bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatigue performance of discontinuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic leaf spring
Authors: Subramanian C , Senthilvelan S
Published: June 2010

The present work investigates the fatigue performance of fibre-reinforced injection-moulded leaf springs. Twenty per cent discontinuous long, short glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene (SFPP) and unreinforced polypropylene (UFPP) materials are used for manufacturing constant-thickness, varying-width, mono leaf spring. Fatigue tests are performed on moulded leaf springs at various alternating loads under the pulsating compression mode at 0.5Hz frequency with the aid of in-house developed fixtures integrated with the servo-hydraulic fatigue machine. During fatigue testing, cyclic load—deflection of the test leaf spring of each and every cycle is measured; the energy dissipation ratio and spring rate of the test leaf springs are reported as an index for the accumulated damage at various stages of its life. Test leaf springs are subjected to fatigue load up to 2×105 cycles or failure, whichever is earlier. SFPP and UFPP leaf springs exhibited drops in the spring rate, whereas long glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene exhibited fracture as leaf spring failure. Fatigue performance as well as failure morphology of the leaf springs confirmed the role of reinforced fibre length in the thermoplastic composite leaf spring.
Automated Heart-Type Fatty Acid–Binding Protein Assay for the Early Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kim Yeongsic , Kim Hyunjung , Kim Soo-Young , Lee Hae Kyung , Kwon Hi Jeong , Kim Yong Goo , Lee Jehoon , Kim Hyung Min , So Byung Hak
Published: June 2010

We compared an automated quantitative heart-type fatty acid–binding protein (H-FABP) assay with other cardiac-marker assays to examine its usefulness as an early diagnostic marker of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Serum samples for cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase-MB isozyme (CK-MB), myoglobin, and H-FABP were obtained from 64 patients with AMI and 53 patients with other conditions (control group). H-FABP was measured by using 2 immunoassays, the H-FABP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Biocheck, Foster City, CA) and the H-FABP latex turbidimetric immunoassay (LTIA; HBI, Anyang, Korea). Sensitivities of assays for cTnT, CK-MB, myoglobin, H-FABP (by ELISA), H-FABP (by LTIA), and electrocardiogram (ECG) for the diagnosis of AMI at hospital admission were 39.1%, 59.4%, 64.1%, 68.7%, 70.3%, and 54.7%, respectively. Specificities of cTnT, CK-MB, myoglobin, H-FABP (by ELISA), H-FABP (by LTIA), and ECG were 98.1%, 71.7%, 81.1%, 77.4%, 90.6%, and 92.5%, respectively. The automated H-FABP (by LTIA) is superior to cTnT, CK-MB, myoglobin, and H-FABP (by ELISA) tests for the diagnosis of AMI in patients admitted within 4 hours from the onset of chest pain.
PCR Assays Detect B-Lymphocyte Clonality in Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Specimens of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Without Microdissection
Authors: Burack W. Richard , Laughlin Todd S. , Friedberg Jonathan W. , Spence Janice M. , Rothberg Paul G.
Published: June 2010

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) was shown to be a B-cell malignancy using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) clonality studies of microdissected Reed-Sternberg cells. While methods for the detection of B-cell clonality could aid in the diagnosis of HL, microdissection is not practical in most clinical settings. We assessed the standardized BIOMED-2 IGH and IGK PCR primers for the detection of clonality using 50 consecutively diagnosed formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) classic HL specimens. Without microdissection, clonality was detected in 23 of 47 assessable cases. The IGK assay was significantly more sensitive than the IGH assay (18 vs 10 positive results). These data and 2 representative cases demonstrate that PCR-based B-cell clonality assays have usefulness when the histologic differential diagnosis of an FFPE specimen includes classic HL.
Increased expression of the oncogenic KLF6-SV1 transcript in human glioblastoma
Authors: Tchirkov Andrei , Sapin Vincent , Marceau Geoffroy , Chautard Emmanuel , Narla Goutham , Veronese Lauren , Friedman Scott , Khalil Toufic , Vago Philippe , Kemeny Jean-Louis , Verrelle Pierre
Published: June 2010

Background: Gliomas constitute the vast majority of primary central nervous system tumors in adults. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive form of these primary brain tumors. There is a need to define diagnostic and prognostic markers that may help to distinguish GBM from non-GBM tumors. The Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) gene has recently emerged as a promising candidate. The goal of our study was to determine if there is a link between KLF6 splice variants expression and different grades of gliomas.

Methods: Fifty-three primary gliomas tumor samples were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR for the total KLF6, wild-type and alternatively spliced (SV1) KLF6 mRNA.

