bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spherical calcium phosphate nanoparticle fillers allow polymer processing of bone fixation devices with high bioactivity
Authors: Mohn Dirk , Ege Duygu , Feldman Kirill , Schneider Oliver D. , Imfeld Thomas , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Stark Wendelin J.
Published: December 2009

Treatment of bone defects generally requires a fixation device. Biodegradable implants can often prevent second operations in contrast to metallic implants that are surgically removed after healing. In this study, we investigate the preparation of a bone fixation device with additional bioactivity by adding nanoparticulate amorphous tricalcium phosphate (ATCP) to improve bonding to bone. Medically approved poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) and spherical (ATCP) nanoparticles were blended directly or through a two‐step approach, where ATCP was first dispersed in PLGA by solvent casting, extruded and hot pressed producing blocks and bone screws. The latter route yielded good particle dispersion while blending alone led to inhomogeneous mixtures. Samples were immersed in simulated body fluid and showed rapid formation of surface hydroxyapatite layers (examined by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy) already after 3 days, thus confirming very high bioactivity. Polymer degradation during processing and upon simulated implantation conditions was followed by gel permeation chromatography. The elevated temperature during extrusion was the strongest single factor contributing to PLGA degradation. Screws could be machined out of extruded cylinders and demonstrated the ability to process PLGA/ATCP 90/10 composites with regular workshop tools. These properties suggest the use of such composites as improved, bioactive, and degradable bone fixation systems particularly in oral and maxillofacial surgery. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of sawdust surface treatment and compatibilizer addition on mechanical behavior, morphology, and moisture uptake of polypropylene/sawdust composites
Authors: Bettini Silvia H.P. , Bonse Baltus C. , Melo Elis A. , Muñoz Pablo A.R.
Published: December 2009

Polypropylene/sawdust composites were investigated to assess the effect of sawdust surface treatment and compatibilizer addition on polymer/fiber adhesion. Two silane coupling agents were used for sawdust surface treatment: vinyl‐tris (2‐methoxyethoxy) silane and (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene was used as compatibilizer. Composites were prepared in a corotating twin‐screw extruder coupled to a Haake torque rheometer and submitted to tensile and bending tests as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moisture uptake tests were also performed. Results showed that incorporation of untreated sawdust to polypropylene (PP) caused reduction in composite tensile strength and increase in stiffness. When the only treatment used was surface modification with silane coupling agents, no significant changes were observed in mechanical properties. However, when compatibilizer was added to the composites, tensile strength was increased, and % elongation at break reduced, indicating improved system compatibility. The composite presenting the highest increase in tensile strength was that containing sawdust treated with amino silane in addition to the compatibilizer. SEM analyses corroborated the mechanical property results. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication of all‐polymeric photonic bandgap Bragg fibers using rolling of coextruded PS/PMMA multilayer films
Authors: Stoeffler Karen , Dubois Charles , Ajji Abdellah , Guo Ning , Boismenu Francis , Skorobogatiy Maksim
Published: December 2009

Photonic bandgap Bragg fibers feature periodic sequence of layers of different materials. In those particular waveguides, the wave path is controlled by a periodical spatial modification of the refractive index. Depending on the periodicity of the structure and on the refractive index contrast, a specific wavelength range is propagated along the fiber axis. In this work, we developed all‐polymeric photonic bandgap Bragg fibers based on polystyrene (PS)/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) alternating layers. We describe a novel and efficient method for the preparation of the fibers preforms, and we present the fibers drawing process and the transmission properties of the resulting Bragg fibers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Plasma‐Polymerized Films for Biochip Design
Authors: Muguruma Hitoshi
Published: December 2009

Developments in plasma‐polymerized films used for the design of chip‐based biosensors, commonly referred to as biochips, are described. Plasma‐polymerized films are suitable for the design of an interface between biological components and physical transducers, which are the two well‐known main parts of biochips. The roles and advantages of plasma‐polymerized films in biochip design are highlighted. Mainly, plasma‐polymerized films can play an important role in the control and manipulation of biological components on different spatial regions (patterning), while retaining their activity. In addition, dry‐process‐based plasma‐polymerization are compatible with biochip fabrication processes.

