bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais obtidas durante a caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado por mulheres com diferentes índices de massa corporal
Authors: Elsangedy Hassan M. , Krinski Kleverton , Buzzachera Cosme F. , Nunes Renan F. H. , Almeida Flavia A. M. , Baldari Carlo , Guidetti Laura , Campos Wagner de , Silva Sergio G. da
Published: September 2009

As respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais verificadas durante a caminhada vêm sendo amplamente pesquisadas; contudo, poucas investigações buscaram comparar essas respostas em grupos de diferentes índices de massa corporal durante caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar as respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais entre mulheres com peso normal (PN), sobrepeso (SP) e obesas (OB) durante a caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado. Participaram 66 mulheres sedentárias, com idade entre 20 e 45 anos, designadas em três grupos de acordo com o seu índice de massa corporal: (i) PN (18,5 - 24,9kg·m-2, n = 22); (ii) SP (25,0 - 29,9kg·m-2, n = 22); e (iii) OB (> 30,0kg·m-2, n = 22). Cada participante realizou uma sessão de familiarização e duas sessões experimentais (teste incremental máximo e teste de 20 minutos de caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado), a fim de determinar as respostas fisiológicas (frequência cardíaca, FC; e consumo de oxigênio, VO2) e perceptuais (percepção subjetiva de esforço, PSE) de cada sessão. A ANOVA one-way foi empregada para comparar as respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais obtidas durante a caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado entre os três protocolos experimentais, empregando-se o teste post hoc de Tukey com p < 0,05. Embora os sujeitos com obesidade tenham registrado menor velocidade de caminhada (1,30 ± 0,13m·s-1) comparativamente aos com peso normal e sobrepeso (1,69 ± 0,11 e 1,58 ± 0,22m·s-1, respectivamente) (p < 0,05), eles apresentaram similar resposta fisiológica (58,7 ± 8,6; 63,1 ± 12,6; 64,8 ± 11,1 %VO2 e 75,1 ± 7,8; 78,8 ± 8,5; 78,7 ± 7,2 %FCmax, para os grupos normal, sobrepeso e obeso, respectivamente). Além disso, as respostas perceptuais também não diferiram entre os grupos experimentais (11,6 ± 1,6; 11,7 ± 1,6; 12,2 ± 1,8, respectivamente). Desse modo, pode-se concluir que, independente do IMC, mulheres adultas apresentam respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais similares durante caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado, mesmo caminhando em velocidades diferentes.
Efeitos do treinamento neuromuscular na aptidão cardiorrespiratória e composição corporal de atletas de voleibol do sexo feminino
Authors: Simões Ricardo Adamoli , Salles Guilherme Souza Lobo Moreira , Gonelli Pamela Roberta Gomes , Leite Gerson dos Santos , Dias Rodrigo , Cavaglieri Cláudia Regina , Pellegrinotti Idico Luiz , Borin João Paulo , Verlengia Rozangela , Alves Silvia Cristina Crepaldi , Cesar Marcelo de Castro
Published: September 2009

As respostas do organismo humano submetido a estímulos diversos, mensuradas através de parâmetros de performance, têm sido objeto de estudo a fim de aprimorar os métodos de treinamento. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos do treinamento neuromuscular na capacidade cardiorrespiratória e composição corporal de atletas de voleibol. Foram avaliadas 11 mulheres, antes e após 12 semanas de treinamento, referente à fase preparatória do ciclo anual de treinamento. O protocolo experimental constou de avaliação da composição corporal (percentual de gordura, massa magra e a gordura corporal) e da aptidão cardiorrespiratória por meio de ergoespirometria em esteira rolante com protocolo contínuo e carga crescente, na qual se determinaram o consumo máximo de oxigênio, a frequência cardíaca máxima, o limiar anaeróbio, a frequência cardíaca do limiar anaeróbio e a velocidade do limiar anaeróbio. O treinamento teve frequência de cinco dias por semana dividido em duas sessões: uma de treinamento de força e outra de treinamento técnico e tático. Após o período estudado ocorreram aumentos (p < 0,05) no consumo máximo de oxigênio (6,5%), no limiar anaeróbio (17,5%), na velocidade do limiar (15,3%) e redução (p < 0,05) na frequência cardíaca máxima (-3,1%). Também houve redução (p < 0,05) no percentual de gordura (-8,2%), na gordura corporal (-7,4%) e aumento (p < 0,05) na massa magra (3,2%). Conclui-se que o treinamento neuromuscular realizado na fase preparatória de treinamento contribuiu para o aumento da capacidade cardiorrespiratória e massa magra e para redução do percentual de gordura e a gordura corporal das atletas de voleibol.
Força muscular versus pressão arterial de repouso: uma revisão baseada no treinamento com pesos
Authors: Polito Marcos Doederlein
Published: September 2009