Results: Compared to the non-GBM group, the GBM group had a 2.2-fold increase in the mean level of total KLF6 mRNA expression. GBM showed a 2.1-fold increase in the KLF6 splicing ratio. In addition, KLF6-SV1 mRNA expression levels were also 2.2-fold higher in the GBM group, suggesting that the increase in the KLF6 splicing ratio was due to increased expression of the KLF6-SV1 oncogenic splice variant.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that quantification of total and spliced forms of KLF6 may provide a new and useful supplementary molecular tool for grading glioma.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1167–70.
Automatic Speaker Recognition as a Measurement of Voice Imitation and Conversion
Authors: Farrús Mireia , Wagner Michael , Erro Daniel , Hernando Javier
Published: June 2010

Voices can be deliberately disguised by means of human imitation or voice conversion. The question arises as to what extent they can be modified by using either of both methods. In the current paper, a set of speaker identification experiments are conducted; first, analysing some prosodic features extracted from voices of professional impersonators attempting to mimic a target voice and, second, using both intragender and crossgender converted voices in a spectral-based speaker recognition system. The results obtained in the current experiments show that the identification error rate increases when testing with imitated voices, as well as when using converted voices, especially the crossgender ones.
Detection of imitated voices, who are reliable earwitnesses?
Authors: Eriksson Erik J. , Sullivan Kirk P. H. , Zetterholm Elisabeth , Czigler Peter E. , Green James , Skagerstrand Åsa , Van Doorn Jan
Published: June 2010

Factors affecting an individual's ability to identify people aurally are of forensic importance. This paper investigates how topic, dialect, gender, age, and hearing status affect detection of an imitated voice. Two imitations of the same person, but on different topics, were used as familiarization voices. One topic was associated with this person, and the other was not. Using discrimination sensitivity (d-prime) it was found that topic had a significant impact on d', as did age (but only when the topic was not associated with the imitated person). Dialect, gender and hearing status were not significant. The older group of listeners was less convinced by the imitations and in particular the one not associated with the person being imitated. These results imply that the validity of earwitness evidence is negatively affected by age and topic.
The question of question types in police interviews: A review of the literature from a psychological and linguistic perspective.
Authors: Oxburgh Gavin Eric , Myklebust Trond , Grant Tim
Published: June 2010

The past two decades has seen a plethora of papers and academic research conducted on investigative interviews with victims, witnesses and suspected offenders, with a particular focus on questioning techniques and typologies. However, despite this research, there still remain significant discrepancies amongst academic researchers and practitioners over how best to describe types of questions. This article considers the available literature relating to interviews with children and adults from both a psychological and linguistic perspective. In particular, we examine how different types of questions are described, and explore the discrepancies between competing definitions.
The role of linguists and native speakers in language analysis for the determination of speaker origin
Authors: Cambier-Langeveld Tina
Published: June 2010

In this paper, it is argued that proper conduction of Language Analysis for the Determination of the Origin of asylum seekers (LADO) requires not only linguistic expertise, but also the involvement of somebody with native competence in the language. Furthermore, awareness of the forensic aspects of LADO is crucial. Possible ways of combining native speaker competence and linguistic expertise are discussed.
Eight cases are presented in which language analyses have been done by a trained native speaker under supervision of a linguist, and by a specialized linguist. These eight cases are of special interest because the correct outcome is now known.
This paper shows that a person’s capability to make reliable judgments on the origin of a speaker cannot be inferred directly from his qualifications in linguistics, his language background or his professed confidence. This entails that testing of this capability is the only way to ensure good results.
A comparative study of Latinisms in court opinions in the United States and Spain
Authors: Balteiro Isabel , Campos-Pardillos Miguel Angel
Published: June 2010

In spite of the movements demanding clarity in legal texts, Latin expressions are still used in legal language, especially in legal argumentation. Opponents of an excess of linguistic reform argue that Latinisms serve a purpose, as they avoid ambiguity, and that such clear-cut terms may help towards the development of an international lingua franca for legal professionals.
Through an analysis of recent opinions from the United States Supreme Court and the Spanish Constitutional Court, we shall explore whether Latinisms have a parallel frequency and usage in the two languages. In principle, one might expect Spanish jurists to be fonder of Latin formulae, due to their native language and training, and that Latin expressions might serve as a sort of interlanguage reference. However, while this may be theoretically the case, quantitative evidence seems to show otherwise: there appear to be more Latinisms in American legal English than in Spanish, at least in some genres, and furthermore, Latinisms differ in usage between the two languages.
Ingestão alimentar e balanço energético da população adulta de Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: resultados da Pesquisa de Nutrição, Atividade Física e Saúde (PNAFS)
Authors: Souza Danielle Ribeiro de , Anjos Luiz Antonio dos , Wahrlich Vivian , Vasconcellos Mauricio Teixeira Leite de , Machado Juliana da Mata
Published: June 2010

