bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of flexible bronchoscopy in pediatric patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support
Authors: Kamat Pradip P. , Popler Jonathan , Davis Joel , Leong Traci , Piland Sarah C. , Simon Dawn , Harsch Alan , Teague William G. , Fortenberry James D.
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Critically ill children treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support frequently have respiratory complications amenable to evaluation by flexible bronchoscopy (FB). The safety and efficacy of FB in this setting has not been well described in children.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 153 FBs in 79 children treated with ECMO at a single institution from 2000 to 2008. Demographic data, clinical findings, and complications were obtained. Chest radiographs reports were evaluated prior to and following FB. Physiologic variables were compared prior to and following FB.

Results

Seventy‐nine patients underwent FB on ECMO [58 veno‐venous (VV) and 21 veno‐arterial (VA) ECMO], with 153 total FBs performed. Indications for FB included clearance of tenacious airway secretions (n = 118, 77%), or evaluation of suspected secondary infections with bronchoalveolar lavage (n = 26, 17%). Two patients also had surfactant instillation following secretion removal. FB was performed a median 5 days following cannulation for ECMO (range 2–14 days). Most common findings included thick secretions (n = 77, 50.3%), mucoid secretions (n = 15, 9.8%), and mucopurulent secretions (n = 28, 18.3%). No deterioration in radiographic lung findings was described post‐FB. FB was not associated with any significant change in heart rate, systemic blood pressure, or temperature. No significant changes in ECMO pump flow rate or sweep gas flow was seen during or after FB. Cannula dislodgement, inadvertent extubation, fever, pneumothorax, or intraprocedural hypoxemia was not reported. Fifty‐three FBs (35%) resulted in blood‐tinged secretions from the endotracheal tube post‐FB, which resolved spontaneously. Three patients received high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) following FB in association with mild hemorrhage.

Conclusions

FB is a well‐tolerated and safe procedure in critically ill pediatric patients on ECMO. FB may have a diagnostic as well as therapeutic benefit in such patients. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:1108–1113. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local magneto‐electric effects from separate areas of magnetic domains of yttrium iron garnets
Authors: Koronovskyy Vadim , Gorchinskii Nikolai
Published: August 2011

Magneto‐electric properties (electromagneto‐optical effect (EMOE)) of separate magnetic domains of yttrium iron garnets (YIGs) are investigated with using an optical polarimetry method. This local effect depends on the chosen point of optical scanning and changes essentially at scanning of various points of the domain. We have revealed separate sites of YIG sample where sharp changes of the electromagneto‐optical (EMO) signal concerning average value in the domain are registered. We assume that the defect area (or its vicinity) on a surface or in volume of the investigated YIG sample causes the specified changes of EMO effect value. When probing by thin laser beam various sites of the magnetic domain, it is possible to define the defects positions by EMO signal value and it can matter for applications.
Evidences for ambient oxidation of indium nitride quantum dots
Authors: Bhat Thirumaleshwara N. , Rajpalke Mohana K. , Roul Basanta , Kumar Mahesh , Krupanidhi S. B. , Sinha Neeraj
Published: August 2011

Investigations were carried out on the ambient condition oxidation of self‐assembled, fairly uniform indium nitride (InN) quantum dots (QDs) fabricated on p‐Si substrates. Incorporation of oxygen in to the outer shell of the QDs was confirmed by the results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). As a consequence, a weak emission at high energy (∼1.03 eV) along with a free excitonic emission (0.8 eV) was observed in the photoluminescence spectrum. The present results confirm the incorporation of oxygen into the lattice of the outer shell of InN QDs, affecting their emission properties.
Photoelectrochemical properties of multiwall carbon nanotube assembled with CdSe quantum dots
Authors: Chen Jing , Wu Jun , Lei Wei , Zhang Xiaobing
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we have fabricated a hybrid nanostructure composed of multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and CdSe QDs. Emission decay profile indicates a fast electron transfer of 1.6 ×108 s–1 from excited CdSe into the MWCNTs. More than 95% of the CdSe emission is quenched as the excited CdSe quantum dots interact with CNTs, indicating that the electron accepting property of MWCNT is expected to favor the electron transfer pathway. As a result, the MWCNTs‐CdSe can be used as the potential building blocks for light‐harvesting assembly in QDSSC. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High‐throughput walkthrough detection portal for counter terrorism: detection of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) vapor by atmospheric‐pressure chemical ionization ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Takada Yasuaki , Nagano Hisashi , Suzuki Yasutaka , Sugiyama Masuyuki , Nakajima Eri , Hashimoto Yuichiro , Sakairi Minoru
Published: August 2011

With the aim of improving security, a high‐throughput portal system for detecting triacetone triperoxide (TATP) vapor emitted from passengers and luggage was developed. The portal system consists of a push‐pull air sampler, an atmospheric‐pressure chemical ionization (APCI) ion source, and an explosives detector based on mass spectrometry. To improve the sensitivity of the explosives detector, a novel linear ion trap mass spectrometer with wire electrodes (wire‐LIT) is installed in the portal system. TATP signals were clearly obtained 2 s after the subject under detection passed through the portal system. Preliminary results on sensitivity and throughput show that the portal system is a useful tool for preventing the use of TATP‐based improvised explosive devices by screening persons in places where many people are coming and going. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry be used to quantify organic compound abundance?
Authors: Thornton Barry , Zhang Zulin , Mayes Robert W. , Högberg Mona N. , Midwood Andrew J.
Published: August 2011

