bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspectos da assistência fonoaudiológica segundo a pesquisa por amostra de domicílios de Minas Gerais
Authors: Santos Juliana Nunes , Gomes Lidiane Beatriz Piotto , Souza Luiza de Marilac de , Souza Nícia Raies Moreira de
Published: August 2012

OBJETIVO: descrever o perfil das pessoas entrevistadas pela Pesquisa por Amostra de Domicílios de Minas Gerais (PAD-MG) que receberam atendimento fonoaudiológico em Minas Gerais em maio de 2009. MÉTODO: análise dos pacientes assistidos por fonoaudiólogos e entrevistados pela PAD-MG. Foram investigadas as variáveis: escolaridade, renda, idade, gênero, percepção do estado de saúde, natureza jurídica da fonte prestadora de serviço. RESULTADOS: 15 pessoas entrevistadas pela pesquisa referiram ter sido assistidas por fonoaudiólogos em maio de 2009, o que corresponde a 0,2% da população mineira (com utilização do peso amostral). Destes, 60% são do sexo masculino com idade entre 1 e 82 anos e 75% relataram bom estado de saúde. CONCLUSÃO: dos entrevistados assistidos por fonoaudiólogos, a maioria recebeu atendimento pelo SUS em consultórios da rede. Houve grande variação da faixa etária sendo que dos jovens e adultos atendidos 66% são alfabetizados. Foi possível perceber uma necessidade de expansão das ações de assistência fonoaudiológica no território estadual de modo a atender todas as parcelas da população, buscando o alcance da universalidade, integralidade e equidade, princípios doutrinários do SUS e norteados da rede de assistência à saúde no estado.
Estudo da incontinência urinária em mulheres climatéricas usuárias e não usuárias de medicação anti-hipertensiva
Authors: Berlezi Evelise Moraes , Fiorin Ana Amália Mafalda , Bilibio Pâmela Verônica Fursel , Kirchner Rosane Maria , Oliveira Karla Renata de
Published: August 2012

Entre os fatores de risco para a incontinência urinária (IU) está o uso de medicamento anti-hipertensivo. Objetivou-se estimar a prevalência de IU em mulheres climatéricas atendidas na Estratégia de Saúde da Família em Bozano/ RS e avaliar o risco do uso desses medicamentos. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal, prospectivo, descritivo-analítico, com grupo de comparação, sendo o grupo 1 (G1) formado por usuárias de anti-hipertensivos e índice de massa corporal (IMC) < 29,9 kg/m² e o grupo 2 (G2) por não usuárias desses medicamentos com o mesmo IMC. A amostra foi constituída por 70 mulheres, G1(21) e G2(49). Foi aplicado um questionário abordando aspectos relacionados às condições prévias de saúde da mulher, uso de medicamentos e condições uroginecológicas. Quanto à prevalência de IU, 52,8% apresentaram esta queixa (21,4% do G1 e 31,4% do G2). Em relação aos medicamentos, destacou-se o uso de inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina por 33,3% das mulheres. Quanto ao risco de apresentar IU pelo uso de anti-hipertensivos, o odds ratio mostrou que as usuárias têm 3,06 vezes mais chance de serem incontinentes (p = 0,03). Os resultados sugerem que o uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos é fator preditor de IU no grupo de mulheres estudadas.
Metabolismo mitocondrial, radicais livres e envelhecimento
Authors: Silva Wallison Junio Martins da , Ferrari Carlos Kusano Bucalen
Published: August 2012

O envelhecimento pode estar associado ao maior acúmulo de lesões celulares decorrentes das espécies reativas do oxigênio e do nitrogênio derivadas do metabolismo mitocondrial. Com a progressão da idade, há acúmulo de proteínas, lipídeos, carboidratos e DNA oxidados em relação a organismos jovens, de acordo com a teoria dos radicais livres. Entretanto, nem sempre os idosos ou animais envelhecidos apresentam maior estresse oxidativo que os jovens. Este artigo discute o paradoxo da teoria dos radicais livres de acordo com a teoria da biogênese da manutenção adequada do metabolismo mitocondrial. Diversos fatores podem contribuir para a redução do estresse oxidativo, como a hormese induzida pela prática regular de exercícios físicos, a restrição calórica, a ingestão de antioxidantes nutricionais e o aumento da produção de antioxidantes celulares que. Em conjunto, estes promovem a expressão das sirtuínas e das proteínas do choque térmico, protegendo a integridade e funcionalidade mitocondriais, reduzindo o estresse oxidativo e nitrosativo, o que está associado à redução do envelhecimento e aumento da longevidade.
Violência contra idosos no município de Fortaleza, CE: uma análise documental
Authors: Nogueira Caroline Furtado , Freitas Maria Célia de , Almeida Paulo César de
Published: August 2012

