: MacGown Joseph A. , Wetterer James K.
Published: July 2011

Gnamptogenys triangularis(Mayr), native to the forests of South and Central America, is a predatory ant that feeds on millipedes. In its native range, this species is known from Buenos Aires, Argentina (38.1°S) in the south to Costa Rica (10.4°N) in the north, with records from eight countries in South America (all except Chile, French Guiana, and Paraguay), and the two southernmost countries of Central America (Panama and Costa Rica). The first records ofG. triangularisoutside its native range came from Florida beginning in 1985 (six sites: 25.5°–30.4°N) and Alabama in 1996 (one site: 30.4°N). Here we present the first records ofG. triangularisfrom Mississippi, dating from 2002–2010 (five sites: 30.5°–31.2°N). Based on its South American range, it appears thatG. triangularishas the potential to spread to forests throughout much of the southeastern USA. There are no documented impacts ofG. triangularis,and it seems unlikely that this species will ever become a major pest.
Oncolytic Viruses: The Power of Directed Evolution
Authors: Bauzon Maxine , Hermiston Terry W.
Published: July 2011

Attempts at developing oncolytic viruses have been primarily based on rational design. However, this approach has been met with limited success. An alternative approach employs directed evolution as a means of producing highly selective and potent anticancer viruses. In this method, diverse viruses are grown under conditions that maximize diversity and then passaged under conditions meant to mimic those encountered in the human cancer microenvironment. Viruses which evolve to thrive under this selective pressure are isolated and tested to identify those with increased potency (i.e., ability to replicate and spread) and/or an increased therapeutic window (i.e., differentiated replication and spread on tumor versus normal cells), both of which have potential value but the latter of which defines an oncolytic virus. Using ColoAd1, an oncolytic virus derived by this approach as a prototype, we highlight the benefits of directed evolution, discuss methods to “arm” these novel viruses, and introduce techniques for their genetic modulation and control.
Molecular Pathogenesis of Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Fava G. , Lorenzini I.
Published: July 2011

Epidemiological data from the last years show an increasing trend of incidence and mortality of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) worldwide. Many pathophysiologic aspects of this neoplasia are still unknown and need to be fully discovered. However, several progresses were recently made in order to establish the molecular mechanisms involved in the transformation and growth of malignant cholangiocytes. The principal concept that at least seems to be established is that cholangiocarcinogenesis is a multistep cellular process evolving from a normal condition of the epithelial biliary cells through a chronic inflammation status ending with malignant transformation. The bad prognosis related to CC justifies why a better identification of the molecular mechanisms involved in the growth and progression of this cancer is required for the development of effective preventive measures and valid treatment regimens. This Paper describes the scientific progresses made in the last years in defining the molecular pathways implicated in the generation of this devastating disease.
Exercise Preferences Are Different after Stroke
Authors: Banks Geraldine , Bernhardt Julie , Churilov Leonid , Cumming Toby B.
Published: July 2011

Objective. To explore exercise preferences in stroke survivors and controls.Methods. A novel scale—the Exercise Preference Questionnaire—was developed for this study. This questionnaire, together with established assessments of physical activities, mood, and quality of life, was completed in a single assessment session.Results. Twenty-three adult stroke survivors (mean age 63, 65% male) and 41 healthy controls (mean age 61, 66% male) participated. The groups differed on 4 of the 5a prioriexercise preference factors: relative to controls, stroke survivors preferred exercise to be more structured, in a group, at a gym or fitness centre, and for exercises to be demonstrated. Factor analysis yielded 6 data-driven factors, and these factors also differentiated stroke and control groups. There was evidence that group differences were diminished when activity levels and psychological wellbeing were accounted for. Individual variability in exercise preferences and reported barriers to exercise are outlined.Conclusion. Stroke survivors have different exercise preferences, and a better understanding of these preferences can be used to inform rehabilitation programs and increase adherence.
Imaging Modalities for Cervical Spondylotic Stenosis and Myelopathy
Authors: Green C. , Butler J. , Eustace S. , Poynton A. , O'Byrne J. M.
Published: July 2011