Avaliou-se a ingestão alimentar de 24 horas de um dia típico, mediu-se a massa corporal e a estatura e estimou-se o gasto energético em uma amostra probabilística de adultos de Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os resultados mostraram que a ingestão energética média foi de 1.570,9 (24,1) e 2.188,8 (46,1) kcal.dia-1 para mulheres e homens, respectivamente. O gasto energético foi maior nos obesos do que nos indivíduos com massa corporal normal. O balanço energético medido (ingestão energética - gasto energético) diminuiu com o aumento do índice de massa corporal, sendo negativo (-3,2; 131 kcal.dia-1) nos homens obesos. Concluiu-se que a ingestão alimentar da população adulta de Niterói encontra-se dentro do recomendado, apesar da prevalência de pré-obesidade e obesidade ser alta. Ao se estratificar a ingestão energética pelo estado nutricional nota-se menor ingestão para os indivíduos com maior massa corporal, fato mais evidente nas mulheres (possível subestimativa da ingestão energética), o que pode ser explicado, em parte, pela superestimativa no cálculo do gasto energético ou pela omissão da ingestão energética por parte dos indivíduos.
As relações laborais no âmbito da municipalização da gestão em saúde e os dilemas da relação expansão/precarização do trabalho no contexto do SUS
Authors: Junqueira Túlio da Silva , Cotta Rosângela Minardi Mitre , Gomes Ricardo Corrêa , Silveira Suely de Fátima Ramos , Siqueira-Batista Rodrigo , Pinheiro Tarcísio Márcio Magalhães , Sampaio Rosana Ferreira
Published: June 2010

Analisar a lógica da organização da gestão de recursos humanos em nível da atenção primária em saúde, desde a perspectiva dos gestores municipais - protagonistas das ações de saúde nos municípios brasileiros -, repensando o processo de descentralização a partir da mediação entre as orientações do Governo Federal e a dimensão do cotidiano dos serviços. Estudo transversal, com utilização de questionário semi-estruturado, aplicado aos secretários municipais de saúde da macrorregião sanitária Leste do Sul (Minas Gerais, Brasil). Os secretários municipais de saúde tinham média de idade de 39,4 anos, reduzido nível de escolaridade, observando-se que boa parte dos mesmos não era da área de saúde. Em relação aos trabalhadores do Programa Saúde da Família, as prefeituras são responsáveis por 93,3% dos contratos dos profissionais de saúde, os quais são vinculações tipicamente temporárias. Os achados ratificam a defasagem dos direitos políticos e sociais dos trabalhadores, com o paradoxo de ser o Estado - via gestão municipal - o responsável pelo descumprimento das leis, importante questão a ser ponderada.
Coleito no primeiro semestre de vida: prevalência e fatores associados
Authors: Issler Roberto Mario Silveira , Giugliani Elsa Regina Justo , Marostica Paulo José Cauduro , Nieto Fabiane , Milani Adriana Rosa , Wolmeister Anelise Schifino , Scherer Mateus Breitenbach , Pires Daniela Oliveira , Oliveira Marcia Nunes , Pinto Danusa Graeff Chagas , Sarturi Bianca Fernandes , Smidt Luis Felipe Silva , Villetti Manoela Chitolina
Published: June 2010

Esse estudo tem o objetivo de verificar a prevalência de coleito de mães e lactentes e fatores associados em população urbana no Sul do Brasil. Trata-se de estudo transversal aninhado em uma coorte de 233 duplas de mãe-filho selecionadas na maternidade do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Quando a criança completava 3 e 6 meses de vida, coletavam-se, em visitas domiciliares, dados sobre prática do coleito e variáveis associadas. O desfecho principal foi o compartilhamento do espaço de dormir entre a criança e sua mãe. Variáveis com p < 0,2 na análise bivariada entraram em modelo de regressão de Poisson. Aos 3 e 6 meses, 31,2% e 28,5% das crianças dormiam junto com suas mães à noite. Aos 3 meses, a prevalência foi maior entre mães sem companheiro (RP: 1,56; IC95%: 1,01-2,39) e em coabitação quando com a avó materna da criança (RP: 1,70; IC95%: 1,09-2,65). A prevalência de coleito aos três meses na população estudada é alta, associando-se à mãe sem companheiro e coabitação com a avó materna.
Spatial pattern, water use and risk levels associated with the transmission of schistosomiasis on the north coast of Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Paredes Helen , Souza-Santos Reinaldo , Resendes Ana Paula da Costa , Souza Marco Antônio Andrade de , Albuquerque Jones , Bocanegra Silvana , Gomes Elainne Christine de Souza , Barbosa Constança Simões
Published: June 2010

This study aimed to describe epidemiological aspects of schistosomiasis in Carne de Vaca, Goiana, on the coast of Pernambuco State, Brazil and analyze the spatial distribution of households' sanitary conditions and patterns of water contact. A parasitological survey was conducted between 2006 and 2007. An indicator was set to establish risk levels for schistosomiasis based on variables of water contact pattern, household characteristics and proximity to the foci of vector snails. The prevalence was 18.71 in men and 15.96 in women. The age groups most affected were 20-29 years among men and 10-19 among women. The most common parasite load was 1-99 eggs per gram of feces. The prevalence was 17.3 cases per 100 inhabitants and its spatial distribution was not homogeneous. The Bayesian analysis proved unsatisfactory. It is concluded that schistosomiasis is endemic in Carne de Vaca and the risk indicator, based on geoprocessing, proved to be satisfactory, highlighting areas where the problem is more acute.
Identity Economics
Authors: Akerlof George A , Kranton Rachel
Published: June 2010

Why have the relative rates of women smoking grown so much in the last 100 years? How can the U.S. military do so well with a relatively flat pay scale? Standard economics hasn't a clue, but according to Berkeley economist George Akerlof and Duke economist Rachel Kranton, the answers lie in a new field called identity economics.
How Should Standards Be Set and Met?: On the Allocation of Regulatory Power in a Federal System
Authors: Lin C.-Y. Cynthia
Published: June 2010