INTRODUÇÃO: O exercício com pesos é atualmente recomendado para diferentes grupos de indivíduos. Seu principal objetivo é o aumento na força muscular, mas podem ocorrer outros resultados , como a redução na pressão arterial (PA) de repouso. Contudo, é pouco abordada a relação entre prescrição do treinamento com pesos, aumento da força e comportamento da PA de repouso em humanos. OBJETIVO: Analisar a PA após uma sessão aguda de exercícios com pesos e após um período de treinamento com pesos, em indivíduos normotensos e hipertensos, em estudos publicados na literatura internacional. MÉTODOS: As referências foram selecionadas de três formas distintas: 1) para compor as sugestões de treinamento de pesos foi utilizado um estudo meta-analítico e um posicionamento oficial de uma reconhecida entidade de pesquisa; 2) para os dados do exercício com pesos e PA de repouso nos momentos pós-exercício, foram pesquisados estudos na base Medline publicados em inglês que acompanharam a PA por pelo menos 60 min; 3) as referências sobre treinamento com pesos em longo prazo e PA de repouso foram resgatadas do último estudo meta-analítico sobre o tema, adicionadas dos experimentos publicados até julho de 2008. RESULTADOS: Após analisar as referências, a prescrição do treinamento com pesos, na maioria dos estudos, seguiu sugestões atuais. Porém, somente em poucos estudos a PA de repouso foi reduzida, tanto em normotensos quanto em hipertensos. CONCLUSÕES: Mesmo com certa variação na prescrição, o treinamento com pesos parece ser suficiente para aumentar a força muscular. Contudo, ainda faltam pesquisas para inferir sobre sua relação com a PA de repouso de normotensos e hipertensos.
Relações entre leptina, puberdade e exercício no sexo feminino
Authors: Meira Tatiana de Barros , Moraes Fernanda Lopes de , Böhme Maria Tereza Silveira
Published: September 2009

O processo de puberdade feminina envolve vários fenômenos anatômico-fisiológicos, sendo o acontecimento da menarca o indicador da maturidade sexual feminina. A idade média de menarca gira em torno de 12 anos. Para meninas atletas, a menarca pode ocorrer mais tarde, e dependendo do estresse causado pelo exercício, pode resultar em um quadro de amenorreia hipotalâmica. O hormônio leptina, além de apresentar relação com a obesidade, também tem relação com o sistema reprodutor. Os estudos mais recentes em humanos demonstram existir relações importantes entre as concentrações de leptina plasmática e o processo de puberdade feminino. Este estudo teve por objetivo verificar a influência da leptina no processo pubertário feminino relacionado com exercício, do ponto de vista fisiológico, por meio de uma pesquisa de revisão bibliográfica. Os resultados das pesquisas apresentadas demonstram que o aumento de leptina sanguínea foi relatado como tendo correlação inversamente proporcional à idade de menarca. Além disso, verificou-se que a leptina tem correlação inversa com o exercício físico; as baixas concentrações de leptina plasmática estão diretamente ligadas à desregulação do sistema reprodutor em mulheres atletas. Conclui-se que a leptina relaciona-se com o sistema reprodutor feminino, fato que fica evidente durante o processo de puberdade. Já em meninas e mulheres atletas, as concentrações de leptina encontradas foram inferiores às daquelas não-atletas, demonstrando a relação tecido adiposo/leptina/sistema reprodutor/exercício.
Phytoplankton-aloricate ciliate community in the Bahía Blanca Estuary (Argentina): seasonal patterns and trophic groups
Authors: Pettigrosso Rosa E. , Popovich Cecilia A.
Published: September 2009

The seasonal pattern of the phytoplankton-aloricate ciliate community is an adequate indicator of trophic coupling and nutrient cycling in coastal environments. The size-fractionated, abundance, biomass and composition of a phytoplankton-aloricate ciliate community were ascertained in the Bahía Blanca Estuary from February 1994 to February 1995. In addition, ciliate production and excretion rates by size class were estimated. A winter-early spring diatom bloom was the most important event in the annual cycle. To evaluate the significance of phytoplankton size in the food web, <25 µm and > 25 µm fractions of chlorophyll a were determined; the < 25 µm fraction was dominant. To classify the ciliate community in trophic groups, it was divided into volume-size classes, from <10³ µm³to > 10(5) µm³; this wide range of size indicated the potential prey. The smaller ciliates dominated abundance but the larger ones dominated biomass. Values of total ciliates, ranging from 0.2 to 5.2 x 10³ cells L-1 and 0.55 to 83.9 µg C L-1, and levels of total chlorophyll a reached 40.4 µg L-1 and were higher than those recorded for other temperate estuarine systems. The smaller ciliates were potentially important as nitrogen regenerators in summer and spring, when their estimated production was highest. The annual potential production of 3 mg C L-1 represents a reference parameter from which possible changes in the trophic status of this environment could be predicted.
Prognostic Factors in Metastatic Melanoma Patients Treated with Biochemotherapy and Maintenance Immunotherapy
Authors: Minor David R. , Moore Dan , Kim Christine , Kashani-Sabet Mohammed , Venna Suraj S. , Wang Wei , Boasberg Peter , O’Day Steven
Published: September 2009

Background.

With no U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved standard therapy other than high-dose interleukin-2 and dacarbazine for metastatic melanoma, biochemotherapy has shown promise, with long-term survival in selected patients. We felt that the study of prognostic factors would determine which patients might benefit from this intensive therapy.

