bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of maternal and paternal age in an assisted reproductive program
Authors: Tabs Dunja , Radunovic Nebojsa
Published: March 2009

Introduction Many infertile couples try to become parents spontaneously, neglecting the possibility to conceive artificially, so they seek medical help in their late reproductive age. Maternal age Major aspects of maternal age in regard to assisted reproduction consider oocytes, ovaries and endometrium. Also, some habits and maternal diseases associated with aging may have an impact on fertility (smoking, atherosclerosis, previous gynecological operations etc.). Even though estimating the ovarian reserve is the most objective test in assessing female fertility, it has a limited predictive value in younger women. A short protocol of ovulation induction showed best results in women with poor ovarian reserve, but recent studies recommend low-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in these cases. Paternal age With aging, sperm parameters become worse, which points to the neglected role of the father in assisted reproduction. Conclusion Thus, parental age plays an important role in assisted reproductive programs.
Correlation of age at menarche of mothers and daughters in Backa Palanka
Authors: Kolarov Nebojsa , Cerni Miroslav , Jovic Borislav
Published: March 2009

Introduction Age at menarche is genetically determined, but it is also influenced by body mass index, growth speed, physical activity, social status and other factors. The aim of this study was to identify the average age at menarche, to study acceleration phenomena and correlation of age at menarche of mothers and their daughters in Backa Palanka. Material and methods The survey involved 105 elementary school students (having menstrual cycles, specifically menarche) and 536 women, their mothers. Results and discussion The average age at menarche in girls was 12,17 and in their mothers at 13.08. SD was 0.95 in daughters, and 1.32 in mothers. In 33% of girls the age at menarche was the same as in their mothers, in 46% it was one year earlier or later, in 15% there was a two year difference and in the rest there was a three year difference. Our survey results clearly show that there is an acceleration phenomena involved. Conclusion Genetic factor has the greatest influence on the age at menarche. However, there is also an acceleration phenomena. It is necessary to broaden the survey regarding the effects of physical activity and body mass index on age at menarche. .
Ultrasound artifacts as differential diagnostic problems in ultrasound of the upper abdomen
Authors: Hadnadjev Dusan , Stojanovic Sanja , Govorcin Mira , Vucaj Viktorija , Niciforovic Dijana , Kozic Dusan
Published: March 2009

Introduction The word artifact stands for any visible result of imaging procedures which is caused by the procedure itself and not the entity being analyzed. Recognition of artifacts in everyday work is of great significance for final diagnosis, since their wrong interpretation not only compromises the value of ultrasound finding, but may also lead to a wrong therapeutic approach. Ultrasound artifacts. Artifacts appear as the result of physical properties of an ultrasound beam, technical aspects of ultrasound apparatus and immobility in creation of ultrasound image. Artifacts in the form of acoustic shadows, acoustic enhancements and reverberation most commonly appear and lead to changed appearance of certain structures. That is why great experience and knowledge of radiologists-ultrasonographists is necessary, since diagnostic accuracy of the method itself is under their immediate control. Incorrect interpretation of artifacts and failure to recognize them, reduces the value of ultrasound imaging which has, during the past 25 years, confirmed its exceptional diagnostic value. .
Fever without a focus in children 0-36 months of age
Authors: Kuzmanovic Svetlana , Roncevic Nevenka , Stojadinovic Aleksandra
Published: March 2009

Introduction. About 20% of fevers in childhood have no apparent cause. A small, but significant number of these children may have a seroius bacterial infection. Fever without a focus of infection is an acute febrile illness with rectal temperature of 38?C or higher in children younger than 36 months, without localizing signs or symptoms. Practice Guidelines for Medical Care. In this article, practical recommendations for medical care of febrile children 0-36 months of age are given, bearing in mind children's age, clinical presentation (toxic manifestations) and risk for serious bacterial infection (sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection...). Toxic appearance is a clinical presentation characterized by lethargy, poor perfusion, marked hypo/hyperventilation and cyanosis. All febrile children under 36 months of age, who are appearing toxic, require hospitalization, evaluation for sepsis and administration of empirical antibiotic therapy. All febrile neonates, however, must be hospitalized: cultures of blood, urine and spinal fluid should be taken and empirical antibiotic therapy administered immediately. Febrile infants, 28 to 90 days of age, need to be evaluated in order to determine whether they are in the low-risk group for serious bacterial infections (Rochester Criteria). Yale Observation Scale is recommended to assess febrile children aged 3-36 months, and the risk of occult bacteriemia. Febrile children, 3-36 months of age who appear well, with temperature of less than 39?C without focus, should be closely followed up without laboratory tests and antibiotics and 2-3 days later reexamined. In febrile children, 3-36 months old, with temperature of 39?C and above, without toxic manifestations, blood culture should be taken and ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg/in a single dose should be given, if leukocyte count is 15000/mm? or absolute neutrophil count is over 10.000/mm? .
Rene Favaloro: A surgeon who has changed the history of coronary disease
Authors: Zdravkovic Marija , Zdravkovic Darko , Milic Natasa , Milinic Nikola , Djukanovic Blagoje , Zamaklar-Trifunovic Danijela
Published: March 2009