Quantifying the concentrations of organics such as phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and n‐alkanes and measuring their corresponding 13 C/12 C isotope ratios often involves two separate analyses; (1) quantification by gas chromatography flame ionisation detection (GC‐FID) or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and (2) 13 C‐isotope abundance analysis by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS). This requirement for two separate analyses has obvious disadvantages in terms of cost and time. However, there is a history of using the data output of isotope ratio mass spectrometers to quantify various components; including the N and C concentrations of solid materials and CO2 concentrations in gaseous samples. Here we explore the possibility of quantifying n‐alkanes extracted from sheeps' faeces and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) derivatised from PLFAs extracted from grassland soil, using GC‐C‐IRMS. The results were compared with those from GC‐FID analysis of the same extracts. For GC‐C‐IRMS the combined area of the masses for all the ions (m/z 44, 45 and 46) was collected, referred to as 'area all', while for the GC‐FID analysis the peak area data were collected. Following normalisation to a common value for added internal standards, the GC‐C‐IRMS 'area all' values and the GC‐FID peak area data were directly compared. Strong linear relationships were found for both n‐alkanes and FAMEs. For the n‐alkanes the relationships were 1:1 while, for the FAMEs, GC‐C‐IRMS overestimated the areas relative to the GC‐FID results. However, with suitable reference material 1:1 relationships were established. The output of a GC‐C‐IRMS system can form the basis for the quantification of certain organics including FAMEs and n‐alkanes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENTS ALONG A LOWLAND WEIR POOL IN THE SOUTHERN MURRAY‐DARLING BASIN, AUSTRALIA
Authors: Whiterod N. , Sherman B.
Published: August 2011

The 60‐km‐long pool created by the Mildura weir exhibits pronounced physical, chemical and biological gradients along its length. As the river deepens and widens downstream along the weir pool, the flow velocity decreases and the potential for thermal stratification (intensity and duration of stratification) increases. Most nutrient concentrations (TN, NOx, FRP) as well as the euphotic depth increased in the downstream direction whereas TP and turbidity decreased. The increase in bioavailable nutrients co‐occurred with an increase in electrical conductivity suggesting the presence of relatively more saline groundwater inflows to the weir pool.

Throughout the summer (12 December 2003–18 March 2004), with the exception of 8 days, the water column throughout the weir pool mixed completely on a diurnal basis in the deeper sections and was continuously mixed in the shallower upstream sections. This mixing substantially reduced the mean irradiance experienced by the phytoplankton near the weir. Maximum cyanobacteria concentrations were observed in the mid‐weir pool where the range of conditions was most suitable. Diatom abundance increased along the most downstream 20 km of the pool where the water column was deeper and slower flowing yet still mixed completely on a diurnal basis. Peaks in cyanobacteria biomass are not expected in the lower weir pool until lower discharges promote persistent thermal stratification and increase the mean irradiance in the surface mixed layer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BINARY FISH PASSAGE MODELS FOR UNIFORM AND NONUNIFORM FLOWS
Authors: Neary V. S.
Published: August 2011

Binary fish passage models are considered by many fisheries' managers to be the best available practice for culvert inventory assessments and for fishway design. Misunderstandings between different passage‐modelling approaches often arise, however, because of the absence of a formal comparison between the different approaches that include detailed derivations with consistent terminology and example applications. In this paper, one‐dimensional binary fish passage models were reviewed, and derivations from basic principles were provided for clarification. For uniform flow, a simple exhaustion‐threshold (ET) model equation was derived that predicts the flow velocity threshold in a fishway that causes exhaustion at a given maximum distance of ascent if a fish swims at the optimal ground speed. Velocities at or above the threshold predict failure to pass (exclusion). Velocities below the threshold predict passage. The ET model was therefore intuitive and easily applied to predict passage or exclusion. It was also shown to be consistent with the ascent‐distance (AD) model that shows that fish must adopt an optimal ground speed to maximize AD. The limitation of passage models to uniform flow was addressed by deriving a general model framework for passage that accounts for nonuniform flow conditions more commonly found in the field, including backwater and drawdown water‐surface profiles. Comparison of these models with experimental observations of volitional passage for top‐performing western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis indicates reasonable prediction of binary outcomes (passage or exclusion) if the flow velocity is not near the threshold flow velocity. More research is needed on fish behaviour, passage strategies under nonuniform flow regimes and stochastic methods that account for individual differences in swimming performance. Future experiments should track and measure ground speeds of ascending fish to test passage strategies and to improve model predictions. Stochastic models, such as Monte‐Carlo techniques, that account for different passage performance among individuals and allow prediction of the percentage of fish passing are needed to improve fish passage prediction. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear time history analysis of a super‐tall building with setbacks in elevation
Authors: Lu Xilin , Su Ningfen , Zhou Ying
Published: August 2011