Methods.

One hundred thirty-five consecutive patients with metastatic melanoma treated with decrescendo biochemotherapy followed by maintenance immunotherapy over 5 years were retrospectively studied to determine the most important prognostic factors for both overall survival and progression-free survival.

Results.

The median overall survival (OS) time was 16.6 months, with 1-year and 5-year survival rates of 70% and 28%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 7.6 months, with 15% of patients progression free at 5 years. PFS curves showed no relapses after 30 months, so remissions were durable. For OS, a performance status score of zero, normal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, stage M1a, and nonvisceral sites of metastasis were favorable factors. The group with normal LDH levels and skin or nodes as one of their metastatic sites had a relatively good prognosis, with median survival time of 44 months and an estimated 5-year survival rate of 38%. Conversely, patients with an elevated LDH level without any skin or nodal metastases had a poor prognosis, with no long-term survivors.

Conclusions.

Metastatic melanoma patients treated with biochemotherapy and maintenance immunotherapy who have either a normal LDH level or skin or nodes as one of their metastatic sites may have durable remissions of their disease, and this therapy should be studied further in these groups.
Overexpression and activation of EGFR and VEGFR2 in medullary thyroid carcinomas is related to metastasis
Authors: Rodríguez-Antona Cristina , Pallares Judith , Montero-Conde Cristina , Inglada-Pérez Lucia , Castelblanco Esmeralda , Landa Iñigo , Leskelä Susanna , Leandro-García Luis J , López-Jiménez Elena , Letón Rocío , Cascón Alberto , Lerma Enrique , Martin M Carmen , Carralero M Carmen , Mauricio Didac , Cruz Cigudosa Juan , Matias-Guiu Xavier , Robledo Mercedes
Published: September 2009

Therapeutic options for patients with metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) are limited due to lack of effective treatments. Thus, there is a need to thoroughly characterize the pathways of molecular pathogenesis and to identify potential targets for therapy in MTC. Since epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) seems to play a crucial role for RET activation, a key feature of MTCs, and several promising EGFR/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-targeted drugs have been developed, the present study was designed to investigate whether these proteins are altered in MTCs. We used a well-characterized series of 153 MTCs to evaluate EGFR activation by sequencing and FISH analysis, and to perform EGFR and VEGFR2 immunohistochemistry. EGFR tyrosine kinase domain mutations were not a feature of MTCs; however, EGFR polysomy and a strong EGFR expression were detected in 15 and 13% of the tumors respectively. Interestingly, EGFR was significantly overexpressed in metastases compared with primary tumors (35 vs 9%, P=0.002). We also studied whether specific RET mutations were associated with EGFR status, and found a decrease in EGFR polysomies (P=0.006) and a tendency towards lower EGFR expression for the most aggressive RET mutations (918, 883). Concerning VEGFR2, metastasis showed a higher expression than primary tumors (P=2.8×10−8). In this first study investigating the relationship between EGFR, RET, and VEGFR2 in a large MTC series, we found an activation of EGFR and VEGFR2 in metastasis, using both independent and matched primary/metastasis samples. This suggests that some MTC patients may benefit from existing anti-EGFR/VEFGR2 therapies, although additional preclinical and clinical evidence is needed.
Compartmental Modeling of an Industrial Column
Authors: Wylock Christophe E , Larcy Aurélie , Cartage Thierry , Haut Benoît
Published: September 2009

The industrial production of refined sodium bicarbonate is realized in large-scale bubble columns, called the BIR columns. Several complex phenomena exist in these columns, such as three-phase flow, gas-liquid mass transfer of CO2, and crystallization. This work deals with the development of an operational BIR column model using the compartmental modeling approach. It is fed by previous works and current studies. A parametric sensitivity analysis is realized to identify the more important modeling parameters and to point the future research that have to be performed. Some simulations results are presented for typical operating conditions of an industrial column.
Barriers to Competition and Productivity: Evidence from India
Authors: Sivadasan Jagadeesh
Published: September 2009

A number of economic theories suggest that barriers to competition lead to higher levels of inefficiency among incumbents. In this paper, we use a detailed plant-level dataset to study the impact on productivity of two reforms (initiated in 1991) aimed at increasing product market competition in India -- liberalization of foreign direct investment (FDI) and reduction in tariff rates. First, we examine the effect of the liberalization policies on mean plant-level productivity in the targeted industries. We find significant increases in productivity in the FDI and tariff-liberalized industries, particularly in the longer term (1993-94). We check and find our results robust to a range of robustness tests. Next, we examine the role of intensive (within-plant productivity growth) and extensive (reallocation from less to more productive plants) margins in the post-reform productivity improvement, and find a predominant role for the former. Finally, we assess potential channels for within-firm productivity improvement. Consistent with a role for price competition, we find evidence of greater declines in output prices as well as concentration measures in the liberalized sectors.
Education in a Post-Neoliberal Era: A Promising Future for the Global South?
Authors: Dahlstrom Lars
Published: September 2009