O estudo teve como objetivo conhecer os casos de violência e maus-tratos contra idosos no município de Fortaleza, Ceará. Para tal, realizou-se uma pesquisa documental de 291 denúncias em processo de averiguação, registradas em Fortaleza em 2007. Os dados, coletados em fevereiro e março de 2008, foram submetidos à estatística descritiva e ao programa SPSS, comparados com dados de denúncias arquivadas pelo Alô Idoso, no período de 2003 a 2007, e discutidos à luz da produção científica. Os resultados apresentaram predomínio da violência intrafamiliar. As vítimas preferenciais foram mulheres (70,2%); os idosos mais atingidos encontravam-se com idade entre 71 e 80 anos (38,2%); a maioria residia com o agressor (70,4%) e encontravam-se na área compreendida pela Secretaria Executiva Regional III (25,1%). A maior parte das denúncias foi anônima (77,1%) e os principais agressores homens (54,7%) e filhos (57,7%). A violência psicológica foi a mais frequente (35,2%) e observou-se em 66,5% dos casos mais de um tipo de violência associado. Houve associação entre tipo de violência e: sexo dos agressores (p=0,019); residir ou não com a vítima (p<0,0001); agressor ser maior ou menor de idade (p=0,021); e faixa etária do idoso (p=0,001). Para combater os maus-tratos, sugere-se: denúncia dos casos de violência; construção de um banco de dados integrado; articulação e fortalecimento da rede de proteção social; capacitação dos profissionais; campanhas educativas sobre envelhecimento; orientação junto às famílias; penalização legal dos responsáveis pela violência e outros estudos investigativos.
Como vai a educação gerontológica nas escolas públicas do Distrito Federal?: um estudo com idosos e jovens
Authors: Zanon Carla Bianca Ferreira Moncaio , Alves Vicente Paulo , Cardenas Carmen Jansen
Published: August 2012

O presente artigo é fruto de uma pesquisa de campo quali-quantitativa que embasou uma dissertação de mestrado. A pesquisa buscou conhecer a opinião de alunos de escolas públicas do Ensino Fundamental e Médio do Distrito Federal (DF) e de idosos da mesma comunidade a respeito do envelhecimento e sua correlação com a existência ou não de preconceitos. Buscamos averiguar se um grupo de escolas desenvolve algumas ações voltadas à formação de hábitos, valores e atitudes direcionadas à superação de preconceitos e à aproximação entre as gerações (intergeracionalidade). Os dados foram coletados por meio de três instrumentos: 1) aplicação de um questionário sócio-demográfico e da Escala para Avaliação de Atitudes em Relação ao Idoso validada por Neri; 2) avaliação de oito propostas pedagógicas de escolas públicas do Ensino Fundamental e Médio do DF, que nos permitiram conhecer a dinâmica do contexto pesquisado; e 3) realização de 18 entrevistas, sendo cinco com jovens das escolas, oito com diretores (cujas propostas pedagógicas foram analisadas), e cinco com idosos (residentes na área central de Brasília). Diante dos resultados do presente estudo, podemos afirmar que predominaram atitudes mais positivas do que negativas em ambos os grupos. Não obstante, ao confrontá-los com as entrevistas, percebemos que os entrevistados responderam a questões similares às apresentadas na Escala Neri de forma mais negativa. Inferimos que este fato se deva à existência de preconceito implícito em relação ao idoso e à velhice. Outra constatação importante é a inexistência de atividades voltadas aos idosos, e/ou a aproximação destes com outras gerações nas escolas pesquisadas. Os dados obtidos com esta pesquisa sugerem que a educação gerontológica deve fazer parte do currículo escolar, visando a aproximar gerações e superar possíveis preconceitos, possibilitando a troca de experiências e a melhoria da qualidade de vida de todos.
The impact of increased food availability on survival of a long‐distance migratory bird
Authors: Seward Adam M. , Beale Colin M. , Gilbert Lucy , Jones T. Hefin , Thomas Robert J.
Published: August 2012

Temperature‐, rainfall‐ and habitat‐driven change in food availability is one likely mechanism by which anthropogenic factors may affect animal population dynamics and species distributions. Long‐distance migratory birds must synchronize their migrations with food availability at locations hundreds or thousands of kilometers apart, so changes in the overall abundance of food or the phenology of peaks in food availability may be critical factors influencing annual survival. In this study we used experimental food supplementation at a breeding site to examine and compare the impact of changing food supply on annual survival of adult migratory birds and their offspring. We provided supplemental food to Northern Wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe) breeding on Fair Isle, UK, to infer the sensitivity of annual survival to increases in natural food availability. Food‐supplemented wheatears exhibited higher rates of annual survival than control wheatears, and the strength of this effect varied with age. Food supplementation led to 1.56 times higher annual survival of juveniles and 1.22 times higher survival of adults. Survival of juveniles was related to their own food availability as fledglings, but not to whether their parents were food‐supplemented or unfed control adults. This increased survival, combined with increased breeding productivity associated with food supplementation, implies that an increase in natural food availability, of the magnitude simulated in our experiment, would increase the population growth rate of wheatears on Fair Isle from approximately λ = 0.93 (a contracting population) to λ = 1.14 (an expanding population).
Turbulence and pressure drop behaviors around semicircular ribs in a rectangular channel
Authors: Nine Md. , Lee GyeongHwan , Chung HanShik , Ji Myoungkuk , Jeong Hyomin
Published: August 2012