Cervical spondylosis is a spectrum of pathology presenting as neck pain, radiculopathy, and myelopathy or all in combination. Diagnostic imaging is essential to diagnosis and preoperative planning. We discuss the modalities of imaging in common practice. We examine the use of imaging to differentiate among central, subarticular, and lateral stenosis and in the assessment of myelopathy.
Comparison of Single-Parameter and Multiparameter Ensembles for Assimilation of Radar Observations Using the Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Yussouf Nusrat , Stensrud David J.
Published: August 2011

Observational studies indicate that the densities and intercept parameters of hydrometeor distributions can vary widely among storms and even within a single storm. Therefore, assuming a fixed set of microphysical parameters within a given microphysics scheme can lead to significant errors in the forecasts of storms. To explore the impact of variations in microphysical parameters, Observing System Simulation Experiments are conducted based on both perfect- and imperfect-model assumptions. Two sets of ensembles are designed using either fixed or variable parameters within the same single-moment microphysics scheme. The synthetic radar observations of a splitting supercell thunderstorm are assimilated into the ensembles over a 30-min period using an ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation technique followed by 1-h ensemble forecasts. Results indicate that in the presence of a model error, a multiparameter ensemble with a combination of different hydrometeor density and intercept parameters leads to improved analyses and forecasts and better captures the truth within the forecast envelope compared to single-parameter ensemble experiments with a single, constant, inaccurate hydrometeor intercept and density parameters. This conclusion holds when examining the general storm structure, the intensity of midlevel rotation, surface cold pool strength, and the extreme values of the model fields that are most helpful in determining and identifying potential hazards. Under a perfect-model assumption, the single- and multiparameter ensembles perform similarly as model error does not play a role in these experiments. This study highlights the potential for using a variety of realistic microphysical parameters across the ensemble members in improving the analyses and very short-range forecasts of severe weather events.
Impact of Endoscopic Surgical Techniques on Efficiency in Pituitary Surgery
Authors: Comer Brett T. , Young A. Byron , Gal Thomas J.
Published: July 2011

Objective

To assess the impact of the introduction of endoscopic surgical techniques into a neurosurgical practice for pituitary surgery on operative efficiency.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery over a 4‐year period were identified. The approach over this period evolved from classic transseptal surgery to exclusively endoscopic techniques. Patients were classified as having transseptal surgery, endoscopic approach with microsurgical resection, aborted endoscopic resection with subsequent microsurgery, and exclusive endoscopic techniques. Patient and surgeon demographics, operative times, total operating room times, and room setup time were examined. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression modeling were used to assess outcome measures.

Results

One hundred seven patients were identified. The use of the endoscope for either sphenoid exposure alone (n = 41) or for the entire procedure (n = 35) resulted in a significant reduction in operative and room times compared to transseptal approaches (n = 25). Exclusively endoscopic techniques resulted in a significant reduction in operative and room times independent of all other clinical and surgical parameters (P <. 001). Progressive use of endoscopic techniques resulted in statistically significant progressive reduction in setup time (P =. 001), operative time (P =. 04), and total room time (P =. 03) over the study period.

Conclusion

The transition from transseptal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery to endoscopic techniques implies a learning process for both neurosurgeon and otolaryngologist. Despite this, a noteworthy reduction in operative times, operating room times, and room setup times is observed. The impact of endoscopic techniques on efficiency in pituitary surgery is discussed.
A Remark on a Paper of Luca and Walsh
Authors: Li Zhao-Jun , Tang Min
Published: August 2011

In 2002, F. Luca and P. G. Walsh studied the Diophantine equations of the form (
Improving the Confidence Level in Lead Clearance Examination Results through Modifications to Dust Sampling Protocols
Authors: Cox David C. , Dewalt F. Gary , White Kenneth T. , Schmehl Richard , Friedman Warren , Pinzer Eugene A.
Published: August 2011