Regulation often takes the form of a standard that can be met through the implementation of any of a number of different policies. This paper examines how the authority to set the standard and the authority to choose the combination of policies to meet the standard should be allocated between a central government and local governments. In the context of the United States, for example, should standards regarding such public goods as the environment or education be set and implemented by the federal government, by individual state governments, or by both? Because decisions about setting and/or meeting the standard can be non-contractible, an incomplete contracting approach is used. A central finding is that "conjoint federalism" (the central government sets the standard while the local governments meet the standard), which is the regulatory structure often used in federations such as the United States and the European Union, can be the least efficient form, while a reverse form of delegation, in which local governments choose their own individual standards which the central government then decides how to collectively meet, can be the most efficient.
The Church of Kapnikarea in Athens: Remarks on its history, typology and form
Authors: Gkioles Nikolaos
Published: June 2010

This article offers a detailed presentation of the Athens church of the Mother of God, known by the name of Kapnikarea, which originates from the middle of the Byzantine period. Initially, the Kapnikarea was the katholikon of the monastery but today it is a building complex, consisting of three chronologically different ensembles. They are the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin, erected just after the mid-11th century, the exonarthex probably dating from the beginning of the 12th century, and the smaller northern church dedicated to St. Barbara, built during the Ottoman epoch.
The cult of St. Vitus among the Serbs in the middle ages
Authors: Markovic Miodrag
Published: June 2010

Vitus, a native of Sicily, who was martyred during the emperor Diocletian's persecutions, is not well known among Orthodox Christians. However, his feast day, which is celebrated on June 15th, occupies an extremely important place in the minds of the Serbian people, as Vidovdan. At the end of the 19th century, Jovan Vuckovic, a learned priest, concluded that, for the Serbs, the significance of the feast of St. Vitus does not lie in any particular reverence for St. Vitus himself, but in the fact that the Battle of Kosovo took place on his feast day. Nevertheless, there are reliable testimonies that the Serbs did revere this martyr from Sicily, in the Middle Ages. The earliest is to be found in the menologion in the Miroslav Gospel, and St. Vitus is also recorded in hagiographic sources that appeared after the establishment of the autocephalous Serbian Church. We find the most frequent mention of him in the manuscript synaxaria of the so-called First recession of the Menologue of Basil II (from 13th and 14th centuries), and several 14th century menaions contain an akolouthia dedicated to St. Vitus.
The third chrysobull of Zica
Authors: Subotic Gojko
Published: June 2010

The chrysobulls of King Stefan the First Crowned, and his son, Radoslav, to the monastery of Zica, written on the walls of the passage beneath the bell-tower of the Church of the Holy Saviour, were already observed in the 1820s and were published several times, on the basis of various transcriptions. However, no one noticed that beside them, on the surfaces beneath the figures of the saint apostles, Peter and Paul, in the soffit of the arch on the western side, there were severely damaged texts, inscribed in small script, the traces of which allow us to recognise yet another deed of gift of King Stefan. The text started off on the southern side with an invocation and intitulation, followed by an exposition containing a series of toponyms that resumed on an appropriate surface on the northern wall, also enumerating the donated possessions, and ending in a sanction. This third chrysobull was probably granted before the end of the reign of Stefan the First Crowned, when the need was felt to officially confirm possession of the estates that were later granted. Nevertheless, given the worn out state of the text from exposure to bad weather conditions, the content does not offer any significant data that could fill in the picture of the Zica feudal holdings, with unknown estates. Like the two previous documents, the third chrysobull was also inscribed when the church was being redecorated, in the time of Archbishop Sava III (1309-1316). Technically, it was done in the same layer of plaster and has the characteristic lettering used in the first two chrysobulls. The fact that its contents were written in smaller letters on small fields at the side, although there was enough space on the larger empty surfaces beneath the first two, can probably be explained by the intention to repeat the way in which the chrysobulls were arranged in the passage beneath the bell-tower, in the time of Archbishop Sava I. Then, also in an abbreviated version, in front of the first two documents, extracts from the third were displayed on the free, relatively small surfaces.
The Iconographical cycle of the Eothina Gospel Pericopes in churches from the Reign of king Milutin
Authors: Zarras Nektarios
Published: June 2010

The paper deals with the examination of the iconographic cycle of the Eothina Gospel pericopes, in which are depicted not only the appearances of Christ after his Resurrection, hut also additional events, which have an expository function and give a visual rendering of the theological message of the Resurrection pericopes. During the Palaeologan period the Eothina were depicted in all possible detail, in order that as many scenes as possible could be produced. Thus, although there are only eleven Eothina pericopes in all, in a number of churches from the time of Milutin the cycle includes up to sixteen scenes, of a clearly narrative character. Several of the iconographic motifs of the cycle in the above churches are unique creations which mark a renewal of Palaeologan painting.
The portraits of Byzantine and Serbian rulers in the monastery of Treskavac
Authors: Cvetkovski Saso
Published: June 2010