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Does the addition of non‐invasive ventilation during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease augment patient outcome in exercise tolerance? A literature review
Authors: Corner Eve , Garrod Rachel
Published: December 2009

Background. Non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been shown to increase exercise time and intensity. Feasibly then, NIV during pulmonary rehabilitation will enhance post‐rehabilitation training effects. The purpose of this review is to systematically consider and critique the literature concerning the effects of NIV, when used during an exercise programme in COPD patients on exercise tolerance. Method. An electronic literature search was completed and the reference lists of the articles that fitted the following inclusion criteria were screened. Studies that used any mode of NIV during an exercise programme with a primary outcome measure focusing on exercise tolerance and were written after the year 2000 to reflect current practice. Studies that were not written in English or had been included in previous literature reviews were excluded. The studies were then critically appraised and assigned a level of evidence based upon Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Results. Twenty‐eight articles were screened, of which six fitted the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality ranged from level 1− to 1+. All but one study by Bianchi et al. (2002) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in exercise tolerance with the addition of some form of NIV during pulmonary rehabilitation. The benefits may be greater in patients with more severe airway obstruction as determined by Forced Expiration Volume (FEV), (%pred). Conclusion. This review would suggest that NIV may allow an increased exercise intensity and duration during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with moderate to very severe COPD, (according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines), resulting in a greater training effect and a prolonged exercise capacity. Further research looking at long‐term follow‐up is recommended. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Choice of treatment modalities was not influenced by pain, severity or co‐morbidity in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Jamtvedt Gro , Dahm Kristin Thuve , Holm Inger , Odegaard‐Jensen Jan , Flottorp Signe
Published: December 2009

Background and Purpose. Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are commonly treated by physiotherapists in primary care. The physiotherapists use different treatment modalities. In a previous study, we identified variation in the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), low level laser or acupuncture, massage and weight reduction advice for patients with knee OA. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that might explain variation in treatment modalities for patients with knee OA. Methods. Practising physiotherapists prospectively collected data for one patient with knee osteoarthritis each through 12 treatment sessions.We chose to examine factors that might explain variation in the choice of treatment modalities supported by high or moderate quality evidence, and modalities which were frequently used but which were not supported by evidence from systematic reviews. Experienced clinicians proposed factors that they thought might explain the variation in the choice of these specific treatments. We used these factors in explanatory analyses. Results. Using TENS, low level laser or acupuncture was significantly associated with having searched databases to help answer clinical questions in the last six months (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08–3.42). Not having Internet access at work and using more than four treatment modalities were significant determinants for giving massage (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.19–0.68 and OR = 8.92, 95% CI = 4.37–18.21, respectively). Being a female therapist significantly increased the odds for providing weight reduction advice (OR = 3.60, 95% CI = 1.12–11.57). No patient characteristics, such as age, pain or co‐morbidity, were significantly associated with variation in practice. Conclusions. Factors related to patient characteristics, such as pain severity and co‐morbidity, did not seem to explain variation in treatment modalities for patients with knee OA. Variation was associated with the following factors: physiotherapists having Internet access at work, physiotherapists having searched databases for the last six months and the gender of the therapist. There is a need for more studies of determinants for physiotherapy practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quark mass hierarchies in D‐brane realizations of the Standard Model
Authors: Anastasopoulos P. , Lionetto A.
Published: December 2009

This proceeding is based on the paper 0905.3044 [hep‐th]. We analyze the problem of the hierarchy of masses and mixings in orientifold realizations of the Standard Model. We present a bottom‐up brane configuration that can generate such hierarchies.
Review of plate buckling rules in EN 1993‐1‐5
Authors: Johansson Bernt , Veljkovic Milan
Published: December 2009

EN 1993‐1‐5 provides harmonized European design rules for plated structures. It is a step forward in the harmonization process, but like all the Eurocodes it includes many options for national choices, in terms of parameters and also methods, which leads to quite different results. Actually, there are four different methods for dealing with buckling problems. One purpose of this paper is to illustrate differences by way of examples and also to suggest topics for studies intended to improve the design rules and bring them closer together. The revision of EN 1993‐1‐5 is due to take place around 2014 and there is ample time for performing research projects that can form the basis for the new version. Examples of such topics are the recalibration of buckling curves, reviewing the interaction checks and the verification format of the reduced stress method.
Contribution to the capacity analysis of the classic composite girder of Möller
Authors: Sitarski Arkadiusz , Chróścielewski Jacek , Cywiński Zbigniew
Published: December 2009

The capacity of samples, close to reality, of the composite girders of Möller has been explored experimentally and computationally. Here, the first objective was the experimental investigation. By examining the girder's behaviour, the numerical approach could be settled as the second objective.

Accordingly, a brief historic review is given, the experiments performed described, the numerical method applied presented and the corresponding results compared. The experimental and numerical results show good agreement.
Osthole or imperatorin‐mediated facilitation of glutamate release is associated with a synaptic vesicle mobilization in rat hippocampal glutamatergic nerve endings
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Yu , Lu Cheng‐Wei , Huang Wei‐Jan , Wang Su‐Jane
Published: December 2009