Standing 260 m above the ground, the super‐tall building employs steel reinforced concrete frame and reinforced concrete core wall system strengthened by a belt truss story to resist lateral and vertical loads. It has two setbacks in elevation. One is structurally designed by direct termination of vertical members, and the other is realized by inclining columns. Because of these characteristics, the building is classified as an irregular and complex structure. To investigate the seismic behavior of the structure under rare earthquake action, a refined finite element model was developed by using ABAQUS (Dassault Systèmes Simulia Corp., Providence, RI, USA). Nonlinear time history analyses were conducted using explicit integration method. The results show that the structural system has sufficient seismic capacity and ductility to resist rare earthquake. The plastic deformation capacity of this building can meet the requirement of Chinese code, and seismic performance objective of no collapse under rare earthquake can be reached. However, deformations were found concentrated in members within and adjacent to setback stories, at the bottom strengthening portion of core walls and its upper story where lateral stiffness suddenly changed. It was suggested that transfer stories should be placed above or below these stories to improve the concentration of strain and deformation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local well-posedness and blow-up in the energy space for a class of
\( L^{2} \) critical dispersion generalized Benjamin–Ono equations
Authors: Kenig C.E. , Martel Y. , Robbiano L.
Published: August 2011

We consider a family of dispersion generalized Benjamin–Ono equations (dgBO)

u_{t}−\partial _{x}|D|^{\alpha }u + |u|^{2\alpha }\partial _{x}u = 0,\:(t,x) \in \mathbb{R} \times \mathbb{R},

where

\widehat{|D|^{\alpha} u} = |\xi |^{\alpha }\widehat u

and

1⩽\alpha ⩽2

. These equations are critical with respect to the

L^{2}

norm and global existence and interpolate between the modified BO equation (

\alpha = 1

) and the critical gKdV equation (

\alpha = 2

).

First, we prove local well-posedness in the energy space for

1 < \alpha < 2

, extending results in Kenig et al. (1991, 1993) [13,14] for the generalized KdV equations.

Second, we address the blow-up problem in the spirit of Martel and Merle (2000) [19] and Merle (2001) [22] concerning the critical gKdV equation, by studying rigidity properties of the dgBO flow in a neighborhood of the solitons. We prove that for

α

close to 2, solutions of negative energy close to solitons blow up in finite or infinite time in the energy space

H^{\frac{\alpha }{2}}

.

The blow-up proof requires both extensions to dgBO of monotonicity results for local

L^{2}

norms by pseudo-differential operator tools and perturbative arguments close to the gKdV case to obtain structural properties of the linearized flow around solitons.

Nous considérons une famille dʼéquations de Benjamin–Ono à dispersion généralisée (dgBO)

u_{t}−\partial _{x}|D|^{\alpha }u + |u|^{2\alpha }\partial _{x}u = 0,\:(t,x) \in \mathbb{R} \times \mathbb{R},

où

\widehat{|D|^{\alpha} u} = |\xi |^{\alpha }\widehat u

1⩽\alpha ⩽2

. Ces équations sont critiques par rapport à la norme

L^{2}

et à lʼexistence globale et peuvent être vues comme des interpolations entre lʼéquation de Benjamin–Ono généralisée critique (

\alpha = 1

) et lʼéquation de Korteweg–de Vries généralisée critique (

\alpha = 2

).

Dʼabord, nous montrons le caractère bien posé de ces équations dans lʼespace dʼénergie pour

1 < \alpha < 2

, étendant les résultats de Kenig et al. (1991, 1993) [13,14] pour les équations de Korteweg–de Vries généralisées.

Ensuite, nous étudions le phénomène dʼexplosion dans lʼesprit de Martel et Merle (2000) [19] et Merle (2001) [22] concernant lʼéquation de gKdV critique, en étudiant les propriétés de rigidité du flot de dgBO dans un voisinage des solitons. Nous montrons que pour

α

proche de 2, les solutions dʼénergie négative proches des solitons explosent en temps fini ou infini dans lʼespace dʼénergie

H^{\frac{\alpha }{2}}

.

La preuve de ce résultat dʼexplosion est basée dʼune part sur lʼadaptation à dgBO de résultats de monotonie de normes

L^{2}

locales par des méthodes dʼopérateurs pseudo-differentiels et dʼautre part sur des arguments de perturbation pour obtenir des propriétés structurelles du flot linéarisé autour des solitons lorsque lʼéquation est proche de gKdV.
Telomerase reverse transcriptase: A novel neuroprotective mechanism involved in neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury
Authors: Li Jiao , Tang Binzhi , Qu Yi , Mu Dezhi
Published: August 2011