The article represents an experimental investigation on friction and
turbulent flow characteristics of free airflow through a rectangular duct
fitted with semicircular ribs of uniform height (e = 3.5 mm) on one principle
wall. The aspect ratio of the rectangular duct was AR= 5 where the duct
height (H) was 30 mm. Four different rib pitches (P) of 28 mm, 35 mm, 42 mm
and 49 mm were examined with constant rib height to hydraulic diameter ratio
(e/Dh = 0.07) and constant rib height to channel height ratio (e/H = 0.116).
The experimental results show some significant effects of pressure drop as
well as turbulent characteristics at various configurations among different
numbers of rib arrangements varying Reynolds number in the range of 15000 to
30000. Experimental results have been compared with numerical analysis and it
can be seen a good agreement. The result explains the phenomena elaborately
between two periodic ribs and enables to optimize the rib pitch ratio in
terms of turbulence kinetic energy for maximum heat transfer.
Interaction of heat transfer and peristaltic pumping of fractional second grade fluid through a vertical cylindrcal tube
Authors: Rathod V.P. , Mahadev M.
Published: August 2012

This paper deals with a theoretical investigation of interaction of heat
transfer with peristaltic pumping of a fractional second grade fluid through
a tube, under the assumption of low Reynolds number and long wave length
approximation. Analytical solution of problem is obtained by using Caputo?s
definition. Effect of different physical parameters, material constant,
amplitude ratio, friction force, temperature and heat transfer on pumping
action and frictional force are discussed with particular emphasis. The
computed results are presented in graphical form.
Energy efficiency of industrially made buildings influenced by thermal properties of façades
Authors: Laban Mirjana , Folic Radomir
Published: August 2012

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the thermal properties of
existing residential buildings built in industrial manner in Novi Sad from
1960 to 1990 based on building typology. Each of three analyzed building type
has its characteristic fa?ade, with thermal performances divided into periods
according to the development of domestic thermal protection building codes.
The necessary layer of subsequent insulation is determined by calculations in
order to comply with European standards, also applied in Serbia from 2012.
The proposed method of periodization simplifies the process of thermal
performance assessment and it was checked through the case studies.
Evaluation of energy consumption rationalization has been done through
comparative analysis of energy losses. Based on the most common energy
rehabilitation measures applied in Serbia, it was estimated that it was
possible to reduce the energy losses in heating up to 60%.
Investigation of transient cooling of an automobile cabin with a virtual manikin under solar radiation
Authors: Sevilgen Gökhan , Kiliç Muhsin
Published: August 2012

The aim of the paper is to present a three dimensional transient cooling
analysis of an automobile cabin with a virtual manikin under solar radiation.
In the numerical simulations the velocity and the temperature distributions
in the automobile cabin as well as around the human body surfaces were
computed during transient cooling period. The surface-to-surface radiation
model was used for calculations of radiation heat transfer between the
interior surfaces of the automobile cabin and a solar load model that can be
used to calculate radiation effects from the sun's rays that enter from the
glazing surfaces of the cabin was used for solar radiation effects.
Inhomogeneous air flow and non-uniform temperature distributions were
obtained in the automobile cabin and, especially in ten minutes of cooling
period, high temperature gradients were computed and measured and high
temperature values were obtained for the surfaces which were more affected
from the sunlight. Validations of the numerical results were performed by
comparing numerical data with the experimental data presented in this study.
It is shown that the numerical results were good agreement with the
experimental data.
Stability of multi-objective bi-level linear programming problems under fuzziness
Authors: Abo-Sinna Mahmoud
Published: August 2012

This paper deals with multi-objective bi-level linear programming problems
under fuzzy environment. In the proposed method, tentative solutions are
obtained and evaluated by using the partial information on preference of the
decision-makers at each level. The existing results concerning the
qualitative analysis of some basic notions in parametric linear programming
problems are reformulated to study the stability of multi-objective bi-level
linear programming problems. An algorithm for obtaining any subset of the
parametric space, which has the same corresponding Pareto optimal solution,
is presented. Also, this paper established the model for the supply-demand
interaction in the age of electronic commerce (EC). First of all, the study
uses the individual objectives of both parties as the foundation of the
supply-demand interaction. Subsequently, it divides the interaction, in the
age of electronic commerce, into the following two classifications: (i)
Market transactions, with the primary focus on the supply demand relationship
in the marketplace; and (ii) Information service, with the primary focus on
the provider and the user of information service. By applying the bi-level
programming technique of interaction process, the study will develop an
analytical process to explain how supply-demand interaction achieves a
compromise or why the process fails. Finally, a numerical example of
information service is provided for the sake of illustration.
Testing Analytical Models Using Archival or Experimental Methods
Authors: Dikolli Shane S. , Evans John H. , Hales Jeffrey , Matejka Michal , Moser Donald V. , Williamson Michael G.
Published: August 2012

SYNOPSIS

Analytical models can quite naturally complement empirical data, whether archival or experimental. This article begins by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of combining an analytical model with archival or experimental data in a single study. We next describe how models are typically used in empirical research and discuss when including an analytical model is more versus less useful. Finally, we offer examples of more and less successful combinations of analytical models and empirical data, along with a brief discussion of how such studies are likely to fare in the journal review process.