Osthole and imperatorin, two active compounds of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, have previously been shown to facilitate depolarization‐evoked glutamate release from rat hippocampal nerve terminals by increasing voltage‐dependent Ca2+ entry. In this study, we further investigated whether osthole and imperatorin possess an action at the exocytotic machinery itself, downstream of a Ca2+ influx. Our data showed that ionomycin‐induced glutamate release and KCl‐evoked FM1‐43 release were facilitated by osthole and imperatorin, suggesting that some steps after Ca2+ entry are regulated by these two compounds. Consistent with this, osthole or imperatorin‐mediated facilitation of ionomycin‐induced glutamate release was occluded by cytochalasin D that inhibits actin polymerization, implying that the disassembly of cytoskeleton is involved. In addition, the facilitatory action of osthole or imperatorin on ionomycin‐induced glutamate release was attenuated by the Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN62. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis further showed that osthole or imperatorin significantly increased ionomycin‐induced phosphorylation of CaMKII and synapsin I, the main presynaptic target of CaMKII. These results suggest, therefore, that osthole or imperatorin‐mediated facilitation of glutamate release involves modulation of downstream events controlling synaptic vesicle recruitment and exocytosis, possibly through an increase of CaMKII activation and synapsin I phosphorylation, thereby increasing synaptic vesicle availability for exocytosis. Synapse 64:390–396, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Macrosomia: a new formula for optimized fetal weight estimation
Authors: Hart N. C. , Hilbert A. , Meurer B. , Schrauder M. , Schmid M. , Siemer J. , Voigt M. , Schild R. L.
Published: December 2009

Objectives

To develop and test a specific formula for estimating weight in the macrosomic fetus.

Methods

Ultrasound estimations of fetal weight were carried out within 1 week of delivery in 424 singleton fetuses with a birth weight of ≥ 4000 g. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, intrauterine death and major structural or chromosomal anomalies. Stepwise regression modeling was used to derive a prediction formula with birth weight as the dependent variable and maternal booking weight and fetal biometric measurements as independent parameters. After a new formula for estimated fetal weight (EFW) had been developed in a formula‐finding group (n = 284), it was compared with commonly used weight equations (evaluation group, n = 140).

Results

The new formula (logeEFW = 7.6377445039 + 0.0002951035 × maternal weight + 0.0003949464 × head circumference + 0.0005241529 × abdominal circumference + 0.0048698624 × femur length) proved to be superior to established equations, with the smallest mean error (mean ± SD, −10 ± 202 g), the smallest mean percentage error (mean ± SD, −0.03 ± 4.6%) and the lowest mean absolute percentage error (3.69 (range, 0.05–13.57)%) when studied in the evaluation group. With the new formula, 77.9% of estimates fell within ± 5% of the actual weight at birth, 97.1% within ± 10%, and 100% within ± 15% and ± 20%.

Conclusions

The new formula allows better weight estimation in the macrosomic fetus. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal obesity is a potential source of error in mid‐trimester ultrasound estimation of gestational age
Authors: Simic M. , Wåhlin I. A. , Maršál K. , Källén K.
Published: December 2009

Objectives

To investigate the possible impact of maternal obesity on ultrasonographic dating of pregnancy.

Methods

The Swedish Medical Birth Registry was used to identify 842 083 singleton pregnancies for which the estimated date of delivery (EDD) according to last menstrual period (EDD‐LMP) and according to ultrasound examination (EDD‐US) and maternal body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy were known. Dates were adjusted following ultrasound examination, negative adjustment representing pregnancies that were shorter according to ultrasound examination than they were according to LMP. Odds ratios (OR) were adjusted for year of birth, maternal age, parity and smoking.

Results

The EDD was postponed at least 7 days (discrepancy between EDD‐LMP and EDD‐US of ≤ −7 days) in 25.2% of all pregnancies. There was a statistically significant association between maternal BMI and discrepancy between EDD‐LMP and EDD‐US. Among pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2, the risk of postponed EDD was significantly greater compared with women with a BMI of 20.0–24.9 kg/m2. The EDD was more often postponed ≥ 14 days (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.60–1.70) or 7–13 days (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.42–1.48) among women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 than among women with normal weight. Similar risk was observed among women with a BMI of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, but was less pronounced.

Conclusions

High maternal BMI increases the risk of postponing the EDD at mid‐trimester ultrasound examination. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐layer design of joint routing and rate control in ad hoc wireless networks
Authors: Hsu Ju‐Lan , Rubin Izhak
Published: December 2009

We investigate multi‐hop wireless networks in which nodes use adaptive modulation/coding schemes and 802.11‐based CSMA/CA MAC. Each node independently selects its cross‐layer parameter vector for each packet that it forwards. It entails the setting of the transmission data rate and the identification of the neighboring node to which the packet is forwarded (and thus the selection of the route). We present an analytical model to calculate, for each candidate parameter vector, the corresponding attainable throughput and transport throughput capacity rates. To enable throughput‐effective network operations, we present cross‐layer schemes under which each node configures its parameter vector by using the transport throughput capacity measures that it computes, for each candidate attached link, as key metrics. We present two such datagram‐based cross‐layer parameter vector selection schemes, one of which makes use of observed channel status statistical data. We compare the network's throughput performance behavior attained under the use of these schemes, demonstrating the performance enhancement that is offered by schemes that use cross‐layer adaptations that are guided by calculations of link transport throughput capacity metrics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medium access control protocols in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Xiang Jie , Zhang Yan , Skeie Tor
Published: December 2009