This article analyses the consequences of neoliberal thinking for education systems, particularly in the Global South. It considers the possibility of an intellectual meltdown following the economic meltdown and argues that a new post-neoliberal educational agenda is needed. The marketisation of education in the Global North and the doublespeak of the Education for All agenda in the Global South are used to illustrate the onslaught against educational ideals. However, the present situation can open up for a new start in education based on ideas fostering social justice and education as a craftsmanship for life, a usefulness beyond the classroom, a critical contextualised praxis and a narrative of a new and more human type of social development. It is argued that a post-neoliberal agenda along these ideas is urgently needed globally and that it has the potential to become particularly important for the creation of opportunities and initiatives in the Global South.
The Foucauldian Peacekeeper: On the Dispersion of Power and the Futility of Change
Authors: Allen Ansgar
Published: September 2009

Foucault is widely known for the radical nature of his work, for his idiosyncratic approach to history, and for his reconfiguration of the concept of power. Curiously though, his conceptions of history and power might act to undermine their potential to incite radical critique of systems of education and wider society, resulting in a more patient, restrained and ultimately conservative scholarship than you would at first expect. The apparent points of similarity between Michel Foucault, Herbert George Wells and the reformist, statistician and eugenicist, Karl Pearson, will be outlined in order to exemplify this apparent danger. Whilst Foucault would be at odds with Pearson's authoritarian view of education, the Foucauldian account of power seems, oddly, to lead to agreement with Pearson on the futility of revolutionary change.
Application of Factor Analysis in Behavioral Segmentation on the Base of Semiometric Scale
Authors: Mojsiewicz Magdalena , Batóg Barbara , Wawrzyniak Katarzyna
Published: September 2009

Application of Factor Analysis in Behavioral Segmentation on the Base of Semiometric Scale

The main aim of the paper is to present the methodological basis of market segmentation which uses not only demographic-social attributes and preferences but also variables defining values with important meaning in personal life of customers. The construction of a psychometric test is discussed on the basis of the example of a semiometric scale. This test uses principal components analysis in order to distinguish the main dimensions of cultural dichotomies. The example of measurement on the semiometric scale comes from the examination of preferences in the range of the life and medical insurances.
Directional Preferences of the Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) and the Robin (Erithacus rubecula) on Autumn Migration in the Beskid Niski Mountains (S Poland)
Authors: Adamska Karolina , Filar Monika
Published: September 2009

Directional Preferences of the Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) and the Robin (Erithacus rubecula) on Autumn Migration in the Beskid Niski Mountains (S Poland)

Data were collected at the "Akcja Carpatica" ringing station in the southern Poland in 2000-2003. In total 388 Robins and 357 Chiffchaffs were tested with the Busse's method (Busse 1995) for directional preferences during autumn migration. The data were elaborated using a non-standard calculation procedure proposed by Busse and Trocińska (1999) that could be applied to multimodal circular distributions.

Tested birds showed ca 69% (the Chiffchaff) and more than 60% (the Robin) of northern headings that we called "reversed directions" for autumn migration. We applied "reversing procedure", i.e. adding 180° to all northern directions. Such procedure was based on an assumption that birds show axial behaviour in the cage.

The species seasonal catching dynamics was divided into periods reflecting migration waves. Both studied species showed differentiation of directional preferences. In the Robin such directions as: SSE, SSW, ESE and WSW were noted. Most clear migration pattern was observed for the Chiffchaff — SSE and WSW directions dominated.

Although in both species sampling was short and irregular, the Chiffchaff migration pattern was clear and similar in all studied seasons. On the contrary, the Robin showed complicated and difficult to analyse headings' distributions. Robins indicated both intra- and interseasonal differentiation of directional preferences.
Analysis of the Spatial Migration Patterns of Adult Honey Buzzards (Pernis apivorus) During Spring and Autumn in the Central Mediterranean
Authors: Agostini Nicolantonio , Panuccio Michele
Published: September 2009

Analysis of the Spatial Migration Patterns of Adult Honey Buzzards (Pernis apivorus) During Spring and Autumn in the Central Mediterranean

In this paper we analyse the spatial migration patterns and the water crossing tendency of adult Honey Buzzards during spring and autumn migration in the Central Mediterranean region. In this area, during spring, these long-distance migrants wintering in western-central Equatorial Africa, concentrate crossing the sea between Africa and Europe through the Channel of Sicily, about 150 km wide, at least part of them via the islands of Pantelleria and Marettimo. When they reach western Sicily most of them fly east, along the mountain chain of northern Sicily, towards the Strait of Messina. Nevertheless, thousands of birds use a more direct route to reach the continental mainland undertaking the crossing of the Tyrrhenian Sea via Ustica and the Lipari Islands. During autumn the migration of adult Honey Buzzards is less consistent. They tend to follow the Italian Peninsula and northern Sicily reaching Africa through the Channel of Sicily while very few cross the Tyrrhenian Sea. On the contrary, during their first migration, large numbers of juveniles, moving about two weeks later than adults, cross the Central Mediterranean region on a broader front presumably along NE-SW innate axis. It is supposed that larger numbers of adult Honey Buzzards choose the central Mediterranean route during spring migration to reach earlier their breeding areas in eastcentral Europe. During post-reproductive movements most of them would circumfly the Mediterranean Sea crossing at the Strait of Gibraltar and at the Bosporus. In this picture the discovery of more direct routes between breeding and wintering areas made by juvenile birds during their first migration may have the adaptive value.
Numbers and Seasonal Activity of the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) on the Kolut Fishpond (NW Serbia)
Authors: Tucakov Marko
Published: September 2009