JEL Classifications: C02; C51; C99.
Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL Suppress Glucose Signaling in Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Luciani Dan S. , White Sarah A. , Widenmaier Scott B. , Saran Varun V. , Taghizadeh Farnaz , Hu Xiaoke , Allard Michael F. , Johnson James D.
Published: August 2012

B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins are established regulators of cell survival, but their involvement in the normal function of primary cells has only recently begun to receive attention. In this study, we demonstrate that chemical and genetic loss-of-function of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL significantly augments glucose-dependent metabolic and Ca2+ signals in primary pancreatic β-cells. Antagonism of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL by two distinct small-molecule compounds rapidly hyperpolarized β-cell mitochondria, increased cytosolic Ca2+, and stimulated insulin release via the ATP-dependent pathway in β-cell under substimulatory glucose conditions. Experiments with single and double Bax–Bak knockout β-cells established that this occurred independently of these proapoptotic binding partners. Pancreatic β-cells from Bcl-2−/− mice responded to glucose with significantly increased NAD(P)H levels and cytosolic Ca2+ signals, as well as significantly augmented insulin secretion. Inducible deletion of Bcl-xL in adult mouse β-cells also increased glucose-stimulated NAD(P)H and Ca2+ responses and resulted in an improvement of in vivo glucose tolerance in the conditional Bcl-xL knockout animals. Our work suggests that prosurvival Bcl proteins normally dampen the β-cell response to glucose and thus reveals these core apoptosis proteins as integrators of cell death and physiology in pancreatic β-cells.
Direct Control of Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis by Central Nervous System Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Signaling
Authors: Lockie Sarah H. , Heppner Kristy M. , Chaudhary Nilika , Chabenne Joseph R. , Morgan Donald A. , Veyrat-Durebex Christelle , Ananthakrishnan Gayathri , Rohner-Jeanrenaud Françoise , Drucker Daniel J. , DiMarchi Richard , Rahmouni Kamal , Oldfield Brian J. , Tschöp Matthias H. , Perez-Tilve Diego
Published: August 2012

We studied interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) activity in wild-type (WT) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R)–deficient mice after the administration of the proglucagon-derived peptides (PGDPs) glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), glucagon (GCG), and oxyntomodulin (OXM) directly into the brain. Intracerebroventricular injection of PGDPs reduces body weight and increases iBAT thermogenesis. This was independent of changes in feeding and insulin responsiveness but correlated with increased activity of sympathetic fibers innervating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Despite being a GCG receptor agonist, OXM requires GLP-1R activation to induce iBAT thermogenesis. The increase in thermogenesis in WT mice correlates with increased expression of genes upregulated by adrenergic signaling and required for iBAT thermogenesis, including PGC1a and UCP-1. In spite of the increase in iBAT thermogenesis induced by GLP-1R activation in WT mice, Glp1r−/− mice exhibit a normal response to cold exposure, demonstrating that endogenous GLP-1R signaling is not essential for appropriate thermogenic response after cold exposure. Our data suggest that the increase in BAT thermogenesis may be an additional mechanism whereby pharmacological GLP-1R activation controls energy balance.
Increased Hepatic Glucose Production in Fetal Sheep With Intrauterine Growth Restriction Is Not Suppressed by Insulin
Authors: Thorn Stephanie R. , Brown Laura D. , Rozance Paul J. , Hay William W. , Friedman Jacob E.
Published: August 2012

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk for metabolic disease and diabetes, although the developmental origins of this remain unclear. We measured glucose metabolism during basal and insulin clamp periods in a fetal sheep model of placental insufficiency and IUGR. Compared with control fetuses (CON), fetuses with IUGR had increased basal glucose production rates and hepatic PEPCK and glucose-6-phosphatase expression, which were not suppressed by insulin. In contrast, insulin significantly increased peripheral glucose utilization rates in CON and IUGR fetuses. Insulin robustly activated AKT, GSK3β, and forkhead box class O (FOXO)1 in CON and IUGR fetal livers. IUGR livers, however, had increased basal FOXO1 phosphorylation, nuclear FOXO1 expression, and Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation during hyperinsulinemia. Expression of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1α and hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α were increased in IUGR livers during basal and insulin periods. Cortisol and norepinephrine concentrations were positively correlated with glucose production rates. Isolated IUGR hepatocytes maintained increased glucose production in culture. In summary, fetal sheep with IUGR have increased hepatic glucose production, which is not suppressed by insulin despite insulin sensitivity for peripheral glucose utilization. These data are consistent with a novel mechanism involving persistent transcriptional activation in the liver that seems to be unique in the fetus with IUGR.
NADPH Oxidase NOX2 Defines a New Antagonistic Role for Reactive Oxygen Species and cAMP/PKA in the Regulation of Insulin Secretion
Authors: Li Ning , Li Bin , Brun Thierry , Deffert-Delbouille Christine , Mahiout Zahia , Daali Youssef , Ma Xiao-Juan , Krause Karl-Heinz , Maechler Pierre
Published: August 2012