Rene Favaloro was one of the most distinguished surgeons of the 20th century. He was the first to introduce the original technique of aortocoronary bypass grafting, entering the new era of coronary artery disease treatment. Working at the Cleveland Clinic, together with Mason Sones and Effler, he became a member of the medical team which performered the first aortocoronary bypass grafting and showed the functional competence of the new graft. Although today percutaneous coronary interventions and coronary artery stents have a very important role in coronary artery disease treatment, five years after his death aortocoronary bypass grafting is the method of choice in selected groups of patients. Nowadays, when urgent percutaneous coronary interventions are an important treatment option in our country, it is good to remember that this also was the idea of Rene Favaloro and Mason Sones, who discussed agressive treatment in the first hours of myocardial infarction, and to remember his tremendous contributions and life dedicated to cardiosurgery. .
Mucosal Eosinophils and L-Selectin Ligands are Associated with Invasive and Noninvasive Sinus Surgery Outcomes
Authors: Myller Jyri P. , Toppila-Salmi Sanna K. , Toppila Esko M. , Torkkeli Tommi V.M. , Numminen Jura E.A. , Renkonen Risto L.O. , Rautiainen Markus E.P.
Published: March 2009

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by persistent inflammation of the nasal and paranasal mucosa with numerous emigrated leukocytes. L-Selectin on leukocytes and its endothelial glycosylated ligands initiate leukocyte infiltration into inflamed tissues. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the major approach for restoring sinus physiology after failure of conservative therapy; however, the effect of enlarging the maxillary sinus ostium is still unknown. Here, we compared two histological markers of local inflammation, the number of mucosal eosinophils, and the expression of endothelial L-selectin ligands, with clinical outcomes after enlarging or saving the maxillary sinus ostium.

Methods

Twenty-three patients with CRS underwent uncinectomy on one side and additional middle meatal antrostomy on the other side. Maxillary sinus mucosa biopsy specimens from these patients and nine healthy subjects were taken for immunohistochemical evaluations of the number of mucosal eosinophils and endothelial L-selectin ligands. Also, symptoms and mucociliary clearance were measured.

Results

The postoperative reduction of the endothelial L-selectin ligands was independent of the operation technique. There was a correlation between postoperative number of mucosal eosinophils and symptom score, which was also independent of the surgical technique. The postoperative decrease of mucosal eosinophils, as well as the correlation of the intraoperative eosinophils with the postoperative symptom score, was found only on antrostomy side.

Conclusion

ESS decreases the expression of endothelial L-selectin ligands, which might lead to decreased eosinophil traffic into maxillary sinus mucosa, putatively more when enlarging the maxillary sinus ostium. Both intra- and postoperative low number of eosinophils seem to be indicators of good subjective recovery.
Validation of the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT-20) Domains in Nonsurgical Patients
Authors: Pynnonen Melissa A. , Kim H. Myra , Terrell Jeffrey E.
Published: March 2009

Background

The objectives of this study were, first, to confirm the presence of multiple domains within the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT-20) using a medically treated population, and, second, to reanalyze data from this population to reveal incremental information. A prospective, randomized controlled trial was performed.

Methods

One hundred twenty-seven adults with chronic rhinitis or rhinosinusitis symptoms were treated with nasal saline irrigation or spray. Treatment outcome was quality of life measured with SNOT-20 scores, which were reanalyzed for this study with a factor analysis. Differences in change scores were compared.

Results

Factor analysis confirmed the presence of four domains: psychological function, sleep function, rhinological symptoms, and ear and/or facial symptoms. At 8 weeks after randomization, saline irrigation had significant effects on the rhinological symptom (p = 0.01) and sleep (p = 0.01) compared with saline spray, but no between-group difference was seen in psychological function or ear and/or facial symptom domains.

Conclusion

Subscales identified differences in the impact of two medical interventions on chronic sinonasal symptoms. Reporting subscale scores might improve the precision of the SNOT-20 instrument, allowing discrimination between various treatments and their differential impact on sinonasal quality of life.
Diagnostic and Staging Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Assessment of Sinonasal Disease
Authors: Lin Harrison W. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: March 2009

Background

Concerns over radiation exposure with paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) have recently evolved. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be more advantageous in this regard, but the diagnostic assessment of MRI in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between CT- and MRI-based staging and diagnosis of CRS.

Methods

Paired CT and MRI scans of 89 adult patients who were imaged by both modalities within a 3-month time period for evaluation of pituitary disease were scored for sinus disease using the Lund-Mackay system in a randomized and blinded fashion. The Lund scores were compared for similarity, correlation, and diagnostic classification between modalities.