Multiple pre-cleaned, four-room residential containments were each subjected to a single high-dust generating activity involving lead-based paint. After dust generation, a geometric wipe sampling grid was used, with a target of 8 interior and 8 perimeter samples in each room, to assess dust-lead on the floors. The containment was then cleaned using the “High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum/3-bucket wet-mop/HEPA vacuum” procedure found in the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Guidelines. Post-cleaning (clearance) floor wipe samples were then taken at side-by-side locations to the pre-cleaning samples. It was found that: [1] floor dust-lead along the perimeters of rooms was three times more difficult to clean than dust-lead from the interiors of the rooms; [2] post-cleaning dust-lead loadings tended to be higher along the perimeters of the rooms than in the interiors of the rooms such that clearance failure was much more likely for individual floor samples collected along the perimeters; and [3] four-wipe composite sampling within each room (two randomly selected from the perimeter and two randomly selected from the interior) provided a very reliable method for detecting clearance failure (99% or greater) versus a randomly selected single wipe sample per room (50% or less).
Excesso de peso: determinantes sociodemográficos e comportamentais em adultos, Brasil, 2008
Authors: Sá Naíza Nayla Bandeira de , Moura Erly Catarina de
Published: August 2011

Este trabalho objetiva conhecer os determinantes sociodemográficos e comportamentais do excesso de peso entre adultos brasileiros, residentes nas capitais de estados e no Distrito Federal, com base em dados do sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico de 2008. A variável dependente foi excesso de peso e as independentes foram as sociodemográficas, as comportamentais e o estado nutricional aos 20 anos. Verificaram-se 44,4% de excesso de peso. Os fatores sociodemográficos associados ao excesso de peso em ambos os sexos foram: maior idade, união conjugal estável, maior escolaridade entre homens e menor entre mulheres. À exceção do excesso de peso aos 20 anos, os fatores comportamentais se associaram com o excesso de peso de modo diferente entre os sexos: no sexo masculino, não ser ativo no tempo livre; no feminino, padrão alimentar ruim e hábito de assistir à televisão. Os determinantes comportamentais do excesso de peso são diferentes para homens e mulheres, demonstrando a necessidade de estratégias diferenciadas.
Transpired solar collectors for ventilation air heating
Authors: Hall Richard , Wang Xiaoxin , Ogden Raymond , Elghali Lucia
Published: July 2011

Transpired solar collectors (TSCs) improve the environmental performance of buildings by preheating incoming ventilation air using solar energy, substituting the need to use fossil fuels. TSCs have been used successfully in the USA and Canada over the past 20 years and have been shown to achieve economic payback of between 2 and 10 years. The economic performance is achieved through a combination of high thermal efficiency and the low cost of the solar collector, which is in the form of a single perforated steel sheet. In 2006, the first installation of a TSC in the UK was on a single-storey industrial building in County Durham and during its first year of operation, the TSC provided around 20% of the building’s heating demand. This paper presents a review of the research into TSC technology, examining its thermal performance, the different construction types, annual energy performance, and international experiences. The evidence from the UK-based research performance investigations suggest that the success of TSCs in the USA and Canada could be replicated in the UK.
Biomass energy for a mixed urban/rural region
Authors: Carrick Jayne , Roddy Dermot
Published: July 2011

This paper investigates small/medium-scale biomass installations where it is possible to envisage local supply chains for feedstock and services, using north east England as an example. Analysis of the conditions that are likely to accelerate the uptake of biomass-fuelled heating and combined heat and power in north east England has been undertaken in the context of the fuel and technology supply chain and government incentive schemes. The analysis is based on design studies for a diverse set of 15 small and medium properties, comparing the economics and practicalities of biomass-fuelled energy conversion with existing fuel provision and with air and ground source heat pumps. The results demonstrate that reliable fuel supply and perceived technology reliability and operational requirements were significant limiting factors. However, opportunities for the uptake of biomass heating were identified for a significant target market of small/medium-scale users, where flexible biomass fuel sourcing is possible, particularly domestic properties and rural businesses currently dependent on oil or liquified petroleum gas fuel.
The accelerator-driven thorium reactor power station
Authors: Ashley Victoria B. , Ashworth Roger , Coates David J. , Earp John E.
Published: July 2011