In insulin-secreting cells, expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX), a potent source of ROS, has been reported, along with controversial findings regarding its function. Here, the role of NOXs was investigated: first by expression and cellular localization in mouse and human pancreatic islets, and then by functional studies in islets isolated from Nox isoform–specific knockout mice. Both human and mouse β-cells express NOX, in particular NOX2. With use of Nox isoform–specific knockout mice, functional analysis revealed Nox2 as the predominant isoform. In human islets, NOX2 colocalized with both insulin granules and endosome/lysosome membranes. Nox2-deficient islets stimulated with 22.8 mmol/L glucose exhibited potentiation of insulin release compared with controls, an effect confirmed with in vitro knockdown of Nox2. The enhanced secretory function in Nox2-deficient islets was associated with both lower superoxide levels and elevated cAMP concentrations. In control islets, GLP-1 and other cAMP inducers suppressed glucose-induced ROS production similarly to Nox2 deficiency. Inhibiting cAMP-dependent protein kinase reduced the secretory response in Nox2-null islets, although not in control islets. This study ascribes a new role for NOX2 in pancreatic β-cells as negative modulator of the secretory response, reducing cAMP/PKA signaling secondary to ROS generation. Results also show reciprocal inhibition between the cAMP/PKA pathway and ROS.
Activin Receptor-Like Kinase 7 Suppresses Lipolysis to Accumulate Fat in Obesity Through Downregulation of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ and C/EBPα
Authors: Yogosawa Satomi , Mizutani Shin , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Izumi Tetsuro
Published: August 2012

We previously identified a quantitative trait locus for adiposity, non-insulin-dependent diabetes 5 (Nidd5), on mouse chromosome 2. In the current study, we identified the actual genetic alteration at Nidd5 as a nonsense mutation of the Acvr1c gene encoding activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7), one of the type I transforming growth factor-β receptors, which results in a COOH-terminal deletion of the kinase domain. We further showed that the ALK7 dysfunction causes increased lipolysis in adipocytes and leads to decreased fat accumulation. Conversely, ALK7 activation inhibits lipolysis by suppressing the expression of adipose lipases. ALK7 and activated Smads repress those lipases by downregulating peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) α. Although PPARγ and C/EBPα act as adipogenic transcription factors during adipocyte differentiation, they are lipolytic in sum in differentiated adipocytes and are downregulated by ALK7 in obesity to accumulate fat. Under the obese state, ALK7 deficiency improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity by preferentially increasing fat combustion in mice. These findings have uncovered a net lipolytic function of PPARγ and C/EBPα in differentiated adipocytes and point to the ALK7-signaling pathway that is activated in obesity as a potential target of medical intervention.
Effects of process parameters on the fatigue strength of laser beam welds
Authors: Wang P. C. , Ewing K. M.
Published: August 2012

An experimental study, augmented by three-dimensional finite element analysis, was performed to assess the effects of various process parameters such as presence of galvanized coating, welding speed and weld geometry (weld start and stop, metal fit-up, and weld orientation) on the fatigue resistance of laser beam welds. It was found that the fatigue resistance of laser beam welds depends upon the welding speed used and weld geometry. With a 2.75 kW CO2 laser and at a welding speed of 38.1 mm s−1, the resultant laser beam welds gave the highest fatigue resistance. For a continuous weld, maintaining good metal fit-up between the metal sheets and orienting the weld perpendicular to the loading direction increased the fatigue resistance of laser beam welds. These increases are attributed to the decrease in stress-intensity factors at the weld bead periphery. Minimal fatigue difference was found between laser beam welded bare and galvanized 0.76 mm thick low carbon steel. Microscopic examinations of laser beam welds indicated that fatigue of a stitch laser beam weld is dominated by crack propagation.
Laser vibrometry on solid surfaces: The effects of laser speckle
Authors: Rothberg S. J. , Halliwell N. A.
Published: August 2012

This letter discusses the phase and amplitude modulation of Doppler signals generated in laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) systems with reference to the paper entitled ‘Dynamic laser Doppler velocimetry on solid surfaces’ by Rajadhyaksha and Stevenson (Vol. 4 No. 2). In particular, transit time and velocity gradient frequency broadenings are described in terms of the speckle pattern behavior on the photodetector and this approach is reconciled with the scattering element approach adopted by Rajadhyaksha and Stevenson. Furthermore, it is described how the frequency components of the Doppler phase noise can coincide with the vibration components of interest, thereby introducing ambiguity in interpretation of data. As a consequence, the reduction of Doppler phase noise by averaging is not generally acceptable. It is concluded that consideration of the dynamic speckle pattern is more appropriate to the investigation of Doppler phase noise since the speckle pattern itself has the ultimate influence on the LDV performance.
Standardization in the field of lasers in Europe—Towards common international standards
Authors: Sutter Ernst
Published: August 2012

Different standards in different European countries have given rise to technical trade barriers. The European Community made a great effort to establish a single market before the end of 1992 in which the free movement of goods is ensured. The first approach was to adopt directives setting up detailed requirements for all products. This has proved to be such a slow and difficult process that the New Approach has been adopted: the essential requirements are established by directives, whereas the technical specifications are detailed in harmonized standards. The preparation of these standards must be mandated by the Commission of the European Communities. Since European countries are relatively small and export-oriented there is a general readiness to harmonize standards. Thousands of new standards are needed, a workload that could not be accomplished by the end of 1992. A transition period of 2 years will therefore be allowed for most fields. In contrast to the United States, where the CDRH (Center for Devices and Radiological Health) standard differs in many points from IEC 825, most laser standards in Europe are already identical with international standards. Where national standards had been developed they were chiefly used as a basis for international standardization work. IEC standards are now subjected to parallel voting in Europe so that they become European standards at the same time as they are adopted as IEC standards. For the relevant laser standards, differences to the CDRH standard are discussed from a European point of view. International harmonization in Europe must still overcome one major problem: directives according to article 118 A of the EEC treaty are still following the old approach. A directive on Physical Agents is in preparation which will include maximum permissible exposure values for optical radiation that run counter to IEC 825: some are more restrictive, some are not safe according to present knowledge. Every effort should be made to prevent this directive from being adopted.
CO2 shielding gas effects in laser welding mild steel
Authors: Abbott D. H. , Albright C. E.
Published: August 2012