Results

The mean Lund scores were 2.3 ± 0.6 (95% CI) for CT-based staging and 2.1 ± 0.5 for MRI-based staging with a median time interval between scans of 3 days. The difference means was not statistically significant (p = 0.444, paired t-test). Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between CT- and MRI-based scores (Pearson's r = 0.837, p < 0.001). Disease classification agreement analysis using published Lund score cutoffs (3 versus 4) for the likelihood of true sinus disease revealed that CT- and MRI-based scoring agreed on 76 cases (85.4%). Disagreement occurred in 13 cases (kappa: 0.557, p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 66.7, 90.1, 63.2, and 91.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Lund-Mackay staging of sinus disease by MRI is closely correlated to corresponding staging based on CT. MRI does not significantly overstage or overclassify patients with sinus disease.
The Efficacy of a Novel Chitosan Gel on Hemostasis after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in a Sheep Model of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Valentine Rowan , Athanasiadis Theo , Moratti Stephen , Robinson Simon , Wormald Peter-John
Published: March 2009

Background

Postoperative bleeding remains a major problem after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Patients who continue to bleed after ESS are at risk of airway compromise from inhalation of blood clots or from aspiration of blood-stained vomitus. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo efficacy of a novel gel on hemostasis after ESS in a sheep model of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods

Twenty-one sheep infested with Oestrus ovus underwent ESS with standardized mucosal injuries created at the anterior ethmoid region using a microdebrider. Immediately after injury a baseline bleeding time was taken using the Boezaart Surgical Field Grading Scale. Computer randomization was performed to either receive chitosan/dextran (CD) gel or no treatment (control). Boezaart bleeding scores were calculated for each side every 2 minutes. Each postoperative day videoendoscopy was performed to document crusting/CD gel dissolution.

Results

The CD gel side was significantly more hemostatic at 2, 4, and 6 minutes after injury. Average time to hemostasis was significantly better for the intervention side versus control side, 4.09 (±1.61) versus 6.57 (±2.20), respectively (p = 0.049). Complete hemostasis occurred by 6 minutes for all CD gel sides; however, control side bleeding was noted on three sides at 8 minutes and on one side at 10 minutes. There was no significant difference in crusts scores at days 1, 3, 7, and 14.

Conclusion

In the sheep model of ESS, CD gel significantly improved hemostasis compared with the control at 2, 4, and 6 minutes after mucosal injury.
In-Office Surgical Repair of Nasal Valve Stenosis
Authors: Dolan Robert W. , Catalano Peter J. , Innis William , Wanees Essam
Published: March 2009

Background

Nasal valve (NV) stenosis is a well-known cause of nasal obstruction (NO) and congestion but it is often overlooked because the typical surgical therapies are complex and often associated with cosmetic changes. A simplified surgical procedure is needed to address straightforward stenosis of the NV in patients with no need of cosmetic improvement or cartilage grafting. The purpose of this article is to describe a simplified surgical procedure to relieve symptoms of NO without extensive surgical dissection, sedation, cartilage grafting, or cosmetic change.

Methods

This article describes a retrospective consecutive case series of patients that underwent a surgical procedure to correct NV stenosis in the office setting. The procedure is described in detail along with patient outcome assessment using a visual analog scale of patient satisfaction and a questionnaire regarding perceived postoperative cosmetic changes.

Results

Of 190 patients that underwent the procedure, 36 were done in the office setting and 28 completed the questionnaires. Six patients (21%) reported an improvement score of 10, a score of maximal improvement in breathing. The mean breathing score was 4.4, indicating an overall improvement in breathing ability after correction. No patient reported a major cosmetic change and three patients reported a subtle change. The remainder (89%) reported no perceived change in cosmesis.

Conclusion

In-office surgical correction of the NV specifically targeting the mucosa, fibrous tissue, and caudal upper lateral cartilage was feasible, safe, and reliable in relieving complaints of NO due to uncomplicated NV stenosis.
Ultrasonographic Monitoring of Implant Thickness after Augmentation Rhinoplasty with Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Jung Yong Gi , Kim Hyo Yeol , Dhong Hun-Jong , Park Ki Nam , Lee Hyun Jong , Lim Yoo Jung , Min Jin-Young
Published: March 2009

Background

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), or Gore-Tex (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ), is widely used in augmentation rhinoplasty, and the histological changes that it undergoes in the human body have been studied for decades. However, changes in the thickness of ePTFE after its use in augmentation rhinoplasty with a noninvasive object method are not well understood.

Methods

We report the results of 19 patients (10 male and 9 female patients) who had undergone an uncomplicated augmentation rhinoplasty with Gore-Tex. Ultrasonography was used to evaluate changes in the thickness of Gore-Tex implants and to detect inflammatory reactions around the implants 9-67 months after surgery.

Results

Gore-Tex implants were clearly distinguishable from the surrounding tissue with ultrasonography. The postoperative thickness of the implant was decreased by 29%. There was no significant correlation between the degree of change in implant thickness and the length of time after surgery. However, the amount of thickness reduction was associated with the implant's initial thickness at the time of the surgery (R = 0.448; p = 0.001). In addition, four patients (21%) showed fibrosis or granuloma formation around the implant that was detectable via ultrasonography.