Hypoxic‐ischemic (HI) brain injury is one of the most severe diseases in the neonatal central nervous system (CNS). The pathological mechanisms of HI brain injury, including cellular apoptosis, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, etc., are complicated and not well known. Cellular processes such as angiogenesis, neuronal survival and neurogenesis have been proven to be closely associated with brain repair following HI injury. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), a component of telomerase, plays a primary role in maintaining telomere length. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated that TERT can protect neurons from apoptosis and excitotoxicity, and promote angiogenesis, neurogenesis and neuronal survival. However, there are few reports on the roles of TERT in neonatal HI brain injury and the mechanisms involved are unclear. It is reported that TERT is activated and plays a protective role in adult brains with ischemia and recently we have shown that TERT was induced and may act protectively in a neonatal rat model of HI brain injury. Therefore, it is quite possible that TERT plays an important role in neuroprotection in developing brains following HI injury by inhibiting apoptosis and excitotoxicity, and promoting angiogenesis, neuronal survival and neurogenesis. These very novel mechanisms could lead to more effective neuroprotective strategies against hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury in neonates.
Comprehensive zonal subdivisions of Siberian Jurassic and their significance for Circum-Arctic correlations
Authors: Shurygin B.N. , Nikitenko B.L. , Meledina S.V. , Dzyuba O.S. , Knyazev V.G.
Published: August 2011

We show the present state of the set of parallel zonal scales for the Siberian Jurassic, based on various fossil groups, and the principles of their construction. We discuss the significance of Siberian biostratigraphic scales for the Boreal zonal standard of the Jurassic units. The stratotype region for this standard must have a typical Boreal (Arctic rather than mixed) fauna. A possible candidate is Siberia (and the Arctic biochorema), which is located in the center of the Panboreal Superrealm, where the set of interrelated scales for various fossil groups is the most complete. The set of parallel zonal scales for the Siberian Jurassic is efficient for the subdivision and correlation of Jurassic units in various Arctic regions (Barents Sea shelf, northeastern Russia, Arctic Alaska, Arctic Canada).
Stratigraphy and paleogeography of Berriasian–Lower Aptian deposits of West Siberia in connection with the clinoform structure of the section
Authors: Kurchikov A.R. , Borodkin V.N.
Published: August 2011

The evolution of views of the stratigraphy of Berriasian–Lower Aptian deposits of West Siberia is described. In connection with a clinoform model of the section structure, suggestions are made for its stratification; according to new recommendations to the stratigraphic scheme, paleogeographic reconstructions were carried out for the four stratigraphic units identified in the Berriasian–Early Aptian play.
State estimation in wall-bounded flow systems. Part 3. The ensemble Kalman filter
Authors: COLBURN C. H. , CESSNA J. B. , BEWLEY T. R.
Published: August 2011

State estimation of turbulent near-wall flows based on wall measurements is one of the key pacing items in model-based flow control, with low-Re channel flow providing the canonical testbed. Model-based control formulations in such settings are often separated into two subproblems: estimation of the near-wall flow state via skin friction and pressure measurements at the wall, and (based on this estimate) control of the near-wall flow field fluctuations via actuation of the fluid velocity at the wall. In our experience, the turbulent state estimation sub-problem has consistently proven to be the more difficult of the two. Though many estimation strategies have been tested on this problem (by our group and others), none have accurately captured the turbulent flow state at the outer boundary of the buffer layer (5 ≤ y+ ≤ 30), which is deemed to be an important milestone, as this is the approximate range of the characteristic near-wall turbulent structures, the accurate estimation of which is important for the control problem. Leveraging the ensemble Kalman filter (an effective variant of the Kalman filter which scales well to high-dimensional systems), the present paper achieves at least an order of magnitude improvement (in the near-wall region) over the best results available in the published literature on the estimation of low-Reynolds number turbulent channel flow based on wall information alone.
Numerical simulations of concentrated suspensions of monodisperse particles in a Poiseuille flow
Authors: YEO KYONGMIN , MAXEY MARTIN R.
Published: August 2011

The dynamics of concentrated suspensions of non-colloidal, monodisperse particles in plane Poiseuille flows are investigated by fully three-dimensional numerical simulations for bulk volume fractions of 0.20–0.40 of neutrally-buoyant particles. The ensemble averages of the volume fraction and particle velocity profiles are consistent with previous experiments. A statistical analysis indicates that there is an intermediate region between particle layers near the wall and a plug region in the core, in which the behaviour of ensemble-averaged suspension field can be approximated by a continuum theory. In the intermediate region, the wall-normal and spanwise velocity fluctuations, angular velocity in the vorticity direction and particle shear stress are found to be linear functions of the distance from the wall. The particle normal stresses in the intermediate region are almost uniform, consistent with the concept of normal-stress-driven particle migration. The intermediate region decreases in extent and the width of the core region increases for larger bulk volume fractions. There is a remarkable similarity between the particle–phase pressure profiles scaled by the local shear rate for different bulk volume fractions. The particle pressure profiles in the intermediate region are compared with the rheological model proposed by Morris & Boulay (1999). The effective viscosity, evaluated from the ratio of the total shear stress to the fluid-phase shear stress, shows a good agreement with empirical viscosity relations in Couette-flow suspensions. In the present study, both non-local dynamics and finite-size effects of the particles are evident in the core of the channel. These effects are more pronounced at larger volume fractions.
Rhinectomy for the management of nasal malignancies
Authors: Chipp E , Prinsloo D , Rayatt S
Published: August 2011

Background:

Tumours of nasal skin or mucosa are common, and can usually be treated with limited surgical excision or radiotherapy. This paper highlights a subset of high risk tumours which require rhinectomy for complete oncological clearance.