Numbers and Seasonal Activity of the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) on the Kolut Fishpond (NW Serbia)

Breeding numbers, breeding success, migration dynamic and moulting numbers of the Mute Swan were analysed on the Kolut fishpond in NW Serbia. Between 1999 and 2004, 112 excursions to the fishpond have been organized, when entire water surface has been surveyed and all individuals counted. In the study period 2-3 pairs bred on the fishpond, rearing 55 chicks in total (4.3 chicks per breeding pair). Birds have not been observed on the fishpond during January, but typically large flocks appeared immediately after ice melting. After spring peak in the first decade of February, numbers dropped and were low up to the second peak of non-breeding and pre-breeding individuals which occurred in May. During moulting period 3-61 Mute Swans were present. After sharp transition in numbers between moulting period and autumn migration, numbers of swans using study area for stopover site during autumn migration remained low.
EFFECTS OF INTERPHASE AND MATRIX PROPERTIES ON EFFECTIVE TENSILE ELASTIC MODULUS OF CARBON NANOTUBE-BASED COMPOSITE
Authors: Masud AKM , Tahreen Nabila , Abedin Farhana
Published: September 2009

The aim of this research is to assess the effects of interphase property and matrix property on the tensile elastic modulus (TEM) of the carbon nanotube (CNT) using a 3-D nanoscale representative volume element (RVE) based on continuum mechanics and using the finite element method (FEM). Formulas to extract the effective material constants from solutions for the RVE is derived based on the elasticity theory. Based on the strength of materials theory, an extended rule of mixtures, for estimating the effective Young's modulus, is applied for comparisons with the numerical solutions based on the elasticity theory. Both long and short CNT embedded in matrix at a volume fraction of 2% and 5% respectively is considered for investigating the effects of interphase and matrix property variation. The results demonstrate that in both the cases, matrix property and interphase property significantly influence the TEM of the CNT based composite. These results suggest that a coating of harder polymer on the CNT or a surface treatment can significantly increase the TEM of CNT based composite. Keywords: Carbon nanotube, Nanocomposites, Interphase, Tensile elastic modulus, FEM.   doi: 10.3329/jme.v40i1.3471   Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME40, No. 1, June 2009 29-38
Low Birth Weight and Early Neonatal Health
Authors: Khanum M , Ullah MA , Bari MI
Published: September 2009

This was a prospective study conducted in a cohort of live normal full term singleton new-borns delivered in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital with the objective to explore their early neonatal health and as well as the role of low birth weight on it. A total 770 live normal new-borns were included in this study. For data collection APGAR Score Estimating Checklist and one pretested structured questionnaire were used. Simple descriptive as well as analytical techniques including Chi-square and t test were done. The results of this study suggested that low birth weight (LBW) babies were more prone to develop early neonatal morbidity and mortality than normal birth weight (NBW) babies. LBW infants needed more resuscitation and responded less to resuscitative effort than the infants of NBW. Birth asphyxia was the commonest cause of early neonatal morbidity and mortality.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3480 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 1-5
Cervical Rib Surgery: A Study of 20 Cases
Authors: Rahman M Lutfor , Mohammod G , Alam I , Ali MS
Published: September 2009

Cervical ribs give rise to vascular and neurogenic manifestation in the upper limb due to stretching and friction of neurovascular bundle in the base of the neck by numerous mechanisms that includes cervical ribs, anomalous ligament & hypertrophy of the scalenus anticus muscle. Controversy surrounds the diagnosis and management of thoracic outlet syndrome with or without cervical ribs. This is a small study of 20 cases carried out from 1994 to 2003 at RMCH, and some private hospitals. Out of them, 15 patients (75%) were male and 5 patients (25%) were female. The age of the patients was between 15 to 48 years (mean age 33 years) Unilateral cervical ribs were present in 75% cases and the rest 25% had bilateral cervical ribs. Only 3 patients presented with gangrenous upper limb. One of the patient attended to orthopedic surgeon first and amputation was planned. All the patient were treated through supra clavicular approach by excision of cervical ribs together with fibrous band. Only one patient did not respond to this initial surgery as symptoms persist and re-operation done by excision of first-rib and ultimately that patient become symptom free. In this study, authors explained their own experience of various way of presentation of cervical ribs, aetiology, different modalities of the treatment and their out come.     doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3482 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 10-12
Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus
Authors: Abdullah-Al-Amin M , Begum SMK Nahar , Pramanik MAK
Published: September 2009

This report presents two cases of Lichen Sclerosus et atrophicus. Patients were prepubertal females having itchy white plaques in the vulvar region with on and off burning micturition. No extragenital involvement was seen. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. They were treated with local application of corticosteroid for a variable time period. Both the cases resolved by the age of menarche. These cases are being reported here in the context of its rare occurrence in children and to the best of our knowledge has not yet been reported in children in Bangladesh. The etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment modalities of the disease are reviewed from the literature.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3490 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 47-51
Role of Biological Response Modifiers in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis-A Review
Authors: Haque M Azizul , Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Islam Quazi Tarikul
Published: September 2009