The most widely used shielding gases for laser welding of steels are helium and argon. Helium produces significantly more penetration than argon in penetration-mode laser beam welding. Another gas that has been proposed as an alternative to these inert gases is carbon dioxide. The benefits of using carbon dioxide as a shielding gas for laser welding are that it costs less than helium and argon and that it provides nearly the same penetration as helium. The major drawback to its use as a shielding gas for mild steel is that it can cause porosity and other weld discontinuities. In this investigation helium and carbon dioxide were investigated as shielding gases in the laser welding of a fully killed 1018 steel, a semikilled 1018 steel, and an unkilled 1018 steel. Helium was generally found to produce discontinuity-free welds, although small quantities of very fine centerline porosity were observed in the fully killed and semikilled steels. Carbon dioxide was found to provide an average of 70% of the penetration obtained with helium. The surface appearance and formation of porosity in welds made using carbon dioxide shielding was found to be dependent on the amount of deoxidizing element in the weld pool. While porosity-free welds were formed in the semikilled steel (0.22% Si), low silicon or other deoxidizer content resulted in poor surface appearance and entrapped porosity in both the fully killed and unkilled steels in this investigation, presumably due to the formation of carbon monoxide in the weld pool. The addition of ferrosilicon powder to the weld pool effectively controlled the formation of carbon monoxide in these welds and resulted in porosity-free welds with carbon dioxide shielding. The results of this investigation indicate that carbon dioxide can be used as a cost-effective shielding gas for penetration-mode welding of carbon steels. It was found that sufficient levels of deoxidizing elements must, however, be available in the molten pool to control porosity.
Probability and risk in laser safety
Authors: Smith Peter A.
Published: August 2012

International standards for the protection of the eyes from the hazards of laser radiation define a nominal ocular hazard distance (NOHD) beyond which an individual would not be expected to suffer any adverse effects from laser radiation. The NOHD assumes deliberate viewing of the laser source over an indefinite period of time and takes no account of the probability of the observer's eye being irradiated. This approach may lead to unrealistically large hazard areas for some laser devices. An alternative method of hazard assessment without compromising safety is to adopt a probabilistic approach. A probabilistic laser safety scenario can be defined as one in which the chance of optical irradiation is very small and in which the major elements under consideration are inherently probabilistic. Examples of such elements are (i) the probability of irradiation of a given point, (ii) atmospheric scintillation and (iii) the resultant risk of ocular damage associated with any ocular irradiation. The ultimate safety criterion is that the expectation of someone receiving ocular damage must be less than some acceptable risk level. This paper discusses the concept of probabilistic laser safety, and provides guidelines for probabilistic laser safety assessments.
Characterization of metal surfaces irradiated by a long-pulse KrF excimer laser
Authors: Sarnet Th. , Montagne J. E. , Inglesakis G. , Autric M. , Barrallier L. , Barreau G.
Published: August 2012

Metallic samples were irradiated by a long-pulse (τ > 300 ns) KrF laser. The experiments were performed with an energy density of 0.3–120 J cm−2 and a power density of 1–400 MW cm−2. The samples investigated were pure aluminum, aluminum alloy, low-alloy constructional steel and titanium alloy. They were polished to obtain a roughness of 10 < Ra < 0.08 μm and stress-relief heat-treated for some residual stress measurements. The characterization of the irradiated metal surfaces was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), roughness analyzers, a microhardness tester and X-ray diffraction (XRD) residual stress apparatus. The improvement or deterioration in the mechanical properties of the metallic samples and some potential applications are discussed.
Nd:YAG laser welding of coated sheet steel
Authors: Graham M. P. , Hirak D. M. , Kerr H. W. , Weckman D. C.
Published: August 2012

The weldability of coated sheet steels by a 2 kW Nd:YAG laser has been examined. Laser seam welds were produced in 0.75-mm thick (23 gauge) galvanized and galvannealed sheet steels in the lap-joint configuration. Three types of laser beam power output were used: continuous wave, sine-wave modulated, and square-wave modulated. The effects on weld quality of varying laser welding parameters such as welding speed, shielding gas composition, and gas flow rate were studied. Also, welds were produced with three different joint geometries: no gap between the sheets, preset gaps between the sheets, and a new joint geometry consisting of a groove projection in the top sheet of the joint. Poor-quality Nd:YAG laser seam welds were produced in these coated sheet steels when there was no gap between the sheets of the lap-joint. However, high-quality seam welds could be made at welding speeds of up to 3.0 m min−1 by using preset gaps of 0.10–0.20 mm between galvannealed sheets, and up to 2.7 m min−1 by using a gap of 0.20 mm between galvanized sheets. Welds made with larger gaps (>0.20 mm) showed excessive drop-through of the weld metal into the gap. Finally, high-quality seam welds were produced at welding speeds up to 2.7 m min−1 using the new groove-projection joint geometry.
Characteristics of power meters for high power CO2 lasers
Authors: Leong Keng H. , Holdridge Donna J. , Sabo Kenneth R.
Published: August 2012