Conclusion

Gore-Tex implants lost thickness after nasal dorsal augmentation in proportion to their initial thickness, and ultrasonography was useful for evaluating changes in Gore-Tex thickness.
Framing and Reviewing Hip-Hop Educational Research
Authors: Petchauer Emery
Published: March 2009

Hip-hop has become relevant to the field of education because of its implications for understanding language, learning, identity, curriculum, and other areas. This integrative review provides historical context and cohesion for the burgeoning and discursive body of hip-hop scholarship by framing it according to three heuristic categories and briefly discussing the strengths and weaknesses for the field of education. The article then critically reviews three major strands of selected literature across these categories that are relevant to educational research. Finally, the article outlines new directions for future research and corresponding theoretical perspectives and strategic methods. With these purposes, this review is intended to inform both researchers unfamiliar with hip-hop and scholars who have centered hip-hop in their research agendas.
Hydrogen‐Bonding Catalysis: Mild and Highly Chemoselective Oxidation of Sulfides
Authors: Russo Alessio , Lattanzi Alessandra
Published: March 2009

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N,N′‐Bis[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]thiourea, employed at only 1 mol% loading, was found to be a very effective catalyst for the oxidation of sulfides with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), affording the sulfoxides in high yield, excellent chemoselectivity, fairly good diastereoselectivity.
Structural Determination of a Photochemically Active Diplatinum Molecule by Time‐Resolved EXAFS Spectroscopy
Authors: van der Veen Renske M. , Milne Chris J. , El Nahhas Amal , Lima Frederico A. , Pham Van‐Thai , Best Jonathan , Weinstein Julia A. , Borca Camelia N. , Abela Rafael , Bressler Christian , Chergui Majed
Published: March 2009

Eine starke Verkürzung der Pt‐Pt‐Bindung im angeregten Triplettzustand des photoreaktiven [Pt2(P2O5H2)4]4−‐Ions wurde durch zeitauflösende Röntgenabsorptionsspektroskopie nachgewiesen (siehe Bild). Die stärkere Pt‐Pt‐Wechselwirkung führt zu schwächeren koordinativen Bindungen und somit zu längeren Platin‐Ligand‐Bindungen.

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Year‐long measurements of C1–C3 halocarbons at an urban site and their relationship with meteorological parameters
Authors: Khan M. A. H. , Mead M. I. , White I. R. , Golledge B. , Nickless G. , Knights A. , Martin D. , Rivett A. C. , Greally B. R. , Shallcross D. E.
Published: March 2009

The mixing ratios of 11 C1–C3 halocarbons have been measured using a GC–twin‐linked ECD system over the period from October 2004 to December 2005 at an urban site in Bristol, UK. Time series and seasonal variations of the halocarbons were analysed over the period to determine biogenic and anthropogenic sources and sinks. Correlations between the target halocarbons were also observed, suggesting common sources within the area. Wind rose plots for all halocarbons have been used to assist in the determination of halocarbons sources. Halocarbon concentrations are highest at low‐wind speeds and decrease as wind speed increases, a few species (CCl4 and CH3Cl most notably) rise at very high‐wind speeds suggesting release from the Bristol Channel. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Erfahrungen bei der Beurteilung der Dauerhaftigkeit vorgespannter Bewehrung von älteren Spannbetonbrücken
Authors: Buschmeyer Wilhelm , Roder Christian , Gusia Peter J.
Published: March 2009

Ältere Spannbeton‐Brückenüberbauten, bei denen Risse die Spannglieder kreuzen, bedürfen zur Abschätzung der Notwendigkeit einer Instandsetzung einer eingehenden Beurteilung des Ist‐Zustands. Das erforderliche Maß und die Art der Instandsetzung können nur anhand dieser Beurteilung festgelegt werden. In diesem Beitrag werden wesentliche Schritte der vor etwa 10 Jahren eingeführten “Handlungsanweisung zur Beurteilung der Dauerhaftigkeit vorgespannter Bewehrung von älteren Spannbetonüberbauten” der Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (BASt) aufgrund der gewonnenen Erfahrungen erläutert, dies auch vor dem Hintergrund des zunehmenden Güterverkehrs mit zu erwartenden höheren Gesamtgewichten und Achslasten.
A Versatile Co(bisalen) Unit for Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Cooperative Catalysis in the Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution of Epoxides
Authors: Venkatasubbaiah Krishnan , Gill Christopher S. , Takatani Tait , Sherrill C. David , Jones Christopher W.
Published: March 2009

Bisalen—very cooperative: A novel styryl‐substituted, unsymmetrical bisalen is shown to be a versatile precursor to both soluble and insoluble cooperative catalysts for the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of epoxides. The unique bisalen motif ensures all catalysts derived from it have the necessary molecular‐level ligand pairing needed for cooperative bimetallic catalytic reactions (see scheme).