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease with the potential to cause substantial joint damage and disability. During the past 10 years, improved understanding of the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis has led to several key changes in the approach to therapy. Most important of that is the development of some biological agents interfering with the activity of several important cytokines. Infliximab, etanarcept, and adalimumab are TNF blockers, anakinra is IL-1 receptor antagonist, and rituximab is anti CD-20 monoclonal antibody. These newer agents proved to be useful for alleviating symptoms and slowing the disease progression in the patients with RA who have failed to respond to conventional DMARDs.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3494 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 71-76
William Hunter's Goliath beetle,Goliathus goliatus(), re-visited
Authors: Geoffrey Hancock E. , Starr Douglas A.
Published: September 2009

The first Goliath beetle was found floating in the mouth of the River Gabon in the Gulf of Guinea in 1766. It became the centre of eighteenth-century arguments concerning ownership and engendered petty jealousies between collectors. The search for more specimens was initially fruitless as its native habitat was unknown. Illustrations and descriptions of it appeared with varying degrees of accuracy. This paper develops the history of the individual beetle and the species to which it belongs as the result of finding additional contemporary sources.
Bute'sBotanical tables: dictated by Nature
Authors: Lazarus Maureen H. , Pardoe Heather S.
Published: September 2009

In the final years of his life, after a long and turbulent political career, John Stuart, third Earl of Bute, was at last free to indulge in one of his passions: botany. The publication of Linnaeus's Systema naturae in 1735 threw the botanical world into disarray and academic argument raged throughout Europe. The production of the Botanical tables (1785) was an ambitious project to explain Bute's individual view of Linnaeus's system of taxonomy and was particularly composed for the “Fair Sex”. Twelve volumes were published privately and presented to family, royalty and botanical colleagues across Europe. The Botanical tables were illustrated by the renowned botanical artist, John Miller. The illustrations are both aesthetically pleasing and scientifically correct.

In this paper we consider the circumstances of the production of the Botanical tables and explore how the original sets of this publication and original material have been dispersed.
Multi-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Cooperative Fault Detection Employing Differential Global Positioning (DGPS), Inertial and Vision Sensors
Authors: Heredia Guillermo , Caballero Fernando , Maza Iván , Merino Luis , Viguria Antidio , Ollero Aníbal
Published: September 2009

This paper presents a method to increase the reliability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sensor Fault Detection and Identification (FDI) in a multi-UAV context. Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and inertial sensors are used for sensor FDI in each UAV. The method uses additional position estimations that augment individual UAV FDI system. These additional estimations are obtained using images from the same planar scene taken from two different UAVs. Since accuracy and noise level of the estimation depends on several factors, dynamic replanning of the multi-UAV team can be used to obtain a better estimation in case of faults caused by slow growing errors of absolute position estimation that cannot be detected by using local FDI in the UAVs. Experimental results with data from two real UAVs are also presented.
Seismic Refraction Analysis of Multiple Dipping Interfaces—Revisited
Authors: Ayers Jerry F.
Published: September 2009

Many geophysical exploration texts do not provide an accurate or complete analysis of planar multiple dipping layers with respect to the determination of seismic-refraction travel times. Often, given equations apply only to special cases and not to the general layered-earth model composed of arbitrarily dipping interfaces. As an extension of these textbook discussions, this paper presents a derivation of a general travel-time equation that not only satisfies the rule of reciprocity for any given model but also provides an accurate representation of layered-earth models when forward and reverse travel times computed for individual geophone positions are graphed as time-distance curves. The general equation is based on the use of layer thicknesses measured perpendicular to the dipping interfaces at refraction points of down-going or up-going ray-path intervals, rather than layer thicknesses measured beneath shot points as in other methods. This detailed approach is readily adaptable to computer manipulation through the use of sequential equations and can be applied to a layer-earth model composed of any number of layers.
Some Results of Acoustic Reflection Testing in Russian Potash Mines
Authors: Kovin Oleg N.
Published: September 2009

For several years, acoustic sounding has been used in the potash mines of the Upper Kama potash mining district to solve mining problems. Salt rock has a relatively low attenuation rate of elastic waves, thus making it possible to use high frequency acoustic signals for probing salt rock masses of substantial thickness. A custom-made, PC based acoustic aquisition system is used to generate a radio-impulse shaped signal and record the envelope at [Formula: see text] digitization rate. The operating frequencies are 10 or [Formula: see text]. Piezo-ceramic transducers are attached to the roof of the mine with specially designed poles. The acoustic reflection data are collected mainly by using zero-offset profiling and an expanding spread mode. The records are complicated with noise, so computer processing with correlation filtering must be used to remove the noise patterns. The acoustic reflection data obtained show a good level of agreement with synthetic seismograms calculated from the stratigraphy found in nearby boreholes (with depths ranging up to [Formula: see text]). The high-frequency acoustic reflection method has proven to be capable of mapping stratigraphic features of flat bedded and folded salt rock, and to locate zones of disturbed rock around mine openings.
Airborne Geophysics and Infrastructure Planning—A Case Study
Authors: Beard Les P. , Lutro Ole
Published: September 2009