Four different instruments used for measuring CO2 laser beam power in the kilowatt range were evaluated. The techniques used to determine the laser beam power included temperature increase from an absorber of known mass and specific heat, temperature increase from a steady flow of water used to cool the absorber, thermal gradient caused by edge-cooling a circular absorber, and diffuse scattering from a small portion of the water-cooled absorber surface. The parameters evaluated included response time, repeatability, sensitivity to position of the incident laser beam and beam mode, and linearity of response. The accuracies of the instruments were not determined as no NIST standard exists. Response times varied from 1 to 15 s. Each instrument had good reproducibility in indicated power values. Some meters exhibited sensitivity to beam mode, diameter, and position. All meters had very good to excellent linearity in response. Comparison of the indicated power values showed that each instrument tended to give slightly different values. For the range 400–6000 W the indicated power values from all meters differed by <15% from the mean value.
Exposure to “lessons learned”: A tool for laser safety
Authors: Barat Kenneth , Kelly Susan Elisabeth
Published: August 2012

This article outlines the value and steps to follow for establishing a “lessons learned program”, with specific application to a laser safety program. As a communication tool and preventive measure for laser safety issues, the program is an effective means of turning accident investigation into a proactive rather than a reactive exercise by emphasizing corrective rather than disciplinary (looking for someone to blame) actions.
Sulphamoylated estradiol analogue induces antiproliferative activity and apoptosis in breast cell lines
Authors: Visagie Michelle , Mqoco Thandi , Joubert Anna
Published: August 2012

Research into potential anticancer agents has shown that 2-methoxyestradiol exerts antiproliferative activity in vitro and in vivo in an estrogen receptor-independent manner. Due to its limited biological accessibility and rapid metabolic degradation, several new analogues have been developed in recent years. This study investigated the in vitro effects of a novel in silicodesigned compound (C16) in an estrogen receptor-positive breast adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (MCF-7), an estrogen receptor-negative breast adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (MDA-MB-231) and a nontumorigenic breast cell line (MCF-12A). Light microscopy revealed decreased cell density, cells blocked in metaphase and the presence of apoptotic characteristics in all three cell lines after exposure to C16 for 24 h. Polarizationoptical transmitted light differential interference contrast revealed the presence of several rounded cells and decreased cell density. The xCELLigence real-time label-independent approach revealed that C16 exerted antiproliferative activity. Significant inhibition of cell growth was demonstrated after 24 h of exposure to 0.2 μM C16 in all three cell lines. However, the non-tumorigenic MCF-12A cell line recovered extremely well after 48 h when compared to the tumorigenic cell lines. This indicates that C16 acts as an antiproliferative agent, possesses antimitotic activity and induces apoptosis in vitro. These features warrant further investigation.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: An experience at College of Medical Sciences, Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur Nepal
Authors: Kumar S , Patowary BN , Hirachan S , Shrestha P
Published: August 2012

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the "gold standard" for benign gallbladder diseases. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has rapidly gained popularity and it is one of the commonly performed operations in Nepal. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy first performed by Muhe in 1985. The current descriptive study is carried out in Department of General Surgery, College of Medical Sciences – Teaching Hospital (CMS-TH), Bharatpur to evaluate the result of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in symptomatic gallstones disease in our set up with special emphasis on complication rate, morbidity and mortality. The data of all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy form March 2008 to March 2009 was entered in standardized proforma and analysed on SPSS 10. Out of 110 patients, 85 (77.27%) were female and 25 (22.73%) were males; the age range from 17 to 70 years mean age being 41.30 years, majority were in age 25–40 years group. Eight (7.2%) patients had bile leak, 2 (1.8%) patients developed port site wound infection. There was no bile duct or colonic injuries. The conversion rate was 7.2% (in 8 patients). There was no mortality. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-3, 6-10DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i3.6701
The diagnostic separation of transudates and exudates in pleural effusion
Authors: Sunanda V , Shravanthi K , Rao B Prabhakar , Prasad CN , Satyanarayana N , Sunitha P
Published: August 2012

The present study was undertaken to compare plasma-pleural effusion albumin gradient with Light’s traditional criteria for differentiating exudates from transudate in pleural effusion who were undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracocentesis in whom the etiology of effusion could be determined were studied. Blood and pleural fluid chemistries were measured to determine plasma-pleural effusion albumin gradient and Light’s criteria parameters like pleural fluid proteins, fluid to plasma protein ratio, fluid LDH and fluid to serum LDH ratio and we observed some misclassifications in exudates and transudates. Using an albumin gradient of 1.2 gm/dl or less to indicate exudate and >1.2 gm/dl to indicate transudate, none of the transudates were found to be is misclassifical, but 1 case of exudate (malignant pleural effusion) was misclassifical. We conclude that although Light’s criteria for exudates are very sensitive, albumin gradient of 1.2 gm/dl or less tends to be more specific to exudates.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i3.6705 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-3, 24-28
Response to antenatal HIV testing and prevention of parent to child transmission: an experience in a tertiary hospital in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Pokharel SM , Abbas H , Ghimire A
Published: August 2012