In cognitive radio (CR) networks, medium access control (MAC) protocols play an important role to exploit the spectrum opportunities, manage the interference to primary users (PUs), and coordinate the spectrum access amongst secondary users (SUs). In this paper, we first introduce the challenges in the design and implementation of CR MAC protocols. Then, we make a comprehensive survey of the state‐of‐the‐art CR MAC protocols and categorize them on the basis of spectrum sharing modes, i.e., overlay and underlay modes. We also introduce some other classification metrics such as architecture (centralized or distributed), sharing behaviors (cooperative or non‐cooperative), and access modes (contention based or contention free). Through the study, we find out that most CR MAC protocols are designed for the overlay mode. The CR MAC protocols in underlay mode could yield higher spectrum utilization efficiency with the cost of more complicated power and admission control schemes. The centralized CR MAC protocols are more suitable to do spectrum sensing using quiet period of whole network, while the distributed CR MAC protocols are more flexible to deploy. We identify several future directions, such as more practical CR MAC protocols for underlay mode, MAC protocols considering security, MAC protocols considering heterogeneous coexistence, etc. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of cross‐modal processing
Authors: Robinson Christopher W. , Sloutsky Vladimir M.
Published: December 2009

The ability to process and integrate cross‐modal input is important for many everyday tasks. The current paper reviews theoretical and empirical work examining cross‐modal processing with a focus on recent findings examining infants' and children's processing of arbitrary auditory–visual pairings. The current paper puts forward a potential mechanism that may account for modality dominance effects found in a variety of cognitive tasks. The mechanism assumes that although early processing of auditory and visual input is parallel, attention is allocated in a serial manner with the modality that is faster to engage attention dominating later processing. Details of the mechanism, factors influencing processing of arbitrary auditory–visual pairings, and implications for higher‐order tasks are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Attention
The gestural origins of language
Authors: Corballis Michael C.
Published: December 2009

The idea that language evolved from manual gestures rather than primate calls dates back at least to the 18th century, and was revived in modern form by the anthropologist, Gordon W. Hewes, in 1973. The main sources of current evidence are: (1) Signed languages invented by deaf communities share with speech the essential characteristics of language, including such properties as reference, generativity, grammar, and prosody; (2) Great apes in captivity are much better able to learn intentional communication systems based on manual gestures than to acquire speech; (3) The manual gestures of chimpanzees in the wild are more flexible and context‐independent than their vocalizations; (4) The mirror system in the primate brain provides a natural platform for the evolution of language; it represents manual gestures and some nonvocal oral movements, but not vocalizations. Vocal gestures were probably incorporated into the mirror system late in hominin evolution, perhaps only with the emergence of our own species,Homo sapiens. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Language in Mind and Brain
Calculations for central stress minimum under sand piles using continuum analysis
Authors: Jeong H.‐Y. , Moore I.D.
Published: December 2009

The use of conventional continuum mechanics can provide solutions to a variety of problems involving the physics of granular solids. However, analysts have resorted to artificial constraints to obtain the counter‐intuitive experimental results where vertical stresses across the rigid base under a conical sand pile reach a local minimum, not a global maximum, beneath the apex. An explanation is provided here of how to use the finite element method, a numerical procedure based on conventional continuum mechanics, to calculate the dip in vertical stress beneath the apex of the stockpiled mass. Results from the numerical simulations reveal that the dip in vertical stress across the rigid base under the stockpile results from stress redistribution within the mass as it is slowly constructed with successive accumulation of many thin layers, shear failure of most but not all of the constituent material, and elastic deformation parameters for the stockpiled material that correspond to constant volume conditions.
Jump conditions and kinetic relations at moving discontinuities
Authors: Berezovski A. , Maugin G.A.
Published: December 2009

The problem of the kinetics of moving discontinuities is described on the example of the propagating phase‐transition front that corresponds to a stress‐induced martensitic transformation in an elastic bar. The kinetic relation is derived under the assumption of a linear dependence between the stress jump at the phase boundary and the driving force. The derived kinetic relation is consistent with jump relations and satisfies limiting requirements. The comparison of the developed theory with available experimental data is made in the case of the dynamics of a straight brittle crack. The corresponding kinetic relation is derived under the same assumption as in the case of phase boundary. Classical results for Homalite‐100 as well as recent experiments for Polyester/TiO2 are compared with the prediction of the kinetic relation. The agreement between theory and experiment is rather good, especially for such a simple theoretical model.
Highly scalable parallel domain decomposition methods with an application to biomechanics
Authors: Klawonn A. , Rheinbach O.
Published: December 2009