Aker Solutions conceptually designed the accelerator-driven thorium reactor 600 MWe power station, an accelerator-driven, thorium-fuelled, lead-cooled fast reactor. Project objectives were to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the design to ensure a viable product. Aims were to apply established technology where possible, minimising research and development requirements, develop and protect intellectual property and align with Generation IV strategy. A business case demonstrates economic and market potential to stakeholders, and partners are being pursued to take the project through to successful completion. Thorium is an attractive alternative to uranium fuel, being more abundant and avoiding the need for enrichment. Additionally the accelerator-driven thorium reactor can burn waste actinides generated in uranium-fuelled reactors, providing sustainable energy for future civilisation. Choosing a sub-critical accelerator-driven system provides safe operating margins for the thorium fuel cycle. The proposed reactivity coefficient of 0·995 allows selection of an industrial-scale accelerator with commercial benefits which led to a novel solution for measurement and control of reactivity.
Briefing: Reaping the benefits from the smart grid
Authors: Fischer Bastian
Published: July 2011

The European Union 20-20-20 regulation, which calls for companies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2020, is placing pressure on the electric utility industry to curb both its own and its customers’ energy use. A way of achieving this is through the adoption of smart grids and smart meters, which use two-way digital communications to control appliances at consumers’ homes and record consumption in intervals of an hour or less, respectively. This paper outlines the findings of a recent Oracle Utilities study that examined the progress that has been made by energy utilities to implement smart grids and smart meters. It explains how energy utilities can harness the benefits available to them and their customers through these technologies and how best utilities can utilise the vast amount of data intelligence created by smart meters. It concludes with a look at how utilities can reap the full benefits and capabilities delivered by the smart grid and maximise their return on their investment to take full advantage of the opportunities that the technology brings.
Evaluation of treatment technologies for biodegradable municipal solid waste
Authors: Powrie William
Published: July 2011

The New Technologies Demonstrator Programme (NTDP) was established in 2003 by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to encourage the development and implementation of new technologies to help the UK meet the requirements of the EU landfill directive in respect of the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste away from landfill. The NTDP ended in 2010. This paper summarises the outputs from the programme and the key lessons learned for biodegradable municipal solid waste management. Anaerobic digestion is demonstrated as a viable technology, while composting and anaerobic digestion may have benefits in terms of energy that can be offset against conventional nitrogen fixation if the output displaces an artificial fertiliser. In both processes, the quality of the incoming waste stream is crucially important. Mechanical heat treatment can be a viable process for the recovery of clean recyclables and solid recovered fuel from raw municipal solid waste, but further work is needed to investigate and possibly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of new thermally based technologies using wastes or refuse-derived fuels to generate electricity. Thermally based processes were, in general, found to be much more problematic than their biologically based counterparts, in terms of both establishment and operation of the facility.
Mass and energy balance for a rotating-drum composting plant
Authors: Eades Paul , Banks Charles , Heaven Sonia , Walker Mark
Published: July 2011

The Bioganix in-vessel composting system at Leominster, UK, received 33 515 t of waste from January 2006 to December 2007, of which 9200 t was source-segregated biodegradable municipal waste (BMW). The process operated with a nominal in-vessel retention time of 4 days. Mass balances indicated 17·1% reduction (excluding reject materials). The process was estimated to consume 186 kWh/t of waste processed as electrical energy for static plant and a further 9·6 kWh as diesel for mobile plant. Taking into account transportation and application of the compost, the estimated consumption was ~560 kWh/t of waste processed, calculated as primary energy (including electrical conversion). 96·7% of this was for processing; transportation consumed 1·3% and application 2·0%. The mixed waste compost had a high nitrogen content but, for a typical source-segregated biodegradable municipal waste, the energy potentially offset from nitrogen fixation is likely to be considerably less than that used in processing.
The Energos gasification plant: early performance assessment
Authors: Pugh Michael , Read Adam , Mitchell Desmond
Published: July 2011