A helicopter geophysical survey of about [Formula: see text] was flown over an area of [Formula: see text] in southern Norway to aid in determining which route a proposed railroad should follow. Along any route chosen, extensive tunnelling would be necessary. The aerial geophysical survey aided geologists in mapping the area and provided information on the presence of geological structures, particularly faults and fractures, which could hinder tunnel construction if they are major water conduits. The helicopter survey collected magnetic, electromagnetic, radiometric, and very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic data, and mapped a number of geophysical lineations and other structures. Most lineaments appear to be related to dikes, faults and fractures. Known major faults appear on all data sets, and minor faults appear on one or more of the individual data sets. Magnetic measurements proved to be the most useful geophysical tool for locating dikes in the area. Contacts between dikes and surrounding rock have been shown to be major water conduits, so the locations of dikes were as important as fault and fracture location. The combination of data sets proved valuable for corroborating the findings from any given data set. From the geophysical data, it appears that the western half of the survey area is more intensely fractured than the eastern half, although a few large lineations, presumably fractures of faults, appear in both areas. Ground follow up in selected areas confirmed the reliability of the airborne data.
Electromagnetic Induction and GPR Measurements for Creosote Contaminant Investigation
Authors: Guy Erich D. , Daniels Jeffrey J. , Holt Jennifer , Radzevicius Stanley J. , Vendl Mark A.
Published: September 2009

Multifrequency EM induction and GPR parallel dipole (co-pole) and orthogonal dipole (cross-pole) surveys were conducted to assist in the characterization of a former industrial site prior to it being remediated by the Ohio EPA and the U.S. EPA. The site has been a major concern to both agencies for the past decade due to high concentrations of creosote present in clay-rich surficial soils, resulting from many years of wood treating at the site. Information provided on the approximate extent of contamination at the site and the locations of several contaminant-filled structures determined through the use of quadrature phase EM data and cross-pole GPR data served as the basis for an efficient, comprehensive and cost-effective site remediation plan. Geophysical data interpretations were confirmed through exploratory trenching and soil sampling subsequent to the completion of this study. This study demonstrates the potential for mapping the extent and variation with depth of resistive compounds under circumstances where high levels of contamination are present with relatively conductive background materials. The approximate extent and depth of creosote compounds within the near-surface materials at the site was mapped using [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] out of phase (quadrature) EM data, as contaminated areas exhibited anomalously low conductivity values relative to non-contaminated areas. Anomalies in the EM data that were attributed to high levels of contamination correlated with analytical soil sample test results that were obtained prior to the geophysical surveys, and were also consistent with the actual extent of contamination determined through exploratory sampling subsequent to data interpretations. Multi-component GPR measurements at the site complemented the EM data. Cross-pole GPR data were more useful than co-pole data at the site for imaging several structures containing creosote that would have remained undiscovered and acted as future sources of contamination. A general overview of the GPR surveys at the site is presented in this paper.
Fast Estimation of Parameters of a Layered-dipping Earth Model by Inverting Reflected Waves
Authors: Xia Jianghai , Miller Richard D.
Published: September 2009

Shallow high-resolution reflection data provide information about near-surface geology from [Formula: see text] depth. Within a receiver-spread range of [Formula: see text], a layered-dipping earth model is a simple and valid model in most cases of shallow reflection surveying. We formulated an approach to quickly estimate parameters such as interval velocity, reflector depth, and dip by inverting reflected traveltime of a layered-dipping earth model. To reduce the ambiguity of inverted solutions, we apply constraints on dip directions and depth to reflectors. Accuracy of modifications to update the model is controlled by: 1) using an explicit expression of the Jacobian matrix; 2) inverting model parameters layer by layer from shallow to deep, which is equivalent to solving a diagonal matrix; 3) employing the Levenberg-Marquardt method that is simplified and numerically stabilized by the singular value decomposition technique. Root-mean-square error and maximum deviation were introduced to track iteration convergence, thereby reducing the possibility of rejecting an acceptably modified model. Error-free synthetic examples, tested on a PC computer, showed the stability and speed of this approach. Application of this approach to real shallow seismic reflection field data confirms its accuracy and applicability on inexpensive personal computers.
Design of a Hum Filter for Suppressing Power-line Noise in Seismic Data
Authors: Xia Jianghai , Miller Richard D.
Published: September 2009