Method:

Retrospective case note review of 14 patients undergoing rhinectomy for nasal tumours. Clinical and histological findings, treatment and outcome are reviewed and discussed.

Results:

Forty-three per cent of patients had recurrent disease and underwent rhinectomy as a salvage procedure following previous surgery or radiotherapy. Most tumours (79 per cent) were basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. After a mean follow up of 30.1 months (range, zero to 96 months), seven patients (50 per cent) were alive and disease-free. Reconstruction was most commonly with a prosthesis.

Conclusion:

Rhinectomy is an oncologically sound procedure for the management of high risk nasal malignancies. Prosthetic rehabilitation can be an excellent alternative to surgery, particularly in those patients unsuitable for major reconstruction.
Galathowenia kirkegaardi SP. nov. (Polychaeta: Oweniidae) from the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: De León-González J.A. , Sanchez-Hernández V.
Published: August 2011

Galathowenia kirkegaardi a new oweniid polychaete species is described from soft bottoms of the Tamiahua Lagoon, in the Gulf of Mexico. It is characterized by the presence of lateral eyes, a constriction in the intersection of thorax and abdomen, and two well-developed pygidial lobes. The new species is compared with a small group of species in the genus characterized by the presence of eyes.
Description of the two strains of turkey coccidia Eimeria adenoeides with remarkable morphological variability
Authors: POPLSTEIN MARTIN , VRBA VLADIMIR
Published: August 2011

Although oocyst morphology was always considered as a reliable parameter for coccidian species discrimination we describe strain variation of turkey coccidia, Eimeria adenoeides, which remarkably exceeds the variation observed in any other Eimeria species. Two strains have been isolated – the first strain maintains the typical oocyst morphology attributed to this species – large and ellipsoidal – while the second strain has small and ovoid oocysts, never described before for this species. Other biological parameters including pathogenicity were found to be similar. Cross-protection between these 2 strains in 2 immunization and challenge experiments was confirmed. Sequencing and analysis of 18S and ITS1 ribosomal DNA revealed a close relationship according to 18S and a relatively distant relationship according to ITS1. Analysis of 18S and ITS1 sequences from commercial turkey coccidiosis vaccines Immucox®-T and Coccivac®-T revealed that each vaccine contains a different strain of E. adenoeides and that these strains have 18S and ITS1 sequences homologous to the sequences of the strains we have isolated and described. These findings show that diagnostics of turkey coccidia according to oocyst morphology have to be carried out with caution or abolished entirely. Novel PCR-based molecular tools will be necessary for fast and reliable species discrimination.
Lymphatic filariasis in children: Clinical features, infection burdens and future prospects for elimination
Authors: SHENOY RANGANATHA KRISHNA , BOCKARIE MOSES J.
Published: August 2011

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), a common parasitic infection in tropical countries, causes lymphoedema of limbs, hydrocele and acute attacks of dermato-lymphangio-adenitis. Recent advances in diagnosis have helped to recognize that LF infection is often acquired in childhood. Newly available diagnostic techniques like sensitive antigen and antibody assays, Doppler ultrasonography and lymphoscintigraphy have helped to understand the subclinical pathology caused by this infection, which was hitherto generally believed to be irreversible. Recent studies indicate that drugs used in the mass drug administration (MDA) programme under GPELF are capable of reversing the sub-clinical lymphatic damage in children and provide benefits other than interruption of transmission. Albendazole and ivermectin used in MDA are effective against soil-transmitted helminthic infections common in children in LF endemic areas. Thus MDA had other ‘beyond LF’ benefits in treated children including increased appetite, weight gain, greater learning ability and concentration, better school attendance and prevention of anaemia. MDA should no longer be viewed as a measure for interrupting transmission alone. Recent findings of reversibility of early lymphatic pathology in treated children indicate that both MDA and ‘foot-hygiene’ measures are effective strategies in preventing and managing morbidity. Programme managers should effectively utilize this information to strengthen their advocacy efforts to achieve high and sustainable coverage in MDA.
Epidemiological aspects of strongyloidiasis in Brazil
Authors: PAULA F. M. , COSTA-CRUZ J. M.
Published: August 2011

The objective of this review was to outline an epidemiological profile ofStrongyloides stercoralisby parasitological and serological diagnosis in inhabitants, and to associate this profile with different immunosupression situations, in Brazil, over 20 years (1990–2009). The occurrence ofS. stercoralisusing parasitological methods was 5·5%, being 4·8% in rural and 5·0% in urban areas, characterizing the country as hyperendemic. There was a diversity of techniques used as a diagnostic tool and only 39·1% of the studies presented results based on at least 1 specific method. The occurrence increased with age, being 12·1%, for those over 60 that suggests an epidemiological condition of concern for the elderly population. Of the seroepidemiological studies in the general population the mean positivity in serum samples was 21·7% and 29·2%, using an immunofluorescence antibody test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The occurrence of strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed individuals was 11·8% by parasitological methods and 19·5% using immunological methods. Considering that Brazil is a tropical country and that the character of chronicity and autoinfection of the parasite that can result in severe forms of hyperinfection or dissemination makes strongyloidiasis an important medically and socially neglected problem.
Pairing success and sperm reserve of maleGammarus pulexinfected byCyathocephalus truncatus(Cestoda: Spathebothriidea)
Authors: GALIPAUD MATTHIAS , GAUTHEY ZOÉ , BOLLACHE LOÏC
Published: August 2011