Highly scalable parallel domain decomposition methods for elliptic partial differential equations are considered with a special emphasis on problems arising in elasticity. The focus of this survey article is on Finite Element Tearing and Interconnecting (FETI) methods, a family of nonoverlapping domain decomposition methods where the continuity between the subdomains, in principle, is enforced by the use of Lagrange multipliers. Exact onelevel and dual‐primal FETI methods as well as related inexact dual‐primal variants are described and theoretical convergence estimates are presented together with numerical results confirming the parallel scalability properties of these methods. New aspects such as a hybrid onelevel FETI/FETI‐DP approach and the behavior of FETI‐DP for anisotropic elasticity problems are presented. Parallel and numerical scalability of the methods for more than 65 000 processor cores of the JUGENE supercomputer is shown. An application of a dual‐primal FETI method to a nontrivial biomechanical problem from nonlinear elasticity, modeling arterial wall stress, is given, showing the robustness of our domain decomposition methods for such problems.
2D static Green's function for an inhomogeneous elastic solid
Authors: Watanabe K.
Published: December 2009

An exact closed form 2D Green's function for an inhomogeneous elastic solid is presented. Assuming a unidirectional exponential inhomogeneity, the Green's function is expressed in terms of the modified Bessel function of the second kind. It is pointed out that the decomposition of the Green's function into the grading and non‐grading terms is impossible in the sense of the closed form solution. An exponential decay of the Green's function is also found at the far‐field, although the logarithmic singularity at the far‐field exists in the homogeneous 2D solid. In addition, it is shown that a biaxial inhomogeneity can be reduced to the unidirectional inhomogeneity and the present Green's function covers both uni‐ and bi‐axial inhomogeneities.
Factors Influencing the Long‐Term Survival in Patients with Esophageal Cancer Who Underwent Esophagectomy After Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroya , Saikawa Yoshiro , Oyama Takashi , Ozawa Soji , Suda Koichi , Wada Norihito , Takahashi Tsunehiro , Nakamura Rieko , Shigematsu Naoyuki , Ando Nobutoshi , Kitajima Masaki , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: December 2009

Background

Salvage esophagectomy is potentially the only treatment available that can offer a chance of long‐term survival when definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) fails to achieve local control for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, salvage esophagectomy is a highly invasive procedure with various postoperative complications compared to planned esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We hypothesize that severe postoperative complications may affect not only surgical mortality but also tumor recurrence and long‐term survival for patients with salvage esophagectomy after definitive CRT.

Methods

For the present study we reviewed the surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and the prognosis of 65 consecutive patients with thoracic ESCC who underwent the esophagectomy after neoadjuvant (neoadjuvant group: n = 40) or definitive (salvage group: n = 25) CRT.

Results

Most patients underwent right‐transthoracic extended esophagectomy and reconstruction using gastric conduit by way of subcutaneous route with left cervical anastomosis. The incidence of postoperative pneumonia was found to be higher in the salvage group than in the neoadjuvant group. In both groups, the survival of patients with R0 resection was significantly better than those with R1/R2 resection. Moreover, in the salvage group, the postoperative survival rate of patients with pneumonia or bacteremia/sepsis was significantly lower than that for patients who did not suffer the same complications. In the neoadjuvant group, R0 resection was selected to be the only independent prognostic factor in univariate and multivariate analysis. In contrast, in the salvage group, R0 resection and bacteremia/sepsis remained significant and were independent of the other factors in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

This study reveals that postoperative morbidity affects not only the perioperative mortality but also the long‐term survival of patients with ESCC who undergo salvage esophagectomy after definitive CRT.
Gentamicin inhibits HSP70‐assisted protein folding by interfering with substrate recognition
Authors: Yamamoto Soh , Nakano Shunsuke , Owari Kensuke , Fuziwara Kazuhiko , Ogawa Nobuaki , Otaka Michiro , Tamaki Kumiko , Watanabe Sumio , Komatsuda Atsushi , Wakui Hideki , Sawada Ken-ichi , Kubota Hiroshi , Itoh Hideaki
Published: December 2009

MINT‐7384430: RNaseA (uniprotkb:P61823) binds (MI:0407) to HSP70 (uniprotkb:P34930) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)
Pelvic hydatid (echinococcal) disease
Authors: Chelli Dalenda , Methni Ahlem , Gatri Chaima , Boudaya Fethia , Affes Malika , Chennoufi Mohamed Bedis
Published: December 2009

Objective

To study epidemiologic and clinical features of pelvic hydatid disease and discuss its management.

Method

A retrospective analysis of 11 cases of pelvic hydatid disease managed over 7 years and 8 months at the Maternity and Neonatalogy Unit, Tunisian Medical Center La Rabta, Tunis, Tunisia. All cases were identified from histopathologic reports.