A unique filtering approach designed to eliminate power-line noise on shallow seismic data without affecting the frequency content of signal provides a powerful harmonic noise suppression tool for data acquired with modern large dynamic range recording systems. The filter is determined by the Levenberg-Marquardt (L-M) method using records present before the first arrivals. Initial amplitudes of sinusoids (functions of power-line noise) are determined in the frequency domain using fast Fourier transform methods while initial phases are obtained by time domain correlation. Modeling results suggest the relative error of these initial estimates is less than 50 percent. Well-defined initial values guarantee convergence of the L-M method. Calculation efficiency is achieved by simplifying the L-M solution using the singular value decomposition technique. The approach can handle cases where power-line noise with frequencies of [Formula: see text] and∕or its multiples ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], etc.) exist simultaneously. Once determined, the amplitudes and phases of sinusoids can be directly subtracted from the raw data. Recorded frequencies of high-resolution shallow seismic surveys generally range from [Formula: see text]. Power-line noise and its multiples are within the optimum frequency range of shallow seismic surveys. This filtering technique only removes harmonic noise and does not alter the spectra of signals. Real data examples demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of this method when implemented on a normal shallow seismic data processing flow. The stability and efficiency of the filter were also tested by applying it to more than 8, 000 shots of shallow seismic reflection data.
Conductivity Measurements of Sand-Clay Mixtures: A Modified Experimental Method
Authors: Chan Christina Y. , Buettner H. Michael , Newmark Robin , Mavko Gary
Published: September 2009

We present experimental results of electrical conductivity measurements on sand-clay mixtures saturated with brines and on sand saturated with trichloroethylene (TCE). These experiments were conducted to aid in the study of detecting common groundwater contaminants and to expand the database of conductivity measurements made on unconsolidated sediments. Our experimental apparatus is based on the standard four-point electrode measurement technique utilizing removable unconsolidated sample “cores.” We can change saturating fluids and make seismic measurements in the same apparatus without disturbing the sample. Our brine data show little change in magnitude with frequency and follow Archie’s law with Archie’s cementation exponents ranging from approximately 1.5 to 2.5. Samples with higher clay content show a lower bulk conductivity. This trend may be due to both incomplete saturation and∕or the clay packing. This finding may affect the interpretation of common field methods, as it is contrary to results on consolidated shaley sandstones. Measurements made on a sand sample saturated with TCE do not follow Archie’s law. This deviation may be due to a thin conductive water layer and∕or incomplete flushing of the sample.
Pre-inversion Corrections and Analysis of Radar Tomographic Data
Authors: Peterson, Jr. John E.
Published: September 2009

Pre-inversion corrections and analysis of transmission radar data is important for producing reliable tomographic images. In order to extract high-resolution, quantitative information from radar tomographic data, it is important to process the data as accurately as possible. This is especially true when analyzing data collected in a time-lapse mode, where changes in geophysical attributes with time may be less than a few percent, or when the spacing between acquisition wells is on the order of several meters. Using high-resolution tomographic radar data collected in a variety of geological environments, this study illustrates how different pre-inversion travel time and amplitude processing steps affect the velocity and attenuation estimates. In some cases, the distortion caused from incorrect processing can lead to severe artifacts in the tomogram including the appearance of anisotropy. This paper presents methods for recognizing and correcting the raw data for errors caused by incorrect station geometry and zero time, geometric spreading, transmitter radiation pattern, transmitter amplitude, and high angle raypaths, and also addresses the spectral variability of the transmitted radar signal as a function of borehole properties. The examples presented here suggest that analyses and corrections should be routinely performed prior to inverting transmission radar data.
Analytical Modeling of Magnetic and Gravity Signatures of Unexploded Ordnance
Authors: Butler Dwain K. , Wolfe Paul J. , Hansen Richard O.
Published: September 2009

The dominant cost and time driver in unexploded ordnance (UXO) cleanup is the necessity of digging (excavating) “false alarm” gèophysical anomalies. As many as 75% of all the anomalies investigated are false alarms, e.g., scrap metal, ordnance debris, cans, wire, etc. The effort to develop capability to discriminate UXO anomalies from false alarm anomalies is a driver for the development of geophysical model-based signature modeling. The signature modeling is important for forward signature prediction and ultimately for geophysical inversion of buried object parameters from measured data. Researchers are actively developing forward and inverse modeling capability for time-domain and frequency-domain electromagnetic induction, ground penetrating radar, magnetic, and gravity anomaly signatures for realistic UXO shapes. This paper documents progress in developing forward gravity and total magnetic field analytical solutions. Gravity and magnetic methods are passive and share similarity in mathematical formalism. If both gravity and magnetic signatures of UXO can be detected in practice, the potential exists for an integrated bulk density determination as a discriminant. Fundamental concepts of the gravity and magnetic methods as applied to detection and potential discrimination of buried UXO are discussed. Analytical solutions for the gravity and total magnetic field signatures of prolate spheroid models of UXO are developed. The total magnetic field solution is a multipole expansion approximation that includes the dipole and octupole contributions, with the quadrupole contribution zero due to symmetry of the spheroid. The gravity solution is a full analytical solution for the field exterior to a spheroid. Examples and results of application of the solutions to spheroid UXO modeling are presented, along with implications for detection and discrimination. The examples include the effects of spheroid orientation on the signature characteristics. Total magnetic field anomalies of UXO are generally detectable to at least the maximum predicted penetration depths for typical soil types and low background magnetic noise. Gravity anomalies for [Formula: see text] projectiles and larger UXO are detectable at very shallow depths (i.e., just below the surface), but only the very largest UXO (e.g., [Formula: see text] projectiles) will produce detectable anomalies for burial depths approaching [Formula: see text].