Manipulative parasites with complex life cycles are known to induce behavioural and physiological changes in their intermediate hosts.Cyathocephalus truncatusis a manipulative parasite which infectsGammarus pulexas intermediate host.G. pulexmales display pre-copulatory mate guarding as a response to male-male competition for access to receptive females. In this paper, we tested the influence thatC. truncatus-infection might have on maleG. pulexsperm number and pairing success. We considered 3 classes ofG. pulexmales in our experiments: (i) uninfected males found paired in the field, (ii) uninfected males found unpaired in the field, or (iii) infected males found unpaired in the field. Both infected males and uninfected unpaired males paired less with a new female than uninfected paired males did. Furthermore, infected males appear to be at a strong disadvantage when directly competing for females with a healthy rival male, and had fewer sperm in their testes. We discuss the potential effect of male and female mating strategies on such male host mating alteration.
A comparison of patterns of disability in severely mentally handicapped children of different ethnic origins
Authors: Akinsola H. A. , Fryers T.
Published: August 2011

Synopsis

All severely mentally handicapped children aged 5–19 years from the city of Manchester were identified in a cross-sectional study. A standardized Disability Assessment Schedule was used to assess the variety and degree of disabilities experienced by each child and by specific subgroups of the children. This paper focuses upon differences between groups of European and Non-European ethnic origin. Boys showed more disabilities than girls in both groups, but non-European children had more severe disabilities in virtually all categories.
Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies: ‘Ethereal from the Waist Up and All Welsh Pony Down Below’
Authors: Grime Helen
Published: August 2011

In this article Helen Grime examines the enduring epithet of ethereality and its persistent connection to the career of the actress Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies (1891–1992). Most closely associated with her portrayal of Etain in the much revived musical drama The Immortal Hour, ethereality is understood as a signifier of 1920s femininity. The offstage presentation of a domesticated femininity further evidences the apparent conventionality of this actress's self-presentation at a time of particular anxiety about the socio-political position of women. These notions of femininity hint at the prevailing social attitudes that confronted an actress whose on- and offstage appearances were subject to public scrutiny while her private lesbian identity remained obscured. It is suggested, however, that Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies's playful negotiation of her demonstrably fragmented identity evidences an agency and self-possession belied by her public conformity. Helen Grime completed her thesis, A Strange Omission: Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies, Twentieth-Century Shakespearean Actress, in 2008 and is currently a Lecturer in Drama at the University of Winchester.
Diaspora Space, the Regions, and British Asian Theatre
Authors: Ley Graham
Published: August 2011

In 1996 Graham Ley compiled for NTQ a record of the first twenty years of Tara Arts, the London-based British Asian theatre company. In this essay, he tests the theoretical concept of a third space for diaspora culture against the experience of two leading British Asian theatre companies, and considers the contrasting role of an Asian arts centre. From 2004 to 2009 Graham Ley led an AHRC-funded research project on ‘British Asian Theatre: Documentation and Critical History’, and has co-edited with Sarah Dadswell two books soon to be published by the University of Exeter Press: British South Asian Theatres: a Documented History and Critical Essays on British South Asian Theatre. He has earlier published in NTQ on Australian theatre and enlightenment and contemporary performance theory, and is presently Professor of Drama and Theory at the University of Exeter.
Psychophysical Approaches and Practices in India: Embodying Processes and States of ‘Being–Doing’
Authors: Zarrilli Phillip B.
Published: August 2011

This essay articulates a South Asian understanding of embodied psychophysical practices and processes with a specific focus on Kerala, India. In addition to consulting relevant Indian texts and contemporary scholarly accounts, it is based upon extensive ethnographic research and practice conducted with actors, dancers, yoga practitioners, and martial artists in Kerala between 1976 and 2003. During 2003 the author conducted extensive interviews with kutiyattam and kathakali actors about how they understand, talk about, and teach acting within their lineages. Phillip Zarrilli is Artistic Director of The Llanarth Group, and is internationally known for training actors in psychophysical processes using Asian martial arts and yoga. He lived in Kerala, India, for seven years between 1976 and 1989 while training in kalarippayattu and kathakali dance-drama. His books include Psychophysical Acting: an Intercultural Approach after Stanislavski, Kathakali Dance-Drama: Where Gods and Demons Come to Play, and When the Body Becomes All Eyes. He is Professor of Performance Practice at Exeter University.
CONSISTENCY OF PLUG-IN ESTIMATORS OF UPPER CONTOUR AND LEVEL SETS
Authors: Yildiz Neşe
Published: August 2011

This paper studies the problem of estimating the set of finite-dimensional parameter values defined by a finite number of moment inequality or equality conditions and gives conditions under which the estimator defined by the set of parameter values that satisfy the estimated versions of these conditions is consistent in Hausdorff metric. This paper also suggests extremum estimators that with probability approaching 1 agree with the set consisting of parameter values that satisfy the sample versions of the moment conditions. In particular, it is shown that the set of minimizers of the sample generalized method of moments (GMM) objective function is consistent for the set of minimizers of the population GMM objective function in Hausdorff metric.
QML ESTIMATION OF A CLASS OF MULTIVARIATE ASYMMETRIC GARCH MODELS
Authors: Francq Christian , Zakoïan Jean-Michel
Published: August 2011