Testimony of the almost 800 year-long history of the monastery of Treskavac one of the great monastic and spiritual centres of the Ohrid archbishopric in addition to historical sources, chrysobulls, manuscripts, inscriptions and monastery records, lies in the presentations of historical personalities on the walls of the monastery's Church of the Dormition of the Virgin. In terms of importance, among them, one may single out the images of Byzantine emperors and the Serbian king, Stefan Dusan.
Excision of a congenital laryngeal cyst in a five-month-old dog via a lateral extraluminal approach
Authors: Cuddy Laura C. , Bacon Nicholas J. , Coomer Alastair R. , Jeyapaul Cynthia J. , Sheppard Barbara J. , Winter Matthew D.
Published: June 2010

Case Description—A 5-month-old neutered male Golden Retriever was evaluated because of moderate stridor, exercise intolerance, and dyspnea. The dog had been neutered 3 weeks previously, and the referring veterinarian identified a large fluid-filled swelling on the left lateral aspect of the larynx during anesthetic intubation for that surgery. The referring veterinarian drained fluid from the mass by use of needle centesis via the oral cavity, which resulted in temporary improvement in clinical signs; however, the clinical signs returned soon thereafter.

Clinical Findings—A large, soft, spherical mass was located between the left arytenoid and thyroid cartilages and axial to the left ceratohyoid bone, thus causing partial obstruction of the rima glottidis. Laryngoscopic examination, computed tomography (CT), and cytologic evaluation of aspirates performed before surgery; examination during surgery; and histologic evaluation of tissues following surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis of a laryngeal cyst.

Treatment and Outcome—Complete surgical excision was successfully performed via a lateral extraluminal approach to the larynx. One week after surgery, the dog coughed only occasionally. Twelve months after surgery, the owner reported that the dog was clinically normal with no recurrence of clinical signs, and laryngoscopic examination revealed no recurrence of the cyst or other pathological changes in the laryngeal region.

Clinical Relevance—Congenital laryngeal cysts are rarely reported in domestic animals. The information provided here described the CT appearance of a laryngeal cyst and the use of CT in diagnosis and surgical planning. Congenital laryngeal cysts can be resected via a lateral submucosal approach.
Thermal stability and electrochemical behaviour of Tetrakis-μ-benzoatodicopper(II)
Authors: Mohamadin Mohammad , Abdullah Norbani
Published: June 2010

Copper(II) benzoate (CuB) was synthesized and structurally characterized to have a binuclear, paddle-wheel structure. The complex was found to be thermally stable up to 230°C, and underwent four stages of decomposition, loss of CO2, C6H6, CH3CH2-OCH2CH3 and some aliphatic unsaturated organic materials. The DSC curve shows two endotherms at 80.0°C and 230.0°C respectively, indicating that the initial weight loss can be attributed to solvated molecules and the starting of the major decomposition process, (shown in the TG analysis). Cyclic voltammetry studies in a mixed-solvent system of methanol and ethanoic acid (20:1 v/v) show three cathodic peaks, at −0.13 V, −0.35 V and −0.74 V, representing a step-wise electron transfer process, and two overlapping anodic peaks at +0.31 V and +0.46 V. The high value of ΔE ranging from 400 mV to 1200 mV indicates that the redox process is accompanied by an extensive structural reorganization of the complex in the solution creating a different geometrical environment around the central copper ion.
A glimpse of deductive systems in algebra
Authors: Buşneag Dumitru , Rudeanu Sergiu
Published: June 2010

The concept of a deductive system has been intensively studied in algebraic logic, per se and in connection with various types of filters. In this paper we introduce an axiomatization which shows how several resembling theorems that had been separately proved for various algebras of logic can be given unique proofs within this axiomatic framework. We thus recapture theorems already known in the literature, as well as new ones. As a by-product we introduce the class of pre-BCK algebras.
Backward solutions to nonlinear integro-differential systems
Authors: Bai Yuzhen
Published: June 2010

In this paper, we show the backward uniqueness in time of solutions to nonlinear integro-differential systems with Neumann or Dirichlet boundary conditions. We also discuss reasonable physical interpretations for our conclusions.
Complete classification of parallel Lorentz surfaces in neutral pseudo hyperbolic 4-space
Authors: Chen Bang-Yen
Published: June 2010

A Lorentz surface of an indefinite space form is called a parallel surface if its second fundamental form is parallel with respect to the Van der Waerden-Bortolotti connection. Such surfaces are locally invariant under the reflection with respect to the normal space at each point. Parallel surfaces are important in geometry as well as in general relativity since extrinsic invariants of such surfaces do not change from point to point. Recently, parallel Lorentz surfaces in 4D neutral pseudo Euclidean 4-space $$ \mathbb{E}_2^4 $$ and in neutral pseudo 4-sphere S 24 (1) were classified in [14] and in [10], respectively. In this paper, we completely classify parallel Lorentz surfaces in neutral pseudo hyperbolic 4-space H 24 (−1). Our main result states that there are 53 families of parallel Lorentz surfaces in H 24 (−1). Conversely, every parallel Lorentz surface in H 24 (−1) is obtained from the 53 families. As an immediate by-product, we achieve the complete classification of all parallel Lorentz surfaces in 4D neutral indefinite space forms.
Trap-assisted tunnelling current in MIM structures
Authors: Racko Juraj , Mikolášek Miroslav , Granzner Ralf , Breza Juraj , Donoval Daniel , Grmanová Alena , Harmatha Ladislav , Schwierz Frank , Fröhlich Karol
Published: June 2010