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Catastrophic incident prevention and proactive risk management in the new biofuels industry
Authors: Perry Judy A.
Published: March 2009

This article is directed at assisting bioethanol manufacturers with preventing catastrophic incidents which could impact the entire Biofuels Industry. The biofuels industry has common hazards and potential consequences like other industries, related to the handling of flammables, dust explosion hazards and toxic or corrosive materials handling. This article ensures the reader understands these specific bioethanol manufacturer's process hazards are very real as demonstrated by past incidents and their catastrophic results. Regulatory obligations are discussed, as well as key engineering resources and design practices to ensure adequate safeguards are incorporated into the design of a new bioethanol manufacturing facility. The industry is fairly new, however, the hazards and safeguards to reduce the risk level with the common hazards are not new. Preliminary indications are this industry has yet to establish the proactive risk management efforts that are required to reduce the risks to a tolerable level. This article is to provide the supporting data and direction to the Biofuels Industry to ensure each are headed down a path of preventing a future catastrophe. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Slaying myths, eliminating excuses: Managing for accountability by putting kids first
Authors: Rodosky Robert J. , Muñoz Marco A.
Published: March 2009

The authors write about evaluation, testing, and research and their relation to policy, planning, and program in the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in Louisville, Kentucky. The authors focus on evaluation and testing for accountability and on managing the unit for this purpose. In detail they show the many evaluation demands from both inside and outside JCPS, from the State of Kentucky to No Child Left Behind. Their everyday work context is active, often tumultuous. Managing evaluation in this context is a form of juggling, and the authors succeed in part because they “have seen most of it before.” Also contributing to their effectiveness are the leaders' managing styles. This case study gives a good glimpse of the everyday life in a school district evaluation shop. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deepening understanding of managing evaluation
Authors: Baizerman Michael
Published: March 2009

Depth, resonance, and shadow are added to how the expertise of managing evaluation could be grasped and understood. Returning to the notion of “competency” (Stevahn, King, Ghere, & Minnema, 2005), this is contrasted more deeply with Dreyfus and Dreyfus's (2004) conception of expert and to its use in nursing by Benner (2004; Benner, Tanner, & Chelsa, 1996). Dreyfus's five‐stage developmental model is presented, as is a sixth stage often not discussed, “practice wisdom” or phronesis, what Strasser (1985) calls “practical science.” This notion is explored and its sources in Ancient Greece cited. A beginning exploration is made of lived managing, as is the notion of the “already known.” Evaluators are “knowledge workers” (Davenport, 2005), and managing them is central to the work of managing studies and managing an evaluation unit. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Error estimators and the adaptive finite element method on large strain deformation problems
Authors: Meyer Arnd
Published: March 2009

We generalize the well‐known residual‐based error estimator in linear elasticity to the case of non‐linear deformation problems based on large strain and demonstrate its use in adaptive mesh control. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graph Based Topology Optimization of Crashworthiness Structures
Authors: Olschinka Christian , Schumacher Axel
Published: March 2009

Today, crashworthiness optimization limits to sizing and shape optimization. Topology optimization in crashworthiness design has been withstanding until today any attempt of finding efficient solution algorithms. This is basically due to the high computational effort and the inherent sensitivity of crash simulation responses to design scatterings. In this work, the topology optimization problem shall be addressed with a new approach, in such a way as mathematical graphs are used to describe the optimization sequence (including geometry, loads, design variables and responses, etc.). This design conception is a good advance in topological model flexibility and allows for the application of new (e.g. rule–based) topology optimization algorithms. In this contribution a description of a crashworthiness topology optimization problem based on such graphs is proposed along with a truss framework optimization example using common CAD software and explicit finite element code. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reliability based limit analysis of steel frames with limited residual strain energy capacity
Authors: Lógó János , Vásárhelyi Anna , Rad Majid Movahedi , Stocki Rafal
Published: March 2009

The main structural elements of steel framed multi–storey structures are the columns, the beams and their connectionsmagenta, which can be considered rigid, pinned or semi–rigid. The aim of this paper is to analyze the effect of the semi–rigid connections on the limit analysis of steel structures under multi–parameter static loading where to control the plastic behavior of the structure a bound on the complementary strain energy of the residual forces is applied. The bound value is assumed to be uncertain and is modelled by a random variable. By the use of this constraint a reliability based problem formulation is constructed. The formulation of the problem yields a nonlinear mathematical programming with a nested algorithm. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An effective strategy for the multibody simulation of jointed FE models in the framework of the floating frame of reference formulation.
Authors: Witteveen Wolfgang , Irschik Hans
Published: March 2009

In multibody systems (MBS), where elastic bodies are represented in the frame work of the ‘floating frame of reference formulation’ (FFRF), structural deformation is usually computed by the superposition of time invariant trial vectors (commonly called ‘modes’). However, the mode bases, which are discussed in the literature, do not take joints into special account at the stage of mode generation. In the presented paper we propose a problem–oriented extension of classical mode bases in order to consider the presence of joints. In the novel extension which we call ‘Joint Interface Modes’ (JIMs), Newton's 3rd law across the joint is taken into account at the stage of mode generation, which leads to a superior convergence at the stage of mode based computation. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Mechanical Stability for the Hand‐Arm System
Authors: Pop Aurora Felicia , Trutą A. , Arghir Mariana
Published: March 2009