We establish the strong consistency and asymptotic normality of the quasi-maximum likelihood estimator (QMLE) of the parameters of a class of multivariate asymmetric generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic processes, allowing for cross leverage effects. The conditions required to establish the asymptotic properties of the QMLE are mild and coincide with the minimal ones in the univariate case. In particular, no moment assumption is made on the observed process. Instead, we require strict stationarity, for which a necessary and sufficient condition is established. The asymptotic results are illustrated by Monte Carlo experiments, and an application to a bivariate exchange rates series is proposed.
Challenges in Disaster Data Collection during Recent Disasters
Authors: Morton Melinda , Levy J. Lee
Published: August 2011

Gathering essential health data to provide rapid and effective medical relief to populations devastated by the effects of a disaster-producing event involves challenges. These challenges include response to environmental hazards, security of personnel and resources, political and economic issues, cultural barriers, and difficulties in communication, particularly between aid agencies. These barriers often impede the timely collection of key health data such as morbidity and mortality, rapid health and sheltering needs assessments, key infrastructure assessments, and nutritional needs assessments. Examples of these challenges following three recent events: (1) the Indian Ocean tsunami; (2) Hurricane Katrina; and (3) the 2010 earthquake in Haiti are reviewed. Some of the innovative and cutting-edge approaches for surmounting many of these challenges include: (1) the establishment of geographical information systems (GIS) mapping disaster databases; (2) establishing internet surveillance networks and data repositories; (3) utilization of personal digital assistant-based platforms for data collection; (4) involving key community stakeholders in the data collection process; (5) use of pre-established, local, collaborative networks to coordinate disaster efforts; and (6) exploring potential civil-military collaborative efforts. The application of these and other innovative techniques shows promise for surmounting formidable challenges to disaster data collection.
Food concern and its associations with obesity and diabetes among lower-income New Yorkers
Authors: Yaemsiri Sirin , Olson E Carolyn , He Ka , Kerker Bonnie D
Published: August 2011

Objective

To examine food concern (FC) and its associations with obesity and diabetes in a racially diverse, urban population.

Design

Cross-sectional population-based survey.

Setting

Five boroughs of New York City.

Subjects

Lower-income adults (n 5981) in the 2004 New York City Community Health Survey.

Results

The overall prevalence of obesity was 24 % and was higher among FC than non-FC white men and women, black women, US- and foreign-born whites and foreign-born blacks. In multivariable analysis, FC was marginally associated with obesity (OR = 1·18, 95 % CI 0·98, 1·42) among all lower-income New Yorkers, after controlling for socio-economic factors. The association of FC and obesity varied by race/ethnicity, with FC being positively associated with obesity only among white New Yorkers. FC whites had 80 % higher odds of obesity than whites without FC (OR = 1·80; 95 % CI 1·21, 2·68), with a model-adjusted obesity prevalence of 20 % among non-FC whites v. 31 % among FC whites. FC was not associated with diabetes after controlling for obesity and socio-economic factors.

Conclusions

The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among FC whites and certain subgroups of blacks. FC was positively associated with obesity risk among lower-income white New Yorkers. Programmes designed to alleviate FC and poverty should promote the purchase and consumption of nutritious, lower-energy foods to help address the burden of obesity in lower-income urban populations.
The low-complexity RF MEMS switch at EADS: an overview
Authors: Schoenlinner Bernhard , Stehle Armin , Siegel Christian , Gautier William , Schulte Benedikt , Figur Sascha , Prechtel Ulrich , Ziegler Volker
Published: August 2011

This paper gives an overview of the low-complexity radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) switch concept and technology of EADS Innovation Works in Germany. Starting in 2003, a capacitive switch concept, which is unique in several aspects, was developed to address specific needs in the aeronautic and space. Thermally grown silicon oxide as dielectric layer, the silicon substrate as actuation electrode, and a conductive zone realized by ion implantation make the EADS RF MEMS switch a very simple, low-cost, and reliable approach. In this document, data on experimental investigations are presented, which demonstrate outstanding performance figures in terms of insertion loss, isolation, frequency range, bandwidth, RF-power handling, and robustness with respect to thermal load. Based on this concept, numerous different circuits in particular single-pole single-throws (SPSTs), single-pole multi-throws (SPMTs), tunable filters, phase shifters, and electronically steerable antennas between 6 and 100 GHz have been designed, fabricated, and characterized.
Zwei Seelen wohnen, ach, in meiner Brust
Authors: Hofmann Wilhelm , Friese Malte , Müller Jörn , Strack Fritz
Published: August 2011