A new model is presented of current transport in Metal Insulator Metal (MIM) structures by quantum mechanical tunnelling. In addition to direct tunnelling through an insulating layer, tunnelling via defects present in the insulating layer plays an important role. Examples of the influence of the material and thickness of the insulating layer, energy distribution of traps, and metal work functions are also provided.
Acoustic heating produced in the thermoviscous flow of a Bingham plastic
Authors: Perelomova Anna
Published: June 2010

This study is devoted to the instantaneous acoustic heating of a Bingham plastic. The model of the Bingham plastic’s viscous stress tensor includes the yield stress along with the shear viscosity, which differentiates a Bingham plastic from a viscous Newtonian fluid. A special linear combination of the conservation equations in differential form makes it possible to reduce all acoustic terms in the linear part of of the final equation governing acoustic heating, and to retain those belonging to the thermal mode. The nonlinear terms of the final equation are a result of interaction between sounds and the thermal mode. In the field of intense sound, the resulting nonlinear acoustic terms form a driving force for the heating. The final governing dynamic equation of the thermal mode is valid in a weakly nonlinear flow. It is instantaneous, and does not imply that sounds be periodic. The equations governing the dynamics of both sounds and the thermal mode depend on sign of the shear rate. An example of the propagation of a bipolar initially acoustic pulse and the evolution of the heating induced by it is illustrated and discussed.
Apoptosis quantification at the respiratory epithelium level in asthma
Authors: Grigoraş Adriana , Grigoraş Constantin , Mihăescu Traian , Vereş Liliana , Cotuţiu Coriolan , Floarea-Strat Alina
Published: June 2010

The „changes” occurring in the expression of the factors involved in the apoptotic chain at the level of the respiratory epithelium in asthma is still an unsolved issue. At this level an important role is played by the mitochondria and the factors that influence the membrane permeability, especially the Bcl-2 super family. The purpose of this study is to evaluate both the changes in the expression of the Bcl-2 and of the Bax proapoptotic factors at the respiratory epithelium level in 21 patients with bronchial asthma of different degrees of severity of disease (aaccording to GINA — Global Initiative For Asthma). To accomplish this, fragments of the bronchial mucosa were obtained through fiberbronchoscopy, being afterwords hystologically prepare in view of the immunomarking with anti Bcl-2 and anti-Bax antibodies. Microscopic examination revealed an important decrease in the level of proapoptotic factor Bcl-2 in patients with persistent severe forms of the disease and a significant decrease in the expression of the proapototic Bax factor at the respiratory epithelium level even in the early stages of the disease. Knowing all the factors involved in apoptosis at the respiratory epithelium level in bronchial asthma, as well as of their expression changes will be at the core of new therapeutical approaches to of this disease.
Hospitalized pandemic influenza A (H1N1) patients in a university hospital
Authors: Metan Gokhan , Bozkurt Ilkay , Agkus Cigdem , Coskun Ramazan , Alp Emine , Sungur Murat , Aygen Bilgehan , Doganay Mehmet
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to describe the demographic and clinical features of hospitalized patients with the pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus infection in a tertiary care hospital in Central Anatolia, Turkey. The patients, all over 16 years of age and hospitalized for influenza-like symptoms between 1 November 2009 and 31 December 2009, were retrospectively identified from the records of the Infectious Diseases Department. Eighty patients whose diagnoses were confirmed by real-time PCR were included in this study. The median age of the patients was 27 years; 41 of them were male. Thirty-seven of the patients had a radiologically proven pneumonia. Eighteen of 37 (48.6%) patients with pneumonia had an underlying co-morbid medical condition, and 14 required intensive care unit admission. Patients with pneumonia had higher levels of C-reactive protein. All patients but one received oseltamivir treatment. Six patients with pneumonia received only antiviral therapy, while 31 of the patients with pneumonia received concomitant antibiotic therapy. Three patients who required mechanical ventilatory support died due to respiratory insufficinency. Although our study implicates the later periods of the pandemic, there were no significant differences for patients’ characteristics between our study and previous reports from the countries where the pandemic first occurred.
A deuterium-palladium electrode as a new sensor in non-aqueous solutions: potentiometric titration of weak acids in acetonitrile and benzonitrile
Authors: Pantić Ivan , Mihajlović Ranđel , Mihajlović Ljiljana
Published: June 2010