The antenatal screening of HIV in all women is becoming an integral part of routine antenatal checkup in Nepal, by prevention of parent to child transmission (PPTCT) program. The aim was to analyze the response to implementation of PPTCT program in a peripheral hospital and to study the involvement of husbands for counseling and testing. Data of 3360 women attending the antenatal clinic from January 2010 to December 2010. Data of husband counseling and testing was also analyzed. Acceptability of the test after pretest counseling is 99 %. Women attended post test counseling and collected reports in 58.6%. Sero prevalence of HIV was 0.73% of which 62.5% came for post test counseling. Only 10 % of husbands of total antenatal cases came for counseling of which 6.6% got tested. The acceptability of the test after pretest counseling is satisfactory but the follow up for the post test counseling is to be improved. There is need to enhance male involvement to make husband friendly antenatal clinic.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i3.6707 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-3, 36-38
Prune belly syndrome - A case report
Authors: Rupshikha D , Phukon MJ , Kusre GR , Satyanarayana N , Sunitha P
Published: August 2012

Prune Belly Syndrome (PBS) is a rare congenital anomaly. A male baby was received from the Department of Paediatrics, Assam Medical College hospital which died on the second day of birth. It was a diagnosed case of Prune Belly Syndrome (PBS) due to its flabby abdominal wall ballooning out in flanks and skin creases radiating laterally and downwards from the umbilicus - "Prune" like appearance. It was observed that the baby had congenital absence of abdominal muscles and undescended testis. On dissection, associated defects of urinary tract and gastro intestinal tract, persistent cloaca and preductalcoarctation of aorta were noted. The aetiology of this case owes for an overall mesenchymal defect. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i3.6709 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-3, 48-52
Internal herniation of sigmoid colon into ladd's band
Authors: Praveen CR , Patowary BN , Kumar S , Shrestha P
Published: August 2012

Ladd's bands are generally known to cause duodenal and small bowel obstruction. Sigmoid colon compression by Ladd's bands has not been reported till now though a few cases of colonic obstruction have been reported. We report a case of sigmoid colon obstruction secondary to its herniation into Ladd's band in a child with intestinal malrotation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i3.6710 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-3, 53-55
Emerging treatments of dementia
Authors: Qadir MI , T-ul-Nisa A Zafar
Published: August 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i3.6712 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-3, 56-61
Fourniers gangrene-A case report and literature review
Authors: Agarwal A , Karmacharaya A , Hirachan S , Belokar WK
Published: August 2012

Fournier’s gangrene(FG) is a rare, necrotising fasciitis of the genitals and perineum with occasional cranial extension to the abdominal wall caused by a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. The complications of this synergistic infection are multiple organ failure and death. Due to the aggressive nature of this condition, early diagnosis is crucial. Treatment involves extensive soft tissue debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Despite appropriate therapy, mortality is high. We report a case of a gentleman who presented with gangrenous and necrotic penile, scrotal and perineal areas. Patient was successfully managed by extensive soft tissue debridement, broad spectrum antibiotics and skin grafting. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i3.6713 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-3, 62-67
Tired heart and mute brain: handle with care
Authors: Koirala E , Chapagain A , Thapa L , Gautam M , Paudel R , Pokhrel BR , Rana PVS
Published: August 2012

Managing a case of stroke is complex. Presence of variable sized brain infarct and heart failure is even more complex to manage. On top of this, presence of clot in the heart adds to confusion in medical management of stroke patients because of limited scientific evidences. With increasing number of stroke patients and improving diagnostic facility, it is interesting to find thrombus in ventricles of few of these patient, which otherwise were uncommon previously in our set up. We present a 64-year-old man, a case of ischemic stroke caused by left ventricular thrombus secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy and highlight the present recommendation to manage the condition. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i3.6714 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-3, 68-70
Refolding Technology for scFv Using a New Detergent, N-Lauroyl-L-glutamate and Arginine
Authors: Arakawa Tsutomu , Kita Yoshiko , Ejima Daisuke
Published: August 2012

Monoclonal antibodies to the soluble antigens or cell surface markers hold great promise as effective human therapeutics. One of the major disadvantages is its large size, which prevents efficient penetration into the target tissues. Smaller version of antibodies, which has only antigen binding sites, is extensively investigated. It becomes increasingly apparent, however, that these smaller fragments of antibodies are rather difficult to produce, as the normally efficient mammalian secretion system does not work well for these fragments. Thus, refolding of insoluble proteins produced in Escherichia coli is a method of choice, although such refolding is mainly based on trial-and-error experiment. Here we describe a novel refolding system using a new amino acid-based detergent, N-lauroyl-L-glutamate, and arginine. This detergent appears to readily dissociate from proteins below critical micelle concentration (CMC), while remaining effective in protein solubilization above CMC. Arginine suppresses protein aggregation when the detergent concentration was reduced below CMC. The interaction of the detergent and arginine with proteins, which play an important role in protein refolding, will be discussed in great length.