The present paper contains a study regarding importance stability in the mechanical systems, mechanical systems are emerging under mechanical vibrations action, it referring especially to the human hand–arm system. Mechanical systems stability is directly influenced of the dumper and the elasticity factors. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simulation of Buckling‐Induced Failure in Composite Laminates
Authors: Balzani Claudio , Wagner Werner
Published: March 2009

This contribution presents a simple model for the analysis of buckling–induced failure in thin–walled composite laminates in the framework of the finite element method. The plies are modeled with shear deformable geometrically non–linear four–node shell elements which are layered according to the classical laminate theory. Shear locking effects are reduced via the well–known assumed natural strains (ANS) approach. A ply discount model is applied for the successive failure of the plies. The cohesive zone approach which is implemented in so–called interface elements is employed for delamination. The failure processes are history dependent leading to non–recurring stiffness degradation in areas where damage is detected. A numerical example with experimental evidence highlights the performance and applicability of the proposed model. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Soil‐structure interaction of tunnel‐structures under consideration of far‐ and near‐field effects
Authors: Müller Gerhard , Buchschmid Martin , Seipelt Siegfried , Müller Kai
Published: March 2009

The response of a tunnel structure under a moving and oscillating dynamic load can be calculated by means of a hybrid Integral–Transformation–Method–FEM approach. In the ITM approach analytical solutions of ideal geometries of the infinite continuum are superposed such that the wave–number impedance and transfer–function at the interior of a circular tunnel can be calculated efficiently. By this means the infinite continuum can be coupled to an arbitrary tunnel structure which is modelled by the FEM with corresponding form–functions. In order to reduce the effort for the coupling, the characteristics of the analytically given transfer–functions which can be split into near– and far–fields is taken into account. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Instability of Statical Solutions of Steel 2D Frames in High Temperature
Authors: Pilśniak Jerzy
Published: March 2009

This work is intended as an attempt to stability analysis of static equations of flat steel frames in fire. High temperature during fire adversely affects on structural steel elements by activating irreversible processes (plasticity, creep). Rheological property can be described in simplified form by power term. Steel properties is represented by physical equations which contains three terms: linear (elasticity), nonlinear and rheological (related to creep). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficient Finite Element Analysis of Inelastic Structures with Iterative Solvers
Authors: Quint Karsten J. , Hartmann Stefan , Tebbens Jurjen Duintjer , Meister Andreas
Published: March 2009

This article treats the efficient solution of linear systems of equations which arise during the iterative process within the finite element analysis of inelastic structures. For the finite element analysis high order time integration methods and diagonally implicit Runge–Kutta methods (DIRK), in combination with an inexact Multilevel–Newton algorithm (MLNA) are applied. Up to 80% of the total computation time is spent by the solver for the linear systems, which suggests investigating this process. Two simple strategies to speed up the solution of the linear systems are described. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Goal‐oriented mesh adaptation for FE‐vibration analyses of shell‐like structures
Authors: Kizio Stephan , Schweizerhof Karl
Published: March 2009

The well–known semidiscrete approach in structural dynamics consists of two steps. First the discretization of the spatial domain using finite elements is performed. In the second step the numerical integration of the resulting system of ordinary differential equations is executed. The numerical schemes in both discretization steps contribute to the total discretization error. In this contribution the focus is on the spatial discretization error and on efficient strategies for error assessment and error reduction by goal–oriented mesh adaptation schemes. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vibrations of thin cylindrical shells with a periodic structure
Authors: Tomczyk Barbara
Published: March 2009

Free vibrations of thin linear–elastic Kirchhoff–Love cylindrical shells, having a periodic structure along one direction tangent to the shell midsurface, is considered. In order to take into account the effect of the periodicity cell size in this problem, a new averaged non–asymptotic model of such shells, proposed by Tomczyk (2006), is applied. The new additional higher–order free vibration frequencies dependent on the microstructure size will be derived and discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The numerical analysis of an orthotropic cylindrical shell
Authors: Wittenbeck Leszek , Magnucki Krzysztof
Published: March 2009

This paper is devoted to an orthotropic cylindricall simply supported shell subjected to external pressure. This analysis is focused on determining geometrical shape of shell. Main subject of investigation is to maximize the stability of the shell. Mathematical model of double layer shell was implemented. Numerical solution was obtained for particular class of shells by using the finite element code ABAQUS. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Calculation of magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy in NdCo5
Authors: Pang H. , Qiao L. , Li F. S.
Published: March 2009

The magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) of NdCo5 was studied from first principles using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method. The LDA + U method was used to take into account the effects of strong electronic correlations of 4f states. In agreement with experiments, the magnetization points into the crystallographic a‐axis in the basal plane. The in‐plane MAE was also studied and the correct magnetization direction was arrived at but the magnetic anisotropy constant K3 was about one order of magnitude smaller than the experimental value. The microscopic origin of the MAE in NdCo5 was studied using the orbital moment anisotropy (OMA) and its evolution with lattice geometry. Spin‐reorientation transitions in NdCo5 could be well explained by the competition in OMA between Co and Nd sites. These results show that the non‐equivalent Co sites behave differently with changes in lattice geometry, and the Co3g sites are of the same importance as Nd sites in deciding the in‐plane magnetocrystalline anisotropy of NdCo5. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Knowledge portal construction and resources integration for a large scale hydropower dam
Authors: Wang Li , Xu Li , Wang Xin , You Wei Jia , Tan Wenan
Published: March 2009

Based on the research project entitled ‘Data Collection and Decision Support System for Hydropower Dam Construction’ sponsored by the National Development and Reform Commission of China, this paper puts forward a multilayer architecture and a support system for the knowledge portal utilizing web services and J2EE while offering a method for integrating existing resources. The purpose for this system is to help the China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) manage the construction of a large‐scale hydropower dam. Through the interoperability in distributed environment, software integration technology and heterogeneous system integration, the interoperability of heterogeneous systems is realized by the enterprise application integration (EAI). In this project, an open and unified integration environment is provided by the analytic system (AS), making it possible for all kinds of software resources to be made readily accessible. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A longitudinal investigation of peer sexual harassment victimization in adolescence
Authors: Petersen Jennifer L. , Hyde Janet Shibley
Published: February 2009

The current study describes longitudinal trends in sexual harassment by adolescent peers and highlights gender, pubertal status, attractiveness, and power as predictors of harassment victimization. At the end of 5th, 7th, and 9th grades, 242 adolescents completed questionnaires about sexual harassment victimization, pubertal status, and perceived power. Results indicate an increase in sexual harassment from 5th to 9th grade, with boys more likely to report harassment than girls in each grade. An analysis of harassment type indicated no gender difference in 9th grade cross‐gender harassment, but boys received more same‐gender harassment than girls. Pubertal status predicted concurrent sexual harassment victimization in each grade. Boys and girls with advanced pubertal status at all grades were more likely to be victims of 9th grade same‐gender harassment. Adolescents with greater power at all grades were more likely to be victims of 9th grade cross‐gender sexual harassment.
Effectiveness of topically applied halofuginone in management of subglottic stenosis in rats
Authors: Ertuğrul Eylem Ertug , Çekin İ. Engin , Cincik Hakan , Doğru Salim , Güngör Atila
Published: February 2009

Objective

The aim of the study is to ascertain the antifibrotic effect of topically applied halofuginone after acute subglottic injury.

Materials and Methods

After standardized trauma to subglottic area, rats were divided into two groups: the study group that received treatment and the control group that did not. The subjects were treated with topical application of cottonoid soaked in 30 mg/dL halofuginone solution for 5 minutes after subglottic trauma. The larynx specimens were examined histopathologically by light microscopy to assess fibrosis, epithelialization, inflammation, and necrosis.

Results

The fibrosis indexes of the treated group were significantly less than those of the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Topically applied halofuginone hydrobromide decreases fibrosis/scar tissue formation secondary to experimentally induced acute subglottic trauma.
The making of a European civil society: “Imagined”, “practised” and “staged”
Authors: Eder Klaus
Published: February 2009

The paper tries to go beyond normative debates on what should count as civil society and who is to be identified as being part of civil society by relating such normative claims to the social sites where they are produced and claimed. It starts with the idea of conceiving civil society as a script which is used by a series of collective actors. This performance is structured first by general background conceptions of what a civil society looks like and which are taken up by all those engaging in claiming to be a civil society actor, and secondly by the public to which such performances are addressed. This second dimension is further explored assuming that the public civilizes civil society in terms of accepting or rejecting the performance of particular actors. Thus civil society is reformulated as a process in which the question of who is a legitimate part of civil society is permanently contested by a public that is addressed by these collective actors.
Steppe lion remains imported by Ice Age spotted hyenas into the Late Pleistocene Perick Caves hyena den in northern Germany
Authors: Diedrich Cajus G.
Published: February 2009

Upper Pleistocene remains of the Ice Age steppe lion Panthera leo spelaea (Goldfuss, 1810) have been found in the Perick Caves, Sauerland Karst, NW Germany. Bones from many hyenas and their imported prey dating from the Lower to Middle Weichselian have also been recovered from the Perick Cave hyena den. These are commonly cracked or exhibit deep chew marks. The absence of lion cub bones, in contrast to hyena and cave bear cub remains in the Perick Caves, and other caves of northern Germany, excludes the possibility that P. leo spelaea used the cave for raising cubs. Only in the Wilhelms Cave was a single skeleton of a cub found in a hyena den. Evidence of the chewing, nibbling and cracking of lion bones and crania must have resulted from the importation and destruction of lion carcasses (4% of the prey fauna). Similar evidence was preserved at other hyena den caves and open air sites in Germany. The bone material from the Perick and other Central European caves points to antagonistic hyena and lion conflicts, similar to clashes of their modern African relatives.
SYMPATHY AND SEPARATION: BENJAMIN RUSH AND THE CONTAGIOUS PUBLIC
Authors: FRANK JASON
Published: March 2009