A deuterium-palladium electrode was employed as a new indicator electrode for the titration of weak acids in acetonitrile and benzonitrile. The investigated electrode showed a linear dynamic response for p-toluenesulfonic acid in the concentration range from 0.001 M to 0.1 M with a Nernstian slope of 48 mV in acetonitrile. Sodium methylate, potassium hydroxide and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide proved to be very suitable titrating agents for these titrations. The response time was less than 10-11 s and the lifetime of the electrode was limitless. Advantages of the electrode are: long-term stability, fast response, reproducibility, easy preparation and low cost.
ZnO nanorods catalyzed N-alkylation of piperidin-4-one, 4(3H)-pyrimidone, and ethyl 6-chloro-1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-4-phenylquinoline-3-carboxylate
Authors: Roopan Selvaraj , Khan Fazlur
Published: June 2010

An efficient ligand-free cross-coupling reaction of 2-chloro-3-(chloromethyl)benzo[h]quinoline with N-heterocycles such as piperidin-4-one, 4(3H)-pyrimidone, and ethyl 6-chloro-1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-4-phenylquinoline-3-carboxylate using a catalytic amount of ZnO nanorods as a recyclable catalyst and KOH as the base in DMSO under reflux at 110°C is reported.
Factors influencing aggregation behavior of poly(γ-benzyl l-glutamate)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer in mixed solvents
Authors: Zhu Guo-Quan , Wang Fa-Gang , Liu Yu-Ying , Gao Qiao-Chun
Published: June 2010

Poly(γ-benzyl l-glutamate)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) (PBLG-graft-PEG) copolymer was synthesized by the ester exchange reaction of PBLG homopolymer with mPEG. Aggregation behavior of the PBLG-graft-PEG copolymer in mixtures of ethanol and chloroform was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and viscometry. Effects of the polymer solution concentration, grafting degree, test temperature, and chloroform content on the morphology, average particle diameter, and critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the micelles formed by the PBLG-graft-PEG copolymer in the mixed solvents were mainly studied. It was revealed that the PBLG-graft-PEG copolymer can self-assemble into polymeric micelles with a core-shell structure in various shapes depending on the preparation conditions.
Photoluminescence and photoconductive characteristics of hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Mishra S.K. , Srivastava R.K. , Prakash S.G. , Yadav R.S. , Panday A.C.
Published: June 2010

In the present paper, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with particle size of 20–50 nm have been synthesized by hydrothermal method. UV-visible absorption spectra of ZnO nanoparticles show absorption edge at 372 nm, which is blue-shifted as compared to bulk ZnO. Photoluminescence (PL) and photoconductive device characteristics, including field response, light intensity response, rise and decay time response, and spectral response have been studied systematically. The photoluminescence spectra of these ZnO nanoparticles exhibited different emission peaks at 396 nm, 416 nm, 445 nm, 481 nm, and 524 nm. The photoconductivity spectra of ZnO nanoparticles are studied in the UV-visible spectral region (366–691 nm). In spectral response curve of ZnO NPs, the wavelength dependence of the photocurrent is very close to the absorption and photoluminescence spectra. The photo generated current, Ipc = (Itotal - Idark) and dark current Idc varies according to the power law with the applied field IpcαVr and with the intensity of illumination IpcαIL r, due to the defect related mechanism including both recombination centers and traps. The ZnO NPs is found to have deep trap of 0.96 eV, very close to green band emission. The photo and dark conductivities of ZnO NPs have been measured using thick film of powder without any binder.
Causes of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in Dhanusha district, Nepal: A verbal autopsy study
Authors: Manandhar SR , Ojha A , Manandhar DS , Shrestha B , Shrestha D , Saville N , Costello AM , Osrin D
Published: June 2010

Background: Perinatal (stillbirths and first week neonatal deaths) and neonatal (deaths in the first 4 weeks) mortality rates remain high in developing countries like Nepal. As most births and deaths occur in the community, an option to ascertain causes of death is to conduct verbal autopsy. Objective: The objective of this study was to classify and review the causes of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in Dhanusha district, Nepal. Materials and Methods: Births and neonatal deaths were identified prospectively in 60 village development committees of Dhanusha district. Families were interviewed at six weeks after delivery, using a structured questionnaire. Cause of death was assigned independently by two pediatricians according to a predefined algorithm; disagreement was resolved in discussion with a consultant neonatologist. Results: There were 25,982 deliveries in the 2 years from September 2006 to August 2008. Verbal autopsies were available for 601/813 stillbirths and 671/954 neonatal deaths. The perinatal mortality rate was 60 per 1000 births and the neonatal mortality rate 38 per 1000 live births. 84% of stillbirths were fresh and obstetric complications were the leading cause (67%). The three leading causes of neonatal death were birth asphyxia (37%), severe infection (30%) and prematurity or low birth weight (15%). Most infants were delivered at home (65%), 28% by relatives. Half of women received an injection (presumably an oxytocic) during home delivery to augment labour. Description of symptoms commensurate with birth asphyxia was commoner in the group of infants who died (41%) than in the surviving group (14%). Conclusion: The current high rates of stillbirth and neonatal death in Dhanusha suggest that the quality of care provided during pregnancy and delivery remains sub-optimal. The high rates of stillbirth and asphyxial mortality imply that, while efforts to improve hygiene need to continue, intrapartum care is a priority. A second area for consideration is the need to reduce the uncontrolled use of oxytocic for augmentation of labour. Key words: Stillbirth; neonatal death; verbal autopsy; Nepal. DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v8i1.3224 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2010), Vol. 8, No. 1, Issue 29, 62-72
Hydranencephaly
Authors: Pant S , Kaur G , De JK
Published: June 2010