Results

The 11 affected patients had a mean age of 41.6 years (range, 22–79 years), 6 had a history of surgery for hydatid disease, 8 presented for chronic pelvic pain, and 1 was admitted for acute surgical abdomen. On physical examination, 6 had a pelvic mass. An ultrasound examination suggested the diagnosis preoperatively in 6. All were treated surgically. Primary laparoscopy was performed in 5 patients. Unroofing (or partial cystectomy) was performed in 6 patients and complete cystectomy in 4. The postoperative course was uneventful in all cases. Recurrence occurred only in 1 patient, 6 months after initial surgery.

Conclusion

Pelvic hydatid disease is rare and its diagnosis often difficult preoperatively. The treatment mainstay is surgery. The laparoscopic approach seems to be safe and effective, and may increasingly replace laparotomy.
A simple procedure to prevent chronic vaginal colpotomy wound bleeding after laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: Seow Kok‐Min , Lin Yu‐Hung , Hwang Jiann‐Loung , Huang Lee‐Wen , Pan Ching‐Pin
Published: December 2009

Objective

To determine whether injecting the colpotomy wound with diluted vasopressin decreases vaginal bleeding after laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).

Methods

In this prospective controlled study 100 patients who underwent LAVH from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007, were randomized to receive an injection of vasopressin (n = 50) or normal saline (n = 50) solution in the colpotomy wound.

Results

In the vasopressin group, bleeding from the colpotomy wound occurred for more than 7 days in 9 patients (18%), and none was bleeding after 1 month; in the control group, the corresponding values were 29 (58%) and 2 (4%). Compared with the study group, the control group had a significantly higher rate of chronic bleeding from the colpotomy wound for more than 7 days and for more than 14 days after LAVH (P < 0.001 for both).

Conclusion

Infiltrating the colpotomy wound with diluted vasopressin was found to prevent chronic vaginal bleeding, which frequently occurs following LAVH.
Achieving Success in Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Leaver Betty Lou , Ehrman Madeline , Shekhtman Boris
Published: December 2009

This clear and informative textbook is designed to help the student achieve optimal success as a language learner and user. Aimed at beginning to intermediate undergraduates and above, it teaches students to understand their own preferences in learning, to develop individual learning plans and approaches, and to select appropriate learning strategies. The authors - all leading experts in language teaching - base their advice on theories of learning, cognition, and memory, concepts which they explain in simple and accessible terms. The book is divided into three sections - learning, language, and communication - and provides students with communicative strategies for use in real-life interaction with native speakers. Each chapter contains an overview and review section, with learning activities that students can carry out by themselves, in groups, or in the classroom. Equally suitable for use both by individuals and as a class text, this book will become an invaluable resource for all language learners.
Stability of bedforms in laminar flows with free surface: from bars to ripples
Authors: DEVAUCHELLE O. , MALVERTI L. , LAJEUNESSE É. , LAGRÉE P.-Y. , JOSSERAND C. , THU-LAM K.-D. NGUYEN
Published: December 2009

The present paper is devoted to the formation of sand patterns by laminar flows. It focuses on the rhomboid beach pattern, formed during the backswash. A recent bedload transport model, based on a moving-grains balance, is generalized in three dimensions for viscous flows. The water flow is modelled by the full incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with a free surface. A linear stability analysis then shows the simultaneous existence of two distinct instabilities, namely ripples and bars. The comparison of the bar instability characteristics with laboratory rhomboid patterns indicates that the latter could result from the nonlinear evolution of unstable bars. This result, together with the sensibility of the stability analysis with respect to the parameters of the transport law, suggests that the rhomboid pattern could help improving sediment transport models, so critical to geomorphologists.
Experimental characterization of the agitation generated by bubbles rising at high Reynolds number
Authors: RIBOUX GUILLAUME , RISSO FRÉDÉRIC , LEGENDRE DOMINIQUE
Published: December 2009

An experimental investigation of the flow generated by a homogeneous population of bubbles rising in water is reported for three different bubble diameters (d= 1.6, 2.1 and 2.5 mm) and moderate gas volume fractions (0.005 ≤ α ≤ 0.1). The Reynolds numbers,Re=V0d/ν, based on the rise velocityV0of a single bubble range between 500 and 800. Velocity statistics of both the bubbles and the liquid phase are determined within the homogeneous bubble swarm by means of optical probes and laser Doppler anemometry. Also, the decaying agitation that takes place in the liquid just after the passage of the bubble swarm is investigated from high-speed particle image velocimetry measurements. Concerning the bubbles, the average velocity is found to evolve asV0α−0.1whereas the velocity fluctuations are observed to be almost independent of α. Concerning the liquid fluctuations, the probability density functions adopt a self-similar behaviour when the gas volume fraction is varied, the characteristic velocity scaling asV0α0.4. The spectra of horizontal and vertical liquid velocity fluctuations are obtained with a resolution of 0.6 mm. The integral length scale Λ is found to be proportional toV02/gor equivalently tod/Cd0, wheregis the gravity acceleration andCd0the drag coefficient of a single rising bubble. Normalized by using Λ, the spectra are independent on both the bubble diameter and the volume fraction. At large scales, the spectral energy density evolves as the power −3 of the wavenumber. This range starts approximately from Λ and is followed for scales smaller than Λ/4 by a classic −5/3 power law. Although the Kolmogorov microscale is smaller than the measurement resolution, the dissipation rate is however obtained from the decay of the kinetic energy after the passage of the bubbles. It is found to scale as α0.9V03/Λ. The major characteristics of the agitation are thus expressed as functions of the characteristics of a single rising bubble. Altogether, these results provide a rather complete description of the bubble-induced turbulence.
A furtive stare at an intra-cellular flow
Authors: SQUIRES T. M.
Published: December 2009