As one of the Defra-funded advanced thermal treatment demonstration technologies, the gasification/oxidation plant on the Isle of Wight started operation in December 2008. As a requirement of the demonstrator project the plant was subjected to an independent assessment of its performance. This paper is based on the report of that assessment, undertaken by AEA Technology and provides an overview of the early operation of the plant in respect of its performance, availability, reliability and maintainability. The period of monitoring spanned the early operation of the plant. The new gasification technology has been retrofitted into a former waste incinerator. Much of the existing energy recovery and pollution abatement equipment downstream of the combustion chamber has been retained, which has resulted in lower than optimal efficiency and availability. During the monitoring period a number of significant unplanned and protracted outages occurred, largely, but not exclusively related to the legacy pollution abatement and energy recovery equipment.
Realization of Non Linear Controllers in Batch Reactor using GA and SVM
Authors: Sujatha S. , Pappa N.
Published: July 2011

This paper presents the application of machine learning schemes, namely SVM and GA, for realization of non linear control schemes and optimization of Batch reactor. Batch reactor is an essential unit operation in almost all batch- processing industries such as chemical and pharmaceuticals. In this approach, the temperature profile of the batch reactor is optimized using Genetic Algorithm (GA) with a view to maximize the desired product and minimize the waste product as a multi -objective function. Generic Model Control is implemented by using SVM Estimator, and it includes the non-linear model of a process to determine the control action. SVM estimator will predict the current value of the heat release makes the control performance to be more robust. The robustness performance of GMC has been experienced. Other non linear control schemes, such as Direct Inverse Control and Internal Model Control, are also implemented.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Panax notoginseng (Araliaceae), a Chinese traditional herb
Authors: Liu Han , Xia Tao , Zuo Yun‐Juan , Chen Zhong‐Jian , Zhou Shi‐Liang
Published: August 2011

•Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for a Chinese traditional herb, Panax notoginseng, to investigate its genetic diversity and cultivar breeding.

•Methods and Results: Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the microsatellite‐enriched genomic library of Panax notoginseng. The polymorphisms were assessed in two populations and an assemblage containing individuals from the entire distribution area. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 12, with a mean of 5.8; the observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.0411 to 0.8472 and from 0.0804 to 0.7653, respectively.

•Conclusions: These new microsatellite markers will be useful for investigating the genetic diversity of this cultivated Panax notoginseng as well as assist in cultivar breeding.
Small Changes Huge Impact: The Role of Protein Posttranslational Modifications in Cellular Homeostasis and Disease
Authors: Karve Tejaswita M. , Cheema Amrita K.
Published: July 2011

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) modulate protein function in most eukaryotes and have a ubiquitous role in diverse range of cellular functions. Identification, characterization, and mapping of these modifications to specific amino acid residues on proteins are critical towards understanding their functional significance in a biological context. The interpretation of proteome data obtained from the high-throughput methods cannot be deciphered unambiguously without a priori knowledge of protein modifications. An in-depth understanding of protein PTMs is important not only for gaining a perception of a wide array of cellular functions but also towards developing drug therapies for many life-threatening diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Many of the protein modifications like ubiquitination play a decisive role in various drug response(s) and eventually in disease prognosis. Thus, many commonly observed PTMs are routinely tracked as disease markers while many others are used as molecular targets for developing target-specific therapies. In this paper, we summarize some of the major, well-studied protein alterations and highlight their importance in various chronic diseases and normal development. In addition, other promising minor modifications such as SUMOylation, observed to impact cellular dynamics as well as disease pathology, are mentioned briefly.
Direct Spectrophotometric Assay for Benzaldehyde Lyase Activity
Authors: Natalia Dessy , Kohlmann Christina , Ansorge-Schumacher Marion B. , Greiner Lasse
Published: July 2011

Benzaldehyde lyase from Pseudomonas fluorescens Biovar I. (BAL, EC 4.1.2.38) is a versatile catalyst for the organic synthesis of chiral α-hydroxy ketones. To allow fast assessment of enzyme activity, a direct spectrophotometric assay is desirable. Here, a new robust and easy-to-handle assay based on UV absorption is presented. The assay developed is based on the ligation of the α-hydroxy ketone (R)-2,2′-furoin from 2-furaldehyde. A robust assay with direct monitoring of the product is facilitated with a convenient concentration working range minimising experimental associated with low concentrations.