This essay considers Benjamin Rush's concern with the political organization of sympathy in post-Revolutionary America and how this concern shaped his response to the threat of post-Revolutionary “mobocracy.” Like many of his contemporaries, Rush worried about the contagious volatility of large public assemblies engendered by the Revolution. For Rush, regular gatherings of the people out of doors threatened to corrupt visions both of an orderly and emancipatory public sphere and of the virtuous and independent citizens required by republican government. Rush feared that the unregulated communication of passion between bodies gathered in public might unleash what Michael Meranze has called an “anarchy of reciprocal imitations.” It was in eighteenth-century theories of sympathy that this idea of contagious mimesis was most rigorously developed and most widely disseminated. Rush's medico-political understanding of sympathy, acquired during his years as a medical student in Edinburgh, provides an important framework for understanding his post-Revolutionary reform efforts, particularly those focused on the spatial choreography of the American citizenry.
Cosmic evolution of stellar disk truncations: from z = 1 to the Local Universe
Authors: Trujillo Ignacio , Azzollini Ruyman , Bakos Judit , Beckman John , Pohlen Michael
Published: March 2009

We present our recent results on the cosmic evolution of the outskirts of disk galaxies. In particular we focus on disk–like galaxies with stellar disk truncations. Using UDF, GOODS and SDSS data we show how the position of the break (i.e. a direct estimator of the size of the stellar disk) evolves with time since z~1. Our findings agree with an evolution on the radial position of the break by a factor of 1.3 ± 0.1 in the last 8 Gyr for galaxies with similar stellar masses. We also present radial color gradients and how they evolve with time. At all redshifts we find a radial inside-out bluing reaching a minimum at the position of the break radius, this minimum is followed by a reddening outwards. Our results constraint several galaxy disk formation models and favour a scenario where stars are formed inside the break radius and are relocated in the outskirts of galaxies through secular processes.
Exponential bulges and antitruncated disks in lenticular galaxies
Authors: Sil'chenko Olga K.
Published: March 2009

The presence of exponential bulges and anti-truncated disks has been noticed in many lenticular galaxies. In fact, it could be expected because the very formation of S0 galaxies includes various processes of secular evolution. We discuss how to distinguish between a pseudobulge and an anti-truncated disk, and also what particular mechanisms may be responsible for the formation of anti-truncated disks. Some clear examples of lenticular galaxies with a multi-tier exponential stellar structure are presented, – among them two central group giant S0s seen face-on and perfectly axisymmetric.
Modelling the Disk (three-phase) Interstellar Medium
Authors: Hensler Gerhard
Published: March 2009

The evolution of galactic disks from their early stages is dominated by gas dynamical effects like gas infall, galactic fountains, and galactic outflows, and more. The influence of these processes is only understandable in the framework of diverse gas phases differing in their thermal energies, dynamics, and element abundances. To trace the temporal and chemical evolution of galactic disks, it is therefore essential to model the interstellar gasdynamics combined with stellar dynamics, the interactions between gas phases, and star-gas mass and energy exchanges as detailed as possible. This article reviews the potential of state-of-the-art numerical schemes like Smooth-Particle and grid-based hydrodynamics and their ingredients, such as star-formation criteria and feedback, energy deposit and metal enrichment by stars, and the influence of gas-phase interactions on the galactic gas dynamics and chemistry.
The Molecular Gas Component of Galaxy Disks
Authors: Blitz Leo
Published: March 2009

The molecular gas in galaxy disks shows much more galaxy to galaxy variation than does the atomic gas. Detailed studies show that this variation can be attributed to differences in hydrostatic pressure in the disks due largely to variations in the stellar surface density and the total gas surface density. One prediction of pressure modulated H2 formation is that the location where HI and H2 have equal surface densities occurs at a constant value of the stellar surface density in the disk. Observations confirm this constancy to 40%.
On the chemical evolution of the Milky Way
Authors: Prantzos Nikos
Published: March 2009

I discuss three different topics concerning the chemical evolution of the Milky Way (MW). 1) The metallicity distribution of the MW halo; it is shown that this distribution can be analytically derived in the framework of the hierarchical merging scenario for galaxy formation, assuming that the component sub-haloes had chemical properties similar to those of the progenitors of satellite galaxies of the MW. 2) The age-metallicity relationship (AMR) in the solar neighborhood; I argue for caution in deriving from data with important uncertainties (such as the age uncertainties in the Geneva-Copenhagen Survey) a relationship between average metallicity and age: derived relationships are shown to be systematically flatter than the true ones and should not be directly compared to models. 3) The radial mixing of stars in the disk, which may have important effects on various observables (scatter in AMR, extension of the tails of the metallicity distribution, flatenning of disk abundance profiles). Recent SPH + N-body simulations find considerable radial mixing, but only comparison to observations will ultimately determine the extent of that mixing.