Zusammenfassung. Bereits die antike Philosophie hat sich mit der Frage beschäftigt, warum Menschen zuweilen wider besseres Wissen den kurzfristigen Verlockungen des Augenblicks nachgeben und damit wichtigen langfristigen Zielen zuwider handeln. In der modernen Psychologie wird das Problem der Selbstkontrolle in einer ganzen Reihe von Ansätzen aufgegriffen, darunter kybernetische Modelle, intertemporale Entscheidungsmodelle, Zielintentions-Modelle, Zielkonflikt-Modelle, und Zweisystem-Modelle. Zweisystem-Modelle scheinen sich von den übrigen Ansätzen dadurch abzuheben, dass sie impulsive Prozesse der Verhaltensdetermination explizit thematisieren und in Erklärungsmodelle menschlichen Verhaltens integrieren. Wir berichten jüngere empirische Befunde, die aus einem solchen Ansatz erwachsen sind und diskutieren die Vorteile und Grenzen einer Zweisystem-Modellierung von Selbstkontrollkonflikten aus grundlagen- und anwendungsorientierter Sicht.
Paget’s Disease of Bone and Calcium Homeostasis: Focus on Bisphosphonate Treatment
Authors: Polyzos S. , Anastasilakis A. , Makras P. , Terpos E.
Published: August 2011

Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) is the second most common metabolic bone disease. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are currently the drugs of choice for PDB. PDB and osteomalacia are both common in the elderly. The concept of relative vitamin D deficiency in patients with PDB was suggested long ago, but it has not yet elucidated. Both diseases predispose to fractures, but their combined action to fragility has not been studied yet. The older BPs, mainly etidronate, further inhibit bone mineralization. Mineralization defects have also been described in patients with PDB treated with pamidronate. Moreover, hypocalcemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism after treatment with BPs have been described in PDB. Hypocalcemia seems to be more severe after treatment with the more potent, intravenous zoledronic acid, which is currently the treatment of choice for PDB. The counteracting hyperparathyroidism pathophysiologically intends to increase renal reabsorption of calcium and 1.25-dihydroxy vitamin D production and to stimulate osteoclasts in order to prevent long-term hypocalcemia. However, the effect of PTH on osteoclasts is, at least partly, restricted in patients taking BPs. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a potentially detrimental condition, especially in patients already suffering from another bone disease. Serum calcium and vitamin D deficiency should be restored before BP treatment and calcium and vitamin D administration should be possibly continued for longer after achieving normocalcemia, which may shorten the duration of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Mineralization defects and hypocalcemia with secondary hyperparathyroidism have been described in patients with Paget’s disease of bone treated with bisphosphonates. Secondary hyperparathyroidism may be a potentially detrimental condition for patients with Paget’s disease of bone.
High Estradiol Levels are Associated with Increased Mortality in Older Men Referred to Coronary Angiography
Authors: Lerchbaum E. , Pilz S. , Grammer T. , Boehm B. , März W. , Obermayer-Pietsch B.
Published: August 2011

There is evidence showing an important role of estrogens in men’s health. We aimed to evaluate whether estradiol levels are associated with overall mortality and specific fatal events.

We measured estradiol levels in 2 078 men who were routinely referred for coronary angiography (1997–2000).

The main outcome measures were Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality from all causes, from cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes including cancer according to estradiol levels.

Multivariable HRs (with 95% confidence intervals) for all-cause, non-cardiovascular, and cancer mortality were 1.43 (1.08–1.91), 2.11 (1.34–3.34), and 2.27 (1.00–5.19), respectively, in the fourth estradiol quartile as compared to the first. There was no significant association of estradiol levels with cardiovascular mortality. In multivariate adjusted analyses, higher estradiol levels in men were significantly associated with prevalent strokes, peripheral vascular disease, and carotid artery stenosis compared to lower estradiol levels.

High levels of estradiol are associated with all-cause and non-cardiovascular mortality in a large cohort of older men referred to coronary angiography. Further studies are warranted to confirm our results and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Functional SNP in the microRNA-367 binding site in the 3′UTR of the calcium channel ryanodine receptor gene 3 (
RYR3
) affects breast cancer risk and calcification
Authors: Zhang Lina , Liu Yuexin , Song Fengju , Zheng Hong , Hu Limei , Lu Hong , Liu Peifang , Hao Xishan , Zhang Wei , Chen Kexin
Published: August 2011

We have evaluated and provided evidence that the ryanodine receptor 3 gene (
RYR3
), which encodes a large protein that forms a calcium channel, is important for the growth, morphology, and migration of breast cancer cells. A putative binding site for microRNA-367 (miR-367) exists in the 3′UTR of
RYR3
, and a genetic variant, rs1044129 A→G, is present in this binding region. We confirmed that miR-367 regulates the expression of a reporter gene driven by the
RYR3
3′UTR and that the regulation was affected by the
RYR3
genotype. A thermodynamic model based on base pairing and the secondary structure of the
RYR3
mRNA and miR-367 miRNA showed that miR-367 had a higher binding affinity for the A genotype than for the G genotype. The rs1044129 SNP was genotyped in 1,532 breast cancer cases and 1,600 healthy Chinese women. The results showed that compared with the AA genotype, G was a risk genotype for breast cancer development and was also associated with breast cancer calcification and poor survival. Thus, rs1044129 is a unique SNP that resides in a miRNA-gene regulatory loop that affects breast cancer risk, calcification, and survival.