Rarely do intra-cellular flows amount to much: cells are small, and so are their Reynolds numbers. The extraordinarily large cells of the Characean algae provide a fascinating counter-example, as their geometry precludes the standard methods of distributing food and waste. van de Meent et al. (J. Fluid Mech., 2010, this issue, vol. 642, pp. 5–14) present nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) velocimetry measurements of the fluid flow within individual living cells, which agree quantitatively with their fluid mechanical model and confirm a long-standing hypothesis. In addition to biomimetic parallels with microfluidic labs on chips, this work showcases NMR velocimetry as an under-appreciated but immensely powerful technique. The non-invasive tracer-free high-resolution flow measurements it enables – even in opaque and heterogeneous fluids – should find wide application.
Resolution of hyperacusis associated with depression, following lithium administration and directive counselling
Authors: Attri D , Nagarkar A N
Published: December 2009

Introduction:

Hyperacusis may be described as a decreased threshold for discomfort from sound. It may have a serious impact on an individual's lifestyle, as a result of decreased sociability and inability to spend time with family and friends due to intolerance of sound.

Subject:

We present a case of hyperacusis associated with depression, with no other audiological abnormality. The patient reported greater difficulty during the depressive episode.

Method:

Audiological investigation was undertaken, followed by counselling and medication for depression.

Results and conclusion:

The pathophysiological mechanism of hyperacusis in depression is discussed. Outcomes following treatment with directive counselling and lithium (an antidepressant) are described. Research indicates that both hyperacusis and depression can be caused by hypoactivity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (also known as serotonin) in the brain. The patient reported improvement which cannot be explained solely on the basis of counselling. Enhancement of serotonin activity due to lithium, prescribed for depression, may also play a role in alleviation of hyperacusis.
Isolated fungus ball mimicking mucocele or frontal sinus tumour: a diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Popko M , Broglie M A , Holzmann D
Published: December 2009

Objective:

To demonstrate the clinical, radiological and diagnostic pitfalls of managing an isolated frontal sinus fungus ball, and to compare with the literature.

Material and methods:

Retrospective analysis of two cases and literature review.

Results:

Isolated frontal sinus fungus ball is a rare cause of frontal sinus disease. We present two cases of isolated frontal sinus fungus ball which pre-operatively were suspected to be either a tumour or a mucocele. In both cases, cheesy, clay-like material was found intra-operatively within the frontal sinus, suggesting a fungus ball. Effective treatment included surgical debridement via an exclusively endoscopic or an external approach, variously. Final histopathological and mycological analysis revealed Aspergillus fumigatus. A literature review revealed 20 reported cases of isolated frontal sinus fungus ball, confirming the low prevalence of the disease.

Conclusions:

Frontal sinus fungus ball should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic, nonspecific forehead symptoms. To evaluate the underlying disease, computed tomography scans should first be performed, followed by magnetic resonance imaging if malignancy is suspected. It is essential to be aware of the possibility of an atypical fungus ball appearance on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. If bony destruction and calcification coexist on radiological images, then endoscopic biopsy is an indispensable part of the diagnostic procedure, and should be performed to collect material for both histological and mycological analysis, and to aid surgical planning. In cases of sinus fungus ball, an endoscopic approach for biopsy may be curative.
The ‘Unfinished Business’ of Malaysia's Decolonisation: The Origins of the Guthrie ‘Dawn Raid’
Authors: YACOB SHAKILA , WHITE NICHOLAS J.
Published: December 2009