Hydranencephaly is a rare congenital condition where the greater portions of the cerebral hemispheres and the corpus striatum are replaced by cerebrospinal fluid and glial tissue. The meninges and the skull are well formed, which is consistent with earlier normal embryogenesis of the telencephalon. Bilateral occlusion of the internal carotid arteries in utero is a potential mechanism. Clinical features include intact brainstem reflexes without evidence of higher cortical activity. The infant's head size and the spontaneous reflexes such as sucking, swallowing, crying, and moving the arms and legs may all seem normal at birth. However, after a few weeks the infant usually becomes irritable and has increased muscle tone and after a few months of life, seizures and hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain) may develop. Other symptoms may include visual impairment, lack of growth, deafness, blindness, spastic quadriparesis (paralysis), and intellectual deficits. Since the early behaviour appears to be relatively normal, the diagnosis may be delayed for months sometimes. There is no definitive treatment for hydranencephaly. The outlook for children with hydranencephaly is generally poor, and many children with this disorder die before their first birthday. Key words: hydranencephaly; congenital anomaly; vascular disruption; thromboplastin DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v8i1.3227 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2010), Vol. 8, No. 1, Issue 29, 83-86
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Bhatt R
Published: June 2010

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a specific condition complicating 10-15% of monochorionic multiple pregnancy. Intertwin vascular anastomoses and transfusion is a normal event. Syndrome develops when blood flow is unbalanced. Recent studies suggest a paucity of bi-directional superficial anastomoses failing to compensate for hemodynamic imbalance resulting from unidirectional transfusion along deeper arterio-venous anastomoses. TTTS is associated with high rates of perinatal mortality. Acute and chronic forms exist and severity varies. The donor twin is often smaller, hypovolemic, anemic and develops congestive heart failure. The recipient is usually heavier and polycythemic. Antenatally, second trimester ultrasound usually detects the condition. Serial amnioreduction is the recommended therapy. Postnatally, intertwin haemoglobin and birth weight differences along with pallor in one twin and plethora in the other are helpful in making a diagnosis. Medical care of twins after birth is directed towards problem related to anemia, polycythemia and hydrops. Review of the syndrome is presented with an illustrative case. Key words: Twin to twin transfusion syndrome; Neonatal diagnosis; Symptomatic polycythemia; Partial exchange transfusion DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v8i1.3228 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2010), Vol. 8, No. 1, Issue 29, 87-90
Webbed penis: A rare case
Authors: Agrawal R , Chaurasia D , Jain M
Published: June 2010

Webbed penis belongs to a rare and little-known defect of the external genitalia. The term denotes the penis of normal size for age hidden in the adjacent scrotal and pubic tissues. Though rare, it can be treated easily by surgery. A case of webbed penis is presented with brief review of literature. Key words: penis; webbed DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v8i1.3230 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2010), Vol. 8, No. 1, Issue 29, 95-96
Tumour and tumour-like conditions of peripheral nerve origin: Ten years’ experience
Authors: Ghosh A , Talwar OP , Pradhan SV
Published: June 2010

Background: There are four major lesions which may arise in the peripheral nerve, namely neuroma, schwannoma, neurofibroma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Objective: In the present study we look into the spectrum of peripheral neural tumors including their age distribution site distribution and histopathology. Materials and methods: This is retrospective study conducted in the Dept of Pathology, Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara. All histopathologically diagnosed cases of primary lesions of peripheral nerve during the period Jan 2000 to Nov 2009 were reviewed and the data were analysed. Result: A total of 114 cases of peripheral neural lesions were reported in the same period. Total number of nonmalignant cases was 106 (93%) while malignant cases were 8 (7%). Among the nonmalignant cases neurofiboma was the commonest (51 cases, 45% of all) closely followed by schwannoma (39 cases, 34% of all). Among the neurofibroma cases only 2 cases had multiple neurofibromatosis while others were solitary. Among the schwannoma cases 4 were diagnosed as ancient schwannoma with presence of bizarre cells with hyperchromatic nuclei. The commonest site involved for both schwannoma and neurofibroma was scalp-face-neck followed by back. The age range for schwannoma was 16 to 75 years whereas the same for the neurofibroma cases was 2 to 82 years. MPNST cases were seen in the age range of 40 to 72 with 3 cases in upper extremity, 3 in lower extremity and 1 each in lip and cheek. 1 case was diagnosed as cellular neurofibroma with atypia in tongue and was confirmed by S100. Conclusion The majority of the tumor are benign and the commonest benign tumor was neurofibroma of sporadic type, closely followed by schwannoma. In our study the commonest site was scalp-face-neck unlike other studies. This may be due to more compliance of the patients due to cosmetic reason. ey words : Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor; Neurofibroma; Peripheral nerve; Schwannoma DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v8i1.3231 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2010), Vol. 8, No. 1, Issue 29, 97-101