In a ‘dawn raid’ on the London Stock Exchange on 7 September 1981, the premiere British rubber and oil palm conglomerate in Malaysia, the Guthrie Corporation Limited, was taken into local control in less than four hours. This was the most dramatic Malaysian acquisition of a foreign company during the restructuring of the country's post-colonial economy during the 1970s and 1980s, and the Guthrie Dawn Raid remains a celebrated but, at the same time, contested juncture in contemporary Malaysian memory. Drawing upon a variety of sources—including original interviews and correspondence with key participants in, and observers of, the Guthrie Dawn Raid, as well as newly released British documents related to the Anglo-Malaysian events of September 1981—this article presents a new interpretation of the origins of this most iconic of Malaysian corporate takeovers. In particular, it stresses the long-term aspirations of a key (but often overlooked) figure within the late and post-colonial Malay bureaucratic and economic elite, Ismail Mohamed Ali. At the same time, the article emphasizes the specific requirements of Malaysia's New Economic Policy against the backdrop of burgeoning intra-Malaysian ethnic business competition.
Industrialisation and Handicraft Cloth: The Jiangsu Peasant Economy in the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries
Authors: JUNYA MA , WRIGHT TIM
Published: December 2009

This paper analyses the trajectories of handicraft cloth production in three major sub-regions of Jiangsu Province in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In contrast to traditional focus on the bankruptcy of rural handicrafts in the face of competition from the modern industry, it argues that the fate of handicrafts depended on the specific characteristics of each sub-regional economy. Thus in Song-Tai, handicraft weaving declined as labour was drawn off into modern industry. In Tong-Hai the availability of machine-spun yarn in the market enabled the development of a commercialised handicraft weaving sector. Finally, in Xu-Huai-Hai machine-spun yarn enabled the inhabitants to substitute their own subsistence handicraft production for cloth purchased from elsewhere.
A novel five-degrees-of-freedom decoupled robot
Authors: Gallardo-Alvarado Jaime , Orozco-Mendoza Horacio , Rico-Martínez José M.
Published: December 2009

In this work a new nonoverconstrained redundant decoupled robot, free of compound joints, formed from three parallel manipulators, with two moving platforms and provided with six active limbs connected to the fixed platform, called LinceJJP, is presented. Interesting applications such as multi-axis machine tools with parallel kinematic architectures, solar panels, radar antennas, and telescopes are available for this novel spatial mechanism.
The health technology assessment adaptation toolkit: Description and use
Authors: Turner Sheila , Chase Deborah L. , Milne Ruairidh , Cook Andrew , Hicks Nicholas J. , Rosten Claire , Payne Liz , Coles Suzanne , Bell Eleanor
Published: December 2009

Objectives: Adapting health technology assessment (HTA) reports for different contexts could reduce the need for multiple reports on the same health technology with resultant saving of time and resources. This article describes an instrument, the adaptation toolkit, which has been developed to aid in the process of adaptation of HTA reports.

Methods: The toolkit was developed by a partnership of HTA agencies and networks from across Europe. The role of the toolkit is to guide the user through the process of selecting possible relevant material from these report(s), assessing the relevance, reliability, and transferability of the material, and adapting it for the desired context.

Results: The adaptation toolkit has been developed, it comprises a collection of resources that help the user assess whether data and information in existing HTA reports should and could be adapted for their own setting. The toolkit contains two sections: a preliminary speedy sifting section and the main toolkit. The main toolkit includes five domains: (i) technology use and development, (ii) safety, (iii) effectiveness (including efficacy), (iv) economic evaluation, and (v) organizational aspects. Legal, ethical, and social aspects are beyond the scope of the toolkit. The toolkit is designed for the adaptation of evidence synthesis rather than primary research.

Conclusions: The completed current version of the toolkit contains checklists and resources to aid in the adaptation of HTA reports. This collection of resources is available for use by all HTA agencies and can be accessed at: http://www.eunethta.net/upload/WP5/EUnetHTA_HTA_Adaptation_Toolkit_October08.pdf..
Web-based toolkit to facilitate European collaboration on evidence generation on promising health technologies
Authors: Quentin Fabienne , Carbonneil Cédric , Moty-Monnereau Céline , Berti Elena , Goettsch Wim , Lee-Robin Sun Hae
Published: December 2009

Background: Several countries have developed policy frameworks allowing timely access to promising health technologies on the condition that additional evidence is generated. However, an important barrier to evidence generation is the lack of structured collaboration among health technology assessment (HTA) agencies.

Objectives: One of the aims of Work Package 7 (WP7) of the European network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) Project was to determine the types of structured collaboration that could facilitate evidence generation and to develop a Web-based toolkit to support such collaboration.

Methods: Collaboration modalities were defined by all WP7 Partners. Initial emphasis was on information sharing. Standardized forms for information sharing were developed and tested. An information technology development phase followed with the creation of the Web-based toolkit (Web site).

Results: Three levels of collaboration were agreed on: (i) sharing information, (ii) coordinated action, and (iii) joint action. The Web site allows access to structured and standardized forms for requesting information, posting information in response to a request, and posting information spontaneously. An online database contains all of the information requested or posted. Pilot tests on twenty-one promising technologies were satisfactory.

Conclusions: This new Web site for sharing information on evidence generation should help countries reach robust decisions on the timely adoption of promising health technologies. It will only become fully operational if EUnetHTA Partners supply relevant, accurate, and updated information, and regularly use the Web site.